Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The day seemed to be a bit of a blur as you stared up at the plain ceiling above you. After you had accepted the offer with Urbanshade you were forced to listen to a long and tiring briefing about what was going on and why you were even doing this. That last question always stayed in your mind. Sure you knew you wanted your freedom more than anything but something about this whole thing made your skin crawl and even made you second guess yourself sometimes. Before you could even close your eyes a guard had opened your door startling you in the process. You quickly looked at the guard.

"Come on. Best to start now than later and you are going alone. Here is your jumpsuit, just change in your bathroom then follow me."

When you heard you were going alone you felt uneasy but you managed to sit up and get off the hard bed they forced you to sleep on. You walked over to the guard who handed you a pale dark blue jumpsuit. You sighed a bit as you walked over to your bathroom and put it on. Once it was on the guard gestured you to follow in which you did. You glanced around the place noticing that a few other people were walking around seemingly to only wait for when they had to do this mission. That uneasy feeling returned as the guard brought you to a room. There was another person there. You stood there nervously before the person spoke, "sit down. I'll be with you in a moment."

You walked over to the only place there was to sit which was a table and sat down then waited for a moment before the person walked over. You looked over at them and decided to ask, "what am I doing here?"

The person seemed to smile but it was hard to tell with a face mask covering their face, "well we got to make sure prisoners like yourself don't try to disobey orders so we are gonna put this diving gear on you. The second you disobey orders. . . POP. . ." You jumped clearly being frightened while the person continued, "your head will be blown off so make sure you follow orders. Got it."

You quickly nodded as you looked down now fidgeting with your hands. This mission was no joke to them apparently. About thirty minutes went by as the person managed to get the diving gear on you along with giving you a few other things then sent you out of a door which led to a large dock. A few guards looked at you as they pointed towards the submarines. With a small breath you walked forward and went towards the submarines. You walked into one and held onto one of the hanging handles that was on the ceiling of it. With a loud noise the door closed and the submarine plugged into the water causing you to slightly lose your balance and hold onto the handle tighter to gain your balance back. That's gonna be hard to get used to. You sighed softly as the submarine shook slightly while it went down. While you let the time pass you looked around just curious on what the sub looked like. Nothing too amazing but oh well it was something.

After a bit the submarine rocked roughly as it emerged from the water once again making you lose your balance. Once the submarine steadied itself you let go of the handle and walked over to the door. Looking around a bit you saw the button and pressed it causing the door to open. You stared for a moment before walking off the submarine onto the small dock then the HQ system turned on and spoke, "As discussed during your briefing, your primary objective is to secure and bring back the Crystal. Your secondary objective is to secure as many loose assets as possible. You've been equipped with a diving tank, allowing you to navigate any potentially flooded areas. You've also been equipped with a Crystal container, used for securing the crystal if, erh, when, you reach it. You have permission to use any additional equipment you may find. Our Navi-Path AI has marked the shortest route possible to your primary objective. It should be noted, that you'll mostly be left on your own, as we are currently busy managing multiple teams. We will tune in from time to time, if it matters in the moment. Open the door, and proceed when ready."

You stood there for a moment listening then frowned when they mentioned IF you make it to the crystal, "wow so much for support," you rolled your eyes and walked over to a few drawers, opening them to find that there were documents and USBs in them. You looked at the bag that you were required to carry then stuffed the assets in it and continued to look around. You then found a keycard so you picked it up and went to the door to open it. The door quickly slid open. You peered into the room and walked in.

Almost immediately your attention was caught by a locker with a weird wet substance coming from the bottom. You walked over to it and noticed that there were purple glowing like eyes in the slits of the locker. You also heard loud breathing from it. You got nervous and walked away from it, "the fuck is that-" though you were a little curious about it so you walked back towards it and opened it. Immediately tentacle-like things grabbed and pulled you into the locker. You screamed and suddenly everything was black.

You gasped as you quickly looked around. You were in a dark area. You were confused slightly until you got startled when you saw three glowing blue eyes staring at you then a voice spoke, "Oh. Hello. You died." You were shocked and speechless so you really did die, wow, that was short lived. You were about to say something when the voice continued, "Whaaat a shame. We haven't met before, but hopefully you'll be able to stay alive long enough next time for me to give a proper introduction."

You quickly looked at the voice, "Wh-what do you mean by next time!? I-i'm-" you were then cut off by a growl. Whatever was in front of you did not have the patience to deal with your voice.

It then continued, "Since those iiidiots up there didn't feel like telling you about which exact dangers you'd face down here, I've been asked to fill that role. Whenever you die, you'll be brought here, and I'll show you a document detailing what caused your. . . oh. so. early. demise."

You frowned, obviously you can tell this. . . thing. . . was mocking you. Your thoughts were confirmed when you heard an amused chuckle from the thing in front of you before it continued while a document was pushed forward on the table, "He was very specific with... how much, information I could share with you though. It's stupid, I know, his orders, not mine."

You opened the document but there was nothing really much to read and it was hard to read with no light. You then looked up while the voice continued, "All the documents are heavily classified, lots of black lines, [REDACTED] text, whole nine yards. The more times you die to something, the more black lines he lets me remove," Great you were gonna go through a cycle, that wasn't on your bingo card. You then got slightly startled as a light flickered on but you quickly relaxed as you looked at the document, now that you could see.

Apparently what killed you was called Puddles of Void-Mass. You blinked at the name as you started to read. Damn you were really stupid all you had to do was avoid the locker. You sighed irritatedly as you pushed the document away and right on cue a blueish gray claw with four fingers closed the document and dragged it away. You were slightly surprised and kinda scared with how big it was. That hand was like the size of your head. You gulped and looked up when you heard a soft chuckle again. Apparently whoever was in front of you noticed your surprise but didn't comment on it as it spoke again, "Oh, and uhhh, one more thing before I forget. The next time you inevitably fail, and get sent back down again, you'll have the opportunity to stock up on some useful supplies, assuming you have funds for it of course. I've (been forced to) set up a system that'll allow you to order supplies whilst you are still aboard the submarine, all of which will be conveniently awaiting you in a crate at its destination. I, optimistically look forward to your patronage, friend!~"

You stared for a moment and before you could speak once again your vision faded to black and you jumped awake. You looked around and noticed you were back at your room. Confusion swept over you. Was that a dream? You laid back down. Did you really die? Questions swirled in your head as you sighed. If you really died then your wise choice was to actually think your next run out instead of doing stupid actions like you did. Though one thing that really stood out in your mind was that creature. What was that? Why did it call you friend? And why did it say you'll hopefully meet it? You decided to just sleep on it as you rolled over and closed your eyes. Eventually falling asleep.

This was really no joke.

Chapter Text

Back here again. You were standing in the submarine holding onto the handle as it was making its slow descent. Sighing a bit you closed your eyes remembering what you planned after you had woken up. Stay focused, get the crystal, leave. Seemed easy enough, you guessed.

The submarine emerged from the water as you waited till it stopped then let go of the handle to press the button. The door opened allowing you to get on the dock. You never actually stopped to look at it fully. You looked around noticing how for this place being in a lockdown it was quite tidy despite the debris but that was expected. Finally after taking in the place you started to loot then found the keycard at the same place. You took it then opened the door this time ignoring the locker with the void mass in it.

As you kept going through the doors and looking through the drawers you then noticed the lights flicker. You tilted your head before you suddenly heard faint screeching from down the hall. Without a single hesitant moment you saw a locker that was empty and put yourself in it while you closed your eyes tightly. The screeching got louder until it zoomed past you, breaking the lights in the process. Your breathing was quick and heavy as you opened your eyes. Darkness. That's all you see from the little crack of the locker. Slowly and cautiously you stepped out of the locker. You barely could see two feet in front of you as you started to find the door. Eventually you got startled as the door to the next room opened. You sighed with relief as the light was at least on in this room.

For the next few doors it was quite uneventful until you got to what seemed like door 20. You were in a room that had large windows that almost seemed to be something you'll see in an aquarium. Granted you couldn't see anything other than the deep darkness of the water but it was indeed still amazing to say the least that was until suddenly the room was engulfed in a bright green light. Trying to find the source you were met face to face with a large shark like creature with multiple green eyes on it's face and underneath it's gills. You felt strange like you couldn't take your eyes off the shark. Your whole body seemed to stiffen and suddenly your vision blacked out.

You gasped and once again you were here in this dark area with the table in front of you and those same blue eyes. You died again. Damn so mental note don't stare at the shark. This time without letting the thing in front you speak you spoke, "what the fuck is going on!? Why do I keep coming back here after I die!?" You needed answers though you immediately regretted the tone you decided to speak with cause the snarl you had gotten was telling you that you were on the edge of dying again if that was even possible in this area.

"You dare speak to me in that tone. When I'm the one helping you!"

"Help!? All you've been doing is sitting there giving me a document that I can't even read all the way!? How the fuck is that helping!?"

That same clawed hand the thing in front of you had slammed onto the table immediately making you jump and stiffen. You looked down, noticing the document that you assumed was for the shark. You went to grab it before the clawed hand grabbed your hand roughly. The cold scales along it making your hand hurt as they scratch along the back of your hand. The claws dug into your skin making you yelp in pain. You looked up, noticing the blue eyes glare at you. It then spoke, "if you even act like this when we meet in person I will not hesitate to make sure your face meets the damn concrete. Do you understand me. Expendable." The last part came out in a cold hiss.

You quickly nodded immediately becoming timid. The hand let go as you quickly withdrew your hand that was now bleeding. You didn't even want to look at the document as you turned your head away. The thing must have realized this cause it scoffed and grabbed the document.

"Glad to see you know your place now. Make sure you don't die again hm."

Your vision faded to black as you woke up in your room again but this time your hand felt sore. You looked at it and noticed blood was still dripping down it. You gasped as you quickly got up and went to the bathroom to wash the blood. Sure enough deep indents were made into your skin exactly where that thing had grabbed you. You trembled so you could still get hurt when in that area. That was great to know. Guess you had to get on that thing's good side which now that you pissed it off it was gonna get really hard to do that. You sighed using your good hand that wasn't wet and still bleeding to go through your hair. You stared at yourself in the mirror. You looked like a mess and rightfully so. There was no way they'd let you back out now even if you begged and cried on your knees. You saw too much, they'll likely kill you before they even think about letting you go. What did you do to deserve this besides those crimes you did. Surely the crimes you did wasn't severe enough for you to go through this torture.

Your head started to hurt so you cleaned your wound and wrapped it with a bandage before going back to your bed and laying down. You were exhausted but you just couldn't close your eyes no matter how much you tried to.

Soon morning came you felt so exhausted but you got up when a guard came in. You repeated the same process. Get dressed, get your diving gear on, go into the submarine, and start the mission.

Everything was the same but this time you were focused and determined. You were so focused you didn't even notice what number you had reached before the door slid open and walked in only to jump when a vent cover flew across the room then you heard a very familiar voice, "psst. In here."

Without hesitating you went to the vent and crawled through. Once you made it to the other side and got up a light flickered on startling you at first. Then you tensed. Right there in the corner was a snake-like humanoid creature, but you calmed down, "y-you. . ."

The creature chuckled, "Ah finally you make it here so we can properly introduce ourselves. Don't be afraid I'm not gonna hurt you. Despite what you have seen, heard, and/or been told. My name is Sebastian. Your only friend."

You stared at him for a long moment before you spoke, "but you did hurt me. . . And why do you keep saying that word!? We are not friends!"

Sebastian narrowed his eyes slightly then immediately noticed your bandaged hand, "ah that. Heh, you're getting all worked up over that? Wow, I can't imagine how you'll feel with an actual injury."

You glared at him, "what do you want from me. . ."

"Now we are asking the right questions. If I'm correct your supervisors have told you to secure 'loose assets.' Documents, vials, whatever. However, if I can make it worth your while, I'm gonna ask you to cut a deal. You give me any research you might have on you, and I'll give you some of these items I've scavenged. Here you can just pick it off my tail. These would be so much more useful to you compared to some 'silly data', no? If you don't ask any questions I won't either. You get yours and I get mine."

You looked at the bag of loose assets you carried. You actually had a lot but you weren't entirely sure if you could trust him. You did just meet him and his first impression definitely wasn't the best, "what if I already got everything I need?"

Sebastian tilted his head. He knew you didn't but he might as well say something just in case you really did have everything, "Well if that is the case, if you have anything that might be running low on juice, you can buy batteries on the table next to me. Whenever you wanna get going, the keycard to the next zone is by the radio. Free of charge! No strings attached~"

You noticed that on the table he mentioned, with the batteries, had a document. You walked over to it. It had what you assumed was his full name on it, "Solace?"

Sebastian looked down at you, "I don't think you have enough for that."

You looked up at him, "you're selling this? Why would you sell a document about yourself?"

Sebastian shrugged, "it has no use to me so might as well make a profit off of it."

He did have a point, "how much research?"

He looked confused, "you really gonna buy that instead of items that are actually useful to you? Damn you really are an idiot. It's 1k, but I doubt you have that-"

You gave him your bag without hesitation, "I don't know your value for each item so take out what you need or want I don't really care."

Sebastian grabbed the bag and looked into it. You did have a lot. He started to count the total you had which was 2k. He was honestly impressed but he didn't exactly want you to just grab his document upon just meeting him so the best course of action for him was to lie, "hm sorry friend seems like you are short. Maybe next time."

You looked at him and sighed as you sat down his document and went over to his tail to grab a medkit and a flash beacon. You think that's what it's called.

Sebastian actually kinda felt proud of what he did. He went ahead took out what he needed and handed you the bag, "wiiiise choice."

You rolled your eyes as you looked at the flash beacon. You actually didn't know how to work one of these things. You fiddled with it until you set it off blinding yourself and Sebastian who grunted in pain. Before you could even try to get your eyes adjusted you were suddenly picked up aggressively, "What!?"

Sebastian growled, "don't. Do that. Again," he then grabbed the flash beacon in your hand and crushed it then slammed you down onto the floor. He wiped his hand on his shirt like he just touched something disgusting.

You yelped in pain as he slammed you down. You sat up feeling suddenly very dizzy then felt a liquid run down from your head to your face. You touched it to reveal it was blood and a lot of it. You quickly turned your head to him, "what the actual fuck is wrong with you!?"

Sebastian growled, "you blinded me."

"I didn't fucking mean to asshole! I didn't know how to work the thing!"

"Then don't buy something you can't manage. It's such a waste."

You rolled your eyes, "whatever I'm leaving," you headed towards the vent and crawled through.

"Try not to die," he chuckled

Once you made it out you stood up but felt very dizzy and grabbed onto the wall that was until you were suddenly knocked onto your knees and fell down. Before you could turn around a thing bit into your throat. Then your vision faded to black.

You gasped as you stared blankly in front of you but your attention was immediately drawn to Sebastian in front of you who was trying to hold back laughter, "sorry, sorry but I think I told you not to die."

"I hate you."

"The feeling is mutual 'friend.'"

Chapter Text

You looked up at the ceiling above you. It's been a week and so far you made no progress. Haven't even got close to the crystal and you've only met Sebastian in person once. You sighed as you rolled over. Sebastian. Your thoughts went back to him each time. Why were you thinking about that damn fish? He hurt you the last time y'all met. Y'all even said you hate each other even though somewhere you knew that wasn't true. You did just meet the man so how could you establish a hate relationship with him already? You didn't get the chance to ponder it again as you were called upon to go down. Time to try this again.

Everything was going quite alright you reached door 30 and seemed to be going strong that was until you picked the wrong door and was slashed across your chest making you fall over. You coughed out blood as you panicked. It wasn't enough to kill you but it hurt so much and the wound seemed to be very deep. You steadily stood as you held your chest to try to stop the bleeding but that didn't work since it just seeped through. You limp to the right door and apparently it couldn't even give you a break since the lights flickered. Luckily a locker was nearby so you waited for a moment then pushed yourself inside at the last moment just as an angler went screeching by. You sighed as you got out. You were starting to feel dizzy from the blood loss but you kept going.

Door 51. The number on the door was very blurry and almost unreadable as you stumbled into the room. It wasn't long that all you remember was the vent cover flying across the room and hearing a familiar voice before you collapsed with a loud thud and passed out.

You gasped as you looked around but instead of being met with darkness like usual you were in. . . Sebastian's shop. . .? You looked around then winced as you looked down. You had bandages wrapped around your torso. Did Sebastian do this? Just as you thought of his name a clang was heard making you look up to see Sebastian crawling down from a large opening in the ceiling that for some reason you just now noticed. He saw you were awake and smirked, "Ah finally I was wondering when you'll wake up. I honestly thought you were gonna die on me and I mean you almost did if I didn't save you. You're welcome," he got onto the ground as he unloaded his pockets and pouches then slithered over to you dropping a bag of chips and a bottle of water in your lap, "here go ahead refresh your energy I'm sure you need it," then he slithered back to his corner now counting the amount of research he found.

You stared at him for a long while. Why was he suddenly so. . . Not an asshole right now? You didn't bother to question it as you quickly opened the bag of chips and munched on it hungrily. It wasn't the best chips, they were definitely stale but you were hungry so you didn't care. You then opened the bottle of water and started to drink it. You panted as you looked up at him and mumbled, "th-thank you."

Sebastian looked up for a moment from his counting, "no problem I took out all the research you had in exchange for my services."

You frowned. Of course that's the reason he helped you so if you didn't risk your life to scavenge as much as possible he would have just left you to die outside of his shop, "I take back my thank you."

"Sorry no take backsies~"

You rolled your eyes. He really got on your nerves. Maybe you could establish a hate relationship with this man you didn't know anything about, "would you have really left me to die if I didn't have the research?" You already knew the answer but you'll amuse him.

Sebastian stared at you for a moment seeming to actually dwell on it, "no," that was all he said before he went back to counting.

No? That answer threw you off guard, so he really would have helped you without payment. Okay this wasn't the same asshole you met a week ago. Did that week of you not seeing him change him or something, "huh? What you mean no?"

"Would you want me to?"

"I-I no but-"

"Then accept the answer I gave you and be quiet."

You sat there in silence for a good long while just watching him mumble out numbers while he counted. You honestly had no idea why he had a value on the research. It was just useless information but yet he seemed to find it important you don't know why. Your eyes wandered from him to his file that sat neatly by the batteries like usual, "how much research did I have?"

He looked up at you and noticed you eyeing his file, "3350 but I took it all to save you and for the chips and water, so don't get any ideas of buying anything else from me."

You crossed your arms, "I didn't ask to be saved you know. I can just come back. . . For some reason. . ."

He sighed in annoyance as his ear fins flicked then he slithered over to you and immediately slammed both of his main hands against the wall near both sides of your head causing you to flinch back. His face was inches away from yours as he spoke, "you're right. I could have just left you there to bleed out but that wouldn't make me any better than the people who sent you down here in the first place now huh," his head tilted as he looked at you. His blue eyes narrowed as he spoke.

He had a point. You were silent which caused him to scoff and back away from you. He stared down at you for a good long while almost as if he was expecting you to say something, "I-i'm sorry. . . I just-" you trailed off not sure how to find the right words to say.

"Didn't expect me to actually do this for you?" He finished for you before continuing, "Well guess I'm just full of surprises huh," his tone was sarcastic as he turned around and slithered back into his corner.

You looked down, "h-how long am I allowed to stay in here. . .?"

"I guess until you're able to actually move without it hurting but I better be getting paid by the hour you are in here. I'll say 50 research per hour."

Honestly you thought he was gonna say worse, but then your mind went to the PDG, "what about this thing?"

Sebastian looked over, "oh that? I disabled that a while ago. Was pretty easy honestly."

You were confused, "how did yo-"

He interrupted you, "sorry can't give you that information cause next thing I know you're gonna try it yourself next run and boom you'll be right back at that table reading a document about it," he chuckled.

You frowned, "I'm not an idiot. . ."

"Who picked the wrong door and got themselves seriously injured? Surely it wasn't me," He smugly smiled

"Oh fuck off! How did you even know that was what got me?"

"A little friend of mine told me while I was out. He called you gullible and honestly I agree with him."

"Of course you'll agree. You know you seem to really love insulting people. Have you ever tried being nice?"

"I'll be nicer if you actually knew what you were doing," he crossed his arms still smugly smiling.

"I know what I'm doing!!"

"Then act like it at least cause so far by your performance. I'd say otherwise."

"Like you'll do any better in my place," you crossed your arms as you mumbled. You almost resembled a child pouting.

Sebastian couldn't help but laugh at your reaction, "awe it's alright. I'm sure you'll get better eventually," he talked in a baby-like tone which pissed you off.

"Ugh you're so annoying how can anyone put up with you."

"Simple. They don't," he smiled, "anyways get some sleep you're gonna be scavenging with me later."

"Do I have a choice?"

"Nope!"

You rolled your eyes as you laid down onto what you realized now was blankets and pillows kinda huddled up in a makeshift bed. It wasn't the softest but it'll do. You sighed as you looked at Sebastian who was curling himself into his corner probably going to sleep as well. Eventually your eyes got heavy as you fell asleep.

Chapter Text

You were now walking or at least limping around the corridors while Sebastian was about always a couple of doors ahead of you. For someone his size he sure was fast. You sighed. Your torso was still in a lot of pain which caused you to stop at some points. As one of those points came you stopped and sat down on the ground, “ugh stupid fucking-”

“It isn't exactly wise to sit down in the middle of the room being very exposed. Something or someone could easily snatch you up for their next meal.”

You looked up to see Sebastian towering above you. His eyes and esca glowed dimly in the dark room as he stared down at you. Honestly he was actually really terrifying from this angle especially since it looked like he had a predatory look in his eyes and his tone didn't make that any better. You pushed down your fear and spoke, “well you're not the one in pain.”

“That “pain” you speak of was caused by your own stupidity.”

You rolled your eyes, “you know this could be easier and faster if you pick me up.”

He stared at you for a long while before he turned around, “no. Now come on before I leave you behind,” he started to slither away.

You frowned. He was such an asshole. You started trying to get up but yelped in pain as you grabbed at your side. This pain was really unbearable but the stupid fish wasn't gonna help you so you were on your own. You started to walk as you managed to catch up to him while he was picking up some stuff from a dead body. He looked so calm about it, “how do you manage to do that without feeling disgusted?”

He picked up a flashlight and shoved it into a pouch on his tail as he glanced over at you, “are you seriously asking me that?”

You stared at him dumbfounded, “yeah? Why?”

He sighed clearly annoyed as he grabbed any data that was left on the dead body and shoved it into a separate pouch, “you are very oblivious to what is going on huh?”

“What?”

“Nevermind, come on moron.”

“Hey! I'm not a moron!”

Sebastian chuckled softly as he began to slither again while you huffed in frustration and limped next to him trying to keep the same pace as him. You then noticed some data that caught your eye and turned to grab it but just as you were reaching for it the lights flickered. Panicked, you looked around but couldn't find a locker. You were then suddenly picked up and quickly brought into a side room. You were confused as you looked up to see Sebastian holding you close. It was surprising to say the least, “Seba-”

He quickly put his third hand over your mouth to shut you up, “shush.”

You frowned but listened to him as you heard a distant noise. That didn't sound like an angler. The noise got louder until it seemed close but then faded away. You guessed it went away whatever it was as you looked up at Sebastian who was still holding you close while his ear fins flicked. He then finally let his hand move away from your mouth. Honestly he felt sorta warm but cold at the same time. It was weird but it felt nice. You quickly shook your head. What were you thinking? You thought you were starting to lose your mind when Sebastian tapped your head with a single claw making you jump and look at him, “Huh?”

“Not even a thank you? I could have left you to die. Again.”

“Oh- uhm s-sorry-” you quickly looked away. Why were you suddenly so nervous?

Sebastian just looked at you as his eyes narrowed, “are you okay?”

You just nodded, “ye-yeah I'm fine.”

He seemed to not believe you were actually fine but didn't bother to question anymore and just dropped you. You fell to the ground with a yelp as you looked up at him. He was smiling, “whoops~” he then turned to slither away.

You frowned as you got up and brushed yourself off but the pain from your injury shot through you making you fall back down, “oh fuck!”

Sebastian looked behind him and noticed you being in pain. He sighed irritatedly as he slithered back over to you and suddenly picked you up again catching you off guard, “let's head back to the shop.”

You were surprised as you looked up at him while he slithered. You could see every detail of him. His slight rough stubble on his chin, the way his face held a tired worn out look, and he had pupils. They weren't very obvious from a far but up close you could see them. His eyes were very pretty. The color was captivating, almost similar to that of an ocean in the bright sun. You didn't even notice you were being stared at until you heard Sebastian clear his throat interrupting your train of thought. Your eyes met his, “ah- uhm- sorry-” you quickly looked away

Sebastian stared at you for what seemed like forever until a soft but raspy chuckle escaped his lips, “you are a weird expendable.”

You looked back at him to see he was now looking forward while still slithering. You looked forward as well just letting your thoughts wander. Urbanshade probably thought you were lost considering you haven't come back yet from dying. You sighed softly. How long were you gonna be down here? Are you even gonna be able to get the crystal? Were you gonna be down here forever stuck in a never ending loop? Will you even see the sun again? All these questions started to make you panic and. . . regret. . . You were startled out of your thoughts when you realized Sebastian was staring at you with a weird expression. . . No wait. . . The expression was familiar. . . Was it concern? Why would he of all people be concerned? You didn't even realize that your hands were shaking as you spoke, “why are you staring at me like that?”

“I was calling you 5 times but you weren't listening and started to breathe heavily. . . Are. . . Are you okay? I want you to answer that honestly this time. No “I'm fine” bullshit cause I'm not falling for that.”

You looked away, “why would you even care?”

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed as he grabbed at your face and made you look back at him, “I may not like some of you expendables and absolutely despise this fucking organization y'all are working for, but I don't lack empathy. I'm still. . .” He seemed to hesitate a bit before continuing, “Or at least was human, so fucking tell me what's wrong.”

You stared at him surprised. Why was he acting like this? You couldn't find the right words to say but suddenly you couldn't help but just tell him everything about the crimes you were accused of/did, why you wanted to do this in the first place, what was worrying you. Everything.

Finally when you were done explaining everything you were met with an unreadable expression. That scared you, but soon that feeling faded away when you saw that concerned expression from earlier get replaced with a more softer and understanding expression. He seemed to sigh, “alright thanks for telling me. It's understandable to feel that way especially with being down here. It has that effect on people, but nonetheless you did sign up for this so you need to stay strong. I'm not good with comfort let alone giving advice so that's all I'm really giving you as of right now.”

You smiled softly. It was at least something you wanted to hug him but something in your mind told you that probably wasn't a good idea so instead you thanked him. You saw him give a slight smile but it was very quick as he started to slither again back towards his shop.