Your Smile Still Kills The Same.

by BuriedBug

Summary:

" Telamon- Where could you have been.." Builderman says to nobody, The place feels so empty, save for the sound of the wind. Yet after he opened the panel and tried to find Telamon's player data or even code— there was nothing. Only one line of code that kept intact, which baffled Builderman because none of this code meant anything as the system said.

Or

Builder-centric fanfic where he loses his pookie and experiences multiple stages of grief (KIND OF NOT IN ORDER.)

Notes:

F!rst ☆ttəmpt ☆t ☆ngst, LOL... wr0tə th!s Ovt 0f pvrə sp!tə (☆nd thə f☆ct !s ! L0VƏƏƏ wr!t!ng Bu1ld3rm4n) -🪶

!WARNING! This isn't exactly Forsaken or even associated with Forsaken, the tags are just like that so this work can be harbored on the same pair just different fandoms.

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS MY OWN INTERPRETATION OF THESE TWO, YOU ARE FREE TO GIVE YOUR OPINIONS.

Builderman uses he/it, Telamon uses he/any

Chapter 1: Where It All Began

Builderman and Telamon. One of the popular duos in all of Robloxia before Erik and Builderman. They were close– considered 'best friends' rather than acquaintances or co-workers, even if Telamon worked under Builderman. Nobody could separate them, and their personalities always fit into each other, like puzzle pieces being carefully arranged into a whole.

Yet, there was this weird sensation in Builderman's stomach whenever the deity always gave him company and some chuckles. It felt like a twisted gut one but evolved into something more, every time Telamon genuinely smiled or let a little laugh there was this swarm of insects eating him from the inside, it was a pleasant feeling though.

At first, he thought it was just platonic, after all it would be kind of morbid if Builderman actually had a crush on Telamon- He tried to tell himself they were just friends that's all, nothing more nothing less. It was going to stay that way unless Telamon felt that way toward him as well. Bricks, what was he thinking about them like this?

He's heard those rumors about them being more than what they agreed upon, Builderman brushed it off as a joke and laughed a bit when somebody mentioned them as a couple but nowadays it was replaced with a strange feeling of embarrassment and want. It was just like it wanted him back, actually, but we all know Builderman is a total coward to confess his internalized growing feelings to Telamon.

Would they be disgusted? Would it be rejected by the one it truly trusts? So many possibilities ran through Builderman's mind to the point that he flinched whenever he heard someone say his name, What was wrong with him? He shouldn't have these stupid sensations whenever the bird was near.

Now, how would he react if the Grand Sword Fight on the Heights master disappeared all of a sudden?

^!?^

Piles against piles of paper stacked, a thick aroma of coffee was in the air– almost always, which makes this office more distinctive. This was Builderman's office, the CEO and technical creator of Robloxia himself (one of them)

His eyelids were heavy with lack of sleep as the firm radiation light from the creator kept his eyes stuck to the digital screen, mouse scrolling away as his posture was far from worse. His glasses were almost falling off before he caught them and pulled them up against his nose again.

The pile of work, millions of unread emails, reports all around games, and most importantly, a significant number of exploiters have increased. It made Builderman sigh heavily as he replied to an email about... something, something regarding work. He didn't bother to read it as his fingers worked on it like a puppet on strings being controlled. His body is going into airlift mode.

Builderman hadn't gotten any of this done, not like he was too lazy and kept neglecting it. It was far from that– stacks and stacks kept on going as admin after admin gave him more paper to sign and read, usually he would divide all of these individually to the other admins but some were signed 'CEO-only', bullshit. They just had that to make him suffer even more.

With one last word typed, he stretched his bones, hearing it crack from relief as he closed his eyes for a brief second. Builderman just wished he could catch up on the number of days of sleep that he missed, which wouldn't be possible considering the situation he was in. A sigh escaped as he kept typing and typing to several more emails, hoping to get this all done so he could just do the papers.

Believe it or not, the papers are much easier to do than these in the sense that Builderman knew his eyes were fucked up from the amount of work screen time he gets. Builderman has been doing this non-stop for the past weeks, since it keeps stacking up and he would be grateful for any second of breaks he can get.

In fact, he was so immersed that he didn't notice the knocks on his door slowly increasing in sound before finally one last knock that pushed him out of the busy state he was in. "-Come in!" He choked out, voice hoarse from the lack of water consumption since he mostly drank coffee.

The door creaked open a bit and a blue pumpkin head was seen with a small red flame emitting light– Dusekkar. The mage admin slowly stepped inside, careful steps as their hooves clinked on the ground and approached the empty seat in front of Builderman, they seemed... nervous? Builderman presumed from what their pumpkin was expressing

Dusekkar pulled out the seat and sat on it, looking away before their fiery flame that glowed in their head turned small and blue. This was really concerning as it looked like it, Builderman had never seen the pumpkin so negatively in emotions, and that made him finish an e-mail before pushing his laptop to the side gently to look at them with a critical eye.

Silence stretched on before Dusekkar took a deep inhale and exhaled, finally looking up at Builderman with an unreadable expression. "I'm sincerely sorry for coming unannounced. However, there is something I need to inform you about these past few weeks." They spoke out professionally even when it wasn't needed since both were close anyway.

The shorter admin looked up with curiosity sparking in its eyes, gesturing for them to go on. "The thing is... Have you seen Telamon these days?– I know he isn't the most passionate about his work, but it's been a while since I've actually heard from him in awhile." Dusekkar explained, Builderman's eyes widened. He hasn't noticed since he was too immersed and focused on finishing his endless work.

"...I- have never noticed. He hasn't given me any notes as I'm aware, nothing new from him." 

"Have you visited him?" They asked out of the blue, which made Builderman think. When did he actually properly visit Telamon? His memories were already scattered around so finding an actual time there was difficult as it already was. "Last time... 1 month ago? I'm pretty sure." Builderman bluntly said, maybe after this, he should search for the deity. He mentally noted looking back at the mage.

"It's been exactly 3 months since his departure, did you think he quit?-" "Impossible" He answered too quickly as if offended which made Dusekkar stop and look at him as he rearranged his glasses. "Telamon would never quit without such a prescriptive description of why." Wow, Builderman sure did know about that. Perks of talking and hanging with someone for a long time you practically know their personal thoughts and life.

"Is that all you had to tell me? Your concern? I really need to get this done." A hint of annoyance had slipped into his tone which made Dusekkar pull away their seat and stand up. "Yeah, it was only a mere worry for our... co-worker friend. Sorry for wasting your time, Builderman." They leaped, their hooves clinking onto the floor frantically as the room was met with the same silence again.

Builderman let out a long sigh, all that Dusekkar asked was beginning to sink in as he responded to the final e-mail of the day. It was true; Builder hasn't seen Telamon these past few weeks. It wouldn't hurt to visit unexpectedly, right? At least for a while, he wouldn't stay long anyway... okay after paperwork, check on Telamon. Got it.

<???>

Finally, (Almost) All the work was done. Builderman stretched out and glanced at his wrist clock seeing the time, it was noon which wasn't so bad, his wrists hurted from signing all those papers and typing. The rest though... he'll give those to somebody else, probably Stoecker since they really liked doing work for some reason.

The CEO walked out of his seat as his legs cramped from the amount of time he sat in the office chair and the fact that he was old, with a sharp inhale he forced himself up as his spine cracked (ow). Whatever no broken bones should slow him down from his original goal; Check up on the bird deity and get this over with, his name alone made Builderman shiver slightly totally not because of a different reason.

Builderman figured he should drink some water before actually stepping out, so he glanced around the neat office, and to his luck, there was a waterbottle next to the coffee maker. He took slow steps to the counter since his legs were still cramping as hell before grabbing the plastic bottle, practically ripping off the cap, and drinking the water.

It was finished within seconds as Builderman crushed it up, put the cap back on, and just threw it in the trash can not bothering if it made it in or not his throat was now slightly refreshed a stir-up from the amount of coffee this man/robloxian consumes. Builderman grabbed the remaining paperwork to drop it off at Stoecker's office or Clockwork's... any of the interns should be fine. And like that, he got moving to the respective desks first before going to the location.

Once Builderman stepped foot out of his comically large office, since he was technically the boss, the one thing he took notice of was the slight air difference– it was more peaceful and not stuffy at all unlike the room inside. He sighed in content and adjusted his glasses along with his turbo hat before walking his way, his leg isn't cramping as much as earlier.

The building was awfully quiet, save for the sounds of faint keyboard typing and its footsteps. Maybe some of the employees and admins have already gone home early, that isn't any of Builder's business to get his nose on, he just had one goal in mind; to deliver these god forsaken papers and check up on... Telamon. Hm. 

The Robloxian stopped dead in its tracks after it reached the office it was looking for, Builderman adjusted his glasses once again to see the name tag. "STOECKER" yup this is theirs, he knocks once, twice, and a third time preceding to go in after no answer was heard. Not like the admin was the talkative type anyway.

Builderman looked up and saw them, looking at reports he presumed before they looked up at him and they looked happy to see him. "Ah... Mr. Builderman!- What brings you here?" Stoecker spoke out, the collar of their red raincoat sweater thing muffling their voice slightly

He took a step closer and closer until reaching the desk and pulling out the stack of papers, putting them gently on Stoecker's desk with a soft thud. "Hey Champ' I was thinkin'... Could you do these for me? None are specified to me last time I checked" His tone was professional with a hint of friendliness

"...What's the occasion?" The younger admin asked, usually Builderman would reject any sort of help with his work since he mostly wanted to be independent and do it all by himself so Stoecker was bound to know. They only received a slight chuckle from him though. "I gotta check up on Telamon, Dusekkar informed me that we haven't seen him since forever and his work is piling." 

Stoecker made an oval shape with their mouth, grabbing the stack of paper and setting it properly beside them along with the other reports. "Classic Telamon. If you do end up meeting him, tell Telamon I said hi." Builderman smiled softly at those words, Right... Telamon was also Stoecker's mentor, I forgot about that.

The man nodded as his smile gradually faded into a subtle smirk as he looked to see that the cloud on top of Stoecker's head wasn't a lightning symbol but a cleared-up white cloud, maybe they were looking forward to seeing the deity again. He patted Stoecker's shoulder as it faltered to the side of his torso as he turned his body to face the direction that wasn't looking at the admin.

"Kay, if there are more of those papers that are specifically for me just put them on my desk. Good luck." Builderman calmly said as he left the office finally as Stoecker waved goodbye at him, the burden of work almost disappearing on his shoulder, and Builderman savored the feeling before more started to pour in.

Instead of using the elevator to go to the ground floor (or the first floor) it walked down the stairs, enjoying the kind of quiet and peaceful atmosphere compared to the morning when everyone was moving around the place. When the ding sound was heard it stepped out and took a deep breath through its nostrils. Maybe it was all worth the hard work its posture and eyes had to endure. Okay, enough gazing around dreamily. Builderman already had a mental note so it was bound to be done.

He pulled the teleporter out of thin air, figuring to go to SFOTH first then to the private server or copy of it where Telamon 'lived' as Builderman recalled, he put in the game ID and hit send as he backed away, the panel making noises and the loading was in progress. Builderman waited for a few minutes before he was immediately sent to SFOTH.

Builderman's code was transferred to the game as he was sent to the middle where the fire ring was flaming indicating a new member, he felt a bit dizzy from the teleporter, but that was because he rarely goes to any experiences or games because of well... work stuff. He closed the panel, looking around and taking in sight of the hue of tangerine orange and dandelion yellow. Telamon always loved seeing those gradients

It shook its head, why was it thinking like this?! Enough thinking about them, too many distractions. Slowly Builderman started to check the place out, bricks, it's been so long since he's been here. Guess there are still Robloxians playing/sparring here, it made him smile at how content and determined they looked as he walked avoiding the random clashes.

The chaotic sounds along with the warm atmosphere made a great environment, Builderman gets why Telamon loved to watch over or just stay. It surprisingly mixed really well like colors even with the occasional metal scratching against metal somehow it didn't bother the CEO at all. He walked and walked, checking every corner, every secret room, every portal available in the realm. Heck, he even asked some of the Robloxians but they only seemed shocked that THE Builderman was here, or only shrugged.

After what felt like hours and his legs started to cramp, much to his dismay Telamon wasn't in the normal SFOTh server. Builderman took a quick break to stretch his poor muscles and recovered quickly with a focus on finding his... friend.

Builderman teleported again to where Telamon purposely 'lived' or rather stayed at, whatever a home meant to the deity. It was a copy of Sword Fights on The Heights just a bit more nature-y and a lot less pillars with only multiple grass baseplates. Thanks to the stretch earlier Builderman got to walk around calmly taking in how Telamon chose to... decorate his personal space, he followed a path of flat stones on the ground and was met by a manor.

It wasn't big nor small– decent-sized if it was the bird admin but much taller in comparison to the CEO, Builderman sighs heavily hoping to finally find them in their own abode and confront them about the weeks of disappearance without a clear reason because he knew Telamon would never do that without his knowledge.

As he approached the manor, it was kind of eerie even with the sky only being early noon colors. Builderman was at the porch and knocked. One, Two, Three, Four. No answer. He tried again with a familiar rhythm this time, yet again no response. Now Builderman knew why he felt this place was eerie, surely if he actually found Telamon inside they wouldn't mind him going in uninvited... right?

Telamon hasn't even answered– not even talons clicking onto the floor were heard. Strange, maybe Builderman should come in without permission. Slowly he began to push the heavy entrance doors wincing at how much weight was put in such an entrance. Finally, he got to the manor the candle lights flickering as only the sound of the wind firmly reaches his body. 

Without a second thought (or out of pure Impatience) Builderman searched the manor trying to find the deity, from room to room– entrance to gardens he was absolutely nowhere to be seen. Which made Builderman twitch with confusion and concern, Telamon wasn't at a normal SFOTH server nor his abode, strange.

Builderman checked again and again, every time moving to the least places to potential hiding spots heck even finding some... interesting things that he would rather not say, This was getting exhausting as he walked room after room so many times that he remembered the layout of the manor, even remembering it from the back of his head from the amount of times he kept running in circles.

Eventually, he gave up finding Telamon. Because clearly if he was here his presence would be palpable- oh. Builderman was just stupid to not realize that. As the realization hit, he face-palmed himself in disappointment before rubbing his temples right where he slapped himself. Readjusting his glasses a bit back in place.

" Telamon- Where could you have been.." Builderman says to nobody, The place feels so empty, save for the sound of the wind. Yet after he opened the panel and tried to find Telamon's player data or even code— there was nothing. Only one line of code that kept intact, which baffled Builderman because none of this code meant anything as the system said. 

He squinted his eyes to get a better look and confirm it was there, it was just a jumble of numbers, letters, and unnecessary symbols like a code to crack. He changed his standing position as he decided to check their player ID, hoping it would be intact and he could track Telamon down but... as he entered the username...

It wasn't recognized by the system, more strange like they just vanished from the database entirely. Builderman refreshed the page multiple times to see if it had a reload error, unfortunately, it was real. Telamon wasn't even remotely mentioned, he pressed some buttons on the panel to see if there was anything relating to him- all he got was multiple accounts that were registered as new users.

This was even confusing for the CEO, there's no way... did he delete himself?– What happened to him?

Maybe, Builderman should go back to HQ rather than stand in the former (?) bird admin's manor. He changed the panel quickly to the teleporter and entered the location he wanted, disappearing in the blink of an eye. When his code was transported in front of the HQ, it was already night. The owls made faint sounds as the stars blinked in the sky, a stark contrast to the sky in the Heights.

He approached his car, figuring it would be better to drive and teleport again. Builderman didn't want to get dizzy then puke up all over, reaching the vehicle he wasted no time going in and starting the engine the car whirling into life slowly. Once he got out of the empty parking lot, he began to go home.

A mix of emotions stirred inside Builderman from what the panel said. Confusion, Annoyance, Concern, Upset... you get the drill. There was no way they erased themselves... Telamon had an ego too larger than that to do that, then- why?.

Builder realized his thinking already got him to his house, unlocking the door with the subtle sound of the keys– the rest was blur but what he could tell he just collapsed on the couch from exhaustion with his work outfit on.

 

Notes:

This Is Inspired By All The Other Buildermon Fanfics That Explore This Concept, Just Our Own Spin-Off. Sorry For Any Grammar/Typing Mistakes. -🪱

Chapter 2: He Isn't Gone– Right?

Summary:

First Stage: Denial. The Rejection of How They're Gone. [Denial Of Feelings aswell]

Notes:

W0rk☆h0l!c ☆nd 0ld ☆ss Bv1ld3rm4n hə☆v!ly !mpl!əd hərə. -🪶

Also! Other Admins Are Mentioned, Telamon is more using any pronouns now than just he/them. (Or just his name...)

He opens his eyes slowly, realizing he's in a different... environment. Builderman didn't remember teleporting here, yet it was a flower field of some sort upon closer look. Weird, it doesn't look like any experiences or games that he has seen. Was this place new? No, probably not. A gut feeling in his body says that this feels almost nostalgic for some reason.

The shorter man looks around, feeling the wind caught in his hair, and gently blows it away, which slightly obscures his sight. Once he looked down, the flowers were an array of Pink-Purple tulips, Daffodils, Yellow Camellias, and Astilbe all arranged in a pattern to make it a view for sore eyes with grass surrounding it.

Yet, Builder caught something right in front of his eyes. A figure standing tall as the sun hovers over them to make a shadow over it, he looks dazed before the figure spreads out its wings slightly. Is that what he thinks it is? No way. 

" Telamon?.. " He mutters out, figuring the distance between him and them was vastly long, so probably they couldn't hear the CEO speak out to them. Telamon twitches a bit, his wings unfolding to reveal those dazzling feathers in the sun's light before folding them, leaving Builderman slightly disappointed.

Curiosity got the best of him as he slowly took a few steps. This field was in slight hills... and both of them were on top of the highest ones. Those steps became long strides, and those long strides became running to the bird admin. Desperately trying to chase him even if he wasn't moving anywhere, it was like Builder was slowly distancing even if he was directly running.

His legs didn't feel tired as he reached out, the grass being crunched under his feet as he ran since there wasn't any carved path to take, not like Builder would take it if it was there. Every lap, its form got more recognizable, which made Builderman even more motivated to get to it. Her robes flowed like waves with the wind coursing through, making only a stride of her black stained yellow skin visible.

The running slowly became urgent walking as Builder got close enough to see her in all her glory, yet Telamon's hood was more down, casting her face in shadow all over. Not even the structure was visible, but he could still see the long black hair peeking out from the front. A few more steps, and he was in front of her now, breathing in small pants.

His hands were on his knees, his back hunched as his head was looking down from the exertion before looking up to see Telamon tilting its head. Builderman straightened his posture before blinking a few times, was this really them...? Their face was fully shadowed over by the hood but still, the fire aura was alluring to him, he stretched his hand out to them before pulling away in hesitation.

Telamon took only one step closer and brought a talon to Builderman's chin, forcing his gaze up, which left him surprised at such action. With one hand not doing anything, Telamon slightly tugged their hood backward so Builder could see the smallest glimpse of a smile in their expression. It was so... endearing in a way. They put both hands on each side of Builderman's face as he slightly protested with an eye twitch.

He chuckled at the smaller man's protest, that sound that came out of his throat that made those stupid butterflies in Builderman's stomach go haywire. His eyes stared at the flowers below then back at Telamon, he would look good with those on his head or as an accessory, lost in thought he didn't register the bird admin pressed his forehead to Builderman's.

Builder shuddered at the warm breath of Telamon's mingling with his, is this... real? If it were a dream, please to any God or deity keep him to not waking up. Even if no words were whispered or murmured, this was just so intimate in its own way. Suddenly, the deity pulled away with a disappointed sigh as Builderman was confused about why he pulled back

`°-°`

So suddenly, he opened his eyes slowly as the morning light filtered through the window, Builderman winced as he realized he had just slept on the couch of all places... he was too old to sleep on such. He properly sat up, cracking his back in the process, which made him groan in pain. He settled his turbo hat aside on the coffee table before looking at the time. Exactly 6 AM. Okay, that's enough time to get ready for work (again)

Builderman stood up and stretched languidly, getting the air in between his joints out, which made a sound. He decided that probably coffee first would be a great start, so he headed straight to the kitchen to brew some good 'ol coffee, which he definitely didn't half-ass doing it.

He rubbed the back of his neck while still dazed from that dream. Why did he dream of him of all people? Did it mean something?... No, Builderman certainly didn't have feelings for the deity or any attraction whatsoever! Ugh, why is he even thinking about that? He just misses Telamon as any other caring friend would, that's all.

Builderman corrected his posture of leaning on the counter, probably a shower would make him feel better from these cramps and... feelings. It stepped into the bathroom, feeling the cold tiles on its feet, which made Builder shiver because of the sudden temperature change below. It flicked the switch on, and the light bulb flickered to life slowly.

The first thing he did was immediately look into the mirror, not taking off his glasses cause he needed to see them, and his vision is shit without his glasses. Studs' sake he looked like trash straight out of the bin. Gray hair sticking out in weird directions, very visible eye bags under his eyes, stubble neglected, and most of all, subtle wrinkles because of his old age.

It was all so different from what he looked like when he was younger, a stark difference from before. Guess it was all in the past, Builder pulls on his hair tie to reveal the grey long shoulder-length hair that he hasn't been treating all year long, simply because he 'never had enough time'. He remembered the way that Telamon always scolded him that he should focus on his hygiene as well even if Builderman insisted he was taking care of himself just fine. He took a deep breath. This wasn't the moment to think about long memories.

He folded his glasses, putting them on the sink next to the faucet after figuring he had looked at himself too much this morning, Builderman began to pull away his article of clothing and tossed them into the nearest laundry basket, taking a mental note to do laundry whenever time is available. With that, he stepped into the shower, his body heat trying to get comfortable with the cold surroundings, but eventually, he warmed up just enough as the water ran down his skin slowly.

It was a soothing sensation that he's grown accustomed to, sometimes just completely blanking out and he was already done with the shower, probably because it wasn't that much of an important part of his schedule but still necessary to him. The lukewarm water was relaxing as his earlier thoughts were washed away by the pleasant feeling, but that was short-lived as he had already finished in record time because he didn't really want to spend too much time in there.

A towel was wrapped around his waist even if he was living alone cause you never know and he wanted to keep a semblance of modesty even in his own household, Builderman already grabbed his glasses as he swept to his bedroom to actually get ready. The door softly clicked but not exactly locked as he tried to find the copies of his work clothes because that's definitely more efficient than washing them, not like he doesn't wash them– only on some days.

He wore the usual, red sweater and the iconic jacket; the zippers sounded filling up the silence in the room as he started to tie his hair. Usually, it's just a simple loose ponytail or a twisted bun as he isn't too interested in fashion... well, probably when there are important events, but besides that. Builder rarely even attends anything at this point, so there wasn't really much he could stylize.

Ultimately, he finished and slowly strode on the stairs, careful not to miss any steps as he went downstairs to get the coffee table was brewing hoping it was already ready. Builderman set foot in the kitchen again and looked over to the machine. It was done, and he immediately grabbed a mug to pour in the ceramic. Taking a sip, he hummed with self-approval, ready to begin his actual day.

->|<-

The Roblox HQ in the in between of morning and evening was always busy, sounds constantly bouncing from room to room, yet it wasn't all too distracting if you had worked here since the start. That was the case with Builderman, the sound was something the only chaotic sound he could only tolerate because he had heard it a million times before and it could be treated as background music sometimes.

There he was, sitting in his seat yet again. At least work this time wasn't that much, thanks to yesterday's labour and Stoecker's help, well... Builder saw a note on a small stack of papers that needed to be revised written by the admin who helped the other day. At the minimum– the CEO worked swiftly through the stacks like it was effortless even if from another person's point of view, it possibly wasn't that easy.

Until eventually, he was only left with a few more. Work was always... really stimulating to Builderman even if it meant he had to take the risk of growing tired and his wrists feeling a bit confined, it was because he had something to do rather than do nothing at all which made him feel useless most of the time. His pen clicked once on the paper as it was the last one, he sighed in slight relief because he rarely gets his work done this early, or works this little even if it was a stack full of reports and recommendations to the community.

Builderman pulled away from his seat to take a sip from his 4th cup of caffeine, he leaned back on the office chair, letting his mind wander off as he closed his eyes for a temporary amount of time– not like he was gonna sleep, just daydream. Telamon's rough hands littered with cuts from the amount of swordfighting caressed Builderman's face slowly, tracing his jawline and reveling in the way every muscle of his sang to them like it had been craving their touch all da-

His eyes snapped open as he almost fell out of his chair, fingers gripping onto the edge of the desk as he caught himself. Again?- why was he thinking about Telamon again?... This can't be a desire for his pestering again, it was annoying! Definitely... annoying. Telamon surely will come back, he's sure of it. Really sure of it, even if earlier his code was... a bit weird and altered. Maybe it was a glitch in the system.

Builderman didn't know if it was out of anxiousness but he didn't notice himself summoning the panel yet again, unconsciously checking the database with an eye for one specific person. Even checking the history of the previous numbers for one reason, one goal was to see if it was an actual glitch or something he feared for the worst.

Even with a keen eye, it was hard to find it. He reread it again and again, the weird line that he encountered previously was changed... and changed, as if something was malfunctioning. Something or someone was desperately trying to change its own ID and code for some reason and it was Telamon's. Leaving Builderman to connect the pieces excruciously slowly.

Why would Telamon change or swap his own ID?

It didn't make sense at all for him, he took a quick breath to calm himself down as he tried to think of any other reason why it was so unstable. Maybe– maybe a hacker was trying to get into his account? Maybe there was a misspelled line? Maybe Telamon was glitching extremely for this to happen? So many possibilities flooded his mind as he tapped on his chin as he tried to find the most valiant response to this little... malfunction as he called it.

Builderman decided it would be better if he asked other close admins Telamon bonded with, he stood up with the panel still opened up and left his office, mindful of closing it shut before walking to the break room cause the time was already break time for the other admins (Builder gets his break anytime he wants to) going down the stairs in a rush to get answers.

He saw many groups of people, employees alike in their own little conversation circles as they were all too busy immersed in their own talk to notice the CEO enter the room. Builderman scanned the room and found the clump of admins he was helplessly looking for, with a rapid walking pace he approached them before one of them stopped talking as he got closer with an almost... frustrated and confused look on his face.

" Yo, Bossman! What's the holdup? " Clockwork was the first one to greet the CEO as the others turned their heads to him with the same concern etched on their face. Builderman swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to figure out how to word this without sounding unprofessional. " I... I need all of your help. All of you have connections with Telamon, yes? " Builderman asked with almost a shaky voice but not quite, and all of them nodded which he let out a huge exhale of relief.

The CEO gestured at the group to follow him to a meeting room, wanting nobody to notice them as the lot of them got into the space. Silence was anticipated in the air before MrDoomBringer spoke up. " What do you want us for? And why is it related to Telamon out of all people?" He questioned, face scrunching up slightly at the mention of the deity. Clearly, he doesn't have a good reputation with them.

" ...It's about his code. Yesterday, Dusekkar informed me about his absence and I went to check, around the heights and his own house even. Then when I almost gave up and tried to find his player data, it was nothing but just a line! " Builderman showed the others what he was talking about as the code warped into another string and another in rapid time,  everyone was practically shocked at the shifting because it wasn't like anything they'd seen before.

Brighteyes on the other hand tilted her head as if she almost knew the cause but was still confused about what it was, she was the last one to hear the deity from their evening conversations before this sudden disappearance. Brighteyes definitely heard him say something along the lines of 'Giving up' and 'Tired of', unfortunately, she couldn't quite grasp it.

The mage almost on the other side of the group eyed Brighteyes, sensing that she might have something to say " Dear Bright, I sense you might have a word to say? Besides, you are the most... closest to Telamon. " They said with a bit of hesitation colored in his voice, she turned her head to them, opening her mouth to say something but then closed it again and put a hand on her mouth.

Builderman took note of that as Doom was also seeing the absurd code, like his disappearance was a whole chunk of a mystery and a puzzle at the same time. " Wait, Builder. Have you seen when he was last active? Or have any of you guys seen him? " The Admins think again, this time about their memories and the last time they saw the deity... " I legit rarely see him " Clockwork muttered out with a shrug. " Last time I saw him was our sparring match. " Dusekkar said which gave out a hint of information.

" I was too caught up with work to... notice him being gone. " Builderman was a bit anxious as he said that, even if he had great public speaking skills, admitting he didn't pay attention to such a contributor was futile. " What about you, Bright? " " You all said he's been absent for a week or more... and before that, I always have a little 'chat' with him after work. " Everyone in the room quirked an eyebrow including the slightly dazed and lost in thought Clockwork " Oooo... Tell us! " He exclaimed, clearly trying to pry off information with his boredom replaced with interest.

" Well, he's usually the one offering me and I always accept. Last time though it was a little bit more personal, he rambled to me about how much he's... tired? Of his feelings and such, plus all the way he's been acting. " She almost seemed nervous to say about all this like it was the dirtiest secret she's ever spilled out of her mouth. " He states that he wants to 'disconnect' -or whatever. And that's all I remember other than him mentioning giving up his feelings?- " She scratches the back of her head.

Builderman's eyes widened at what Brighteyes said like it was so surprising Telamon would say all that to her, not like he was jealous the bird admin never opened up to him– but of how he never informed him about any of this before going nowhere without a trace. Not even a single footprint, feather, or code. Meanwhile, Dusekkar looks like he expected this information a lot more than Builderman did. " So, what does this code mean then?... " He asked hoping for an answer before the pumpkin head came next to the CEO to inspect the code alongside MrDoomBringer.

" It's... an unstable line, I think. Possibly doesn't even have a vital meaning, yet this could mean anything at the same time. " Dusekkar tried to crack the code as Doom was still confused because he never saw such jumbles of numbers, symbols, and letters flash on a panel so out of pattern unlike the carefully put code inside an actual Robloxian. " Maybe he's actually gone though, Builds. " Doombringer adds up which made Builderman look at his side and eyeing MrDoomBringer in disbelief.

" What?!- No- He can't be really gone though! " Builderman tried to interject as his panel was taken by Dusekkar for further inspection. " Telamon wouldn't... do such a thing to himself, right?... That just sounds morbid. " Builderman's voice cracked a bit. Telamon. Telamon wouldn't possibly want to swap their ID and split themselves, Builderman seemed to reject the concept of the deity gone. Because who could replace that bird admin? Sure he was obnoxious and narcissistic most of the time but that doesn't mean they aren't nothing to him. He was still important in some aspects.

It was foreign to the others for some person or account to disappear without a reason or little to no trace left behind, MrDoomBringer who was in charge of all of this looked confused as he took a few steps to stand beside Dusekkar and check as well. Meanwhile, Clockwork and Brighteyes looked at each other, the Valk admin looking confused while the other already looked... accepting? He didn't understand a thing about this and neither did she but she knew the truth at least.

Builderman felt its nerves become more sensitive as it hugged himself, suddenly, everything became very suffocating with this possibly new information. Unsure about what it's gonna do about this, its eyes darted to anything other than the two admins who were inspecting everything in the panel. He refused to believe Telamon was actually gone, there had to be a reason. Right?

Dusekkar let out a heavy sigh as their fire went so small it looked like it was almost gone, which made Builderman panic for whatever reason, even though he didn't know himself. They closed the panel as it retreated to its original place and Doombringer's face looked so skeptical with a bit of disappointment, Builderman just wanted to be swallowed whole by the ground at this point because what does this mean?

He really wasn't ready for any of the news to be spoken out but he had to be ready. " The... system didn't recognize him at all, checked the code multiple times, and coincidentally wasn't a defect. " Those simple words that got out of Doom's mouth and tongue hit the CEO physically like a truck crashing over him.

So many questions ran through his head all involving him and the stupid probably outdated database. However, that shouldn't make sense since Clockwork just updated the servers to be up and running weeks ago, maybe it was true, and... and Telamon wouldn't come back. 

The truth might've been too hard to handle cause everyone's eyes were on him as he was shaking and his nails digging into the skin in his palms in denial. " Uh... Bossman, you alright? " Clockwork asked, already out of his seat to approach Builderman while Brighteyes already left measly awhile ago. 

" I'm... I'm okay. Thanks for the information and help from all of you, I appreciate it. You all are free to go now. " Builder bit his tongue painfully so his voice wouldn't sound so unstable, everyone left the room leaving it empty. Dusekkar put a hand on his shoulder a little longer than necessary and a look he couldn't read but left too soon before Builderman could answer.

It was probably reassurance. He figures out himself before slumping his shoulders, this shouldn't be happening. Everything feels so wrong now.

Notes:

Ig you can also say this is where Builder realizes he still has longing feelings for Telamon. Bro tries to immediately jump to acceptance 💔 more dialog too yay!! -🐛

Chapter 3: It Can't Be...

Summary:

Second Stage; Anger. The Flames That Consume You From Leftover Denial.

Notes:

No typing quirks this time, More from the perspective of other admins because... well they need more screentime okay. Also Legoseed and FFjosh mentioned!! (I won't add their character tags though, sorry.) -🪶

If you see some bargaining here it's because this is mixed but more anger. Bargaining is for next chapter's focus.

Ever since the news was given to Builderman, he was struck with such a feeling of loss. He didn't know why he was feeling this way because of them, but... all he knew was that it was not a pleasant one to start off with.

None of the other Admins have seen him, not even the ones who helped him and gave out the one and behold truth that had been lying inside. Dusekkar knew this could happen, knew that once Telamon was gone even for a long temporary time, Builderman would almost lose it entirely. They took notes of that every time the duo was together.

They wanted to believe he could go some days without the bird deity. Unfortunately, maybe Doom shouldn't have said it so blatantly. Maybe if it were through small hints, Builderman wouldn't look so devastated. But Dusekkar knew– knew that Telamon wasn't possibly 'gone for good', maybe he was just missing. There is no possible way for the deity to be actually dead if his ego was large.

So they sought answers, trying to find a citation to the source as they needed, and that was to Brighteyes. She was the closest to Telamon ever since she was hired, well... maybe not the first closest since that goes to Builderman, yet still she holds much information about him. Maybe that could be useful. Besides, she was the first one to leave the room before the news was brought out.

Dusekkar stopped clicking their pen and glanced at the time, figuring Brighteyes was having her own break, and they stood up from their chair. The robes were straightened a bit to look more presentable before they walked their way to her own office, their hooves clicking with the ground in a soft rhythm as they made their way.

The distance between their office and hers wasn't really that long, only a few long strides, and the mage was already in front of the front door. Figuring that just going in unannounced would be quite unethical, they knocked softly on the wood to wait for an answer before they heard her voice, " Come in!, " Brighteyes yelled so Dusekkar could hear from the other side as they entered the room.

Every other admin had a different taste in their own workspace and for this one in particular was just as unique, her rare Rainbow Periastron Omega was carefully displayed on a glass frame, the theme that took in was space and cats. Dusekkar has been here only a couple of times, but there are clearly some small modifications made to the space.

Brighteyes looked up from her laptop to face the pumpkin head. She wasn't wearing her usual glasses and stared at them for a while. " So... What do you need? " She questioned, fixing up her posture a bit before clearing her throat a bit so Dusek could focus on her rather than examining the room.

They looked... nervous to ask about something because what if she got offended about what they were about to ask? What if she just avoided them entirely? Still, it was worth a shot to get more information about him. " You see, I came here to just...  inquire about you about something, if you don't mind me asking. " The flame in their pumpkin flares up before they take a quick inhale, which makes it lower down.

Brighteyes raises an eyebrow, anticipating whatever comes out of their mouth. "Yesterday's meeting, you mentioned that... you had evening conversations with Telamon, yes? " She nods to correspond and further makes Dusekkar continue. " I wanted to ask you something related to that, but you were already headed somewhere elsewhere before I could even utter a word. "

" And that is? " Brighteyes squinted her eyes a bit since really talking to Dusekkar is really difficult because of the fire in their head, making it slightly harder for her to focus on their form for too long. " What... 'conversations' did you have with him? With all the exact details, if you can. I'd really appreciate it. "

Brighteyes looked at them with such an indescribable expression that Dusekkar feared she would brush off the question and not give them their longed-for answer, but to their surprise, she took a glance at the closed door to make sure nobody was eavesdropping or hearing before taking a deep breath of air. " You may want to sit down because this is... quite long with the amount of information, " Her tone sounded hesitant and unsure, but Dusek wasn't going to ask about that.

Instead, they sat down on the chair that was in front of her desk as she moved the laptop aside so there were no barriers and they could meet eye to eye. " These... conversations with him started when I was promoted to the Head of Customer Service. Tel was always so supportive about it that he offered to chat at his personal home, which I've never really gotten to see, so I was obviously surprised at how large the area was. " Brighteyes fidgeted with her fingers a bit as to recall the memories.

" Then that slowly became a routine. All of our chats weren't really that serious, but some were including the last one. Maybe some gossip here and there other times we would both complain to each other then just laugh it all away until it became noon. " She cleared her throat once more. " It was always by his garden where the flowers bloomed, I'll cut to the chase and go to the part where our last chat. " Dusekkar took in the information well but got themselves personally comfortably seated to hear what she had to say to answer their gnawing question.

" On that day, Telamon seemed more gloomy as we did our bickering before his voice became this low, serious tone. Then he vented to me about how these past few weeks have been awful, and there was probably something wrong with him. Like how he's feeling strange and weaker than before... and he needs to get rid of those. You know Classic Telamon stuff non-accepting of the Robloxian emotions yet he just... kept on and on. " Bright's voice began a little bit upset as she went on, Dusek widened their eyes at every word. They didn't want to cut her off from this new information.

" Until he stopped and asked me for personal opinions, which I did eventually give him, suddenly, Telamon just stood up and said the time was too late, then he departed. " She ended off, to Dusekkar it sounded like a cliffhanger, but why would he vent to her? Were there any problems when he was still present? Because as the mage recalled, they didn't remember anything about Telamon being unwell mentally, nor physically.

" That departure, though... wasn't so normal, he would always clean up the table before we parted. Telamon's expression that day was not readable. That's all I can tell you, with the details you asked for. " The tale was finished just as Dusekkar had wanted then a huge length of silence followed over after those words were spoken out, Brighteyes almost thought that was all that the mage needed before her suspicion was undeniably wrong.

Dusekkar gathered up the thoughts, figuring if they asked anything related, she wouldn't know anything since that was the last time she had seen Telamon or even talked with the bird admin. " Ah- thank you for that explanation. I suppose you want to know my last sightings of him too then, yes? " She went silent before nodding since all that serious talking made her throat a bit dry.

The mage squirmed a bit in their seat to find a comfortable sitting position while Brighteyes pulled out a waterbottle from her desk and drank some of the contents, swallowing the water then putting it aside to listen to Dusek. " As you've heard from yesterday, the last time I saw him was when he offered me a sparring match. Nothing was really 'weird' about it. However, I did notice his moves were less enthusiastic than usual. When I asked him about that, he didn't say anything but simply nodded as just acknowledging my question. " 

Brighteyes let out a small 'ohh' when they said that the awkwardness was clearly palpable in the air. Did both truly never address how he acted this way these past few weeks, and now that he was labeled as gone? Even if it wasn't truly the meaning of gone, they knew? " Right, I've always taken him for someone with personality issues from the first time I met him. " That allegation personally hit Dusekkar. How come they didn't notice or raise a concern on that topic? " I- You do have a very good point, actually. " They agreed, putting a hand on their pumpkin face where the mouth and nose were.

She giggled at their reaction, which made them confused and a bit offended. " That's unexpected coming from someone who has infinite knowledge on almost everything. " They scowled at the comment. " Hey!- mind you, I still never paid attention to that specific detail. Just... thought that was how he was. " Dusekkar tried to defend themselves as she wore a smug grin on her face.

They mentally rolled their eyes as they slightly glared at Brighteyes, who was trying to hide her snicker behind her hand, Dusek huffed out some much-needed air before looking back at her " Thank you for the answers nonetheless. " Brighteyes shrugged a bit just as if she hadn't given them the answer they've been seeking. "You're welcome, and my pleasure. I suppose you're gonna go now? " The pumpkin nodded, backing the chair and standing up.

" Sorry for ruining your work time. I'll say to you beforehand next time. " Dusekkar apologized again while walking to the door, going out of the room, then closing the door lightly. The room was silent now as Brighteyes slid the laptop into her point of view again to work again, really she didn't mind the unanticipated visit since at last she really did need a little refresher from her work.

°``°

Somehow, this day had less work than anticipated from the others, yet still bustling as ever. FFjosh was walking to deliver some papers to... Builderman, the big man himself. He was usually the one who actually printed out all these meaningless reports and sent them to others. He hasn't heard from him in a long time, but yesterday, he did see a group of popular admins with him go into a room... maybe he should ask that later.

He reached the large office entrance, knocking a bit before opening the knob to peek his head. Builderman looked a bit more stressed than usual. Why was that? There was less work, so that can't be the reason. Yet Josh set the papers there, contemplating whether to ask or not. " Hey, Boss. What's wrong with you today? You look... unwell. " Eventually, it just slipped from his mouth, Builder's hands that were on his face wiped a bit as he registered the figure above. He grumbled something on his breath before sitting properly.

" That's the seventh time someone said that to me today. " Builderman's tone sounded irritated as he pinched the bridge of his nose, which made Josh take a step back in advance. His glasses were on the side of his desk... maybe he just woke up from a nap? " I apologize– you just look so... tired and worn out, maybe you need to take a break. " He suggested, taking small steps to the back towards the door as Builderman huffed a bit.

" Yeah, I was about to. " He stood up, FFJosh immediately headed start for the door before Builderman could, and kept it open. Just waiting for the CEO to go out of the room first would be kind of awkward, in his opinion. He headed out, his shoe heels clinking on the floor as Builderman grabbed his glasses and wiped them.

Perhaps a walk around the glass building would be nice. It would put his mind off things for a while. He walked around the halls, passing by many cubicles of employees and admins respectively, some of which were empty. Probably, they've already ended their shift early. Builderman was always the last one to exit the HQ since... You could say he really likes his work at times.

Even with that, he would rather build things rather than sit down and do endless pages of work, all for managing his original career. He missed when he was still young and vibrant, full of creativity, and not hunched over with such bad posture along with dogshit eyesight. He never knew where all of it was put, but sure, he feels a sense of nostalgia ever so often.

Builderman didn't even notice he was already outside of the HQ after exploring the insides, the original design was packed with glass all over as walls which always made Telamon bump every time he visited his own workplace. Studs' Builder already misses him so much even though he only received the news yesterday. His body was moving on its own until he found himself where the garden. It was there as an event place, a resting place, and other stuff like plants. He never bothered to go here nowadays.

He did hear the others love it. In the early days, it was only trees and bushes with some non-edible berries, but then Clockwork wanted to expand it to his liking, so it looked... beautiful. Huh, maybe Builderman needs better expectations of the Valkyrie admin. It does look better decorated with a variety of other nature elements mixed in. His gaze landed on a certain pot of flowers and inspected it.

It was a Dianthus, put neatly in a ceramic flower pot. Telamon always loved those, their vibrant color, their strong mix of fragrance, and easy care. She would've always liked these as gifts or as decoration, she even has a bunch of these in her personal garden. Builder never understood why someone would love as such, so he plucked the stem off to grab the flower, unlike roses these didn't have thorns so he was good with examining the flower.

If Telamon wasn't truly gone, Builderman would have built a bouquet full of these and other plants they liked, truly such a shame. He would have engraved their genuine smile into his mind so that if he just looked at the singular plant Dianthus, Telamon would be the first he thought of. All this overthinking wouldn't come true though, he knew it was stupid to think about it, stupid to think that Telamon would come back. 

Out of pure frustration, he scrunched his face before crushing the flower in his palms, the leaves and petals broke apart by his touch as only the stem and what remained kept intact. A stubborn piece that only served bitterness in his mouth, Builderman threw the remnants to the ground and stomped on it, making sure to grind it into small pieces. His shoe was lifted from the flower as he started to look away from the sight.

He really wanted to just burn up what he just destroyed, turn it into dust as the little specks are all that are left of the Dianthus. Suddenly, the CEO heard someone walking into the area as he looked back, seeing the agriculture admin; Legoseed who was carrying a tray. It seemed a bit surprising to see him as well outside in all places. " Mr. Builderman! What are you doing here?... It's rare to see you alone outside like this. "

His mouth went agape a bit, struggling to put up an excuse before he used the truth. " I needed to take my mind off things. I guess I don't roam that much, huh? " He let out a soft, low awkward laugh. " Are you stressed? Care to try my samples?- It's just a new brownie recipe I'm trying. " Legoseed offered the tray that had those paper things that held the samples, some were empty which was evidence that some had already been eaten previously before him.

Builderman took one willingly, he still had some pent-up anger in him but it was well hidden. He got the small treat in his mouth and lightly chewed, it was really chewy, soft, and overall great. Of course it was, Legoseed was a literal God at cooking (metaphorically and literally) " There are good. Thank you, Legoseed. And for your question... I just have a lot on my plate right now that's why. " He explained, trying so much for the tiredness and stress inside him to show out so obviously.

" Ah, then thank you as well for tasting it! I have to go now, take care Mr. Builderman! " He smiled, his voice sounded urgent as he walked too fast that it was a miracle he didn't even stumble, his pace left Builderman a bit impressed, still there was still a piece of unamusement in his mind. Legoseed didn't have that much work unlike the others so he always baked or cooked for break time.

After that interaction, he felt empty. Was it even appropriate to say that he felt that way? It had been eight times someone had asked about his well-being and it was getting annoying. Of course, he didn't want to lash out at anybody since that would be so unprofessional of him to treat his employees like that, and they didn't deserve his anger anyway.

Builderman hated how he was left alone with his thoughts, it was always so much going on like a train immediately passing by, only leaving the heavy thick wind it left behind. He sighed heavily, hoping that an exhale of air would calm him and his emotions. Everything reminded him of... of Telamon.

The sun, the leftover broken petals of the Dianthus, the birdies chirping into the noon air, the building, heck even himself reminded him of that deity. God he was helpless at this loss wasn't he?

Notes:

Fun fact: I was gonna make Dusekkar have a much closer relationship with Telamon but i figured it was too related to a Buildermon comic i saw on Twitter, so... yeah. This feels so rushed lol -🐛

Notes:

This Is Inspired By All The Other Buildermon Fanfics That Explore This Concept, Just Our Own Spin-Off. Sorry For Any Grammar/Typing Mistakes. -🪱