Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Builderman sighed as a report blared through headquarters. The completely elusive hacker, who’d been given the alias “C00LGUY” (as they’d personally referred to themself) in absence of information, had resurfaced again, loitering outside of a small town diner. Most likely their next target, and within the hour.

One thing about this person, he’d come to notice, was that they could cause catastrophic errors and yet seemed to be using their GUI for entertainment.

He had an idea to catch them, but it truly was a 50/50 shot.

He approached Telamon with the little documentation that could be gathered on C00LGUY, and laid it out in front of him.

“Hey, pal. Got a job I need help with,” He said, waving a hand over what they had. “C00LGUY’s been spotted again, and I think we can catch ‘em. But I need someone whose… mindset, somewhat matches theirs.”

Telamon scoffed, examining the document with cold eyes. “You compare my morals with that of a lowly heathen hiding behind their own exploits?”

“Not necessarily,” Builderman replied. “Just a thought. You seem to enjoy your powers the same way.”

He was met with a long, reluctant sigh from Telamon. “I suppose I have the time for this.”

“That’s the spirit!” Builderman turned while still speaking. “We need to drop in near this little diner,” he said while displaying it in a spectating window. “If we time it right we can intervene right as they’re starting their whole charade.”

They transported themselves to a street just a block down from the restaurant, keeping an eye on C00LGUY’s general area from afar. Once the use of their GUI was apparent, they could rightfully ambush them.

It took a while, almost long enough that it started to seem like a false report. But then, just as they were about to call it and return to headquarters, a thin pillar of smoke started rising from the building.

They teleported to the entrance quickly, Builderman scanning around as Telamon readied a hand above his sword. They spotted C00LGUY standing on spidery legs within the pizzeria, shrouded in black and red, furiously typing on the GUI panel as flame and corruption ran through the seating area and spread to the kitchen.

Builderman pulled out his own command panel, intending to simply disable theirs and be done with this incident quickly. But they quickly reacted, concentrating their firestarter on his jacket sleeve.

He sharply gasped in pain, putting the flame out rapidly and regenerating as C00LGUY spoke.

“S-So I’ve got the atte-e-ention of the {BIG_BOSS} now,” rang their modulated voice, captioned by a small box beside their head. Their “face” displayed a “=)” emoticon. “I sure-ure am going places!”

The order screens, or what was left of them now, flashed brightly with various “You’ve won!” virus screens, before shattering in a sharp explosion.

Telamon almost gleefully unsheathed the Illumina, taking the attack on Builderman as an excuse to retaliate. A thin smile spread across his face as he adjusted his grip. “This one is irritatingly egotistical,” he remarked under his breath.

Builderman’s voice amplified through the room as he began to speak. “Give up the GUI and drop any gears you may have in your inventory, and ya might just get off with jail time.” He was lying through his teeth, and not very effectively.

C00LGUY made a strangled, glitching sound that sounded somewhat like a laugh.

“G-G-Give up what I’ve ma-ade for {MYSELF} and go to pri-i-ison… you’re a very [FUNNY GUY].” They swiped through the panel quickly, using an invisibility hack. Teleporting would take too long in their current position.

They waved “goodbye”as the code completely shrouded them from sight.

Builderman cursed and began to pull out his command panel again, but Telamon put out a hand to stop him.

“Let me hunt them down,” He reassured with amusement lacing his voice. “For me, their footsteps will be no issue to hear.”

Builderman hesitated to agree, but Telamon continued. “Besides, is this not why you dragged me along? Telamon does not fail.”

He walked to the back of the building, leaving Builderman to do damage control.

When he reached the back door, he noticed it swung slightly ajar. He grinned with satisfaction. They’d been sloppy.

The exploiter’s footsteps on the concrete behind the building were faint and muffled, but they were present. Telamon trailed behind the sound, waiting for C00LGUY to reveal themself.

They did eventually, believing the coast was clear, and that was when he pounced. Telamon enlarged his form, swiftly closing the gap between him and C00LGU and wrapping a hand around their neck to lift them off the ground before they could react.

“You sure are a fascinating one,” he mocked in a low tone. “What motive could someone like you have? What could you possibly gain from all of this?”

C00LGUY struggled to free themself from his grip, swatting and scratching at his hand to no avail. As they lost focus, their confident mask slipped just slightly.

“Ah, quitting already? Does the great Telamon make your resolve break so easily?” he mocked them with a cold laugh. “Soon your  weak facade will fall, and you will be cast to the Banlands. Give yourself up… as advised.”

A warbled chuckle choked its way out of C00LGUY.

“Gi-i-ive up? Who d-do you think-ink you areee?” they cackled, grabbing their sides. “I-I-I’m not [SCARED] of you-ou, {TELAMON}.”

He smirked, gripping just a bit tighter. “And why is that? I could kill you right now. Ban you before you can blink.”

Their emoticon became a “=)” once again.“You do-do-don’t know who I a-am. I-I have the {UPPER HAND} here. Can’t ba-a-a-an someone you [CAN’T FIND]!”

Telamon sighed, pressing them into the cold brick of the diner wall. “You don’t have to make this so difficult.” He leaned in closer, enough to brush against the code that hid theirs. “I will figure you out. You will give up eventually, because I can wait this out as long as it ta—“

He was interrupted by teeth— no, fangs—  sinking into his face.

He raised a hand to his jaw, where beads of blood were now forming, and his eyes darkened. “Did you just… bite me?”

“You-ou-ou wouldn’t shut up, I-I did what I cou-ould.” They shrugged, laughing emojis scrolling across the mask. “Also, ma-a-ade for a [GREAT DISTRACTION]!”

C00LGUY had started the teleportation command while Telamon was more concerned with his new wound, and they disappeared before he could even process.

His new project had slipped through his fingers like sand.

Telamon stalked back into the building, holding his now bleeding face. He swung the door open just hard enough not to break it, but enough to make an impact.

Builderman looked over from where he was discussing damage with the building’s owner. “Did you… not catch them?”

“ Worse, ” Telamon seethed, his wings bristling. “They made a mockery of me. And desecrated my image.” He moved his hand, covered in blood akin to his quickly healing bite.

Builderman held back a chuckle, even through disappointment.

”Save it,” Telamon hissed when he noticed.

“I will find them. And they will pay for what they’ve done.”

——————

007n7 paced around his dorm after dropping the “C00LGUY” mask, the absence of his roommate giving him time to think. He’d just set Builderman himself on fire, then taunted the most terrifying admin before getting away with it. He’d injured Telamon. Telamon.  He was so unbelievably fucked.

He ran his hands along the bruise that had formed on his neck, replaying his first and hopefully last interaction with Telamon repeatedly in his mind. He’d screwed himself over with this one. He was sure to be caught and banned, while that stupid, smug man laughed.

But the more he thought about it, the more he almost hoped he’d get caught again.

Fuck, no he didn’t. What was he thinking? That man more than likely wanted him dead a million times over and he was attracted to that? 007n7 couldn’t believe himself.

He groaned and slid to the floor, face buried in his hands. Today was probably both his best and worst day yet.

And it would in no way be his last encounter with Telamon.

Chapter Text

Telamon’s efforts to locate C00LGUY over the next year had mostly been in vain. He regularly checked for updates, new appearances that hadn’t happened before the time of the report, anything he could. He gathered as much information on them as possible. But there was no foolproof way to track them, and no lead on their appearance. He had to admit it was close to genius.

Eventually, life gave way to other duties, and his focus had to shift. Even with C00LGUY nagging at the back of his mind the entire time.

But just as the hacker was drifting into obscurity, there was another sighting, this time with an accomplice.

C00LGUY had stuck to their habits even as time went on, never escalating enough to really make a mark on society. Akin to their last encounter with the admins, they were terrorizing a restaurant yet again. Now they’d decided to hit a pizzeria.

A larger team was sent in this time, having learned from their mistakes. They went in expecting a situation similar to the first response, confident they’d be able to catch both hackers now.

When the force that had been selected arrived, their faces immediately fell. Flames were consuming the building as citizens ran out in a panic.

A few moderators took over crowd control, while some went with Builderman to stop the fire. Telamon scanned the area, and seeing the situation aptly covered, set out to find C00LGUY. And maybe their partner, if there was time.

Examining the area around the pizzeria, he noticed a thin trail of ash leading into the alleyway behind it, walled in by vacant homes.

He stayed on high alert as he followed the trail through the door of one, half expecting to be ambushed. Instead, he found C00LGUY slumped on the floor fumbling with a jammed GUI, their black and red corruption no longer extending past their face.

“You’ve kept your embarrassing lack of stealth,” he said from the doorway, hand resting on his sword’s hilt. He swung the door closed behind him.

C00LGUY stood on shaking legs, covering themself again as they fumbled with the controls, arachnid legs flickering in and out of reality. “Long time no-o-o see, {TELAMON}. Di-Di-Did ya miss {ME} that mu-uch?” They taunted, flinching a little with every breath taken.

“You are in no position to be so cocky,” Telamon replied, taking a step forward.

C00LGUY took one back to match, raising their hand as if it was a shield.

“Where’s your little friend?” He questioned with another step.

“They’re [LONG GONE] by now, bu-buddy,” they replied with accompanying laughing SFX.

Telamon quickly pounced, tackling and pinning them to the ground by their wrists. “You won’t be sneaky with your little exploits this time. Telamon learns from his mistakes.” His grip threatened to pierce through their disguise. “And no matter what, he makes those like you pay for what they’ve done.”

C00LGUY grunted beneath him, trying to throw his hands off or kick him from below. Admittedly they couldn’t try quite as hard as they would normally, but their efforts were in vain.

Telamon leaned down, speaking in a cold yet mocking tone. “Your little antics last time we met particularly irked me. It’s as if you don’t realize just who you’re dealing with.”

C00LGUY’s mask managed to somehow convey their annoyance through symbols. “Do-o-o you EVER SHU-U-UT UP about tha-at? We-e get it, you’re-ou’re [ABOVE US ALL]. Rub i-i-i-it in all ya-a want, it doe-doesn’t make you a-as superior as you-ou-ou think!” Their tone was sing-songy now, classic “=)” returning.

Telamon stared at them blankly for a moment, before realizing how he could change his approach. He sighed, shaking his head. His demeanor shifted like a flipped switch and he laughed, voice lulling as he began to speak again.

“You know, maybe you don’t have to be as far below me as you describe. I shouldn’t be disclosing this now, but… someone with your capabilities could make quite the asset for us. If you stopped wasting your time and your life by committing crime.” His smile widened as he went on. “If you just give up, apologize… show yourself…” He tilted his head, taloned finger poking at the shroud concealing their identity.

“No th-th-thanks, I like my-y {LITTLE GANG} better. But! We’re ki-kinda similar, {TELAMON}. Your ta-alent, brain, u-uh… looks…” The mask blipped through a mix of unintelligible combinations, struggling to keep up with their emotion. “You could di-ditch them and-and join me-e-e!”

“Your flattery and assumption that I would stoop to your level are pathetic,” Telamon criticized. “But I will say, you are correct about one thing. I only took this task because of our… overlap in personality.” He stared down at them through narrowed eyes.

“You are quite intriguing,” he admitted, leaning closer. “Shame you don’t want to become better acquainted. I would just love to figure you out.”

“Hey-ey woah, are we fighting or flir-ir-irting now?” C00LGUY joked, really hoping for the latter. Before they could avoid it, their mask flashed with an attempt at blushing. Just for a moment, before they managed to override it.

Telamon pulled back, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. ‘Flirting’ hadn’t once crossed his mind. The accusation was uncalled for. Even if his obsession was fairly akin to infatuation, it could easily be a fluke. Explained away like any other misunderstanding. But the idea wasn’t exactly… appalling. Yes, maybe he’d grown some inkling of feeling for them, in an almost parasocial manner. But genuine attraction?

He stared at the wavering code beneath him. He’d never seen their face, or heard their true voice, but something about them did invoke that feeling. Maybe he would entertain it.

He had to make a decision, act before the silence now sitting between them became unbearable.

A calm smile returned to his lips, and he let out an amused laugh, finger now tracing around their guarded face. “It could be whichever you prefer… if you would just unmask for me.”

C00LGUY scoffed, at least that was what the noise sounded like. “I’m no-no-not [THAT STUPID],” they spat as they turned their head away.

”I don’t doubt your intelligence. How else could you have evaded our forces for this long?” Telamon replied, voice dripping with false praise. Though was it truly false? “Evaded me for this long? It takes a sharp mind to achieve such a feat.”

C00LGUY clenched their fists, trying their absolute best not to fold. Everything in them hoped their partner would pick them up before they did something stupid.

”Maybe I won’t tell a soul,” Telamon pried. “You get what you so clearly, pathetically desire and walk free until I manage to catch you all over again.” He smiled thinly. “Fair trade, no?”

“I’ll show-ow-ow you {DESIRE},” C00LGUY muttered, mask dropping just from their lips as they grabbed the collar of Telamon’s robes with their free hand. Without giving him time to react, they mustered what strength they could to drag him down.

The kiss was abrupt but somewhat fulfilling, much to their joy.

Telamon pulled back in shock, rare confusion making his words stumble out of him. “Why would— That was—”

”Be-etter than you c-c-could’ve imagined? I’d sa-a-ay the same,” they interrupted, flashing him a far too smug grin.

Telamon composed himself quickly. ”Could do with some improvement,” he disagreed, before leaning back in to redo it properly.

C00LGUY felt the remaining grip on their wrist loosen, and for a moment they thought of taking advantage of the moment. They could teleport again, surely the c00lgui had taken enough time to cool off.

But they’d fantasized about this for so much longer than they’d want to admit.

Their arms wrapped around the back of Telamon’s neck instead of the GUI, pulling themself up to be sitting beneath him.

Telamon’s hands had slid down to their torso, pulling himself into a straddling position. He kissed like he was eating, like if he didn’t memorize their taste they’d disappear again.

C00LGUY was more than happy to provide. Everything about this, about Telamon, exceeded expectations. They’d never felt so euphoric outside of hacking.

Telamon broke away to take a breath. “This is not… how I imagined this encounter turning out…” he panted, brushing a lock of hair from his face.

“You-ou-ou wouldn’t wanna kn-know what I imagined!” C00LGUY replied, pulling him back in.

C00LGUY was beginning to tug at the belt holding Telamon’s robes closed when a bright purple haze began to swarm them. God, this was the worst timing possible.

“Shi-i-it,” they groaned into his mouth. “I wa-a-asn’t ready yet-t—“

The anomaly disappeared along with them, leaving Telamon grasping empty air.

Now he certainly had something to think about.

He straightened himself up, slowly walking back to the pizzeria to— against his better judgement— lie his way out of this.

Builderman sighed when he walked in empty handed again. “What happened this time?”

“It was very much a blur,” Telamon replied as he passed. “I hope, however, that they won’t be reappearing for a while.”

——————

007n7 was dropped onto the floor in front of Noli still out of breath. The mask dropped, leaving his disheveled appearance completely exposed as he dragged a hand down his face.

“What the hell was holding you up, Seven?” Noli asked, dropping down to inspect him. “You look like you got hit by a bus.”

”What a compliment,” 007n7 replied with what sarcasm he had left. “The fire got a little out of control and made the c00lgui overheat, so I got stuck,” he admitted while wiping his mouth. Not the full truth, but it was fine.

”You need water,” Noli said far too matter-of-factly. “And maybe a hospital, but we’re too broke for that. Just wait here, I’ll be right back.”

007n7 nodded absentmindedly, running a hand through his hair. He loved Noli, really, but he also really wished he didn’t care so much. Things were just getting good.

It didn’t matter. At the rate he was going, he had no doubt he’d slip up and get found again. He just had to figure out how to make sure that happened.

That night would leave him with insane heatstroke, a concerning amount of smoke inhalation, and a lot of future regrets.

Making out with Telamon definitely wouldn’t be one of them, though.

Chapter Text

The universe seemed to hate 007n7.

Telamon had disappeared not long after their final interaction. The news left him with a troubling mix of emotions. Could he miss something that never really got to be his?

He’d wanted to confess everything that had happened to Noli, but a verbal beating wouldn’t really help him. So he kept it secret. He was good at keeping secrets.

He got past it, as he had to with all things. Telamon would be remembered by him as a fleeting fling.

Time passed. 007n7 changed with it. He’d fallen for Noli eventually, and they improved their hacking as the years went by. Both thought they’d never be caught, never separate. Life was finally great, as long as they were by each other’s side.

Until a baby was dropped at 007n7’s doorstep.

After taking in C00lkidd, he made an effort to improve. He hid the c00lgui away, promising himself he’d quit. Noli didn’t agree. He’d left, his last words to 007n7 were that he hoped the kid would be gone if they ever met again. Life wasn’t so great.

But once again, he got past it. He raised his son through the hardships, and he knew it was the best decision he’d ever made. The boy taught him how to be kind, to feel genuine happiness. He improved and grew, and he thought that was that. He’d grow old as a father to a child that made him endlessly proud.

That was, until C00lkidd found the c00lgui in a box of old belongings. He’d let him use it. “Just once” spiraled into a constant, and then everything went downhill again.

C00lkidd disappeared just after his 10th birthday. He’d been excitedly sifting through presents one minute, then just gone when 007n7 went to get his camera. He’d searched for months, everywhere he could. But even with help, he knew he’d lost everything else already. He hit rock bottom. And when he gave up and pulled the trigger, he felt like that same stupid college kid again, the one who’d never truly escape his own shitty decisions.

——————

And of course, instead of a peaceful afterlife, he’d be met with a rough wooden floor.

——————

When he slowly came to, he could see a few people leaning over him through blurred vision. Was this some hallucination? A welcoming into hell? It couldn’t be anything better, he certainly wasn’t comfortable.

“Hey, finally awake, newbie?” A man with thick, curly hair asked. His voice was muffled, but grounding. This was definitely real.

He began to sit up, every pain receptor in him immediately screaming. It brought him back to the floor, groaning in pain as he clutched his head in agony.

The crowd of three backed off a bit, sharing concerned glances.

007n7 gripped the floorboards, pushing himself up. “Where… where am I…” he asked through shallow breaths.

He could barely hear himself speaking. His head was swimming with pain and confusion. But he was knocked out of it by hands— claws, almost— gripping his shoulders.

He yelped as the curly haired one met his eyes.

“You alright, dude?”

“U-Uhm, just need a minute, my head is…” He trailed off, pressing his eyes shut as he laid back down.

As if he were underwater, he could hear the others speaking.

“Finally someone else is here,” one remarked. “I was getting tired of you and Matt, Builder.”

“Yer one to talk,” ‘Builder’ replied. “The same jokes of yours on repeat woulda made me go crazy before this place ever did.”

They both chuckled, while 007n7 drifted into something like sleep.

——————

007n7 sat up what felt like hours later. Squinting to look around the cabin, he shakily rose to his feet.

The others noticed, moving to greet him. He couldn’t make their faces.

“Feeling better?” The grey one asked. ‘Builder’, he thought. His voice was very familiar, but 007n7 couldn’t hear it quite right.

“I… guess I am.” He looked toward the floor. “Uhm, did a pair of glasses happen to come with me?”

“Oh!” One of them exclaimed, fishing through his pockets. “I held onto ‘em while you were passed out there. Might be a little scuffed.” He handed them over.

“Thank you,” 007n7 said while wiping them off with his shirt. “Do any of you know where we…” He trailed off as all three came into clearer view. He was standing in front of Builderman himself, and two admins whose names he couldn’t quite place in the moment. He hadn’t kept up much with the higher ups since Telamon’s era. His past just had to keep coming back to him.

He cleared his throat before finishing his sentence, deciding it was best not to make it apparent how intimidated he was. “…Where we are?”

Builderman sighed, shaking his head. “None of us have a clue. Don’t remember how we got here either.” He glanced at the curly haired one, who was nodding solemnly. “Shed, wanna show this one around?”

“Matt’s the one who lived here. Wouldn’t he be a better tour guide?” The one who 007n7 could now place as Shedletsky replied.

“Eh, I need him ta keep watch with me. If one other person showed, there could be more. You know yer way around.”

“Alright,” Shedletsky replied with a shrug. “Fair enough.” He turned to 007n7 with a welcoming smile.

“You look kinda familiar,” Shedletsky remarked while they were leaving the cabin. “What’s your name, new guy?”

“007n7,” he replied as they began to walk the area, very aimlessly for what was supposed to be a tour.

“Ohh, you’re the one with the kid that kept terrorizing that poor pizzeria. Heh, Builder said it reminded him of some hacker before my employment. Got real worked up about it.” He chuckled.

007n7 tensed at the mention of C00LGUY, realizing how many walls he’d have to put up to protect himself. He couldn’t be given just one break. “Ah… yeah,” he replied. “I was too lenient with him. Don’t even know where he got the command… panel…” He trailed off, eyes saddening.

“I’ll drop the topic,” Shedletsky said when he noticed, quickly shifting the conversation. “The outside’s restricted. Can’t go too far or you run into a barrier. So we just stick to the main cabin, which I’ll show you now…”

007n7 stopped paying attention to the man’s voice, locking in on his face. He seemed familiar in a way he couldn’t pinpoint, but felt so distant. He shrugged it off as just his mind being muddled. He had a new prison to get acquainted with.

And he had to befriend these people as if he hadn’t once set one of them on fire.

Chapter Text

After a “night’s” rest, the four who were there sat in the living room to discuss.

“So,” 007n7 began. “Do any of you know what the point of all this is? I’d expected something to happen. But… it’s just a peaceful woods. Not necessarily my idea of, I don’t know, limbo.”

“Ah, where animals used to roam. ‘Tis why I made this place my home,” Dusekkar commented dreamily.

“Nothing much has gone on since we got here,” Builderman admitted. “Not sure why this place exists, or how we’re here.”

“My personal thought is that we’re in some sort of purgatory,” Shedletsky announced. “Except without all the dying. Personally, I feel pretty alive.”

Builderman bumped him with his elbow. “Cool it with the conspiracy theories. Makes no sense anyway. Why would it just be us four, and in Matt’s house of all places? It just ain’t rational. Our best guess should be it’s all a glitch, or some hacker. Not the greatest options either way.”

“Hey, your whole thing is ‘Powering Imagination’,” Shedletsky retorted with a painfully unserious attempt at a frown.

007n7 had drowned them out, hand unconsciously resting on where he now had an evident scar. Panic set in slowly. Had he been saved? Was this really a place after death? Would he ever see C00lkidd again? It was all that made sense. God, everything had gone wrong—

He felt a nudge at his arm, interrupting his thoughts. Shedletsky had noticed 007n7’s small crisis, his tone softening from the little argument he’d provoked. “You alright, man?”

007n7 snapped up, clearing his throat. “Yes, just— tired, is all. Worried about getting back. With my… my kid at home.”

The other three exchanged knowing glances.

“Well,” Builderman said to break the silence. “I’m sure we’ll figure it out soon. Got some of the brightest minds here! And Shed.”

Shedletsky kicked his foot, unable to hold back a grin. “Hey, I contributed a ton back in my better days.”

Builderman shot him a warning glare, glancing between him and 007n7. “Ya mean earlier in yer decade on a team that’s been around for millennia?”

Shedletsky laughed awkwardly, having forgotten it wasn’t just the three of them anymore. “Hey, 15 years is pretty significant when you think about it.”

007n7 picked up on the tension and stood from his seat. “I’m gonna look around a bit. Clear my head.” He left, shoving his hands into his pockets.

——————

When he was sure 007n7 had left, Shedletsky started speaking again.

“That guy… reminds me of someone. Like—“ He glanced towards the door, voice quieting. “Someone I knew as Telamon. You know how I can sorta feel when I meet someone from ‘his’ life?”

Builderman nodded, obviously winding up for a rant. “I just remember his son being a real pain in the ass. My best guess is the kid got the command panel from 007n7, who could’ve been—“

“I’m not hearing your ‘C00LGUY’ theory for the millionth time, ya hypocrite. He doesn’t quite seem like the type to have been a terrorist,” Shedletsky interjected. “I mean, just look at him.”

Dusekkar cleared his throat. “While I see the argument of both sides, with Shedletsky my opinion resides. Benefit of the doubt is my decree, as we learn about this man and his identity.”

“Just saying the whole theme was way too alike,” Builderman argued. “Plus, Telamon had some sort of… weird ego-hurt rivalry with ‘em. Could be yer guy.”

Small bits of memory swam through Shedletsky’s mind, trying to piece themselves together. Nothing really came to him, it never did. “Nah, I don’t see it. But you know me, I’m gonna hang around a bit to figure him out.”

“Just don’t look too much like a stalker. Left those days behind,” Builderman warned with a barely held back chuckle.

Shedletsky scoffed and stood up. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

——————

Shedletsky left the cabin, scanning around for any sign of 007n7. When he couldn’t find him outside, he checked the outer cabins.

He found 007n7 sitting on the floor, head in his hands. He could hear the shake in his breath, like he’d just been crying.

“You look like you could use some company,” he ventured carefully.

007n7 didn’t respond for an uncomfortable stretch of time. But eventually, he sighed and made a gesture of resignation, so Shedletsky sat down beside him.

They stayed in silence for a while, each waiting for the other to speak first. It was heavy, more like a thick blanket than a weight.

Eventually, Shedletsky spoke up again. “You don’t have to talk about it, but I can tell when something’s wrong. Contrary to what Builderman says, I may be the sharpest tool in their shed,” he joked. “Pun intended. …Don’t tell him I said that though.”

007n7 managed a small laugh that more resembled a scoff, shaking his head. There wasn’t quite a smile to match. “I’ll be fine. But thank you for the concern. Even if I don’t… really deserve it.”

He didn’t elaborate, and Shedletsky didn’t ask. He just patted him on the shoulder.

“I’m sure we’ll all get outta this alright. You seem like a smart guy, I’m sure Builder and Matt would love your help figuring this whole thing out.”

“Eh, I wouldn’t say I’m that smart. Most I did was in college, back when…” He trailed off, realizing he was about to say too much. He really would have to be careful. “Back when I took tougher courses. Think I went through burnout,” he lied.

Shedletsky laughed in response. “Can’t be that bad.”

”You really overestimate my capabilities,” 007n7 retorted weakly. “In my ‘prime’ I might’ve been a little useful. But I’m not as collected anymore, I suppose. Everything about this is just so…” He shook his head. “How do you stay put together?” It was a rhetorical question, but it hung in the air like fog.

Shedletsky thought about it for a moment, then sighed. “We don’t, really. We joke around and wait for something to happen like we have any hope we’re going home soon.” After a few seconds, he perked up again. “But uh, hey, we can’t be here forever. If this is all just a weird glitch like Builderman thinks, the staff’ll iron it out within the next few days.” He draped an arm around 007n7, who flinched at the sudden contact. “Don’t get too worried.”

He looked away to hide the uncertainty in his eyes.

007n7 had never seen someone’s mood switch so fast. But he was somewhat reassured. Shedletsky had such a confident demeanor, it was hard to be pessimistic around him. It was nice, though. To have a little hope. Maybe he was right, they’d get out soon, and 007n7 would get another chance at life. 

Neither of them really believed their own optimism, though. Really they’d just get by until tomorrow, as many tomorrows as possible before they all went insane.

Chapter Text

Time passed. None of them knew exactly how much. But with new “days” came unpredictability. The initial four had been sitting together, talking about anything but the topic of their imprisonment, when they heard a thud from behind.

Another person had arrived, and 007n7 recognized this one.

When he woke eventually, the man shot up gasping for air like he hadn’t breathed in hours. He was panicked and frantic, and 007n7 dropped to his side while the rest were trying to calm him.

”Elliot,” 007n7 started. His voice was calmer than he felt. “Breathe.” It was a bit simple, but it was what worked for C00lkidd. Though he wasn’t entirely sure if it would have the same effect on a grown man.

Elliot paused, the familiar voice breaking him out of shock. He turned, meeting 007n7’s eyes with a haunted stare. “Seven?” His chest tightened. “No, you can’t— you’re—“

It dawned on him, horrifying in its truth, that he couldn’t be seeing ghosts.

”No, no no no, I can’t be dead.”

Builderman glanced at 007n7, who looked almost afraid. “What’s this kid on about?” He questioned, concern seeping into his tone.

”I’m sure he’s just in shock—“ he was interrupted by Elliot, who’d been staring at him with growing emotion.

”You bastard!” He shouted, gripping 007n7’s collar. But the fury in his eyes reduced itself to tears quickly. “I could’ve helped you. All you had to do was come and ask. You could’ve just fucking come to me. But you wouldn’t—“ he choked up, trailing off as he wiped his face.

The admins had backed off, wondering whether they should intervene. It seemed best not to.

007n7 pushed away, eyes narrowing. “Are you kidding me? You just died and you’re already on my ass. You don’t get to be mad at me. Not now. You have no right—“

”I have every right!” Elliot shook him, not quite violently. But he was losing steam, desperation turning back to weak anger. “Everything went to hell within weeks. I get distracted for less than a minute, suddenly the pizzeria is in flames and I’ve ruined the business because you just had to leave. You went and died when your kid could still be out there, when I was there. God, if you weren’t such a coward neither of us would be here right now. Maybe C00lkidd wouldn’t have left in the first place.”

He realized a little too late what he’d just said.

“You keep my son’s name out of your mouth,” 007n7 hissed as he wrenched Elliot’s hands off of him and let him drop, standing on shaking legs. “Best you get comfortable, Elliot. Not like we’re going anywhere.” He left the cabin, door swinging closed gently behind him.

Builderman looked between the crumpled man on the floor and the entrance to the cabin. “What the hell just happened?”

Shedletsky spoke up next. “You two… help this guy out? I’ll find 007n7.” He glanced over his shoulder repeatedly as he walked out, the scene behind him still baffling.

He felt a lot of conflicting emotions. He pitied 007n7. But something else was mixed in with it, and it made his head spin trying to figure his own feelings out. It didn’t matter now, though. He had more important things to worry about.

——————

He didn’t have to search for long. 007n7 was sitting on the end of the docks, staring down at the murky water. Shedletsky warily sat beside him.

”That was a lot,” he said, folding his hands in his lap. “I’m not the greatest at intentional comfort, but I am here for you. If you wanna talk.”

007n7 barely acknowledged him for a while. The absence of any sound or contact was cold, and lonely. For both of them.

Shedletsky stared up at the night sky, hands now resting at his sides. Eventually, he sighed and dropped his gaze. “I’ll leave you be.”

As he was standing, 007n7’s voice finally came weakly from behind him.

”I thought I could just go along with what you said,” he admitted. “We’re all fine, we’ll get out of this soon. I clung to whatever stupid hope I could pull together, that I’d get to go back to normal. That this was my sign to keep trying.” His voice shook as he continued. “He’s right. I am a coward. All I do is run from my mistakes, and when I couldn’t anymore my life became pointless. I didn’t deserve it in the first place.”

Shedletsky didn’t say anything yet. He just observed. 007n7 wasn’t angry about what had happened. He wasn’t even sad. He just seemed completely defeated.

He thought about what he’d want, if he were ever in this position. A really long hug sounded nice.

He dropped back down next to 007n7, pulling him closer. He wrapped around him in layers. Arms first, then he brought his wings around, decidedly trying to imitate a blanket. He rested his chin on the top of 007n7’s head, letting his eyes drift closed. “Everyone deserves to live. Don’t think you’re too special, pal.”

More silence. They were good at that.

”Why do you care?” 007n7 eventually asked, muffled by feathers.

”Why shouldn’t I?” Shedletsky replied, calm smile spreading to his voice. “We’re all in a tough spot here. Eventually, whatever you think you’re such a bad guy for doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.”

He received a small nod of acknowledgement in return.

”I should go apologize,” came the muffled voice again, after a few minutes.

”For being a little defensive? I’m just getting comfy,” Shedletsky argued. “Plus, I’m sure he needs a little time to get adjusted.”

”Who’s the one getting comforted here again?” 007n7 countered with the slightest laugh.

”Hey, my methods are clearly effective,” Shedletsky replied with a smug grin. “But I guess you seem good now.” He let go, shaking out his wings before they returned to their folded position.

007n7 picked a few feathers out of his hair. “May have overdone it a little.”

He managed a smile, which Shedletsky promptly returned, and they began to walk back to the cabin together.

——————

Immediately after walking back in, 007n7 was greeted by Elliot, who was already losing his composure again. Shedletsky snuck past while he was profusely apologizing, gravitating towards Builderman, who looked exhausted.

”If it’s been ‘weeks’ like this Elliot kid said, I don’t think we’re getting back to headquarters any time soon,” he muttered when Shedletsky approached.

”I think we both saw this coming,” Shedletsky replied. “Where’s Matt?”

”Went to get some shut-eye.” Builderman collapsed onto the couch, his urge to gossip taking over his concern.

”The emotional baggage this guy unpacked,” Builderman began as Shedletsky sat beside him, “Is intense.” He lowered his voice, mischievous smile spreading across his face. “He’s got a little thing for 007, I think. Wouldn’t stop yammering about him.”

“You think so?” Shedletsky’s eyes narrowed, chest tightening as he watched the two talk. 007n7 was visibly relaxing already. Builderman might’ve been right, they looked so close. It made him uncomfortable.

Builderman noticed. He knew Shedletsky too well to have anything stay hidden from him. “Are you jealous?”

”What? That’s ridiculous,” Shedletsky shot back a bit too quickly. “Even if I was, hypothetically of course, it’s just that I was warming up to the guy. And now he’s got a better friend here. The insinuation is not appreciated.” His wings puffed, and the set on his head curled around his face like a shield.

”Whatever you say, Shed,” Builderman replied, making his sarcasm painfully evident. “Rootin’ for ya.”

”It’s not like that— God, you’re absolutely insufferable.”

Chapter Text

Shedletsky had been thinking, for what he assumed had been a few hours. To avoid getting worked up over this, all he really had to do was befriend the new guy as well. He couldn’t risk his emotional stability over two people he’d just met. In his time occupying this form, he’d found that being mentally unstable made him say a lot more than he’d wanted to. This wasn’t an issue when it was just Builderman and Dusekkar with him, but if he slipped up and mentioned his godhood with civilians around, he’d be severely screwed.

Maybe thinking about that was a mistake. Hindsight is 20/20. He was beginning to spiral when he was, quite literally, snapped out of it.

”Hey. Shed.” Builderman’s voice and the sharp clicking of his fingers broke through Shedletsky’s thoughts. His eyes were knowing, he’d seen this before. “You alright?”

”Yeah, sorry,” he replied, shaking his head like it would get rid of everything that plagued him. “What were we doing again?”

”Just breakin’ the ice. Same thing we did with 007,” Builderman explained.

”Ah, right!” He turned to Elliot, smile returning to his face. “So, what’d you do before all this?”

Elliot’s face lit up. “Oh, I worked for Builder Brothers’ Pizza! Best job anyone could ask for! Not to brag, but I was their star employee. I did every job and did it right. Dad even said I might… take over the business someday…” his face paled when he remembered that couldn’t happen anymore. “…But y’know, I’m sure my sister will do just fine once they rebuild again!”

007n7 chimed in, knowing how uncertain Elliot was. “Mia’s gonna be alright. She’s a tough kid.” He gave him a strong pat on the back. “Learned it from you, right?”

Elliot nodded, smile not faltering once, even though his eyes were now glued to the floor.

”Ah, yer a Builder kid. You seem like a real cheery guy,” Builderman remarked. “That’s the kinda attitude we need in a place like this.”

”Thank you, sir,” he replied, absolutely amazed. He’d just received a compliment from Builderman. In the unofficial afterlife. His existence was turning into a fever dream. 

“You look like you’re absolutely fangirling,” 007n7 said, trying to stifle a laugh as Elliot stammered an argument.

Shedletsky scoffed. “Builder’s got enough of those already. Watch, if anyone else comes in they’ll be absolutely charmed by me.”

”Ha, and pigs will fly,” Builderman retorted.

“Guess they will,” Shedletsky replied with far too much confidence. “I’ll bet, uh…” he checked his pockets. “Alright, I have nothing to bet with. Would you take lint?”

007n7 laughed a bit too loud at that. He clapped a hand over his mouth, sinking as far into the couch as possible. “Oh my god, this is karma,” he whispered painfully.

”Looks like ya don’t have to wait,” Builderman joked to Shedletsky, eyebrows raised slightly. 

Shedletsky glared, playing it off by flicking a hair out of his eye before leaning back in his seat. ”Hey, I’m not complaining. At least someone here appreciates my never ending humor and wit.”

007n7 had tuned out everyone’s voices, giving himself some time to think.

Sure, he was embarrassed now. But this was nice. Talking, joking, laughing with a group. It made him feel younger again. It took the pressing weight of the past off his mind, even if it was only for a little while.

He felt guilty for wanting to stay like this.

——————

Minutes passed before Elliot realized 007n7 hadn’t said a word. He glanced over to find him staring into space. “Hey, Seven?”

“Don’t,” Shedletsky warned when Elliot raised a hand to shake him. “He gets like this a lot. Better to let him naturally come out of it,” he explained. “Last time someone startled him he went into fight mode. Very fun way to figure out we can’t bruise here. But anyways, it could be hours before he’s back to reality.”

Elliot drew back, nodding. “How do you know this so well, exactly?”

”Well, time acts weird here, but he’s been here for… what’d you say? Weeks? I think that’s enough time to figure someone out,” Shedletsky replied with a shrug.

”You seem like you do that a lot,” Elliot admitted. “This whole time we’ve all been talking, you looked more like you were studying the conversation instead of just enjoying it,” he pointed out, picking soot off of his work pants.

Shedletsky froze, a bit stunned. He didn’t have an answer planned for someone asking him this, so he had to wing it. As if he thought that would go well. “I’ve gotta… stay alert, y’know? Can’t have my guard down in a situation like this.” He looked to Builderman to back him up.

Builderman, who’d been preoccupied chatting with Dusekkar, glanced at him questioningly.

Shedletsky sighed and shook his head. “Never mind, it’s hard to explain. But,” he changed topic while rising from his seat. “Doesn’t look like we’re getting this guy back any time soon, and he’s swaying now. Mind switching to the seat I just gave up?”

Elliot rose skeptically, moving in front of said chair but not sitting down.

Shedletsky carefully began to lay 007n7 across the couch. “Gotta make him as grounded as possible. One time, he almost fell off the edge of the docks. It’s kinda like he just goes to sleep with his eyes open.”

007n7 blinked, coming to mid sentence. He felt the hands on his face and shoulders, and glanced up confused. Shedletsky, who’d turned to look at Elliot as he was yapping away, didn’t notice this. He cleared his throat, face flushing red.

”What’s, uh, happening right now?”

Shedletsky yelped, letting go on instinct. 007n7 caught himself before he would’ve hit the arm of the couch, bolting upright.

”God,” Shedletsky wheezed, running a hand through his hair. “You scared the hell out of me.”

”I could say the same to you. And that’s not much of an answer,” 007n7 replied, removing his glasses to rub his eyes.

“Hey, I do have a good explanation,” Shedletsky argued. “You spaced out, and you were just sitting there starting to tip over, so like the great friend I am I had to help out.” He crossed his arms, not quite meeting 007n7’s eyes while explaining.

007n7 rested a hand where Shedletsky’s had been. It was warm, practically buzzing with energy. It was foreign to him, maybe because he’d forgotten what life felt like. But he wanted that back.

After everything that had just gone on, they were all left in awkward silence. There wasn’t much left to talk about. All that could be heard was the wind making leaves rustle and branches scrape the windows.

This would be the last peace they’d have for a while.

——————

Eventually, a quiet hum joined the noise. It started off barely noticeable, like far away machinery. But slowly, it intensified, becoming a violent static that attacked every corner of their minds.

A scraping, grinding cacophony followed, but somehow they could tell it was a voice.

“THIS IS TAKING TOO LONG,” it screeched, as the five covered their ears like it would save them.

Abruptly, it all stopped. Sweet absence of sound returned, but not for long.

There was a loud crash, and they were forced to look towards the origin of it. They were horrified to see that not one, nor two, but five more had joined the damned. Elliot, disregarding the pounding in his head, ran to them immediately. The others followed, staggering to help the crowd that now sat dazed on the floor. But even then, this wouldn’t be their biggest worry.

A large black timer had appeared over their heads, thumping as seconds ticked down.

ROUND STARTS IN: 59:00

Chapter Text

hi im back who cheered (crickets chirp)

So. Noli’s lore updating forced me to get a bit creative… and now I’m realizing I kinda have to rewrite this whole thing from scratch, including giving it a new name (not totally necessary but ive had other ideas than lyrics sorry will wood)

I’m gonna let this one sit here but it’s not getting updated or touched ever again, as I said in the note at the beginning idrk how all this works as I prefer to read fics rather than post them

Hopefully this new one will be better written, have longer chapters, and NOT cause me to stay up at night cringing because I was past the point of no return!! On EVERYONE’S souls my older writing was buns

ok love you all thank you so much for the support on this stupid fic hopefully ill have the first chapter of the improved one out early next week at the very latest 🥹❤️‍🩹 n7 and telamon’s interactions will be improved upon thats all i will say