someone has to help me

“My name is Rocket . I’ve been trapped in a timeloop for almost two months . Please help .”

[demolition-expert]

“My name is Rocket . I’m 22 . I’m trapped . Any advice is welcome . Please .”

“I can’t do this forever . There has to be a solution , I’ve tried everything . I can’t even look them in the eye anymore .”

Ooc ; Hi … would you be interested in our niche timeloop au …

— Mod goes by Ban Hammer and is an adult but keep things sfw

— Other phighting blogs ALWAYS welcome ! However do not expect consistency! Mod is disabled so answering asks and replying may come slowly .

— This blog may contain sensitive content and is intended for at least a 16/17+ audience, things will be tagged accordingly !

— Mod is a system and prefers that endos and similar do not interact and will be blocked . (Rules also applies to fictionkins for personal reasons)

— Don't be weird , use common sense , basic dni! Thank you! :]

Tags ;

Advice ? — answering asks

This time — repeat asker / anon

I thought I did everything right — potentially sensitive content

Something changed ! — continued interaction

Next time — end interaction

[demolition-expert]

[demolition-expert]

“I’ve just been sitting up here . At least I got to try one of the cigarettes”

“I don’t wanna get cold feet but also if I go back down I’m gonna have to deal with that . Not that it matters but it would still be embarrassing”

“I don’t knowww I wish nobody noticed . What even are my options anymore”

[demolition-expert]

Hey are you okay? Do we need to call someone to help you? An ambulance? Your dad? Please be okay :(

“Don’t worry about me”

“He doesn’t have to worry”

[demolition-expert]

“Entry 135”

“I’m nervous”

“My palms are so sweaty . I was never so anxious about heights before”

“I guess I’m nervous that this might not work”

“What if I just die ? What will Sword think ? Dad ? My friends ?”

“They wouldn’t’ve ever known”

[demolition-expert]

“Entry 134”

“I think I’m gonna try dying first”

“I don’t really have anything to lose at this point , so it’s worth a shot . It’s the fastest thing to try first anyway ,”

“Jumping off a building is relatively painless right ? Crossroads has plenty of tall places”

“Just hope I don’t run into anybody on the way . Shuriken and Sling and a couple others are supposed to be out today too but maybe I can get lucky”

[demolition-expert]

“I’m not sure what this means for me”

“I mean I’m happy , seriously ! But now I’m not sure what comes next”

“I always wake up at 6 . I haven’t tried to go do anything yet . I’ll have to think on it”

[demolition-expert]

“Entry 133 , day 39”

“I still have the cigarettes”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”

[stopnshop]

" ... It's fine. I know how you can be sometimes, I don't hold it against you. "

Zuka wrapped an arm around Rockets shoulder, not looking at the notebook as he didn't want to pry or seem nosy. He knew Rocket could be closed off and protective.. He didn't want to push it.

" Just know that I'm always here if you need be. I sure ain't moving anytime soon, that's for sure. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket bites back a giggle . Not going anywhere was right …)

“I know …”

(He starts writing it down , following the conversation loosely , not wanting to forget for next time .)

“Just had time to think about things .”

(He just sat down and he was already looking at the clock on the wall every minute …)

“… You know I really love you , right ?”

[stopnshop]

" Of course I do. "

He looked at Rocket, noticing how sketchy and nervous he seemed. Zuka didn't want to pry or force him to say anything but it was clear something was wrong. He just couldn't figure out what.

" .... Did you fall out with your boyfriend? "

[demolition-expert]

“Wh- no , no !”

(He sits up straighter , quick to correct it ,)

“Just …”

(How was he supposed to explain that he loved him so much , yet he felt so sick to his stomach every time he saw him ?)

“I didn’t get the chance to hang out with him today and I feel sorta bad about it . Tomorrow , though .”

[stopnshop]

He hummed, raising a brow at Rocket staying silent for a moment. He felt like he wasnt getting the full picture here... But knew that he wasn't going to get anywhere by force at this time of night, brushing if off and pulling him in closer into his arm.

" If you say so... If something is wrong, you know that you can tell me right? I'm here for you. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket stares at the floor , an emptiness of sorts on his face , but not making the effort to pull away .)

(He wants to believe it . So bad .)

“You wouldn’t believe me .”

(He mutters , under his breath , with an emotion one wouldn’t even be able to name .)

“Just like last time .”

[stopnshop]

He blinked, giving a confused look. Zuka debated if he should ask more... He hated how strained it felt. He felt like an outsider towards his own son and he hated it, he should be there to listen and support him. But it's difficult when he feels so closed off.

" ... You don't have to tell me anything that you don't want to. But I am here to listen if you would like me to, I don't have an answer for every situation but I do love you.. I don't want you to hurt yourself on accident and get out of control over something I could've helped to prevent. "

Zuka went silent and looked down at the floor.

[demolition-expert]

(Everything was okay just a day or two earlier … what could’ve possibly happened ??)

(Rocket doesn’t have an immediate reply . Rather , it comes slowly , the smile his face twists into this time is hardly his own . Sinister - not solely angry , but more .. desperate .)

“You have no idea .”

(The sudden switch-up didn’t suit him . At all .)

“I’m losing it . I’m losing my mind .”

(Realistically , it didn’t really matter what he said . But it still didn’t feel good being one particularly bad loop away from a mental break .)

“I’m losing my mind !!! Each time I try to talk about it , everyone thinks I’m CRAZY or needs help ! No matter how I do it !.. and then they don’t remember . So it doesn’t matter .”

[stopnshop]

He stared in disturbance, watching his son start to freak out. It was true Zuka didn't remember... In his eyes Rocket just suddenly became like this. There were no signs besides his odd behavior.. But was that ever not the usual for him? He hesitated to say anything, not wanting to upset him further.

" I.... I'm sorry. "

That's all he could say, trying to think hard. Zuka didn't know what to do.. How could he help him? Rocket clearly needed something but nothing he could do felt like it would be very useful..

" I know you wont tell me about it, but I believe in you. You've been through worse and came out okay so.. Just.. Dont stop trying, even if you feel like its useless. You don't have to say anything. But just know I believe in you no matter what, that won't ever change. "

[demolition-expert]

“Dad .”

(His eyes turned to him , slowly , practically a ticking time bomb . Might as well start subverting expectations , right ?)

“I’ve been living the same day . Every day . For almost forty days . And it doesn’t even matter that I’m telling you because there’s nothing you can do .”

(The mania is replaced with a visible , crushing despair , Rocket crumpling under its weight .)

“There’s nothing anybody can do . I’m gonna be in this hellhole for the rest of my life .”

[stopnshop]

Zuka stared at him in confusion, surprised. That... Was not what he was expecting. He was expecting something completely different.. Like he had gotten into a fight or like there was a bigger private issue that he wasn't aware of, not... This.

He was silent. He didn't have anything to say to that, then again.. Nobody would. How do you even react to or comfort someone after they confess something so wild to you? Zuka didn't have words... He just hesitated before turning to face him and hugging Rocket as tightly as he could, a silent attempt at comfort and support since he couldn't do anything else.

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket hiccups , cracking instantly , burying and hiding his face .)

“I know you probably don’t believe me …”

(And he wouldn’t try to be convincing , either . He was just so , so tired .)

(He does nothing but cry for a while - Swords know he needs it , after trying to keep it together for so long . Wasting time . Only after the tears slow , does he try to say something again , despite how much it hurts , throat tight ,)

“… I think I would rather be dead .”

[stopnshop]

" .... I cant say if I do believe you or not, because I have no idea but.. "

He hesitated, pulling back to wipe away his tears. Zuka hated seeing Rocket so stressed and sad.. He looked off to one side. If this was true.. How did it start? And when did it end? He took a slow breath, doing his best to try and give aid and comfort.

" Hey dont do that. Listen. If it started, then theres a way to stop. Everything has a start and and end. Thats one of the rules of life... And if you are looping and didnt cause it then you know someone else must of started it, meaning theres someone else here with you... You just have to find them. "

Zuka rummaged in his pocket for a moment before handing offering it to him in his palm, it was a box of unopened cigarettes. An odd gift. But if this really was the only time he was going to see his real son he might as well make it memorable... In his own funny old man way.

" For the stress. You did always beg me for smokes, might as well start now if you want it. "

He cracked a smile, trying to be funny to break the tensity and cheer him up a little.

" .... Blackrock has insane technology, always has. If you need a hint then try to start there. I doubt the sword have anything to do with this... This is the only idea I have for you right now. "

[demolition-expert]

“Mmmmmm .”

(He gladly takes the box . This was an opportunity … if he went to bed with them , would he keep them ?)

(He sits up , getting back to his notes , jotting down ideas . Blackrock huh ? Maybe . He didn’t consider it , it felt unlikely . He hardly knows the place …)

“Good idea … I’ve been keeping everything in here , things I’ve tried and things I haven’t .”

(The thing was about halfway full already .)

“Getting people to remember is the hard part . When it hits midnight the day resets and everybody forgets .. the closest I’ve gotten is people telling me that they’re getting deja vu or they had a weird dream . It’s something but it’s not enough …”

(He runs a hand through his hair . The whole other person thing … who could possibly be in it with him ?? Everyone he’s been talking to has been normal ! But maybe he just wasn’t looking hard enough ?)

“Maybe next loop - or later , I don’t know , I can show the next you my notes . Our conversation . I don’t think words are gonna be enough , I have to get more creative ,”

[stopnshop]

" I see... Even if I dont remember, I know you will so.. If you ever lose something or dont have something just ask me and I'll hand it over. Honest. Just give me a reminder and I'll do it. "

He smiled, having a hard time believing it. Rocket was always a cheeky rebel but this time he seemed genuinely upset... So Zuka gave him the benefit of the doubt this time. He hated seeing him upset and just wanted him to calm down and rest.. Even if only for a moment.

" I hope your search goes well... Remember to have logic no matter what, you're a good kid. I know you can stop whoevers doing this. "

Zuka ruffled his hair. This was hard... Never in his 51 years did he think that he'd be trying to cheer on his kid from breaking the concept of time.

[demolition-expert]

(He sighs , the weight lifting just a little , choosing to relax .)

“I hope so . It’s been an exhausting month and some cents .”

(The snaps the notebook shut , looking at the clock again . Never gets easier .)

(He gives Zuka one last hug , letting it linger , before standing , papers and cigarettes in hand , feeling mildly more hopeful ,, even if not by much .)

“Gotta go . Day resets soon .”

(He chooses to leave it at that , turning and headed to his room . The sooner he could start again , the better . Even if it sucked . All he could do was pray .)

“… And .. Thanks .”

“See you next loop .”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”

[stopnshop]

" ... It's fine. I know how you can be sometimes, I don't hold it against you. "

Zuka wrapped an arm around Rockets shoulder, not looking at the notebook as he didn't want to pry or seem nosy. He knew Rocket could be closed off and protective.. He didn't want to push it.

" Just know that I'm always here if you need be. I sure ain't moving anytime soon, that's for sure. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket bites back a giggle . Not going anywhere was right …)

“I know …”

(He starts writing it down , following the conversation loosely , not wanting to forget for next time .)

“Just had time to think about things .”

(He just sat down and he was already looking at the clock on the wall every minute …)

“… You know I really love you , right ?”

[stopnshop]

" Of course I do. "

He looked at Rocket, noticing how sketchy and nervous he seemed. Zuka didn't want to pry or force him to say anything but it was clear something was wrong. He just couldn't figure out what.

" .... Did you fall out with your boyfriend? "

[demolition-expert]

“Wh- no , no !”

(He sits up straighter , quick to correct it ,)

“Just …”

(How was he supposed to explain that he loved him so much , yet he felt so sick to his stomach every time he saw him ?)

“I didn’t get the chance to hang out with him today and I feel sorta bad about it . Tomorrow , though .”

[stopnshop]

He hummed, raising a brow at Rocket staying silent for a moment. He felt like he wasnt getting the full picture here... But knew that he wasn't going to get anywhere by force at this time of night, brushing if off and pulling him in closer into his arm.

" If you say so... If something is wrong, you know that you can tell me right? I'm here for you. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket stares at the floor , an emptiness of sorts on his face , but not making the effort to pull away .)

(He wants to believe it . So bad .)

“You wouldn’t believe me .”

(He mutters , under his breath , with an emotion one wouldn’t even be able to name .)

“Just like last time .”

[stopnshop]

He blinked, giving a confused look. Zuka debated if he should ask more... He hated how strained it felt. He felt like an outsider towards his own son and he hated it, he should be there to listen and support him. But it's difficult when he feels so closed off.

" ... You don't have to tell me anything that you don't want to. But I am here to listen if you would like me to, I don't have an answer for every situation but I do love you.. I don't want you to hurt yourself on accident and get out of control over something I could've helped to prevent. "

Zuka went silent and looked down at the floor.

[demolition-expert]

(Everything was okay just a day or two earlier … what could’ve possibly happened ??)

(Rocket doesn’t have an immediate reply . Rather , it comes slowly , the smile his face twists into this time is hardly his own . Sinister - not solely angry , but more .. desperate .)

“You have no idea .”

(The sudden switch-up didn’t suit him . At all .)

“I’m losing it . I’m losing my mind .”

(Realistically , it didn’t really matter what he said . But it still didn’t feel good being one particularly bad loop away from a mental break .)

“I’m losing my mind !!! Each time I try to talk about it , everyone thinks I’m CRAZY or needs help ! No matter how I do it !.. and then they don’t remember . So it doesn’t matter .”

[stopnshop]

He stared in disturbance, watching his son start to freak out. It was true Zuka didn't remember... In his eyes Rocket just suddenly became like this. There were no signs besides his odd behavior.. But was that ever not the usual for him? He hesitated to say anything, not wanting to upset him further.

" I.... I'm sorry. "

That's all he could say, trying to think hard. Zuka didn't know what to do.. How could he help him? Rocket clearly needed something but nothing he could do felt like it would be very useful..

" I know you wont tell me about it, but I believe in you. You've been through worse and came out okay so.. Just.. Dont stop trying, even if you feel like its useless. You don't have to say anything. But just know I believe in you no matter what, that won't ever change. "

[demolition-expert]

“Dad .”

(His eyes turned to him , slowly , practically a ticking time bomb . Might as well start subverting expectations , right ?)

“I’ve been living the same day . Every day . For almost forty days . And it doesn’t even matter that I’m telling you because there’s nothing you can do .”

(The mania is replaced with a visible , crushing despair , Rocket crumpling under its weight .)

“There’s nothing anybody can do . I’m gonna be in this hellhole for the rest of my life .”

[stopnshop]

Zuka stared at him in confusion, surprised. That... Was not what he was expecting. He was expecting something completely different.. Like he had gotten into a fight or like there was a bigger private issue that he wasn't aware of, not... This.

He was silent. He didn't have anything to say to that, then again.. Nobody would. How do you even react to or comfort someone after they confess something so wild to you? Zuka didn't have words... He just hesitated before turning to face him and hugging Rocket as tightly as he could, a silent attempt at comfort and support since he couldn't do anything else.

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket hiccups , cracking instantly , burying and hiding his face .)

“I know you probably don’t believe me …”

(And he wouldn’t try to be convincing , either . He was just so , so tired .)

(He does nothing but cry for a while - Swords know he needs it , after trying to keep it together for so long . Wasting time . Only after the tears slow , does he try to say something again , despite how much it hurts , throat tight ,)

“… I think I would rather be dead .”

[stopnshop]

" .... I cant say if I do believe you or not, because I have no idea but.. "

He hesitated, pulling back to wipe away his tears. Zuka hated seeing Rocket so stressed and sad.. He looked off to one side. If this was true.. How did it start? And when did it end? He took a slow breath, doing his best to try and give aid and comfort.

" Hey dont do that. Listen. If it started, then theres a way to stop. Everything has a start and and end. Thats one of the rules of life... And if you are looping and didnt cause it then you know someone else must of started it, meaning theres someone else here with you... You just have to find them. "

Zuka rummaged in his pocket for a moment before handing offering it to him in his palm, it was a box of unopened cigarettes. An odd gift. But if this really was the only time he was going to see his real son he might as well make it memorable... In his own funny old man way.

" For the stress. You did always beg me for smokes, might as well start now if you want it. "

He cracked a smile, trying to be funny to break the tensity and cheer him up a little.

" .... Blackrock has insane technology, always has. If you need a hint then try to start there. I doubt the sword have anything to do with this... This is the only idea I have for you right now. "

[demolition-expert]

“Mmmmmm .”

(He gladly takes the box . This was an opportunity … if he went to bed with them , would he keep them ?)

(He sits up , getting back to his notes , jotting down ideas . Blackrock huh ? Maybe . He didn’t consider it , it felt unlikely . He hardly knows the place …)

“Good idea … I’ve been keeping everything in here , things I’ve tried and things I haven’t .”

(The thing was about halfway full already .)

“Getting people to remember is the hard part . When it hits midnight the day resets and everybody forgets .. the closest I’ve gotten is people telling me that they’re getting deja vu or they had a weird dream . It’s something but it’s not enough …”

(He runs a hand through his hair . The whole other person thing … who could possibly be in it with him ?? Everyone he’s been talking to has been normal ! But maybe he just wasn’t looking hard enough ?)

“Maybe next loop - or later , I don’t know , I can show the next you my notes . Our conversation . I don’t think words are gonna be enough , I have to get more creative ,”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”

[stopnshop]

" ... It's fine. I know how you can be sometimes, I don't hold it against you. "

Zuka wrapped an arm around Rockets shoulder, not looking at the notebook as he didn't want to pry or seem nosy. He knew Rocket could be closed off and protective.. He didn't want to push it.

" Just know that I'm always here if you need be. I sure ain't moving anytime soon, that's for sure. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket bites back a giggle . Not going anywhere was right …)

“I know …”

(He starts writing it down , following the conversation loosely , not wanting to forget for next time .)

“Just had time to think about things .”

(He just sat down and he was already looking at the clock on the wall every minute …)

“… You know I really love you , right ?”

[stopnshop]

" Of course I do. "

He looked at Rocket, noticing how sketchy and nervous he seemed. Zuka didn't want to pry or force him to say anything but it was clear something was wrong. He just couldn't figure out what.

" .... Did you fall out with your boyfriend? "

[demolition-expert]

“Wh- no , no !”

(He sits up straighter , quick to correct it ,)

“Just …”

(How was he supposed to explain that he loved him so much , yet he felt so sick to his stomach every time he saw him ?)

“I didn’t get the chance to hang out with him today and I feel sorta bad about it . Tomorrow , though .”

[stopnshop]

He hummed, raising a brow at Rocket staying silent for a moment. He felt like he wasnt getting the full picture here... But knew that he wasn't going to get anywhere by force at this time of night, brushing if off and pulling him in closer into his arm.

" If you say so... If something is wrong, you know that you can tell me right? I'm here for you. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket stares at the floor , an emptiness of sorts on his face , but not making the effort to pull away .)

(He wants to believe it . So bad .)

“You wouldn’t believe me .”

(He mutters , under his breath , with an emotion one wouldn’t even be able to name .)

“Just like last time .”

[stopnshop]

He blinked, giving a confused look. Zuka debated if he should ask more... He hated how strained it felt. He felt like an outsider towards his own son and he hated it, he should be there to listen and support him. But it's difficult when he feels so closed off.

" ... You don't have to tell me anything that you don't want to. But I am here to listen if you would like me to, I don't have an answer for every situation but I do love you.. I don't want you to hurt yourself on accident and get out of control over something I could've helped to prevent. "

Zuka went silent and looked down at the floor.

[demolition-expert]

(Everything was okay just a day or two earlier … what could’ve possibly happened ??)

(Rocket doesn’t have an immediate reply . Rather , it comes slowly , the smile his face twists into this time is hardly his own . Sinister - not solely angry , but more .. desperate .)

“You have no idea .”

(The sudden switch-up didn’t suit him . At all .)

“I’m losing it . I’m losing my mind .”

(Realistically , it didn’t really matter what he said . But it still didn’t feel good being one particularly bad loop away from a mental break .)

“I’m losing my mind !!! Each time I try to talk about it , everyone thinks I’m CRAZY or needs help ! No matter how I do it !.. and then they don’t remember . So it doesn’t matter .”

[stopnshop]

He stared in disturbance, watching his son start to freak out. It was true Zuka didn't remember... In his eyes Rocket just suddenly became like this. There were no signs besides his odd behavior.. But was that ever not the usual for him? He hesitated to say anything, not wanting to upset him further.

" I.... I'm sorry. "

That's all he could say, trying to think hard. Zuka didn't know what to do.. How could he help him? Rocket clearly needed something but nothing he could do felt like it would be very useful..

" I know you wont tell me about it, but I believe in you. You've been through worse and came out okay so.. Just.. Dont stop trying, even if you feel like its useless. You don't have to say anything. But just know I believe in you no matter what, that won't ever change. "

[demolition-expert]

“Dad .”

(His eyes turned to him , slowly , practically a ticking time bomb . Might as well start subverting expectations , right ?)

“I’ve been living the same day . Every day . For almost forty days . And it doesn’t even matter that I’m telling you because there’s nothing you can do .”

(The mania is replaced with a visible , crushing despair , Rocket crumpling under its weight .)

“There’s nothing anybody can do . I’m gonna be in this hellhole for the rest of my life .”

[stopnshop]

Zuka stared at him in confusion, surprised. That... Was not what he was expecting. He was expecting something completely different.. Like he had gotten into a fight or like there was a bigger private issue that he wasn't aware of, not... This.

He was silent. He didn't have anything to say to that, then again.. Nobody would. How do you even react to or comfort someone after they confess something so wild to you? Zuka didn't have words... He just hesitated before turning to face him and hugging Rocket as tightly as he could, a silent attempt at comfort and support since he couldn't do anything else.

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket hiccups , cracking instantly , burying and hiding his face .)

“I know you probably don’t believe me …”

(And he wouldn’t try to be convincing , either . He was just so , so tired .)

(He does nothing but cry for a while - Swords know he needs it , after trying to keep it together for so long . Wasting time . Only after the tears slow , does he try to say something again , despite how much it hurts , throat tight ,)

“… I think I would rather be dead .”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”

[stopnshop]

" ... It's fine. I know how you can be sometimes, I don't hold it against you. "

Zuka wrapped an arm around Rockets shoulder, not looking at the notebook as he didn't want to pry or seem nosy. He knew Rocket could be closed off and protective.. He didn't want to push it.

" Just know that I'm always here if you need be. I sure ain't moving anytime soon, that's for sure. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket bites back a giggle . Not going anywhere was right …)

“I know …”

(He starts writing it down , following the conversation loosely , not wanting to forget for next time .)

“Just had time to think about things .”

(He just sat down and he was already looking at the clock on the wall every minute …)

“… You know I really love you , right ?”

[stopnshop]

" Of course I do. "

He looked at Rocket, noticing how sketchy and nervous he seemed. Zuka didn't want to pry or force him to say anything but it was clear something was wrong. He just couldn't figure out what.

" .... Did you fall out with your boyfriend? "

[demolition-expert]

“Wh- no , no !”

(He sits up straighter , quick to correct it ,)

“Just …”

(How was he supposed to explain that he loved him so much , yet he felt so sick to his stomach every time he saw him ?)

“I didn’t get the chance to hang out with him today and I feel sorta bad about it . Tomorrow , though .”

[stopnshop]

He hummed, raising a brow at Rocket staying silent for a moment. He felt like he wasnt getting the full picture here... But knew that he wasn't going to get anywhere by force at this time of night, brushing if off and pulling him in closer into his arm.

" If you say so... If something is wrong, you know that you can tell me right? I'm here for you. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket stares at the floor , an emptiness of sorts on his face , but not making the effort to pull away .)

(He wants to believe it . So bad .)

“You wouldn’t believe me .”

(He mutters , under his breath , with an emotion one wouldn’t even be able to name .)

“Just like last time .”

[stopnshop]

He blinked, giving a confused look. Zuka debated if he should ask more... He hated how strained it felt. He felt like an outsider towards his own son and he hated it, he should be there to listen and support him. But it's difficult when he feels so closed off.

" ... You don't have to tell me anything that you don't want to. But I am here to listen if you would like me to, I don't have an answer for every situation but I do love you.. I don't want you to hurt yourself on accident and get out of control over something I could've helped to prevent. "

Zuka went silent and looked down at the floor.

[demolition-expert]

(Everything was okay just a day or two earlier … what could’ve possibly happened ??)

(Rocket doesn’t have an immediate reply . Rather , it comes slowly , the smile his face twists into this time is hardly his own . Sinister - not solely angry , but more .. desperate .)

“You have no idea .”

(The sudden switch-up didn’t suit him . At all .)

“I’m losing it . I’m losing my mind .”

(Realistically , it didn’t really matter what he said . But it still didn’t feel good being one particularly bad loop away from a mental break .)

“I’m losing my mind !!! Each time I try to talk about it , everyone thinks I’m CRAZY or needs help ! No matter how I do it !.. and then they don’t remember . So it doesn’t matter .”

[stopnshop]

He stared in disturbance, watching his son start to freak out. It was true Zuka didn't remember... In his eyes Rocket just suddenly became like this. There were no signs besides his odd behavior.. But was that ever not the usual for him? He hesitated to say anything, not wanting to upset him further.

" I.... I'm sorry. "

That's all he could say, trying to think hard. Zuka didn't know what to do.. How could he help him? Rocket clearly needed something but nothing he could do felt like it would be very useful..

" I know you wont tell me about it, but I believe in you. You've been through worse and came out okay so.. Just.. Dont stop trying, even if you feel like its useless. You don't have to say anything. But just know I believe in you no matter what, that won't ever change. "

[demolition-expert]

“Dad .”

(His eyes turned to him , slowly , practically a ticking time bomb . Might as well start subverting expectations , right ?)

“I’ve been living the same day . Every day . For almost forty days . And it doesn’t even matter that I’m telling you because there’s nothing you can do .”

(The mania is replaced with a visible , crushing despair , Rocket crumpling under its weight .)

“There’s nothing anybody can do . I’m gonna be in this hellhole for the rest of my life .”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”

[stopnshop]

" ... It's fine. I know how you can be sometimes, I don't hold it against you. "

Zuka wrapped an arm around Rockets shoulder, not looking at the notebook as he didn't want to pry or seem nosy. He knew Rocket could be closed off and protective.. He didn't want to push it.

" Just know that I'm always here if you need be. I sure ain't moving anytime soon, that's for sure. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket bites back a giggle . Not going anywhere was right …)

“I know …”

(He starts writing it down , following the conversation loosely , not wanting to forget for next time .)

“Just had time to think about things .”

(He just sat down and he was already looking at the clock on the wall every minute …)

“… You know I really love you , right ?”

[stopnshop]

" Of course I do. "

He looked at Rocket, noticing how sketchy and nervous he seemed. Zuka didn't want to pry or force him to say anything but it was clear something was wrong. He just couldn't figure out what.

" .... Did you fall out with your boyfriend? "

[demolition-expert]

“Wh- no , no !”

(He sits up straighter , quick to correct it ,)

“Just …”

(How was he supposed to explain that he loved him so much , yet he felt so sick to his stomach every time he saw him ?)

“I didn’t get the chance to hang out with him today and I feel sorta bad about it . Tomorrow , though .”

[stopnshop]

He hummed, raising a brow at Rocket staying silent for a moment. He felt like he wasnt getting the full picture here... But knew that he wasn't going to get anywhere by force at this time of night, brushing if off and pulling him in closer into his arm.

" If you say so... If something is wrong, you know that you can tell me right? I'm here for you. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket stares at the floor , an emptiness of sorts on his face , but not making the effort to pull away .)

(He wants to believe it . So bad .)

“You wouldn’t believe me .”

(He mutters , under his breath , with an emotion one wouldn’t even be able to name .)

“Just like last time .”

[stopnshop]

He blinked, giving a confused look. Zuka debated if he should ask more... He hated how strained it felt. He felt like an outsider towards his own son and he hated it, he should be there to listen and support him. But it's difficult when he feels so closed off.

" ... You don't have to tell me anything that you don't want to. But I am here to listen if you would like me to, I don't have an answer for every situation but I do love you.. I don't want you to hurt yourself on accident and get out of control over something I could've helped to prevent. "

Zuka went silent and looked down at the floor.

[demolition-expert]

(Everything was okay just a day or two earlier … what could’ve possibly happened ??)

(Rocket doesn’t have an immediate reply . Rather , it comes slowly , the smile his face twists into this time is hardly his own . Sinister - not solely angry , but more .. desperate .)

“You have no idea .”

(The sudden switch-up didn’t suit him . At all .)

“I’m losing it . I’m losing my mind .”

(Realistically , it didn’t really matter what he said . But it still didn’t feel good being one particularly bad loop away from a mental break .)

“I’m losing my mind !!! Each time I try to talk about it , everyone thinks I’m CRAZY or needs help ! No matter how I do it !.. and then they don’t remember . So it doesn’t matter .”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”

[stopnshop]

" ... It's fine. I know how you can be sometimes, I don't hold it against you. "

Zuka wrapped an arm around Rockets shoulder, not looking at the notebook as he didn't want to pry or seem nosy. He knew Rocket could be closed off and protective.. He didn't want to push it.

" Just know that I'm always here if you need be. I sure ain't moving anytime soon, that's for sure. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket bites back a giggle . Not going anywhere was right …)

“I know …”

(He starts writing it down , following the conversation loosely , not wanting to forget for next time .)

“Just had time to think about things .”

(He just sat down and he was already looking at the clock on the wall every minute …)

“… You know I really love you , right ?”

[stopnshop]

" Of course I do. "

He looked at Rocket, noticing how sketchy and nervous he seemed. Zuka didn't want to pry or force him to say anything but it was clear something was wrong. He just couldn't figure out what.

" .... Did you fall out with your boyfriend? "

[demolition-expert]

“Wh- no , no !”

(He sits up straighter , quick to correct it ,)

“Just …”

(How was he supposed to explain that he loved him so much , yet he felt so sick to his stomach every time he saw him ?)

“I didn’t get the chance to hang out with him today and I feel sorta bad about it . Tomorrow , though .”

[stopnshop]

He hummed, raising a brow at Rocket staying silent for a moment. He felt like he wasnt getting the full picture here... But knew that he wasn't going to get anywhere by force at this time of night, brushing if off and pulling him in closer into his arm.

" If you say so... If something is wrong, you know that you can tell me right? I'm here for you. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket stares at the floor , an emptiness of sorts on his face , but not making the effort to pull away .)

(He wants to believe it . So bad .)

“You wouldn’t believe me .”

(He mutters , under his breath , with an emotion one wouldn’t even be able to name .)

“Just like last time .”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”

[stopnshop]

" ... It's fine. I know how you can be sometimes, I don't hold it against you. "

Zuka wrapped an arm around Rockets shoulder, not looking at the notebook as he didn't want to pry or seem nosy. He knew Rocket could be closed off and protective.. He didn't want to push it.

" Just know that I'm always here if you need be. I sure ain't moving anytime soon, that's for sure. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket bites back a giggle . Not going anywhere was right …)

“I know …”

(He starts writing it down , following the conversation loosely , not wanting to forget for next time .)

“Just had time to think about things .”

(He just sat down and he was already looking at the clock on the wall every minute …)

“… You know I really love you , right ?”

[stopnshop]

" Of course I do. "

He looked at Rocket, noticing how sketchy and nervous he seemed. Zuka didn't want to pry or force him to say anything but it was clear something was wrong. He just couldn't figure out what.

" .... Did you fall out with your boyfriend? "

[demolition-expert]

“Wh- no , no !”

(He sits up straighter , quick to correct it ,)

“Just …”

(How was he supposed to explain that he loved him so much , yet he felt so sick to his stomach every time he saw him ?)

“I didn’t get the chance to hang out with him today and I feel sorta bad about it . Tomorrow , though .”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”

[stopnshop]

" ... It's fine. I know how you can be sometimes, I don't hold it against you. "

Zuka wrapped an arm around Rockets shoulder, not looking at the notebook as he didn't want to pry or seem nosy. He knew Rocket could be closed off and protective.. He didn't want to push it.

" Just know that I'm always here if you need be. I sure ain't moving anytime soon, that's for sure. "

[demolition-expert]

(Rocket bites back a giggle . Not going anywhere was right …)

“I know …”

(He starts writing it down , following the conversation loosely , not wanting to forget for next time .)

“Just had time to think about things .”

(He just sat down and he was already looking at the clock on the wall every minute …)

“… You know I really love you , right ?”

[stopnshop]

“… Dad ?”

“Are you uhm . Still awake .?”

— (@demolition-expert)

Yep, Im still here.

Everything okay kiddo?

[demolition-expert]

“. Yeah , just …”

(He stands there sort of stiffly , hesitating , notebook held tightly in one arm .)

(One hour . Make it count .)

“Wanted .. to spend some time , I guess ,”

[stopnshop]

" Sounds good to me. Come sit, nothing good is on though. So we'll have to make do. "

Zuka shuffled up on the couch and pat the seat next to him, inviting Rocket to come and sit down next to him. The TV was on but it wasn't showing very much. Only some usual late night drama that wasn't particularly interesting, but it was better than silence.

[demolition-expert]

(The poor boy smiles , just a little - looking exhausted , despite looking fine just yesterday .)

(He takes his place , curling up and opening up the notebook in his lap , keeping it somewhat concealed , pen at the ready .)

“‘m sorry for today .”

(He says , eyes trained on the pages .)

“I know I was sorta avoiding you .”