Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a "normal" day, if you can say it that way. In the world of Fosaken, everything was the same, round after round and death after death, in conclusion, an endless loop.
007n7 after having entered these games had become accustomed to this routine, one could even say that he became accustomed to his deaths with each of the assassins.
After a fateful round against John Doe he just wanted to rest in peace so he retired to his cabin that had been given to him, when he arrived he found a bouquet of flowers at his door, they were sunflowers, his favorites.

He didn't have a note or anything identifying the author of those flowers, but he thought the gesture was sweet, so he picked them up and brought them inside.
Something 007n7 didn't know was that 1x1x1x1 was watching him from the shadows when he saw 007n7 give away his "little gift."
He simply walked away with a big smile on his face. It definitely wouldn't be the first or last time he would do that.

So the days went by, once a week 007n7 found a gift at his door, whether it was flowers, some sweets or chocolates, something he liked, but he really wanted to know who was leaving those details.So he decided to analyze the pattern in which they left their gifts, but he realized that specifically when 1x1x1x1 wasn't playing, his gifts appeared and he also realized that lately he ignored him when he passed by.
He didn't want to jump to conclusions too soon, but if 1x1x1x1 really was responsible for this, even if he didn't want to admit it, he'd be happy since he'd felt feelings for him despite never having interacted with each other.
He didn't think twice and made his plan to find out who was the author of those gifts. His plan was simple: he just had to fake something and he wouldn't be able to participate in that round, and with that, he'd wait to catch the author red-handed.
The day had arrived, and just as he predicted, they wouldn't let him play due to his condition, so he had part of the plan made; all that was missing was the other part: waiting. He waited a while when he heard a noise accompanied by a familiar aura. It was 1x1x1x1. This time, he was carrying some chocolates and flowers, which he would subsequently leave at the door. But without realizing it, 007n7 came out and said, "So it was really you who left me these gifts."
1x1x1x1 was shocked. He'd gotten quite trusting. I never thought 007n7 would find out, so when he tried to run away, 007n7 grabbed his arm and kissed him. It was a quick kiss, but that kiss said more than a thousand words.
"You know, if you wanted to give them to me, you just had to come with them and knock on my door," 007n7 said, somewhat nervously, seeing that 1x1x1x1 didn't respond. "Don't think you'd like it, especially coming from someone like me."Are you kidding? I didn't like it, I loved it, said 007n7, a little embarrassed, it was kind of nice of you.
1x1x1x1 felt something burn in his chest and face, a sensation he'd never felt before, a sensation that made him want to be with 007n7 and never leave him, decided now it was he who wanted to initiate the kiss but before he asked, it wasn't common for him to do that, none of this was common for him but he did it anyway."May I?" he said, holding 007n7's chin, to which he said, "Yes," nervously.
The two leaned closer and kissed again. Maybe for others it was just a kiss, but for them, that kiss meant the love they shared, a love that no one would ever know, a connection that would remain only within them.
When they finished their kiss, 007n7 realized that the round was over and that a noob or guest would probably be looking for him, so he said goodbye to 1x1x1x1 with a hug. Before leaving, 1x1x1x1 told him he would come visit more often, to which 007n7 responded with a smile on his face...
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"And how did it go with that 007n7?" Jason asked, to which 1x1x1x1 replied, stunned by what had happened before, "It was the best day of my damn existence."

Chapter Text

It was late in a cafeteria and 007n7 was working, lately his days had been very busy and therefore his routine too. He got up early for breakfast, fed c00lkid and went to work, his son was left in the care of Noob, a friend of his, so he didn't have to worry too much about that, he had two jobs, one as a waiter in a restaurant and another as a barista in a cafeteria.Life had hit him very hard since he adopted c00lkid and therefore he had allowed places to be exploited or hacked, the thing is that nobody wanted him because of his past and he understood it perfectly, how could you have an ex-exploiter working for you when he had destroyed your workplace? But even so he would not give up easily and more now that he has a son to raise, he arrived at a restaurant and it welcomed him with open arms, his now boss had put him on a shift from the morning until noon, 007n7 did not complain in fact he was more than grateful but it was not enough to support a child,but anyway he had accepted, later on, he looked for another job and just like the restaurant, this one received him in such a way, the boss of that place was open-minded and believed in second chances so she hired him, his shift would start from the afternoon until night, his salary in that cafeteria was a little more than that of the restaurant and that was more than enough so he had kept both.

So we returned to the hectic afternoon, with 007n7 tired but never leaving aside his charismatic personality that always characterized him, even with the most annoying customers, he couldn't stop smiling, suddenly an entity entered the cafeteria, it was 1x1x1x1, he worked for Roblox after having stopped hacking or exploiting places since he knew perfectly well that if he continued like this it would be an infinite loop where whether he lost or won he would always end up locked up again and that frustrated him so he retired and let's say that Roblox didn't waste time either, as soon as he retired from that they offered him to work for the incorporation in the matter of stopping powerful exploiters so he simply accepted.
In addition to his great height, he inspired respect wherever he went, and he never let it go. Everyone fell silent upon seeing him arrive. The only one who dared to serve him was 007n7, with his trademark smile. "Good afternoon, Mr. 1x1x1x1. What would you like to drink today?" asked 007n7.
1x1x1x1 was surprised by his manner. Every time he came to order something, he always had to be the one to ask for it, but this time, it wasn't like that, and that caught him attention. That, and the fact that he found him attractive: medium height, wavy hair, brown eyes, and to top it all off, a smile that made him lower his guard just by looking at him.
"Excuse me, are you okay?" asked 007n7, somewhat concerned that she hadn't answered his question. 1x1x1x1 quickly snapped out of her little trance and had a new goal in mind: to ask 007n7 out and make him fall in love with him. So he did what sm he did best: flirt.
Yes, I am. I'd like a coffee with you.
007n7 was in shock, but quickly recovered, a slight blush appearing on his cheeks. "W-well, I guess it wasn't on any menu here," he said somewhat nervously.
"So?" 1x1x1x1 asked. "I could ask your boss to make a menu specifically for you." 007n7 didn't know what to say; his face was burning, and 1x1x1x1 knew it perfectly well.
"I... uh..." He tried to form a word, but was interrupted by 1x1x1x1, who said, "For someone so handsome, you still haven't told me your name.""Ah-well, my name is 007n7."
"007n7, huh? A strange name, but I like it."
He paused to continue speaking and said, "What do you think about going out tomorrow at this time?"
007n7 was almost blank at the proposal, but managed to say something. "I... uh... I don't know, I have to work and..." Then 007n7 looked at his boss, who in turn waved his hand, as if giving him permission to leave. 007n7 sighed and said, defeated, "I guess that's fine," with a nervous smile.
"Okay, I'll wait for you then," said 1x1x1x1, before triumphantly leaving the café.

Wow, said her boss who was more than surprised, approaching him, "You really just won the lottery, you have my permission to go out tomorrow," but said 007n7 wanting to make a gesture but his boss interrupted him, "No buts, now go, you have to go and rest and a lot to do tomorrow."
007n7 simply thanked his boss and went home.
Upon arrival, Noob and his son greeted him warmly. "Dad!" He ran up to him, who welcomed him with open arms.
"I hope he didn't cause you too much trouble, c00lkid," he said, holding his son in his arms.
"No, no, he actually behaved very well," Noob said.
"I see. Excuse me, I have a date tomorrow and I wanted to know if you'd be available to babysit c00lkid."
"A date?" Noob said, surprised and happy for his friend, but unfortunately, he couldn't, as he had promised Guest666 he would come to his house.
007n7 said he was fine, and with that, the two friends said their goodbyes.

It was a new day, and luckily, he was also free from the restaurant, so he was able to spend time with his son and get ready to go out.
When the time came, 007n7 put on his best outfit and ran out of the house, as his son had started throwing a tantrum at the last minute and it was hard to calm him down.
On the other hand, 1x1x1x1 was waiting for him. He had put on an elegant suit for the occasion. When he arrived, he didn't find 007n7 anywhere. He waited for a while, but 007n7 showed no sign of anything. So he was about to leave when he heard someone calling his name.
It was 007n7, who was agitated and had his hair disheveled.
"I'm so sorry, but my son kept throwing tantrums," said 007n7.
"Your son?" asked 1x1x1x1 curiously.
"Yes, he's a lovely boy, a little angry, but lovely," he said with a slight smile.
It was sweet to see 007n7 mention his son without embarrassment. He even imagined himself with 007n7 and his son. But putting that aside, he helped him up, smoothed his hair a bit, and said, "Okay, shall we?" To which 007n7, somewhat embarrassed, replied that he would.
They went to a restaurant. When 007n7 walked in, it looked like an elegant one, one of those where just by looking at it you know the food is worth more than your life.
They booked a table, sat down, and ordered their respective dishes. 1x1x1x1 had ordered wine and steak, while 007n7 ordered something lighter, or rather, the cheapest dish on the menu.
"Are you sure that's all you want?" 1x1x1x1 asked, “Yeah, I really wouldn’t want you to spend a lot on me,” 007n7 said. “Are you kidding? There’s no reason I work at that stupid company, it’s not because you wouldn’t spend a cent, much less with the person I’m with now,” 1x1x1x1 said. 007n7 understood what he meant and found his way of expressing himself a little funny, so he ordered dessert.
While they were eating, 1x1x1x1's mouth was covered in food. As he went to wipe it, 007n7 arrived first with a napkin in his hand, saying, "You have some sauce on your mouth, allow me," with a smile. 1x1x1x1 couldn't refuse, especially with that smile. When he was finished, 1x1x1x1 said, "Thanks, you didn't have to," blushing slightly at the gesture. "You're welcome," said 007n7. "Besides, it's the only thing I can do after you invited me to this fancy restaurant."
They talked a little about their past 007n7 about how he was an exploiter before having c00lkid and starting to work and 1x1x1x1 about how he retired simply out of boredom, some laughs were not missing and when leaving the restaurant, 1x1x1x1 said - I'll walk you home, it's too late to walk alone - 007n7 blushed a little and nodded and started walking, there was silence, but it was a comforting silence that they both appreciated very much. When they arrived 1x1x1x1 was going to say something but was interrupted by a little kiss from 007n7 who said - thank you, it was one of the best nights of my life.
And before leaving, he gave 1x1x1x1 a small piece of paper with his number on it. And as quickly as he kissed it, he went inside his house, red-faced but happy because he knew 1x1x1x1 would call him.
Meanwhile, 1x1x1x1 stood outside, stunned by what had happened, but he quickly snapped out of his trance to open the piece of paper 007n7 had given him with his number on it. When 1x1x1x1 saw that, he was overjoyed and was already thinking of another way out to surprise 007n7.

Chapter Text

The game had begun and 1x1x1x1 was the killer, 1x1x1x1 dedicated himself to killing some survivors like Elliot, Thap among others, but when he wanted to talk alone with 007n7, he just greeted him and left quickly, just as he did every time it was his turn to be the killer, he didn't know the reason for his behavior, but when I found him I would ask him, although he also began to think that he had something pending..

And boy, 1x1x1x1 wasn't wrong because 007n7 had been planning to throw him a surprise birthday party for days, but he didn't know exactly when his birthday was, he knew it was in May but he didn't know the specific day, there was only one person who would know for sure and that was Shedletsky, they didn't get along badly in fact they liked each other a little and sometimes they understood each other, because of the small resemblance they had with their past, but he knew he couldn't just go and say. -Hey, I'm planning on throwing a surprise birthday party for the assassin who used to be your creation and now hates you but I don't know the exact date.

He had to be careful and know what to say so he wouldn't get suspicious, when he started his rounds he started looking for Shedletsky and on the way he found a first aid kit, he knew it would be useful to someone so he picked it up, 2 or more minutes had passed but he couldn't find it, and when he was about to give up he turned the corner as a last attempt and there it was, hidden and with little health, 007n7 thanked himself internally for having found that first aid kit so he approached Shedletsky saying -Wow, you're really hurt, take this- Shedletsky for his part was very grateful since he was about to die, but when he was healing they heard 1x1x1x1 approaching,so 007n7 told him to stay there and that he would distract him, for his part shedletsky thanked him and told him to be careful, so 007n7 without further ado, went out to distract him and wow it worked because as soon as 1x1x1x1 saw him he went after him to spend at least some time alone, and ask him the reason for his distant behavior, something that in the end 007n7 ended up agreeing to so that 1x1x1x1 wouldn't go after someone else.
"You know, you've been acting really weird lately," said 1x1x1x1, getting very close to 007n7's personal space.
"So what? Well, I haven't noticed anything strange about myself," said 007n7, as if he didn't know what he was talking about.
"Well, you've been ignoring me, and..." Before 1x1x1x1 could finish speaking, the round ended.
1x1x1x1 was extremely frustrated, as not only had he not received an answer, but he felt like 007n7 was lying. And now he would have to wait again to ask him again.
On the other hand, 007n7 was grateful that the round was over, knowing perfectly well that 1x1x1x1 wouldn't let him go until he spoke.
At that, Shedletsky approached and said, "Hi, 007n7. Thanks again. Without you, 1x1x1x1 would have cut my head off."
"You're welcome," he said with a slight smile.
The two began talking. Shedletsky mentioned some of the funny and extreme things he had done before being locked up, and 007n7 reacted with surprise at his exploits.
"Hey, I'm still wondering how you had your son, before... well, you know."
"Oh... my son, well, the truth is, he's not mine, but adopted. I found him outside my door. Someone rang the doorbell, and no one was there. He was just a baby, so I decided to take him into my home to be my son."
Wow, you really have a lot to tell, huh?
Heh, yeah, but there are things that don't make me very happy, to be honest," said 007n7, somewhat embarrassed, but he remembered why he was talking to the developer, so he quickly asked, "Oh... hey, Shedletsky, I'd like to ask you something." "Yeah, right." "When did you create 1x1x1x1?" Shedletsky, surprised and somewhat suspicious by the question, said, "Why would you want to know that?"
"Curious, I know it's a little weird, but I've always wondered. Besides, I already answered your question. Don't you think it would be unfair if you didn't answer mine?"
Shedletsky thought for a moment, sighed, and said, "I created it on May 25th." He was about to investigate further, but Builderman suddenly called him. Apparently, he was having a problem with one of his machines and needed his help.So, without further ado, he bids farewell to 007n7.
He had some doubts about this question, but then didn't give it much thought. Besides, what could he do with a simple date? Throw a birthday party or something? he thought to himself, somewhat sarcastically.

With the information he'd gathered, 007n7 already had the date, but now, how would he celebrate the birthday without anyone finding out?
He thought about it for a moment and came up with something. Perhaps it was a silly idea, but he knew it would be worth it. He was going to die first. With that, he could carry the supplies from the refrigerator back to his cabin and prepare the snacks. But he needed help, so who better than Noob and Guest?They got along well, beyond being friends, and knew about his relationship with the killer. Although they didn't take it well at first, they grew accustomed to it and respected his relationship.
So he called them both, and when he told them his crazy idea, Noob was the first to respond, almost shouting. "Do you want us to die first so you can throw a birthday party for the most powerful and ruthless entity that exists here?!"
"Uh... yeah? Well, actually, it'll just be you and me. Guest will make sure no one dies so we don't get caught stealing ingredients from the pantry," said 007n7 somewhat nervously, waiting for Guest's response, to which he took a deep breath and said, "I'm in."
"Really?" said 007n7 and Noob, surprised by Guest's answer, as he didn't usually accept so easily, especially knowing it was for 1x1x1x1.
To which Guest replied, "Come on, Noob, nothing interesting has happened lately, and honestly, a little action and fun wouldn't hurt." "Hmm, well, I guess you're right," said Noob, a little calmer.
"Thanks a lot, guys. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you," said 007n7.
"You're welcome, but how long do we have to throw the birthday party?" Guest said.
"Hmm... well, one day," 007n7 replied, a little calmer.
"We have time," Noob said, more animatedly, because, honestly, it had been a long time since he'd thrown a party like this.

"In that case, let's go to sleep. There's a lot to do tomorrow," Guest said, and with that, the friends said their goodbyes.

The round had begun, and this time the killer was Jason. 007n7, Guest, and Noob reunited and put their plan into action.
007n7 was the first to die, followed by Noob, so they rushed to loot the pantry for the ingredients they needed. Meanwhile, Guest defended his companions to the death and even tried to distract the killer, something that surprised many, but for which they were grateful. He was exhausted, but thought it would be worth it.
By the end of the round, everyone was in the main room, and 007n7 and Noob managed to escape before being discovered. Guest, meanwhile, ran to the cabin to help. He knocked on the door and was greeted by Noob, who was a little stained with dough. He wasted no time helping out. They prepared snacks and some desserts, and, of course, there was no shortage of laughter.
They had everything done, all that was missing was the cake, and they were out of flour. So they would have to wait until morning.
In the next round, it was C00lkid's turn, and before his son could attack him, he said, "Son, take your father to my cabin at dusk."
"Why, Dad?" C00lkid said curiously.
"Well, let's just say it's your father's birthday, and I want it to be a surprise. Also, after this round, you have to prepare a present for him. You don't want to show up to his birthday with nothing, do you?"
C00lkid was so excited he almost screamed, but 007n7 covered his mouth and repeated that it was a surprise.
So C00lkid sent his father and Noob to the Obby. When they met up, they grabbed the flour they were missing and went back to finish the cake.
By the time they were done, Guest was already with them getting everything ready. They wouldn't overdecorate; it would be simple, because if there was one thing they knew, it was that 1x1x1x1 didn't like elaborate parties. Meanwhile, when C00lkid arrived at the main hall, he bumped into a thoughtful 1x1x1x1, so thoughtful that he hadn't even noticed his arrival. When he saw him, he quickly asked him if his father had said anything to him, but he just shook his head, so 1x1x1x1 went back to his own little world, frustrated, wondering why 007n7 was ignoring him.
At dusk, C00lkid had told 1x1x1x1 that he wanted to go for a walk, so 1x1x1x1 gave in and went along. But halfway there, C00lkid told him to close his eyes. 1x1x1x1 was surprised, but did it anyway. C00lkid took his father's hand to guide him. 1x1x1x1 was getting tired, but C00lkid insisted. When they arrived C00lkid let go of 1x1x1x1's hand and told him that he hadn't opened his eyes yet, his father greeted him, at the same time that Noob and Guest left with some sandwiches and some cake in some containers, to leave them alone, when everything was ready, 007n7 started, saying- You can open them now, honey
1x1x1x1 upon hearing 007n7's voice opened them quickly and when he did
007n7 and C00lkid said- Happy birthday 1x1x1x1!

The aforementioned man was stunned. He hadn't expected such a big surprise. He had never cared about his "birthdays" because no one had, not even himself, since he was created. But now they were here, celebrating his birthday, if it could even be called that.

Without saying anything, he collapsed to the ground, kneeling down, and felt tears welling up in his eyes without his permission. Although he tried to say something, he couldn't.
For his part, 007n7, seeing 1x1x1x1 crying, went to comfort him saying: "I wanted this to be special, and that's why I've been ignoring you. I'm sorry," he said somewhat embarrassed, hugging 1x1x1x1. 1x1x1x1 only hugged him tighter and managed to say something: "Thank you, not only for this, but for everything. For giving me the opportunity to learn to love you and start a family with you. I love you." And without further ado, she kissed him.
007n7 blushed at 1x1x1x1's words and the kiss, C00lkid seeing the scene approached 1x1x1x1 interrupting the kiss and said excitedly - dad look I made you a drawing with a letter, 1x1x1x1 accepted it and hugged him too.
After their family time, they began enjoying the food 007n7 had prepared, but 1x1x1x1 realized something. He never told 007n7 when he was created, so, curious, he asked, "How did you know today was my 'birthday'?"
007n7 simply replied, "Well, a good magician never reveals his tricks." With a smile.
To which 1x1x1x1 rolled his eyes, grateful, and began enjoying the party with his new family.

Chapter Text

007n7 was getting ready again after an exhaustive chase against Jason. The assassin kept following him, and in the end, although he didn't win, he was left too tired. But on the other hand, he was happy since this was the last round of the week and he would have time to rest.

Meanwhile, 1x1 was cleaning his swords. They were still covered in blood from previous matches, and he'd forgotten to clean them. 1x1 wasn't feeling very well. His throat was sore, his nose was a little stuffy, and, to top it all off, his head felt like it was going to explode.He didn't know why he was sick. Wasn't he supposed to be an entity? Of course he was, but that didn't mean he was immune, and his carelessness gave him a cold.

The game began, and the survivors got to work. Thap set his traps, Builderman built, and the others kept an eye on everything.1x1 set out to hunt down the survivors even in his deplorable state, which would take its toll later on. As he used his eye to locate them, he felt an intense pain in his head, but he didn't let the pain get the better of him; for him, "the pain was mental," so he found them and began attacking. He went first with Elliot, who tried to evade his attacks but died in the attempt, and the same happened to Dusekkar.

1x1 was irritated and thought, "Even in this state, these useless people aren't capable of surviving."

Then he went to kill Shedletsky, but didn't realize Chance was right behind him and ended up stunning him.

Now, in addition to the tedious headache, he was also tormented by excruciating body pain. He felt as if he'd been shot a thousand times at once.This time it took him longer than it should have to recover, but he had to keep going, he had to kill at least 3, and so he did, his next victim was Thap, and for better or worse for 1x1, Builderman he crossed the path of his infectious mass, so he thought - if I could kill 3, why not finish off one more?

Well, according to him, it would be easy. He'd left him with less than half his health; one hit and he'd be dead.

So he started following him, but he let his guard down a lot, not even looking around, and he even ignored 007n7, his now couple, and, of course, he noticed.He just wanted to kill the developer and that would satisfy him somewhat, but just as had happened with Chance Shedletsky, he managed to stun him, but this time it was definitive, his body due to overexertion made him drop his swords and forced him to lean against one of the walls there.

007n7 for his part had not left 1x1's state unnoticed, when Chance had stunned 1x1 it seemed strange to 007n7, 1x1 never took more than 3 seconds to recover, and now it seemed as if 5 Chances had shot him at the same time, and their attacks no longer had the same force, but they achieved their goal, worried he approached to ask about his condition, he thought he would notice since he was not very far from him, but he was ignored.Something was definitely wrong with 1x1, so he started to follow him. 007n7 struggled to keep up; even though 1x1 was sick, he kept running strong. When he caught up with him, he saw him leaning against a wall, swords on the ground and eyes tightly closed, as if it relieved the intense pain. 007n7 quickly approached to check on him, but 1x1, not noticing his presence, became agitated and almost attacked him, but stopped when he saw who it was. So he simply leaned against the wall, saying nothing. He was also in no condition to speak or say anything.

007n7 was a little scared by what had happened, but he knew deep down that 1x1 didn't want to attack him.

So he approached 1x1 again and the first thing he did was take his temperature. His forehead felt like a living oven, but by the time he was about to do anything, the round was over.007n7 wasn't going to let 1x1 be in those terrible conditions. So, as soon as he finished his rounds, he grabbed everything he needed: medication, some syrups, and some tissues. He put them in his bag and headed to the killers' side. However, one of the construction workers saw him and said,

"Hey, buddy, where are you going?" 007n7 was surprised by the unexpected question, so he said, somewhat fearfully, "W-well, I'm just going to... get some fresh air."

The other wasn't entirely convinced, but said anyway:

"Hmm... in that case, you can continue, but be careful and don't stray too far."

"Yes, I will, thanks for the advice."

And without further ado, 007n7 headed into the forest. It was a bad idea to venture near the killers, since 1x1 had told him there were wolves or some other wild animals. 007n7 prayed internally not to run into any of these animals.

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He had barely finished the round when 1x1 headed to his respective cabin, as fast as his body allowed him, he had reluctantly picked up his swords since they were very heavy, all he wanted was to rest and not think about anything, because if he did he would end up with a stroke. He was only grateful that his shift was at night because that way C00lkid would already be sleeping and that was one less weight for 1x1, upon arriving, he threw his swords in any corner and went to rest with the last strength he had left, without first, of course, checking if C00lkid was asleep, and just as he predicted, the boy was already in his seventh sleep.

007n7 had walked through the dense forest for almost 20 minutes. Was he scared? Yes, very much so, since if he ran into any of the animals, he'd end up as part of their dinner. But that didn't stop him from moving forward, and after about 5 minutes of walking, he was there.

On one side was the main hall, and on the other, the cabins. They were far apart, so he had to walk longer, but he didn't know where 1x1's cabin was.

He started searching and saw a trail, a trail made with a sword, so he assumed it was the right path and resumed walking.

When the trail ended, he had reached his destination, but how would he get in? Well, let's just say 1x1 had forgotten to lock the front door, but he hadn't cared at all.007n7 was thankful she hadn't locked the door, so he carefully entered and closed it.

The cabin was large, so he began to explore. There was a living room, a kitchen, and a few other rooms, but he couldn't find anyone until he heard moans coming from the second floor, so he went up to check. There was a hallway with three rooms. 007n7 opened the first door and found his son sleeping peacefully. He closed the door and carefully left. When he entered the other room, deep groans were heard.

Upon entering, he saw 1x1, very ill.

1x1... said 007n7, worried, trying to get them to recognize him.

"007n7?" "Argh... how?" He couldn't continue, his mind was completely exhausted.

007n7 didn't say anything else and quickly checked him over, only to realize that the fever had worsened, burning him just by touching it.

He ran to the kitchen to prepare the medicine and brought a bowl full of cold water, soaked one of his handkerchiefs in it, and placed it on his forehead.

He could almost hear the typical sound of something cold touching something hot.     Once he had the handkerchief on, he quietly told 1x1 to get up and take the pills he had brought.

1x1 obeyed and sat down without objection, but flatly refused to take the medication. 007n7 said, "Please, 1x1, you must take it so you recover faster," in a soft but firm voice.

1x1, seeing his tone of voice, had to take it. In fact, he had discovered that medication was the thing he hated most, after Shedletsky. It tasted disgusting, he thought. As he took them, he felt the water scratch his throat just by drinking it, so he took them quickly.When he finished, 007n7 gently laid him down. He said, "This should bring down your fever, but for now, just rest."

007n7 was about to leave, but 1x1 took his hand, as if asking him not to leave.

007n7, blushing slightly, stayed, holding his hand and watching over him, changing the tissues after a while, which ended with him falling asleep on the couch.

When dawn broke, 1x1 felt better; his fever had dropped considerably, and he could walk without feeling like he was going to collapse.He went down to the kitchen where 007n7 was preparing breakfast with his son, who was sitting there asking for scrambled eggs. He approached carefully and rested his head on his shoulder.

"Ah... I see you're awake, huh?" 007n7 said with a giggle. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel better... thanks to you." 1x1 placed a few kisses on 007n7's neck before 007n7 turned off the stove, turned around, and stopped his caresses, to review it.

"Mm... I see you're feeling better, but you still have a cold. Sit down. I'll get you something to make you feel better."

007n7 approached 1x1 with a hot lemonade and some pills.

"Should I really take that again?"

007n7 rolled his eyes, but an idea occurred to him. He popped a pill in his mouth and kissed him, silencing 1x1's protests and forcing him to take the pills no matter what.

He ended the kiss and served breakfast, triumphant at having forced him to take the pills.  1x1 was a little annoyed because, although he had enjoyed the kiss, the pills had ruined it, so he approached 007n7 from behind and surprised him with a kiss. After he finished, he hugged him and said:

"This is definitely the best medicine I've ever tried."

007n7 was a little embarrassed, but hugged him anyway. They broke away from the hug and joined C00lkid, who was watching TV while eating.

-Are you staying the weekend?" 1x1 asked curiously.

-Yes, Dad, stay the weekend!" said C00lkid, supporting 1x1.

007n7 thought for a moment, since no one would really look for him, since no one cared whether he disappeared or not, so he sighed and said, -"Okay, I'll stay. Besides, 1x1, I have to keep taking care of you until you're fully recovered."

-In that case, I could be sick for the rest of my life."

007n7 found this comment funny, so he laughed a little.

1x1 hugged 007n7 along with C00lkid as they enjoyed the program that was airing while eating.

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(Apparently, what bothered 1x1 allowed him to share this moment with 007n7 and C00lkid).

Chapter Text

1x1, a being of pure hatred, created and betrayed by Shedletsky, had fallen in love with 007n7. When she first saw him, she treated him the same as everyone else in the game, despising him simply for existing.

How could he feel such feelings?

How could he, a being of pure hatred, fall in love with a mere mortal?

He felt stupid about it, and as much as he wanted to believe it was temporary, it wasn't; his mind was focused only on 007n7, and the more she tried to forget him, the more her feelings for him grew.

It all started when C00lkid talked about him. The man was a retired ex-hacker,

somewhat feared since he caused damage to some places and was skilled enough to avoid being caught in the act.

When he heard those stories, he couldn't even believe them. He never imagined the kind, quiet, and clumsy man would actually do that kind of thing. And certainly, when he observed him closely, he could find something attractive about him.

When it was his turn to be the killer, he decided to ignore him for last, wanting to get closer to him, but the result was always the same: 007n7 escaping from him, using his teleportation, or when he thought he could finally tell him how he felt, he got the unpleasant surprise that he was a clone, and that bothered him quite a bit.

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-How can I even get close to him if he's always running away from me?" 1x1 said, stabbing one of his swords into the table in annoyance.

-Well, if you really want to get close to him, why not bring him something?" Jason said, tired since this was the seventh time 1x1 had stabbed his sword into the table, and he was always the one who had to fix them.

-Do you really think I'm going to give him something?"

-Well, in that case, he'll always be running away from you every time he sees you."

1x1 hated that Jason was right, but it was true. How could he approach him with nothing, especially when he was killing his comrades right in front of him?

-..what kind of things could I give him?"

-I don't know, maybe something he likes. Do you even know what he likes?"

-...no?"

-Ugh, look, I'm not that expert on these things, but you could find something he'd like in the round you get, and maybe you could bring it, 1x1 without further ado, left to get ready and thanked Jason in his own way, but he thanked him.

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007n7, for his part, was fed up with this endless hell. When he entered the game, he wasn't well received, especially by Elliot, who still remembered how his son, C00lkid, had destroyed his pizzeria, and when 007n7 "fixed" it, the place was a mess.

007n7 tried to apologize to Elliot, but it was useless. He still held too much resentment for what had happened and even joined in the others' accusations, saying he was in favor of the killers, which wasn't true, but they did it because C00lkid, his son, was one of them. Noob, for his part, was the only one who truly listened and understood him. He didn't justify him, but he always expressed an opinion that contradicted the others, something 007n7 was secretly grateful for.

He wanted, for the first time in his life, someone else to care for him and be there for him when he needed it most. Someone he could love, even if they didn't know each other well, who would be willing to get to know him during their relationship. But for him, those were just dreams that would never come true. Would anyone really be in love with him after everything he'd done? No, definitely not. Or so he thought.

As the round began, 007n7 was busy fixing the generators. It wasn't like he could help like the others, since the Spectre limited him to using a clone and teleporting.

After finishing fixing the generators, Elliot accidentally brought the assassin. When 1x1 cast Mass Infection, Elliot managed to dodge it, but 007n7 didn't, and was left with almost half his health. Elliot flatly refused to give him a pizza.

"No, sorry, but I have to give it to Thap. He's more hurt than you." He retreated as quickly as he could, with the assassin hot on his heels. 007n7 simply sighed and went out to find Noob.

When he found him, they talked to pass the time. We can say that 1x1, by a tremendous "coincidence" (because it wasn't, he had followed the developer only because he knew they were there) passed by there while chasing Dusekkar, and managed to hear something that would really help him.

"Oh! You really like white roses?" Noob asked, somewhat surprised.

"Yes! I really love it..." 007n7 replied with a slight smile.

1x1 listened, and it was like striking gold. He stopped chasing Dusekkar because he wanted to run out of time as quickly as possible. Now he had a mission: find a white rose, find him, and confess his feelings.

The round ended, and 1x1 found Jason playing with C00lkid. He said,

-I know what he likes."

-And what is it?" He said something curious.

-White roses."

-Hmm... white roses. I haven't seen any around here, maybe you can find them near the survivors."

-Ugh, yeah, I know, it'll take me a while to look for them."

-In that case, go ahead. You'll have a lot to do once you have them."

So 1x1 left the main room and headed to the survivors' side.

He spent a few minutes walking through the dense forest. It had taken him 10, 15, maybe 20 minutes to walk the path, but unfortunately, he found the place guarded by some builders and other survivors. 1x1 decided to create a diversion, since if a confrontation broke out, it would probably not only cause a scene, but also scare 007n7 even more. So he decided to call one of his henchmen and order him to make noise so they would come after him.

He undead obeyed, and the survivors went after him.1x1 took advantage of this and entered through the opposite side, determined to quickly find the rose, as his little distraction wouldn't last long. He wandered around a bit and saw something, some kind of rose garden. He entered, but only found a dead space; there was not a single sign of life there. Apparently, it had been a while since anyone had taken an interest in taking care of that place.

He didn't know what to do, the only roses that 007n7 was supposed to like were withered, so with nothing else to do he started walking with his head down, he would think of another way to get closer to 007n7, but by accident he had dropped the crown, he bent down to pick it up and managed to see something, it was a bud that was about to bloom from those white roses, it was under a weed so it had gone unnoticed by him, he removed the weeds and saw them apparently it had been there for so many days since it sprouted along with the others that they were still sprouts, 1x1's eyes shone when he saw it and not only that but he was also surprised at how it had survived in a totally withered and desolate place. He didn't think much and quickly decided to carefully pick it up by the root, and put it in a small bag that he carried with him, he couldn't sing victory since he had to get out of there. 1x1 ran quickly since he had heard that his distraction was about to fall, obviously he would do it carefully, he wouldn't drop the roses which were the only hope to talk to the one he liked so much.

When he finally got out of there, he felt something new. He didn't know what exactly, but the satisfaction of having what he was looking for, the adrenaline of not being discovered, and the fact that everything had gone well made him smile slightly.

He had finally arrived, and just in time, as Jason and C00lkid (who, by the way, had already retired to rest) had finished playing, and only he and John Doe remained.

Jason, for his part, had noticed 1x1's attitude. It seemed his hatred had diminished a little, but enough to make him stop getting angry quickly.

-So... did you get it? Did you get the rose?"

-Heh, I got something better than that."

1x1 showed him that there was a lot of soil in his backpack and that a small sprout was about to bloom.

Jason was surprised, not by the roses, but by the fact that 1x1 had taken the time to look for them, risking her own dignity. She had definitely fallen head over heels for 007n7.

-...Oh, I thought you only brought one rose."

-That was the plan... but the place was wilted, and all I found was this bud with a few sprouts."

-Hmm... in that case, you should put it in something. I don't think you're going to hand it over like that."

-And what could I put it in?"

-Perhaps you could put them here."

Jason showed her a medium-sized vase. He had saved it as an ornament, but now he had put it to good use. He helped 1x1 transfer the roses to the container. When they were finished, he spoke to her again and said, "And do you know what you're going to say to him?"

-Uh... I don't know... it's the first time I've done this kind of thing."

-In that case... just make sure you don't scare him."

Without further ado, 1x1 left, saying something like a whispered "thank you" and preparing for the next round.

Jason could hear him; he was a good listener, so he suppressed a small smile.

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007n7, for his part, was sad and somewhat annoyed. By this point, the accusations had reached such a point that he couldn't even rest because Two-Time or someone else was watching him. When he tried to speak, they simply ignored him, except for Builderman, Guest, Noob, and even Thap. Apparently, they were the only sane ones at that point. He still remembered how he'd been sitting quietly in his room when he suddenly sensed someone had entered his cabin, only to discover it was Two-Time. His excuse was to reassure himself that he wasn't planning anything.

007n7 hurried to get him out, and from then on, he felt that way. He was preparing for the last round when Noob approached him. "007n7, is everything okay?"

"Yes, Noob, thanks for asking."

"No problem, let's get ready for this round. Surviving this time will be exhausting."

"Yes..."

Noob hugged 007n7, and with that, the two friends went to get ready. Noob made sarcastic jokes, making 007n7 forget his anger and a bit of his sadness.

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The round began, and 1x1, with the roses in his backpack, knew what he had to do. He would kill some survivors to give himself more time to find 007n7. So he started chasing them. But this time, he focused; he couldn't waste any time. So, when the clock reached almost 5 minutes, he started looking for 007n7.

It had taken him almost a minute to find him because he hid well, knew when to use his clones, and also because of the pesky sentries, who he ended up killing for wasting his time.

And there he was, fixing a well-hidden generator. His expression was calm, but somewhat sad. He was distracted by the cables and had barely noticed 1x1's presence.

7... 1x1 started to approach, leaving his swords on the ground as a sign that he wasn't going to attack him. Oh my God! 1x1 felt his nerves starting to get the better of him. He felt like a normal teenager about to confess his love.

007n7, seeing who it was, desperately tried to run away, knowing that if he stayed one more second, he'd end up dead. But this time, 1x1 stopped him, grabbing his hand tightly.

"Wait!" 1x1 said nervously. He really didn't want him to leave. It had taken him so long to find him, only for him to escape again without achieving anything.

"W-what do you want?" 007n7 said, somewhat nervous, even scared, having raised his voice and fearing that the entity would get angry, but to his surprise, it didn't. "I um... brought this little something for you..." 1x1 had held out his bag for him to open, he could feel his face burning up, and it seemed like his nerves were getting the better of him.

007n7 stood still for a moment. Was it a dream or something?

1x1 giving him a small gift?

He felt the blush deepen on his cheeks. He grabbed his bag with some trepidation and, upon opening it, saw a rosebud. His favorite roses weren't just one, but several. The largest was about to open, and they were in a vase that he thought was beautiful. He felt tears well up in his eyes because, all this time, no one had done or given anything for him, and now this? He just burst into tears.

1x1 was nervous, and when he saw 007n7 crying, he didn't know what to do. Had he done something wrong? Had he not liked the gift?

He didn't know, but he approached him carefully and hugged him. It was the only thing he could think of to do at that moment. 007n7 accepted the hug, crying a little, and when he calmed down, he was finally able to say something.

-thank you..., it's the nicest thing anyone could have done for me."

1x1 experienced the same feeling again when I found the roses, but this time it was more intense and with more feeling.

"I hope... that you liked the gift, it really cost me a lot to get it, and besides that, I have something else to tell you..."

"Yes, tell me," said 007n7, paying attention.

1x1 was somewhat dazzled when he saw him, her smile, her hair, her brown eyes staring at him... but he stopped and quickly came back to his senses so he could tell him how he felt about him. His fear of being rejected by him increased, but he didn't let himself get carried away. He gently took her hand and with a long sigh said.

"007n7... I... like you... not only that, I love you... look, I didn't even know I was capable of feeling this feeling... but ever since I saw you and your son told me about you, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you... I can't fully understand what it means to love... but I wish you would give me a chance to learn to love you and go through this whole endless loop with you and your son..."

He said it, finally he said it, but now he would have to wait for 007n7's response. His silence was eating at him, but he started talking.

"1x1... me." 007n7 didn't know what to say, but apparently the feeling was mutual. Not only because of 1x1's attractiveness, but also because when they talked about him, he felt so fake, and he honestly thought 1x1 wasn't like that at all. Also because he never felt the need to love anyone before coming here.

But now... when they told him that, he felt his whole face burn. He felt like a high school teenager having his first confession. What would others think of this? Did that even matter now? Of course not, none of that mattered now.

"... I... I listened to them talk about you, you know, and even though it sounds silly to say it now, I thought you just needed someone else... but why me?"

"Because I need you, even though you don't know me completely, . I would like to learn from you and love you more than I do now, and because I couldn't imagine a life without you."

1x1 said this with a visible blush, his words more than sincere. (No doubt, if his past self saw him like this, he wouldn't hesitate to kill him right there.)

007n7 blushed and, somewhat scared, approached 1x1. He cradled the man's face in his hands. He looked up at him, his face flushed and his eyes bloodshot. He had definitely fallen in love with him. Then he brought him to his lips and kissed him. It was a short kiss, but 1x1 made sure to deepen it. They didn't need to say anything else. The kiss spoke for itself, and that was more than enough for both of them.

As they parted, 1x1 hugged 007n7 and said, "Thank you... for giving me this chance... I will learn to love you even though I know our relationship is dangerous, but if it means being with you and your child... I will."

007n7 said nothing, just smiled at her, and 1x1 understood what he meant.

The couple remained embracing until the round was over. 007n7 went to his cabin and carefully placed the white roses in a pot, watering them afterward. He would transplant them to a larger place when they grew, and finally fell asleep, happy and at peace.

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. 1x1 for his part upon arriving felt a thousand emotions, what he had considered repugnant he now loved, he even wanted to scream in his creator's face so he could see that a being of pure hatred had found love, but that no longer mattered, now he was happy and smiled unconsciously with a genuine smile, even his aura of hatred had been reduced, now he would dedicate himself to learning to care for and love 007n7 with all his soul if that meant taking him as his own, his right and his husband and he would not let anything happen to him and his son even if it cost him his life.

Just like that, he headed to his cabin to check on C00lkid and make sure he was sleeping. After a long time, he was happy to be there with the person he now loved the most.

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The bud 007n7 watered opened that same night. That rose that bloomed on that withered rosebush alongside the others that were barely growing. It grew like a small hope within a dry and desolate rosebush, like a small light illuminating the darkness, just like the love the two lovers shared now, opening so they could appreciate its beauty and charm in a place where only death and despair existed.

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some doodles of my favorite couple enjoy it! ^^

(I want to clarify that I'm a disaster at drawing digitally, so I did them by hand.)

Chapter Text

This girl in my AU is the daughter of 1x1 and 007n7 (this is her adult version)

Chapter Text

The air was heavy in the dense forest, laden with the dampness of the earth and the silent echo of countless repeated cycles. 1x1 moved forward, each step a mixture of iron determination and bone-piercing exhaustion. He headed toward the survivors' shelter, a temporary bastion against the madness enveloping them. In his hands, he held something precious. A spark of hope, the possible key to breaking the chains of that endless loop that devoured them day after day. The truce with Jason, a nightmarish figure now an uncomfortable ally, and the survivors was recent, fragile as a spiderweb in the rain, but necessary. The forest, usually a labyrinth of danger, seemed to shrink before the urgency of his mission. It wasn't long before he spotted the familiar silhouette of one of those guarding the area. Recognition was instant; the survivor's gaze went from wary to understanding. The mere presence of 1x1 there, crossing the invisible line that separated their worlds, was a sign that he would have some clue as to how to escape. He let him through without a word, a gesture of unspoken trust amid their shared despair. As they crossed to the opposite side, the air changed subtly, less charged with imminent threat, but tense with constant vigilance. 1x1 walked briskly toward the heart of the camp, but an unexpected aroma stopped him. It was warm, spicy, exquisite, and unmistakable, a smell of home that seemed almost obscene in that place of raw survival. It was coming from the kitchen in the main room. Peeking in stealthily, he found 007n7. His partner. The cruel loop's round had claimed him early, leaving him with time, and since he didn't have much to do, he decided to make dinner. 1x1 approached quietly, gently resting his head on 007n7's shoulder, inhaling his familiar scent mixed with that of the food.

-"Mmm..." he murmured, his voice a deep whisper. "You know, when you cook like this, you should be careful; you might attract everyone with that delicious aroma." 007n7 jumped, startled. He was so focused on cooking that he hadn't sensed his arrival. He turned, his eyes meeting 1x1's.

-"1x1!" he exclaimed, a mixture of playful reproach and genuine relief in his voice. "You should let us know before barging in out of nowhere."

A soft laugh escaped 1x1 as he straightened, only to envelop 007n7 in a tight, needed hug. The touch was an anchor in the constant storm of their lives.

-"I'm sorry," he said against her hair. "But I thought my arrival should be a surprise."

-"Well, yes it was" 007n7 replied, returning the hug with equal intensity, a small smile curving his lips despite the underlying tension. 1x1 pulled away slightly, just enough to seek 007n7's lips in a quick but meaningful kiss. A faint blush tinged 007n7's cheeks, but he maintained his composure, returning to his task to finish dinner. They were pastries he'd prepared days ago, waiting for a moment of calm to bake them. A small luxury amidst the chaos. He served a few to 1x1, who devoured them enthusiastically, each bite accompanied by sincere praise about how delicious they were. As they ate, in that bubble of stolen normalcy, 007n7 broke the comfortable silence.

-"So... what brings you here so urgently? You don't usually come here unless it's important." The question felt like a 1x1's return to reality. He'd forgotten why he was there, his expression changing a little more serious.

-"I found something," he began, his voice low and grave. "Something that could... get us out of here." But... The shrill sound signaling the end of the round abruptly interrupted him. The survivors lay on the table, their faces marked by the exhaustion and tension of the recently concluded game.

"This round was tough. It's a shame we lost 007n7 so soon," Chance commented, slumping in his chair.

"I know, but..." Builderman, one of the developers trapped with them, began to speak, but soon his gaze met the entity's. He recognized the gravity inherent in its presence. With a subtle gesture, he gestured to his fellow developers. The three immediately understood and stood up, heading toward 1x1.

The air was filled with a different kind of tension. 1x1 kept his expression serious, though a flash of old hatred flickered in his eyes as he met the gaze of Shedletsky, his creator. But he knew this wasn't the time or place to express it right there. Builderman approached.

-"1x1. Let's talk outside."

With a last fleeting kiss on 007n7's lips and stealing a couple of extra pastries for C00lkid, 1x1 followed the developers into the gloom outside. Once away from prying ears, beneath the canopy of dark trees, 1x1 got straight to the point, his voice resonating with restrained gravity.

-"I found something that might allow us to get out of here."

-"Oh yeah? And what is it?" Dusekkar asked, curiosity shining in his tired eyes.

-"A crack. In the structure of this... place. It's destabilized. Enough, I think, that you could force it open."

-"Hmm..." Builderman stroked his chin.

In that case, we should go see her. Don't you think, Shedletsky?

"Oh, yeah, yeah, sure..." Shedletsky replied, his voice tinged with a hesitation that didn't go unnoticed by 1x1.

Without further ado, the four developers gathered the essential equipment and, guided by 1x1, ventured back into hostile territory, the assassins' side. It took them almost half an hour of stealthy movement and palpable tension to reach the location. 1x1 guided them carefully, avoiding any loud sounds or prying eyes. He knew Noli was suspicious of their movements; a confrontation now would be disastrous.

And then they saw it. The crack. It wasn't large, but it was undeniable: a fissure in the very fabric of their prison, pulsing with a dim, unstable light, like an open wound in reality. It emanated a strange energy, equal parts promise and threat. It was already beginning to widen on its own.

-"Hmm... it's open, but..." Builderman murmured, his face expressing concentration and doubt.

-"But?" 1x1 raised an impatient eyebrow.

-"But we'll need more than these tools to open it wide enough in a controlled manner. Brute force could collapse it... or worse."

-"Perhaps I could try a structural manipulation spell..." Dusekkar suggested.

-"No," Shedletsky chimed in quickly. "Too conspicuous. We might alert... others. Or the system itself."

Thap, the silent developer, made a series of rapid gestures in sign language: (Why don't we borrow 007n7's command panel?)

-"007n7's panel? Wasn't that restricted?" Builderman asked.

Thap nodded and continued: (Only within the programmed game. I understand it retains root command capabilities outside of round restrictions.)

-"Yes! That could work!" Dusekkar exclaimed, a hint of excitement in his voice. "A precise, accurate command..."

-"Yes, it could..." Builderman conceded. "This opening would only require a specific destabilization command, and we could create a stable portal. We could get out."

With a tentative plan in place, 1x1 guided them back toward the invisible border between the territories. As they prepared to separate, Shedletsky stopped, his face twisted with emotion that was difficult to interpret.

-"1x1, I..."

-"No," 1x1 interrupted, his voice as cold as steel. "What you did... what you allowed... is unforgivable. And you know it better than anyone."

Shedletsky opened his mouth to reply, perhaps to apologize, perhaps to justify himself, but the sound of nearby footsteps silenced them. A familiar voice, thick with suspicion, echoed in the silence.

-"Hide!" 1x1 hissed, pushing the developers behind some dense trees just in time.

-"Where do you think you're going, 1x1?" Noli's figure emerged from the shadows, his sharp gaze scanning the area. His game had just ended, and he'd clearly heard more footsteps than he should have.

-"Where I'm going is none of your business, Noli," 1x1 retorted, standing his ground, a wall of calculated indifference.

-"Oh? And who are you hiding, huh? I sensed their presence."

-"I'm not hiding anyone. You're too paranoid."

-"No?" Noli gave a wicked smile and started walking toward the trees. But just as he was about to look, he stopped. The developers, taking advantage of the brief verbal distraction, had quietly slipped away. "Clever..." Noli muttered, his voice thick with suppressed anger. "Don't think I won't be watching you, 1x1." With one last menacing glare, Noli turned and stalked off toward the assassins' main chamber. 1x1 stood still for a moment, the tension slowly draining from his shoulders, replaced by cold determination.

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The next round began, and fate, with its macabre irony, designated 1x1 as the killer. But at that moment, his objective wasn't the usual hunt. He dedicated himself to searching for a single person. He found him next to a sparking generator, his hands moving skillfully to repair it.

"Can I help?" 1x1 said, laying his swords aside on the ground, his voice softer now.

"Oh..." 1x1, 007n7 looked up in surprise, leaving the generator for a moment. "Did you find anything? The rift?"

"Yes. But we'll need your help to open it."

"My... help? How could I help..."

"Your panel. Builderman thinks it has root commands, outside the limitations of the game. Commands strong enough to stabilize and open the rift with precision."

007n7's eyes widened, an almost painful light of hope shining in them. "Get out? Really? Could we... finally get out of here?"

-"Yes, darling. Finally," 1x1 confirmed, the weight of that promise resonating between them.

Without thinking, 007n7 threw herself into his arms, clinging to him as if he were the only real thing in this nightmare world.

-"You don't know how long I've waited... dreamed of getting out of here," she murmured against his chest, her voice choked with emotion.

-"And it will be. I promise," 1x1 said with conviction. "When we get out... I'd like to tell C00lkidd... that we're a couple. Do you think... he'd accept me as his new father?"

007n7 pulled away slightly to look at him, a radiant smile lighting his face. "Are you kidding? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to have you as his father. He adores you."

An emotional silence fell between them.

-"You know something..." 1x1 murmured, his gaze intense. "I love you."

-"I love you too, 1x1..." 007n7 replied, his voice barely a whisper.

They remained embracing, a moment stolen from the relentless time of the loop, until the signal for the end of the round separated them once more, returning them to their separate realities, united by a desperate plan.

Later, the developers explained the plan to 007n7, who accepted without hesitation, putting his trust and his valuable panel at the service of the cause.

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They agreed to execute the plan the next day, during the afternoon, a time when rounds usually took a break.

Meanwhile, at the end of another tiring round, little C00lkidd, who had been drawing with Jason, ran up to 1x1, waving a piece of paper.

-"Look, Mr. 1x1! I drew it! Do you like it?" It was a childlike drawing, brightly colored strokes depicting 1x1, and himself, happily.

A strange warmth flowed through 1x1's heart. He gently ruffled the boy's hair. "...Yes, kid. Good work. It's...very good."

-"Yes!"

-"Now let's go to sleep. It's very late."

As they headed toward the cabin 1x1 was using next door to the killers, Jason approached, signing quickly: he pointed at C00lkidd, then at 1x1, his hands clasped to his chest in a symbol of warmth. (You really care for that kid.)

It took 1x1 a moment to decipher the gesture. "...Huh? Yeah... he's just a kid and... someone had to watch him," he replied, perhaps more sharply than he intended, uncomfortable with the emotion he displayed.

Jason didn't press the issue. Instead, he pointed at the star Noli usually wore, then at 1x1, his hands forming a warning: (You have to be careful, 1x1... Noli's been more... vigilant than usual...). With a pat on 1x1's shoulder, the silent assassin retreated.

"...

"Mr. 1x1?" C00lkidd called from the cabin doorway. "I'm coming, kid, I'm coming."

Inside the cabin, 1x1 carried C00lkidd to his room and tucked him in gently.

"Goodnight, kid."

"You know what, Mr. 1x1? You're great," C00lkidd murmured, his eyelids heavy, before falling asleep.

...... 1x1 stared at the sleeping boy for a moment. C00lkidd didn't know he and his father were already a couple. The longing that, when they got out of this confinement, the little boy would start calling him "Dad" made him feel a complex emotion stir inside him. He carefully closed the door and headed to his room.

He began rummaging through an old drawer full of things: blurry photos from an almost forgotten past, broken gadgets, more C00lkidd drawings... until his fingers brushed against something small and cold. He pulled it out. A ring. Simple, but with a dazzling, strangely pure shine. He'd found it long ago, forgotten in the cabin, and had kept it for its singular aesthetic. But now... now he had a purpose. He would propose to 007n7. Once they were out. Once all this repetitive madness was over. He looked at the ring, and for a moment, he allowed himself to daydream: 007n7 walking toward him, C00lkidd by his side, a real family, free, where no one could ever separate them again. A genuine smile, something almost forgotten, curved his lips. He tucked the ring into a hidden pocket and forced himself to rest. Tomorrow would be a long and dangerous day.

The long-awaited afternoon arrived, wrapped in a tense calm. It was one of those rare interludes in which both killers and survivors had a forced respite.

There was no time to waste. 007n7 and the developers crept up to the assassins' side, having warned the other survivors to be prepared for anything. Jason led them through hidden routes to where 1x1 was already working on the rift, trying to widen it with the dark energy from his blades, to no avail.

-"This won't work, 1x1," the Builder said upon arriving. "It's too unstable for brute force."

-"And what do you suggest?" 1x1 replied, sheathing his weapons.

-"I suggest you cover our backs while we work. We need to focus."

"...Whatever," 1x1 growled, stepping back to give them space, his senses alert for any sign of danger.

Shedletsky and 007n7 approached the pulsing fissure. Shedletsky called for the C00lgui, the command panel. 007n7 handed it to him, his hands slightly trembling.

Shedletsky began typing, searching for the right command on the complex interface, muttering to himself. The air crackled with pent-up energy.

But the calm was broken.

"Dad!"

C00lkidd came running through the trees, closely followed by a shadowy figure: Noli. The boy ran toward 007n7, who greeted him with surprise and rising panic.

-"C00lkidd? What are they doing here?"

-"Mr. Noli took me out to get firewood, and then I saw you!"

-"N-Noli?" 007n7 stammered, fear chilling his blood.

Noli moved forward, his face a mask of icy fury. -"What are you doing here?"

He raised a hand, dark energy crackling around him, ready to strike, starting with 007n7. But before he could, 1x1 intervened, materializing with a hiss. "Don't touch it." "Ha. I should have known," Noli snapped. "TRAITORS!"

-"Shedletsky, hurry!" Dusekkar shouted, as he, Thap, and Builderman tried to create diversions, setting makeshift traps for Noli.

-"I'm trying! I can't remember the exact command; I haven't used these things in years!" Shedletsky retorted, his fingers hovering over the panel.

The chaos attracted even more unwanted attention. Two more assassins, attracted by the noise and fluctuating energy, emerged from the woods: Azure and John Doe.

-"1x1? What are you doing with them?" Azure asked, his voice tinged with confusion and betrayal.

1x1 didn't respond. He prepared to fight, and Jason silently materialized beside him, ready for battle. The situation was quickly spiraling out of control.

"I'VE GOT HIM!" Shedletsky suddenly shouted.

He desperately typed the last order. The panel glowed brightly. The rift vibrated violently, emitting a blinding light... and then, everything went white. A blast of pure energy filled the neighborhoods, a deafening roar that drowned out all other sounds, followed by a shocking silence.

The rift vibrated violently, emitting a blinding light... and then, everything went white. An explosion of pure energy swept them away, a deafening noise that drowned out all other sounds, followed by a shocking silence.

1x1 woke up disoriented, the air smelling of ozone and something else... ancient. The first thing he noticed was a strange sensation: power. His abilities, those of the developers, those of the survivors... felt full, restored to their original state, before the loop. The second thing he noticed was the separation. He was with the developers while Jason and the others were somewhere else not far away with the other killers. The place... was recognizable, it was in Robloxia, but in a very remote part of it. He desperately searched for 007n7, vaguely remembering seeing him hug C00lkidd just before the explosion. They were nowhere to be seen. And then, a voice echoed, not in their ears, but directly in their minds. A cold, ancient voice, filled with malevolent power. It was the Spectre.

“Well, well, well… look what we have here.” The voice dripped with sarcasm. “I really thought you’d never get away with my little game. You turned out to be smarter than I thought. You surprise me, I really am. I never thought you’d find a flaw… and even make a deal with one of my best assassins.” Unseen attention focused on 1x1. “1x1x1x1… creation of Shedletsky’s Pure Hate… in love with a mere mortal. How disappointing. I thought you’d be better than this. But I guess that was my fault too, I should never have overlooked the mistake… the feeling.” A dry, mirthless laugh echoed. “It’s a shame, really. I wanted the fun to last a little longer… hahahaha.”

-“You have no right to name anyone, Spectre!” Shedletsky shouted, taking a step forward, his own restored power surging around him. “And what will you do, failed creator? Fight? How pathetic. If I could banish you once, I can do it again right now.”

-“I won’t allow it!” Builderman intervened, flanking Shedletsky, determination shining in his eyes.

“...Very well…” The Spectre’s voice turned dangerously soft. “If you want your freedom so badly… we’ll play one last game. It’s called… LIVE OR DIE.”

The battle erupted. The administrators—Builder, Shedletsky, Dusekkar, Thap—pounced on the nebulous but terrifyingly powerful figure of the Spectre. The others engaged the assassins, now unleashed and furious.

007n7, who had appeared alongside the other survivors, didn't waste a second. As soon as he heard the word "game," he grabbed C00lkidd and threw him toward Noob and the other non-combatant survivors, huddled together for cover.

-"Take good care of him, Noob. I beg you. Guard him with your life."

-"Yeah, don't worry. We'll be fine. ¡go!"

"Dad, where are you going?" C00lkidd said with some sadness and concern.

-"Dad has important matters to attend to, swettie." Stay here safe with Noob, okay? 007n7 hugged his son and, with one last glance, turned and ran toward the confrontation. He wouldn't stay on the sidelines. He had debts to settle, past mistakes to right. This was his chance.

Meanwhile, 1x1 was preparing to launch a devastating attack on the Spectre, but Noli lunged at him, intercepting him.

-"YOU'RE A TRAITOR! I don't know how the Spectre chose you! You're weak!"

-"Argh...! Leave me alone!" roared 1x1, kicking him hard to get him off.

-"You're a disgrace!" shouted Noli, attacking again; his star generated a blade of dark energy. "Now we're even, aren't we, 1x1?"

-“You’re not capable of fighting alone, are you? You always rely on others,” 1x1 spat, unleashing his “Entanglement” attack, momentarily immobilizing Noli, allowing him to launch a flurry of attacks.

Noli managed to parry one of the blows and stepped back. “I’ve had enough of your nonsense! DIE NOW!” He generated multiple energy blades that flew toward 1x1, forcing him to frantically dodge and parry. This battle would be long and exhausting.

The administrators fought fiercely against the Spectre, but it was like fighting a nightmare. The Spectre generated glitches in reality, distortions that Dusekkar and Thap had to hastily repair to prevent anyone from being erased or seriously injured. When Shedletsky managed to close in on a decisive blow, the Spectre would send him flying with a casual gesture of raw power. 007n7 moved stealthily through the chaos, using his now fully operational command panel to subtly disrupt the Spectre's attacks, close dimensional rifts alongside Dusekkar and Thap, or momentarily boost the Administrators' defenses.

“Do you really think you can beat me? How naive,” the Spectre sneered, holding off an energy blast from Shedletsky with one hand. “You couldn’t even protect your own creation, and you think you can protect others?”

“What I did before has nothing to do with you! I had my reasons, and that shouldn’t matter to you!” Shedletsky retorted, his face twisted in pain and fury.

“In that case… go fly somewhere else!” And with another gesture, he sent Shedletsky crashing into a nearby building.

The remaining survivors were also in trouble. Guest and Chance faced John Doe’s unleashed fury, while Jason and Twotime tried to hold Azure off

They'd heard rumors: his weakness was the crown.

Jason and Twotime struggled against Azure's shadowy tentacles. With a swift movement, he caught Jason, squeezing him tightly, causing him to lose his machete.

"Seriously, Jason... how could you have sided with him? All you've done is damn yourself."

Azure raised a sharp tentacle, ready to pierce Jason's chest. But in that instant, Twotime appeared behind Azure. He didn't want to do it... not again, but he had no choice. In his eyes, there was terrible determination and deep regret. With a strangled cry, he plunged his dagger into Azure's side, again and again. "Forgive me..." Twotime whispered, tears streaming down his face as Azure screamed in pain, letting go of Jason and falling to the ground. He felt the same thing he felt that time, the same physical and mental pain caused by Twotime, whom he considered his best friend. Same fate, different setting, but this time he watched as Two Time knelt beside him, holding him tightly as his life faded away. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I had no other choice..."

Azure was shocked by the action and even more so by his words, so she simply said,

"It's okay, Two Time... It doesn't matter anymore..." Azure whispered weakly. "None of that matters now... I'll always forgive you... even if it ended the same way... I forgive you... for everything...".

With those last words, Azure fainted. Almost at the same time Guest and Chance fought; the fight was fierce, the assassin too resilient, but Guest, in a desperate move, managed to take the crown from him. A roar echoed nearby. It came from John Doe, the corrupted assassin. He collapsed unconscious, returning to his original state, but Chance and Guest were seriously injured in the process. Elliot, seeing his condition, decided to urgently get a first aid kit, which meant crossing the main battlefield, a hell of uncontrolled energy and attacks from the Spectre. He took a deep breath and ran, dodging explosions and debris. Among the destroyed buildings, he found the kit and ran back quickly. Suddenly, a huge chunk of earth torn out by the Spectre fell directly on top of him. There was no escape. Is this how it ends? he thought with bitter despair. He closed his eyes, waiting for the impact. But the impact never came. "C00lkidd, don't go!" Noob had shouted.

But the boy didn't listen. Seeing Elliot about to be crushed, he ran. He may have returned to his original size, but the supernatural strength he possessed, a remnant of his non-human origins, was still there. With a cry of effort, he stopped the descending mass.

-"Pizza Man! What's going on? Wake up! You have to get out of here!" C00lkidd grumbled, flinging the rock with difficulty to the side of the Spectre's attacks.

-"C-C00lkidd?" Elliott's eyes widened, stunned.

-"Come on, get out of here! Now!"

-"Y-Yes! Thanks!" Elliot slipped away and ran to Chance with the first-aid kit.

The Spectre had noticed the intervention. The boy's presence, an unforeseen factor, was... annoying. He had stopped his attack.

-"You know, 007n7..." the voice echoed, icy cold. "Your son... he really is ANNOYING."

Without warning, two spears of pure corrupted energy materialized and flew at incredible speed in C00lkidd's direction.

007n7 saw the danger. Panic and fatherly love propelled him. He ran to his son, using rapid commands from his panel to try to teleport him away or create a shield. He stepped between the spears and C00lkidd, raising an energy barrier with his panel at the last second. It seemed like he would succeed, that the barrier would hold...

But it didn't.

Nothing.

The spears were imbued with the Spectre's corrupting power. They pierced the barrier as if it were made of paper. The nauseating sound of pierced flesh echoed in the suddenly silent air. The spears pierced 007n7's chest and, passing through, also reached C00lkidd, whom he had managed to partially push behind him.

A scream. A piercing, inhuman scream erupted from the throat of Noob, who had seen everything. The scream cut through the din of the battle, alerting everyone. Heads turned. And they stared at the scene in shock.

1x1, in the midst of his brutal battle with Noli, heard the scream. At first, he didn't think anything of it; it was just more noise in the chaos. But then he heard the names, drowned out by Noob's wailing: "007N7! C00LKIDD!"

1x1's world stopped. He stunned Noli enough with a final flurry of swords, and he turned, running toward the source of the scream, a cold, primal fear gripping his heart.

And then he saw it. 007n7 on his knees, clutching C00lkidd to his chest. Both pierced by the same dark spears. Blood stained their clothes. The life was draining from their eyes.

1x1 felt as if his own heart had been pierced. He ran toward them, tears springing from his eyes, denial and horror warring inside him. "No," he whispered, over and over, "no, no, no..." He fell to his knees beside them, wrapping his dark cloak around them both, a futile gesture of belated protection.

-"No, no, no, no... Forgive me..." he sobbed, his voice breaking. "Forgive me... I shouldn't have left you alone... I should have..."

He was interrupted by C00lkidd's weak, trembling voice.

-"...Do you know something... Mr. 1x1?... You... and my dad... were... the best... parents... in the world..."

The boy took his last breath and remained motionless in his father's arms.

-"Oh... my little one... my boy..." 007n7 wept inconsolably, hugging his son's lifeless body. "Forgive me... I couldn't protect you... if only... I could have stopped them..."

1x1, for his part, was heartbroken. He didn't even have to ask C00lkidd if he wanted him to be his father; the boy had already seen him as such.

-"No... it wasn't your fault..." 1x1 managed between sobs. I should have found them first... brought them to safety... and none of this would have happened.

—...No... it's okay... 1x1... I... —007n7's trembling hand brushed against something metallic on the floor, near 1x1's hand. The ring. 1x1 had dropped it in despair. 007n7 shifted his gaze to the object. He picked it up slowly, with what little strength he had left. He understood what 1x1 had wanted to do after this, but it was an action he could no longer do his own way. A sad, beautiful smile lit up his bloodied face.

—Yes, 1x1...— he whispered, his voice barely audible. —I accept...

And without further ado, he mustered the last of his strength to kiss 1x1, a kiss salty with tears and sweet with eternal love. 1x1, crying uncontrollably, took the ring and gently slipped it onto 007n7's finger. It fit perfectly and shone brightly against her pale skin.

"No... don't leave me... please... don't leave me..." 1x1 begged, clinging to them.

007n7 placed his command pad in front of him and, in a whisper, said, "Seal it." He gave her one last warm smile, caressing her cheek with his cold fingers before her eyes lost their shine and her body completely relaxed.

"......-"

"7...? 007n7..!? No! No! No, no, no! Please come back... come back..." 1x1 said, clutching them tightly to his chest as he cried harder than before.

Silence.

Nothing. Nothing could be heard now but the deafening heartbeat in 1x1's ears.

The two lifeless bodies lay in his arms. And there was nothing, absolutely nothing, he could do.

He had lost them. Both of them. Forever.

A scream erupted from the depths of 1x1's being. A scream of pure agony, of unfathomable loss, a sound so filled with pain that it made the battle stop for an instant. Everyone heard it. Even the citizens of Robloxia who were far away, oblivious to the carnage there, heard it, a blood-curdling sound that made some call the authorities, fearing something terrible was coming.

Shedletsky took a step toward him, wanting to comfort him, but Builderman stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder.

-"Hey. Focus. We can't lose any more people. We have to end this. Now." —But ... he...

—You can go after this. Let's not risk losing anyone else. Finish the fight.

—But how lovely they look together—the Spectre's voice dripped with venom. —It's a shame the boy and the man died, isn't it, 1x1? They looked so... happy.

Slowly, 1x1 laid the bodies of 007n7 and C00lkidd on the ground with infinite tenderness. He stood up. Without saying a word.

Those present felt a wave of pure terror at the sight. His aura was no longer just one of hatred; it was an absolute void, a blackness so dense it seemed to absorb light. Something had shattered within him, and something far more terrifying had taken its place. He saw 007n7's fallen command panel nearby. He picked it up. He prepared to fight again. Nothing mattered to him anymore. To die or to live, it didn't matter. He had no one. The only people who had truly loved him, who had shown him he could be something more than hate, lay dead at his feet because of the creature floating before him.

"Hmm, how interesting..." the Spectre murmured. "Apparently the lovelorn entity has finally come down to earth, huh?"

1x1 launched itself at the Spectre with a silent and terrifying fury, using not only its own powers but also the exploits and commands on 007n7's panel, unleashing a storm of destructive attacks.

"Your fight with me isn't over!" Noli shouted, recovering and throwing one of his illusions at 1x1.

For a second, 1x1 was stunned. The illusion took shape: 007n7, standing, holding a limp C00lkidd in his arms, both covered in blood, looking at him reproachfully.

"It's your fault."

"What the...?"

"You didn't protect us."

"It's your fault."

"..."

1x1 felt a pang in his chest again, felt the tears well up, the newly formed wound in his being, and now this? It only made things worse.

"1x1! React! Nothing you're seeing is real!" Shedletsky shouted, reaching out beside him and shaking him. The developer had managed to intercept the core of Noli's attack before it could fully take hold, and with a series of rapid commands, he chained Noli with pure energy, immobilizing him.

1x1 blinked, and the illusion dissipated. But instead of disturbing him, the sight only solidified his fury into lethal ice. Suddenly, he snatched Shedletsky's hands away.

"No," he said, his voice devoid of all emotion. He turned to the Spectre. His only target.

"Until you finally arrive," the Spectre said hesitantly. "When are you going to stop pulling that long face?"

"You..." 1x1's voice was barely a whisper, but laden with the promise of annihilation. "You took away... the thing I held most dear."

-"Really? Wow, I hadn't realized."

Without another word, 1x1 attacked. The developers surrounded him, harnessing 1x1's concentrated fury. Together, they managed to pressure the Spectre, counterattacking for the first time, leaving small cracks in his defense.

-"You want revenge?" the Spectre hissed. "Very well. Then... just you and me."

With a massive pulse of energy, the Spectre pushed the developers aside and created a dome of dark energy that enveloped him and 1x1. Outside, the chaos continued, but inside the dome, the world was reduced to two beings: creation and destroyer.

—Let's go! 1x1x1x1 What are you waiting for? Attack!

The entity attacked without hesitation, a maelstrom of shadow blades and corrupted energy emanating from the panel. 1x1 still remembered the commands his creator had taught him when he was young, never thinking they would actually help, until now. The Spectre responded with forbidden exploits and disintegration commands that, one by one, he had to desperately counter with the 007n7 panel if he didn't want to be erased from existence. Dying was no longer an option, not until the Spectre paid.

They were evenly matched, a dance of destruction inside the dark bubble. Outside, the din had changed. Sirens. Robloxia's authorities, alerted by the citizens and perhaps some sign from the developers, had arrived, along with ambulances and containment teams. They had to forcibly evacuate the injured survivors. Urgent calls were made. "They need our help, sir!" DoomBringer formed a towering figure.

"What's going on this time?" "The Spectre is outside and..." the figure interrupted. "Roblox." Where is it?"

Nearby. On the outskirts of Robloxia.

We have to go. Now."

Inside the dome, 1x1 was beginning to feel the strain. A blow slammed him against an illusory tree inside the barrier.

"What's wrong, 1x1? Are you that tired already?" the Spectre sneered.

"Shut up," 1x1 gasped. He gathered his strength and launched a devastating attack, taking advantage of the Spectre's distraction by an outside sound. The blow landed, leaving him visibly injured.

"Argh...! You're really annoying!" the Spectre hissed, teleporting behind 1x1 for a surprise attack.

But 1x1, anticipating his attacks, intercepted him. In close combat, 1x1 managed to strip the Spectre of the last vestiges of external commands, leaving him only with his spectral spear. 1x1 put away the 007n7 panel. Now. A fight to the death. No tricks, no gimmicks. A fair fight. The Spectre attacked first, slashing 1x1's arm with his spear. 1x1 countered with a direct blow to the stomach, but the Spectre blocked it.

The Spectre's spear flew off in one of the exchanges. Both were badly wounded, bleeding, and exhausted.

It only took one sure blow for one of them to fall.

But the Spectre still had an ace up his sleeve. A small reservoir of corrupted power he had hidden. He activated it. A new, darker and more lethal spear materialized in his hand. 1x1, distracted for a moment by the sound of the outer barrier weakening, felt a sharp, icy pain. The spear had passed clean through him.

"HAHAHAHA!" the Spectre laughed triumphantly. "Looks like... I won again!"

He turned to leave, but 1x1, with the last of his strength, grabbed his arm. And delivered the final blow, along with the panel he had stashed earlier. Not with the intention of killing—he knew he might not be able to—but of sealing. He plunged one of his shadow blades, imbued with all his remaining power and a portion of the energy from the panel he had absorbed, into the Spectre's core.

"What the...? Ah!" The Spectre felt the seal forming, an energy prison containing him. "What did you do?!"

"I did... the right thing..." whispered 1x1.

With a sound like breaking glass, the dome barrier shattered. The others came running. Roblox, DoomBringer, the developers... Shedletsky was the first to reach 1x1, who had collapsed to his knees.

He knelt before his creation and, after decades of distance and pain, hugged him. Surprisingly, 1x1 responded weakly to the hug.

"...I did it... well...?" 1x1 murmured, his deep voice barely audible.

"Yes, 1x1..." Shedletsky said, silent tears streaming down his face. "You did well. Very well."

"Why... why did you leave me... before...?" The question that had plagued 1x1 for years.

"I didn't want to do it... I had no choice... I thought it was for the best... I was wrong."

"...I just wanted... to hear that... when I was young..."

"I know... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." Shedletsky replied, crying nonstop.

1x1 simply hugged his creator a little tighter, one last time. He didn't need to say anything else. His hug said it all: forgiveness, understanding, goodbye. He felt his consciousness fade, the pain fade, everything go... black. Roblox and Doombrighter reached the bodies. Chaos reigned. Medics treated the survivors. Some were being rushed to the emergency room. Roblox's gaze fell on the lifeless figure Shedletsky created, then on the two other bodies nearby: the father and the child.

"He was just a kid..." DoomBringer murmured in horror.

"No. They were a family," Shedletsky corrected, his voice cracking. With the help of the other developers, he carefully placed the three bodies together, fulfilling 1x1's unspoken last wish. If he was going to die, let it be with his loved ones. He arranged them in a final pose: 1x1 and 007n7 hugging the little C00lkidd, who lay between them. A tragic but peaceful family scene.

Roblox turned away from the scene with grief and a somber expression and approached the Spectre, now immobilized and weakened by the seal.

"Your actions are unforgivable. You kidnapped, tortured, and killed innocent beings for your twisted amusement. Your fate will be to be locked away for all eternity in the Void, where you will be able to harm no one else." With a gesture of power, Roblox opened a portal to absolute nothingness and sent the Spectre toward it. As he disappeared, his last words echoed:

"It's all done! The damage is done! I'll find a way out! I'LL ESCAPE!"

Roblox sealed the dimension behind him. He turned to the others.

"They were brave people. All of them were. We will hold a ceremony to honor the fallen. And for the survivors, we will provide all the help they need. Take the bodies... and don't separate them."

"Yes, sir..."

As paramedics treated the injured and life-support teams secured the area, Shedletsky cast one last glance at the family gathered in death. A small, sad smile touched his lips. He knew, or at least fervently hoped, that now, finally, they would be together at peace somewhere else.

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Darkness. Then light. A soft, warm light. Where was he? Paradise? Heaven? He didn't know. Everything was hazy, but not threatening. He found himself walking through a silent crowd of blurry figures, but he kept going, drawn by something. The crowd dissipated, giving way to an endless field of vibrantly colored wildflowers under an eternally friendly sky.

And then he saw him.

It was 007n7. She stood there, her back to him, picking flowers next to C00lkidd, who was laughing as she tried to catch a bright butterfly. They were carrying a basket.

1x1 froze. The air caught in his lungs. He could barely make a sound, a hoarse whisper.

—...7...?

The man turned around. His face was serene, with no trace of past pain. He smiled at her, a genuine smile, full of love and a sweetness 1x1 thought was lost forever.

“Oh, 1x1. You arrived,” he said, his voice soft as a caress. “We were waiting for you.”

1x1 ran. He ran like never before, clumsily stumbling over an invisible root, not caring. He ran until he reached them and wrapped 007n7 in a hug so tight he was afraid he would break it, clinging to him as if afraid he would fade away. Tears flowed again, but this time they weren’t from pain, but from joyful disbelief.

“7... I... thought…”

“Shhh, it’s okay, 1x1,” 007n7 soothed, cradling his face in his hands, wiping his tears away with his thumbs. “It’s okay. Everything is okay now.” Look at me.

1x1 looked at him, searching for any sign that it was a dream, an illusion.

"Isn't this... a dream...?" he asked, his voice trembling, praying internally that it wasn't.

"No, darling. It isn't," 007n7 assured him, his gaze filled with a profound peace. "This is all real. We're here. Together."

And then, 007n7 kissed him. A soft, real kiss, full of kept promises and a love that had transcended death itself.

-"I love you," 1x1 managed to say when they broke apart, his voice choked with emotion. "I really love you."I'm never going to leave you alone again. Not you, not C00lkidd. Not ever again.

-"You don't need to promise here, 1x1," said 007n7 with a tender smile. "There's nothing here but peace. And time. All the time in the world."

-"Father," shouted C00lkidd, running toward them. He'd seen the scene and threw himself into 1x1's arms. "You're finally here! My dad and I have been waiting for you for a looooong time!"

-"C00lkidd, it hasn't been that long," laughed 007n7, rolling his eyes gracefully. It was getting late in this endless day; it was time to go... home.

-"Let's go home, 1x1..." said 007n7, gently pulling away from the hug and taking his hand, leading him toward a barely visible path that wound through the flowers.

"Yes... home," 1x1 repeated, lifting C00lkidd in his arms, feeling the boy's comforting weight. As he took 007n7's hand, he noticed something on his finger. The ring. It gleamed softly in the ethereal light.

"You're wearing it..." he murmured, amazed.

"O-oh, this?" 007n7 looked at the ring, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks. "Yeah... I don't know how, but... I got this here. It was on my finger."

"You look... gorgeous," 1x1 said, his gaze filled with adoration.

"Oh, come on! What are you saying?" 007n7 protested, though his smile gave him away.

"I'm just telling the truth. You look divine."

"Hey, I'm still here, you know!" "C00lkidd protested from 1x1's arms, shifting slightly.

The pair laughed, a clear, happy sound that echoed in the still air. And so, together, the three of them walked away through the field of flowers, walking toward the horizon, toward what they were now, finally and forever: a family.

The family they so longed to be in the other world.

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Chapter Text

The weight of the world seemed to have fallen on 1x1's shoulders, sinking into the sofa as if the very fibers of the furniture shared his dejection. His mind was a chaotic whirlwind of dark thoughts, a bitter echo of "why?" resonating in the emptiness of his chest, a toxic mix of anger and disappointment so deep it suffocated him. He was so mired in his misery that C00lkidd's arrival, with his innocent post-round joy, went completely unnoticed, a whisper amid the storm raging inside him. Why? Because this time, the magnitude of his mistake was undeniable, crushing. He had shattered, with his own hands, the delicate tapestry of his relationship with 007n7. The certainty, cold and sharp as a piece of ice, pierced his soul: he had ruined everything. Bittersweet memories assaulted him. There was a time, not so long ago, when everything was... simple. His stolen moments, the warmth of 007n7's cabin, the refuge he found in hers. Caresses that were a balm, a sentimentality he never imagined would spring from him, a being forged in primordial hatred. My God! How could he succumb to the sweetness of a mortal? But 007n7 was no ordinary mortal.He was her mortal. The one who, without intending to, had melted the layers of centuries-old ice that armored her heart, teaching her a love and understanding she thought was extinct, relics of a forgotten past. However, the orbit of her love couldn't revolve solely around her own need. 007n7 kept a secret, a shadow on the periphery of her happiness, a truth that emerged in the worst way imaginable. It was her face, that face that was a beacon of warmth and home, that always gave her a smile capable of disarming her defenses and prostrating her at its feet. But beneath that serene surface, a silent pain lurked, a burden that 007n7 carried alone. She never allowed him full contact, barely a fleeting caress on her left cheek. Always the same excuse: a persistent ache, a vague discomfort. Excuses that 1x1 never fully believed, but for which she tried to muster a patience she barely knew. Conversations turned into arguments, pleas that crashed against a wall of silence. The true reason behind the prohibition against touching his face, especially the right side, remained veiled. And he, a being of ancestral hatred, felt the little patience he had cultivated shatter, exploding in a burst of frustration.

.

 He still felt the chills of that fateful round in the Glass Houses. The previous argument had left a palpable tension, an electric current of resentment every time their eyes met. Rage, a slow poison, had turned to icy fury, and 1x1 unleashed it on 007n7's colleagues with chilling aggression. The fear in 007n7's eyes was a reflection of his own incipient monstrosity, and he sought refuge, trembling, in a nearby building. One by one, he eliminated them. The clock ticked from four minutes to an agonizing minute and a half. Only the two of them remained. And this time, the truth would come out, by fair means or foul. A catastrophic decision. The chase was a macabre dance across the map.

Time was ticking: one minute.

007n7, his heart racing, tried to evade him, knowing that capturing him would mean a forced confession. But 1x1's tenacity was relentless. It caught up with him as he tried to climb some stairs, its hands like shackles gripping him, pressing him against the cold wall.

-"Why won't you tell me?!" 1x1 roared, his face inches from 007n7's, his breath thick with a palpable threat.

-"l-let me go, 1x1... you're hurting me." 007n7's voice was a trembling thread, tears fighting to escape, not only from the physical pain, but from the terror of a rejection he felt imminent.

Forty seconds. The ticking was a sentence.

-"TELL ME!"

-"No! I-I can't..." The sob choked in his throat.

-"Then don't. I'll find out for myself."

-"W-what?" Panic colored the question. Without another word, 1x1 grabbed both of 007n7's arms with one hand, the other hovering over his veiled face. 007n7 twisted, trying to avoid the inevitable contact, but the entity's strength was overwhelming. He abruptly released her arms and grabbed her face, ready to extract the secret that had so eluded him.

Twenty-five seconds. The air thickened with the unspoken, with the palpable pain.

His fingers brushed against his cheek, feeling the roughness of the gauze, the traces of makeup. With a tug, not brutal, but firm, he ripped it off. The first thing he saw was a large scar, a violent mark on the once immaculate skin. But he knew there was more. His eyes met 007n7's. The glasses were a hindrance; he ripped them off and tossed them aside.

-"N-no, not the glasses..." his couple pleaded, his voice breaking.

But 1x1, deaf to his plea, continued. And what he saw, beyond the scar, was what finally brought him back to the harsh reality. The right eye was devoid of color, a pale pearl with no visible pupil. The contact lens, slightly dislodged, was removed, this time with a gentleness that came too late.He froze, his breath caught in his throat. He'd never imagined it like this. A story of unspeakable suffering lay hidden behind those marks, a story 007n7 had fought desperately to keep hidden. The world seemed to stop.

Ten seconds. An eternity and an instant.

1x1's grip loosened, shock breaking through his fury. It was enough for 007n7, with the force of desperation, to push him away and free himself.

-"YOU SAW WHAT YOU WANTED! NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!" he screamed, his voice cracking, like broken glass, as tears streamed freely down his cheeks, tracing paths over the wounded, exposed skin. He ran away, a broken soul fleeing from 1x1.

The entity froze, horror and devastation crushing all other feelings. He had desecrated the most sacred thing. The oath he'd made to himself, in the sanctuary of his newfound heart—never to harm 007n7—lay shattered. Perhaps not fundamentally, but the emotional wound he'd inflicted was deep, bleeding. He remained motionless, staring into space, as a single tear, hot and bitter, traced a furrow down his own cheek. He had ruined it. Irreparably. And now, an apology wouldn't be enough; it would take a miracle to undo the damage, if 007n7 could still consider it a thing in his life.

-"What... what did I just do?" he whispered into the void, as time drew to its inexorable end.

5..

4..

3..

2..

1..

The round is over.

The end of the game teleported them to their respective meeting points. 007n7, wordlessly, his face covered by his trembling hands, fled the scene as if hell itself were chasing him. He didn't want to see anyone, much less be seen.

-"Hey, 007n7, how's it going?" Shedlestky couldn't finish. The man had already disappeared, running toward the solitude of his cabin.

-"What's wrong?"

-"I don't know, maybe he's too tired," Builderman replied. "Come on, Shed, let's go get some firewood."

-"Sure, let's go."

Meanwhile, 007n7 ran, blind and deaf to the world, each gasp an echo of his anguish. He ignored the curious stares and locked himself inside his cabin. As soon as he crossed the threshold, his legs gave way and he collapsed to the floor. The unshed tears spilled out in a convulsive, heart-wrenching cry as her hands clutched his bare, exposed face.

-"Why... why did you do it?" 007n7 sobbed, his soul shattered. He loved 1x1 with every fiber of his being, but what he'd done had broken him

He didn't want to see him, didn't want anything to remind him of his betrayal. 1x1 had seen him, and his reaction, that mixture of astonishment and horror, confirmed his worst fears. But who wouldn't be horrified by the sight?                        He cried until exhaustion overcame him, sinking into a restless sleep.

1x1, upon returning, found his own space empty, a reflection of the desolation that gripped him. What he loved so much, the anchor of his existence, was gone, and the fear of never wanting to see it again consumed him. Night fell, thick and oppressive, but rest eluded him.

And so, we return to the beginning. The searing memory made another tear slide down 1x1's cheek. It was all his fault. His corrosive impatience, his selfish need to know, had driven him to this abyss. Were there other solutions? Of course. But he, in his blindness, had chosen force, and the price was high. He had tried to speak to 007n7, but his efforts were in vain. He didn't want to see him. Every attempt at rapprochement, every offering, was rejected with a coldness that chilled him.

"No. Do you think that's going to erase what you did?" 007n7's voice, distant, wounded.

"No, I..."

-"No, 1x1. No. I trusted you. And you chose to hurt me, to poke at my pain instead of waiting."

—Please, just listen to me… But 007n7 had already vanished, teleporting far from his reach, leaving 1x1 with the words stuck in his throat. His ideas were running out, a bad omen. He couldn't lose him. Not him. His thoughts were interrupted by C00lkidd's high-pitched voice.

—Mr. 1x1? —Her shrill tone broke him out of his chaotic trance.

—What's wrong, kid? —the entity replied, somewhat annoyed, trying to remain calm.

-“I just wanted to let you know I’m home, but I’m really hungry.”

-“…Wasn’t Azure in the kitchen?”

-“Yeah, but Mr. Azure told me to do it myself.”

-“Ugh… come on, I’ll make you something to eat.” That will distract him from the chaos in his mind, at least that's what he thought.

-“Yeyy!” As they headed to the kitchen, C00lkidd’s innocence struck again.

-“Mr. 1x1?”

-“Yeah?”

-“You don’t know why Dad’s so sad?” A lump formed in 1x1’s throat.

-“Dad hugged me and told me to stay with him… What happened to him? …He just told me not to mention it when I tried to tell him about you…” The boy’s voice trailed off, his childish sadness mirroring his father’s.

-“…C00lkidd, your dad and I… we had some trouble, okay?” 1x1 said, his voice drier than he’d intended.

-“What trouble?” —C00lkidd asked, curiosity shining in his eyes.

He knew he couldn't lie to him; that boy was very clever when he set out to find answers, and honestly, he didn't want any more trouble than he already had, so he answered, a little tired.

-"I did something I shouldn't have. But it's okay, okay? Hmm, look! We've reached the kitchen.

-"Oh? it's true!" said C00lkidd, hurrying to sit down.Had managed to distract him distracted, to 1x1's relief.

So he started preparing something. The memory of his friend, the presence of his son... a faint but persistent idea ignited in his mind. He decided to take a chance. After all, if it was his son, he should know something, right?

—C00lkidd.

—Yes, Mr. 1x1?

—How... how did your father end up with... scars?

—Oh... his scars... —the little voice turned sad. —He got them when he was protecting me from a very bad man. He wanted to hit me... but Dad wouldn't let him, and they fought. Dad got what he deserved, but when the police arrived, the bad man was gone. But to me, his scars are pretty cool! I don't know why he hides them... My dad was like a hero! .Every word C00lkidd said was a stab—no, a stab straight to 1x1's heart. A reason. A reason so noble, so painful. The fear of rejection, of being judged, of being looked at with pity or repulsion. The truth, so simple and so heroic, hit him with the force of a revelation.

—Didn't... didn't you see something else...?

—No... I stood behind Dad, but I could see almost nothing. I just heard screams and... wait, Dad told you, right?

-"...Uh... yeah... of course..." he lied, the bitter taste of the lie in his mouth. He didn't want the little one to feel guilty for betraying his father's trust.

-"In that case, it's okay! Dad told me not to tell anyone.I wouldn't want him to get sad because of me.

1x1 was about to continue asking, but the aroma of the ready food stopped him. He served a plate for C00lkidd. He was about to leave, to immerse himself in his thoughts again, but the little boy tugged lightly at his cloak.

-"Mr. 1x1, promise me you won't tell anyone," he said, extending his little finger. The childish gesture touched something in the hardened being. He decided to play along.

-"It's a promise, kid." With that, he left and sat back down on the sofa. Not even fifteen minutes had passed when C00lkidd was already at his side.

-"You're done. Wow, you were really hungry, kid."

—Yes, thank you very much, Mr. 1x1, you cook very well!

—You're welcome, kid.

—Hey, Mr. 1x1, can I ask you something? C00lkidd said, excitement shining in his eyes, as if he knew the answer would be yes.

—Yes, of course.

—Do you also have scars like my dad's?

—Mmm, yes... Why do you say that?

—Can I see them?!

—...No, I...

—Pleaseeeees.

—No.

—Pleaseeeees.

—...Okay, okay, you win. I'll show them to you.

—Yes!

As 1x1 began to remove the bandages, his mind was working feverishly. How to fix this mess? He could bring him something, but what? He had tried everything: cautious approaches, little things like chocolates or letters, but 007n7 always pulled away, rejecting him. He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt the last bandage give way, seeing the fascination on C00lkidd's face.

-"Wow, Mr. 1x1! Your scars are the coolest I've ever seen!"

-"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, kid."

-"If I showed them to Dad, he'd definitely like them!" Hearing that, an idea, perhaps the craziest one yet, took shape in 1x1's mind. At this point, any idea was worth gold.

-"Okay, that's enough, kiddo."

—Awww, all right, Mr. 1x1…

—You know something? Why don't you keep this for a while? said the entity, taking off its crown and carefully placing it on C00lkidd's head.

—Take care of it for me, okay?

The little boy was amazed. He had 1x1's crown! Excited, he replied, —Yes, Mr. 1x1, I'll take good care of it!

—I hope so. And without further ado, 1x1 left. A plan was beginning to germinate, fragile but persistent. He would bring sunflowers, 007n7's favorites, the ones he never chance to him.And not only that; he would hide some chocolates among them. He would try to talk to him, all day, all night if necessary, in the privacy of his cabin. He just needed 007n7 to agree to listen to him.

With this renewed determination, he headed to a spot not far from the main room: the flower field, a sanctuary of color and life tended by John Doe. He'd never thought a killer like Jhon Doe would have such an affinity for gardening, let alone dedicate his time to such things. The place was overflowing with all sorts of flowers, and to 1x1, with his natural aversion to bright colors and cloying scents, it was almost repulsive. But there he was, ready to cross that threshold for 007n7. As he stepped inside, the heavy scent of the flowers assaulted his nostrils, causing a wave of nausea. John Doe was there, diligently watering the garden. Noticing his presence, a smirk spread across his lips.

-“Wow, 1x1, I never thought your feet would desecrate this place, huh? Especially when you said you never go in even if you get killed.

-“Ugh, I know. Look, your place is… acceptable. But I need sunflowers.

-Just okay?” John Doe was visibly enjoying the moment, savoring the irony of having 1x1, after so much disdain, asking for his help.

-“pleasant”

-“No, it’s much more than that.”

-“Argh, it’s… a… a nice place, okay?” 1x1 had a hard time getting those words out, each syllable a small sacrifice.

-“So much the better. Now, what did you need?”

-“Some sunflowers. Actually, a lot of sunflowers.”

-“Wow, a lot? And what do you want them for, pray tell?”

“It’s urgent.”

“Hmm…” John Doe considered the situation. The temptation to play a little further with 1x1's patience was strong, perhaps to ask him for a favor in return. But I remembered who I was dealing with. With or without his cooperation, 1x1 would take the sunflowers. Best to avoid an unnecessary fuss. With a resigned sigh, he said, "Okay, follow me." The two assassins walked toward the sunflower patch. They were beautiful, their golden corollas radiating a joy almost insulting to 1x1's gloomy mood.

-“I need that basket. Bring it over.”

-“Okay.”

-“Thanks.”

John Doe began to pluck at the sunflowers with his claws, taking care not to damage a single petal.

-“This should do it. Here they are.”

-“Thank you,” the entity said, taking the basket. He would fix them when he got back to his cabin.

-Wait, you? Saying thank you?

-The others definitely need to know!”John Doe exclaimed, walking away with a grin before 1x1 could reply.

The entity got out of there as fast as he could. He couldn’t stand to be in that place another minute, much less with the prospect of John Doe collecting on the favor in the future.

It was already getting dark. A strange mix of nervousness and anticipation filled him. He would try to speak to 007n7 to arrange a visit to his cabin. He left the sunflowers ready in his shelter and prepared his swords, cleaning them and retrieving the crown that C00lkidd had momentarily guarded.

For his part, 007n7 was also preparing, hiding his insecurities under the usual layers of makeup and gauze. This time, he didn't even know who the murderer was; his only goal was to cover the marks of his pain. Every time his reflection reflected the image of his scars, he felt like he was returning to that fateful moment, to 1x1's hands tearing off a part of him. But, on the other hand, he also remembered 1x1's clumsy and desperate attempts to obtain his forgiveness.

He was hurt, yes, deeply hurt, but that didn't mean those small gestures hadn't begun to erode the wall of his resentment. In one of those attempts, 1x1 had dropped a card on the map. When 007n7 picked it up and read its words, he felt a tightness in his chest. They were clumsy but sincere apologies, declarations of a love that, despite everything, he still felt vibrating inside him. . . He left his cabin just in time for the start of a new round.

Killer: 1x1

The name echoed in 007n7's ears, stirring a strange amalgam of feelings: joy, sadness, hatred? He didn't know. But he had to admit it, much to his chagrin: he still loved 1x1. Despite the pain, despite the betrayal. But forgiving him as if nothing had happened was impossible. He needed time. 1x1 had tried to talk to him, but 007n7 felt it wasn't the right time, whether he responded with a refusal or simply hiding. What new tactic would 1x1 come up with now? The question floated in his mind, tinged with a curiosity that refused to die. The entity had already brought things before but a part of him was interested to see what he'd come up with this time.

1x1 set about his macabre task with brutal efficiency, eliminating everyone until time dwindled to a minute and a half. Showing the location of the last survivor. But this time, 007n7 wasn't running or teleporting. He was sitting, waiting for it, as if he knew what was coming, or perhaps, as if he was too tired to keep running. The entity arrived quickly. It had taken a while to arrive since 007n7 was on the other side of the map, so now he only had forty seconds.

The air between them vibrated with tension and expectation.

-"7... I need you to listen to me, please," 1x1 began, his voice stripped of its usual roughness, almost a plea.

-"Talk..." the man replied, his voice neutral, but his eyes revealing a storm of suppressed emotion.

-"I'll come to your cabin tonight, after this round. I want... I want to work things out with you, darling..." 1x1 said, taking 007n7's hands with an almost reverential gentleness, as if he feared they would fade away, as if it were the last time he'd ever be able to touch them. The man sighed, a long, shaky sound that seemed to lighten some of his burden. And finally, after so long, he spoke clearly.

"Fine... I'll expect you tonight, 1x1. No more."

-"Yes, I'll be there. No, don't doubt it." Time ran out, and they each separated once more.

But this time, 1x1 felt a rush of joy course through him. He would have the chance to set things right! Without further ado, he carried C00lkidd to his cabin, laid him down, and waited patiently for him to fall asleep. Once the little one succumbed to sleep, he carefully closed the door and headed for the bouquet of sunflowers.

This was his only chance, and he wouldn't waste it. He left his cabin, the bouquet of bright flowers in his hands, and headed for his couple. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of hope and fear. It didn't take long for him to arrive. He paused for a moment in front of the door, taking a deep breath, and then, with a trembling hand, he knocked. A light came on inside, followed by the familiar creak of the door opening.

-“You arrived,” 007n7 said, and in his voice, 1x1 thought he heard a tinge of complacency, a small crack in the armor of his grief.

-“Yes… but I didn’t come empty-handed. I came with this.” With great care, as if offering the most precious of treasures, he presented the bouquet of sunflowers. It was large, lush alongside some hidden chocolates, and composed of the only flowers that managed to bring a genuine smile to 007n7’s face.

-“Please accept this bouquet from me. It really… took me a long time to get this,” he said, holding it out to him. The man was captivated.

The sunflowers were beautiful, their petals a vibrant yellow, fresh and full of life. This didn’t mean he had forgiven him yet, but it helped, the gesture a small step toward reconciliation.

-“This… doesn’t mean I’ve fully forgiven you, 1x1… not after what you did.”

-“I know… that’s why I came.To apologize, the entity said, entering the house.

He closed the door behind him and sat down next to his couple. They were face to face, but 1x1 noticed that 007n7 still kept his true face hidden. Gently, he took her hands in his own. And he began:

-How... how did you get them...?

-—Get what...? —007n7 asked, even though he knew exactly what he meant.

-—Your scars... I heard you did it for your son, but... I want it to come out of your mouth... please... A long sigh escaped 007n7's lips; it was time to tell the truth.

—...I-I... —his voice trembled slightly—. It happened many years ago...It was C00lkidd and I… we went to buy some things, but… someone started following us. I tried to lose him, going into crowded places. When I thought we'd lost him, I left C00lkidd for a second to buy something… Just one second… and my son was gone. I ran out to look for him… and I saw him outside, struggling with that man… He wanted to hit him. I didn't let him. I pushed him away so he would leave C00lkidd alone… and then he pulled out a knife. He was ready to kill us if necessary. I hadn't brought my commandos with me that time, but I wasn't going to let him touch my son. So I grabbed a rusty piece of iron I found on the ground… I managed to hit him, but in one of his attacks… he hurt my cheek… too badly. And in another… he managed to hurt my eye… The police arrived minutes later, and he fled. They took me to the hospital… and told me I had lost the sight in my right eye… I felt… I felt so bad when I looked in the mirror…My face was destroyed. I never told anyone, but… even as the years have passed, it still hurts… a lot… I remember how people started to whisper, to laugh at me behind my back… So I decided to hide them… I didn't want anyone to see them… not even you..I'm sorry… it was my fault too, I should have…

“No,” 1x1 interrupted with a firmness tinged with deep tenderness. “It's not your fault. You did the right thing, my love.” The entity said as it began to remove each and every one of its bandages

“W-what are you doing…?”

"I'm showing you my scars, because you have every right to see them after how I saw yours..."

When he finished, her arms were uncovered with bandages, and her transparent back, covered by the cloak, was exposed. Her scars were more serious. A 1x1 line marked her back, and her arms had a few scars.

The man remained silent. He saw her wounds, not the physical ones, but the emotional ones. He tried to get closer, but couldn't simply do so. He asked first.

"C-can I?"

"After how I touched you, you don't even have to ask permission."

007n7 cautiously approached and touched them carefully. They were healed, yes, but there were others more serious than the rest.

"what....happened to you?"

"Long story.., but basically the result of a battle for my survival... My creator wanted to kill me, but he couldn't. And here I am. But I didn't come for me, I came for you, and I thought it would be a good idea to show you my scars."

-"I... I'm so sorry... I'd thought too much about myself...about my insecurities, that I didn't even think about you," the man said, covering his face in embarrassment.

-"You have nothing to apologize for, okay? It's not like you knew about this," 1x1 said, removing 007n7's hands from his face.

-"You don't have to hide them, 7... not with me... let me see you as you are."

So 1x1 brought his hands closer to the man's face, who this time didn't stop him, he very gently removed the gauze that covered the scar on his cheek and then, he approached his eye, removed his glasses and then his contact lens... and looked at him... as beautiful as he remembered... so he took his hands again to feel the warmth in them and began to talk.

-You look just as I remembered... you look beautiful... and I owe you a huge apology... Forgive me... for not having been more patient with you. I should have waited, but the doubt, the impatience... they ate at me inside, and I simply couldn't bear it anymore. I hurt you. It was my mistake, a terrible mistake. But I want to make things right. I want to tell you, looking into your eyes, how beautiful you are, without hiding your wounds. Your scars aren't marks of imperfection, they are medals of immense fatherly love, of a courage that leaves me breathless.You did it for your son. You protected him. And I admire you deeply for that. You are brave, gentle, caring, and above all, divine in my eyes. No matter what other scars you have, I will love them as much as I love you, today and always. Because even if they are imperfections to you, they are proof of your strength, of your love to me. You are perfect just the way you are 007n7… and if any part of you still loves me the way it once did, I wish with all my heart that you will forgive me. And if not… at least I will know that I tried, and that I will keep trying until my last breath.

007n7 listened to every word, and felt the tears begin to roll down his face, this time not from pain, but from a complex, overwhelming emotion.

He controlled himself, took a deep breath, and said, “1x1… what you did really hurt me… You scared me when I saw you like that, so… out of control. I never believed you would do something like that. You betrayed my trust, in the cruelest way.”

“I know, and I…”

“But…” 007n7 continued, a small, trembling smile curving his lips, “your insistence, your clumsy but sincere efforts… have managed to take away the anger I felt, until it brought us here, sitting, talking… 1x1… you're an idiot.”

And without further ado, 007n7 removed his hands from the entity's, pulled him towards his face and kissed him. It was a quick kiss, almost chaste, but laden with meaning. Then, he continued speaking, his voice still trembling. 

-I love you. And even though you've really made me incredibly angry with you... I've realized I can't stay angry forever..." he said, clutching his chest, holding him tightly, while a few stray tears continued to fall down his cheeks.

1x1 was perplexed, moved to his core. He'd imagined a thousand scenarios, but none as sweet, as hopeful as this one. He returned the hug with the same intensity, cradling his couple's face in his hands so he'd look at him.

"So... am I forgiven now?"

"Yes, 1x1... I forgive you... but don't do it again... I really didn't like it... And I'm sorry too... I should have told you... but I was so scared... scared that you'd stop loving me... because you saw that I wasn't whole..."—007n7 replied, vulnerability coloring every word.

— Stop loving you? Stop loving the only person who has ever understood me, who has understood me as I am, with all my shadows? You are perfect, 007n7. And what does it matter what others say. If anyone hurts you again, I will personally take care of them myself.

—A-Ah, what are you saying...? An adorable blush tinged 007n7's cheeks.

—The truth. You are unique, 7... and I love you not only for that, but for everything you are.

—I love you too, 1x1. You are someone who knew how to change for me... and that is why I love you..

"And your idiot too, right?" jokes 1x1, feeling a great weight lifted from his soul.

"Yeah... and my idiot too," the man said, rolling his eyes.

And without further ado, they kissed again.This time it was a longer, deeper kiss, a silent language in which each expressed the torrent of love, relief, and hope that overwhelmed them, a love that had momentarily separated them only to reunite them more strongly. All was forgiven. There was nothing left to hide, nothing to hurt, nothing to break. It was just the two of them, learning to love each other again, with mistakes and stumbles, but with the certainty that their love, an unlikely beacon in the chaotic darkness of their existence, had found a way to persist, to heal, to flourish against all odds. Their love was the most genuine, an anchor in that chaotic place where lies and horror lurked around every corner..

.

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Chapter Text

●Redesigned because I saw it too simple so here it is!

●In my Au shedletsky is the father/creator of 1x1

●Mini comic 

●Ok, I got a little lazy here so I finished it like this.

●a small preview of what the plot of the next chapter will be like :]

●Aaa how I love this couplee

Chapter Text

It was a new day in the world of Forsaken, that strange place between nightmare and routine where the Spectre kept them trapped. Normally, that could only mean one thing: new rounds, new chases, new wounds. But that day, fortunately, was the weekend.

The cycles of death and survival seemed to pause for brief moments, giving everyone—killers and survivors alike—an uncomfortable respite that both sides knew wouldn't last long. But even among the shadows of that twisted world, there was room for a little peace… at least for some.

For C00lkidd, however, that day held a special meaning. He woke with a start as if he'd woken from a nightmare. Still in his pajamas, with his hair disheveled and his eyes half-asleep, he hurried to change and tidy himself up a bit before rushing out to the living room of 1x1's cabin, his new father.

He didn't even notice the aroma of the hot breakfast waiting for him on the table.

"Let's see what day it is today... 7... 8... 10...," he thought as his fingers ran over the calendar hanging on the wall, one of the few personal decorations they had in that gloomy old wooden cabin.

His eyes stopped abruptly on a date marked in red crayon, somewhat shaky but lovingly done.

-"June 15th! Today is Father's Day... and I didn't make anything for my parents!" His mind raced. Yesterday he had spent the entire day playing with the other murderers, laughing, getting into mischief, losing track of time. Guilt hit him suddenly; he had promised himself he would give a present before the due date this year, but as always, he had forgotten.

He was about to run off aimlessly, hoping to find something, anything, that could become an impromptu gift. But just as he was about to cross the door, a firm hand stopped him by his blue handkerchief.

"Where do you think you're going in such a hurry?" a deep but calm voice said behind him.

C00lkidd almost jumped in fright.

"Ow!" he exclaimed, turning his head, only to find himself staring into the face of 1x1, that imposing figure who in a short time had become more than just a killer or his playmate; he had become his family.

-"You haven't even eaten anything and you already want to go out huh?"

The boy hesitated, looking for a quick excuse.

-"S-sorry, Father... I was just excited to go play with Mr. Doe," he lied. It hadn't exactly been his plan to spend the day with the sinister killer, but it was the first thing that came to mind.

1x1 raised an eyebrow, suspicious of the little boy, but decided not to insist this time.

-"Well, you'll need some energy if you're going to play with him, don't you think?"

-"I guess so..." the boy murmured, looking down in some embarrassment.

Without another word, 1x1 extended his hand. The boy hesitated for a moment, but then took it firmly. That hand, cold and somewhat rough, gave him a strange feeling of security. As if, despite the broken world they lived in, everything was okay for a few moments.

They walked together toward the dining room, where breakfast was still steaming. As they ate, C00lkidd couldn't stop thinking about what he could do for 1x1 and his other dad, 007n7. He wanted to do something special. Something that would say "thank you" without words.

And maybe, just maybe, he still had time.

When they arrived, they sat down at the table. C00lkidd began devouring his breakfast as if he hadn't eaten in days. He took huge bites of toast, barely chewing the pieces, and his cheeks puffed out from the food stuck in his mouth. 1x1, who had been watching him with a raised eyebrow as he finished pouring the juice and placed a glass of water down the table, quickly noticed his unusually anxious behavior.

-"Hey, hey, kiddo," he said in a calm voice as he slid the glass across the table. "Eat slowly. You have all day to go outside, but if you choke, you're not going anywhere... and I don't want your dad to come and scold me later for letting you get a stomach ache."

C00lkidd, his cheeks full with food, nodded hurriedly. He paused for a few seconds and took a sip of water, finally feeling calmer. He couldn't afford to make his father suspicious... although, deep down, he knew 1x1 already was.

-"Sorry, but I'm itching to go play with Mr. John Doe," he replied with a rehearsed smile, hiding his true purpose.

1x1 frowned slightly. He knew there was more to that emotion. The boy often spoke of John Doe with a certain fear... or at least, with cautious respect. He remembered the time the boy had infuriated him and had to hide behind his black cloak. He wasn't exactly his favorite playmate.

-"Uh-huh... yeah, never mind, kid. Now... wait, are you done with that?" he asked, puzzled by the empty plate.

-"Oh, yes! That was delicious, Father! Thank you very much!" I'll go to the main hall, bye!

The boy's chair squeaked against the floor as he hurriedly pushed it. C00lkidd had already shot out of the kitchen, slipping on his shoes as he headed for the cabin's front door. Once outside, the perpetual fog of the weather briefly enveloped him, but his spirits didn't diminish. He smiled with satisfaction. If he hurried, he'd still have time to prepare something special. Something worthy of 1x1… and his dad.

Inside the cabin, 1x1 sighed in resignation, still holding the napkin.

-"This kid," he muttered to himself, sighing, then began collecting the dirty dishes with mechanical movements. He washed each one in silence, while his mind wandered.

Sometimes he forgot that he was now responsible for someone else; he had a partner; the boy now saw him as a father figure and was no longer solely focused on combat and hunting. He looked at his swords leaning against the fireplace mantel; They were still dripping with a little dried blood from the last round.

-"I have to clean them..." he whispered, more out of habit than necessity.

Meanwhile, C00lkidd ran through the twisted trees that separated the cabins from the central area. The air smelled damp and cold earth. No one seemed to suspect a thing. If he reached the main assassins' room early, maybe he could "borrow" some of the hidden items from the room... maybe even convince one of the other assassins to help him. After all, it wasn't Father's Day every day.

And he had two.

.

.

.

.

.

Far from the assassins' area, outside a cabin, 007n7 found himself alone. He had left early, as he usually did on his weekends off, looking for a quiet moment away from the bustle of the main room and his colleagues.

He sat on some rocks, dangling his legs and staring into the mist that had settled that day. These days were peaceful, too peaceful for his liking, like the silence that remains after a storm… or before another.

He had brought a small scrapbook with him. He doesn't know how it got to his cabin; maybe the Espectre brought it, but whatever the reason, he was grateful because it contained important photos, like those of him and his little son, C00lkidd, when he was just a baby.

He flipped a few pages until he found a blank page. And then he saw it.

A small drawing C00lkidd had done weeks before. Two figures: a tall one with what looked like a sword and a smaller one with poorly drawn glasses. Both were smiling.

Beneath it, in clumsy but firm handwriting, it said: "My dad and I."

007n7 smiled at the sight. His fingers brushed the page carefully, as if touching it too hard would erase it.

—(June 15th...)—he thought suddenly. He'd checked that day's date that morning and remembered it at that instant. (Father's Day, huh?)

His expression changed. A mix of pride, melancholy, and hope crept across his face. He wondered if C00lkidd had remembered. Although, knowing him, maybe he got distracted by some nonsense, as usual. He didn't blame him. In this world where time felt disordered, it was easy to forget even who you were.

Still, deep down, he hoped his son had thought of him. Not because of the gift. Not because of the gesture. But because being a father, especially in this place, was difficult… and it was also the only thing that made sense of everything else.

And then, inevitably, his mind went to 1x1.

The entity.

Her partner.

He still found it hard to believe that, amidst so much darkness, someone like him had offered her affection. Not a simple combat alliance or routine companionship... but real affection. The kind of affection built on shared silences, caresses, and the occasional kiss.

Wounds healed over time and words that didn't need to be said.

-("Did he remember it too?") He thought with some curiosity. Even though 1x1 probably didn't even know the date, he knew him too well, and he knew he doesn't knew some specific dates too well.

007n7 sighed, putting the book aside, resting his elbows on his knees, closing his eyes for a moment and letting the wind caress his face.

He didn't need anything big. Just that C00lkidd was okay... or that 1x1 took good care of him and that he himself was there was enough for that day.

After all, in a world where survival was already a miracle, having a family was almost an act of rebellion.

On the other hand, little C00lkidd arrived at the assassins' main room and found the same chaotic and monotonous scene as always: a few assassins were gathered at makeshift tables, playing cards or simply chatting among themselves to kill time... in the least literal sense possible. Azure was leaning against a wall, throwing knives at a wooden board as if they were darts. John Doe grunted under his breath as he counted his cards. iTrapped just laughed mockingly, probably at having cheated again.

The boy moved slowly among them, trying not to attract attention. The adrenaline rush he'd felt upon leaving the cabin had died down. Now, with all those killers around him and no concrete idea in mind, his enthusiasm felt like a deflated balloon.

-"What can I give them...?" he thought in frustration, rubbing the back of his neck.

He knew the Spectre didn't give them useful things. Just enough to keep them from starving or freezing to death. No gifts, no art supplies, or nice things (apart from his box of crayons and paper). Just the bare essentials. And while he was good at drawing pictures, he'd done it a thousand times before. He'd even given 007n7 one of his drawings weeks ago. Maybe he could draw a letter? Although he was sure he couldn't even make out half of it. His handwriting was a total mess, as if instead of writing, he'd just scribbled on the paper.

He sighed, letting his arms fall in resignation.

It was then that Jason, who had been watching him from afar, approached. The silent killer had grown bored with his losing streak at cards. The last time he lost, iTrapped had cheated like every other time, and he was no longer surprised by the brazen way in which iTrapped deceived John Doe, even though it didn't always work out, since when John Doe caught him, it usually ended in a chase that nearly tore him to pieces. It was no surprise that Jason was now looking for a more... peaceful distraction.

The killer stood in front of C00lkidd and, as usual, didn't say a word. He just raised an eyebrow and made a quick gesture with his hands, pointing first at the boy, then at himself.

C00lkidd was slightly startled, but soon recognized the enormous killer.

-"Oh, hello, Mr. Jason," he greeted in a somewhat dejected voice, his shoulders slumped. I'm trying to think of a gift for my parents... but I don't know what to give them.

Jason tilted his head slightly. His eyes briefly sparkled with curiosity. He made a slow gesture, bringing his closed fist to his chest and then pointing at the boy, as if asking if he needed help.

C00lkidd understood just enough. Jason didn't use complex signs; he knew not everyone understood them. But even so, he always found a way to make himself understood. The little boy smiled faintly.

-"Want to help me?" he asked, cheering up a bit, to which the killer nodded silently. "Yes! Although... I don't know what I could do. I have nothing worthwhile... not to my father, not to 1x1."

Jason raised a hand, as if telling him to calm down. Then he looked around, searching for something that might inspire them. In the far corner of the room, there was a box. Upon seeing it, he left the boy alone for a second and then returned with the box full of stored items, mostly junk, but it was better than nothing.

C00lkidd had followed him with his gaze, then looked back at Jason, his eyes wide open.

-"Make something with this?" the boy asked upon seeing the box.

Jason nodded slowly.

And it was at that moment that a spark ignited in the boy's eyes. His little eyes lit up with genuine enthusiasm for the first time that morning.

-"That's it! I know what I can give them!" C00lkidd suddenly exclaimed, jumping slightly in place, causing Jason to step back a little in surprise.

The boy spun around, looking at the few materials around him: loose sheets of paper, broken crayons, a dried-out marker, old, patched-up pottery in a corner... nothing fancy, but with imagination and help, he could make something amazing.

-"I'm going to make you a letter! And a drawing... and a mug for Dad! And it will be the best gift ever!"

Jason tilted his head, slightly confused, but seeing the boy's energy, he was just moving forward and gently patted him on the head. In a sign of approval.

C00lkidd had settled with Jason at a makeshift table near the least chaotic corner of the place. In front of him were some crumpled papers, old crayons, a dirty mug, and lots and lots of determination. His tongue poked out of the corner of his lips as he drew vigorously, as if affection could be imprinted through the colored pencil.

In his mind, the plan was clear: a drawing of the three of them—him, his father 1x1, and his dad 007n7—holding hands and smiling. Below, a letter he'd written. And also... a mug with the perfect message. Jason would make the mug, holding it delicately, silently working with the paste that was in the box, plugging the broken hole in it.

As C00lkidd drew on one of the sheets of paper, a dry, bored voice sounded behind him:

-"What are you doing, brat?" Itrapped asked, with no intention of helping. He was just killing time after winning a bet against John Doe.

-"I'm making a present!" C00lkidd replied without turning around, focused. "Today is Father's Day! And I want to give something nice to 1x1 and Dad."

Itrapped frowned.

-"What's Day?"

-"Father's Day!" the boy repeated. "It's a day to thank dads for taking care of you, protecting you, and much more!"

Itrapped looked at him silently. Then he snorted and muttered:

-"...what a waste of time."

He turned around. He walked two steps... and came back with some sharper crayons.

-"But you're using broken crayons, kid. You won't even get to the second drawing."

C00lkidd looked at him in surprise. He smiled big.

-"Thanks, Mr. iTrapped!"

"Whatever, but you should use the crayons according to the color you're using." So iTrapped began to help C00lkidd, guiding the boy through the drawing.

John Doe, who had been left holding the deck, decided to leave it on the table to check out the noise coming from the other room.

He approached the table and, seeing the finished drawing, decided to grab some flat wooden sticks he had found to align them with the drawing and start cutting. Of course, he had some help since, due to the virus, he had lost one arm, which now formed a spike, and the other had sharp hands.

iTrapped looked at him in surprise for a moment.

-"You too?"

To which John Doe just glanced at him out of the corner of his eye before continuing with his work.

Itrapped took this as a yes and then let out a sigh.

-"Well, I guess more help to finish these things," he said, pretending to be bored. He wasn't. In fact, he found it kind of fun since they usually only played poker or cards, and this broke from the normal routine, making it interesting for everyone there.

Minutes later, while iTrapped was explaining to the boy how to write without crooked letters, Azure entered the kitchen and stopped to observe the scene. Jason was shaping it, John Doe was making a border, and iTrapped was helping C00lkidd.

-"This is an art class or something," the killer said sarcastically as he adjusted his hat.

-"Ugh, don't make me regret being here," iTrapped said.

-"Okay, okay. I was just asking. What are you doing with that cup? It looks like a car hit it."

To which Jason seemed offended, saying his efforts had been in vain.

-"Look, if you're going to write here, why don't you use some of that red paint we used last time?"

-"Then why don't you get it?" John Doe replied.

-"Anyway, I'll go get some." He left for a moment and then returned with a pot of red paint. Azure, seeing the finished cup, snatched it from Jason.

-"Give it to me, you couldn't write better than me," Azure said.

And so, everyone ended up helping C00lkidd with his gift. It wasn't something you didn't see every day, and breaking the cycle wasn't a bad idea. Besides, they ended up having fun with the activity.

Jason held the letter so C00lkidd could write clearly.

Itrapped corrected the spelling.

John Doe finished carving the frame.

Azure painted the mug with careful brushstrokes.

And in the center, C00lkidd couldn't stop smiling.

-"It's perfect! It'll be the best gift ever!"

Itrapped snorted, but didn't leave.

Azure dried his hands with a small smile.

John Doe framed the drawing without a word, and Jason added the final brushstroke to the mug.

C00lkidd held the finished product like a treasure. It had turned out better than he'd imagined, and now there was only one thing left: reuniting his parents.

So, without further ado, he ran, leaving the gifts with the assassins, saying he'd be back for them in a moment. Then he ran to 1x1's cabin. The entity was finishing cleaning its swords and thinking about the boy and his companion when it heard the door slam.

-"Father!" the boy shouted. "Father!" The boy, seeing him, tugged at his hands, causing him to drop the swords and sit him down on the living room couch.

-"Hey, kid, what's all this?" 1x1 said, puzzled.

-"It's a surprise. Wait here, I'll be right back. Bye!"

-"Okay, this is too weird," 1x1 said, and stood there, taking a seat on the couch.

.

The boy went to find 007n7. It took him a while to get there when he saw him sitting with a memory book in his hands. He yelled as he approached.

"Dad! Dad!" the boy exclaimed excitedly.

"Oh! What are you doing here, kiddo?" asked 007n7, somewhat curious about the boy's sudden appearance, as he carefully closed the book.

"I need you to come, it's urgent!" he said, almost dragging him.

"Okay, son, I'll walk," said 007n7, making sure the book didn't fall with one hand while holding his son's with the other.

So, they reached the cabin, where 1x1 waited impatiently until he saw 007n7 arrive with C00lkidd.

"Seven?" said 1x1, approaching the man to hug him.

"Oh! 1x1, it seems I wasn't the only one C00lkidd brought in a hurry," said 007n7, somewhat amused, as he hugged him back.

"Maybe," said the entity. "What's that?" it said, pointing at the book.

"Oh! This? It's just an old scrapbook."

"What exactly do you mean?"

"This is where I put some pictures of my son and I when he was little."

"Interesting, why don't you show it to me for a while?"

"Would you like to see them?" said 007n7 as he opened the book.

"I guess I made that too clear," said 1x1. "Fine, fine, just until C00lkidd arrives."

"Okay, but sit down, honey, even while we wait for the boy," the entity said.

C00lkidd, for his part, barely reached the main room, gathered everything, and began thanking the others for their help. Everyone had returned to their routine to distract themselves.

"Thanks for helping me with everything!" C00lkidd said with a big smile, and approached one by one.

He hugged Jason quickly. "Thanks for the cup, Mr. Jason!"

To Itrapped, he said, "You too! Thanks for the help with the crayon and the letter!"

Stuck snorted, looking away.

-"It was nothing," he replied, a small laugh escaping his lips.

John Doe didn't say anything when C00lkidd thanked him, just ruffled his hair with one hand before looking back at his letters with Itrapped's as if it weren't important.

"And you too, Mr. Azure! It turned out amazing!" C00lkidd said, raising the now-decorated cup.

Azure clicked his tongue. "No exaggerations. Not that I mind." "...though it did turn out well." He muttered to himself.

"I have to go! I'll wait!"

And with that, the boy carefully picked up the frame with the drawing and the cup. He ran, without looking back.

When the boy returned, 007n7 put the book on the table to pay attention to his son.

Okay, C00lkidd, what did you want to show us?

Then the boy who was hiding the gifts behind him took them out and shouted excitedly, "Happy Father's Day!"

1x1 just frowned in confusion.

"What day?" 1x1 asked, puzzled.

007n7 reacted in surprise and covered his mouth, half surprised and half excited.

"You made this... for us?"

"Yes! With a little help!" the boy said proudly.

C00lkidd placed the frame on the coffee table. The drawing was adorable: the three of them together, standing in a forest, holding hands. The mug said "best dad ever" in almost perfect letters; Azure definitely knew how to write on ceramic.

There was a brief silence.

007n7 was amused by 1x1's expression, who still didn't understand anything, knowing that he didn't know the date. He decided that C00lkid would explain it to him this time.

"Honey, why don't you explain to your father what this day is?" the man said with a smile.

"Yes! It's a day where we celebrate fathers for helping us, taking care of us, and loving us so much!" "Do you like it?!"

"It's perfect, darling," said 007n7, hugging her little one as a few tears fell.

"I... I didn't know such a holiday existed," the entity said, taking one of the gifts and reading the note before turning to his son, who had separated from 007n7. And then, unable to contain himself, he leaned forward and hugged C00lkidd tightly, pressing him to his chest. The boy could barely respond to the forceful hug. But it didn't bother him; on the contrary, he clung to him as well.

"I... thank you very much, son," the entity said as it continued to hug him.

Although a few tears threatened to fall, he wasn't one for such things, and honestly, this time they had caught him off guard.

"It's okay, Father! I wanted to give you both the best so you know how much I love you."

-"C00lkidd," 007n7 said, approaching his son to kiss him on the forehead. "Thank you for your gifts. We appreciate them very much, your father and I," he said, then kissed his partner on the cheek. -Are you okay 1x1? He said in a soft tone of voice

-"Yes, I'm fine," he said, then separated from C00lkidd, drying his eyes. "Now why don't you tell us how you made them, little one," the entity said as he sat down on the couch next to 007n7 and his son. His partner was hugging him while the child stood in front of them, telling them every detail from the smallest to the largest, turning that moment into a familiar one so strong and so fragile at the same time, where within that world that was doomed to repeat itself, those moments and those special days made the union of this family stronger against all odds.