Work Text:
It’s a simple routine they’ve developed, Two Time thinks, looking in the distance at the person at fault for their… distracted mind, as of late.
Sure, Azure had always been an enigma— they’ve thought so for as long as they’ve known them, a distant look to their eye yet at the same time mischievous even in the beginnings of their placement in their community and their friendship. They didn’t know it would arrive to such new lengths, though, even now when they find themself pondering on an invitation to their usual meeting place later near the night. The last time they were there… Two Time simply tries to not get too lost in thought again, their current task of sweeping the hallways almost neglected as their face warmed for the umpteenth time that day. They let the familiar action of sweeping calm them, careful to not leave a single speck of visible dust behind. It’s only then with the quietness of their thoughts that they notice Azure approach them, the conversation they had been in with another community member long gone as they’re nowhere to be seen.
“Two Time,” Azure greets, his usual smile gracing his face. It’s not the kind that Azure seems to only reserve for them, Two Time notes, but rather the type they’ve never really been able to decipher on what their true feelings were at that moment. The type that never really reached their eyes. They weren’t sure if it was something to be concerned about, the way they were so good at hiding things and fooling others. “Do you have a moment? I have something to show you that I think is to your liking.”
Two Time tilts their head in a curious manner in response, but doesn’t give much thought to what it might be. “If it will not take long, then please, lead the way.” They reply, setting the broom to stand against the wall as they follow Azure into a smaller hallway, turning left, and then—
A small gasp leaves their throat as Azure pushes them against the wall, gently as if they were something to be easily broken, and kisses them. They feel his hand move to cradle their cheek, but the way Azure presses against them and tilts his head to make their already sudden action a little deeper is filled with an underlying need for Two Time. This had been their routine, somehow, Azure initiating something both so sudden yet expected that makes them weak to their knees, and then leaving them be so quickly to go on with their assigned duties. It was a thrill that they somehow enjoyed, the nagging feeling of being caught only dulled by the comfort of his thumb brushing against their waist. Azure eventually breaks the kiss, his parted lips eventually shifting into a small grin, as if knowing how deeply they had affected them. “Are you okay? You’re rather… red.”
Both thoughts and words fail Two Time for a moment before they manage to respond with a whispered yes, which makes Azure laugh. “How daring of you to do this in such a public setting,” they say slowly, knowing that if they’d trip over their words now he’d laugh at them even harder. “What would anyone think if they stumbled upon such a sight? Or even Spawn, for that matter…”
“Hm, buuut… everyone’s attending the sermon. And I don’t think you would have accepted it so easily if you didn’t know.” He presses a small kiss to the corner of their lips.
Two Time isn’t fully sure when they’ve fallen into this easy conversation they think is banter, but they accept it wholly, not sure if there was a name to this relationship of theirs. They were aware that friends don’t have needy make-out sessions in the middle of the forest, all too aware that the way Azure looks at them with a feeling they can barely describe isn’t something under the umbrella of friendship. They were aware partnership was a thing, yes, but were his feelings for them so heavy that he’d want to pursue such a thing? Would the spawn even approve of a relationship as secret and as sudden as theirs when marriage doesn’t seem to be in mind for either of them? It’s these kinds of thoughts that plague Two Time’s mind, seemingly more than wishful thinking and flashbacks to sweet kisses. Azure seems to notice their mind drift, frowning as their face had shifted from flushed to something more intense.
“You’re thinking too hard again.” He steps back slightly, just to give them a bit of space. Their eyes meet, and Two Time notices their attempt to try to figure out what they’re thinking of the more they stare at their face.
“I have simply been… thinking about later on,” they lie, something they’ve seen to be doing more often lately, both to Azure and to even Amarah out of all the people. “Our engagement in the forest, of course.”
If Azure believes their lie or not, they don’t show it. “Right, yes, I’ll be waiting for you. Speaking of which, may I ask you not to wear your robes, just this time?”
“May I ask for what reason?”
“Oh, no, nothing, just… so that it won’t get caught in any bushes and stuff, you know? It would be rather late then, and I’m very much aware it’s harder to go through the forest without damaging it. Also because I’ll be tasked with stitching it up, like usual.”
The last part gets a laugh out of Two Time, to which Azure’s smile widens at. “You act as if it is a chore, but I know you find it enjoyable.”
Azure almost responds with another quip before they hear the loud creak of a door in the distance, realizing it might have been the door to the sermon where most of the community had been deep in prayer. “That’s my cue to leave. I’ll see you.” Two Time swears he had almost leaned in to sneak in another kiss before pulling back at the last minute, watching the cogs work in his brain in real time as the action was cutting too close to them possibly being seen. They simply do a small wave as goodbye, walking back to retrieve the broom they had left to finally finish their task without any distractions.
---
The afternoon passes by almost uneventfully, which Two Time is thankful for, taking the time to do their prayer for the night before they set off for the forest. They had followed Azure’s instructions, being left in their long sleeved top and a thin scarf he had gifted to them long ago, perfect for colder nights like now. They eventually see the warm glow of a lantern like their own in the distance, and it’s Azure, who perks up at their footsteps and stands up from the tree they had been sitting on.
“Hey, hey. I apologize if I kept you waiting for long,” Two Time says, suddenly aware of the other’s lack of robes, along with the tank top they wear and the lack of their signature hat. (They keep a mental note to thank the spawn for such a sight, seeing their muscular build emphasized more by their clothing. They’ll pray extra long tonight.) It’s only then they really piece together his plan. “Are we… off to somewhere?”
“That’s right,” Azure replies, slightly hesitant. “I’m sorry, I did want to tell you beforehand rather than taking you so impulsively, but…” Azure averts their gaze, the feeling of their hand squeezing theirs almost startling Two Time with how they didn’t register their touch in the first place. “I just wanted to take you out. On a, uh, date. You’re allowed to say no, of course, and we can always do something else. I just wanted to show you somewhere more than here.”
A date. It was, of course, tempting— the very thought of going on one with them gave Two Time a very new feeling of warmth in their gut. But alongside it was the very familiar feeling of fear. It wasn’t Azure that had made them fearful, despite their obvious differences in the way he didn’t feel confined to the teachings of their religion, but Two Time… They had never admitted it, but deep down, they had truly wanted more. More than what the community had offered him, of quiet sermons and fastings and more, the ‘more’ Azure had described back then of his childhood before he had joined the community. The guilt that bubbled up from that pushed them to pray more often, hands clasped together so tight it hurt, and if the Spawn ever frowned upon them for it, they’d never know.
They simply stare at their hands linked together, and lets out a sigh to calm their nerves. “I accept.”
Azure opens his mouth, hesitates to say something, and then closes it yet again, Two Time only realizing then the absolute giddy smile he fails to keep off his face. They can’t bear to look away from him. “Are you sure? I don’t mean to force you.”
“Please. Before I have second thoughts.”
He only smiles wider at that, tugging Two Time along with him to start walking. “Okay, okay. So you know the dirt road we take going to the end of town for handing out brochures? Further from that, there’s…”
Throughout the entire walk, their hands stay intertwined, which Two Time is somewhat thankful for as a distraction from their busy thoughts. Azure doesn’t seem to point out their hands as well, making steady conversation about the day and everything else the two could think of. They eventually reach the town, and having never been to the area at night, Two Time can’t help but be awed at how alive it still seems to be— decorative lights hung around streetlamps and people filling diners they remember passing by before. Eventually their gaze moves down as a person passes by them on the sidewalk, a small caution just in case they’re recognized, even if they aren’t sure if it would even help. They find themselves in another part of the town that Two Time doesn’t recognize, but Azure guides them through with ease, mindful to avoid more crowded spots until they seem to reach their destination.
“Here we are,” he looks at them for their reaction, and they read the bright, blinking sign in front of them in bold letters: “ARCADE.” It’s a place obviously worn out with the way one of the letters isn’t lit up anymore and the building showing its age, too, but Two Time hears the music inside and their interest peaks. His hand squeezes theirs again. “I thought you might like it.”
“It… seems colorful.” Two Time simply says as Azure leads them in, walking towards a counter where an employee sits, eyes glued to a monitor. While they converse, their eyes wonder around the sight before them— machines of many different lights and sizes all seem to catch their attention, each one seeming to play their own tune to entice a passerby to play them. There weren't much people around either and nobody they seemed to recognize, which felt perfect. Everything was new to them, and though new was always scary, they couldn’t help but want to explore. Azure eventually nudges them, holding up a small basket of what seems to be coins.
“Tokens,” he says, tugging them to the nearest machine and then inserting one of them in a slot to start it. The game seems to change its music once the coin falls in, being a box with stuffed animals inside, all different species, and with a mechanical claw on the upper left. Azure face is bright with excitement, and he sets the basket on an unoccupied stool. “I got us 10, but I could buy us more if we possibly run out.”
“Alright. I'm not confident with my skills, so I’ll simply keep watch, for now.” Two Time says, stepping aside so Azure can be at the center.
“Okay, fine,” he moves, one hand taking ahold of the stick and the other on top of the button beside it. “I’d insist otherwise, but you probably wouldn’t know what you were doing, soo… Watch and learn.”
Two Time watches as the claw hovers on top of one of the stuffed animals near a hole, Azure moving to check the side of the claw machine and then back to his original spot, and then presses the button. The music pauses with suspense— the claw lowers onto the plush and even picks it up for a second…
“Yes! See, I–”
…only to drop it without any fanfare. Azure’s cheery expression immediately grows stiff, and Two Time can barely stifle a snort, their hand flying over their mouth to hide their smile. Suddenly the other machines look more interesting.
“I have to say, if your idea of being bad at games like these is fun…”
“That wasn’t supposed to happen,” Azure huffs, picking up the basket and then handing them a token. “Look, have a try. If you fail similar to how I did, then it’s my turn to laugh. If not you get… uh… bragging rights. For the whole night.”
Two Time takes the token from their hand, feels the electrifying feel of their skin touching for even a brief second, and pulls their hand back before their mind even wants to act at the single thought of wanting to hold his hand yet again. They’re glad they can keep a straight face, developed mostly from all the times they’ve hung out with the other, trying to lie smoothly to a community member as if they didn’t just get their face sucked mere minutes ago. Huh. Talk about influence. Two Time doesn’t let their thoughts glide any further, copying Azure’s actions earlier to start the machine, and they try to go for the same stuffed animal he did— maybe not a smart idea, sure, but when it was already so close to the dropping point…
Azure looks at them questioningly, but doesn’t comment, arms crossed that makes Two Time think they don’t believe in their abilities. They finally press the button, watching with bated breath as the claw lowers and grabs onto the stuffed animal again, but this time the plush lands in the hole.
Two Time’s head whips to see Azure’s expression, a wide smile forming on their own face that they fail to contain, while the other simply laughs seeing their expression. “That’s beginner’s luck!”
“Is that really a thing that exists, or are you just trying to cope with the fact I’m better than you at this?”
Azure huffs with fake annoyance, giving a playful kick to their shin. “Don’t get cocky. Go and get your prize.”
Two Time’s cheeks hurt from smiling now, not used to the overwhelming amount of happiness they feel, but they nod and realize they’re not sure where to get the prize in the first place— only for Azure to point out there’s a flap on the bottom right corner, and when they reach into it, the stuffed animal is in fact there. It’s a black cat lying flat on its stomach, a purple ribbon tied around its neck with black beaded eyes, reflecting their bright surroundings. They happily stare at it for a little while before handing it to Azure, who examines it the same way they do with glee.
“...How are we supposed to take that home?” Two Time asks when they walk away, carrying the small basket after having offered to do it while Azure hugs the plush to their chest.
“I can hide it in my closet. Or bed. Whichever works,” Azure offers, as if it’s something simple to think about and not worry inducing the way Two Time thinks it is. They accept that answer, nodding in response as they both look around. Azure eventually slows down to a stop beside them, eyes on theirs. “Any games look interesting to you?”
They hesitate before answering. “I was hoping to, er, follow you around instead.”
“Of course, I’m not separating from you, silly. But I want to know, what do you want to play?”
Two Time looks around one more time, noting all the different machines they’re not really sure what games they offer. But it’s not like they can recognize any of them, really, so they simply walk to the closest one that isn't occupied with Azure right by their side. He’s happy to explain whatever controls they feel confused by, at least, and that brings Two Time at ease rather than embarrassment at how unfamiliar all their surroundings are. Eventually they find themselves busy not by their own thoughts but by simply being there in the present and having fun— they’ve gone to so much different machines at this point, with so much tickets in their pockets and even having gone back to the front to buy more tokens and back to a machine Azure absolutely destroys them on (seriously, dance dance revolution was not for the weak). It’s so easy for Two Time to forget that they've never grown up with any of these, forget for a while that they’ve always been a fish in a birdcage not knowing that they’ve wanted to be saved until now.
With their stomach hurting from laughter and the small need to sit down for at least a moment, Azure pulls them into a small booth– it was really only meant for two people like them, Two Time thinks from how tight the space is, the walls of the little area are surrounded by pictures and pictures from faces of all ages, friends and families and lovers. A screen plays in front of them without any volume, flipping through different images with explanations of how to take their own photos, and both of them fall into silence as they take in the events of the night together. Eventually, Azure breaks it, looking at Two Time who still can’t take their eyes off the photos pasted around them.
“Are you having fun?"
"Yes. I should thank you, really, for bringing me here," Two Time replies, tearing their gaze away from the pictures and looking back at him only to realize they've been very, very close for probably a while now. The booth's lighting is dim, but they realize the slight redness in his cheeks is probably from them, and they avert their gaze not wanting to be caught staring. "I think this is the happiest I've been in a long while. A good change of pace."
"Really? I'm glad… You're glowing, you know. It's a good look on you," Azure says, eyes filled with something they don't truly understand yet. and the burn in Two Time's cheeks is undeniable at this point.
"Yeah?" The flush that creeps up on Two Time's face is undeniable at this point, but Azure doesn't seem to comment on it, similar to how they didn't.
"…Yeah." Azure then leans forward, clearing his throat in an attempt to not let silence grow in between them yet again. "Do you want to take a picture before we go?" He asks, moving forward to tap the screen in front of them, their shoulders brushing as he does. "I don't think it's too pricey… Oh, yeah, it isn't!"
Two Time watches him fish out his wallet from his pocket that isn't stuffed with tickets with ease and pulls out a few crumpled bills, flattening it out to insert it into the machine. A sudden thought wonders into their head, and they can't help but ask about it immediately. "May I ask… where did you get the money to bring me here?"
"It's, er, money before the community took me in. It's not much, but I stored it away and only use it in certain times of need."
Realization dawns on them, and they can't help but feel some sort of guilt that that money could be used for better things. Two Time never had a good understanding of it, but they knew enough to know that it's something that shouldn't be handled so lightly. Did they have fun more than Azure tonight, using more of their tokens than they should have? They were able to say they had fun, sure, but did their own companion feel the same too? A frown finds its way onto their face unknowingly. "I don't think spending that money that could be used for better things is good, Azure…"
They notice Azure looking at them now, even if their gaze is near the floor rather than the photos. "What do you mean, Times?"
"I'm not… I do not know. You could have used that money for something that would benefit you more, something more valuable, perhaps, rather than myself." The guilt is even more clearer in their tone, now, and Azure's hand finds their knee and squeezes it reassuringly, with Two Time's hands busy fidgeting with their scarf.
"I know that it doesn't seem like a very responsible way of spending, however you see it, but in my eyes it was a necessary expense. I have to remind you that bringing you here wasn't just for you, you know. It was for us," he reassures, voice soft, before it turns into something more lighthearted. "Besides, where else do you think I'd be spending this money? More mozzarella sticks?"
For your escape, Two Time thinks to themself, before Azure's grip on them tightens and they realize they said it out loud with him looking at them with wide eyes.
"I apologize," they say quickly, panic rising in their voice, "I did not mean to imply—"
"Two Time.… do you think I'm leaving the community? Leaving you?"
It was a simple question, but Two Time's mouth grew dry as they almost didn't want to answer. They had been devoted their entire life, sure, the Spawn looking upon them for as long as they had remembered. They've spent nights hunched over in prayer, stomach empty from fasting, only mirroring the acts they've seen from their peers throughout their life growing up. They knew how to turn a blind eye towards acts that did not benefit the community, learned that all they could simply do was pray, and pray and pray, powerless to do anything to save others who tried to defy the community's teachings. That was how they met Azure, in a way, the only one left behind in his family who had tore apart from the community they thought did the opposite. Though they were young back then and only slightly older now, Two Time was not blind to the fact that he'd want to leave eventually, too. To leave the community. To leave them. It was more than just a fear of their partnership being found out, the fear growing into Azure denying them entirely for them and their devotion. Because their deep devotion was powerful amongst anything else, even against their own so-called 'love,' as much as it pained them to think about, their prayers sometimes filled with a sick sense of hope that Azure would choose to stay, instead.
They choose not to lie, knowing it would only dampen the joy of the night either way. Their voice comes out small, hesitation evident in it. "I suppose so."
"Two Time, can you look at me for a moment? Please," his tone seems kind, still, rather than scolding, and they hesitantly lift their head up and immediately want to look away with shame. Azure's expression isn't filled with any sort of anger, but rather some sort of deep sadness that they wish they didn't cause. "I want you to know that I truly do mean it when I say that I'm not leaving you. I guess I've… shown signs, sure, and keeping money secret is something to be frowned upon by the members and the Spawn itself, but I have no plans of leaving anytime soon. We're close, aren't we?"
"But you have every right to. Leave, I mean." Two Time mumbles, but Azure's gaze doesn't waver.
"Would you not say the same for yourself? I believe both of us have the freedom to, even if it's more difficult for you."
"I… I'm not leaving the community, Azure. That is not an option." And the way Two Time says it sounds like they're so very sure of themselves with no space for argument, and Azure simply does a understanding nod in response, as if knowing it's a pointless thing to further talk about.
"I'll drop it, I'm sorry if that brought you distress," Two Time is about to retort, but Azure continues before they can. "I just want you to know I'd like to stay by your side. I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to make you happy. Your happiness is my own, Two Time."
Their words echo in their mind for a little while, and it makes Two Time's heart ache, filled with some sort of hope for a possibility of them both in the future. "That sounds quite special enough to be a confession of it's own, Azure," they say lightheartedly, wanting to lighten the mood, but a darker flush makes its way back into Azure's face. His mouth opens and closes once again as Two Time notices he seems to be deep in thought, and it's only then that they seem to slowly regret their own choice of words from the implications it carried. "Um. Shall we take the pictures, now?"
"Right! Yes, we can," he jolts, moving to press the prompt shown on the screen, and they both can see themselves now on it. "Look at the camera, not the screen, okay?"
Two Time's gaze goes up to the camera that would have blended in with the booth's black background if not for the large red arrow taped on top of it. "I don't think I would miss it even if I tried."
Azure follows their gaze, realizes, and then awkwardly laughs. "Ahaha, I guess not…"
Before another unnecessary long silence stretches out yet again, the countdown timer flickers on the screen, and Two Time gives a hesitant smile to the camera. Azure grins in a similar nature, both their stances somewhat stiff yet still close enough similar to the polaroid photo they had taken so long ago, only without their arm over their shoulder. The camera flashes, but a countdown doesn't start again immediately after it does, the screen frozen in place while it indicated they still had 2 more photos to take.
"That's… weird." He clicks on the screen again, and when it doesn't show any sign of changing, he repeats the same action before sighing. Without the distraction of photos to keep the silence away, it had slipped in again, and before Two Time could wallow in their thoughts they take the opportunity to put their struggling emotions to words for once.
"I was hoping to ask about …. um, no. I just wanted to let you know that I'm not leaving you either, though if this is something out of nowhere. I'd like to stay by your side. If you'll let me."
"Two Time…? I…"
"Please, let me continue," They choke out, their hand finding his free one and feeling even more embarrassed at the situation. "I'm nowhere close to being good at words unlike you, or even actions for that matter, but my affection for you runs deeper than I could have ever thought. And I've never been this scared before, so I hope you understand that this truly does come from the bottom of my heart: I like you."
Click. The camera only works then, and though Azure stares at the screen with bewilderment at how it had only worked then, Two Time can't take their eyes off the other— with hand covering their mouth in an attempt to hide their flustered expression, it's very difficult to look away. And even more difficult to bury their urges, already knowing their closeness.
"May I kiss you?" Two Time asks, and though it seems Azure is still at a loss for words, he nods, and they waste no time to cradle their face with both hands mimicking how Azure had always done it to press their lips against his. It's shorter than their usual kisses, but they melt into it with ease despite their trembling fingers. For the first time, they aren't scared of defying what they've known their entire life, but instead messing up right in front of someone they love. Azure's hands find their way around their waist loosely, savoring the sweetness of it before they both eventually have to pull away. It's Azure who speaks first, voice a little breathless.
"…I like you too, if kissing you back wasn't a good answer enough," he murmurs, and Two Time can't help but smile a little shyly, heart fluttering in their chest. It's a foreign feeling, but it's enough for them to want to kiss Azure again, though they put a stop to the mental images that appear in case they get carried away in another public space out of all the places. With Azure's arms still around them, they pull Two Time into a comforting hug. "I could never think about leaving you, Times. Never."
His admission is quiet and sincere, and for a moment, Two Time lets their worries fade away and presses themself closer into the hug, arms wrapping around him too. The silence that fills the booth isn't awkward but rather something welcoming, and sooner or later they both leave the tight space, hand in hand. Azure stops suddenly, looking back at the photo booth and crouching right near the curtained entrance. When they rise, there's a glossy paper in their hands that Two Time isn't really sure yet what it is, until Azure hands them the small strip— they feel embarrassed by the sight of three pictures of the both of them awkwardly smiling, then the middle being what Two Time can only think was during their confession, and the last being their kiss.
"Turns out the photo booth was functioning, but I didn't hear it take that last photo…" Azure says, clearly embarrassed as well, pocketing the strip as they move to hold Two Time's hand again, the other arm busy with the stuffed animal squeezed between it and their body.
"Neither did I," Two Time replies, mind still slightly reeling from the events that transpired. "Shall we go back home?"
"It is getting a little late." He hums in agreement, and they end up making a quick stop to the prize shop to see what they might be able to redeem with the tickets they have. Azure seems to pick his prize with ease, a few candies and a squeezable ball he says is something for stress relief, but Two Time feels stuck at all the unfamiliar items in front of them. Azure, noticing their hesitance, describes all the items to the best of their ability.
"You could get that… uh… what was it called? A fidget spinner," he says, pointing at one of the children's toys stacked in small boxes with something looking like metal inside. "I believe these were popular, but I feel like you could do with any sort of fidget, really…"
"This is turning out to be quite a difficult decision. Would it not be better for me to hand over my tickets to you?"
"It's your hard work, you know." Azure states, leaving no more room for Two Time to say otherwise. They decide to make their own choice this time, one without hesitation or with wanting Azure to do so for them, and picks up a puzzle that Azure had described earlier was a Rubik's cube. It was a simple choice as it was easy to hide, but they felt that it would keep their thoughts busy whenever they had downtime, too. Even though it was something small, the thought of owning something like it seemed to bring Two Time joy— they've been making a lot of choices today, and though one of them was much more serious than a little toy like this, it truly did feel like a step forward. Azure doesn't question their choice, only looking at them with a soft smile as they make their way back towards the grassy clearing that they had met at earlier in the night.
Two Time, of course, is hesitant to let go of them all too soon, knowing they'd most likely be unable to rest well tonight. They could say the same about Azure, too, with how tight his grip on them is still. A mumbled confession from him is what puts Two Time's feelings into words: "I don't want to leave you yet."
They don't need to reply to that, of course— Azure is led to their room, neither of them making any effort to get ready for bed as they end up in each other's embrace under the covers, sweet kisses shared between them, and Two Time relishes in the warmth and comfort that they provide, happy to not hide their feelings any longer. They had expected a deeper passion that Azure had always slipped in during their little make-out sessions before, but they weren't complaining with them feeling more closer now.
"You're rather red." They end up teasing him lightly with how they can't keep away their lips from his as if they hadn't done it a thousand times as friends. Azure lets out a huff as he looks over Two Time's face, seemingly more content on their bed than they seemed on his own.
"You know you're the cause of it," he replies, then his voice takes on a softer tone, a twinge of vulnerability showing on his features. The change almost startles Two Time, but they only tighten their embrace around him as some sort of reassurance. "You won't leave me too, right?"
"I won't," they whisper, voice tender. "I'd never imagine it."
And for once in their life, Two Time feels content— no fear or worry clouding their thoughts that bring them to sleep quite easily, along with their partner's fingers going through their hair. They know they won't be left behind, that even their love would flourish in a place as seemingly as cold as this.
---
"I didn't know there was a Rubik's cube around here," Elliot remarks, and it really does take a few seconds for Two Time to realize he's talking to them as they sit in one of the beanbag chairs by the TV. The air is filled with an anxious buzz as the survivors ready for another round in this new sort of hell they were all brought into, Two Time hearing the faint voice of Guest 1337 discussing plans a floor below. Elliot's voice is clearly tired, but still kind as always. "…Sorry if I disturbed you. The others told me to get you."
They realize their lack of reply was most likely off putting, and they set aside the Rubik's cube in a spot they know nobody will care to look at. "Nothing to be sorry about," they reply, standing up from the chair whilst still looking at the cube. "The toy does not belong to this world. It had been with me without my knowledge when I was forsakened." It was not the only thing that had been brought with them, they think, mind flashing the different trinkets that was hidden on the drawer of their nightstand. A ring. A crumpled up ticket. A petal. A pocket sized booklet of prayers to the Spawn. More that they struggled to remember, having closed the compartment the moment they had opened it. Two Time didn't know if they were a blessing or a curse, or some kind of torture, with most if not all of the things reminding them of him.
"Oh. Same here, though I don't really remember putting it in my pockets…" Elliot shares, pulling out a folded up Polaroid of a less exhausted looking him along with a girl and an older man. Two Time isn't sure what had caused him to share such a personal thing, but they thought that this may have been the cause of whatever had brought them here rather than their own doing, and Elliot wanted to share his suspicions.
"Your family?" Two Time asks, which he nods in response to, a melancholic look in his eyes.
"Yeah. I miss them. And my job, if that even makes sense," he laughs out the last part, most likely not wanting to bring the mood down. He folds down the paper as if it could easily rip apart in his hands and pockets it, a short silence filling the air as he does. "Do you?"
Two Time tilts their head slightly in question. "Do I what?"
"Miss someone," he says, but continues before Two Time has the chance to reply. Elliot gives a small, awkward smile, scratching the back of his neck as his face is clear of regret of blurting it out. It's clear that playing the role of customer service still influences him in some way until now. "Sorry again… That's a little too personal, isn't it."
Two Time shakes their head in response, and it's a quick glance at the watch everyone is given that makes the two decide to finally head downstairs to not keep the others waiting. It's there as they almost descend the staircase that they end up blurting it out—
"I miss someone too."
Elliot stops in the middle of the steps, looking back at Two Time with surprise clear in his features, and his face softens in a way that reminds them of Azure, looking down at the living room thoughtfully. He doesn't respond, and Two Time is glad he doesn't, not wanting to be offered some sort of comfort or reassurance when they know how him including the other survivors look at them. Not when they already feel robbed enough of everything. Both Two Time and Elliot reach downstairs, heading towards the dining room and leaving their heavy thoughts behind them, knowing it wouldn't do any good for the incoming round with important roles to play.