Keep you close, and one day we’ll get married

by Arlo_02416

Summary:

Two Time and Azure are hopelessly in love. What happens when the cult they are apart of intends to destroy it? This forces them to question the truth of everything they’ve ever known.

Or

Azuretime Escape AU

Notes:

Hi hi! I finally decided to write an Azuretime fanfic because they make me sick. I love them so much!

Please heed the tags. This will contain some disturbing topics such as religious cults, implied self harm, implied eating disorders, attempted murder and suicide. If any of these things trigger you, then don’t read!

Anyways, I love you guys! Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Forever devoted

Nothing starts all bad. Usually quite the opposite. This goes the same for Two Time and Azure. Practically the most happy couple in the Church of the Spawn. Perhaps this happiness was just an illusion. An escape from pain that they had been running from for years.

 

Two Time woke up to a loud crash. They jolted out of bed. It wasn’t unusual for them and Azure to be causing trouble. Amarah had given Two Time enough lectures for a lifetime. Azure quickly picked the bowl he dropped. All this for pancakes. It was worth it for his lover. Speaking of said lover, Two Time crept into the kitchen.

 

“Azure? What’s going on?”

 

Azure smiled looking up at them. He was stirring a bowl of what looked to be pancake mix, the kind with blueberries from Azure’s garden. Two Time adored his cooking.

 

“I’m sorry, dear. I dropped a bowl trying to get a spoon. I’m making pancakes for you.”

 

This got a light laugh out of Two Time. They thought it was sweet whenever Azure dropped something. Azure had many talents, but being agile was not one of them. Two Time found it more endearing than anything. They spoke up, sitting at the table.

 

“That’s sweet of you. I appreciate, my flower.”

 

Flower. That was one of Azure’s favorite nicknames that Two Time had came up for him. Azure loved his garden dearly, but Two Time seemed to love it more. Anything that Azure did was always something special to Two Time. He would joke that Two Time worshipped the ground he walked on, but that wouldn’t go over well.

 

Azure respected and worshipped the Spawn. Two Time was more…enthusiastic about their worship. Azure was worried that sometimes they went too far because of the pressure Amarah put on them. He didn’t want to start a conflict though.

 

“Timey, did you want two or three pancakes?”

 

Two Time was broken out of their thoughts. Two or three? That already seemed like a lot. Azure always worried that they weren’t eating enough. Two Time simply thought that it was always too much compared to what they could sacrifice to the Spawn. Amarah would agree. He was always telling them that they needed to do better or they’d dishonor the Spawn. This was one of Two Time’s greatest worries. They’d do anything for the Spawn. So, Two Time decided that it was always best to suffer if it meant that they wouldn’t disappoint anyone.

 

“Uhm, I think I’ll just have one.”

 

Of course, this worried Azure. He knew that Two Time was very serious with their beliefs and maybe a bit overboard at times. This wasn’t different. Amarah had been making Two Time push themselves more lately and his belittling had only gotten worse. Azure knew that this was hurting Two Time. He had been agreeing to let Two Time get away with lots of things lately. Things that hurt them and it made Azure scared. He didn’t want to lose them. He refused to lose them. Azure sat next to Two Time.

 

“Come on, honey. You know that’s not enough. I know what this is about. Please, can you do this? For me?”

 

Any thoughts of protest Two Time had were gone now. They couldn’t resist Azure’s kindness and patience. It seemed like he never got sick of them. Two Time was already sick of their self. Azure really was a gift from the Spawn.

 

Two Time felt undeserving. They still thanked the Spawn every night in their prayers, hoping nothing would ever take Azure away from them. Two Time could only cry at that thought. They could everything, even themselves. That was fine. Azure was never an option. Two Time couldn’t deal with losing him. So, they swallowed their fears and ate two pancakes with Azure.

 

“Okay, fine. Only because you want this so bad.”

 

The two lovers sat outside, watching the sun rise. This was a ritual for them. A gratefulness for the ability to get up and praise the Spawn. Two Time sketched drawings of the Spawn symbol in their notebook. That was all it was filled with. Azure had checked. He couldn’t help but find it a bit concerning. They seemed awfully unstable sometimes. Azure wanted to be the stability in their life. Hoping that somehow, if things got worse he could drag them out of the deep end.

 

The bells of the church rang, signaling it was time to head to the morning worship service. Two Time knew that Amarah had been meaning to talk to them, they decided that after the service would be a good time. They wondered what it could be about.

 

The service began with the usual readings from the Book of the Spawn’s Teachings. Two Time had probably read it front to back twenty times, because of education and intense fear of forgetting anything inside it. Azure had read it ten times for education. He knew it was the bear minimum but he also wasn’t much of a reader.

 

Two Time noticed Amarah sitting by the preacher with the rest of the elders. Amarah sometimes gave teachings too, but not as often as the other elders. The preacher spoke of the second life and sacrifices to the Spawn to be purified by it.  Azure gave Two Time’s hand a squeeze. He could tell that they were getting lost in the words. They always seemed so scared of messing up, of forgetting any verse or word from the book. Azure suspected this was Amarah’s doing. He couldn’t help but feel resentment at Two Time’s old mentor.

 

The sermon concluded with a final blessing from the Spawn. Two Time and Azure walked out of the church hand in hand. That was until, Two Time remembered Amarah’s request to speak with them. They politely told Azure this before walking off to seek Amarah. Azure hoped that Two Time would be okay. He always worried when Amarah wanted to speak with them. It was never good news. Azure didn’t think it was very beneficial for Two Time to get berated. He just hoped they could handle it.

Chapter 2: The teacher’s request

Summary:

Two Time talks to Amarah. Things go south as they are consumed by fear of choosing between the things they love most.

Amarah fixed an altar in the church, awaiting Two Time. Eventually, his eyes landed on his scrawny, gullible student. Two Time nodded politely to Amarah, hoping he’d talk soon. It was a rule that if you were talking to an elder then they had to speak first or it was disrespectful. Amarah took joy in watching Two Time wait. Eventually, he spoke.

 

“Hello, young one. I have something important to discuss with you. Upon studying the scripture, I have found the way to a second life. You, my student, are going to earn it.”

 

Two Time’s eyes widened. A second life? This was wonderful! The way to get closest to the Spawn was to respawn. They forced themselves to contain their excitement. After all, intense emotions were useless and pathetic. Worshippers of the Spawn were to be dignified. Amarah had always said that Two Time’s weakness was their intense emotions. This was something to fix. Two Time took a deep breath before asking the inevitable.

 

“How shall I obtain such a glorious thing?”

 

An unreadable expression passed over Amarah’s face. A weak link. A burden. Something dragging them down. It must be…taken care of. He had always disapproved of that partner, Azure. Him and Two Time were practically attached at the hip. There was no room for love like that. So, stifling and dependent.

 

Amarah knew that Azure had been hesitant of things. He seemed to doubt the teachings. This was a sin. A disgusting thing. It was spread until the once completely devoted were all gone. Two Time would be out Amarah’s control. The sacrifice was decided. Amarah placed the dagger in Two Time’s hands.

 

“This, this is the sacred dagger. You have seen it used on many. It is your turn, to prove that you are worth it. Two Time, you must kill Azure.”

 

A pang of pure terror ran through Two Time’s. A sacrifice? Their own lover? They felt like they were going to be sick. This couldn’t be. The Spawn wouldn’t want this. Would it? Two Time wasn’t sure. Amarah had raised them, taken them in. He had taught them everything. Two Time didn’t want to disappoint him. They took the dagger.

 

“Are you sure this is what the Holy Spawn wants?”

 

Amarah’s gaze sharpened. He knew this would happen. Two Time would doubt and worry. Like they always did. Consumed by such pathetic guilt. The truly faithful had no time for such things. Amarah sighed, reaching for the dagger.

 

“I suppose I can ask someone more worthy. The Spawn would be disappointed.”

 

Two Time immediately tensed, feeling immense pressure. Amarah was right. They couldn’t back down now. Not after everything. It would be weak. They didn’t want to anger the Spawn. Two Time could already hear it’s whispers at night, speaking of judgement and pain. They pulled the dagger back.

 

“I’ll do it.”

 

The words felt wrong. Even in the moment they said them. This wasn’t right. Two Time agreed anyway. They didn’t know who to believe. The one who loved them all along or the one who taught them how to love. Were they taught right? Was the love true? Did the Spawn want this? Amarah smiled, despite Two Time’s worry. He knew exactly how to make them agree.

 

“That’s the student I know. Don’t make me regret this, young one.”

 

Two Time nodded, making their way back to the cabins. Their chest felt heavy. The sun was shining in their eyes, as it lowered. Whispers around them. Eyes watching them. No escape from the nightmare around them. The courtyard was empty. They couldn’t still feel’s eyes on them. They could hear whispers. Two Time walked faster, clutching the dagger to their chest.

 

They reached the cabin, opening the door to see Azure reading another book on botany. Two Time shoved the dagger into their pocket. Now was not the time. They would wait. Azure’s death would be in his garden. Somewhere he loved. A peaceful, less painful death. Two Time would make sure of that. Azure noticed them.

 

“Hello, dear! How was Amarah?”

 

Two Time smiled, wringing their hands together. Their bony tail wrapped around their leg. The sun wavered on the horizon. They sat next to Azure.

 

“It was good! Not very interesting, but enlightening as usual.”

 

Azure nodded, but he didn’t quite believe them. Something else was going on. He chose to ignore it. Two Time would talk about things when they were ready. He squeezed their hand.

 

“That’s nice. How about we eat some dinner, before the sun sets? Curfew is in an hour.”

 

Two Time agreed. Dinner was quiet. Silverware scraping the plates as they ate. Two Time picked at the food. It looked good, but they still felt sick. They looked  up at their beautiful flower, who seemed so happy. This was going to hurt.

 

A light from above. The stained glass windows reflected off the sun. It was the usual morning service of worship. Two Time smiled as they sat with Azure. The two of them patiently listened to the teachings. Soon, it was time for the service to conclude.

 

Instead, Amarah stepped up. His usual charming smile on his face. Opening the Book of the Spawn, he cleared his throat. Two Time waited in anticipation. Amarah rarely spoke at the services anymore. This must be special.

 

“My dear friends, today we will have a special sacrifice be done. Like none before, this will be as an example. An example to not be weak, to not let your intensity and love leave the Spawn. It must always be in your thoughts. Someone here has lacked that.”

 

Two Time frowned, this was odd. Worship wasn’t like this. Amarah wouldn’t have said this. Suddenly, they felt a grip tighten on their wrist. Azure was smiling at them, but it didn’t look like him. It was uncanny, strange, yet it was still him. Something was off. Details that weren’t even clear. Before they could ask Azure what was happening, he dragged them to their feet.

 

“What…? Azure, we can’t just leave-“

 

Unfortunately, that was not where they were going. Azure practically yanked them all the way up to the altar. Amarah’s eyes had a certain…glow to them. He pulled out the dagger, Azure stepped back. Two Time looked out into the church only to see that it was empty. They felt tears on their cheeks, as the dagger was raised above them.

 

“Please, please! I’m sorry- I don’t want to- I’ll do better-!”

 

Amarah chuckled but it lacked his usual charisma. It was off, it was wrong. All of this was wrong! The whispers returned and Two Time could feel themselves shaking. They reached for Azure, only to feel a stabbing pain. Amarah let out one last sentence.

 

“Glory, Glory to the Spawn!”

 

Two Time screamed as they burst awake. Their heart beating quickly, unable to keep up with their frantic breathing. A shadow fell over them, and Two Time pleaded for mercy. Only for the mysterious figure to pull them into a hug. Azure, their nightshade. He was here. Two Time could cry with relief. Azure spoke quietly, soothingly not wanting to scare his already frightened partner.

 

“Hey, hey, deep breaths. It was just a dream. Calm down, baby.”

 

Azure ran a hand through their hair. He knew that Two Time could be jumpy and seemed to always be paranoid about something. Azure hadn’t seen them have a nightmare like this though. He shushed them. Two Time slowly relaxed, realizing that it was all a dream. Most of it. The dagger was real. They clung to Azure. Two Time didn’t want to lose him. But the Spawn was everything. Without it, who were they?

Chapter 3: The garden of truth

Summary:

Two Time tries to take out Amarah’s request. Azure is shocked by the revelation of this violent request.

The garden was lively. Birds were singing in the treetops, squirrels prancing around, and occasionally a toad croaking under the brush. Two Time could see why Azure loved it here. They had skipped morning service, not wanting to see Amarah until the deed was done. Two Time had proposed a picnic. Rarely did any of them eat lunch, the worship service was held during that time. To show devotion and perseverance through discomfort. Azure was never a fan.

 

The trees swayed in the wind. It was cooler out, despite the sun being fully up. Flowers surrounded the couple. Daisies, dahlias, morning glories, hydrangeas, hyacinths, zinnias, tulips, sunflowers, roses, and nightshades. Azure’s favorite flower. The nightshade. It had the prettiest purple hue. Azure fixed his hat, smiling at Two Time. This was so romantic.

 

Two Time tail was wrapped around Azure’s wrist. They weren’t ready. Seeing Azure so content in his own haven made this harder. They had baked various things for the picnic. Sandwiches, cookies, and even a few muffins. Lots of fruits and vegetables from the garden were taken too. If not the current circumstances, Two Time would’ve thought this was perfect.

 

They looked away from Azure, feeling tears already in their eyes. Two Time scooted closer to him. The dagger was heavy in their pocket. Azure looked up at Two Time, before feeling them gently push him against the ground. The grass rubbing against Azure’s face felt nice. This all felt like a dream. A paradise soon to be shattered. Two Time raised the dagger. Azure’s expression changed.

 

“Two Time..? What are you doing-?”

 

The second they heard his voice, the gentleness and confusion. Not a drop of anger or even disappointment. Azure was love. Love itself. Everything Two Time had ever wanted. No gift from the Spawn or second life was worth more. Even if they were shunned or claimed as unworthy, it didn’t matter in the moment. Two Time didn’t care if they were sacrificed on the pristine white floors of the church. Azure was their everything. They dropped the dagger and burst into tears.

 

“I won’t do it! I won’t hurt you! I don’t care if Amarah makes my life miserable! I won’t do this. I’m so- so sorry!”

 

Azure looked shocked. Two Time had been put up to hurt them by Amarah? Of course, that stupid hag had done this. Made his poor partner feel terrified and alone. Isolated them and threatened them. Azure pulled Two Time into their lap, ignoring their violent sobs and apologies. He turned their face up, and kissed them.

 

Two Time immediately pulled back with pure confusion. How could Azure forgive them for this? This horrible thing! Almost killing him! It couldn’t be true. Two Time couldn’t forgive themselves. Amarah was right. They were unworthy. Not just of the Spawn, but of Azure. Two Time reached for the dagger, fumbling it. They deserved this. After what they’d done. What they’d even considered.

 

Azure realized their thought process and ripped the dagger out of their hand firmly. He didn’t care what the rest of the church thought, he cared about Two Time. He held them close to his chest, so they couldn’t do anything they’d regret. Azure knew, he knew about the times Two Time would worship the Spawn by hurting them self. He knew about the paranoia, the fear, the things Two Time saw but no one else did. Azure knew and he didn’t care. He loved them.

 

“Two Time, no. You listen to me. I don’t give a fuck what Amarah says. You know he’s been manipulating you, using your guilt against you. That’s not your fault. I know you didn’t want to do this, the fact that you’ve felt this bad already tells me enough. I love you. I do. Please, let me help you.”

 

They nodded without arguing. Two Time knew Azure was right. That Amarah was using them. They knew this wasn’t right and that Azure had been telling the truth all along. Two Time had been too blinded by fear to see it. Now, they knew what had to happen.

 

“We need to leave. I don’t know why I didn’t listen to you, but you’re right. I think we should go.”

 

Azure nodded along. It was true. They had to leave and soon. If Amarah found out that Two Time hadn’t done the ritual, things wouldn’t go well. He took their hand. Finally, things were going to get better. They’d be free. Together.

 

“Alright, we better get a move on.”

Chapter 4: Together through it all

Summary:

Two Time and Azure escape the cult. They learn what the world outside of it is like.

The couple made their escape at night. The moon had risen high into the sky, stars sprinkling a black canvas. Azure took the dagger in case they needed to fight anyone and also because he didn’t want Two Time getting their hands on it.

 

Leaves crunched underneath their feet.  The forest was far from civilization, but they kept walking. Light started to peak over the horizon and soon, bright lights appeared in the distance. Morning was coming and they had made it to a city.

 

A large sign was plastered in front of the city. It read “Welcome to Robloxia.” Two Time and Azure had never heard of such a place, but it was the best they were going to get. Objects with big lights on the front rushed past. Two Time was scared of them and Azure was confused. They’d both never seen anything like it.

 

Reaching the biggest building, the two went inside. It made sense to go there. After all, the church was the biggest building and most important. Maybe it was the same here. Entering the Headquarters, they looked around in awe at all the lights and sounds. People started giving them weird looks and whispering.

 

Soon enough, more people crowded around the joyful couple who were acting like kids in a candy store. All the technology was so advanced and new! It was excited. Two Time found a computer not being used and starting tapping it. When it lit up, they giggled. Azure picked up the mouse and was shocked that it controlled a thing on the screen.

 

Eventually, the fun came to an end when the very confused admins noticed the commotion. Azure and Two Time were approached by a man who wore a vest, a guy with a chicken leg, someone with wings, and a pumpkin headed man. When Two Time noticed their expressions, they hid behind Azure.

 

“Psst, Azure. I don’t think we’re supposed to be here.”

 

Azure was about to respond when the man with the pumpkin head spoke. He talked funny. Two Time was used to poetic works of the Spawn, but this seemed different.

 

“I must propose the question of who are you, for I’ve never seen clothes like those.”

 

Two Time scrunched up their nose. Was he insulting their clothes? Sure, they were a bit old fashioned and tattered. Wasn’t that average though? Azure was about to get upset at the guy when the other one with the chicken leg spoke up.

 

“The names Shedletsky, I’ve never seen you around. What’re your names?”

 

What an odd name? The Church of the Spawn rarely named people such simple things. All names had to be related to something they had. Two Time had never heard of a shedletsky. Was it some kind of plant? Azure tilted his head. This was so weird.

 

“I’m Azure and this is Two Time. Where are your elders? We need someone to stay.”

 

All of the admins looked at each other. Elders? Who were these people? The guy with the vest cleared his throat and extended out a hand.

 

“My names Builderman. Uhm, we don’t have elders here. I’m not sure where you folks came from. Can you help us understand?”

 

Two Time frowned. They’d never heard of the Church of the Spawn. Their tail coiled up with disbelief. The admin with wings seemed to notice it. Their wings flapped happily. He started making motions with his hands. Two Time stared with pure confusion.

 

“😃👋🤔🫵”

 

Eventually, they realized she was asking what they were. Two Time didn’t really know. They shrugged and smiled. The winged admin seemed to take that answer. The pumpkin headed guy spoke up again.

 

“That’s Taph. My name is Dusekkar.”

 

Azure and Two Time nodded. They both turned back to the Builderman guy and Two Time went to explaining.

 

“We’re from the Church of the Spawn! The Spawn grants us the ability to respawn. We left due to some conflict.”

 

Dusekkar seemed to recognize the name, a dark look appearing on his face. He turned to the other admins.

 

“The Spawn Cult. That’s where they’re from. I think we need to send them somewhere.”

 

Two Time and Azure both gaped when Dusekkar said cult. Had that truly been where they were? A cult. Was Amarah a cult leader? Two Time felt like their life was a lie and Azure was starting to piece things together. The admins discussed what to do with them. They decided that they could call some people to house them.

 

Hours of waiting went by, Two Time played with Taph’s wings and Azure talked to Dusekkar about botany. Shedletsky and Builderman called across town trying to find someone who wanted a roommate. They came across a person named Chance, who apparently was pretty rich. Perfect. Two Time and Azure rode in one of the cool object things with lights, which they were told was called a car.

 

They ended up at the guy’s house. He was very social and friendly. Two Time thought his rabbit was cute. Azure and Two Time preferred to share a room even though Chance had plenty. He snickered about how cute they were together. The two of them were too exhausted to care. It was late afternoon and they had been told a lot of hard things.

 

But it was going to get better. They were free. No longer trapped in the clutches of control by a cult. Two Time curled up in Azure’s arms. They looked at him with a smile.

 

“I love you, my nightshade.”

 

Azure smiled back before pressing a kiss to their forehead. No goodbyes or whispers of forgiveness were spoken. Azure was here and alive. Two Time was so grateful for that. The journey wasn’t over. They’d still suffer the consequences of the cult. Nightmares still conquering the night. But they were together and they were safe. That’s all that mattered.

 

“I love you too, darling. Don’t you forget it.”

 

And they didn’t. They held those words close to their heart as night fell. The two dozed off into a peaceful slumber, for at last they were something more than devoted followers.

Notes:

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you liked the fic! :>

Notes:

Thanks for reading! I hope you liked it! :D

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Arlo’s Forsaken Works