Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

3...

2...

1...

The round is over... The survivors won.

​    The round had finally finished. When I opened my eyes noticing that finally I was teleported back to the cabin, I couldn’t stop at break myself into a cold sweat and my hands trembling slightly, because of the fear and anxiety that I passed in this round. Looking at my surroundings, I noticed Guest 1337 walking towards Two Time — this was our daily routine since we entered on this Limbo; as soon as we got back from the round, we remove the dagger from Two Time hands so that they couldn’t have an opportunity of stabbing anyone.

​    ".......Oh, my dear and all might Spawn... Please, let me be blessed by your.... " — Two Time whispered to themselves, their body trembling and their words barely audible amidst the embers of the fireplace. Their gaze distant just like their troughs at that moment.

​    The strenght that Guest applied to remove the dagger from Two Time was enough to take it firmly of their hand, but at same time not enough to hurt them. I couldn’t help but notice the face that Two Time made after the dagger was taken — it was a mix of pain, relief and apprehension.

​    In the camp of vision I saw Builderman looking at the other survivors — It seems that he is getting better at leadership and in making decisions. — as he was talking with Shedletsky, untill his eyes fell upon me. He says, with a confident that showed at the same time his exhaustion: — "Fine, the person responsible to calm down Two Time this time is 007n7. " — Then, he walked in the direction of the kitchen, with Shedletsky and Elliot following right behind him.

​    After Builderman and the others left, soon the others also left. Dusekkar and Taph had gone outside of the cabin, while Guest, Chance and Noob climb up the stairs  to go to the first floor, leaving just me and Two Time alone. The silence spread fast trough the room, while I felt Two Time staring at me.

​    What should I do? — This question hammered in my head. I look at them once more, with their body trembling with adrenaline... and I remembered of my son, that smiling boy in my hazy memories terrified as I told him about the legend of John Doe.

​    Realizing that I had drifted off into my troughs, I try to pay attention at the time. Focus 007n7! Two Time needs you right now! Knowing what I needed to do in this situation, I gently hold Two Time arms with my hands, trying not to make them uncomfortable and I guided them into the couch. I let them sit in front of the fireplace, they looking fixated on the burning wood.

​    I sitted alongside them on the couch, with one of my hands gently stroking their back. Noticing their body that was still trembling, made me remember of the blanket I have in my room. When I stand up from the couch to go get it, I felt a hand holding the ham of my shirt.

​    When I turned my head to look at Two Time. I saw their face showing a expression I never saw on them: their eyebrowns where slightly frowning, their lips trembling and their black eyes looking at me. Even trough we have never interacted — outside of basic courtesy, because we have to work togheter to survive — in that moment, I knew exactly what they wanted to say even without uttering a word.

​    I turn around to be in front of them, holding their hands and gently caressing them. The tone of my voice that leaved on my mouth, being more softly that I expected it to be. — "Don't worry that I will let you alone, Two Time. I am just going into my room to find a blanket for you, okay?"

​    Even trough their face still showed great reluctance, they slightly nodded their head. I took out my hands from theirs and walked in the direction of the stairs — but not before I noticed their gaze on me.

​    Climbing on the stairs I go to the first floor. Walking in the corridor, I notice the door from Noob's room slightly open showing Noob sleeping soundly. They must be exhausted because of the last round.... well everyone is.

​    I opened the door to my room and got straight into my closet, taking a red blanket out of it. While holding it in my hands, I felt a grip in my chest... If I had been a better father, maybe c00kidd even if it was just a small chance he would not have disappeared... and would not be here in this Limbo, killing me and my companions....

​    I shook my head, making this troughs go away. Then I remembered about Two Time, that was still waiting for me to go back. So I leave the room with a fast pacing for me to not be trapped in my own troughs again, I go down the stairs when I saw them staring intently on the fireplace.

​    My body subsconciously relaxed with the scene that I saw. I silently got closer to Two Time, noticing they were in a daze — because they didn’t felt my presence, even trough I am on their side. I place the blanket gently on their shoulders, wrapping them up untill they were completely covered in the blanket — except by their head.

​    Seeing that they stopped in their dazed troughs, I go to the small table where I had put some cookies and two mugs full of hot-chocolate. That I had prepared before the round had started, in case if c00kidd would go back to my side.... Even trough I know that he wouldn’t, I can't help but hope that it will happen someday.

​    Holding the tray I placed it on the table in front of Two Time for them to get interest. I hold one of the mugs that had been cooled down — but it was still warm since it wasn’t long enough since I made it. I sit right beside them on the couch, giving them the mug that was on my hand. Then I noticed the way when holding the mug, Two Time had slightly relaxed their body.

​    With this atmosphere, I couldn’t help but comment that had passed trough my mind: — "I am quite shocked that the tray of food I made is still intact." — I chuckle slightly, thinking about Shedletsky wanting to eat but couldn’t.

​    After hearing what I said, they turn it's head to look at me. Their eyes looking pretty calm and soften as they gazed at me, then they replied: — "Actually, Shedletsky was gonna eat after you had gone to your room, but Builderman forced him not to."

​    I couldn’t hold my laughter any longer, holding my stomach from laughing so much. I could only imagine Shedletsky trying to eat while Builderman holded with all the strenght he has, but the desire to eat from Shedletsky was so strong that Builderman needed to call for help.

    "It is just like something he would do..." — I comment to Two Time, while I remove a tear from my eye because of how much I laughed just thinking about this scene.

    After finishing laughing, I saw the gentle smile that Two Time had. I couldn’t do nothing but reciprocate the same smile to them. Homewever, I noticed that they didn’t drink even a sip from the hot-chocolate. Maybe they don’t like it?

    "Two Time, do you like hot-chocolate? If not, you can give it to me. I will trow it away if you want." — I asked, waiting for a negative response, which made me kinda nervous if I had messed up.

    They reacted calmly, even trough their voice had a hint of sadness as they replied to me: — "It isn’t that... it is just... I had never drink it before...."

    Thinking about it, Two Time had grew up in a religious environment. Probably they have never tasted other types of foods, that wasn’t permitted on their religion. It may explain why I never saw them eating so much in the meals — and maybe, that they just eat Elliot's pizza because it contains healing properties, seeing that others got healed with it.

    This food irregularity could be the reason why they are so skinny, pale and physically fragile — even trough their mind and hits are just as sharp as the blades of their dagger.

    This connection made my heart ache feeling pity for them, they should be living in a healthy and normal environment. But I didn’t want to confront their deity — afterall I didn’t want to make them uncomfortable, I just sayed: — "Well... There is a first time to everyone! Drink it and see if you liked it.  Homewever blow it before drinking, you don't want to burn your toungue!"

    After hearing what I said, Two Time followed my instructions, blowing it before drinking a sip of hot-chocolate. Seeing this, I took the opportunity to take the other mug that was on the table. I blow it slightly and drinked the warm drink. I felt a confort inside of me, dazing slightly in my memories. I tilted my head back from the couch, looking at the ceiling of the cabin.

    Sometime had passed, I tilted my head to the side, noticing that Two Time was more comfortable now and they didn’t tremble as much anymore, drinking their hot-chocolate. It seems, that they had liked it, and they weren't uncomfortable with my presence... I think.

    After sometime, I had finished half of my hot-chocolate. I asked myself if Two Time had already finished theirs, homewever as I tilted to my side once again to the side, I saw that they were trapped on their troughs again. Their gaze looked like they were troubled with something and their drink didn’t even reached half of it. This worried me. It is strange on how much I got attached to them, even trough this is our first real interaction.

    Thinking about something to leave them from their daze troughs, I remembered of the cookies that we didn’t have touched yet. I left my mug on the table, and took the plate with cookies with one hand and with the another free hand, I wrapped it gently around their neck, making them more closer to me. I wanted to see if they would leave their concious or if they would be uncomfortable with my actions. The answer was that they had left their trough, but they didn’t feel uncomfortable with me embracing them.

    "Would you want some cookies with drops of chocolate alongside your hot-chocolate?" — I asked. Two Time adjusted themselves on my embrace, but they didn’t go away from me actually they embraced on me further. With a smile on their face, they replied to me: — "If it isn’t a problem for you..."

    "This will never be a problem for me, Two Time. " — I replied while ruffling their black hair, which made them laugh the more I messed their hair. I let the plate to them, which they took one of the cookies and started eating it while drinking their hot-chocolate.

    As I saw them eating peacefully, a trough still circled around on my mind. Why did Two Time reacted this way whenever a round ends? I would understand if it was because of the killers, but it doesn’t seem to be the case... I think they noticed my worry, because they asked: — "Is everything alright, 007n7?"

    "I wanted to ask you a question... Why do you react like that everytime a round ends?" — When I asked. An uncomfortable silence spread trough the room for two whole minutes, before they finally replied: — "It is something personal... I prefer to not speak about it...." — Noticing their discomfort, I replied firmly and with understanding hoping to make them comfortable again: — "Don't worry, 2. You don't need to say anything that makes you uncomfortable. "

    Once again, I ruffle their hair messing even more the already messy hair. As I continue speaking to them — It seems that Two Time has already made a place on my heart: — "But if anytime something happens and you need to talk to someone... You can count on me."

    It seems, that Two Time liked that I had given them time and space to choose on their own time to tell me what is going on, because they gave me a content smile as they said with a hint of happiness of being heard: — "Thanks, 007n7. For staying by my side. I hope we become friends! If Spawn bless our friendship." — I couldn’t help but smile and reply to them: — "I think we already are, 2."

    The time after that interaction had gone fast. We had finished the food and the drinks, so we started chatting with eachother. Two Time was the first to fall asleep on the couch — not before they wrapped me in the same blanket that I wrapped them before and hugging me tightly to not let me go.

    Sometime had passed before I felt my eyes becoming heavier. Then, I slept soundly alongside them on the couch.

Maybe... Just maybe... it had not been so bad to teleport into this place....​

Chapter Text

    Although there is no such thing as “day” in this Limbo, when I wake from that same strange dream, I can tell it’s morning. When I try to move, I remember that I’d fallen asleep with Two Time on the couch. I glance at them and notice they’re still asleep.

    Not wanting to wake them, I move very slowly, easing their head — which had been resting on my shoulder — against the back of the couch. With that small mission accomplished, I head toward the kitchen, where the light was on — a sign Elliot was already making breakfast.

    I enter the kitchen rubbing my eyes, still heavy with sleep. Elliot was making buttered toast and fried eggs. Sleepily, I look at him, and despite being busy, he asks me, — “How was the night trying to calm Two Time down, 007n7?”

    That catches me a bit by surprise. After all, Elliot rarely talks to me since I burned down his pizzeria. Maybe it’s because of Two Time’s strange behavior… Not that their “normal” is any more balanced, but last night they had been even more unhinged. — “Actually…” — I hesitate for a moment, remembering last night. A small smile escapes my face, hard to contain. — “Two Time wasn’t as difficult to handle as I expected.”

    Without waiting for a reply, I go on, still smiling: — “They’re incredibly nice… when they’re not only talking about the Spawn, of course.” — Hearing this, Elliot turns to me, surprised, and says: — “That’s weird… Normally they just stare at you for a long while, then drag themself to a corner, sit with their arms wrapped around their legs, and whisper things about the Spawn…”

    He goes back to making breakfast, but his words keep echoing in my mind. Why did Two Time act so differently toward me? Well… some things were just as Elliot described — they really did stare at me at first — but then they opened up. And they didn’t isolate in a corner. Even when I left the room, they didn’t seem shaken… I think.

    Before I can sink deeper into my thoughts, I feel a firm hand rest on my shoulder. Turning, I meet Guest 1337’s gentle gaze as they say, — “Good morning, 007n7… and Elliot!” — That brings a smile to my face. Elliot and I unconsciously sync up and reply at the same time: — “Good morning, Guest.”

    I hear someone’s light footsteps. Looking toward the kitchen entrance, I see Two Time coming in, their face still drowsy. They speak in a dragging voice, as if they still want to sleep: — “Good morning, 007n7. May the Spawn bless your day.” — I can’t help smiling at that and answer, — “Good morning to you too, Two Time.”

    They head to the table and sit in one of the farthest chairs, waiting for breakfast. After a while, the other survivors begin to enter the kitchen too, also waiting for the meal. When I finally grab my plate, it holds three slices of buttered toast and two fried eggs. In my other hand, I hold a mug of coffee. As I look over the chairs, wondering where to sit, I notice Two Time is alone — no one is interacting with them.

    I decide I want to sit beside them. I walk over and take the seat next to them. Noticing the small amount of food on their plate — not enough to sustain them, especially given how little they’ve eaten lately — I place one of my slices of toast and a fried egg on their plate.

    They seem like they want to refuse, but I fix them with an intense look, encouraging them to eat. With that, they have no choice but to accept and say, — “Thank you, 007n7, for offering this food. May the Spawn bless you.” — Seeing them eat their breakfast after blessing me brings a smile to my face, even as I try to ignore the stares from the other survivors. Apparently, me and Two Time interacting so warmly is unusual. But I don’t care about their looks — I just keep eating and making sure Two Time eats well too.

    Over time, we finish our meal; we’re just preparing ourselves, knowing the rounds will start soon. I make two mugs of hot chocolate and a plate full of cookies in the kitchen. This time, I try to change things up by adding vanilla chips instead of the traditional chocolate ones.

    Even though I know C00lkidd won’t be coming back, at least I know Two Time will be keeping me company — even if they’re a little shy and awkward when it comes to social interaction.

    Remembering last night, I let out a little laugh, pick up the tray, and go into the living room where everyone is waiting for the round to start. I set the tray on the small table by the couch and, along with the others, close my eyes.

In the Glass House map round

    I open my eyes and feel slightly dizzy. I put a hand on the wall for support, my head spinning — but the dizziness passes after a few seconds. Looking to my left, I see Shedletsky, who seems fine. Looks like we spawned together this round.

    He seems to notice me because he starts talking: — “Hey, 007n7. I didn’t expect you and Two Time to be friends!” — He says, genuinely happy for me, despite the things I’ve done… He goes on, smiling: — “I was surprised by your interaction at breakfast. You two hardly talked before… it was a nice surprise. Even for me…”

    Before he can continue, music starts to play, and an attack is launched at Shedletsky, right beside me. He manages to dodge despite being caught off guard. I’m not so lucky — I’m not as agile as him — and the blow lands on my arm.

    Shedletsky looks at me, and for a brief moment, his gaze… shows pity? Maybe I imagined it. He quickly gets up and shouts: — “Good luck in this match!” — then runs off. — The attacker had white hair tied in a ponytail, and their swords blazed with green flames. Looks like the killer this round is 1x1x1x1 — which explains my slowness and poisoning, as five pop-ups flash in my vision.

    The cut on my arm hurts a lot, even after the poison and pop-ups wear off. I walk slowly — I don’t want to face 1x1x1x1 again. I look around for a machine, but find none. I keep walking, alert.

    Instead of a machine, I spot Two Time. They don’t seem to notice me… maybe they’re also looking for a machine? But when I think that, our eyes meet. There’s a long silence. Almost unnatural. But Two Time tends to be quieter and more withdrawn in a round — which makes sense. I get like that too…

    I watch them start walking toward me. Their gaze is a little emptier than usual… When they reach me, they take my arm — the one cut by 1x1x1x1. But they don’t apply force. Their touch doesn’t hurt.

    They say, in a slightly concerned tone: — “You should take better care of yourself. May the Spawn protect you in the future.” — With that, they take out a medkit from their inventory, still looking at my wound.

    When I realize they intend to heal me, my heart grows heavy. Why would they care about me? I don’t deserve that kind of kindness. I quickly try to refuse: — “I don’t need the medkit, Two Time. You should give it to Elliot, you know…”

    Before I can continue, Two Time interrupts. Their gaze is a bit sad as they take a bandage from the medkit: — “Elliot doesn’t need this medkit. He already has one.” — They pause, but insist gently: — “And… you need it more than the others.”

    After that, all I can do is smile and thank them: — “Thank you, Two Time.” — They smile back, genuinely, as they start wrapping my injured arm. — “It’s the least I can do for you, 007n7.”

    Even though I’m not part of their cult and feel uncomfortable whenever they mention the Spawn, the fact they truly care warms my heart. Once they finish bandaging my arm, I decide to keep looking for a machine. I say goodbye to Two Time and head off into the map.

    After a while, I finally find one. I crouch and start connecting the wires, one by one, when I notice movement nearby. Looks like someone decided to help. When I glance over, I see it’s Two Time, joining me. I give a small smile and keep working beside them until the machine is fixed.

    When we finish, the timer is reduced a bit. I stand, dust off my pants, and head off to find another machine — it’s the only way I can be useful. As I walk, I hear footsteps behind me. Turning, I see Two Time standing still, looking at me. Strange… wouldn’t they prefer to be with the others rather than waste time with me, a deadweight? With that thought, I ask: — “Is something wrong, Two Time? Wouldn’t you rather be with the others than with me?”

    There’s silence. Their posture and expression show they don’t understand why either, as if searching for a reason. After thinking for a bit, they finally answer honestly: — “I don’t feel comfortable with their presence… except yours.” — Hearing that, my whole body relaxes. Their answer genuinely makes me happy. I walk up to them and, unable to resist, place my hand in their hair, gently ruffling it.

    They react with a small chuckle. Seeing that smile brings me immense comfort — their joy seems to infect mine. My moments with Two Time have been the happiest since I entered this Limbo, where there are only two options: die, or survive while watching all your companions die.

    After that, we move together in search of another machine. That’s when we see Noob struggling to fix one. Two Time and I join them, which seems to catch them off guard — they were so focused on connecting the wires they didn’t notice us approach. Despite their hesitation — since they don’t think highly of either of us — they keep working, maybe knowing there’s not much else they can do about it. I hope that someday they stop feeling so afraid or uneasy around me…

    We finish the machine quickly and, since it’s the last one, the only thing left is to wait. The three of us — me, Noob, and Two Time — stand still, waiting for the timer to hit zero so we can return to the cabin. Bored with the wait, I ask Two Time: — “Two Time, could you tell me what your favorite flower is?”

    As soon as the words leave my mouth, their body stiffens. Their gaze goes vacant, and a frozen expression takes over their face. What was happening to Two Time? I shouldn’t have asked. I put a hand on their back in a comforting gesture, trying to show the concern growing with every second they don’t respond. I can’t hold back and, with my voice laced with unease, I ask: — “Are you okay, Two Time?”

    Only then do they seem to come out of the trance. A weak smile forms on their lips, and they reply with a trembling voice: — “I’m fine… thanks to the mercy of the Spawn.” — Before I can ask more, the round ends. When I open my eyes, I’m back in the cabin. It seems that this time only Chance and Shedletsky died to 1x1x1x1. Turning after being teleported, I see Guest 1337 taking a dagger from Two Time’s hands — they’re trembling again, gaze lost, murmuring something I can’t catch.

    I walk over, take hold of their arms, and guide them back to the couch. I wrap them in the red blanket still there from that night, leaving only their head exposed. Sitting beside them, I pick up the mug of hot chocolate and the plate of cookies, and comment: — “I tried using a new flavor in some of the chips instead of chocolate. Want to try?”

    They nod, taking one of the vanilla chip cookies. From the sparkle in their eyes, it seems they like it — they finish the rest in one bite. I can’t help a small laugh, and as I run my hand through their hair again, the words slip naturally from my mouth: — “You’re a good kiddo.”

    Two Time smiles, their gentle gaze meeting mine. Over time, I hear the others’ footsteps spreading through the cabin, but I don’t care. My attention is only on them — Two Time, slowly pulling away from the trance. The conversation, the warm blanket, the mug of hot chocolate warming my hands, and the crackle of the fire in the hearth…

    Maybe someday they’ll tell me the burdens inside their heart...​