ᴄ ʜ ᴀ ᴘ ᴛ ᴇ ʀ ᴛ ᴡ ᴏ

It wasn't soon before the male re-awoke in a bed. Everyone was two to a bed with the person they where sitting next too. He sat up and stretched a little before getting up and looking towards his team, they would be waking soon. This was the first day, and they had just entered the game. His heart was racing, but of course, Darius wasn't willing to show that.

Robbin was possibly one of the last to awaken, having been one of the last to fall asleep. When he woke up he jumped a bit at the fact that they were in bed. He jolted fully awake, looking around frantically. "What- where- who when and- oh.. oh right" he sighed and plopped his head back into the pillow.

Darius looked towards the other as he woke, he had already started sending them off. As the last of them left, he slowly made his way back to the bed and sat down next to the male. "They're off collecting what they can, you and I can make the beds and figure something out for dinner." He said, slowly laying down next to the other, "Did you have anymore questions?" He asked, staring up at the ceiling. It was hard to believe it wasn't real sometimes, it was always an amazement, each year. The programming, the technology, it should've been far beyond their time.

With a soft, sleepy sniffle, Robbins head turns to look at Darius. He examined everything about his face; from his delicate forehead to his lips. Then his eyes traveled more so, down the other. God he's attractive..- shit no.. death. Try not to die. This is not the time Robbin.. he scolded himself in his thoughts

He curled the sheets of the bed in his hand softly, wanting to ask something but he wasn't sure if he should. He decided he would ease into that question. "Why do they do this to people.. its... Terrible.. " his yellow eyes blinked innocently, wanting to know.

Darius slowly sat up to the question, no one had ever asked him something like that before, so he didn't have an answer. After taking a few moments to think it through, he swung his legs over the side and slowly stood up, "Well.. I don't know really. One day, while the town was mourning over the loss of my father, who mysteriously died, an unknown man called us all out of our homes and declared himself our leader. Be had so much man power that if we tried to pushed away, we where killed. During the first few games, we didn't want to do this, we couldn't fight, we where weak, poor.. No one ever came back from those games. Over two hundred lives lost... That's when it really kicked us into high gear. Schools where set up to train soldiers, blacksmiths where constantly busy hardening leather for amour to all body types. Children of such young ages.. Learning to stab each other with kitchen utensils. I was just a little kid then, and after two years of mourning.. I put my life into fighting. And after I lost my brother.. I lost myself to these games. It's all I can ever think about now. Year after year.. Months of pain.." Darius became lost, his eyes where dull and lacked the sight of reality. His PTSD had kicked in, and he quickly became another person. His breathing became a little fast as his hands seemed to shake some, "they... Took everything." He started to mutter.

As Robbin listened he slowly realised he had to be more careful with how he asks questions in the future. He was listening intently but kept getting distracted by the ever growing PTSD attack that Darius was slipping into right in front of his eyes. "h...hey .. you don't have to tell this story okay?" He sat up, getting on his knees to console Darius.

"We're gonna make it through this.." he didn't know what else to say, he placed his hand on his back and rubbed in little circles. "Those people can't get away with this forever.. if other cities that aren't in the games find out.. like the one I was in before.. that would be the end of the games." he slowly tried to hug Darius, very cautiously, as to not freak him out or make it worse.

Darius slowly calmed down, allowing his body to ease into the others hesitant hug. He wasn't normally one to show such weakness under any circumstances, but in this case, he felt more open. He let himself calm down in an utter silence for a few minuets before backing up slowly, "This.. Never happened." He told the other as he moved down towards one of the beds and started fixing it. "After tonight's game, the house we are staying in will have more room, it sort of resets while we are out. I always just assumed they wanted us to all start in the same room for whatever reason. But each will have two beds, it's been accustomed since day one that most players stay with one other, I suppose for protection. So the whole doing the beds thing is useless, I just had to give you a task. I'd better suggest figuring out something for dinner when we get back. I might be down in a minuet to help, but I should check on the others I sent out." The male said, not entirely sure why, but he quickly made his way out of their living arrangement and made his way around to find the others. He was mainly reminding them when to be back and looking for what they had scraped up, luckily for them, they where able to find a few weapons, dull, but useful.

Robbin slowly lowered his arms back to the bed when Darius backed away from him. What never happened? He questioned to himself, but nodded to reassure Darius he wouldn't speak of this. He got out of the bed, fixing it again.

He looked around, biting his lip "Where do I go to figure something out for dinner..? Is there a kitchen.. with food? Or do I go find it?" He asked a bit scared of what his answer would be. But Darius didn't really answer before he left, he knew he probably should've, but he was feeling vulnerable about the other.

Robbin was angry that Darius left him in the dark. He knew he was upset, but Darius also knew this was his first game. And before today, he didn't even know that they existed. So he could use a little god damn help.

After awhile, he slowly made his way back to the building with the rest of the team, he was holding an arm full of leather armour. After entering the room, he dropped it in a corner and called everyone into the front room. "Attention! The first game is in a few hours, we need to leave soon and figure out who is fighting!" He said, looking around at the slightly terrifies faces, he himself was feeling guilty now.

Robbin didn't stand up when Darius called the room to attention, he kept sitting, arms folded with a bit of a pissed off expression. He, however, was listening intently. He needed to know what was going on.

Darius looked around and rolled his eyes a little at the rebellious attitude the other white haired male gave off. In all honesty, the pissed attitude of the other was turning him on, he smiled a little, slowly, and looked towards the others, "This is the first game, and I understand its scary to be dragged into the first fight, but I want this to be fair. If there aren't any takers." He said a little regretfully, "We'll draw straws." He finished, taking a soft breath.

Robbin's attitude only got worse, making a little huffing noise as he saw the smile. He was actually really glad to see he had cheered up, but was still angry at him.

He did not like the drawing straws idea. He could be sent out; the idea terrified him. You could see the fear in his eyes as he looked at the floor, his arms loosening the grip they had on each other. please.. please people, volunteer.. he thought to himself.

Darius slowly looked to Robbin and sighed softly, he made his way to the kitchen area and cut nine out of ten of the straws he grabbed. He then slowly made his way back to the team and walked around as each pulled one. His heart skipped a beat, and not because he was scared to fight, but for some reason he was scared that Robbin would be thrown in, after that afternoon, he was becoming a little clingy now.

Robbin watched him, his heart pounding. "So.. we all take a straw.. and who ever has the longest doesn't fight..? " He asked Darius, his yellow eyes flickering from the floor and the other. "Seems.. fair.." he said with a shakey breath. He was an optimist usually, but right now, he knew the chances of him getting that short straw was near impossible.

Darius nodded and slowly stepped back and everyone drew their straw from his clutched hand. He slowly took a look at his, then gazed around the room at everyone else's, "So.. Who has the smallest..?" He questioned softly, looking around.

Robbin felt his heart drop as he pulled his straw out. It wasn't the longest one. And from what he could tell, not the shortest either. Another kid stepped up, younger than him but he looked like he had at least been through this before. Robbin looked at his straw and then back to Darius, his eyes watering.

Darius slowly looked away from Robbin to see the kid, it was someone he knew, not very well, but he remembered seeing them fight in school. They where sloppy and slow, his heart sunk as he nodded slowly and took the straws back, "Everyone go get ready.." He said softly as he picked up the leather armour scraps he collected earlier and made his way towards Robbin. "Come on.. Lets get ready." He said to the male specifically, nodding him in the direction to leave the building with him before waking away.

He nodded silently, wiping the tears of fear that welled in his eyes. "Y..yes sir.." he said quietly. He went over too his bed and found the rest of his stuff. He strapped the armour he had taken off back onto his body. He had a face mask, one that stretched over his mouth and nose so people wouldn't be able to see all of his face. His brother said it would help. People wouldn't be able to hold revenge as easily. Robbin made his way to the door, waiting for Darius, holding the knife that was normally strapped to his side tightly.

Darius was wearing his armour from the start, so he was just helping the others with everything they had scraped up. As they got ready and his work was done, the male made his way back to Robbin, no one was around yet, so he slowly pulled the male into his grasp, "If you keep crying like that, you won't last long here. I won't always be around to save you if you need me. So toughen up." He said, his tone a little harsh, but he meant well. He slowly pulled back again and opened the door as the others slowly make their way towards it. Even if one person was chosen, it didn't always mean they where the one to fight, as he said earlier, sometimes the system would choose certain people. "Alright, let's head out!" He shouted, giving everyone a small shove out the door.

Robbin squeaked softly, he was trying not to cry. But he was so incredibly scared he didn't know what to do. It's weird how much of a dramatic turn his mood shifted. He was mad at him though. He had to remember that. If he focussed on being mad, maybe he wouldn't be as scared. He filled out the door with the other children "I don't need saving.." he muttered, how ever it's a nice thought. Someone looking out for me. he thought to himself, looking down as he walked.

Darius smiled a little as the other stood his ground against him, following the group out and taking lead again. He wasn't sure where they where going, but the thought if maybe just moving forward would less them to their destination. But after nearly twenty minuets, they finally seemed to be getting close, the sound of people nearby. He took a soft breath again and started to speed up into a job, "Hurry up!" He shouted as they got closer.

Robbin had his hands in his pockets as they walked. He was getting mad at Darius for really weird reasons now. Just trying to calm himself down. Cause it seemed to work. stupid Darius... Being all.. fucking attractive.. can't he be considerate of others? Like you can't be that attractive and not want people to stab you. He thought angrily, but he flinched as Darius shouted, speeding up along with everyone else.

Darius slowly came to a stop as they made it to the middle town of sorts. There was a man in the middle as teams started to gather around. It wasn't until everyone was there that he began to speak, "Welcome! We hope you have enjoyed your time here so far, but let's not waste any time. Chosen candidates, tale your places." He said before vanishing. A member from each team slowly moved towards a small platform. After one member got on each, the mam appeared again, "fight!" He shouted, a few weapons appearing in the middle of their area, they each dashed for one or died trying, the sound of a gunshot blaring as the man would disappear and reappear in front of every team that lost a player.

Darius' team didn't last long, only fifteen minuets. The male had backed up towards Robbin as the children where slaughtered off one by one. As their teammate died, he slowly covered the males eyes, "We're leaving now." He whispered, turning him around and shoving him off back the way he came. The man appeared where their team was standing and the shot fired as the boys name was muttered out and declared dead. It was that fast, that simple. It was sickening.

As Darius began to leave, his team followed close behind. It was going to be a long walk back.

Robbin watched as everything happened, his eyes widening in horror. He himself was backing up, but when Darius' hand went over his eyes, he grabbed it tightly. Not removing it, just kind of squeezing it.

It was a long, painful walk back. There was one kid that threw up from the blood. And then another because of the throw up. It was gross, but understandable. He clung close to Darius in fear, his arms wrapped tightly around his. He was so unbelievably freaked out right now.

Upon returning, what Darius said earlier was evident. The outside of the building appeared the same, but the inside was far from that. They walked into a living room area with a few long couches and a fire place. Across from there was a door to the kitchen and the stairs. Under the stairs was a door to one small bathroom. Upstairs there where five doors, each room had one closet, two nightstands, and two beds. One room only containing one bed, the system already counting down their groups players.

As Darius made his way inside with a few of the other kids clutching tightly to each other, he ordered some of the older ones to start a fire as he made dinner. Everyone slowly settled in and calmed down from there.

Darius dragged Robbin along with him as he made his way to the kitchen, "Are you alright?" He asked as they entered the room and the door closed behind them. His words soft as he rubbed their head. He for some reason enjoyed the male clutching to him.

As Robbin was dragged into the kitchen, thrown off a little as he shut the door behind him. He was expecting the other to scold him for being all whimpery and scared, but when he asked if he was okay, he shook his head quickly. "No.. how could anyone be okay after that.. that's horrible.." his voice was quiet and hushed.

Darius turned on the faucet and began washing his hand and pulling our food he could make, "It's become a way of life around here." He stated, slowly fulling a pot with water and placing it over the oven top to boil. "But.. That doesn't mean it gets any easier to see your teammates die." He confessed, slowly handing Robbin a potato, "Make yourself useful and peal that for me." He claimed, focusing on his boiling pot as he rinsed off some rice. "But.. It does bring s realisation to mind. Live everyday like it's your last. But have some control, some people take that quote too literally. You'd never imagine how many people have died outside the fighting area. People do stupid things as a sort of last wish. Rape, steal, pick fights. Your head can really spin when you spend do many days of your life in a place like this." He started to continue on.

Robbin peeled the potato, rather quickly to be efficient for the other. He helped in the kitchen often at home so he could peel things quickly and not hurt himself. He listened Darius and picked at the table a little bit. "Do.. do people actually do that..? Isn't it bad enough being in here.." he was now even more scared. But he tried to contain himself. Breathing quicker but slowing it out as he calmed.

Darius poured the the rinsed rice into the boiling water and pulled out another pot, placing a little butter in it and taking Robbin's potato, handing him another one and nodding, "Sadly.. So I would suggest you train in your free time. And maybe pick up some stronger weapons." He said stabbing the potato innocently.

Robbin nodded in agreement "I should train.. your right." he agreed and continued to peel the potato as it was handed to him. "The other teams.. are they allowed to come into our area?" He asked. He wanted to know how safe he was. "And is there a fight every single day..?"

Darius looked over and hummed softly in thought, "Yes, there is one way. Two miles walk away from the building and its open field for anyone." He claimed, growing quiet with the second question, "no.. Its once a week. Mini fights every day, but not required to the death, just to last about thirty minuets. But people still die. Keep that in mind." He said, slowly moving towards them and taking the next pealed potato. "Why don't you go find supplies for yourself. Be back in an hour for dinner." He said placing his hand on the others back and rubbing it lightly. "Stay safe."

"Alone..?" Robbin asked, nobody was gonna go with him, and as he thought, he honestly preferred it alone. "Never mind. Alone it is" he sighed and nodded, pulling his mask over his mouth again. "I'll try to be back in a half hour" he left the room, walking out the front door. He looked around, not really knowing were to look for stuff.

Darius sighed softly as he watched the other leave, he waited until they where out the door completely before getting back to work on his dinner, there where nine people he was cooking for, so it took him awhile to get everything set, nearly an hour, like he predicted. As he cooked, all he could think about was the other white haired male. He's never felt the way he was now with anyone, it made him anxious and jumpy.