Work Text:
A peace between the two of us
23 hours. That's how long it's been.
007n7 has been looking for his kid for almost a day, ever since he woke up to a quiet home and a missing report, flyers and calls with no luck from his eight year old boy. He's been worried sick for each second and minute, trying to find his son, even going to find him himself, no luck in that.
-
“Sorry 7n7, we really haven't seen him." Guest 1337 sympathetically tries to tell the poor father, with a silver haired man beside him with a suit and shiny fedora, only giving 007n7 a glance before looking away to who knows what.
“Are you guys sure you haven't seen him? He was gone by the morning, he could've wandered around this part of town!” 007n7 questioned, looking at the two with a worried and almost panicked expression — stress, worry, concern, panicked — most emotions seeped through his body which was clear already through his body language.
Despite the father's questions, the two men sitting in their chairs could only shake their heads.
“Just wait for the police to call you, they'll find C00lkidd.” Chance just said in a plain voice, not really bothered by the small kid's disappearance.
A few more questions and turn downs, before 007n7 could just sigh quietly, his hands gently squeezing themselves before he could walk away, giving his goodbyes.
“..."
The two men who were questioned, glanced at each other, giving a look — concern — they could only hope for the former hacker to find his son sooner than later.
–
1:34 PM, one day since C00lkidd’s disappearance.
“Have you seen him?" 007n7 points at the missing poster he held in his hand.
“No, sorry.” Noob says with a sigh, shaking his head.
The worried father could only nod slowly, understanding and accepting another defeat of any hope to find his only son.
“Hey 7n7?" The boy calls out, looking at the other with a gentle look. He only hopes the best for 007n7, seeing his current state ever since C00kidd went missing. “You'll find him soon, okay?”
The other looks back at Noob, only giving a smile of reassurance to only hope for the best as well. “Yeah, thank you.." his voice hinting disappointment, yet filled with hope.
Noob smiles at the words of gratitude, he then walks over before pointing at his front door. “C'mon, how about we have some tea? Ease your mind before you can continue the search." He suggests, wanting to bring some ease and some happiness out of the anxious father.
“I..sure, thanks Noob." 007n7 accepts the offer, with Noob nodding as he starts walking into his home.
“How would you like your tea?"
“Uhm.. Anything..?"
“Sure! I'll see what I can brew for the afternoon!" Noob says as he brings 007n7 inside for tea. The tea was able to bring 007n7 to his senses, at least for the evening.
No clue for finding C00lkidd, again.
–
“No, stop bothering everyone about your kid, 007n7." Builderman says, the man is trying to just walk around the streets with Shedletsky.
007n7 looks at the two, seeing them pass by as he places another missing poster. He looks at the poster on the poll.
The poster with large letters labeling ‘Missing kid’ with a big picture below, showing C00lkidd with a small description below that.
‘If anyone has seen or heard about a kid like this, please contact xxx-xxx-xx!!’
“You really should just rely on the police." The brunette man eating a chicken leg says as he takes a bite of his food. Builderman gives a small glare to Shedletsky for his attitude and lack of sympathy for 007n7.
“...yeah, I'll do that. Thanks anyway." The father only muttered in defeat, yet again. He takes the rest of the many posters in his bag before walking off his home.
The two watched as 007n7 walked away, his head down. The sky was getting dark, the once sunny day, now into a dark night..
“Should've been nicer?"
“What? He's been bothering almost everyone in town about his missing kid."
Builderman rubs his temples from how frustrated he felt, but it faded after a bit to nod slowly. Shedletsky is right, 007n7 has been asking and bothering everyone, from Guest, Chance, Noob and then them two. Even neighbors were informed about the missing child yet only gave disappointed answers to 007n7.
“Let's just head back to headquarters, it's getting late." Shedletsky starts walking along the pathway, with Builderman following behind.
007n7 could only hope that he'll find C00lkidd again. Safe and sound.
–
A few years ago.
007n7 buries himself in the comfort of his bed, he's been hearing loud cries all morning, unable to nap in peace.
“Oh my god, is the noise the neighbors baby!?" He shouted at himself before groaning and covering his ears. The constant crying still hasn't stopped, but he wished it stopped.
The man gets out of bed as he starts heading to the door. If that baby is not gonna stop crying, he'll yell at the parents of the baby to make it stop.
He opened the door and was about to step out, but he stopped.
A small red baby, wrapped in a blanket in a basket cries, tears rolling down their cheeks.
007n7 blinks at the sight. He thought initially it was a neighbor's baby, not one in front of his doorstep. He immediately looks around, no sign of a guardian of a parent nearby.
The red small baby cries even louder, the tears flow down their cheeks.
007n7 panicked at the noise and knelt down, gently picking up the baby and rocking them in his arms.
“Hey, hey, shh..it's okay, it's okay.” He gently hushes, trying to quiet the small being in his arms.
After a few minutes of gentle hushing and reassuring words, the baby quiets down.
“Phew.." 007n7 sighs to himself. He looks at the basket, then to the small baby not older than three in his arms. Who would leave a baby alone to cry? Why at his front door? Why him?
Just as the man continues to think all of these questions to himself, a small noise coos at him. The baby, now calm, is making babbling noises to the man, reaching their little hands out with a small smile.
“Baawaa..!" The baby babbles out.
007n7 looks at the being in his arms, his gaze softening at the sight. The way their little hands reached out, and those innocent eyes..the look at him was adorable.
He gently moves to hold the baby wrapped in a big white blanket with one arm, using his free hand to gently poke the small palms of the child, they only giggle and babble in response.
“I wonder who left you at my door.." he mumbled out. He continues to gently and slowly rock the baby, playing with them more.
He inspects the small being, before finding a small paper where it is labeled ‘C00lkidd’. So his name is C00lkidd, the young man thought before smiling.
“Someone left you here at my doorstep for a reason." He guesses, before bringing them inside with him.
"Don't worry, little baby, I'll make sure to take care of you.” It would be heartless and cruel to leave the baby all alone. The thought of sending them to an orphanage was too much as well, too much work and most orphanages suck, well to 007n7, it sucks.
The baby only babbles and holds onto his fingers, bringing a small shine of glimmer in the hacker's eyes.
Maybe it wouldn't be so bad taking care of a child.
A few years after that day..
“Dad, dad!!" The once small baby, now a toddler, runs up to 007n7, his expression filled with happiness as the now former hacker opens his arms, getting a hug from his son.
“Happy birthday, C00lkidd." 007n7 greats with a chuckle, bringing the young boy to jump around from happiness. His birthday.
To be exact, 007n7 never knew when C00kidd's birthday was, but he decided it'll be the day he found his son, the morning he goes out to take the small child in his arms. The day he decided he'll change, for his son's future.
“Thanks, dad!! What's my present, what's my present!?!?” He peaks behind his dad, looking at the red wrapped box on the table beside a small cake for the two to enjoy.
"Calm down, kiddo. It's something I've been wanting to give you for some time.” 007n7 walks over to pick up the box, giving it to the kid as he is smiling excitedly.
As the young excited boy takes the box, he jumps in place for a few seconds, before opening the box.
A flying red screen immediately pops out of the box, floating in front of C00kidd's face. He blinks a bit in surprise before his eyes sparkle, confused but happy.
“Woah! What's this, what's this, dad!?" He asks immediately, touching some buttons as he explores the screen full of options, clicking buttons which 007n7 had to stop him from doing so.
“Woah, hey hey, don't touch it randomly." 007n7 warns slowly as he calms the hyper kid down. “It's a c00lgui. It's for you to use." He says with a smile.
“What does it do?"
“Use commands..? Anything really."
“Can I spawn lollipops?"
“Uh, yeah?"
“Can I spawn a hundred of them!?!?"
“Now that's a bit too many…"
“Okay then one big lollipop!"
007n7 sighs with a small laugh at his kid's enthusiasm. “Sure, one big lollipop.”
"Yay!!” C00lkidd jumps again from happiness, before he runs to his dad to give a hug. "Thanks, dad!!”
He blinks in surprise from the hug, before he relaxes and nods with a warm smile on his face. "Of course, no problem C00lkidd.” a gentle pat on the boy's head.
C00lkidd smiles and giggles. The noises making 007n7 smile more, things changed, and he didn't mind it.
A few months after that day..
“You and your kid are blacklisted from this pizzeria!!” The young employee glares at the two.
A building not far from the three, is in flames. Builder Brother's Pizza, a well known pizzeria with the best meals for big groups to individuals, now in flames with sirens of firefighters steaming and cooling down the area.
007n7 stares at the employee. He turns his head to C00lkidd, the boy just staring at the flames with an ecstatic gaze.
The father gently takes his boy in his arms before nodding and giving a small bow. “I understand, I'm terribly sorry for my son's actions.." His voice is shaky and apologetic.
The angered employee continues to glare at the two before shaking his head. “Get out of my sight, I don't ever wanna see you or your kid's face near the building once it's rebuilt." He said, trying not to raise his voice too much.
C00lkidd was confused. Blacklisted? Did he do something wrong? Meanwhile, 007n7 nods as he starts to bring C00lkidd out of the area. Leaving the angry employee to sigh and watch as the firefighters water down the pizzeria.
As the two walk home, C00lkidd looks at the c00lgui, before he frowns. “Dad.."
007n7 slowly stops in his tracks, looking down at his kid who's holding his hand.
“What's up, kiddo?" He tilts his head in curiosity.
“Did I do something bad..?" The kid looks up at his dad with innocent and curious eyes.
“..yes, but it was a simple mistake." 007n7 reassures before squeezing the little one's hand. “How about this, let's go to the candy store to buy some lollipops, just for today.” His smile is warm and gentle.
C00lkidd looks up at 007n7 before smiling back and jumping in place, excited for some lollipops. “Yay, lollipops!!" He cheered with giggles.
The happy and playful expression made 007n7’s day already nice, even after the whole incident.
The two went on to pass by a candy shop, and eventually buy themselves some lollipops for the day.
–
2 weeks after C00lkidd's disappearance.
Hours, days, weeks of no sign and no hope for 007n7’s little boy's appearance, no sign of him being found. It was stressful, depressing even. He's given up asking people around the area but still puts up posters in hopes someone would call him and give him the good news of his son finally found, safe and healthy at best.
Though with how long he's been missing, he's losing hope drastically. He misses his son, his very own child he raised and grew together with, every moment of the little boy is around his home, his everyday life.
Eating was too tiring, knowing he won't hear talks and rambles from the little boy across the table, random questions about the world, about food, about anything.
Going out was too painful, reminiscing the moments he'd go on walks with C00lkidd, walking home with lollipops and candies in hand. Sometimes going out for groceries together, other times going out for a play in the park's playground.
Everyday was interesting for 007n7 when he was with his kid. But now the moments are gone, the nights he'd call the police only for no response on the missing child case.
He didn't know how to handle life properly anymore. His everything, now missing and possibly gone forever.
The man never came out of the house, never talked to anyone, and kept everything to himself. There were only a couple times he came out of his house, and it's just to get food.
Click.
“Woah! Dad, dad, look!! The dot is blinking red!!" A small little boy holds the camera up, looking straight at the lenses with a big curious and innocent smile.
007n7 in the camera, can be seen over at the kitchen counter, preparing sandwiches. He hears C00lkidd’s calls, he turns to the boy's direction and notices the camera on.
He smiles and walks over there with a chuckle. “It's recording, it's called a camera.” He explains as he waves at the camera before poking at the lense. "This is where it captures the scene."
The little boy opens his mouth in surprise at the new information. He runs around the house, showing the camera his bedroom. “Look!! Capture my bedroom, camera! Dad made it so well, it has my favorite toys, plushies, and look!" C00lkidd grabs a big lollipop and shows it to the camera.
"Dad got me this for my 6th birthday! Isn't he the best!?" The boy continues to talk to the camera, showing around the house.
Meanwhile, 007n7 watches from a distance, a small smile forming from how his kid runs around and shows the whole house.
The camera captures every moment, the way C00lkidd runs from his dad, the way he's hiding and snickering, when he was found, when they went to eat sandwiches.
It was like life never changed..
Click.
The clip ends there. 007n7 looks at the paused screen on his TV with a frown on his expression — pain, sadness, longing — ran through his veins.
He misses him, he misses his son.
Every video clip playing on the TV deepens his longing for his son again. It's been too long, too many days, too many weeks without him.
Every single moment he only wished for one thing; to have his little boy in his arms again. His C00lkidd.
–
Elliot listens as Chance and Guest 1337 talk about 007n7’s case that has been going on for weeks.
“It's been around a month since C00lkidd has been missing.” Guest places his hand on his chin, his arm resting on the table as the three are at the newly built Builder Brother’s Pizza has been renewed.
“So what? It's not like that kid is yours." Chance says as he takes a sip of his drink. He glances over at Elliot, the man just in his seat, looking out of it. “Elliot, what's on your mind?" Chance notices easily.
Elliot flinches and snaps out of his head as he looks at the two now staring at him. “Oh, uh. Nothing." He shakes his head, trying to compose himself. “What were we talking about again?"
“About 007n7’s missing kid. He's been missing for a month." Guest brings back the topic, brushing off the hardworking employee’s state a while ago.
“Oh, yeah." Elliot nods slowly.
"Seriously, 007n7 is a literal former hacker, why are we worrying for a ha-!” Before the man with a fedora could finish his sentence, his mouth is shut by a hand from Guest.
"Let's not be too harsh. 007n7 has changed, don't dwell on his past actions, Chance.” Chance listens before shrugging as he continues his drink.
Elliot sighs with the current situation. He didn't really care much about the topic, considering the missing kid is someone who burned down his workplace a few years prior.
“I really couldn't care much about the kid, Guest. We both know what he did to this pizzeria, I don't feel any sympathy or pity for his disappearance." Elliot could only admit with a rub on his temples.
“It's not about C00lkidd we're talking about, Elliot.” Guest replies.
"Wait, it isn't?”
"It's about his damn father.” Chance adds, clearing the confusion up. Guest gives a look and Chance whistles before looking away and continuing his food.
“Oh, 007n7?" Elliot never had too many issues with the man, other than his kid burning down the pizzeria, still not forgiving him for that.
“Yeah, after 2 weeks of C00lkidd's disappearance, he's been closed off.” Guest 1337 starts.
"Me and Chance–well, mostly me, have been trying to check up on 007n7. He responds..sorta, but it's just always the same message." He takes out his phone and opens up his messages with 007n7.
“Here, have a look.” Elliot leans closer to check the screen.
007n7 🍔
“Hey 7n7! How's the search? Are you okay?"
“Yeah. I'm fine."
“No signs of C00lkidd."
“Hope they find him soon."
“Yeah, me too."
The two look at the phone, with Chance just at the table watching the two discuss.
“You're overreacting.”
"What!?”
"Just because he texts like that doesn't mean he isn't doing well!!” Elliot crosses his arms with a deadpanned look.
“Okay, maybe yeah.” Guest sighs, shaking his head.
"007n7 hasn't been out of the house as often now, and he barely texts anyone.” Chance points out, taking a sip of his drink.
Elliot turns to Chance. Now that's surprising, as little as he knows 007n7, he isn't so closed off, especially that he wasn't much of an indoor person, ever since C00lkidd's disappearance.
“Really?"
“After C00lkidd disappeared, yeah really."
Elliot stayed quiet after the realization of 007n7’s possible state. He glances at Guest 1337, only to receive a nod of agreement to what Chance said.
“Have any of you visited to check up on him?"
The two only stared at Elliot.
“Seriously!? Not even once?? Only texting him?" He was surprised at best.
“Well we were too busy!"
“Busy!?"
“We thought he needed space!"
Elliot pinches the bridge of his nose as he shakes his head. As much as he hates 007n7 for what his kid did, it's disappointing and sad to realize that no one bothered to personally check up on the poor father. The man has been worried and losing hope for the findings of his missing kid and not even people he knows bother to reach out and support him when he probably, definitely, needed them most.
“And you two are just talking about it and not doing anything.” Elliot sighed in disappointment.
"Look, how about you check up on him if you're that worried.” Chance gives a look to the man as he takes a loud sip of his drink.
"I– y'know, I might as well.” Elliot stood up and packed his things.
"Wait, actually?” Guest was surprised.
"Yeah, right after my shift though.” Elliot said, giving a small wave.
"I'll let you and the others know about 007n7’s state afterwards.” Guest and Chance look at each other before looking at Elliot, both of them giving him a thumbs up.
8:12 PM at the Builder Brother's Pizza
Elliot closes up the pizzeria with a proud smile, a good day of the pizzeria, considering he made a ton of tips within the day.
He stretches as he goes in his car, placing his things at the passenger seat. After a few minutes of fixing, he goes to grab his phone, checking the messages.
Forsaken it all !!
Builderman: “So Elliot is gonna check on him?"
Chance: “Yeah, he agreed with me and Guest 1337."
Taph: " ✋,☝️❓ (Wait, I'm confused.) ”
Dusekkar: "Taph, Elliot has gone to 007n7's residence to ensure his state based on the past weeks, and he shall update us on his condition as soon as he can."
Taph: “👌”
Two Time: “Elliot, are you heading over to double 0 seven’s home?”
"Yeah, I'm about to drive over.”
“I'll text back in here afterwards"
Elliot looks at the conversations on the phone before letting out a breath. He puts his phone away, moving to the steering wheel. He had a bad feeling already that what he's gonna drive to won't be a pretty sight.
Thankfully the drive isn't that far from the pizzeria, just a couple minutes ahead of the building.
Once Elliot parks a spot around the neighborhood, he gets out of his car, bringing his phone as he walks past the streets.
As he walked through the dark neighborhood, he could faintly notice the many posters on each street light.
Missing Child
With a picture of C00lkidd.
‘If anyone has seen or heard about a kid like this, please contact xxx-xxx-xx!!’
‘007n7 must've put these up, there's hundreds at least.’ Elliot thought as he continued to walk to 007n7’s house.
He's familiar with the house, not like he's been there before. He's gone over only to deliver a couple pizzas, seeing the small kid before he caused chaos to the pizzeria, before he went missing.
Elliot tries to shrug off the thoughts as he walks over to the house, he stares at the front door, his hand ready to knock on the door, hesitant.
Why is he hesitating? He wondered himself. The thought of worse possible things happening lingered in his mind, giving him the shivers.
But after a few minutes of reassurance, he shakes his head before finally making a move and knocking on the door.
Knock knock.
…
Knock knock!
After a few long minutes, the sound of faint footsteps head to the door. The door slowly opens, only to reveal an exhausted and drained 007n7.
The man has baggy eyes, clearly showing signs of lack of sleep, and his body has been showing less nutrition. It was clear he wasn't coping well with the disappearance.
“Oh? Elliot..?” 007n7 blinks in surprise at the sight. He then looks around.
"Hey, can I come inside?” Elliot asks, he needs to check on 007n7’s state fully before he can update the others.
“..." 007n7 looks at the other for a bit before slowly nodding and opening the door fully.
Thankfully again, the house wasn't a mess, not too much. The living room seem cleaned, but there were boxes, each labelled with things such as ‘C00lkidd#1’ and ‘C00lkidd#3’.
“Sorry about the many boxes…” 007n7 apologized as he seated the other down on the couch.
"So why are you here..?” He asks, sitting at the other side of the couch, keeping distance. He looked extremely exhausted and worse than ever.
"...I just wanted to check on you." Elliot admitted, as much as he hated to even say it. ‘it’s just for the others, Elliot.’ he reminded himself.
"Oh-uhm..” 007n7 was surprised, he looked away for a moment. He never expected someone, moreso Elliot out of everyone to check on him.
“..." The silence was sickening and deadly to the two.
Elliot lets out a breath before speaking again. “As much as I don't forgive you for what you and your kid did to the pizzeria.” He pauses, before looking directly at 007n7.
"The others are worried about how you've been handling the.. situation." He says the truth, before quietly admitting. "I'm worried about you.”
007n7 was even more surprised. "I thought you hated me.” He questions.
"Only because of what you and your kid did to the pizzeria.”
"...”
"...”
Elliot sighs again and looks away, feeling a wave of embarrassment admitting his concern.
007n7 then stands up from the couch, giving a small smile. “I..gotta use the bathroom. In a moment." He excuses himself as he walks away to the bathroom.
Elliot watches as he sighs. That just heightened his concerns, but before 007n7 could walk far, he called out.
“Can I at least get a cup of water?”
"..sure.” 007n7 agreed before heading to the bathroom.
The pizza employee just rests on the couch for a moment, thinking about how he'll explain to the others on 007n7’s draining state.
He brushes the thought as he gets up, walking to the kitchen. He saw it as he entered the house so it wasn't hard to find it.
He enters the kitchen as he goes to grab a glass, luckily it's not in a cabinet so he wouldn't have to be opening cabinet to cabinet. He grabs his cup as he starts filling it with some cold water.
As he drinks the water, he notices something from the corner of his eye. He swears to himself that he's seeing things, or it's just the dark and the shadows making him have the wrong concept.
A gun. On the counter, over a small picture frame of C00lkidd and 007n7, and a note beside it.
Elliot didn't want to assume too quickly, but he didn't want to snoop around. Curiosity kills the cat first though.
He walks over to the counter, slowly trying to use whatever light is available in the kitchen to read the note. “C00lkid, I'm sorry I wasn't a good father to you." His eyes widened. Was this an attempt? Was 007n7 gonna attempt to off himself?
Before Elliot could process this new information, he hears the voice of 007n7 appear. He freezes immediately at the reaction.
“Elliot? Did you get your water–" 007n7 walks in the kitchen and stares at Elliot, seeing him already at the counter, right beside the gun.
Elliot looks at 007n7, fear and worry. He doesn't even know why, he's just incredibly concerned at the thought of the attempt.
“What's this?" He tries to ask for an explanation, his eyes and body language showing clear signs of fear.
007n7 blinks before he looks away. He didn't know how to explain. “It's been a month and more, I don't know how much I can handle this." He started, crossing his arms as he closed his eyes.
“C00lkidd just randomly went missing, and the police can't find any clues, no one has seen him and I can't.." His voice shivered. He lets out a heavy breath as he lowers his head.
Elliot listens as the man in front of him explains, he stays quiet. He can't think of the pain 007n7 had to go through, the many times his hopes died low due to lack of clues. As much as he hated C00lkidd, he understood the father's struggles, in his own way.
“..I have a little sister at home." He admits quietly, 007n7 looks up at him in surprise at the admission.
Elliot and 007n7 give each other a look, before the man continues. “She's around your son's age. And if I were to find out she's missing, I'd be worried and scared as well.”
He goes around the counter to be in front of the other. “..But this.” He gestures to the weapon. "Look, he could still be alive, they could find him. We could find him.” He looks at 007n7 straight in the eyes.
"..we?” The other questions.
"Yeah, we.” He gives a smile.
"Don't do this, okay?” He gestures to the gun on the counter. "I'm helping you find C00lkidd, we'll work together.” He announced.
The thought of someone showing determination to help him find his son was admirable, and it brought much more ease and hope in his heart, to find C00lkidd, alive and safe.
"Thank you, but..” 007n7 hesitates. "Are you sure about this?” He asks.
"Yeah.” He says, understanding it now.
Elliot then reaches his hand out, asking for 007n7’s, in which he accepts the offer.
"I have some snacks in my car, I can go out and share some with you.” Elliot suggests. “It's tasty, I promise." He doubts 007n7 hasn't been eating well anyway.
007n7 shakes his head at the suggestion. “Are you sure? You've already done so much by helping me find C00lkidd..” he mutters.
"Yeah.” Elliot nods, his hand squeezes 007n7’s. "You look like you need it.” He smiles, though he really does look like he needs it, a need to lift the man's mood up
“Thank you so much.."
“Just wanna help."
Forsaken it all !!
Noob: "I really hope 7n7’s doing okay.."
Shedletsky: “You shouldn't worry so much, Elliot's got it under control.”
Guest 1337: “He should be texting back anyway."
Two Time: "It's been about an hour at best, Guest.”
"Hey guys.”
Taph: "❓👌 ( Is he okay? ) “
"No, but he's getting better.”
"I'm about to head home now.”
Two Time: "Thank the spawn! No need to worry now!”
Chance: “Wow, so much about the spawns."
Builderman: “Hope you drive home safe, Elliot."
“Thanks, Builderman."
Elliot looks at the messages before turning off his phone, his eyes on the house of 007n7. He talked with the man for a few more minutes before saying his goodbyes.
He wondered how the next few days would go, since he said he'd help with the search for C00lkidd.
He didn't think too much about it as he decided to drive home for the night.
–
A month and 2 weeks after C00lkidd's disappearance.
It was almost draining for 007n7 trying to find his son with no help from the police, but now Elliot is helping, which sounds weird but the man was grateful for it.
For the next two ongoing weeks, Elliot and 007n7 have been seeing each other over the days, checking up and gathering clues.
“here?"
“No…"
“Hey, focus, we'll find him."
“...yeah."
Though most days 007n7 almost gave up completely, but because of Elliot's support and help, it never happened. The father couldn't help but feel extremely grateful.
10:44 AM. 007n7’s neighborhood.
Knock knock!!
007n7 opens the door, seeing Elliot immediately. He smiles at the sight.
“Hello, Elliot.." he greets the man with a wave.
Elliot nods with a wave as well. "Hey, mind if I come inside?” The door fully opens after a few seconds of the man entering.
“Anything I can get you?"
“No, I'm fine."
007n7 nods as they walk to the living room. The two sit down over on the couch, a few moments of silence.
“It's been 2 weeks, are you sure–"
“You're really giving up on your son?" Elliot interrupts.
007n7 looks at him, seeing his serious expression but he sighs and shakes his head, knowing well he shouldn't, and that there's still hope. “Yeah, you're right."
“..." Elliot gets up to sit closer, placing a hand on the man's back, gently rubbing it.
007n7 found the touch comforting in a way, it has been like this for the past 2 weeks now. It was nice like this, no hard tension over what happened with C00lkidd, Elliot helping him with his search and findings for his son.
“...” Despite the 2 weeks going by, it made Elliot worried in a way. The way he noticed the gun on the night he came over, the many boxes of C00lkidd's things when he was much younger, the pictures of 007n7 and his son. He really was desperate.
“Hey, 7n7." Elliot calls out. “How about we go to a cafe, my treat." He smiles, he remembers a cat cafe not far, hopefully that'll ease the poor father's mind for the day.
“Oh? Are you sure..?? You're already doing so much, and I am very–”
"Yes or no?”
"...”
“..." Elliot raised an eyebrow.
"..Yes.” 007n7 softens with a smile.
Elliot nods, giving back a smile. He gets up from the couch, putting his hands on his hips and removing his hand off of 007n7’s back as he looks over at the other. “You wanna get dressed or just stay wearing that?"
“I'll change." Elliot nodded again with that as he watched 007n7 walk out of the room to change.
A few minutes go by..
10 minutes…
20 minutes.
Elliot sighed. What's taking him so long? He thought. It was almost like waiting for Mia to prepare to go to school. He then calls out.
“7n7? What's taking so long?" He didn't get a response.
His worry peaked from that point, something didn't feel right, something was off. He immediately walks to the bedroom, calling out 007n7.
“7n7! Answer me??"
“Hey, 007–"
Elliot knocks as he enters the bedroom, slowly peaking only to find the man just standing.
007n7 stands in his bedroom, looking at a small colored hat, a beanie propeller hat. He stares at it in his hands.
“..." Elliot's gaze softens. The man didn't hesitate as he walked over to 007n7’s side, looking at the hat in his hands.
The other holding the hat didn't say anything at first, just holding the hat as his fingers slightly trembled.
“It's C00lkidd's hat?" 007n7 nods slowly. He lowers his head.
“Sorry, I got distracted." He apologizes, with Elliot shaking his head at the apology. The other walks closer to gently take the hat away from 007n7.
“Don't be, I know how much you miss him." Elliot says quietly, he puts the hat away, placing it on the bed as he gently reaches his hands out, almost holding the other's cheeks. He sighs softly before asking “May I?”
007n7 nods as he finds warm palms and fingers over his cheeks, gently holding him. He closes his eyes as he leans into the touch—warmth— he enjoyed it. He sighs heavily.
“Let's get going, okay? I got a good cafe we can go to." Elliot reassures, he didn't know why he's being so soft with a blacklisted person from his pizzeria, but after the 2 weeks of getting along, it just felt..right.
The two then got out of the house and entered Elliot's car. The drive was pretty quiet, other than the music box music playing on the car speaker.
“So what's so good about the cafe?" 007n7 asks, sitting in the passenger seat.
“Do you like cats?" 007n7 nods at the question, Elliot smiles. "Good, cause this cafe is something you'll love.” He was pretty determined to lift up the other's mood and hopes.
After a while, Elliot parks as he gets out of the car, followed by 007n7.
Meowzaow Cafe ₍^. .^₎⟆
007n7 looks at the cafe in surprise as he enters it. The cafe was pretty empty but it was filled with many cats, all different breeds, it was a pretty big cafe at best, fully decorated with a warm vibe with many cat paws and cat drawings through the walls and windows.
As the two enter with a small bell ring, a small munchkin ginger cat runs over to their legs, purring and rubbing against 007n7’s legs.
The sight warmed the stressed man as he knelt down and petted the cat back, a small smile creeping on his lips.
Elliot lets out a small laugh at the cat surrounding the other. He looks over as a waitress comes up to them.
“Table for two?"
“Yes."
“Right this way." The waitress leads the two to a nice table with comfortable pillows and small chairs so the cats can reach them better.
As the two sat down on opposite sides, the small munchkin followed and jumped on 007n7’s lap.
"Oh..hello little one.." he gently rubs the top of the cat’s head, the small being purring at the touch.
Elliot watches the scene, it was almost comforting and adorable. The man blinks, adorable? Finding the adorable scene of 007n7 petting a small feline. What was he thinking? He shakes his head and 007n7 notices.
“You okay, Elliot?" 007n7 asks his voice calm with seeping worry and concern.
“Just thought of something, no worries." Elliot nods as he looks around.
The cafe had a good amount of waiters and caretakers, many cats played around, approaching customers, purring with glee at the pets and affection they received.
‘This place is nice,’ Elliot smiled at himself.
After the two got their orders from the waitress, 007n7 puts the cat down despite its constant meows of attention.
As the two had their drinks and desserts, 007n7 speaks.
“This cafe is nice, thank you, Elliot.” A form of gratitude to the other, he has done a lot for the past two weeks helping him with his missing kid.
"Yeah, of course.” Elliot nods with a sip of his drink, he glances at the cats as they play around.
The moment was peaceful, comforting. The smell of tea and coffee roamed the cafe, and the soft meows and purrs that filled the cafe was more relaxing.
It calms 007n7’s mind, maybe some days can be peaceful, instead of worry and stress as each day goes by without his son.
“You've been helping so much.." 007n7 notes aloud, he lifts his head to look directly at Elliot, his expression warms up to a small sweet smile.
The sight made Elliot's heart feel something. What a weird tingling feeling, but he brushes it off immediately. “Of course, everyone's been too busy but they also want to help." He reassures the other.
The two noticed as a cat jumped on the table, they were surprised. A fluffy orange cat jumps on the table, along with a gray tabby. The two cats meowed at each other before they gave each other a nose kiss.
“Oh, I'm so sorry about them!" A waitress walks over to the two's table, getting the cats off the table.
Elliot shakes his head and 007n7 chuckles. “It's all good, they're cute." The man wearing a burger hat says.
“Those two cats like to jump on tables, they're actually partners from our information." The waitress says.
‘Those cats remind me of myself and 007n7…’ Elliot thought but brushed it off.
“That's adorable.." 007n7 says with a smile.
The waitress and 007n7 talk for a bit about the cats, with Elliot in his head, petting a cat that has been beside him the whole time.
Everyday he's been visiting 007n7, telling himself it's for C00lkidd. But his feelings, he doesn't feel hatred for the blacklisted customer, rather a new feeling he's never experienced before.
How odd. Elliot felt conflicted as he tried to grasp these new things.
“Elliot?"
Maybe it's a feeling of having to help someone?
“Hello? Elliot..?"
But he's helped many people, so why is it different with him?
“Uhm.."
It's so confusing and new.
“Elliot!!"
Elliot flinches at the loud call of his name, he blinks as he notices 007n7 holding him by the shoulders, looking at him with a worried expression.
“Sorry– I wasn't thinking straight." Elliot says, looking at their proximity.
"It's okay, you weren't responding to me that's why..” 007n7 tilts his head slightly with a smile. "Are you alright?..”
"...” Elliot slightly nods, the feeling of being asked that always made him feel appreciated. It was always him checking up on others, but never him most of the time.
"Good..” 007n7 sighs from relief. He then lets go of Elliot's shoulder.
Just then, Elliot's phone rings. He looks at his pocket and picks up the phone and answers it. “Give me a moment." 007n7 nods.
Elliot looks at the contact number, it's Builderman. He answers the call. “Hello? What's going on?"
“Elliot!" The sound of Builderman’s voice was quick and sharp, almost like he was out of breath.
“Hey, breathe, what's happening?" Elliot can hear the rush and exhaustion through the phone.
“We just saw someone at the park walking with a small kid!” Shedletsky speaks as well through the phone.
"So..?”
"The kid looks like C00lkidd.” Builderman says after he catches his breath.
"What!? Really!?” 007n7 was surprised by Elliot's shocked expression.
"Yeah! He was walking with like three other guys.” Shedletsky continues.
“Wait, explain." Elliot says.
Builderman and Shedletsky can be heard talking before speaking on the phone directly.
“So, me and Shed were walking at a park, till we heard some boy screaming something about lollipops. Me and Shed were annoyed obviously by the noise cause who wouldn't! Anyways, when we looked over we saw a red kid who looked around 8-10 and he was wearing a blue bandana around his neck.” Builderman explains.
“That's definitely him." Elliot muttered.
“Yeah, but problem, he was with 3 other guys." Builderman says.
Shedletsky takes the phone to speak. “I swear I was seeing things cause one of them looked like 1x.”
And whatever Shedletsky had just said, it wasn't exactly good. Elliot was well aware about Shedletsky’s creation of 1x. It wasn't nice, Shedletsky absolutely despised the creation.
“He really did look like him, but as well as he was with another two other people with the kid." Builderman sighs.
“We'll report this to the police, Elliot." He continues.
“Alright, I'll tell 7n7." Elliot nods.
After a bit, the call ends like that. Elliot sighs, relieved yet worried. As much as he hated the kid, he knew he had a father who cared so much and would do anything to have him back, safe and healthy.
“So, tell me what?" 007n7, who was sitting beside Elliot, is confused with what just happened. The call wasn't on speaker so he wasn't able to understand anything that happened.
Elliot looks over at 007n7 with a small smile. “We might find your kid sooner than later." He announces.
"What!? How??” 007n7 was surprised but also felt a huge wave of happiness, he can finally see his kid again, and have him in his arms.
“Shedletsky and Builderman found him, they're about to report on the case so the police can investigate more on the new information." Elliot explains before he gets pulled into a tight hug, with 007n7 burying his face in the other's shoulder.
“Thank you so much.." His voice shook, tears almost formed in his eyes from the sheer joy and relief rushing through his body.
“Hey, hey.." Elliot hugs back and rubs 007n7’s back gently with a smile. “Of course, and don't thank me, thank the others for helping out.." he says.
007n7 nods slowly as he wipes his tears, he didn't want to embarrass himself in a cafe anyway.
"Meow” a small feline goes onto 007n7’s lap. The man blinks before softening his gaze, gently petting the cat on his lap.
Elliot watches the scene as he lets go of the other. "It's like they know how you feel.” He says with a bigger smile.
“Yeah.." 007n7 gently scratches the cat's chin as they purr on his lap.
Maybe there is hope after all.
–
Three days after that morning.
The wind flows around the streets, soft sounds of bird chirps in each tree, the sky cloudy. A cold evening.
007n7 wears a nice warm sweater as he walks with Elliot around the park. The two talking about C00lkidd.
“You seem more lively today, huh?" Elliot notices as they walk through the pathway.
“Yeah of course, I've been receiving many more calls the past 3 days about C00lkidd.” 007n7 says as he fixes his glasses.
The two walk over to a bench, sitting down together.
“Actually, you mentioned your little sister." Elliot nods.
"Yeah, Mia. She's a chaotic little devil, always causing chaos and mischief at home.” He complained, before he smiled. "But I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. She's my little sister after all.” The thought of Mia at home, waiting for him as he enters the house, to be knocked down by a little happy girl asking many questions about his day.
007n7 listens with a nod, hearing how fond the other was about his sister. It reminded him of his kid in a way. The longing of his son just deepened even more. “She sounds wonderful."
“She is, despite how much of a devil she is." Elliot laughs and 007n7 laughs with him.
Just then, 007n7’s phone rings, he glances at his pocket, picking up the phone before looking at Elliot.
“Sorry, let me take this for a moment." Elliot hums with a nod to that.
Click.
“Hello?" 007n7 speaks through the phone.
"007n7, you should come to the station.” The man on the phone speaks.
"What? Why?” He asks, confused.
"We found your son.”
007n7’s eyes widened at the realization. The news he's been waiting for the past month and a half, he can finally see his son again.
“Really? How is he? Is he safe? I'm coming over." His voice shaking from surprise and shock, he stands up which confuses Elliot.
"He's just here at the station being questioned along with Shedletsky and Builderman.”
‘Builderman and Shedletsky are there?’ 007n7 thought. He'd definitely need to thank Builderman and Shedletsky personally for the help.
Eventually they end the call and Elliot stands up, looking at 007n7.
“Everything alright?”
"They found C00lkidd.”
Elliot also gave the same reaction as 007n7’s at the admission. He smiles knowing that the search is all over.
“Really?"
“Yeah, really.." 007n7’s eyes shine with more hope than ever, he then walks closer to grab Elliot's hands.
“C'mon, let's go.” Before Elliot could speak he just smiles and follows as 007n7 pulls him along as they walk fast to the station.
–
“I can see dad!?" The little boy, sitting in a chair in the station, sways his little legs with a happy smile. A small kid at least below the age of 10 is sitting in a police station, a red haired boy with a blue bandana around his neck.
“Yeah, you can." Shedletsky says with a proud smile, he had been playing and making the kid all excited as Builderman was talking to the police, explaining the details.
A policeman, listening to Builderman as he lists down the details. “So how'd you get the kid from the three men?" He asks the other.
"Me and Shedletsky confronted them as we saw them again at a nearby candy store. We tried asking about their identities but they wouldn't tell us anything, but then the little kid just said that they found him and took him.” Builderman explains then adds. "And one of them gives Shedletsky a look, saying something to the other two before they just ran! Leaving the kid.”
The policeman nods as he's adding this to the casefile. He then asks questions about the situation.
"Anyone harmed in the process?”
"No.”
"No names given?”
"None, other than the kid saying he's C00lkidd.”
"Their looks?”
"One wore a mask, had a dark dirty brown jacket, a black shirt along with pants, and black gloves. The other one wore a yellow shirt, had one arm completely corrupted with code,(writer doesn't know how to describe him). And the other one had a green domino crown, they looked like the toy prototype, except if it had long white hair tied up in a ponytail.”
The police take note of all the information as he gives the questions. Builderman made sure to answer the questions as clearly as possible to help and find the ones who supposedly took C00lkidd and didn't give him to the police to return to 007n7.
Just then, the door to the station opened. Two familiar figures come out of the door.
“Where is he?" 007n7 says, out of breath from running all the way there. Meanwhile Elliot is trying to catch his breath.
“Dad!!" A lively and cheerful voice calls out as a small child runs up to 007n7, immediately running to his arms.
“C00lkidd!" 007n7 knelt down immediately to hug his son. The child was so happy and lively seeing his dad again— you'd expect C00lkidd to be crying, but it's 007n7 tearing up as he holds and hugs his kid tight.
C00lkidd wasn't hurt in any way. Surprisingly. The kid giggles as he hugs his dad again, feeling the warmth he missed from his dad.
“Where have you been!?" 007n7 asks immediately, looking and checking to see if C00lkidd has been injured or hurt in any way.
“With Mr. Cool guys!"
“W-who..?"
“Mr. Cool guys..??"
“..Nevermind that." 007n7 just hugs C00lkidd tighter. “I'm never letting you out of my sight again." He gently holds his kid in his arms.
Elliot watches the scene, seeing the father finally have his kid, safe and unharmed. It brings warmth in the other's heart at the scene, for some reason.
He watches for a few more moments before walking over to Shedletsky, noticing Builderman being questioned.
“Hey, Elliot!" Shedletsky notices him approaching with a smile.
“Hi, surprised you found the kid.” Elliot says as he sits beside the other.
"Yup! The three who were supposedly the kid's ‘guardians’ weren't exactly good and jus
t ran off after we found them suspicious." Shedletsky explains.
“Mhm, so about 1x." Elliot mentions the last time they called.
“Oh