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Morton wasn’t nosy. He had just been curious. And, well, the door was left unlocked.
He didn’t expect to stumble upon the collection of photographs. But there they were. Rows of carefully developed shots, a wooden pin holding each in air. All featuring the same subject. Sam.
One was clearly taken from the perspective of Sam's bedroom window. It featured a mostly dark room, save for the soft glow reflecting off a computer screen, illuminating Sam's face.
"You! Y-your not allowed in here!" Lyle shouted. Rushing to the doorframe as the unwanted guest saw what was supposed to be hidden.
In his haste, Lyle got stuck. His many legs tangled together. Struggling against the wooden frame. It creaked as he pushed against it.
For a moment, Lyle forgot how big his body now was.
Morton seemed unfazed. He squinted at the taller man. Then turned back around to analyze each picture.
He had quite the collection.
“I-it’s not what it looks like!” Lyle stammered out from behind him.
To that, Morton held up a photo between two fingers. It was Sam sleeping.
“This?” He said enthusiastically. “This. It is a unique collection. Much like art.”
“I– um. It’s private.” Lyle muttered, grasping the thin fabric of his coat. As if to hide himself.
A low hum escaped Morton’s throat. “Oh, I get it!” He grinned, clapping one hand in another. “You're pinning, correct?”
Lyle felt his grip tightened. He tried to look anywhere except Morton's three eyes. “It’s... complicated.”
Morton stepped closer, ignoring the smell of photo developer fluid and the faint glimmer of eyes beneath the thin cloak.
He rummaged in his pocket. Producing a slightly crumpled receipt.
"Would this interest you?"
Lyle reached out, rearranging his legs in an effort to untangle them.
Then slowly picked up the delicate piece of paper.
"Sam's!" Morton stated proudly. "Dropped it outside Mutt's. He purchased batteries."
Lyle stared at the receipt.
“I don’t know if I—”
“Surely that is a valuable keepsake? If not, perhaps other relics...." Trailing off as he thought about what Sam wouldn't miss.
“For one crossword book, I’ll bring you a real treasure. Old sweaters. All the half-tarnished receipts. I’ve got an empty takeout box he tripped over once.”
“You’re stealing from him.” Lyle whispered. Almost excited.
Morton shrugged his shoulders. “Ehhh, I'm simply borrowing indefinitely. It’s for commerce! Sam would understand.”
That seemed to comfort the shutterbug.
Morton moved to leave the dark room. Watching as Lyle picked a sudoku book off his shelf. "Is this enough?" Lyle asked. Voice sounding more than pleased. What a good deal!