Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun shone brightly over the bustling town of Robloxia. A city where anyone could be anything, within reason of course. It was a paradise to outsiders and home to those who lived there.

Sunlight reflected off Chance’s sunglasses. He was walking with the man he loved more than anything else, Itrapped. Long blonde hair, charming smile, and icy blue crown. Chance admired him a whole lot.

They were headed to a large event. It was a bidding for limiteds. Itrapped was always interested in a new limited. They weren’t cheap, but Chance would do anything if it made Itrapped happy.

Itrapped tugged their hand, before pointing to a new set of limiteds that no one had bid on. Extremely rare. A Valkyrie helmet. Chance had seen people at parties wear similar hats. Itrapped gave him a gleeful smile.

“This is the one, Chance! I told you about it last week. I just have to get it!”

With hesitation, Chance pulled out his card. It was over a thousand Robux. But the smile, the joy on Itrapped’s face. They looked at the price again.

“Are you sure about this, Trap? It’s awfully expensive.”

Itrapped’s expression darkened. Chance had never questioned the price of things before. He’d have to change tactics. A guilty conscience is an impulsive one. Itrapped put on his best disappointed face.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you mad at me? You’re hurting my feelings. I thought our love meant more than this.”

Chance felt his heart ache. Without a second thought, they slid the card and bought the item. Itrapped smirked as he examined his new limited. Chance always fell for the guilt tripping, he knew it was a bad habit to always say yes to Itrapped. But they just loved him so much.

The two of them walked off towards the car. Chance happily chatted about the casino to Itrapped on the drive home. He won black jack the other day. Poker was fun, but Chance was the king of black jack. Itrapped nodded along barely listening. Chance supposed that Itrapped was probably just tired, and they were being a bit annoying anyway.

Night fell, the comfort of the warm sun was gone. Chance listened to Itrapped’s heartbeat as he tried to fall asleep. He hadn’t been able to sleep much lately. Itrapped said it made them too pale and their under eyes were unattractive. His eyes slipped closed soon enough.

The night was peaceful besides Spade running around in her cage. That bunny was awfully active. Itrapped hated that stupid vermin, but Chance wouldn’t get rid of her. He was fine with cats or fish  because they were quiet, but this was crossing a line.

Chance’s phone dinged. A message from a friend, specifically the pizza shop worker named Elliot. They occasionally talked about stuff, becoming good friends. Chance made friends easily, they were friendly and eager to please. Itrapped stirred when he heard the ding.

Who the hell was Elliot? Oh, that stupid worker. Itrapped opened Chance’s phone, he knew the password. He blocked the contact. Itrapped knew this was it. This was how he’d get the Russian roulette plan to work. He went back to sleep, content with his plan.

The sun burst into the sky with multicolored bliss. Chance awoke to an eerily quiet, empty bed. He stood up, searching around the house for his lover. Where was Itrapped? This wasn’t like him. Chance finally found him, sitting on the couch with Chance’s phone in hand.

“Wanna explain why you’re texting other guys? What are you, a whore? Seriously, I expected better from you.”

Chance felt their eyes widen. Text? Oh, he was so stupid. It was Elliot, probably asking to meet up for coffee. They were good friends, but nothing more.

“He’s just my friend. Nothing more. I promise, darling.”

Itrapped only glared more before standing up. He slammed Chance’s phone on the table. Stepping closer and closer until they were face to face. He grabbed Chance’s wrist, digging his nails into it. Not hard enough to leave a mark though.

“Don’t talk to me like that! You are mine. I don’t give a shit if he’s a friend. You’re never talking to him again.”

Eyes welling up, Chance nodded. He knew Itrapped meant well. That was why he did these things. Chance knew that Itrapped hurt them because he loved them. That’s what it was, right? Love. Itrapped sighed, dropping Chance’s wrist.

“I hate yelling at you like this, sweetheart. It hurts me so much. But if I’m going to forgive you, you need to play this week’s Russian roulette.”

Russian roulette. It was a gamble. A chance. A risk. That was Chance’s whole life. Talking risks, living life on the edge. Luck bringing him to victory. Russian roulette was life or death though. Chance had to. Itrapped noticed his hesitation and spoke again.

“I won’t hesitate to leave. You have to prove that you love me. And if you don’t, I’ll leave. Without me, you’re nobody. Don’t forget that, Chance.”

Chance knew he was right. Itrapped had made them worthy. Without him, Chance was nothing at all. He had no personality, no identity. Itrapped told them who they were. Chance was determined to play the part, and fit the role.

“I’ll do it. Please, don’t leave. I love you so much.”

Itrapped nodded smugly. This was all going according to plan. Chance would lose, their luck would run out. Itrapped would get the key to Banlands from Chance’s safe. It was there, deep in the mansion that his family owned. Itrapped had eyes for it only.

“I know you do. Now, prove it.”

He never said it back. Chance hoped Itrapped would someday. They’d show him that they were worth it. Chance would be worth loving back.

He was a bird with broken wings. Itrapped’s love was a cage. Chance would never escape it, no matter how hard he tried. They’d never get away from the inevitable. It didn’t matter what they wanted. Chance’s feelings never mattered. He’d always be too much and not enough. One step away from perfection only to fall short.

The day came. Russian roulette. Itrapped sat on a chair outside of the game that he wasn’t playing. He’d already won. Chance’s hand shook as he raised the flint lock again. Click. It was safe. Member by member, the others were ended by a bang. Two left. Chance and another man. Bang. The other man slumped to the ground.

Itrapped was livid. How could one be so lucky? It was cruel, unfair. Chance smiled at him with that stupid look. Their eyes closed and they kissed Itrapped. Gently. Lovingly. Itrapped was never gentle. Never asked. It was love. Chance had repeated, hoping to justify the hurt.

“Good job, Chance…say, how about we celebrate by going to dinner? Let’s take the short cut.”

Chance nodded along happily. He wore that stupid red fedora and matching outfit. The one he’d felt so confident in. Itrapped told him the color didn’t fit. Chance wore it anyway, hoping it would give him a sense of freedom. It didn’t. The couple stepped into the alleyway.

Itrapped had brought it just in case. A long sword. The Darkheart. He planned to put through Chance. Holding Chance’s hand, he pulled them into a hug. Before anyone had a moment to say anything, pain shot through Chance’s chest.

He looked down to see a sword going through him. Blood everywhere. It coated their hands. Their heart. Everything. So much blood. Chance looked at Itrapped, crying in pain.

“W-…why? Did I do something….? I’m-…I’m sorry.”

Stuttering out an apology on the brink of death. How pathetic. Chance had always been confident and now, he was scared. Itrapped chuckled, shoving Chance to the ground. The sword went straight out, leaving them to bleed. His plan had worked. Chance fell right into the trap. That’s all it was. Itrapped looked down at Chance. A cold expression. His crown matching his icy blue eyes. Always cold. Too cold.

“Pathetic, I honestly never loved you. I just needed you for the key. Goodbye, Chance.”

Chance reached out, with teary eyes. He screamed and cried, desperately reaching for the one who hurt him. A rabbit facing a wolf. Pleading for the wolf to love it when it never did. The rabbit let the wolf hurt it one last time. For the rabbit loved the wolf enough to die.

His hand fell, blood spilling everywhere. They wished they could’ve been stronger, done something more. Chance’s eyes went dull and they let out one last shaky breath. One last thought pierced through the pain. No one would ever love him again. The world went dark for what seemed like forever.

Chapter Text

A dull ache rang through his head. Chance sat up on the bed. It was technically Elliot’s bed, but after they started dating, they shared. Looking to the side, Chance saw Elliot sleeping peacefully. They brushed his blonde hair back. So sweet.

Chance looked at the clock on the bed side table. Two hours before the next round. That was manageable. His hands were still shaking from the dream. Chance would ignore it. Gently rubbing Elliot’s back, they hoped to wake him up.

“Eli, it’s time to get up. We have a round in two hours.”

The usual sigh. Chance smiled, it was predictable. Not erratic or fear inducing. Not yet, at least. Elliot sat up tiredly. Poor thing. Chance knew he must be exhausted from all the late nights cooking. He pulled Elliot closer, prompting him to speak.

“Okay, okay. I’m up.”

Elliot yawned for about the fifth time walking to the lobby. Chance snickered, it was cute. They both arrived at the lobby, greeted by an interesting scene.

Noob was chugging a Bloxy Cola as usual. Two Time was praying. Taph and Dusekkar were having a conversation. Builderman was helping Guest 1337 set up for the next round. They handed up weapons to the correct owners. A new precaution after certain circumstances. 007n7 was no where to be found, but he was likely around. Shedletsky was chatting idly to Guest and Builderman.

Elliot rolled up his sleeves, getting to work on breakfast. Chance admired the dedication. They wished they could be useful like that. Hopefully, Elliot gave him some meaning. A purpose. A worth. Chance shook their thoughts away when Noob started to talking to them.

“H-hey, Chance.”

Noob was always a nervous one. Chance couldn’t help but worry. It wasn’t his business though, so he wouldn’t push.

“What’s up, Noob?”

Flipping their coin, Chance waited for a response. Noob looked like they were about to cry.

“O-oh, nothing! Just-just saying hello!”

They quickly walked away leaving Chance a bit confused. He flipped his coin again, pushing his sunglasses up. Elliot walked over to them.

“Hey, you okay? You’re doing the coin thing again.”

Coin thing? Oh. Elliot always said Chance’s excessive coin flipping was a nervous habit. Unlikely, impossible, not even true. That’s what they told themselves.

“You worry too much, darling. It’s simply just fidgeting. I have a lot of energy.”

Chance pulled his shades down, giving Elliot a wink. Usually that would soothe the pizza boy’s worries. Lately, he’d only gotten more persistent. Something about Chance hiding something. Elliot rubbed his temples, he was really getting sick of the denial.

“Fine. If you aren’t ready to talk then I won’t push you. I’m here for you, though. Please don’t forget that, Chance.”

Swallowing hard, Chance nodded. Elliot was here for them. He cared. He’d never hurt Chance, right? Thoughts of this plagued Chance’s thoughts as the group of survivors ate breakfast. It was like before. He was in a relationship again. What if Elliot got upset or angry? Would the same things happen again?

Chance flipped the coin again, this time it fell. Clattering across the floor. It landed on tails. Maybe his luck was running out. Chance didn’t notice that they were being stared at, the coin gaining the group’s attention.

“Gambler, your coin has fallen.”

It was Two Time. Chance had actually become friends with them. Even if sometimes they were a bit…odd. He nodded to them and picked up the coin. Elliot shot them another worried look. Damn, if Chance had made a worried look jar for Elliot it would’ve been overflowing with coins by now.

The round started soon after. This round’s killer was John Doe. The map was Horror Hotel. Chance hurried off to fix a generator. The puzzles were always confusing for him. Finally, the generator wires lined up, making the round time go down. Suddenly, he heard the first layer of John Doe’s theme. Chance flipped their coin. It landed on tails again.

The music got louder until Chance was trapped by the Corrupt Energy spikes. John Doe faced Chance before landed a hit with his corrupted arm. Chance flipped the coin again, tails. Guest 1337 ran over, going to stun John Doe. Unfortunately, Chance was already on low health. One last slash caused him to respawn back in the lobby.

The lobby was empty. Chance felt like an idiot. They’d been slacking lately. Messing up. Maybe Elliot was right. Maybe there was something wrong. Itrapped was right…he was pathetic. Chance went to the cabin that they shared with Elliot. Spade hadn’t been lost too. She was brought with him by the Spectre. Chance was grateful for that, at least.

Taking her out of the cage, she pawed at him. Spade always knew. She was more than just a bunny to Chance. Spade was a comfort, like one of those emotional support animals. Chance hugged her close, she let out a squeak. The round ended, only Noob and Shedletsky had died too.

The door creaked open. Elliot sat next to Chance. It was quiet. Not a bad quiet, just quiet. Elliot leaned his head against Chance. Spade crawled onto Elliot, she liked him a lot. He smiled petting her a few times. Elliot faced Chance. Even with the sunglasses and the hat, Elliot knew. Chance’s poker face didn’t fool him.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Look, I don’t want to sound mean, but you really weren’t doing great today.”

Chance’s heart sped up. They were staring at Elliot. He wasn’t Itrapped. He told himself. Elliot wasn’t. But the tone, the concern that seemed a little too blunt. It came off just like him. Elliot was mad. Furious. He hated Chance. Probably never loved him. Itrapped was right. No one would ever love them again.

“I’m okay! My damn coin just wasn’t working. Lady Luck must be taking a day off.”

Elliot looked at him skeptically. Spade pawed at him again, more insistently. She knew Chance, knew when he scared. And right now, Chance was terrified. Elliot noticed the shaky hands, the sleepless nights, and the subtle flinches. He’d waited for Chance to be ready. But it seemed like there wasn’t a right time for conversations like this.

“Don’t lie to me. I’ve given you space and time, but we have to talk about this. Something is wrong. You’re hurting. Please, just talk to me.”

A twitch. A crack in the facade. The king of hearts. The one who won countless games at the casino. A poker face that seemed unbreakable. Elliot was the one to see right through it. Chance sniffled, they felt a soft hand on their cheek. His face was wet. Not with sweat from hard work, but from tears. Tears that came from years suffering in silence.

Hiding from the past that couldn’t be faced. A truth that no one ever wanted to hear or admit. Chance knew Itrapped. They thought they did. It was all a lie. A mouse lured into the lion’s den. Chance never wanted to be seen as weak. So, he made himself bigger hoping he’d feel less small. Less scared. It didn’t. The five word sentence was all it took to break Elliot’s heart in two.

“Are you gonna hurt me…?”

Elliot pulled Chance into a tight embrace. It was protective, loving. Not suffocating. Not silent. It was one filled with purpose and honestly.

“No, no. I’ll never ever hurt you. You hear me, sweetie. Never. Why would you ever think that?”

It was a bitter truth. Chance wasn’t ready. They’d never be. But he’d find a way to say it. To speak up. After living in silence in a house filled with screams. They’d say something.

“…someone I loved hurt me. I don’t know why. I used to be so afraid he’d hurt me, that I wanted to die. I know you aren’t like him, but I’m still scared sometimes.”

Elliot felt tears drip down his own face. The thought of someone even saying something cruel to his lover was heartbreaking, but the fact that Chance had been hurt was worse. He held Chance closely, rocking them both back and forth.

“I’m so sorry, baby. You didn’t deserve that. It’s not your fault. Please don’t ever think that it is. Promise me that if you ever get scared or feel like that again that you’ll tell me.”

Chance nodded, wiping tears. Elliot took his sunglasses off. With gentleness, he took Chance’s face in his hands.

“May I kiss you? I want to show you how much I love you. I want you to feel how love should feel. It shouldn’t hurt. It should never hurt.”

He asked. Elliot always asked. Never forced or pressured. Chance was forever grateful for it. They nodded, letting Elliot pepper kisses all over their face. It was gentle. It was kind. A love that never hurt. Elliot’s love was the sun on a warm summer day. It was close and patient. Never suffocating or painful. Chance said the words that he had been wanting to say all evening.

“I love you, Elliot. So much. Thank you for showing me what love is.”

Elliot smiled cheekily. It wasn’t a sly or smug smile. It was genuine. Chance leaned against him as Elliot played with their hair. Elliot knew that Chance was tired. Tired of nightmares. Tired of fear. He was going to protect Chance. Make him feel safe.

“I love you too.”

Not an “I know” or a request. It was a confirmation of what Chance had been shown. Elliot loved them. It didn’t hurt. Love didn’t hurt. It was safe. It was present. It was comforting. It was caring. Elliot was love. Chance couldn’t just feel it. He knew it. They relaxed in each other’s arms, finally feeling a true sense of safety.