Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The serene glow of sunlight and its warmth hugged him close like an old friend, his eyes opened. His head felt…empty, like a clean slate. Looking down at his hands, calloused and rough…but from what?

Building.

He furrowed his brows. Before a frantic tap on his shoulder.

“Who…” The voice was unfamiliar. But it came from him, making him pause. Who is he? And who is this person?

The other person wore a dark hooded robe with tan-gold trim and runic markings along the front. The face was…indistinguishable. A black belt with a gold buckle sits at the waist, and the sleeves and hood have a gold outline. If anything, this person seemed like someone important, or someone mysterious. He had no clue. But not even a single inch of skin was showing. Nothing to show that the person sitting beside him was even human.

He felt like he was missing something. Though, the hooded person didn’t say anything. They made hand gestures, and he only furrowed his brows. 

—You’re finally up.—

The words registered in his head when seeing the hand gestures made by the person.

—You had me worried sick, Buildy.—

Buildy? Is that his name? A nickname? Why can’t he remember anything? There were so many questions he had, but it all died in his throat.

—I’m Taph. We’re fiancés.—

“Wait—huh?” Buildy blinked. He has a fiancé? He looked back down at his hands—his left hand, and found a ring. How did he not register it before? Maybe it's because he’s still disoriented. “Fiancés…” Should he really believe this at face value? “Er—got any pictures? Or something…I dunno if I can just believe you.” 

Taph only shook his head, and began signing again.

—We lost everything in the accident. It was truly tragic, but I'm glad that you’re alive. That matters more than just some photos. We can always make new ones.—

“Okay—wait. What is this ‘accident’ that you keep mentioning? Why can’t I remember anything?” His head throbbed a lot, if that said anything. 

Everything was briefly explained. Buildy could understand that—signing this much had to be difficult, right? At least he had a brief understanding of what happened to him.

Apparently, he was on the way home from work, when someone threw a ball and it went his way, it hit him. And it escalated further when he fell and knocked his head onto a stone. Taph explained that he’s mostly been healed and it was only a matter of waiting for him to wake up. So his head would still hurt probably. 

Buildy did ask though, what happened to the people who threw the ball. And Taph only gave a vague answer.

But then he realized something.

“Wait…I have a family, don’t I? Friends? Where are they?” He gave an expectant look to Taph, fidgeting with the hem of the blanket which most definitely was not a hospital blanket. Was he even inside a hospital?

—Your family?—

Buildy nodded.

—They’re deadbeats. Terrible people. I helped you outside of that household. Don’t bother trying to remember them, it’ll only hurt you.—

Wow.

Buildy blinked. That response seemed far more passionate than other responses Taph gave him. And that's saying something, since Taph is only signing to him. Not even talking; and he can’t see Taph’s face.

—As for friends, to put it bluntly, you don’t have any.—

“Ouch.”

—But it's okay. We have each other, and you can still always make friends! If you’re up for it…you were a pretty closed off person before the accident.—

Taph did end up showing some pictures of himself before the accident. Mostly sleeping and eating in domestic clothing. He seemed well, yeah. Closed off. Even he could tell. 

Did Buildy go through some sort of personality switch with the amnesia he supposedly has now? Seemed plausible, since he has absolutely no memories. No trauma to shape him. All he has…is Taph.

So that whole evening was spent with Taph explaining a few things and himself asking a few questions. Like where they met, or how they met. Stuff like that, until he fell asleep on the bed.

And Taph stayed by his side long after he fell asleep.

Watching.

Chapter Text

Buildy woke up in a new place. A softer bed, heavy blankets, and an arm around his waist. He stiffened, looking to his side, and seeing Taph there. For a split second, his pulse kicked up—an instinctive panic, like prey realizing something had its arms around it. He swallowed it down. No reason to panic. They were fiancés. Apparently.

Sure Taph said that they were fiancés…but this still felt weird. The touch just didn’t feel right—it felt like a stranger, because he expected…something. Familiarity, comfort, a sense of safety. But all he felt was someone’s weight on him, and that felt like nothing he’d ever known. Maybe he’s still just recovering, he doesn’t know. 

Maybe it was his fault. Maybe the amnesia scrambled the parts of him that knew how to be close to someone.

“Huh. He still wears the cloak even while sleeping.” Even though he was half tempted to lower the mask and hood to see what his…fiancé looked like, he felt hesitant to do so. And decided to leave it for now. Taph will show him soon anyways, right? Because theyre fiancés? 

Though, Taph didn’t shift at all. Not even a twitch. It was like sleeping next to a mannequin that breathed.

The sheets felt scratchy against his skin. Sure it was smooth and soft but felt far too artificial. The mattress didn’t make his body sink enough and the blankets were too heavy. It felt suffocating. Buildy didn’t know what was wrong with him. He doesn’t remember a lot of things but he can remember most of the basic essentials. 

But for amnesia? Did amnesia include this too? Like—he and Taph are fiancés yet everything felt new to him, he felt like a newborn fawn out and alone in the wilderness. 

Is he questioning things too much? Well—he has literally no recollection of anything, so it's alright for him to be skeptical, right? 

—Let’s cut your hair.—

Buildy raised an eyebrow. “My hair? Why?” 

It's been a few days, living with Taph. His fiancé. He still couldn’t get used to anything. This was apparently the place they’ve been living at for a while now, but Buildy still clumsily bumped against things, and when walking around absentmindedly, he got lost. Again—even without his memories, his body should remember, right? 

But Taph took it upon himself to help Buildy walk around, with the excuse of him still being in recovery and not wanting Buildy to strain himself. Which was reasonable, he guessed.

—Yes. Your hair has grown quite long since you were in the coma.—

“Oh.” He blinked. “I mean—I guess?” Buildy didn’t actually mind his longer hair. He could always tie it up into a bun so it wouldn’t be in the way, but having it trimmed wouldn’t be so bad either. In the photos Taph showed him, he did have long hair, usually tied in a bun. So it was fine.

So that's where he now ended up in the bathroom, sitting on a stool with Taph delicately trimming his hair.

Buildy spaces out momentarily, trying to dig into his head for any memories, but no luck. It only made his head throb. And when he finally returned to reality, his long hair—it was all chopped off. The cut strands were all inside the plastic bag. His hair was short now, and Taph was currently adding some finishing touches.

He didn’t look like a complete disaster—at least. But why? He thought this was just a trim?

“Taph? Why…did you cut all of it off?” 

—Accident. I don’t cut hair often. I’m sorry.—

Taph signed back quickly, making Buildy press his lips together into a fine line. Maybe they should’ve gone to a barber then. But that's okay, hair grows back. Having short hair shouldn’t be too bad…although, he is a bit disappointed.

“Oh, okay.” 

After fixing up his hair, Taph took the bag of discarded hair out of the bathroom to who knows where. Probably the trash. And Taph returned with a fresh set of clothes. 

So far, Buildy has only been wearing hoodies and jeans, but this set of clothes was..completely different.

From the way Taph was nudging the clothes to him, Buildy assumed Taph wanted him to change into the clothes. He stood up and took the new set of clothes, Taph left the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

It felt weird when he stripped off the hoodie and jeans, the socks, all of that. He looked at the lump of discarded clothes on the floor and slipped on the clothes Taph gave him instead.

A soft washed out blue long-sleeved sweater, a pair of oversized black sweatpants, and some fluffy white socks. An interesting combo, but it was comfortable, soft. But it didn’t feel right to wear something so soft.

“Hm…” Buildy hummed to himself, picking up his old clothes and exiting the bathroom with Taph waiting right there. 

—You look better now, like the real you. The one I know.—

He perked up. “Oh, really?” He handed the clothes to Taph, who took them a bit too eagerly. “Um…Why do I feel like I wore those clothes all the time…?” He then asked, staring at the lump in Taph’s arms.

—You didn’t. These are old. They don’t fit you anymore.—

What?

But…Buildy knew, those clothes still fit him fine. Perfectly, even. Sure they’re a bit worn down, but that's to be expected. The clothes he’s in now feel too new, these clothes don’t feel worn.

Just as he was about to protest, Taph walked off again. Leaving Buildy puzzled. He had to admit it but it was hard to understand Taph. He doesn’t blame Taph for being mute, it was just hard. Because Taph just did whatever he wanted, silently. 

He stood there, fidgeting with the soft sleeve of the sweater, unsure of what to do before Taph scurried down the hall again to usher him to the kitchen. 

Right. It's lunch now. 

Taph always prepared the meals. He didn’t like it when Buildy did anything in the kitchen, saying that Buildy was a “shit cook” and nearly “burned down the place” before his amnesia. Which then made Taph hyper paranoid about Buildy even stepping foot in the cooking area.

“Why do I feel like he’s just roasting me at every moment..” Buildy muttered to himself as he watched Taph cook up some lunch. First, shitty family. Second, no friends. Third, shit cook.  

He wasn’t sure if he was meant to be offended or not. But hey—this was probably just some banter slipping through. Buildy of course, can’t remember it, but surely they bantered from time to time. So that was probably it.

A plate was soon served to him, a basic egg sandwich with cheddar cheese. Basic or not, it's delicious. 

Buildy didn’t immediately dig in, no. He waited for Taph. Taph had made it very clear early in that he would feed Buildy. At first, he protested but Taph didn’t stop insisting even though it was a bit embarrassing. 

Taph grabbed a glass of water and sat beside Buildy on the counter seat, and picked up the sandwich and placed it near Buildy’s lips to take a bite; which he did. He takes a bite when he sees the expectant feeling he gets off of Taph and begins chewing and swallowing. This process usually took a while, Buildy being a slow eater. But Taph didn’t seem to mind.

He would be fed the sandwich, occasionally some water if he asked for it, and fed again until nothing was left. After Taph was done feeding him, Taph would then eat his own food.

And Buildy has yet to see Taph’s face still. He stares at Taph curiously when his robed partner picks up the sandwich, before turning away.

“Wha—“ A huff left him, before he looked away too. “Fine, be like that. Not like I wanted to see what my fiancé looks like.” He muttered under his breath pettily, grumbling. He swore he heard a snort from Taph.

And yes—Taph could make a few sounds. He was mute, yes. But that didn’t render Taph completely silent. 

But other than that…everything was going well. Buildy was sort of getting used to this new routine while also trying to get a grasp on his missing memories.

…

He wants to remember soon. 

Chapter Text

Birds chirped from the single oak tree in the backyard. Rich green grass swayed with the gentle breeze while the deep blue sky blanketed the sunny day. The warmth of the sun kissed Buildy’s skin like a warm hug. It was bright and beautiful, a perfect day for outings.

Though, the outing Buildy was on was just a trip to the backyard. Taph was inside the house, sitting by the window while constructing one of his bombs. It did make Buildy paranoid about well, Taph making bombs inside the house. But Taph reassured him that it was fine—Taph is an expert in his field. That didn’t do much to reassure him but he chose to trust Taph nonetheless.

Buildy was wearing a white, oversized collared button-up shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. While the gentle breeze tickled his bare legs, the black fabric of his shorts bristled. The breeze felt colder, brushing past his neck with ease. Without the longer hair, Buildy couldn’t rely on his hair to keep his neck warm. A shame, really. But it was fine.

He didn’t do much really. Taph didn’t like it when he was outside alone, afraid that Builderman would need his help and Taph wouldn’t be there. A quiet chuckle left his lips at that—Taph could be quite overprotective at times. That was understandable, really. Considering his circumstances. 

Buildy could remember the way Taph freaked out when Buildy went to the front yard on his own without telling him. Frantic hands on his shoulders and shaking him and ushering him back into the house before scolding Buildy like a child. It did spook Buildy at first—but thinking back on it, it was pretty funny to him with how Taph reacted. Sort of cute too.

And with that thought, it honestly made Buildy feel like things were becoming normal again—like, before his amnesia. He wasn’t sure what he felt for Taph at first, but slowly but surely he’s been getting used to the routine, used to Taph again, and he feels like his body might be remembering the feelings he might’ve had for Taph.

Just a sense of normality with this struggle without his memories was like a breath of fresh air.

With a glance behind him from the wooden patio, Buildy almost jumped at the sight of Taph’s dark silhouette from the window. For a split second, his heart lurched—his mind registering stranger before it caught up.

But no, it was just Taph.

Looking away, Buildy let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand over his face. “He got me all these new clothes…I think he’s the one who needs a new wardrobe.” He muttered to himself, his heart still racing. Why wouldn’t it calm down? There was no real danger. Just Taph. His fiancé.

He looked back down at his hands. Calloused, a bit soft in some places but rough where it mattered. Taph said he was a construction worker before the accident, and by the looks of his hands, it seemed plausible. But, for the past week or so…Buildy can’t recall, he hasn’t done a single piece of work. Surely some co-workers would come and find him, no? Since the trades is a pretty social and physically taxing job.

But, nothing.

Standing up and sliding the glass screen door open and stepping back into the house, Buildy walks up to Taph who was assembling another bomb.

“Anything you need help with?” He asked, eyeing the way Taph’s gloved hands worked on the bomb. A spiky magenta core was inserted into a cube-like structure before Taph added some finishing touches. It seemed like a simple process, but Taph was being meticulous with it.

After a long second, Taph hadn’t answered him. Buildy furrowed his brows. “Helloo?” He leaned in, trying to get a good look at wherever he thinks Taph’s eyes would be at. “You in there?” He lifted his hand to wave it in front of Taph’s masked face until—his wrist was grabbed with surprising strength.

Buildy’s brows shot up to his hairline, his eyes widening. “Uh?” His hand went limp, Taph gave another squeeze before letting go and waved Buildy off. Taph didn’t look at him. Not even once. 

“Alright then…” Geez, Buildy huffed. He walked away to the living room, slumping onto the sofa cushions. Taph could’ve at least shook his head at him, or signed. Anything. 

He rubbed his wrist. It hurt when Taph did that.

His wrist was slightly red, making Buildy frown. 

“Maybe he just didn’t want me knocking anything over.” He mumbled under his breath, staring blankly at the empty TV screen. “He probably didn’t mean to squeeze that hard.” 

Maybe some TV would help. The TV didn’t have many channels going on, but it was enough to entertain or numb his brain. He picked up the remote and turned on the first channel.

“Today is yet another day in Robloxia where Builderman, the CEO of Roblox HQ is still missing. Today marks the thirty-second day since his disappearance. The admins are working tirelessly to keep the HQ functioning and working to find our beloved admin. Please, if there are any sightings, or suspicions, anything—please report here at…”

The remote in his hand was gone, and there was a weight behind him. Taph had taken the remote without him realizing, and the channel was switched to some sort of dumb cocomelon advertisement. Buildy blinked, feeling sweat on his forehead.

“You still upset?” 

He wasn’t sure what to make of whatever just happened earlier when Taph grabbed his wrist, but Taph only wrapped his arms around him, engulfing him in warmth. Buildy tensed momentarily, before relaxing. Taph’s gloved hand reached out and caressed Buildy’s wrist, the one that Taph had grabbed. It was a gentle touch, Buildy barely felt it. It was as if Taph was apologizing to him, nuzzling against the back of his neck. 

Buildy’s cheeks felt hot at the sudden contact, but he didn’t want to give in so easily. So he let out a grumble. “I’m not gonna make it easy on you.” He huffed out, the cocomelon commercial grating on his ears like chalk on a chalkboard. Taph only nuzzled further against his neck, his other hand—the one not touching his wrist, lowered down to his torso and caressed his chest.

“Ugh—stop that.” Buildy’s face felt like it was on fire. All the touching felt embarrassing. “I get it, I get it…” He leaned back against Taph. “Just quit that…it's embarrassing.” 

Taph’s shoulders shook, as if silently laughing, which only made Buildy’s face even hotter. He was sure his face was as red as a tomato at this point. 

But all the touching was something he didn’t really want in the moment. Taph didn’t back off yet at all even when he said to stop, so he paused to think for a moment.

“I’m hungry.” Buildy bounced his leg up and down. “I want to eat.” It was practically a demand, if anything. But it worked, and Taph let go of him. 

—Okay, I’ll go make you something!—

For once, Taph finally said something, making Buildy’s shoulders sag.

“Thanks.”

With Taph gone, Buildy’s leg stopped bouncing, and he stared at the cocomelon on the screen. It felt as if the advertisement went on a loop—it was starting to get annoying. The kiddish music and the weird slow baby talk to the animated 3D children made his skin crawl.

He looked around, searching for the remote, but it was nowhere to be seen. Taph might’ve taken it with him, and Buildy didn’t feel like getting up and asking for it. So he just stares at the ear grating kid show of some random series.

Buildy though, spaced out enough that he could think inside his own thoughts for a moment. He thinks back to that news report he saw. Builderman—the CEO of Roblox HQ. Who wouldn’t know Builderman? Builderman quite literally was the reason why Robloxia exists, alongside the other admins.

He found it kind of fun that he shared a similar name to Builderman. He was even a construction worker! He knows he won’t be as great as Builderman, Buildy’s just some guy after all. But the thought of meeting Builderman one day, maybe even sharing a laugh at their similar names, filled him with a sense of comfort.

But…

Why did…

Why did Builderman look so similar to him—back when his hair was longer, before Taph cut it. Before the new clothes… actually, had he ever worn these kinds of clothes before? He wasn’t sure. He couldn’t be sure. His memories slipped away whenever he tried to reach for them.

A sharp pang in his head made him wince. The thought slipped away from him as his hand went to his chin, hair prickled his fingertips. Huh, he hasn’t shaved yet, has he? 

Chapter Text

No one is looking for you. They’re looking for Builderman.

It was currently 9:21 PM. The sky was dark, not a star in sight as the street lamps lit up the street. The grocery store wasn’t too far from where they lived, so they walked to the store together. 

Normally, it’d be strange to go on a grocery run this late, but Taph was busy all day assembling his bombs, and lost track of time. Which was fine, it happens to everyone. Buildy entertained himself just fine by reading some books on the bookshelf—something about 3 kids and a wardrobe. He hasn’t gotten too far in it yet, he thinks he might’ve spaced out.

Their hands were interlocked together, and Taph was practically skipping the whole way there. It was cute, seeing Taph so excited.

It did make Buildy’s nerves a bit, well, nervous. Being out this late. Cars still drove by without much trouble and there was frankly not a soul walking around at the moment. It only screamed ‘kidnapping scenario’ by some creep in the shadows. Maybe he was overthinking it. He squeezed Taph’s hand slightly, a small comfort.

At the grocery store, Taph nudged him inside quickly. Buildy caught a glimpse of a poster—a man. He wasn’t able to get a full look on the face as Taph pushed him into the store.

“Huh, can’t believe somethin’ like this is still open this late.” He mumbled, blinking while looking at the pretty empty grocery store. There were a few other robloxians, some people just picking up some small stuff.

Buildy followed Taph around the grocery store like a lost puppy while Taph handed him some of the lighter items to carry. Taph put the heavy stuff into the shopping cart. Why was he holding these again? He could just put these in the shopping cart..

His thoughts snagged. No, no… Taph must’ve had a reason. Right?

But, one thing Buildy couldn’t brush off, was the stares. People were staring. At him. It made Buildy sweat, his palms clammy when feeling their stares on him. The second takes people took when they saw him.

“The search for Builderman is still ongoing. The admins are doing everything in their power to find him. So far, there have been many fakes and lookalikes who have claimed to be Builderman, but the admins proved the fakes to not be Builderman. Clockwork’s rage at the HQ seeing a group of five Builderman fakes had shaken many robloxians…”

The grocery store was playing some audio of the news, it seemed. Buildy pressed his lips together, looking at Taph. Taph seemed more tense than usual, whatever excitement the cloaked man had, was gone. He was as tight as a spring, shoulders were raised.

Maybe a conversation would help?

“Looks like Builderman’s still missing…” He looked around the snack aisle aimlessly. “What do you think of it so far?”

Taph just shrugged. Okay, no conversations then.

Sighing Buildy shuffled forward and placed his hand on top of Taph’s comfortingly with a smile. “Whats bothering you?” His thumb rubbed Taph’s gloved knuckles, and Taph paused, looking at Buildy. 

—I’m okay. Just thinking on what to get for this week’s meals.—

It took a while for Taph to sign, using one hand. But Buildy understood the message. “Ah, okay.” He shifted his footing, awkward. 

—People are being creeps. Don’t they know staring is rude?—

Oh, looks like Taph had noticed as well. No surprise there, Taph usually notices things. He retracted his hand, scratching the back of his neck. “Eh, it's fine. We won’t be here long.” It wasn’t fine, the stares made him uncomfortable. But they usually looked away after the second take, so that was fine.

He felt an arm wrap around his waist, and he was pulled and pressed against Taph’s side. His cheeks dusted with pink. 

Taph’s grip was a bit too tight though.

Buildy had a short fleeting thought though, was he ugly? Like, really, really ugly? Or something—because why would people be staring this much? The grocery store wasn’t even busy! It's nearly 10 PM. There's like a handful of people occupying the store at the moment.

Even at the cash register, the cashier did a double take on him. Taph’s grip around his waist only got tighter, making Buildy squirm.

Taph was even rushing for them to get out of the store. Taph was carrying all the bags, and Buildy was…carrying nothing. The walk back home was calmer, and whatever rush Taph had was slowly dissipating back into a calm. And the arm around his waist was gone—obviously, with Taph occupied with carrying the bags. Buildy did offer to help but Taph ignored him, so he dropped it.

It made Buildy feel off that Taph was the one doing all the work. Like—yeah, his head hurts sometimes but he’s been healing just fine. Surely he’s capable enough of doing some physical labor, yeah? Especially if he used to do construction work. But Taph usually insisted or ignored him whenever he tried to offer any help.

…

Maybe Taph just finds it hard to rely on people? Even his own fiancé? 

“Hmm…” Buildy squinted ahead of him at that thought. Maybe instead of just sitting on his ass like he normally does, he can just—help Taph! Like, without asking. He wants to seem reliable after all, as Taph’s fiancé. 

Back at the house, Buildy immediately went to help unload the groceries in the kitchen, and Taph just stood there, watching. Hairs stood up at the back of his neck, and Buildy felt himself getting a bit jittery at the stare as he tried to figure out where the lettuce goes inside the fridge.

Then—his wrist was grabbed, he was yanked forward the lettuce dropping right out of his hands and onto the floor with a sharp crunch. Taph grabbed his other wrist, pulling up both of his hands to Taph’s face before Buildy was forcibly removed from the kitchen by being unceremoniously shoved out by Taph. 

—You don’t need to do anything.—

Taph signed to him, there was a sharpness in how Taph’s hands moved. As if…angry, or upset.

“What? But…” Buildy rubbed his wrists, “I just, I don’t know. Wanted to help? You’re usually doing everything around here, I didn’t want to just do nothing..”

—You don’t need to. Let me do the work. I want to do the work. You will not be doing anything unless I tell you too.—

Buildy felt like a chastised child.

“Am I just…not reliable to you?” He murmured, quietly. Almost whisper-like. “Am I just someone you can’t rely on? Taph…” Buildy looked down at his wrists. Red. Taph held him too hard. “…We’re fiancés, aren’t we? It's…okay, to rely on me too.”

He felt like he couldn’t look Taph in the eye—he can’t even see Taph’s eyes. He’s never even seen Taph, only the cloaked figure of his fiancé.

Taph stood there for a moment, before stepping forward and tilting his chin up.

—I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I just don’t want you getting hurt again.—

“Wh—hurt? But its just groce—“

—Please, go watch TV, or read. Or sleep. Whatever you want.—

He was shut down immediately. 

“But—“

Taph only put up a finger, a shush. Buildy furrowed his brows, and looked down. “Fine. Okay.” Despite his frustration, Taph must’ve had his reasons. Ever since the grocery store, Taph was irritable. He could see that. 

Maybe some sleep would help.

But, when he was in the bedroom and he lifted his shirt, he saw another red mark. But this time, on his waist.

“Taph really needs to control his strength…” He muttered to himself, frowning at the sight. It’s been happening more and more recently, and it happens whenever he tries to do something outside of Taph pampering him.

Should he just stop then? Taph seems to be doing perfectly fine like this—he even said he wants to do all the work. Taph seems like the workaholic type as well, considering that well, during the day, Taph is always constructing bombs while Buildy lounges in the backyard or watching TV.

Even with that thought, tonight took the cake. Buildy has been…noticing things. Maybe he’s just overthinking it, but Taph’s reaction didn’t feel right. Why was he so tense at the grocery store? Why does Taph watch him all the time? Why doesn’t Taph let him feed himself? Taph treats him as if he’s a delicate glass china doll but when it's in a moment that matters, Taph gets physical with him, leaving red marks on his skin from how harshly Taph handled him. 

Why did Taph cut his hair so short? Why does Taph handle all his clothes? Why does Builderman look exactly like him before the change?

…

Buildy sat himself on the bed. 

He doesn’t want to think of Taph in a bad light, he really doesn’t. Taph’s just…trying to get a sense of normalcy back after he got amnesia. Imagine what Taph was going through—seeing his own lover with no memory of anything.

Is he just overthinking things? Is he just mentally noting random things? Buildy thought his skepticable phase with Taph was done, since—they’re fiancés. 

But then why is Taph always conveniently there whenever something about Builderman is mentioned. Why is Taph always conveniently there whenever he tries to do something for himself. Why is Taph so adamant on letting him go outside on his own?

Why does Taph always redirect his attention elsewhere?

“…Fuck…” He felt a migraine starting to hit him.

Chapter Text

There was a heavy arm wrapped around his side on the bed. Buildy’s face was buried into the pillow, Taph was behind him, sleeping. His body welded against Buildy, pressed at his backside and left little room for space. 

He was tense this night.

Normally, Buildy could relax and fall asleep, but he couldn’t. Sleep didn’t overcome him one bit—he was wide awake, his muscles were clamped together and he didn’t know why.

Well…

Maybe he did know why.

It's been, what? Days? Buildy can’t remember, the days keep blending together and ever since that one night it just clung to him like a leech. He can’t get it out of his mind. The doubts, the suspicions. Buildy even began seeing holes in Taph’s story.

He doesn’t want to believe it, Taph is all he has. Right? Where would he even go if he were to find out everything he’s known so far was fake? Surely it was just Taph being overprotective—because Taph’s been gentler ever since that night. The red marks on his skin was gone and never came back, Taph communicated with him more even when he sometimes offered to help out.

Things were getting better now—it was just a lapse. Taph was just having a bad day that night, probably. God—he feels so guilty even thinking about everything that's swarming his mind like a virus. Taph’s doing his best to support the both of them, and here Buildy is having endless doubts. There's always new things to learn—stuff Taph hasn’t told him yet but will tell him later in the future, right? Or maybe Taph’s just waiting for his memories to come back. Amnesia is temporary after all!

He can’t sleep.

Buildy’s throat felt dry, like sandpaper. His palms were hot with sweat and his heart began to pound in his chest. 

Maybe some water will help? Just—something, anything.

But he thought of leaving the bed—without Taph, suddenly felt daunting. He’s never done this before. Usually he sleeps the whole night without much trouble. Maybe he’ll just wake up Taph then?

No!

He shifted slightly underneath the blankets. It's just water, nothing crazy. He’ll still be in the house; it's not like he’s leaving…

…

Leaving.

Buildy looked over his shoulder. He still couldn’t see Taph’s face but he could tell Taph was dead asleep.

Good.

His body moved on its own. He was able to slip out from Taph’s hold and used a pillow to replace him. Taph’s arms hugged the pillow close, and Buildy let out a quiet sigh of relief. 

Though, he couldn’t shake off the oppressing feeling that he was doing something wrong, something that he shouldn’t be doing. It weighed down heavily onto him, an invisible mass that he couldn’t carry on his own while he tiptoed out of the bedroom. Every creak and little sound made Buildy jump. Seeing these darkened hallways with not a light in sight filled him with a sense of dread.

The white moonlight glow that snuck in through the few windows in the house gave him some leverage of hope as he traversed through the darkness, every step slowed and careful to not make a sound. 

Buildy felt like he couldn’t recognize the house anymore, it felt like he was in a whole other home. This didn’t feel like the same house he’s lived in with Taph.

He eventually made his way to the kitchen, but with the first step in his body froze and he whipped his head behind him. 

“I could’ve sworn…” 

He thought he heard Taph. Or thought Taph was behind him. With him. But no, he’s all alone. No Taph. Is this a taste of what it’d feel like? This anxiousness and anxiety that prickled his insides like needles?

The memory of when Taph grabbed his wrists—shoved him out of the kitchen with force flashed in his mind.

“It's just water…just water…” He reminded himself, muttering under his breath as a short comfort.

But now, Buildy ran into a new problem. Navigating the kitchen. On the outside, it looks normal. A fridge, a stove, countertops, cabinets…but Buildy had no clue where to look for any cups. Should he just drink from the sink?

“No…no, that’d make too much noise..” Why was he whispering? There was nothing to be scared of in his own home—maybe he was just scared of the dark then? 

Though, he notices some envelopes on the counter. Taph probably forgot to put them away. He stepped forward, barefooted as he brought the envelope to his face. He shouldn’t be snooping like this—but…Taph wasn’t here.

The envelope was already opened, so he took the card out from inside and opened it.

“Hey Taph! We miss you buddy—the team ain’t the same without your brooding presence haha! In all seriousness, we haven’t heard from you in months. I’m worried for you kid! Are you doing alright? Everything going well? You eating and drinking water? You’re still young, make sure to take care of yourself! 

P.S. Please reply soon, or at least give an indicator that you’re still alive. We really do miss you. Maybe we can arrange a visit? A good ol’ team dinner?

Sincerely, #########”

The name was crossed out. Did Taph do that? But why? The letter seemed sincere and…apparently Taph knew this person? 

Buildy thinks for a moment. He’s never seen Taph leave the house to go anywhere unless he’s with him. And all of that was usually grocery runs or short walks. Taph has always been with him. Never gone out to hang out with people he knew or anything. Taph was always where he was.

Flipping the letter over, he read the back. 

This letter was sent from Roblox HQ’s Demolitionist team.

He was sitting on the sofa, alone. He didn’t turn on any lamps or anything—just sitting there in the dark, in silence.

Buildy’s never asked about how Taph had so much money. He’s never seen Taph work on anything except for bombs. Taph never leaves the house to go to work and neither does Buildy. That should be recipe for disaster if both people aren’t working and making money but no!

Demolitionist…it makes sense for Taph. Taph’s always making bombs. 

Despite his nerves, he looked through a few more envelopes, some are random senders and clients that Taph has. Apparently, Taph sells his bombs anonymously under different names to different clients. How come he never knew about this?

Well, then again. Buildy never asked.

It only makes him realize that yet again, he knows…

Nothing.

Nothing about Taph. Nothing about who Taph is. He doesn’t even know his own fiancé’s face! All the while, Taph seems to know everything about him. 

All of this didn’t settle right inside of Buildy.

Roblox HQ.

That place…it might have the answers he’s looking for. But Taph would never let him go there—he just has a feeling. Considering the first letter he read, Taph ghosted his co-workers and friends for some reason. A reason be doesn’t know yet.

Hence why, he should go there himself. 

Glancing at the clock, Buildy read the time. 12:39 AM. It's late, would Roblox HQ even be open at this time? Probably—it might be open. Robloxia is a busy world after all. And if it is closed…he’ll just have to give it up.

His limps were quaking though, when he put on some slippers. Buildy doesn’t have any proper walking shoes, just slippers or fluffy ones. Taph doesn’t have any either—mostly boots or flat shoes, none for walking.

“Fuck…I can’t believe i’m really doing this…shouldn’t be too long, hopefully.” 

Buildy could only hope that Taph would remain asleep for the entire time he’ll be out.

Unlocking the door, Buildy stared at the doorknob. His hand was shaking—opening the door now seemed so daunting to him despite his earlier confidence to get some answers. Should he just confront Taph in the morning and they can talk it out? But what if Taph just changes the subject or redirects the conversation? What if Taph doesn’t want to tell him? 

But wait—they’re fiancés, trust is a must! He has to trust Taph. 

But…has Taph ever trusted him?

Taph has never shown his face. Always wearing the same thing. Always doing the same thing. Never revealing anything about himself. If Taph can’t trust him enough to reveal anything, how can he trust Taph with getting answers? Was Taph like this too before his amnesia?

Whatever it was, Buildy’s come this far. It’ll just be for tonight, everything will be okay.

“I won’t get answers unless I find them myself.”

His hand clamped down onto the doorknob and twisted it, his heart pounded into his ears as the cold night air rammed into him, sending shivers up his spine. Buildy felt so incredibly nervous—goosebumps shooting through his skin but he pushed through and stepped outside, alone. 

Shutting the door behind him, he doesn’t have any keys. He’ll just leave it like this—it should be fine. He won’t be out for long. Taph is sleeping peacefully in the bedroom and Buildy felt another surge of guilt for just leaving like this for his selfish desire for answers.

He began walking. Buildy knows where the nearest teleportation pad is at. He’s seen it occasionally when walking with Taph. That right there will be his ticket to getting to Roblox HQ. 

Although his nerves were weighing onto him, Buildy also felt a sense of exhilaration. He’s never walked outside like this before, at least, not without Taph. That brief sense of freedom with the cool chill of the air felt liberating. The distant sounds of traffic and the chatter of other people.

But he had to hurry up.

Making it to the teleportation pad—there were a lot of people there. Teleportation pads are always busy—since it's one of the main points of travel to different servers, fast especially. Or you could drive, but that’d take hours. 

The crowd of people made his nerves jitter again, but he’s made it this far without Taph’s help, he’ll be okay. He needs to be able to do stuff alone eventually, right? Because he’ll be getting his memories back soon.

He stood in front of a screen, and his posture straightened up while his hands started moving without him even knowing what he was doing despite the fluid movements. It was as if he’d done this hundreds of times, this feeling of knowing something even if he didn’t remember—something that he’s never felt when living with Taph.

…

He has to get a move on. Buildy felt a slight headache forming but he’ll be able to power through just fine. He needs this.

“TELEPORTING TO…ROBLOX HQ.”

The lights of Roblox HQ were still on, and other robloxians were still walking about despite how late it was. This was a good sign, Buildy could maybe find something here! 

But, once he entered the massive office building of HQ, Buildy ran into a new problem. He came here with no plan in mind. He has no clue where to go or who to look for. 

“Dangit…did I seriously expect to get any answers by coming here blind?” He muttered under his breath, feeling his heart rate spike up at the fact that not only did he sneak out the house alone without Taph and without Taph’s knowledge, he came here without knowing exactly what he was hoping to achieve by coming to Roblox HQ. He was completely alone, no Taph by his side to reassure him or to be by his side.

Was he just being ungrateful?

He was being too impulsive, why did he come here? Why did he leave? He should’ve just stayed at home, Taph’s going to be worried sick—

“—Builderman?”

A sharp pain in his head. A throbbing aching pain that made him keel over clutching the side of his head and stumbling forward. He felt warm hands on his shoulders, keeping him up. A gentle grip—nothing harming, but stabilizing. 

“Builderman— are you okay? We’ve been looking for you for ages!”

Builderman—? No, Buildy isn’t Builderman. They just have similar names…

The voice, it sounded so familiar. Buildy’s heard it before, a ringing in his head. No matter how far he reached to try and remember, he can’t recognize who the voice is.

He looked up, seeing the concerned face of the admin—

Clockwork.

“My name isn’t Builderman… It’s Buildy.”

The admin—Clockwork, loosens his hold on Buildy’s shoulders when hearing that. The panicked, concerned expression on the android’s face dissipated into something more calm, before a smile formed on Clockwork’s face.

“Oh, right. Haha! Sorry about that, I must be hallucinating.” Clockwork let go of Buildy, but not before patting Buildy on the shoulder. “We’ve been getting so many impersonators lately, sorry for reacting that way.”

But that reaction Clockwork had, it was real, genuine. 

“It’s alright. I guess.” 

“Hey!” Clockwork perked up, slinging an arm around Buildy’s shoulder. “You look pretty lost! Lucky for you—I’m an admin. I can take you anywhere you need in this building!” The admin grinned, and his casual way of talking made Buildy relax.

He shook his head, shuffling away from Clockwork. “No—er, it's fine. I was just about to leave.” Buildy has to go back. His body is all jittery and anxious. It was a mistake coming here, he couldn’t even find anything he needed and maybe he could now but the thought of Taph at home, alone, not knowing where Buildy was didn’t sit right with him. Buildy also felt like he needed Taph by his side, it's like he’s missing something. Someone. 

This would be the last and only night he’d sneak out like this. It was a mistake coming out despite the initial exhilaration. 

“Wha—really?” Clockwork let go of Buildy, leaving his arms limp at his side. “It's so late though! Nearly gonna be 2 AM!” 

Has time really passed by that quickly? Oh no, Buildy should not have been out this late oh nononono…

“Hey, how about I walk you back? I just finished some paperwork so I got some free time!” The admin gave a thumbs up. “And, nobody will mess with you as long as I'm around! I’ll make sure you get back home safe and sound.”

“I—euh..okay!” Buildy agreed without thinking. The stress must be getting to him, he really needs to get back. Having an admin with him shouldn’t be too bad either. Higher chances of making it back home in one piece so that Taph wouldn’t suspect anything.

“Great! Lets get going Builde—y!” Clockwork then sauntered out, leaving Buildy standing there before sputtering and catching up behind the admin.

“Man! You’re like a bundle of nerves—whats got you all wound up?" Clockwork walked with a sense of confidence, shoulders up with long strides as Buildy struggled to keep up with the admin. He was supposed to be one leading the way since they’re going to his house, but nope! Clockwork walked too fast.

“Er—just my uh, fiancé. I uh, snuck out, without him knowing.”

Just by the smallest fraction, Clockwork’s brows furrowed, before he just nodded along. “Ah, I see. Your…fiancé.” Buildy nodded, blinking up at Clockwork. “He make you nervous?”

“No—I…” Buildy sighed, heavily. “I’m just…not supposed to be out this late, alone especially. And I snuck out without him knowing. Just worried. You know.” He fidgeted with the fabric of his sleeve, the fluffy sweater was warm and comfortable but it did no comforting.

Clockwork seemed to agree, luckily enough. 

“Ohh yeah, I understand completely. It's 2 AM now and it's late, oh man.” Clockwork chuckled, his way of speech kept the mood light and Buildy felt, well, safe. It’d be odd to not feel safe in the presence of an admin, and it made Builderman wonder why Clockwork was willing to go through all this effort to walk him home. Admins don’t usually do charity work like this. 

“Mm. Yeah. We’re here.” Buildy pointed at a house. He didn’t lock the door—since he didn’t have the keys. But it looked like nobody broke in, which was good. And hopefully that meant that Taph was still sound asleep.

“That place? Huh, nice.” Clockwork gestured Buildy to go on ahead. “Let's meet up again, yeah? I liked our conversation. It's not often I can have casual conversations like this.”

“Uh—“ Buildy swore to himself that this would be the last and only night he’d sneak out, but Clockwork’s expression, words, it tugged at him. He knows he can trust Clockwork—since he’s an admin. But there’s something deeper inside him, a nagging that Clockwork is safe to be with despite the odd circumstances. The casual, yet confident nature also drew him in, feeling like a vault of familiarity that he can’t quite reach.

Buildy doesn’t want to keep sneaking out, but he also can’t ignore that feeling in him. And the thought of having a friend sounded nice—even if Clockwork didn’t feel the same way.

“Okay.” He then finally concedes, nodding. “Tomorrow night?” 

Clockwork grinned. “Yep!”

Chapter Text

“Taph? How did yo—we, afford all this? Neither of us are working any jobs.” His question was a small white lie. He knows how Taph can afford all of this. It made Buildy wonder what he even did to contribute to any of this. “I’m here all the time, you are too.”

Taph paused on what he was doing, which was wiring a structure together—likely another bomb. The question seemed innocent, nothing off about it.

—Just some freelance.—

He signed back, shrugging.

—I have enough money for the both of us, don’t worry about it. You won’t have to work a day.—

Taph took Buildy’s hand gently, his gloved fingers tracing over softening callouses. Huh. Buildy hadn’t noticed how much softer his hands seemed to have gotten over time. 

Well, it's not like he’s been very active either, he’s gained a bit of weight himself now that he takes a look at himself. It sent a churn in his stomach.

“I see. Thank you Taph.” Though, Taph’s answer didn’t satisfy him. Buildy knows where Taph got all the money from but no, when he asked Taph, Taph just played it off. Why didn’t Taph just tell the truth?

But, it’s no surprise anymore. Taph’s been doing that since the beginning, Buildy’s only now starting to wake up to it. 

Normally, he knows he’d try and rationalize Taph’s actions. Like—what if it was just Taph hoping for Buildy’s memories to return so he wouldn’t have to dump an overload of information on Buildy? But, if that were the case, how come Taph has not once ever mentioned his amnesia?

Buildy’s amnesia has been on his mind ever since he woke up in that bed with Taph by his side. But Taph never seems to worry about his memories, he doesn’t take Buildy anywhere to try and kickstart his memories. Buildy is always inside this house, nowhere else.

If Buildy actually worked in construction, how come they never visited his workplace to his co-workers who would definitely know him and try and help get his memories back? How come no co-workers have ever visited?

We lost everything in the accident.

Buildy’s eyes went wide, and he turned away from Taph. “I—gotta use the bathroom.” Taph stood up next to Buildy, but he put his hand up. “N-No—It’s fine, I can go alone. You can keep working on that.” He rushed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him and locking it. He rolled up some toilet paper in his hand and turned on the sink to a low setting and drenched the toilet paper before squeezing it over the toilet bowl and into the water.

He remembers when he asked Taph for proof of their relationship. Taph answered that they lost everything in the accident. It makes one assume it must’ve been a really bad accident—but then the actual accident was…hitting his head too hard on a rock when a ball knocked onto his head.

The story doesn’t add up.

The time in this very bathroom where Taph cut all of his hair came back to him. Taph might’ve apologized for sure, but something about his demeanor didn’t feel apologetic one bit. Taph answered very quickly, almost too quickly—as if rehearsed.

Was he just overthinking again—

No. 

No he is not.

Buildy is not overthinking. He’s known something has been wrong but he chose to ignore it in favor of Taph—because Taph is all he has in this life without his memories.

He remembers when Taph switched to his wardrobe. That hoodie, those jeans, suddenly switched to more softer clothing. 

God—everything is hitting him all at once like a domino. He dropped the squeezed toilet paper into the toilet and flushed it before washing his hands.

His own mind was warring with itself. One full of doubt and suspicion and the part of him that still wants to trust Taph.

“Please…prove me wrong Taph. Just once..” He mumbled to himself, looking down into the sink bowl.

Buildy snuck out again. And he was back at Roblox HQ. It was 12:40 AM, he left the house earlier this time to save time. Clockwork was already waiting for him with a big smile.

“Heya Builds! Your fiancé catch you?” 

The sudden use of a nickname threw him off, but he didn’t comment on it. He shook his head at Clockwork. “No, he didn’t catch me. He was still sleeping when I got back.” Which was a goddamned blessing. Buildy doesn’t know what he’d do or what Taph would do if he found out. 

“Oh goodie!” Clock nudged Buildy back. “Come on, let's chat over some oily food!”

“Uh oka—wait can you even eat?” Buildy raised a brow at Clockwork who only shrugged in response. Buildy only deadpanned, well. It wasn’t his problem with what Clockwork chose to do. He wasn’t about to argue with an admin.

Was anything even open this late though?

That question was soon answered as Clockwork teleported them to another server and now they were standing in front of Builder Brother’s Pizza. The restaurant wasn’t busy at the moment, no surprise there, but a few customers were inside just eating pizza quietly.

“Come on Builds! Lets get some pizzaah!” Buildy was practically dragged inside the establishment, and he felt like a fish out of water.

The only employee out at the front counter gave a bright customer service smile. “Hello! Welcome to Builder Brother’s Pizza! What can I get for you?” He chirped out, his nametag on his chest read “Elliot”. 

“Uhhh I’ll get some…”

While Clockwork ordered, Buildy just stood there, awkwardly. He glanced around the restaurant. He’s never gone to a place like this before with Taph. He remembered how he was a bundle of anxiety just the night before, and this time—he’s still anxious but he feels better, great even. Being out like this.

And this was only the second time he snuck out.

“Builds? Buildy?” Clockwork waved a hand at his face. 

“Oh—huh?” He blinked, looking up at Clockwork and the pizza worker. 

“What do you want to order?” 

Buildy felt his muscles clamp at that. 

What? 

What does he want to order?

His heart rate picked up.

“I…uh, I dunno.” Buildy’s eyes darted away. “I—I uh…” Why couldn’t he stop stuttering? Buildy felt almost dizzy with the feeling of not knowing what to do.

Then, a firm, comforting hand landed on his shoulder.

“He’ll get a pepperoni, thanks Elliot!” 

And he was lead away to one of the booths. The anxiety washed away as they left the front counter.

“Er, sorry about that. Uh, you know the cashier?” The chabge of subject didn’t go unnoticed by Clockwork, but the admin didn’t bring anything up.

“Oh yeah! Me and the other admins come here sometimes during break or after a big mission!” Clockwork leaned back against the booth seat, crossing his arms. “Fun times! Builderman also liked treating us sometimes, as a surprise.”

The mention of Builderman made Buildy perk up, feeling a pang in his head. “Oh really?” 

Clockwork nodded, “Yee-up! We usually sit at this very booth right here!” Clockwork then pointed at the spots where the other admins usually sat. Doombringer next to the window, Clockwork in the middle, and Dusekkar at the end. “Shedletsky usually sits right at the end there next to you and Builderman sat right there! Where you are!”

Buildy blinked, “wow—really? Should I really be sitting here? Heh..” He gave a sheepish look. 

“Its just a seat, it doesn’t matter.” Clockwork waved it off, “but we can be considered—semi-regulars!”

“Oh. Nice.” Buildy fidgeted slightly at his seat. 

Clockwork began rambling about random things, something about Doombringer, Buildy wasn’t sure but he tried his best to nod along with whatever Clockwork was saying despite not understanding a single thing being said.

“Yeah and Doombringer absolutely was going to kick my ass until Builderman stepped in and saved me! Haha—“

A stifled laugh left Buildy. “Right, that time when you mixed up the paperwork for banned robloxians with the general papers…” He wiped his eye with his thumb, before noticing that Clockwork stopped laughing. Buildy raised a brow, looking up. Clockwork’s mouth was agape.

“Clockwork?” Was it something he said? Buildy isn’t even sure what he said. 

But, the admin snapped out of it fairly quickly. “Oh! Nothing—just realized I forgot to do something no biggie”. He just shrugged it off like it really was no big deal, so Buildy chose to let it go for now. 

“Oh yeah, how’d you and your fiancé meet?”

Buildy paused at that. “I…” He scratched his head, “I dunno…my fiancé said I had this bad head injury from an accident. So I’ve been running without my memories for quite a while.” He gave a short shrug, looking down at the table. But Clockwork remained deathly silent.

It sort of made…Buildy afraid.

“Oh. I see.” Clockwork tilted his head to the side, a tight smile on his face. “That’s unfortunate.” The subtle tensing of Clockwork’s shoulders and fists didn’t go unnoticed by Buildy. Was he missing something here? 

“So, is that why you’re not supposed to be out alone?” The question sounded casual, innocent even. But Buildy felt a weight of heaviness wash over him, the tension in the air wouldn’t go away.

“Er—yeah, I guess. He said he’s terrified of me getting into another accident. So my fiancé doesn’t really like me going outside…” Buildy glanced around the nearly empty establishment. When would their pizza be ready? This conversation was starting to get uncomfortable.

An obvious and forced grin was then plastered over Clockwork’s face. “Oh haha—really? That's…something.”

As if his wishes were answered, Elliot approached their booth and slid their pizzas on the table. “Here you go! I hope you enjoy our pizza.” With a swift turnaround, Elliot returned back to the cash register, standing there like a robot.

“Oh yes! I was starving!” Clockwork immediately got to stuffing his face, picking up slices of pizza and ramming it into his mouth. Buildy just stared, bewildered. “Aren’t you gonna eat??” 

“I—yeah. Yeah. I will.” Buildy gulped, looking down at the small pizza before him. Usually, Taph would be here, sitting right next to him and feeding him. Buildy never had to lift a finger. 

Well, he should start learning now, yeah?

Slowly, he picked up a slice as it hung down low, flopping and dripping buttery oil. Buildy grimaced, he felt like he was holding a foreign object. He saw how Clockwork ate the pizza, but Buildy didn’t want to eat like that. How does he even eat a pizza—?

He dropped the pizza down onto the plate and instead ripped a small chunk off, hissing slightly at the hotness of the pizza that nipped at his fingertips before bringing it to his lips. Despite his growing doubts and skepticism of Taph, he couldn’t help but think of Taph when eating like this. Taph handfed him or just fed him with utensils, but Taph obviously liked handfeeding him more. That much Buildy could notice.

But now, Clockwork was staring at him.

“What?”

“You eat pizza like that?”

Feeling a wave of defensiveness wash over him, Buildy furrowed his brows. “So what if I do?” He ripped another chunk off. “Its just pizza.”

Clockwork put his hands up in surrender. “No reason at all.” He gave a smile. “Theres no need to get your feathers all ruffled.”

What? Buildy doesn’t even have feathers—well, he’ll just chalk it up to Clockwork being weird. 

“Right.”

Stuffing another pizza down, Clockwork looks at Buildy. Clockwork seems to have a bit of a staring issue. Maybe that's just an android thing.

“Hey Buildy, we’re friends right?” 

The question came out of the blue, making Buildy pause. “Huh? Oh, uh…I guess so?” He pressed his lips together. Were they friends? This was only their second time meeting, but being friends didn’t sound so bad. The idea was already stuck in his head for a bit anyways, and despite Clockwork’s…quirks, Buildy feels like Clockwork would be a good friend. Despite their differences in status.

Clockwork grinned, “great! I don’t usually have a lot of friends—other than the admins. It’s pretty hard.”

“Really? Who wouldn’t want to be friends with you?” Buildy tilted his head to the side in confusion. He picked up another small ripped chunk of pizza from his slice.

“Well, y’know. Being an admin and stuff, hard to trust people and people are likely to use you.” 

That…was actually very valid. Buildy can see the reason in it. But then, why him? How would Clockwork know if Buildy isn’t trying to use him either?

…

“I’ve never had a friend before.” The words slipped from his mouth without warning, making Buildy himself shocked. But he recovered, and smiled at Clockwork. “So, I’m…” He’s what? Happy? Glad? “…Appreciative that you see me as a friend.” 

The look Clockwork gave him was something Buildy couldn’t get a read on, but Clockwork just gave a short, simple nod. “I—yeah, me too.” Clockwork fidgeted with his fingers. “Are you just, uh. Very introverted? Or something. You seem like a really cool guy.”

That brought out a laugh out of Buildy.

“Yeah, I guess I am.” The question was pretty bold, if anything. But Buildy didn’t mind it. “But, my fiancé gets paranoid and a bit too jealous for his own good.” He wiped his eyes, his smile almost fond. Despite everything, Buildy just so desperately wants to see Taph in a good light. Maybe he’ll talk to Taph again…try to communicate. 

But even he knew, deep down, that Taph wouldn’t.

“Oh haha—uh, really? Heh.” That was the most nervous laugh Buildy had ever heard—especially from Clockwork who coughed into his hand awkwardly when hearing what he just said. “What's uh, your fiancé’s name? Just curious, y’know.”

The sudden change of topic didn’t go unnoticed by Buildy, but he let it slide. 

“Taph.” 

He eyed Clockwork, who was doing a really bad job at hiding that something was bothering him. 

“His name is Taph.” 

Chapter Text

Builderman is so adorable.

The way his brows furrowed when noticing something amiss in his paperwork, the way his shoulders relax when taking a long sip of his coffee with two teaspoons of sugar in it. He always loves watching Builderman go about his daily life. It was Taph’s favorite pastime.

But, he’s noticed that, the more he watches Builderman from afar, the more tired the man seems. The responsibility of the world, all weighing down on his shoulders. Taph notices the dark circles under his eyes, the way he works all night and goes home late only to wake up shortly after to go back to work. The man never spared himself any breaks.

Taph would sit by Builderman’s bedside, stroking those long, grey strands of hair gently. Builderman is gorgeous, handsome. Though, Builderman needs to take better care of himself. Taph can feel the split ends and see the dandruff. Builderman only does the bare minimum for himself.

And that was not okay. Builderman deserves a break, time for himself, time to…have some peace in his life. And Taph is a willing subject to provide that for his precious Builderman.

He doesn’t know when this obsession began. Taph doesn’t care to remember. Life before he met Builderman? It never existed—it feels like his life only started running once he met Builderman. His life was always bleak, repetitive, the same thing every single day since childhood. He’s always been missing something.

And Builderman was that missing something he’s been searching for all his life.

Builderman made his heart race in ways it never had before. Builderman occupied his mind endlessly, making Taph’s body always feeling hot in the end. Taph couldn’t stop it, nor could he help it. 

Just seeing glimpses of Builderman stopped becoming enough. He began watching the man from afar, going into his home, exploring all whatever it was that made Builderman—Builderman.

And seeing the state the man is constantly in? Working for useless and incompetent admins who can’t even handle half the work that Builderman puts into keeping Robloxia running and stable—Taph knew he needed to intervene. 

Don’t worry Builderman. I’ll save you.

He doesn’t need anything elaborate. Taph has more than enough money—after working as a demolitionist for Roblox HQ, it makes good money. Money that Taph never had much use for.

Until now.

Taph took his time preparing everything. It had to be perfect. He knows what Builderman likes and dislikes, his favorites, anything he could get his hands on, and applied it to the new simple abode he purchased.

It was a mix of him and Builderman.

Taph wasn’t too keen on the idea of harming Builderman. But it was a necessary step to his plan. He couldn’t rely on hired Robloxians to take care of it—because despite it all, Builderman is a strong man. But that was fine, Builderman won’t have to force himself to be strong anymore once Taph gets him to safety.

With a few traps set here, and a little bit there. Taph took care of it himself to the unsuspecting object of his affections. It was a lot easier than he expected, which only further proved his point that Builderman needed a stable living space. A comfortable and peaceful life without the responsibility and stress of handling Robloxia.

It was fine anyways, Robloxia can live without Builderman. They had the Roblox Admins after all—this’ll be a good lesson for the Admins to pick up their slack. 

It was going to be okay now, Builderman can show his true self to him. Taph will take care of Builderman—his Buildy, to make sure that he won’t ever have to work a day in his life. Their lives will be comfortable and warm with no distractions or interference from the outside world.

It's okay to be soft now. You don’t need to be strong anymore. 

Buildy needs Taph. That much was obvious. Builderman couldn’t rely on the admins, and so he worked himself to the bone. Taph won’t let that happen this time, Builderman can become Buildy without worry. 

Buildy is small, incapable. Buildy needs Taph. Buildy was only forced to be stronger than he actually was in order to keep Robloxia running.

You did such a good job, Buildy. You don’t have to worry anymore.

Buildy is the real him. Builderman was just a mask.

I love you so much, Buildy. To the point where it hurts. You’re my perfect match.