Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Water ran, coursing across ITrapped’s hands.

No matter how much soap he used, how many times he washed his hands.

The guilt wouldn’t wash away.

He grabbed the key that he left along the sink’s rim.

ITrapped had washed the blood off in desperation, but yet he could still imagine it lurking through the key’s crevices.

It was still sticky, a crimson reminder of his actions.

It couldn't be guilt, it must be pity.

He acted and put on the perfect show for too long, he couldn't just die of guilt now.

The plan was more important, they were more important. — was nothing to him, that useless gambler doesn't deserve guilt.

ITrapped was probably just a good person, feeling empathy for those who don't deserve it.

But he won't let it put him down.

…It should raise him up instead.

ITrapped's hands clenched onto the sink, staring at his reflection.

It was like looking at a stranger, a cold-hearted stranger.

But the change was for the better, his friends hated him. But they couldn't possibly keep that hate for 13 years, they'd love him even more if he saves them.

And that's what he's going to do.

Save them.

The word lingered through his mind rent free.

Suddenly he heard a paw scraping against the bathroom door.

Pleading to be let in or acknowledged.

ITrapped hurried to the door, as if he believed — had crawled back. Perhaps looking for revenge, or maybe empathy.

No.

It was that darn rabbit, pitch black and overly fed. Plump around the edges and weighed a ton.

Whatever, he didn't want to see — anyways.

The thought must've just been fear.

…Fear that — came back to haunt him.

“Leave me alone you pathetic thing.” ITrapped's voice was sharp and demanding, as if the rabbit could understand him. “You’re lucky I haven't killed you yet.”

The rabbits eyes fixed onto ITrapped, as if saying he knows ITrapped didn’t have the heart to kill him.

ITrapped just rolled his eyes, shoving past the rabbit. He didn’t even want to look at it, it reminded him too much of —

Darn it.

I shouldn’t feel bad about it, he had no worth without me anyways.

Just a pawn in my game.

ITrapped’s hand closed around the key tightly, as if he could squeeze it until his heart stopped aching.

It was for the best.

The words stained his mind, it was true—wasn’t it?

He shouldn't feel bad, perhaps he just got attached, or he just missed the free money.

ITrapped glanced back, the rabbit stood still. He stared towards the food bowl, it was empty.

“I forgot to feed you, didn't I?” He murmured as if the rabbit would agree with him.

It stood still.

Too still.

As if it was judging him.

“I'll feed you later, I'm going to rescue my friends. My real friends.” ITrapped walked out without looking back—the key tightly packed between his fingers.

The rabbit would probably die, it was days since he fed it.

But it was the rabbits fault for being a constant reminder of him. Just a way to kill him twice.

Chapter Text

13 years.

Those words echoed in Ellernate's head, he stared at his markings on the wall. He looked mad, in fact he probably was.

He started etching lines in the walls to keep track, but now it just seemed like he was doing it to distract himself—distract himself from the harsh environment and the fact that his sanity was dripping away, faster than before.

He was probably a hypocrite for this, considering the fact he used to call Caleb244 crazy for his experiments, and weird gadgets/hacks. But now he was the one taking on the role of weirdo.

But the Banlands have been known for changing people, and he was a victim of the cause.

He wasn't at fault for turning crazy! But no matter how much Ellernate lied to himself, he couldn't stop thinking about who he'd become.

Where did that demanding fierce leader go? Why did he let himself become this vulnerable frail being? It was sickening.

His eyes darted to the side, staring at his dead expression in the mirror—his hood covered his face mainly. Hiding his dreadful eyes, highlighted by eyebags and soulless pupils.

The bandlands won't let you die, but it won't let you feel alive either. A place where hope is lost, hell.

Ellernate's life was pointless, meaningless and useless. So many words that include “less” and all of them described him.

Then he heard it.

Footsteps.

They were loud thumps against the ground, followed by a man following them. Whoever it was, they were wearing heels, loud ones.

The footsteps were too forced, too precise and calculated. They were creating more sound then they should, as if purposely trying to draw attention to themselves—because it sure was working.

A beat.

Ellernate glanced at the person in heels, then drifted his eyes up. He knew his pupils dilated at the sight, failing to hide his shock.

ITrapped.

He wore a tight suit, ironed to perfection. It wasn't loose or comfy like what he used to wear, no—it was classical, perfect and everything Ellernate couldn't even dare compare to.

At first glance you'd think it's just some fancy Noob who wore the same crown as ITrapped, but his eyes were too distinctive; black with a bright shimmer of blue. The last amount of essence that could still define who he was.

Why was he here?

He stood straight, like a VIP. Obviously acting as if he belonged here, like he was a daily visitor. He glared at Ellernate like he was some zoo attraction. His expression was cold and calculating, nothing similar to his past.

But yet Ellernate's analysis still couldn't give any clues, not a single hint on why ITrapped's presence was so luckily bestowed upon him.

Maybe he turned himself in? But Ellernate knew ITrapped would never admit to his crimes, no matter how much change he goes through. His arrogance would never be beaten.

And he wasn't cuffed, he wasn't chained by a magical force. He stood freely like he owned the place, or perhaps someone he knew had connections to the owner.

A guard stood behind him, but not to keep watch and make sure he got into the cell. He just watched ITrapped carefully, but held no malice in his eyes.

Maybe the guard had led ITrapped to them, but why? To get in the cell—or to laugh at them with no sense of pity?

ITrapped stared at Ellernate with a cold expression, then his gaze flickered to the others. Ellernate didn't even know ITrapped was capable of having a brood appearance. He was more of the cheerful smile kind of guy, or the smirk that spread too far.

ITrapped stared back at the guard, his eyes darting back and forth as if he was thinking of something—planning.

THUD.

The guard dropped to the ground, ITrapped's Darkheart carefully positioned in his hand.

Trapped's face showed no reaction, as if he did not care for the blood he just spilled. Didn't even care for the consequences, or pity the guard and his family. Just bang dead, not even a flinch.

Ellernate's eyes widened, instinctively stepping back. Caleb244 caught on as well, cowering like never before. The two stood pressed against the wall in fear.

He wanted to believe ITrapped wouldn't hurt him, but it's been 13 years. People go through changes, and from the looks of it ITrapped changed the most.

13 years.

The words echoed once more, flooding through Ellernate's mind like a hobby. Two years and he felt like he didn't even recognise who was before him.

“I'm not going to hurt you guys...” Even ITrapped's voice was different, cold but overly soft. Made you feel bad for nothing, an effortless guilt-trip.

“Wait, ITrapped?” Twister92 perked up in shock, his eyes darting from the unconscious guard to ITrapped.

ITrapped looked around to see if anyone else was around, an obnoxious look of fear and disgust mixed together. Worried that he was followed or being tracked.

He approached the bars with caution, narrowing his eyes as he stared at his friends deeply.

“Gosh, I didn't even recognise you…” Twister92 piped up, backing against the wall as well. Finally understanding why fear was blooming in the others'.

“Can you guys stop cowering, it's pathetic.” He'd unequip his sword, reaching into his pocket. Something shiny sparkled from his grip.

A key, not any key. But the Banlands key.

The one that could unlock any cell in this realm, the key held so much power. But yet here it was, in the hands of someone who doesn't even think once—let alone think twice.

“How did you get that?” Ellernate spoke up, the question wasn't optional it was a demand. As if he was still attempting to hold onto any flimsy remains of his leadership.

But yet ITrapped didn't feel threatened, didn't even reply.

ITrapped gave a glance, acknowledging Ellernate's remark but not going further than a look.

But yet that look was strong enough to put Ellernate back in his place, a stone-cold state being used by someone who used to be known as a chaos baby.

He twirled the key around his finger, approaching the key hole, he jammed the key in. A harsh twist caused the door to shoot up.

The atmosphere just became more tense, most expecting ITrapped to just kill them here and there.

Ellernate wanted to make another demanding comment, but right now he wasn't even sure if he was in control.

Did he even have control in the first place?

But right now his fate was being determined by the last person he'd think of.

Of course.

“I knew you'd come back for us!” Jonathan777 cheered, running up to ITrapped with wide arms.

“No hugs, please.” ITrapped replied, pushing Johnthan777 away. His voice was softer than intended.

“Huh why not? Thought you loved hugs?” He raised an eyebrow, his eyes darted up and down—properly analysing the person ITrapped had become.

“Not the time, we need to escape.” ITrapped ran off without a warning, expecting them to follow. And they did.

“Don't you think this is weird?” Ellernate whispered to Caleb244, managing a fast pace.

Caleb244 faced Ellernate, then looked back forward. “Yes, but I think that's the least of our worries right now.” He'd reply, his voice calculating as always.

Ellernate could tell Caleb244 was attempting to look unbothered, but he saw how obnoxiously Caleb244 was analysing ITrapped.

He'd glance down at Trapped's heels. It was incredible how he could run in those, let alone be the fastest out of the 6. But why did he wear them in the first place?

ITrapped led the group with precise accuracy, perfectly turning every corner that night guards were currently in.

The scheme felt too perfect, too practiced. But maybe that's why it took 13 years for ITrapped to actually act up.

He didn't even look back to check if they were following, as if he didn't care if his efforts went to waste. ITrapped put too much trust in them to follow, his movement fast and deliberate but still seemed calm and elegant.

ITrapped grabbed Twister92 by the collar pulling him behind a crate before he accidentally darted forward. The others did the same, catching the hint and hiding alongside them.

Then right on cue an admin walked by, looking around the room deeply.

Ellernate felt slight relief knowing there was a flaw in the plan, the chaos was unnecessary but yet comforting. As if he didn't want them to escape without a worry, the scheme just felt too robotic.

But then the Admin just walked past, a slight crept onto ITrapped's face. He planned this, he knew the Admin would walk by.

The entire escape felt too precise, this wasn't the same ITrapped he knew. He always did complain about how childish ITrapped was, but now that behaviour is gone just like he wanted.

So why doesn't he feel good about this?

They eventually arrived outside, ITrapped led them like he had memorised an entire map of the place. And he probably did.

Their jaws all dropped, staring at the private jet before them. ITrapped stepped forward first, walking up to the plane. His heels thumping against the stairs.

“So?” ITrapped said with a mediocre tone, glancing at them from the plane’s doorway.

“So what?” Vilicus replied, his eyes still fixated on the plane. You could see Vilicus practically jumping up and down like a child, enjoying the sight of a jet.

“Hop on losers.” He smirked, walking deeper into the plane until he was out of sight.

Chapter Text

Vilicus caught ITrapped’s eye, he smirked at Vilicus’s excitement. “You want to sit at the front, I'm sure Lonelytree would like the company of another plane nerd.”

“YES-!” Vilicus lowered his tone nervously, his self-awareness kicking in. “Yes I would, thanks!”

Vilicus darted off to the front of the jet, immediately his gaze focused on the machinery.

ITrapped rolled his eyes with a scoff, sitting by the window calmly.

Ellernate turned his gaze to ITrapped, he was originally going to sit by Caleb244, but his curiosity got the better of him.

“I’m going to sit with ITrapped.” Ellernate muttered to Caleb244, leaving no room for argument.

Caleb244 didn’t mind, just gave him an acknowledging nod and turned to look out the window. He let out a slight sigh, knowing too well what Ellernate’s intentions were.

“Can I sit here?” Ellernate towered above ITrapped, it was more of a demand then request.

ITrapped closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. He recognised Ellernate's voice immediately, Ellernate didn’t want to connect, he wanted answers.

ITrapped turned to face Ellernate, displaying a gentle smile–but it was more knowing than kind. “Sure, not like I have a choice anyways.” ITrapped scoffed, Ellernate immediately sat down.

The two were silent for a moment, Ellernate just stared at ITrapped deeply, waiting for him to spill everything.

“What do you want?” ITrapped glanced at Ellernate, trying to see Ellernate's intentions through his eyes.

“You know what I want.” Ellernate scowled, narrowing his eyes as he looked ITrapped up and down.

“No, no I don't.” ITrapped turned his head away, looking out the window once more. He most likely did, but he wanted Ellernate to admit it.

Ellernate immediately grabbed ITrapped chin, forcing him into eye contact. “Everything about you has changed, you're so… formal now?!” His voice raised with unease, the banlands truly did numbers on him.

“It’s been two years Nate, people change.” ITrapped replied calmly, he’d slightly fidget with his vest. His gaze drifted away from Ellernate's face.

“Bullshit.” He’d mutter harshly. “13 years and you're acting like you're above everyone! I know you’ve always been arrogant but this is too far.” He noticed ITrapped’s fidgeting, noting it down mentally.

ITrapped sighed deeply, resting a hand on Ellernate’s shoulder. “You do know getting that key wasn’t easy?”

The thought lingered in Ellernate’s mind, what did ITrapped do to get that key? Whatever it was truly flicked a switch in his mind, because he seemed more like a stranger wearing ITrapped’s skin now.

“It's obvious, but you don’t need to continue acting.” Ellernate replied, his voice sharp enough to cut diamond.

ITrapped perked up, immediately shifting his gaze back to Ellernate. “Act?” He muttered, as if Ellernate’s words had burned him.

It couldn’t have been that obvious?

“I know you, in no universe you’d truly be this independent.” He let go off ITrapped’s chin, flicking his hand off his shoulder. “You’ve always been the one to crave attention like it was a drug, this is no different.”

ITrapped cursed under his breath, dumbfounded by how his picture perfect act had been revealed. “No, I just changed. In the 13 years I was without you guys, I didn’t have the option to be dependent.” His answer was flawless, an amazing excuse.

Ellernate's expression slightly softened, imaging how lonely ITrapped was.

But Ellernate didn’t buy it, he was too deep in to be convinced otherwise.

“Is all you say bullshit?” Ellernate muttered, not bothering to sugarcoat it.

“If you're just going to insult me I'd rather you sit with Caleb244 again.” ITrapped turned his back to Ellernate, refusing eye contact..

They both just went silent for the rest of the trip, Ellernate's gaze firmly on ITrapped.

Ellernate didn’t look away, not once—not even when he watched ITrapped's eyes drooping.

He knew ITrapped would fall asleep, and he wanted to be there to see it happen. His eyes didn't once look away, to the point he looked like a stalker—perhaps he was, but he didn't care.

Eventually ITrapped slipped asleep, the plane ride was long. Ellernate caught ITrapped's limp body before it hit the wall, his expression couldn’t help but soften at the sight.

He looked peaceful, calm. As if they went back in time to when life was meaningless, as if they weren’t currently on the run from admins.

Ellernate took a deep sigh, wondering if he should fall asleep aswell, the trip was 4 hours.

At least ITrapped wouldn’t fake his personality while asleep.

Chapter Text

“Where am I…?”

ITrapped's voice echoed throughout the empty void, no reply.

Pitch black surrounded him, all light was lost.

He moved forward, fog ceased around him. The floor was like liquid, causing a reaction every step.

A nightmare perhaps.

He continued moving, as if he could tire himself out until he fell asleep—hopefully meaning that'd wake him up in the real world instead.

But the void just kept going.

Until ITrapped stopped, he wanted to keep moving. But it felt like he was being held back, frozen in place.

A gentle glow illuminated before him, ITrapped’s eyes widened in realisation.

“Chance?”

ITrapped stepped closer, his heels causing large ripples across the ground. They spread far enough to reach the one before them.

The figure crept closer, ITrapped stared deeply at his reflection in the beings sunglasses.

It wore a suit, black—not properly buttoned up. A black fedora with white lining, and clockwork headphones.

ITrapped reached out his hand, reached out to him. He closed his eyes for a moment—taking a deep breath. ITrapped closed up his hand, drawing it back to his chest.

The figure crept closer, until he was just a soft glow before him.

It flickered, his face would be a black empty void if it wasn't for the glasses.

—

Damn it.

Why must you come back to haunt me?

Haunt every move I make.

This can't be guilt.

I can't even remember your face.

I don't want to remember your face.

No one wants to remember your face.

—

“ITrapped?”

Ellernate spoke, suddenly ITrapped snapped to reality.

“No, you're not…” ITrapped said softly, lowering his lashes as he looked up at Ellernate, like a lost puppy.

“What do you mean?” Ellernate narrowed his eyes, as if he could read ITrapped’s thoughts if he tried hard enough.

“Nothing, you just look different.” He gestured to Ellernate's American headphones and fedora, and his pitch black sunglasses.

“Oh right, just took a shower. I used to dress like this, remember?” Ellernate replied, his voice sharp enough to cut.

“Right, did Lonelytree lead you guys here while I was asleep?” ITrapped slid to the edge of the couch, perching on the very end.

Ellernate's expression eventually softened, knowing ITrapped would just keep deflecting and not tell him anything. “Yeah.”

They both exchanged eye contact, awkward silence between each sentence.

“Could you wear your usual outfit instead.” ITrapped asked calmly, reluctance between his words.

“Why? This outfit helps me be less recognizable, causing more pain for the admins.” Ellernate raised an eyebrow, puzzled by ITrapped's request.

ITrapped stared at a photo frame behind Ellernate. ITrapped stood still, posture stiff as a tree. Across from him was a man, he wore a black outfit, his face was burned away by fire—making him unable to recognise.

He glared back at Ellernate. “Just, forget it.” ITrapped replied, his heartbeat sped up slightly from nervousness.

Ellernate's expression darkened, he wanted to press further—but he knew ITrapped would never spill, especially with this new change of his. He was practically unreadable, like a book with the wrong cover.

“Whose Chance?” Ellernate muttered, his gaze frozen solid on ITrapped.

ITrapped’s eyes widened slightly, his view flickered from Ellernate to the wall, a deep sigh escaping his mouth. “No one, he's a nobody.” He replied coldly, his tone immediately changed.

Ellernate lowered his brows, until his eyes narrowed. Curiosity bundling up in him.

He knew Chance wasn’t a nobody, but ITrapped would never admit it.

“Alright, and what's with the multiple griefed photo frames?” Ellernate let it slip, his curiosity getting the better of him.

ITrapped stayed silent, knowing he had no proper excuse or answer.

“Had a break up and freaked out.” He'd reply with a weak excuse, but it seemed to convince Ellernate enough to change the subject.

“You dated someone? You fell in love and broke up within 13 years?” Ellernate's eyes fluttered down, the pain of knowing the whole 13 years wasn't dedicated to grieving and trying to break them out of the Bandlands.

ITrapped noticed Ellernate's change in behaviour and tone, but decided not to mention it. “Yes.” He'd continue on with the lie.

“Good for you then.” Ellernate's voice came out more hateful than intended, failing to hide his annoyance and jealousy.

ITrapped stayed silent, waiting for Ellernate to say something that would save the conversation—or for someone to interrupt.

“I'll just leave then?” ITrapped broke the silence, afraid of the awkwardness swallowing him whole.

“Don't.” Ellernate tilted his head up to face ITrapped again, his fedora casting a shadow over his face.

He opened his mouth to speak, but felt like pushing too much was risky. “Do you have any wine Mr fancy ass?” Ellernate changed the topic, feeling intense embarrassment from his recent comment.

Don't.

The words echoed in ITrapped's mind rent free, as if he was glad at least someone wanted to stay.

But it was pointless, he just wanted something from him, just like everyone else—including ITrapped himself.

Ellernate was so similar to Chance it was uncanny, they even both had a passion for drinking.

Getting drunk and putting the stress onto someone else.

“Yes, I do. Just, don't drink till you drink.” ITrapped slid off the couch, standing up and stretching his arms over his head. He turned his back to Ellernste, facing the kitchen.

“I will probably get drunk. 13 years. I miss the taste of alcohol.” Ellernate replied with a scoff, trying to lighten up the currently dying mood.

ITrapped let out a soft chuckle, but it felt too delayed, too perfect.

Ellernate couldn't help but think ITrapped did it just to make Ellernate think he's won, and fixed the conversation.

ITrapped's heels thumped along the hardwood floor loudly, his Cape slightly dragging against it.

He headed to the kitchen, opening the cabinet with unease. He could almost imagine the person he'd bring the bottle back to was Chance.

Whatever.

ITrapped basically got the better Version of Chance back, he didn't care.

Well not willingly.

Chapter Text

ITrapped held the glass lifelessly between his fingers, his eyes focused on the liquid's slow movement's, its reactions to every breath he made.

Ellernate and Caleb244 blabbered about things he couldn't care less about, everything felt like it was going silent.

ITrapped wouldn't even bring the glass to his lips, he was afraid—afraid of what could slip out if he happened to be drunk.

Of course on the other hand, Caleb244 and Ellernate drank like they were dying of thirst. As if they were trapped in the desert for 13 years, instead of the Banlands.

The others suffered hell, while ITrapped was being spoiled. But yet everyone seemed to be unfazed, it wasn't fair.

He should be laughing along with them, drinking like there was no tomorrow—he should be able to let loose.

But the weight on his shoulders weighed heavy, he felt like he would collapse, pass out from stress.

No, that's just over exaggerating, he was fine. He had to be fine.

An ear piercing screech ran through his ears and into his mind, his heart beats became more ragged and desperate. He was overthinking too much and he knew it, but he couldn't stop—that option wasn't on his list.

He'd put the glass down and rushed to the kitchen, trying to be as subtle as possible. Not in the mood to let Ellernate and Caleb244 notice.

He covered his ears, closing his eyes. He didn't care if someone spotted him, he wanted to block out the noise, even if he knew his mind was creating it. His nails dug into his skin, trying to scrape the noise out of his ears.

ITrapped dug deeper, his hair strangled around his fingers. He couldn't hear anything anymore except for the ringing and his thoughts bundling up. His thoughts were incoherent, mumbled and overwhelmed. He couldn't think straight, ITrapped was fighting a losing battle and he knew it.

Huff, huff, huff… He panted, his body shook and quivered.

“Trap?” The ringing stopped, ITrapped let go of his head and looked behind him in shock. Lonelytree was standing behind him, holding his shoulder like an anchor—he hated that it was working, that he was actually depending on someone to keep him sane.

ITrapped smiled nervously, his hands slightly shaky still. He clutched his hands together tightly, pressing them against his lap desperately, trying to hide his anxiousness. “Mhm?” He hummed, his eyes stayed shut, but his head tilted to face Lonelytree's.

Lonelytree's eyes darted up and down, taking in every nervous action ITrapped was doing. “You okay?” Lonelytree spoke, his voice soft and gentle, concern in his eyes that he didn't try to hide. He knew ITrapped was destined to lie, but it was worth a shot.

“Y-Yeah, just great.” ITrapped stuttered, his response meeting Lonelytree's accusations. ITrapped forced a grin, finally opening his eyes. They shook ever so slightly, but just enough for Lonelytree to notice.

Lonelytree sighed, he was hyperaware of ITrapped's anxiety, his ears perked up for a short period of time every time ITrapped provided more clues. Lonelytree knew pushing further would just cause ITrapped to break down, so he drifted his hand off ITrapped's shoulder softly, pretending not to notice. “That's good, why aren't you sitting with the others?” Lonelytree asked somewhat innocently, changing the topic to save ITrapped's sanity.

ITrapped was overthinking everything, overthinking enough to know Lonelytree knew. He silently thanked Lonelytree for giving him space and understanding, Lonelytree was always that one friend that understands everything. ITrapped's body slowly calmed down, he took a deep breath and made eye contact with Lonelytree.

“I just don't want to, it'd be awkward considering they'd all be on the same topic of something that happened in the Banlands, and I'd probably just be sitting around nodding my head at every comment.” ITrapped replied softly, matching Lonelytree's sincerity and welcoming nature.

Lonelytree nodded, his tail swayed slowly. “I understand, it's not easy to talk with people you haven't talked to in years—especially 13 years!” Lonelytree exaggerated his tone at the last words, his eyes widened emphasising his comment.

“Maybe you just need to find a topic that they can talk about and so can you, just like how I was talking to Vilicus about planes and jets. I'm sure there's something you could discuss with Ellernate and Caleb244.” Lonelytree brainstormed, determined to find a solution for his friend.

ITrapped smiled, calming down fully now. He was comforted by Lonelytree's kind and gentle nature.

You don't deserve him.

The thought flashed in ITrapped's mind, his body went stiff.

You already betrayed one friend, what makes you think you won't betray another?

ITrapped looked down at his feet, he gulped, eye contact felt like burning now. His lip quivered, a hint of his withdrawal of tears. But he held back, he's held back for so long. He can't go soft and let it slip now, especially not when he's just simply having a conversation.

“Trap?’ You're zoning out again.” Lonelytree waved his hand before ITrapped's face, trying to redirect his focus. Lonelytree's tail and ears drooped, he knew ITrapped was having a crisis again, he felt sick for just letting it happen.

Lonelytree grabbed ITrapped’s shoulders, his grip firm. He'd lightly shake ITrapped, hoping to snap him out of it. “ITrapped hello, you okay?” Lonelytree whined slightly, his tail so low it tucked between his legs.

“O-Oh yeah, I’m okay—just zoned out y'know?” ITrapped shook his head, grounding himself. He'd smile gently at Lonelytree, reaching only one side, a partial smirk.

You're a burden for making him worry.

The thoughts came back, ITrapped took deep breaths trying to silence them, he didn't want to make Lonelytree stress more. But gosh It was hard, his mind was getting louder, fighting back.

“Hey, look at me.” Lonelytree said firmly, his voice determined and sharp. He'd grip onto ITrapped's shoulders tighter, being his anchor. ITrapped shifted his gaze from the wall back to Lonelytree's face.

“Yeah?” ITrapped mumbled, rubbing his arm with the opposite hand nervously. His nails slightly scratched into his skin. His legs were tightly clutched together, his posture straight as a ruler.

Lonelytree took a deep breath, then pulled ITrapped into a warm embrace. “Don't overthink too much, you're stressing too much.” Lonelytree mumbled into ITrapped's shoulder, his arms wrapped tightly around his chest.

ITrapped was shocked at first, his body stiffened from the sudden contact, but he eventually leaned into the touch. Holding onto Lonelytree as well. “Easier said than done.” He'd reply with a cocky comment, Lonelytree let out a soft chuckle, knowing ITrapped was just trying to deflect with humour.

“No but seriously, let loose for a bit, you don't have to keep acting like everyone in the world is out to get you.” Lonelytree pulled back a bit to make eye contact with ITrapped, his expression soft and caring. “I'm not expecting you to suddenly act like there's no problems in the world, like everything is sunshine and rainbows. I'm expecting you to stop over analysing things, taking mental notes like you'll actually use them later.” Lonelytree continued.

“Maybe I will, you never know.” ITrapped let go of Lonelytree slowly, his arms dropped to his sides. He was deflecting too much and he knew it, why couldn't he just be straightforward, instead of making this harder for Lonelytree.

Lonelytree nudged ITrapped on the shoulder, not rough but just playful. “No you won't and you know it.” He'd giggle softly, running his hands through ITrapped's hair. He'd place his hand on ITrapped's chest, leaning in closer to brush the strands of hair out of ITrapped's face.

ITrapped blushed slightly, the colour immediately drained from his cheeks. He was blushing like an idiot just from comfort. Lonelytree definitely didn't feel the same, the deer was too innocent to understand romance, or maybe he just didn't like ITrapped.

Realisation dawned over him, now he's aware of what Chance felt like—safe, believing and flustered. But all those feelings were fake, even if they weren’t. ITrapped ripped the emotion out of them.

Maybe ITrapped felt the same, but either way he wouldn’t believe it. He took the life from Chance, it was all his fault.

ITrapped'd looked away, guilt flickered in his eyes like a flame burning a forest down.

“Look at me.” Lonelytree demanded again, softly shaking ITrapped with his other hand. ITrapped glanced at Lonelytree, but his eyes focused on every single one of Lonelytree's features except for the eyes. ITrapped didn't want to engage in eye contact, not this time.

ITrapped always hated eye contact, because it's a constant reminder of the first time he saw Chance's eyes. God they were beautiful, orbs that could light up the night sky. Why would they ever hide their eyes, when everyone would envy them on the spot. He hated how attracted he was to Chance's eyes, so they were the first thing he took from Chance.

ITrapped would never forget the way he slashed his sword at Chance's face, he could remember the entire scene clearly. He pulled off Chance's sunglasses and threw them on the ground, then sliced his blade clean across Chance's face.

He'd never stop thinking about the scream Chance made when he slashed him, the plan was just to kill them and leave with the key. He hated how much sadistic pleasure he got from Chance's scream though, it was selfish and not a part of the plan. But maybe it counted as just an extra reward.

“Your zoning out AGAIN.” Lonelytree grumbled, exaggerating the last word, giving ITrapped another light shake. He'd frown, his gaze carefully examining ITrapped's expression.

“Right, sorry.” ITrapped closed his eyes, returning a gentle smile to Lonelytree. “Something just crossed my mind.” ITrapped continued for a moment, trying to lower Lonelytree's suspicions with all he's got.

Lonelytree stared back at the living room, watching Caleb244 and Ellernate mumble like the drunk idiots they were. He took a deep breath, looking at ITrapped again. “Everythings crossing your mind at this point…” Lonelytree muttered, but there was no heat behind his words.

“You should go back to the living room, there's toddlers you need to supervise.” Lonelytree's gaze flickered to the living room again, watching how the two drank constantly.

ITrapped raised one eyebrow, a puzzled expression displayed on his face. “Toddlers?” He turned his head to spot Ellernate and Caleb244, fully understanding Lonelytree's comment now. “Ah, I see…” He'd grumble with slight annoyance.

“Aright, I guess you should head off now…” Lonelytree spoke softly, placing his hands in front of his lap sweetly. He'd smile at ITrapped with a small amount of pity and empathy for what He'd have to deal with.

ITrapped took a step forward, his back facing Lonelytree. He'd pause, turning his head to keep Lonelytree in view. “Lonelytree?” He'd ask for reassurance.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks, thanks for comforting me. I really thought I might've passed out.” ITrapped spoke softly, his intention to let only Lonelytree hear it.

“Anytime, I'm just glad you finally admitted to needing help.” Lonelytree chuckled soft-heartedly, his tail wagging slightly at ITrapped's appraisal.

“Talk to you later, after I deal with the drunks on my couch.” ITrapped gave a childish salute, then turned back to the living room, heading off. Leaving Lonelytree in the kitchen alone.