To See Or Not To See Emoji Combos

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 21 Chip took a step back, his eyes still on the floor. He felt a heavy weight in his chest, a mixture of sadness and determination. He knew he had made a mistake, but he was also aware that this could be a chance for him to learn and show his dad that he truly cared. Karen sat beside Plankton, her hand resting on his shoulder. "Why don't you tell us what you need right now?" she asked softly. Plankton's antennae twitched slightly. "I need...I need to be al-" "Alone?" Chip filled in, his voice gentle. "But Dad, we want to be here for you. I won't le-" Plankton's antennae whipped around, his eye narrowing. "Oh, I know," he said, his voice thick with sarcasm. "Because you're just so good at understanding, right?" His tone was biting, a sharp contrast to the usual softness in his voice. Chip flinched at the harshness, his own feelings of inadequacy rising to the surface. "Dad, I'm tr-" But Plankton continued, his words coming out in a rush. "You think you know, but you don't. You don't know what it's like to have the world crash down on you every minute of every day, to be bombarded with sounds and smells that are too much, too intense." His antennae twitched erratically. "And then you come in with your 'let's talk about it' and 'let me see' and 'let me do it with you' and you think that's going to fix me?" The sarcasm in his voice was palpable, his antennae drooping with frustration. "You think I want to be a science project for you to study?" Plankton's eyes were bright with unshed tears. "I'm not broken, Chip. I'm just different. And any stims, they're not for you to copy or understand or even acknowledge. They're mine, SOLELY mine!" Karen watched the exchange unfold, her heart aching for both her husband and son. Plankton was hurting, and his defensiveness was a clear sign of it. She knew his stims were a private, sacred part of who he was, and she saw Chip's desire to bridge the gap. But she knew when Plankton was like this, that it was time to let him be. "Why don't you go to your room, Chip?" she suggested gently. "Let your dad have some space." Chip nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. He couldn't bear to see his dad in pain, but he knew that pushing would only make things worse. With a heavy heart, he turned and walked out of the room, his feet feeling like lead. Karen watched him go, her gaze then shifting back to Plankton. Plankton's antennae still twitched. Karen moved closer to him. "It's ok, sweetie," she murmured. "I'm here." He leaned into her touch, his body slowly relaxing. Her words were a balm, soothing his raw nerves. A week after Plankton's completely healed from wisdom teeth, he no longer having mouth discomfort. One evening Karen hangs up her phone from her friend Hanna. She lives far away, and they'll take a trip to stay and visit with her. Neither Plankton nor Chip met Hanna before. Hanna knows Karen's married to Plankton, but she doesn't know about his autism. Karen breaks the news gently. "Boys," she says, "We're visiting Hanna tomorrow. It's gonna be a day long drive and we need to pack. We'll be staying at her place!" Plankton's antennae twitch, his eye darting around the room as he processes this sudden change of plans. The thought of traveling, of new smells and sounds, sends a shiver of anxiety through his body. "Now?" he asks, his voice tight. "But we...I need to prepare." Karen nods, her voice soothing. "We'll leave early, so we have time to get everything ready." She moves closer to him, her hand on his shoulder. "We'll pack together." Plankton takes a deep breath, his antennae twitching with the effort to calm down. "Okay," he says. "Okay." He starts to pack, his movements methodical. Everything has its place, his suitcase organized with precision. Karen and Chip watch, knowing better than to interrupt. They've learned that when Plankton's in this mode, it's best to let him be. Karen also gets the special sensory bag for Plankton. His fidget toys and noise-canceling blindfold curtains are carefully placed in the bag. Chip decides to pack some favorite science books as Karen observes them, her heart swelling with pride and hope. Chip's come so far in understanding of Plankton's needs, not to mention their shared love for scientific trivia. Plankton, noticing Chip's packing, approaches with more books for their trip. "Here," he says, his voice slightly less tense. The next morning, Karen gets up early. They'll spend most of the day on the road and wanted to get a good head start. So she wakes Chip up first. "Chip," she whispers, shaking him gently. "Time to get going for our trip." Chip opens his eyes, sleepy but excited. He jumps out of bed, eager to start the day. Plankton, on the other hand, is still asleep. Karen approaches his side, her gaze soft. She knows waking him up can be tough, especially with his sensory issues. Gently, she places her hand on his shoulder. "Plankton," she whispers, keeping her voice low and even. "Wake up, sweetie. We're leaving for Hanna's soon." Plankton's antennae twitch slightly at the touch, his eye fluttering open. "We're leaving soon," Karen repeats. He nods, his body still stiff with sleep. She moves to the side, giving him space to sit up. Karen's going to drive and has Plankton's sensory bag in the front seat by her, so Plankton sits with Chip in the back.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 22 As they start the car and the engine rumbles to life, Plankton's hand starts to move in a repetitive motion, his thumb and forefinger tapping against each other. It's a stim. Karen's eyes meet Chip's, and she gives a small nod. "Remember, buddy," she says over her shoulder. "Just let him be." Chip nods, his eyes going back to his dad. Plankton's gaze is fixed on the passing scenery. Chip watches, his curiosity piqued but his respect for boundaries keen. He's learned so much about his dad's autism in the past weeks, but he knows there's still so much more to understand. The car's hum is a comforting white noise, and Chip can see the tension slowly draining from his father's body. Plankton's eye darts to the side, watching the trees blur by. Chip follows his gaze, seeing the world. "Dad," he says softly. "Can we see the science book together?" He holds it up, the one his dad had packed. Plankton's stimming pauses. He considers it, his antennae twitching. "Okay," he finally says, his voice a little softer. They spend time in quiet companionship, their heads bent over the pages, silently reading facts. Chip feels a warmth in his chest, a feeling of connection growing stronger with each page turned. The car's steady motion combined with the gentle hum of the engine begins to lull Plankton into a drowsy state. His antennae droop slightly, his eye blinking slower, and his breathing deepens. Karen glances in the rearview mirror, a smile touching her lips. She knows this look well. Plankton's autism often made him sensitive to the world, but now, with the familiar routine of the road trip and the soothing environment they've created, his body was finally letting go of the tension as Plankton's eye begins to drift shut. Chip felt his dad's weight shifting against him, his head coming to rest on his shoulder. The steady rhythm of the car's motion was a gentle lullaby to Plankton's overstimulated brain. His hand, which had been tapping out a steady rhythm, stilled. His antennae drooped low, his eye fluttering closed. Chip watched him, his heart swelling with a mix of love and sadness. It was rare to see Plankton so relaxed, his usual stoic exterior giving way to vulnerability. Karen kept her eyes on the road, a soft smile playing on her lips. She knew this was a victory, a sign that their efforts to create a safe space for Plankton were working. The trip was going better than she had dared hope. Chip felt a gentle pressure against his arm as Plankton's head grew heavier. He adjusted his position, careful not to disturb his dad. The book lay forgotten between them, their silent bond stronger than words. He watched as his dad's breathing grew deep and even, his antennae finally still. Karen glanced back again, her smile growing wider. "Looks like we've got a snoozing scientist," she whispered, hearing Plankton's gentle snores. Chip grinned, his own worries slipping away as he felt his dad's body relax against him. The road ahead was long, but the car was filled with a newfound peace. Plankton's snores grew softer as the miles ticked by. When they finally pulled up to Hanna's house, Plankton remained asleep, his body relaxed against Chip's side. Karen turned to look at them, her heart full. "Looks like he had a good nap," she murmured to Chip. Chip nodded, smiling down at his dad. "Yeah," he whispered. "I'm gonna miss this when we get out of the car. How are we gonna tell him we're here?" Karen chuckled softly. "We'll just have to wake him up gently, buddy." She opened her door, the crunch of gravel underfoot. The cool evening air was a stark contrast to the warmth of the car, and Plankton's antenna twitched as his eyebrow furrowed. "Hey, Plankton," Karen said softly, gently shaking him as she closes her car door. "We're here, sweetie." Plankton's eye snapped open, his antennae springing to life. For a moment, confusion clouded his gaze before it cleared, and he sat up with a jolt. "Oh," he murmured, looking around. "Hanna's?" Chip nodded, his smile gentle. "Yeah. We're here." Plankton realized he'd fallen asleep not only in front of Chip, but also leaning on him. Embarrassment flitted across his face, and he quickly sat up as he pulled away. Karen got their suitcases and Plankton's sensory bag in her grasp. The front door opened, and Hanna's bubbly figure emerged, lighting up at the sight of Karen. "Karen!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to give her a warm hug. "It's been so long! And is this your family?" Hanna asks as she let them in, closing the front door behind. Plankton's antennae shot up, his eye wide as he took in the unfamiliar surroundings. The sight of a different house, the sound of Hanna's excited voice, it was all to much. Karen nods. "Yes, my husband, Plankton, and our son, Chip." Hanna's smile broadens as she embraces Plankton in a tight hug. "So nice to finally meet you," she says, her eyes shining with excitement. Plankton's antennae flatten against his head, the sudden contact overwhelming. He swallows hard, his body stiffening. "Nice t-to meet y-you t—too," he mumbles, his eye darting to Karen for rescue. Karen laughs lightly, gently extricating Plankton from Hanna's enthusiastic embrace. "Why don't we get settled?" she suggests, guiding Plankton to the couch. "And you're quite the young man!" Hanna exclaims to Chip. "Hi Ms. Hanna," Chip says.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 20 Karen had seen this before, but it never failed to fill her with a deep ache. She sat beside Plankton, her hand on his back, her gaze on his unblinking eye. She had learned to recognize the signs, the subtle cues that signaled his retreat into himself. This was a common occurrence. But it never got easier. Chip hovered nearby, his body tense with worry. He had never seen his dad like this before, not really. The way his body went stiff, his antennae quivered, and his eye glazed over. It was like watching someone slip away. "How long does it last?" he whispered, his voice shaking. Karen's grip on his hand tightened. "It varies," she said. "Just try talking to him. It helps to keep him anchored." Chip's throat felt dry, his voice trembling as he leaned closer to Plankton. "Dad?" he whispered, his heart racing. Plankton's body remained eerily still, his eye unblinking. Chip's mind raced with thoughts, trying to think of anything to say that might bring him back. "You know, Dad, I've been thinking," he began, his voice shaky. "I know you don't like it when I talk about your stims, but I just...I just want you to know that I think they're cool. They're part of what makes you, you. And I promise, I won't mimic them again. It's not my place to understand without asking you first." Karen watched with a heavy heart as Chip spoke. Plankton's antennae twitched slightly, the tension in his body not fully receding. "I just want to help," Chip continued, his voice cracking. "I want to be there for you the way you're always there for me." As the words hung in the air, Plankton's eye slowly blinked. The seizure was passing, the world reassembling before him. He turned up to look at Chip, his expression confused. "What's going on?" he mumbled. Karen felt relief flood through her as she realized the seizure had passed. "Chip," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "That was a beautiful thing you just did." Plankton's antennae twitched at that, his eye coming back to focus. He looked at them, his gaze confused. "What happened?" Chip took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Plankton's. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry, Dad," he said. "And that I'll respect your space and your stims. They're a part of you, and I won't invade that again." Plankton's antennae drooped slightly. Karen watched, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. This was a pivotal moment, a chance for understanding and growth within their family. "That's right, Chip," she said softly. "It's about respect and love." Plankton's antennae twitched, his gaze moving between Chip and Karen. He didn't know how to process the emotions swirling within him. He was used to being the rock, the one who provided comfort and support, not the one receiving it from Chip! Yet he heard the sincerity in his son's voice. "I...I see that," Plankton managed. Chip's eyes searched his father's face, looking for any sign of forgiveness. "Dad, I didn't know," he whispered. "I just wanted to be close to you." Plankton's antennae twitched again, his mind racing. He had never talked about his autism with Chip like this, had never explained the intricacies of his stims and seizures. It was a vulnerable place to be. "Chip, it's not for you to understand by doing." He paused, his antennae drooping. "It's just... I dunno." Karen watched the two, her heart aching. She knew this was hard for Plankton, to explain the unexplainable. "What your dad means," she said gently, "is that his stims are personal. They're his way to handle things. It's like when you have a bad day and you need to be alone. We all have our ways of dealing, right?" Chip nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Plankton's. He could see the turmoil in his dad's gaze, the desire to be understood battling with the fear of being misunderstood. "Yeah," he murmured. Plankton took a deep breath, his antennae stilling. "You're my son," he said, his voice hoarse. "I want you to understand." He looked away, his antennae drooping. "But it's hard." Chip nodded, feeling a wave of empathy wash over him. "I know it is," he said, his voice gentle. "But we're here to learn with you." Karen's eyes glistened with pride. Her son was growing up, understanding that empathy wasn't about fixing, but about being present and respectful. "Let's talk," she suggested, sitting beside Chip on the bed. "Let's talk about your stims, Plankton. Maybe if Chip knows more, he ca---" But Plankton cut her off, his antennae twitching with agitation. "I don't want to talk about it," he said, his voice tight. "It's personal." The room was suffocatingly silent, the tension palpable. Karen and Chip exchanged glances, both unsure of how to navigate this delicate moment. Chip's heart pounded as he tried to find the right words. He didn't want to push his dad, but he desperately wanted to connect, to show that he cared. He took a deep breath, his hand hovering over Plankton's arm before stopping mid-air. "Dad," he began, his voice trembling. "Can you teach me about your st-" "NO!" Plankton's voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a knife. His antennae whipped around, his body tense with emotion. "It's not a show, Chip. It's not for you to see and learn." Chip's hand fell to his side, his eyes wide with surprise. He had never seen his dad so agitated. But he knew he had to tread carefully, to respect his boundaries. "I'm sorry, Dad," he murmured. "I just wanted to kno—" "I know what you want," Plankton said. "They're not for you to analyze or learn from like a trick." Chip felt the sting of his dad's words, but he knew he had to back off. He took a step back, his eyes firmly on the floor. "Okay, Dad," he murmured. "I get it." Karen watched the exchange, her heart heavy. She knew Plankton's frustration all too well. It was hard for him to articulate his needs, especially when his stims were so deeply personal. "Plankton," she said softly. "Chip wants to support you, not to make you feel uncomfortable." Plankton's antennae stilled, his eye focusing on his wife's face. He knew she was right, that Chip's curiosity was born from love, not a desire to control or change his behavior. "I know," he murmured. "But it's just...it's just that..." He struggled to find the right words to explain the swirl of emotions inside him. His stims were his lifeline, a way to cope with the sensory overload that often left him exhausted and overwhelmed. "I just need space," he finally managed. Karen's gaze was filled with empathy as she nodded. "Okay, Plankton," she said gently. "We'll give you space. But know we're here for you."

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 25 Hanna's voice is barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry," she says, looking down at her hands. "I didn't mean to-" But Plankton's focus is solely on the pieces on the board. "Don't talk to me," he says, his voice cold. "You're the one asking personal questions." Karen's heart clenches, wanting to explain, but knowing that Plankton's current state of mind won't allow for it. "Let's just keep playing," she suggests, her voice a gentle nudge. But the damage is done. Hanna's smile is forced, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The game continues in an awkward silence, Hanna's laughter a bit too loud, her movements a bit too quick. Plankton's stims don't ease, his hands fidgeting almost angrily on the armrest. Chip watches, his stomach in knots. He knows his dad's behavior is because of his condition, but it's hard to see his mom's friend hurt like this. Hanna's eyes keep darting to Plankton's hands, confusion and hurt swirling in her gaze. "I'm sorry," she murmurs again, her voice barely audible over the clanking of game pieces. "I di-" Plankton's antennae swivel sharply towards her. "What part of 'none of your business' don't you understand?" his voice is harsh, his frustration palpable. Hanna flinches, her hands tightening around her cards. Karen's eyes plead with Plankton to stop, but he's too lost in his own world, his senses on high alert. "Why are you always in my space?" He snaps, his voice echoing around the room. Chip's stomach twists with anxiety. Hanna's cheeks redden, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm sorry," she says, her voice smaller than ever. "I just-" But Plankton's done talking. With a roar of frustration, he's knocking over the game board. The pieces scatter everywhere, a visual representation of their shattered evening. Hanna gasps, her eyes wide with shock. "What's going on?" she asks, but Plankton's already storming out of the room. Karen's heart sinks as she watches her husband disappear down the hall. She knew this was a risk bringing him to Hanna's, but she had hoped for a better outcome. The guest room door slams shut, the sound echoing through Hanna's house. Chip feels a knot tighten in his stomach. He knows that look, his dad's retreat to his sanctuary of solitude. "I'm sorry," Hanna tells Karen, picking up the pieces of the game. "I didn't mean to-" Karen's eyes are filled with sorrow as she shakes her head. "It's not you," she says gently. "It's just part of his condition." Her voice is tight, her smile forced as she tries to explain. "When Plankton was being born, something happened. It changed him. Pressure, lack of flow... we're not sure. But what we do know is that it left him with a type of autism." She pauses. "He's had it his whole life. It's a balancing act," she admits. "Some days are better than others. But we've learned to read the signs, to give him the space he needs. It was when his mother was giving birth, his brain developed differently because of the stress it faced. It's not something anyone could have predicted." Hanna nods, her eyes still on the closed door. "I had no idea," she murmurs, feeling guilty for her intrusion. "I didn't mean to-" "It's okay," Karen says, her voice soft and reassuring. "It's not something that's obvious, unless you know what to look for." Hanna nods, her eyes filling with understanding. "How does it affect him?" she asks, placing the game pieces aside. Karen sighs. "It's complex," she says. "His brain processes information differently, which means certain things can be overwhelming for him. Lights, sounds, even textures can be too much. And sometimes, it's just the way people interact with him." Chip speaks up, his voice small. "But he's super smart. He can build anything." Karen's smile is sad. "It's true. His mind is...unique. But sometimes, it's like he's trapped in there, trying to get out." Hanna nods. "What can I do to help?" she asks, her voice earnest. Karen's heart swells with gratitude. "Just be patient," she says. "And respect his boundaries. Don't push him to explain things if he's not ready." Chip watches as Karen takes a deep breath. "And if you see him getting overwhelmed, just...give him some space." Hanna nods, her eyes still on the door. Plankton sits in the guest room, his back pressed against the corner. The world feels too loud, too bright, too much. He squeezes his eye shut, his hands over his head, his antennae tucked, his body rocking slightly on the floor. He's learned over the years that this can help dull the world around him, but it's not enough tonight. "Plankton?" Karen's voice filters through the door, soft and gentle. "Can I come in?" There's no response, but after a moment, the door opens a crack. Plankton's eye peeks out, his antennae quivering. "It's okay," she says. "I just want to check on you." He nods, his body tense. "I'm sorry," he says again, his voice muffled. Karen's heart breaks a little more. "You don't have to be sorry," she says, entering the room. "You know that." She sits beside him on the floor. He's in full shutdown mode now, his body's way of coping with the overstimulation. She squeezes his hand gently. The silence stretches out, only broken by the distant hum of the city. Karen knows that Plankton needs this, that he's retreated into his own world to recharge. Yet it's hard to watch, knowing that she can't just wave a magic wand and make everything okay. Slowly, she starts to speak, her words deliberate and soft. "Remember, Plankton," she says, "Hanna's just trying to understand. She didn't mean any harm." Plankton's breathing evens out, his body unclenching slightly. "I know," he whispers. "It's just...hard." Karen nods. "I know, love." The room is dimly lit, the sounds of the city a distant lullaby. Plankton's stims slow down, his antennae unfurling slightly as his body starts to relax. Karen's words wash over him, a gentle reminder that he's not alone. "You know, it's okay to be different," she says. "And it's okay for people to be curious. But we'll make sure to explain to Hanna." Plankton's eye blinks slowly, his head nodding in agreement. He's so tired, his mind racing from the adrenaline and the sensory overload. His body feels heavy, his eyelid drooping. Karen notices the change and shifts closer to him. "Why don't you lie down?" she suggests, her voice a gentle whisper. "You look ex-" But Plankton's already falling asleep, his body sagging against hers. "Hey c'mon Plankton, let's get you up into the bed befo—" His snores cut her off, his antennae fluttering with each breath. She chuckles softly, her heart swelling with love. He's always been a light sleeper, even when they first met. Karen gently shifts him so he's leaning against her, his head resting on her shoulder. His body relaxes into the comfort of her embrace, his stims ceasing completely. It's moments like these that make her heart ache, knowing how much he struggles with the world outside their home. But she's also fiercely proud of his resilience. Karen's thumb rubs gentle circles on his arm, the rhythmic motion soothing. Plankton's snores even out, his breathing deepening. She can feel the tension in his body slowly dissipate, his muscles loosening. She kisses his cheek, her hand still on his arm, her love for him as constant as his condition. The room's dimness is a comforting blanket, shielding them from the brightness that Plankton finds so jarring. Karen's mind races with thoughts of tomorrow, the conversations she'll have to navigate with Hanna. But for now, she focuses on the quiet breaths beside her, the steady rise and fall of Plankton's chest. Hanna, peeking in from the hallway, sees Karen cradling Plankton's sleeping form. Her eyes are filled with compassion as she mouths a silent apology to Karen. Karen smiles slightly, shaking her head, as if to say it's not Hanna's fault. The two women share a knowing look, the weight of the evening's events heavy between them. Karen's gaze lingers on Plankton, her love for him evident in every line of her face. And she knows they'll be ok.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 3 Plankton notices the shift in Chip's expression and his own face falls. He's been so scared of this moment, of being seen as less than. He's always tried to keep his stims under wraps, to appear as 'normal' as possible. But now it's all out in the open, and he can't hide anymore. Karen reaches for Plankton's hand, squeezing it gently. "It's okay, love. You don't have to be afraid. Chip's smart, he'll understand." She looks back at Chip, her eyes pleading. "Remember what we talked about, Chip. Your dad's stimming is his way of coping with the world, and it's something that makes him feel safe and comfortable. Yet we need to understand that when he's doing it, it's his personal time. It's just not for us to intrude on. Because for him, it's like a secret conversation he's having with himself." Chip nods slowly, his eyes flicking from his dad's face to his mom's, trying to digest the new reality that's being laid out before him. Plankton takes a deep, shuddering breath, his rocking coming to a stop. Karen stands up, walking over to Plankton, and kisses him on the cheek. "Why don't you go wash up, sweetie?" she suggests gently. "I'll talk to Chip." Plankton nods, his expression a mix of relief and fear. He slides out of bed, his legs shaky, and heads to the bathroom. The moment the door clicks shut, Karen turns to Chip, her eyes filled with a quiet determination. "You see, Chip," she starts, her voice softer now, "Your dad's stimming is like his private conversation with his brain. Sometimes, he'll start saying random things, talking to himself, working through his thoughts and feelings. So when you commented on it, it was like you interrupted a conversation he was having to himself, which can be upsetting." Chip nods, his eyes following the path his dad took to the bathroom. "But what if he's hurt?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper. "How do we know if it's okay?" Karen sighs, her expression softening. "That's a good question, Chip. We just need to be observant. If he's happy or upset, his stims might be different. And if he ever looks like he's in pain, or if he's distressed, that's when we step in, but first ask." She takes a deep breath, preparing herself for the next part of their conversation. "But it's also important to remember that even though we can't always understand what he's feeling or why he stims, it's his way of dealing with the world. So we need to be respectful, and not make him feel weird or uncomfortable." Chip nods, his gaze still on the bathroom door. "I don't want to make him feel bad," he says, his voice sincere. Karen sits back down beside him, her arm wrapping around his shoulders. "We know" she assures him. "You're a good kid, Chip. You'll learn to read him better than anyone else." As Plankton emerges from the bathroom, his face is washed clean, but the fear lingers in his eye. He sits back down on the edge of the bed, his posture rigid. Karen looks at him with love and patience, waiting for him to speak. "Chip," she starts, her voice careful. "You know how everyone has their own ways of dealing with stuff, right?" Chip nods, his gaze flipping between his parents. "Well, your dad's brain works a bit differently than ours. Sometimes, he needs to do things like rocking or making sounds to help him think and feel better. He may even repeat words or phrases, which is called echolalia. It's all part of his autism, and it's his way of navigating through the world." Karen's eyes are filled with a mixture of love and hope as she speaks. "These are his stims, and they're very personal to him. It's like his own secret language, a way to communicate with himself. So when you see him doing these things, it's important to remember that he's not doing it for show, or for attention. It's his brain's way of talking to him, of keeping him calm." Plankton nods slowly, his eye dull with the weight of his secret now out in the open. "And sometimes," Karen adds, "I've seen him come out of seizures while talking to his brain." "Seizures?" Chip asks, his voice laced with fear. Plankton winces at the word, but Karen nods. "They're not like the seizures you might think of, sweetie. They're a part of his autism. It's like his brain's way of restarting, of reorganizing itself when things get too much." Plankton finally speaks up, his voice shaky. "I don't like it when you saw me like that Chip," he admits. "Now I'm... exposed. So just GO AHEAD AND STARE." He throws his hands up in a dramatic gesture, his sarcasm clear. Chip flinches, feeling a pang of guilt. Karen puts a gentle hand on Plankton's knee. "Chip wasn't staring, sweetie. He was just trying to understand." She turns to Chip. "It's okay to be curious, but remember, Dad's stims are like his personal bubble. They help him feel safe when the world is too loud or confusing. So unless he's really upset or in pain, we respect that space." Chip nods, feeling a mix of understanding and awkwardness. He's never thought about his dad's quirks as being part of something so... significant. "Okay," he says, his voice small. "I'll try not to stare or interrupt." Karen smiles warmly at him. "That's all we ask, buddy. Just love him the way you always have. And if you have any questions, you can always come to us. We're a team, and we're all here for each other."

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 4 Plankton looks at Chip, his eye searching for any sign of judgment or fear. But all he sees is confusion and concern. "I-I-I-I… I just..." Karen takes over, her voice soothing. "It's okay, Plankton. You don't have to explain everything right now. Chip just needs to understand that your stimming is private." "But why does he have to know?" Plankton asks, his voice tight with anxiety. "Why can't it just be our secret?" Karen's expression is one of compassion. "Because, love," she says, her hand still on his knee, "Chip is part of our family, and he deserves to know who you really are. And his knowing won't change how much we love you." Plankton nods slowly, but the fear in his eye doesn't dissipate entirely. Chip sits quietly, watching his parents interact. He's never seen this side of his dad before, and it's unsettling. But he doesn't want to make things worse. "I won't say anything, Dad," he promises, going to hug him. "And I'll try to underst--" "Don't!" Plankton recoils, his body stiffening at the sudden touch. Chip freezes, his arms outstretched, unsure of what just happened. Karen's face falls. "Chip, remember. Let him come to you when he's ready." She looks at Plankton, apology in her eyes. Plankton nods slightly, his cheeks reddening. "It's okay," Chip says, pulling away and sitting back down on the bed. "I just wanted to tell you that I love you, Dad." Plankton's eye softens, but he turns away, now talking to himself, his voice low and quick. "I told him not to stare," he mumbles. "Doesn't he understand." His eye darts around the room, focusing on nothing. Karen watches him, her heart aching. Plankton's stims had always been their secret, something they'd navigated together. Now, it was witnessed by Chip. Plankton's voice grew louder, his words a jumbled mess as he spoke to himself. "I shouldn't have let him see, no," he said. "Not. Today." Karen watched him, her heart breaking for her husband. She knew how much he valued his privacy, how much his autism was a part of his identity, and now it was out in the open for their son to see. Chip looked at his mom, his eyes full of confusion and concern. Karen squeezed Plankton's hand and turned to Chip. "Remember, buddy, sometimes Dad needs to talk to himself to make sense of things. It's his way of organizing his thoughts." Chip nodded, trying to understand. "But why can't I hug you, Dad?" he asked softly. Karen's voice was calm as she explained. "Sometimes, when people with autism get overwhelmed, physical contact can be too much for them to handle, even if it's from someone they love. And your dad's sensitive to certain touch Chip, okay?" Chip nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "It's okay, Chip," Karen said, her voice soft. "Dad's just talking to himself, like I said. It's his way of making sense of things." She watched as Chip processed this, his eyes never leaving his father. "But remember, it's his conversation. We should let him have it without interrupting. And right now, he's okay. He's just... thinking out loud." She glanced at Plankton, whose eye had stopped darting around and was now focused on the floor. Chip nodded, his curiosity getting the better of him. "But Mom, why does he need to st-" "I don't need to explain myself to you!" Plankton snapped, cutting him off. "You wouldn't understand anyway!" His voice was sharp, like a knife slicing through the quiet of the room. Chip's eyes widened, and he took a step back, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice small. "I just wanted to kno—" "Chip," Karen interjected, her voice gentle but firm. "Remember what you learned. Dad's stimming is his private time. We need to respect that." She turned to Plankton, her expression full of understanding. "It's okay, love. You don't have to explain." Plankton took a deep breath, his rocking starting up again. "But what if he doesn't respect me anymore?" he whispered, his voice shaking. Karen leaned in, her eyes filled with love. "Chip loves you, Plankton. And now he knows a little more about you. That's all." But Chip's questions didn't stop. He was like a detective piecing together a puzzle, his curiosity unyielding. "What about the sounds yo--" "Chip," Karen's voice was firm but kind. "Remember what we said. Dad's stims are personal. Let's give him space." But Chip's mind was racing, trying to make connections. "But does he make sounds wh-" "Chip," Plankton cut him off, his voice strained. "Just KNOCK IT OFF and leave me alone, okay?" Chip felt the sting of his dad's words, his heart sinking. He'd never seen Plankton so agitated. Karen's grip on his shoulder tightened. "Chip," she said softly, turning him to face her. "Your dad's had a lot to process today. Let's just give him some space, okay?" With a nod, Chip backed away from the bed, his eyes on his dad, who had resumed rocking. He retreated to his room. He'd always thought his dad was just quirky, a bit odd at times, but now it all made sense. The way he'd get lost in his thoughts, the way he'd repeat things, and how he'd sometimes need his space. It was all part of this... 'autism'. It was a lot to take in, but he was determined to understand. Karen sat beside Plankton, her hand resting lightly on his back. "It's okay, sweetie," she whispered, her voice soothing. "Chip just needs time to understand." Plankton's rocking slowed, his breathing returning to normal. "But what if he's embarrassed?" he asked, his eye still fixed on the floor. "Embarrassed?" Karen echoed, her voice gentle. "Why would he be embarrassed? You're his dad, and he loves you just as you are. This is just something new for him to learn." Plankton's shoulders slumped, and he let out a sigh.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 6 For a moment, Plankton looked confused, his gaze fuzzy with sleep. But then recognition set in. "Chip?" he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. Chip swallowed the lump in his throat. "Yeah, Dad," he managed to say. "I just came to say good mo-" Before he could finish, Plankton's eye widened, his body tensing. "What are you doing?" he demanded, his tone sharper than Chip had ever heard it. The room seemed to shrink around them, the air thick with the sudden tension. "I-I just wanted to tell you I love you," Chip stuttered, his hand retreating from his dad's arm. Plankton's gaze searched Chip's face, looking for something, anything that would explain this invasion of his personal space. Karen stepped in, her voice calm. "It's okay, Plankton. Chip just wanted to show his love, that's all." But Plankton wasn't easily soothed. His eye narrowed at Chip, his mind racing. "But why?" Plankton's voice was low, almost a growl. "Why do you need to do it like that?" Chip felt the weight of his dad's question, the unspoken fear behind the words. It was a question about boundaries, about the unspoken rules that Plankton had always followed. "I'm sorry, Dad," Chip said, his voice quiet. "I didn't mean to scare you." He looked to Karen for guidance, but she just nodded, encouraging him to find his own words. Plankton's eye searched Chip's face, looking for sincerity. "I just wanted to tell you that I understand now," Chip continued. "I know you have to do those things to feel okay. I promise, I won't make you feel weird about i---" But Plankton was already sitting up, his face flushed with anger. "Weird?" he snapped, his voice sharp. "Is that what you think of me?" He pushed the covers away, his body vibrating with agitation. "Is that how you'll tell your neurotypical friends?" Chip's heart sank, his words unintentionally striking a nerve. "No, Dad," he said quickly. "I didn't mean it like that. I just want to make sure I don't do anything that makes you uncomf-" "Uncomfortable?" Plankton finished for him, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, how considerate of you." Chip felt a pang of guilt, his words sticking in his throat. "I'm sorry, Dad," he murmured, his eyes filling with tears. "I just... I didn't know how to... " Plankton took a deep breath, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "You don't get it," he said, his voice tight. "You can't just... touch me like that." His eye searched the room, as if seeking a retreat from the sudden onslaught of emotion. Karen stepped closer, her voice soothing. "Chip didn't mean to upset you, Plankton. He's just trying to understand." But Plankton couldn't hear her, his mind racing with a barrage of thoughts. He'd always been so careful to keep this hidden from his son, fearful of the rejection he'd faced in the past. Chip's eyes were wide with apology and confusion. "I'm sorry, Dad," he said again, his voice shaking. "I just wanted to show you that I care. I mean, you let Mom to-" "It's different," Plankton interrupted, his voice strained. "Your mom knows me. She understands me." His hand went to his chest, where his heart felt like it was racing. "But you... don't you DARE ever touch me again without asking," he spat out, his voice shaking with a mix of anger and fear. Chip nodded, his eyes downcast. Karen sighed, her heart heavy with the weight of the conversation. "Plankton, honey," she began, her voice gentle. "Chip just wants to support you. He's trying to be there for you in his own way." Plankton's eye narrowed, his body still tense. "But he doesn't understand," he said, the frustration evident. "No one does, except for you." Karen reached for his hand, but he pulled away, his movements quick and jerky. Chip watched, feeling like he'd just walked into a minefield without a map. He didn't know what to say, how to make it right. He just knew he didn't want his dad to feel this way. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I'll do better. I'll le-" "Don't," Plankton said, his voice sharp. "Don't make promises you can't keep." He swung his legs over the side of the bed, his body language closed off. "I don't want your pity, Chip." His words were like a slap in the face, and Chip felt his cheeks burn with shame. Karen stepped between them, her hand on Plankton's shoulder. "It's not pity, sweetie," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "It's love and support." Plankton's eye flitted to hers, then back to Chip. "I don't need Chip's help," he said, his voice quivering. "But Dad," Chip began, "I just-" "I SAID DON'T!" Plankton's voice boomed through the room, his face a mask of fury. His antennae quivered with agitation, and he retreats to the corner of the room. A sign Karen knew was his way of shutting down. But Chip doesn't realize this as he tries to go to Plankton's writhing body on the floor. "Chip," Karen's voice was firm, "He's not with us right now. Let me only." Chip stepped back, his eyes wide with concern as he watched. Plankton was in a pose that screamed 'don't touch me'. His legs were curled tight to his body, his arms wrapped around his knees, and his eye squeezed shut, his antennae pressed against his head. It was a position that spoke of overwhelm, a silent scream for space and solitude. Karen watched him carefully, her heart breaking into a million pieces. She wanted to go to him, to wrap him in her arms and tell him everything was okay. But she knew better. This was his retreat, she had to respect it. "Give him some space," she whispered to Chip, who was hovering uncertainly. "He needs time to regulate." Chip nodded, his eyes still glued to his dad's shaking form. He looked so small, so lost in his own little corner. Plankton's breathing was shallow and fast, his antennae twitching eratically. Karen knew this was his safe place, his retreat from a world that often felt too loud, too much. She walked over, sat down next to him, but not too close. She knew better than to invade his bubble. "It's okay," she whispered, her voice barely a breath. "You're safe here." Plankton's body didn't react, but she saw his hand, which had been gripping the floor, relax ever so slightly. It was a small victory, but one she'd take.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 7 The room was silent, save for Plankton's shallow breaths. Karen could almost hear his thoughts racing, his mind a whirlwind of sensory input and emotions. She sat still, her eyes never leaving his form, her hand staying close but not touching. Chip hovered by the door, his hands clenched into fists. He wanted to help, to fix this, but his mom's words echoed in his mind: 'respect his space'. It was a concept that was hard to grasp, but he knew it was important. He watched as his dad's legs shook, his whole body a testament to the storm inside him. Karen's eyes never left Plankton's shaking form. Her heart broke for him, for the fear and frustration that she knew was churning within. She reached out a tentative hand, letting it hover just above his shoulder. "It's ok," she whispered. But Plankton flinched, his body stiffening at the uninvited contact as he turned his back to them, now facing the wall. She knew this look well, had seen it before. The room was suffocating with silence, the tension thick like a layer of fog. Chip felt his own anxiety rising, unsure of what to do. He'd never seen his dad like this, so... vulnerable. He took a tentative step forward, his hand reaching out. "Dad?" he asked softly. Plankton's spasms grew more erratic, his antennae quivering like leaves in a storm. He didn't look up, his breathing shallower with each passing second. It was as if he'd shrunk in on himself, retreating into his own world where no one could follow. Chip's heart ached, watching his dad's body convulse with silent sobs, his shoulders heaving as he tried to regain control. The room was a tableau of pain, each second stretching into an eternity. Karen sat with her back against the wall, her hand still hovering, but not daring to make contact again. Her eyes were filled with a blend of love and despair, the same look she'd worn so many times before when Plankton's autism had overwhelmed him. But Chip had never seen this side of his dad, had never known the depth of his struggle. Plankton's body was a maelstrom of movements, each spasm a silent cry for help. His antennae thrashed against the floor, his legs kicked out in a frantic dance. It was a sight that would have been terrifying to anyone who didn't understand, but Karen's eyes never left him, her expression calm and knowing. She'd seen this before, had held the line between panic and peace for her husband countless times. And then, through the chaos, a sound. Plankton's voice, barely above a murmur, speaking to himself. "My stims," he whispered, his hands moving in the air, mimicking his own motions. "They're just... they're just a part of it." The words seemed to hang there, suspended in the heavy silence of the room. Karen watched him, her heart breaking a little more with each word. She knew he was trying to make sense of it all, to reconcile his fear of being different with his need to be understood. Chip's eyes widened in surprise, his curiosity piqued by this unexpected moment of self-reflection from his dad. "They're just... they're just a part of it," Plankton murmured again, his voice a little louder this time. His antennae stilled, his body slowly uncoiling from the tight ball he'd curled into. Karen took this stimming as a sign that the storm is passing. "What's a part of it, Dad?" Chip asked, his voice tentative. Karen shot him a warning look, but Plankton didn't seem to hear. "My fidgets," Plankton said, his voice still barely above a whisper. "My autism... it is just part of it." His hand continued to mimic the movements, a silent conversation with himself. Chip's mind raced. "You're not to weird, Dad," Chip blurted out, the words tumbling from his mouth before he could stop them. Plankton's movements stilled, his antennae dropping to his side. He turned to look at Chip, his eye filled with something akin to surprise. "What did you say‽" Chip took a deep breath, his heart racing. "I said you're not weird, Dad," he repeated, his voice slightly stronger. "Your stims are just part of who you are." Plankton's expression turned angry, his body taut with tension. "Don't patronize me, boy!" Plankton snapped, his voice sharp as a knife. "I DON'T NEED YOUR SYMPATHY!" His body was a tightly wound spring, ready to snap at any moment. Chip felt a flare of anger in response, but swallowed it down. "Dad, I'm not," he said, his voice calm despite his own turmoil. "I'm just saying that I see you, all of you. And I love you. I don't think your stims are weird. They're just... you." Plankton's body remained tense. "STOP talking about it!" he yelled, his voice echoing off the walls. Chip took a step back, his eyes wide with shock. He'd never seen his dad like this. He didn't know how to fix it. "Dad, I-" he started to say, but Plankton cut him off. "I said stop!" Plankton's voice was a roar, his body trembling with anger and embarrassment. He didn't want Chip to see him like this, so vulnerable, so out of control. The room felt like it was closing in on him, the walls pressing against his skin. Karen's heart clenched at the raw pain in Plankton's voice. She knew this moment was about more than just his stims, it was about his fear of rejection, of being seen as less than. "Plankton, honey, look at me," she said gently, trying to cut through the maelstrom of his emotions. "Chip's just trying to understand. We all are." But Plankton's eye remained locked on the floor, his breaths quick and shallow. He felt like an exhibit in a museum, his private world laid bare for his son to see. The fear of rejection was a living, breathing entity in the room, wrapped around him like a suffocating blanket. He'd managed to hide his stims for so long, to keep that part of him hidden away. Now, it was out in the open, raw and exposed. Plankton's eye darted between Karen and Chip, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts. He wanted to shrink away, to disappear into the cracks of the floorboards. But he knew he couldn't. Not now. Not when Chip kept looking at him with such confusion and concern. "Dad, I just-" Chip started again, his voice filled with earnestness. But Plankton couldn't take it. The words felt like a knife twisting in his gut. "I SAID, STOP!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the room. The sound was like a gunshot, and Chip's words died in his throat. Karen watched the exchange, her heart heavy with sadness. She knew Plankton's anger was a defense mechanism, his way of dealing with the overwhelming emotions that threatened to drown him. But seeing her son hurt by it was almost more than she could bare. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the storm. "Plankton," she said calmly, moving closer to him, her hand outstretched but not touching. "It's okay, sweetie. Chip's just trying to be here for you." But Plankton's eye was wild, his body a coil of tension. He was in full meltdown mode, and Karen knew better than to push him.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 12 As Chip retreated to his room, he couldn't help but feel the gap between them widen. He'd always thought they were close, that he knew his father inside and out. But now he realized there was so much more to Plankton. Karen's gentle touch was the only thing grounding Plankton to reality. He felt his anger dissipate, leaving a vacuum filled with exhaustion and sorrow. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her eyes never leaving his as he leaned into her embrace. His antennae stopped trembling as he allowed the warmth of her love to seep into his bones. "I know," he whispered. "I know." Plankton felt the exhaustion of the day's events settle over him like a thick blanket. The anger and fear drained from his body, leaving him weary and sleepy. His eye closed as he leaned into her touch. The room grew quieter. Karen held him close, her heart aching for his pain. Plankton's antennae drooped, his body heavy with exhaustion. His eyelid fluttered. He leaned into Karen's embrace, his body finally relaxing. Her hand stroked his back, soothing circles that seemed to lull him closer to slumber. "You're okay," she whispered. "You're safe." His breathing evened out, a gentle rise and fall that spoke of approaching sleep. "Rest," she murmured. "We can talk when you wake up." Karen felt the tension leave his body as sleep claimed him, her hand still moving in gentle circles. Her eyes searched his face, her heart a storm of emotions. She knew the seizure had taken a toll on him, knew the pain of his words was rooted in fear and hurt. As his breathing grew steadier, his antennae stilled, she felt the weight of his head against her shoulder, his trust in her a silent testament to their bond. Karen held him tight, his warmth seeping into her. She knew he needed this, needed to feel safe. His gentle snores filled the silence, a soft reminder that he was safe in her arms. Karen felt his body go slack, his antennae stilling as sleep claimed him. The anger had fled, leaving behind the fragile shell of his vulnerability. She held him closer, her heart aching for the pain he'd felt, the fear that still lingered. Her eyes searched his slumbering face, tracing the lines of his features with a soft touch. Plankton was her everything, her rock, her love. Gently, she picked him up, his body limp with the exhaustion. She carried him carefully as she laid him down, his antennae drooping in sleep. Karen tucked him in bed, her eyes lingering on his face. She made sure a favorite plushie was within reach. Plankton's chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his breathing deep and peaceful. With a soft sigh, she kissed his forehead. His antennae twitched but he didn't stir. Karen's eyes were filled with love and regret as she watched him sleep. The gentle rise and fall of his chest was a comforting testament to his resilience. The next morning, Karen knew she had to take Plankton to the dentist for x-rays. She woke Chip up. "Chip," she says. "Your dad has to go to the dentist today for a checkup." Chip nodded, his eyes still clouded with sleep. "Okay," he murmured. "Can I come?" "Yes." They arrive at Plankton's dentist office for the x-ray. The receptionist smiled. "Mr. Plankton, Dr. Coral will see you now." Dr. Coral greeted the family as they entered the exam room. "Good morning, Plankton," she smiled, her eyes kind. "So, today we're just going to do our usual x-rays. Can you open wide?" Plankton nodded, antennae twitching nervously. He sat in the chair, his legs swinging slightly as he tried to find a comfortable position. Karen held his hand, her thumb brushing over his knuckles in a soothing motion. "It'll be quick," she whispered. Chip sat in the corner, his eyes on his dad, his heart heavy with unspoken words. The assistant, a young clownfish named Penny, finished with taking x-rays. Dr. Coral peered at the images, her eyes flicking back and forth between the x-rays and Plankton's mouth. "Good job," Penny tells him. "Everything looks okay," Dr. Coral began. "Yet it looks like we have some wisdom teeth coming in. They're not causing anything right now, but we should go ahead and remove them as a preventative mea-" Plankton's antennae shot up. "No," he said firmly, his voice tight with anxiety. "I don't like... don't like poking... mouth... no." His stims grew more intense, his hands flapping at his side. Karen squeezed his hand, trying to offer reassurance. "It's okay," she murmured. "It's just a li-" "NO!" Plankton's voice was loud, echoing in the small room. Chip flinched. Dr. Coral's eyes widened slightly, but she remained calm. "Let's talk about this, Plankton," she said, her voice gentle. "We can go slow." But Plankton was already spiraling. The mere mention of the procedure had ignited anxiety in him. His stims grew more intense, his antennae flailing wildly. "No poking, no poking, no poking!" he chanted, his body rocking in the chair. Dr. Coral's expression shifted, her gaze moving from the x-rays to Plankton. She knew he had special needs, had seen the signs of his autism before. But today was different. Today, the fear in his eye was palpable, his body a testament to the stress he was under. "Let's take it slow," she soothed, her voice a gentle wave. "We can talk about this, okay?" Plankton's antennae stilled slightly, his body tensing. "But no poking," he whispered, his eye wide with fear. Karen nodded, her eyes meeting Dr. Coral's. "We'll find a way," she promised. "A way that makes you feel safe." Dr. Coral nodded, her expression understanding. "We'll take it step by step, Plankton," she said, her voice low and calm. "We'll work together to find the best solution for you."

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 18 Chip took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving his dad's. "I know that stims can help yo--" "Chip," Plankton interrupts, his antennae stiff. "It's not your place to analyze my behaviors." His voice was firm, but there was a hint of sadness behind it. Curiosity getting the better of him, Chip's hand began to mirror Plankton's movements. He watched his own hand move in tiny circles, feeling the familiarity of it. "It's like how you do it, Dad," he murmured, his eyes wide. Plankton's antennas shot up, his gaze snapping to Chip's hand. "What?" he barked, his voice sharp. Chip's hand stilled, his eyes meeting Plankton's. "I just... I wanted to-" Plankton's antennae quivered. "Why are you doing that?" he asked, his voice tight with emotion. Chip's eyes never left his hand, his mind racing. "I...I just wanted to understand," he murmured. "It's okay, Dad," he said. "It's just... it's something we can share‽" Karen watched the exchange, her heart in her throat. She knew that Plankton's autism was a complex, personal experience, and she wasn't sure how he'd react to their son's attempt to— But Plankton's eye burned with fury at the thought. It was his, his way to cope, his private struggle, not for others to address or copy. "Don't you DARE!" he shouted. Chip stumbled back, his eyes wide with shock and fear. In an instant, Plankton's anger spilled over into action. He threw his pillow across the room, the soft thud echoing through the silent house. Karen flinched, her hand flying to her mouth. Chip had never seen his dad so out of control. "Dad," he whispered, his voice shaking. "It's okay, it's just-" But Plankton wasn't listening. His body was a whirlwind of emotions, his autism manifesting in a physical display of anger. He swung his arm, knocking knickknacks off the nightstand. Karen rushed over, her heart racing. She knew this was a meltdown, something they had worked hard to avoid, but she also knew that Plankton's boundaries had been crossed and that he's trying to recover from his wisdom teeth. "Plankton, honey," she said soothingly, her hands reaching for his shoulders. "It's okay." Her voice was steady, her eyes filled with calm. Plankton's antennas quivered as he looked at her, his chest heaving with deep, painful breaths. Chip walked up. "Yeah, Dad. It's okay.." But Plankton's antennae shot back, knocking Chip's hand away. "NO!" he shouted, his voice high-pitched. "Don't touch me!" Karen's eyes grew wide with concern as she saw the raw pain and anger in Plankton's face. She knew this was a meltdown, a direct result of the overstimulation and stress from the surgery, Chip's curiosity, and the invasion of his personal space. "Chip, give your dad some room," she instructed calmly. Chip stepped back, his heart pounding. Plankton's antennae whipped around wildly. He clenched his fists, the tension palpable in the air. He didn't understand why his son was mimicking his actions, didn't get why it felt so wrong. "Dad," Chip tried again, his voice shaking. "I just wanted to he-" But Plankton's rage was a storm, unyielding. With a snarl, he hit the bed with his hands. Karen's heart pounded as she watched from the sidelines, knowing that any wrong move could escalate the situation. The room grew smaller, his vision blurred. Plankton's mind raced, unable to comprehend why Chip would do such a thing. He felt invaded, his personal space, his way of coping, tainted by his son's curiosity. He clenched his fists, the urge to lash out growing stronger. The pain in his mouth was competing with the agony of feeling misunderstood. With a roar, Plankton pushed the bedside table, sending it crashing to the floor. Karen's eyes widened, her heart racing, but she remained still, knowing any sudden movement could fuel the fire. "Plankton, please," she said, her voice calm but firm. "You're scaring Chip." But her words barely registered with him. He was lost in his own world of pain and misunderstanding. "I'M NOT!" Plankton shouted. "I'M NOT SCARED OF HIM! I'M NOT CHIP'S CHILD!" Plankton bellowed. Chip swallowed hard, his body trembling. He had never seen his father like this, Plankton's breaths coming in heavy gasps. Karen stepped closer, her movements slow and calculated. "Plankton," she said, her voice firm yet gentle. "Look at me. Look at me, darling." Plankton's antennae slowed their frantic movements, his eye focusing on her. "You're not Chip's child," she said calmly. "You're my husband, and Chip's father. You're Plankton, and you're autistic. Your stims are a part of autism, but they're not for anyone else to take or mimic. It's okay to be upset. But you need to breathe." Plankton's antennae stilled slightly at her words, his eye focusing on her face. He took a deep breath, his chest expanding with the effort. He knew Karen understood, that she had always been his anchor. Chip watched, his heart pounding in his chest. He wished he could take it all back, make it right again. He had only wanted to connect with his dad, to show that he cared, but instead, he had hurt him. Plankton took another deep breath, his antennae twitching slightly. Karen's cleaned up the mess. "I'm sorry, Karen," he murmured, his voice low. "It's just...it's just that...I don't...I don't like it when people do that." Karen's eyes were filled with understanding. "I know, sweetie," she said. "And we're sorry for making you feel that way." She looked at Chip, her gaze firm. "Chip, you need to respect your dad's boundaries. Just because you see something and think it's ok to copy doesn't mean it is." Chip's face fell, his eyes welling up with tears. "But I just wanted to help," he murmured. Karen's gaze softened. "I know you did, Chip," she said gently. "But sometimes, helping means knowing when to step back or let someone else handle things." She turned to Plankton, her voice still firm but filled with love. "And you, Plankton, you need to tell us when you're feeling overwhelmed." Plankton's antennae drooped, his expression one of regret. "I'll try," he murmured.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 24 "Coko, coo," Plankton murmurs, his eye unfocused, his antennae quivering slightly. Karen squeezes his hand tighter, trying to ground him. "Remember, we're at Hanna's." Chip's eyes widen, hearing his dad's strange speech. "What's coko?" he whispers to his mom. Karen smiles softly. "It's okay, Chip. Sometimes during a seizure, his speech gets...scrambled." Plankton's hand reaches out, searching for something to anchor him. "Go," he says. "The...the... the...what's called?" He's trying to find the words. "The...cow," he says decidedly. "Cow?" Plankton giggles, repeating himself. "Cow!" "It's okay, Plankton," Karen says gently. "You're just trying to find your words." Chip watches, his eyes filled with confusion. "But why is he talking like that?" he asks, his voice low. Karen's eyes are filled with compassion as she explains. "It's part of the seizure, Chip. His brain is firing differently, mixing things up." Plankton's giggle turns into a full laugh, his body shaking slightly. "Cow," he repeats, his voice louder now. Karen and Chip exchange a concerned look, but Karen smiles gently, knowing this phase can pass quickly. "Remember, Plankton, we're at Hanna's. You're okay." Plankton nods, his laugh fading into a smile as his gaze locks onto the spinning ceiling fan. "Fan," he murmurs, his hand moving to mimic its motion. "Fan-ny fanny fan." Karen knows he's trying to make sense of the world again, and she's here to help guide him back. "That's right," she says, keeping her voice steady. "It's a fan." Chip watches, his curiosity piqued but his concern foremost. He's knew not to laugh at his dad's strange speech, but it's hard not to find some humor in the absurdity of the moment. "Fan-ny," Plankton repeats, his voice taking on a sing-song quality. "The cow, says meow." Karen chuckles, her heart warming at the nonsensical sentences. It's a sign his brain is trying to reconnect, to make sense of the world again. "No, Plankton," she corrects gently. "The fan doesn't say meow. It's ju—" But she's interrupted by Hanna, who comes in to check on them. "Hey guys! So, what's the plan for movie night?" Her cheerfulness is a stark contrast to the scene she's walked in on. Plankton's laughter grows louder, his eye glazed over. Hanna's smile falters, her eyes wide with worry. "Is he okay?" she asks, stepping closer, confused. Karen knew Plankton's not gonna want Hanna to find out about his autistic neurodisability. "It's just something he does," Karen says quickly, as Plankton starts to crawl. "He'll be fine in a bit." Hanna watches as drool starts to dribble from the corner of Plankton's mouth. "What's happening?" she asks, her voice laced with concern. "It's like he's in a dream state, or someth-" Her words are drowned out by Plankton's chuckle, his body wriggling on the floor. "Cow!" he exclaims. Karen knew he's gonna come out of it soon, and she didn't want Hanna to be in his personal space right now. "Why don't we give a bit more time?" she suggests, her tone remaining calm. "We'll be ready for movies soon." Hanna nods, her smile forced. "Okay," she says, backing out of the room. The door closes, leaving them in privacy. Karen's heart thuds in her chest. She's seen this a hundred times, but it never gets easier. Plankton's eye blinks slowly, his antennae still. The room seems to come back into focus, the colors slowly solidifying from the blur they had been. "Karen?" he whispers, his voice hoarse. "I'm here," she says, her voice a comforting presence in the room. "You had a seizure, but you're okay now." Plankton's eye widens, his antennae shooting up. "Oh," he murmurs, his voice distant. He looks around the room, taking in the familiar yet foreign surroundings of Hanna's guest room. "What...were we talking? I feel like I was but I...I can't remember." Karen's hand is still clasped in his, her thumb continuing to rub his skin in a soothing pattern. "You were talking about a cow," she says with a small smile. "But it's okay. You're okay." Plankton's antennae droop slightly, his cheeks coloring with embarrassment. "A cow?" He repeats, his voice still weak. "Did I... did I say anything else? And why the barnacles am I on the floor?" Karen laughs, her eyes twinkling with affection. "You got a bit overwhelmed," she says, her voice gentle. "But you're okay now." Plankton nods, his antennae slowly rising. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "I didn't mean to-" Karen shakes her head, her smile warm. "Don't apologize, Plankton. It's just part of who you are." She helps him to his feet, her arms supporting him. "Let's get you cleaned up." Chip watches, his heart still racing. He's seen his dad like this before, but it never gets easier. He wants to help, but he's learned that sometimes, the best thing to do is just be present. Karen leads Plankton to the bathroom, her arm around his waist, his hand in hers. "Let's get you cleaned up," she says, guiding him gently. The cool water feels good on his face, the sensation helping to ground him. Karen wipes his mouth with a washcloth, her movements careful and precise. He leans into her touch, his body craving the predictability. "Thank you," he murmurs. Karen hands him a towel, her gaze understanding. "You're welcome," she says. "Remember, Plankton, you're not alone in this." Karen leads Plankton and Chip to the living room where Hanna's waiting for them. "Are you okay?" Hanna asks, her eyes filled with concern. Plankton nods, his antennae twitching. "Of course," he says matter-of-factly. "Why wouldn't I be?" Hanna's gaze lingers on his still-flushed cheeks, his slightly unfocused eye. "You just...you seemed out of it," she says, her voice tentative. Plankton's antennae quiver, his mind racing. "What are you talking about?" He asks Hanna, glaring at her. "You know, when you were laughing and talking about cows," Hanna says, her eyes still wide with concern. "And drooling a bit." Plankton's face reddens, his antennae springing up. Karen jumps in, her voice calm. "It's just a little quirk, Hanna," she says with a smile. "He's fine. Now, about that movie night?" Hanna nods, her expression still slightly puzzled, but she lets it go. "Right! Let's get cozy!" She says, clapping her hands together. Plankton sits back down on the couch, his antennae twitching as he tries to regain his composure. He knows he can't let his condition define him, but sometimes it's so hard to keep up the façade. He's grateful for Karen's quick thinking, for Chip's quiet support. Hanna starts setting up the board games, her energy seemingly boundless. Plankton's eye flits around the room, taking in the colors and the clutter. He can feel his anxiety building, his thoughts racing. But he takes a deep breath. "Do you want to play?" Hanna asks, her smile wide. "Sure," Plankton responds, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil. Chip and Karen knew of his competitive spirit.. The game starts, and Plankton's stims return. His fingers move over the armrest. "What's with your hands?" Hanna asks, watching Plankton's hand move. "It's okay, Hanna," Karen jumps in, her tone calm. "It's just something he does." She doesn't elaborate further, not wanting to make a big deal of it. But Hanna's curiosity is piqued. She's never seen anyone act like this before. Plankton's eye darts to his hand, his antennae twitching. He feels the weight of Hanna's gaze, his cheeks flushing. Karen squeezes his hand, her silent support reassuring. Hanna's eyes wander from the game to Plankton's hands, then back to her cards. She's curious. Plankton feels the heat of her gaze, his stims intensifying. He tries to ignore it, focusing on the game. But every time he glances up, her eyes are on him, watching his hands move, her brow furrowed. It's unnerving, but her curiosity doesn't wane. "So, what's the deal with the hand thing?" Hanna asks finally, unable to hold back. Plankton's antennae snap straight up, his hand stalling mid-stim. "What hand thing?" he says, his voice sharp. Karen's grip on his hand tightens, a silent warning. Hanna's eyes widen at his tone. "I just meant, why do you...you know, move your hands like that? What does it do for yo-" "It's none of your concern!" Plankton snaps, his antennae waving agitatedly. Karen's eyes dart between Hanna's shocked expression and Plankton's flushed face. She can feel the tension in the room spike. "Plankton, maybe we should-" But Plankton cuts her off, his voice rising. "I don't have to explain myself to her!" He says, his antennae waving wildly. Chip's heart sinks. He's seen his dad like this before, but it's always different, always worse when it's in front of someone new. Hanna's face falls, her smile replaced with hurt. "I'm just trying to understand," she says, her voice small. "I didn't mea-" But Plankton's not listening. "It's none of your business," he repeats, his voice cold. Karen's heart sinks. She knew this was going to happen, that Plankton's stress would boil over into something unpleasant. "Plankton," she starts, but he shakes his head, his eye focused on the game now. "I don't owe anyone explanations," he says, his hand resuming its erratic movements. Hanna's eyes fill with unshed tears, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to-" But Plankton's attention is fully on the game, his stims more pronounced than ever. Karen sighs, her heart aching for both Hanna and Plankton. She knows his behavior isn't intentional, but it's still painful to watch.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (by NeuroFabulous) 𓇼 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 🕊️🩰🐚 Pt. 13 "Okay," Plankton murmured, his antennae drooping. "Step by step." Karen nodded, her grip on his hand tight. "We'll get through this." Penny nods. "We've various ways to administer the local anesthetic," she says, her voice soothing. "Which one do you prefer?" Plankton's stims decrease slightly, his eye blinking rapidly as he considers. "The gel," he murmurs. She nods. "Okay. So after the gel, we'll give it a few minutes to work, and then we'll start the extraction process. So for that, we'll have you leave your mouth open as we get a tool used to cut the g-" He jerks back. "No," he says, his antennae quivering. "No cutting. No poking. No tools." His voice is desperate, his eye wide with fear. Karen's eyes searched Dr. Coral's, silently pleading for understanding. She knew his sensitivity to pain was exacerbated by his autism. "Is there another way?" she asks, her voice even. Dr. Coral nodded. "We can consider IV sedation," she said. "It's something we offer to patients with severe anxiety or sensory issues. But I think general anesthesia's our best bet. It's like laughing gas, nitrous oxide yet it'll simply keep him asleep during the whole procedure." Karen felt a weight lift from her shoulders. "Okay," she said. "We can do that." Dr. Coral nodded. "Good. We'll schedule you for general anesthesia. It'll be easier on everyone. Tomorrow morning works for you?" Karen nodded. "Yes, we'll make it here, bright and early." The drive home was silent, the tension in the car thick as the kelp outside. Plankton was curled in his seat, his body tight with residual fear. Chip's mind raced, trying to process everything that had happened. His dad, so strong and sure, had crumpled before his eyes like a discarded piece of paper. Once home, Karen helped Plankton to the couch. Chip hovered nearby, his eyes darting between his parents, unsure of what to do. "Why don't you go play in your room," Karen suggested, her voice gentle. "Let me take care of your dad." He nodded, retreating to his room with a heavy heart. The silence in the house was deafening, a stark contrast to the chaos of the dentist's office. Karen helped Plankton pick out a blanket and a stuffed animal, comfort items, for the oral surgery tomorrow. Plankton's stims were more pronounced as he tried to process the information. "It'll be okay," she whispered. He nodded, his antennae still twitching. "We'll be there with you," she assured him. "Every step of the way." Early the next day Karen got up so she could take Plankton back for his wisdom teeth removal procedure. He was already awake, his antennae twitching with nervous energy. Chip also will go with them. Plankton sat up front with his blanket and plush. Karen squeezed his hand. "Remember, sweetie, it's going to be okay." He nodded, his antennae drooping slightly as he turned to look out the window. Chip sat in the back, his eyes glued to his father's reflection. They arrived at the dental clinic, and the receptionist looked up, her smile faltering slightly at the sight of Plankton's agitation. "Dr. Coral is almost ready, so have a seat in the waiting area." As they all sat, Plankton started rocking back and forth, his stims increasing with each moment that ticked by. "Hnnn," Plankton hums. Karen's eyes searched the room for anything that might help calm him, but the bright lights and the cacophony of sounds only seemed to exacerbate his discomfort. The fish flipping through magazines, the TV playing a children's show, the distant whine of a drill from a different room—each element a potential minefield for his sensitive senses. Chip watched his dad, his throat tight with anxiety. He'd never seen him like this, so vulnerable and frightened. Karen reached over and placed a tentative hand on Plankton's shoulder. "It's okay," she whispered, but Plankton flinched away, his antennae quivering. Karen understood. Plankton's in need of his space, and she wouldn't push him. She knew today's particularly overwhelming. Dr. Coral called them back, and Plankton's body stiffened. Karen stood up, her arm around his waist, guiding him toward the open door. "Let's go, sweetie," she murmured. "It's time. Chip will stay here in the waiting room, okay?" The surgery room was a stark contrast to the waiting area. The lights were dimmer, the sounds softer. The smell of antiseptic was faint, but it was enough to make Plankton's antennae twitch with anxiety. Karen noticed and whispered, "You can keep your plushie with you." He nodded, his grip on the stuffed animal tight. They approached the exam chair, and he allowed Karen to help him climb up. The nurse, a kind octopus named Octavia, smiled. "Hi! I'll make sure you're comfy and snoozing while Dr. Coral takes out the wisdom teeth. She told me about your needs and we've the gas, okay? And Karen will stay with you the whole time." Plankton's antennae stopped twitching momentarily, his eye blinking rapidly as he tried to process her words. "You'll stay?" he asked, his voice small, hopeful. Karen nodded. "I'll be here." He held out his hand for her to hold and she took it. The stuffed plush was in his other arm. The nurse, Octavia, prepared a mouth prop. "This is going to help keep your mouth open comfortably," she explained, her voice gentle. "It's soft, and it won't pinch." Plankton's antennae twitched, his eye narrowing. It looked like a pair of plastic salad tongs. He opened his mouth and allowed her to place it gently. Dr. Coral entered, her smile reassuring. "Ready?" she asked. Plankton nodded, his antennae still. Karen took his hand, squeezing it tight.