Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He grazed the blade across his skin. light, at first, then much deeper, with more pressure. It stung. Blood beaded in drops along the thin, red line then fell away. Quickly the blood had formed into a steady trickle, then a stream. Seven closed his eyes. Now all he had to do was wait. His mind was focused on the sharp pain, and the feeling of warm blood soaking his clothing. He sighed. He hoped this was the right decision. As he pictured son’s face, any bit of doubt left inside him melted away.
This was the right choice. He would see his son again.
He could already feel his life draining away. He felt an unearthly sense of calm filling up his body. This was it. He had finally done it. He would see c00lkidd again. He would see c00lkidd again.
As his vision faded to darkness, he swore he could see a flash of purple in the corner of his eye.

Chapter Text

Seven woke up. That was the most surprising thing. When he opened his eyes, he was in what looked like a hospital. Bright, white light. Uncomfortable mattress. Tubes going in and out of his arms. It took him a second to fully wake up, and then he discovered the second most surprising thing. Noli.
He hadn't seen Noli in… what? A few years? The pair had grown apart after seven had found C00lkidd, plus the whole voidstar thing… seven pushed that out of his mind.
“N-Noli?” He asked, his voice faint and shaky “what happen..” he blinked, remembering. “Oh”.
“Y3/\h..” Noli said, looking away. His voice was just how seven remembered it, rough and glitchy. Usually sounding as if he was on the edge of laughter. Not today.
“У0u.. uh… ! ca/V\e to see y0u and… welI…” Noli was understandably awkward. How would you be if you had to tell your old friend that they had tried to kill themselves and you had only stopped them because you just appeared in their room.. Wait? Why had Noli been in Seven's house?
“Nols…” Seven didn't mean to use the old nickname, but it had just slipped out. “What were you doing in my house…?”

Noli adjusted how he was sitting. The blanket on his lap shifted, revealing.. Red?
No. It couldn't be. Seven wouldn't even let himself think it. But when more of the blanket fell away, revealing what he had been missing for so long, his heart nearly stopped.
C00lkidd.

Chapter Text

Seven blinked slowly as c00lkid woke up. The boy looked about the same as when he had last seen him. It didn't feel real. C00lkidd had been missing for… almost a year now? Seven had lost track of time over the months spent rotting in his apartment. He had assumed c00lkidd was dead. Had 007n7 himself died? Was he in a sort of heaven?
“Papa?” c00lkidd said, yawning. He shrugged himself off of Noli's lap. A smile spread across his face as he ran to his father. He stood, body pressed against the side of the hospital bed, arms reaching up and holding seven’s hand.
“Dad! I missed you!” He said, squeezing seven’s arm.
“I- I missed you too, kidd." seven said. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes, and his voice was unsteady. He shifted his position, cradling his son in a sort of half-hug. It was all he could manage, due to the, uh… aforementioned tubes going in and out of his left arm. Seven glanced up at Noli, who was just sitting there, his expression unreadable under his mask. His gaze spoke of him, asking Noli a thousand questions, and telling him one thing.
We need to talk.

It was dark outside when Noli had finished explaining. C00lkidd had shown up at Noli's door, looking scared. C00lkidd had told Noli about how he missed his father, crying about some sort of game, and asking to see seven. Noli had teleported the two to sevens house, and then saw…
“I-| d|dnt want the kidd t0 see..” Noli explained running his hand through his dark, coiled hair. “It was pr3ttУ bl0ody… y0u, uhm,” Noli looked away.
“I t0|d h-him t0 wait outs|de, then i ca||ed the h0spital, and… ye4h.”
Seven didnt say anything at first. He looked down. His son was peacefully asleep, laying in his lap. It still felt unreal, each time he looked down and saw what he had been missing so deeply.
“I’m sorry, noli.” he said quietly. “You shouldn't have had to see me like that.”
“Sev, please d0n’t apologize. Y-”
Seven cut him off. “No, seriously. C00lkidd didn't deserve to see that. If i had known, i- i-” his voice trailed away as his body shook with quiet sobs.
Noli got up, walking towards him. He put his hand on Seven's shoulder.
“Seven. L|sten to me. St0p. Уou’re a|lve. Your s0n |s alive. You don+ have t0 w0rrУ anymore.”

Chapter Text

The next evening, 007n7 was let out of the hospital. A few stiches, and totally sore, but he would be okay. Since noli had claimed seven had “gotten hurt in a knife accident” ( totally believable ), he didn't have to worry about the hospital trying to treat any of his mental issues, and could just leave.

C00lkidd and Noli stood behind 007n7 as he unlocked his front door, pushing it open and stumbling inside.The whole house was fucking wreck, garbage everywhere. It was a small shock to seven when he opened the door, even though he had been living in those conditions for months.
“Truly sorry about the mess, guys,” he said quickly. He picked up c00lkidd, and brought the half-asleep child to his room. Unlike the rest of the house, seven's son’s room was nearly pristine. It hadn't been touched since the day the kid had left. Other than a bit of dust, it was in good condition. He tucked the child into bed, wishing him a goodnight before turning off the lights and walking out of his room.
better clean up a bit, right? You have nothing else to do.
Noli was standing beside c00lkidd’s bedroom door, and when he saw what seven was doing, he offered to help.
“Wan+ a h4nd?” He asked.
Seven looked up at him tiredly. “Uhh, I'm alright. You should get some sleep.”
Noli just stood there, his head tilted. Seven walked to the kitchen, and froze in his tracks. There. On the dirty tile, was a small blade and pool of dried blood. Seven’s blood. Had he really bled that much? Wow. The sight was unnerving, shocking and overall very out of place. Seven supposed he shouldn't be surprised, though. When noli had found him, hiring a cleaning crew probably wasn't his primary concern. Noli! Speaking of noli. Noli’s head poked out from behind seven, above his shoulder. Noli had always been shorter, at least in their college days. Now he was the taller one in the duo.
“S-s-s0rry about that, S3v.” He said quickly, a flash of purple, and the tiles were clean. Seven turned to see Noli standing there, a purple screen floating in the air in front of him. He swiftly started cleaning the kitchen, dishes getting clean, garbage disappearing, objects re-aranging, all with lines of code and flashes of purple. In seconds the kitchen looked normal, as it was before c00lkidd had disappeared. Seven had to remind himself that c00lkidd was actually, finally there. Sleeping in the room beside them. It felt so surreal, like he was dreaming.
“Thanks, Noli. I wouldn't want you to oversork yourself. I created this mess anyway,” Seven said. He truly did appreciate Noli's help, but he couldn't help himself feeling guilty.
“Seven, 4re y0u hear|ng yours3lf?” Noli asked. “You Ne3d s0me rest. A|l i’m d0ng is tУping some code. It’s n0t like 1’m b3nding over b4ckwards t0 cleaning У0ur place.”
Seven sighed. “Alright, go ahead. Please, feel free to spend the night.” With that, he left for hsi room. As he changed in front of the mirror, he looked at his stitches. It looked like it hurt more than it did. He pulled on his pyjama pants, wincing as he moved the wrong way. Okay, maybe it did hurt a bit. He made his bed , shoving all the laundry on his floor into a corner. He turned off his lights, and laying down, he fell asleep for the first time in months without nightmares.

Chapter Text

“S3v!”
“Se\/!”
“Wake up!”
007n7 was rudely shaken awake by noli. He looked at the digital alarm clock on his dresser. 10:30? Oh. He pulled himself from Noli's body heat and stretched, feeling his sleep melt away.
Fuck. Noli’s body heat. How did that happen?
“Noli?” He asked, unimpressed.
“Hm?”
“I told you you could spend the night. Don't invade my bedroom and snuggle up!” Seven said, hitting noli over the head with a pillow.
“M’ sorry sev.”
007n7 just sighed. He moved his hands up to his face, rubbing his eyes and grabbing his glasses from his bedside table.“Do you at least know If c00lkidd is awake?”
Noli nodded.
“I he4rd him walking around earlier. Figur3d you needed your sleep, th0ugh.”
“Do you smell burning?”
A loud crash came from the kitchen. Speak of the devil. Both men looked at each other.
“I’ll go check that out.” Seven quickly ran his fingers through his hair in the mirror, then went to the kitchen.
C00lkidd stood in the kitchen, in front of the stove. He had somehow managed to grab a chair (seven wondered how he had managed that with his small stature,) and was standing on it. A lone egg lay on the element, without a pan. The egg was just sitting there on the stove top. It was emanating an ominous looking black smoke.
“Papa!” c00lkidd smiled, sitting down on the chair and sliding off of it. He ran up to his father, hugging his legs. “I made you breakfast!!”
“Thanks honey,” Seven said, ruffling his son's hair. He picked up c00lkidd in one arm and quickly turned the stove off. “But, uh, what have we said about using the stove?”
C00lkidd just shrugged, but it was hard for seven to be mad at him. Seven looked closer at the egg on the stove. It was cracked open, though the shell was just sitting there in the egg. It was beyond burnt in some places, yet still raw and liquidy in others. Interesting.
Seven crouched down to his son’s level, looking at him in the face.
“I’m gonna go get Noli, and then we’ll get some real breakfast. How does that sound?”
C00lkidd just nodded.
“‘ ’kay kidd. Just try to stay out of trouble for a bit.”
Seven walked back into his room, and unsurprisingly found noli asleep on his bed. He grabbed his shoulder and shook it.
“For the love of god, Noli!”
“ ‘m s0rry sev3n…”
Noli finally unwrapped himself from the blankets (which he had so kindly stolen) and seven could see his full outfit. Grey plaid pyjama pants, and… that was it.
“L1ke what y0u see?” Noli teased. Seven became self conscious of his staring
“Put on a shirt.” He said, trying to look as deadpan as possible. Noli shrugged, reaching into SEVEN’S drawer and pulling out one of SEVEN’S shirts. What the fuck? Was noli doing this on purpose? The blue shirt with the weird face on it. It was a bit baggy on Noli's thin frame, and fit him well, in Seven’s opinion. He just rolled his eyes.
“The kid decided to try to cook breakfast, by the way.”
“Hm?”
“Yeah. He tried to make an egg. That was what was burning,” Seven said, a small smile on his face. As much as he wasn't happy about the mess, that was completely eclipsed by his elation at having his son back. Things were finally normal now.

Chapter Text

Noli and 007n7 had finally gotten dressed, and were in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Or, at least, trying too. You see, 007n7 hadn't cooked a proper meal in months. He had been relying on fast food, instant ramen, or starving himself to death for his whole depressive episode after he had lost c00lkidd. That meant Seven’s cooking skills were more like cooking impairments. Noli was, well, noli. And c00lkidd was ten. So, after their attempt at a meal had turned out worse than c00lkidd’s, seven had opted for the next best thing. Pizza. As he dialed the number of builder brothers’ pizza, he hoped the voice of whoever answered wouldn't be a familiar one. But alas, his luck wasn't great.
“Hello! This is Builder Brothers’ pizza! What can I help you with today?” Asked Elliot. Elliot? Seven just sighed. He hoped Elliot would forgive their past issues.
“Hey Elliot. Uhm, can I just get a large pepperoni?” He asked, preparing himself for the other’s answer.
“Oh. 007n7.” Elliot’s voice was colder than normal. Less bubbly.
“Yep, it’s me. I’m really sorry about the-”
“Yeah yeah. Uhm, same address as usual?”
Seven stopped in his tracks. He didn't expect Elliot to just let him order that easily. But he wouldn't complain!
“Of course!” He said. “Thanks so much for understanding!” As he hung up the phone, he looked towards c00lkidd and Noli. The two were playing on the couch. C00lkidd was laughing, and wearing Noli’s mask? The aforementioned man was covering his face with his hand, laughing along with c00lkidd. Seven couldn't see his features well, but he looked happy. He caught Seven's eye for a second before going back to playing with the child. A knock on the door. How had Elliot gotten here so quickly? Seven answered it. When he opened the door, Elliot looked shocked instead of angry.
“You look like you're doing better,” he said. Handing him the pizza, Elliot must’ve caught a glimpse from behind them. Seven turned to see c00lkidd waving at Elliot.
“Oh!” Elliot said. “Your kid’s back!” He looked happy, somehow. C00lkidd had caused so many issues for him. Why would he be happy?
“Yeah.” seven said, pulling out the cash and handing a fifty dollar (robux? idk) bill to the other man.
“Again, I’m really sorry about everything. Keep the change. I know it's not much, but…”
“It’s fine. I’m happy to see you guys are doing alright.” Elliot muttered neutrally, before checking his watch.
“Gotta go!” he said, sprinting away.

C00lkidd had given noli back his mask, and the two were standing at the table, ready for pizza. Noli looked like he was salivating. As everyone grabbed a slice, they began to chat.
“S0, 3lli0t l00k3d l1k3 h3… d1dnt h4t3 y0u?” Noli asked.
“I guess so. I’m about as shocked as you are.” Seven said
“Is Elliot not mad at us anymore, papa?’
“I guess not.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Talk about weird. What the fuck even were the last few days? Noli had found c00lkidd, who the police had thought was literally dead for months. They had gone to return the little thing to his father, only to find the bitch in a puddle of blood, in the process of fucking killing himself. And that wasn't even all? Seven had seemingly returned to normal. Three days after attempting, he was acting perfectly fine? No therapy, no talking about his issues, no medication, yet somehow It was like c00lkidd had only been gone for a few hours. Even weirder, there had been no crazy reunion with his son. No “ohmygod i missed you so muchhh!”. It was like c00lkidd had never been gone in the first place. And seven seemed fine. Noli was confused.

But 007n7 was fine, right? He looked happy, at least.

“Noli?”
Noli snapped out of it. He was still eating pizza with 007n7 and c00lkidd. They must've noticed his silence.
“S0rry. Z0n3d 0ut.” Noli said, yawning. Seven reached out, rubbing a bit of pizza sauce off of noli’s cheek before noli could bat his hand away.
“So! What do you guys wanna do today?” he asked.
“Oh! I know! I know!” All eyes pointed on c00lkidd. “We should go to the museum!”
Noli and seven looked at eachother.
“S0unds g00d”
“I’m up for it.”
“Im gonna go get dressed!” C00lkidd said, running to his room. Noli was still wearing 007n7’s baggy shirt and some pyjama pants, and 007n7 wasn't looking much better.While they walked back to seven’s room, noli was once again lost in thought. Him and Sev hadn't seen each other in years, atleast. Their relationship had certainly not ended on a high note, to say the least. Sev quitting hacking to focus on being a father sucked and all, but noli could live with that, he though. The void star was… something else. He thought he had figured out how to get rid of its effects mostly, but… He could feel his sensitive side rubbing against his clothing. He had been getting thinner. Much thinner. Parts of his skin, once a fairly saturated dark tone, were turning into a bruised purple. Fun. but he would ignore that to focus on the, uh, more current issues. Before seven and him had… broken up? Did that sound right? What even were they in college?Anyway, before they had cut contact, things had been rough for a while. Spite hidden in glares you could only see for a split second. Expression not quite right, the ones you could only see in your peripheral vision. Tension had risen, and then… snapped. Noli still remembered that night. And now, here he was. In seven’s house. Like the old days. It wasn't awkward, and that in itself was odd. They hadn't really made up… of course, he forgave seven. He didn't think he could hold a proper grudge against him if he tried.
“Noli, your staring again.”
“0h. S0rry. I just…”
Seven tilted his head a fraction.
“S0rry 1f th1s 1s 4l0t, S3v, but uh… I f33l l1k3 w3 st1ll h4v3 t0 t4lk. L1k3… W3 h4v3nt r34lly pr0perly m4de u-up, 4nd 1-1 W4nt t0 t13 up a c0upl3. Uhm. l00s3 3nds? 1’m s0rry. 1’m n0t m4king 4ny s3ns3.” Noli stiffened when he felt 007n7s arms around him. Seven let out a shaky sigh, before pulling away. He still held onto Noli’s hand. “Y0u c4n t3ll m3 4nyth1ng, y0u kn0w,”
“Okay. Firstly, I agree. About like, the talking thing. Sorry if i haven't been, Iguess talking much. This has been a lot, obviously. I mean these past few weeks, i-” He let out a nervous giggle. “-’ve been. Yeah. I haven't had time to grieve, even though I haven't really lost anything? If that means anything to you. This is all so sudden. I mean fuck, man! Pinch me! I’m still not sure.. If.. it feels like I'm dreaming. Like I'm in shock. I mean, obviously, I'm not. But…”
Noli just nodded. What seven was saying made sense, of course he'd been speculating something like that was going on. He just continued looking through clothes.
“1 m155 y0u”
“You two.”
“H3y! Th1s w4s my sh1rt! 1 kn3w y0u t00k 1t!”
Seven laughed in a tired way. “Yeah. sorry. Wanted a souvenir, ya know?”
Noli laughed while pulling it on. This would have to do.
“1’m g0nn4 g0 t0 the w4shr00m,” Noli said, slipping away. He went in, and locked the door. Facing the mirror, he raised his hands to his mask. His fingers hesitated for a moment, before undoing the straps. His eyes were closed as he took it off. He opened them, slowly. Fuck. He looked much worse. The bruised purple shade was clearer than ever, sticking out like a sore thumb. He pulled down his bottom eyelid, moving closer to the mirror. The veins in that eye dark. Okay. whatever. Just don't think about it. He put the mask back on. That would have to do.

Chapter Text

007n7, Noli, and c00lkidd had finally gotten dressed.The two adults were standing beside the doorway to seven’s house, watching while c00lkidd put his shoes on.
“S0, Th3 mus3um? Wh3r3’s th4t?” Noli asked while c00lkidd struggled with his light-up sketchers.
“It’s just downtown,” Seven said, checking his wallet for the third time, making sure he had money. “Maybe a twenty minute drive? If we take the highwa–”
“The car’s boring!” C00lkidd whined. “Can we do what me n’ noli did? When you slipped and fell and got hurt and stuff?”
Seven looked at Noli. So the kid had been told the same excuse as the doctors. Makes sense.
“Actully, kidd, thats not super allowed. We have to save that kinda stuff for emergencies.”
“1m sur3 1t w0uld b3 f1n3, Just th1s 0nc3?” Noli pleaded. Seven noticed that under the mask, he was batting his eyelashes. As Seven looked at the two, It was like looking at two sad puppies.
“Fine. Just treat. you two are horrible.” He said, rolling his eyes. Noli snickered. C00lkidd smiled.
“1’ll l3t y0u d0 th3 h0n0rs!”
007n7 pulled out the c00lgui, flexing his fingers. He hadn't used this thing in a really long time. Quickly, he pressed a few buttons, and then with a flash of red light, the group was instantly transported to a dark place.

It was an old, barely used parking garage that seven and noli had hung out in back in their college years. No one ever came down, so 007n7 thought it would be a good place to go without drawing suspicion. Seven quickly put away his c00lgui, the panels disappearing in a fizzle of red pixels. He pulled out his phone, turning on the flashlight.
“0h m4n! I r3m3mb3 th1s pl4c3!” Noli said, looking around. “1snt th1s wh3r3 w3 us3d to-”
“Yep! We used to go here alot,” Seven told c00lkidd, staring daggers into noli. He hoped the guy knew to keep things family friendly around seven’s son.

Chapter Text

Maybe an hour later, they had finally checked into the museum. The woman at the register had given them a map of the place, displaying all the different exhibits available to them. Most were things every museum had, like the ones about fossils or volcanoes. One, 007n7 mused looked more interesting than the others. It was an exhibit about ancient egypt, with mummies and pyramids and that sort of thing. Apparently, there was an expert there who would answer people’s questions. Funnily enough, it was the sort of thing you dropped your kids off at! And it started in 10 minutes! How convenient!
“L00ks l1k3 1t’s 0n th3.. Th1rd f00r?” Noli asked, turning the map upside down and around again.
“Yep!”
“3l3v4t0r 0r st41rs?”
“Oh! Oh! Can we do the teleport thingy again?” Asked c00lkidd before being quickly shut up by the adults.
“Kidd! Stop! Quiet down about that kinda stuff!” seven said, rubbing the back of his neck and looking around. He hoped no one had heard. “Me ‘n Noli aren't a-allowed to do that kinda stuff, right nols?”
“Yup! T0t3s 4g41nst th3 rul3s! S0rry K1dd0!”
“Aww,” c00lkidd whined, walking towards the elevator. One crowded ride up later, and they had reached the third floor. As soon as c00lkidd walked into the exhibit, he started running. Seven realized, toward someone.
“Bluudud!!!” c00lkidd said, running up to his friend and tackling him in a bear hug.
“OMG! C00l? what r u doing here? I thought u were missing!!” the blue child said, adjusting his hoodie excitedly.
“Yeah! It was like pretty crazy and stuff! But now I'm back!”
“woah! that’s so tuff!”
While the kids were talking, 007n7 looked up to see a woman about his age, staring at c00lkidd and then looking up to see him.
“Wow! 007n7!” 118o8 said. “ It’s been forever! You’ve got your kid back!”
“Yeah.” seven said. “It's been a while. How’ve you been doing?”
“I’ve been good.You, noli?”
“1’m gr34t!”
007n7, Noli, and 118o8 had known each other in college, sharing classes and going to the same parties and that kind of thing. Of course, after college Noli and 118o8 hadn't seen each other other than running into each other at the supermarket.
C00lkidd and bluudud had been classmates, though, and that meant 007n7 and 118o8 had met at parent teacher nights and that sort of thing.
“I had been worried about you after c00lkidd, well… but it’s nice to see you have him back!” she said. Seven nodded. The host of the exhibit walked out, a young looking lady dressed in your stereotypical “desert explorer” costume. She had all the other kids follow her, and that left the parent alone.
“We’ll i’ve got to go run some errands,” 118o8 said. “I’ll see you guys around!”
And that left 007n7 and noli alone.
“W4nn4 g0 g3t lunch?”
“Hell yeah.”

Chapter Text

There was a nice cafe they passed on the way to the museum. It was not large, but it wasn't crowded either. It was 12:30, and 007n7 and Noli had to pick c00lkidd up at 2:00. That gave them a bit to sit, eat, and chat. The two were sitting beside each other in a small booth seat, investigating the menu. It looked French.
“Wh4t th3 fuck 1s an 3ss- c4r -g0t?”
“It’s french. And you don't say it like that. It means snail.”
Noli shivered in disgust.
The two ended up just getting some coffee and croissants.
The kind waitress delivered their order quickly, bringing it to their table and wishing them a good afternoon.
“S0.”
“So.”
“W4nn4 t4lk 4b0ut this morning?"
“I guess.” Seven said, prodding his food with his fork.
Noli tilted his head to say ‘go on’.
Okay. So I think I should explain some things. C00lkidd went missing, as you know. After that I got pretty depressed. Like the not-eat-for-weeks kinda depressed. And it came to a point where… I didn't see any reason to continue living like that. So, I tr… well, I guess you know the rest.”
Noli nodded.
“And I'm sorry. So sorry. For everything, really. I know I was a really shitty person in college. I’ve tried to change. I don't know if I have. I don't understand how you could forgive me after everything.”
“Y34h, th4t.” Noli looked away from seven. Seven wished he could see the other man’s face. Any emotion was buried too deep in his glitchy voice for seven to hear.
“1… st1ll f33l th3 s4m3 4b0ut y0u 4s 1 4lw4ys h4ve, s3v. 1 h0p3 y0u s33 th4t.”
Wait. Did that mean…?

“W3 b0th und3rst4nd wh4t h4pp3ned suck3d. 0f c0urs3 1t did. But l1k3, 1t d03snt m4tt3r t0 m3 4nym0re. But th4t w4s Y34RS 4g0. 1’m pr3tty sur3 1 fuck3d w1th y0ur h34d 4 b1t t00, but y0u d0nt s33 m3 m0p1ng 4b0ut it!” Noli said, the last sentence laced with an edge of humor.

Seven adjusted his glasses. He could feel his face turning pink. Okay. wait. Could noli backtrack for a second? Because what the fuck is ‘I still feel the same about you as I always have’ supposed to mean?? What? If he remembered correctly, their college years had been… Not strictly platonic. Seven, of course, definitely wouldn't mind if their relationship took a turn in that direction…. What was he thinking?
“S3v? D1d 1 s4y s0m3th1ng wr0ng?”
“No… I.. it's just.. Uhm…” Seven knew he was pink now. “ Feel the same you always have? Does that..?”
Noli immediately stiffened. “Uhmmm” He took a sip of his coffee. “W41t! Why h4v3nt y0u 34t3n y3t? My pl4t3’s h4lfw4y d0n3 4nd y0u h4v3nt t4ken 4 b1t3!”
“I’m not that hungry.”
“Y0u’r3 litt3r4lly sk1n 4nd b0n3s, S3v!” Noli said. And he was right. Starving yourself half to death isn't the kindest on one's physique.
“Fine.” Seven said, slowly eating. “Also, I have a question.”
“1’m 4ll 34rs.”
“Are you gonna be living with me now?” seven asked.
“3hhh… 4r3 y0u 0k w1th th4t? L1k3 1’d b3 h4ppy t0, 1-1f y0u’d w4nt th4t,”
“I’d be fine with it, Noli.” Seven smiled. It was nice having a helping hand around the house. As much as he loved, c00lkidd, being a single parent was not easy.
The two continued to chat, eating and laughing. 007n7 occasionally holding eye contact for a second longer than normal. Noli occasionally ‘accidentally’ brushing his hand or arm into Seven.

When the time came to pick c00lkidd up, the two paid for their meals and headed back to the museum. Another elevator trip, not unlike their first one, and they were greeted with the smiling face of seven’s kid.
“Dad! Mr Noli!” c00lkidd said happily running up to them, his blue friend not far behind.
“Hey kids!”
“We learned all about Egypt today!” The child said, leaving no more room for further responses.” They taught us all about the mummies and the pyramids and the pharaohs and did you know when you become a mummy they take your brain out and-”
“the nice tour guide lady said they do it from ur nose”
“-and then they put your body in…..” C00lkidd and bluudud continued to talk as the other parents picked up their kids. Finally, like an angel saving noli and seven from having their ears talked off, 118o8 appeared.

Chapter Text

The ride back was nice. C00lkidd talking about Egypt was a nice background noise, though some facts actually stuck out to 007n7, which was a nice surprise. The trio had chosen to take the bus, (actually, c00lkidd had refused but was convinced by the offer of icecream,) and by the time they got off at the stop near their house, c00lkidd had tired himself out. Even though it was still early in the afternoon, c00lkidd’s sleeping form had to be carried delicately out of the bus by 007n7. After having to get Noli to unlock the door for him, then placing the snoring child into his bed, he was tired. Crashing on the couch was the only logical option.
“Noli….”
“Y34h?”
“Can you make me ramen..?”
“Wh4t3v3r y0u s4y, sev.”
Seven grabbed the tv remote, and looked at the options of what he could watch. After scrolling through netflix, he settled on something that looked entertaining, an animated show about ghosts in a hotel. Looked cool. By the time he had picked the show out, the delicious smell of cheap instant ramen had wafted from the kitchen. His beloved savoir noli came and sat beside him on the couch, placing two cups of ramen on the coffee table.
“H3r3.”
“I owe you my life for this.”
“H3h, 1m l1k3 y0ur h4nds0m3 n1ght 1n sh1n1ng 4rm0ur!”
“Handsome’s a stretch”, seven lied.
“Awww s3v, y0u kn0w y0u l0v3 m3…” Noli smiled, pushing closer to the other.
Seven leaned into noli, resting his head on the man’s shoulder. The two ate in a comfortable silence, leaning on each other. By the time Seven was done, he was pretty sure pretty sure Noli was asleep. He put both of their empty cups on the table, turned off the tv., and let himself drift off.

8:00 in the evening, c00lkidd woke the sleeping pair up.
“Dad? Wake up!”
“Hey kiddo,” Seven yawned.
“Wh4t t1m3 1s 1t..?”
“Uhmm..” c00lkidd looked at the time on the stove. “It's eight.”
“G0d d4mm1t!”
“I guess it’s time for your dinner?” asked seven.
“Yeah dad. I’m hungry.”
Seven stretched and got up, leaving noli on the couch. Okay. C00lkidd liked… uh… craft dinner, right? Sure. He'd go with that.
“Also, papa, I have a question.”
“Go a head, kid.”
“Are you and Mr Noli in love?”

“WHAT!?”

Chapter Text

007n7 was awestruck at c00lkidd’s question. Were him and noli in love? Huh?
“Uhm, Kidd, what m-makes you think that?” seven asked, looking into Noli’s eyes.
“Its just you dont have a wife, papa, and you and mr noli act like all those lovey-dovey- kissy couples in the movies!” C00lkidd said, sticking his tongue out.
“So is Mr Noli gonna be your wife?”
He asked.
Seven and noli just stared at each other.
“Uhhhh”
The two didn't say anything. They just looked at each other in silence. Because what do you even say to that?
“Tw0 p30pl3 c4n l1v3 t0g3th3r 4nd just b3 fr13nds, y0u know.”
“Uh…. yeah! Noli is right. We're like roommates. Like we were in college, y’know?”
Noli stifles a laugh at that. On second thought, maybe their college relationship wasn't the best example for their current little excuse.
“Hhmmph. Okay. but just know I have my eyes on you guys!” c00lkidd says, in a voice that seven could only describe as c00lkidd’s attempt at intimidation.
C00lkidd sat down at the table, humming a song. 007n7 poured his bowl of noodles and gave the kid some ketchup. C00lkidd always said he loved ketchup, because in his words ' It's red, and red is the best color!’. Seven suspected the condiment’s high sugar levels could play a small part though.
He sat down at the dining table. As he grabbed a bowl of cereal, he called noli’s name.
“Noli! C’mon, eat with us.”
“1’m c0mf0rt4bl333…..”
“Yeah mr noli! Come sid with your handsome husband!”
“C00lkidd wh4t th3 fu-”
“Language, noli! He’s nine, remember?”
“Y34h, ‘m s0rry.” Noli said, getting up and dramatically sitting up at the table. He grabbed an orange, peeling it and shoving the sliced through the mouth hole in his mask.
After the crew’s impromptu dinner, 007n7 and noli got c00lkidd settled for bed and, after seven quickly showered, went to bed themselves. This time was similar to last time, though there was one difference. The pair slept closer together now, enjoying each other's comfort.

Chapter Text

When Noli woke up, he didn't want to leave the bed. Typical. As he slowly came to his senses, he realised seven was still asleep. Beside him. So close that he could smell seven’s fruity shampoo, clean and fresh. He wanted to inch closer, steal as many more breaths of Sev's delicious presence as he could. Run his thumb along the other man’s cheek. Feel his hot breath on his finger tips. But it was too early for that. So he stayed exactly how he was, just breathing.
“Noli? Are you awake?” seven said softly.
“Y34h. 1 4m.”
“Good morning.”
Seven stretched and sat up.
“I don't want to make breakfast today. Do you think we have any leftovers?”
“Pr0b4bly p1zz4.”
“I’m just gonna sleep in. coolkidd’s probably not awake yet, so we dont need to get up.”
“M0r3 sl33p? C0unt m3 1n!”
Then they heard footsteps coming from c00lkidd’s room.
“Never mind, I guess.”
Noli just groaned.
“You can sleep. I can deal with c00lkidd. Actually, if the weather's nice today, I was thinking about maybe going to the beach. If you can get dressed for that, maybe pack some stuff, that would be cool.”
“Wh4t3v3r y0u s4y, m4n. 4s l0ng 4s br34kf4st 1s r34dy wh3n 1’m d0n3.”
“I’ll try.”
So, he had to get ready for the beach. That left one big issue… his heart sank as he thought about his appearance.
As he grabbed what he needed and walked into the bathroom to change, he was lost in thought.
He had tried to cover up the voidstar’s effects on his body as best he could with seven. He had slipped up the first morning the two woke up together. When Sev was staring, he tried to brush it off with a joke. ‘Like what you see?’ Hopefully that would distract from the way his skin was stretched over his ribs a bit too tight on one side. How its abnormal color was closer to a plum than his usual umber.
Low light had been his saving grace, but today was sunny, and he couldn't rely on that.

He hated how the voidstar was affecting his body, but he couldn't bring himself to blame seven.
They were both kids. Fresh out of college.
And even worse, he knew how it would tear seven apart, eat him from the inside out to see how bad Noli's condition was getting. He would blame it on himself, because of course he would. That's how seven always was.
So, that left noli with two wonderful options.

Number one: Hide the effects the voidstar had on his body. Let it get who knows how bad, and spend the rest of who knows how long hiding himself from those he loved. Not fun.

Number two: Come clean and show seven the effects the voidstar (and by proxy, seven’s actions) had on his body. 007n7 barely forgave himself now, and Noli didn't know how he would react when he saw what the voidstar had really done. He knew it wouldn't be good. At all.

Decisions, decisions. And it was even more complicated. If he was gonna pick option two, the sooner he did it the better. Though, he did technically have to pick in the next few minutes.

“Noli? Are you okay in there? Breakfast’s ready”
yikes. had it really been that long?

Option two seemed okay right now. He put the swim shorts on, a bright green pair, and exited the bathroom. He tried to it nonchalantly, in a way that seven wouldn't notice his purple-ness, but the other man froze when he saw Noli's body.
“S3v3n?”
“O-oh, nothing. Sorry for staring.”
“N0, d0nt w0rry about it. I know I look a bit different… from, uh, last time.”
“Noli… I didn't know it was this bad. I’m so sorry.. I…”
“Ehhh.. f0rg3t it. N0n3 0f th4t r1ght n0w. Y0u 4lr34dy 4p0l0g1zed y3st3rday, r3m3mb3r? W3 w3r3 lik3, 20, s3v. D0nt w0rry.”
“I….”
Noli gave seven a look, hoping seven could see his eyes from under the mask.
“Okay. You're right. Sorry."
Noli breathed out. That hadn't gone so bad, had it? There was a sinking feeling in his stomach that seven would still blame himself, but he pushed that away. For now, things seemed to be going okay. He reached out and grabbed seven’s hand, squeezing it. A small smile spread across 007n7’s face.
Seven was in a similar outfit as Noli, but he had a baggy Hawaiian shirt over his shorts. It was covered in silly patterns, and was another thing Noli suspected c00lkidd had picked out. Speaking of c00lkidd…
“1s c00lkidd r34dy?”
“Yeah. He's dressed.”
“H0w 4r3 y0u g0nna sw1m w1th y0ur st1tches? 4r3nt y0u supp0s3d t00 k33p th4t k1nd4 th1ng 4w4y fr0m w4t3r?”
Seven wiggled his fingers, activating the c00lgui and then quickly turning it off.
“Y0u’ll s33.” He said smugly.
The two walked out of their bedroom, and saw c00lkidd standing there for them.
“Uhm. Mr Noli?”
“Y34h?”
“Why are you purple?”
Shit! He was so focused on what seven would think, that he hadn't even considered the kid! So, without thinking, he conjured up the lamest excuse ever.
“1… d1dnt 34t my v3g3t4bl3s. Th1s 1s wh4t h4pp3ns wh3n y0u d0n’t 34t y0ur v3g3t4bles 4s 4 k1d.”, Noli laughed, looking over to see seven’s distraught expression. Noli just put his arm around him.
“Do you want breakfast now?”
“Y34h, 1’m hungry.”

Chapter Text

“S0, r34dy t0 g0?”

Generally, leftover pizza tastes the best cold. This was no exception. 007n7 ate with c00lkidd and noli. Noli, who he’d loved for almost half of his life. Noli, who once had been so healthy. Noli, who was now rotting alive as he sat in front of him.
Seven knew Noli didn't want him to blame himself. He did, of course. Going against Noli's wishes made him blame himself a bit more. But a good half of him wanted to just follow noli’s instructions and forget it. The first half of him felt that was selfish. Was it? Maybe, instead of placing blame, he should just put the past in the past. For Noli’s sake he would… give it a try. Besides, it had been years since noli had taken the voidstar. If it had been years and he was only partially…purple… that wasn't so bad, right? Yeah. He bit into the pizza, and as he swallowed, he let his doubts fall away. (even if it was just for a bit)
“So! What are you guys excited for?”
“I’m excited to go swimming! And see the fishes!”
“And you, Noli?”
“1’m 3xc1t3d t0 h4v3 fun, 1 gu3ss. 1 h4v3nt b33n sw1mm1ng 1n 4 wh1l3.”
Noli took another bite of pizza through his mask.
“Th3 pl4c3’ll pr0b4bly b3 P4ck3d. 1t’s l1k3 th3 l4st h0t d4y th1s summ3r, s0 1’m sur3 th3r3ll b3 l0ts 0f p30pl3.”
“Ohhh! I hope bluudud is there! Or pr3tty priincess!”
“Who’s that?”
“One of bluu and me’s classmates! She’s like the prettiest girl in school! And she’s pink, which is, like,, basically red!”
“L00ks l1k3 s0m30n3 h4s 4 crush!”
“SHUT UP! We all know you have a crush on my dad!!”
“H0p3 y0u kn0w 1’ll st34l h1m. 1’m h1s f4v0ur1t3, Kiddo!”
At that point, seven stood up.
“Oh my god. Both of you. Calm down.” he said. “Noli, you need to lock in. coolkidd, dont talk to Noli like that.”
“Even if it's true?”
“C00LKIDD!”

The car ride to the beach was around thirty minutes long. Not too long for a mature adult like seven or noli (though seven wasn't sure if he’d call Noli mature, but whatever). For c00lkidd, it was another story.
“Are we there yet?”
“Almost.”
“How long left?”
“A few minutes.”
“How many?”
“Does it matter?”
“I’m bored.”
Seven sighed.
“Noli,” he said, shaking the other. “Take off your headphones and entertain c00lkidd.”
It was hard to tell if Noli had been sleeping or if he had just been engrossed in his music, due to his mask, but whatever it was, noli seemed to come to attention.
“Welcome to the world of the living.” seven told him.
“Mr Noli, when do we get to the beach?” asked c00lkidd.
“W3’ll b3 th3r3 s00n. Uhm, y0ur d4d w4nts m3 t0 3nt3rt41n y0u. W4nn4… pl4y 4 g4m3?”
C00lkidd’s attention had been grabbed. “What kind of game?”
“1 d0nt kn0w. D0 y0u l1k3 1 spy w1th my l1ttl3 3y3?”
“Okay! I’ll go first! I spy with my little eye.. Something you have a crush on.”
“Hmmm.. y0ur h0t f4th3r.”
“Hey!! That's my dad!”
“Y3ah, y34h. 1 sy s0m3th1ng r3d 4nd 4n0y1ng.”
“That's mean!”

The two’s argument continued until they reached the beach. It didn't take long to bring their stuff to the beach, and find a spot. It seemed like c00lkidd had prophetic powers, because after putting on sunscreen, he saw his two little friends. Bluudud and pretty-something. It was unsurprising, though, as half of robloxia was probably at that beach.
As the kids made a sandcastle, 118o8 walked over.
“Nice seeing you guys here.” She said, “Do you guys want some drinks?”
“1’d l0v3 s0m3!” Noli said, shaking her hand.
“Sure!” Seven agreed.
“I heard some friends talking about a beach volley-ball game earlier. I don't know them well, but it seems fun! Do you guys wanna join?”
Noli and seven looked at each other, nodding.
“So, who’s gonna be there?”
“Uh,, I dont know most of them. I know Elliot is there, with some of his friends. The guy that runs the casino, you know with the sunglasses? They came here together. Back when I used to go to parties, raves, that kinda stuff, there were.. Do you guys know Noob and guest 666? They're here too.”
That was quite the ensemble. Seven thought it would be fun.
“Sounds awesome! When is it?”
“ think it’s at three thirty.”
“S333 y0u th3n, 1 gu3ss!”
“Of course!”
With that, 11808 walked away.

“S0, 34rl13r, y0u w4nted t0 sh0w m3 s0m3th1ng w1th th3 c00lgui? For y0ur stitches?”
“Yeah, actually! It’s something I came up with in college, after getting some stupid tattoo. I haven't had much use for it since then, but I think it’ll work now!” He laughed. He usually wouldn't use the c00lgui in such a crowded place, but honestly, he was sure he could get away with it. So, he started it up, the bright red and black panels floating in the air in front of him. He pressed a few buttons, and them a small red panel separated from the large one. It was thicker, too, almost like the dimensions of a cellphone. Seven sat down, then pressed It to his wound. The object seemed to stick, and after seven closed the c00lgui, its color vanished, leaving only its edges glowing a faint red.
“S0, h0w d03s th4t w0rk?”
“So it kind of locks onto my skin. Then, like, things can't enter the square it takes up. I’ll show you.” Seven grabbed their spray-on sunscreen, and sprayed it onto the little contraption. The stuff that would've landed on the wound only landed on the face of the cube, and immediately slid off like it was hydrophobic.
“Sick, eh?”
“Y34h, th4t’s, l1k3 r34lly c00l.” More than the odd solution, though, Noli loved Seven's demeanour. Sometimes, he could see a happier younger seven poking through. All the confidence from his college era, the charm Noli had fallen in love with years ago. Noli could tell this trip would be fun.

Chapter Text

“S0, w4nn4 sw1m? S33 1f y0ur l1ttl3 d3v1c3 w0rks?”
“Oh, it will, trust me.” Seven smiled.
“4ls0! Y0u m3nt10n3d 4 t4t00? 1’d l0v3 t0 s33! Y0u must’v3 g0tt3n 1t l4t3 c0ll3g3, b3c4us3 1 d1dnt s33 1t th4t n1ght wh3n-”
“NOLI! You forget c00lkidd is at the beach. And no, there's no way in hell you’re seeing it.”
Noli shook his head in mock-disappointment, though he was really curious.
“Are you gonna swim with the mask on?” asked seve,
“Y34h.” Noli said. His face might not get the best reaction from seven, so it wouldn't be coming off anytime soon.
The two made their way to the waterside. Seven stepped in first, looking pleased at the temperature.
“Hey, this isn't that bad!”
His opinion was quickly changed when Noli put all of his body weight into shoving the other into the water.
“The hell was that for?” seven said, getting back up. His hair was wet and stuck to his face. Noli thought it made him look really silly like a wet cat. It was cute in a way, though, which made him giggle. The distorted laughs, apparently, were taunting seven enough to make him fight back. He ran at noli, tackling him in a bear hug and pushing them both into the water. The water wasn't that cold, but Noli’s sensitive-more purple side felt like he was doing an ice bath. He managed to get back up out of the water, but was greeted by an immediate splash to the face.
“H3y! Th4t’s f0ul pl4y!”
“All is fair in love and war!”
Noli dint like that,, so he sent a tidal wave flying into seven’s face. The man coughed out a bit of water, then pulled the stuped tackle move again. They had just gotten up, when something interrupted their childish battle.
“SHARK!” someone yelled. Everyone on the beach froze. In seconds, the calm, playful atmosphere had changed into a mad dash for the shore. Luckily, Noli and seven weren't in a crowded area, so they didn't have any trouble getting out of the water. Noli had thought they were fine, but then he turned to see seven’s terrified face.
Where are the kids?” The two scanned the beach, but no brightly colored children were found. Then, Noli looked in the opposite direction. He could see c00lkidd and the pink one right beside the “shark” fin in the water, but immediately he knew something was off. When were sharks that blue? When did shark fins look like they were attached to someone’s arm? And why the fuck were c00lkidd and his friend laughing? When bluudud got out of the water, Noli sighed. He pointed the trio out to seven, whose face was then full of relief.
After walking over to the kids, and seven making them explain, the story was actually pretty funny. Noli thought so at least, seven not so much. Bluudud had pretended to be a shark, and went around biting people’s legs underwater. How creative. 118o8 was notified, but she had the same opinion as noli on the issue.
“u gotta admit ts is funny lol” bluudud said, through tears of laughter.
“Its serious!” Seven argued. “People could have been really scared, you know.”
“lmao get ragebaited lollll”
“Ragebaited?”
“What is this diddy blud doing on the calculator? C00lkidd i think ur dad thinks he’s einstein.”
Seven tilted his head at noli, who just shrugged.
“M4n, 1 d0nt kn0w 3ith3r.”
“Why don't you kids do something normal, like build a sandcastle or something?” 11808 said.
“That's boring!” c00lkidd said.
“L3t th3m h4v3 fun,” Noli said. “b3sid3s, s3v, w3 h4v3 4 s0m3th1ng t0 s3ttl3.”
“Huh?”
Noli answered seven’s question with a splash.

Chapter Text

so this is that tattoo mentioned in the last chapter, i think it'd be like a y2k aesthetic tramp stamp that 007n7 got while drunk or something. i don't think he's like it but personally i think its really tuff

random hcs because they're fun

-bluudud has like a 16 hour screen time

-when he was in college, 007n7 was cocky and self confident, charismatic and social. he was happier back then.

-Now, he is more reserved and anxious, and he's not super social.

-he has grown in a lot of ways, but also lost a lot. 

-sometimes he acts like his did before, and noli loves that. Ofc noli loves 007n7 both ways, but it's refreshing for him to see a happier seven.

-Noli wears a full, face-covering mask, and not a half one. He covers his whole face because it's weird from the voidstar.

-Noli has split dyed, super curly hair.

sorry if these are shit i'm writing this very late and i'm tired! i promise the volleyball chapter will be tommorow!!

Chapter Text

The next few hours passed quickly. Fun, playing, lots of splashes, and before seven knew it sunset was rapidly approaching. The volleyball game, which 118o8 had said would be around then, was already starting to form. A crowd of maybe 10-20 people was standing around the net, and NOli and 007n7 were drying off.
“Th3r3’s s4nd 1n my sh03s.”
“We’re at a beach,” seven laughed. “You’re gonna see sand.”
Noli sighed. He adjusted his mask, getting the water that had pooled in the nose and chin out.
“Race ya?” Seven said, taking off. He didnt know if Noli could keep up with him, but he joped so.
“Y0ur 0n!” NOli said, sprinting up beside him. Even though seven had had a head start, the race was around even until the duo had almost reached the net, when Noli stuck his foot into seven’s way and tripped him. How could he betray seven like this??
“-1000 aura moment!” bluudud yelled from the bleachers. “Skill issue 007n7! Noli trips 007n7 *W noli ❤️‍🩹*”, the child yapped.
“Hey! That's my dad!” c00lkidd butted in. Seven just groaned and got up from the sand, slapping noli on the arm lightly.
The trio of colored children sat on the bleachers, with some other kids. Presumably, they were there to watch their relatives, being too young for the game.
Seven could see that the two teams were already forming. On one, there were Noob and guest 666, some brown haired guy who looked familiar,(please, god dont let that be…) a blue-haired muscular dude, a black haired person wearing an odd symbol, and a brown haired woman. The other team only had Elliot, his gambler friend, 11808, and a purple haired woman
118o8 walked up to noli and 007n7, a smile on her face.
“You guys made it! Join our team?”
“0f c0urs3!”
Seven and Noli walked towards the smaller group.
“I guess we should do introductions?” asked seven, eager to meet these new people.
“I’ll start! I’m Elliot!" said, well, Elliot.
“Name’s chance, pleasure to meet you guys!”
“I’m 118o8, of course,” though seven was pretty sure everyone already knew her.
You guys can call me Seven.”
“1’m n0l1!!”
“And I'm brighteyes!”
Ah. An admin. Seven’s relationship with the admins had been… strained to say the least. His hacking had been pretty problematic
“Nice to meet you guys!” He said. “Do you guys know anyone on the other team?”
“I do!” Brighteyes said.”Of course, my husband Shedletsky. Guest 1337 and his wife, Daisy. 118o8 told me about noob and guest 666, and the black haired one… o don't know.” She had pointed to each person as she said their names, and, as seven had feared, shedletsky was one of them.
Two admins. Great. Seven looked at noli, who seemed to have also realized. Of course, they hadn't really hacked in years, so it wouldn't be a huge issue, but still.
“I don't know the black haired person either.” said 118o8.
Suddenly, a loud voice could be heard from the bleachers.
“Ok everyone! get into ur positions! this is gonna be the tuffest-”
“-Most coolest!-” c00lkidd interrupted bluudud,
“game ever!!1 get ready to have the hardest fight of your lives! The winner gets an epic prize too, so make sure to try hard!” bluudud continued.
Seven’s team got into position around the net. So did the other one.
“The team with guest 1337 is gonna go first!” bluudud said, throwing them the ball. Seven thought it was oddly specific, but oh well.
“On your marks,” the blue child said, “get set, GO!”
Guest 1337 served, sending the ball into Brighteyes' direction. She hit it, knocking it back to the other side. The dark haired mystery person smacked it back, and chance almost dropped it, only to be saved by Elliot who bounced it back again.

The game continued like that, and as people started to score, it was close enough to a tie. Sometimes one team would have two or three more points than the other, but that gap would be quickly closed.
After a bit over half an hour it got to the point where both teams had a score of 24 points. One more needed to win. It was dark outside, though the stars lit up the sky very well. The trio of colored kids were wrapped up in a towel for warmth, huddled around bluudud’s phone. It wasnt really that cold, but there was a nice breeze. This time, shedletsky was serving. He took a deep breath, then hit the ball. It flew over the net… straight towards seven. Great! The whole game was relying on him! One misstep and the other team would win.this statement was very anxiety-inducing. so,seven let out a little prayer, then put all he had into the ball. He felt it’s plastic surface collide with his hands for just a split second. The volleyball flew to the other side, then, very fast, hit the ground before anyone could touch it.

Suddenly, everyone on his side was cheering. The people watching on the bleachers, especially c00lkidd, were yelling and screaming. Noli rushed over to seven, lifting him in a hug and kissing him on the cheek.

oh!

And it felt so natural. Seven’s face flushed, but he wasn't freaking out. He just hugged Noli back, appreciating the moment, appreciating Noli.
“Aaannd it looks like we have our winning team!” yelled bluudud. “Congratulations to them!”

Chapter Text

After the game, the two teams were sitting around a fire on the beach, drinking and chatting. Seven sat on a picnic blanket,noli laying in his lap, while c00lkidd, bluudud, and pr3ty princess played in the sand a few metres away. The others were distributed in a messy ring around the bonfire, some in lawnchairs, some on logs, some just sitting on the sand. Guest 1337, the blue haired soldier, was telling the group a story about his time at war.
“So then, I kicked ‘em both, square in the face!” he said, talking about an encounter with some bacons. The group laughed, some louder than others. It was nice hearing everyone chat, and share their stories. It was background noise to seven, though. His main focus was noli. Noli, oh noli. Where could he even begin? Noli had been so kind to seven, and so forgiving even after everything. He was kind, pretty, perfect. Everything seven needed. Even though he wasn't quite sure Noli was what he deserved, he would gladly let himself be selfish for that man. Anything for him.
The way the firelight played on Noli's eyes, just visible under his mask, was nice. Seven could tell noli was smiling with the way his cheeks lifted, affecting his eyes. Noli was paying attention to the person speaking, which had now switched to the black-haired individual.
“Salvation is easily found through our lord, the spawn. If we stay steadfast in our devotion, he will grant us blessings far beyond what we can imagine.” They said, running their hands through their hair. This little religious spew was in response to something Chance had said, talking about their casino or something.
“I’ll keep that in mind, uh, whatsyourname?” Chance asked.
“My name is Two Time, dear gambler.”
“Ah. two time. Where’d you get that one?”
The two continued for a while, seven not listening closely. Paying attention to his beautiful noli.
“Noli,” seven whispered.
“Huh?” the man asked back.
“Come with me”
“0k4y.”
Seven got up as quietly as he could, urging noli to follow. The only person who noticed was 118o8, waving them goodbye before focusing on the kids.
“S0, s3v, wh3r3’r3 w3 g01ng?” Noli asked. Seven loved when noli called him that.
“Somewhere I saw coming in. The moon is really nice, and i-uh.. Thought we could look at it.”
“Sur3!”
The two walked for a few minutes, passing the car. The air was cool, but not an uncomfortable cold. It was a nice breeze. Though it was already dark outside, the moon lit up the night just fine. The pale silver coating the landscape wasn't much darker than the warm orange from the fire. As they walked out of the parking lot, they reached what looked like a ridge overlooking the water. Seven sat down, urging noli to sit beside him. When he did, Seven put his hand on Noli's shoulder. Again, it felt natural. Comfortable, the way Noli leaned into his touch, like he was craving it.
“Th3 st4rs 4r3 pr3tty t0night.” Noli said. He was very right. They weren't super close to the city, so the already bright stars were blaringly obvious, scattered across the night sky.
“They sure are.”
"N0t 4s pr3tty 4s y0u.”
Seven’s stomach filled with butterflies. Noli had just complimented him!
“Uh. th-thanks.” He smiled, laughing nervously, not really sure what to say.
“H3h. y0u s0und stupid.” Noli teased. “Just k1ss m3 4lr34dy, m4n.”
Seven smiled widely. And… pulled the other in. holding him in a tight hug, he felt Noli's mask lift. Noli’s lips were soft and warm. They brushed his for a few seconds, before both of them erupted into giggles like a couple of schoolgirls, pulling away.
“I missed that.”
“1 m1ss3d y0u.”
007n7 got a better look at noli. He was beautiful.
“I love you, noli. Have and will, forever.”
“1 l0v3 y0u t00, s3v. Y0u’r3 the b3st th1ng th4t’s ev3r h4ppened t0 m3.”

Chapter Text

"W3 sh0uld g3t b4ck t0 th3 oth3rs." Noli said, because wow.
"yeah, uh probaly way past c00lkidd's bedtime, haha"
"y34h,"
"mhm."
Both of them laughed off the vulnerable moment, because where do you even start. Noli felt like he had been possessed. How had he done that? Better, how had it worked? He now had a hot dilf all to himself. Score! It felt so nice to be back to how their relationship had been in the early days of college. As the two walked back to the campfire, their fingers were intertwined. When they reached the group, everyone was already starting to pack up. maybe a third of the people were gone. and 118o8 was watching over C00lkidd and bluudud.
"Where's The pink one?" Asked seven.
"her parent took her."
"1t's t1m3 t0 g0 h0m3, c00lkidd."
"awww, really?" asked the child.
"sorry buddy,"118o8 butted in. "bluudud's gotta go too."
The children waved goodbye to eachother.

In the car, Noli had given c00lkidd his headphones, keeping him entertained by playing some weird kids music. It also, conveniently, kept him from hearing the adults' conversation.
"S0 s3v, 1 h4t3 t0 4sk s0 s00n, but... wh4t 4r3 w3?"
"what do you want us to be?" the man asked, frustratingly neutral.
"I don't know."
A small, hesitant smile crossed seven's face. "How would you feel about... a couple?"
"1-1 th1nk th4t f1ts pr3tty w3ll." Noli said. He loved that. Couple. that was perfect.
"d0 w3 t3ll c00lkidd?"
"I mean, no offence, but i think he knew before us."
"m4yb333." Noli laughed. He squeezed the driver's hand.

Chapter Text

Noli was happy. He was as calm as he had been in a while. Seven knew how he felt, and felt the same. Seven knew what he looked like, and loved him despite it, not blaming himself. That was great! C00lkidd was asleep, and probably would be for a while, after tiring himself out at the beach all day. Noli had just showered, and he was in his pajamas, laying in the bed. Sev was in the shower right now, and would probably be out soon. He hoped he would. The only noise in the house was the water in the shower, and Noli’s soft breathing.
Soon enough, seven walked out of the shower. He had brought his pyjamas into the bathroom with him before showering, and now was wearing them. He looked so silly, wearing a blue shark onesie.
“W04h, s3v. C00l pyj4m4s”
“Heh, thanks.”
Noli shifted himself from the centre of the bed, over to the side he usually slept on. Seven laid down on his side after turning off the lights.
“N1ght, s3v.”
“G’night noli.”
A few seconds passed.
A few more.
“1’m c0ld.” Noli said. Was he really? Debatable. Did he want seven to hold him? Absolutely.
Seven turned to face Noli's back, wrapping his arms around him.
“Better?” Seven smiled.
“Y34h.” Noli said, happy he had accomplished his goal. He grabbed seven’s hand, holding it in his. For once, it didn't feel awkward. It just felt nice. Comfortable, warm and nice. Where he was supposed to be, with who he was supposed to be with.
“1 r34lly l0v3 y0u s3v3n. L1k3, 4l0t.”
Seven placed his face a bit deeper into Noli's hair.
“Noli, I want to live like this forever. With you. I don't know where I'd be without you.” He planted a light kiss on Noli's neck. "I love you too."
Noli smiled, shifting closer. into seven’s embrace.
So this was how it would be? He could live with that. No, he would live with that.It seemed so perfect. They had forever together, now. Putting that into perspective felt. Odd. a bit nice. Really nice. They didn't have much left they needed to do, only enjoy each other's presence. Noli felt almost giddy with the possibilities. They had forever to make up for lost time, so why not start now?

Chapter Text

no chapter today.
im making an animation and i'll put a link here when it's done.

Chapter Text

Noli woke up with the same attitude he had the last morning. Overwhelming calm, all-encompassing comfort. The same want to reach out, run his fingers over his lover’s lips, admire him. Experience the moment in full. Last time, he didn't. This time, he would indulge.
Noli sighed quietly, cupping seven’s face with one hand. Running his thumb around the corner of seven’s lip. His face was perfect. Every angle, every curve and dip. The way his chest rose and fell as he slept, peaceful. His smooth hair, and the way it framed his face. Seven’s eyes fluttered open, and a smile spread across his face.
“G00d m0rn1ng s3v.” Noli said, grateful seven was happy to see him.
“Morning, beautiful.”
Noli’s heart fluttered. He still felt flustered, even though he had known seven for, like, ever.
Seven leaned it, planting a quick kiss on Noli's cheek, before stretching and laying on his back. Noli’s heart almost stopped. Seven had just done that! Kissed him!!
He was sure that his face flushed. And that seven noticed it. Oops! Seven let out a quick giggle, proving Noli's theory. Because of course he would.
Noli sat up, leaning his back against the wall behind the bed. How could he distract seven? Uhm.. small talk!
“S0! D1d y0u sl33p w3ll?”
“Yeah. You?”
“D3f-d3f1nat3ly!”
“How are you feeling?”
“1’m pr3tty g00d. 4 b1t hungry.”
“Wanna go make food?”
“Sur3!”
Ten minutes later, and they were both in the kitchen.
The only thing they had in the fridge was a singular slice of old pizza, sitting in a ziplock bag. The two looked at each other.
“I don't want to eat that again.”
“M3 n31ther. Do y0u h4v3 4nyth1ng 3ls3 1n th3 h0us3?”
Noli remembered the old ramen packets that were in the cupboard. When he had cleaned seven’s place, he had gotten rid of all the rotten stuff. That was, like, most of it. There would probably be some more non-perishable stuff hidden somewhere, right?
“Uhh.. probably? Other than the ramen… we might have something.”
The two scoured the kitchen, looking for anything edible.
When they were done, they actually had a fair selection.

The ramen, of course.
Three cans of beans, maple syrup flavour.
A bag of oats, which could be made into oatmeal.
Finally, a jar of almond butter, unopened.

“Th4ts n0t s0 b4d, r1ght?”
“It’s… We can work with it.”
The two decided to make oatmeal. It was pretty simple, in principle, but the levels of cooking incompetence in the household were shockingly high. In the end though, they were left with three bowls of oatmeal, albeit a bit mushy. They didnt have anything to out on the food, so in a stroke of (self proclaimed) genius, noli decided to mix in a spoon of almond butter while cooking it. The flavour was nice, for what it was.
“D’you want me to go get c00lkid?”
“Sur3!”
The three ate breakfast, and they were left with a common goal at the end of the meal.

Grocery shopping.

Chapter Text

Noli, 007n7, and c00lkidd stood in front of the Walmart. Seven hadn't gone grocery shopping in months, and he didn't really know what to buy. He decided to just walk in and find something. How hard could it be, right?
Seven grabbed a cart, Noli and c00lkidd following behind.
As soon Seven had gotten through the doors to the store, c00lkid started pulling on his sleeve.
“What is is, kidd?”
“Can I go in the cart?”
“I’m not really sure i-”
Noli had already grabbed the child, and put him in the cart. He dusted his hands off, placing them on his hips.
“S0, wh4t d0 w3 g3t f1rst?”
007n7 rubbed the back of his neck.
“Uhm..”
“Oh! I know! I know!” C00lkidd said. Seven was curious, what would he pick? He knew c00lkidd had an affinity for candy, chocolate, and anything sweet, so he thought he had a pretty good guess. What he didn't expect, though, was For Noli to agree with the kid’s stupid idea.
“Let's get one of those!”, C00lkidd had said, pointing to the bakery section. It had been conveniently placed near the entrance, and less conveniently, been a home to make cake than 007n7 knew existed.
“S3v, 1 th1nk y0ur s0n is 4 g3n10us,” Noli said, gently taking the cart from 007n7 and pushing it to the baked goods section.
am i the only responsible person here? Seven thought.
He followed them, though enthusiastically by the time he had reached the two, they had picked out a cake. It was a simple red one, (seven could see c00lkidd’s influence seeping from the choice) probably red velvet. One of the pre-packaged ones, the kind prepared in-store.
“Noli, you can't be serious! Are we really buying that?”
“0bv10usly! H0w l0ng h4s 1t b33n s1nc3 y0u’ve had c4k3?”
Seven didn't know, actually.
"Fine, you guys. But just this once, okay?”
“Y34h, y34, y34h.”
The trio headed to the produce section, guided by 007n7.
“So, we need some fruits and vegetables. What kind of foods do you guys like?" asked seven.
“W3 sh0uld g3t s0m3 stuff f0r burg3rs!!”, noli said, lighly tapping seven’s hat.
“Thats not a vegetable,” seven sighed. He wouldn't put it past noi to steal his burger hat and try and take a bite. He would just ask his child. “C00lkidd, what fruits and veggies do you like?”
“Uhm.. lemme think! I like.. Uh.. apples! and tomatoes! And… uhm… strawberries and raspberries!” Shocker!
The child’s preferences made themselves clearer with every day, huh?
Then, noli being noli, butted in.
“Gr4p3s 4r3 b3tt3r, 4ctu4lly. 4nd, l1k3 plums”
“Hey! That's mean! You're just saying that because you're purple, you.. You.. purple lover!” The kid said back.
Seven silently put some apples and grapes into the cart, then walked away, the two following him.

Chapter Text

So, that was one category done. Fruits and vegetables. What was left? Uhm…. meat? And.. uh.. Bread?
Seven’s knowledge of nutrition was sketchy, to say the least. He knew to be healthy (though he was anything but), you needed a balanced diet. Seven glanced at c00lkidd, who was joking with noli, trying to steal his mask. The two were walking behind the cart. The child looked healthy enough, right? Hopefully? He was red, obviously, but he had been like that forever. He didn't look malnourished or anything… But eating healthy couldn't hurt.
“So guys. Any preferences on meat?” Seven asked.
“Y0urs?” Noli joked.
C00lkidd shook his head.
Noli just shrugged, so seven decided to look around.

why did meat have to be so expensive???, he thought.
Him and noli were both currently unemployed (shocker, I know), so they were kind of tight on money. 007n7 supposed that if it came to it, he would be able to hack himself a few bucks. He didn't really want to, though. That was, like, very illegal.
So, he had to stick to the hell that was saving money.
C00lkidd actually saved him from his internal battle with the prices of meat.
“Papa! Dad! Can we get some of these?”
The kid asked, holding out a box of pogo sticks.
(the food not the thing)

Seven smiled. That had meat in it! And was cheaper than their other options.
“ Sure, ‘kidd.” Seven said, scanning the isles. “Wait, c00lkidd, do you know where noli is?” A mild panic rose in seven’s stomach.
“Mr Noli said he was gonna go grab something from over there,” c00lkidd said, pointing in a seemingly random direction. “He said he’d be back soon!”
That put seven’s mind at ease, for a bit.
So, they had vegetables, meat, and they needed.. Like.. grain or something, right? Ehh,, cake was close enough.
Is what seven found himself thinking before realising he needed to be a responsible parent.
So grain. He ended up putting c00lkidd in the cart, quickly texting noli about where they would be, and going to grab some pasta. Spaghetti noodles were good, right? He ended up grabbing a can of sauce, too. He also grabbed a loaf of bread. Finally, he also ended up getting a carton of juice for c00lkidd.
Noli met up with him near the front of the store, and then went to the self check out. After scanning everything, they were met with a horrible surprise.
Why the FUCK was it that expensive???
“S3v3n, d0 y4 just w4nn4…” Noli said sheepishly, gesturing to seven’s c00lgui.
“Why not?” Seven said. He was sneaky when he turned it on, the red and black panel materializing silently.
He quickly pressed a few buttons on the panel, then placed it onto the ‘tap card here’ area. The machine accepted the payment, and gave them thier receipt.
“Works every time…” seven said under his breath.
The trio exited the store.

Chapter Text

C00lkidd was at bluudud’s house, leaving 007n7 and noli alone at theirs.
Seven was making lunch with the ingredients they had picked up at the store, and noli stood over his shoulder, watching.
Noli decided to strike up a conversation.
“S000, s3v. R4m4mb4r at the st0r3, i l3ft f0r 4 wh1l3?”
“Yeah,” Seven said, stirring the pasta sauce.
“W3ll…. I g0t y0u th1s!” NOli said, exitedly pulling a bouquet of flowers out from behind him.
“Wow! Those are beautiful!” Seven gasped, his eyes lighting up. NOli supposed the flowers were beautiful. Multiple different colors, arranged in a flowing design.
“1 s4w th3m 4t th3 st0r3.. 4nd 1 k1nd4 th0ugh 0f y0u.” NOli said, handing over the bouquet.
Seven takes it with gentle hands, holding the flowers up to his chest.
“Thank you so much,” He flushes, pulling Noli into a hug.
Noli giggles, placing a few light kisses on seven’s neck.
The two laugh for a while, Noli peppering Seven's face with kisses.
“Uh.. 1 th1nk 1 sm3ll s0m3thing burn1ng,” NOli interrupts. Seven gasps, truning back to the sauce.

Chapter Text

C00lkidd was at bluudud’s house, leaving 007n7 and noli alone at theirs.
Seven was making lunch with the ingredients they had picked up at the store, and noli stood over his shoulder, watching.
Noli decided to strike up a conversation.
“S000, s3v. R4m4mb4r at the st0r3, i l3ft f0r 4 wh1l3?”
“Yeah,” Seven said, stirring the pasta sauce.
“W3ll…. I g0t y0u th1s!” NOli said, exitedly pulling a bouquet of flowers out from behind him.
“Wow! Those are beautiful!” Seven gasped, his eyes lighting up. NOli supposed the flowers were beautiful. Multiple different colors, arranged in a flowing design.
“1 s4w th3m 4t th3 st0r3.. 4nd 1 k1nd4 th0ugh 0f y0u.” NOli said, handing over the bouquet.
Seven takes it with gentle hands, holding the flowers up to his chest.
“Thank you so much,” He flushes, pulling Noli into a hug.
Noli giggles, placing a few light kisses on seven’s neck.
The two laugh for a while, Noli peppering Seven's face with kisses.
“Uh.. 1 th1nk 1 sm3ll s0m3thing burn1ng,” NOli interrupts. Seven gasps, turning back to the sauce.

C00lkidd, Bluudud, and Pr3typriincess sat around the small plastic table. 118o8’s basement was dark, the only light from a small lamp on the table. It was small, made of bright plastic, but the right size for three kids. On the table lay a few teacups, sitting over multiple drawings, crayon sketches with barely legible scribbles.

“Do you guys know why I gathered you all today?” C00lkidd asked, standing up and happily slamming his hands onto the table.
“uhh.. to hang out??” asked bluudud, taking a sip of the tea.
“well... kinda! But also, I need you guys’s help! With a mystery!” The red child answered. He hoped his friends would help. Actually, scratch that! He knew they would!
Pr3typriincess’s attention had certainly been captured.
“A mystery! That sounds magnificent!” She said excitedly.
“yeah! Now i’m curious. c’mon c00l, tell us!” bluudud said, leaning closer to c00lkidd.
“Alright guys. This is kinda a long story. Are you ready?” c00lkidd asked.
The other two nodded quickly.
“So! You guys remember the beach, right? ‘course you do! So, remember the guy my dad was with? Well, his name’s Noli.”
“hey! he was, like, purple right??” bluudud asked.
“Yeah!! That guy! C00lkidd said.
“Pink’s better..” Pr3typriincess said under her breath.
“SHHH! Both of you! No interrupting!” C00lkidd said. “So! Noli. I think he’s in love with my dad.”

Pr3typriincess dropped her teacup, mouth hanging open. Bluudud looked up, shocked. “Wow.” bluudud said.
Pr3typriincess’s mouth quickly spread into a smile. “Oh c00lkidd, that's great! It's always wonderful when someone finds love!” she said in a sing-song voice. She seemed genuine.
“Yeah. I guess so.” c00lkidd said. “BUT! Whenever I ask, my papa and Noli just avoid my question! I don't know if there’s even anything going on!”
Bluudud sighed, and cracked his knuckles. “So you wanna know if they're really in love?” the blue gamer asked.
C00lkidd and Pr3typriincess nodded.
“guys, I'm literally like a rizz god. I can tell you everything you need to know.” bluudud said.
Pr3typriincess gasped, almost in offense.
“Bluudud!” she said. “Shut up! You sound stupid! You know nothing about real romance!”.
“I do too!” he said.
C00lkidd had to intervene if he wanted to keep the investigation from turning into a fight.

“Calm down, you two!” he said. He really hoped the two would find reason. Luckily, they seemed to respect his orders.
“I was thinking. What if we do something more.. Sneaky?” he said.
“That sounds.. fun, I guess.” bluudud said.
Pr3typriincess crossed her arms, but looked open to the idea.
“What would a sneaky plan entail?” she asked.
“Uh… can you guys help me plan that?” asked coolkidd.

The kids had put all of their powers together, and created a beautiful art piece. Each kid had drawn themself, and the plan was, uh, interesting. The three would sneak out of 118o8’s house, walk over to c00lkidd’s, and try to look through his window and see what the adults were up to while c00lkidd was gone.
That wasn't too hard, right?

The trio had packed everything they needed. Juice boxes, all their plans and 118o8’s old camera (thanks bluudud) that they could take pictures on.
Bluudud and c00lkidd were both wearing camouflage sweaters from bluudud’s closet. They had tried to convincePr3typriincess to, but she objected, saying they were ‘a crime against fashion itself!’.
They were standing near the front door, waiting for the right moment to leave. When 118o8 went to the bathroom, they knew their time had come to act.
Bluudud shushed the others, opening the door and sending them through it before exiting and closing it behind himself.
“Phase one of the plan: complete!” c00lkidd said, pumping his fists in the air.
“You guys could've been quieter, but good job, team!’ Pr3typriincess said, giving the two boys high fives.
“So now we gotta go to my house, right?” c00lkidd said.
“Yep!” bluudud nodded.
“Where is that? Asked Pr3typriincess.
“Uhm…..” coolkidd muttered.
“C00LKIDD! Please tell me you know where you live!” Pr3typriincess yelled.
He had not thought about this part. He knew where he lived! He just.. Didn't know how to get there! yeah!
“I think i remember! i know i came from that way,” he said, pointing left.
“okay! I’ll trust u on that one, but we better move B4 my mom realises were gone,” bluudud says.
The trio walk…

And walk…

And walk…

And walk.
It has been around fifteen minutes, and they are nowhere closer to c00lkidd’s house. They made it to the park, luckily. So they weren't completely lost.
“Uh, do we turn back then?’ bluudud said. He was sitting on the swings playing on his phone.
“You two are incompetent!” Pr3typriincess says, pacing. “How do you guys not know where he lives!?” she yells.
C00lkidd and bluudud look at each other anxiously.
“Wait! Bluudud, give me that!” Pr3typriincess said. She runs up to the gamer, taking his phone from his hands.
“Hey!!! I was playing clash!!” Bluudud cries.
“Womp womp.” Pr3typriincess said. He closes his app, and goes to google maps.
“C00lkidd do you know your address, at least?” she asks
“Of course,” he says. He tells her, and then she types it into the phone.
“Boys are useless,” she says. “It was this easy!”
She stands up, walking in the phone’s directions.
“C’mon guys! Follow me!”

“There it is!” c00lkidd gasped. They had just turned the corner, and were now facing c00lkidd’s home.
“So, now we go 2 the window?” asked bluudud.
C00lkidd nodded. “Yup! Just like in the plan!”

The trio walk around the house, spotting a window quickly. The only issue, it’s very high off the ground.
“How should we reach that?” asks Pr3typriincess.
“Look at the plan!!” c00lkidd says, pulling out the paper.
In the drawing bluudud, (drawn with comically large muscles, courtesy of bluudud himself) is carrying Pr3typriincess on his shoulders. She is carrying c00lkidd on her’s.
“That shouldn't be too hard to do…” c00lkidd said.
He was wrong.
Very wrong.
Three kids stacked on top of each other isn't balanced very well.
Less than a minute later, all of the children sat on the ground, covered in dirt and grass.
“There has to be a better way to do thisss..” Pr3typriincess groaned, pulling at her bow. “Now my dress is dirtyyyy…”
“no 1 cares abt ur stupid dress,” bluudud hissed. His phone screen had a small crack in it from the tumble.
“How ’bout we brainstorm!” c00lkidd said.
“Unless we can find a ladder…we're lowkey cooked.” bluudud sighed.
“Actually, I think we might keep a ladder in the back yard..” c00lkidd thought out loud. He got two aggressive looks. “Let's go get that now, shall we?” asked Pr3typriincess.

Attempt #2
Things are a lot easier with the ladder. C00lkidd managed to climb it, while the other two held it for him. C00lkidd looked into the window and… oh my god.
“G-guys?” He said.
He pressed his face up against the glass pane, looking closer. Noli had a bouquet of flowers. He was giving them to seven. And Seven pulled Noli into a.. KISS?
C00lkid took a picture.
“OHmygod guysguysguys! You need to see this!” He said, climbing down the ladder.
He showed the picture to the others. It was clear as day. Seven and noli hugging. Seven with one hand holding a bouquet, the other on the back of noli’s neck.
SEVEN AND NOLI’S LIPS PRESSED TOGETHER.
“C00lkidd,” Pr3typriincess said, “I think you have a second father now.”

Chapter Text

When 118o8 texted bluudud, asking where the kids were, she certainly didn't expect to see the photo she was sent.

It left her with a lot of nostalgia, of course. She had believed she had a similar picture from college, stashed away in an old photo album along with all the pictures from her youth. The photo also left her with a lot of questions. Way too many. How did the kids get that photo? Why weren't they at her house? Were Noli and 007n7 actually back together? She knew they had to have had something going on between them back then, so it wasn't too much of a stretch that they would now. That was cool and all, but did the kids sneak into 007n7’s house or something? The photo was obviously recent, which raised a couple concerns. Why were they sending it to her? Did 007 know about the picture? It would probably be best if he did. She decided to text him.

118o8: hey 007n7
007n7: Hello! Are the kids doing well?
118o8: uhm
118o8: there’s something you need to see.
One attachment was sent
118o8: bluudud just sent me this picture of you and noli. He said he just took it. You might want to check your yard.
007n7: oh wow
007n7: thank you for showing me.

Noli had noticed 007n7’s jaw drop when the man had picked up his phone.
“Wh4t’s wr0ng?” Noli asked from the table, eating spaghetti.
“Noli, come look.” Seven said, running his hand through his hair.
Noli put his bowl down. He stepped out of his chair, walking over to seven. He saw what was on his screen. Oh….
“118o8 said bluudud sent her this. Like, five minutes ago.”
Noli already knew when that photo had been taken, though.
He had given seven the bouquet. The one he was holding in the photo.
“D’y4 th1nk th3 k1ds 4r3 st1ll 0uts1d3?” He asked anxiously.