Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The endless night was boring to Taph. The sunrise and sunset were like the best parts of the day, and the Spectre just… took that. So annoying. As he wandered, hovering around the woods, he stumbled across an odd patch of dirt. It seemed haphazardly patted down, as if something was buried there in between rounds.

Her first instinct was to bomb the thing. They then remembered one crucial thing; their bombs didn’t destroy things in this realm. There went her main plan, she supposed… So, he got on his hands and knees and began to dig.

What they uncovered, after a small pile of dirt and quite a bit of frustration, was a large, heavy and unsealed box. Opening it, they saw another fucking box. This one had duct tape all over it, which meant a blade had to be used or something to open it up. They huffed, picked up the box with their weak noodle arms (okay, not that weak, but definitely not as strong as, say, Guest) and stumbled. That thing was heavier than they expected! Jeez. 

Someone cleared their throat from behind Taph, and they turned around to look. Quite ironically, Guest 1337 was standing there, ready to help. He nodded at Taph and hoisted the box over his shoulder to take to the main cabin.

Taph, dirt-stained and panting, went through, followed by Guest, holding the strange box.

All eyes in the cabin (which, Taph mentally noted, was everyone except 007n7 and Chance) turned to the two. And then to the box that Guest was holding.

“What have you got there? And where did you find it?” Elliot was the first to speak up. 

Taph signed something, and Dusekkar spoke up to translate. “Our feathered friend said something quite profound, that this strange box was inside a dirt mound. They dug it up, though unable to lift, and Guest’s presence, to Taph, was quite a gift.”

“…are you sure that box shouldn’t stay buried?” Noob muttered.

“They believe it could be able to help, and ended, quote, ‘you fucking whelp’.” 

“H-Hey! I’m just being cautious!”

“That is quite vulgar language, demolitionist! Repent to the Spawn and your sins may be forgiven!” Two Time cut in, smiling like they always did. 

Builderman put up a hand, and sighed. “Alright, that’s enough. We should at least see what’s inside. Elliot, could you…?”

“Of course.” Elliot pulled out his pizza cutter and sliced through the duct tape with ease. After that was done and over with, and a mess of bubble wrap later, he pulled out a phone. And then, 9 more. “Well, would you look at that!”

“Praise the Spawn for blessing us with this wonderfully odd contraption!”

“Not everything is about your damn Spawn!”

“You would be castrated for those blasphemous words, Shedletsky.”

“Oh my me??”

Elliot coughed loudly to stop the two from squabbling more. “Ahem.” He clapped twice, before crossing his arms. “You guys want a phone or not?”

With that, Elliot began passing out phones, until there were two left for the absentees. Noob picked both of the phones up, “I’ll find them and give it to them!”

Taph watched as they headed off, and opened their new phone. Oddly enough, the lock screen didn’t pop up when they turned it on. Instead, the outer edges of it glowed red, and it began to display text.

n3w uz3|2 d3t3ct3d!1! 

wh4+ iz y0ur n4m3?

________________

Ignoring the way the words were typed out, Taph filled their name in the blank and hit enter. More text began to pop up once they did.

#3||0, taph!

4dd1ng uz3|2 +0 g|20upch4t…

su¢¢3ss!

Welcome to the chat, taph!

Welcome to the chat, Guest 1337!

Welcome to the chat, elli!

Welcome to the chat, everyone else! (z331ng +h3 z4m3 m3zz4g3 1z b0|21ng, yk) 

taph: that was strange

Guest 1337: I wonder what that was…

shed!!: didn;t even lert me open any other apps

shed!!: jeez..

1w0nd3rwh0: w3|| th3 zp3¢+|23 d03sn’+ kn0w +h4+ +h1z 3x1z+z

shed: wtf?

1w0nd3rwh0: z0 1’m n0+ +43 zp3¢+r3, bu+ y0u p|20||y kn0w m3 >.<

elli: ??? no we don’t

Welcome to the chat, 007n7!

1w0nd3rwh0: ¢|234+0|2!!

007n7: oh

007n7: i thought i hid these

taph: you hid them terribly..

007n7: where did you find them???

taph: bitch.

007n7: ?? i’m sorry?

taph: ditch**

taph: autocorrect

1w0nd3rwh0: h3h3h3 >:3

taph: but yeah no you’re not subtle

007n7: oh sorry

007n7: but this was my doing, i made sure their code was invisible to the spectre when summoning the bases here… or hwatever

007n7: but i was only able to add the chatting feature before i got scared and wondered if the spectre could see this… sorry

elli: don’t apologise

007n7: sorry

elli: .

007n7: ..

noob ><: oh yeah btw have any of you seen chance? i havent been able to find them to give the phone and stuff

Two Time: I will consult the Spawn! I’m sure they will lead me to him! (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ

noob ><: ty i think

Two Time: Oh, no, don’t thank me! The Spawn deserves all of your praise! I am just its vessel. ┐(︶▽︶)┌

shed!!: vro omg can you js stop preaching about your spawn we’re so tired of hearing it

1w0nd3rwh0: h3y! 1 d0n’+ +0|3|24+3 h4t3 zp33¢h h3|23. |3mm3 jz…

1w0nd3rwh0 has changed one keyboard.

1w0nd3rwh0: 4nd wh1|3 w3’|23 4+ 1+...

1w0nd3rwh0 has changed their name to c00lgui!.

shed!!: 좀ㅅ 솓 려차 좀ㅅ 양 ㅛㅐㅕ 애 [what the heck what did you do]

shed!!: 좀ㅅ. ㅗ됴, ㄴㅁ갸ㅐㅕ니ㅛ? [what. hey, seriously?]

Two Time: Ah, divine retribution! How delightful! ^.^

007n7: …you changed just his keyboard to korean? not even a translation, just the letters?

c00lgui!: >:3

c00lgui!: w4nn4 z33 m3 d0 1+ 4g41n?

c00lgui! has changed one keyboard.

shed!!: bxnl, abj lbh’er whfg zrffvat jvgu zr. [okay, now you’re just messing with me.]

shed!!: anu jung gur uryy vf guvf [nah what the hell is this]

Guest 1337: This is amusing and all, but could you change it back? He’s quite… ah, incomprehensible like this.

c00lgui!: y34 zu|23 wh4+3v3|2

c00lgui! has changed one keyboard.

shed!!: that’s brtter 

shed!!: bhetter

shed!!: butter

shed!!: better.

shed!!: oh my me.

noob ><: guys i still can’t find chance nd i’m getting worried :(

taph: i can help look for them!

Two Time: As can I. 

noob ><: yes please

noob ><: meet me outside the main cabin

Taph closed their phone, pocketing it inside their cloak and heading right outside. Just as expected, Noob was there, waiting. He waved at them and made his way to the survivalist. 

“Boo.” Two Time, stealthy as they always are, popped up behind Noob with their normal, eerie grin. She shrieked shrilly, stumbling to hide behind Taph, before processing who it was and huffed.

“Hey! Don’t sneak up on me like that!” He pouted. 

Taph was about to sign something, but paused. They had a better idea. She pulled out the phone from under her cloak and typed in the chatbox,

taph: lmao that was kinda funny tho

Two Time: Hehehe :) 

elli: context?

taph: something in person, but it’s easier to type than sign

c00lgui!: h3y yk y0u c4n m4k3 p|21v4+3 ch4+z 

c00lgui!: jz p|23zz +h3 “+” butt0n 0n +h3 +0p |3f+ c0|2n3r

taph: okay, thanks

~~~~

taph has created a group chat.

taph has added noob >< and one other into the group chat.

taph has named this group “chance search and rescue!!!!!”

taph: there we go. now nobody else needs to see this

Two Time: Such smart thinking from you! Just what I would expect from an admin’s right hand. ヽ(o＾▽＾o)ノ

taph: i can’t tell if that’s condescending or not

noob ><: anyways! back to the main topic at hand, they’re not in their cabin or upstairs of the main cabin

noob ><: not at the docks, not in the boat

noob ><: but i dont want to go into the woods alone. can we go together just to check?

noob ><: also two time why are we chatting in here… we’re right next to each other

Two Time: Taph solidarity! We don’t want them to type alone, don’t we?

noob ><: fair point

taph: we can go into the woods together then!

Two Time: Spawn, protect us from the monsters that may or may not reside in these woods as we search for our lost gambler friend. If we are to die in there, may you guide us to salvation and keep Chance safe. Amen.

noob ><: amen!

taph: 🙏

taph: uh did any of you hear that

Two Time: I did! It sounds like whatever happens when Spawn-blessed Chance’s flintlock explodes.

noob ><: oh shit we need to go quickly 

Without much warning, Noob grabbed Two Time and Taph’s hands and bolted to where the sound was. She froze at the sight before them, letting out a shrill shriek.

There Chance lay, breathing heavily but with a manic grin on their face. Speaking of their face, half of that was blown off and bleeding profusely. Taph swore he could see his skull beneath the flesh. Their trusty flintlock was in pieces, some pieces embedded into the gambler’s burnt and smoking skin. It was one of the worst explosions Taph had seen after being Forsaken, and that said something. (Well, considering subspace tripmines don’t really destroy things, that was a kind of low bar.)

But Chance was alive. For now.

But for how long? Nobody’s died in the lobby before, who knows if they could respawn.

“Holy- shit, we need to get the others!” Noob stammered, tears welling up in their eyes as they bolted from the scene, not looking back. Taph’s phone buzzed, and they pulled it out to check.

noob ><: GUYS 

noob ><: @elli @Guest 1337 @Builderman are you online

elli: what’s going on?

noob ><: chance just blew himself up

noob ><: we need someone to carry them back and something to heal them

Builderman: Where is he? It might be dangerous to move them in risk of their wounds, especially since they could be aggravated if you touched them. I could find you guys.

noob ><: im coming to the cabin

noob ><: just follow me

Builderman: Alright, then.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting, Builderman arrived and set off quickly on building a dispenser. These worked like they did in rounds, luckily, so Taph took this opportunity to inspect Chance more carefully.

Their sunglasses, fedora, and headphones were carefully set aside, away from the blast zone. As if he was preparing to do… whatever he just did, turning his weapon against himself. 

A sigh of relief and the sound of healing spray told Taph that the dispenser was finished. She scooted back and watched the magic happen, Chance’s wounds closing up and the shrapnel falling off.

Chance is alive.

He’s okay.

Chapter Text

Noob had taken to leaning on Taph, frowning. “…I…” She paused, voice lowering to a whisper. “Can we text about this, actually?”

Taph tilted his head, pulling out his phone and sending a text to their chat.

chance search and rescue!!!!!

taph: what’s wrong, noob?

noob ><: well… if we never got these phones, or if we just waited for seven and chance to get their own… 

noob ><: would chance be dead by now?

taph: …i

taph: i don’t think so

taph: we’re all just a fucked up little family. one of us would have noticed his absence and we’d have looked for him

taph: right, two time?

Two Time: The Demolitionist is correct, Noob! We all look out for each other here. Everyone’s a valuable asset to our team, and the Spawn loves all. \(^.^)/

noob ><: yeah, you guys are right. we wouldnt leave chance to die

noob ><: thank you both

taph: anytime!

noob >< has named this group “best group ever >:3”

noob ><: now that chance has been found and rescued, this name is better

taph: fr

Two Time: May I say a prayer in these trying times? It does certainly look like you need it.

noob ><: go for it, time

Two Time: Dear Spawn Almighty, thank You for granting us the ability to find and save Chance. I pray that you will be here for us, and for them, as they recover from their terrible condition, and renew their strength in you, Lord. Fill him with your spirit, and renew his life, for he shall never walk alone in You, Spawn. And let Noob find solace in You, as I pray that You will guide them in the right direction and let them understand that none of this is their fault. In Spawn’s name, Amen.

noob ><: thats actually… rlly nice

noob ><: ty, two time

taph: thank you, two time

He then looked at the notifications panel, and realized that oh shit, the main chat was blowing up.

elli: holy shit

elli: holy shit

elli: holy shit

elli: @noob >< @Builderman is chance gonna be okay???

007n7: we’ve never had something like this happen before…

elli: no shit? can you just shut up or even have something valuable to say for once?

elli: ever heard of is it true? is it kind? is it helpful? 

elli: obviously you haven’t because that shit was not kind or helpful

elli: stop stating the obvious, it’s just making everyone feel worse

elli: maybe even get off your ass and try to help for a round? all you do is run, run, run, is there nothing else you know?

elli: so if you have nothing good to say then zip it

elli: or i’ll make you.

elli: coward.

elli: god you’re so annoying sometimes.

elli: all the time, actually

Guest 1337: Elliot.

elli: …

elli: oh god im so sorry i still don’t forgive you but that was way too far what was i thinking why did i say that 

elli: seven i swear i didn’t mean all of that im just really stressed

elli: i dont hate you

elli: its all getting to my head i didnt realise how hurtful that was

elli: you dont have to forgive me that was a really dick move of me

007n7: no, no… it’s fine, i forgive you

007n7: i’ll just… take a break from the group chat ig

taph: elliot?

elli: please leave me alone right now

elli: im tired and stressed

elli: and i dont really wanna lash out at anyone else

shed!!: he went offline btw

taph: thanks

Guest 1337: I do hope that everyone will be fine after this. I wish I could have stopped this…

taph: it’s not your fault guest

taph: don’t worry about it

Taph flinched as they heard a gasp of air, immediately getting up (knocking Noob over in the process, whoops) and kneeling next to the gambler’s side. Chance was awake!

Their beautifully golden eyes, not covered by the sunglasses they usually wore, blinked at the demolitionist in a bit of worried confusion. “Taph?” He rasped, a small grin spreading across his face before she pulled him into a tight hug.

“Oomph-! Didn’t know you missed me that bad, buddy.” They chuckled weakly. Taph pulled away for just a moment and began signing furiously.

“Do you know how much you scared me? Scared all of us? You could have died back there, and we could have never seen you again… we don’t know what happens when you die in the lobby! Please, Chance, just think.”

Chance let out another wry chuckle. “Don’t worry about it, Taph. When you die, you just respawn back in the cabin!” He pressed his finger to the bridge of his nose, pausing when he realised he didn’t have his sunglasses on. “…right.”

Taph hummed, ready to accept what Chance said as fact, when… “…wait.”

“Aha- uh, what do you have there?” The gambler pointed at the phone in the other’s cloak, prompting her to take it out and show them.

Noob glanced over at that moment, smiling sheepishly. “Oh, right! I completely forgot to give this to you. Here, all of us have it.” He placed the phone in Chance’s hands and turned it on for them.

Welcome to the chat, »chance«!

»chance«: hey guyz

»chance«: zorry i worried you aha

c00lgui!: 000 +yp1ng qu1|2k!!

»chance«: yezzir :P

Guest 1337: You gave all of us quite a scare there. What were you even doing?

»chance«: i was mezzing with my gun. guezz i accidentally touched the trigger too hard and 💥 

taph: .

taph: please don’t do that again.

»chance«: …maybe

»chance«: no promizez tho

Two Time: I will haunt you if you try that again.

noob ><: yea! we were all rlly worried about you

shed!!: dickhead /aff

c00lgui!: y34 wh4+ +h3y z41d!1!

»chance«: okay okay guyz ive learned my lezzon

»chance«:i wont kill myzelf

»chance«: and im an idiot

noob ><: ..

noob ><: was that a porter reference

»chance«: yuhhhhhh

»chance«: i love ruzzian roulette

noob ><: hell yeah my guy (my fav song is goodbye to a world!!)

»chance«: thank youuu, ill say goodbye soooonnn

noob ><: though it’s the end of the world,

Guest 1337: Don’t blame yourself, love.

shed!!: ayo?

noob ><: omg 1337 youre a porter fan?

Guest 1337: Daisy was. I enjoyed Worlds, though I haven’t listened to the other albums yet.

»chance«: we zhould totally have a liztening party when i get better

»chance«: my cabin obvi. i found the zmile and nurture vinyls in my drawerz one day so :DD 

noob ><: lucky you!! but yeah everyone should be invited! spread the porter!!

»chance«: zpread the porter!!

taph: …

taph: slay queens spread the porter

shed!!: spread the porter? i guess

taph has created a group chat.

taph has added »chance« into the group chat.

taph: chance.

»chance«: yeah taphziez?

taph: im not stupid, you know

taph: how do you know that we respawn if we die in-between rounds?

»chance«: …ill tell you later.

»chance«: i promize. zwear on the ztyx or whatever thoze mythz zay

taph: im holding you to that

»chance«: gamblerz honour! 

Taph closed his phone, breathing out a short sigh. What’s up with Chance today? Why are they acting so off…? Why did they try to–

“Oh yeah, I would like my accessories back please and thank you!” Chance held out a hand, and the Demolitionist gave him his sunglasses, fedora, and headphones back. He nodded, then leaned on Taph with a grin. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about me. I’m fine. I’ll always be fine.”

…fine, huh?

Let’s see about that.

Chapter Text

“Chance, are you sure you’ll be able to be in this round?” Builderman frowned, glancing at the roster that the Spectre gave them before every round. “I’m sure I could get one of the other two to fill in your spot…”

The gambler in question grinned, “I’m sure, Buildie! Lady Luck will be on my side.”

…Lady Luck was not, in fact, on his side. First off, their gun exploded in their face (ugh), and they’ve yet to see a third charge for their Hat Fix. Secondly, the killer was none other than the mafia boss he pissed off when he was alive. Mafioso always hunted them down first, if he or his goons could find them. And, well…

“Boys, boys! We could talk about this, right?” Chance took a couple steps back, grinning sheepishly at said goons. He was already out of breath from being chased earlier, so… he might be fucked.

Consigliere and Contractee glanced at each other for a moment, before they split up and came at the gambler from both sides. Due to not being able to run, Chance was basically cornered.

Contractee struck first, the wooden board making contact with his back and making him yelp in pain. And burn. Mafioso never had that ability in the real world, but by god if he did, Chance would’ve paid off his debts immediately because fucking ow? And then Consigliere stabbed them. They both noped out right after, probably reporting him to their boss, and…

Right around the corner, Mafioso dashed in and grabbed the gambler by the collar. “You,” he growled. 

“Me!” They grinned, eyes scanning for a sort of exit. He was pretty sure everyone else was on the other side of the map, but maybe someone could come in time? Hopefully. “Is that a new hat? I dig it. Say, have you done somethin’ new with your looks? Because if you weren’t currently tryin’ ta kill me, I would totally hit.”

They weren’t even paying attention to what they were saying anymore, just picking the first sentence that their brain came up with to stall for time. 

Chance noticed Taph (his saviour!!) creep up behind Mafioso, placing down one of his Subspace Tripmine. She noped back out pretty quickly, but Chance took that opportunity to close up on his random monologue, “and that was a deep conversation I just had with you and all, but I really must head out! Duty calls.” 

The mine blew up on that last word, and Mafioso dropped Chance with a growled “oh, you…” They scrambled away, clutching their neck. That talking luckily didn’t lower his stamina, so he ran as fast as possible to where he saw a flash of red. Elliot! 

“What were you thinking??” The pizza worker groaned, materialising a slice into his hands and giving it to Chance. “You’re still vulnerable.”

He took a bite, taking his sweet time to chew and swallow and very purposefully making Elliot wait for an answer. “I was buyin’ us time. Every minute is precious, ain’t it?”

“…I guess. But still! You were injured and critically low, and you dying would’ve just made the time spent here longer. Ya hear me?” Elliot thrust a finger into the gambler’s chest, poking him harshly.

“Ow-! Yeah, yeah, I hear you!” Chance let out a wry chuckle. “How about we stick together for the rest of the round? Just in case I do something you’d call reckless again.”

Just as Elliot nodded, Two Time ran to them, very visibly injured. “By the Spawn… Elliot, may I have a slice? I must continue the Spawn’s work.”

The pizza worker gave a thumbs up, “whenever I get off this block, I’ll give you one!”

Chance flipped his coin, finally getting the heads he needed, and adjusted his hat. Their gun magically appeared back in their holster. A few more flips later, (tails, tails, heads, tails, heads, tails, heads) and they’re back at full charges.

“Right, then. If our killer comes close…” They twirled their flintlock around, pointing in a random direction. “I’ll BLAM em!”

Elliot snorted, “good for you, Chance.” He then pulled out a fresh slice of pizza, feeding it to Two Time. They giggled, squishing his cheeks playfully and tipping his hat up to see his face.

…damn. Chance felt like a 3rd wheel just looking at the two. 

“…on second thought, I’ll just go look for Maf Maf.” He excused himself out, wandering around Pirate Bay. No way was he gonna stay in that area with all the homoerotic tension happening. 

They checked their phone, finally able to see the time and everyone’s statuses thanks to c00lgui. 1 minute left? Time must’ve passed faster than expected–

“You’re mine!” Chance immediately got slammed to the ground, Mafioso’s hands on their neck once more. 

He grinned, “kinky.” He brought the hand holding the flintlock up and shot it point-blank at the killer’s face.

Ignoring the very loud Italian cursing, they scrambled away and hid at the area with the stairs. 

Fifteen seconds. There was no way he could catch up in time.

Something tapped his back, and he maybe possibly shrieked, aiming his charge-less gun at the figure, now revealed to be Taph. “Oh- Taph! Sorry about that, ya spooked me. Thanks for the save back there, bud!”

“👍!” He nodded, booping their nose. 

Three.

Two.

One. 

The timer ticked down to zero, and everyone appeared back into the cabins. 

“So!” Shedletsky whistled, “how did the round go?”

“...pretty well, actually! Chance was a stupid dumb idiot for half of it–” “Hey!” “–but we were fine!” Elliot gave him a thumbs up.

“What did they do this time?” Noob smiled sheepishly, settling down on the couch.

“Well, first off, their gun blew up in the first minute of the round, and they only got it back in the second. Then, he–” Elliot’s voice faded like static in the gambler’s mind. What can he say? He really didn’t want to hear his wrongdoings, even if the pizza worker somewhat went well. 

Chance’s phone buzzed, pulling them out of their thoughts, and they pulled it out to check it.

private chat with taph

taph: can we talk now?

»chance«: fine

taph: meet me at my cabin

Chapter Text

Chance quickly took to Taph’s cabin like a fish to water. He watched the gambler as they laid on the bed, a sheepish smile on their face. 

Before she could process what she was doing, she was reaching over and taking off Chance’s sunglasses. They told themself that it was to see his face to see if he was lying… but who are they kidding? He just wanted to see the gambler’s eyes.

“Woah, Taph! Didn’t know we were that far into the relationship,” Chance snorted, blush dusting his face. 

The demolitionist huffed out a sigh, glad that their face was covered by their hood.

private chat with »chance«

taph: i don’t want to push you too hard, so you don’t have to answer if you’re uncomfortable, but…

taph: how do you know we respawn in the lobby?

»chance«: …

»chance«: hehe, you were able to catch onto that really quickly! you would be really good at playing cheat

taph: please don’t dodge the question chance

»chance«: alright, alright, fine. but i’m not gonna zay it on here

»chance«: thiz iz for your pretty earz and yourz only

Chance put his phone down and looked up. They placed their hands in Taph’s own and gently squeezed them, intertwining fingers. “I just…” He paused. “I’ve been playing Russian Roulette. Whenever I die in a round, and I wasn’t the last.”

The demolitionist flinched, and Chance squeezed her hands again. “Hey, hey. I swear, I have a reason! Just one more moment with us, okay?” He settled down slightly, but having a friend play a literal death game without anyone knowing for Telamon knows how long? It made them shudder.

“It’s… okay, never mind, this sounds really bad. Gosh… how do I put this? The thrill of death isn’t really thrilling. Nothing’s permanent. You die, then wake up back at the cabin. I was wondering… wondering if I could end the cycle. Besides… it was… fun.”

Taph just looked horrified. They gently pulled their hands out of Chance’s and began to type frantically.

private chat with »chance«

taph: what were you thinking????

taph: i know we all want to escape but not that way!

taph: what do you think would happen if you actually died? if we found your corpse lying there somewhere in the woods?

taph: i just

taph: we love you too much to not let that affect us

taph: i love you too much to lose you

taph: you’re valuable to me and the rest of the team! 

taph: and i hate seeing you in pain, and we’re the only thing we have in this hellhole

taph: so please

taph: we need you alive, chance

taph: i need you alive.

»chance«: taph…

»chance«: i had no idea you felt thiz way

»chance«: and for the record 

taph: hm?

»chance«: look at me :3

Taph glanced up at a sheepishly smiling Chance, who flushed pink and took a deep breath.

“❤️🫵.”

…!!!

If Taph could squeal, he would. Because- well, she gets understanding how she communicates, but. Using it too? No way. And Chance looked so adorable, blushing in a slight embarrassment as he dropped his hands, “did I… was that wrong? I hope not, ahah…”

Instead of responding, they pulled Chance in a very tight hug, hood falling from their head, which they bury into his neck. Only until it felt like an hour (and yet still too short), they pulled away, a dopey smile creeping up onto their face.

taph: are we… a thing?

»chance«: if you want uz to be. :)

taph: then… yeah

taph: i’d love that

They didn’t realise that they typed all of that in the main chat for a second. The others did, though. 

shed!!: damn a confession over chat?? that’s wild

Two Time: Winged menace, I must remind you that the demolitionist is understood easier here. 

c00lgui!: ¢0NG|24+U|4+0NZ!! 

Guest 1337: I agree with the GUI. Congratulations, Taph and Chance.

shed!!: okay wait so is this a gay relationship or..

c00lgui!: ch4nc3 4+3 +4ph’z g3nd3|2,, 1dk

noob ><: they did what

Guest 1337: How does one… eat a gender?

shed!!: idk nom nom nom? 😋 

elli: i uh.

elli: anyways, congratulations you two!

taph: this was supposed to be in dms >< that’s embarrassing…

Two Time: We, and the Spawn, support you either way! (*¯︶¯*)

c00lgui! pinned 4 messages.

c00lgui!: @All guyz |00k 4+ +h1z

c00lgui!: w3’v3 g0+ 4 n3w zh1p h3|2e :P

007n7: congrats!

Dusekkar: We all hope your relationship will flourish, and will support you, if that gets you your wish.

»chance«: get your wish? porter robinzon mentioned!!

noob ><: we love porter here

»chance«: ya!!

»chance«: not more then i love taph tho ^^

»chance«: taphziez we zhould lizten to nurture! i think youd like muzician

»chance«: actually… why dont we make the porter liztening party today?

»chance«: everyone in favour zay i

taph: i 💕💕😋

noob ><: i!!!

Guest 1337: I.

shed!!: i!

Two Time: I! ＼(≧▽≦)／

elli: i

007n7: I

Dusekkar: I.

Builderman: I?

c00lgui!: 1!!

»chance«: alr then! letz go right neowww!!

Chance and Taph waited hand-in-hand in the former’s cabin, having walked there right after the texts were sent. They both had their face coverings removed, emotions (specifically love, of course) on full display. 

“I really think you’ll love Musician, Taphsies. Ooh, or Knock Yourself Out XD once we get to that album… hmm!” Chance mused, and wow, was that face adorable when they were contemplating. Or happy, or sad, or anything, actually… Either way, Taph could watch (and listen) for hours. 

Noob was the first to enter the cabin, getting herself settled quickly. “I had no idea you were a Porter fan until you referenced Russian Roulette, Chance.” He smiled, toying with a lock of his hair. “Man, I missed listening to him. And music as a whole, actually… how did you get these?”

The gambler shrugged nonchalantly, “oh, just begged the Spectre to give me the vinyls every night until it caved… or something.” 

Noob let out a short giggle, “of course you would do that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

The rest of them trickled in not too long after, and Chance slotted one of the Worlds vinyls into their record player. 

When the second song in the album began to play, Taph noticed that Guest seemed a bit down. He excused himself from his new lover’s embrace (which he was still super giddy about), and sat next to him. “🫵👍?” They tilted their head.

“Sad Machine was my wife’s favourite song.” He smiled wistfully, tapping his fingers to the beat. “I remember her introducing me to this song… she was so happy when I said I liked it as well.” 

Guest paused, adding “I… miss her. She’s who I always stayed strong for, her and my Charlotte. I wish I could see them again, wish I got to see Charlotte grow up…”

“🫂?”  Taph signed. When he nodded, they pulled him into an embrace.

The song faded, and Guest let go of the demolitionist. “Thank you, Taph. Don’t forget to stay strong, and cherish your friends.”

Taph walked back to Chance, sat down when the lyrics for Years Of War started, and closed their eyes as the music washed over them.

This was good. Everything was coming together, and maybe, they’d be fine.

Chapter Text

c00lgui!: 4||2 +h3n, z1n¢3 +h3 f1|2z+ 4|2¢ 1z 0v3|2…

c00lgui!: |3+’z h4v3 z0m3… fu^.

c00lgui! has changed 10 usernames.

c00lgui!: @All |3+’ p|4y gu3zz wh0!! 

c00lgui!: +0 p|23v3n+ 0bv10uz c|u3z…

c00lgui! has disabled uppercase letters.

c00lgui!: 4nd 1f 1 ¢4+¢h ¢h4n¢3 0|2 duzz3kk4|2 m3zz1ng up my fun…

c00lgui!: …:)

put glue on their toothbrush thinking it was toothpaste: im sorry, what?

put glue on their toothbrush thinking it was toothpaste: oh.

put glue on their toothbrush thinking it was toothpaste: in my defense, the glue was in a toothpaste tube

made slime with toothpaste thinking it was glue: hey, doesn’t that sound familiar?

made slime with toothpaste thinking it was glue: oh look! twinning ><

writes gunpowder fanfics: okay i can explain whatever mine is

writes gunpowder fanfics: never mind. i cannot.

shipped sansmaeda in middle school: understandable 

made slime with toothpaste thinking it was glue: danganronpa fan? 🫵

c00lgui!: 0k4y y34h z0 wh4+ 1f 1 g0+ +h1z 1d34 f|20m a d4ng4n|20np4 ¢h4+f1¢? 1 m34n +h3 z3|213z w4z 4b4nd0n3d bu+ |1k3. 1+ w4z g00d

wears coloured eye contacts to hide their heterochromia: shhh you can’t go breaking the fourth wall that easily 

wears coloured eye contacts to hide their heterochromia: and also this was supposed to be a secret? i don’t like my eyes all too much

c00lgui!: +00 b4d 4 u!! |0|

used to have annual shrek watch parties: back to the topic at hand

used to have annual shrek watch parties: the user that was a sansmaeda fan?

shipped sansmaeda in middle school: i was very cringe okay but its fine. i repented for my sins, and the spawn forgave me

writes gunpowder fanfics: hi two time

shipped sansmaeda in middle school: hello! ^▽^

c00lgui! has changed 1 username.

backstabgobrr: anyways!

backstabgobrr: please @all put a . in chat so we can see your usernames

made slime with toothpaste thinking it was glue: .

put glue on their toothbrush thinking it was toothpaste: .

writes gunpowder fanfics: .

still unironically listens to 2018 gacha songs: .

almost started the washing machine with noob inside: .

naturally blonde but dyes it for some reason: . 

wears coloured eye contacts to hide their heterochromia: .

pretends not to have a crush on [BLANK] but it’s actually so obvious: .

used to have annual shrek watch parties: .

backstabgobrr: that everyone?

c00lgui!: 👍

wears coloured eye contacts to hide their heterochromia: @still unironically listens to 2018 gacha songs is taph btw

still unironically listens to 2018 gacha songs: chancie i trusted you :(((

wears coloured eye contacts to hide their heterochromia: sorry darling! all in a game :DD

c00lgui!: 4|| 1n?!??! 4|nzt m3n+10n?

c00lgui! has changed 2 usernames.

hyunakinnie: okay?

lukakinnie: c00lgui how do you know alien stage

c00lgui: never gonna tell

pretends not to have a crush on [BLANK] but it’s actually so obvious: seven coded the appstore on the phones and someone mustve watched it

pretends not to have a crush on [BLANK] but it’s actually so obvious: also chance you have heterochromia?

hyunakinnie: surprise? i dunno it always outed me as a weirdo before i came here

backstabgobrr: i would love to see them, though!

backstabgobrr: no promises i won’t stab them out

hyunakinnie: uh

backstabgobrr: kidding! :D

almost started the washing machine with noob inside: by the way noob i am so so sorry 

writes gunpowder fanfics: don’t worry 1337

writes gunpowder fanfics: hide and seek was wild

c00lgui! has changed 2 usernames.

hyunakinnie: okay firzt of all what. zecond of all can i read it

partytiem!: yeah sure :3!!

lukakinnie: anyways im ngl, i was the one who switched the glue and toothpaste

made slime with toothpaste thinking it was glue: what is wrong with you

put glue on their toothbrush thinking it was toothpaste: 😨

lukakinnie: it was funny though

lukakinnie: shedletsky, builderman

c00lgui! has changed 2 usernames.

stopmissing: it was not funny

stopmissing: hey! >:(((

c00lgui!!: h4h4 1m4g1n3 lm40

poweringimagination: …it was kind of funny.

poweringimagination: would be funnier if i didn’t use it to actually brush my teeth, but that aside.

lukakinnie: see?

stopmissing: no im blind

partytiem!: hi blind! im noob

c00lgui!: 3 |3f+!!!

used to have annual shrek watch parties: …

used to have annual shrek watch parties: it’s dusekkar. i must say, i didn’t expect to get this far

stopmissing: the parties were great tho deuce ^^

c00lgui! has changed 1 username.

backstabgobrr: the spawn has enlightened me on one of the last!

backstabgobrr: @naturally blonde but dyes it for some reason is dear 007n7!

naturally blonde but dyes it for some reason: you got me 

naturally blonde but dyes it for some reason: the burger hat helps me hide my roots 

alwaysbestrong: so that means that the last one is…

c00lgui! has changed 2 usernames.

c00lgui!: w4zn’+ +h4+ fun?

c00lgui!: w41+ 1 n33d t0. uh.

c00lgui! has enabled uppercase letters.

backstabgobrr: Elliot! Elliot! Who do you have a crush on? (=`ω´=)

pizzapizza!: thats… classified

backstabgobrr: Okay… Spawn bless you!

lukakinnie: …

lukakinnie: are you serious

hyunakinnie: im frying rn 

partytiem!: taph, chance

partytiem!: my cabin now

lukakinnie: bet

partytiem! has created a group chat.

partytiem! has added pizzapizza! and two others into the group chat.

partytiem! has named this group “operation pizzatime”

partytiem!: groupname inspired by a chatfic i read on ao3 once because that was fire

partytiem!: but yeah c00lgui was right you are so obvious to everyone but yk the one you have a crush on

lukakinnie: also! two time totally likes you back so what are you scared about?

pizzapizza!: but do they really…

pizzapizza!: it just… seems like they only like me as a friend

pizzapizza!: i dunno

hyunakinnie: denial iz a river in egypt

hyunakinnie: the reazon why i left after i zaid id ztick with you for the rezt of the round waz becauze i couldnt handle you and timerz being homoerotic

pizzapizza!: oh!

lukakinnie: noob, chance, and i have something planned… if i can get a certain someone in on it

hyunakinnie: convinced zev to make a couple more phonez!

hyunakinnie: he’ll give them to ykw in the lazt round today

…

“Hey, Noli…”

“S3V3N?? WH4T 4R3 Y0U D01NG H3R3?”

“I just… wanted to give you this. Share it with the rest of your team, alright?”

“......SUR3. TH4NKS TH0UGH.”

…

ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves

Eight people have been added to the group chat.

/V0L1: h3y h3y h333yyy

c00lkidd!!!!!: hiya uncle nolie!

c00lkidd!!!!!: thanky for the phone!

c00lgui!: 00h y0u guyz h4v3 +h3m n0w!

/V0L1: d0ntch4 kn0vv 1t :) 

Mafioso: What is this for, anyways?

/V0L1: fvn!

1x1x1x1: I doubt that.

private chat with g666

partytiem!: sixer! ><

partytiem!: do the killers know who’s going up next in a round?

g666: they do

g666: why?

partytiem!: okay good

partytiem!: could you tell me when 1x’s round is next plzzz

g666: shes going first thing next round but uh

g666: how did you even get my number

partytiem!: asked c00lgui! :3 

partytiem!: wish we could hang out tho :( 

g666: i’m still unreleased 

g666: literally can’t leave the main area

partytiem!: rip 😭

g666: no seriously they have me on a leash outside the cabin 

g666: at least no limbo </3

partytiem!: but thanks sixer!

partytiem!: love you /p

g666: ily2 /p

private chat with 1x1x1x1

partytiem!: hi uh genderfluid buddy!

partytiem!: a couple of friends and i wanna get elliot nd two time together and i was wondering

partytiem!: could you help us out?

partytiem!: you get to kill shedletsky next round, i’ll bring him in

1x1x1x1: I’m listening…

Chapter Text

Spawn, please keep me safe from these new threats to this life.

Great Spawn, please help me guide my new friends in the right direction in following You.

O glorious Spawn, won’t You please give us hope for what is to come? We are in constant danger, and as Your devotee, I hope You shall give us protection.

Dear Spawn Almighty, thank You for allowing my continued worship of You even here. Thank You for granting me my second life. Please help us find a way to escape, and we shall worship You forevermore. You are my hope and my hope alone.

Spawn…

Are You listening?

Why won’t You answer me?

Do You even exi–

“Two Time?”

They were snapped out of their thoughts by Noob, who had a sheepish smile on his face. “Did I interrupt you? I’m sorry.”

“Oh, please do not worry!” They nodded. “My prayers to the Spawn were all but finished. Please, go ahead.”

“Right! Well, I was wondering if you could sign up for the next round… it’s only Taph, Elliot, Shed, and I, and we could really use some help… Taph and Elliot are both Supports, you know how Shedletsky is with his hits, and I’m… well, me.” She twirled a lock of hair around her finger, fidgeting with the outfit she chose for the round; pride, of course. 

“Of course, Noob!” Two Time exits their cabin, Noob close behind, to sign their name on the roster for the first round of the day.

Once they signed the roster, they grinned back at the survivalist, “may the Spawn bless us this round.” 

Then, the world went dark.

This round’s killer is…

1x1x1x1

Not too bad. Better than John Doe, but her long-ranged attacks were annoying.

Two Time came back to their senses, dagger already in hand as they looked for their favourite place in Brandon6875935’s place to set down their ritual; right in the corner of the grass patch to the left of the left ramp. Kind of specific, but the killers haven’t found their hiding spot just yet, so… main area it was.

They stabbed the ritual into the ground, watching it glow, and kicked the grass over it. They’d be dirty in their second life, but it was better than 1x finding it out and camping there. They checked their phone, looking at the time left and people alive—texts couldn’t be sent from the participants at this time (they could send them, though, so the survivors not participating were able to see them), unfortunately, but statuses and time were all available—and oh look. Everyone but them and Elliot were already injured and under half health.

Were any of them even trying?? Two Time could have sworn they were better than this. 

They started off upwards, seeing a tripmine being thrown onto the castle. Taph waved at them, before kneeling to place down a tripwire. Once both spikes were set, they spoke.

“Hello there, Taph! Would you have any idea where 1x1x1x1 would be?”

“🤔… 👇, 👉!”

“Thank you! Spawn bless!”

They headed down the ramp, dagger at the ready, and crouched once they noticed 1x chasing Shedletsky. When the killer turned the corner, they stabbed him in the back and twisted the knife with a grin. Already halfway there to obtaining their spawn-blessed gift.

1x grunted, glaring at Two Time as they watched Shedletsky get away. Of course, when he got out of being stunned, he immediately started chasing after the former admin (who had just been healed, courtesy of Elliot). They, on the other hand, went back to Taph, who had just placed down their second tripwire. 

Their phone buzzed, and when they glanced back at it, Shedletsky’s name was coloured red, and his icon marked “dead”. Well that was just great.

Elliot and Noob rushed up the left ramp, 1x close behind, before the latter stumbled on one of Taph’s tripwires. All four of the remaining survivors jumped down from the ledge, and Two Time stepped backwards and waited for the killer to fall as well. When they did, they quickly backstabbed them once again. Their oblation meter was filled fairly quickly, but to be fair, they were the only sentinel still alive, compared to a certain Shedletsky who died in the first minute.

That just meant they had to work harder in keeping everyone alive. That was fine! A healer on the team made it easier for that to happen! 

Elliot was wonderful. If only he liked them back… if only he worshipped the Spawn. That just meant Two Time had to try harder to get him to become a believer just like them!

They skipped off, not noticing that 1x was already out of his stun and still didn’t go after them. Instead, Noob’s HP began to drain, very quickly, might they add. 

Their dagger was still on cooldown… damn it.

Even so, they ran towards 1x, ready to take a hit, but she just shoved past them and stabbed Noob in the heart instead, forcing them to bow and killing them. What was he doing this round? It was almost like they were trying to avoid hitting Two Time… and Elliot, now that they thought of it. Usually killers would target him first, to prevent him from healing anyone else or getting his Rush Hour…

What was going on? Was someone behind this?

Taph being attacked only heightened Two Time’s suspicion further. They heard the sound of a Mass Infection being charged up, then released, and Taph was at 5%. Then it was 25%, slowly going up, as Elliot took a hit for her to heal. At least, that was what Two Time inferred from the phones and the fact that 1x was highlighted in red from Taph’s tripwire.

Then Taph was gone as well. Two left, and Two Time wasn’t going to let the healer die anytime soon. Not when their Oblation meter was already filled up and they could afford to die. 

…

Why wasn’t 1x chasing either of them?

Elliot came down from the castle, and 1x wasn’t following. In fact, the pizza worker seemed… somewhat confident as he strided up to them. 

“Two Time,” he began, a gentle flush covering his cheeks. “Do you remember last night, when the c00lgui played that game?”

Then nodded. How could they forget about that? Especially- “...if you really want to know who my crush is…” Elliot paused, averting his gaze. “I… it’s you. I love you, Two Time.

Time seemed to stop. Elliot? Love them? It was an honour, really, but…

…but…

They couldn’t.

Elliot wasn’t a believer of the Spawn.

Spawn members could only date other Spawn members, and Elliot wasn’t one.

So, despite the pain in their heart for forsaking the one they truly loved, they turned away. 

“...I’m sorry, dear Elliot. I cannot accept your love.”

Two Time made their way to the construction zone, not daring to look back to see Elliot’s distraught face. They sighed, fiddling with the wires of the generator there and waited for the time to tick down to zero. All the while, their mind was racing with thoughts.

Why did you do that?

You monster, breaking his heart without giving a reason why.

When the world finally faded to black, and the round ended, they frowned.

Maybe I’ll stay away from the cabins for now.

Chapter Text

Two Time immediately left for the woods once they woke back up at the base. No more rounds for today; they didn’t think they could handle it. Besides, there were other sentinels, who didn’t have to rely on stealth and stabbing killers in the back like a coward. 

They stabbed and hacked at the branches in their way, not caring about those pieces of wood injuring them back. They just needed to getawaygetawaygetawaygetawaygetaway–

All the while, their phone was buzzing with texts, both from the main group chat and their smaller one with Noob and Taph. …right. They forgot for a moment that everyone could see what was happening in the rounds. That everyone saw how they handled Elliot’s love and crushed it within their Spawn-blessed (...or cursed) hand. They didn’t think they had the guts to stomach whatever the other survivors were saying, as they could barely take the thought of the pizza worker’s disappointment. 

Monster.

The voice calling them that wasn’t their own. It had a slightly higher pitch, and its tone was all too familiar. Of course. It was Azure’s voice. 

He was right, though. They were a monster. They were incapable of keeping anyone they held close, and it was their own fault. They couldn’t keep Azure, and they just had to push Elliot away.

At least they had the Spawn. The Spawn would never leave them. Sure, it never responded to any of their prayers, but it must be because it was busy with all of its other loyal devotees. It was probably still listening right now, and it would send help and comfort soon! The Spawn wouldn’t have abandoned a loyal follower like them!

…right? 

They shuddered slightly. It maybe wasn’t the best time to question something like that. Their phone buzzed once again, and they decided that would be a good enough escape from their thoughts.

best group ever >:3 

partytiem!: what is wrong with you?

partytiem!: i thought you loved him

partytiem!: and then you, what?

partytiem!: rejected him outright?

backstabgobrr: That’s the problem.

backstabgobrr: I can’t love him.

lukakinnie: why

backstabgobrr: It’s unholy. If I were to accept him, then I would be damned from the Spawn and Its followers as a whore.

backstabgobrr: Only those who were purified by the Spawn can date other members. 

lukakinnie: …

partytiem!: two time that just sounds like a cult 

backstabgobrr: It’s not

backstabgobrr: I swear to the Spawn it isn’t

backstabgobrr: Everything that I stand for is real

backstabgobrr: Otherwise I

backstabgobrr: I

backstabgobrr: Spawnism is not a cult. It’s a true religion and I would advise you to be quiet and respect the Spawn.

backstabgobrr: You accepted my prayers for your safety.

backstabgobrr: So why now are you rejecting the Spawn, and by proxy, me?

backstabgobrr: Now please

backstabgobrr: Off my case.

He was worried for both of them after spectating that last round. Yeah sure, one of the two hated him, and the other creeped him out, but he decided he would try to help in any way he could. Not like he helped at all during the rounds, a traitorous voice in his head mentioned. And since he was banned from the main cabin (where people would still be comforting Elliot anyways), it would be better for him to comfort Two Time. Even though only two, three survivors at best, tolerated him.

Two Time had left a noticeable trail when they went into the woods. Leaves, trampled grass, and broken and bloody branches that made him shudder. What was with their uncharacteristic destructive spree? This wasn’t like them at all—though he shouldn’t really be thinking that. He barely made much effort to get to know them, after all. Even still, guilt began to pool into his chest. That was right. He didn’t make the effort to befriend them. To be fair, though… he was… well, himself, and they made themself pretty unapproachable to most people. Not including Elliot, though, which was why he was confused at their rejection of him.

Oh, well. That was a question he could stand to ask later, when Two Time was in a more stable headspace. But right now?

He had a… he wouldn’t call it friend, would he? A… a companion to comfort. 

He made his way through the woods, before finding the clearing where Two Time was sitting and staring at their phone. He walked over and spoke up. 

“…hey. Are you… alright?”

They jolted viscerally when they heard him, dagger at his throat, before realizing who he was and settling down. “Oh! Dear 007n7-” “Please just call me Seven-” “Right. Dearest Seven, you scared me.” They gave him a smile, though he noticed it didn’t quite reach their eyes.

“And to answer your question? I am perfectly fine.” …well excuse Seven’s French, but those words were absolute bullshit. He took a seat beside them, letting out a huff.

“I’m not blind, you know. Please don’t say that you’re fine, because you’re obviously not.” He crossed his arms. “I’m not going to ask about Elliot. But… despite everything, and even if you probably hate me… I really do want to help you. But to do that, I need you to be honest to me.”

At that moment, Two Time paused. 007n7 was really hoping they were considering it, or even that they felt safe around him right now. Probably not… but it was something! 

“If you really so insist on this,” Two Time let out a sigh, the smile on their face dropping for once. (007n7 never thought he’d see the day.) They closed their phone and pocketed it, glancing at him, “I’m… conflicted.”

They said nothing more, for now. But it was enough. 007n7 nodded along, “…yeah. I get that.” He chuckled ruefully. “If you don’t mind me asking, what about?”

“…everything. My life. Az-…” They cut themself off, fiddling with the hem of their sleeveless glove. “For my entire life, I believed everything about my religion. Everyone around me followed the Spawn, my… my boyfriend followed the Spawn…”

Two Time’s breathing seemed to speed up slightly, and 007n7 put his hand on their neck, before drawing down slowly. He rubbed circles onto their back, nodding and urging them to keep going.

“One day, I-… he and I had a… falling out, of sorts.” 007n7 winced slightly. He knew the feeling all too well. “I was brought here, and then suddenly nobody around me worshipped the Spawn even though it was all I knew.” 

They leaned into his touch, “and then he came around, and he was just like Azure to me, but I couldn’t- not again- and I left. I left him when all he needed was me but I just- I…”

“Hey, shh. I get it.” 007n7 whispered, his other hand reaching over to gently rub Two Time’s head similarly to what he used to do with c00lkidd when he was upset. “I understand how you feel-” “but I don’t understand how I feel.” 

He stuttered slightly after he was cut off, but continued, “you’re deeply connected to something that he isn’t. You’re also afraid that this will end up like the last relationship you had, right?”

“And I get that. But… you can’t just let that simmer. It’ll make everything worse in the end.” Seven let out a soft sigh, lowering his voice, “if you don’t communicate, then it’ll only break the both of you further.”

“I cannot do that.”

Two Time’s voice was less than a whisper, the hand gripping their dagger tightening. “It is against the Spawn’s wishes.”

Seven moved his hand away from Two Time’s back, “but how would you know what the Spawn wishes? The other…” He avoided the word cultists, feeling the small string of connection that he formed between them tightening slightly, “…members of Spawnism could be lying to you to keep you in there. Besides… it’s not like they’re here with us.” He gave them a hesitant smile, widening when they returned it. 

“You’re right, dearest Seven. I’ll apologise.” 

And right then, the two outcasts found a sort of peace with each other.

If only it lasted forever.

Chapter Text

Two Time and 007n7 stayed like that for a long time, just talking and finding comfort in each others’ vicinity, before reality brought them back in the form of a ping! from 007n7’s phone. He had all the survivor notifications on silent, so what–

we are the monsters rawr rawr rawr

singledadcore and twenty others have been added to the group chat.

c00lgui: f0|2g0+ 4 f3w k1||3|2z b3f0|23 h3h…

/V0L1: 4sk3d gv1 t0 m4k3 th1s ch4t 😏

singledadcore: .

singledadcore: hey noli.

/V0L1: h3y s3v3n

c00lkidd!!!!!: hi dad!!!

c00lgui!: h1 c|234+0|2!!

singledadcore: hey you two :D 

hyunakinnie: wow three repliez? how popular of you

Mafioso: Indeed.

hyunakinnie: oh zhit uh hi maf?

Mafioso: Chance.

Mafioso: Why is your username an Alien Stage reference.

c00lkidd!!!!!: u canz name people?

c00lgui!: 1f y0u 4zk m3 y34 1’|| ¢h4ng3 1+ !!

c00lkidd!!!!!: c00l!!!!! :3 

hyunakinnie: im zurprized youre not on my azz about debtz rn 

Mafioso: I enjoy listening to Alien Stage.

lukakinnie: oo really?

lukakinnie: favourite song?

Mafioso: Blink Gone.

c00lgui!: b4z3d

c00lgui! has changed 1 username.

TILLurdebtsrpaid: Hm?

TILLurdebtsrpaid: Ha ha. Very funny.

/V0L1: h3 l4vgh3d.

TILLurdebtsrpaid: I did not.

singledadcore: he laughed? thats adorable :)

TILLurdebtsrpaid: …

TILLurdebtsrpaid: I laughed

/V0L1: lm40?

hyunakinnie: folded like a flimsy piece of paper

singledadcore: anyways.

Two Time glanced over at the chats in the new, larger group chat, before realising they hadn’t seen the ones in the old one. They quickly glanced over that for just a moment.

stopmissing: elliot are you alright?

pizzapizza!: i

pizzapizza!: how do you expect me to answer that

pizzapizza!: i just

poweringimagination: It’s alright to not know how you feel or why you feel it.

pizzapizza!: i still love them but i. i dont know anymore

stopmissing: ngl two time was rlly insensitive about that

stopmissing: they just rejected you and left?

pizzapizza!: no its not their fault 

pizzapizza!: don’t put the blame on them. it was all me

trayslaydaymay: You should not give yourself all the blame. It’s split, more on one side would make both feel shame.

trayslaydaymay: …I believe the other may too be in pain; it would be best to find them, lest we give their sanity a larger strain.

pizzapizza!: can someone please check on them 

pizzapizza!: i dont feel like i can face them right now

singledadcore: i will

pizzapizza!: …

pizzapizza!: thanks ig

They winced. So that’s what was happening. Two Time was too much of a coward to admit their own feelings, and Elliot was too much of a coward to confront-slash-comfort them about it. 

How well they fit together like that.

They turned their attention to the new chat.

we are the monsters rawr rawr rawr

g666: what happened to all the survivors’ usernames?

c00lgui!: ¢h4ng3d +h3m 4 @ g4m3

g666: ah

c00lgui!: wh1ch r3m1ndz m3…

c00lgui! has changed 9 usernames.

c00lgui!: |20|| ¢4||!! @All z4y u|2 n4m3z b¢ n0+ m4ny k1||3|2z +4|k3d 1n +h3 |4z+ p4|2+

pizzapizza!: elliot

hyunakinnie: chance >:3

lukakinnie: taph! <3

stopmissing: shedletsky </3

howmanyeggs?: Deserved. 

howmanyeggs?: 1x.

TILLurdebtsrpaid: Mafioso

tvtime: /v0l1 >:D

backstabgobrr: Two Time! (^▽^)

red40: c00lkidd!!!

bluusclues: bluuduud!!!!

peptobismol: pr3typriincess <3

alwaysbestrong: Guest 1337.

secondlastguest: guest 666

partytiem!: noob :33

trayslaydaymay: Dusekkar.

singledadcore: 007n7

poweringimagination: Builderman

getthatbread: j0hn d0e

theslaughterson: jason

stopcallingmejez: slasher

theslaughterson: hello my apprentice.

stopcallingmejez: hi mentor ^^

tentacruel: Azure.

backstabgobrr: I, um. 

backstabgobrr: I have to go

Two Time closed their phone too fast for 007n7 not to notice. In fact, something clicked in his mind when he saw their expression. 

“Two Time,” he started, “…was the Azure you mentioned… the Azure that was in the group chat?” By the way they flinched, he guessed he hit the nail right on the head. 

“…yeah.” They mumbled, arms wrapped around themself. Tears sprung at their eyes, rolling down their cheeks despite their attempts to wipe them away. Even still, they kept a smile on their face, futilely trying to mask their pain.

So, 007n7 opened his arms. “Do you want a hug?” When they nodded, he leaned forward and embraced them. “It’s alright. I’ve got you.”

He took a few moments for Two Time to catch their breath, before they pulled away. “Thank you, blessed Seven.”

“It’s… nothing, you know.” He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “Anyone would do that in my shoes.” …to his knowledge, of course. He stayed pretty hopeful they would, though! “Are you ready to head back? A round is starting soon, so you’d have the whole cabin to yourself.”

They smiled back, a bit nervously, “I’d like to stay at yours tonight… if that’s fine with you, of course.”

“I don’t mind at all!” He let out a chuckle. That actually reminded him, quite fondly, of some of the times when c00lkidd had a nightmare. He would come into his room, asking to sleep next to him, and Seven would always promise to protect him from the monsters out to get him.

…it was really a shame he couldn’t keep those promises.

007n7 stood up, lending Two Time a hand to pull them up as well, and they started making their way back to the cabins as the timer for the next round ticked down to zero. That was a problem for the other survivors, he supposed. When they got to 007n7’s cabin, they both settled on his bed and he checked the newest chat.

we are the monsters rawr rawr rawr

tvtime: vv0vld y0v l1k3 t0 3xpl41/V th4t 4zvr3?

tentacruel: …I guess.

tentacruel: We knew each other back then, both being devotees of the Spawn cult under Amarah.

tentacruel: We were dating, actually, and planned to run away together 

tentacruel: But that never happened.

tentacruel: Two Time did something because of the Spawn that drove us apart before we could flee

tentacruel: I don’t blame them for it, but I also don’t really forgive them?

tentacruel: Maybe if they apologise.

pizzapizza!: i… i see

pizzapizza!: would you

pizzapizza!: would you be willing to get back together with them

tentacruel: Not how it is now.

tentacruel: Why do you ask?

bluusclues: not to be a party crasher or anything (i totally am) but dms exist for a reason. im trying to lock in but you keep yapping away and i get notifications for ts :/

pizzapizza!: oh yeah.

pizzapizza!: sorry. i guess.

hyunakinnie: azure n elliot r zmooching in dmz?

alwaysbestrong: Chance..

hyunakinnie: kidding, promize! ^^

hyunakinnie: theyre probably not anywayz. now im gonna cuddle with my wonderful partner until the round ztartz

tvtime: vvh0?

hyunakinnie: taphziez! hez zo wonderful and kind and helpful and

tvtime: 4sk3d.

hyunakinnie: …:(

lukakinnie: noli i will find you.

singledadcore: lol

tvtime: h1 s3v!! hrvvv

singledadcore: sorry i keep seeing your username as twotime 😭😭

tvtime: r34l

singledadcore: but im fine!

tvtime: th4ts g00d ^^ 1m f1n3 bc y0v r

hyunakinnie: boo get a room

tvtime: 1 d0nt s33 4ny0n3 s4y1ng th4t t0 y0v 4nd y0vr ‘t4phs13s’, d0 y0v??

hyunakinnie: i.

hyunakinnie: damn you got me there

alwaysbestrong: …is anyone going to question why we are having such casual conversations without killers?

howmanyeggs?: It’s better than focusing on our limbos.

theslaughterson: glad i left that place behind. yall were cool and all but the spectre wasnt

alwaysbestrong: Fair enough.

lukakinnie: who’s the next killer btw?

tvtime: why w0vld w3 t3ll y0v?

red40: pr3ty is!

tvtime: ………

peptobismol: yup! <3

lukakinnie: alr bet *cracks knuckles*

peptobismol: oh you wanna go? *slam dunks you*

lukakinnie: *dodges*

007n7 let out a slight chuckle, closing his phone. Seems like the rest of them had their hands full dealing with the girl… that was alright by him. As long as Two Time was okay right now… well, anything could go. He’d be fine with it.