Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Have a wonderful day, hope to see you again soon!"

Elliott's been having a normal day in Builder Brothers. The customers have been nice, the pace has been smooth, and C00lkidd hasn't shown up to wreck everything! Which was weird considering they got unblacklisted, a decision his father made that is beyond him. Right now, not much was happening. Lulu was out making deliveries, the cooks were on break, and there were no orders in place as of now, so he had a little time to relax. He takes a soft sigh as he stretches his back, and he begins to let his mind wander for a moment.

The business; it's been a little slower than its heyday, but it's still enough to not be bankrupt.

The customers; some are nice, some are not. At least the bad ones make good stories to tell to his friend, Chance.

His sister; she's been fine, though she's been getting into more trouble lately. Something something about making a new friend.

And then to his dad. Mr. Builder himself. Not much has changed regarding his father, at least in his opinion. He has been going out more, which was nice to see. Sometimes, he would cocoon himself in his office all day, managing the Dumps' finances and such. Seeing him out and about more often was refreshing, but also. . . Strange. Elliot's not sure what changed, as the business hasn't really changed either, other than a little more staff. Elliot shrugs as she zones back into reality, opting to chalk it up to a change of heart or something.

Good thing he did because soon he saw some people walk in. Oh well, back to work mode, he could ask his dad about it later anyway.

"YOU STOLE MY PANDA!!"

"NO I DIDN'T!"

Elliot did not even get a chance to breathe when he walked into his house because Mia was accusing him of something.

"WELL, IT'S NOT THERE ANYMORE!!"

She blows raspberries as she storms off, clearly mad, but it seemed surface-level at worst. He sighs as he takes off his visor and kicks off his shoes, stumbling over to the couch, letting out a sigh of relief as his body relaxes from being up all day. As much as he loved working, he couldn't ignore that it was a killer on his feet. He would've pulled out his phone and basically doom scrolled for a few hours, until he noticed something on the dining.

A bouquet of flowers.

What in the world? Begrudgingly, Elliot got up, instantly feeling a shot of pain in his feet, but he pulled through as he approached. It was roses, but also tulips and carnations, his dad's favourite. . . There was a card attached too

"Last night was amazing! Didn't know you knew how to sing like that. Can't wait to see you again, Billy!

Love,

N <3"

. . . Is this why his dad was getting out more often!? He knew the divorce was messy for him and he put off love for a while, but wow. . . He didn't think-

Mr. Builder's office door opens suddenly, making Elliot jump and stand there like a deer in headlights. Before his dad could say a word, Elliot began to speak without thinking.

"Dad, do you have a girlfriend?!"

". . ."

They both stared at each other as Elliot could see Mia eavesdropping from the staircase in the corner of her eye.

"Well, not a girlfriend."

"What."

"After your mother, I decided to branch out more, see what other options there are for me as I felt ready."

Elliot took a few seconds to process what his dad meant by that.

". . ."

". . ."

"YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND!?"

Somehow, this was more shocking than it should've been. He could see his dad sigh and scratch the back of his neck.

"We both would rather not use terms like that, it makes us seem like immature teenagers. . ."

"Still, you're dating a guy?? I mean, all power to you, but I thought you were straight."

"And I thought you were a girl, but look where we are today, hm, son?"

Elliot's eyes narrowed as he heard Mia snicker.

". . . Touche."

"I didn't mean to leave those out, I had thought you were going to stay out later."

Elliot couldn't help but also snicker a little as he rubbed his face, letting his posture relax more.

"How long has this been going on?"

"A few months now."

"Damn, long-term?"

"We're aiming for that."

"You hopping to propooosseee?~"

Mr. Builder grimaced at his son's teasing comments, half-expecting this to happen.

". . . Perhaps, I do love him."

"Hehahahh!! Who is it?"

For once, his dad hesitated to answer. He's usually always so open with him, but this was out of the ordinary.

"You might not like the answer."

Elliot casually shrugged as his expression was one of calmness.

"Awhhh, come on, Dad! If I'm gunna have another dad, I should know who it is beforehand!-"

"It's 007n7."

Elliot froze in place, his eyes wide in shock as Mia gasped, almost falling down the stairs from how far she was leaning by now. The pizzaboys mind buffered and buffered and buffered before. . .

Loaded in!

"007N7!?"

Chapter Text

After Elliot basically shirked at the realization that his father was dating that 007n7, he almost fainted. Mr. Builder sighed as he also fully expected that reaction. He appreciated and patted his son on the shoulder.

"I knew you were not going to take it well."

Elliot basically brain-gliched out as he tried to wrap his dead around it.

"Huh-what-wuh- WHY HIM OF ALL PEOPLE!? WHY!? HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!? ARE YOU BRAIN DAMAGED!?"

Mr. Builder groaned again as he put both his hands on Elliot's shoulders and suddenly shook him really hard.

"Would you calm down already, boy!"

Elliot got shaken up for a good five seconds before being let go as he regained some composure.

"Ughhh-"

"I know you're confused, and I'm happy to answer your questions if you tell me clearly and calmly."

Elliot takes a deep breath as he nods, needing to keep his cool no matter how much he wants to strangle 007n7. Did he use a code on his dad? Is this just to get back at him!? God, he fucking HATES that damned hacker!

"How did you two meet like this?"

"Well. . ."

Mr. Builder thinks back to a few months ago, seven to be exact. . . .

Mr. Builder was taking a walk out into the park for once, needing to get fresh air rather than staying inside all day after he noticed how pale he's gotten over the weeks. The sun was bright and warm on him as he adorned more casual clothing than the suit and tie he usually wore. A regular white button-up with a black jacket over it and pants.

It's a beautiful day outside. (Use as few words as you can to summon a fandom)

And then he heard laughter.

He looked over and, in the distance, saw someone. . . Familiar. A man with a rather silly burger hat on and a child who looks nothing like him.

C00lkidd and 007n7, the bane of Builder Brothers' Pizza.

He hasn't seen the two in a while since they blacklisted them both, which made sense, but he couldn't help this feeling of distain in his gut. Mr. Builder watched for a few moments, watching the two play frisbee around the park's field. If he could push past aside the two's past misdeeds, he would almost say it was a sweet sight, but he knew those two's true nature-

He blinked as he suddenly saw the frisbee come hurdling towards him.

He was luckily able to land just in time for it to crash land onto the sidewalk as 007n7 came running over, a worried expression on his tired face.

"Ohhohh my 404!! I am so sorry! I didn't mean for my aim to get that bad! Are you okay!?"

Did. . . 007n7 not reconize him? Then again, he did look rather different from the last saw each other. For the sake of keeping the peace, he stayed cordial.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. It didn't hit me, but be more careful next time."

There was sterness in his voice that 007n7 seemed to recognize as he saw the colour from his face drain for a moment, it was almost funny. However, while he expected disdain or rage or. . . Even any hint of malice in the hacker's face, he saw. . . Dread? Fear? Not what he expected from this "all-feared-crazed-hacker."

"M-Mr. Builder-"

His voice cracked in a way the businessman did not expect.

"I-I. . . Oh gosh, I-"

The man in front of him seemed to be at a loss for words as he backed up, keeping his hands close to his chest, almost like he was bracing for an attack. It made Mr. Builder's sharp gaze soften.

"Gah! I want to apologize again for what C00lkidd did a while back! I'm so so so sorry for not keeping my c00lgui locked away better; he should not have been able to get his hands on it. It's my fault, really! I'm so sorry!"

007n7 began to ramble apologies after apologies, most saying that the blame was on him and that he wanted to make it up to Mr. Builder. The businessman had listened to the first half of this slightly self-deprecating speech before his mind began to wander. This man in front of him is nothing like the cynical, destructive, selfish hacker he saw in his earlier days, and the one Elliot would describe to him. The 007n7 in his head was this mad man who only wished for fun, screwing with the admins, setting fire to any building he saw fit, but the man infront of him?

The one with eye bags under his eyes, slightly drooping glasses, a blue collared slightly-stained t-shirt, dadbodded, slightly timid man standing before him.

Something had changed in the time they were absent from each other's lives. . . And Mr. Builder is curious.

"Please, stop."

007n7 instantly stops talking, and C00lkidd walks by, tugging on his dad's leg as he listens in on the conversation between the two.

"I. . . Accept your apology."

"W-wait, really?"

"It's clear you've taken the responsibility of these actions that happened a while ago, I don't see what good it does to keep a changed customer from entering the establishment anymore."

007n7 and C00lkidd's eyes light up a bit, the little boys more so as he jumps up with joy.

"YAAAYY!!! THANK YOU, MISTER BUILDER MAN! I PROMISE I WONT BURN IT AGAIN!!"

The red child giggled and jumped about like he had just eaten an entire chocolate cake and was feeling the effects of the sugar just now. 007n7 chuckled softly, and Mr. Builder couldn't help but smile at the scene in front of him. 007n7 turns back to look at him.

"I-I can't- wow, this is so sudden. I can't thank you enough!"

"It's no problem."

"But. . . What would Elliot think?- I know we don't really have. . . A great history. He still gives me death glares if he sees me on the street."

His son always didn't know how to forgive. . .

"I'll have a talk with him, I'm sure he'll understand eventually."

"Heh. . . Still, thank you, Mr. Builder-"

He cuts the hacker- or, well, ex-hacker fits better, off.

"William. Call me William, please, no need for the formalities out of work."

007n7 smiles a little as the businessman couldn't help but think the smile on the other's face suits him so much. Then 007n7 spots C00lkidd trying to climb, and before he can run over to make sure he doesn't fall, he feels a hand on his shoulder as he's given a piece of paper.

"We should talk again, I'd love to see how you've changed."

007n7 stares at the number on the paper in shock as he just nods before speeding over to do what he originally was going to. Mr. Builder watched him leave as he couldn't help but feel an ever-so-soft ache to feel the other man's touch again.

"And we began to talk more and more after that. One thing led to another, and we started dating."

Mia had fully come down the stairs to listen in as she sat on the couch not too far away, Elliot being frozen in place once again.

". . ."

". . ."

". . ."

". . ."

"You. . . You have bad taste in men."

Chapter Text

It's been about. . . Only a day since his dad admitted he was both dating a man, but also dating 007n7. Yeah, that 007n7.

Elliot had gotten out, wanting to get some fresh air, maybe, and clear his mind from this thing that really shouldn't be plaguing his mind at the moment. But it appears the world (or Specter) hates him because, as he walks, he notices someone in the distance. A familiar burgher hat on, postman attire as he delivered mail.

007n7.

Oh, God fucking DAMNIT. The pizzaboy almost wanted to scream so loudly out of frustration; he really couldn't get away from reminders like this, could he? Wait, this could be the perfect opportunity for. .

007n7 was just minding his own business, doing his post office job before Elliot came running at him at Mock 10. Instead of having the survival instincts of a deer, he quickly dodges out of the way before Elliot could grab him, causing the guy to almost slam into the parchment. Luckily, 007n7 manages to grab the back of his shirt and keeps him up, getting the pizza boy onto stable ground.

"Elliot! Oh gosh, are you okay!?-"

"Did you put a hack on my dad!?"

007n7 gulped a little. With how many accusations Elliot has made oh him, this one had to be the most ridiculous.

"What?-"

"I found out you're getting sweet with him, what's your deal with that!? Is this some sort of sick revenge!?"

The ex-hacker shifted uncomfortably, clutching his messenger bag as he tried to formulate some words that made sense.

"I- Elliot, I'm not like that anymore-"

"Yeah, suuurrree."

 007n7 grimaced at that, but opted not to say anything back as not to cause trouble with the pizzaboy.

"I'm sorry, but what C00lkidd and I did to the pizza place happened a long time ago. I think you need to let it go."

Elliot blinked.

"Let it go? You think I need to let it go!? Hah! Yeah, right, you tormented me SOOOO much. I never knew what was going to happen next! Was gravity going to turn off? Were the walls turning into grass?? You both are so unpredictable! I can't believe your son turned out like you!"

The amount of venom in Elliot's voice cut deeper than it should've as 007n7 wanted to run, but he stayed in place, opting to let Elliot let out his pent-up anger. . . Or at least, that was the plan until the house in front of them opened its doors.

"N7?- God damnit, what the hell are you doing, Elliot!?"

Apparently, they were standing outside 007e7's house.

"E, it's fine-"

But seems like 007e7 was NOT having it as he walks out of his house to get between the two robloxians. He stood his ground as he glared at the pizza boy.

"Come on, dude, it's 7 AM on a Tuesday! Do you gotta be belittling him?"

"Well, I'm sorry, but I need answers!"

"Answers to what!?"

"He's DATING MY FATHER!"

007n7 flushes red in embarrassment as he looks away, as 007e7 glances at him, surprised.

"You for real, man?"

He asks as 007n7 nods, hiding his face in his hands. 007e7 just smirked.

"Nice catch."

n7 only groans harder in embarrassment as Elliot seems more infuriated.

"Still, not a reason to be yelling at him so loud I could hear you from my kitchen."

Now Elliot was a little embarrassed. Was he really that loud? He hadn't meant to be.

"And yeah, he's right. Yes, what he did to the pizza place was pretty awful, but that happened what?? A year-no, MORE than a year ago! How are you still holding a grudge for a guy who used his savings to help repair the damage that happened?-"

"E, please, I didn't wanna mention that!-"

Elliot froze once again. 007n7 actually played for the damages? I mean, he knew he paid for some of it, but with his savings like that? Wait. . . How much money did 007n7 even have? 007e7 puffed as he got Elliot to shut up for once as he looked back at his cousin.

"Just get back to work, dude, alright?"

"Yeah. . . Yeah, okay."

As Elliot watched 007n7 walk off to do the job he needed to support himself and his son, Elliot couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

Then he sees the death glares he's getting from 007e7, and now all he feels is regret.

Chapter Text

Elliot was out for work today, which he was honestly glad about because 007n7 was coming over today, and he did not want to interact with the dude.

"DAADDD!!! Can you let n7 bring C00lkidd again!!"

She whined, wanting to see her friend (and secretly hoped new brother because Elliot was boring her) as her dad cleaned up the place. He looked at her and thought about it for a moment before sighing.

"I don't see why not."

"YAAAYYY!!!-"

"But his friends will have to come too; he's having a playdate with them right now."

Mia pauses before weighing the pros and cons of this. For one, she thinks Bluudud is. . . Alright. He doesn't do much in the few times she's met him, usually playing on his DS or something. But. . . Pr3typriincess? Now she was the problem. Mia and Pr3typriincess hated each other. Either it be one stealing borrowing the others' things, lying about each other, and whatever else.

But she was so bored and wanted to see C00lkidd, so she bit the bullet and took the risk.

She already regretted this.

Bluudud was sitting on the corner, mumbling stuff to himself as he played Pokémon, and Pr3typriincess was going through her stuff. She kept throwing clothes everywhere. She swore she locked her door! HOW DID SHE EVEN GET IN HERE!?

"Seriously, girly, your taste is. . . Something."

"GET OUT OF MY ROOM!"

The pink girl only blew raspberries at her as Mia tried so hard not to strangle her right here and there. 

"No, you really need my help! I mean, come on, stripes? With that hair?"

"YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE HAIR!-"

The two girls began to battle like it was a blood war, Bluudud and C00lkidd watching in horror- or well, the horror side was only on C00lkidd's side.

"Should. . . Should we stop this??"

"Hehehe, naaahh."

C00lkidd grimaced at his friend's laziness as the two girls fought. Some hair was ripped out, Pr3typriincess's bow got torn, and it was a mess. And yes, Bluudud indeed recorded it all.

"WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH!"

The pink girl screams as she manages to push Mia away.

"I can name a few reasons! You're bratty, annoying, self-centred, selfish, an idiot, judgmental, dramatic-"

"I AM NOT DRAMATIC!"

"THAT'S THE ONE THAT GOT YOU OFFENDED??? WHY DO YOU INSIST ON MAKING MY LIFE HARDER!?"

"BECAUSE YOU'RE A HOMEWRECKER!"

Mia stared at Pr3typriincess, dumbfounded and oh so confused. Even Bluudud and C00lkidd were confused as hell.

"Wuh- what!?"

"You're trying to take C00lkidd away from me, I see how you look at him!"

Mia and C00lkid stare at each other, a shared look of pure and utter disgust. Not once did either of them see each other like THAT or even WANTED to. 

"I DON'T EVEN LIKE BOYS!"

"I DON'T EVEN LIKE YOU!"

Mia and C00lkidd screamed in terror at Pr3typriincess, who seemed offended by C00lkidd's statement.

"You don't like me!?"

"WELL, I DON'T LIKE YOU LIKE THAT! I DON'T LIKE GIRLS!!"

The pink girl's jaw dropped. . . And then Bluudud decided to start talking.

"So wait, are you both g-"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

Chapter Text

"Alright, kids, don't burn the house down."

Mr. Builder hefted his backpack onto his shoulders, glancing at the trio inside. He and 007n7 had finally synced up their schedules for a rare camping trip, and Elliot had been roped into babysitting Mia and C00lkidd. Unsurprisingly, Elliot wasn't thrilled, but he knew he had to because he was the only one whom Mia wouldn't hide from anyway.

It had actually been 007n7’s idea to go hiking as he claimed he wanted to do something more active than sit on his ass. Shocking, really.

Mia gave a simple nod as she and C00lkidd promised to do exactly what Mr. Builder had said- or, well, more accurately, not to. Elliot grimaced. That red menace was definitely corrupting his sister as he followed after, grabbing the fire extinguisher from the kitchen. Mr. Builder chuckled, just hoping the damage those three make won't be too much. He spotted 007n7 already at the door, waiting by the car.

"I still don’t get why you want to drive. I could teleport us easily."

007n7 said, sliding into the passenger seat. (He still didn’t have a driver’s license, go figure.)

"Humor me."

Mr. Builder replied, settling in behind the wheel.

"I’ve been humoring you for months."

"Oh, shut it, you."

007n7 snorted with laughter as the engine quietly purred to life. Mr. Builder gave one last wave to his son before backing out of the driveway.

The radio played some generic pop station, but the music faded beneath their chatter.

"MSE6 isn’t a bot, but I’d believe it if the admins said she was some cyborg."

007n7 said, their talk having somehow drifted onto old and current admins.

"You’re kidding- she had to be Builderman testing out AI moderation. There’s no way she’s real."

"I met her. Ruthless."

"Still could’ve been a robot."

Mr. Builder caught 007n7’s eye roll and chuckled.

"Even then, at least she was consistent. Unlike Shedletsky-"

"Shedletsky is his own barn of chickens. I’m not even gonna start with that guy. He's as much of a mess as he is a troll."

Mr. Builder blinked before letting out a confused snicker.

"Barn of chickens? Don’t you mean can of worms?"

"It's my personal law to mention chickens if it's about Shedletsky."

"You’re a strange man, N."

The ex-hacker gave a dramatic sigh.

"You love me."

"You get on my nerves."

"You loooove me~"

Mr. Builder rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help smiling as the conversation drifted into a calm, comfortable silence. The hiking spot came into view ahead, and he glanced over just in time to catch 007n7’s eyes light up with excitement. That look never got old.

As soon as the car stopped, 007n7 practically burst out the door, grabbing his gear with a bounce in his step.

"Someone’s excited."

Mr. Builder teased, amused by the sudden energy.

"I used to do this all the time as a kid. Nostalgia hits hard."

Mr. Builder couldn’t argue with that. He grabbed his things and followed behind, watching 007n7 speed-walk ahead onto the leaf-strewn hiking trail. The crunch beneath their boots was oddly comforting as they started their hike up the mountain.

The weather was perfect for this; the sunlight was warm as rays of it poured out the gaps in leaves, and the air wasn't burning hot, a breeze coming every once and a while. Mr. Builder had been simply following 007n7, watching his little reactions to nature and such. Sometimes he'd stop to touch moss or follow animal trails off the marked trail, or just stare at bees on blooming flowers. It made Mr. Builder feel a sense of bliss seeing how much the ex-hacker was enjoying himself. He had to admit, this was relaxing in its own right despite the slight burn of the walking in his legs.

"Oh wait, Billy, look!"

007n7 pointed at a group of butterflies, their orange wings fluttering in the sunlight.

"They're beautiful."

Mr. Builder says as he admires them with 007n7, and the ex-hacker looks back at him with a smile.

"Not a beautiful as you. . ."

Mr. Builder smiles and looks away, trying to save some face as a soft blush creeps on his face. This gives 007n7 a small ego boost.

"Aww, is that a blush I see? You do love me."

007n7 teased, nudging Mr. Builder with his elbow and grinning like he’d just found buried treasure as they continued on..

"It's the hike. Heat rises, or something like that?"

Mr. Builder muttered, adjusting the strap on his backpack.

"Sure. Sure. And I’m just imagining the way you keep smiling every time I say something halfway sweet."

Mr. Builder rolled his eyes and huffed a laugh, but he couldn’t hide the corners of his lips twitching upward.

"You’re lucky I don’t push you off this trail."

They pressed on, walking a little slower now as the incline steepened. The air grew cooler, thinner, cleaner. Every now and then, their shoulders bumped, and neither of them pulled away. The forest around them was buzzing quietly with life, crickets chirping, birds calling in the branches, leaves rustling overhead. At one point, 007n7 held out a hand to stop him.

"Look."

He whispered, pointing ahead. A deer stood in the clearing, its tawny coat glowing faintly in the sunlight. It turned, ears flicking, then bounded off into the trees.

"First time I’ve seen one this close in a long while."

007n7 said, his voice quieter now, like reverence had seeped into his tone, and Mr. Builder nodded.

"Good omen."

"You think?"

He shrugged.

"Better than a bear."

"Fair enough."

007n7 said with a smirk, but the wonder still lingered in his eyes. Their hike carried on, filled with moments like that, quiet and curious. 007n7 veered off trail once to examine a cluster of mushrooms and nearly fell flat trying to balance on a log. Mr. Builder caught his arm just in time.

"I had that under control."

007n7 insisted, brushing his coat off with faux dignity.

"You’re the only person I know who could turn mushroom watching into a near-death experience."

"Admit it. You love how dramatic I am."

"I love how you nearly cracked your skull on a log? Hm. Hard sell."

"That’s not a no."

Mr. Builder groaned, but his laugh betrayed him. They kept climbing, and eventually the trees began to thin, sunlight breaking through more freely until it poured gold across the trail. At last, the summit appeared, wide and open, with flat stone looking out over a breathtaking view—rolling hills and forest stretching far below, kissed by the orange light of the setting sun.

"Damn, it’s beautiful."

007n7 said, awed. Mr. Builder shared a similar expression as he dropped his bag, sighing to finally have that damned thing of this back. Together, they started setting up camp. The tent went up without much hassle, and Mr. Builder laid out the sleeping bags while 007n7, still humming to himself, got the small camp stove going. He placed a kettle filled with water, prepping instant noodles. When the water boiled, he poured the water into the cup noodles and handed one to Mr. Builder.

They sat together near the edge of the summit, just far enough to be safe, close enough to see the whole valley below. The sun was dipping low now, the sky shifting from burnt orange to dusky pinks and purples. A soft wind ruffled their hair, carried birdsong, and cooled the sweat on their skin.

007n7 leaned over slightly, shoulder pressing into his.

"Thanks for coming with me. I know you're more… 'indoors with blueprints' than 'outdoors with bugs.'"

"I don’t mind it. Not with you."

That was enough to make 007n7 pause. He looked at Mr. Builder, really looked at him, and then leaned his head against his shoulder.

"I’m glad we got to do this."

They stayed that way, watching the sun slip below the edge of the horizon, quiet except for the soft clinking of mugs and the wind through the grass. No big declarations. No drama. Just warmth, and closeness, and the kind of silence that felt full rather than empty. 007n7 looked into the other's eyes and leaned in for a kiss, Mr. Builder quickly reciprocating as they hugged each other softly.

It was perfect.

Chapter Text

C00lkidd and Mia were playing hide and seek at 007n7's place this time! Despite C00lkidd knowing his own house like the back of his hand, he could NOT find Mia for the life of him.

"Miaaa!! MIIAAA!!!"

He called out like that would do anything. He’d already seen the competitive side of the girl, and she was not the type to give up. C00lkidd even considered using 007n7's c00lgui, but that’d just ruin the fun for her. So, he kept searching. And searching. And searching. He checked the washing machine, the attic, and even the freezer, just in case.

Still nothing.

He was starting to get really frustrated until something finally clicked. He’d been checking all the weird spots... what if she was somewhere boring? Instantly, his bedroom closet came to mind. He ran in and swung the doors open.

"Hehe!"

Mia giggled as she was found, and C00lkidd let out a long, defeated sigh.

"You anger me."

"HEhah!-"

Her giggles were cut short by the sound of the doorbell. 007n7 was busy doing whatever grown-ups do, neither Mia nor C00lkidd knew, so they went to answer it themselves.

"I got it, Dad!"

C00lkidd called, swinging the door open. Mia moved to hide behind him instinctively. But they were both only met by. . . Someone in purple, wearing half a comedy mask over their face and an oversized black hoodie, holding a bouquet of flowers.

The two kids stared up at him, waiting for him to speak first. He scratched the back of his neck before finally talking, a slight static to his voice.

"...H-heeey, C00lkidd. Is your dad home?"

Red flags. Neither of them had ever seen this guy before, and how did he know C00lkidd's name?

"State your name!"

C00lkidd said, standing like he was border control. Honestly, to Noli, the kid was.

"The name’s Noli. And I asked you a question first."

"Yes, he’s here, but he’s very busy right now. So come back later!"

C00lkidd tried to close the door, but Noli stuck his foot in the way.

"Listen, kid, this is none of your business. Just get him over here now."

Mia didn’t like the sound of this guy at all and vanished off to call her dad for help. But C00lkidd stood his ground, arms crossed, smashing the door against Noli’s foot in an effort to drive him off. It didn’t work.

"Leave us alone! Go away! Come back later!"

"Let me in! I need to talk to him!"

Noli tried to force the door open, but C00lkidd quickly pulled up the c00lgui and locked the door in place. It wouldn’t budge—not even if a tank tried.

Noli groaned, clearly frustrated.

"Turn off that command!"

"No! You’re mean and go away! Why would Dad even wanna talk to you!?"

"Stop being difficult!-

Noli felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned, already stressed out.

"What do you want!-"

He stopped. Standing face to face with him was Mr. Builder, glaring.

"Is there a problem?"

Noli stammered for a moment before regaining his composure.

"I’m just trying to speak to someone, but this brat isn’t letting me in."

"That 'brat' is my partner’s kid. So I suggest you treat him with respect before I knock your teeth in."

Noli opened his mouth to argue—then paused.

My partner.

My pa rtner.

M y  p a r t n e r.

He stood frozen as Mia peeked through the cracked door, a little scared now.

"You-you’re... you’re dating him?"

"Yes. What’s it to you?"

Noli trembled for a second before lunging forward, ready to throw a punch, only for Mr. Builder to dodge it and land a hard one right in Noli’s gut, knocking him to the ground. Noli coughed and gagged from the impact.

"You better leave this property before I call the cops."

Noli shot him a death glare, then grabbed his things and ran like his life depended on it. Only then did C00lkidd drop the command and unlock the door.

"You both alright?"

C00lkidd and Mia nodded as Mr. Builder knelt down, patting both of them on the head.

"You did good back there. Holding your ground and calling me? Proud of you both."

Nothing in the world was more priceless than the joy on their faces. Mr. Builder wouldn’t trade it for anything.

But still. . .

Who was that guy?

Chapter Text

It's been a bit since Elliot found out his dad was seeing 007n7, and he's been hating every second of it. Having to see that man more was awful enough, but having to babysit C00lkidd too sometimes?? Ridiculous. Now, now, you can't blame him; he has gotten better around 007n7, but a guy can still hold a grudge. And so what if he still gave the guy death glares whenever he came over? And so what if he tried to make excuses to try and discourage his dad from going on dates? And so what if- oh god he sounds fucking insane.

Elliot shakes his head as he zones back into reality. He just got out of the shower after a long day at work, water still dripping down his neck as he stared at himself in the mirror.

His dad was going on another date again, something something about going for dinner, disgusting. Elliot couldn't help but always get this bad feeling about 007n7 with his dad, a gut feeling telling him 'this'll end poorly.' Maybe it was bias talking, maybe it was logic talking, he didn't know. Elliot just wanted to protect his dad from getting hurt, is all. . . He could see what their dates were like.

Mia and C00lkidd had gone to a sleepover party, so they won't be in the house until tomorrow. . .

. . .

Elliot quickly puts something on, drying his hair a little, and rushing out to his car. Mr. Builder had told him where he was taking 007n7, and they should be there still. He's not being a spy, just. . . Cautious is all. Elliot was about to leave before he remembered he didn't lock the door. He quickly does that and he's on the road, heading for that fancy restaurant he knew they were at. Of course, he wasn't going to eat anything there, maybe mope around the windows to try and see inside. . . That's not creepy, right?

Lady luck is not on his side today. . . Because as he drove into the parking lot and got out, he was instantly met by someone he knew.

"Lulu??-"

"Elliot??-"

The co-workers stare at each other like deer in headlights.

". . . What are you doing here??"

She asks, confused.

"What are you doing here??"

She laughs a little as she looks him up and down.

"I'm here to be an out for Sally, she's on a Tinder Date."

"Ah, I see. . ."

Lulu stares at him.

"You look like a wreck. Why are you here?"

She wasn't wrong, he had a stained red hoodie and black baggy pants on, hair still damp. Meanwhile, she stood with heels and a nice dress on; she certainly looked like she belonged here more than he did.

". . . Following my dad."

Lulu blinked.

"What?-"

"007n7's been going out with my dad!"

She pauses as silence overcomes them in the parking lot. Then she laughs.

"Wait- wait the 007n7?? That hacker that almost burned the building down!?"

"YES!"

She only laughs harder.

"How did he pull your dad!?"

"Lulu!"

His co-worker only laughs harder, patting him on the back.

"Sorry, sorry, wanna come in with? We'd look less awkward if we weren't alone- then again, you look like I picked you out of the dumpster-"

"Shut upp!!!"

She laughs more as she guides Elliot inside, embarrassed that, yeah, his description of him was correct. The interior of the restaurant was generic fancy; sleek, white, clean. He actually could spot Sally sitting with some guy in a booth, but he laid his head low as Lulu got them seats. As the waiter guided them through, he spotted that stupid-looking burger hat in the crowd.

Target spotted-

What the fuck, he's not a god damn assasin, the hell is he thinking?? Lulu and he get seats and sit across from each other, Lulu saving to Sally as Elliot keeps his eye on 007n7 and his dad. 007n7 had Fettuccine Alfredo while his dad had the stake. Typical.

"Sooo, Elliot-"

Lulu's voice brought him back to reality.

"I sense you're not keen on this?"

"Well, of course not!"

"He seems happier."

"I'm not mad about that. . ."

"Then what's the big deal? I mean, he hasn't come to bother us in a while."

"Yeah, but-"

"You're spiteful."

Elliot groans in frustration, shoving his hands into his face as Lulu reaches over to pat his back. She gets a buzz on her phone as Elliot looks back at his dad. He and 007n7 were talking about something, and it seemed to be funny as they were laughing every once in a while, they seemed to be having a fun time. . . His dad seemed more alive than ever with 007n7, who was he to not allow his dad to be happy? Just because he has resentment towards the other?

Damn, why do feelings have to be complicated?

Lulu snaps her fingers in front of him to zone him back into reality.

"You keep doing that, reality is right here!"

"Sorry."

"You're such a weirdo."

"Hey!"

Lulu giggles.

"I'm not wrong! You're out here followin' your dad around with his date, that's kinda weird."

"Please shut up. . ."

"Not my fault you're spiteful."

She pats him on the shoulder again as Elliot tries to think rationally, but it is getting late, and his eyelids start to get a little heavy.

"Wanna order something while we're here?"

Elliot shrugs as Lulu proceeds to just order fries. . . At a fancy restaurant-

Her thought process is beyond his.

He and Lulu chit-chatted for a while, passing the time as Sally shot her a text saying everything was good and she could leave, but she wasn't going to leave Elliot alone at the booth. Lulu was ranting about some random show as Elliot ate her fries (fries fiend) when he noticed Mr. Builder and 007n7 paying for their food and getting ready to leave. He shot up, only slightly.

"I think I might need to go soon, Dad will see my car!- uh-"

He stuffles through his pockets and hands her 10 bucks, both to pay for the fries that he stole from her and to just thank her for staying with him as he ran out. She waved goodbye as he got into his car and quickly drove out of the parking lot. Good timing, too, because 007n7 and Mr. Builder left shortly after. He contemplated following them.

One part of his head said not, to just go home and rest.

But another, louder part of his head told him to follow.

. . .

Can you take a guess at which one he listened to?'

This is how Elliot got to where he was now. Hiding in a bush, listening to the two men talk on a bench as the sun sets. Why the FUCK did he let it get this far?? He really should've gone home; he was this close to passing out. This was stupid, he was so, so stupid. Mr. Builder and 007n7 were chatting about something about art, he thinks, and he stopped paying attention at the 5-minute mark. It was too quiet for him to move; the grass and leaves would give away his position, so he was basically forced into a position he put himself in.

The consequences of your actions, ey?

He was getting cold and he just wanted to listen to music, but he only had these thoughts to keep him company this time. . . God, this was stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid!-

Then he started to hear noises he was NEVER meant to hear in his life.

The soft sounds of whimpers and gasps filled the silent air as Elliot sat frozen in fear and disgust. He almost didn't want to look, but his morbid curiosity got the better of him as he peeked past the bush, instantly regretting every life choice he's ever made in his life. He half-expected to see 007n7 being the one whining, BUT OH GOD NO IT'S WORSE-

IT'S HIS DAD BEING PINNED DOWN ON THE BENCH.

007n7 had Mr. Builder's wrists together in one hand, the other trailing up under his tailored suit, with him being between the businessman's legs. Elliot stared for a split second before taking a risk and making a break for it. The image of his FATHER , sweating and letting out noises like that, was NEVER GOING TO LEAVE HIM

He's going to need to pour bleach in his eyes after THIS-