Archive of Our Own ^beta

“You ok?” 

“I could be better.”

Azure sits next to them, peering around the corner to make sure they’re safe from the killer’s gaze. It’s a quiet round as of now, calmer than the chaos in the beginning. Seems like 007n7’s kid has tired out from running across the map looking for people. His little minions occasionally pop out on the hunt for people, but everyone’s gotten far enough away and hidden well enough that he’s started crying about them cheating. Typical kid.

“You’re hurt…” He puts his hand on their arm gently, tracing the wound with his fingers softly. The blood had been haphazardly wiped away in a hurry, the cut staunched by then, but Azure was always one to worry. “When did you get hurt?”

“I turned a corner too fast and nicked myself on one of those hooks on the wall.”

Azure laughed. The ridiculous irony of the situation not lost to him. Trapped in a hellhole with a rampaging killer on the loose, and yet it was a corner that did Two Time in.

“And the kid threw a brick at me.”

Well that was not funny anymore. Azure sighs out the end of his laugh, rummaging in his bag for one of his vials.

“I told you to be more careful.” He hands them their vial, cold fingers brush against his as they take it. “You’re always spacing out nowadays, I’m getting worried.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just having trouble sleeping.”

“Tell me about it.” Azure moves closer, laying his head on their shoulder as they drink the contents of their vial. They sigh as the bitter flavor hits their tongue. It never mattered how often they drank it back then or how much they drink it now, it’s still hard to swallow.

“It’s kinda embarrassing.” They finish and throw the glass to the side. It doesn’t matter, Azure always starts rounds with what seems like an infinite supply of these little bottles. “Also not really the place to talk about it.”

“Then where is the place to talk about it? The cabin?”

“Alone in our cabin where we can’t be disturbed would be nice,” they confirmed.

“Oh my.” Azure looks up, taking his hat off as he narrows his eyes at his partner. Two Time eyes him questioningly, before ruffling Azure’s hair.“Hey!”

“Not like that, you pervert.” Their boyfriend pushes their hand away, crawling over and sitting on their lap. He nuzzles into their neck, and Two Time instinctively wraps an arm around his waist to bring him in closer. “Don’t try to act cute now. I know what you’re thinking.”

“Mmm, can’t blame me. It’s been so long.” Azure readjusts in their lap, Two Time grunts as he presses down against them. “Maybe later?” Azure murmurs, wide eyes looking up coyly at them through thick lashes.

“If we can ever be alone…” 

They should be used to it- living alongside people and never truly getting alone time with their boyfriend a familair song and dance. But back then, they had the opportunity to sneak about at night. With Two Time commonly spending the night over in Azure’s room before running back to their own, or Azure dragging them into the field to stargaze on clear nights. Just the two of them, like right now.

Even if they had to sneak out and hide away from others, it was manageable. After so long of the exhausting cycle though, it’s become unbearable. 

It’s not a fault of the other survivors; they’re all nice people who are simply forced into this sick game just like everyone else. For how long? Who knows. So of course some of them, like Chance , try to be friendly and close to others, desperate to form bonds where they can. 

Some of them knew each other already. Some of them didn’t. The admins tended to mingle with each other most of the time, though Dusekkar would talk to Taph whenever the opportunity arose. Which was almost all the time. 

Surprisingly, Guest hung out with 007n7 a lot, even after Elliot warned him. Two Time never got around to knowing why, but they could only guess it's because they’re both parents. There must be some sympathy, especially in 007n7’s case. Despite being the one who tells off 007n7 whenever he can, Elliot can be seen speaking to him in private at times.

Elliot was very kind to them, although very prickly in some cases. No one really blames him. Everyone’s on edge and quick to anger after coming here. Things have calmed down by now, but it’s clear Elliot has been dealing with a lot of stress. During rounds and outside.

He’s like Azure- the only other healer. Running around all the time, being chased or chasing down someone, it takes a toll on someone. Elliot got angry. Angry at himself for not getting there in time, blaming himself when people reassured that he’s trying his best. 

And Azure got…distant. Very much so. Their first time together, not knowing what to do or where to go, was scary. Two Time led them alongside broken walls and trees until they came across a fortress, dagger in one hand and Azure’s shaky hand in the other. They peeked over the wall, only to be greeted by Noob pulling them up and telling them to lay low. All three of them sat on that building for what seemed like hours, Noob frantically trying to tell them where they were before something came up the stairs and found them. 

Two Time can remember every single detail. From Noob turning around and grabbing onto them, telling them to run away as a figure with a machete came around, mask unnervingly staring them all down. But they were so stunned they couldn’t bring themselves to move, not until Azure forcefully pulled them up from their spot to follow their new companion. There were hands on them, they never figured out who they belonged to, instead more focused on the searing pain that shot through them as a slash came down. Dagger dropping to the ground, Azure desperately holding onto them as he tried to pull them along, Noob screaming for someone. 

They remember those stupid little vials, peeking out of Azure’s bag right in front of them. At the time they didn’t know how close they were to being saved by those things, instead more focused on the fact they were dying. Truly dying. The feeling of blood spilling from their back was a disgusting experience that they’ve been forced to relive over and over again, under different circumstances though.

They pushed Azure away, seeing him dragged off by someone as their vision faded. Happy he had time to get away, jealous because they couldn’t follow.

Then they woke up, under a wooden roof on a dusty carpet, someone standing above them. All the pain before was gone, instead just a small stinging sensation was left, much more welcoming than the giant gash that they were so graciously left with. Shedletsky was there, hovering over them with a smile on his face.

“You died on your first round!”

And then he sat down next to them, explaining who he was. They’d heard of admins in passing, never once getting invested in them though. It was like meeting a celebrity everyone but you knew or cared for. 

After that he explained where they were to the best of his abilities. The closest thing they could think of was some sort of hell, purgatory, limbo, whatever. A space made just for them for who knows why. Forced to play this game where they run around and hide from a killer. 

When they explained where they were from, about the Spawn, it was easy to tell how the admin had become uncomfortable. He never properly responded to their questions, instead saying he was gonna go lay down and wait for the round to be done. They were left alone, opting to sit on the couch in front of the fire as they waited. No one else ‘died’ the rest of the round, the cabin went from quiet to loud in under a second. Chairs moved across the floor as everyone got up, passing by Two Time in the gathering room. It wasn’t that they purposefully ignored them, but having to deal with some rampaging killer stalking you everywhere would make anyone tired and on edge after a round. Completely justified, they could always talk later anyway. It wasn't as if they could go anywhere. 

Noob sprinted into the room,  eyeing the whole room until they landed on Two Time, dragging them forcefully into the next room over. They were faced with Azure slouched over, hands over his face as he sobbed. Taph was next to him, same with Elliot. 

“Look! They’re alive! I told you!” 

He didn’t look up, even with Elliot telling him it was alright, Taph beckoning them over so they could finally put Azure at ease.

“Hi.”

Those were the only words they could muster out, Azure finally looking up. Red eyes and tears still falling, yet he got up immediately and ran over to them, knocking them down onto the hard wooden flooring. It hurt. A lot. But none of it mattered at the time.

The stares made them uncomfortable, never being able to hold Azure so close in front of others before. Yet they knew he needed it, and they needed it too-

“You’re doing it again.”

They’re snapped out of their thoughts, putting on a sorry smile as Azure huffs, resting his head on their chest.

“Finally alone and you’re spacing out again.” He cups their face, squishing their cheeks as they beg for him to stop. “So mean…”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” They pull his hands away, shaking their head. “How long was I out?”

“Just a minute.”

“Not that long then.”

Azure sighs, closing his eyes as he stretches his legs.

“It’s been so long since we’ve been alone…I’d like for you to be aware of it.”

“My apologies.” They rest their head on his, both arms around him. Finally alone. No more daydreaming, reminiscing, nothing but Azure now, even if it is a little selfish of them. 

They should be out, more aware of their surroundings, looking for the others. It doesn’t matter if they come back, sent back to the cabin, because dying hurts like a motherfucker even if that pain is taken away. Every injury during a round is real as long as the round is going, it’s not worth letting yourself die in one of these sick games just to get it over with. If you can avoid getting poisoned, slashed, corrupted, and set on fire, then you can avoid dying.

Unless you’re Chance of course- playing with your life and having your gun explode on you while trying to be a hero.

That reminds them.

“Did you put your ritual down somewhere?” 

“Yeah, in some random room behind a bunch of furniture. They won’t find it.” Azure plays with his hat with the end of his boots, kicking it closer. “I healed enough I’m pretty sure- should be ready.”

Two Time hums. They only managed to stab the kid once before he ran off screaming about his dad. If it were the other killers, they wouldn't really have cared, but they do feel really bad about having to literally attack a child in order to obtain their second life for the round. Pretty sure the others do too. Mostly 007n7, because, well, that’s his son getting punched, slashed, shot, and stabbed by grown adults. Even if he’s some sort of monster now…they still have some morals.

“You have yours?”

“No, I haven't seen him since the beginning.”

“He almost got me in the beginning.” Azure chuckles, already growing accustomed despite the dangers. Two Time furrowed their brow at the reaction. “Guest was there to save me, but then he had to run to save Dussekar next. What a hero.”

They don’t respond, moving to stroke Azure’s long hair. They always liked it long, running their fingers through it was relaxing. And pulling it was fun. Not to Azure, but he never says to stop, so…

“Are you jealous?”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t be, you save me when it matters.”

Only sometimes- they know he leaves that part out. Imagine planning out the most perfect save in order to get your lover some extra time to run…just for the killer to turn around rapidly, knowing you were there the whole time. Then boom, all you did was get yourself hit, and the killer running off to finish the job. Super lame.

“I can’t really do it all the time though.”

“You’re still new, you’ll get the hang of it soon.”

There’s a rustle of leaves, they both still for a moment. Azure slowly starts moving, allowing Two Time to get their dagger, crouching as they peer around the corner.

Nothing. 

Azure is holding his hat to his chest, breathing rapidly as he awaits their response. They go to say something, to reassure him they’re safe.

“I found you!”

But instead of coming closer, the footsteps get further away. By some miracle, someone caught his attention just before he found them. They’re safe for now.

“We should move!” Azure yells, but Two Time covers his mouth with their hand.

“Quiet!” Azure is loud, too loud. Even if the kid is gone it doesn’t mean he won’t overhear and come back. “Just follow me.”

He puts his hat on, disheveled with shaky legs as they make their way through the trees. 

“Take my hand.” A loving and caring gesture, though there’s another reason. He takes it, falling into place besides them. Usually Azure always envied them for being taller, but watching them bend down to avoid tree branches while he strolls without care next to them makes him glad he’s shorter for once.

“I think we should be good here.” They duck behind a wall, Azure can see a broken down spaceship some distance away. He always wondered just what types of places they would be transported to for these games. Sometimes the one with the castle, a carnival, a pizza place, and a few more he still has yet to familiarize with. Why these places? Are they of importance?

There’s a timer above them, on some sort of invisible wall that doesn’t allow them to go further out. The place is already huge anyways- any bigger and it would be impossible for the killer to do anything with so many people running and hiding.

“I’m sorry if this is rude…” They trail off, wondering how to phrase their next words. Beside them, Azure tenses up. Worried, fearful, of what they have to say.

“What’s wrong?” Always terrified he is, wondering if he had upset his lover, angered them in any way. He's been too paranoid recently. Of course he is, and always was, but it’s been kicked up a notch.

“Azure you are…far too loud…” 

They don’t face him, no. The rock in front of them is actually much more interesting. It’s…gray and round. Super cool.

“Loud?” Azure is in shock, facing his partner and wondering why they won’t look at him. Their cheeks are dusted in pretty pink, sweat falling down the side of their face. “Wh-what? Huh?”

“It’s just-you yell when you’re scared. And there’s nothing wrong with it-no of course not! But sometimes…sometimes you just speak too loudly when we’re all quiet and the killer hears us and then-!”

Azure hunches over and pulls his knees close, head buried in his arms as he curls up into a little ball besides them. 

“Azure!” They hover over him, hands just a mere inch above him. “I’m sorry! It’s nothing-forget it!”

They keep their voice at a whisper, occasionally hearing childish laughter fade in and out. Then there’s silence again. Only the wind can be heard.

“Look, I’m sorry.”

“You should’ve told me sooner.” It’s quite obvious he’s doing everything in his power to muffle himself. “I’m putting everyone in danger!”

“Well yes, but you’re also good at alerting people to where the killer is!” A futile attempt to cheer him up. The damage has already been done. 

“This is so embarrassing…”

“It’s ok Azure.” Two Time takes off that comically large hat and sets it down, patting Azure on the head as he sulks. “I like hearing you.”

They only realize how awkward it sounds after they say it. Cringing on the inside. At least Azure lifts his head up, purple eyes gazing up at them as they give him a small smile.

“I know you do…” Oh dear, it’s that voice again. One they hear often, only for a short while. Such a shame, they’d like to hear more.

“You somehow make everything so sensual my love.” They shake their head, sitting back down next to him. 

“Hehe…” He’s on the move again, sitting himself on Two Time’s lap like before, arms wrapped around their neck and chests pressed up against each other. “You like it, hmm?”

“You’re so quick to change when it comes to teasing me.” They don’t mind it though. “I truly am sorry.”

“It’s ok. I understand where it comes from.” 

“Can I kiss you?” Asking abruptly, they’re already so close, surely this is something he wants? And they can make it up to him.

As usual, Azure doesn’t respond. Just presses his lips against theirs. He can taste that bittersweet medicine still on them, similar to the ones he made back home. 

It’s definitely a sight. In the middle of a game where they’re forced to fight for their survival, using each other’s abilities to help one another out. Everyone is important. Some more than others sure, but nobody wants anyone to die. They stick together, watching out for danger. 

So it’s not really a good idea to be making out with a killer on the loose. Especially since one of them is a healer, meant to help people when they’re on the verge of death. And the other a stunner, meant to give someone just a few extra seconds to make a break for it. Neither of them are being team players right now.

Two Time is always overwhelmed when kissing. Not in a bad way, they just don’t know what to do with their hands. Sure, they rest on Azure’s back, holding him ever so close, but their heart always beats so fast and they get so insanely warm it becomes suffocating. Yet they can’t let go or pull back, refusing to let their boyfriend get away.

They open their eyes. Azure always tells them to keep them closed, it’s awkward to kiss someone just to realize they’ve done nothing but stare at you from such a closer perspective. They say it’s to admire him, but hard to do that when your faces are practically smushed together, no?

There’s something behind Azure, a weird glitchy texture that appears before them. They pull away for a second, hoping to get Azure’s attention to the weird line of coding appearing ahead, but he doesn’t let them. He presses his lips against them again, trying to get them to kiss back. 

Two Time can totally push him back, get him to snap out of their short makeout session, but they don’t. It’s hard to make a decision when you have a cute guy on your lap and sudden death ahead.

007n7 appears, teleporting from who knows where all the way to this exact location. They have no idea how the teleporting works, and don't know how it’s affected in rounds like the other abilities, but this has got to be the worst luck ever.

Completely disheveled, he shakes his head as he tries to gather his bearings. Blinking a few times, he looks up and is forced to witness arguably the like, eighth weirdest thing that’s happened since he got here.

Azure grows tired, pulling away as they look at Two Time angrily. Why aren’t they kissing back? They were before, why stop so suddenly.

Eh, might as well continue with the teasing.

“About me being loud…” He cups their cheek with one hand, fingers slowly, tenderly, grazing across their skin. Two Time looks at them with a panic expression, mouth zipped closed as they sit there stunned. “You don’t have a problem with that, I know you don’t.”

Anywhere else, Two Time would’ve loved the soft touches, that sultry voice that he puts on just for them. Not now though, eyes frantically moving from him to 007n7, words stuck in their throat.

“You like that I’m loud. Just for you.” He sits, all his weight on them. “You like when I scream your name-“

Two Time grabs him, hands on his shoulders so suddenly the words die before they make it out. He’s violently turned, had it been anyone with above average strength they would’ve broken his spine with that movement. It’s only then that Azure finally sees 007n7, standing in utter shock.

“Wh-“ Two Time slams their hand over his mouth, muffling his shocked and loud voice. They grab Azure again, on the hips again , and try to decide where he goes. Do they throw him on their right, next to the opening of the wall where the killer can just snatch him up, but giving him space from 007n7? Or do they throw him on the left, protecting him from any surprise attacks, but being forced to sit next to 007n7 after he had just witnessed their little interaction.

They throw him on the left. His butt lands on his hat but Azure could care less about that right now. He grabs it from under him and puts it on, hiding his face from their teammate by pulling it down. Two Time always thought the hat was an inconvenience, getting stuck on things, obscuring their view of his pretty face, but it’s a blessing right now. Damn, should’ve gotten matching ones when they could.

007n7 doesn’t say anything, feeling as though it’s his fault for barging in on such a moment for the lovebirds. Frankly though, it would've been ok if they were doing it back at the cabin. In the middle of a round though? Weird. And crazy.

He walks around, ignoring them both as he peeks around the corner. He’s aware that c00lkidd is on the other side, a fairly large distance away from them. Guilt plagues him after leaving Guest and Chance on their own, but with no way to help them all he could do was run out before he found them, teleporting away before he himself was caught.

“He’s not here right now.” His voice is low, still a whisper. End up playing enough and your default tone just becomes quieter. 

Two Time nods, Azure doesn’t move, though he’s gripping the ground hard enough to dig up dirt. 

“I’m…gonna go hide over there.” He scratches the back of his neck, wanting to leave them to their own devices. “Don’t die? Don’t die. Sorry.”

He walks out, quick yet quiet footsteps that leave Two Time impressed.

Then his head pops back up, staring down at the two. His expression is unreadable, besides the obvious worry that all of them carry.

“Please…don’t stab my son if he comes here.”

“I-uhm, I’m gonna have to if he tries to do something.” Having to tell a father you need to stab his ten year old child in self defense isn’t something they do all the time. Though it’s happened twice now. “I’ll…make it quick?”

Really, how do you tell a father that you punched his kid right in the face because he threw a brick at you? Slashed him with a huge sword because he broke your friend’s dispenser while someone was healing from it? Tell him you did an insane trick shot on him from like a mile away to show off to Elliot? All to protect yourself? Actually, maybe don’t tell him that last part-

007n7 gives them a sad look before disappearing, hiding between the trees and sprinting away. 

“Why didn’t you tell me he was there?” Azure whispers , face fully red as he looks up at them despairingly. “Two Time!”

“I’m sorry!” Once again they have to apologize. This one was definitely on them though. “I was just shocked.”

“Ugh!” 

They sit in silence, Two Time putting their hand over his and rubbing small circles, trying to ease him. It takes a while for Azure to calm down, not specifically angry , but definitely upset. 

He doesn’t like being upset with Two Time, tries to push those negative feelings away from ever surfacing. He just breathes in and out slowly, pretending he didn’t just embarrass them with their awkward and cringey display of affection.

“You can talk to me about it.” They start, leaning against the cold hard wall that’s been protecting them. “I truly do care for you, Azure. And you’ve grown ever so distant.”

“Distant…?” Has he been? They stick to each other all the time. When they eat they’re sat together. When rounds start they look for each other. They have two beds in their room. They share a room now, and they still sleep in the same bed. How is he distant?

“You’re always there physically, but before we came here you were much more…aware of yourself?”

“What do you mean?” It’s hard for him to understand, because in his mind he’s acting just the same.

“You're much too overprotective. I’m glad you care for me so much, but it feels like you don’t trust me.”

“I do!” He covers his mouth, words coming out far too loud. “I trust you, I’m just scared.”

“We have second lives now-“

“I know! But watching you die is still scary!” Azure knows they’ve spent their whole lives believing in that second life. So finally being given it, under the right requirements, has been nothing but a blessing. 

Yet Two Time uses it recklessly, heading into danger and pulling off stunts only to get hurt in return. And even when they do meet the requirements, it’s painful . Azure experiences it just as they do, that terrible pain as your bones pop out of your body. Beautiful, delicate, disgusting, bony wings springing out from their backs. Their bodies become so weak after, having spent all their energy just to give them back their life. The only thing keeping them up is pure adrenaline, sprinting faster than ever before.

Two Time thinks of it as beauty, a gift. A blessing given by the Spawn. Azure thinks of it as a gift riddled with drawbacks. Extra time to live, but so much easier to snuff out. Something like that is only good to be used as a meat shield just before the round ends.

“Your fear is somewhat driving you away. Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m with the real you.”

Azure thinks it over, has his overprotective nature been pushing them away? To him, he’s just looking out for them. A healer who wants nothing but for their partner to be safe. 

“I don’t mind being next to you all the time. I love it. Yet as of lately it feels less like care and more like worry. I don’t want to become a burden.”

Oh.

“Did what I say make sense?” Two Time crosses their legs, hands together as they think about what they said. “It must be confusing, I’m not sure how to word it.”

“I’ll stop.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll tone it down.” Azure says. “I got so worried about you I forgot you’re capable of taking care of yourself.” He rubs his hands together, shaking off any dirt on them before resting them on his lap. “I’ll focus on you…and myself.”

Two Time smiles. Neither of them are good at expressing such feelings, talking through problems. Only small things get resolved, bigger issues pushed away. So it’s a big step in that direction.

“And the others.”

Azure laughs, pressing up against their side.

“And the others too.” He likes being next to them, something he’ll never get sick of. “Can I heal Chance now?”

“Wh-what? Why do you need permission?”

“Cause you got angry at him for flirting with me.” 

“I-! I did.” They deflate, recalling how upset they got when Chance complimented him. Having not realized they were together when they first arrived. It was a simple joke, just him trying to shoot his shot before being politely rejected. He moved on, apologizing to them both as Elliot dragged him away before he further embarrassed himself. Chance had made a great impression on Azure, finding the gambler to be funny and honest. Two Time was less amused, not having any real problems considering he had apologized, but was just a bit mad at having their boyfriend get hit on right in front of them. 

They’re aware Azure’s cute, and they selfishly want to keep him to themselves. So maybe-just maybe-they did have a slight issue with Chance. He was one of the people who was left behind on their first round, not witnessing their little reunion after. Two Time knows he couldn’t have known, but they were always jealous he was the first to make Azure laugh when first arriving here.

“You can heal him, please.”

“I will I will, when he needs it.”

“Which is often.”

“That’s why Elliot is here.” Azure sighs, stretching his arms above his head. His ass hurts too, sitting on the cold hard ground, and those shitty mattresses are ruining him.

Then Azure gets this nagging sensation in his head, groaning as if something had hit him. He can hear Two Time ask him what’s wrong, hand on his back as he tries to stabilize himself. He looks around, waiting to see something, and there it is.

That stupid ability that he and Elliot share, when someone gets badly hurt and for just a few seconds they’re able to see them. It’s Elliot of course, low on health as he tries to escape that damn kid. 

Azure gets up, Two Time following. Such an annoying ability, would’ve been more useful had it not been for the slight pain that came with it.

“I need to help Elliot.”

“The round’s almost over. He can get away, can’t he run fast?”

“Not for long.” Biting his cheek, Azure walks out and towards the direction of Elliot. He can still see that outline. He’s hiding behind something, yet looking around in every direction frantically. It’s best not to chance it, he needs to go.

“I’ll go with you.” They grab his arm, running behind them. “Just to make sure you’re safe.”

“It’ll be quick-“

“I can get behind and give you extra time if he’s still near. That’s my job Azure.”

“Yes, but what if you get hurt?”

“I’m more so worried about you getting hurt, you’re very clumsy.”

Azure’s jaw drops.

“I’m not clumsy.”

“Yes you are.”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“Two Time!”

“Azure, I know you were never fond of him. And I’m sorry to bring him up, but when Amarah said you were clumsy, he was right.”

“I can’t believe what I’m hearing right now. I’m going to Elliot.”

He shakes them off. Ignoring their small apology as he bounds off towards Elliot’s last known position. Hopefully he’s still there, or in the general area.

Oh he definitely is, the blond runs ahead of them, turning the corner and hiding behind another broken down wall. His back is pressed up fully against it, trying to make himself as small as possible, praying the pillar between him and the doorway could conceal him from the killer’s view.

Azure and Elliot lock eyes, the blond’s eyes widening as he realizes he’s just led the killer to them. He doesn’t move, instead making random hand gestures for them to get behind something. It’s too late.

“There you are!” The wrong targets, where had the pizza boy gone? Who cares! It’s the witch from the start of the round, he may have gotten away, cheating as that soldier had gotten in the way. But he’s back, and with a friend! How fun!

C00lkidd, in a sudden burst of speed, sprints right at them. A move they’ve both witnessed him miss, heading straight into walls and trees, was now coming at them at full speed. Azure backs up, tripping on Two Time as they both tumble down. 

It happens very slowly, Azure seeing 007n7’s son just inches away, clawed hand out to tag him. Elliot has run forward, a last attempt to try and save one of them done too late. Azure watches the hand get closer before it fades away. Instead, Shedletsky is before him, chalkboard behind him as he gives Azure a questioning look before he realizes what’s happening. Pitifully, he tries to reach over the table and grab him in a panic. Why is he getting smaller? Why is-

Azure hits the ground, head hitting the floor as both he and Two Time’s chairs fall over. Momentum from the round carrying over, giving them one last painful reminder to that terrible event of the day.

There’s actually three thuds. Two from them, and one from Elliot hitting his head on the table. 

“Woah! You two alright?” Chance comes into view, helping Azure off the ground. Guest picks up Two Time, very easily as he accidentally just yanks them upwards very suddenly, apologizing while also reprimanding them for eating so little and skipping meals. Slipping meals? Azure needs to have another talk with them.

“I’m fine, thank you.” Chance gives him a thumbs up and walks away. Lucky for him, Two Time is still dazed from getting up so quickly they couldn’t think properly just yet. Sparring Chance and keeping his healing privileges. 

“I need water…” Elliot mumbles. Chance ruffles his hair as he passes behind him.

“Good game today! No deaths!” Chance waves his hands in the air, Shedletsky walking up and copying him. 

Taph comes around and puts a glass of water in front of Elliot, who drinks it down like he’s hadn’t had it in years. Fitting really.

“Sev…your kid…” He starts, coughing a bit as tries to catch his breath. “He almost chased me the entire round.”

“I-I know. I’m sorry.” He sits across from him, twiddling his thumbs as he bows his head. What unlucky seat placement. “I tried to get his attention, but he didn’t listen.”

“Ugh.” He drops his head on the table again. “I’m going to sleep here.”

“No you’re not!”

“Yes I am.”

“Nah.” Chance grabs Elliot under his arms, he falls to the floor limp, legs feeling like they’re on fire. “Let’s get you to your room buddy.”

Elliot just groans as he’s dragged across the floor, Guest following them out to hopefully give Elliot a more proper carry out than whatever Chance is doing to him.

“I’m sorry about my son.” 007n7 is still seated, head down. He sounds totally defeated. 

“It’s ok Seven!” Noob comes out, patting him on the back. “No need to-uh, blame yourself! It’s not your fault!”

“We’re making dinner.” Builderman cuts in awkwardly. “It’ll be ready soon.”

“Oh! Dinner!” Shedletsky stands up straight, walking to the kitchen. “I wanna see!”

Builderman follows, worried. Taph is right behind him. Dusekkar gets up, and silently pushes his chair in. He doesn’t look their way, but waves at them as he leaves to follow his friends.

007n7 gets up, Noob helping him as he tries to get himself together. Always a tough round for him, Noob likes to give him support where they can. They lead him out, giving a small wave as they disappear into the next room.

Just them, alone again. Two Time runs their hand on the back of their head, feeling where they had hit the floor before looking at Azure.

“Clumsy.”

They’re a little cocky, patting themselves clean of all the dirt from earlier.

“You’re skipping meals.” They freeze. “Are you telling me when we don’t eat together you skip them?”

“I’m…just not hungry?”

“Don’t ask me!” 

“Let’s take a nap?” They try to change the subject, looking away from their short boyfriend. Azure just grabs them, shaking them around.

“You’re eating and that’s final.”

“Yes love…”

⊹ ࣪ ˖

They wake up, a mess of limbs entangled with each other. There’s no way to tell what time it really is anymore. Clocks are broken, constantly spinning at all times. Or just full on broken and not moving at all. They sleep when they can, wake up when they can.

They think the round happens somewhere in the afternoon, going off what little of an internal clock any of them had. There’s one round a day, eight play, and three stay. Whoever stays does whatever. Sometimes they cook, sometimes they nap, and sometimes…no there’s not much else to do.

There’s one working clock, not for time though. Displaying the time until the next round, giving them a chance to prepare themselves for what comes.

They skipped breakfast, probably. Maybe even lunch. All that talk about not skipping meals is biting Azure in the ass now. All he wanted was to lay in bed and pretend they weren’t in literal hell.

“We should get up.” Azure says, propping himself upon his arms. “So they don’t think we’re dead.”

Two Time groans, pulling their sleeping mask down as Azure tries taking it off. He sighs in defeat, crawling over his partner and stretching. 

“I’ll be back.” He pats them on the head, they only turn over and hug their pillow whilst pretending it’s him.

Everyone’s awake, he sees a few of them on the couch as he walks out the hallway.

It kinda feels like back home, waking up and seeing everyone gathered around doing their daily chores. Much more lively however, everyone being from different places makes it much more excitable. 

“You’re finally awake.” It’s Elliot who greets him, bright and happy despite having a terrible experience yesterday. “Sleep well?”

“I’ve slept better.” He smiles. He’s never talked much with anyone besides Two Time. It would be an understatement to say he wasn’t glad Elliot and him grew close. Healer trauma bonding. “You’re doing ok?”

“Being overworked is nothing I can’t handle.” That smile on his face is totally fake, but it’s easy to tell he’s still in somewhat of a good mood. “The round’s starting up in a few minutes, good thing you woke up in time. One time Chance slept through the day and woke up to 1x’s sword landing right next to him.”

“Seems like everything happens to him, how unlucky.”

“Sometimes lucky, most of the time not.” Elliot pats him on the back, heading towards the large room to group up before the round starts. “Go get Two Time before the same thing happens.”

They split off, Azure walking down the hall towards their shared room.

“Round’s starting.” Two Time shoots up, removing their mask clumsily as they swing their legs over the side of the bed.

“How long were we asleep?” They ask groggily, throwing their mask to the side. “I’m still tired…”

Azure grabs their hand, leading them back to everyone. They’re already there, waiting for the timer. A minute left.

“I hope it’s not me again.” Poor Elliot. “I’ve been doing these stupid rounds for ten days straight.”

“There’s no way it can be you again.” Noob, trying to reassure him as they also tremble in their seat. 

“Feels like everyone got to sit out at least twice before I ever got to once .”

“Did he get the math right?” Shedletsky looks at Builderman, hoping he’d answer.

“Don’t look at me, I’m not good at math.”

“Don’t you need to be good at it to build?” Guest asks, a valid question as always.

“You do.” Dussekar answers, Taph nods his head next to him.

“Well Builderman…doesn’t really build like a normal construction worker.”  007n7 coming in, always knowing some random fact. Must be a dad thing.

“You’re good at math!” Shedletsky lightly hits him on the arm. “Solve the problem.”

“I’m too tired for math right now…”

The timer ticks. Fifteen seconds.

“Please.” Elliot clasps his hands together as if he’s praying. “Just give me a break.”

“Don’t worry my friend.” Chance finally speaks, surprisingly quiet the whole time. “There’s just no way that you’re gonna end up in today’s round-“

And they’re gone. 

It happens really quickly, and Azure can’t shake the feeling of utter dread as the room goes from lively to dead quiet. Eight of them just disappeared like nothing. 

And poor Elliot was one of them.

“Ah! Azure!”

Azure turns, realizing Two Time is still there. They’ve both been left behind before, but only separately. This is the first time they’ll be together!

“Two Time!” They’re like kids, freaking out as they get to spend the next few hours together. Sucks for the others, but total win for him!

Oh, and the third person!

Azure turns back, eyes landing on Dusekkar who stands there unamused. They’re not on the best terms, the admin typically helps from afar, and limits interactions with them. Specifically them.

“You two…” Dusekkar sighs. He’s not rhyming anymore, hasn't since about two days ago, must be worn out. “I’ll be in my cabin.”

And he walks-floats-away, trying to get in some much needed rest in the comfort of his own home. Lucky him, getting his entire house dropped right in the middle of this hellhole. Or maybe unlucky, at least he gets to sleep in his own bed!

“Just us then.” That mischievous glint in Azure’s eyes tells them everything they need to know. “All alone, in our room.”

“Are you not tired?” Just checking in, they were still tired after waking up, having not been able to sleep well. Too many emotions and feelings in the round before had them all riled up, taking a while for them to finally sleep. Though, if Azure wants to do something together, they’d be happy to oblige.

“Not tired at all.” He’s always been a bit of a tease. At first it was just friendly, then it became a little…more bold as the relationship went on. Two Time never had much of a basis to go off of, and never got around to figuring out how to express their own emotions for such, but they tried to match Azure where they could. Following in his footsteps.

“So, you and I…” They don’t know where to go from this, Azure typically being the one to initiate things. “Alone…”

“Yes.” And suddenly his arms are around one of theirs, pulling him into their shared bedroom. Two Time can feel their face heating up, Azure falling onto the bed and pulling them down with them.

The position is something they’re used to, Azure underneath them as they look down at him. Hands positioned on both sides of his head. They can feel sweat dropping down the side of their face. Nervous, and yet so very eager-

Azure doesn’t give them the chance to look any longer before forcing their head onto his chest, holding them there while laughing. Any attempt to push themselves up is met with an even stronger grip, and Azure swings his legs up and places them around their waist, effectively trapping them against him.

“I wanna cuddle.” 

“Cuddle?” They yell, voice muffled as their boyfriend has them in some sort of weird chokehold. “I thought you wanted-“

They can’t bring themselves to finish that question. So instead they finally settle down, laying atop Azure. He unweaves his legs and lays too, hand softly massaging their back as he runs his fingers through their hair.

“Maybe another time, I just wanna hold you right now.”

Never been good with words, especially when responding to such loving ones. All they can do is hug him in return, listening to his heart as they bury their face in his chest. 

“We should make them dinner.”

“I suck at cooking. Remember?”

“ I should make them dinner.” Azure closes his eyes, reveling under Two Time’s weight. “What would you like to eat?”

“Not a lot of options.” True, they’re given limited amounts of ingredients. It’s surprising they’re given them at all, with all the shit they have to go through. “Whatever is easiest for you to make.”

“Alright.” Azure yawns. He feels guilty, relaxing as the others fight for their lives. But there’s nothing he can do for them here besides make them food. And that can wait until later.

Right now he’s content, Two Time softly snoring, falling right back asleep to Azure’s touch.

Oh dear, dinner can definitely wait.