Chapter Text
The late afternoon shadows stretched long and thin across Player’s bedroom floor. It had already been a day that passed since he'd escaped from the body swap chaos. It had only lasted a short while, yet somehow, returning to his normal routine felt almost unfamiliar.
But his perception of normal had completely changed. Every now and then, his thoughts wandered back to the past few days.
He rubbed his eyes and looked around his room. He reached over to the nightstand and grabbed his beanie, pulling it onto his head before getting out of bed.
Player paced slowly through his house, a canned soda in hand. He was wearing his red hoodie, the exact same one he wore practically everywhere. He walked into the kitchen to put his canned soda down, his eyes scanning the quiet space.
Usually, Player craved this absolute peacefulness. But after spending a full day trying to imitate Captain’s demeanor and the suffocating chaos from the day before, it just felt quite different.
Out of pure habit, Player slid both of his hands deep into the front pouch of his hoodie, leaning his back against the kitchen counter.
His right hand instantly brushed against a strange, crisp crinkle at the very bottom of the pocket. “Huh?” Player said as he pulled his hand back out, fishing out a wrinkled, torn piece of scrap paper.
He flattened it out against the countertop. It was written in Captain’s handwriting. He probably scribbled this down, knowing Player would find it the moment he got his hoodie back. Player leaned over the counter, his eyes tracing the handwritten note.
Player,
If you’re reading this, congrats! You finally found the mysterious note I put in ur hoodie.
I knew you’d find it eventually because u literally wear this thing everywhere.
Anyway… I just wanted to say thanks. For putting up with me during all of this. And for helping me figure everything out, even when I was being an idiot. I know I always say this, but I’m genuinely glad you’re my friend.
with a lil smiley face doodled on it.
Player’s thumb lingered over the last line. He let out a quiet huff, carefully folding the note before slipping it in his desk’s drawer as he got to his desk.
There were still stuff cluttered everywhere, and video games were still stacked where he’d left them. He leaned back in his desk chair spinning his controller around in his hands out of sheer boredom as he booted up his ps5 for a distraction.
Outside, the late afternoon sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the neighborhood in a quiet, amber glow. Captain was strolling by the neighborhood.
He wasn’t really sure why he was thinking so much about what to say. Well… he did have a reason for coming.
Captain walked slowly down the sidewalk, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his eyes fixed on the pavement. He was entirely alone with his thoughts. Earlier that day, Engineer had messaged him, frantic and awkward as usual, asking if Captain could do him a massive favor.
Because Engineer was too embarrassed to face Player after violently shouting at him to shoo from his workplace, Engineer had asked Captain to be the messenger—to go to Player’s house on his behalf and invite him to the upcoming engagement party. Simple enough.
Captain hadn't told Player about Engineer’s request over text. He didn't want to make it a formal obligation. He just wanted an excuse to see his friend.
But as the distance between him and Player’s house shrank, His footsteps slowed as he turned the corner. He thought about how exhausting it must have been for Player to pilot his hyperactive frame for a day. He thought about how much Player valued his quiet, undisturbed peace, especially after a chaotic weekend.
Although, knowing Player, he’d probably make some sarcastic comment about it.
Captain smiled to himself. “Eh. It’ll be fine.”
The long shadows stretched across the concrete as Captain finally stepped onto Player driveway. He stopped, his eyes locking onto the door. Captain took a deep, shaky breath, fighting against his own instinct to turn around and walk away. “…Alright. Here goes.”
Player sat on the couch, staring blankly at the dark television screen, when a sudden knock echoed from the front door.
Knock knock knockknockknockknock knockity knocking
Player wasn't really expecting any company at all. The sound of the knock reminded him of something. Shaking the memory from his head, Player immediately stood up and walked to the foyer. For some reason, he already had a pretty good idea who was standing on the other side.
There stood Captain, right on his actual porch in the fading late-afternoon light.
“Hey, Player!”
But Player didn't say a word, he just stood firmly in the doorway, staring intensely at Captain, his eyes tracing his best friend’s face as he questioned himself whether it was real or he was just dreaming again.
Captain’s nervous smile slowly faltered. He blinked, shifting his weight uncomfortably under Player’s serious gaze. He cleared his throat, waving his hand weakly in front of Player’s face.
“Uh... Player?” Captain asked, his voice cracking slightly with genuine concern. “Are you okay buddy?... you're kinda scaring me right now.”
The sound of Captain’s voice completely shattered the illusion of the dream. Player blinked, snapping back to reality. “…Oh? Uh… Captain? What are you doing here?” His voice carried a hint of confusion, as though he hadn’t expected to see Captain standing on his doorstep.
Captain gestured vaguely in the general direction of the street. “Well, I was passing by the neighborhood and thought I could come by and check up on you.”
Player’s expression immediately shifted to one of skepticism. “You were passing by? You live nowhere near here.”
Captain paused, clearly trying to come up with an answer. “I was uh… in the general neighborhood.”
“That doesn’t mean anything.”
“Sure it does! We’re both in the general vicinity of houses.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Captain rocked slightly on his heels “So… everything feels normal again, right?”
Player turned around behind him and glanced around his house.
“Eh, Mostly.”
Captain nodded. “Same.” Before looking around for a moment, his expression softened. “Although…”
Player gave him a sideways glance.
“I kinda missed hanging out with you.”
Player looked away for a moment. “…Yeah, I missed it too.”
Captain’s grin immediately returned. “Aw, you missed me!”
“Yeah. Don't get used to it.”
Captain laughed. “There’s the Player I know.”
Player stepped back immediately, swinging the front door entirely wide open to ensure Captain knew he was welcome. “Get in here.” Player said quietly.
They moved into the living room, and Captain immediately collapsed onto the couch. He threw legs over the armrest, letting out a loud, heavy sigh.
“Well, it's official,” Captain announced, staring up at the ceiling. “Engineer sent a text to Gnome’s phone, which, she then forwarded to me. We are permanently banned from going near Engineer’s workplace. For life!”
Player sat down in the armchair across from him, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. “Can you blame him? We literally wrecked his whole place.”
Captain let out a laugh, his legs sliding off the armrest as he sat up straight on the couch. He looked down at his phone, tapping his thumb against the screen before looking back up at Player.
“But, uh... despite the absolute disaster we caused, Gnome said we’re still invited to the engagement hangout they're planning on having.” Captain said, a small, hopeful smile tugging at his lips. He hesitated for a fraction of a second. “She said it's just going to be a nice celebration of their engagement at some private place.”
“They… banned and invited us? That’s contradictory to belief.” Player shook his head. “And what exactly is an ‘engagement hangout’?”
“You know. Basically an engagement party, but less… party? Maybe drinks… cham-pag-nee.. Maybe cake.”
“So just a celebratory get-together?”
“Yeah. That.” Captain scratched the back of his head, hesitating for a moment before he asked. “So... do you wanna come?”
Player looked at Captain. He could hear the faint trace of uncertainty in Captain’s voice.
Player didn't hesitate. He let out a quiet, relaxed breath and leaned back in his chair. “Of course I'm going.” He leaned back in his seat. “Besides. Someone has to make sure Mr Cheese doesn't hijack the speakers and turn this into a DJ competition.”
Captain blinked, a wave of immense relief washing over his face, and he beamed instantly. “That's great news! And speaking of Mr Cheese…” Captain paused, almost like he was trying to figure out how to explain this without sounding ridiculous.
“Mr Cheese still thinks we're in some elite ‘method-acting club’. He even messaged the group earlier asking about that!”
Player cocked his head to the side. “…He’s still onto that?”
“Yup,” Captain pulled out his phone and started scrolling. “He said, ‘Scene 2 drops soon. These two are taking method acting WAY too seriously.’”
“Tell him the scene was canceled due to creative differences.” Player said deadpan.
“Creative differences?!” Captain bursted out in laughter. “Player, we weren't even making any professional production!”
“It’s believable.”
“No, it isn’t!”
“It doesn’t need to be.”
Captain scrolled further. “Oh, well, there’s more where that came from.”
Player sighed in disbelief. “What's it about?”
“He asked if we’re planning a season finale.”
Player’s expression went completely flat. “I’m blocking him. He's done enough already.”
“You can’t just block Mr Cheese from the group chat.”
“Watch me. Watch me!!!” Player was about to pull out his phone.
“Do you think we could just tell him the truth? Poor ol’ Mr Cheese doesn't even know what really happened!”
Player’s expression immediately changed.
“Uhh… no.”
Captain blinked. “Why?”
Player crossed his arms. “Because he still thinks I beat him at the video games.”
Captain pauses, then his eyes widen slightly as he remembers.
“...Oh.”
Player narrowed his eyes. “And I’d like to keep it that way.”
Captain snickered. “So you’re taking credit for my victory?”
Player paused.
“…Yes. Exactly."
Captain gasped dramatically.
Player tried to maintain his stoic expression, but the tiniest smile crept onto his face. “Besides,” he added, “I’m not giving Mr Cheese the satisfaction of knowing he didn't actually loose to me.”
“Unbelievable, Player,” Captain snickered, shaking his head as he kicked his long legs right back over the armrest of the couch. “A total identity thief. I’m telling Engineer to build a machine that swaps our bank accounts next!”
Player let out a quiet huff, pushing himself out of the armchair. He adjusted his hoodie, heading toward the kitchen. “If you’re going to extort me for your gaming legacy, you can come to the kitchen and help carry the plates. Get up.”
“Only if there are pizza rolls!” Captain called out, immediately scrambling off the cushions to follow him.
Player didn't answer, but as he walked down he didn't bother looking back. He didn't need to. The door to his house, and his mind, would stay wide open.