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Player… well, two of them. Player, and the other one called themself Parker. They had both been given similar circumstances, having been sent back in time and tasked by shedletsky to retrieve the SFOTH swords.
They had both seen the fall of the Cruel King of Blackrock. Witnessed a father mourn his son who succumbed to the effects of the Venomshank. Touched the ghostwalker and traverse a dream realm to “cleanse” their souls. And they watched Captain Trotter fall to his demise, and an Ancient god rising where he had died.
To say they went through a lot would be an understatement. Not to mention they were both being affected by the swords.
Player’s arm became more grotesque, almost akin to a rot.
Parker on the other hand got more afflicted with symptoms like illness, even if they were perfectly healthy.
The trauma and pain they faced was extreme. But they both had to continue on, regardless of how they felt.
But at least now they both had someone who understood.
Parker came back to the hotel after a long day of side quests, mostly menial tasks and nothing too grandiose. It’s how they spent their time while they waited for Shedletsky to give them another task.
“Hey, Player” Parker yawned, “how was your day?”
“It was fine, I was in the pit today”
“The pit? Fun…”
“You seem tired, long day?”
“Nah, today was like any other…” they plopped themself down next to Player, rubbing their eye.
Player wrapped their arm around them, pulling them a bit closer, “at least we get to chill for a little bit.”
“Mhm…” Parker blinked, it took everything in them not to just fall asleep there.
“Stay with me now” they poked their forehead, a teasing smirk on their expression
“I’m trying…” they muttered.
“Pff..” they snickered, finding it cute how sleepy they were, “and how’s that working out for you?”
“Horribly. You make it very easy for me to be comfortable dammit”
“Good”
Parker rolled their eyes, though they found it nice that they could trust Player enough to fall asleep so easily, and without nightmares.
“Don’t pout now, sweetheart” Player took Parker’s hand, bringing it up to their lips
Parker kissed their teeth “Alright, you win…” they looked away from them, blushing a bit.
Player’s smirk faltered as they looked at Parker. Parker was an odd one to them, they’re seemed more stubborn when they sensed something was off. And why in the world would they decide to help them…?
“You good? Do I got something on my face?” Parker asked, noticing them staring
“Just cuteness is all” they deflected
“Aw shucks, you know how to flatter a person” they chuckled.
Player let out a breath in a return.
Parker stretched their head wings, “I’m so tired..” they mumbled, “I’m gonna lay down for a bit”
“Alright, have fun” they quipped back a little too quickly.
“I will… and uh…” they blushed, “you’re welcome to join if you wanted to.”
“…” a slow silence fell over them
“But that’s up to you. See you later, love.” They went into their room, leaving player with their thoughts.
It wasn’t long until hatred started spewing nonsense at Player. Whispering thoughts of horrid possibilities. The things that could happen to Parker because of them. Because of the things Player has seen and done. They got up, their chest tight. They gotta step outside for a moment.
…
Player stepped outside into the cold air. They could see their own shaking breath. Looking around, they saw lights and decorations. Must be Christmas or something.
But it didn’t matter right now what time or day it was, Player’s heart ached. They wanted to ask for help, for affection, and anything else that hatred reminded them was “needy”.
They leaned against the wall, their cold air biting at their skin. It wasn’t long before they could feel their hand getting more brittle.
…
Parker lifted their head, hearing player step into their room.
“You’re back” they mumbled, any thoughts being immediately stopped as player got into bed with them.
“…you’re warm.” They put their hand on Parker’s neck which warranted a yelp from them.
“And you’re cold!!” They puffed their feathers, “how long were you out there for?”
“Not long… like.. an hour or so.”
“Jesus, Player…” they pulled them closer. Sensing Player’s hesitation, Parker rubbed their back, “you’ll catch a cold don’t you know that?”
“That’s not a real thing” they scoffed
“I know. You just look like you need something warming up though”
“Hm… yeah.” They took off their headphones, pressing their head against Parker’s chest, listening to their heartbeat.
Parker kept rubbing their back, their hand drifted to Players face, making sure they were okay. “You okay? You’re pretty quiet.”
“….ill be okay.” they sniffled, shifting themself so that Parker couldn’t see their face.
“…”
“…”
“You cold? You’re shivering a lot…” Parker pulled the blanket more onto them.
Player only nodded in response, they couldn’t bring themself to say anything.
Parker pulled them closer, just quietly holding them for as long as they needed.
….
Eventually, Player’s violent shaking died down. Being all tired out now, they closed their eyes, their breathing slowed as they dozed off.
“Goodnight, love.” Parker kissed Players forehead, watching them for a bit.
They couldn’t help but smile a little, how were they so lucky to know someone like them? Someone who related to them this much, it was almost insane to them!
Parker’s smile fell as they realized what they just did. Kissing them on the forehead? They weren’t even dating! Would that make them uncomfortable?
They looked at player, seeing their peaceful expression. They looked so tired, even when they were asleep. Maybe a little affection wouldn’t hurt them, right?
….
Players sleep was disrupted sometime later, not from a nightmare but because their face was buried in Parker’s sweater. They lifted their head, half awake. “You’re still up?” They blinked
“Hm? OH! Yeah, couldn’t sleep. You feeling okay?” They asked, brushing Players hair out of their face
“Mhm. I’m okay…I just couldn’t breathe for a bit.”
“Gotcha. I didn’t step too far with the forehead kiss, did I?”
“No, no, of course not.” Player laid back on them, their head nestled on Parker’s shoulder, “it was cute.”
“Good.” They kissed Player on the forehead, “there’s a lot more where that came from.”
“Oh yeah?” They challenged quietly
“Only if you’ll allow me of course.” They gestured to their whole face.
“Hm…I don’t see why not”
“Fabulous.” They cupped Players face, bringing it up to theirs. One kiss on the forehead, one kiss for each cheek, and finally… they paused, “may I?” They whispered.
“…” a small silence sat between them for a mere moment.
“Yes.” Player finally whispered, their heart pounded in their chest, what if they fucked it up?
But Parker brought them closer though, their lips brushed together gently before they leaned into it. This felt…good, warm even.
Good things never last though as Player pulled away eventually, their face slightly flushed as they looked up at Parker.
“You’re a good kisser” they quipped, flashing a smirk.
“I could say the same.” They smiled back
Player laid back back down, their heart pounded with anxiety. They were only going to hurt Parker in the long run…
Parker took a deep breath, knowing damn well that this happiness was merely temporary.
“You okay?” Player asked
“Yeah…. I just forgot to breathe”
“How do you forget to breathe?”
“Please, when you look at someone as stunning as you, it’s quite easy” they chuckled
“Snrk, fair enough…” they kissed Parker on the cheek, “m’ gonna try to sleep again…”
“See you in the morning then”
“Night…”
…
The next morning, the two got up, doing their separate morning routines before Player sat by Parker.
“Got any plans?”
“Nah, I got nothin today”
“You wanna help me with the pit? Floor 50 is kicking my ass…”
“Really? I—“ they paused, seeing their teasing expression, “I’d love to come along”
“Great! You ready to go?”
“I’m always ready!”