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“I mean- do I even need to keep the book?”
Scar asked, holding the ‘secret’ book in his hand. Flipping through the pages idly that just held the same phrase;
Win Secret Life.
This series had been the strangest out of all of them, and it gave Scar a sketchy feeling. Especially that dumb Secret Keeper. The way it always felt like he was being watched when he walked by, not to mention some people were acting more strange than usual. Scar hadn’t really paid attention to Jim, Martyn or Pearl and how they were reacting to certain tasks or the other stuff, but a certain avian always caught his eyes.
Grian had been acting strange, one thing scar had noticed is Grian rarely looked at the Secret Keeper, and the way he flinched the first time someone failed and the Secret Keepers face glew red was hard to miss. Scar disregarded how it seemed certain things were in favor of him this season, no Scar was more concerned of how it seemed Grian was avoiding him to an extent.
He understood Grian was busy, with his own alliances, own tasks and projects but it stung whenever he whispered something to Grian or made a joke directed towards the admin and Grian didn't respond. Now, that didn't mean he never talked to him, but Scar wasn't used to Grian being busy. He was used to Grian either chasing after him, or doing something together. This series was different, and Scar didn't know how to feel other than the fact he yearned for more of Grian's time and attention.
“I got rid of my book.” Grian chimed in, digging through chests. Scar, on pure impulse with no thought behind the action, threw it over his shoulder.
“If you don't plan on winning, you don't need the book.” Etho commented, leaning against some of the birch planks that survived Grian's attempts getting rid of his old base by setting it ablaze. “Well, he doesn't plan on winning.” The avian let out a mumble, Scar brushed off his tone as he noticed a familiar bandana leave around the corner of the small hill they were standing atop of.
“Is it a good thing that Martyn was under us?”
Scar blurted out, watching Martyn run across the bridge causing a sigh from Etho and an annoyed groan from Grian. “Anyway! What have you guys been up to? Because I've just been out there defusing bombs everywhere, getting chased.”
Etho chuckled and Grian rolled his eyes at Scars words. “I did go after Skizz, and leave him on like- one or two hearts? Just to make him feel miserable.” Scar finished, his tone doing nothing to hide the hostility directed to the fellow red life. Etho chuckled before talking about something. Scar hadn't really been paying attention; instead, his focus was directed towards Grian, mainly the way his eyes dilated, his feathers fluffing out, and his cheeks flushed at Scar's tone when he had finished his sentence. His brow creased, and he almost missed when Etho announced his departure because Cleo needed him.
He took a step closer, followed by a few more reaching the chests Grian was still stood by. “So, Gri. What have you been up to? Anything you wanna tell me?” Grian's eyes rolled, the red tint visible in the sunlight among the black irises. Scar reached out to the base of his void colored wings, Grian had been a raven this season. His touch was gentle, as he felt the small feathers in between his thumb and his index finger causing a startled coo from the avian. As Scar expected, Grian leaned into the touch, pressing his head into the taller one’s shoulder. “When was the last time you preened, hm? You know you need to keep that up, pretty bird.” Scar whispered into Grian's ear, his lips close enough causing the avian's breath to hitch as Scar moved closer to his neck. Re-positioning them so Grian was sat on the chest, with Scar stood in between his open legs and pressing small kisses to his neck. Grian pulled him closer and leaned his head away to give Scar more access while the latter placed his hands firmly on Grian's hips when they heard the sudden snap.
They quickly broke away, Grian reached for his axe and looking in the direction where it came from but only seeing a sheep that had stepped on a few twigs while munching on the grass. Grian let out a relieved sigh, and Scar rolled his eyes at the interruption.
Grian gave a light tap to his bicep, and Scar let go of the avian's waist before pulling away further. “So Gri, do you wanna go set some traps-”
“Actually Scar, I have to hurry with my task so can't.”
Grian cut him off, moving past him and sliding down the hill, quickening his pace as he hid his face from view.
Oh void.
Once far enough Grian rubbed his face and took a deep breath. He promised himself this year he'd keep his distance, keeping him safe. But it was always hard to do what was best when it came to that smile, he had grown to adore with everything he had.
He just had to keep this up a little longer, until he eventually died or won. Finally, being free from this ‘game’ until they were bored once again.
But he'd never go back, he couldn't. No matter how upset it made them.
-
Once the little ‘ding’ was heard Grian let out a shrill laugh as he saw his arrow pierce Scott's armor from atop the tower. Scott in return pulled his arrow back and attempted the same thing but his arrow had made it halfway up before turning downward and hitting the ground.
“Oh, did you see that?” Grian looked at Cleo, adrenaline making him excited. “Their arrows can't reach us up here, They'll have to tower up to reach us!” The avian finished, Cleo and Etho chuckled at his enthusiasm while working on the tower's defenses, Grian working on placing the dripstone he had and some railroads just in case.
As he was placing down the defenses he noticed a few people gathering at the bottom of the tower, and among the group he saw a familiar smile and red eyes glaring up at him. He couldn't help the smile that spread across his face, pulling out his bow and standing closer to the edge for a better angle. Cleo heard the sound of shoes against gravel and looked up to see Grian standing closer to the edge, a little too close for comfort. “Grian, maybe you should back up a little.” Her words also caused Etho to look away from what he was crafting to their feathered friend and his footing. All Grian did was wave her off before taking an arrow and aligning it with his target, the certain red life that always managed to steal his heart. Scar was talking to Bdubs and Joel, glancing up to the tower and catching Grian's gaze.
With the release of the deep breath he wasn't aware he was holding he let go of his arrow, and from what he could see it cut through the air and was headed right for Scar. As soon as he heard the ding he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder making him flinch back suddenly, his foot moving forward with his momentum.
All of the sudden Grian was no longer on the platform and air was rushing past him, with a sharp intake of breath he stared at the ground that was getting closer. Once the initial shock wore off it was replaced with panic as he opened his inventory, searching quickly for a water bucket, face paling once he realized he left it back up in the tower. His wings hadn't stopped flapping since he slipped, out of instinct even if it was no use. Grian shut his eyes tightly and his body grew tense, preparing himself for once he hit the ground-
-Only to feel water suddenly rush his body, some going up his nose and into his mouth causing him to cough violently. He gripped the grass tightly as he tried to force the small amount of water that had made it into his system. Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone set down a bucket and kneel beside him, feeling a small pressure by his wings that felt like the person's hand. Once he could breathe without his body trying to hack up more water he looked up to see none other than Scar, giving him a seemingly sweet smile but the bloodlust in his eyes portrayed his true intensions.
Grian let out a nervous laugh as he stood up, the other red-lifes closing in on the avian. Grian quickly ran in the opposite direction of the others and the tower, his wings instinctively flapping but nothing happening and the others yells and taunts from behind him were not helping. After probably ten minutes of running he could no longer hear anybody behind him, only the tree branches moving with the breeze and his own heart thumping fast in his stomach. He took a deep breath only to be interrupted by a sudden blow to his back, using his hands to catch himself before his face hit the terrain.
It was none other than Scar, behind him with a rather sadistic smile. Grian swore the others ecarlett eyes were glowing, the gaze resembling a predator just itching to pounce on its prey and Grian couldn't help but flush at feeling so small.
“Well well well, seems the pretty bird may have lost its way.” Scar spoke, his tone rather taunting. His smirk growing wider when he noticed Grians feathers puff out.
“Just get it over with, Scar.”
“Get over what Gri? You know you've been rather aggravating this season, so forgive me if I want some of your time.”
Scar took a step closer to grian, causing the Avian to press himself against the cliff side wall.
“Alone, together. With no way for you to deflect, doesn't that sound fun?” Scar took a few more steps forward, closing enough space between them that their chests were almost touching. “It's never fun when we're red.” Grian let his stone-cold demeanor break, his tone was trying to stay stoic, but his eyes held pain. Reminiscent of moments that felt so distant now yet still held so much misery. But the most upsetting thing to Grian was the fact that Scar couldn't remember why this all hurt so much.
All that could be heard was the breeze, and the sound of their hearts beating as they stared into eachothers eyes. This was what Grian was afraid of, getting too close and everything come rushing back. all the promises, fights, affections and blood- Oh void the blood.
The movement was swift, and almost went unseen but Scar managed to catch it when Grian glanced to his lips. Scar leaned in closer, Grian leaned in aswell until their lips touched. For a moment, the kiss started sweet until they both grew more eager, more rough. Grian let out a broken coo as he felt Scar grip him tighter, Causing him to grip the tallers shoulders. As Grians talons sunk into Scars shoulders he groaned and the avian relished in the way the simple sound sent a shiver down his spine.
Their breaths mingled as they pulled away, staring into eachothers eyes before Grian huffed and pulled Scar in once more. Scar moved his hands down to the back of grians thighs, the latter knew immediately and jumped up so Scar could hold him up as he wrapped his legs around Scar's waist which caused both of the red lives to groan at the friction their movements caused. Grian leaned his head back as Scar began nibbling his neck, biting his lip once he felt the former move his hand to the hem of Grians sweater, lifting it with his hand as his hand moved to Grians abdomen.
“Scar? Hey Scar!”
Both their eyes widened as they heard Bdubs voice nearby, calling for Scar that was followed by the others questioning where he went. Grian felt panic deep within his chest, instinctively pulling Scar closer as his wings raised in a protective stance.
Seeing the action caused Scars face to grow warm before he quickly brushed off the feeling and chuckled, setting Grian down. “I think that's the cue it's time for you to go, I'd rather kill you later anyway.”
Scars statement caused Grian to let out annoyed coo followed by an eyeroll, but he wasn't going to complain. Grian simply grabbed Scars collar, pulling him down to his level before pecking his lips, letting go as he began to dig down and he covered his trail with stone. Scar brought his hand up to his lips and lightly touched them, still feeling the small buzz from their shared moment.
-
Seeing Cleos body in the small hole she had dug for herself made scar feel nothing, but seeing the blood that surrounded her made him feel the same burning fire in his chest whenever he stained his axe with crimson.
He backed away, letting out a small huff as he approached the small pond to rinse off his weapon and face, drowning out everyone's talk of what he just did.
Suddenly, a strong pain rang through his chest that was followed by a strike of lighting and a loud boom. Everyone began freaking out, quickly pulling up the player bar to check who died but Scar just brushed it off as he rubbed his chest, not really caring until he heard who had met their fate.
“Shit- It was Grian?” Said Bdubs as he looked at the chart with Joel.
Scar stilled, registering what was said. Grian died? How, who- what? Scar shook his head, letting out a growl as he felt a rush of feelings, some new and some strangely familiar. But he didn't care to work out them out right now.
–
Each kill after was as ‘fun’ as Scar could make it, for him anyway. Truly like a hunter after his prey, Scar had as much fun as he could while making sure his opponents could no longer breathe, each heart that was taken was more blood spread. With each kill Scar grew more aggressive, more uncaring as he could only see red.
He had told Pearl he couldn't do it, he couldn't fight her and it had been the truth. But, when Gems eyes rolled back and she hit the ground he had felt so trapped, like he couldn't breath. He felt as if they were trapped among the trees, and the only way to get out was making sure Pearl could no longer feel her heart, making sure oxygen left her lungs for the last time. During the final fight he was so blinded, he hadn't even realized he succeeded.
“Come on out, Pearl~ The game won't end until one of us are dead!”
Scar searched, until he felt a small pressure against his neck that felt like a hand. The red life grabbed his sword and swung behind him, his confusion growing as he saw and heard no one. He felt the phantom touch again, and this time followed by a similar pressure on his waist.
“She's dead. You've won Scar.”
It had been barely audible, but his breathing hitched and tears threatened to spill as he recognized Grian’s voice. He glanced behind himself, once again seeing nothing. No grian, no ghost, no one. Scar let out a long breath as he felt the touch leave and was replaced with longing, the bloodlust replaced with want. Void, how he missed Grian.
The walk to the secret keeper wasn't that long, but it felt strange. No one was there to talk to, to turn in their task in with him. Scar hated it. When he stepped up to the platform he felt immediate unease. He hated this thing with a passion and he was excited to get his last task and see how the game would end for him, not like it would take much since he was on half a heart. Would they have him build to height limit and jump? Go to the nether and punch a zombie piglin? Maybe something to do with the warden? That last idea gave Scar a strange feeling, he was feeling alot of those today but he refused to dwell on any of them. He took a deep breath before pressing the button, at first, nothing happend. Until he saw the words ‘Win Secret Life’ apear in front of him, and he gained five (?) Hearts.
What.
Scar growled, before pressing the button again but was only met with the same message and more hearts. He let out a nervous laugh before looking up at that dumb face. “I've already completed it, so give me my last.”
…Unfortunately, he was only met with silence. Yet Scar could hear laughing, laughter at how dumb he'd been, dumb to believe it'd end this quickly. No, whatever thing that found Joy in these games had found it entertaining, all the suffering, betrayal, gore. They loved it all. Scar began to plead, beg for his final task, some command to help end his life. He hit the button again, again, and again. Scar felt asif he was about to throw up when he crouched beside the button, wishing for it all to end. Was this how the winners felt in the past? Or did they enjoy their win until they-
He remembered.
Scars eyes widened as he remembered a little bit more from the past games. He could never remember before, but now he can remember being the first reds with Jimmy, the jellies, more of being a family with Chleo and Bdubs, Killing Ren- The desert.
A chill ran through Scar as memories came flooding back of the desert, a place that was once home but destroyed by their own hands. He looked up only to be met with nothing but darkness, trapped inside a strange void. The last red life stood, his brows furrowed as he glanced around before his eyes focussed on a bright red sweater. A few feet away from where Scar stood, was someone sitting down with their knees close to their chest and their head buried deep into their arms.
They had short, sandy blonde loose curls that slightly bounced with each of their cries and apologies- Oh wait.
Scars breathing hitched as he realized who it was, yet he looked different. Instead of black, Grian had brown, black,and white speckled feathers. His red sweater had the shoulders cut out, and instead of his usual black slacks he was wearing shorts. He scanned the )familiar( figure and noticed his knuckles were covered in dried blood.
“Grian?” Scar spoke out, keeping his voice somewhat low in the empty space. The avian quickly lifted his head, and stared at Scar with, so many emotions. So broken. Seeing the tears that appeared to practically scar his cheeks and how swollen his eyes were, it was killing the red life to not run over and take the pain away. Scar took a step closer, and Grian focused on where his feet moved.
“You won.”
The statement almost went unheard, but Scar continued to stare as the words registered once more. He continued to move towards Grian, he just wanted to feel him. When he was almost in arms reach; he was forced back. Scars brows furrowed as he looked around and he scowled when he saw nothing. He tried to move his arm forward, but felt a jolt of pain course through him as he was about to touch Grian’s shoulder causing him to flinch back. “Gri-” The avian flinched at the nickname “-Why can't I reach you? What's going on?” Scar asked, his voice quiet as he watched sorrow overtake Grians features.
He buried his head back into his knees, mumbling apologies as he rocked his body back and forth. Scar tried to reach for him once more, the pain brought tears to his eyes as he longed for Grian. Just a little fucking closer and he'd feel safe, feel at peace with his Songbird.
Scar was too distracted by his desires to notice the translucent hands that glowed a purple hue began to grip and tug at him, until he was pulled down into the void. He clawed at his neck, feeling the liquid force itself into his lungs.
Jolting up, Scar let out a choked sob. Looking around for the avian buy only to be met with bright sunshine and a calming breeze. He was on the podium, laying up against the button. The last life grazed his hands against the stone, trying to stabilize himself and breathe, his lip quivered while the tears continued to pour. His fingers stilled when the stone felt off. Scar opened his eyes, looking down and noticed a line carved into the stone, followed by another and another.
They were tally marks.
There was four, with the fifth scratched rather lazily across them. Beside the five, there were three more etched into the podium. Each a reminder of how long it had been since Scar realized this game wasn't going to end.