Chapter Text
The 2 walked side by side to the table, exchanging little words but huge feelings.
The survivors grouped around the table, indulging in the food while it was still hot.
Elliot took a few bites, then slowly started to pick at it, making little critiques toward himself. "Carrots are too overcooked.. broth too salty.. potatoes undercooked.."
He sighed, the little voice in his head getting overwhelming. "Why cant you be good enough. The others hate you. They're just being nice." He let his thoughts race, internally screaming while he externally smiled and socialized.
Then another thought struck him.
"They would absolutely despise you if they ever found out what you are.. disgusting creature."
Elliot felt a shiver down his spine. He wrapped his arms around his chest, focusing on breathing normally. He felt his heart racing as he heard Guest1337 asking if he was alright.
He quickly threw out a response "I'm good! Just cold. And Im done anyways."
007n7 threw him a look, as if he knew something was off. So did Chance. At that, Elliot abruptly stood.
"I-I need to go to the restroom." And with that, he briskly walked out of the kitchen. Once out of sight, he sprinted down the hall and to the bathroom, and locked himself in.
He leaned over the counter, breathing heavily. He lifted up his shirt, and traced the scars under his chest where he had surgery. Flashbacks of his mother, screaming at him for being different, exploiting him.. they all flooded back. "Disgusting creature." His mother spat in his face. "You're my daughter, not my son!"
He pulled his shirt back down, turned on the sink, and took a moment to breathe. He splashed the cold water on his face, helping him reset.
He just slouched there for a while, needing time to collect himself. Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door.
"Elliot?"
007n7. Elliot jumped, turning the sink off and flushing the toilet to create the illusion he had truly needed a restroom break. He quickly wiped off his face with a white hand towel, then opened the door and peeked out. He was met with 7n7s face inches from his. Both of them jumped back a step.
"Oh- Sev! Hey-"
"Elliot- You okay?"
007n7 didn't let Elliot change the subject so easily. The directness startled Elliot momentarily. He cleared his throat, leaning on the door.
"Im fine! Why do you ask?"
"El.."
"What?"
"Everyone noticed you were off when you stood up. Whats going on? And I swear if you're being harsh about your cooking, dont be! You did great- Hell I cant even cook!"
Elliot opened up his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
Sev tilted his head. "Its more than that, isnt it?"
Elliot looked down, wanting to avoid the topic. He thought about how Chance was the only one to even know about the trans-situation. He wasnt sure if he was ready to tell anyone else. He darted his eyes up to look at 007n7, who was still standing there, a concerned look on his face.
"I.."
"Elliot, you dont have to tell me if it makes you uncomfortable, which, it clearly does. Just.. let me be here for you like you were for me?"
Elliot looked up fully, eyes glistening with appreciation.
"That.. that would be nice.. thank you, Sev."
007n7 opened his arms, offering a hug, which Elliot quickly accepted, practically flinging himself into the embrace. They both stood there for a few minutes. Elliot was squeezing as hard as he could, and 007n7 just squeezed gently back, letting Elliot do what he needed to comfort himself.
After a those few moments, when Elliot pulled out of the hug, 7n7 put a hesitant hand on Elliot's shoulder, praying he wasnt being overly physically affectionate or making the other uncomfortable.
"Feel any better?"
"Yeah.. that helped. Thanks.."
"Anytime."
Sev offered a small smile, just glad he was able to help. Elliot searched his deep brown eyes, finding comfort in the gentle colors and the warmth. 7n7 noticed this and tilted his head, not questioning it, but he did feel heat creeping up his neck.
After they just stood there for a couple minutes more, 7n7 subconsciously offered a hand. Elliot took it, feeling warmth touch his cheeks. They walked to the lobby where the others were gabbing about. A few turned heads at the sound of footsteps. Elliot expected a weird look from at least someone. After all, Sev was still somewhat infamous to the group, and he had just walked into the room holding hands with the man. But to his surprise, no one seemed to really care or be bothered at all.
They sat down in an empty spot on the couch, picking up on conversations so they could join the mingling. It wasnt long before Builderman spoke up about something the survivors had collectively been thinking about over the past few days.
"There hasnt been a round recently."
Everyone turned to look at the older man, then looked at each other, nodding. Normally there was a round every 3-5 days. It had been almost 2 weeks since the last round.
"Maybe the maps are being reworked? Or killers are getting new abilities?" Jane Doe spoke thoughtfully, her voice smooth.
"Or maybe a new killer, or a new comrade on our side?" Guest1337 interpreted, his voice like gravel.
Everyone took their turns debating on what could be going on. Elliot himself was curious as to why, but at the same time he wasnt complaining. The 2 weeks off was greatly appreciated.
However as everyone shared their thoughts, it seemed as if they were overheard.
A new round was announced.
With a name no one had recognized.
Well, no one except for 007n7.
The admins had gone quiet too, exchanging annoyed, knowing expressions.
"The killer for this round will be:
Noli."