Chapter Text
Parrot heard Dean call his name. The voice was clear, steady, and familiar, and it carried the same warmth it always had. Dean stood a short distance away, waving at him with a relaxed smile, the kind that made everything feel simple. Behind him stood the people Parrot had lost, all of them appearing healthy and unharmed, their posture natural, their expressions calm. For a moment Parrot felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Relief. His chest loosened, his shoulders relaxed, and he allowed himself to believe that everything was normal.
He waved back and ran toward them. His steps were light, his breathing steady, and his smile came easily. He greeted them with the same tone he used back when things were peaceful, when he didn’t have to think about danger or loss or responsibility. He spoke to them as if nothing bad had ever happened. As if their blood wasn’t on his hands.
Then everything disappeared.
The light vanished first. The warmth vanished next. The sound vanished last. The entire scene collapsed into complete darkness, sudden and absolute. Parrot stopped moving. The air around him grew heavy, pressing against him from every direction. He blinked, but nothing changed. The darkness stayed.
Then the memories began.
They appeared in front of him with perfect clarity, each one hurtful and unavoidable.
He couldn’t move nor couldn’t speak. He could only watch as every loss replayed itself. His eyes filled with tears, his breathing tightened, and his chest ached with a pressure that felt too familiar.
He tried to turn away, but his body didn’t respond. He remained locked in place.
The first memory formed.
He saw Luigitoans die again. He saw the exact moment it happened, the exact angle of the hit, the exact expression on his face. He saw himself try to fight Reddoons afterward, swinging with everything he had, desperate and reckless. He remembered the frustration of being overpowered almost instantly.
The scene shifted without warning.
He saw and saw Dean’s totem break. He saw the flash of light— The despair returned… recognizable, yet somehow far more suffocating— He saw Dean disappear into the void a second later. He remembered the blur in his vision, the sting in his eyes, and the way his stomach dropped when the death message appeared, remembered the silence that followed, the kind that made it hard to breathe.
The scene changed again.
He saw Nufuil running with his usual energy, excited for a new beginning, becoming his own person, trying to start something fresh. As Nufuil turned back to wave goodbye, smiling brightly, and then an arrow struck him mid‑smile. Parrot felt the same shock he had felt the first time. His breath caught, his hands curled into fists, and he felt the same helplessness settle in his chest as he could only stare at the person who had caused it. The Director.
Another shift.
He saw Wifies. He watched the spyglass fall from his own hand. He heard his own voice crack as he said, “It’s all yours.” He watched himself place the spyglass on the pressure plate and run out of the prison. He remembered the sound of his footsteps, the echo as he rushed upstairs, the tightness in his throat, and the way he didn’t look back for even a second. Because deep down, he knew Wifies was beyond saving, even if he poured everything he had into it.
The scene changed again.
He saw Boomie. He barely knew him, but he knew Boomie wanted a peaceful life. He watched himself fail to protect him from Wemmbus’s nuke— Because Parrot was, embarrassingly, too weak. — Boomie looked at him in those final moments with an expression that showed he already understood he wouldn’t survive. The guilt returned in a familiar wave, cutting deep as Parrot stared at the empty space that had once held the familiar figure.
Another shift.
He saw Naperzial being attacked by several invisible players. Naperzial didn’t have time to react. Parrot remembered calling for help too late— not that anyone was around anyways. His voice was too quiet, and his actions were too slow. He remembered hiding because he didn’t know what else to do. He remembered the sound of the hits, the desperate way Naperzial tried to fight back but the players overpowering him in every way, the panic in his chest, and the silence that followed…
The scene changed again.
He saw Spepticle, the one who had helped him during the elections and exposed the Laws’ corrupt secrets. He watched himself make a reckless decision, attacking someone who had taken the book that was given to him . He watched Spepticle step forward and take the blame on stage. He watched Spepticle die for it, getting his head chopped off. The guilt hit him again, because he couldn’t do anything. He could only stare at LettuceK.
Another shift.
He saw DeputyAce, once second‑in‑command of Lettucek’s army. DeputyAce had betrayed his own side so Parrot could escape. Parrot remembered the shock he had felt, the disbelief that someone he barely knew would make such a choice for him— He remembered the fear that followed, the fear that someone else would die because of him.
Then Theo appeared.
Parrot froze. Theo was alive, right? Theo wasn’t supposed to be here, what was he even doing here? Parrot blinked as Theo stood in front of him, confused and unprepared, and before Parrot could understand what was happening or even try to utter a word, he saw Shoebilly strike Theo with a mace. The impact was loud and clear, the sound of bones crashing and blood flowing could be both seen and heard. Theo collapsed instantly. Parrot felt his stomach twist violently. His breathing stopped for a moment, as he could also stare at the form that was supposed to represent Theo.
He tried to wake up, but nothing changed. “This is a nightmare… gosh.” Parrot choked out, desperate to escape the horror. But of course it didn’t work. Nothing ever did. So what was left for him? Running—because that’s what he did best.
So he ran.
Parrot sprinted through the darkness, away from the memories and the pressure in his chest. The scenes continued flashing beside him no matter how fast he moved— he desperately tried to ignore the pull at his legs— He didn’t know where he was going. He only knew he needed to get away. His breathing grew uneven, his steps unsteady, and the darkness felt endless as he could only run and hope for a miracle.
Then he fell. The fall was sudden, and disorienting for him. It was unexpected but very welcomed for Parrot, as he preferred to be swallowed by the darkness rather than see those events once again... His form just kept dropping straight into the void. His stomach lurched, his hands reached out instinctively. As he didn’t enjoy being here in an endless cycle either… he closed his eyes in a soft motion as the wetness of the tears still clung to his lashes.
And then— it stopped—-
Parrot woke up with a sharp gasp. His body jerked upright before he could stop it, and his hand immediately grabbed the front of his shirt, gripping the fabric tightly as he tried to steady his breathing. His chest rose and fell too quickly, each inhale uneven and tight, and his eyes stung with leftover tears he hadn’t realized were still there— he didn’t actually think that he was crying outside of his horrible nightmare— The room was quiet, but the panic from the dream clung to him, he was almost sure his heartbeat was loud in the quiet, peaceful room.
He blinked several times, trying to clear his blurry vision. His hands trembled slightly as he lowered them onto his lap. His throat felt dry, his heartbeat loud in his ears, and for a moment he couldn’t tell if he was fully awake or still trapped in the nightmare.
A hand touched his shoulder. Parrot flinched hard, his whole body tensing as he turned sharply toward the touch. His breath caught in his throat until he saw who it was, Theo. Oh gosh he was actually alive.
Theo was— is alive. Theo was right there, sitting beside him on the bed with his sunglasses slightly crooked and his hair messy from sleep. His wings were half‑folded behind him, the feathers shifting with the movement he’d made when he reached out.
Parrot blinked rapidly, trying to calm his breathing. “Hey, uh… what’s up,” he said, his voice cracking as he tried to sound casual. He glanced at the clock. It was two a.m. … yeah no nothing about waking up this hour had a slight chance of it being casual.
Theo didn’t tease him or complain about being woken up, didn’t make a joke to lighten the moment… yet. Instead, he sighed quietly, the sound soft but full of worry he didn’t bother hiding. He moved closer, sitting up straighter, his wings adjusting as he shifted.
He nudged Parrot lightly. “See? I told you it was smart for us to sleep in the same bed.” Parrot looked away, embarrassed. His breathing was still uneven, and he didn’t want Theo to notice. But Theo didn’t ask about the nightmare, he just stayed close, watching him with a steady expression that made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. At least if the curse doesn’t reach him. Parrot thought before brushing it away.
Parrot wiped his face with the back of his hand. “Yeah… yeah, I guess it was a good idea.” Parrot agreed with a chuckle. Theo puffed up immediately, his feathers lifting with pride. “Told you, I'm so smart bro, only the biggest bird is the smartest one, dude.”
Parrot stared at him. “Alright bro, we’re just saying anything nowadays.” Parrot huffed as he stifled his laugh. “I’m not lying. I’m the biggest bird, trust me, Parrot.” Theo insisted. “Between the two of us, you’re the small bird.” Parrot had scoffed, Theo froze, glaring at him as his sunglasses slid down his nose. “Excuse me? I’m taller than you when I stand straight.” Theo pointed out. “That doesn’t count.” Parrot denied. Theo opened his mouth, closed it, then pointed at him. “You’re just jealous, you aren’t a big bird like me.” Theo states. Parrot shrugged. “Nah, not really. But you’re still the small bird—- maybe even the smallest."
Theo made a loud, offended noise and threw himself back into the blankets. “Okay, whatever. But can you at least tell me why you woke up at this hour? So late into the night? So damn early?” Theo huffs, Parrot rubbed his face. “The early bird gets the worm, No?” Parrot replies. “At this hour the worms are asleep. They’re wearing pajamas AND they’re dreaming, man.” Theo sighs.
Parrot also sighed and turned away and gently laid on his side on the comfy mattress, trying to remember the dream. The details were already fading, slipping away faster than he could grab them, only the tightness in his chest remained… he felt the mattress shift. Theo moved closer and wrapped his arms around him from behind. The hug was clumsy and uncoordinated, like he hadn’t planned it but did it anyway.
Parrot blinked. “…What are you doing, bro?” He raises an eyebrow. “Hugging you, duh.” Theo responded casually. “I can feel that, what I meant was why?” Parrot countered. “You seem upset—- well everyday really but it's current now!” Theo argued Parrot kept his voice steady but there was a subtle frown. “I’m not upset.”
Theo didn’t loosen his hold nor did he even hesitate. “You’re a good liar, Parrot. You fool and trick everyone else. But not me, dude. I’ve been around you too long. I know every little thing you do when you’re trying to hide something, just as much as you know me as well." Parrot’s expression didn’t change, but his head‑wings twitched once. “You’re overthinking it, Theo.”
“No, I’m not,” Theo said quietly. “Your breathing changed. AND you’re avoiding looking at me, which is obvious considering you never face your back towards me. You only do that when something’s wrong or when you're mad at me.”
Parrot exhaled slowly. “I’m fine, Theo.” Parrot sighs, “Also stop analyzing how I’m bro.”
“No, you’re not. Dawg—- when have I ever done that!?” Theo huffed. “First time doing it and suddenly I’m analyzing everything!”
Parrot tried to move away. Theo held him tighter. “Whatever. Let go, Theo.”
“No.” Theo whines.
“I’m being serious right now, Theo.” Parrots' tone was firm.
“So am I, P-a-r-o-t.” Theo intentionally messed up the name
Parrot stared at the wall, with a huffed annoyed expression. “…You’re so annoying, dude.”
“And there you go lying again. You’re skilled at it, I’ll give you that at least — but I know you too well, and you care too much to ever mean those words, especially towards me, bro.”
Parrot groaned. “Honestly, arguing with you is the same as arguing with a brick wall.”
Theo paused, then loosened his hold slightly. “Okay enough of that, do you even remember what your dream— or nightmare was about?”
“No.”
“And you trust me.” The question came out of Theo so abruptly that Parrot faltered, blinking before he managed to pull himself back together.
Parrot turned to glare at him. “Theo. I trust you.”
Theo blinked. “Oh.”
“Yes. ‘Oh.’” Parrot playfully mocked.
Theo hugged him again, this time more gently. “Okay. Just checking.”
Parrot sighed. “You’re so dramatic, bro.”
“You too, Parrot.”
“But only in serious situations.” Parrot countered
“This is serious.” Theo argued.
Parrot stayed silent. The weight in his chest clung to him, heavy, and unmoving, yet Theo’s presence softened it. Somehow, impossibly, this bum cockatiel was lifting his spirits
Theo noticed. He always noticed. He moved closer again, his wings half‑covering Parrot like he was trying to shield him from something he couldn’t see.
Parrot groaned. “Stop hovering.”
“I’m not hovering. I’m giving emotional support.” Theo claimed.
“It’s the same thing.” Parrot sighed, feeling himself sway on the brink of surrender
“No, it’s not.”
Parrot stared at the wall. “You’re actually so dumb, dude.”
“I’m trying to comfort you because your face looks sad.”
“I’m not sad, Theo!”
Theo poked his cheek. “Your face says otherwise.”
“That’s not helpful!” Parrot huffed.
“I’m not helpful. I’m amazing.” Theo grinned.
Parrot snorted, amused. “You’re not that amazing.”
Theo looked offended. “Take that back, right now.”
“No.”
“I have a strong aura, you can't say that.”
“You look like a wet pigeon on a GOOD day..”
Theo glared. “I’m going to smother you with my wings.”
“You already are.”
“Good, you deserve it, dude.” Theo replied before he hesitated. “…You really don’t remember anything?”
“No.”
“Was it at least a bad feeling?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
Theo nodded. “Okay. Then I’ll stay awake, and watch over you.”
“No. Go to sleep.”
“Nope. I’m guarding you. I make a pretty great bodyguard in dreams and nightmares, you know.”
“Are we trolling?”
“Nah.”
“You can’t fight dreams, Theo!”
“I’ll try, for you.”
Parrot let out a small laugh. Theo perked up instantly. “There it is! See? I’m great at making people jolly.”
Parrot swallowed. He didn’t want to say anything else. But the words slipped out before he could stop them. “…I don’t want to lose you. Not the way it felt in my dream… or whatever that was.” Theo froze, and Parrot immediately regretted it. “Forget I said that.”
“No,” Theo said instantly, voice cracking like a broken flute. “No, no, no, bro, you can’t just— you can’t just drop that on me and expect me to ignore it.” Theo frowned. Parrot covered his face. “I didn’t mean to say it.”
“Well, you did. And now I’m freaking out.” Theo mumbles, before Parrot could escape, Theo hugged him again, tighter this time. “Proper hug, trust.”
“This is worse.” But despite his words, Parrot didn’t pull away.
“No, it’s not.” Theo tucked Parrot’s head under his chin. “You’re not losing me, dude. I’m literally right here. You’re stuck with me forever. Like a parasite.”
“That’s not comforting.” Parrot mumbles.
“It is if you think about it.” Theo insisted.
“I’m not thinking about it.” Parrot huffed.
Theo tightened his wings. “Ok, whatever, I’ll keep watch. Just sleep.”
“You’ll fall asleep in five minutes.” Parrot pointed out.
“No, I won’t.” Theo’s eye roll was obvious, even if the sunglasses kept it annoyingly out of sight.
…
Theo fell asleep in three.
“Famous last words.” Parrot muttered under his breath, as he sighed. “Bum bird.” He closed his eyes and shifted closer.
Theo slept rather quickly, just like Parrot predicted… Parrot just listened as Theo’s breathing evened out, felt Theo’s wings relax around them, and his grip around Parrot loosened only slightly, just enough to be comfortable but not enough to let go. Parrot stayed still for a moment, listening to the quiet room, trying to let the calm settle into his chest. It didn’t work immediately. His heartbeat was still too fast, and the leftover panic from the nightmare lingered in the back of his mind.
He shifted slightly, careful not to wake Theo. Theo’s arm tightened around him in response, pulling him closer without even waking up. Parrot sighed quietly. “This guy is impossible,” he whispered, but there was no annoyance in his voice.
Theo’s head‑wings twitched at the sound, but he didn’t wake. His sunglasses were still on his face somehow, tilted at an angle that didn’t look comfortable. Parrot stared at them for a moment, confused at how they hadn’t fallen off during all the movement.
He reached up slowly and removed them, sliding them off Theo’s face with careful fingers. Theo’s head‑wings twitched again, then relaxed. Parrot set the sunglasses on the desk beside the bed, shaking his head slightly.
He looked back at Theo.
Theo’s face was relaxed, peaceful in a way Parrot didn’t see often. His expression was usually loud, dramatic, full of energy. Seeing him quiet like this felt strange, but not in a bad way. Parrot let himself look for a moment longer than he meant to. He didn’t understand how someone could look so harmless while asleep and so chaotic while awake.
Theo shifted again, pulling Parrot closer in his sleep. Parrot let out a soft breath and settled against him. The warmth helped. The steady breathing helped. The weight of Theo’s arm around him helped more than he wanted to admit.
He closed his eyes, trying to let the tension leave his body.
But the nightmare lingered.
He saw flashes of it behind his eyelids before the void swallowed him. His chest tightened again, and he opened his eyes quickly, forcing the images away. He didn’t want to think about it. He didn’t want to remember any of it. He didn’t want to feel the fear again.
Theo murmured something in his sleep, his voice low and muffled. Parrot couldn’t make out the words, but the sound was enough to pull him out of his thoughts. He looked at Theo again, watching the way his expression shifted slightly as he dreamed. Parrot didn’t know what Theo was dreaming about. He hoped it wasn’t anything bad.
He reached up and brushed a stray grey-ish feather away from Theo’s cheek. Theo didn’t react, but his breathing steadied even more.
Parrot sighed quietly. “You’re so ridiculous, bro” he whispered the same words again. “You fall asleep in three minutes and then act like you’re guarding me.”
Theo didn’t respond, obviously, but Parrot continued anyway. Talking quietly helped calm him down.
“You always do this,” he said softly. “You act like you’re the one protecting me. Like you’re the one who has to keep watch.”
He paused, double checking if Theo was actually asleep before he confessed. “But you’re the one I keep losing in my dreams most of the time.” His voice dropped even lower, barely above a whisper. “I don’t want that to happen again, even if it was fake.” He didn’t know why he said it out loud. Maybe because Theo was asleep. Maybe because the room was quiet. Maybe because the fear was still too close to the surface that he might lose it all again.
He closed his eyes again, trying to steady his breathing. Theo’s warmth helped. The weight of his arm helped. The steady rhythm of his breathing helped. Parrot let himself relax slowly, inch by inch.
After a few minutes, he shifted again, turning slightly so he could face Theo more directly. Theo’s grip adjusted automatically, pulling him closer. Parrot rolled his eyes, but he didn’t move away. “You cling like a koala,” he muttered. Theo made a soft noise in his sleep, something between a whine and a sigh. Parrot stared at him for a long moment once again. He didn’t understand how someone could make him feel safe without even trying. He didn’t understand how someone could see through him so easily when he’d spent years perfecting the way he hid things.
He didn’t understand why Theo cared so much—or why he cared so much in return. Losing people was supposed to make you distant, wasn’t it? So why was he letting himself get attached again? Did he secretly crave the pain of losing someone close, or what?
He looked away, staring at the wall behind Theo for a moment before looking back at Theo again. The fear in his chest had softened, replaced by something warmer.
Parrot shifted again, settling into a more comfortable position. Theo’s wings adjusted around him, half‑covering him like a blanket. Parrot sighed and let his eyes close. He didn’t fall asleep immediately. His mind was still too active, still too full of leftover fear and thoughts he didn’t want to deal with. But the longer he stayed close to Theo, the easier it became to breathe. He didn’t fall into a deep sleep, but he drifted into sleep nonetheless.