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Chapter Text

The 'game' had ended.

Meaning that they were going back to the cabin they had all started staying in, unfortunately for Elliot - his sister has the brain cell capacity of a jelly fish -

"Shit- I dropped one of my fucking colas- Elliot- Please, come with me to find it!" She yelled in his ear, grabbing him by his shirt, "I'll give you one." She adds as an attempt of bribery.
And that said bribery worked like a charm, Elliot exhaling and nodding in agreement, turning around and walking with Noob, watching her run over to every overgrown patch of grass to look for her precious lost bloxy cola.

Elliot watched with slight amusement as he watched her get onto her knees to search properly, "You have a problem." He states with a smirk.

"Duh! I have a problem! I lost one of my colas!" Noob responds dramatically, before using her hair-tie to put some of her hair up to get it out of her face. "Also my arm warmers were slashed and my fucking thigh highs are getting stained by the fucking grass- Help me look!" She demands.

"This is pure addiction." Elliot muses, but he obliges, walking over to some bushes and rummaging through them until - "Found it, you caffeine addict." Elliot calls out, barely having any time to react as Noob practically launched herself at him, grabbing it and putting it into her backpack that she stole from him.

"Okay lets go!" Noob yells happily, beginning to skip along the path back to the cabin only to stop suddenly, looking around in a bit of a concerned manner, "Elliot-! Can you hear crying too or have I inherited mama's hallucinations?"

Elliot jogged up to Noob, he was about to make fun of her until - he heard it too, "...Wait- Yeah, I can hear it too." He nods, instinctively putting a hand on her shoulder, "I say we slowly make our way back to the cabin- " Upon listening to the crying even more, it full processed in Elliot's mind that is was c00lkid's crying, "Scratch that, we run back to the cabin-" Elliot immediately noticed Noob walking off the path and to where the crying was coming from, "You have got to be fucking kidding me- Noob- It's a fucking trap, you bimbo." He hissed out quietly, was it mean, yes, did he care, no.

"Shh." Noob hissed back, coming up to a wall and peeking round it, her eyes softening at the sight. Not caring about Elliot tugging on her and trying to get her to 'just leave it.'

c00lkidd was sat on the ground, in the middle of a small clearing, sobbing his little heart out, eyes screwed shut with his hands on his head, his knees skidded and bleeding.

Before Elliot could stop her - Noob had already walked forward, in a careful, and slow manner, as if she were approaching an animal. "Oh you fucking sap." He mumbles, rubbing his forehead as he follows, staying a bit behind her.

"...Hey there, uh, bud, you okay?" Noob asks, carefully getting down onto her knees, getting down to c00lkidd's level. Her heart hurt a little bit, this crying kid was the thing she'd been running from? Yeah, he was scary but it was right then and there that Noob started to fully process that c00lkidd is just a kid. "Are you crying cause you lost..?" Noob asks further.

c00lkidd glances up, bottom lip quivering, "No- It- It's that- I didn't kill anyone-" He sobs out hysterically, looking down at the grass.

Elliot's eye twitched, "You're crying, cause you didn't kill anyone?" He asked, sounding genuinely annoyed, which earned him a brief glare from Noob as she glanced back at him for a couple seconds. He was about to continue, he wanted to scream at the little devil-

"1x is gonna be really mad at me-!" c00lkidd suddenly cried out, is sobs getting worse. Earning him even more sympathy from Noob and a hint of pity from Elliot, whose gaze softened a little bit.

"Awe buddy it's okay, you got a couple hits on me! You did good." Noob responded, impulsively reaching forward to pat c00lkidd's head, only to pull her hand back a little as the boy flinched away from her, "...I'm not gonna hit you, if that's what you're worried about." She adds softly, looking down at him.

Elliot stepped closer, what he just witnessed fully cemented the fact that c00lkidd is a kid in his head, he kneels down next to Noob, "Hey- I'm sure 1x won't be mad at you, bud."

The two siblings were about to continue talking to c00lkidd when they caught a glimpse of a familiar, horrifying, green glow getting closer, 1x was using his entanglement ability, sending his swords hurtling right towards Elliot, Noob and c00lkidd, with no regard for her safety, Noob shoved Elliot backwards before she pounced forward to tackle the still hysterical boy in front of her, laying c00lkidd and herself down - the swords zooming right over them.

"Hm. I missed, such a shame." 1x1x1x1 muses, walking into the clearing, watching with a bored, blank, expression as he watched Elliot grab Noob and haul her back, leaving c00lkidd in front of 1x1x1x1, "You, I will not say it again - Kill them." He demands, grabbing c00lkidd and yanking him up to his feet and roughly shoving him towards Elliot and Noob, "Kill them."

"I can't-" c00lkidd sobbed out, falling to his knees right after 1x1x1x1 shoved him, the boy turning and looking up at 1x1x1x1 and just sobbing again. "I'm sorry- I just can't-!"

Noob watched with momentary helplessness as she watched 1x1x1x1 begin to lift his hand - he was gonna hit c00lkidd, with no self preservation once again, she stepped forward and put herself in-front of c00lkidd - acting as a shield. She lets out a small cry as 1x1x1x1's hand collides with her face, the killer looking both slightly surprised and annoyed.

"Fine, guess I'll kill you all myself." 1x1x1x1 states coldly, pulling out his swords again, only to get hit by a rock that Elliot had practically thundercunted at him.

Elliot and Noob take this opportunity to run, not being able to bring herself to leave c00lkidd behind - Noob grabs the boy and runs, holding him firmly due to him immediately response - kicking and screaming.

"No-! He doesn't mean it-! Let me go! I need him!" c00lkidd yelled tearfully, sobbing as Noob carried him away from 1x1x1x1, the boy watching over Noob's shoulder as they get further and further away from him.

After a good four minutes of sprinting they make it to the cabin, c00lkidd having tired himself out from all his fighting and crying. Elliot opens the door with a harsh shove, Noob rushing in, holding c00lkid in the way you'd hold a baby as she does so, Elliot slamming the door shut and locking it with the key lock and deadbolts.

Builderman walks in and immediately pauses, "...Is that-"

"c00lkidd? Yeah- Listen- We'll explain later- but for now, please, leave it." Elliot says a bit too harshly, watching as Noob occupies herself by laying c00lkidd on the couch and covering him with a nearby blanket.

"No, Explain why you brought him here, now." Shedlestsky demands as he walks in, having heard the conversation from the kitchen.

"1x1x1x1 was gonna hit him- and he was fucking sobbing his little heart out- We couldn't just leave him-" Noob answers, gently touching c00lkidd's forehead like a fretting parent.

Elliot scoffs, "1x literally said 'Fine, I'll kill you all myself,' when c00lkidd refused to kill us." He explains, closing the curtains of the cabin.

Builderman and Shedletsky had two very different reactions, Builderman looking almost hurt, while Shedletsky looked unfazed, giving a small huff -

"Fine, he can stay. I'll go tell 007n7, I'm sure he'll be thrilled to have his son back, eh?" Shedletsky stated, his dislike of c00lkidd was very obvious.

"No, let the poor wee fella sleep, I'll go make him a drink for when he wakes up." Builderman says firmly, fixing Shedletsky with a small glare as he walks into the kitchen, the latter following and arguing back quietly. Leaving Elliot and Noob alone with their new little...'friend'.

Elliot looks over at Noob, "You said I'd get one of your colas, fork it over." He states, holding his hand out smirking in a prideful way as Noob takes it out of her inventory and hands it to him.

Chapter Text

Builderman was sitting in the armchair, everyone else was sleeping in their rooms, but he decided he'd lose sleep to watch over c00lkidd, the man reading over the scrabbled list Shedletsky put together in an attempt to convince Builderman against the idea of letting c00lkid stay, it was barely a list, it was just different variations of "He's fucking killed us!" and "He could still be tricking us!" written over and over again - And Builderman wasn't having it.

He glances up in time to notice c00lkidd beginning to wake up, the boy rubbing his eyes with the back of his hands as he sits up, squinting in the direction of Builderman. "1x?"

"No- Nope, it's just me." Builderman answers, putting his hands up, "Never formally met, uh- I'm Builderman, your dad talks a lot about you, kiddo."

c00lkidd gives a small, wary glare, "...Sure." He mumbles in a doubtful way, kicking the blanket off of himself, crossing his arms and continuing to give Builderman the most pouty glare the man has ever seen.

Builderman stands up and begins to walk into the kitchen, feeling a small pang in his heart as he passes c00lkidd who flinches away from him as he does so, he decides to brush it off for now, the kid doesn't know him that well apart from them being enemies, of course he's gonna be scared- Builderman decides to focus on making the little sod a drink, he didn't get around to it earlier due to Shedletsky practically following him around the small kitchen the entire time, ranting and raving over how 'foolish' and 'borderline negligent' it was for Elliot and Noob to bring c00lkidd to the cabin.

After a few minutes Builderman walks back into the room with a mug of hot cocoa, "Here, I made you some hot cocoa." He says with a small smile, placing it down on the coffee table in-front of c00lkidd.

"What's the catch?" c00lkidd deadpans, sure being very pessimistic for a 10-year-old.

Builderman furrows his brows a little, "...There's no catch, it's just hot cocoa." He assures, sitting back down in the armchair, looking at c00lkidd, "I promise, no catch." He adds, allowing himself some relief as he watches c00lkidd pick the mug up and take a small sip.

"...This is really good." c00lkidd mumbles, holding the mug with both hands, the boy drinking the hot cocoa in a few big gulps before putting the mug back down.

"Lord- Did 1x feed you?" Builderman asks before he can even process his own question, watching as c00lkidd had an internal battle on whether he can trust Builderman with an answer of not -

"...Not always- He said food had to be earned but- I don't think that applied to himself or John." c00lkidd answers, fidgeting with the blanket, the 10-year-old wrapping it around himself again.

Builderman felt angry, but not surprised, 1x was a prick, no shit he'd tell a 10-year-old that food had to be earned only to contradict it when it came to himself, Builderman was already mapping out what they currently had in the fridge and cupboards, but he left it for now, seeing c00lkidd lay back down and fall back asleep.

"Fucking bastards." Builderman mumbles with pure anger, c00lkidd wasn't his kid, but 007n7 was his friend, and he is willing to get angry on his friends behalf.

Chapter Text

007n7 should've realised something was up when Noob practically shook him awake, still in her pyjamas, telling him that there was something important that he needed to see, what caught his interest the most was her adding a small apology for not telling him sooner, regardless, her ushered the teen out of his room so he could have a couple minutes to himself, taking time to neaten up his hair. With a small tired groan he put his slippers and robe on, walking downstairs where basically everyone was waiting for him, everyone looked a bit happy for the most part - Shedletsky however, did not seem happy at all.

"Okay, what's happening?" He asked, walking up to Builderman, who was actively hiding something, maybe someone, behind him.

Builderman smiled, "Well...Noob and Elliot ran into a little someone who we think you'd really wanna be reunited with." Builderman moves out of the way.

Everything momentarily stops, before it all comes rushing back, 007n7 is filled with nothing but joy at the sight of c00lkidd relatively unharmed, except for a couple scrapes on his knees, "Oh- Oh my baby-" The man mumbles, moving forward, kneeling down and immediately pulling his son into a hug, not even stopping himself from crying, "It- It's really you-" He adds, pulling away just to caress the face of his son.

"Mhm-" c00lkidd nods weakly, the kid trying not to cry only to fail immediately, letting out a small sob as he returns the hug, burying his face into 007n7's shoulder and sobbing.

Everyone slowly leaves the room, deciding to get them space to reunite and cry in peace, everyone, except Shedletsky who watched with a critical glare, his hands on his hips.

"Are we seriously entertaining this?" Shedletsky asks gruffly, earning a smack to the shoulder by Chance, who just glared at him through his sunglasses silently telling Shedletsky to just leave it.
Unfortunately, that doesn't work, Shedletsky shoving Chance's hand off his shoulder, "No. Seriously." He grunts, approaching c00lkidd and 007n7, the latter immediately standing up, shielding c00lkidd behind him.

"007n7. I get it- You missed him, but he's a killer-! He's killed us, killed you! He cannot be trusted!" Shedletsky yells, stepping forward and glaring into 007n7's eyes.

007n7 inhaled, "He's my kid, Shedletsky." He replies calmly and shortly, crossing his arms.

Shedletsky scoffed, "Him?" He gestures round at c00lkidd who flinches away from Shedletsky's hand, "He's nothing but a monster."

007n7's eyes darken, with an inhale he straightens up, "Alright, I don't know, who you think you are to be talking about my son in that manner, let alone doing it in front of me." 007n7 starts, only stopping to breath, charging up whatever response he needs to.

The others, sensing the impending yelling match start to leave to go do other things not in earshot, Noob walking over and lifting c00lkidd up and carrying him out of the room, deciding to shield him from whatever argument was about to ensue.

And so. The yelling began.

"He doesn't belong here!" Shedletsky yelled, stepping forward again, attempting to intimidate 007n7.

"He's my goddamn son! He deserves to be here with me!" 007n7 snaps back, "I haven't gotten to hold him for I don't even know how long! He's my baby, and I love him! I understand you feel negatively towards him, but if I hear you call that boy a monster one more time, Shedletsky I am promising you I am going to use my fucking belt, and trust me, I don't think you want that." 007n7 threatens, his glare not wavering even as Shedletsky backs down.

Shedletsky grunts and stomps away, "Fine! But don't come crying to me if that little fucker goes back to killing us." He calls back to 007n7 before leaving the cabin to sulk and grovel on the porch.

As angry as he was, 007n7 was still glad to see, and hug his son again, no amount of Shedletsky's whining would change that.

Chapter Text

"Alright, I'm done, What's your goddamn problem?" Two-Time demands, walking into the kitchen, standing in the doorway, glaring at Shedletsky who was standing in-front of the microwave. "Hey, chicken-lover, answer me." They add firmly, arms crossed, knowing the playground insult will get the older man's attention.

Shedletsky lets out the loudest, whiny groan Two-Time has ever heard as he turns around, "What?"

Two-Time uncrosses their arms and walks forward, "I'll repeat it - What. Is. Your. Goddamn. Problem?" They ask, pausing between each word to really get them through Shedletsky's head. "Stop brooding in-front of the microwave, and answer me."

"I don't have a problem." Shedletsky deadpans, turning back around to stare at his food in the microwave.

Two-Time rolls their eyes, walking over to him and grabbing his shoulder and turning him around to look him in the eyes, "I know you're a dick, but ignoring c00lkidd thirteen times was low, even for you. He's trying to apologise to you, and you don't even grace him with a 'hey, I'm sorry, but I can't talk right now.'" Two-Time responds bluntly.

"Oh- So YOU forgive him?!" Shedletsky yells, shoving Two-Time back a little bit, "He's killed us all, so many times! A simple 'I'm sorry' cannot change that!"

"We ALL respawn-! What's your problem! You made that kid fucking cry!" Two-Time yells back, temporarily losing their cool before inhaling and exhaling, "Look- I get it. I really do, dying isn't fun, respawning is painful and sickly sometimes, I get it. But taking it out on a 10-year-old is not the way to go-"

"I'm ignoring him, how is that taking it out on him?" Shedletsky answers dismissively, turning around and taking his food out of the microwave.

"You have beef with a 10-year-old." Two-Time deadpans, watching as Shedletsky eats his food, "I'd ask if I can have some, but you damn near killed Noob when she asked so I'm not gonna."

Shedletsky chokes a little, coughing profusely for a around thirty seconds, turning and giving Two-Time an incredulous look, "I do not 'have beef with a 10-year-old' I am simply protecting myself from the inevitable." The man defends himself, though it comes off as half-hearted at best.

"Let me guess - the inevitable is Kidd killing us?" Two-Time asks bluntly, groaning as Shedletsky nods bluntly, "He was nearly killed by 1x cause he DIDN'T wanna kill us, have you even been paying attention?"

"It's a trap, I know it is-" Shedletsky responds, his expression going from annoyed to indifferent as Builderman walks in, holding a fast-asleep c00lkidd with one arm, using his free hand to carry an empty plate to the sink and then back to the living room, not gracing Shedletsky with a single glance,

Two-Time watches Shedletsky's expression carefully, studying it, Two-Time leans against the counter on their side, still looking at Shedletsky as they tilt their head, "You're jealous, and scared." Two-Time observes. It wasn't an assumption, it was fact.

"What-? No. I'm not jealous- Or scared-" Shedletsky tries to defend himself but stumbles over his words, accepting defeat, running a hand over his face, "Fine. I'm...Scared."

"No shit. Of what?" Two-Time asks bluntly, a bit too bluntly.

"...That...You guys hate me." Shedletsky answers a bit quietly, "...And that you're all gonna abandon me..."

Two-Time blinks a couple times, inhaling a little, "You...came to that conclusion, cause we welcomed c00lkidd with open arms..?" They asked warily, they knew that they were treading into slightly dangerous waters, one wrong tone or inflection could lead to verbal shrapnel. "Is it cause we're giving him all the attention and that's what's making you feel abandoned?"

Shedletsky gives Two-Time a look, "...Are you gonna make fun of me if I say yeah?" He asks, acting like he's not blinking back tears.

"No," Two-Time starts, pulling Shedletsky into a nervous hug, "No, I'm not gonna make fun of you. I just-" Two-Time pulls away so they can talk to Shedletsky firmly but still gently, "I just think, you're being a bit...irrational. Is all. We're not abandoning you, not happening, ever. Just please, stop taking out your feelings of c00lkidd, he doesn't deserve it, if not for him, then for you. It's not healthy."

Shedletsky inhales and exhales, head in his hands, "Fuck- I have beef with a 10-year-old." He mumbles, accepting it himself.

"Give yourself time, we're not abandoning you. It's just - c00lkidd is that, a kid. He needs people right now, I understand that you need us too, but being a broody, mean asshole isn't the way." Two-Time answers, giving Shedletsky a pat on the shoulder with one hand, using their free hand to attempt to discreetly nab a chicken strip from the man's plate, succeeding by some miracle sent by Spawn. "Look, don't be afraid to talk to us, okay? I'm sorry, if we made you feel abandoned, but that's not the case." Two-Time adds as they leave the room, moving in a way that hides the stolen bit of chicken as they leave into the living room.

Noob glances up from her sketchbook, noticing that Two-Time had managed to steal a chicken strip from Shedletsky without being obliterated on the spot, "...Witch." She mumbles.

"Heard that." Two-Time states, eating the chicken strip with great satisfaction, giving Noob a shit-eating grin, "Jealous?"

"We're just surprised you didn't die." Elliot comments, laying back on the floor, staring up at the ceiling, one of his pizza boxes on the ground next to him.

Two-Time lets out a small amused huff as they sit down on the couch next to Noob. Their conversation with Shedletsky went...Less violent than they thought it would've, but, they'll take having to comfort the guy over killing him any day.

Chapter Text

"Look- I'm, really sorry-" Shedletsky starts immediately as he walks into 007n7's room, the man holding a still extremely upset c00lkidd, Shedletsky pauses a little as 007n7 looks up at him.

"Speak." 007n7 states, giving him a small nod.

Shedletsky nods and inhales, "I, I'm really, really, sorry for the past day-or-so, I just- Took a lot of things more personally than I should've and, instead of talking it out, I took it out on you two and I'm sorry."

c00lkidd and 007n7 look at each other, as if communicating telepathically before giving each other a small nod.

"We forgive you." 007n7 nods, "My threat still stands though." He adds, though less harsh as it was last time.

c00lkidd hops off 007n7's lap, looking up at Shedletsky with a small glare, "I forgive you, but I'll forgive you more if you give me some chicken nuggets." He states bluntly, like a little lawyer negotiating, his arms crossed.

Shedletsky sighs, nodding, "Okay, deal." He agrees, holding his hand out for a handshake, his heart shuddering as c00lkidd flinches back a little bit before relaxing and taking Shedletsky's hand, allowing the handshake.

"Deal. I expect my nuggets at some point." c00lkidd responds before adding a small, "Please." As a bit of an after thought.

Shedletsky nods, "Okay, okay, little fella. Tell ya what, I'll cook them for dinner and we can share the plate, deal?" He asks as he starts to leave the room.

"Yeah." c00lkidd nods, sauntering back over to 007n7, the 10-year-old allowing him to pick him up and put him back on his lap.

Shedletsky nods and leaves the room, the man exhaling, happy that it went well, it went better than he expected.

"...If c00lkidd is having some of your chicken nuggets, then can I some too?"

Noob's sudden appearance makes Shedletsky turn around and damn near molly-wop the poor girl through the nearest wall, luckily he stops himself, pulling his hands back, "Dear lord, I am so sorry-" He apologies immediately, "...Fine, sure, yeah, you can have some too." He answers.

"...Nice!" Noob exclaims, punching the air in celebration as she skips back to her room.

Shedletsky rubs his forehead, realising the mental maths he'll be doing in order to split a plate of nuggets between three people.

Chapter Text

"So...What'd we do now?" Noob asks for the fourth time in a row, looking at the pot on the oven as if it were an enigmatic being that had just descended down from the sky, the girl looking over at Elliot who rolls his eyes, opening the trashcan to look at the instructions on the box that they had already thrown out.

"Uh...Two cups of water, in a pot." Elliot reads out what he can see on the box, "Before you ask, yes, two cups of water into the pot we have already put onto the oven- Look- I don't make the rules-"

Two-Time watches from the kitchen doorway, leaning against it, "You're both dyslexic." They deadpan, watching the two idiotic siblings through half-lidded eyes, a small little smirk on their face.

"Stay outta this!" Elliot snaps back, looking over at Two-Time, going over to Noob, "Wait- water-" He mumbles, turning to the sink, grabbing a cup and filling it with water, pouring it into the pot, and then repeating the process.

"I'll bite - what the fuck, are you two attempting to make?" Two-Time asks, staying leaned against the door-frame.

Noob rolls her eyes, "Come over and look, dumbass." She comments in a snarky tone, giving a gesture to the pot on the stove.

Two-Time shakes their head in response, "Can't, this door-frame is the only thing keeping me from falling over."

Elliot turns and looks at Two-Time with an expression that non-verbally says - "I know what you are." - before turning back to look at the oven, only to find that the pot has spontaneously combusted, Noob standing there like an idiot instead of moving away.

"We are so banned from the kitchen." Noob mutters, only now stepping back and away from the flaming pot on the stove, "How have we managed to burn water?" She asks, looking at Elliot who stares at the fire before impulsively grabbing the pot and tossing it into the sink, letting out a small pained noise due to his hand getting a bit burned.

"It's still on fire-" Two-Time comments, watching from a safe distance away.

"WE KNOW!" Noob and Elliot yell back at them at the same time, Noob going over to the sink and turning it on, watching the water from the tap overwhelm the flames.

"We're saved-" Elliot starts to celebrate when -

"No, you're grounded."

The others got back, Builderman standing in the kitchen's doorway, next to Two-Time who slowly blinks before fully registering that Builderman is standing next to them.

Two-Time looks over at Noob and Elliot, "Guys, the others are back." They state, nodding with their statement as if Noob and Elliot somehow didn't notice Builderman.

Builderman glances at Two-Time, "Actually- You're all grounded, rooms now. Stop setting fire to our kitchen." He says firmly, Noob and Elliot walking out of the kitchen and upstairs, "You were supposed to be watching them-" Builderman whispers to Two-Time sounding annoyed and exhausted.

"Technically-" Two-Time starts, turning so they're looking up at Builderman, "I WAS watching them, I just didn't do anything." They state.

"You're high, aren't you?" Builderman asks bluntly, exhaling as Two-Time nods, the man rolls his eyes, picking Two-Time up and carrying them upstairs to banish them to their room, like Noob and Elliot. "You're all going to give me an aneurysm." He mumbles to himself.

Chapter Text

It was easy for Shedletsky. To play hero, cause to him - he wasn't 'playing', he was useful. Yeah, sure, Chance had a gun, but it was 50/50 split between him actually shooting someone, and him shooting himself in the damn skull, and yeah, Two-Time could respawn after dying, they all could, but only difference is that they could respawn wherever they set up their little respawn thing, but, it was taxing physically and usually ended in them getting jumped anyway.

Shedletsky didn't wanna brag, but, his sword was good. It was easy and reliable every time.

But this time?
Something felt off, 1x1x1x1 wasn't one to just stand in the open after attacking, he'd move around, run and reenter the shadows to attack again, despite Shedletsky's caution, he approached, instinctively nudging Elliot behind him, the man giving the teen a small nod as if to non-verbally say 'Get ready to run.'

"Hm. Here to play hero, as usual, I presume?" 1x1x1x1 muses, flashing a toothy grin at Shedletsky, as if mocking him, "Don't answer, I know you too well." He adds, looking at Shedletsky, tilting his head, "Come on then, let's dance."

"Don't-" Elliot whispers, trembling behind Shedletsky, the teen grabbing the man's shoulder, "Let- Let's just retreat- Please-"

Shedletsky exhales, turning around and looking at Elliot, his gaze softening slightly, "...I need you to listen to me, no arguing, I need you to run back to the cabin, tell the others that I told you to leave me, okay?"

Elliot looks hesitant before doing as Shedletsky told him to - the teen backing away, keeping his gaze on 1x1x1x1 as if he were a weeping angel, Elliot only running after he stumbles a little bit, the boy running back into the woods, away from Shedletsky and 1x1x1x1.

"You're fucking pathetic, 'oh, leave me,'" 1x1x1x1 mocks Shedletsky, the killer putting a hand over his heart, the other hand on his head, dramatising his mocking, before walking forward, hands back to his sides, "Now that the kiddo's gone, let's dance." He sneers, pulling out both his swords.

"Bet." Shedletsky sneers back, pulling his sword out too, holding it by the handle firmly with both hands, getting his footing right before both men charge each other.

The two of them fight furiously, their swords clashing as they block each others attacks, and it's going well, for Shedletsky until, he catches a glimpse of John Doe sprinting over, and before he knew it - He was on the ground, his sword being kicked away from him by 1x1x1x1, the last thing Shedletsky felt is a shoe colliding with the back of his head before it all went black.

-----

Shedletsky woke up with a pained gurgle, blood dripping from his nose and bottom lip - his arms chained up above his head, forcing him into an uncomfortably straight seated position, his body trembles as he takes in his surroundings, it was dark, and smelled like wet moss, with very little light shining into the room from under the door, allowing Shedletsky to see what he had already gathered, he was in a cell.

"Well, well, well." 1x1x1x1's annoying, gloating, tone rang into the room as the door opened, John Doe following 1x1x1x1 into the cell, the two killers looking down at Shedletsky, 1x1x1x1 smirking and leaning down to be on Shedletsky's level, looking into his eyes, "Looks like you should've listened to Elliot, you should've retreated." He tuts mockingly, using one hand to wag a finger at Shedletsky as he uses his other hand to grasp Shedletsky's chin, forcing eye-contact, "Such a pretty sight." He sneers, now holding Shedletsky's face with both hands, grinning as he rubs Shedletsky's bloodied bottom lip with his thumb, revelling in watching the survivor stifle a small pained sob, "Awe, shh, don't cry, I haven't even started hurting you, yet."

Yet. It was that word, that phrasing that sent Shedletsky into panic, "Wh-what-?" He chokes out, cringing at the feeling of blood dripping from lip.

"Oh, you heard me, I have questions, and you're going to answer them, whether I have to break you or not." 1x1x1x1 answers with a grin, standing back up, "I wanna know where your little base of operations is, the 'cabin' you spoke of. Where is it?"

Shedletsky, despite all the physical pain he was in just scoffs, "Like I'd tell you that."

1x1x1x1's expression darkens, he steps back and turns away, starting to walk out of the cell, "I'll make you tell me." He says coldly as he leaves the room, John Doe following silently like the little henchman he is - Leaving Shedletsky in the dark, alone. It is then that he allows tears to slip from his eyes, the man trying not to cry too loud, knowing that 1x1x1x1 would take great joy in his emotional turmoil.

Chapter Text

Shedletsky had been chained to the wall for at least a few days now, the blood from his nose and lips dried up and crusted, leaving him with the constant, nauseating scent and taste of blood, it didn't help that 1x1x1x1 was a sadistic prick, the killer picking up a habit and punching Shedletsky in the nose, not enough to break it, but it was enough to make his nose bleed again, leaving the man growing paler and shakier.

He hadn't gotten a proper amount of sleep, 1x1x1x1 made sure of that, every time Shedletsky's eyes fell closed, he made sure to slap him back awake, occasionally letting Shedletsky pass out, but he'd wake him up after 20 minutes, on the dot, every-damn-time.

"I- I told. I won't tell you where our cabin is-" Shedletsky heaves out, his breathing slow and deep, looking up at 1x1x1x1, glaring at him through his hair that'd fallen over his eyes. "I am not a snitch-" He adds.

1x1x1x1 fixes Shedletsky with a glare, the latter losing all forms of bravery he had mustered up as 1x1x1x1 stalks over to him, pulling out a dagger, "Mhm, Is that so?" He inquires, crouching down to Shed's level, using the point of the dagger to tilt his head up, threatening to cut Shedletsky's chin, "You know, I was thinking, the others will probably rescue you, so...Why not ruin your reputation in the group?" He muses, a sadistic glint in his blood red eyes, a wicked grin on his face.

Shedletsky gives 1x1x1x1 a look, it's one of pure exhaustion and confusion, "Wh- what?"

1x1x1x1 lets out a scoff, placing the dagger down, unchaining Shed from the wall, and promptly pinning him to the ground, 1x1x1x1 sitting on-top of him on his waist, yanking Shedletsky's sleeves down, his smirk widening at the collection of scars he was greeted with, "How about I just...Open these back up, hm~?" He purred out, picking the dagger up, clearly enjoying the struggle Shed was putting up.

"No- No- No! Please-!" Shed pleads, kicking and letting out a small pained scream as he feels 1x1x1x1 begin to slice his arms, meticulously cutting over each and every scar on Shed's arms, some cuts deeper than other, "Please- 1x- Please-!" He begs, feeling the all too familiar burning and stinging sensations on his arms, tears rolling down his face, mixing with the dried blood, his sobs coming out all raspy due to dehydration.

1x1x1x1 eventually pulls back, grinning madly at the collection of cuts he's left on Shedletsky's arms, he carelessly tosses the blood covered dagger across the room, getting up and forcing Shed to sit up, "Stop fucking crying." He sneers, pulling Shed's wrists back up into the shackles, his annoyance replaced by satisfaction as he watches Shedletsky squirm a little bit due to being forced back into the uncomfortably straight sitting position, blood running down his arms like a river. With that, he turns and stalks out of the room, mockingly leaving the door unlocked, as if to taunt Shedletsky with the freedom opportunity that he couldn't take.

--

It was hours later when 1x1x1x1 came back into Shedletsky's cell, sitting mockingly in-front of Shed, a plate of food next to him, the killer eating in-front of him. As if to rub it in even more, it was a plate of chicken nuggets with a couple pizza slices.

"Hm. I can see why you like this stuff." 1x1x1x1 muses after swallowing the bite he had taken from the pizza, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction that only comes from taunting people.

Shed feels incredibly mocked by this, but he can't deny how hungry he is, "...Can- Can I please some?" He asks meekly, his tone incredibly polite and quiet, tired from the physical torture earlier.

To Shedletsky's surprise 1x1x1x1 picks up the plate and moves forward a little bit, before pausing and then pulling away with an incredibly cruel glint in his eyes, "Hm, Nah, Don't think you really need it." He muses, eyes trailing over Shed's trembling figure, grinning to himself as he continues to eat in-front of Shed, finishing up after a few minutes, standing up with the empty plate, "To be fair to you - I'd probably look like you if I ate this stuff more often." He adds in a fake nice way, his tone dripping with condescending undertones.

Shedletsky has no choice but to watch as 1x1x1x1 turns and leaves the cell, leaving the door unlocked once again, leaving Shed feeling physical pain and emotional pain, for the second time that day - Shed was unable to stop the tears that formed in his eyes, his arms hurt, his head hurt - Everything hurt, and with that, he let himself go once again, his head hung low as he just sobs, internally praying that he's either rescued, or that he dies so he can respawn at the cabin, yeah, the respawn would be taxing and he'd probably be a bit sick for a little bit, but- It'd be better than this. At least he'd be safe and with Builderman and not with 1x-

'God- Is this how c00lkidd felt?' Shed found himself pondering in his emotional breakdown, 'Scared-? Confused?' Either way, that's what Shedletsky was feeling, the days of dehydration, lack of food, sleep and the physical pain leaving the man feeling defeated, but, more prominently, he was scared and confused, 'Why me?' He internally questioned before slowly succumbing to the exhaustion, his eyes rolling back as he goes as limp at the chains would allow - the man passing out.

Chapter Text

When Elliot had burst into the cabin 5 days ago, panting and yelling about 1x1x1x1 and Shedletsky fighting, Builderman, regrettably, he didn't think much of it, that stuff happens all the time. 5 days. It'd been 5 days, and Shedletsky hadn't returned, hadn't respawned or stumbled into the cabin, he was gone. Fully gone. And Builderman was on a warpath, searching the woods around the cabin with a pessimistic Guest in tow.

"There- There has to be something-! We know Shedletsky - that fucker doesn't go down without some form of a fight." Builderman yells frantically, he could feel the hair he had under his hat turning grey at every passing second. "He's so- So fucking stubborn-!" He adds in a very frustrated yell.

Guest sighs, following along, shining a flashlight around into the darkness, pausing when he notices a clearing in the woods, "Hey- Didn't Elliot say something about a clearing?" He inquired, gently grabbing Builderman so the man would stop and look.

Wordlessly, Builderman shook Guest's hand off of him, rushing forward into the clearing, his heart skipping a beat as he sees the smattering of dried blood on the grass, the moonlight illuminating the area up enough to allow the two men to look around without the flashlight. Builderman is still for a few seconds until he catches a glimpse of the moonlight reflecting off of something - something metal.
He stumbles forward and collapses to his knees, it was Shedletsky's sword, he picks it up and swallows the urge to just scream, looking at it, his eyes staring back at him in the blade.

"It's okay, at least we know he put up some form of fight-" Guest states, brows furrowing a little as Builderman stands up, holding the sword.

"I'm gonna kill them. I am going to make 1x1x1x1 choke on his own blood-" The man declares, it wasn't a measly threat, it was a statement, a promise.

Guest fought the urge to nod, walking forward and gently placing a supportive hand on Builderman's shoulder, "It's okay, mate, just breath. We'll get him back, I can't promise that it'll be easy, but we will, as a team." He states firmly. "Now, let's get you back to the cabin, I'll make some tea and then we'll go over plans."

Builderman nods, holding Shedletsky's abandoned swords in his arms as Guest leads him out of the clearing, back through the woods and to the cabin.
The two are greeted to the warm, safe, environment of the interior, 007n7 sitting in an armchair, c00lkidd cuddled up against his chest, the two of them sound asleep, Chance and Two-Time were going over the basic map the group used to get a layout of the area, the two obviously narrowing down where Shedletsky most likely is - The map pinned up onto a board the group used, the two of them pulled from their discussion when Builderman and Guest walked in.

"Hey, Any luck finding our emotional support dickhead?" Two-Time asks, letting out a small "Ow-!" as Chance hits the back of their head, "What? He IS the emotional support dickhead, you bitch."

Guest rolls his eyes walking up-to the map, grabbing a pin and stabbing it into where the clearing is shown, "We found Shed's sword and dried blood here." He explains, "Narrow it down from there." He orders before going into the kitchen, he said he'd make tea, and he is a man of his word.

"...I miss him-" Builderman can't help it, the man sits down on the couch, holding Shed's sword in his arms, "He- He needs me- and I- I need him-"

"Okay- Calm down- It's okay it's okay-" Chance assures calmly, walking away from the map and crouching down in-front of Builderman, "We're getting him back, just breathe."

Guest comes back into the room and hands Builderman the cup of tea, who almost immediately chugs the entire thing down, setting the cup down on the coffee table as he stands back up and looks over the map.

"Okay- Okay- I say we get into groups and cover as much ground as possible, though, I think it's best we leave c00lkidd, Elliot and Noob here, It's safer for them." Builderman rambles off the rough outlines of a plan. "No matter what we do - we do it as a team, got it?"

Chance nods, looking at the map too, "...I don't think this is what 007n7 meant when he suggested that we do team-bonding-exercises." He comments bluntly, allowing himself to grin subtly at the amused exhale Builderman lets out. Chance nudges Two-Time who grumbles under their breath as they hand him a whole 20 dollars, the two of them had some kind of bet going on by the looks of it.

Chapter Text

Shedletsky was exhausted, based on the day-night cycle he estimated that he had been there for at least 10 days, maybe 11 seeing as he was passed out at first.
Either way, he was shivering continuously, every time 1x1x1x1 and John Doe came into the room, he managed to spitefully use what little strength he had to kick at them. Unfortunately for him - 1x1x1x1 was planning on stopping that behaviour sooner than later.

Shedletsky looks up as the cell door opens, 1x1x1x1 and John Doe walking in, "I- Come closer and I will kick you again." Shed threatens, his voice was quiet but the man managed to sound threatening, a low growl to his tone, mainly being able to do this due to how dry his throat was.

1x1x1x1 rolls his eyes, walking over in deliberately slow steps, the sound of his boots against the floor echoing throughout the small room, "Yeah, about that, you won't be able to do that much longer - but I'll give you one chance to behave yourself." He reprimands, his tone challenging.

Unsurprising to anyone - Shedletsky responds by using what little strength he has to manoeuvre himself enough to allow him to kick 1x1x1x1 in the abdomen, Shedletsky revels in watching his torturer wince and double over a little bit at the impact, the joy is short lived as 1x1x1x1 straightens back up, "...I- I'm sorry-" Shed rushes out, delving into panic as 1x1x1x1 unchains him, the killed promptly holding Shedletsky still - 1x1x1x1 holding Shedletsky so the latter's back is against 1x1x1x1's chest.

"Well, since you can't stop kicking, maybe we should, take care of that, hmm?" 1x1x1x1 muses, it wasn't a question, it was a command, a command for John Doe, who leaves the room, 1x1x1x1 continuing to firmly hold Shedletsky, "I'm very sorry for what's about to happen, darling." He mumbles in a sickly sweet tone grinning subtly as John Doe walks back in, holding a metal bat.

Shedletsky's eyes widen in fear, "Wh- No- I- I'm sorry- Please-!" He pleads, moving to struggle only for 1x1x1x1 to tighten his grip around him, due to being weakened Shed can only muster a small kick to John Doe's shin, the killer giving him an incredibly unimpressed look as if to non-verbally go 'Really?' - The killer giving a curt eye roll, placing his left foot onto Shedletsky's ankle to keep his right leg still, watching as Shed pitifully tries to just his left leg to kick John Doe's leg, trying to get the killer off him - failing miserably. "P-Please- Don't-" Shed starts to plead, crying out as John brings the bat down onto his leg, lifting it back up and bringing it back down again and again, Shedletsky crying and yelling, John continues to hit and bash Shed's leg with the bat until there was a sickening crack heard, Shed's yelling dying down into small babbles and whimpers.

"Keep going." 1x1x1x1 nods at John Doe, ordering him to do the same to the other leg, keeping his arms wrapped around Shed's upper-half, smirking at the sight of the once cocky, confident man now being reduced to babbles. He grins as John Doe moves onto the other leg, causing the yelling to pick up again, John Doe repeating the process - hitting Shed's leg with the bat until there's a crack.

Shedletsky, now filled with nothing but pain, literally cause both legs are broken, can do nothing but sob, trying to move his legs only to be filled with even more pain, "Fuck- What the fuck-?!" He yells, watching as John Doe stalks out of the room, leaving Shed with 1x1x1x1.

"Awe, shhh, it's okay, I'm sorry, dear, but you gave us no choice." 1x1x1x1 coos softly, moving a little bit, Shedletsky now sitting up properly, back still against 1x1x1x1's chest, the survivor still sobbing, even as 1x1x1x1 pats his head, his fingers running through Shed's soft curly hair, keeping the man still as John Doe walks back in with a pill container and a water bottle, tossing them both to 1x1x1x1 before leaving the cell again, the killer moving his hand away from Shed's hair to catch both items.

"No- You're not drugging me-!" Shed yells, unable to really struggle other than weakly hitting at 1x1x1x1 hands, the killer having taken out some of the pills - it looked to be ibuprofen and paracetamol, two of each pill, "No-!" Shed says tearfully and firmly, whimpering a little as 1x1x1x1 uses his free hand to grab his jaw, forcing his mouth open, gently putting the pills into Shed's mouth before closing his jaw with his hand.

1x1x1x1 keeps Shed's mouth closed, "They're pain killers, swallow them- wait - Nod if you need water to swallow them though, can't have you choking and dying on me now, can I." He nods in a show of fake-caring as Shed gives a small nod, 1x1x1x1 taking his hand away from Shedletsky's jaw, opening the water bottle and giving it to the man, watching as Shed drinks a mouthful of water, assisting in him in actually taking the pills. "Thank you." He says softly, taking the water bottle from Shedletsky and closing it.

"Why- Why did you do that-?" Shedletsky asks weakly, trembling and shaking, feeling incredibly sick and dizzy, his legs already starting to bruise up, every attempt at moving causing pain to shoot up through his body.

1x1x1x1 exhales, pulling Shedletsky close, hugging him, the killer's chin on the man's head, "You wouldn't behave, how're you gonna learn to behave if you don't get consequences for your actions." It wasn't a question, it was a statement, that was followed up by sweet words, "I'm sorry sweetheart, it's gonna hurt for a while." He gently moves Shedletsky so his head is resting against 1x1x1x1's chest, the man hesitantly and meekly wrapping his still cut-up arms around 1x1x1x1, hugging him back, 1x1x1x1 smirks softly, he can't help himself, "Wow, just 10 days and you're already lighter, honey." He muses, it wasn't really a lie, "I'm sorry for mocking you the other day, but you need to understand - it's for your own good, and look how it's turning out." He continues speaking, 1x1x1x1 can tell there's a lot of hesitation and general wariness from Shedletsky, the man looking up at 1x1x1x1, tears in his eyes, borderline delirious from the pain.

"I- Wh- Thank you..?" Shed babbles tearfully before resting his head back down against 1x1x1x1's chest, the man unable to pull away, the contact soothing him, it made him feel...Not safe, but he didn't feel like he was in any immediate danger, why would he with all the soothing tones from 1x1x1x1? The killer rubbing circles onto Shed's back with his fingers in a calming motion. It was calming enough for Shedletsky to let himself start sliping into unconsciousness, hands weakly holding onto 1x1x1x1's shirt,

1x1x1x1 smirks as Shedletsky begins to pass out, the killer allowing it, "There there, I've got you." He purrs softly, one hand on Shedletsky's back, the other playing with the man's hair, his smirk widening as he feels Shedletsky go limp against him.

Chapter Text

Shedletsky wakes up a little over an hour after his legs were broken, the man pausing and blinking rapidly, finding that he had been taken out of the cell and into a room, based on decor and colour choices, he correctly guessed that he was in 1x1x1x1's bedroom.

His assumptions were validated as 1x1x1x1 strolls into the room and pauses upon seeing that Shed was awake.

"Oh, yeah, I took you here, figured it'd be easier for you to cope with your broken legs in an actual bed, y'know." 1x1x1x1 muses, getting back onto the bed, not missing the wary look Shedletsky gives him, "Honey, don't look at me like that, I'm not gonna hurt you." He assures in a terrifyingly sweet tone. A tone that almost immediately makes Shedletsky melt, the man's expression softening a little bit.

"...You changed me..." Shedletsky comments cautiously, sitting up with a small wince, looking at 1x1x1x1, "I'm not mad- These are comfortable, thank you, but..." He trails off, feeling thankful but also a bit...Violated.

"I didn't touch you if that's what you're worried about." 1x1x1x1 assures, moving so he's next to Shedletsky, the two now pressed against each other, wrapping an arm around Shed's shoulders, "I'm really sorry about the whole...Torture thing." He adds, his fingers gently brushing over the scars and cuts on Shed's arms, "If it makes you feel better, I think they're pretty."

Shedletsky's brain short circuits almost immediately, the man mumbling and stuttering over his words, blushing deeply, "Oh- I- Uh- Thanks...?" He answers before looking down, "...I don't think I'm pretty- I'm pretty disgusting actually-" Shedletsky adds with a humourless laugh, "Sorry- Sorry- Bad joke."

"No, you are, but it's an easy fix, babes." 1x1x1x1 shrugs, pulling Shed closer, making the man lean against his chest, "Think about it, you're lighter already, and you've only been with us, with ME, for what? 10 days?" He adds, rubbing Shed's arms up-and-down softly, smirking a little bit, able to sense the upset coming from Shedletsky.

Shedletsky felt himself tear up a little bit, "...Maybe my legs being broken is a good thing- Can't walk to and from the kitchen like my life depends on it..." He mumbles, "Fuck- I am disgusting-" He adds, letting out a broken sob, allowing himself to just cry as 1x1x1x1 moves them so they're laying down beside each other, Shed's face buried in 1x1x1x1's chest. "I don't wanna be disgusting-" He practically babbles, still delirious from the pain, and painkillers, both working in a horrific harmony to make Shedletsky an emotional mess.

"I'll help you, sweetheart." 1x1x1x1 declares softly, gently grabbing one of Shed's hands pulling it up to his face, the killer greeted to the sight of healed scars on the man's wrist, 1x1x1x1 leans forward pressing soft kisses to the scars, revelling in Shed's blushy, flustered reaction, the man hiding his face against 1x1x1x1's chest even more. "Aww, sweetie, It's okay, no need to be all embarrassed, your scars are very pretty." He murmurs against Shed's skin, pulling away and settling down.

"Can...Can we just hug?" Shedletsky requests tearfully, giving a small smile as 1x1x1x1 manoeuvres them into a cuddling position, the killer being mindful of Shed's broken legs as he does so, Shed wraps his arms around 1x1x1x1 as the latter returns the gesture, his hands resting near Shed's waist, but - Shedletsky didn't care. He was getting affection and...He liked it. "Y'know....You're not that bad..." He mumbles, nuzzling against 1x1x1x1 softly, yawning softly.

1x1x1x1 grins, keeping one hand near Shed's waist as he trails the other one up into the man's hair, giving him the physical affection he obviously liked, "Awe, thanks." He mumbles back, as Shedletsky once again falls asleep in 1x1x1x1's arms, the killer is very pleased to find that he truly, under no actual effort, has the survivor wrapped around his finger. After a few minutes 1x1x1x1 falls asleep too, the two still hugging each other.

Chapter Text

Shedletsky woke up with a small yawn, almost immediately panicking when he noticed that 1x1x1x1 wasn't beside him, the man sitting up and out of muscle memory - trying to move his legs to get up, only to be horrifically reminded that his legs are broken, his reminder? Pitifully falling onto the floor, letting out a small pained noise, his body stiffening up. "Ow-" He cries out, he had a small feeling that the painkillers he was given were warring off, and damn - did it hurt.

1x1x1x1 walks back into the room, noticing Shedletsky on the floor, he strolls over, a small, subtle grin on his face, "Awe, honey, did you forget about your broken legs?" He muses, snaking his hands under Shed's body, picking the man up bridal style, revelling in the reaction that Shed gives, a faint blush forming on his face, "You're gettin' flustered, darling," 1x1x1x1 teases, knowing full well that Shedletsky was flustered. "Let's get you some painkillers, eh?" He adds, carrying Shedletsky out of the room, the man timidly wrapping an arm around the back of 1x1x1x1 neck as the killer takes him to the kitchen, setting Shed down on a chair at the table.

"Can I have some water too, please?" Shedletsky asks a bit timidly, the man looking a little bit huffy, but he'd rather die than admit that it was cause he can't swing his legs while sitting.

"You're pouting." 1x1x1x1 states, opening the cupboard that houses the painkillers, taking the container out of the cupboard and placing it onto the counter, grabbing a glass and filling it with some water, "I'm assuming you're a leg-swinger then." He states, walking over with the painkillers and the glass of water, giving the water to Shedletsky, watching as the man takes a few small sips of the water. 1x1x1x1 opens the container and pours some of the pills out and onto his hand, counting them before handing the little capsules to Shed. "Here's your painkillers, hon." He adds sweetly.

"Thanks." Shed answers, holding the glass with one hand, taking the pills with his other hand before tossing them into his mouth, taking a gulp of water to make swallowing them easier. "...Can I finish this?" He asks, looking up at 1x1x1x1, his eyes almost pleading.

1x1x1x1 makes a small show over thinking on his answer, "Of course you can, it's just water." He nods, putting the painkillers back into the cupboard, watching as Shedletsky sips the water, the killer unable to stop himself, "You know, if you wanna eat something - I'll let you, but we have to go over something." He starts, a small glint in his eyes.

"Hm?" Shedletsky looks up, swallowing the water, "I thought you said I wasn't allowed food..." He murmurs, treading into dangerous waters yet, he found himself not caring, admittedly - he felt great.

1x1x1x1 grins, managing to disguise it as a loving look, "Well, do you like soup?" 1x1x1x1 asks simply, opening the cupboard with the pots and pans inside, taking out a small pot, placing it down, going into another cupboard and pulling out a can of tomato soup.

Shedletsky looks a bit confused, but nods softly, taking another small sip of the water, "Yeah, I like soup." He confirms verbally, setting the glass down, wringing his hands a little bit

"Good, I'm assuming you know of - binge purging?" 1x1x1x1 inquires, opening the can of soup and pouring it into the pot, placing it on the stove and turning it on.

"Well..." Shedletsky starts, his fingers trailing over the faded scars on his knuckles, "I'm very...In-the-know about it...Why?"

1x1x1x1 doesn't answer at first, giving the soup a small stir with a wooden spoon, "Well, that's how I'm gonna help you, granted, you can't stand over the toilet to purge cause of your legs, so I'll give you a bucket."

"...You...Want me to purge?" Shedletsky asks cautiously, picking up the glass of water, and sips it, he hadn't considered slipping into old habits in order to 'not be disgusting' but, it worked before- "Okay- I can do that." Shedletsky nods in agreement, looking up at 1x1x1x1 - who's still cooking the soup.

"Good boy." 1x1x1x1 purrs, opening a different cupboard, "Don't worry though babes, I won't make you purge today, as a treat." He says as he pulls out a bowl, and sets it down on the counter, using a ladle to transfer some of the soup into the bowl, before taking it over to Shedletsky and setting it down on the table, "Here you go." He states affectionately, petting Shed's hair as he grabs a spoon and gives it to Shed.

Shedletsky takes the spoon and takes a small, meek, spoonful of the soup, swallowing it, "...This is really good." He mumbles as he continues to eat the soup, 1x1x1x1 watching over him. "Oh- Thank you, by the way-" Shedletsky adds looking up at 1x1x1x1 with a small, genuine smile, his pupils constricted, confirming that the pain meds were kicking the fuck in.

"You're welcome." 1x1x1x1 nods, walking back over to the pot, putting it into the sink and washing it, before drying it and putting it back into the cupboard. Waiting patiently for Shedletsky to finish up with his bowl, the killer taking the bowl and and spoon and cleaning it, putting the two items back into their respective homes in the kitchen. 1x1x1x1 then strolls back over to Shedletsky and picks him up out of the chair, "And back to bed we go." He smiles.

"O-Okay-" Shedletsky mumbles, the blush from earlier re-appearing, once again putting an arm around 1x1x1x1 carries him back to the bedroom. "You have an addiction to the colour green by the way." Shed adds bluntly, though there's a hint of humour in his tone, "It's a compliment by the way." He adds, reaching up and ruffling 1x1x1x1 hair, smiling at the small disgruntled noise the killer lets out.

"I think you're fucked up on pain meds right now." 1x1x1x1 deadpans, setting Shedletsky down on the bed, laying next to him, a small smirk finding its way back onto his face as Shedletsky uses his arms to pull himself closer to 1x1x1x1, the man resting his head on the killers chest, "You are so clingy, but, I can work with that, hon." He muses, pulling Shedletsky closer so the two are properly cuddling. After a couple minutes of the two cuddling, 1x1x1x1 glances down as Shedletsky moves a little, pressing their foreheads together, 1x1x1x1 suppresses a grin, knowing where this was going.
"Oh~?" He inquires in a soft murmur, allowing Shedletsky to close the gap, the man gently kissing 1x1x1x1, the killer responding by moving a hand to Shed's face, holding it softly, but firmly, deepening the kiss a little before pulling away, grinning at the flustered look on Shed's face. "Awe, hon, don't be all embarrassed on me now, that was lovely."
1x1x1x1 lets go of Shed's face, the man moving back down to being snuggled against 1x1x1x1's chest, going back to cuddling.

After a few more minutes, Shedletsky yawns and falls back asleep, 1x1x1x1 grins a little bit, wrapping his arms around Shedletsky, once against trailing his fingers through the mans hair, using his other hand to gently rub patterns against Shed's back through his shirt, the killer grinning at how far he was getting with breaking Shedletsky more than he already was.

Chapter Text

1x1x1x1 wakes up with a small groan, yawning as he blinks his eyes open, staring up at his ceiling as he comes back into the world-of-the-awake, grinning as he feels Shedletsky stir awake too, "Mornin', love." 1x1x1x1 rasps out, reaching over and ruffling Shed's hair, grin widening as he catches a glimpse of the purple-blue-ish bruises on the man's neck, his hair just barely covering them.

"Morning." Shedletsky smiles, looking up at 1x1x1x1, leaning into the touch with a soft blush on his face, reaching up and gently touching 1x1x1x1's face, leaning up and gently kissing 1x1x1x1 on the cheek, "You okay?" Shed asks, as if he's not the one who has broken legs.

"Uh, Yeah, I'm okay, you okay? I wasn't too rough?" 1x1x1x1 asks, managing to immediately slip into the fake caring tone he puts on with Shedletsky, sitting up and softly pulling Shedletsky up too, faking concern when the man winces, "What's wrong? Is it your legs?"

Shedletsky nods softly, "Yeah- But, it's fine, I'm fine now that I'm with you." He says lovingly, resting his head against 1x1x1x1's shoulder. "This...This is probably the most weight I've lost in years." Shed states, his tone making it clear that 1x1x1x1 had fully triggered a relapse. "Thank you." Shedletsky adds, giving 1x1x1x1 a hug.

"You're welcome, think about it, when, or if, you get rescued - One of them could easily just carry out." 1x1x1x1 muses, raising an eyebrow when Shed gives him a bit of a pout, "What?"

"I don't wanna be rescued..." Shedletsky mumbles, looking up at 1x1x1x1 with the most puppy-dog eyes ever, "I wanna stay with you!" He adds.

1x1x1x1 blinks a couple times before grinning softly, "Awe, babe. I want you to stay too." He murmurs, pressing a soft kiss against Shedletsky's forehead, pulling away and looking down at Shedletsky, he had convinced the man to relapse, convinced him that they were 'in love'...He wondered if he could convince him of something else, the killer sitting up and reaching over to his bedside table, a small dagger on top of it, "Baby, just in case you get forced to leave..." He starts, making himself sound as sincere as possible. The blade glinting menacingly in the light.

"Hm?" Shedletsky tilts his head, looking up and into 1x1x1x1's eyes, the man's eyes a bit nervous as he notices the dagger.

"Well, if they take you away from me, I want you to have a reminder of me." 1x1x1x1 answers, twirling the dagger around a little bit, "Here, you can do it." He urges, handing the dagger to Shedletsky who gulps a little bit. "You have enough scars and cuts on your arms so, I think it's time you add a couple to your thigh, no?" 1x1x1x1 suggests, he knew Shedletsky was devoted to him, the night prior proved that, but he wanted to know how devoted Shed was.

1x1x1x1 watches with a small smirk, as Shedletsky shifts the fabric of his pyjama shorts that 1x1x1x1 had given him, the man looking up as if to ask 'what am I doing here?', In which, 1x1x1x1 just hums thoughtfully - he was pretending, he knew what he wanted, "...Carve my name into your thigh, that way, you have something to remember me by~" 1x1x1x1 purrs out, grinning at the small shocked reaction Shedletsky gives, "You can just carve '1x' if that makes it easier."

"I- I can do it!" Shedletsky nods profusely, some of his curly hair falling over his face a little bit, the man steadying the dagger in his hand before beginning to carve into his thigh, biting back tears as he does so, painfully slicing 1x1x1x1's name into his thigh, going so far as to press hard enough in ways that will definitely make the cuts scar.

1x1x1x1 watches with great satisfaction, gently taking the dagger away, "There we go! Now, let's just bandage these up." He states, putting the dagger back on his bedside table, opening the drawer and pulling out some bandages, not caring that the bleeding hadn't stopped yet - the killer immediately wrapping up the new self-induced injury on Shed's thigh.
"Good boy!" 1x1x1x1 purrs, putting the bandages away and proceeding to gently pull Shedletsky closer - the man getting a bit shaky from the sudden new injury to add onto his list. His arms were still healing from being cut up, his legs were still very much broken, and now - he had 1x1x1x1's name carved into his thigh.

Shedletsky carefully snuggles against 1x1x1x1's chest, listening to his heartbeat, "Dizzy-" He mumbles before passing out against 1x1x1x1 - who just allows his grin to fully show it's malice, his hands had a possessive nature around them - one hand in Shedletsky's hair and the other on his waist, the killer was excited for how the other survivors would react to find that their precious sword wielding hero had been set back so so severely in just a matter of 20 days, sure, he wouldn't get to witness the aftermath, but it pleased him to think on how messy it'll be.

Chapter Text

John Doe wouldn't say that he was...DONE with 1x1x1x1's continuous torture of Shedletsky - He's say that he was 100% Very-Done with it.
Keeping the guy in a cell and depriving him of food, water, proper sleep? Sure, it was whatever, typical torture stuff. But then 1x1x1x1 reopened all Shed's self harm scars, then he had John break the guys legs. Sure- He'll admit, he was very complicit! More than complicit, but if he knew that breaking the mans legs would lead to his beauty sleep being interrupted by 1x1x1x1 deciding that sex would be a great way to prolong the healing process of Shedletsky's legs.
Was it? Yes, and it was obvious that there was a chance his legs had even been re-broken.
Was in NECESSARY? Absolutely not.

So when Guest 1337, Builderman and 007n7 came busting in through the kitchen windows, as if the door wasn't open, John Doe just exhaled, "Bedroom down the hall to the right, warning he is in very bad condition be prepared to carry him, literally, and expect some arguing, 1x1x1x1 has been love bombing him." John Doe immediately snitches.

Builderman blinks a couple times, "...Oh...We uh...Had an entire plan of attack for this..." The man answers, looking surprised that John Doe just...Snitched. "Wait- Love bombing? Like...He might have Stockholm Syndrome?" He asks, wanting clarification.

"There is not 'might have' here." John Doe deadpans, walking around the kitchen island and groaning, "Did you guys have to burst through the windows? Our door doesn't lock."

Guest exhales a little, "It looked locked."

"It looked locked? You're a Veteran!" John Doe retorts.

It was then the three of them had noticed that 007n7 was gone, the door to the hallway open.

"Well, looks like your friend is the only one who knows how a rescue mission works-" John Doe starts to be snarky, only to be cut off by a loud argument that was arising between 1x1x1x1 and 007n7, the yelling so loud it was impossible to hear it properly. "Go help you nitwits!" John Doe yells at Builderman and Guest who were standing there before John Doe had yelled at them. "Fucking survivors-" He grumbles out, saying the word 'survivors' like it was a slur.

John Doe ignores every yell and loud noise coming from 1x1x1x1's room, the killer going back to making their food, which was just pasta and toast, was it healthy? Debatable. Did he give a single flying shit about it? Nope.
It was a good 10 minutes before they came back through, 007n7's robe and hands covered in 1x1x1x1's unmistakable bright neon green blood, Builderman was fretting over Shedletsky who was being carried bridal style by Guest, Shed's head pitifully rested against the Veteran's chest, his face had a few small smatterings of 1x1x1x1's blood on it, a blank look in his eyes.

"Don't worry we'll leave through the door." 007n7 states, walking through the kitchen and to one of the two doors to the outside only to stop to wait for Builderman and Guest to catch up with Shed.

John Doe felt a small flicker of...Guilt in his gut as he caught a small glimpse of the bruises and bite marks scattered around on Shedletsky's neck and shoulders, his legs were bruised worse than before, even his cut up arms were bruised. All guilt left as soon as Shedletsky and John Doe made eye contact.

"He's the one who broke my legs, by the way." Shedletsky claims, giving a small gesture to John Doe.

John Doe groaned, "Oh you little snitch-" He sasses, only to immediately freeze in what felt like fear as Builderman stepped back a little bit, before immediately rushing forward and launching himself over the kitchen island to get to John Doe - the killer getting tackled immediately, "I'm sorry-!" He yelled, crying out a little as Builderman punches him directly in the nose, his eyes tearing up a little bit.

"You should be sorry! If you or 1x1x1x1 touch my son again - I will not hesitate to cut your heads off and leave them on wooden stakes as warnings to not fuck with my baby." Builderman threatened gruffly, standing up and wiping the small amount of blood he had on his hand off on his shirt before walking away and going back over to Guest and Shedletsky, "Ight, come on, we're leaving." He states, following Guest out of the kitchen, the survivors leaving the killer's residence.

John Doe just groaned a little bit, he was expecting more out of that, to be honest, he had to admit - after everything he did and everything he allowed to keep happening with no push-back - he deserved that, he deserved worse than a bleeding nose, he could tell by the amount of blood on 007n7 that 1x1x1x1 had definitely gotten more than just a bloody nose, which made John feel a little better if he wasn't gonna lie, would he let 1x1x1x1 know that? No, he wasn't trying to die.

Chapter Text

Builderman was fretting, he was a dad, he had to fret. Any normal parent, adoptive or not, would fret over their child if they found said child in the condition he and the others had found Shedletsky in.

It'd been hours since they'd brought Shed back to the cabin, it was a struggle but finally some gentle words and reassuring - 007n7 and Builderman managed to help Shedletsky get changed into some of his own clothes, ridding him of the disgustingly revealing pyjamas 1x1x1x1 had him wearing - okay, granted- It was shorts and a tank top, but it felt so wrong. 007n7 had left the room, taking the said pyjamas 1x1x1x1 gave Shed, knowing the mans track record he was probably off to go burn them.
Shedletsky was now in his usual lounge wear - T-shirt and shorts, but they were now extremely baggy on his smaller frame.

"Oh bud, your legs-" Builderman frets, crouching down in-front of the bed where Shedletsky was sitting, his face still peppered with the now dried up blood from 1x1x1x1, "Oh shoot that too, here kid." He murmurs softly, going into the bathroom attached to Shed's room and coming back out with a damp cloth, using it to gently wipe the blood off Shed's face.

"I'm not a baby." Shedletsky deadpans, he always deadpanned, but this felt off, like he was just...Generally uninterested in everything. Despite his slight attitude, he allowed Builderman to continue to clean the blood off his face.

"Sorry sorry, just...You're my son. I- I can't help but baby you right now- I'm so glad to have you back-" Builderman says, almost tearfully, her goes to hug Shedletsky who immediately flinches away, moving himself with his arms so he's not near Builderman.

"Don't fucking touch me." Shedletsky states bluntly, glaring over at Builderman, his glare softens as he sees the hurt look on his dad's face, it was enough to break him completely, "Sorry- I'm sorry- I- I should've retreated like Elliot wanted us to-" Shedletsky sobs out.

Builderman felt his heart fucking shatter, "Oh- Oh buddy, no, no no, this wasn't your fault-" He says softly, reaching out to place a hand on Shed's shoulder but stops himself, not wanting to make the obvious distress worse. "Can I please bandage up your arms? A lot of those look infected..." Builderman adds softly.

Shedletsky sniffles and nods tearfully, moving back over, wincing after moving his legs a little bit, the man holding his arms out for Builderman to bandage them up, the older of the two looks very sorrowful over how thin Shed had gotten, but he doesn't verbally say anything about it, he notices that the all too familiar scar on Shed's knuckles was looking a bit more...fresh now.

"Oh...Oh my baby- No-" Builderman mumbles, his thumb gently rubbing over it, as if to check - maybe it was nothing, but Shed's reaction of immediately stiffening up told him exactly what he needed to hear, "Can I hug you..?" He asks, standing up properly and sitting next to Shedletsky.

"Yeah-" Shedletsky nods, letting Builderman pull him closer, the older man wrapping his arms around Shed's body, holding him close like he was scared he's lose him again.

It was a good five minutes until Builderman pulled away from the hug, a flicker of even more sorrow on his face as he notices all the bruises, bite marks, and hickeys on Shed's neck, shoulders and arms.

"...You don't have to answer this..." Builderman starts, his tone calm and careful, "But, did...Did 1x1x1x1 rape you?" He asks, it felt disgusting and immoral to even ask, but he had to know, in order to help Shed recover, he had to know.

Shed's response was completely non-verbal at first, he just teared up and began crying again, before babbling out - "I wanted to at first- But- He started getting meaner- every time- It- He rebroke my legs- Dad- It hurts-" Shed sobs, leaning close to Builderman and just sobbing profusely hands gripping Builderman like his life depended on it.

Builderman felt a mixture of anger and hurt both at once, though he pushed his feelings aside, he had to comfort his son. He gently pulled Shedletsky closer, being careful not to hurt his broken legs as he does so, holding Shed on his lap and he just sobs. "Shh, It's okay, it's okay, I'm here now." Builderman mumbles comfortingly into Shed's ear, rubbing his back a little bit too.
It took a while, a good 30 minutes for Shedletsky to stop crying and inevitably pass out, fully resting against Builderman's chest as he falls asleep, feeling safe, properly safe again for the first time in a while.

Chapter Text

It'd been a couple days since Shedletsky had been rescued, he wasn't back to his old self at all, barely eating, any sleep was interrupted by severe nightmares that he woke up sobbing and trembling from. There was one thing he was back to doing though - stealing Builderman's hoodies and sweaters, well, it wasn't stealing, Builderman willingly gave them up but he knew damn well he wasn't getting those back for at least a month.

The only good thing was that Builderman convinced Shed to let him take him downstairs so he could chill on the couch like he used to. As soon as Shedletsky was set down he moved himself so he was curled up on his side, using his arms to move his legs carefully, laying there with an almost absent look in his eyes.
Builderman decided to just sit in his armchair reading a book, glancing up occasionally to check on Shedletsky.

"Ow-" Shedletsky mumbles as he moves himself into a more seated position, luckily - c00lkidd bounding into the room with a plate of chicken strips quickly distracted him from any pain, "Awe, someones hyper." He comments, managing for force a small smile watching as c00lkidd clambered up onto the couch next to Shedletsky, the man furrowing his brows in confusion as Kidd picks up a piece of the chicken and attempts to hand-feed it to Shed, who leans back a little bit to avoid eating it, "Heh- No- No thanks buddy, I don't want anything right now."

c00lkidd pulls back the chicken strip and gives Shedletsky a huffy, skeptical glare before shrugging it off and eating the food happily, "You sure you don't want one?" He asks, holding out a different chicken strip, looking up at Shedletsky.

Shedletsky looked down at c00lkidd, and dear lord, the puppy eyed look was killing him, "Fine, I'll have one, the rest is yours." He nods softly, taking the chicken from c00lkidd, manoeuvring himself so he was sat in a way that made it hard for both Kidd and Builderman to watch him eat. It felt shameful to do so, he used to love this stuff but now it just felt disgusting. He was disgusting-

"Can I braid your hair?" c00lkidd asks, smiling as Shed turns and looks down at him, "Please? I'll be careful! I promise!" Kidd adds, bouncing up-and-down a little bit, hands flapping out of excitement. "Your hair looks very soft-"

"...Yeah...Sure, go ahead." Shedletsky shrugged, he didn't see the harm in letting Kidd braid his hair, and so - he moved himself so his back was to c00lkidd who practically materialised a couple of hair ties. "Wait- You'd probably need to brush it first-" Shed says, turning his head and looking back at c00lkidd, watching as the boy hops off the couch and sprints upstairs to probably go steal a brush from Noob.

"Got one!" c00lkidd yelled happily as he came running back down the stairs, launching himself back onto the couch. Sitting down behind Shedletsky, beginning to gently brush the mans hair, stopping every now and then as if to ask 'am I hurting you?' before continuing. After 10 minutes - Shedletsky's hair was successfully detangled by a 10-year-old.

"Thanks bud." Shed nods, staying still, allowing Kidd to start braiding his hair, he wanted to cross his legs only to be reminded that he couldn't, he was torn. He wanted to go back to 1x1x1x1, he missed him already and he knew he shouldn't, but on the other hand, he wanted 1x1x1x1 gone- He wanted the dumb carving on his thigh to heal so he could just cover it up without it hurting-

c00lkidd's voice once again saves Shed from drowning in his internal narration, "Done!" He smiles brightly, gently grabbing Shed's braided hair and putting it over the mans shoulder so he can see. "Do you like it?" He asks as Shed turns his head and looks back at him.

"I love it- Thanks." Shedletsky nods softly, watching as Kidd's expression lights up like a firework, the boy getting up and going upstairs. Shedletsky then hears a small 'Awe' coming from across the room, he turns his head slowly, remembering that Builderman was there too, "...You saw nothing." Shed states bluntly, laying back down on his side.

Builderman chortles a little, "Oh yeah, Saw nothing, kiddo, I was blinded this entire time." He grins, going back to his book.

Chapter Text

"I'm not a child, stop trying to treat me like one."

Builderman had heard that sentence for at least thirty times today, every-time he tried to get Shed to do anything he was met with mild push back. He thought that taking Shed back up to his bedroom would maybe make it easier for him to eat. It didn't take a genius to realise that Shedletsky had relapsed, Builder knew the signs, he wasn't dumb.

"I'm not trying to treat you like a child- It's just...I think you may have...Relapsed..." Builder was careful with his phrasing, last time Shed relapsed he was way too forward with talking about it - Making Shed feel like he couldn't talk about it, "I don't wanna accuse you of anything, it's just...the scaring on your knuckles has worsened and I'm worried..."

"...I just don't wanna be or feel disgusting anymore..." Shedletsky mumbles, laying on his side on his bed, his hair was still in the braid c00lkidd had put it into, the man refusing to take it out.

Builderman sighed a little bit, "I know this won't help immediately but - You're not disgusting." He says carefully, sitting down next to Shed, gently patting his shoulder, pulling his hand back after feeling Shed stiffen a little, "Sorry..."

Shedletsky glances up at Builderman and just exhales, "It...It's okay- I just...Feel...Disgusting..." He mumbles, getting tearful, dragging a hand over his face. "I'll..I'll try to eat something, I just- Every time I eat now, All I feel is just- Disgust- Like I don't deserve it-"

"I'll leave the plate on your bedside table, okay. Listen- I'll be proud if you just peck at it." Builder responds, giving a small gesture to the now cold plate of food on Shed's bedside table. He gets up and leaves the room.
He closes the door gently and goes back downstairs, pausing at the last couple of steps as he sees an ominous glow, the glow was around the area they respawn at during 'rounds' if they die, "...What the-" He stops talking as someone appears, a cloaked, figure- He recognised that cloak, "...Taph-?!" He yelled, launching himself down the last two stairs, the man watching as Taph looked around, a panicked look in his eyes.

"Where?" Taph signs, looking around a little bit before winging his hands a little.

"Oh buddy- Come on, sit down, sit down." Builderman urges gently, placing a hand on Taph's shoulder and leading him over to the small seating area of the cabin, gesturing for him to sit down as he wracks his brain, trying to figure out how to explain what was happening to someone like Taph. "Uh...Let's just say - A being has chosen you and put you here." He explains as best he can, last time he explained to a newbie, which happened to be Two-Time, what was going on - They freaked the fuck out for an hour and started muttering prayers to Spawn.

Taph furrowed his brows, "Head hurts." He signs, "Is Shed here too?"

"A lot of people are here, they're all out and about right now, Shedletsky is upstairs, It's good to see you, bud." Builder answers, standing up and going into the kitchen, going back with a glass of water, with a straw, for Taph, "Here, for your head."

"Thank you." Taph signs before taking the glass, poking the straw up, under his mask and sipping the water, he sets the glass down with a soft clink, looking up at Builder, "May I go see Shed?" He asks before wringing his hands again, clearly very nervous.

Builderman considers it, before nodding softly, "On you go, small warning, he's not...Himself right now, try to be patient." He answers before adding, "Upstairs, turn left, his room is two doors down. Knock three times, wait a couple seconds before entering."

Taph nods softly, getting up and going upstairs, following Builder's instructions, turning down the hallway and walking past the doors, each one decorated in their own unique ways, he reaches Shed's door and knocks three times, and after a couple of seconds, he opens the door a bit cautiously, peeking in. He and Shedletsky make eye contact.

"...Oh-" Shed's words get stuck in his throat, "Taph-?" He murmurs, sitting up properly, gesturing for Taph to come in, the man giving a small gesture to the plate of food on his bedside table, "You can have some if you want, I don't really want it..." He adds with a small nervous laugh.

Taph walks in, eyes flickering over the bandages on Shed's arms, legs, and the one on his thigh, "What happened?" He signs, his eyes filled with concern as he walks over, before signing again, "Who do I need to kill?"

"Woah, woah, you don't need to kill anyone-" Shedletsky answers, hands up a little bit, "It was one of the killers, long story short, he made another killer break my legs, I'm fine now though- I just...Need to be carried...Literally..."

Taph looks at Shedletsky, his eyes a mix of concern and a hint of anger, his wings tensed up a little, "Unrelated where do these killers live?" He signs, it was very related, he then realises he's probably coming off too strong, "Sorry." He signs, sitting down next to Shed, instinctively wrapping a wing around the other man's shoulders, he smiles under his mask as Shed lets himself get pulled close. Taph continues to hold Shed close, watching as the other man yawns and rests his head on Taph's shoulder before falling asleep.

Taph only looked away when the door opened a little bit, hearing a small "Awe." Seeing Builderman standing there, smiling softly.

"I'll leave you two alone." Builderman says quietly as he leaves, he was happy that Taph was already settling in, and that Shedletsky was opening himself back up to allowing other's to touch him.

Chapter Text

Builderman knew what was happening, they had gotten comfortable...Too comfortable, and The Spectre wanted a show, the arrival of Taph should've been a sign of an upcoming round.
He decided it was a Code Red, gathering everyone around.

"Right so, we've all experienced nausea, migraines and ringing in the ears for the past couple of hours, yeah?" Builderman asks, looking over everyone, the effects pre-round were never fun, it hurt like hell, and made death feel nice. He glances over at Shedletsky and Taph, Shed having his hand up to add something to the conversation -

"Yeah uh- I think Taph wants your attention." Shed explains, gesturing to Taph who perks up and looks at Builder.

"What's happening?" Taph signs, looking around at everyone before adding another sign, "I'm Taph." The cloaked-avian signing his name, his wings drooping a little as a few others give a confused look, "Be my translator please." He signs to Shedletsky who nods -

"He said his name's Taph." Shed shrugs, giving Taph a small pat on the shoulder, "We're like, besties." He adds with a grin.

Builderman let out a small exhale, since Taph's arrival, Shed had been improving emotionally, "I'll explain - The Spectre, the being that put us here, sometimes puts us into Rounds, sometimes all of us get put in, sometimes The Spectre leaves a couple people out - And given that we've all been getting the Pre-Round Pains, I fear we're all getting put in." He explains, clasping his hands together, "So here's the plan, Taph, c00lkidd, since this will be you first round as survivors - Stick by one of us, if you can." He looks at Shedletsky, "And you - I know you like being useful, but for the love of god, Do not play hero if your legs start hurting, you'll end up re-breaking them."

"Wh- Come on! I can stand now-!" Shed argues back, sounding genuinely offended, "Also- I have my sword, I'll be fine-"

"Shedletsky. Do not argue on this." Builderman responds firmly and shortly, "You can stand and walk, sure, but you fall every time, and still need breaks. Take it fucking easy." He adds, normally he'd have been patient but the round could start at any minute, any second, and he needed to ensure that everyone was emotionally prepared. "In other words - Do generators, hide in a corner if you have to."

Shedletsky rolls his eyes, "Fine." He mumbles, crossing his arms as he stubbornly slumps back in his seat.

"You can stick by me." Taph signs to Shedletsky. "Besite." He adds before patting Shed on the shoulder, letting out a low, happy chirp when Shed returns the gesture.

Before the conversation can continue, the round begins, everyone's vision blurring before going entirely black...

---

Shedletsky awoke with a small groan, he never got used to being put into rounds, over and over again it was torture. He pushed himself up off the ground, stumbling a little bit as he got his barrings right- "Fuck-!" He groaned over dramatically upon seeing what 'map' they were in - Underground War. He loathed this one. With his entire being.
Despite his emotional plight he began walking, or well, limping his way towards a generator, getting onto his knees to do the puzzle, stopping occasionally stopping to tuck the loose strands of his hair behind his ears. Shedletsky completes the generator and stands up, reluctantly taking his hair out of the braid c00lkidd had put it in, the man using the hair-tie to put his wavy locks into a ponytail to keep it out of his face.

Shedletsky let's out a startled half-scream as a hand suddenly grabs his shoulder - He turns around and damn-near punches Chance, who luckily doges.

"Woah-woah- Calm it down-" Chance drawls out, hands up in mock surrender, "Didn't mean to startle ya." They add, stepping back and looking around, "Oh yeah, you hate this map." They grin.

"...'Oh yeah, you hate this map,' -" Shedletsky starts mocking Chance, "No shit I hate this map." He adds, talking normally, crossing his arms before walking away, his attitude calming down when he saw Taph along with 007n7 and c00lkidd. "Hey." He greets, leaning against the wall behind him, "Who's the killer?" He asks, looking at the group, offering c00lkidd a small smile.

"It's that masked fella from those movies you made me watch when we were 12." Taph signs in response, looking at Shedletsky, the cloaked-clad man tilting his head in response as Shed lets out a small exhale.

"You mean Jason Voorhees?" Shed asks, hands down at his sides, "007n7 cover your sons ears, I'm about to have a bitch-fit-" He states, watching as 007n7 slowly puts his hands over c00lkidd's ears, Shedletsky inhales before starting up again - "We are so fucked- Like actually fucked."

"...Like...Sex-fucked or 'we're in danger'-fucked?" Taph signs, his eyes filled with confusion.

Shedletsky rolls his eyes, "He basically fucking teleports. Like, he'll be 3-4 feet away from you, and next thing you know - you're back at the cabin, cause you've died."

007n7 speaks up, "Can you calm it down? My baby is right here." His tone was calm, but there was a disapproving glint in his eyes that seemed to extinguish Shed's 'bitch-fit.'

"...Sorry..." Shedletsky nods a little bit, he was too used to swearing and complaining during rounds that he forgot about c00lkidd despite literally telling 007n7 to cover the kids ears. "So, Taph- What abilities you got? I have my sword, and chicken, the others have their stuff too - whatcha got?"

Taph doesn't answer and just pulls out a Subspace Tripmine, earning different ranged of reactions from the other three, 007n7 was startled, c00lkidd was overly curious and staring at the ominous pink glow, and Shedletsky is the only one who looks very intrigued.

"Heh, nice." Shed comments, giving Taph a nod. "I'm off to go do fuck-all." He adds before pushing off the wall and walking away from the group, looking to the side as Taph follows. The two of them deciding to stick together like they said they would.

"Any tips?" Taph signs as they make their way down a slope into the underground section of the map.

"If you see another person running - that's your sign to run too." Shedletsky deadpans, strolling over to another generator, giving Taph a small smile as he joins Shed on the damn thing, the two working together to fix it up.
They finish the generator swiftly, the two getting up off the ground.

Taph grabs Shedletsky's arm and leads him over to a small dead-end, - "We can stay here." Before Shedletsky can argue against him - Taph is already setting up a tripwire, only, he seems to misplace it, leaving them with a small, 1-foot long tripwire with a ton of space to walk around, "OOPS." Taph signs, wringing his hands nervously.

"...We are so dead." Shedletsky mumbles, dragging a hand down his face. As if The Spectre was playing some cruel joke - it is then that Shed's legs decide 'Nah bro, can't walk anymore' - causing him to have to sit down on the ground, hissing in pain a little bit, "Ow- fuck-" He mumbles, looking up at Taph, "Leave me. Go- Go win or something, I'll slow you down." He rushes out, he could hear Jason's...Little theme getting closer.

"No." Taph signs back, walking over and sitting down next to Shedletsky, "Not leaving you."

And so...The two sat there, a show of accepting their fates.

"I'll see you once we respawn." Shedletsky says, wanting to give Taph some assurance as Jason gets closer, and closer, looking a bit surprised as Taph pulls him closer, shielding them with his wings, Shedletsky wraps his arms around Taph in response.

And then, it was over - The two experienced a lot of pain, and blood, but it was temporary. They both appeared in the cabin in different states of haziness - Taph was dizzy and wobbly on his feet while Shedletsky just staggered over to the sofa and laid down, the pains on his legs, and the post-respawn effects hitting him harder despite it being Taph's first round. His legs hurting even more than they normally did. "Fucking ow." Shed grumbles.

Taph walked over to the sofa and looks down at Shed, "Wanna go rest in bed?" He signs, eyes filled with concern, "I'm tired too." He adds, smiling under his mask as Shed nods in response, Taph takes this as a small invitation to pick him up to carry him.

Shedletsky lets out a disgruntled noise at being picked up without being asked beforehand, but - it's Taph, he'll allow it, "You don't have to be so...Nurturing over me, Taph, I'm injured, not a baby." He mumbles as Taph carries him upstairs to his room, "Thanks, though." He adds, immediately snuggling against his pillows as soon as Taph sets him down.

Taph doesn't even have to sign - Shedletsky just gesturing for him to join him. Taph obliges, laying down next to Shed and pulling him closer so Shed's head is resting on Taph's chest, the two embracing each other once again, Taph gently running his fingers over Shedletsky's back, mainly his shoulder blades and upper back, causing Shed to relax and fall asleep after a full five minutes. Taph letting out a quiet, barely audible chirp as Shed goes limp completely in his arms.

--

Builderman was the last-man-standing. Key word - WAS. He tripped and got killed. Respawning him back at the cabin, everyone had died to Jason that round -
Noob, Elliot and Chance all died back-to-back. Two-Time died, came back and died again. 007n7 died right before c00lkidd.
Shedletsky and Taph died at the same time.

"I'm off to go check on my son." Builderman states, going upstairs to Shed's room as a few of the others rest up in the main seating area of the cabin.
He walks down the hall and opens Shed's door a little bit, smiling softly at the sight -
Taph and Shedletsky both fast asleep, tuckered the hell out, he couldn't blame them, hell- Noob had decided to go lay on the floor, claiming it to be her 'napping spot,' and c00lkidd, and 007n7 had passed out onto an armchair immediately. They had all earned some rest-time.

Chapter Text

Ever since he'd been rescued, Shed had been going through a tough time, both physically and mentally. His cuts, both from being tortured, and when 1x1x1x1 made him carve '1x1x1x1' into his thigh, had healed, leaving nasty scars on his arms and upper, inner thigh- Hell, even his legs were, mostly, healed. Though...He supposed Builder was right. He had relapsed, he knew it wasn't healthy but- It gave him a sense of control. Eating. Not eating. Purging. It was all in his control...

There was one other thing he could control too. What fucking candle to use as he took a much needed 'Self Care' bath, he was getting body aches, and just generally could use some Self Care. Being, well, himself, he chose one of his 'food scented' candles, in his opinion they didn't actually smell like food, but they still smelled nice.

Shedletsky strolled into his bathroom and began to set up, turning on the faucet for his bathtub, only glancing up as Taph walked in, eyes averted despite Shed being covered up.

"...You uh...Want something..?" Shed asked, using one of his hair-ties to put his hair up in a bun to keep it from getting wet.

Taph looks at Shedletsky, looking him up-and-down before signing - "Why are you using your Telamon robe as a bathrobe?"

Shedletsky folds his arms, clicking his tongue before answering, "Cause it's comfy and what else is it good for anyway?" He shrugs, unfolding his arms and continuing with his routine, grabbing his candle of choice and lighting it with a lighter he definitely didn't steal from Chance, setting the lit candle down on his bathroom's counter before reaching over and turning off the faucet, adding a lavender scented bath-bomb to the water, watching it fizzle and dissolve.

"Should I leave?" Taph signs, wings fluttering nervously.

Shedletsky turns around and gives Taph...A bit of a look, he knew Taph didn't deserve it, but god, the pains were making it hard to keep masking and to keep being overly nice, "Uh...Duh!" He answers simply, immediately regretting just how rude he was being - luckily Taph didn't seem to really care -

"Okay." Taph signs and nods, "I'll check on you every 30 minutes though. Last time you had a bath like this, you fell asleep and damn near drowned."

"Okay- One, that was when we were 12, Two, I didn't 'damn near drown' and Three, I've taken numerous Self Care Baths in this realm. It's fine." Shedletsky immediately responds, watching as Taph leaves, "But fine - you can check up on me if it'll make you feel better." He adds, a small smile coming to his face as he hears Taph let out a soft chirp in response.

And with that, the self care began. Shedletsky sighed, untying his robe and hanging it up on the hanger, before carefully lowering himself into the bath, his muscles immediately relaxing, "Fuckin' finally- Some peace." He mumbles to himself, laying back a little bit, allowing himself to relax further. Shed wouldn't say that he was good at self care, he wasn't, he did the bare minimum when it came to it. But that aside, he was feeling pretty relaxed right now.

Shedletsky glances up as he hears a knock on his bathroom door, "Yeah?"

"It's me, Chance. I know you stole my lighter again." Chance answers, opening the door, "Oh...Have a little 'me time' are we?" They grin, walking in fully and swiping their lighter off the counter, "Not judging at all, just...Uh, your choice in candle and bath-bomb is weird." They add, looking at the candle, squinting to read the label, "Heh- 'Cherry Bomb' It certainly fuckin' does." They muse, leaning against the counter.

"Are you...High?" Shedletsky asks, staying laid back in the bath, the scent of lavender calming him and distracting him from the small aches that are reappearing, the man only moving a little bit.

Chance barks out a laugh, "What? No, I'm tryna make conversation..." He starts answering only to trail off.

This is what gets Shedletsky's attention, Chance wasn't one to stop talking, let alone stop talking mid-sentence, "You good?"

"Is the bathwater supposed to be...Red?" Chance asked, "I mean, most lavender bath-bombs make the water a more...purple-ish colour, no?"

"...Oh fuck-" Shedletsky immediately sits up, "Am I bleeding?" He asks, he knew he was. The bathwater was now a more diluted red hue than the previous lighter purple colour.

Chance nodded simply, backing away a little, "Uh- Guys?! I am not equipped to deal with this-!" He yelled, staying in the room, "Uh- Yeah-yeah, you're bleeding-" They add, stepping aside as Taph bursts into the room as if he was summoned personally.

"You're gonna be okay." Taph signs, crouching down beside the bathtub, "It's just your wings starting to come in."

"...MY WHAT?!" Shedletsky yells in response, feeling even more panicked, "More importantly - How do you know?!" He adds, his breathing quickening a little, he couldn't tell if it was water or blood dripping down his back, and he was too scared to ask.

Just then, Two-Time, Builderman and 007n7 walked in, all three of them looking to be in different stages of shock - Builderman rushing forward.

"Oh my dear, Spawn-" Two Time mutters, coming up and standing by Chance, before turning and leaving, "I'll go get soft items, Taph - Keep him calm!" They yell as they do so.

"Wh- What're they talking about-?" Shedletsky asks tearfully, everything hurt, everything hurt to the point that he didn't even fight it as Taph gently got him out of the bath, "Fuck- Why does this shit always happen to me-?" He asks again, breaking down on his bathroom floor, choking out a small sob as Taph wraps Shed up in his robe, blood immediately seeping through the fabric in a way that made Shed nauseous, "No- No- Don't like that at all-" He chokes out, covering his mouth with his hands as he gags a little bit.

"Oh-Okay-!" 007n7 moves forward and grabs a nearby bucket, "Here- Here, vomit into this-" He adds, handing it to Taph who gives him a bit of a small glare mixed with a thankful look, the masked one handing the bucket to Shedletsky who immediately holds the bucket close as he throws up - "I'm out, I'm sorry- I'm not good with uh...Y'know...Throwing up- Sorry-" 007n7 adds, leaving the room completely.

Builderman looks around nervously, not knowing what to do at all, deciding to leave too, mainly to figure out what the fuck Two Time was up-to, the latter had done what they said they would, having gathered soft items, only they were arranging them on Shedletsky's bed.

"...I'm making a nest...Y'know, so when he crashes he'll be comfortable..." Two Time explains, with a small shrug, "Are you gonna help?" They ask, not even looking up at Builder, the younger of the two working in quick succession to make the 'nest' before Builder could even try to help.

"I'm gonna fuck off..." Builderman says quietly, he was stressing the fuck out- He could feel himself going more grey under his hat, but, he does as he said he would, leaving the room completely and standing outside the door with 007n7, both of them 'being there' without actually being there.

Two Time steps back and admires the nest they had made, it wasn't the best, it was more of a template so Shed could add to it later. They walk back into Shedletsky's bathroom and cringe a little bit - the scent of lavender, cherry, blood and vomit mixing together to make the room borderline nauseating to be in, but they knew any discomfort they were feeling wasn't anything compared to what Shedletsky was feeling.
"He doing okay?" Two Time asked, standing next to Chance who looked scared to move.

Chance exhaled and looked at the cultist, "He's bleeding from his shoulder-blades and he's vomiting, what do you think?" They asked in a bit of a sassy tone.

"So sorry for asking-" Two Time starts, only to get cut off by the sound of more throwing up from Shedletsky, "...Okay, I think it's best if we at least put him to bed, he's gonna get bruises on his legs from sitting on the floor." They say, mainly talking to Taph, who nods in response.

"Look at you being mature for once." Chance teased, with a smirk, looking at Two Time - who was now helping Taph out, taking the bucket so Taph could carry Shedletsky easier.

Shedletsky shivers and sobs as Taph picks him up, every movement causing the fabric of his robe to snag and stick to the wounds on his back, despite this, he allows it, letting Taph take him to his bed - where he immediately lays down on his stomach, trembling from the pain, but also fear, "This fucking sucks-" He sobs quietly, gagging a little bit as Taph gently removes the robe from Shedletsky's body, well, mainly his top-half, Taph carefully making sure Shed was still covered up at least a little bit.

"Shhh, you're gonna be okay." Two Time says in a surprisingly caring tone, gently patting Shedletsky on the head, "It's painful when your wings come in at first, but trust me, the pain will ease up." They assure, giving Shed a small smile as the man glances up at them.

"...I think I'm gonna throw up again-" Shed mumbles, pushing himself up and taking the bucket back from Two Time and doing just what he said he would, body trembling profusely as he just holds the bucket close. "Can- Can one of you hold my hair up-?" Shedletsky asks weakly, he could feel his hair falling out of the bun he had put it in earlier, the man had his priorities straight - Yeah, his shoulder-blades were splitting the fuck open but hey, make sure he doesn't get vomit in his hair.

"Nice priorities mate." Chance drawls, walking over and gently holding Shed's hair up, keeping it out of the man's face as he continues to throw up, Chance looks at Taph and Two Time, "What? I can help too, I'm not a wimp." They add with a small grin, said grin widening as they hear 007n7 and Builderman both yell from outside the room, the two men yelling at the same time -

"I am not a wimp-!"
"Okay, fuck you too then!"

Luckily, the yelling earns a small, amused exhale from Shedletsky, who looks up, "I- I think I'm done..." He mumbles, cringing at the feeling of his own stomach acid dribbling down his chin, before he can move to wipe it off - Taph beats him to is, grabbing a tissue and wiping Shed's face, "Ack- Jeez, thanks, mom." Shed responds, trying to go back to his regular attitude, but it doesn't land, it especially doesn't land as Shed immediately lays back down, the nausea coming right back, his shoulder-blades felt like they were on fire, he could tell that the bleeding had either slowed down or stopped completely, but that did not stop the overwhelming amount of pain he was feeling.

Two Time takes the bucket and takes it back into the bathroom to clean it out, leaving Taph and Shedletsky alone momentarily - With Chance who stands uselessly to the side.

Taph lets out a small chirp, getting into the nest with Shedletsky and carefully pulling him closer so Shedletsky's head is resting on his chest, Taph glancing up in a confused, but welcoming manner, as Two Time comes back and gets into the nest too, sitting on the other side of Shedletsky so the man was in the middle of Taph and Two Time.

"...I'll leave you three alone." Chance nods, leaving the room, closing the door with a small click.

"You're gonna be fine." Two Time says calmly, gently massaging the skin around Shed's shoulder-blades, easing up the muscles in the surrounding area, making sure they didn't reopen the wounds prematurely as they did so, "I was similar when my wings first formed." They shrug, glancing up at Taph who signs -

"You have wings?"

Two Time nods, "They appear when I respawn during rounds, but, outside of rounds, they're retractable, it's painful and bloody, so I know this," They gesture to Shedletsky, "feeling all too well." They finish talking, unable to stop a small smile forming on their face as Shed lets out a small, quiet, barely audible chirp, "...Okay, that was fucking adorable." They mumble, biting back a grin when Shed turns his head and gives them a small glare, "What, you mad, feeling huffy?" They tease, though it's lacking any actual cruelty, their tone akin to the tone one would use when light-fully teasing a child.

"...Fuck you." Shed mumbles, turning his head away, going back to using Taph as a pillow, allowing Two Time to continue massaging his back, praying that hiding his face makes it easier to bite back the small chirps.

Unfortunately Two Time is the epitome of Been There Done That and notices, "You can chirp, bud, it's natural, especially when you're basically a fledgling." They shrug simply, "Don't argue with me on the fledgling label by the way." They add.

"But it's embarrassing-" Shedletsky whines, words muffled against Taph's chest.

Taph is silent before letting out a quiet chirp, smiling under his mask as Shedletsky immediately chirps in response, the man immediately looking up at Taph.

"That was evil." Shed mumbles.

"HEHE." Taph signs in response, before chirping again, eyes crinkling in a show of how much he was smiling as Shedletsky lets out another quiet chirp in response.

Two Time in unable to hide their amusement, "Yeah, instincts are like this. One fellow winged fucker chirps and it's hard to NOT chirp back." They shrug, "I don't chirp though..." They add, as if pleading for mercy subtly as both Taph and Shed turn their heads and look at them.

Taph decides to test Two Time's words - chirping quietly, tilting his head as both Shedletsky and Two Time respond, Shedletsky chirping, but - Two Time whistling in response.
"So you whistle?" Taph signs.

"...I cannot confirm or deny if I do or do not whistle..." Two Time answers, going back to massaging Shed's back, moving their hands up to the mans shoulders, letting out a small whistle as Shed lets out a quiet chirp. "...Oh you little shit." They grumble quietly.

"That was not on purpose-" Shedletsky murmurs, turning his head and resting it back on Taph's chest, starting to relax further, letting out a couple more chirps as Taph wraps his arms around Shed's mid-back, careful to not touch his shoulder-blades.

And so, Two Time continued to massage Shed's shoulders and back for a good five minutes before laying down too, letting out a small, surprising chirp of their own as Shed pulls them closer, "Oh- Okay- We're officially in the clingy stage, huh." They muse, acting as though they didn't chirp after claiming that they 'don't chirp.'

"Warm-" Is Shedletsky's only response to Two Time, keeping himself nestled in-between Taph and Two Time, chirping as he feels Two Time move their hands to his hair, gently taking it out of the bun fully before redoing it, making it a bit neater.

"And there we go." Two Time murmurs softly before relaxing too, "We'll be here for you, okay?"

Shedletsky grumbles before relenting fully, "Okay." He mumbles, yawning a little bit as he passes out, the pain, nausea and just general fatigue hitting him like a fucking truck.

Taph and Two Time stay awake, not saying or doing anything, the two of them staying still for fear that if they move, they'll wake Shedletsky up, both of them perking up as the door opens.

"Oh- Hey-" Builderman greets a bit timidly, looking at the three, "I come in peace...Heh..." The man adds in a joking tone, gulping a little bit, "...I'm sorry for bailing earlier, I come baring food." He adds, holding up a plate of food that he places on the bedside table, flinching back a little as Taph lets out a small hiss-like sound, Two Time giving him a small look that basically told him to 'back off,'
"Oh- Okay, okay- Don't get close to the nest then, got it..." He nods, backing away a little, "...I trust you two..." He adds before fully leaving. He wanted to stay, but it was clear that Two Time and Taph were most likely feeling very over-protective and he couldn't blame them.

Despite being literally hissed at - Builderman could not deny how cute the cuddle pile was, even if it wasn't even technically a pile, it was more like a sandwich..A very overprotective sandwich.
He walked away from the room and went downstairs, he could sit comfortably knowing that Shedletsky was in good hands.

Chapter Text

"Come on, can you try and eat something?"

Shedletsky cringed at the question, since he had woken up from his three-hour nap, Two Time had been pleading with him to at least try and eat something, each time Shedletsky shook his head and attempted to go back to sleep, and each time, he failed miserably.
"No no wanna-" Shed mumbles, staying laid down on his stomach, letting out a small, quiet chirp as Taph pats his head.

Two Time groans at the response, "Please-?" They try again, much weaker this time, "You might be sick again, and I think it's best if you at least had something other than your own stomach acid in your stomach." They urge, knowing that since being rescued from 1x1x1x1 that food was a very...Sensitive subject for Shedletsky, the man didn't really eat much at all anymore and it was worrying. "How about - We cut everything on the plate in half?" They try, cutting food up was one of the only ways they managed to eat in recovery, maybe that's work for Shed too.

"...Fine..." Shedletsky mumbles, sitting up in the nest, Taph following suit, giving Shed a small chirp, and Shed responds with a chirp back. "Stop- doing that-" He grumbles.

Two Time preoccupied themselves with cutting up the food Builderman had brought, the cultist using their dagger to do so, was it misuse? Perhaps. Did they care? Nope. The food was mostly foods Shed had shown interest in before being kidnapped, most of it was chicken nuggets, chicken strips, all of that stuff, case in point, there was enough on the plate to feed all three of them, and given Shed's current eating habits, or lack there of, it was more than enough.

"Do I have to eat a lot?" Shed asks, looking over at Two Time who looks back, their expression softening.

"...Eat what you can." Two Time nods softly, swallowing their pride and letting out a soft chirp, "I just don't want you to damage your throat by throwing up stomach acid." They add, unable to stop the instinctual need to ruffle Shed's hair.
Two Time suppresses a small smile as Shedletsky begins to eat, sure, he was taking small nibbles of the already small pieces of food, but it was better than nothing.

Shedletsky took a good five minutes to nibble his way through a cut up chicken nugget, "...Bleh." He mumbles, he knew how childish he sounded, he knew he was messed up but, nothing was satisfying to him anymore, why would it be after 1x1x1x1 told him he was 'disgusting.?' Why would it be when all he wanted to do was just...Purge. Every small thing he ate, he got the overwhelming desire to get it out. Like he didn't deserve it. Like-

"You okay?" Two Time's question pulled Shedletsky out of whatever zone-out episode he was having, before Shed could answer - Two Time noticed that his shoulder blades were bleeding again, "Oh Spawn- Okay- uh- Taph, go get the bucket again-" Two Time orders, moving so they're sat behind Shedletsky who had already started trembling again.

"I hate this- I hate this-" Shed mumbles, pulling his knees up to his chest, letting out a sad, pained chirp as he felt Two Time gently inspect his shoulder blades, Shed quickly covers his mouth with his hands, feeling his stomach churn at the feeling of his shoulder blades splitting open a bit more.

Two Time pulls their hands back swiftly, knowing better than to touch the wounds as they were actively splitting open, massaging was for afterwards, not during they reminded themselves. The cultist cringes a little, as soon as Taph gets the bucket to Shedletsky the man immediately vomited into it. Two Time gently rubs Shed's upper back, they couldn't touch the surrounding areas of the wounds, but they could still comfort the man. "It'll be okay, We're here, we're here, you're okay." Two Time soothes.

"Why couldn't I just slip into a coma for this-" Shed starts, trying to make a joking comment only to immediately gag and lurch forward, throwing up again, coughing profusely, his back felt like it was on fire, the man starting to cry.

Taph watches before getting back into the nest, helping Shed with holding up the bucket.

"I know, I know, baby bird, it hurts." Two Time murmurs softly, continuing to be soothing and comforting as Shedletsky continues to vomit and sob. It took a good five minutes for it to stop, the bleeding on Shed's shoulder blades slowing down before stopping, though, Shed was a lot paler and shakier now, the man sobbing profusely.
"Shh, shh." Two Time coos, letting out a few comforting chirps as they lay back down with Shedletsky, beginning to gently massage his back like they did hours prior, being much carefuller now.
Taph takes the bucket back to the bathroom before coming back, getting into the nest and moving the plate back to the bedside table.

Shedletsky lets out a few quiet chirps through his sobs in response to the feeling of Two Time's hands on his back, "Th- Thanks-" He babbles out tearfully, gently moving himself so he's using Taph as a pillow again, Taph chirps softly in response, neatening up Shed's hair as Two Time soothes and massages the muscles in Shed's back, the three of them staying like this before Shedletsky settled down again, letting out a couple of sleepy, but affectionate chirps as he passes out, once again nestled in-between Two Time and Taph.

Chapter Text

Pain. All Shedletsky could feel was pain.
He was sobbing-? No- No- But 1x1x1x1 said it wouldn't hurt-
But it hurt- Did it ever not hurt? Clawed fingers digging into his skin- One against his waist, the other against his neck.
Every sob that left Shedletsky was met with the hand around his neck squeezing roughly, rendering him breathless-
Hand leaving his neck and gripping his hair without a modicum of affection in it, forcing his head to the side- forcing him to just stare at the wall, squeezing his eyes shut made it feel worse- so much worse- Made it feel even more and more nauseating than it already was- His stomach was in knots, he hated, absolutely hated, how he was bodily reacting to it- He felt like he was on fucking fire-
God let it end- let it end- Make it stop-
please make it stop-

-----

Shedletsky woke in a cold sweat, bolting upright and looking around in a borderline erratic way, hyperventilating like he just ran a marathon, even after confirming where he was he couldn't calm down- He could still feel it- feel him. He could feel his fucking hands-

"Shed?" Two Time asks, yawning as they sit up in the nest, looking at Shedletsky with a look of concern and protectiveness, they desperately wanted to pull Shed closer but they could tell this wasn't a reaction to his injuries, they knew this kind of panic all too well, it was clear the fledgling was in the aftermath of a nightmare, "You're okay- You're okay." They assure, doing their best to comfort Shedletsky without touching him. They weren't even sure if Shed could hear them, let alone process what they were saying.

---

It took a good 40 minutes for Shedletsky to regulate himself properly, and even then he was still sniffling and shaken up, Taph during that time had woken up, and was wringing his hands to stop himself from touching Shed.

Two Time moves closer in a slow, careful way, "Hey, baby bird, you okay?" They ask softly, cursing internally as they watch Shed immediately start crying again - the man just slumping forward and crying against Two Time's shoulder, "Awe buddy-" They shove aside any and all judgement, gently wrapping their arms around Shedletsky, avoiding contact with his shoulder blades, "I got you, I got you-" They murmur softly, moving a hand up to pet Shed's hair only to immediately pull it back upon feeling their fledgling stiffen up, "Okay, okay, no touching the hair right now, got it."

"It hurts-" Shed chokes out tearfully, clinging to Two Time like they were a life-line in a rough ocean, "Everything fucking hurts-" He adds, the rest of whatever he tries to add becoming completely incoherent due to the sobbing.

"I know, I know it does-" Two Time exhales, looking at Shed as he pulls away, "Hm? You okay-?" They ask, feeling nothing but concern for the fledgling.

"No- I- I still feel him-" Shed sobs out, looking at Two Time with tears streaking down his face, causing mild irritation to his skin, "It's been weeks- Why can I still fucking feel him-"

Oh...Oh
Realisation hit both Taph and Two Time like a truck, both of them were already feeling protective over Shedletsky, their instincts couldn't help it, but now, those said instincts were screaming 'kill.' and 'protect,' Or at least they were for Two Time. But, there was a time and a place for killing. Now wasn't the time, nor the place. Now was the time for emotional protecting -

"Oh- Oh my baby bird, c'mere." Two Time invited, arms open once again, wrapping them around Shedletsky once again as he leans against Two Time, "I'm so, so sorry-" Two Time whispers quietly, giving Shed the comfort they wished they'd have had. "That won't ever happen again." They add, pulling away and gently cupping Shed's face, Two Time's heart clenched and twisted at the sight of his tearful face, it made them wanna cry and just hold him forever. Taph signing something catches the attention of both Two Time and Shedletsky.

"How are you so good at being comforting?" Taph signs, nervously wringing his hands before adding, "Like, how are you so good at knowing what to do and say?"

Two Time exhales, "...It's a bit...Personal." They mumble, glancing down at Shedletsky - who was now just resting his head against Two Time's chest, the fledgling in question letting out a soft chirp as Two Time leans back, putting them both into a more comfortable position.

"You can talk about it too- I'm not the centre of the universe." Shedletsky comments, his voice a bit scratchy from the profuse crying, "You're here for me, let me be here for you too." He adds, managing to let out a quiet, encouraging chirp that definitely didn't make Two Time's heart melt immediately.

"...Well..." Two Time starts, inhaling, and then exhaling, "...I'm 'so good' at knowing what to say and do cause, it's what I wish someone had done for me..." They finally say it out loud, "Long, gruelling story short - I was raped, and no one really comforted me after nightmares, it was just 'suck it up' and 'What would Spawn think of you?' And I'll be damned if I let my fledgling feel how I felt - Alone."

"...I'm your fledgling?" Shedletsky inquires, reaching up and gently patting Two Time's hair, "In that case - give me a name and I can make bad things happen to them." He adds, it was terrifying, but in a sweet way. It was no secret that Shed had a past with magic, the fledgling was basically saying - 'give me a name so I can curse them.'

"I appreciate the offer but Spawn killed them for me years ago." Two Time answers, patting Shed's hair in return, Two Time remembered it clearly, they prayed and prayed until one day - their abuser literally dropped dead. It could've been natural causes sure, but it brought great comfort to Two Time to believe that it was Spawn looking out for them.

"Now, you, rest." Two Time adds, urging Shedletsky to lay back down to sleep, Two Time whistling quietly, grinning affectionately as Shedletsky chirps in response, the fledgling snuggling up against Two Time, using them as a pillow. Two Time takes this moment to give Taph a look that non verbally said - 'I'm the favourite parent.' which Taph understood immediately.

"You wish. He's my fledgling too." Taph signs in response, laying down beside Two Time and Shedletsky, letting out a small chirp of his own, smiling under his mask as Shed lets out a very sleepy sounding chirp in response, Two Time letting out their own chirp.
The three of them all settling down again, Shedletsky nestled in the middle with his head on Two Time's shoulder, his arms wrapped around them too - Taph cuddling Shedletsky on the other side, careful to not touch his split open shoulder blades.
Taph and Shedletsky fall back asleep relatively quickly, Two Time following suit after gently wiping the tears from Shed's face, allowing themself to fall asleep too.

Chapter Text

Shedletsky woke with a pained chirp-like cry, his shoulder blades were once again splitting the fuck open, "Ow- Ow-" He mumbles weakly, giving Taph a small shake to wake him up, Two Time was already awake and softly massaging the surrounding areas of Shed's back once again.

"It's okay, it's okay, you're gonna be fine." Taph signs, looking down at Shedletsky before giving the fledgling a soft pat on the head.

"This fucking sucks-" Shed grumbles, his hands weakly gripping his pillows that were in the nest, "Fuck-" He sobs as a large surge of pain shoots through his body, he lets out a short shrill.

"Oh Spawn- Okay-" Two Time starts, cringing just a little before calming down, "Your wings are starting to come through." They add, moving so Shedletsky can hold their hand, "This process usually happens in stages, each stage taking place at least everyday, sometimes the stages will be spread out, example - This is stage one, it's Monday, Stage Two could end up being on Wednesday- This is going to hurt, but I promise, pinkie promise, that we will be here." They urge gently, letting out a soft chirp as Shedletsky squeezes their hand.

Taph chirps quietly, taking over the massaging Two Time was doing earlier, easing up the muscles to make the painful process a bit more tolerable.

Feeling too weak and tired to do anything, Shedletsky lays there, squeezing Two Time's hand, letting out small chirps and sobs as he feels his wings slowly, and painfully start to poke through the holes on his shoulder blades, forcing the wounds open even more, "Ow-" He babbles tearfully, fuck he felt pathetic-

"Baby Bird, it's okay, we're here." Two Time soothes, whistling softly, their thumb gently caressing Shedletsky's knuckle as the fledgling squeezed their hand, "It's almost done, and then, I need you to eat a little bit." Two Time's heart lurches at the pitiful look Shedletsky gives them, "Oh, I know, I know, you don't want to, but you have to, these stages will be taxing on your body - physically and mentally."

"...I'll try and eat-OW-!" Shedletsky starts answering, only to be interrupted by his own pained yell as he feels one last excruciating surge of pain before it slowly fizzles away into mild pain, leaving Shedletsky exhausted and sobbing-
He chirps weakly as Two Time gently turns him over and sits him up so he can eat, Builderman hadn't really talked to him, and that made him feel bad, but the man did come in to give the three of them food, so all non-interactions were forgiven.

"Eat what you can, okay?" Taph signs, before reaching over and picking up the newer plate of food and placing it in-front of all three of them, Taph and Two Time both taking something to eat from the plate.

Shedletsky inhales shakily before nodding, "O-Okay-" He mumbles, picking up a chicken strip, the fledgling nibbling at it, and sure it took five minutes, but he managed to eat it, and unlike the last time - Shedletsky took another one, having eaten two chicken strips Shedletsky looks a bit...Iffy, "I don't think I can have anymore- I might throw up-" He mumbles timidly, "Sorry..." He adds.

"Awe, buddy, it's okay, you ate something, and that's what matters." Two Time chirps softly, watching as Shedletsky laid back down, laying on his stomach once again, the fledgling was tuckered out, but, that was normal. Two Time felt themselves get a bit tired too, they laid down next to Shedletsky and smiled as he moved closer to them, "Hiya, baby bird." Two Time cooed, though, Shed had already passed out against their chest.

Taph does a yawning motion, signifying that he's tired too before he lays back down himself and moves closer too, once again forming the overprotective cuddle pile as the three of them fell back asleep.

Chapter Text

Two Time was already awake, it'd been a couple days now, and Shedletsky was showing signs that his wings were gonna start up with continuing to come through, his shoulder blades were sore, the small parts of his wings that had come through already were a bit irritated and red, and he had thrown up again, Taph was granted permission to leave the nest to clean the two blankets that fell victim to said vomit.
Their attention snapping to Shedletsky who stirred awake with glossed over eyes, he had a look on his face that screamed 'I'm about to start crying.'

"Hey, hey- It's okay-" Two Time immediately soothed, ruffling Shedletsky's hair, immediately allowing Shed to hold their hand again - Two Time noticing that Shed's wings were coming through a bit more, "Okay- okay- Shit-" They swore, immediately regretting it upon seeing the genuine panic in Shed's eyes, "Oh- No- Sorry, Nothing's wrong, don't panic." They assure

Shedletsky, who hadn't really spoken in over a day, just chirped quietly, before plopping his head back down onto the pillow, he was laid face-down, the pillow muffling any cries that left his mouth as he felt the skin around his shoulder blades tear open, he could feel the rest of his wings force their way through the wounds, God it felt like his bones were cracking which reminded him way too much of him-
Shed lifted his head up and looked at Two Time with his tearful face, his glossed over eyes filled with fear and tears, his body trembling weakly.

Two Time's heart somehow managed to ache and melt at the same damn time at the sight of Shedletsky's tearful expression, "Oh my baby bird, I know, I know-" They let out a small whistle before gently pressing a kiss to Shed's forehead, "I got you, I got you- It'll be fine-"

Shedletsky nods softly, chirping in response, letting out a cry as he feels his wings continue to come through, the fledgling squeezing Two Time's hand, he couldn't help but feel bad for doing so though, feeling as though he was probably hurting them a little bit.
It took a good twenty minutes for the pain to dull, not stop, dull. Shedletsky letting go of Two Time's hand slowly, letting out a quiet, sad chirp.

"Awe- buddy-" Two Time coos, laying down properly, so they're next to Shedletsky, "It's okay." They assure softly, glancing at Shed's wings, "If it makes you feel better, I think your wings are finished with coming through, so now we just have to wait for your feathers to develop." They explain, while their wings were featherless, Two Time had a fascination with other types of wings...Also Taph told them...

Shedletsky just exhales sleepily, nuzzling close against Two Time, not moving as Taph walks in, clean blankets in his arms.

Taph gets back into the nest and carefully puts the blankets back into their respective areas before noticing that Shed's wings had fully come through, "I missed a lot huh?" He signed as he laid down too, letting out a quiet chirp as he carefully cuddled up-to Shedletsky - who was now once again, sandwiched in-between Taph and Two Time, it was routine at this point.

Two Time nods in response to Taph's question, arms wrapped around Shedletsky, careful not to touch his bare, featherless wings, while Taph just gently runs his fingers through Shedletsky's long hair, getting the small amount of tangles out of it.
The three of them stay like that until they fall asleep again.

Chapter Text

To say that Shedletsky wasn't having a good time was an understatement.
His first time out of his nest and room in literal weeks and what happens? Everyone starts getting the pre-round symptoms. The only upside was that Shedletsky, and Taph had gotten Two Time to officially join in on sharing clothes, meaning that Shed actually had clothing items that were wing-friendly, was it revealing, a little, but luckily Shed had the brain cell capacity to wear shorts too.

"Can I kill myself?" Shedletsky asks bluntly as he and Two Time both sit down at the table next to 007n7, c00lkidd sat nearby, "What?" He adds after 007n7 gave him a bit of a look.

007n7 "...Can you have some respect for once during these meetings? Please, my-"

"Your baby is here, I know, I know- I was just joking." Shedletsky interrupts 007n7, giving a small dismissive hand wave, "He's not even paying attention." He adds.

"Doesn't matter, don't joke about that, it's disrespectful." 007n7 says firmly, "I don't mind a small joke here and there, but please - not in front of my son, he's 10."

Shedletsky relents, he was weak to 'The Dad Tone' "Fine, I'll stop."

"Thank you." 007n7 nods thankfully, "How's your legs?" He asks, glancing down at Shedletsky's legs which were still somehow bruised, "...I think you should try resting them a bit more-"

"I'm healed, I'm fine, plus, I have cool wings now." Shedletsky responds curtly, acting as though his feathers weren't puffed up a little bit making them look 'floofy' as Two Time put it. "I know, I'm a badass now."

"Stop going back and forth like children please, we're about to go into a round!" Dusekkar snaps, looking at 007n7 and Shedletsky, "Also, you're not a badass, you're still injured, do generators and stay out of the way." He states, his tone almost cold.

Shedletsky stared blankly at Dusekkar before his expression turned into a glare, "Whatever." He grumbled, crossing his arms and leaning back, flinching a little as Two Time placed a hand on his shoulder, "Don't touch me." He hissed quietly, swatting Two Time's hand away. Gods why was he like this.

"Having a moment I see." Two Time says, their tone still calm and affectionate, pulling their hand away and crossing their arms.

And like last time - everyone's vision went black.

----

Shedletsky slowly sat up with a small groan, immediately cursing under his breath - Fucking Underground War again?

"...Yeah, okay, I'm killing myself." He comments bluntly, standing up with a small stumble, bracing himself against a nearby wall, of course he's spawned into the underground section. He didn't know why, but he decided to go down the malicious compliance route of doing as he's told - Shed found himself sitting in a corner of the underground area, he couldn't deny that 007n7 had a point - his legs were definitely not healed, and if they were - they healed wrong, they were still bruised. He could still walk, just with an occasional stumble.
Shedletsky stayed sat on the ground even as he heard panicked yells coming from above, he didn't know why, but he found himself staring at the '1x1x1x1' carved into his thigh, the clothing he was wearing, both his own and Two Time's, were revealing enough for him to gently trace over the scar with his fingertip-
...
Fuck he missed 1x.
And think of the devil and they shall appear.

Shedletsky looked up as Chance ran over to him - Shed could see an all too familiar green glow approaching.

"It's 1x1x1x1, stay behind me." They stated bluntly, taking out their gun, and pointing it at 1x1x1x1 who stops, tilting their head, allowing them to catch a glimpse of Shedletsky behind Chance.

Shedletsky stands up, taking out his sword, holding it in his hands firmly, "Who's all left?" He asks, sticking his tongue out as Chance gives him a look.

"You were told to stay out of the way-" Chance starts, shoving Shed back down as 1x1x1x1 uses their mass infection ability, which hits Chance, causing him to stumble back a little bit, "Augh- You." He straightens himself up, glares at 1x1x1x1 and shoots his gun-

Shedletsky didn't know what happened, being shoved triggered a bunch of his body pains to come back, leading him to zone out at the wrong time, the thing that got him out of it? A gunshot followed by the feeling of something warm splattering onto his face- Chance's gun had backfired - killing them. Shedletsky brings a trembling hand up to his face, cringing at the feeling he's met him- Then the scent hits him, causing him to gag a little.

"Awe, I forgot how pretty that scar is~" 1x1x1x1 purrs, standing over Shedletsky, crouching down and tracing over the scar with one of their sharp claws before they notice Shed's new assets, "Oo, nice wings too." They grin, looking over Shedletsky's body, clearly happy Shed was sticking to 'not being disgusting' "See? My advice payed off."

"...Stop- Stop touching me- please." Shedletsky pleads, regretting trying to reason with 1x immediately as the killer scowls at him, Shed lets out a yelp as 1x1x1x1 grabs him and forces him up onto his feet before pinning him against the dirt wall, Shedletsky letting out fearful chirps - fuck these instincts, they made everything embarrassing.

1x1x1x1 chuckles darkly, "Awe, Baby bird, you scared?"

Shedletsky freezes as 1x calls him the nickname Two Time uses for him, still though, he knows better than to leave 1x response-less, "Y-Yeah-"

"You should be, you let them take you back, did you even miss me?" 1x1x1x1 glares at Shedletsky, their hands grabbing his hips as 1x presses themselves up against him, "I missed you." They murmur into Shed's ear, moving one of their hands up to Shed's wings, running their claws through the fluffy feathers.

"I- I missed you too." Shedletsky answers, he wasn't technically lying, but at the same time he wished 1x would just stab him already so he can go rot in his room. He wanted this- He missed this. He hated this at the exact same time-

1x1x1x1 chuckles, turning Shedletsky so he's facing the wall, giving 1x1x1x1 full access to his wings, "So, so, pretty." They grin, trailing the tip of one of their claws up and down Shed's back, enjoying making the man squirm a little bit, 1x1x1x1 continues their slow teasing motions before trailing their claw up Shed's back, touching the man's wings and the bit in-between the wings, which was visible due to Shed wearing clothes lent by Two Time, "You should wear this stuff more often-" 1x1x1x1 teases before noticing a slight tremble in Shed's legs, earning a chuckle from the killer.

"St- Stop doing that-!" Shedletsky yells, hating his body's immediate response to being touched like that, he hated this- but he loved it- it felt right but so so wrong, "Seriously! Stop!" He yelled louder as 1x1x1x1 kept up on triggering whatever instinct they were triggering- Shed lets out a terrified chirp as 1x1x1x1 pulls away, only to grab Shedletsky and throw him onto the floor with a painful thud. "No No!" Shedletsky yells, tears forming in his eyes as 1x1x1x1 gets on-top of him, pinning him down with one hand, looking down at him with that look. He fucking loathed that look.
Shedletsky can't help the panicked chirps that leave him as 1x1x1x1 uses one of their swords to slice his shorts off, leaving him in the black body-suit Two Time lent him, "Please- I don't wanna do this-" He pleads tearfully, his wings were pinned uncomfortably underneath his body. 'Please not again' Shedletsky internally pleads to whatever being, or beings, are out there, his pleas go unanswered -

"Stop crying, if you think about it - You're being useful by keeping me distracted." 1x1x1x1 smirks, putting their sword away, using their other hand to begin to displace the rest of what Shed was wearing, not taking it off completely, the killer using their claws to rip and tear the fabric deliberately, Shedletsy immediately pressing his legs together in an attempt to prevent what was happening from happening. "Let me show you how much I missed you-" 1x1x1x1 purrs in a sickly sweet tone, giving Shed a sharp toothed grin that was anything but sweet. 1x moving a hand to one of Shedletsky's legs, planning on moving it so he'd be in a more open position - which kicks Shed into fight or flight -

Shedletsky immediately kicks at 1x1x1x1, ignoring the pain shooting through his leg, "Get the fuck off- I swear I'll kill you!" He yells, yanking his wrists out of 1x1x1x1's grip - hitting and scratching 1x. He couldn't let it happen again-

1x1x1x1 loses their patience, "Fine, you fucking bitch. Since you wanna act like you didn't like it last time." They snarl, grabbing their swords and raising them both up - Shedletsky still under them, the man closing his eyes and bracing for impact.

----

Shedletsky respawns in the cabin with everyone else who had died - immediately crumbling to his knees, he felt sick- and it wasn't from the respawn.

007n7, c00lkidd and Chance had all been the first three to die - and thus, got to witness the impending breakdown, Shedletsky hugging himself as he breathes heavily, overwhelmed by every emotion and sensation flooding his body.

007n7 carefully hands c00lkidd over to Chance, the 10-year-old immediately taking off the gamblers hat and putting it on, earning a smile from 007n7, before he walks over to Shedletsky, crouching down in front of Shed, noticing the dried blood on his face, the blood mixing with his tears.

"Hey, hey- You okay-?" 007n7 asks, not touching Shedletsky at all, the man clearly distressed, concern bubbled up inside 007n7 even more as he noticed the rips and tears in the body-suit Shedletsky was wearing, he could also feel a surge of anger, "I'll get you a blanket to cover up with." He stated simply, keeping his tone even as to not let his anger show, not wanting to scare Shedletsky or c00lkidd. He gets up and goes over to the closet under the stairs and takes out a spare blanket, gently helping Shed wrap it around his concerningly slim waist, "There ya go." He says, trying to do his 'dad tone'

Shedletsky slowly gets up, stumbling a little bit, making his way slowly up the stairs, stopping as a few of the others respawn, the sound making him freeze up a little bit, he could feel his feathers puff up and 'floof' up a bit more, he feels panic flood his veins as he hears Two Time call up to him, they had died and respawned -

"Baby bird? You okay?"

"Don't call me that-!" Shed snaps, he knew that they meant no harm, they didn't know what had happened, but hearing it right after 1x called him that blurred all reasoning, "Just- leave me alone all of you." He adds, forcing himself to continue up the stairs and into his room, where he immediately bursts into tears, tossing the blanket off as he went into his bathroom, turning the facets of his bathtub on, leaving his bathroom to grab some of his actual loose baggy clothes, only to come back.

Shedletsky takes off the ripped and torn body-suit and throws it into his bathrooms trashcan before turning off his facets and getting into the tub - It was cold, but he didn't care- He wanted the feelings to be gone. And so, he cleaned himself up, hating that his body and mind were even fucking entertaining the idea of 1x1x1x1, he hated it-

Shedletsky's borderline obsessive scrubbing stopped after 30 minutes, he got out of the tub and dried off, giving his wings a small shake to dry them off too before he got into his clothes, before he trudged over to the nest and crawled into it, curling up into the fetal position, his feathers puffed up. He only looks up as he hears his door open.

"Hey..." Two Time greets, not getting into the nest, "You okay?" They ask, immediately regret asking as Shedletsky slumps back down again to curl up even tighter, "I'm...I'm sorry for upsetting you earlier, but, may I ask what I did..?"

"...Called me 'baby bird' -" Shedletsky mumbles almost tearfully, "1x- they- they called me that-"

Two Time felt anger course through their entire body, Spawn above, let them kill 1x, "Oh, bud, I'm sorry." Two Time says softly, "Need a hug?" They ask, getting into the nest and sitting next to Shedletsky, who immediately moved closer and wrapped his arms around Two Time.

"They- They ripped the body-suit you gave me-" Shedletsky sobs, thinking about it made him feel worse, "I'm sorry-"

Two Time gently moved the two of them so Shed's head was against Two Time's chest, "It's okay, it's okay, I care about you, I have like a million other clothes in my closet."

Shedletsky just snuggles closer and lets out a small, tearful chirp, he felt disgusting again, but, at least he was being comforted this time, he didn't want physical contact but, he trusted Two Time enough, even though he felt like he didn't deserve the kindness, especially with how rude he was before the round, but...He'll take it, anything's better than 1x touching him.

Chapter Text

Taph wasn't really a violence kinda guy, and while trip-mines were 'violent' all they really did was blind and stun, they didn't seem to actually demolish things here...So, Taph being Taph he decided he wanted to fill the killer's place of residence with trip-mines.

So here he was, sneaking out at 2 in the morning, Taph cringed under his mask as the door creaked as he opened it, he flinched as he heard the sound of someone clearing their throat behind him

"And where do you think you're going?" 007n7, who was in his night-clothes, asked, the man standing behind Taph, "You're not in trouble, I just don't want anyone to go missing, especially one of the only people keeping Shedletsky sane." He adds as Taph turns to look at him.

Taph's shoulders rise and fall as he breathes in and out before signing - "Where do the killers live?"

007n7 exhales, "I'm just going to assume that you're the only one who has the balls to go there and completely inconvenience them." He says bluntly, walking past Taph and outside, "Come on then." He urges, gesturing for Taph to follow, "I'll help." He adds, giving Taph a small smile as he leads Taph to where the killers live.

It was around a 20 minute walk, normally it would've been a 25 minute one, but both of them were walking quickly.

Taph grinned under his mask as they reached the entrance of the killers house, already preparing a trip-mine, the pink glow shining ominously, allowing 007n7 to get a small glimpse of Taph's eyes - which were filled with genuine glee.
007n7 couldn't help but smile before he gently used what little of his hacks he had left to break the lock on the door, he allowed a small, dark, grin to form as he gently pushed it open - "Oh you go, I'll wait out here." He urged, and just like that, Taph was gone, practically running inside.

Taph's wings gently flapped a little bit from pure excitement as he tossed down the first trip-mine, he continued doing so until the entire hallway was filled with the trip-mines that were barely visible at all, the only indication that they were even there was the ominous glow that admitted from all of them every 50 seconds. Taph also couldn't resist adding a couple tripwires too.

Taph paused as 007n7 walked in, carefully walking around the trip-mines to set a few of his own traps, screw the Nice Dad act, 1x hurt his son, and his friends son.

"Oh, keep going." 007n7 said simply, using his hacks to do something to the walls, "I'm just...Adding to the inconveniencing." He added way too cheerfully.

And so, the two of them kept going, 007n7 applying his c00lgui to all the walls as Taph set down traps, both doing so quietly as to not alert Jason, John Doe or 1x1x1x1.
After a good hour, the two of them finish up and swiftly leave the killers house.

As soon as they're outside, 007n7 snaps his fingers, small red and black particles are visible for a couple seconds.

"What was that?" Taph signs as they begin to walk.

007n7 grinned, "Let's just say...Those killers are in for a bit of a twisted surprise, with your traps and my c00lgui together - they will regret hurting my sons- My son and Shedletsky." He states, fixing his small slip up almost as quickly as it left his mouth.

Taph gives 007n7 a look that says 'I heard that' But he doesn't press any further, it was probably a slip of the tongue.

The two get back to the cabin they live in and go back to their respective rooms.

Taph actually going into Shedletsky's room where he gently climbs into the nest, the movement stirring both Two Time and Shedletsky awake, "Sorry." He signs.

Two Time yawns and gives him a thumbs up before closing their eyes, "Dear fucking Spawn, Taph- What time is it?" They ask with a tired groan when they don't immediately fall back asleep.

"It's like, 3-4 AM, not sure though-" Shedletsky answers, eyes closed, resting his head on Two Time's chest, he was still wearing the clothes he put on after last round, Shed had been essentially bed-rotting to put it simply, he hadn't left his room, or the nest at all in the past 3 days, which made what Taph and 007n7 did feel more satisfying.

Taph lets out a small chirp as he lays down next to Two Time and Shedletsky, smiling softly as both of them chirp back.

"Fuck you- I don't chirp-!" Two Time insists, giving Taph a glare, the cultist still insisting that they 'don't chirp,' despite the numerous times they've chirped.

Shedletsky hums sleepily, reaching his hand up and bapping Two Time on the face to silence them, "Shut." He grumbles, voice laced with fatigue, it was worrying, all Shedletsky did was sleep now.

"Ack- Your hands cold-" Two Time grumbles, settling back down, wrapping their arms around Shedletsky, both of them falling back asleep.

Taph gently snuggles closer, wrapping his arms around both of them.

Chapter Text

Builderman and 007n7 were alone in the kitchen, the men making tea at one of the counter-tops. The two of them enjoying each other's company.

"So, you and Taph trapped the killer's house?" Builderman asked, sounding mildly amused as he picked up his mug and sipped from it, "I'm impressed." He added, giving 007n7 a grin.

007n7 returned the grin, only to switch into Dad Mode when he saw Shedletsky appear in his line of sight, "Oh, hey bud, you okay?" He asks carefully, he knew that look, the look people, normally kids, do when they're about to cry.

Builderman didn't have enough time to react as Shedletsky took a few fast strides over to him and hugged him from behind, clinging to Builderman's sweater tightly, "...You okay?" He asked, turning a little bit, carefully patting Shedletsky's head a gentle manner as if he was touching a skittish animal, Builderman glanced at 007n7 before glancing down at his son, he gently moved Shedletsky so he was hugging Builderman head-on instead of from behind, he could feel how shaky Shed was.

"No." Shedletsky answers, sounding incredibly tearful, face buried in the fabric of Builderman's sweater, "I feel like shit-" He adds, looking up to show that he wasn't just sounding tearful - he was tearful, his feathers being all poofed up didn't help with the way the sight just broke both Builderman and 007n7's hearts.

007n7 stepped closer, "Oh, bud, it's okay-"

"It's not!" Shedletsky yelled tearfully, his voice cracking before he just dissolved into sobs - letting out a small hiccup as Builderman pulls him closer, wrapping his arms around Shedletsky to offer him the physical comfort he clearly needed.

"I got you." Builderman assures, gently holding Shedletsky close, careful not to touch his wings at all, "It...It's gonna be okay." He murmurs softly, glancing over as 007n7 carefully joins the hug too, earning a small look from Shedletsky.

"...Sorry-" 007n7 starts, beginning to pull away only for Shedletsky to move onto hugging 007n7, "Oh, okay, onto me now." He mumbles, gently patting Shedletsky's head, he found himself instinctively doing a small rocking motion from side-to-side in an attempt to soothe Shed, he'd done it with c00lkidd both pre-and-post being forsaken, so he figured it would work with Shedletsky.

It did, indeed, work with Shedletsky, whose sobbing calmed into small sniffles, as he continued clinging to 007n7 as Builderman slowly went back to drinking his tea, "I think you're the favourite parent already." He chuckled before remembering that no one else knew the two had started dating, evident by Shedletsky turning and giving Builderman a very betrayed look, "...Look- I'm sorry for not telling you, kiddo, I just...You weren't doing well-"

"I'm never doing well." Shedletsky answers bluntly, "Also yes, 007n7 is now the favourite parent." He adds before going back to hugging 007n7 who gives Builderman a grin.

"...c00lkidd prefers me-!" Builderman says in response to 007n7's grin.

007n7 grinned as he let Shedletsky stay clung to him, the younger man clearly needed it, "Mhm, sure sure." He nods, giving Shedletsky a small put on the back of the head.

Shedletsky stayed in 007n7's embrace for a few minutes before letting go and sluggishly leaving the kitchen and going back upstairs to his room.

"...Has it ever gotten this bad before? I mean, like, I haven't seen him move this slow, ever." 007n7 asked, looking at Builderman.

Builderman glanced at 007n7 and exhaled, "He's been in depressive episodes before, and to be honest - it has been this bad before, just- If he comes to you for comfort - please, please give it to him, he's vulnerable all the time, but especially so during episodes, any hint that you don't care and he'll spiral further."

007n7 nodded softly, patting Builderman on the shoulder, "Of course I'll comfort him." He assures gently and lovingly before deciding to drink his tea, leaning back against the counter.

Chapter Text

Disgusting.

It had been what? Weeks? Maybe a month...Probably longer.

And Shedletsky still felt disgusting. He was disgusting. Why was he still disgusting?

All he could do was listen to the internal static that flooded his skull unceremoniously, he had forced himself to leave his room and go downstairs to join the other's for lunch.
He was grateful that everyone was patient with him, but, he could tell that 007n7 and Builderman were worred- Hell Everyone was probably worried, but, those two seemed to be the most worried.

"Shedletsky?"

Why did they care- He knew why Builderman cared, but- Why did 007n7-? Yeah, Builderman and 007n7 were dating now, or whatever, but why did 007n7 care about him?

"...Shedletsky!"

Shedletsky is dragged out from his own head at the sound of 007n7 raising his voice, "What- Yeah-?" Shedletsky turned to look over at 007n7.

007n7 looked at Shedletsky with the look that only a parent can give - pure concern, "Are you okay..?" He asked.

"I'm alright, just, not feeling too good..." Shedletsky started, both hands fidgeting with his hair, "I have a headache-" He added as an afterthought, glancing down at the food in front of him - it was just soup, yet, it made him feel sick already, for fuck sake all he could think about was how easy it would be to purge it afterwards.

Before conversation could continue - Shedletsky found himself taking a few cautious spoonfuls of the soup, his movements were slow in a practised manner, he knew how to look 'real' like he was actually eating a lot, like he was actually enjoying it- He wasn't, it burned his throat, and it burned his soul knowing that it would burn ten times harder when purging.

He could feel 007n7's gaze on him, watching him before he turned his attention to c00lkidd.

Shedletsky got up from the table and went back upstairs after only eating half of his soup, but even then it felt like too much.
He walked into his room and went straight into his bathroom, muscle memory kicking into overdrive as he tied his hair back to keep it out of his face, he thoroughly washed his hands before he walked over to his toiled and knelled down.

He just wanted to get this over with- He had to get it out- Fuck why did he eat all that- His eyes teared up and his body lurched as he shoved his fingers down his throat, keeping them there until he started choking, it took a few seconds, but like always - it worked. Shedletsky coughed and gagged as his soup came back up, he was right, it burned, it hurt- fuck it hurt so bad-

But...It felt right. It felt so fucking right- He knew it was wrong, but he was stuck in this cycle - the cycle that left him feeling drained and euphoric at the exact same time.
He trembled as he continued to throw up, it wasn't even the soup anymore, it was nauseating mixture of soup and stomach acid that made him gag even more.
It was hell, but at least he had control.

It took ten minutes until he was fully satisfied, with a tearful, shaky exhale Shedletsky forced himself up to his feet, sluggishly flushing the toilet before he walked over to his sink to wash his hands again.
Shedletsky groaned as he left his bathroom and crawled into his nest, his wings wrapped around himself like a blanket, but even then he couldn't help the trembling that overcame him almost immediately.

Chapter Text

007n7 couldn't sleep, the man was an insomniac through and through, and so, he found himself doing things around the cabin at night to be helpful - cleaning the dished, sorting laundry, and chopping firewood for the fireplace.

So, here he was outside, at midnight in his dressing gown and pyjamas, chopping some wood with an axe. 007n7 humming to himself. The sound of his own humming, and wood chopping, cover the sound of the cabin door opening which follows with small footsteps.

"Oh sweet Jesus-!" 007n7 yells as soon as he hears the footsteps get closer, the man instinctively turning around and swinging the axe full force, luckily, the target of this swing dodged immediately via basically rag-dolling down onto the ground, allowing 007n7 to calm down - it was just Shedletsky, a very shaky, pale Shedletsky, "Oh- Shit- I am so sorry-" He rushes out, dropping the axe and crouching down, being a father - his heart hurt at the sight of how tearful Shedletsky was, he hesitantly reached forward and carefully pulled Shedletsky close, "It's okay-"

At those words, Shedletsky immediately started crying, "It's not okay- I'm not okay-" He sobs, the 26-year-old clinging to 007n7, still trembling profusely.

007n7 doesn't even answer verbally, at first, instead just moving the two of them so he was holding Shedletsky, "Okay, let's get you back inside." He murmurs quietly, standing up, supporting Shedletsky with one arm, and hand, while using his free hand to activate his c00lgui - using it to carry in some of the chopped wood without having to use his hand - allowing himself to carry Shedletsky, and firewood, all while having a free hand to open the door.
Once inside, 007n7 deactivates his c00lgui - the firewood going into the fireplace, the man then placing Shedletsky down onto the sofa.

"I- I need to talk to my dad-" Shedletsky babbles, using his sleeves to try and dry his eyes of his tears, it was rare for Shedletsky to properly refer to Builderman as 'dad' but whenever he did it was usually over something serious.

007n7 sat down next to Shedletsky, "Builderman said I could comfort you if you ever need it." He started, looking at Shedletsky with a small smile, "You can talk to me, I know I've been firm on you in the past, but I'm your dad's partner, you can trust me."

Shedletsky inhales, "I- I tried to kill myself-" He tries to say it without crying, only to immediately begin to cry, "I- I just- I feel bad-" He adds through sobs.

007n7 smile falls a little, letting out a small exhale, not out of annoyance, but in an understanding way, "Oh bud- Come here- It's okay." He comforts as best he can, wrapping his arms around Shedletsky as soon as Shed launches himself at 007n7 - who makes sure to not touch Shed's wings, mainly due to the fluffed up feathers, he wasn't too sure, but he had read that fluffed up could mean that the 'bird' was stressed, "I've got you, okay? You'll be fine-" He soothes, gently holding the back of Shedletsky's head as he just sobs against 007n7's shoulder.

The two stayed that way until 007n7 was filled with a small amount of dread, "...Shedletsky, may I ask how you attempted suicide?" He asks after Shed's sobs had dissolved into sniffles

Shedletsky sniffles a little, "I- You know how Ibuprofen packs come with 16 pills? I- I took all of them, with 4 paracetamol before going to bed- But- Then I woke up-" He explains.

007n7 pulled away, "Are you physically okay? Any pains?" He asks, looking at Shedletsky who blinks a couple times, "Like, does your stomach hurt?" 007n7 adds.

"My stomach hurts a little bit but I'm mostly dizzy-"

007n7 interrupts Shedletsky, "I'm sorry bud, but I will have to tell Builderman about this one." He says softly, "I'm not mad, I just want you to be safe." 007n7 adds, allowing Shedletsky to pull him closer again. "I take it everything's out of your system or..?"

"Well- I'm not dead." Shedletsky mumbles tearfully, "I just- Can- Can you sleep in my nest with me? I- I don't wanna be alone-" He asks, letting out a small, sad, but happy, chirp as 007n7 nods, standing up with his arms supporting Shedletsky, "Thanks." Shed mumbles as 007n7 takes him back upstairs to his room.

The two of them surprised to see Taph and Two Time there.

Taph just waving a little bit as Two Time kicks into gear -

"Oh hey Where the fuck have you been-" Two Time starts, only to immediately pump the breaks on the attitude as soon as they notice Shedletsky's current state, "Oh baby bird-" They coo softly, letting 007n7 set Shedletsky down into the nest before immediately fretting over Shed, "You okay? You're looking paler than me right now- What happened? Are you verbal-?"

Taph taps Two Time's shoulder - getting them to look at him, interrupting their well-meaning interrogation, "I think it's best if we just be here for him instead of hounding him." He signs before getting into the nest too.

007n7 had to admit, he felt a bit out of place in this...Cuddle pile that seemed to be forming with Taph and Two Time on either side of Shedletsky, however - Shedletsky wanted him there, so he'd be there, 007n7 gets into the nest too, taking off his dressing gown and setting it aside as he settles down, only allowing himself to sleep once he was 100% sure of himself that Shedletsky was still breathing.

Chapter Text

Builderman was a morning person, and consistently - Shedletsky was not, so he was surprised in a happy way when he came downstairs and was greeted to the sight of 007n7 and Shedletsky sitting on the couch, Taph and Two Time both sat on the carpet in front of the fireplace, Two Time helping Taph preen while rambling about how Spawn.

"Mornin' you lot." Builderman greeted, walking past the couch, giving Shedletsky's head a small pat, earning a startled chirp, and it was that one chirp that sent alarm bells into Builder's head, "You okay?" He asked carefully, backtracking a little to look over at his son. He felt an overwhelming amount of dread as 007n7 looked at him, "What happened?" He asked, looking at his partner for some kind of answer.

007n7 glances at Shedletsky and exhales a little, "I think it's best if we discuss this a bit more privately, Builder." He answers, standing up and giving Shedletsky a small sympathetic glance before leading Builderman to the kitchen.

"Stop pussyfooting - what happened?" Builderman asked, he winced at his own blunt tone, like father like son he supposed - both he and Shedletsky had a tendency to get snappy or 'bitchy' when stressed or under pressure. Builder inhaled, "I'm sorry- That was rude, but seriously, what happened?"

007n7 nods, "Thank you for the apology," He starts, patting Builder's shoulder, "Okay, I need to preface this with - Shedletsky is safe for the most part right now." 007n7 continued, he didn't know how to phrase this - sure Builderman was his partner, but how do you just tell someone 'hey, your son attempted suicide.' without being nervous? 007n7 only continued once Builder gave him a small nod, "This morning, around midnight-ish, Shedletsky came to me, he was really shaky and distressed, and he told me he had tried to kill himself."

Builderman felt his heart stop, "He- He tried to kill himself..?" He asked quietly, looking at 007n7, part of him wondering if he had even heard that correctly, but, the sorrowful look on 007n7's face told him all he needed to know. Builderman gave his partner a small nod, "Thanks for telling me." He added before going back to the living room and over to Shedletsky who spares him the smallest of glances, his hands raking through the feathers of one of his wings - obviously preening, or attempting to.

Builderman inhaled a little, "I know." He starts calmly, he has had the displeasure of this conversation before - numerous times, "I don't want to corner you here, I promise that is not what I'm doing." He continued, looking at Shed - who froze and glanced up, the 26-year-old continuing to rake his hands through his feathers, Builderman winced as Shed ended up tearing a few feathers out, at first Builder thought it was an accident, we've all accidentally torn out some hair, this assumption was short lived as Shedletsky immediately went back to preening - tearing out a few more feathers. "Okay- Stop-" Builderman moved closer, carefully, but swiftly, grabbing Shedletsky's wrists - pulling his hands away from his wings, before letting go.

Shedletsky moved himself back from Builderman, no longer pulling out his own feathers - only now he had moved onto biting himself - specifically biting the knuckles of his fingers.

Builderman's heart hurt, it'd been years since he had witnessed Shed in such a state, he knew it wasn't intentional self harm, it was just him trying to regulate, but it still hurt to see his son hurt himself. With a small exhale, Builder moved closer and pulled Shed's hand away from his mouth, before pulling the other hand away too, "Please don't hurt yourself over this. I won't force a conversation right now, you're not in the right head space for that." He states calmly, before inhaling, "Can...Can I?" He asks a bit vaguely while pulling Shed a it closer - luckily, Shedletsky understood and nodded, prompting Builderman to pull Shedletsky closer, holding Shedletsky close.

Builderman glanced up as Taph and Two Time joined him on the couch too, the two of them mainly fretting over Shedletsky's wings, while also turning a regular cuddle into a cuddle pile - which was understandable the two of them had bonded to Shedletsky a lot - he had been Shed's dad for ten years and had only started getting to know Shed properly when he had reached 20, yet these two had managed to bond quicker and easier. He knew it was the 'bird instincts' that contributed to that, but still, it made him feel like a shit dad.
But, despite those feelings, he knew the facts - Shedletsky trusted him, and that was good enough for him.

Chapter Text

Pain. All Shedletsky could feel was pain. He tried- Gods above he tried to enjoy it- He really did- 1x said it'd 'feel good'- no- They said it'd 'feel great' not good, great. He knew what feeling great felt like. This was not it...Any form of pleasure Shed got from 1x was followed by pain. It was manageable, ignorable, he could just close his eyes and pretend it was a rough hook up- Key word - was. It was ignorable until 1x started gripping his hair, forcing eye contact. It wasn't always rough, but it didn't have to be. What was happening didn't have to be rough for Shedletsky to accept that this wasn't sex...This was rape-

Shedletsky woke with a jolt, instinctively kicking his legs and back-crawling a little, back against the armrest of the couch, his chest heaving as he blinked to try and unblur his vision, someone was next to him- Technically in-front of him now. Despite barely being able to see, Shedletsky got up and bolted up the stairs and to his room.
Shedletsky ran into his bathroom where he stood at his sink, holding himself up with his arms, his vision cleared, and the first thing he noticed was his hair. This stupid long hair. It was 'pretty' sure, he liked how soft it was, but he hated how easy it was to be grabbed- He hated how he could still feel their hands in it.

"It- It'll grow back-" Shedletsky mumbled to himself, opening his bathrooms cabinets until he found his scissors, and with no hesitation whatsoever - he began cutting his hair. So focused on this task that he didn't notice Builderman had entered his room, and bathroom until he was done, "Oh- Jesus Christ-!" Shedletsky yelled, impulsively, and defensively throwing his scissors as a defence method.

Builderman managed to dodge the scissors with a small sidestep, before he turned his attention back to his son, "You okay?" He asked, taking a small cautious step forward, only continuing once Shedletsky nodded, "Okay, good, listen- Can we please talk?"

"Sure..." Shedletsky answered, taking off his sweater due to it having a lot of hair on it now after his impromptu haircut, his hair was shorter now, it was more like a messier version of what Two Time had.

"Okay, what triggered your suicide attempt?" Builderman asked, stepping forward and standing next to Shedletsky. "You don't have to say a lot, just, give me a small rundown please. Your my son, and I'm worried."

Shedletsky inhaled a little, "I...I keep having nightmares...About 1x, and...The things they did- I- I didn't plan on attempting, really - I just- didn't know what to do- I thought I'd die in my sleep- But then I woke up and felt worse-"

"Hey- Hey- It's okay, bud-" Builderman says, carefully pulling Shedletsky close, "I'm so sorry we didn't get you out of there sooner-"

"It's not your fault-" Shedletsky answered, arms wrapped around Builderman, "I- I just- I should've retreated when Elliot said to- But instead I tried to play hero-" He choked out, getting tearful again.

Builderman felt his heart lurch a little, "Hey, look at me- Please, look at me." Builderman patiently waited a couple of minutes to continue, only doing so once Shedletsky looked at him, "What happened was not your fault. Please- Say it."

"I...What happened to me was not my fault?" Shedletsky repeated, though he sounded unsure, on paper he knew it wasn't, but in his head - it was.

Builderman nods a little, "Yeah, again - What happened to you was not your fault."

Shedletsky nodded a little, letting out a small sob, "What- What happened to me was not my fault-" He repeated tearfully, though he didn't fully believe it - it felt good to say it, hell, cutting his hair felt good to do.

After taking a couple minutes to calm down, Shedletsky just rested his head on Builder's shoulder, letting himself get lifted and carried to his nest, almost as soon as Shedletsky was inside the confines - Two Time and Taph burst into the room.

"I sensed a disturbance- Oh hey same hairstyle!" Two Time starts, immediately getting sidetracked upon seeing Shedletsky's new haircut, "We're now matching!" They smile, walking over to the nest and getting in, Taph following closely.

"Looks good." Taph signs before beginning to sort out the nest, "Start maintaining your nest or else we're moving back in." He signs again.

Shedletsky replied by sticking up a middle finger, though there was no hostility in it, "Okay, mom." He deadpanned sarcastically, though he did sit up and start neatening out the part of the nest next to him.

"Oh baby bird- Your wings-" Two Time starts, noticing how unkempt Shed's wings were, wincing upon seeing that he had some feathers missing too, "May I?" They asked, awaiting permission before moving closer and beginning to carefully and gently preen Shedletsky.

Builderman watched for a couple of seconds before deciding to help Taph neaten up the nest as Two Time preened Shedletsky's wings, the cultist starting a small feather pile for the feathers that came out naturally. He was happy that Two Time and Taph knew about...'bird' stuff, he wouldn't know where to start with maintaining a nest, or with preening, so it was nice to have help.

Chapter Text

A round had started.
And as if the Spectre was mocking everyone, it started as they were all either asleep or lounging around, giving them no time to group up.
To Shedletsky's dismay, the map was underground war again.

007n7 and c00lkidd spawned in together underground, the two of them working on a generator, 007n7 stopping now and then to see how his son was doing.
The man grimaced as he heard yelling from across the map.

"Oh- For fuck sake!"

It was Shedletsky.

007n7 sighed and finished up the generator, picking up Kidd and making his way over to where Shedletsky's yelling came from.
He wasn't surprised at the sight of Shedletsky, Two Time, and Taph.

"What's wrong?" 007n7 asked, looking down at Shedletsky, who was kneeling on the ground, working on a generator. "Having trouble?"

"It- It's this stupid fucking thing!" Shedletsky yells, standing up and kicking the generator, "It's broken!"

007n7 gave Shedletsky The Dad Look™, his arms crossed.

Shedletsky glanced at c00lkidd and exhaled, "Sorry for swearing."

"Thank you, now, what's the issue?" 007n7 asked, looking at Taph and Two Time for help.

Taph straightens up and signs, "Every time he completes it - it resets itself."

007n7 exhaled, "Move on to another one then." He instructs, watching as the winged trio nod and walk away, the three of them going up to the upper part of the map.

---

By the time 007n7 and c00lkidd had met up with a few of the others, Taph, Noob, Elliot, and Guest1337 were all dead.
007n7 stood next to Builderman and set c00lkidd down. The three of them were on one of the raised bits; luckily, Taph had placed a tripwire at the bottom of the stairs leading up to where they were standing at some point before dying.

"You know who the killer is?" 007n7 asked, looking at Builderman for any explanation.

Builderman shook his head. Before he could answer, he was alerted by the sound of Two Time and Shedletsky yelling. He looked at 007n7 before peeking around the wall and watched as Two Time and Shedletsky ran towards them.

"What the actual fuck, man!" Shedletsky yelled as soon as he got up the steps, glaring at Two Time, who gave him a confused look, "I was getting fucking attacked and you did nothing!"

"There was nothing there!" Two Time yelled back, pulling out their dagger as they heard footsteps approaching, relaxing when they saw Chance come into view. "Look, baby bird, I think you might be having a bit...Of an episode."

"Excuse me?" Shedletsky asked bluntly.

"You claim you were being attacked, but there was nothing there when I turned around. All I saw was you - freaking the fuck out." Two Time explains.

Builderman carefully pulls Shedletsky closer to him, "C'mere." He starts, "You okay?" He asked, feeling really bad as he watched Shedletsky go from panicked to incredibly confused while also being distressed.

"No! I- I know what I saw!" Shedletsky yelled, his wings puffing up a little. "He- I was being attacked!"

"Two Time said there was nothing there. Are you one hundred percent sure that you were being attacked?" Builderman asked, gently patting Shedletsky's head.

Shedletsky nodded, "There was chase music! I- You." He looked at Two Time, "You had to have heard it!"

Two Time shrugs as Chance walks up, having finally made it after lazily strolling up to the group.

"Nope, didn't hear it." Two Time stated.
"Oh, I heard it." Chance objected, flipping a coin and grinning.

"Chance, this is serious." 007n7 glared.

Before the conversation could continue, c00lkidd tugged on 007n7's hand, the man looking to where his son was pointing.

"...Noli..." 007n7 mumbled, picking up c00lkidd and handing him to Builderman, "Take him, and run." He instructed bluntly, watching as his partner did just that. "Shedletsky, you weren't hallucinating." He added, patting Shedletsky on the shoulder.

"Great!" Shedletsky smiles before yelling, "Now, who the fuck is that!?"
Two Time and Chance left to go study the new threat, leaving Shedletsky and 007n7 to discuss Noli.

007n7 inhaled, "Okay, he's my ex. And he's a bit... corrupted..."

Shedletsky cringed, immediately jumping to judging Noli. "Oh...That's uh...Oh, his chase theme is..." He stopped as Two Time and Chance ran back across the map, running past where Shed and 007n7 were, Noli running full speed past them, Shedletsky covering his ears, "OW MY FUCKING EARS-" He yelled, his feathers fluffing up even more. As soon as Noli's chase theme was out of earshot, he pulled his hands away from his ears, "That is abhorrent."

"Yeah...I was in a bad boy phase." 007n7 grumbled, dragging one of his hands over his face, not elaborating at all.

The two of them stayed in their little hiding area, staying relatively calm until Chance, Two Time, Builderman, and finally c00lkidd were all dead.

"...Okay, that's fucked up." Shedletsky grimaced, pulling his sword out and going down the steps, ready to fight, giving 007n7 a small smile as the older man joins him, "I say we go underground, it's easier to dodge and weave."

Before 007n7 could nod or speak in agreement, he felt himself get stabbed, then the sound of Noli's grating chase theme hit his ears. He gave Shedletsky a small push, prompting the younger man to just run. "Noli- Leave him alone!" 007n7 yelled, watching as Noli looked at him before taking off after Shedletsky, going so far as to use his rush ability, sending Shedletsky stumbling forward and down one of the holes that dropped straight down into the underground section, Noli looking back at 007n7 before running off.

"Oh hell no." 007n7 grit out, running over and carefully dropping down to Shedletsky, whose leg was obviously rebroken, "Oh- Oh God..." 007n7 gagged a little.

Shedletsky pushed himself up a little, fighting the urge to scream in pain as he moved himself so he was sitting properly, "Oh- that- that's bad-" He hiccuped, looking at 007n7 before looking back at his broken leg, "At- At least it's not both of them?" He jokes tearfully, trying to ignore that his leg was broken.

"Yeah, uh, I don't think that'll heal right if I don't...Y'know..." 007n7 explains, he felt queezy at bad knee scrapes, so he was feeling quite ill at the sight of Shedletsky's visibly broken leg, "Don't hate me." He rushes out, carefully placing his hands on Shedletsky's leg, the man inhaling and exhaling as Shedletsky bit back sobs, "You're doing great." 007n7 mumbled quietly before just doing it - pushing the bone back into place with an audible crack.

"Fuck!" Shedletsky yelled out, hitting the ground next to him, unable to hold back his sobs now, "Go...I- I'll see you when we respawn back at the cabin." He instructs, holding his sword in his hands, watching as 007n7 got up and hesitantly began to leave, "Go!" Shedletsky yelled louder.

007n7 didn't want to leave Shedletsky, but he did. Mainly cause he didn't want to argue with Shed at all. 007n7 ran back up to the upper level and bit back a sob as Shedletsky died, the older man hearing an unintelligible struggle, a scream, and then nothing. Which only made him more terrified about what Noli's finishing move was.

007n7 gulped as Noli rushed at him, 007n7 fumbled to use his c00lgui, yelling out in pain as Noli was right back to him, stabbing and punching, "Noli- Please! You have to remember me!" 007n7 yelled, pleading with Noli as the killer got him down onto the floor. Noli just looked down at him before killing him.

---

Once everyone had fully respawned, the first thing Shedletsky noticed was that his leg was still broken. Mainly cause he immediately fell over and screamed.

"Oh God." Noob winced, covering her mouth at the sight, "Are you okay?" She asked, being the first one post-round to check up on Shedletsky, Builderman having run upstairs to get a first aid kit, as everyone else went off to do their own thing, 007n7 going to check on c00lkidd.

"My leg is broken." Shedletsky deadpanned, managing to army crawl his way to the sofa and haul himself up onto it.

Before anyone could continue talking, Dusekkar walked in and froze at the sight, "I'm just going to assume it was a tough round."

"My leg is fucking broken again" Shedletsky hissed quietly, "No shit, it was a tough round." He added, wincing as Builderman came back downstairs and immediately put an ice pack on Shedletsky's leg, the man carefully using a bandage to secure the ice pack to Shedletsky's leg.

"Maybe it'll heal right this time." Chance piped up from one of the armchairs, their hat over their face as they lay across the chair with their head leaned back on one of the armrests.

"I'm putting all my discarded feathers in your room, one by one, until you slowly go insane from the never-ending amount of feathers appearing." Shedletsky deadpanned, glaring over at Chance, who didn't dignify him with a response. Shedletsky glanced up at Builderman before lying down properly, "Thanks, Dad." He mumbled quietly.

Builderman felt his heart clench a little bit. "You're welcome." He nodded, sitting down on his claimed armchair, watching as Shedletsky passed out, most likely due to pain and exhaustion. Builderman making a mental note to give Shedletsky some painkillers later, once he wakes up.