Chapter Text
Taph rests his head on the cold wall. It brings little of comfort, the heat from outside slowly but surely warming up the basement. The demolitionist feels hot, but also cold at the same time. He feels goosebumps on his sweaty skin.
Taph knows it's not good. He should undress a bit more, but the fear continues to be in control. Despite the pleading of others, Taph doesn't want to change his clothes.
The basement is mostly empty, the only things alive are spiders and Taph. Occasionally someone visits for a while, but they all have their own tasks. The person that stays the most is Two Time. Taph still finds them creepy, but he also sees that they changed. The demolitionist appreciates their presence.
Speaking of Two Time, the cultist enters the basement. However instead of their usual greeting, Taph is met with odd silence. The demolitionist looks at the cultist, noticing that their tail dropped. Taph stands up, feeling dizzy but determined. He walks over and taps Two Time on their shoulder.
- "2️⃣🕑❓🫵👍❓"
- "...I am feeling well..... It is a different issue that I am overreacting about."
- "❓❓"
- "...."- Two Time looks away, slightly biting their lip. They quickly correct themselves, putting on a strained smile.
- "2️⃣🕑...❓"
- "The Admin that is our leader is hesitant to allow me to assist others. He is afraid I am too unstable.... He doesn't know I hear him calling me that when he thought I was away. He is also busy trying to figure out where the purple killer went."
- "😔"
- "There is no need for pity. I have bigger concerns than my own feelings."- Two Time says, staring at the Demolitionist.
- "❓"- Taph tilt's his head with question.
- "I am good at observing people. And I know that if you keep up refusing to undress some of the clothes... you will die. We.... I do not want yet another death of a friend."- Two Time says with quiet voice. But in their eyes there is something that Taph never saw before, a worry.
The Demolitionist covers himself with wings, not wanting to talk about it again. He knows that they're right, he's killing himself again. Normally Taph would refuse immediately, but something that Two Time said make him stop.
They called him a friend. Taph never was called a friend before, he doesn't count that Chance called him that. The gambler calls everyone a friend.
Taph looks at Two Time. They are staring at him, creepily but with worry. They're a really closed off person, just like Taph. Despite this the demolitionist was able to see their progress, how they changed and continue to battle their issues.
Taph also feels a lot more comfortable with the group. The way everyone wants the best for each other, even despite being separated by being killers and survivors. The group cares about each other.... 1x1x1x1 being an only exception when it comes to Shedletsky.
- "👆👍❗🫵🗣️📈🫵😟" ("Fine. I will do it, BUT! You need to talk about your issues too")- Taph sighs bravely, immediately regretting it. But he can't back down now. Two Time slightly perks up, their tail wagging.
- "I am glad friend! If you need help I will be happy to help. And do it at your own peace! And I will keep my end of the deal despite not being happy with it."- They smile.
It takes a while longer. Taph takes a deep breath and lowers his hood. A dark brown hair with blonde ends is revealed. His eyes are unnaturally dark, with small white glowing pupils.
- "😷❓"
- "If you prefer you can leave leave your bandana on."
- "👍"- Taph nods slowly. He feels a bit anxious, considering that Two Time continues to stare. The Demolitionist curses cultist's staring problem.
He sighs, making up his mind. With shaky hands he takes off the robes, revealing his upper body, that is still covered by black T-shirt. Two Time sees Taph's body being ready odd, some parts of skin look normal, meanwhile other are pure black with shadowy appearance. There are also scars on his hands, the cultist believes it's from the dealing with bombs.
Despite the relief that Taph feels, he also covers himself with his wings. He's afraid of Two Time judging him.
- "Dear Friend. I have seen a lot of different looking people. There is nothing to be ashamed of."- Two Time eventually says quietly. Taph slightly looks up with confusion. Then he points at his scars and looks away in shame.
- ".....👎"
- "...Taph."- Hearing that demolitionist eyes widen, Two Time never called him by his name.- "If you look at me... You will see a lot of scars. And under my clothes there is even more. Yours are related to work you do.... That shows your dedication..."
- "🫵❓"
- "....Mine are caused by myself and the punishment for committing sins. The Spawn told.... No, the Elders told me that Spawn requires blood sacrifices to cleanse myself from my sins."
- "😨❗"- Taph gasps and hugs Two Time. Their eyes widen in shock, but they slowly return the hug.
- "I have overheard the admins talking about your story in past. I did not mean to hear that, but it happened... Those people that do.... Protests? It is unfair and sad that you were forced into hiding with no one coming your aid"
Taph closes his eyes when he hears Two Time saying that. He doesn't know why, but it feels nice knowing that what happened to him wasn't okay. Taph silently cries, his wings also covering Two Time.
After a while Taph looks up, his eyes widen when he sees Builderman staring at him with a smile and pride. The Demolitionist hides behind Two Time, he feels embarrassed. The cultist doesn't mind being a shield, they simply stand between them.
- "I'm proud... Of both of you. Taph, I'm glad that you decided to listen to us, I'll make sure that everyone will be mindful of your boundaries.... Two Time... How about we talk again about you wanting a task. Maybe we'll find something that fits."
- "👆🆘❓"
- "Sure, you can help. So what do you say?"- Builderman looks at Two Time. The cultist stays quiet for a second.
- "Alright. We can do that...."