Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Elliot’s life was rather, mundane. When you’ve been doing the same job as long as he did, everything ends up feeling the same.

Until one day.

It’s was like any other. The sun rose, streaming in through the many windows. His shift started, having him settled behind the counter like most days before. patrons flooded in, and orders were filled.

“Welcome to builder brothers what would you like?”

Elliot said, working hard to mask the dryness of his tone. Barely looking up from the register screen to the two patrons above him. Seemingly arguing over something mindless. He cleared his throat. “What would you like to order?” His voice less cheery than before. One of them scrambled to their senses.

“One pizza and two sodas please.”
One said in a rather nervous voice. Which was strange to Elliot. It’s ordering a pizza, what’s nerve racking about that?

“What do you want for toppings sirs?”
Once again bickering ensued between the duo. Elliot tried to listen in, maybe he can help and get them to walk away sooner.

“ C0m3 0n 7! !ts l3@v!ng a n0te! D0nt b3 a puss—“

“I’ll do it! Let’s just get through the order!”

Elliot sighed. Great, they’re gonna be here all day. He continued to listen to one of their voices in particular. Causing him to glance up slightly. The man had fluffy brown hair, with a strange choice of hat, a burger? Not the strangest thing he’s seen a customer with but still an odd choice. He was taller. Elliot found himself staring for a bit, even with the man’s strange fashion choices, he was quite easy on the eyes.

When it seemed like the duo was close to an agreement, he began to focus again on the two the finally agreed to order.

“W-we would like pepperoni please.”
“D03s !t c0m3 w!th th3 c@shi3r~”
“Noli shut up!”

That caused Elliot to laugh, god his life was boring, And if being hit on was his only form of entertainment then so be it.

“I need a name for the order please.”

He said in a more genuine happy tone. It was dumb, but it felt kinda nice. Especially if the boy with the brown hair agreed with his friends advances. He wouldn’t mind that.

“Uhm… 7n7. That’d work”

Numbers? He didn’t question it, finalizing the order and taking the payment. He set the address and Watched them walk off.

He then noticed something.

A small note was left behind, crumpled as if left in a pocket for too long out of hesitation. Before he could ask if it was the customers, they were already gone. Making sure no one was around. He unfolded the note

“Dear c00l pizza guy,

You seen rlly nice would you wanna meet up tmrw? 10 mins before 5. Don’t question it. Come if ur rlly bored, pls.

Pls
007n7”

Elliot couldn’t help but smile. He learned three things about the boy, he really needed to learn how to spell, he seems really sweet, and he wants to meet with him! He was giddy. Was this a date? Was this his first date!? He felt someone yell his name, he quickly shoved the note in his pocket.

“Elliot! God what is wrong with you—“

“I’m here!” He ran into the kitchen, before being pulled to the back of the building. It was lulu, one his close friends and few coworkers.

“Hey so I know you’ll think I’m crazy but like I think you uhm well”

“Just get to the point, Lu.”

“I think the manager is hiding something big from us.”

“WHAT—“
Elliot was in shock, why? What? And what made lulu think that? I mean, yeah they were a little underpaid and that always left questions, he felt like his head was spinning, his brain trying to swim through all the possibilities. He sighed.

“What do you think they are hiding…?”

Lulu looked kinda frantic, like she definitely overheard something she wasn’t supposed to hear.

“It’s kinda complicated. But I heard someone told the manager that some people were gonna try and hack the pizzeria right? And he’s not gonna tell us! He wants us to work tomorrow! We could get hurt, or worse I—“

she sighed, putting on a solemn, almost desperate face.

“Elliot, I’m not working tomorrow and neither should you. Unless you are forced to, it’s not worth the risk.”

Elliot, felt the world spin. What about the money? What about his maybe sort of date with the guy!? He wouldn’t, no he couldn’t take the day off tomorrow. He wouldn’t miss meeting 7 again.

“I’m sorry lu, I can’t.”

Her tone was frantic
“Why!? What is so important you’re willing to risk your life over it!? Are you stupid!?”

“I’m meeting this guy—“

“You’re risking your life for some guy!?”

She yelled. She had every right to. Risk his life over a guy he just met. A guy that he knows nothing about. God he was dumb, but he was happy. He had something to look forward to now! Even if it was dumb he wasn’t bored anymore, and he couldn’t lose that.

“He means more than you think. I’m not changing my mind. I’ll tell you what happens your next shift okay?”
He cracked a weak smile.

“Fine, but you owe me every detail, about the hacker. The random guy. Every thing”

Before he could walk off he pulled quickly into a hug.

“ I’ll be okay jeeze—“

“You better be! If those hackers do anything to you, I’ll beat them up myself you hear me—!”

“Loud and clear.”

He laughed. Eventually pulling back from the impromptu hug and separating. When she walked off he looked at the note one more time. And smiled

.
.
.

“Y0u kn0w dr@gg!ing th@t p!zz@ guy al0ng !s g0nnA g3t us f0und fast3r, r!ght?”

“It will be worth it, he’ll be safe and we can still have our fun~ besides! You wanted me to be forward!”

“Y0ur3 a dumb@ss.”

“Yeah, yeah I am. “

Noli took a long bite of pizza , watching 7 fiddle with his sleeves. God he was dumb, what if the pizza boy just reported them! This was 7’s dumbest plan yet.

But 7 was happy, plus he got pizza out of it. So he guessed he could let this slide.

Chapter Text

Elliot had spent that next morning being extra careful getting ready. From fixing his hair nicer, to even ironing his shirt before hand. Checking every detail in the mirror before grabbing the note and running out the door.

He then checked his phone. Eight missed calls and ten messages. All lulu. The first voice mail rang aloud.

“Heeeeeey Elliot! I know you really want to meet this guy I know. But like, I think you’re really dumb for this.”

You could hear an audible sigh

“Just promise me if anything happens while you’re working. Even the smallest glitch, or maybe a strange customer! Just leave. Call me and leave! Hell, I don’t even care about info or photos. Just make sure you’re safe okay. Oh! And if you don’t respond to any of my messages and something happens, I’m running straight in the building to find your ass. You got that?! Byeeeee!”

The voicemail ended. Great Elliot thought, Lulu was going to get herself attacked by a hacker all because he didn’t text back at, 3 am!? Who messages then!? Lulu messages then. Elliot thought once again. He needed a raise.

Elliot showed up at the pizzeria somehow on time, as always. Quickly helping the few staff open up for the day. Word must’ve gotten around, as the pizza place was mostly empty. Most people ordered delivery. The few that showed were never lingering for too long before nearly running out once they received their order.

“I should warn 7 when we meet.”

Elliot muttered to himself. What he got scared off by the hacker? What if he didn’t want to see Elliot again!? It felt like his mind was spinning, until he heard to voices above him.

“H3y p!zz@ b0y?”

“He has a name!”

“D0 y0u kn0w !t?”

“Uh—“

“it’s Elliot!” He responded. Immediately pulled out of his thoughts. They did show up. Maybe they didn’t hear about the hackers. He thought to warn them.

“I’m surprised you came by. You know about the hacker threat right? They may hit the pizzeria.”

The man with the strange voice stifled a laugh. Elliot payed no mind. His eyes more focused on the brown haired man.

“We uh, heard. We still wanted to meet today. If you still want to of course—“

“I’d love to.” Elliot nearly blurted out. He didn’t want to seem hesitant. He was risking his life in lulu’s opinion to see him, and he wasn’t one to back down.

“G-great!” 7 said with marching enthusiasm. Smiling at the promise. The man next to him scoffed.

“L3ts ju$t g3t th3 p!zz@ 0rd3rd l0v3b!rds.”

Elliot felt warm. Lovebirds? He must’ve been hearing things. He shoved the thought down as he focused on the task ahead.

“Y-yes what would you two like today?”

“Th3 s@m3 A$ y3st3rd@y p!zz@ b0y.”

“With an extra soda!”

7 chimed in. That made Elliot smile. He liked his voice, he wished he heard it more.

“Is that all—“

“ELLIOT YOU’RE NEVER GONNA BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU THIS”

Elliot heard running from the front of the store mixed with the yell of a familiar voice. Oh, it was Lulu.

“Lulu what’re doing here I thought—“

“THE HACKERS ARE GONNA SHOW UP IN TEN MINUTES I SAW IT ON THE NEWS.”

Lulu yelled, pulling Elliot’s attention away from the duo infront of him. He felt an arm yank him away from the cash register and towards the door. Before another hand grabbed his.

“W3 w@nt p!zz@“

He looked to see which grabbed his hand, it was 7. His heart skipped, he pulled away from Lulu.

“Let me finish their order okay? Then I’ll wait outside the building. If nothing happens I’ll go back in. If something does, then I’ll leave and you can lecture me all week for showing up. “

Lulu looked between Elliot and the customer holding his hand.

“Oh, I see what’s going on. Have a fun date.”

Lulu walked off, leaving Elliot stunned. DATE!? He sighed. Dismissing the final comment walking around the counter, slowly and reluctantly letting go of 7’s hand, then finishing the order.

“Have a good day!” Elliott said cheerily Waving them off as he gathered his things. Moving to sit out side in one of the many empty parking spots.

“Nothings gonna happen, right?”
Elliot tried to reassure himself. Yes he did love his job but it was all he had! All he did. All he thought he’d ever be. So he needed that building to not be hacked so he’d still have something. He wouldn’t mind having more happen here and there though, but he didn’t want his job at risk.

He stared ahead in a daze before he felt someone sit next to him. A hand placed near his but just out of reach.

“Hey, do you mind if I sit with you?”

Elliot looked up to see 7 next to him. He looked around to see the guy always with him or something in the corner he couldn’t quite see, but he didn’t really care.

“Sure! I’m surprised you two hanged around after what she said. I think restaurant emptied after that.”

“To be honest, I didn’t want to miss hanging out with you. You always seemed so nice and—“

“Y0ur3 ju$t n3rv0us @nd d!dn’t w@nt y0ur3 l0v3r g3tt!ng hU4t!”

Elliot was confused, what did he mean, “get hurt?” Was he worried about the hackers? I mean he’d faced some rude customers, could hackers be any worse? He stared and the sky and sighed.

“I just hope those hackers don’t destroy the building. I kinda need this job.”
He continued looking ahead. He felt a hand on his shoulder

“I’m sure they won’t. Besides that’d be dumb. The pizza here is great, you’re great! Anyone who’d do that to you would be a monster.”

That made Elliot smile. It was nice that someone thought so highly. He glanced at his phone.

“4:49, the hackers are going to strike any minute now.”

He found himself leaning on 7 slightly, for comfort. Elliot stared ahead at the pizzeria. He wondered if lulu was right, and in how much danger he’d be. At least he wasn’t alone. He had 7, and that somehow felt like enough. He forgot about 7’s buddy until he heard them speak.

“3, 2, 1, n0w 7!”

And be before Elliot could react he heard a boom, he clutched 7 closer. He looked ahead at the pizzeria.

“What the hell is that!?”

Chapter Text

Elliot looked ahead at the pizzeria in horror. It was burning. The flames, kind of digital in a sense, painted the mom and pop themed conglomerate in a warm orangey hue, which now matched the reddish tone of the sky.

“Oh god…” Elliot muttered before snapping to his senses. He assumed he had a matchingly horrified date next to him next to him that he should check in on. He turned to the man he was now clutching the arm of tightly.

“H-hey 7… you okay there? 7?”

The man next to him looked weirdly, giddy? As if he won a prize as he stared at the seemingly burning world around them. He yelled to his strange companion

“Noli it worked perfectly! This is amazing!” He looked overjoyed as Elliot processed what he just saw and heard. He realized, Noli and 7 are the hackers. He is on a date with a hacker. Maybe Lulu was right, he really did have to raise his standards.

“Oh Elliot sorry to uh, spook you. You okay there?”

Elliot felt a light nudge on him that made him flinch, 7 jumped back.

“Sorry we didn’t really know how to tell you. Noli thought that I should still try to hang out will you, and that make me go ‘why don’t we just bring him!’ Noli thought it was dumb—“

Elliot agreed with that.

“Buuuuuut, now you get to watch! Now you’re with me.” 7 smiled at the end of that sentence. Which made it really hard for Elliot to stay angry at him, but he held his ground.

“What about the pizzeria!? I’m out a job!”

“0h pl3@s3 th@t$ @n 3@$y f!x…”

Elliot jumped at the sudden appearance of Noli. He hoped that guys words were true because he was desperate. Simultaneously, creepy music filled the air. Elliot kept thinking. Which made him realize, oh god. Lulu. He started to get up.

“I need to get to my friend, Lulu. I can’t stay here I—“

He started stepping back, it felt as if the world was caving in. Panic filled his chest with a painful tightness. Everything felt. Wrong. The air was too thick, the ground was to hard, his body felt unfitting. Felt like a shell of a person. He was a traitor, a traitor to his coworkers, his friends, himself.

“Elliot…? ELLIOT!”

Elliot fell back, the pavement hard. Everything was spinning. In Elliot’s eyes 007n7 was evil. So evil. Evil for making him care so much. Evil for making him so oblivious. Evil for making feel a freedom he didn’t deserve. That sentiment began to fade as he felt two arms wrap around him.

“I’m sorry for scaring el, I. Gods I— Noli, you take the gui. Torment who you want I don’t care. I’m staying here.

“F!n3, @11 !m g0nn@ s@¥ !$ th&t th3 p!zz@ b0¥ !s m@k!ng y0u s0ft.”

“Leave.”

The other figure mumbled something about “touching a nerve” while walking off with some sort of black and red panel. Before Elliot could react, he realized something. He was crying. His vision was clouded with tears rolling down his cheeks. Gods he felt so weak. Crying in the arms of a hacker, he’d never been weaker. He clung harder. His sobs muffled by the hackers now soaked shoulder.

“God I’m a mess…”. Elliot muttered. grabbing a napkin from his pocket and wiping his tears. He looked ahead at 7.

“You can ask as many questions as you want.”

That made Elliot wonder, what should he ask? He had so many thoughts, why? How? How dare he!? What now? Do you still love me? Should I love you? Along with what felt like thousands more, but he asked what felt most important.

“Are you going to hurt us…?” Elliot couldn’t love a man he knew would hurt him, maybe this would free him of that burdensome feeling.

“Dear gods no! We wouldn’t hurt anyone! Especially you!” 7 held Elliot’s face in his hands, gazing at it with a sincerity that made Eliot unable to stop caring about the man comforting him. Which didn’t help. He thought of another.

“H-how? How are you doing this? You both definitely aren’t admins, and I know that hackers exist. But, this, just seems impossible l…”

7 moves one hand to Elliot’s waist and another to the air in front of him . With the flick of a wrist pulling up and panel.

“With this!” 7 said with a bit too much proudness, that Elliot couldn’t help but find a little endearing provided even in their current situation.

“With this we can do a ton! Do you wanna try it~?”

Elliot initially thought no. Then he he wondered, he’d never get this opportunity again. What would be the harm in just once. He wouldn’t do anything too bad. Right?

“Fine. What should I do?”

7 guided one of Elliot’s hands to a button on the panel. Motioning for him to press it whilst aiming it at one of the trees.

“Try that one. It’s mostly harmless, I think.”

Elliot begrudgingly pressed it, watching as the tree, in an instant changed appearance. Looking as if t set itself on fire.

“Oh god… I—“

“You did great! Perfect aim!”

Elliot felt a reassuring arm wrap around his side and hug him into the other man. He couldn’t help but feel a little proud with the praise.

“But I just set a tree on fire!”

“It’s not actually on fire. Come!”

7 grins as nearly dragged him into running ahead to the burning tree. Straight into the flames themselves. Elliot braces for a burning sensation that never formed. He looked at 7, now painted with a more golden light. He looked, beautiful. They sat under tree together, Elliot gazed softly at 7 as he continued to press buttons on the panel attentively.

Even stressed whilst sitting within a man made hell. He didn’t feel alone. 7 was evil, evil for making Elliot feel so free and loved. But that didn’t matter, he was in peace and he knew it would be okay, and that’s all he needed.

Chapter Text

Lulu walked out of the pizza place rather unsurprised. Elliot always had a bad taste in men, so him dating some adrenaline junkie that would risk getting killed by a hacker to look cool wasn’t an insane concept. She digs out her phone and sighed while she looks at the time.

“Five minutes. Five minutes till Elliot gets himself killed watching hackers.”

She started to wonder. People don’t usually watch hackers. So actual footage of what happens usually isn’t found. She’d also be stuck here making sure Elliot didn’t die. She had a dumb idea, a very dumb idea.

“If Elliot can do dumb things today. I can too!”

And so lulu waited. Staring at her phone nervously as each minute ticked down. She leaned herself up against a house on the edge of a street, staring out at the horizon. She started to count done in her head. 10…, 9… 8…. 7… 6… each number ticking closer to the possible destruction of everything they know. Would the admins come? Would they even care? 5… 4…

“3, 2, 1, n0w 7!”

She heard a voice yell in the distance. One of the dumbasses in that damned duo! What the hell was he—

Boom.

Lulu looked around her. The sky a distorted red, the buildings around them pasted the scary image mostly indescribable. One thing that confused her was the fact some buildings were burning. Yet never damaged. She walked forward. Grazing her hand on what should’ve been a scolding hot surface. But it didn’t burn.

“What the hell is going on?”

Then Lulu remembered, her dumb plan. She hit record and quickly propped up her phone on one of the now distorted trees.

“Hello YouTube. Lulu here. The home town of builder brothers pizza is being…”

Lulu hesitated, it wasn’t that her words were untrue or non provable. They just felt wrong. Like something she should’ve never felt forced to say. She cleared her throne and sighed, she could definitely edit that pause out.

“It is being hacked. I haven’t seen the hackers, I think. Let look a round, I guess?”

She ran and picked up her phone, clutching it tightly to herself . As if a hacker would rip it out of her hands and destroy that too.

She walked forward with haste, filming everything she could see, also spending that time to see where Elliot could’ve ran too.

That was until she heard laughter. Manic, distorted, disgusting laughter.

“N3v3r th0ught !d f!n3 th@t p!zz@ b0y’$ fri3nd h3r3. 1 Th0ught y0u w3r3 th3 $m@rt 0n3.”

Lulu finally got a good look at the figure before here. Old jeans, a black hoodie with a crappy costume store white mask to presumably hide in lulu’s opinion, a most likely undesirable appearance and identity. The thing That stuck out the most to her was what seemingly floated in front of his hand. Some sort of black and red panel, flashing commands at the person in front of her. Oh god, they were a hacker.

“L-listen dude I don’t know what the hell you want but back the hell away from me! I-I’m filming and the admins will see this! You’ll get banned!”

“Y0u th!nk th3 @dm!ns w!ll c@r3 @b0ut y0u?”

“Yeah!? Right?”

Their words began to overwhelm her head. Like an infection spreading through her brain. Did the admins care? Robloxians weren’t like them. The admins were above that, but they have to care, right? It’s their job. She felt strange, nauseous form fear and confusion. Every thought heaver than the last.

“Th3 @dm!ns 0nly c@r3 @b0ut c@tch!ng a h@ck3r. N0t h3lp!ng th3 v!ct!ms. Y0ull s33, y0ur3 sm@rt.”

“Nononononono you’re wrong! I wont trust the words of a hacker!”

He has to be wrong. The admins were the only thing anyone left here could rely on, if they won’t help, then who will.

“N0w l3ts put 0n @ sh0w f0r y0ur ph0n3 th3r3. C9nt l3av3 th3 v!3wers w@!t!ng~!”

Before Lulu could react, she felt the phone be ripped out her hands by some unknown force. Being moved to float idly above them both. Seemingly set to follow the actions ahead of them.

“Hey what’re you—!?”

Before she could finish her though it full, she felt and object fly past her face at immeasurable speed. hitting a tree, causing it to fall over.

“What the hell was that!?”

“ s0rry !ts ju$t m¥ ‘c c0rrupt n@tur3~ “

“WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN!?”

Before she could fully process what was going on, another brick was flung her way, forcing her to dodge quickly.

“b00… th!s !s b0r!ng. I h@t3 t0rment!ng with 0ut 007!”

“Wait, the other guys a hacker too? Oh god… Elliot!”

Before Noli could react, Lulu dashed in the direction of the pizzeria. Her lungs burning and chest tight. Tears barely having time to stream down here face before flying past. She didn’t care anymore. About the admins, the hacker, her job. She couldn’t let Elliot get hurt or worse. She just couldn’t. Each step hit the ground harshly, the hacker yelling words she didn’t care to listen for.

“Y0u’r3 g0nn@ cr@$h th3!r d@t3!”

She didn’t care for most of theirs words, except that. She stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. No longer crying but immense shock.

“Their WHAT?”

She was partially joking when she called their meet up a date. There’s no way, why’d he date a hacker!? He wasn’t that dumb, right?

“L!st3n, @s £un @s th!$ ch@s3 !s. 07 w!ll ki11 m3 !f w3 £uck th!$ up f0r h!m.”

“Oh god… Elliot.”

“H3’ll b3 f!n3. ! L!k3d !t b3tt3r wh3n y0ure p!ss3d @t m3.”

Lulu just looked ahead at the hacker as if he grew a second head. Then she realized something. If she crashed the “date”, she’d have footage of both hackers. While she pondered, noli lowered her phone back to her.

“Wh@t ar3 y0u th!nking @b0ut?”

She didn’t respond, just looking ahead at the road ahead of her, at the panicking and hiding people. At the innocent souls that became the victims of the code induced freaks. Maybe the hacker was right, the could call out to the admins they prayed to, but would they even care? She felt hope drain from her. She’d have to take matters into her own hands.

“You’re right.”

“Wh@t?”

“The admins don’t care, but I do.”

Before noli could think of some egotistical response to her half agreement to his ideology. She ran, straight for the pizzeria. Filming everything in sight. She’d catch that hacker, and force the admins to face their neglect. Whether they liked it or not.

“H3y! C0m3 b@ck h3r3!”

She didn’t care anymore. She had no time to, she saw the burning pizzeria ahead and felt hope once more. She had something to chase, and she wasn’t going to fail her friend.

.
.
.

Elliot sighed as he relaxed against 7. Both sitting In a comfortable silence whilst n7 continued to hack, their background noise being nothing but the hum and crackle of fabricated fire and the distant screams if residents. Both leaving Elliot uneasy if he listen for too long, causing him to move closer to 7.

“Are you okay there?” 7 asked. Cracking a smile as he stared at the uncomfortable pizza boy.

“I’m okay. I guess? How’re you not Afraid of. You know, getting caught?”

007n7 laughed, which made Elliot feel slightly better. The sound was warm and comforting, causing him to lean in slightly more.

“The admins only show up to the aftermath of these things. We’ll be fine. Besides, if you’re that scared of being banned with us, you can cry about how you were ‘held hostage’ by a super cool and sexy hacker~!”

They both burst out laughing. Everything felt like it’d be okay, so what didn’t they have to worry about?

.
.
.

Lulu heard laughing ahead of her, that had to be the other hacker! She held her phone forward ready to expose the hacker for who he was! She jumped out in front of the pizzeria. Narrowly dodging the other figure still chasing her.

“Let my friend go! You— what the hell?”

Lulu stared head in shock at the predicament in front of her. Elliot was cuddling up with the other hacker. They really were on a date.

“Great, your friend crashed our time together, again. Does she always do this?” The brunette hacker said in an awfully dry and sarcastic tone.

“Hey be nice! Heyyyy lulu… funny see you here.”

“Th3r3 sh3 !s! 7 w3 g0tt@ g0 sh3s f!lm!ng! Sh3 th!nks th3 @dm!ns @r3 g0!ng t0 l!st3n t0 h3r!”

“Fuck…” the brunette muttered under his breath. Before pull both him and Elliot up.

“You wanna ditch your friend and hang out some more~?”

.
.
.

Elliot looked ahead at lulu’s clearly panicked state, silently begging that he wouldn’t take the clearly tempting offer. Elliot turned back to 7 and sighed.

“I can’t, I have to help with the aftermath here.” Elliot began to mumble, clearly wanting part of this to stay between him and 7. “Please, visit again…”

This made the once disgruntled 7 smile.

“Of course. Love you!”

“ y-yay!? Bye!”

Elliot panicked in his response, was he supposed to say love you too!? Before he could muster the words, the hacker was gone, and the sky faded back to a semi normal color. Now a more sunset like shade.

“What the hell was that Elliot!?”

“I can explain!”

“Can you!?”

Chapter Text

Elliot felt empty the days after the hacker duo’s departure. He missed 7 but he knew that if he came back 7 would get caught. He was extremely bored. Ever since the “event”, the towns been littered with reporters, fear, and the worst of all, admins.

Elliot only hated the one particularly assigned to their case, telamon. He didn’t know much about the god-ish robloxian other than the horror stories from fellow fast food workers from other towns. Telamon was known for one thing, ordering meals that he thought were fit for a god.

But that was the last thing left in his mind. His thoughts refused to focus on anything other than 007n7. The way he comforted Elliot, to the passing confession of love he never got the chance to respond to. He just wanted to hear 7’s voice again; get some sort of message the that told Elliot he was safe. One more “I love you”…

“Elliot! Oh god Elliot you gotta look out there! We are so done for—”

Lulu pulled Elliot out of his haze as he was dragged out of the back room to the window that showed the dining room from the kitchen. There stood every chain restaurant’s nightmare. Builderman next to an ever impatient Telamon.

“Should we warn the rest of the staff?” Elliot whispered to his mortified coworker.

“There is no other staff.”

“What?”

“Everyone else left.”

Great. Another one of reality’s sick jokes. From the little Elliot knew, it took on average at least 15 people available at all times to deal with the admin, and with builderman along side him, the orders would only be more extreme.

“Elliot, I’d never thought I’d say this. But get your hacker boyfriend. Now.”

“No!”

“We aren’t surviving this Elliot! I think we should cut are losses and run before we’re noticed—“

Elliot kicked Lulu as he looked ahead. Telamon stared straight at him, Elliot realized one important thing. The glass was not one sided, Telamon saw them.

“What was that for— oh.”

Elliot took a deep breath and walked out from the kitchen. Mustering up enough courage to look the pair in the eye and speak.

“Welcome to builder brother’s pizza, what would you like to get today?”

After all, at the end of the day, admin or not, they are still customers.

Builderman opened his mouth to speak but Telamon interjected.

“We’d like 50 pizzas—“

“No.”

Elliot looked to his left to see annoyed and tired Lulu.

“We are recovering from being attacked by hackers, and instead of helping the public, you ordering a ton of food! You barely tip, then have the audacity to say you ‘tried your best to help us!’ ”

Elliot tried to quiet down stop Lulu, whilst trying to hide the fact he was physically shaking.

“Lulu you can’t say that! That’s an admin! Lulu no—“

Lulu interrupted immediately.

“No! These people should realize what they’re doing! And you…”

Lulu pointed to a shocked Builderman.

“You can let thing guy do what he wants! He’s not protecting us! Make him do something useful. God get leash on him or something—“

“Lulu!”

Elliot jumped in. Elbowing her in the stomach. God they were both going to get banned after this. Elliot sighed, regretting his words before he even said them.

“She… has a point. We are severely understaffed, still in recovery from the past events, and from the public’s point of view, it seems like you’re not doing anything. You can still order, just be reasonable. Please?”

Telamon looked like he was about to kill the pair, but a seemingly very grateful Builderman spoke first.

“That seems reasonable enough. We’ll take one cheese pizza and two sodas.”

He turned to the now more scared Lulu.

“Thank you ok for letting us know of your concerns. We will look into these hackers thoroughly.” He then chuckled. “I’ll also keep a closer eye on my ‘helper’ in this case.” Her smiles at them both and walked off with a grumpy Telamon following them.

“See I told you we’d be fine.”

“NO YOU DIDN’T—“

Before Elliot could lecture Lulu on how dumb that was, her felt a notification go off on his phone.

“Can you handle their order for a minute, I’m gonna check this.”

Elliot pulled away into the back room once again, opening his phone to not a message, but a strange popup.

“Let c00l gui have access to this device?

Yes/definitely”

“What the hell…”

It was, familiar to Elliot. Black box with a red outline… there’s no way, right. Elliot, desperate and bored hit “definitely”.

Right before he could walk off he felt his phone go off once again.

“What now, ah!”

He dropped his phone looking at the screen. Great, his phones got a virus all because he was desperate to see a hacker of all things again. Good job Elliot, good job…

He carefully flipped it over just to see a notification floating above the phone, not on it. ABOVE IT! Elliot turned to a passing by Lulu.

“I’ll walk out their order. Can you babysit my phone?”

“Babysit your what— OH MY GOD! How is it… doing that…?”

“You know how…”

“Oh your boyfriend—“

Before Elliot could her lulu’s full sentence, he’d already walked out with the admin duos order. He quickly handed them their food, watched them leave, then walked back to his phone.

This was going to be one hell of a day…

Chapter Text

Elliot walked back to the kitchen, happy the parlor was empty so he could focus on his now hacked phone. He saw Lulu beginning to nudge his phone around with a broom

“What do we do with it? What if he crawls out the phone or something like that girl from the ring!?”

“He can’t do that… I think…”

Elliot’s watched as Lulu nudged the phone into the closet. Locking it in there. Why she force him back in the closet, I get it’s not pride month but wow.

“Lulu let my phone out the closet.”

“Fine but if that other hacker guy chases me again I’m throwing your phone back in there!”

“Neither of them are going to crawl out the phone!”

Before Elliot could try ad further convince Lulu of what he thaws fact, he heard a muffled voice in the closet.

“It’s dark in here. Noli did w get the worn phone?”

“D0nt @sk m3 !ts y0ur b0yfr!3nd…”

Elliot turned to Lulu, then back to the closet. Maybe Lulu was right. He stared a lulu once again, Whispering to her nervously.

“Should we let them out—“

“NO! BARACADE THE DOOR—”

“W3 c@n h3ar y0u 2.”

Lulu ran almost immediately, running back a pizza cutter in hand. While Elliot realized he was in fact this desperate to see 007n7 again and walked towards the closet door.

“I GOT WEAPON AND IF YOU LAY ONE FINGER ON EITHER OF US ILL CUT IT O— Elliot? Stay away from the closet hackers… Elliot!?”

Elliot knew two things, Lulu threat was empty, as that pizza cutter was extremely dull, and that he needed his before at the end of the day. Hacked or not.

“I’ll open the closet in 5 seconds. Lulu be ready… I guess…”

Elliot silently count down, each number making him regret his decision even more. 5… 4… 3… 2…. 1.

Elliot nudged the door open with his shoe, finding his phone on but nobody in there. H carefully picked it up and turned it on.

“Hey Lulu the rooms empty! Lulu?”

Lulu stood silently, most likely in horror. Leaving Elliot confused, he looked down at his phone, it showed a message that gave Elliot a small heart attack.

“Look behind you. :)”

Elliot, being the sensible person he is decided that he’d much rather be known for surviving horror movie situations, deciding he’d use the help of the person near him.

“Lulu, who’s behind me…? Lulu—“

Before Lulu could respond he felt someone tap him on the shoulder, Elliot immediately turns around just to find nothing. He made eye contact with Lulu, as she was still frozen in horror.

“Elliot you’ll never believe me but he was just there I swear— Elliot, ELLIOT BEHIND YOU”

Elliot heard laugh from behind him, making him look again. Sadly seeing no one. Was he crazy? Were Elliot and Lulu finally snapping from the mental stress? Could they just blame Telamon because of his original order? Probably yes to all of those. When he felt the presence of someone behind, he decided to do a stupid action once again. He reached behind him, grabbing what felt like a hand and turning around. Now facing the hacker he spent the past week yearning for.

“Hi..”

“H-heeeeey… Sorry for your, phone. Never got your number… I can fix it!”

He felt the hand he was not holding reach towards the phone. Elliot reluctantly handed it over, their hands touching for slightly too long.

“3w. G3t @ r00m.”
“Ew, get a room!”

“Ah! Hacker freak!”

“H3ll0 t0 y0u t00.”

Elliot laughed nervously at the interaction between his coworker and the other hacker, before Turning his attention back to the tentatively fixing his phone. Messing with some sort of code on the screen that definitely wasn’t on there a few hours before.

“How are you two here? There’s wanted poster everywhere… I just served two admins pizza! Lulu nearly god herself banned yelling at one!”

“Y0u d!d wh@t—“

“Shut it hacker…”

Elliot noticed lulu’s embarrassment and brushed it off. Though it was strange that she’d be embarrassed about that, she’s usually proud about those kinds of things. He looked back at 7, who was handing him back his phone.

“It should work now, and look here!”

He pointed to what looked to be an app that was not there before, with the same visual aesthetic of the gui.

“Now you can message me whenever! I’ll be at your beck and call~”

The hackers final words made Elliot chuckle and blush. It was cheesy, but sweet. He then checked on the pair behind them both.

“Th@ts !t !m w@lk!ng 0ut. Y0u tw0 are gr0ss…”

“I’m gonna interrogate this hacker dude, make sure they ain’t gonna hurt you my guy. Have a fun closet date!”

He watched the both then walk out together, grumbling over having to be within 6 feet of each other. But Elliot focused on who was important right now. 007n7.

“Want to talk in the break room? It’s unlikely we’ll get anymore customers anyways.”

“Definitely.”

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Lulu looked at the hacker next to her. Both sitting in the back parking lot.

“You’re right, still.”

“Wh@t?”

“The admins don’t care unless you make them.”

She groaned and looked ahead. Too ashamed to look them in the eye. She hated how she felt, it felt like it was consuming her whole. From the inside to the out.

“!’d s@y ‘! T0ld y0u s0!’ 8ut ! Kn0w th@t ! Pr0b@bly sh0uldn’t rub s@lt !n th@t w0und…”

“That’s it? I thought you’re going to be a dick about it and have some prepared speech about how dumb I am.”

“! C0u1d, 8ut ! F33l l!k3 y0u w@nt t0 t@lk f0r @n0th3r r3as0n”

Lulu sighed and glanced the hacker, assuming he was judging her some sort of judgmental stare through their strange mask. But they did nothing but look ahead also.

“I’m not going to give the admins the footage. That’s part of the reason you came along with that guy? Make sure I didn’t tattle?”

She heard a muffled laugh from the masked figure that somehow disturbed and comforted her simultaneously.

“Y0ur3 3v3n sm@rt3r th@n ! Th0ught. Y0u kn0w? 8ut y3ah… Wh¥ ? ! Th0ught y0u w@nt3d t0 t@k3 0ut th3 ‘b!g sc@ry h@ck3rs’ f0r th3 p30pl3~”

Lulu groaned and glared at them more harshly.

“I did it because I wanted to make sure Elliot didn’t get reported with you two. He deserves better than immature hackers, and shouldn’t be forced to be banned with them. But I have a deal to propose…”

“@nd th@t !s…?”

“Truce between us so them two can be happy… we can hate each other forever, but at this rate we’ll be bridesmaids at their future wedding with how lovey they are to each other. So let’s at least pretend to be nice in front of them. I know our fighting annoys Elliot and I don’t want him feeling bad for liking someone. Even if that someone is a hacker.”

Lulu groaned, holding her face in hands looking at the clouds above them. God she felt dumb asking this. This is for Elliot though, that is what she kept telling herself.

“! S33 y0ur p0!nt. F!n3… d3@l.”

The hacker turned to Lulu and extended a hand. Which Lulu accepted and shook.

“Let’s have a proper introduction. My name is Lulu. Yours?”

“N0l!”

“That’s… unique, are you trying to be edgy or—“

“@r3nt w3 supp0s3d t0 @ct n!c3 n0w?”

“Only in front of the couple!”

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Elliot led 007n7 to the break room with the hand he was holding earlier, kicking the door closed behind them. He then dragged both them to the couch. The room was a cold color, the lights let out a hum. Both of them sat on the couch, 7 stiff as Elliot involuntarily cuddled up, missing his lovers touch more than he’d like to admit.

“Why’re so stiff? Is something wrong?”

Nothing was in fact wrong and 7 was over joyed but more nervous than he’d ever been. He did it, he was with the guy he liked. But did her deserve this? Not even he was sure.

“7?”

“I love you…”

“I love you too 7.”

It felt so natural for Elliot to say, like the words were meant for him. He felt himself turn to face 7, holding both of th hackers hands.

“I’m so happy el… you make me so happy…”

Elliot found himself leaning in towards the the hackers, both of them inching closer to one another. He glanced at his lips.

“Whatever happens, let’s stay together through this 7…”

“Of course…”

Elliot felt his hand move to the others waist, pulling them both closer until—

“ELLIOT! THE HACKER GUY CALLED MY NAME DUMB— oh! Am in interrupting…? “

Elliot whipped his head around to face Lulu, feeling a blush creep up his neck. He he held on to 7 tightly, mainly as an attempt to keep himself from running out the room from embarrassment.

“Yes! L-leave!”

“Yeah yeah you can go back to smooching your boyfriend~”

Elliot threw a pillow and her.

“Go!”

“Fine fine!”

Before Lulu could successfully escape the break room a frustrated Noli pushed her.

“W3 g0tt@ g0 7. ! S@w @dm!ns! 0h… w3 st!ll h@ve t0 g0. Y0u c@n br!ng h!m ! Gu3ss…”

Elliot was conflicted… should he stay with Lulu in the empty pizzeria. Or should he spend a day with him… He sighed.

“I’ll come as long as one of you can bring home tonight. And if admins see us, I’m saying I was a hostage!”

7n7 smiled. Happy that Elliot accepted the strange, last minute request. 7 pulled both of them to their feet Elliot clinging to him so he didn’t topple over form the sudden movement.

“Let’s go!”

Before Elliot could fully process the Choice he just made, 7n7 opened his gui, and with a push of a button, they were gone.

Chapter Text

Elliot openned his eyes quickly as the trio reappeared in a dingy apartment living room, which 7 quickly noticed the state of and tidied up quickly. Using a mix of code and quick handiwork to make the room more presentable. 7n7 spoke, clearly out of breath.

“T-there! Fixed… sorry Elliot for dragging you into this…”

Elliot sighed and smiled, it was nice to have someone that cared so much about his feelings and opinions. He watched 7 walk back over and hug him, Elliot pushed his strange hat aside gave a comforting pat.

“It’s fine really… I’ve seen MUCH worse…”

Before the two of them could wonder into the nearby living room and onto the couch, wanting to spend some much needed time together. Noli ran to 7n7.

“$3v… $0m3th!n g !s wr0ng w!th m3. C@n y0u f!x !t th3n k!SS y0ur b0yfr!3nd…?”

7 groaned and gave Elliot a apologetic look while walking over to Noli. Dragging him to another room while pulling up panel of the gui. 7n7 turned to Noli annoyed as he sighed.

“Nothing is physically wrong with you. And you don’t sound sick… I’m not doctor but you can try to describe it I guess?”

“I f33l w3!rd 7! F!x !t n0w”

“What kind of weird…?”

“L!k3 my st0m@ch f33ls w3!rd @nd my h3art b3ats r3ally f@st… @nd !v3 b33n s@y!ng n!c3r th!ngs…”

7n7 started to laugh while Noli quickly tried to justify his panic, grabbing him by both shoulders and shaking him.

“S3v! S0m0ne d!d th!s t0 m3! !m g0!ng t0
d!3!”

7n7 pried Noli off and sighed. Looking at his disheveled friend in the eyes.

“Do you know who did this to you?”

Noli pulled 7n7 closer, as if saying the name too loudly would put them both in danger. They whispered.

“!t’$ Lulu. Lulu curs3d m3…”

7 snorted while looking at noli now very flustered demeanor. In 7’s eyes, was clear what was “wrong” with his friend, and maybe it was 007n7’s turn to act as wingman.

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Elliot sighed as he watched the two run off. Taking the alone time as an opportunity to explore the apartment, wandering into their kitchen and peaking in their fridge. It was barren and desolate. Filled with nothing but leftover pizza, bloxy cola, and a singular slice of American cheese.

“Oh gods…. That’s just sad…” Elliot mentally made a note to go grocery shopping for the duo. He then wandered to the living room and plopped himself down on the couch, pulling out his phone to see what exactly the hacker did to it.

Pulling up the application that 7 installed it looked just like the messages app, it only had one contact though, 7n7’s. Before he could send a test message, he got a notification, from Lulu.

“Lulu✨: heeeeey Elliot i gotta tell you smth“

“E: what?”

“Lulu✨: you your boyfriend’s friend? The one with the creepy mask and weird voice? “

“Lulu✨: Hear me out”

“E: WHAT”

Before he could fully process Lulu’s confession he saw the hacker duo return. Noli looking embarrassed and 7 looking as if he was told the funniest thing possible. His lover, now In a very good mood, ran over and immediately hugged up on his lover.

“Heeeey el…”

“Hi 7… you never told me how you hacked my phone.”

“Ehe~”

7 moved closer, making Elliot assume what he was about to be told would a be a little hard to redeem.

“7…?”

“Well… all I’ll say is be careful when connecting your phone to public WiFi, and uh, don’t click as many popup ads…”

“How does that— oh.”

“If it wasn’t me who got to your phone it would’ve been someone else at that rate…”

Elliot sighed and relaxed back, leaning on 7. He looked around the couch before finding a blanket and pulling it over them Both. He decided he wouldn’t think too hard about the fact his phone has almost been hacked multiple times in the past, and just enjoy the moment. Elliot’s mind kept drifting back to lulu’s text. Could he ask 7 to help set them up? They seemed to hate each other less right now, and Noli seemed to help set up 7 with him. Would it be too big an ask? Might as well find out.

“Heeeey 7…. I got a weird idea…”

“What is it…?”

7’s mind on the other hand lingered on how Noli described his complex “condition” caused by being around Lulu for too long, Noli was quite pitiful in love and it was hilarious. He quickly turned his attention to his boyfriend.

“You’ve noticed how Noli and Lulu have not hated each other as much right?”

7 nodded, holding back a laugh. Was Elliot proposing what he thought he was?

“Nol’s thoughts about her have been less… insulting.”

“Same with Lulu… and we do kind of owe him for helping set us up. Because if our first meet with him around was any other than that I’d have a lot more questions.”

007n7 starts to laugh which made Elliot smile. His love and a very pleasant laugh, Elliot chuckled too. He eventually collected himself enough to continue speaking.

“Just bring him around the pizzeria more when the admins leave. I’ll make sure she’s working cash register.”

“I can do that… does she like any kind of gift or is she good with whatever?”

“She LOVES flowers. She’ll say it’s cheesy but she loves it trust me. Any type will work as long as they are purple.”

7n7 nods and made a mental note of it. 7 decided that info was enough and relaxed against his very comfortable boyfriend.

“Els… let’s stay like this till we have to move… I don’t want to get up…”

Elliot sighed dramatically but still smiled, curling around 7 also. Pausing before finally responding in a sarcastic annoyed voice.

“Fine… I suppose I could stay like this with terrifying hacker…”

“And you will.~”

7n7 placed a quick kiss on Elliot’s cheek and relaxed. Elliot was stunned and quickly decided to stayed also. Noli lingered in one of the bedrooms in the apartment, their head in their hands.

“3w…. L0v3 !s gr0ss…”

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Far away, in an empty and now closing pizzeria, Lulu sat pondering her new found feelings. Maybe Noli wasn’t that bad. She looked ahead at the sky, the sun now setting.

“Hackers are losers. Me and Elliot both like losers.”

She chuckled to herself before grabbing her things and walking out for the day.

Chapter Text

OKAY SO NO CONTENT BUT I GOTTA YAP! NEW CHAPTER SOON

So life kinda exploded and destroyed any motivation I had to write (T＿T)

BUT I HAVE GOOD NEWS

The Noli lore rework gave me a really cool idea on how to include it in my story! So it will be done in a fun way! That means new chapters super duper soon! AND MORE NOLI X LULU CONTENT! I may even write a one shot separate to this au to experiment with it so keep and eye out for that. Yes I’m investing time into the rare pair I invented shhhhhh

POINT IS IM BACK AND YOU’LL GET A CHAPTER TODAY OR TOMORROW

SEE YALL LATERRRR

(And yes you’ll still get plenty of pizza burger the happy au IS STILL MAINLY FOR THEM)

Chapter Text

Lulu woke, head pounding. Slowly pulling her face away from the lopsided couch cushion, what year was it? That's when lulu immediately realized she passed out before she called Elliot! She im imeadiatly grabbe her phone, knocked to the floor during th night. 20%? Ehhh... That'll be enough for a call. she's pulls up the contact and leaned the phone against her ear.

"Hey Elliot did you make it home save I was really and-"

"Everything hurts..."

Oh great, Elliot's having cramps.

"Elliot did your per-"

"Yes! And I hurt a lot..."

"Do you need me to bring you anything?"

She heard faint shuffling on Elliot's side of the call and a sigh of relief.

"Nah, 7's here to help out. But could you uh-"

"Cover your shift?"

"Yeah..."

Lulu sighs but smiles.

"Yeah I can... Take care of yourself! And let your boyfriend help"

She heard a faint laugh on the other side of the call following Elliot's annoyed groan.

"I will. Oh, and your running late!"

"O crap! Byeeee!"

Lulu stood up then promptly fell. The age old turnout of getting up just a bit too quickly. As she crawled back into the standing position she fuzzily started to remember the dream she had that night...
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It was dark, the grass under her feet being overgrown, damp and cold. Everything was dark except for the stars above, being so bright it made her head spin,swirlling with purples, blues and ache.

Still being eve curious, she started to walk, noticing one star in particular acting strangely, seemingly guiding he forward. It promptly stopped, shooting up in the sky as if I wanted to escape. She jumped back as a indescribable figure imerged in front of her, looking at it too long made her eyes hurt. So she looked up at the mass expands of the night.

"Y0u s33m uns@t!sf!3d..."

"Yeah I guess."

"R3al!ty l!m!ts y0u."

"That's a bit dramatic!"

"Dr@m@ @lw@yS su!t3d y0u"

She chucked and looked to the side.

"I guess."

"D3@r3st Lu, Wh@t w0uld y0u w!sh f0r, !f y0u c0uld w!sh f0r @nyth!ng?”

She sighed and faced him, avoiding focusing too hard.

“To be less, powerless… I feel like I’m at the whim of every hacker and admin, I want even ground! That guy was right, so I want to help. Hell at least understand!”

She let out a more defeated laugh.

“I wish for a lot of things, don’t I?”

“3v3ry w!sh h@s @ c0st.”

“A cost that I would pay.”

“S33 y0u s00n”

“Huh—“

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She focused on her phone, 15%, and she was in fact VERY late. Luckily, falling asleep on her couch had its perks, such as having her uniform on from the night before. She grab her bag and ran out the door.

One of the cooks had already opened up the place and there was no waiting customers, I mean, who eats pizza for breakfast? Freaks probably.

“55 minutes late”

Oh great, the manager.

“S-sorry sir, Elliot was uh-!”

“He told me you were covering, be happy he likes you here, or I’d fire you right now.”

“Okay sir”

Once alone at the register, Lulu let out a sigh of relief. While she waited for the first orders, she thought about that dream. That voice felt so familiar, it made head hurt; No one though had ever called her “dearest Lu” it felt nice, ewww she can’t like a guy form her literal dreams. She really needed to change her standards, though she didn’t know if she should lower or heighten them.

Then she heard the putter patter of feet, many at that. She glanced at her phone, 13%, 11:30. The inevitable lunch must’ve started early. She looked up and faced what looked to be, a cluster of hooded figures? Each with what looked to be embroidered on stars? Weird. Money is money though, and that many people must tip well. Curious though, she decided to question them slightly. What’s the harm in that?

“And who might you all be?”

One responded, smiling.

“I’m not a who, pizza girl. I am a what. A “who” requires a certain degree of identity I can’t ever attain.”

(TMA REFRENCE??? I’m not even a TMA fan I just know if I was ever told that in real life I’d want to punch the person)

“Oh… that’s, okay…”

Another one came forward.

“Did the stars guide you in your dream?”

“What the fuck”

She covered her mouth, not meaning to blurt that out to the creepy cultists. The group laughed then went into a huddle. A new one emerging, more giddy than the rest.

“You were! That means our god is here! We were right! You must join us tonight! For when the stars are brightest he emerges in his true form!”

I collections of whispered “yeahs” and “joOoOOin ussss” filled the group. Lulu, now mortified, decided to speed up this interaction.

“ANYWAYS! What would you guys like to order?”

“Nothing, we only want you time Lulu. May stars look on you kindly, see you in the near future, when the night is at its peak!”

She then realized she did not have her badge on

“H-hey haw did you know my name! COME BACK”

But they were gone.

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She shift went by rather smoothly, but Lulu was on edge. She did not want to be alone tonight. She would ask Elliot, but he was not okay. Her coworkers only liked her when Elliot was around. 7 would be helping him so not that guy, maybe Noli? Was she making up excuses to get near him? Admins she didn’t know… she glanced at her phone, deciding to text anyways

Dead.

Her phone was dead.

“FUCK.”

She groaned the nearly screamed. Great, the cults back.

“Are you ready?”

Wither walk alone and maybe die or worse. Or go with these freaks and at least know she was doomed. At least this one was definite.

“Sure…”

“PERFECT”

The shout surprised her and the group started to guide her forward. A mix of murmured excitement and hushed whispered filled the collection of hooded figures. She was being guided to a dark forest, illuminated by a single bonfire. When she got closer, she noticed a collection of camper-vans, tents, and blankets coating the forest floor. All racing around makeshift stage. The curtain coated with dawn on stars.

“We follow him through all, though when he settled with a mere robloxian, it felt strange. Until we met you! You must be the change he’s seeking! You shall be the answer! He’s pleased by your presence anyways. We were foretold of that.”

The group lightly pushed her down on a cushion, the one closest and most center facing to the stage. Great, she was a sacrifice. Another group member sat next to lulu, whispering in her ear.

“He can grant anything you desire, though every wish you desire. Though, every wish has a price…”

Wait, she heard that in her—

“ITS STARTING!”

She looked up at the stage. A spotlight focusing on the center, the air felt strange. Unnatural… she looked up, the stars were bright, painfully so. Though one was out of place, magically floating to the center of the stage. A glitched laughing filled the air, causing the crowed to cheer loudly.

“T0 @ll my d3@r p@tr0ns… th3 h0ld3r 0f th3 v0!dst@r @rr!ves”

Wait… no way. Lulu must be hearing things. That can’t be…

The curtains pull away , revealing a figure not robloxian, not admin, and definitely not natural. A false diety among mortal worshippers, holding the voice of someone all too familiar. Noli is a loser, not a god! She had to run, and run now. Before she had the chance to leave not spotted, she felt herself suddenly appear on the stage. Well crap.

“L3ts t@lk , Lu. C@r3 f0r @ d@nc3?”

A, would you describe it as a hand? Reached in front in front of her. She grabbed it. At this point, what did she have to lose. She couldn’t waltz to save her life but part of her felt, maybe it’d be alright.

“You’re answering my questions asshole”she whispered.

“@sk @w@y..”

“What the hell is going on?”

“W3ll… y0ur !n my gr0up 0f p@tr0ns, b3!ng g!v3n @ v3ry fun 0p0rtun!ty!!!”

She laughed, it was very hard to stay serious around them. Even when pissed.

“Does 7n7 know your a god /cult leader?”

“N@hh… h3 th!nks !’m ju$t @n0th3r h@ck3r, @nd !t’ll st@y th@t w@y. “

They spun, their movements graceful, surprisingly so. How was she doing that? Was she even doing that?

“How have I not tripped yet?”

“W3ll… th@ts p@rt 0f my 0ff3r! Y0u w@nt3d t0 und3rst@nd m0r3, r!ght?”

“Yeah…?”

“Wh@t !f ! S@!d ! C0uld g!v3 y0u th@t?”

“Every wish has a price… theatre kid.”

“Y0u l3@rn qu!ck. !ts s!mpl3, b3c0m3 @ p@tr0n 0f m3!”

“And act like those weirdos! Hell no!”

He chuckled. Their waltz continuing.

“! D!dn’t d0 th@t t0 th3m. Th3y’r3 just l!k3 th@t ju$t, st@y @r0und m3 m0r3, !t’ll b3n3f!t y0u m0r3 th@b y0u th!nk.”

She held back a smile. This is the dumbest thing she’d ever agreed to.

“Fine, just don’t study me too hard cult leader, I’m not a good example of what a Robloxian should be…”

“ʸᵒᵘʳᵉ ᵍᵒᵒᵈ ᵉⁿᵒᵘᵍʰ ᶠᵒʳ ᵐᵉᵉᵉ... "

"Huh-"

“N0TH!NG! BY3!”

And before she realized it, she was home, phone less and confused on the very couch she woke up on. Maybe sleeping on the couch again isn’t such bad idea.

She would make fun of Noli later.

Chapter Text

It had been a few days since the initial “event” Lulu, still phone-less managed to show up on time more, hoping it’d maybe throw those cultist weirdos off? She’d convinced herself that day was just another weird dream. Silently begging that she was right.
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Elliot, mostly better. Was on a combination of pain meds that made the cramps more of a dull pain. Reminded by the constant stream of messages from 7n7 to keep up on the dosages. Today though, was different than most days, today two of the highest paying, and most obnoxious people were coming to the restaurant. They were funny? So I guess it made up for it? Lulu always laughed when they were around. Calling Elliot “oblivious” he wasn’t oblivious! Probably. Before he could finish that though he saw the group approach.

A man, taller than most. With a name and an aura that silenced most patrons, mafioso, or just maf, Only For Elliot. Surrounded by his many workers, all nearly identical to another other than in outfit. To the point that if you had to ask Elliot to name each one or get banned for a week, he would be stuck in the ban-lands for sure. though the person was a childhood friend of his, crime lord or not.

Next to the intimidating figure was another long time friend of his, the one person where the words “99% gambler quit before they hit it big” actually applied. His gray complexion and expensive attire a stark contrast from the bright and cheery pizza place. He was most known for owning the local casino. They were smiling brightly and dramatically waving at him. Yeah, that was chance.

He had two motivation to get through this order, the tip money, and the preplanned date at the park that night with 007n7.

“Heyyyy Elliot!”

“Hello.”

Chance leaned over the register counter, nearly falling. Mafioso though, spoke quietly with his bundle of workers.

“Let’s order, love.”

Chance turned back giddy, Elliot occasionally forgot they were dating, and this was one of those moments. They were so different from Each other, but he supposed that’s what made them work so well? They both insisted on including Elliot in their ventures when he wasn’t busy with work. Constant third wheel? He knew if they tried to drag him in anything today he’d have to decline, Elliot was set on spending time with 7, uninterrupted.

Without realizing it, he’d mindlessly filled out the group’s order, he supposed it was the reflexes of working here for so long, maybe Lulu was right, he was quite the workaholic.

“Anything else?”

A smooth voice cut through the brief silence.

“Oh, just a gift for you.”

Supportive whispered “yeah!” From chance was heard as a rose was slid across the counter. Elliot did not know how to react. Stuff like this was normal from the duo. A constant stream of gifts and quality time kept him from asking too many questions. Why did it feel so weird now? Wait…

“Jeeze Maf I uh—“

Chance jumped in

“Would you be able to meet for dinner after your shift? We like to ask you something.”

Oh no. Elliot had to stop this.

“Listen, I can’t. I have, a date…”

Elliot could feel what little energy was in the air leave, and as if the moment could get any worse, his phone buzzed. 7 was calling. To escape the moment and the muttered whispers between the customers in front of him, he picked up the phone.

“Heyyyy love~”

Great timing 7, just great.

“Hey…”

Elliot awkwardly turned around as if on cue, Lulu came out with their order and ushered the group out. Holding back laughter the entire time. Elliot went back to focusing on the call.

“Anyways I’ll pick you up from the pizza place, Noli insisted on coming to speak to Lulu, do you they are, you know~”

Elliot laughed

“Let’s not rush things, they just started talking outside of arguments.”

He heard a muffled laugh on the other side of the phone. The two both said their goodbyes, Elliot promptly hanging before turning to a dying laughing Lulu.

“They’d been hitting on you for YEARS! You JUST figured it out!?”

Elliot sighed, covering his face in his hands.

“Well they were dating each other so I didn’t want to assume—“

“They are in an open relationship dumbass, they wanted you to be their third!”

Elliot looked down at the rose on the counter.

“No more good tips I guess. Oh god, what about 7!”

“What about him?”

“MAFIOSO IS A MAFIA BOSS”

“Oh, OH”

Elliot immediately went to call 007n7 again, maybe he can teleport here? Yeah? Hackers can do that!

“Heyy Elliot~ why’re calling again?”

Elliot, trying his hardest to not sound as panicked as he was whilst quickly deciding on a response.

“Listen… can you uh, teleport here? I heard it’s dangerous out! A-and I don’t want you getting hurt on the walk here!”

“You sure, you’ve mentioned not wanting to hack too much around the pizza place —“

“Please just do this… please?”

He heated a dramatic sigh on the other side of the phone

"Fine.... Only because its you~"

Before Elliot had the chance to thank the man, he ha hung up. Hopefully that ensured his safety, which that was all he could hope for.

Elliot expectantly looked ahead, worried that they’ll get caught somehow. Before he could turn and ask Lulu to act a lookout, he felt two arms snake around him and a sigh.

“Hi Elliot~”

Elliot relaxed in relief more than he would like to admit, chance and mafioso were friends of his, they wouldn’t hurt someone he loved? Right? Not chance no…

“Elliot you’re thinking a lot, what ok your mind? Yo worried me a little when you wanted me to come so quick. And you’re so tense too—“
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Lulu turned to Noli, this was it. The final bit proof to show that her shift and the events after that were nothing more than a weird dream. Just as she was going to get that much needed satisfaction, she felt something get slid into her hands.

“L3ft th!s by @c!d3nt, ! @dd3d my c0nt@ct s0 w3 c@n t@lk @b0ut ‘!t’ “

The thick air quotes around “it” hit Lulu like a truck, that night really did happen. Noli really is, that. Could she tell anyone? Would she? Would anyone believe her? Those were questions for another day.

She muttered “thanks. I still have questions by the way.”

“N3xt m33t!ngs !n thr33 d@ys. L!k3 t3@?”

“I guess? Still thinking about this by the way! Don’t get too excited…”

“!nv!t@t!0ns st!ll 0p3n.”

“Let’s focus on the lovers okay? You can be all mysterious later! Besides don’t you have a cover to keep?”

“Th3yr3 s0 @bs0rb3d !n 3@ch0th3r !ll b3 ju$t f!n3.”

“Sure…”

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After talking for a while, both 007n7 and Elliot were off. Walking out of the pizzeria and into the night. Elliot felt followed, blaming it on paranoia from the awkward rejection. Though he SWORE he heard murmuring in a bush. By the time he was able to focus on 7’s ramblings he saw people jump out in front of him, beside him, and behind him. Even in the dark, Elliot’s eyes could focus just hard enough to see who they were, maf’s goons.

“Hands off the pizza boy! Bosses orders!”

“ʸᵉᵃʰ!"

This collection of agreeing noises and muffled “yeah’s!” Circled them. 007n7 was panicked, and for good reason. He never considered the idea of Elliot being involved with criminals!

Elliot on the other hand, was merely annoyed at the interruption. He was worried for 007n7’s safety, but he knew he had better chances of convincing the world to back off, he sighed.

“Please just leave… I’m on a date.”

One of the workers spoke up.

“Boss said he was a criminal! He’s not good for you!”

“Listen… I know I was kinda oblivious to their advances and stuff… but I’m wi to someone else now! He doesn’t have to worry about me as much.”

7 perked up at the word “advances”.

“Hey what do you mean by that? Is that why they’re here? Love do you now what’s going on—“

“YES! I can explain this. I’d rather not do it with an audience.”

He looked annoyingly at the workers.

“Tell maf that I’m okay, he can come around later to check up on me. I’ll be okay.”

The workers defeated, knowing that pushing any further would do more harm than good. Slowly back away. Murmuring about “how angry the boss would be.”

Elliot relaxed and let out a small laugh. 7n7 stood, still confused about what he just witnessed. Elliot turned to him and sighed.

“I’ll explain at the park, let just make there without any more of that okay?”

Elliot reached out his hand to 7, he grabbed it and they continued to walk forth. Happy with each other’s presence.

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Lulu turned to Noli, realizing they’d be stuck alone together. The only good throng being the fact the pizzeria was mostly closed for the night. All she had to do was pack up and leave…. Yeah, no extra alone time with him. Yay…

“S00000 w@nt @ny qu3sti0ns @nsw3r3d?”

God dammit. He his wanted him to both stay and leave, neither felt like a good option. She sighed and turned to him, handing him a mop.

“Not right now… can you help with clean up? I want to get home Before midnight…”

She started to ramble on, about how Elliot could pack up super quick with her. How a some kid spilt soda everywhere, and how another family practically trashed a table. Noli patiently listened, mopping up the particularly sticky corners of the establishment.

“And the WORST part is, some guy went on a tangent for an hour straight about the health risks of pizza!”

She laughed and smiled, looking up front eh table she was wiping to face the diety n disguise. Her heart skipped a beat, he laughed too. It was warm, like soft blanket on a rainy day, like the sun in the summer. They both just laughed, it felt natural. it felt right. Maybe talking with him isn’t too bad

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Elliot and 007n7 successfully got to the park without any more interruption. They both relaxed onto a nearby bench, 7’s arm snaking around Elliot’s Waist.

“Sooo Elliot, didn’t know you had suitors~”

Elliot laughed and relaxed his head on 7’s shoulder.

“I just found out two friends of mine were hitting on me for over a year, it’s a miracle you confessed so quickly or you would’ve had to wait much longer”

“Good thing I beat out the competition~!”

He hugged on elliot, both awkward wrapped around each other on the bench. Happy with each other’s presence. Elliot perked up.

“So why did you want it go to the park?”

“Welll… I may or may not have added a new thing on the gui and…”

“7!”

“We won’t get caught! It’s harmless. Wanna see?”

Elliot’s curiosity betrayed him, he sighed and looked back at 7n7.

“…yeah…”

“Great!”

Before Elliot could react, 007n7 activated something quickly on a panel. Closing it and nudging Elliot to look up. Fireworks, they were beautiful.

“Woah, these are amazing! Thank you!”

He sat up to face 007n7, an energy pulling together.

“Oh ell… I”

Before 7 could finish, Elliot pulled him forward into a kiss. Their lips softly clashing together. Elliot. Begrudgingly pulled back for air.

“S-sorry for doing that! I-t just felt right and—“

7 pulled Elliot back into the kiss, causing him to let out a small laugh. They both slowly leaned back, looking at another.

“You know el you’re missing the fireworks~”

“I’m looking at something much more important right now”

“As am I.”

Chapter Text

Elliot woke up at home and slowly turned over, shutting off the blaring alarm that made his head hurt. He sighed and started to stretch, opting to sit up and grab his uniform shirt that was unceremoniously tossed aside before getting quickly pulled by something, or someone back to bed.

“Mmmm el, five more minutes…”

Oh. Elliot’s mind blanked immediately a he felt two arms wraps around him an drag him closer. The night came back him rather quickly, both stumbling home after spending plenty of time rather closely together, the rest blurring into something that made his face flush. When Elliot snapped back to reality he made an attempt to peel the hacker off.

"I have work..."

"Lulu can handle it. She did last timeeee."

Elliot groan an and tried to pry one of 7's hand off his waist and grab his uniform shirt, trying to slide over rhim even in his awkward position.

"Well this time I have no reason to take the day off... Don't you have hacker related stuff to do?”

“Ehhhh, nothing as important you~”

Elliot let out a laugh and stood up, facing the man still splayed out in his bed. He pulled a blanket over him and looked away, blushing faintly. He then finished getting dressed whilst ignoring his lover trying to lightly tug him back into bed.

“Come oooon… please stay… what will make you stay…? elll~”

“Hack the pizza place again… that got me off for the day—“ Elliot responded, his voice laced with sarcasm.

This made 007n7 perk up, immediately sitting up, the blanket strewn across him sliding off.

“Okay!” He pulled out a glowing panel, starting to type something illegible into it. Elliot froze, then immediately reached over to shove away the glowing screen. unluckily, his hand fazed through, causing him to topple onto the other male.

“Awwww el, if you wanted me so bad you could’ve just asked!”

Elliot instantly pried himself off his lover, carefully straightening his uniform shirt to near perfection. Before he could get anymore drawn back to bed, he ran out the door.

“Love you 7!”

“Love you too! Imtotallynotplotting anythingtogetyourattentiondon’tworryaboutit!”

Elliot, unable to make out the last of what 7n7 had said, deciding that it was a later problem for when he wasn’t working. He ran into the pizzeria, on time. Which would sound good to most, but to Elliot? Was worrying. He was always early, too early. Lulu called out to him.

“On time? That’s a rarity! The guy of yours rubbing off on you?”

Elliot covered his face with his visor, his thoughts drifting back to their time together, every moment.

“Shut up….”

“I’d ask what’s up you ass this morning, but—“

“Lulu!”

Lulu giggled, leaning back up against the wall behind the counter , watching Elliot approach and settle behind the register.

“Don’t you have that Noli guy to argue with?”

“No we’ve been getting along! He isn’t too bad to talk with…”

“Oh yeah, how’ve you two been? You still like him?”

“…maybe…?”

“Why don’t you ask him out? It doesn’t have to be a ‘date’ date, you could just get to know him.”

“May or may not have one of those later today but shhhh”

“LULU! Look at you go! When is it?”

“6:00pm”

“But we’re still working? Unless you’re not working closing too—“

“Uhm, I found a way to get out of it…”

“What, asked 7 and them to hack the pizza place again?”

Lulu stayed quiet, looking at the floor, embarrassed. Which was an especially rare look for Lulu.

“No way… ugh. This is gonna be a long shift, the coming right at 6 or…”

“12.”

“12? But your date’s not till—“

“I need time to get ready!”

Elliot laughed, looking at Lulu while she nervously fumbled at her sleeve. He wasn’t used to Lulu’s lack of confidence.

“You’re more nervous the last time this place got hacked. I bet it’ll go fine! You’re cool! Their lucky to even have a chance with you!”

“I know! I’m so great!”

Both laughed, Elliot glancing at his phone for the time, 10:00. Two hours till the hacking. a small part of him was excited, he loved any excuse to see 7, even if was a bit, unorthodox…

The next few hours for the duo were rather uneventful, a few annoying customers yes, but mostly uneventful.

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Lulu thought back to the night before. Noli, on his way out after realizing the couple was not returning. She was too happy, she couldn’t wait three days, she wanted to talk like this again! It was, refreshing.

“Hey! Noli!”

“HUh?”

“Tomorrow! Meet me by the gas station! I wanna talk!”

“Sur3?”

“Oh and tell 7 to hack the pizza place tomorrow too! I want the day off!”

“Wh@t h@penned t0 ‘I h9te h9ckers bl3h bl3h bl3h!’ ”

Lulu snorted, stifling her laugh so she could manage out another sentence.

“ I don’t sound like that! And you two aren’t that bad… besides, I don’t exactly have time to take a day off on my own…”

“F!ne l0ser, y0u 0we m3 th0…”

She waved Noli off, waiting till they were out of view excitedly smile and give her self a victory high five.

Noli sigh and smiled, shooting 7 a text along the lines of, “you should hack to pizza place again your boyfriend will find it hot trust me bro” Before slowly venturing home.

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Lulu finished filling out another order and glanced at her phone, 11:55!? Well crap she didn’t want to be inside for this. She tapped Elliot on the shoulder after he finished another order.

“What do you—“ he glanced at the time,

“Oh.”

"Yeah... Wanna go on break...?"

Elliot nodded and the duo quickly slipped away. As they reached the filled parking lot and both got settled in front of the building. After digging out his from his front pokect , He gazed at the time once again.

11:59…

Wow, if her told himself last month that this is what he’d be doing, he’d never believe himself. When he finally looked up the sky faded into a red. It has begun, and admins... He was still not used to this.