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It was only once a year that a person's birthday is celebrated. Everyone celebrates their birthday, even egos!
Well . . . there's some people that don't celebrate their birthdays.
Maybe some just don't know when they were born or their birth certificate was lost..
Other times . . . the specific person might just be an asshole who no one cares about to remember their birthday so it's not celebrated with others.
And then other times . . . . nobody cares and that specific person is just left out.
Anti didn't care. What was the point of birthdays anyway!?
His just passed on by every year and HE never celebrated HIS. Or well . . . no one wanted to celebrate WITH him. Was there a difference? What was the point?
It wasn't like he didn't know what a birthday was. All the Septic egos celebrated theirs and even the Ipliers, too.
Anti was subjugated to even go to the Iplier birthdays with the Septics. Or he used to, anyway. They stopped going but he assumed it was too chaotic for them. The Iplier egos WERE very erratic, after all and there was only so much the Septic egos could handle at once.
Participating in the Septic birthdays, however, that was a completely different story. Anti wasn't allowed to celebrate THEIR birthdays with them ever since he had destroyed Chase's cake and burnt his new cap he got from Sean out of jealousy.
That was about four years ago. Now every time someone in the house had a birthday, they'd go OUT to celebrate.
Far away from him.
Not that he CARED!
It was nice and quiet in the house without all of them being loud and obnoxious.
When they came back, however, they'd be half-ass drunk talking about how great it was and that he wouldn't understand since he wasn't there.
Okay, he'd admit, it kind of hurt.
It REALLY hurt.
And now it was coming up on Jameson's birthday on Halloween night. Anti's own birthday was October 10th but of course they didn't say or do anything for him like always.
Nobody did.
"Stupid fucking mute bastard" he mumbled to himself, "Everyone's so fucking extra happy all of a sudden . . . until I fucking walk in the room and then all I get are death glares!"
Anti was pouting in his room and it was the day before Jameson's birthday but already everyone was so excited. Jameson wasn't doing another video this time with Sean but everyone seemed even more . . .. happy for some reason.
It pissed him off.
Suddenly his phone buzzed and he looked down at the notification.
It was Dark.
Now . . . they didn't particularly like each other but they came to a mild truce a while ago. They. . . . tolerated one another and Dark had forced them to exchange phone numbers in case of any emergency or whatever.
Although Anti had the faint suspicion that Dark actually viewed him as a friend even though Anti was adamant that they weren't.
They weren't friends.
Or were they?
Anti shook his head, getting himself confused.
'The fuck does that emo prick want? Someone fucking die again? Why's he texting ME?'
Darkipoo (Anti had his name saved like this in his phone to amuse himself)
'You are coming with the other Septics to celebrate Jameson and Google's birthday tomorrow, I assume? I know you haven't been around for a while but I'll expect you there this time. I can't handle those Septics alone. I need to remind you to not start any arguments with either of the androids, too. See you tomorrow.
Anti's eye twitched.
'THE FUCK?!'
"I ain't fucking going to any 'gathering'. The fuck is he talking about?" he mumbled to himself but since this message, he decided he had better reply back.
Anti
'I have no idea wtf you're talking about. Nobody told me about no fucking party or any of that bullshite'
Darkipoo
'I see'
There was nothing for a few moments until he texted Anti again.
Darkipoo
'Well now you know and I'd appreciate it if you came anyway. Bing's censors are messing up again and you're the only one that can fix that, apparently. Google refuses to. Not to mention you could keep those Septic buffoons in check. I'd prefer they didn't swoop in and break anything or ruin any of the decorations this time'
Anti squinted, trying to piece together what he was saying, 'THIS time? Have they been going to the Ipliers for birthday parties without me and just lied about it?'
Once again, his heart sort of panged again but he sighed heavily, texting Dark back.
Anti
'Fine, but if I don't show up, you can blame the 'Septic buffoons'. They don't like me 'celebrating' with them and I can't say I blame 'em'
Darkipoo
'I will see you tomorrow.'
That seemed to be the end of that conversation.
Anti bit his lip and swallowed heavily but decided he should tell the idiots downstairs before they left without him the next day.
'This is gonna be a bitch'
When he moped downstairs, he could see it clearly, though.
Each Septic was packing their own things getting ready so they can leave tomorrow morning without a big hassle. Henrik already had a couple of presents in the living room as did Chase and even Jameson had a bright blue wrapped one for Google.
Jackie was in the process of wrapping up a transformer toy in silver paper laughing to himself the whole time, "This is for gifting me that fucking Spiderman action figure on MY birthday, you broken piece of shit metal"
Anti would have found it funny if he wasn't so pissed.
But before he could make himself known, Marvin tapped his shoulder behind him on the stairs, "What are YOU up to with that knot in your pants? Not planning on setting fire to the kitchen again, are you?"
Anti snarled at him, "Fuck off, queeny. That happened one time." he shoved him off and stomped into the living room where everyone was, including Marvin now, "So . . . you fucks have been sneaking off to the Iplier birthday parties, huh? THAT'S where you've been going? That your version of 'out'?"
They all seemed to sort of freeze but Chase was the first to come out of it.
"Dude, what's it matter? You hate going to the Iplier place anyway"
"Yeah well . . ." Anti blushed a little.
He didn't really have an answer for that so he decided to just retaliate, "Well I don't even have a fucking choice THIS time! Dark just texted me saying that he's fucking expecting me there! So, I guess you fucks are gonna have to deal with me this time" he sort of smirked at the thought but the others were anything but pleased.
Jackie groaned, "Oh, for fucks sake! Why? What, you and Dark secretly-"
"Do NOT even finish that sentence, red hiding hood" Anti spat at him.
"Oh fuck off, ya fucking stupid glitch-bitch!" he snapped back at him.
"Okay, that's enough!" Henrik butt in, "Zhis is not a problem . . .. Anti can come but he has to promise to behave. Can you do zhat?" he gave him a stern look and Anti's chest actually started to hurt.
'I'm sure he'll be fine!' Jameson signed, 'It'll be fun for everyone, I'm sure!'
'Fucking mute goody-two shoes' Anti growled in his head, 'Sometimes I just wanna fucking snap his damn neck. Always acting so fucking nice. He's gotta be faking it sometimes, I swear'
"Dude, just promise you'll be good, alright?" Chase pressured him, "Not that hard"
"What's the bipolar freak want with you anyway?" Jackie asked, "He need someone to yank that stick out of his ass? Is he gonna help with yours, too, while you're at it?" he chuckled.
Anti wanted nothing more than to dig his knife right into Jackie's throat but he . .. restrained himself.
"Fuck off . . . I don't need to tell you everything. If you wanna know, you can call him yourself" he started to stomp his way back upstairs, "And I don't need to promise a fucking thing. You can all go fuck yourselves. . . .I'll be back down tomorrow morning to go . . . not that I fucking want to, either, assholes"
He could hear them mumbling about him even as he made his way to his room but he tried to shut them out.
It was always like this.
They tolerated him, just like everyone else did.
'I fucking hate them . . . . . I fucking hate this . . . . .why am I even fucking here? Who cares?'
His chest hurt horribly, remembering their harsh words but he tried to ignore it, going back on his phone to flip through nonsense videos.
No matter how hard he tried, though, the endless distraction didn't help his growing anxiety and depression. Of which he was still in denial over, of course.
'I don't need them. . . . I don't need them to like me . . . . It doesn't matter what they say about me. . .'
He blinked away the tears, burying his face in his pillow.
The next morning, Anti stomped his way downstairs, noticing everyone was waiting on him, ready to go.
Sean was already in L.A. for a video with friends and was just going to meet them there later in the day.
.
.
.
'Sean has never come to see ME for MY birthday . . . .' the intrusive thought echoed in his head, making him feel worse.
His chest hurt again.
Not that Anti would expect Sean to visit him, given their relationship. It was practically like a restraining order, really.
Anti knew Sean didn't want to be anywhere NEAR him and it was a silently respected rule. He's never even really given him the chance to be around him since. .
Another stab in his chest he tried to ignore.
Marvin grinned, having already shrunk down all the gifts and potluck food and desserts in his bag, "Alright! Everyone ready? Anti, did you get anything you want me to put in my bag?"
Anti glared at him, "No? Why the fuck would I?"
"Yeah, why would he?" Chase snorted, "Guy doesn't think about anyone but himself anyway"
"I didn't even know you guys were going there until yesterday!" Anti tried to argue, "If Dark hadn't-"
"Geez, enough about your boyfriend, already" Jackie rolled his eyes.
"HE'S NOT MY-"
"Schiesse, let's just go!" Henrik cursed, "We're going to be late and you KNOW Dark doesn't appreciate tardiness!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever" Marvin just laughed it off, "Stop fighting and let's go"
Anti just crossed his arms, too fed up to continue arguing.
Marvin teleported them and they appeared in front of the the Raspy Hill mansion.
All the while, Anti was groaning in his head, 'This is gonna suck, this is gonna suck, this is gonna SUCK!
He HATED social events. If Dark hadn't texted him asking for him to be there, he'd still be in bed sleeping the day away! Maybe even ordering out food using Chase's credit card.
Staying out of everyone's life like they all wanted. . . . .
Chase went to knock on the door but it opened before he could to reveal Host, "Host knew you all would be arriving. Come on in"
Yancy snorted somewhere behind the blind narrator, "Yeah, youse totally wasn't listening to Yan saying they could see them coming from the window"
"The Host ignored this silly accusation and welcomed the guests"
"And the Jims got everything on camera!" the Jim twins both exclaimed in sync.
'Hello Host! It's good to see you again, chap!' Jameson tried to sign to him.
Host raised a brow underneath his blindfold, "Hm . . . .. The Host sensed someone was trying to communicate with him and assumed it to be Jameson. Happy birthday and Halloween Mr. Jackson"
Jameson just smiled bright, knowing he couldn't see his response anyway. Instead, he signed to Yandere who skulked in the corner, 'Where's Google? I would like to tell him happy birthday as well!'
Their mood changed quickly and bolted over to them, katana in hand, "I'LL TAKE YOU TO HIM! THIS WAY!"
Jameson was swept off immediately but no one was concerned.
Anti snorted gruffly and glanced around, 'They even decorated the place for the android that doesn't give a shit either way. This is stupid. Why am I here again?'
"So where's Dark?" Jackie asked Host and Yancy, "He told Anti he wanted him to come for some reason?"
Yancy narrowed his eyes, a bit confused but nodded his head to motion upstairs, "The sad bat's upstairs. Probably telling Google not to attack any of youse while you're here. Had to take away his hammer again. Just don't start no trouble. He's been . . .. glitchy lately"
"Nothing new to me" Anti shrugged, "Isn't it Trick or Treat night tonight, too, though? How the fuck do you guys deal with brats coming here with Wilford around?"
"Oh he's surprisingly really good around kids" Bim popped in before walking out again.
"I'M GONNA GIVE ALL THE KIDS WALNUTS!" King shouted from the kitchen, "CHILDREN LOVE WALNUTS!"
"Wish I could just stay home" Anti grumbled, "I'd rather scare the kids walking around than be here"
Jackie glared at him, "Good thing you ARE here, then, I guess. Fucking psychopath"
"What? You'd prefer the brats vandalize our fucking house again?!"
"Tee-peeing isn't really vandalism" Jackie rolled his eyes, "But terrorizing little children could be a crime"
Anti rolled his eyes, "Oh, so you're only a hero when it benefits you?"
Marvin sighed, "Just go find Dark, Anti. Arguing over Halloween and kids is pointless right now"
"Whatever. Fuck off" Anti pouted again and stomped his way up the stairs.
"Hm" Yancy hummed, watching Anti stomp up the stairs, "What's HIS problem?"
He could just barely hear Jackie mumble under his breath, "Piece of shit"
That hurt. His chest felt like it was going to tear open and his throat burned. He had to keep it down, though. He couldn't let Dark see his emotions like this.
'Halloween, Jameson's birthday, Google's fucking birthday, it's all so stupid. Maybe if I can just fix Bing, then Marvin could take me back home so I won't have to deal with this bullshit. I'm sure he'd GLADLY do it'
Anti got to Dark's door on the top floor and knocked. He heard a soft few words and he assumed he was being invited in.
Anti looked around as he opened the door but saw Dark at his desk, his back to the window. He seemed to be writing something on a piece of paper.
"Hey . . . where's Bing?"
Dark glanced up at him, "He's updating really quick with Google in their room"
"What!?" Anti huffed, "Well, how long will THAT take?"
Dark shrugged lightly, "I don't know. Maybe about an hour or so. You lot got here earlier than I expected"
"Henrik was worried you'd disapprove of tardiness"
"I sort of counted on it but it's alright. They can mingle together until preparations are complete"
'This is bullshit' Anti rolled his eyes but didn't leave the room.
Dark put his pen down and looked up at Anti, "So . . .the Septics didn't tell you of the . . . party?"
Anti snorted, "No . . . apparently they've been lying about coming here for other parties, too, and didn't tell me. Doesn't matter, though. I don't give a shit"
"Apparently you do, otherwise you wouldn't have mentioned it"
"Fuck off. I'm talkative in the mornings . . . I guess"
"Sure . . ." Dark looked to be in thought for a moment before standing up and situating the papers, "So how did YOUR birthday go? Have a good time?"
Anti didn't know how to respond. He was suddenly reminded again of how little they all cared about him.
He felt his chest and throat sting again and tears started to well in his eyes and instead of saying anything, he just glitched out of the room. He couldn't let anyone see him cry.
He DID kind of regret it, though. Now Dark would know something was up.
'Not that there IS anything up . . . . . I just didn't want to . . be around the prick for too long. He's too prying'
Anti glitched to Google and Bing's door. He wanted to get this over and done with so he could just go home but the more he thought about it, they probably couldn't even come to the door if they were updating their software.
He turned away and grumpily trudged through the halls, ' Jameson's in there, though, too, isn't he? He said he was going to try and tell him Google happy birthday . . . . . I don't really feel like running into him so soon again . . . just might lose it. How do Google and Bing even stand staying in the same room together? I get they're brothers pretty much but I'd never be able to stand living in the same room as any one of the Septics . . . especially not Jackie. I bet his room wreaks like a gym. He'd probably make fun of me constantly, too. And Chase moping all the time and talking about his damn kids. . . . Henrik leaving the lights on all the time working day and night . . Marvin would probably make me his guinea pig with new potions and spells . . . and Jameson . . .. than fucking goody goody little bitch . . . I swear . . . .No one is ever THAT nice all the time . . . but then again, I guess he really isn't that nice. He's never told me happy birthday, either. He's never really been around me alone . . He's scared of me. . he hates me, too'
While Anti ranted in his own mind, he didn't even pay attention to where he was going. But soon, he found himself going down a hall he was pretty sure Dark had told them NEVER to go down under any circumstance.
'Hm . . . ' he looked around where he was now at the strange paintings and . . . . oddly 'rich' looking decor, 'I wonder why Dark doesn't let any of us down over here. If he REALLY didn't want us wandering, though, then he shouldn't have the area wide open. At least have the hallway door locked.'
Curiosity got the better of him and he wandered in deeper.
There was gold or what Anti assumed to be at least something similar lining the walls and flooring. Fancy steps he had never seen before leading upstairs, the beautiful wallpaper and-
'Wait a second. I've seen this room before . . in a scene? Is this . . ' then it clicked, 'Oh, this is . . or WAS Actor's mansion. Where 'Who Killed Markiplier' was filmed and where Actor and Celine lived. Dark must have built off of it for the other egos. Why doesn't he want anyone over here, though?'
He could understand not letting Wilford over here. Hell, he'd totally understand not letting the Septics anywhere near the area. One of them would probably break something.
But to never say anything about this part of the house? How did Anti never know about this area?
Anti glanced up the stairs, 'I wonder . . . . it's not like anyone will be looking for me . . . '
He swallowed down his anxiety and started to walk up the stairs. They curled around all fancy-like and at first he was a bit dizzy with the height but he made it to the top without a problem.
The carpet under him was red and embroidered with a delicate design. The wood floor were a rich dark brown almost like dark chocolate. Hell, even the damn curtains looked expensive. But there was one problem with everything.
It looked like nothing had been cleaned in here for a good few years. Not to mention it was kind of dark and drafty. No mice or bugs, though, so that part was nice.
"Poor soul" it was soft but oddly menacing.
Anti flinched at the sudden voice, "The FUCK!? Who's there?!"
A soft but deep chuckle rang throughout the hall and yet . . . it almost sounded like it was coming from NEXT to him, too.
Anti's heart suddenly started to race, "I don't know who the fuck is there but you better fucking show yourself! I'm not known to give a warning TWICE!"
"Silly glitch . . . As if you could really harm me"
Anti whirled around and found himself looking at a mirror but he still flinched.
"The hell . . .. This place fucking haunted or something?"
Suddenly someone ELSE'S body and face appeared in the mirror, "BOO!"
Anti glitched a couple of feet away with a short yelp.
He'd deny it, though.
Instead, he focused his eyes on the person in the mirror and his breathing evened out again, "Fucking hell . . . huh . . . so this is what happened to ya"
The man in the mirror snorted, "Tch . . . . I see Dark has kept his dirty little secret from outside the Iplier family . . .well until now, that is." he snickered, "Didn't think anyone would ever come up here. Others can only see me through THIS mirror . . . but I can see everyone else from all the other mirrors in the house . . . ."
"Gross. I'm gonna ignore that creepy statement for a moment" Anti snorted, "Actor . . . You look like shit for someone trapped in a fucking mirror"
"Yeah, well you look horribly depressed for someone who constantly claims he hates everyone and everyone around him and is happy about it"
Anti glared at him, "The fuck do YOU know? You're nothing but breakable glass now, asshole"
Actor leaned in, although keeping inside of the mirror, "I may be contained . . . but that doesn't mean I don't know things. I'm not just locked away in THIS mirror, dear Anti. Did you not hear me? . . . although we might want to keep that knowledge away from Dark."
"Why?"
"Hm?"
"Why would I NOT tell him?" Anti smirked, "You haven't exactly given me a reason NOT to. Besides, at least I know Dark somewhat more than you. He'd love to know you've been going about the manor like a fucking pervert"
"And what would you like in exchange for your silence?" Actor grinned deviously, "A birthday present? I hear the Septics don't celebrate yours. Isn't that right?"
Anti blinked, taken a bit off guard, "How . . how did you know that?"
"Well it IS pretty obvious. I heard your conversation with Dark earlier. Not to mention the other Septics DO talk about you when they come without you"
'What?'
"They . . . they do?" Anti knew they probably talked about him behind his back but to hear confirmation about it . . . it somewhat hurt even worse.
"Poor soul" Actor sighed with a small smile, "Anyway . . . . It's not like you don't deserve to be cast aside. That's where we're alike, you know. We're both . . mistrusted. We're people that others refuse to give a second chance to"
Anti crossed his arms, "That's bullshit. I at least live comfortably enough with the Septics. Dark doesn't even let you out of the mirror!"
"DO you live comfortably, though?" Actor tilted his head at him, "They don't trust you . . . in fact, it's clear that they hate you. They won't even bother to TELL you happy birthday when the day rolls around. Hell, I bet they don't even celebrate Christmas with you, either"
"I . . . . it doesn't matter!" Anti shouted at him, getting angry suddenly, "I don't like holidays anyway! They're stupid!"
"Is that what you tell yourself?" he laughed at him again, "Or are you secretly just terrified of admitting your own feelings to yourself? That deep down inside, you want to just curl up in a ball in a corner and CRY about how no one gives a fuck about you and wouldn't even notice if you killed yourself"
Anti felt like something was caught in his throat. His breathe felt like it was stripped away from him.
"They talk so much shit about you when you're not around, you know. Especially Jackie. He says you're nothing but a worthless piece of broken trash." Actor laughed, "And you wanna know the kicker? No one disagreed with him"
Anti wasn't sure if he believed Actor.
But why shouldn't he?
Everything he said sounded so true and accurate.
He couldn't breathe. He felt as if someone was ripping his heart apart.
'I . . . I have to get out of here'
Without another word to Actor, Anti bolted, running and glitching down the stairs and out of the hall, trying his best to ignore Actor's laughing.
Actor snickered to himself, watching as Anti glitched frantically, running to get away from him, "Well . . . that was fun . . . now what should I do? Hm . . . . maybe I shouldn't have made him leave so quickly. Kind of bored all of sudden . . . . "
When Anti got far enough away where he couldn't hear him, Anti took a deep breathe and wiped his face, not even realizing that there were tears in his eyes he was wiping away.
'The hell? Why am I crying? This is bullshit . . I'm Antisepticeye for fucksake . . . I don't care about anyone! I don't have those kinds of feelings! Birthdays and holidays are stupid and a waste of time!'
For some reason, though, he couldn't stop the tears from building more and more and soon he was sobbing and he couldn't keep walking. He stopped himself and at this point, he didn't even care if someone walked up on him.
Actor was right . ..
Everything he said . . . .
Anti couldn't even see anything in front of him anymore, the tears blurred his vision.
He just slid down on the wall and huddled in a tight ball, hugging himself.
Actor's words rang in his head. . . no . ..his truth.
Everything he said was the truth. Anti just didn't want to ever think about it.
His heart hurt like it was being crushed and set on fire.
His eyes burned and were sore from all the tears forcibly making their way out.
He started to shake, the sobs wracking his body.
'No one gives a shit . . . they don't care about what I feel . . . . they . . they're supposed to be my brothers . . right? So why . . .. I mean I know why but . . . I've been better . . . right?'
Anti felt like he'd throw up and his panic attack started to make him hiccup furiously.
'They couldn't even pretend . . . once a year, they can't even pretend to give a fuck about me. Since when did I care? Did I always . . .' but he knew the answer.
But just to have it spelled out for him like Actor did.
It was more than what he could take.
'I matter. . . don't I? I'm not broken trash . . . .am I?'
He couldn't help but agree with every word, though.
Anti sat there on the floor far away from anything and everyone, head in his knees letting himself release all his pain, soaking his shirt and hands.
He didn't know how long he stayed there. He was all but lost to the world anyway. It's not like anyone cared.
Everyone had probably forgotten about him or were just relieved he wasn't there.
That thought made the pain all that much worse.
It was finally coming up close to noon and Sean, Mark and Amy had arrived to the manor, greeting everyone and wishing Jameson and Google a happy birthday.
It was time for the party.
Jackie and Marvin were hanging outside with some of the other Ipliers by the pool. By this time, Google and Bing were finished updating and joined in 'talking' to everyone. Although, they all knew only Bing really wanted this party for Google. Google would have been just content on having a day to himself . . . without anyone else.
But Google was a good sport . . sort of . . and he sat in a chair far away from the pool charging himself in the sun mumbling to himself all the ways he could kill Bing in his sleep.
"So why's Anti not joining in the fun?" Bim asked the two Septics who were out with them, "He and Sean still not get along very well?" he put a fake microphone up to Marvin's face but the magician wasn't perturbed in the slightest.
"Among other reasons" Marvin sighed, petting Chica who stood by him wanting love and attention, "He's probably sulking in Dark's office whining and moping about having to spend time around normal people . . well . . normal for US anyway"
"Hm" camera Jim hummed, "That's interesting"
News Jim nodded, "Jim just saw Dark inside talking with Mark about future videos and Anti wasn't near him"
"Haven't seen Anti since he arrived, come to think of it" Camera Jim concluded.
"Isn't that more for the best, though?" Jackie huffed, "Guy's a menace. Surprised he didn't just leave already after he finished helping you, Bing"
"Huh?"
"You know" Marvin egged him on for him to realize. Bing WAS a bit daft, after all, "Dark said he needed Anti to help fix your sensors?"
"Well that's f*&!ing weird" Bing laughed, flipping his sunglasses down, "Haven't seen the glitchy dude all day! You sure he wasn't just lying to get to come with you guys this time?"
Sean came out holding a bowl of chips, munching on them, "I still can't believe Anti's even here. Thought I'd see him by now with how obnoxious and chaotic he is"
"Probably still sulking" Jackie snorted.
"What do ya mean?" Sean asked, "Because he had to come?"
The hero shrugged, "That and it's Jameson and Google's birthday and Halloween and none of the attention is on him anymore for this day." he snorted, "And he calls Marvin a diva"
"Hey!" Marvin shoved him.
Wilford bounced from out of nowhere (the roof) and in the middle of their conversation, making poor Henry bolt behind Amy for protection.
Wilford held his hand out to them as if it were a microphone, "I HEAR IT WAS ANTI'S BIRTHDAY NOT TOO LONG AGO AND YOU GUYS DIDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR HIM! JIM! WHERE'S MY WIG!? I KNOW YOU TOOK IT!!"
Everyone went silent and Dark must have spotted him outside and he rushed out to grab him, "William, you weren't supposed to talk about that!" he whispered angrily.
"wHAT? tHe wIg!?"
Sean dropped his bowl of chips out of shock of Wilford's other exclamation, "oH Shit. . . . you're right!"
"What we talking about out here?" Chase peeked outside along with Host, Yandere, Yancy and Illinois.
"It's nothing" Jackie huffed, rolling his eyes, "It's not like the glitch-bitch cares! Don't he even has one. Anti never even mentions it, like, EVER"
"Mentions what?" Chase asked again.
"His birthday"
"He has a birthday?"
"The Host would like to roll his eyes if he had any"
The others were slowly coming outside as the preparations were finishing up only to come out to this sore subject.
"Of course Anti has a birthday" Dr. Iplier chuckled, "Just like he and everyone else has a death day . . . . ." he suddenly turned serious and stared at poor Eric, "We're all gonna die someday"
Eric started to panic.
"Hold on" Dark intervened, connecting the dots, "Are you Septic MORONS saying that you haven't been doing anything for Anti's birthday? After all these years? Did you even TELL him happy birthday?"
Henrik, Jackie, Marvin and Chase were quiet, not knowing how to answer that but it was obvious.
Dark's eye twitched, "What about Christmas or New Years?"
Again, they all looked a little taken aback, not sure how to respond.
Dark sighed heavily, obviously upset putting it all together, "No wonder he glitched and left my office as quickly as he did. I asked him about how HIS birthday went . . . . . you Septics never cease to surprise me. A bunch of idiots. Disappointing."
"But he doesn't really care" Jackie stood up with a shrug, "He's never said anything-"
"Well MAYBE he doesn't wanna get his feelings hurt!" Wilford blabbed, "He may be a tosser sometimes but he's still a person, ya bimbo bugger!!"
Jackie blinked, "Bimbo?"
"William's right" Dark nodded, "Treat him like a monster and he's going to BEHAVE like a monster . . . you all really haven't learned anything, have you?"
Sean really did look upset with himself to be fair, as did Marvin and Chase. Henrik was never too understanding of other people's feelings but he did seem a tad guilty.
"Hey bros . . . hold up" Bing made everyone look at him, "Weren't there more of you Septics? Where's the dapper looking little dude?"
Sean looked around as did the others and they realized Bing was right.
"WHERE'S JAMESON?!"
Meanwhile, Jameson was wandering around trying to find Anti. He had seen where the conversation was going and decided to get a head start.
'No wonder he's always so cross with me . . .he's jealous, isn't he?' Jameson thought, 'I hate to think it, really, but it must be partly true. How have I never seen it? Poor lad'
Despite Jameson's gentle and overly nice disposition, he still had his flaws and not seeing Anti's pain was one of them.
'All these years, we haven't celebrated a single birthday of his since I was created. I mean I can see why with the other's point of view but Anti's really not so bad, I don't think. I should have tried talking to him more . . '
The mute stopped and looked around the halls for a clue as to where exactly to go.
He had no idea, really. The Iplier mansion was still a big mystery to him.
He preferred smaller buildings where he couldn't get lost.
And since he couldn't yell out, he had to wander and hope to come across the angry Septic.
As he walked around the halls, he finally found Google and Bing's room again, 'I was here earlier. I imagine if Dark wanted Anti to fix Bing's censorship, then he might have come around through here at some point. But now . . . the trick is to figure out where he went off to NEXT'
Jameson bit on his lips a tad and just went into a random direction until suddenly he heard something!
It sounded like . . . a dying animal? He hoped King hadn't been trying to raise another squirrel army and forgot to feed them . . . again.
Nonetheless, he went towards it, going against his inner instincts NOT to. Only . . . he hadn't been near this part of the mansion before. It was odd compared to the rest of the house. More . . . fancy? But dusty and old. He realized, however, that this had to be Actor's old manor which Dark had rebuilt off of so his family could live comfortably . . and so he could keep an eye on the illusive 'performer'.
As he followed the noise, it got louder and louder and until Jameson found himself going up a flight of stairs looking down a dark corridor.
'The noise is very close. I wonder what it is. I hope it's not rats . . . then again, it could be Anti . . . . I've never heard him cry or get upset before in any . . . sad way'
Jameson swallowed and he took a few steps forward only to stop.
The noise . . ..
'It's coming from . . . what is that?'
Just then he found himself looking into a mirror with an Iplier man moaning and moping loudly.
It felt rude to just stare. He knew immediately who this person was but either way, he didn't want to just walk up on his business and stare at him.
Gently, Jameson knocked on the glass and the man jolted.
"I WASN'T CRYING! IT'S CALLED ACTING!" he then saw Jameson staring back at him and grinned, "Oh . . . it's you." he chuckled, "I was wondering when someone else would come looking . . . . if they did at all"
'You're Actor . . . . are you talking about Anti? Did he come through here? Where is he?'
"You're wasting your time, mute." Actor snorted, "I don't know sign language or whatever the hell it is you're trying to do there. But I presume you're looking for dear poor Antisepticeye? . . . . " he smirked, "Haven't seen him"
Jameson frowned at the man but since he couldn't communicate his usual way, Jameson thought of another idea!
It was probably a bit rude but finding Anti was more important.
He suddenly breathed on the mirror and Actor moaned in disgust, "Uuugh! What are you DOING?!"
Jameson ignored him and proceeded to draw words on the mirror with his fingers and Actor suddenly understood, chuckling once more, "AH! I see! Clever, aren't you? Answer's still the same, though. Not that I think I should tell you. What do you care, anyway? You steal the spotlight from him every year and haven't given a damn"
Ouch. But then again, Actor was sort of right.
Jameson wrote again, 'What do YOU care? Can't you just tell me? I know he was down this way'
Actor shrugged, "Hm . . .I don't CARE. . . I just don't feel like saying. I'm curious, though . . . do YOU really care? Why are you trying to find someone who might not even want to be found?"
'Who says he doesn't want to be found?'
"Well he could just glitch anywhere in this house he wants. Obviously he's hiding from you thick skulled lot"
Jameson looked away but he had to admit, Actor was kind of right. So what should he do? Should he still look for Anti?
Actor snorted again at him and sighed heavily, "I almost feel sorry for him. I DO know what it's like to feel completely isolated from everyone else . . . and no one giving a shit. But also . . . I DO love the drama."
Jameson squinted his eyes at him and wrote on his mirror again, 'You said something to him. I bet you made it worse, didn't you?'
"Oh please, how could I have made it any worse than you Septics ever could? He doesn't even know me"
'Yes but . . . . you have a unique ability to see inside other people's deepest fears . . . don't you?'
Actor fell silent but his sneer remained.
Jameson sighed silently, 'You've felt alone all this time with no one to talk to and felt like you had to punish someone else for your own amusement to make yourself feel better'
Actor blinked, clearly surprised at the accusation but scoffed, "Well I-"
Jameson didn't bother speaking to him anymore and started to walk away. He knew that if Actor really did bother Anti that much, he would have wanted to run away as far as possible from him.
"Hey wait! Where you goin!?" Actor shouted after him, "Don't leave! Come back! Don't you want to know which way he went?! I . . . uh . ."
But Jameson was already out of sight going the exact way Anti had before.
'Dammit. . . . I'm really having an off day, aren't I?' he thought to himself.
Meanwhile with the others, they decided to split up and separate into groups to try and find Anti AND Jameson.
"You really did mess up, didn't you guys?" Illinois was chuckling deeply in front of Sean, Jackie and Marvin. They were a group along with Eric, Magnum, Yancy and King.
Let it it be known, though, that the Ipliers didn't really have a preference on who they found first. None of them really disliked Anti like the Septics did. Mostly because they didn't really know him that well. . . . . except for Dark, perhaps, if only a little.
"Oh shut up, Indiana Jones" Jackie scoffed at him, "How were we supposed to know he'd be sensitive about that sort of thing? He never TALKS to us"
"Have you tried talking to HIM?" Eric suggested meekly only to shut down at Jackie's hard look.
"It's not that easy" Marvin broke in, "Anti can be . . . difficult. I don't hate him per se but-"
"Yeah well youse all sure act as if you does, Especially, you, Jackie. Hell, if I was treated like youse treats him, I'd be angry all the time, too!" Yancy huffed, "No wonders that guy got issues. Dark was right"
Sean hadn't said a word, but he felt worse and worse as the conversation went on. Ever since Anti had attacked him, he kept him at a distance. It had never even occurred to him that maybe Anti had changed and was feeling so bad as Dark had suggested.
Jackie was fuming and shaking in anger but let it go. He felt Magnum pat his head from above him, "It's alright little guy. Nothing a little group hug can't fix!"
"Group hug!?" King and Eric looked hopeful but Illinois and Yancy looked ready to bolt at any moment if Magnum even TRIED.
With the others, Host, Bim, the Jims, Google, Bing, Dark, Wilford, Dr. Iplier, Yandere, Henrik, Chase, Mark and Amy, they were kind of separated into their OWN groups in search for the two missing Septics. For their own reasons, of course.
Henrik and Chase were more so looking for Jameson hoping Anti didn't get to him first and maimed him or something and the others were just looking for either one of them.
It really was a big house so they had to made sure they searched everywhere.
"Imbeciles, the lot of you" Dark kept mumbling to himself.
Chase stuck by Henrik and muttered to him, "I don't see why Host can't just find them with his weird powers?"
"The Host overheard Chase's 'weird' question and decided to answer for everyone"
"Oh boy"
Dark and the others heard Host and pieced together what was said already.
"The Host can only see so far around a certain perimeter and only for certain characters"
"Characters?" Chase, however, was ignored.
"In other words" Mark took over, "The Host can't see them. They must be too far away in the house. Either that or they're just not in his vision in the little story in his head."
Dark had a hunch but he hoped he was wrong, "Or . . . . " he sighed, getting a sudden idea, "Follow me. If I know Anti's curiosity at all, he might have gone somewhere he's not supposed to."
"Sounds like him" Henrik agreed, "However, I do have to ask, vhy do you care so much about Anti, Dark? Anytime Anti speaks of you, he does not seem to, well . . . like you very much"
Dark chuckled deep, "Does he really even like ANYONE? Doesn't matter." he went serious again, "He reminds me of myself and if he's in pain . . . . well . . . . . I would like to help in anyway I can. He may not see me as a friend . . but that doesn't mean I can't see HIM as MY friend."
Henrik didn't respond to Dark's words but the Ipliers started to mumble amongst themselves as they all searched.
"I hope the glitchy bean's alright" Wilford strut by Dark's side, "If you're thinking what I THINK you're thinking! Actor can be one hell of a busy body bitch!"
The two Septics halted, "Wait" Henrik stopped.
"ACTOR!?" Chase gaped, "I thought you killed him?!"
Dark chose not to respond but Mark answered instead, "It's a long story. This way is better anyway."
Amy walked with Chica and Henry with her, "Dark's really a big teddy bear. He couldn't hurt a fly"
"I heard that, Amy" Dark glanced behind to her, "Don't you be tarnishing my reputation now"
But the woman was unbothered and didn't really care that he HAD heard her.
"So then . . ." Chase concluded to himself, "Actor must be-"
"The Host finished for Chase and made the end of this scene a bit more dramatic. Actor MUST be in the old part of the mansion. HIS manor that Dark himself had built off of and keeps everyone away from. If Anti and Jameson went NEAR where Actor's mirror could be, there's no telling what horrors they have faced already"
"Horrors?"
Dark rolled his eyes, "Like he said . .. he's just being dramatic."
Anti couldn't stay where he was before. He didn't want to risk anyone seeing him so weak right in the middle of a hall if anyone DID just happen across him.
It'd just be too embarassing. And what if they made fun of him? What if they laughed? What if they just ignored him? He couldn't decide which one was worse.
Anti was still in Actor's part of the manor but far away from his mirror so he couldn't spy or see him.
He wandered around upstairs still sniffling a little even though he'd deny it if anyone saw, wiping his tears away pathetically.
It's how he felt.
Pathetic.
How could Actor's words really get to him so sharply?
Maybe everything had just boiled over and Actor's words were just the cherry on top.
Anti started to get worked up again.
'It's okay'
Anti froze, hearing another voice in the middle of nowhere.
He felt like backing away and leaving THIS area but there was something else strange about it. Something more . . . alluring. Soothing.
'Come here . . . it's alright'
It was feminine . . . calming.
Anti swallowed thickly and shuddered out a breathe, "Whe . . . . where? Why?"
But there wasn't an answer. He felt, instead a gentle pull. As if something was gently bringing him somewhere else . . . somewhere . . .. comfortable, perhaps? He wasn't sure but he couldn't stop himself from putting one foot in front of the other.
Finally, he stood in front of a door that was decorated a blood red with a nice black and gold door frame. The door handle was gold, too.
He opened the door and looked inside. The lights were on, which was odd but the room was beautiful. Unlike any other part of the house, it was clean and brightly lit with fairy lights. It was if someone's been living here all along. But how could that be if everywhere else in this side of the manor was shut off to everyone?
The room was sort of like a large study with many books, pictures and antiques.
Anti noticed there was a back room but he wanted to look around this part first and shut the door behind him. Where was the voice that had called to him?
In a way, he felt . . nervous?
He wasn't ignorant, though. Having seen Actor before locked away in the mirror so close by and then hearing a female voice luring him here into what looked to be a seer's room . . . this was Celine's space.
'But I thought she . . . then again, I thought Actor was dead. . . is Celine's death a lie, too?'
He looked around at all the trinkets and strange things. Then his eyes caught sight of a picture on one of the shelves and walked up to look at it.
It was a picture of Celine, Damien, Actor and Wilford all together. . . . like a family. Of course he knew the end result but just the way they all looked in this picture . . . it made him sick to his stomach.
They all looked so happy at the time.
More tears crawled down his face, his emotions getting the better of him and overwhelming.
'Why can't I have this? . . . . I mean I know why but why does it have to be so hard?'
His birthday was twenty days ago but he couldn't forget everything that happened that day. He never forgot any of his birthdays that he spent alone.
Chase had spent the day with his kids downtown, Henrik had covered an extra shift at the hospital, Jackie had been working out and Marvin spent time in his room working on spells and potions. Jameson played some games of solitaire and baked cookies in the kitchen for everyone. Except for Anti. Anti knew none of those cookies would be for him.
He wasn't allowed to share the mood.
Laughing and being happy with them. . .
At the end of the day, they had gone out to eat together with Sean and Evelien and Felix and Marzia.
And Anti was left home alone.
Again.
It wasn't as if he hadn't tried to sneak in to bother any of them. He had gone to the kitchen for coffee earlier that day but Chase and Jameson ignored him. Anti had gone to Jackie's gym but the hero shouted at him to leave, thinking he was there to ruin something. Jackie had thrown a his water at him, making him run out. And then he had come downstairs that night before they all left but none of them even said a word to him and left . . not even bothering to invite him.
They saw him there. . .. they just didn't care.
Anti recalled everything that happened on his last birthday . . . it was so painful but he had swallowed it all down at the time.
He couldn't do it anymore.
Anti let out a shuddering breathe and whine and grit his teeth, trying to hold it in but he was on the last straw of losing it.
His heart and chest burned and ached and he held his chest, gripping onto his shirt hard.
He wiped tears away with his other hand but they just kept coming and it was too much to manage. So he stopped trying.
He let out a sob and let himself cry and heave as he held himself tightly, pretending he was being hugged. He needed it so much. He wanted nothing more even though he knew he'd never get it.
No one would ever touch him.
Just then he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was so gentle and soft. Anti figured maybe it really was Celine there and she was trying to comfort him.
Anti welcomed the touch.
He couldn't take it and let out the noises, sobbing into his own hand and using his shirt as a tissue, crying loudly and whole-heartedly.
Anti didn't even notice the hand on his shoulder moving him, turning him around and soon, he was crying on someone's shoulder and he felt arms around him. Of course, he couldn't see because his vision was so blurry but he didn't care.
He just wrapped his own arms around the smaller figure tightly and sobbed his heart out like a child.
He started to hiccup again and shake even more but he felt a hand rub his back.
A big part of him really wanted to believe this was Celine.
But he knew the truth.
He just wanted to pretend.
He didn't want to imagine he was really crying on one of his own brothers. On the one he claimed to hate the most.
But also . . . . it made him feel even worse.
The person he hated most . . . . was hugging him. And it was so gentle and comforting . . .. he didn't want to ever let go. He felt awful.
Jameson had walked in to the back room of the Seer's old space to see Anti in there, crying. He couldn't just leave him like that.
And he couldn't just alert him with questions right off the bat. No. Instead, he came from behind and as gently as he could, he lured Anti into facing him with a hug.
Jameson felt awful, feeling Anti suffering like he was but he held him tight nonetheless. He had to make sure Anti felt loved in this moment.
'I'm so sorry, Anti . . . you don't deserve to feel this way'
Jameson held Anti tight as he continued to sob and wail like a child on him.
Neither of them heard the door open.
The two different groups had met in Actor's part of the manor. Dark had gone straight to Actor's mirror and interrogated him. Even made a deal that if he told them which way they went, he'd allow Actor to have company and go into the living room mirror once a week so he could talk to someone.
Of course, Actor didn't believe him at first but caved rather quickly.
And now here they were just outside of Celine's old Seer room seeing Anti and Jameson crying and hugging each other.
Jackie couldn't even believe what he was seeing but the thick tears in Anti's eyes and his haunting cries were all to real and he felt a tight knot in his own chest.
All of the Septics suddenly felt that.
Like a stone in their chests and stomachs.
Guilt.
Chica couldn't stand it and moped in, nudging Anti's thigh with her nose in concern.
It was enough to make Anti come out of his deep state of heavy emotions and he broke away suddenly from Jameson, bumping into the wall and shelf behind him.
His eyes were red with tears still falling and he was shaking, unable to stop himself so soon. He tried to calm himself but he just looked so sad, biting his lips to try and contain his heaving cries.
And the first other Septic to come bursting through the door was Chase, bolting to Anti in a big hug. It shocked him, making him glitch in a flinch but Chase didn't move away.
Nothing had to be said.
The Other Septics along with Sean and even Jackie walked in and joined in hugging Anti.
Anti's mind was reeling but also completely blank. He didn't know how to respond so instead, he didn't do anything at all, accepting the group hug.
It seemed that Dark was indeed correct in his words earlier.
And now Anti was so deep into this that he didn't even WANT to move away from them all, relishing the bond that they were all creating.
The deep understanding that was forming between them all in this contact.
Dark smiled, seeing a part of Anti heal right in front of him.
Later that evening
Anti was finally calm and the Septics all got to speak to him, apologizing and just talking friendly.
The party was finally back on but instead of just Google and Jameson, they decided to celebrate Anti's late birthday, too (Dark's idea).
There was cake and presents (plus some late gifts for Anti) and ice cream and little contests and games to play and now they were even getting ready for trick or treating since it was also Halloween night.
Everyone was in their own little groups now throughout the house.
They were inside getting ready and in costumes and even Google joined in wearing an iphone costume Bing had gotten him playfully. Bing himself dressed up as a lifeguard, Jackie was Spiderman (he had no other choice as Eric had made it for him himself). King was already dressed up as a . .. well . . a King and Yandere stayed in their uniform as did Magnum in his pirate outfit. Wilford also dressed up in his wig and pink silk suit as a disco dancer, of course.
Mark dressed up as Ethan from Resident evil and Amy dressed up as Lady Dimitrescu. Even if she wasn't the same height, she tried and it was just a joke to spur on Mark.
Marvin, however, didn't really have much of a costume and just had some fake fangs he put in to make himself look like a vampire. . . . or well . . . maybe a cat-like vampire. Plus, he was a magician so that was a little confusing for everyone. And Chase dressed up in an inflatable T-Rex costume. Dr. Iplier was of course, a doctor, Eric had cat ears on his head, and the Jims twins . . . well they were filming everyone.
Even Chica and Henry had their own angel and devil dog costume. Henry was wearing the little doggy halo.
However, a few who really weren't in the Halloween spirit this evening were Anti, Jameson, Henrik, Bim, the Host and Dark and they were in the backyard hanging out with the dogs.
Henry even felt comfortable enough to lay his head in Anti's lap, letting him pet him from time to time.
"I don't get it, though" Anti huffed, "Who the fuck was calling to me then INTO the damn room?"
Dark exhaled, trying to explain, "Well there IS a perfectly reasonable explanation. It was Celine"
'But isn't she . . . gone?' Jameson chose to sign politely.
"Yes, she is, but I think it's more on Halloween when she's . . . active again. Especially in that room" Dark smiled a bit, "That's why I leave the lights on in there for her every year. I never expected her to be THIS active this time, though. It's interesting"
"Whatever" Anti mumbled.
"Anti, there's nothing wrong with asking for help" Henrik butt in, "You could have maybe talked to us and-"
"And what?" Anti scoffed, "None of you would have really cared and you know it. Probably would have thought it was a trick or something. Doesn't matter. Whatever. Can we stop talking about it?"
"The Host chuckled playfully and answered with a reasonable 'no' at Anti's embarrassment because everyone clearly saw Antisepticeye crying and hugging Jameson like a child"
"Host, that's enough" Dark scolded him, "How about you go inside and help the others to stop Wilford from stealing all the candy?"
"The Host breathed in deep and rolled his nonexistent eyes but did as Dark wished nonetheless"
Bim grunted, "I'm uh . . . I'm gonna go help him. Make sure he actually helps"
The two Ipliers walked inside and Chica followed.
Jameson pet Henry, 'Why don't we all just go inside? I think it'd be fun to at least be around everyone and in costumes'
Henrik nodded, "Very well. Anti? Dark?"
"You two go and take Henry in." Dark said, "I want to speak with Anti alone about something first"
Nothing weird was said or teased about that and Anti was grateful they kept their mouths shut.
As said before, Anti and Dark never really were friends. At least, that's what Anti thought. Anti only had Dark's phone number for emergencies.
"So what the fuck do you want?" Anti spoke as crude as ever.
Dark just chuckled lightly, though, "You finally opened up to them. That's good. Things will be better now, I hope you know that"
"Like I care"
"You and I both know that you do" he rolled his eyes, "Celine knew it, too. That's why she helped you. And Actor may be an asshole and utterly annoying but in a way . . . I think he was sort of helping you as well"
Anti gave him a look, " . . . seriously?"
"You kept all those feelings bottled up inside. You let them control your every move and thought. Those unhealthy and horrible emotions that didn't let you even try to bond with anyone. It led you to believe that you were all alone and no one cared about you. You know now that it was all a lie, right?"
Anti swallowed but refused to look at Dark.
"Anti . . . I gave you my number for a reason because I could see myself in your eyes. That same hatred and need to push everyone away. I've felt that way before, too. Like no one cared. I gave you my number so if you ever wished. . . . . you could have a friend to talk to."
Carefully, Anti finally glanced up at Dark who just ever so slightly was smiling. A real smile. At him.
He didn't know what to feel or think about Dark's words. The only thing he could do was nod but Dark seemed to understand.
"One step at a time, Anti. Now then . . .how about we go inside and partake in the Halloween festivities with everyone else? And for later, I know there's a bottle of whiskey in my cupboard with your name on it~" he tried to bribe him into just relaxing already.
Anti snorted, "Ya could have just led with that."
Dark chuckled and they walked inside together, "Oh, what's the harm in spending time with family on days like this anyway? Special holidays and birthdays . . . after all, they only come by once a year"
Dark pat his back and walked over to his family.
Anti looked over at the Septics. It looked like they were trying to all have a costume contest together and competing over candy.
Sean spotted him and waved over at him, "Anti! Get over here and help us out! You're the best at Halloween and spooky stuff!"
Jameson was bouncing up and down to try and get his attention, 'Help us get more candy, please! I'll share the sour ones with you! I know they're your favorite! I've seen you eat them before!' he was so hyper already, it was almost kind of cute.
"You're not even wearing a costume, Jameson!" Yandere yelled at him.
"Yeah, get over here and do that neck thing, Anti!" Jackie had his spiderman mask off, nudging his head to wave him over, "We need to win this, bro!"
Jackie might not have even realized what those words meant to him if he even realized he said them at all.
But that's all Anti seemed to need and took a step and walked over to join them.
'Once a year . . . I guess I'll be seeming even more of these times from now on. . . .'
So Dark was right, not that Anti would ever tell him that.
Celine and Actor had helped him understand his emotions not that he'd ever say that out loud.
And Jameson had helped him finally cope with all of it and he was forever grateful . . ..
Not that Anti would ever let him see that. . . .
Maybe just once a year.