The Rat in The Signal

Chapter 10

Second to last Act 2 chapter, don't worry to those who found these kinda boring, we'll be back on track in just a bit.

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Mono and Seven's relationship began to shake after the incident in the elevator. Whenever Seven had to report to him, he would ask Bread or Rain to come with him to avoid any awkwardness.

He and Mono both tried to not pay any attention to it, both agreeing that whatever happened on the elevator stayed on the elevator, no matter what.

Because of his new position, Mono could no longer accompany supply runs as much as he use to, which made getting supplies take longer and be a bit more laborious without the help of his teleportation skills.

To Seven, it was both a relief and a problem. His last run ended up not going as he planned, having a scar on his shoulder to prove it. Never again is he going to let Bread carry the Molotovs while they are being chased by whatever the hell sort of monsters the hospital had. He didn't like talking about it, it was just another thing he could hide with his jacket anyways.

But, pushing that aside, he couldn't always get someone to come with him when he reported. Unfortunately, now was one of those times.

He stood in front of the curtain that separated the Commander's chamber from the outside, feeling his mouth dry. He didn't want to talk to him, despite already knowing the other won't bring his confession up.

He knew it would happen, the rejection, but it still stung. He was sure if the hospital didn't have such valuable resources, he could have blown up the place by now for ruining their once great friendship with one another.

The boy in blue nervously reached out, drawing the curtain back. Mono sat at his desk, a small notebook in his hand, candle light aiding him. For the first time in a while, Seven saw the other's tangled mess of hair.

Mono wasn't wearing his bag, something he rarely ever did, saying he rather not scare newbies with his scarred face after the fox attack.

Mono looked up, taken aback by the sudden intrusion of the other. Seven saw his bad eye, his green eye, a small cloudy look to it, a small series of claw marks on his face, the longest going from the corner of his eyebrow down to the bottom of his cheek.

The boy in the trenchcoat rose his hand, coving his eye with it, hunched over to hide his old wounds. "Seven, knock next time!" He shouted, his other hand hurrying to find his paper bag that was folded neatly inside his coat pocket.

Seven looked away, blocking his vision with his hand. "Sorry! Didn't think you'd take your bag off," he said quickly. Hearing the bag stop crinckling, he looked back up, seeing the other now have his bag on.

"It's...," Mono put a hand to his head, holding it suddenly, "it's fine, don't worry about it." His voice sounded pained, making Seven feel concern stir in his belly.

"Hey, you okay?" He asked quietly, wishing to reach out and touch the other's shoulder in comfort. Mono nodded his head, taking a small breath.

"I'm fine, just a headache. I've been so stressed the past few weeks, probably taking its total now. What can I help you with?" Mono asked, a small cheerful tone in his voice Seven knew was forced. Mono had been forcing himself to act cheerful around him, and he knew exactly why, but... now wasn't the right time.