Chapter Text
“I like you…”
007n7 never expected to hear such words directed towards him. In fact, he always thought that he isn’t deserving of love after all the worst things he did in high school (and especially his past relationship with Noli). 007n7 never expected it to come from someone he thought is way too far out of his league; Shedletsky.
Shedletsky, unlike him, is a good robloxian. Sure, he likes to play pranks and annoys everyone for laughs, but he is kind underneath all the silly behavior he displays. He subtly helps others when they’re getting too overwhelmed from the attention by diverting it to himself, he cheers robloxians up with encouraging words and promise of protection. His pranks never strayed too far from harmless and if he ever did cross a line, he always makes sure to apologies. A complete opposite to him back then, 007n7 always liked to make other robloxian’s days worst just because he was miserable himself, it makes him incredibly shameful in the present.
So getting a love confession from Shedletsky isn’t on his bingo card. Yes, they have been close -and 007n7 may have feelings for him too- but he knew the avian is much closer with Builderman. Those two were always rumored to have feelings for each other so this whole situation makes him feel off. 007n7 couldn’t fathom why Shedletsky likes him instead of Builderman. Someone who is more better than him in any shape and form.
He doesn’t even know how it got here, the two were walking home due to their homes being quite close. They talked about anything really- well, Shedletsky talked about anything mostly as 007n7 is content to just listen to the other yap about anything he liked. Shedletsky abruptly stopping and suddenly saying he had “something to confess” shocked him too much to stop the other. So now he’s in this mess, Shedletsky still staring at him with an unreadable expression as 007n7 waited for his answer.
Maybe it is the low self-esteem of 007n7 or perhaps because he thinks there is a better option than him, that he blurted out something to get out of this talk.
“Uh, hilarious prank Shedletsky! That’s funny… quite a funny joke you got there,” 007n7 tried to sound lighthearted with his words but he couldn’t help some bitterness in leaking out.
It was the only logical conclusion, Shedletsky couldn’t love him and so, is definitely pulling a prank on him. That’s definitely it, nothing else- because, if 007n7 accepted the confession only for the avian to joke about it afterwards, he would never recover. He always love Shedletsky and is quite smitten with the bird, but he’d rather not have his heart broken today- thanks.
007n7 expected Shedletsky to laugh and say “Got ya!” but no words came. He had his eyes averted all the time in the whole exchange that he didn’t know what the avian’s expression is. Finally not being able to take the silence any longer, he gathered his courage and looked at Shedletsky’s face.
What he saw shocked him.
Shedletsky’s eyes widened as his lips are parted like he is about to say something only for him to bite his mouth shut. His eyes immediately look to the ground when 007n7 made eye contact. As he did so, tears -horrifyingly- welled up in the corner of the avians eyes. The avian’s wings droop to the ground.
007n7 tensed, not expecting Shedletsky to look so- for the lack of a better term- heartbroken. Before he could say anything, Shedletsky beat him to it, the avian blinked his eyes rapidly as a wobbly smile entered his face, “Ha, you got me there Double Zero!”
“Your reaction was so funny,” 007n7 stayed silent as Shedletsky turned sideways, his head turning to look away from him, the wings on his head further covering his face. It didn’t escape his eyes, however, that the other brought a hand up to wipe, presumably, his eyes.
“Such a shame..” Shedletsky’s voice cracked as he whispered, 007n7 tried to say anything, anything to fix this.
“Shedletsky!” A voice cut him off. They both turned to the source of the call, finding to see Azure on a motorcycle across the street from them.
The botanist parked the motor as he motioned Shedletsky to him, “Get on! 1x and Brighteyes is waiting for you to get home already.”
Shedletsky didn’t hesitate and gave a hasty goodbye to him, “Oh, seems like my escort is here! Haha, bye Double Zero! Stay safe-“
007n7 didn’t even get to wave him goodbye as Shedletsky crossed the street instantly, wings flapping quickly that it nearly send him flying to Azure. From the distance, he can make out Azure looking perplexed at the avian’s fast movements. Though it didn’t last long as the two finally rode the bike and left to go home.
007n7 stood in silence for a moment, contemplating what just happened. The reaction from Shedletsky wasn’t what he predicted, it really seemed like the other did like him. But that wasn’t possible, what was there to like about him? However, now that he remembered, Shedletsky never really joked about his romantic feelings and is always upfront about it whenever someone asked him out. He never lied and…
And 007n7 feels like he just messed up. 007n7 groaned and covered his face with both of his hands, and seeming like the universe is mocking him, it started to rain. Fuck.
--☆
Shedletsky is dying inside. All the outcomes he could have think that would happen, he didn’t expect 007n7 to think that he was joking. That to the other, he is really that inconsiderate. It hurt him much more than he thought he would be. Though the other option he thought of is much worse. That, maybe, 007n7 came up with that excuse because he didn’t like him. That he said that so Shedletsky wouldn’t be too embarrassed when he gets rejected by the other. It was a logical conclusion with how adverse 007n7 is on confrontation. It hurts worse then the first option and Shedletsky just- accepts it’s the first option despite how much it stabs his character.
The avian doesn’t even understand why he is being so upset about it. From all the stories he is told about rejections, this is a tame one and pretty gentle. Unlike the ones where it ended with the other humiliated.
He doesn’t want to think about this anymore-
“We’re here now.”
The soft voice of Azure pulled him out of his spiraling. He looked around from where he is clinging to Azure’s back to see them finally being at home. Parked in front of their house.
“Hey,” Shedletsky instinctively made eye contact with the other, gold meets purple for a brief moment before he spotted the worry in Azure’s eyes. He immediately looked down, head wings covering his face, feeling cornered despite Azure not saying anything yet.
“You know we’re here if you ever need anything, alright?” The quiet warmness in his words made the avian relaxed a bit. He nodded, opting on not responding which the botanist thankfully accepted.
He is carefully set down by the other to the concrete floor from the bike and lead to the front door. Shedletsky took deep breaths, trying to calm himself down after- everything. Azure knocks and immediately opens the door, ushering him first which he complied. Finally being inside, something his instincts consider safe, made him subconsciously relax, wings lying lax on his sides. All the negative feelings he acquired almost disappearing especially when he finds Brighteyes and 1x1x1x1 setting up the table. That is until the corrupted swordsman noticed the two and glared at them lightly.
“Took you two long enough! C’mon, help us set up- Why is your face extra ugly today?” 1x1x1x1 stopped his scolding to raise an eyebrow at Shedletsky.
The avian knew it was 1x1x1x1’s way of asking if anything is wrong, he’s sure the redness at the edge of his eyes -where he scrubbed it roughly- is a bit visible with the help of the clear light. Shedletsky didn’t want his worry, however, and hoped the other won’t say anything.
That hope shattered as the other continues, “Did you get rejected or something? That wouldn’t be a surprise.”
Normally, Shedletsky would scoff and boast how anyone would have accepted a confession from him and that his twin is just being jealous- snowballing into their usual banter. This time, however, the rim of the avian’s eyes reddened once more as he tried to smile, “Y-Yeah.”
He promptly burst into tears.
--
1x1x1x1, contrary to popular belief, does not hate Shedletsky. Sure, she acted like she does most of the times, likes to declare how annoying he is and even act disgruntled with his presence but that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Because, truthfully, those are all an act. A left over survival habit back when Telamon was still their caretaker. Telamon always acted more harsher if they saw the two of them show even a slight good bond. She knew that the Admin didn’t like them being happy and also deemed 1x1x1x1 as a hazard to Shedletsky. Telamon never failed to show favoritism to her twin while her telling how much of a mistake she is.
They probably wanted to break her spirits and hate Shedletsky but, unfortunately for them, she didn’t. The moment the other sought her out back when they were still kids is firmly ingrained to her memories. It was the first kindness 1x1x1x1 was ever shown and she promised to herself to not let any harm come across him.
1x1x1x1 loves him. They tried their best to make sure that any anger Telamon lashed out, only they were affected. They made sure that any insult they directed to Shedletsky were banter and not serious. Verbal affection is foreign to them so it still came harsher than they wanted. It’s something that still followed them through now, it frustrated them but their family reassured them that it is okay. Only when Shedletsky agreed did 1x1x1x1 relax despite their guilt (Honestly speaking, they easily folded whenever it comes to him). They atleast try to make it up through other ways, like gifts and actions.
1x1x1x1 cherishes his younger twin brother (by four minutes is what Shedletsky would always protest whenever it got brought up) and it is mutual through the way the avian never once getting seriously upset by his banter.
He thought it’d be the same here, 1x1x1x1 noticed Shedletsky looking a bit upset over something so they pointed out in their usual way. Ready to tear the thing making him upset. He thrown the “rejection” insult, knowing that Shedletsky wasn’t interested with someone and no one in their school would reject him with how lovable he is. Hoping to raise the atmosphere. What he didn’t expect is for Shedletsky to burst into tears, clearly he hit the nail right in the head.
1x1x1x1 never expected to make Shedletsky cry after everything they’ve been through, and she never knew it would hurt so much.
They all froze as they stared at Shedletsky’s sobbing form, no one expecting the evening to go like this.
Shedletsky never cried often, she could only remember one time did he cry, and that one time is when it sounded like his heart was ripped out of his chest.
1x1x1x1 remembers it happening the day Telamon got caught with his abuse. They were extra mad that day and didn’t seem to either remember, or care, in holding back with their hits. As consequence, 1x1x1x1 is beaten into a pulp, feeling like something broke inside of her from where she was thrown into the wall. Telamon would have maybe killed her right then and there, standing above her like a vengeful angel, their wings opened to its fullest as they clutch their signature sword in their hand. Only that something hit their head before they could do so, knocking the monster out. When they crumbled, it revealed Shedletsky’s trembling form holding a bat above his head with the same wings spread out as well. Though this time, she recognized it as safety. Despite the pain 1x1x1x1 was in, Shedletsky’s tear stricken face was what hurt more once she registered it despite the ongoing blacking out she was experiencing. Details were muddy after that except for the loud sobbing and screams Shedletsky let out as he cradled her in his arms. Wings envelope her body and vision, her sight going blurry as she tries to keep conscious. She wanted to calm him down but the blood loss was slowly catching up to her that the ear piercing siren joining the scene made her fully pass out.
After that, Telamon was officially arrested for attempted murder and child abuse. They didn’t have any relatives to take them in, they also didn’t want to go to foster care. Both of them had their mental health deemed to be at risk and were required to go to therapy. Then they were put to Brighteyes custody, she was roughly the same age as them except she is an Admin. They didn’t trust her at first due to Telamon tainting their views on Admins but they did slowly trust her as time went on. It was normal after that, peaceful and fun due to his new family and, though 1x1x1x1 would never admit it, friends. Shedletsky is very popular as expected with his bold personality, he was never one to get bullied so he never really had a reason to cry. He did get upset sometimes but not to the point of tears.
Brighteyes moved, contrary to everyone’s still frozen selves, she envelope Shedletsky in a hug, they were the same height so the avian buried his face on the Admin’s shoulder. It muffled some of his cries as Brighteyes continued to try and sooth him. Azure beeline to the kitchen, and in the corner of 1x1x1x1’s eyes he sees them making hot cocoa for four cups. 1x1x1x1 focused back to Shedletsky and Brighteyes, familiar anger surged in him and he couldn’t help but say; “Who the #### made you cry? I’m going to break their bones.”
Well, if they were feeling generous, truthfully, they’d probably do much worse once 1x1x1x1 has a name for the bastard who made their twin cry. Shedletsky shook his head, still not raising his head away from Brihghteyes shoulders.
“C’mon,” The Admin spoke up, whispering the words, “Let’s got to the couch, 1x1x1x1 go pick a movie,” as she ordered 1x1x1x1, she proceed to move her and Shedletsky to the couch. Sitting down and leaning on the chairs arms sideways as she positioned the avian in her arms to lean on her as well. She made sure to be extra careful with the extra appendages on his back.
Azure came back as 1x1x1x1 does what they were commanded to despite their anger. Azure put down the hot cocoa’s at the coffee table in front of the couch. They sat next to them, bringing a hand to rub Shedletsky’s back as his cries slowly started quieting. The corrupted swordsman put on a lighthearted movie, not paying it any attention as they focused their attention back to Shedletsky while the movie plays behind them. They moved swiftly in front of Brighteyes and Shedletsky, crouching down to stare at the avian who’s face is still hidden on her shoulder.
“Shedletsky?” 1x1x1x1 softly called, the mentioned robloxian flinched, wings twitching from the call if his name.
The corrupted swordsman felt familiar anger spike when he flinched but kept a lid on her temper. Now is not the time to be angry, it’s obvious Shedletsky is in need of comforting, after she calms him down will she beat up the one who even dared to make him cry.
1x1x1x1 took a deep breath and started again, “What happened?”
They all knew it has something to do with being rejected from a confession due to Shedletsky starting to cry when 1x1x1x1 teased him about it (she feels awful about it). However, they don’t know what exactly happened with the confession, though it’s likely the bastard the avian confessed to probably humiliated him which would explain why he’s so upset.
Shedletsky only shook his head, clearly not wanting to answer any interrogation. 1x1x1x1 pursed her lips, she didn’t want to make him anymore upset and push but she also didn’t want him upset any longer. She wants him to go back to being his cheerful self and she’d be dammed if she didn’t fix this.
Luckily, Brighteyes nudged the avian, “Shed, we need to know what happened so we can help you.”
A quiet whisper answered her, which would have been lost if all of them weren’t near him, “It’s stupid, j-just forget about it…”
This time, Azure spoke up, “How can we forget about it if it made you this upset? No matter what, if it makes you cry then it isn’t stupid.”
The botanist always knew the right thing to say in situations like this and it made 1x1x1x1 grateful even if she refused to admit it. Brighteyes agreed, lightly encouraging Shedketsky to open up. It seemed to work as the avian finally lifted his head from the Admin’s shoulder, he only looked at the floor, though. Avoiding contact as his eyes were puffy from tears, he sniffled and 1x1x1x1 had to force herself to not immediately comfort him as she knew it was not the time. They didn’t have to wait for Shedletsky to speak as he blurted out with a horse voice, “Am I really that inconsiderate?”
Everyone blinked, confused why he thought of that. 1x1x1x1 furrowed her eyebrows as she spoke with a frown, “You aren’t. Did anyone tell you that?”
Shedletsky fidgeted with his hands as Brighteyes continued to rub soothing circles on his back, Azure grabbed one of the cups on the table to press it gently to the avian’s hands. Shedletsky held the beverage tightly as he continued to look downcast.
“I…” Shedletsky seemed to hesitate, but with an encouraging nod from the botanist, he continued, “It’s just, the robloxian I confessed to thought I was joking..”
1x1x1x1 scowled, Brighteyes spoke first, however, also upset, “Now, while you do like to prank, you never joked about your romantic feelings so why did they even thought of that?”
Instead of getting comforted by that, it only served to make Shedletsky further upset, he brought the drink up to his face and took a small sip, feigning indifference, though his eyes betrayed his true feelings as it started to water again. 1x1x1x1, tired of her twin being upset so much, decided to bring out her napkin and wiped the avian’s tears gently. The corrupted swordsman took the cup from his hands and gave it to Azure (who set it down on the table again), now beginning to wipe Shedletsky’s full face. The other whined a bit, but ultimately, succumbed to the babying. Atleast it finally stopped the tears.
Brighteyes spoke after a moment, “How about we go to the nest and rest for the evening?”
No one opposed the idea and so quickly cleaned everything up. Azure took all the drinks (which were left untouched) and dumped them in the sink, leaving them there with the intent of cleaning it tomorrow. Brighteyes stood up and went to the nesting room first, seemingly going to prepare it for them. 1x1x1x1, once he confirmed Shedletsky to be okay, carried him in his arms as he knew the other would be too exhausted to walk. 1x1x1x1 got proven correct as the avian only leaned further in his arms. Walking to the nesting room is easy, seeing the two other flock of theirs already in it and only waiting for them warmed something in 1x1x1x1. He set Shedletsky near Brighteyes, who immediately snuggled up to him, as he positioned himself at Shedletsky’s other side. The corrupted swordsman pulled Azure to him, the other quickly embracing him. 1x1x1x1 focused his sight on Shedletsky, relaxing on seeing his twin to be content also, wings curling around them all.
Getting revenge and the name of the robloxian can wait, this is more important.