Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

after the long treacherous events of what many may know as the forsaken realm, the admins had a lot of work to do. whatever you think I mean by a lot, double it. Dusekkar, Builderman, Shedletsky were all backed up months with paperwork that were all important. not even to mention the other survivors who were also let back into society. while all the others were going to support groups, or getting their life back together Dusekkar was stuck in an office late at night reading thousands of backed up emails and the huge number of papers he needed to print. their whole team was so lost without them around and now that their back most issues were resolved in time, but it was important for him to do his job. he couldn't even ask anyone for help; it was frustrating the inconvenience of being away for so long and not even to mention his lack of sleep from the nightmares. some nights he still felt like he was desperately trying to save others in the midst of chaos. but, nevertheless. this work needs to get done. Dusekkar groaned as he leaned back in his chair the flame in his head dimmer than usual.

he just wanted to get some sleep, maybe he could rest his eyes just a little? he shot back up from his rest only a few seconds later, pretending to look busy on instinct. to the sound of the heavy metal door creaking open. hunched over his computer re-reading the same email for what felt like the fifth time Dusekkar realized that he didn't hear any footsteps. "Someone lurking through the dark? I sense an eerie draft." he questioned as a slow glove reaches out of the darkness scaring him into becoming a living flashbang of flame for only moment. Taph holding his sleeves over his face as his wings pushed a gust of wind his way, muscle memory from his malfunctioning bombs.

"Oh- Taph, I thought thou would not be present until the sun was high and in the sky." Taph calmed himself stepping forward as Dusekkar turned on a lamp better to see his hands with. Taph simply pointed towards the window on the other side of the room making Dusekkar realize it was already morning. "Oh, that can't be! I only rested my eyes for a moment I hath not realized the time had escaped by at such haste. I hope thou not shame me to find me at such a disgraceful state." he muttered that last sentence. he was a bit embarrassed that Taph caught him in such a vulnerable moment.

but Taph didn't ridicule him, he only nodded calmly his cloak being the only thing you could see in the night or day. he pulled his hands more out signing out to him slowly. Dusekkar had known sign for a long time he often was Taph's translator for those in the treacherous realm who didn't know sign. he told him that he promises he didn't see him in such ways which eased Dusekkars worry. "Ah, apologies Taph. I should not assume that of you. come hither and I will show you to the room you'll be meeting in."

after the traumatizing events everyone in their groups most of the warrants and such for the criminals including Taph got waved, although due to Taph's line of work it would be a danger to release him back into the public. so, the decision was made for him to get back on his feet here at Roblox HQ. it really was sad to Dusekkar to think that he used to be such a loyal asset to Builderman and then for it all to be thrown away. they arrived at the office that Dusekkar knew to be the meeting room holding back a yawn as he opened the door for him "someone will be here soon I will inform them you were punctual and respectful upon arrival." he said before taking his leave. Taph grabbed at the sleeve of his cloak turning him back to sign a thank you before he left. Dusekkar was surprised to find that he

was so well mannered even if in his own way. it made him prideful to know he did something today, but for now it was time to clock out and get some rest. he was going to need it for tomorrow.
when he made it back to his house his mind continued to wander back to his surprise encounter. would his old companion get a job near his office? what was he applying for? will he get to see him again tomorrow? he had to admit he was sounding a bit desperate in his head.

it had been a while since any of his former colleagues had spoken properly to him due to the large workload and stress everyone in HQ was under. but non the less, he hoped he could rekindle a friendship with Taph even though it had been a while since their last formal meeting. the last time was... unimportant. he doesn't need to think about that horrid realm anymore, it's over he needs to move on, or it will hinder his work. and his work is far more important than some silly fears.
Dusekkar put his journal down putting it away in his bookshelf like he usually did. he enjoyed logging each and every day it helped his mind stay clear. he laid his head down on the pillow minding his antlers before extinguishing his candle too rest for the afternoon.

Chapter Text

Taph didn't expect to be forgiven so easily. When it was his time to come back to reality he almost didn't want to go, they felt almost a pull towards that feeling. He wanted to suffer because he regretted what he did, he felt he deserved it. It took him weeks to get out of bed before he could even make his way to HQ. seeing Dusekkar again… it made him feel a bit better. He always had an interest in Dusekkar ever since he was created. Two immortal beings without a true age only here for a sole duty no matter how different they may be.
demolitionist were not born, they were created and it was for a purpose. Taph had lost that purpose when he and all the others got fired. Most moved on and abandoned all of their centuries of traditions and work, but Taph… Taph didn't want it to stop, to change. He was brash, immature, and ever so naive, he hurt so many people he was reckless. But right now he needs to at least try and get better. He has visited the support group a few times. It helped enough to get him used to going out again but not without his cloak. He knew it was dangerous to show such an obvious sign of his past but he just couldn't let that go. It was part of him, it was him and it was a tie back to his way of life. He didn't have the same abilities as the admins he could only destroy and not create.

He sat down in the chair watching Builderman, the head administrator for Roblox and his boss for the second time. He always admired and respected Builderman, he likes to think that he feels the same amount of respect for him, even after what he did. “So Taph, we discussed what positions were open last time you were here. But I also remember talking to you about your cloak.” Taph tensed a bit averting his eyes away from the man. By Telamon's name why cant he just let him have this. “Taph. We talked about this. I understand your concerns and your connection to it but we both know that there will be more complications for us if you keep wearing that to HQ.” Taph took a shaky breath bringing his clawed hand to his face wiping his eye before agreeing to Builderman's terms of service. Accepting the job and its requirements. “Great, you will start tomorrow. Oh, and please wear this.” he slid the blue shirt and sweatpants towards Taph across the desk. “I hope to see you wearing it tomorrow.” Taph nodded though his throat was tight looking at the uniform, he doesn't know if he can get used to this.

He trembled his way out of Builderman's office and out of Roblox HQ he felt it so overwhelming he had to stop in a random alleyway because he couldn't stop it, things were changing too fast and this was going to be the hardest moment of his life. Years of silence and the cloak was the only thing that was sacred to a demolitionist, it protected their identity, it showed their true self through it. This cloak was his identity, he earned this. But did he really? Did he actually just think he earned these stripes on his hood and the purple hue even though he got them solely through rebelling against direct orders. Did he really just think he deserved any of the honor he supposedly earned? After… it doesn't matter.
It never had an ounce of honor, not sewn into the seams not woven into the fabric. He reached for his hood grazing his glove against the fabric. With his two shaky hands he pulled the hood back, It felt like moving a boulder past his head. “Taph?” called out a slightly familiar voice and he tore his hood back over his head in a panic. “Aw man! I haven't seen you in a good while how ya been?” Taph couldn't think, or he was thinking too much? Did he see him without his hood? Did he see? Is he going to hurt me? Why is he breathing so hard? It's so cold. “Hey- hey, um… Jeez, I'm not good at this…slow down! I can't read focus when you sign so fast!” he wasn't even sure if his hands were forming comprehensible sentences he just started to break down and cry pulling his cloak tighter. Everything was a blur but what he did know was that he was sitting on a park bench with 007n7 drinking a milkshake out of a to-go cup watching the large red child playing on the swings.
“You feeling better bud’ ?” he soothed, patting his shoulder firmly. He didn't know what to think, he honestly just wanted to curl up into a ball and cease to exist. But nonetheless he began to explain once again slower this time and even slower than usual since 07’ never quite learned all the signs in their time ‘away’ 007n7 took a long time to think before turning to him with a bright expression, which worried Taph a little. “Why don't you come back to my place for dinner, I have something that might help and you look like you could use a good meal. We don't have much but Coolkidd would love some company, especially since… everything.” 007n7 rubbed the back of his neck a little bit, he looked guilty for bringing it up as if it was his fault. He nodded, he really did need a good meal. It had been nothing but cups of ramen and take out food for a while. He felt starving.

He walked with 007n7 and Coolkidds from the park, listening to the child's stories and antics. He's been getting up too clapping his hands whenever he said something awesome he did or reenacting comic book scenes. When they got there 007n7 immediately made his way to the kitchen and his son dragged him to the living room to show him his favorite cartoons. It wasn't easy for Taph to relate to children, he may have been naive in the past but children… were a different story. He doesn't know what it's like, none of his kind did. It felt like ages of playing with this large red child bossing him around before 07 finally called for dinner watching as cool kids sprinted to the table almost knocking the chair over when he leapt onto it like a frog perching on it, while being scolded by his father for being so reckless. Their relationship reminded Taph somewhat of his relationship with Telamon… in a way. Taph looked down at the food and it looked absolutely wonderful! mashed potatoes, green beans, and chicken. The true classic home cooked meal. He signs praises before picking up his plate. “W-wait buddy where are you going?” Both of them paused for a moment, 07's gears turning in his head “Ohhhh, never mind. you can eat in the living room if you like. I’ll make sure Coolkidd doesn't go in there till you're finished.
He nodded, excusing himself from the table and laying back on the couch hearing Coolkidd ask questions about his secrecy of identity and 07 answering them the best he could. Taph slowly pulled down his bandanna and took a bite of the chicken first, making him close his eyes savoring the good food. Elliot might have some competition for best cook, even though nobody could eat his pizzas for months after the… events. He pulled his mask back up satisfied before making his way to the kitchen and rinsing off his dish. “Oh you don't have to do that, Coolkidd has to later anyway.” Coolkidd groaned from the other room in annoyance which made Taph smile a bit.

He followed the old exploiter to his bedroom awkwardly standing by the door as he fished something out of his closet “I know it's not the same, but maybe instead of a cloak you could wear this hoodie under it? It's a little big on you but I don't doubt you know your way around a needle and thread.” Taph smiled taking the hoodie into his hand and holding it tight sniffling a bit “oh bud- its okay don't cry-” an unexpected hug from 07 made it all start to fall out, tears rolling out his eyes “We have all been worried about you bud, the group they- they can help when you need it we are all looking out for each other.” Taph nodded, thanking him before making his way to the door saying goodbye to Coolkidd before making his way back home.

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Taph sat on the floor of his messy apartment, sewing needle in hand with a yellow thread, sewing away at the seams. Only a subtle amount as to not be recognized though he doubted people would even remember the intricacies of the pattern due to how small they were. The only people who would know the true meaning would be Builderman, and a talonful of the other admins. The company of the flickering lamp in the dead of night and the cardboard covered windows were the only thing to keep him company. Frankly, he was embarrassed. He would never invite anyone into his home with how… isolated it was. But it was what he liked! What would happen if someone even got a snippet of where he was. The protesters aren't as frequent but there are many that would be against his cloak or not. But… It's nice to know that he has people he can trust even if he doesn't show them his face just yet. And identity is something so personal, so private that only the closest family, friends or lovers can know of it. Someday he might have something like that, but right now he needs to rest for the big day at his new job ahead of him.