Work Text:
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Wake up. Eat. Go to school. Go home. Homework. Spend the night listening to my parents argue. Sleep. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
He figured out a long time ago: Life doesn’t get better. It’s hilarious, how many people he’d asked— and got the same answer. ‘It’ll get better!’ ‘Life doesn’t suck forever!’ ‘You’ll be okay!’ Yeah, yeah! He’d spent years believing lie after lie.
Well, only one person didn’t downplay his life. And actually cared enough to shut his ass down when he needed validation or give him great advice for what to do— his best friend, Twixxel. Honestly, he’s kind of going through the same thing, just that his parents are literally never around. Everytime he’d visited his house, he was always the only one there.
Well, whatever. He needed to get up and go eat breakfast. His alarm blared with an urgency not needed for the morning, and he crashed his hand down onto it to shut it up. Mob sat upright and shoved his legs off the edge of his bed, jumping to his feet. He stuffed his half-finished homework into his backpack, then grabbed the clothes he wore yesterday and changed into them:
A black hoodie, of which it had some red highlights- like the rim of his hood, sleeves and bottom. He usually wears the hoodie with the hood over his head to hide most of his face— the hoodie has some type of built in bandana that covers his face, anyway. Along with that, a black pair of baggy sweatpants, a belt— and to top it all off, some boots. But they’re at the front door.
Mob dragged himself out of his room and into the bathroom, checking himself out in the mirror. Black skin, green eyes, dreads. He’d say he wasn’t that interesting looking if it wasn’t for the long red scar on his face— moving from his left cheek, over his nose bridge, to his right cheek. He doesn’t know where he got it. Grox said it was a injury he’d gotten before Froggy found him.
Right, he’s adopted…
Mob left the bathroom and walked downstairs, rubbing his eyes slightly. His parents were already there, whatever argument they had quietening down once Mob entered. Mob ignored them and prepared himself a bowl of cereal, sitting at the kitchen counter to eat it.
His dad— Froggy,— walked up to him, rather worried. “Mob, you look pale.” He set a hand to Mob’s forehead, while Mob turned his head to him. Grox watched for a minute, then turned back around and returned to his work— enslaving villagers, making a civilisation.. yeah, yeah, the usual.
It was kind of funny. He called Froggy ‘Dad’, yet didn’t bother with Grox, simply calling him his name. And Grox honestly didn’t care either, so that’s a win. He did view Grox as a guardian, just not his father.
Froggy looked at Mob with worry. “You can’t go today, Mob, you’re burning up.” Mob blinked. “But I feel fine.” “You’re swaying slightly and aren’t looking at me properly. You’re staying home, Mob.” It’s not like he cared much. It’s a bummer he can’t see his friends, but atleast he doesn’t need to go to school. “Okay.” He murmured, lacking much emotion.
…
He was back in his bed.
After taking some medicine and being coaxed (more like threatened..) into bed by Froggy, his dad had left the room. He was stuck staring at the ceiling.
He’d go on his phone but honestly, phones are pretty boring. Yeah, yeah, you can tell a lot of people always say he’s a child people could dream about— okay grades leaning towards good, not constantly on his phone, it’d be nice if his parents actually bothered.
His problems are not nearly as terrible as anybody else’s, though, so why is he so depressed? Couldn’t he have just toughened up? Mob blinked away the thoughts. Had he said that around Twixxel he’d gotten a black eye. Twixxel really does not play about any self-deprecating thoughts.
Speaking of Twixxel. His phone began blowing up. Mob spared a glance toward the notifications on his lit up phone:
TWIXXEL
7:40 AM
— Dude, where are you?
— Yo you’re NOT leaving me alone on a math exam are you
— MOB
— IMMA KILL YOU
— Bro Whispy and Idaios are tweaking out too PLS UR THE MATH PRO!!!
— MOOOBBBBB
… Ehh. They’ll handle it. Mob ignored the messages and turned back to the ceiling.
It’ll be a long day, won’t it?
Mob woke up in a cold sweat. What the hell? He sat up slowly, checking his alarm clock: 4:28 PM. School had ended. How’d he sleep that long?
Mob shoved his legs over the bed edge and got to his feet— he stumbled and fell straight on his face. Mob grumbled slightly. Did his legs fall asleep? But he’d still be able to use them if they did.. The door opened. Mob blinked the drowsiness away and checked who it was— Grox. Huh??
He walked over to Mob and picked him up, sitting him back down onto the bed. He doesn’t really see this guy talk often. Grox stared at him. “Stay in bed.” “I already slept for over 8 hours.” “Mob.” Mob turned away from Grox, hiding the mild fear in his face. Bro, this guy is no joke when mad.. Should’ve seen him pull out his gun on a fucking child for bullying Mob. Safe to say he never got bullied again.
Anyways. Mob stared at Grox, wondering what he was doing. The latter gave him some medicine and a cup up water, then left the room while lighting a cigarette. Ew. Mob sighed, took the medicine and gulped down the water, then laid back down.
He heard knocking on his window. The speed in which he turned around could’ve been record time, and he stared at the window believing something would come through and eat him— nevermind, it was just Twixxel… and Whispy, and Idaios. Okay bro. Mob opened the window. “What the fuck are you guys doing?” He asked as Twixxel plopped inside, following him Whispy and Idaios. “We’re coming over uninvited, duh,” Whispy spoke, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“Yeah! Cause you were sick, and all, and we were wondering if you were just lying, but—“ “— you look pale as hell, bro!” Twixxel cut Idaios off, putting a hand to his forehead. “Oh, damn, yeah it’s not a lie.” Whispy and Idaios checked Mob’s temperature afterwards too, nodding along with Twixxel.
Mob sighed. Well, atleast his friends were there. “How’d the math test go?” The three froze, literally GLARING at Mob. “… don’t even ask..” Whispy croaked. It couldn’t have been that hard..?
Time was spent, and time was spent well. Grox had come into his room again, a little confused by the sudden company— he’d left, then returned with snacks, and gracefully thrown it at Mob’s face. Still smoking a cigarette. Sigh. “Your dad’s kinda fine.” Was the next thing he heard for like 30 minutes. They all swear they aren’t gay, then fucking lust over GROX—
Anyways. They ate snacks, played video games, watched random horror movies— Mob wasn’t that scared. Whispy swore he wasn’t either, but had grabbed Mob’s hand so hard he thought it might break. Twixxel and Idaios were openly terrified, clinging onto each other and crying everytime something creepy happened.
This movie is kinda boring. Mob mindlessly watched, half of the time he expected all of the jumpscares. Why is it #1 in horror movies? Dumb as hell. He let out a sigh at another jumpscare, but froze when he felt warmth— Whispy had hugged him. Goddamn, how was he scared?? Mob hugged him back— yet this action alerted the other two, who immediately jumped into the cuddle pile.
Damn.
Well, now he’s stuck. Fun. Twixxel fell asleep pretty quickly, which led to Whispy and Idaios poking the hell out of him till he snapped and attacked them both. They all fell asleep a bit after, leaving Mob staring at the ceiling again.
Twixxel… some type of void creature. He also had black skin, short hair— white eyes, a white mouth.. yeah, his palette is pretty black and white. He has robot antennae, however, that’s pretty interesting. Twixxel told him he was just a void-robot type of thing, that his parents had made him robot parts because his body was underdeveloped.
Whispy… a regular dude. Just with a pumpkin as his head. He has a pink hoodie and blue jeans. Yeah, he’s kinda boring. He’s a cool friend, though, and one of Mob’s closest. The dude likes voice acting, too, and it’s honestly pretty good.
Idaios… He’s closer to Twixxel than he is to Mob. Still a good friend nevertheless. He wears a suit, though.. kinda weird, but he can’t really say anything. white skin, black long hair tied in a ponytail with strands of purple, green and blue— and a TV test pattern thing over his eyes. He might be the most interesting looking.
Yeah. Friends. They’re weird, but they’re his friends, so he loves them.
To be honest, his parents don’t look any less weird, and neither does he, as an enderman hybrid thing— whatever.
He had sleep take him later on, too.
…
“You’re such a DICKHEAD!”
“I’M a dickhead?? How about you take a look at yourself?”
“I’M NOT NEARLY AS HORRIBLE AS YOU! Enslaving villagers, stealing money because of some stupid ‘Tax season’— have you ever even THOUGHT about our son?”
“Yes, I fucking have, which is why we’re in such a nice house, DIPSHIT!”
“WHAT’S MONEY GONNA DO?!”
God, shut up, shut up, why won’t they stop fucking arguing? Enough! Goddamn! Argue anywhere else!
Mob scoffed quietly, pulling his knees to his chest. He was in the living room— which was connected to the kitchen— in which, his parents were arguing in.
“I’M THE REASON WE EVEN HAVE A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS.”
Stop.
“AND YET, YOU’RE STILL A DEADBEAT, AND HAVE LIKE- 5 OTHER KIDS??”
Quit it.
“OH, SO NOW YOU’RE PULLING THE PAST INTO THIS? AIGHT BET. WHAT ABOUT EVERYTIME YOU FUCKING CANNIBALIZED PEOPLE? AS A MATTER OF FACT, YOU PROBABLY STILL DO!”
Gosh!
“THAT’S BETTER THAN FUCKING CHEATING, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!”
“SHUT UP!!!”
…
Fuck.
Mob ran a hand down his face, getting off the couch and walking to his room. Froggy reached out to him, worried.
Once in his room, he shut the door, sat on his bed, and spent the time contemplating his actions. He just yelled at his parents to shut up. Great.
He could hear them talking in the kitchen. Quietly, this time, atleast.
Mob let out a choked sigh, wiping away any occurring tears. He turned his body away from the door and laid down, closing his eyes.
Sleep.
Please, just sleep.
…
…
…
Sleep, for fucks sake!
The door opened slowly. The hallways light seeped into the room. Get out. Quiet steps approached his bed.
He felt the bed dip. Someone sat down. He felt someone leaning closer to his face, then press a kiss to his cheek. He felt someone wipe away his tears.
Mob opened his eyes, turning to the source. His dad. Froggy. “Hey, buddy.” Don’t ‘buddy’ me. He didn’t seem to have anything else to say, so he gently pulled Mob into his arms.
I’m gonna cry, bro.
Froggy’s suit was soaked from Mob’s tears. Mob sniffled, hugging back tighter. He felt him caress his head, running his fingers through his hair. He felt him changing their positions, so Mob was more comfortable. He felt someone at the doorway.
That someone also came closer. Then sat down beside them. Then he heard the snap of a lighter. “Stop smoking, Grox.” He heard his dad say. Grox didn’t reply.
He felt another hand on his head.
…
Mob woke up. He sat upright, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Mob instinctively looked to his alarm clock: 2:57 AM. Damn.
The bed is warm. His parents were on either side of him. Froggy was snoring— how did he sleep through that? Grox was.. awake. Staring at Mob. He shifted slightly.
It was.. uncomfortably silent. Mob climbed over his parents’ legs, getting off the bed and walking to the door. Grox got up and followed him.
They were in the kitchen. Mob was filling himself a cup of water, Grox was.. lighting a cigarette again.
“How can you even like that?” Mob asked simply, voice a little croaky from sleep. Grox glanced at Mob. He shrugged. “You wanna try it?” “No.” “Pussy.” Mob sighed. He sipped at his water, sitting down by the counter.
“Grox,” Grox hummed in acknowledgment. Mob stared at him, then back to his water. The silence made Grox turn to Mob. “What’s up, kid?” “… Promise you won’t.. like.. freak out about it, or anything?” Grox stood straighter.
Fuck, why did he.. “… Nevermind.” “You better tell me right now.” Mob turned his head away. “Mob.” “Can we.. not, at this hour?” “You want the idiot to hear?” “N-no.. “Then this hour it is.”
Mob sighed. He hesitated for a long moment, then slowly rolled up his sleeves. Cut, after slit, after scar— self-harm scars, just everywhere. Grox was really silent, making Mob very self-conscious. He rolled the sleeves back down— well, tried to, when Grox just stopped him.
He was staring at Mob. “Listen.” He began. “I won’t tell Froggy.” Mob let out a sigh of relief. “But,” He sucked in a breath. “I won’t stand by idly and watch my kid do this to himself.” The enderman shivered slightly.
“You don’t have to tell me everything immediately. To be honest, I don’t really care.” Okay, damn. Mob let out a quiet snicker. “Just know, I’ll be here for you, got it?” Grox waited for Mob to answer— which he did, in the form of a nod. “If you have the urge to do this at all ever again, come to me. I’ll know.” Okay. “Okay.”
“Guys..?” Froggy stumbled into the kitchen drowsily. Grox rolled Mob’s sleeves up casually— casual enough for Froggy not to notice anything. “Wha’ are you guys doin’..?” “Smoking.” “Drinking water.”
“Get the fuck back in bed..” In sync, “Balright.” “Aight bet.”
…
School.
Loud, shrill, eventful.
The bell rang as Mob made his way through the gates. Twixxel fell into step with him, talking about whatever’s new. Idaios came a while afterwards while they were walking ti class. He didn’t have the same classes as the other two, so while Twixxel and Idaios happily— no, LOUDLY said their byes, Mob hurried away from them, slouched. How can friends be this goddamn embarrassing—
He shares his classes with Whispy. Seeing the familiar pumpkin sitting at his assigned seat, Mob walked up to him and sat beside him. They were deskmates. “Hey, pumpkin.” “Bro, stop calling me that.” Mob ignored Whispy and sat down.
“Did you do the homework?” Mob shook his head. “Dude, you know it’s Mrs. ______’s class, she’ll kill you!” “Maybe she should focus on her divorce before paying attention to one piece of unfinished homework.” Whispy snorted. “Yo, I think she heard you.” Mob looked up, face-to-face with a very pissed off teacher…
Fuck.
After class was spent in detention. After school was spent in the principal’s office. While sitting at one of the stools, waiting for his parents, Mob kicked his legs— not listening to whatever rant the principal was talking about “behavioural issues”. Shut up, bro, focus on your criminal record—
“Ayo chill, stop talking to my kid like that.” Mob looked up, noticing Grox. Like always, in that overly fancy suit— in a school, bro? Grox ignored Mob’s judgemental look. “Where’s dad?” “Who knows?” Okay, bro.
The principal looked surprised. “L-Lord Grox?!” “What’s up!” “M-Mob is your son?!” “… Did you forget??” “I might’ve..” “Oh, nah.” Gunfire. Mob sighed and shut his eyes. Why is Grox’s patience so fucking—
…
A black SUV pulled up after a short time of waiting with Grox. Grox shot whoever was in the driver’s seat and pushed him out, hopping into the seat himself, with Mob sitting in the passenger seat. “Why did you kill him?” “His face pissed me off.” Mob shot him another judgemental look.
“Yo, Mob!” Mob glanced out the window. “Can we come over, bro?” Idaios, Twixxel, Whispy. Mob looked at Grox. “Yeah, sure, whatever.” Mob looked back at his friends, nodding at them. The three hopped into the backseat.
The drive back home was eventful. His friends spent the time asking Grox questions. Grox loved the atention, honestly.
Anyways. Entering the house, Froggy was in the kitchen. “Hi, dad.” “Hello Mr. Froggy!” “Hi!” “Hello!” Grox just didn’t greet him. “Hello! Mob’s friends?” “Hell yeah!”
Twixxel ran towards Mob’s room. “Race you!” Idaios chased after him. Whispy grabbed Mob’s hand, running after the two aswell.
Mob cracked a small smile. “Yo, he’s smiling!” “N-no I’m not!!”
…
His arms were bloody and covered in a fresh batch of cuts.
…
Grox is home.
Mob got to his shaky feet, the blade in his trembling hands dropping. His grip was gone.
Mob stumbled to the door, then down the stairs. He checked the kitchen— spotting Grox smoking there.
“P-papa..” The latter glanced at Mob, then immediately grew serious. He walked towards the cabinet, pulling out a roll of bandages and antiseptic.
Mob winced as Grox cleaned up his wounds, pouring antiseptic over them. It burns, but maybe that’s just his fault.
Once Mob’s wounds were bandaged up, Grox had simply pulled him into a hug.
He couldn’t even bring himself to cry. Hugging Grox tightly.
The front door opened. Grox rolled Mob’s sleeves back up. “I’m home,” announced his dad, dropping a few bags of groceries onto the kitchen counter. Neither Grox nor Mob answered; Grox simply kept smoking. Froggy was about to comment— then, “.. Mob?” His tone indicated worry.
Grox simply picked Mob up and carried him back into his room. Froggy watched with growing unease.
…
“I’m heading out,”
Mob called out by the front door. No answer but a hum of acceptance by the living room. He put on his boots and left, speed-walking to a shop while counting coins and bills.
He had a specific item in mind: marching determinedly towards an isle and picking out a distinct item: a rope.
Mob walked to the counter, setting the rope to the counter and offering the money.
The cashier stared at Mob nervously. As if debating. As if he could see it all through Mob’s exhausted eyes.
“… I’m sorry, I can’t sell you this.” “What?” “.. I-I can’t sell you this.” Mob clicked his tongue in annoyance. Well, time to be ridiculous.
“Why not?” He asked, tilting his head. The cashier had no direct answer. “Is it because I’m black?” “Wh- what? No!” “So sell it to me.” “I—“
The cashier let out a weary sigh, hesitantly scanning the item. Mob handed him the money, grabbing the rope and leaving the store without another thought.
“Poor child..” muttered the cashier, rubbing his forehead.
…
The walk home was silent. People stared at him— it was strange seeing a child carrying a rope, of all things. Some connected the dots pretty quickly, looking at him with pity. Others.. remained stupid.
He’d thought about it for a long time already. Can’t believe depression as insignificant as him brought him to think about death. Whatever.
A lot of options didn’t seem too terrible for him. Hanging himself, suffocating to death— it’s not horrible. He’d just hate the feeling of having to wait for death while unable to breathe. Drowning, however, is a big no. It’s the same as hanging, sure, but he’s literally an enderman. The water will burn him to death before he even begins drowning. Yes, burn.
Overdose is a second option. The imminent nausea is expected, of which he isn’t too fond of, but he could probably just sleep it off. And never wake up. Slitting his wrists could honestly be considered his first— he’s not sure why he bought the rope in the first place. Comfort, maybe. He’s not sure how comforting a rope should be.
He’s home.
Mob hid the rope under his clothing, shaking off his boots and entering the house. His ears began ringing— drowning out all sound, as he unconsciously made his way to his room.
Froggy watched.
The uncertainty that took root in his heart growing.
…
Five youtube tutorials. He STILL hasn’t figured it out. Why is tying a noose so difficult???
Mob shoved the rope under his bed at the sound of footsteps, staring at his desk as the door opened. He turned to the door.
“Dad?” “Hey, Mob.” Froggy walked inside. “Let’s go out together, yeah?” “Why?” “Why not?” Mob tilted his head. He got off the chair. “Is Grox going to come?” Froggy’s expression soured a bit too quickly. “Hopefully not— I mean, I can ask him, sweetheart.” They walked downstairs.
Grox was occupied with whoever he was calling, presumably something about his empire. Froggy stormed up to him and snatched the phone from his hand. “Hi, yes, I’m Grox’s partner, please don’t call till the end of the day okay thanks fuck you bye!” After announcing his little rant into the phone, he hung up, and shoved the phone to the chest of a very startled Grox. “What—“ “You’re coming out with me and Mob.” “… Okay???”
And in the car they were, Grox driving and breaking a bunch of traffic rules while arguing with Froggy. Mob sighed.
“What the fuck are you driving so recklessly for?!— Are you trying to get us killed?!”
“Who cares?” “ME, YOU DIPSHIT—“
yyyeaahhhhh
And inside of a mall they were. Froggy was walking hand in hand with Mob while Grox was trailing behind them. If there was one thing Grox and Mob had in common, it was a mutual fear of Froggy— as he’d threatened the life out of Grox when demanding his credit card.
Anyways.
Froggy pointed to a photo booth with contagious joy— too bad Mob and Grox were both two unhappy CREATURES.
They walked to the photo booth. Well— Froggy frolicked to it. Don’t know why he’s so happy, but atleast one of them is. He shoved both Mob and Grox into the booth, all while expertly inserting a coin into the coin slot.
Must be good with the ladies— wait, what?
Froggy jumped into the booth aswell and hugged Mob to his chest, smiling into the camera. Mob, feeling compelled to smile too, did so awkwardly, and Grox— who knew what the fuck he was doing.
Froggy happily took the picture the photo booth printed out, putting it into his pocket.
The rest of the day was honestly pretty boring— not that his parents were boring, just.. Froggy probably had the most fun.
His parents are trying their best. Why is he such a difficult child?
…
…
He pressed the blade down. Ran it through his arm.
Red pooled immediately, staining the clear metal an unnatural, thick red.
It oozes.
Another.
Another.
He needs to get to Grox.
Another.
Is Grox even home?
Another.
He’s too scared, if Froggy’s here..
Another.
Please, just get out of my mind.
The blade fell from Mob’s hands
Pant. Pant.
He reached for his phone, missclicking for a few tries before finally opening the Contacts app. He scrolled down a bit, then pressed onto Grox’s contact— of course, after a few missclicks, once again. His hands were too shaky.
He pressed the call button.
Grox picked up after a bit.
“What?”
Silence.
“Mob?”
Mob dropped the phone. He tried to pick it up— got to his feet, and fell flat on his face.
The sound alerted Grox.
“Mob??”
“Mob!”
…
“Fuck, fuck— I’m coming home right now.”
“I’m so tired..” “Don’t fucking sleep, you hear me?” Mob huffed slightly. “Okay.”
Okay.
…
“And you’re sure you’re okay?”
He was on his bed again. Grox had forced him to stay awake while on the phone the entire time he had made his way home. The door opened, and for half a beat Mob was terrified that Froggy came in— it was just Grox, however. He’d told him Froggy wasn’t home.
“I’m fine..” Grox had bandaged up his arms and fed him food to help his body develop blood again. “Okay. You’re staying in bed for now.”
…
“Mob.” Mob looked up to Grox. “Please. Just come to me next time. Don’t do this and come to me afterwards. I don’t want to keep seeing you do this.”
Yeah, his heart honestly broke a little. “I’m sorry..” “Don’t apologise, kid. You have nothing to apologise for.”
It’s pretty rare for Grox to show affection. So Mob was royally caught off guard when Grox had pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Rest up.” He got up— though he didn’t leave the room before confiscating the blades from his room. Damn.
Well, whatever.
…
Life only gets better once you take proper control of it.
He’d lost the grip on control somewhere along the long way of life long long ago.
He’s too exhausted to search for it.
Mob threw his backpack on the ground by his closet. Another tiring day of school.
Not everybody knows he’s the kid of Grox.
He’s not safe from bullies.
At a vulnerable point where his friends hadn’t been present, they’d used every minute to their advantage.
Which is why he was soaked in water.
It had really hurt.
He shrugged off his hoodie.
Mob sat at his desk. Pulling out a piece of paper.
‘Hi, everyone.’
…
He filled two pages.
Mob slowly folded his note, pushing it in one of the drawers in his desk.
He hopped off his chair and stalked to his bathroom, ignoring the next round of arguing his parents were heated on.
He didn’t really need to shower. His body lacks the ability to sweat. There’s nothing for bacteria to latch onto, so he never really stinks.
He still tries.
Mob shrugged off the rest of his clothing and dampened up a rag.
It’s the only way the water doesn’t hurt.
Running it through his skin— his arms, his legs, torso— he’d always had a little trouble with his back, but he managed to get it to work. A little bit through his hair. He refreshed the rag and did the same thing once more.
All clean.
Mob turned around and reached for a towel, covering up his body. He opened the door quietly, then hurried to his room, changing into a fresh pair of clothes.
He laid back down to his bed.
…--
…
WHISPY
11:39 AM
— Yo, Mob, wanna hang out?
— Ida and Twixx are comin
MOB
11:42 AM
— not in the mood
— sorry
WHISPY
11:43 AM
— All good, man.
— Take care
And another day passes with him making his friends worry.
Just great.
Mob stared at his phone for a second longer— then set it back on his nightstand, curling into a ball.
It’s not like his days go by with much.
Everyday is spent like this.
In his bed— sulking. Not even trying.
God, what a loser.
No wonder he gets bullied.
His friends probably don’t even like him.
His life isn’t nearly terrible enough for him to be so depressed.
Mob slowly got up, sneaking down the stairs.
He walked into the kitchen, head and shoulders slouched.
Someone was smoking there.
Mob looked up— already expecting it: Grox.
He sniffled. Grox turned to the sound.
It was silent for too long.
Mob walked closer as Grox opened his arms, slumping into his embrace. The arms closed around him and left him sobbing quietly into the other’s suit.
No words were exchanged during it.
..---
…
.----
4:01 AM
Mob got up slowly. He reached into the note in his drawer and pulled it out, smoothing it over. He got up from bed and stumbled to his door.
Excitement bubbled. Deep, disgusting excitement.
He walked downstairs quickly— though with extra precision, avoiding all creaky steps.
Mob swiftly sets the note on the kitchen counter, then moves through the cabinets and grabs onto glinting metal.
A knife.
Sharp and ready.
He hurried back into his room.
Mob grabbed his phone. Clicking onto Twixxel’s contact.
For a while, he hesitated. His fingers hovered over the keyboard. A minute ticked by. Two did. Three. Mob began typing.
MOB
4:06 AM
— I love you so much
— Thank you so much for being there for me
— You, Whispy and Idaios
— I love you all to the end
Mob slowly set his phone down, taking the knife into his dominant hand.
Messages sent, which he hadn’t noticed.
TWIXXEL
4:07
— ??
— Mob
— Mob wdym
— What’s happening bro
— Mob
— Mob
— I’m coming over
— Mob answer please
He’s so tired.
He had driven the knife far too deep into both of his wrists— he was honestly surprised he’d managed to, with his gradually fading strength.
He didn’t even need to use the rope.
What a waste of money.
Mob’s eyes closed— for the first time in too long, a smile reached his lips.
…
“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
He repeated the word over and over— taking in sharp gasps for air as he ran like his life depended on it. All while staring at a screen. At four independent messages.
Twixxel pushed the phone into his pocket, somehow grabbing a hold of enough energy to speed up. Reaching the house’s doorway, Twixxel didn’t bother knocking nor ringing the doorbell— he drove his shoulder into the door hard. One, two, three times, then it miraculously gave in. Maybe his shoulder dislocated.
“MOB!” He couldn’t care less about his volume right now. Twixxel stumbled into the house, tears catching his eyes, before running up the stairs. “MOB!!” Twixxel reached the door to Mob’s room just as two alert adults exited their own room. Twixxel didn’t pay them any attention. He couldn’t.
He pushed open the door to Mob’s room far too quickly, stumbling inside. “MOB—“ Twixxel froze.
Tears flooded his eyes. Froggy hurried into the doorway, already at the attempt to scold Twixxel— but paused at Twixxel’s silence. The world felt like it tilted. “M-MOB! OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, MOB! MOB!!!”
Twixxel’s legs gave out— he crawled towards Mob’s crumpled form on the ground, screaming and crying out his name till his voice was sore. Froggy hurried into the room, incapable of squeezing away the batch of tears that came to his eyes as he took control of the situation. “CALL THE FUCKING AMBULANCE, GROX!”
And comply the other adult did.
…
He couldn’t even focus on anything else.
The ride to the hospital was quiet and frantic in the worst possible way. Grox was trying to calm Twixxel down while speeding over 50km past the speed limit driving to the hospital. Froggy was in the backseat with Mob, trying desperately to keep his body warm, stop the bleeding and force him to keep breathing.
They were in the waiting room. Grox was pacing through the place, jaw clenched tight. Froggy was sitting beside Twixxel.
He couldn’t focus.
He began hyperventilating again.
Unknowingly.
Froggy knelt down before him. Taking Twixxel’s hands into his with a gentleness so foreign, Twixxel froze up completely. “Breathe.” He whispered, though Twixxel could tell how Froggy tried to mask his own fear. “You’re okay.” Twixxel took a shaky breath, managing to calm down.
Froggy reached out and gently wiped Twixxel’s tears away. They shared a quiet, warm hug, then Froggy sat back down next to Twixxel.
He felt calmer.
Calm enough to pull out his phone and press on a specific groupchat in his contacts.
One that involved Idaios, Whispy, and Mob.
Twixxel shuddered.
TWIXXEL
4:56 AM
— Mob is in the hospital
WHISPY
4:56 AM
— What?
— Twixxel this isn’t funny
IDAIOS
4:57 AM
— ????
WHISPY
4:57 AM
— Is he ok?
— WTF happened?
IDAIOS
4:57 AM
— Twixxel what happened?
— Twixxel
— Twixxel
Twixxel put his phone away, unable to look at the messages any longer.
He leaned against Froggy’s arm. Froggy pulled him closer. “We need to check up on you, afterwards, sweetheart. Your shoulder doesn’t look good.” Twixxel nodded, abesntmindedly.
…
The doctor had slowly come out the room. Too slow for Twixxel’s liking. If he hadn’t tensed up, the male beside him sure has. Grox stopped moving, turning to the doctor.
“How is he? Is he alive?” Grox stepped closer, his height just about intimidating. The doctor couldn’t help but break out into a fearful sweat. “W-we’ve managed to stabilise him. Yes, he’s alive, though miraculously. Had you brought him in a couple minutes later, he wouldn’t have made it.”
Twixxel got to his feet so quick he stumbled slightly. Froggy caught him. “Can we see him?!” He shouted, tears immediately welling back up in his eyes. Froggy pulled Twixxel closer to him.
“Family only, for the time being.” Twixxel sighed slightly. He slumped back down against the chair. As relieved Froggy was, he turned quietly to the doctor. “Why? This child came in here screaming for help, got my kid assistance in time, and came early enough to stabilise him. How are you saying you’re not allowing him to see my son?” The doctor shook his head: “I’m sorry, but it’s the rules.”
Twixxel tugged onto Froggy’s sleeve, witnessing his face change slightly— as if recognising he wasn’t going to take that answer. “I-it’s okay, I can see him later..”
Froggy looked at Twixxel, then nodded slowly.
“Twixxel!!” A couple of quick footsteps hurried towards their spot in the hospital. He turned to see his friends. “T-Twixxel, are you okay? What happened??” “Wh—what happened??!” A hand to his shoulder made a spike of pain run through the already numb dislocation, making him visibly flinch. Froggy tensed up. “We need to get that checked out.”
…
Whispy and Idaios were sitting beside Froggy, now. Grox had gone to see him first at Froggy’s insistence to look after the worried children. A doctor had taken Twixxel to check on his shoulder.
Whispy looked over to Froggy, as if mustering up the courage to ask one dreaded question— though went against it, looking back to the ground. Idaios grabbed Whispy’s hand. He held it back.
“… M-Mob is okay?” Whispy asked— his voice barely above a whisper. Froggy looked at him, then set a hand to his back. “Yes, he’s stable.” He smiled gently at the two kids, who both let out a held-back sigh of relief.
…
…
This wasn’t how he’d expected it to go, honestly.
He was still alive, for some miraculous reason. He overhead the doctor tell his parents that it was some type of “1 in 1000” or something. What the fuck? Why’d he get so lucky? Should’ve spent that luck gambling.
Mob turned his side to a familiar figure. Grox. Mob shrunk back slightly, though tensed up when Grox took his hand. He was staring at Mob with and unreadable expression.
… “… Surprise?” Mob murmured, earning a chuckle from Grox.
Grox leaned closer to Mob and kissed his forehead gently, then hugged the child— as best as he can. Mob hugged back after a few minutes. “I..— I’m sorry..” “You have nothing to apologise for, Mob.” Mob remained silent.
…
The next few visits were quite emotional.
Froggy had come in after Grox had and just started crying. This was his first time seeing his dad cry— he felt kinda horrible about it. Nevertheless, he’d hugged Mob tightly, peppered his face with kisses and thanked whoever was up there for keeping his baby alive.
His friend were here, too. Surprisingly. Whispy told him Twixxel was here first and Froggy had explained to then that Twixxel was the reason he was even in here in the first place. He didn’t think Twixxel had the guts to break down his door to get to him, but there’s a first for everything?
Anyway, he dislocated his shoulder and needed to get that checked out. After explaining, Whispy and Idaios also began crying and hugging onto Mob. He sighed, hugging them back and muttering out an apology.
Froggy had coaxed the children to go back home. He’d offered to drive them, but Whispy and Idaios merely hugged Froggy and thanked him, before leaving.
Now it was just Mob.
With both his parents on one side.
This was the most peaceful he’d seen his parents.
Surprisingly, Froggy and Grox were holding hands too— umm.. looking closer, it just seemed like Froggy was squeezing Grox’s hand in a death grip to keep calm and the latter had just went with it.
Froggy took Mob’s hand in his. He held it back.
The instinct tugged at him.
“… I’m sorry..” Though his apology was immediately shut down by both of them. “Mob.” “Please, baby, don’t apologise.” Mob bit his lip slightly. “H-how can I not..? After making you go through this mess.”
Froggy squeezed Mob’s hand slightly. “I’d do this a million times over if I had to. Don’t aologise to me, baby, we should be apologising to you.” What? “No.. no, you shouldn’t..” Mob closed his eyes.
Gosh, how exhausting this was.
Maybe it really would’ve been better if he died.
He can’t distinguish thoughts between speaking out loud.
Now all of a sudden, he was back in a tight embrace, with Froggy just barely at the verge of tears once again, his face nuzzled into Mob’s neck. Surprise was an understatement of what he felt. He looked at Grox in confusion. “You spoke out loud.” He said simply. Mob let out a sigh of embarrassment, slowly hugging Froggy back. “Sorry, dad..” “Mob.. I told you to stop apologising..” “Sorry..” Both adults let out a sigh— Grox, more one of amusement.
—