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The pathway to the docks was etched into the ground. Even more so with how frequent footsteps travelled down it. Leading down into the waters, that were most likely fake. It was a path, that he had traced underfoot many times. Hell, ever since he had been put in this hell.
007n7 breathed in the stale air. Feeling how it stuck to his skin. But, he pushed it aside, instead looking forward. Going to his place, the one he usually found himself at. The docks.
As he approached it, he paused. Seeing someone already sitting there. Red, and yellow meeting his eyes. 007n7 never usually saw the man here, so it was a shock to see him infront. But, 007n7 shook the shock away, instead stepping forward. Hearing the wood panels beneath creak from his weight.
Elliot turned his head slightly, but still wasn't able to see who approached. He turned away, not caring much of who it was. And as he looked to the still waters, someone sat next to him. Someone Elliot didn't expect.
007n7 dangled his legs over the edge. While Elliot sat, criss-crossed. The two didn't speak, not yet atleast. But it seemed a question still hung in the air, and it was only a matter of time before one of them asked. Yet, only the stale air was held between them. Neither spoke, because honestly, speaking just might be worse then this awkward silence.
Neither were able to question it further before it came out. He didn't mean to say it, but it had slipped out of his tounge. "So, what are you doing here?" The other only looked at him, and 007n7 cursed internally. Maybe he should've bit back the question.
Elliot sighed, shifting a bit. Before his head turned up, staring at the star-less night sky above them. "I just...needed a moment i guess. The main cabin is more loud than usual right now." He brought his arms up, crossing them over his chest.
007n7 nodded along to the words, staring at the fake waters rippling below them. "Yeah, I get that." The words came out, even if 007n7 had doubted them. It felt weird to just talk to Elliot, as if nothing had happended between them.
He knew that Elliot didn't hate him. But if he was being honest, had it been him in Elliot's shoes. He would never forgive him for the things he had done. They stained his past. Leaving behind a trail, that now followed a ghost instead of the actual person who had committed such actions.
Tension rippled between the two. Washing over them like the water, or hanging above like the moon that stared down. Neither moved first, wishing to see what the other would do. But at some point, someone would have to move. Someone would have to take the charge, and do whatever it was they wished too.
"Sorry, i can go if you wish to be alone." 007n7 spoke, tone vacant of anything. Just a simple offer, something small to give to one of his victims. "Nah, don't worry you're good. I don't mind." A small smile brushed 007n7's face. A sight that was rare to see, especially for Elliot.
Both went back to the silence. Although, it wasn't as horribly awkward as before. Even if tension still surronded them, it had lessen from the comment. Silence stood around, only reminding the two of what had happended in the past.
Elliot didn't like silence. Not even a tiny bit. While yes, he had left the main cabin because it was too loud. He would still not have silence, just maybe noise that didn't blare in his ear drums. So it wasn't much of a shock that he had opended his mouth. Deciding for the two, that silence was worse then speaking.
"You know, you always act like it's a crime to be around me. I don't hate you, seriously. It's fine if you're around!" 007n7 stared at Elliot, shock over-riding the small smile he had before. "How?" He asked, Elliot looked at 007n7. Tilting his head at the question 007n7 asked.
"How, what?" It was his turn to be confused now. Bringing a hand to the back of his neck. 007n7 studied it, before going on with his question. "How do you not hate me?" Surprise eruptted within Elliot. More shocked that 007n7 thought he hated him.
"Simple. You aren't as terrible as you cut yourself out to be. Sure I was angry at you, back when you burned the pizzera down. But you've changed. A whole lot." Elliot turned his head back, staring at the sky once more. "No I haven't, i've barely changed at all?" 007n7 turned away, unable to bare looking at his victim.
"Yes you have. Look at you, for one second, look at yourself. Don't you see how now, you help us. The old exploiter I know would never apologize. And he especially wouldn't wallow away in guilt."
007n7 stared at the reflections dancing in the waters. He allowed the small smile to tug his face once again. A look was given to Elliot, but it was a quick glance. "I'm glad C00lkidd showed up on your doorstep, Telamon knows if you would've changed without him."
He grimaced at the mention of his son, it pulled his heartstrings. Being reminded of C00lkidd was always a sore-spot. Especially after rounds with the change, deformed being that C00lkidd was now. Elliot noticed the look, sensing to apologize. "Sorry, didn't mean to touch on a sore-spot..."
"It's fine. Just, I miss my son. I'm sorry I let him find the c00lgui, I didn't mean for him to get wrapped up in my exploiting. I just, always kept it in case of something happening." 007n7 shifted, getting closer to the edge of the dock. Elliot only stared up, legs crossed.
"You're fine 007n7. That was the past, what happended has already happen. Besides C00l is a kidd, it's even in his name. You have terrible naming skills, by the way." The last part came out whispered, but 007n7 turned to the man. Offense clearly on his face.
Elliot turned back once noticing the peering eyes. "What?" 007n7 raised an eyebrow. "I guess...I don't know. If I was in your shoes, i'd sure as hell never forgive you. And—" He was quickly cut off by Elliot. "But you're not in my shoes. And I don't hate you for it."
"....I don't get you Elliot. Truly I don't."
A hushed silence fell upon them. Tension bubbling in the air, only worse with the sudden eye-contact they now held. Neither tore their gaze away, only a game of waiting. Wondering if one would turn away.
"Then don't. Listen, you're 007n7. I'm Elliot. There is no need to understand me. I've told you how I feel already, i can tell you wont believe me.
Just, I forgave you. Ages ago actually. When I saw you in that stupid disguise years ago, getting a pizza. I knew that you had changed. Seeing C00lkidd stick behind you, glad as ever. That's when i forgave you.
The past is the past. You already did all the stuff. Wallowing in shame isn't going to help. Neither is sacrifing yourself for my sake. Listen to yourself for once. It's like you're afraid to even exist near me!"
007n7 turned away, unable to bear looking at him anymore. But Elliot, he only stared at the man's head. Seeing how emotions washed on his face, even with the tiny sliver that was visible to Elliot. It was clear as day, what exactly 007n7 felt.
"...It doesn't matter if it was in the past or not. Pain is pain, damage is damage, and evil is just that, plain evil. What I did was sadistic, and cruel.
Don't you get it? There was no point in me doing any of that! I just thought you were too happy for a minium wage job. Just because it was the past, doesn't mean you can't feel angry. I hurt you, and it left scars."
Silence fell between them. But quickly, Elliot replied. Hurried and rushed, almost angry in a way.
"Just because it left scars, doesn't mean I have to focus on it! Living life in the now is better then grieving the past. I made mistakes, you made mistakes. You just have to swallow them and move on. I've moved on already, but for some reason you still haven't? Seven, i don't care about the burn scars on my hand. I don't even care about the incident with C00lkidd.
You wanna know why? Because there's nothing more to do then wake up, and live in the now."
007n7 only turned away more, leaving Elliot to see the back of his head. Brown locks that were clearly neglected, alongside a weird scar. He only stared at the back of 007n7's head, wondering just what exactly he could be thinking. But he was reeled back in, by him speaking.
"You're too forgiving Elliot. Live for yourself."
It was said in a solemn tone. Close to no emotion, but Elliot knew better. Quickly, Elliot turned back. Staring back up at the starless sky that laid above the two. While he shifted himself, scooting close to the edge of the dock.
"I already do. You should start to do the same, too you know?"
007n7 stared at the waters. Watching as the moon reflected off, with no stars to join in her light. Elliot could only look at the moon, craters that felt off. And the empty space, where stars should've lied. The two only observing, and watching their environment.
"How are you always so happy?" The question felt simple in 007n7's mind, but when thrown out between them. It was a heavy weight, one that clearly was worse then either of them expected. Elliot only let out a low hum, thinking for a moment.
"I guess, I just am. I like the people here. I like healing them. I like my life pretty-okay. Even if we're stuck in hell, I find it better to look up. See the joy that is held between us all. Bond with everyone who lets me, and figure out just exactly who they are. And I guess the true reason why, is because it sure is a lot better than sitting in sadness all day."
And finally, 007n7 looked up at the moon. Noticing how the whole time, Elliot was staring at her. He craned his neck, and saw the pale light emitted. Instead of seeing it bounce off un-moving waters, he saw it in full. While Elliot only kept staring, eyes focused on the moon.
Silence weaved between them. But it wasn't as awkward as before. Instead, it settled quietly. A nice comfortable space between the two. Unlike the stale air that stuck, or the starless sky above, not even like the waters below that were cloudy but not from dirt. It was one that held the two, comforted them in a way.
Legs dangling over the edge. A few feet from touching the water. But 007n7 didn't care, he could only stare up. Glancing at the moon, and her beauty. One that he didn't usually notice, nor did he appreciate enough. It was one thing to see the moon, but love the beauty she gave? Was to smile and look upon better days, or nights in this realm.
"Do you think we could maybe, become friends?" A timid question. One Elliot didn't expect himself to ask. But when he glanced at 007n7, with a growing smile on his face. He already knew the answer before 007n7 spoke.
"Of course," He simply replied. Before looking to Elliot, a new hope shining in his eye. While he held a simple hand out, inviting Elliot. It took a second for Elliot to notice it, before he turned. Shaking 007n7's hand, a bright smile upon his face as well.
The two let go, a new blossoming friendship had started. And with it, a new hope in a guilt-ridden man, and a brighter smile upon the already cheery man. Both already had looked up, and knew that something good would come from this.
A new step into shedding the guilt 007n7 wore, or someone else that Elliot could peer into. Neither knew exactly what would happen, but that was okay. Because both would live on, in every single day. No longer stuck in a past, or a grudge they used to hold. Now, both were friends, and their smiles told it all.