#I feel like crying tears of joy this bendy is everything!!!!

[baconsoupforthesoul]

The Ink Demonth - Day 25 - Sunshine

A New Dawn

A/N: Spacy continues her au craze with another piece for the Bioshock au. However, this one is for the Bioshock au offshoot called Silver Linings. In this version, things happened a little differently in Rapture Studios, and I enjoy this version of the au just as much as the original. If you want to learn more about it, I suggest looking through the Silver Linings tag on one of the amazing creators’ blogs. So, without further ado, Henry belongs to @inkspottie, Ross belongs to @doberart, and Delta belongs to @trashboatprince. I hope you all enjoy~

Henry can feel himself nodding off. His eyelids were heavy as he started to slump forward, before jerking himself back awake. He knew he should sleep. After what happened, his body could use the rest. But he just couldn’t.

He looked down at Ross laying in the hospital bed. He looked rough, covered in bruises and scratches, and that horrible gash in his legs that he’d had to bandage up multiple times. He was so thankful that they had finally gotten the man proper medical attention. Goodness knows the nurses here did a much better job than he had.

It almost didn’t seem real. After spending his entire life in Rapture, both as an experiment and slave to Joey Drew… he was finally free. They all were. It had been shocking when the bathysphere had come up and he had seen the sky for the first time. The moon had been full in the sky, and if Henry hadn’t been too busy helping him and his friends to the nearest hospital, he’s sure he would have been memorized by it.

He had yet to see the sun though. That was what he was looking forward to the most. To be honest, it was both his worry for Ross and his unquenchable need to see that sun, the first sunrise he would ever see, that kept him from his slumber.

He thought back to what Ross had said to him, after that awful fight in that colosseum where Joey had forced Delta to fight Ross. When the three of them had been getting what little rest they could, planning their next move. 

“So save those tears for when we see the sun. Yeah?”

“Til we see the sun,” Henry murmured to himself, lost in the memory as he looked out the hospital window.

He supposed he was lucky to see the sun at all. Henry’s hand reached up to his right eye, feeling the scars running across it. An eye he would never see out of again. It still hurt to think about it. That day when Joey had forced him to stay still with his “Would you kindly” phrase as he clawed at Henry’s eye. He had done his best to push the memories back while he had been in Rapture, he had enough to worry about as it was. But it was starting to hit him a little more now that he was stuck like this now, half-blind.

It could have been worse though. Henry glanced over at Delta, asleep on another hospital bed that had been rolled in here. The three of them didn’t want to be separated, not after everything they went through. The big daddy was snoring away, Bendy curled up in his lap. The crystals though, poking out of his side, his drill, his head... it made Henry wince just looking at it. It wasn’t that he was disgusted by it, but he knew how uncomfortable they must be. How painful it must be, to be spliced up like that. Hopefully, Norman could find a way to reverse the process.

They were lucky to have Norman with them, the man who had done everything he could to help them down there in that forsaken city. And even more lucky to have reached the surface on Halloween night. While Henry had only a vague knowledge of the holiday, it was apparently a day where people dressed up in costumes, so the three of them hadn’t turned too many heads when they reached the hospital. But Henry knew upon closer inspection, it would become clear that Delta’s crystals were very much not fake. Thankfully Norman had managed to pull aside the nurses caring for them, a kind woman named Linda and a… beautiful red-head named Lyra, and had somehow managed to explain at least some of it to them. The two of them seemed to be taking the whole thing in stride. Perhaps, even as unbelievable as their tale was, when looking at the raw evidence of what happened, one would have no choice but to believe it.

As Henry sat there, lost in his thoughts and memories, a light caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He looked out the window and his eyes widened.

He could see it. The light beyond the horizon. The sun rays had just managed to peek through the clouds, making a halo in the sky. Henry stared in wonder as he saw the sun’s light illuminated the sky for the first time. He knew it would be beautiful… he knew it would be breathtaking… but he hadn’t been prepared for how magnificent it truly was. He sat there in complete silence, unable to pull his gaze away. The sun lit up the clouds, painting them in red, orange, and yellow. It was like the sky was ablaze, a fiery spectacle of light. A single tear slipped down his cheek as he was transfixed by the promise of a new day. A new day in the light.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Henry startled, looking down to see that Ross had finally woken up. The white-haired man looked up to him with a warm, albeit tired smile on his face.

“Sorry,” He murmured softly. “Didn’t mean to startle you, Henry.”

“No, it’s fine,” Henry assured him. “Are you…. Are you feeling okay?”

“Physically? I feel like I got run over by a truck,” Ross told him honestly. “But right now,” Ross glanced up at the window, watching the sun rays poke through the window pane. “Seeing that sunrise… I feel pretty good.”

“Yeah, I understand,” Henry said, turning his gaze back to the window. Even as exhausted as he was, even feeling the pain from his own injuries… he honestly had never felt better. Seeing that sky, that sun… it made all the pain worth it.

“Heh, it’s even got me crying,” Ross let out a dry chuckle as he wiped tears from his own eyes.

“Hey, we did say we were going to save our tears till we saw the sun,” Henry reminded him, wiping away a few tears of his own.

“I suppose we did,” Ross said, his eyes misty but filled with so much joy. “It was worth it. How can you not get a little teary-eyed, seeing something as beautiful as that?”

“Mmhmm,” Henry hummed in agreement. 

“And I suppose… it’s actually my first time seeing it…” Ross realized, his voice taking a more solemn tone. Henry frowned, remembering the revelation Ross had learned down there. That he was a clone too, that the memories he had of the surface were someone else’s, remnants of a dead man, the original Henry Ross.

“Well, it’s my first time seeing it too. It’s a first for all of us. So… we can all enjoy our first sunrise together,” Henry told him and Ross smiled at that.

“I suppose you’re right,” Ross agreed, returning his gaze to the window. As the two of them continued gazing out the window, a thought suddenly struck Henry.

“Wait a second… Delta’s missing this!” He realized, quickly getting out of his chair and stumbling over to the big daddy.

“Delta,” Henry shook his brother’s shoulder gently. “Delta. Hey Delta. Wake up, you have to see this!”

“Huh?” Delta said groggily, his eyes only half opened. “What is it? I’m tryin’ to sleep here.”

“So, you didn’t want to see the sunrise then?” Henry asked, trying to sound innocent but he couldn’t keep the cheekiness out of his voice.

“What?!” Delta’s eyes shot open as he tried to sit up. “The sun’s coming up?”

“Hmmmm?” The little devil in his lap stirred, blinking his eyes slowly. “Mr. Sun’s come to play?”

“Yeah, come on little buddy. Let’s go see the sun,” Delta grinned down Bendy.

Henry carefully helped Delta stand up, being mindful of his sharp crystals, and helped him walk up to the window. Bendy crawled up onto his dad’s shoulder, wagging his tail excitedly. 

“Wow…” Delta stared out the window in awe, the sun lighting up the green in his eyes. “Would ya look at that…”

“It’s so pretty!” Bendy exclaimed, his eyes practically sparkling. “Look, daddy, look! It’s coloring the sky!”

“It sure is buddy,” the big daddy smiled as he reached up to rub the little devil’s head. “It sure is…”

A couple of stray tears rolled down Delta’s face as the sun slowly made its way up through the clouds, brightening up that blue sky. After all the tears of pain and despair they all had wept, they finally were crying tears of joy. They had made it through the darkness and into the light, free of the chains that had once shackled them. And as the light chased away the night, the three of them stayed there for some time, enjoying the warmth of the sun for the first time.

[creepyalienghost]

Old memories to new 

Also note: suicide thinking.

———-

Grant sat in his car staring at the Christmas decorations that was put up around the studio over the night. Two big red bows with Silver bells hung on each of the doors while lights of reds, blues, yellows and greens hung from the roof edge. A snowman status was off to the side beside the left door. A Santa on the right. On the on windows were Bendy, Alice angel and boring stickers dressed up as Santa’s, an angel and elves. Inside would probably be worst.

Dread was in the pit of grants stomach. He hated this time of the year. It always brought out the worst memories from his pass. Like the death of his mom near his 5th Christmas. She had always tried so hard to be a great mother to grant even though she was always sick and dying. She struggled to worked but made tried the best she could. His father always made more money for them though. But that means leaving his family for days on in. Once his mother passed, grants father had to get another job so he could raised his son. After that food and bills became tight. Somedays there wasn’t food on the table at all for them. Christmas became worst to. He knew his father felt guilty every year for not having a real Christmas for grant. With a big tree and many presents. Seeing his father crying at the kitchen table alone in the dark has burned into grants mind, even still.

Now as an adult he resented Christmas. Everything from the cheery songs being payed or song to the gift giving and secret Santa people did, he despise and wants no part or it.

Grants looked at the clock for the time and sighed as he slowly got out his car, slamming his car door shut. He walked inside and instantly wished he was dead. There was a row of blanking Christmas lights all the way down the halls along with bendy posters but for Christmas. He wanted to rip each one down and burn them then strangle himself with the lights. As he walked farther down the hallway he could hear awful Christmas music being played the show three floors down. He didn’t hate the music director but at this point he could shove that stick up his ass for playing this shit. Once grants gets to his floor he smelt the toxic order of eggnog and wanting to throw up in it.

Grant finally got to his office and closed the door behind him, leaning on it. -just throw yourself into your work, grant- he mumbled to himself. -you will forget once you focus on your work-

Grant ran his hand through his short hair then he around towards his desk, Stopping apparently. There was a present laying on his desk. It’s wrapping paper was red and shiny with a beautiful white bow on top next to a little tag. Grant approached it like it was poison waiting to fill his lungs until he was no longer breathing. He could see his face in the reflection of the paper and he put on his blink face as he check the tag.

From: Shawn

To: grant.

Shawn actually got him something? They had been dating for a little over 11 months now and so far Shawn has made him happier in life. He has Shown grant the littlest things can be the best and mean the most. Like writing letters to each other, going on simple picnics by the lake and having fun while grocery shopping.

Grant picked up the smooth covered red present and noticed how hard and heavy it was. -what could this be?- he asked him and tried to guess everything that came to his mind. Tool box?, shelf? Stand? He didn’t know. Though he hated Christmas and gifts he didn’t want to be rude by throwing it away so he started to tear open the pretty wrapping paper.

It was revealed to be a small beautiful hand carved chest with a green envelope taped to the top. Grant removed it carefully so it wouldn’t ruin the box and opened it, pulling out the letter and reading it.

“Dear Grant.

I’ve noticed you been a little down lately and I don’t know why but I do understand that this time of the year can be hard for many people and that’s alright. But I did want to cheer you up some and let you know that I am hear for you. This chest I made so you could placed good memories inside of so you can look back at them from time to time. I already started a little for you. I hope you enjoy grant.

- Shawn.”

Grant put aside the letter and once again looked at the beautiful chest. His hands caressed the edges and sides of the chest, feeling the smooth surfaces of it for a minute. He finally unlocked the chest and lifted its lid, peering inside. The first thing he saw was a few bags of candy. His favorite candy M&Ms of different kinds. He was grateful to have a snack today for lunch for the next three days but when he pulled them out and m saw the next idea tears started forming in his eyes. Tears of Joy.

He reached in and pulled out a stack of photos Shawn took of them over their time together. The first one was them being proper and smiling into the camera together. Grant flipped it to the next photo and saw a snapshot of himself in mid laugh. He looked so happy in this photo and he was Shawn was making jokes the day he took this one. The next picture was them two at the Halloween party couple contest where they won third place.

As grant flipped from picture to picture he couldn’t help but cry from the joy he felt right now. Being with Shawn changed his bitter light into a life filled with happiness and joy. He wanted to continue being with this man he’s happy with.

After looking at all the fun photos of them, he looked once more inside the chest and found a cute little green plush bear. “Aww” he said as he picked up the green bear and hugged it to his chest. “I love this...” he mumbled to no one but the air.

He slowly realized he should start making new memories. Good ones, with the people that were still hear before it’s to late. He already missed so many opportunities already. But he wasn’t going to miss this years opportunity. He was going to spend it with Norman, Sammy, Tom, and most importantly he was going to spend this Christmas with Shawn.

[su-reader-imagines]

Drive All Night, a ??? X Reader fanfic

So I reached 300 followers ALREADY which is insane. And as promised, I’m finally releasing an old fanfic from late 2018 that I never published. It’s a sort of supernatural type AU with a human reader. The title is based on an unreleased Taylor Swift song called Drive All Night(otherwise known as Just South of Knowing Why)

But here’s the twist: I’m not going to tell you right away who the characters are. You will have to figure it out yourself. It’ll add to the fun!

So here it is, the fic itself!

Summary: After being betrayed by a former friend, you decide to take a relaxing drive around to feel better and distract yourself from your feelings. However, strange things begin to happen around you.

Rating: T?

Warnings: None

—-

You threw yourself onto the bed in frustration. Everything had been going wrong the past week, and today was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The person you thought was your best and only friend had betrayed you at work, embarrassing you in front of all your coworkers. It wasn’t your fault, really, but now you were afraid that you might get fired because of it. All these emotions were raging inside you, but all you could do was just cry yourself to sleep. Luckily for you, your cat Bendy jumped up onto your bed, offering some comfort. He sat down next to you, purring as you began to pet him. At least he understood you. What were you going to do now? You wouldn’t have to go to work until Monday, so you had the whole weekend to prepare for what would be a dreaded confrontation between you and your so-called friend. And you hated confrontation, so you had no clue how you were going to show your face at work now. You looked down at your wrist. You were still wearing the bracelet they gave you when you were 17. Red, cyan, and white plastic beads, looking at it now upset you. But you couldn’t bring yourself to rip it off. Unable to think, you decided to go to sleep, hoping you’d be able to figure something out in the morning. You crawled under the covers and let sleep overcome you, Bendy resting his head against your leg. —- By the time you woke up, it was only five in the morning, right as the sun was about to rise. Unfortunately, this nap didn’t really do much to ease the pain except distract you a little. Bendy was still fast asleep, so you moved slowly in order to avoid waking up. As you got up, you noticed your car keys sitting at the edge of your desk. This gave you an idea: maybe a long drive would help calm you down? A quick getaway to a nearby town, perhaps. Quickly and quietly getting dressed and making yourself look decent, you grabbed your keys and headed out the door. But before you did, you decided to bring Bendy along. He liked car rides, so you picked him up and held him in your arms. Walking outside, you were greeted by a calm look at the neighborhood. It was so peaceful this time of day. You stepped into the car and started it, placing Bendy down in the seat next to you. As you drove away, you didn’t even look back as you moved further and further away from your house. —- You had been on the road for about half an hour before you found yourself on the highway. You didn’t mean to go this far, but it wasn’t that big of a deal. It did become a bigger deal, however, when you realized that you were lost. The next ten minutes were spent trying to get out of the highway, but it seemed like it stretched on for miles. Bendy didn’t seem to mind, though. He was curled up in the seat relaxing. Luckily, it didn’t take long for you to find a rest stop. Maybe they’d have a map or something or at least someone to give you directions. You weren’t the only person to have that idea, though. When you arrived at the rest stop, the place was packed. Almost every parking space was full, as though everyone was going somewhere. It was summer, after all. You managed to find a parking space and parked your car. Not wanting to leave Bendy in the hot car, you decided to smuggle him inside your purse, something you had become very good at ever since you had him. “Be quiet.” you told him as you walked inside. —- To your surprise, the rest stop was completely empty, not a single soul inside. There was a strange feeling about this place that you couldn’t describe, but it made you feel uneasy. A popular song was playing on the loudspeaker, but it was a weird instrumental version. Bendy remained tucked into your purse, hidden from sight. You looked around, wondering where everyone had gone. Surely with a parking lot that crowded, there would at least be several people walking around. Something was definitely wrong here. Your thoughts were interrupted when you saw a cashier at the register, waiting patiently. ”Excuse me?” you asked. She looked up at you. ”Hello!” she smiled. ”I didn’t see you there.” The cashier was a short woman with brown skin, a dark brown afro, and a red work shirt. She even had a little pink flower in her hair. ”Nice to meet you, I’m _.” you greeted. She giggled. ”That’s a pretty name, _.” You blushed a bit. ”Thank you.” you told her. ”I’m afraid I’ve gotten lost.” ”Oh? Is that so?” she responded. ”Yes.” you replied. ”I traveled a little too far and I don’t know where I am. Do you have directions, or at least a map?” ”Of course we do!” she exclaimed. She seemed rather cheery, perhaps a bit too cheery. Something about it didn’t seem natural to you. She pulled out a brochure from behind the counter. ”We all go a little too far sometimes. I’d be careful if I were you~” Something about what she said sent chills down your spine. “Well, thanks for the map. I better get going before anything happens.” “You’ll be just fine. Good luck!” she waved. You quickly walked out of there, a feeling of nervousness washing over you. —- When you exited the building, you were shocked to discover that the parking lot was almost completely empty. Not only that, but the sun was beginning to set! How long had you been in there? Now there were were only three other cars in the parking lot besides your own. Red, cyan, and white, they were right next to each other. You weren’t sure how a building that large only needed three employees. Perhaps it was a carpool, you thought. As you got into the car, you opened the map only to find that it was in a different language. It wasn’t one you recognized, however. Made up of strange symbols, completely illegible to you. You thought about maybe going back to the cashier to get another pamphlet in English, but you decided against it. After that encounter, it was best to just try to figure things out on your own. Wait a minute.... your phone! Didn’t it have a GPS? You could have used that from the start! Rushing to get your phone from your purse, you turned it on only to find that the battery was completely dead. That can’t be, you swore you charged it before you left. You sighed. It looked like you were going to have to find your way out of this area yourself. —- It had been a while since you had left the rest stop. It was already night time, and you were starting to get worried. You tried to turn on the radio to calm yourself down, but all the stations seemed to be nothing but static. It seemed as though you were nowhere near your hometown, or even any place that was familiar to you. None of the road signs made any sense. Hell, you never left the highway to begin with. The strangest thing was, however, was that there wasn’t a single car on the highway except yours. The last time you saw any cars was at the rest stop. In fact, ever since you entered that building, you’ve had the lingering feeling something was wrong. Your thoughts were interrupted when you saw a tall, pale woman in a flowing white gown in the middle of the road. Her hair was a light shade of gray, tied up in two buns. The moment you saw her, it felt like your heart had stopped. What was she doing in the middle of the road? She could get herself killed! You slammed on the breaks as hard as you could. She stood completely still, looking out into the distance. But as you got closer, your headlights shining onto her, she looked right at you and screamed. It was a loud, echoing sound as your car slowed to a halt. You shut your eyes, bracing for impact, but it never came. You opened your eyes. The mysterious woman was nowhere to be seen. Did she run away just in time? That’s what it looked like. ”Oh thank goodness...” you muttered out loud, sighing in relief. But that scream, you had never heard such a haunting noise in your entire life. Even getting a quick glimpse of her face, you couldn’t get the image out of your mind. You were starting to feel lucky that there weren’t any other cars on the road. The whole incident caused Bendy to wake up from his nap. Feeling a little bad, you apologized and pet him a few times. Still parked, you stopped to take a deep breath. That really took some energy from you. But you were thankful that nothing bad happened. Then you remembered that you still needed to find a way home. Attempting to shake off any lingering thoughts about what just happened, you continued driving. —- As the night went on, you found yourself still driving down what seemed to be an endless highway, your only company being your cat and the moon that shone in the sky. It was unusually bright, but it calmed you a little. At least you had the beautiful view. However, that calmness ended when you realized you were both hungry and out of gas. And with nothing in sight, you worried you would break down. Suddenly, as if your prayers were answered, you saw a solitary gas station in the distance. You almost cried tears of joy on the spot! Making your way to the station, you parked your car in front one of the gas pumps. It was self service, but you were able to fill your car with ease. Now you needed food, so after you were done, you walked into the store. —- The moment you walked in, you began to realize you felt like you did back at the rest stop. There was no one there, and there was a strange mood in the air. You looked around, trying to find someone. ”Hello!” a voice greeted. You jumped. ”Ah! You scared me.” you replied. Turning around, you saw a short woman with pale skin and short blue hair. Unlike the other girl you saw at the rest stop, her outfit was a bit more formal looking, wearing a neat blue shirt and black skirt, which was strange for someone working at a gas station. She even wore a black ribbon in her hair. You also noticed that her eyes were unusually blue. ”How may I help you?” she asked. Her voice was rather high pitched, and you could hear an English accent. ”Oh, I’m just browsing.” you told her. She smiled. ”Well, if you need anything, feel free to let me know.” ”Thank you.” you said. The girl walked over to the front desk. You walked through the aisles, trying to find something you liked. Oddly enough, you couldn’t help but feel that girl watching you from the desk. She seemed very friendly, but something was odd about her, too. Finding a bag of chips, you walked back over to the register. ”Find what you were looking for?” she asked. ”Yes.” you stated. As she rung up your chips, you pulled out your wallet and opened it. ”I haven’t seen you before.” she told you. ”I’m from a few towns over. I ended up getting lost, so I have no idea where I am.” you revealed, hoping she might be able to help you out. ”I can tell.” she responded, typing the numbers into the register. ”No offense, but you stand out a bit.” ”I do?” ”Well, yes.” she replied. ”Your clothes are a bit strange.” She looked at you, almost studying your appearance. ”You’re quite pretty, though.” You blushed. ”Thank you...” ”What’s your name?” the girl asked. ”My name? It’s _.” you told her. After you said that, you could have sworn you saw a slight grin in her smile. You started to wonder if that was a good idea. ”_... it’s a beautiful name...” ”Oh, well uh... I’m glad you like it.” You opened up your wallet about to pay for the chips when the cashier frowned. ”We don’t use that kind of money here, _.” ”What?” you said out loud. How far from home were you? It’s not like you lived near any international borders. Even then, you probably would have noticed. ”All I have are U.S. dollars...” ”We use a different kind of currency around here...” she explained, taking your hand and holding it in hers. Just then, you started to notice the light slowly flickering above you. ”You already paid for it, anyway.” ”What do you mean?” you slowly backed away, pulling your hand from her grip. ”It doesn’t matter. You’ve already given me what I needed.” you felt a chill run down your spine. You didn’t give her anything, so what was she even talking about? She began to walk towards you, handing you the chips. ”You can take the chips.” ”On second thought, you can have it back.” you said. You were starting to feel scared. ”No refunds, _...” she sang. You felt the lights flicker more intensely, and even the ground shook a little. You had to get out of here, fast. Without saying another word, you ran out the door. —- Hightailing it out of there and getting to your car as quickly as possible, you started the car and began driving away. “Alright, Bend-o.” you said. “We’re getting out of here.” You knew there was something wrong with this place! That girl didn’t even seem human. Whoever she was, it didn’t matter. You were already getting farther away. It did feel a bit rude to just run out like that, but it wasn’t like you were going to see her again, so you didn’t feel as bad. Now your one and only goal was to get home as soon as possible. No matter where you drove, you could seem to escape the never ending highways and exits. It felt like you were never going to get home. Suddenly, if it were a miracle, you started to see familiar road signs. Your body filled with joy, you found your way home after all! You followed the road signs as carefully as you could, making sure you wouldn’t get lost again. Before you knew it, you found yourself driving down your street. Pulling into the driveway, you parked your car, picked up Bendy, and ran inside. —- When you stepped inside, you were greeted with the familiar setting of your house. You put Bendy down and he ran straight towards your room. The first thing you wanted to do after everything that had happened was to go to bed. You were tired beyond belief and it was finally time for you to relax. Bendy sat in front of the door waiting for you. Picking him up, you opened the door. Walking into your room, you were completely shocked. Sitting next to each other on the bed was both of the girls you had encountered earlier. The blue-haired girl was holding a bag of chips. ”You forgot your chips,” she said with a smirk. ”How... how...” you stuttered. How was this even possible? There’s no way they could have followed you home. ”How did you get into my house?” ”This isn’t your house...” you heard a soft voice coming from behind you. Turning around, you saw the mysterious woman you almost ran over earlier. She looked just like she did before, but this time you noticed her eyes. One was gray, and the other didn’t have a pupil at all. ”What is going on here?!” you shouted. Fear swept through you as you tried to understand what was happening. ”Don’t be afraid...” she told you. She grabbed your hand. ”That’s a pretty bracelet, may I have it?”

”It was rather rude of you to run off like that, you know.” the blue-haired girl criticized. ”You should really take into consideration how the other person might feel. But I forgive you anyway since you’re cute.” She giggled. ”Anyway, I’m pretty sure we don’t need these disguises anymore.” Suddenly, the girl began to glow. Blue wings manifested from behind her, and her working uniform was replaced with a blue dress. A teardrop tattoo also appeared on her right cheek. ”Ah, much better.” She took the black ribbon that was in her hair and removed it, turning it into a wand. ”You’re a...” you stammered. ”Some sort of fairy?” ”You guessed it!” she giggled. ”I thought they weren’t real...” you said. ”They’re real, alright.” the other girl from the rest stop added. ”And so are we.” You didn’t notice, but the other girl also changed. She now wore a red crop top and black shorts. Not only that, but she had red horns and tail, as well as little pointy black wings, like some sort of demon. She began to float towards you. ”Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve even seen a human! Isn’t that right, Aqua?” “It’s been too long, Navy.” Aqua replied. “Ever since we were banished here.” ”What is here?!” you asked. For some reason you couldn’t stop shaking. Navy got down and stood in the middle of the room. She stomped the floor as hard as she could, and the room magically dissolved to reveal another room, this one slightly bigger and much more elaborate. A large canopy bed sat in one corner of the room, along with a couple of couches. On the other side was a bookshelf filled with books, and a closet - who knows what was in it. Somewhere in the room was a lit fireplace. Navy sat down on one of the couches, kicking her feet up on a footstool. Bendy lept from your arms and into Navy’s lap, purring. You could tell it was all so fancy, but why were you even here? “Ah, _, _, _.” the fairy giggled. “I really meant it when I said it was a gorgeous name. I’m so glad you told me.” ”I think we got a good deal over here.” Navy said, petting the cat. ”Not only did we get a human, but a cute little pet too! I think he likes me!” Bendy began to purr as he seemed to enjoy the attention. ”We should make him a playground.” “Why did you bring me here?” you asked. Aqua giggled. “Well, _.” She floated down to your level, lifting your chin up with her wand so you looked directly at her. “Navy, Whitty and I have been stuck here for a very long time. Longer than you have ever been alive.” The latter sentence was emphasized. “Although we love each other very much, sometimes it gets lonely with just the three of us.” “So Aqua, with a little help from me, of course, used as much of our magic as we possibly could to temporarily enter the human world and take a human to bring back here with us!” Navy exclaimed. “You just happened to be there at the right time, so you ended up in our world.” “What about you?” you asked, looking towards the tall pale woman, who’s name was apparently Whitty. “What are you supposed to be?” ”Whitty’s a ghost.” Navy explained. ”And a beautiful one at that, too.” Whitty blushed. ”Oh, stop...” “Well, can you please take me back? I wanna go home!” you yelled. The three of them laughed, giving you chills. “We can’t! You can enter but you can’t get out!” Aqua laughed. “You’re stuck with us forever, dear.” Navy added. “You and your pretty little kitty.” “This... this can’t be...” you replied. The realization began to hit you like a truck. If you had stayed home today instead of running away from your problems, you wouldn’t have ended up in this place with these people, never able to go home again. Tears started falling down you face. “Forever?” “Don’t cry, it’s really not that bad here...” Whitty assured you, wrapping her arms around your shoulders from behind. Her touch felt surprisingly nice. ”At least you have your cat...” Navy got up from the couch and floated towards you. “We’ll be nice...” she told you. “And we’ll be able to give you whatever you want, too.” ”Besides, I can tell you’ve been hurt recently.” Aqua commented, putting a hand on your cheek. ”Hurt really bad.” ”We won’t do that to you...” Whitty said, wiping a tear from your eye. The three of them surrounded you and Navy gave you a hug. ”We’ll make sure you never hurt again if you stay here with us.” ”I thought you said I didn’t have a choice.” you replied. ”You don’t.” Aqua confirmed. ”We’re just trying to make you feel better.” ”I don’t know... this could be a trick. What do you really want from me?” you questioned. Something about this didn’t add up. Why would a fairy, a demon, and a ghost bring you here? ”Oh, _~” Navy sang, floating right next to you. “What’s so wrong about wanting a little company, hm? Don’t tell me you’re afraid of us...” ”I’m not it’s just... I...” “Our intentions can be pure if we want them to be.” Navy continued. “We can have a lot of fun together.” “I’m afraid to find out what your definition of fun is.” you replied. You felt Whitty turn you around. ”There’s no reason to be afraid... we genuinely mean no harm to you...” She placed an arm around your waist and put another hand on your head. Something about the way she held you felt comforting. ”It took a lot for us to get you here, and all we have is each other...” ”But the four of us stuck in this room together for all of eternity?” ”Actually it’s ten rooms.” Aqua corrected. ”This place is bigger than you think.” ”But still...” ”Come on,_... I promise we’ll have lots of fun together. It’ll be like a little party.” Navy reassured. ”Maybe in a hundred years or so we can grab another friend. Ooh! Or a few more cats!” You thought about it. There was really nowhere to go. Maybe staying here wouldn’t be so bad after all. ”Alright, I’ll stay.” The three of them cheered and Whitty gave you a quick kiss on the cheek. ”But please, I need to sleep.” you told them. ”It’s been a long day.” ”Oh, that’s right.” Aqua replied. ”You humans need sleep, don’t you? Not that you’ll be human for much longer, anyway.” ”What?” ”Don’t worry, that is a discussion for later. Go ahead and sleep as long as you like.” she said, putting her wand back in her hair. You sighed a breath of relief as you walked to the bed and laid down, Bendy sitting himself next to you. The bed was soft and warm. Life was about to change. You weren’t really sure what would happen in your new future with these three... individuals. There was still something about them, and this place, that didn’t sit right with you. Maybe it was just instinct. But you hoped they would be true to their word. For now, all you could do was drift off into a calming sleep...

[stormcrawler75]

Trust Me

Summary: It’s been almost four weeks since Virgil had been kidnapped by Deceit. He was beginning to lose hope.

Warnings: Deceit, kidnapping, Stockholm syndrome restrains, manipulation, gaslighting, and swearing. 

@ravenclawangst, I sent you a little story over an ask like a year ago that inspired this!

Thank you @gaypowersunite and @sanders-trash-4ever for betaing this story for me! You’re the best!

It’s been almost four weeks.

Deceit took great pleasure in telling Virgil how much time has passed each time he came around. He would rub at Virgil’s wrists tenderly and whisper the date in his ears. He would smile oily at him and say, “It seems like those Light Sides aren’t in a hurry to come to find you, are they?”

Virgil didn’t want to believe him. He had been accepted, he was part of the family! They would come, they had to come. But, so far, they hadn’t come.

Deceit never hurt him. Virgil’s body was at the same condition that it had been in when Deceit had taken him. If he refused to eat, Deceit shoved food down his throat. Deceit gave him three bottles a water a day and expected him to finish each one. He never hurt him.

“Why would I want to hurt you, Dear one?” Deceit said when Virgil asked why Deceit wasn’t hurting him. “The two of us are friends. I just needed to take you out of a bad situation that’s all. It’ll become clearer when you accept it. We’ll be able to undo these ropes, at the very lest.” He tugged at the ropes holding Virgil’s wrists over his head.

Virgil had been in the same position for so long. Sitting in a chair, ankles tied to the legs of said chair, and arms restrained and held over his head. He hadn’t been outside this empty room since he was brought in. His body had passed the point of pain and was just numb.

The worst part? Virgil was beginning to believe what Deceit was saying.

Why hasn’t anyone come for him? Were they even looking for him? Did Thomas know he was missing? Did he care? Hadn’t Virgil proven himself by now? Why hadn’t anyone come?

He asked himself these questions at the start of the fourth week. It had been a month. He was beginning to lose hope.

“Four weeks! You have with me for a whole month, Dear Heart.” Deceit said happily. He patted Virgil’s cheek softly. “I’ve missed you while you were gone, Dear Ann.”

Virgil pulled away from the soft touch. “Don’t call me that.” He muttered bitterly. Deceit smiled at him patronizingly, like he was a small child throwing a tantrum.

“Very well.” He turned around and crouched by the door, where he had placed a large duffle bag. “I’ve brought a nice treat for you today, Virgil.” He zipped open the bag and pulled out a can of grape soda, Virgil’s favourite. “Not the most healthy of treats, but I can happily say that you’ve earned it! You’ve cooperated so well recently.”

Virgil looked at the soda dispassionately. Even the sight of his favourite drink couldn’t lift his spirits. Maybe because the last time he had one was the night before he had been taken. Logan had given him a full glass of it, with a bendy straw bobbing in it. Logan had smiled at him and wished him good night.

He missed Logan. He missed his family.

“Come now, Virgil.” Deceit grinned as he popped the can open. “You used to love grape soda. Do you remember when Thomas first tried this? I thought that you were take off with excitement. I had to stop you from getting Thomas addicted to it just so you could have more of it. You were so young back then.” Deceit walked towards him and ran his free hand tenderly through Virgil’s hair. “I’m sorry that those Light Sides ever corrupted you, my dear.”

Deceit tipped the can against Virgil’s lip, waiting for Virgil to take a drink. Virgil stared at him before he gave in and opened his lips. The taste of the drink was the same as it always was. But, somehow, it didn’t make Virgil happy like it usually did.

“I was thinking of bringing in some books for you! A few poem books, some notebooks for you to write in. That would, of course, mean untying your arms for a few hours every day but, I think that you’ve earned my trust.” Deceit took the can back from Virgil’s mouth and stepped back. “Good drink, little lightning blot?”

Virgil smacked his lips and nodded. The nickname was a favourite of Deceits. It wasn’t one of the names his family called him. Patton loved to call him his Shadowling. Logan called him Stormcloud. Roman, while having a wide arrange of nicknames for the Anxious Side, usually called him his Dark and Stormy Knight. The fact that Deceit didn’t call him one of those names was the only good part of this. Virgil didn’t think that he could handle Deceit using those special names.

“You’re not very talkative today, are you? That’s alright.” Deceit tossed the empty can into the duffle bag. “I remember when you went weeks at a time without saying a word. I admit, it worried me at first but I grew to understand. The world just gets very loud at times, doesn’t it?”

Virgil shrugged awkwardly. The world wasn’t very loud in here. Unless Deceit was in here with him, it was erringly silent.

“I wonder if you still write sonnets. Do you?” Deceit waited a few moments and when Virgil didn’t respond, continued. “I still have the first poem you gave me, did you know that? It wasn’t very well written, I do admit, but it fills me with joy every time I read -”

A bang cut Deceit off and caused Virgil to jump. Deceit turned to the door and stared as the loud bang was followed by a series of noises that sounded like doors being opened and slammed shut. Virgil trembled as the sounds came closer. What was going on?

“Ah,” Deceit’s smile wavered. “Don’t be afraid. It’s probably just Pride coming to show me his new creation, that’s all. I’ll go see what he wants and send him on his way.” He turned back to the Anxious Side and cupped Virgil’s face in his hands. “Breathe deeply, little lightning blot. I’ll take care of it.”

Deceit turned on his heel and, kicking the duffle bag out of his way, opened the door and left the room, locking the door on his way. Virgil was left alone, listening to Deceit’s footsteps walk away.

He trembled and tears leaked down his cheeks. He wanted to believe that his friends were coming for him but, what if they weren’t? What if it was just Pride? What if Deceit was right?

Voices came from outside the door, starting as a hissed conversation and rising to something just below a screaming match, though Virgil couldn’t make out any words. Whoever Deceit was speaking with, it sure wasn’t Pride.

What was going on?

Virgil almost jumped out of his chair when a shout echoed from under his cell door. “I DON’T CARE IF YOU ARE ONE OF MY SIDES! IF YOU DON’T OPEN THAT DOOR AND LET HIM OUT RIGHT NOW, I WILL BEAT YOU ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE MINDSCAPE!”

Thomas? Why was Thomas here? How did Thomas even get here, wherever here was? Virgil’s head was spinning. Thomas, Thomas never sounded like that. He had never heard Thomas threaten someone in his whole life, let alone with violence. His voice was filled with anger and tinged with power. Virgil sunk back in his chair. Thomas had never spoken to one of his Sides like that.

The door swung open and Thomas marched in, dragging Deceit behind him by the arm. Roman was one step behind him with his sword at the back of Deceit’s neck. Deceit had a sour look on his face which changed into concern when he met Virgil’s eyes.

“Don’t listen to what they say, dear Ann!” Deceit called to him, concern dripping from his voice. “Thomas doesn’t know what he’s doing, those Light Sides have made him a straight mess!”

“I’ll have you know I’m not a straight anything!” Thomas snapped. His hair was a mess and Virgil could see that he probably hasn’t changed his clothes or showered for a few days. He looked horrible.  “But, if I am a mess, it’s because you stole away my anxiety and locked him up!” Thomas let go of Deceit in anger. Roman quickly grabbed onto his arm and pulled him to his chest, bringing his sword to rest at Deceit’s throat.

Thomas turned to him and Virgil waited to either run, cry, or both. Thomas looked worse than he ever had and it was his fault. Oh, Thomas looked so angry, but it melted into worry when he saw Virgil. He rushed to Virgil and took his wrists in his hands.

Thomas moaned in sympathy. “Oh, Virgil. It’s going to okay, we’ll get you out of here, I promise.” Thomas began to fiddle with the ropes surrounding Virgil wrists in an attempt to free Virgil from his binds. Virgil glanced between him and Roman in confusion. What was happening?

Roman was staring at Virgil in heartbreak. “I’m so sorry that we didn’t find you sooner, my Dark and Stormy Knight.” Roman apologized. He had his muscles locked around Deceit. “But, we’re here now. Everything is going to be okay.”

Virgil flicked his eyes to each person in his cell, not really understanding. Was, was he free? Was he going home?

Thomas gave a relieved cry he managed to untie the ropes and caught Virgil’s wrists before they fell. Virgil hissed with pain. His muscles were so sore and tense, he couldn’t even move them. He let Thomas move his arms down so they hung at his sides, more tears falling down his eyes. Thomas gently wiped Virgil’s tears away and moved down to get to work on his ankles.

“Virgil, listen to me,” Deceit started but trailed off when Roman pushed the sword into his neck, a thin cut opening at the base of his throat.

“One more word,” Roman warned, eyes flicking between Deceit and Virgil. “And I’ll cut your neck open. We’ll see how you feel after a few weeks of regeneration.” Deceit gulped nervously and gave a low nod.

“Patton and Logan are on their way,” Thomas muttered. “We split ourselves up into two teams so we could search two spots at once. But, they’re coming.”

Virgil could only choke out, “You, you never split up, you useless morons.” Roman barked out a laugh and Thomas cracked a smile.

“There’s our Storm Cloud.” Thomas grinned up at him. Virgil was going to answer but snapped his head up at the sound of footsteps racing towards his room. He shrunk back in his chair but Thomas just murmured reassurances and continued to work at the stubborn knots.

Logan skidded to a stop in the doorway, Patton right beside him. Patton broke out into tears when he saw him, ducked around Logan and threw himself at Virgil, wrapping his arms around the younger Side. Logan’s face broke into a relieved grin and tears shone in his eyes.

“Oh, oh Virge!” Patton cried into the top of Virgil’s head. Virgil didn’t respond aside from a new flow of tears and a hitching of his breath. His arms twitched but he couldn’t do anything without pain racing up and down his body. He was so sore.

Logan nodded and moved to stand next to Roman. “I’m, I’m glad to see you’re okay, Virgil.” He turned his gaze to Deceit and the warmth seeped right out of it, leaving only frost behind. “I apologize so much for not realizing where you were sooner. It seems that Deceit here chose his hiding hole carefully.”

Virgil closed his eyes and his trembling got worse. Patton cooed and crouched down so he was on Virgil’s eye level. He cupped Virgil’s face, just like Deceit had just a few minutes ago, and rubbed soothing circles into his cheeks with his thumbs. He then took Virgil’s wrist and rubbed at them, in an attempt to get circulation back.

Thomas swore under his breath, causing Virgil to open his eyes in surprise, and sat back on his heels. “He tied his knots too tight. I can’t get them.”

Logan clenched his hands into fists and snarled at Deceit. “Did you even think of his blood circulation when you tied him up!?” Deceit just rolled his eyes in response.

“Of course I did, Logic.” He snarked back. “I untied his limbs while he was sleeping and made sure that he wouldn’t lose circulation.” The two Sides glared at each other in mutual hatred before Logan broke eye contact and pulled a pocket knife from his pant’s pocket, passing it to Thomas who quickly put it to work, cutting through the first knot easily and moving onto Virgil’s second ankle.

“So, what will we be doing with Lie, Lie birdy here?” Roman asked, jerking his captive and earning Deceit another thin cut.

Virgil caught Deceit’s eyes. He looked so scared, for both himself and Virgil. A spark of sympathy burned in his stomach against his will. He didn’t want to feel sorry for Deceit, Deceit was the reason he was even in this mess. But, Deceit had never hurt him. Did he really deserve to be hurt on Virgil’s behalf?

“Don’t,” Virgil faltered when everyone turned his eyes to him. “Don’t hurt him. He, he never hurt me. He wasn’t,” Virgil ducked his head. “He never hurt me.”

Thomas shook his head and Patton stood up and walked away trembling. Roman tightened his hold on Deceit and Logan looked like he was losing control of his already high emotions. “The fact that Deceit actually made you think that, makes me angrier than I’ve ever been.” Thomas said bluntly. “He’s been talking to you right? Telling you stuff?” Virgil nodded nervously. “That’s him hurting you. Deceit kept you locked in a room, with your limbs restrained, and he was the only one you could talk to. He has been hurting you this whole time.”

Logan nodded eagerly. “Thomas is correct. It seems that Deceit was attempting to induce Stockholm Syndrome and the fact that you are defending him shows that we arrived just in time.” He walked forwards and took Virgil’s hands in his. “You are not to blame for any of this. This was all Deceit’s fault and he knew exactly what he was doing. He knew what he was doing every second you were in this cell.”

“All I did, I did to help you, Virgil!” Deceit cried. “You know-” He was cut off by Roman wrapping a hand around his mouth. Virgil teared up and lowered his head. What if Deceit was telling the truth? Maybe he did think, in his twisted mind, that Virgil had needed him to do this.

“I think!” Patton said in a forced cheery tone. “That we should get our little Shadowling here away from Deceit.” He turned to Thomas and Virgil could see the cold anger in Patton’s eyes. “Almost done there kiddo?”

Thomas nodded and snapped through the last of Virgil’s restrains. Virgil slumped over, not able to hold himself up. Logan caught him immediately and picked him up, cradling Virgil against his chest. He stood up, easily supporting Virgil’s thin frame. “As for what we should do with Deceit, I believe that we should keep him in a controlled environment for the time being.” Logan said.

Thomas moved his gaze to Deceit. “Guys,” He began slowly and calmly. “If I were to lock someone in their room, would they be able to leave?” Deceit jerked to and tried to catch Virgil’s eyes but Logan pressed Virgil’s face to his shoulder gently, effectively stopping Deceit before he started.

“No,” Roman answered. “You’re the boss, Thomas. If you lock him in his room, he’ll stay in his room.” Thomas nodded and stood up, his eyes never leaving Deceit’s.

“Then here’s the plan. We’re splitting up.” Thomas announced. Virgil moaned in despair, making Thomas grin. “Roman and I will go to Deceit’s room and lock him in. Patton, Logan, you two get Virgil to the Commons. I want it on lockdown. No one gets in or out unless it’s us, and make absolutely sure that it’s us.”

“Understood.” Logan nodded, turned on his heel and made his way out of the cell, Patton coming into step beside him. Virgil buried his head in Logan’s neck so he wouldn’t have to look at Deceit on his way out. Roman called a soft farewell to Virgil as they left.

“We’re going to have to walk a little before we can sink out, hun,” Patton told Virgil quietly. “Not very far. But, Deceit put his hideout far enough into the Subconscious that it’s difficult to sink in and out from here. We’ll be home in no time though, so don’t worry.”

Virgil nodded and said nothing. He pressed his face further into Logan’s neck and got a whiff of Logan’s favourite cologne, making him tear up. His cell had smelt largely of his own body, sweaty and dirty. He supposed that he was just lucky that he wasn’t actually human and didn’t need to deal with the need to go to the bathroom.

“Perhaps you should rest, Virgil. Go to sleep and we’ll be in the Common Room when you awake.” Logan suggested. Virgil tensed up and shook his head. Immediately, his mind started to spiral. What if this was all just a dream and the moment he drifted off he would wake back up tied to that chair? What if this was all just a trick by Deceit. What if this was Deceit’s way of showing Virgil that no one would ever come for him?

“Please, no.” He begged. Virgil shook in Logan’s grasp and tears made their way down his face. “Please, don’t, I can’t. I can’t, please.” Logan stopped and Patton pulled Virgil away from Logan just enough so that he could look in Virgil’s eyes.

“Hey, it’s okay.” Patton said gently. “Nothing going to happen, I promise. It’s okay if you need to close your eyes for a bit.” Virgil shook his head frantically. He couldn’t, he couldn’t, he couldn’t.

“Virgil,” Logan said. He tightened his hold on the Anxious Side. “What are you afraid of? You can tell us.” Virgil ducked his head.

“What if this is just a dream?” He muttered. “I don’t want it to just be another lie.” Patton quickly shook his head.

“It’s not a dream hon.” He assured Virgil. “We’re here and we’re bringing you home. I promise.” Virgil rubbed at his eyes and sobbed. How could he trust what they were saying? Logan gently wiped away Virgil’s tears.

“Virgil, ask me something that only you and I would know.” He ordered. Virgil blinked in confusion before complying.

“What’s your favourite dad joke?” Patton perked up and looked at Logan, as interested in his answer as Virgil was.

Logan sighed. “My favourite ‘dad joke’ is the one about the Chess Masters that Thomas used at Vidcon. I told this to you in confidence while in my room. I was going over a schedule for that week and you were reading a poem book that I had loaned to you.” Virgil felt himself relaxing with every word Logan spoke. Patton must’ve picked up on what Logan was doing because he went next.

“I gave you a card,” He said. “It had a picture with all of us and a heart on it. It said you are family!” He reached out and petted Virgil’s hair. “You have it hidden inside the cover of your pillow. You told me it’s there so if you have a nightmare, you can take it out and look at it. We were making cookies in the kitchen when you told me about it.”

Virgil slowly nodded. Maybe, maybe this wasn’t a dream. Those things that Logan and Patton had said were only known between him and them. Deceit couldn’t know about them.

“When Roman and Thomas get back to the Commons, you can ask them a question as well. I promise Virgil, we are who we say we are.” Logan said. He started walking again and Patton took Virgil’s hand. Virgil slumped back against Logan and tried to memorize where they were going. They kept going down hallways, turning left then right, on and on until Virgil lost track of how many turns they had taken.

Virgil closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. The tension slowly left his body before he drifted off.

Virgil’s eyes snapped open. He couldn’t make out anything. The room he was in was pitch black. He was lying on a bed with a thin blanket laid over him. There were no ropes tying his arms and legs down. He could hear whispers coming from somewhere, maybe from another room?

He tried to move to sit up but his limbs wouldn’t cooperate. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He pushed down the hope that was rising.

“Just a dream.” He whispered to himself. “It was nothing but a dream.” Deceit had just moved him, that was all. Nothing had changed. The others hadn’t found him, he was still Deceit’s captive, he was never going to go-

“Virgil? Sweetheart, are you awake?” Virgil’s mind slammed to a halt and he clenched his eyes closed. That sounded like Patton but it couldn’t be. It was Deceit, it was just Deceit pretending to be Patton. He wasn’t home, he wasn’t, he wasn’t.

A weight landed on Virgil’s bed and some fingers brushed back his hair. “I know you’re awake, kiddo.” Virgil tensed and he wished that he could move. A sigh came from above and the fingers continued to lightly run through his hair.

“You came to me one night.” The voice whispered. “It was the night after you ducked out and we came to get you back. You had your hood pulled up over your head and your hands were shaking. You looked so nervous and scared.”

Virgil couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Because what the voice, Deceit he tried to remind himself, was saying was true. He remembered that night. But, how did Deceit know about it?

“I asked you if everything was okay. You nodded and asked if you could come in. I brought you in and we sat down in my bean bags. You then told me that you knew that I would never lie to you.” The voice, Deceit, it was Deceit, said. “You didn’t even give me a chance to answer before you, you asked if we had told the truth. If you were really accepted?”

Virgil opened his eyes apprehensively. Sitting beside him was Patton. He was looking up at the ceiling and had one hand clenched in his lap. Tears burned in Virgil’s eyes.

Patton kept talking, seemingly not having noticed that Virgil had his eyes open. “I couldn’t speak, I was caught so off guard. I didn’t know what to say. You kept talking. You said that you would understand if we were just doing it for a video or for Thomas or, or even if it was just a joke. You just wanted the truth.” Patton’s lower lip wobbled dangerously. “You looked so sad and resigned. Like you couldn’t accept the fact that we actually wanted you to be a part of our family.”

A lump formed in Virgi’s throat. It was him. It was really Patton. Only Patton knew about this story. It was really Patton.

“I told you that we were telling the truth.” Patton confessed. “I said that you’d have to go back to how it was before. You would never be the bad guy again. You looked so happy and hopeful and I thought my heart was going to break because of how happy you looked. You should’ve always looked that happy.”

Virgil gasped when Patton looked down at him with a shaky smile. “Me and you were the only ones there that night, hun. I never told anyone and I know you never did either. Have I proven it’s really me?”

Virgil drew in a shaky breath and nodded. “Yes.” He breathed out. “I, I believe you.”

Virgil laid sandwiched between Logan and Patton on the couch, waiting for Thomas and Roman to return home.

Logan was running his fingers through Virgil’s hair methodically and gently. His expression was soft and caring when he looked at Virgil who was being held against Patton’s chest with his legs curled up beneath him.

“We will need to get you moving tomorrow.” Logan said quietly. “Just around the Commons. We need to get your strength back.” Virgil hummed and his eyes drooped a little, relaxing at the feeling of Logan’s fingers in his hair.

Patton nodded. “But, only a little walk.” He said firmly. “Not too far, just around the room a bit. I don’t want you falling and hurting yourself, little Shadowling.” Virgil leaned into Patton’s hold and nodded, feeling his chest warm at the nickname.

“Okay.” He said softly. Patton brushed a kiss against the top of his head and squeezed him gently. Logan smiled down at him and brushed Virgil’s hair back. He opened his mouth to say something but froze, his eyes snapping to where the door to the Subconscious laid, hearing a series of knocks coming from the other side. Patton’s arms became a protective cage around Virgil and flicked his eyes between the door and Logan nervously. It took a few seconds for Virgil to understand but when he did his heart stopped.

Someone out in the Subconscious wanted to come in.

Virgil took a deep and shuddering breath, though it felt like his lungs were collapsing and it was really hard to breathe. Deceit was here, he was going to bring him back to that small room and now he’d tie his arms up and never untie them ever and-

Patton squeezed him tightly and pressed a kiss to Virgil’s cheek, drawing him back into reality. “It’s alright.” He mumbled. Patton levelled a calm look at Logan. “Logan, why don’t you go and answer the door?”

Logan nodded, sporting the same calm look as Patton, and stood up, brushing his hand against Virgil’s on his way to the door. Virgil was as tense as a stick as he watched Logan walk over to the door and slowly open it a crack, waiting for Deceit and the other Dark Sides and crash in and steal Virgil away once more.

But, that didn’t happen. Instead, Logan had a hushed conversation with whoever was on the other side of the door, expression hidden by the shadows coming in from the Subconscious. Whatever Logan heard was good enough for him because he opened the door a little more, allowing Roman and Thomas to enter the Light Side.

Virgil stared at the two from his place in Patton’s arms. They looked like Thomas and Roman. But, what if they weren’t? What if it was Deceit and another Dark Side, waiting for the perfect opportunity to bring Virgil back to that room? So when Roman took a step forward, face open with warmth and relief, Virgil flinched back.

Roman froze and looked back at Thomas, whose face had crumbled with grief. Logan stepped forward and placed a hand on Roman’s shoulder. He leaned forward and whispered something into Roman’s ear. Roman’s jaw clenched and he nodded. Virgil tensed even more as Roman took slow steps towards him. Patton rubbed his hands up and down Virgil’s arm soothingly. Virgil kept his eyes pinned onto Roman as knelt down right front of him, noticing Thomas moving towards the other side of the couch, effectively caging Virgil in.

“Hey there, Dark and Stormy.” Roman said, tone light and non threateningly. Virgil didn’t react beyond curling a little more into Patton’s arms. Roman smiled at him sadly and rocked back on his heels. “I, I know things are a little scary right now, but I swear to you, you’re safe, my brave knight.” He slowly raised a hand and placed it on Virgil’s trembling kneecap.

Virgil flinched back and Roman’s hand fell from his knee. Roman’s sad but hopeful expression crumbled into heartbreak and he and Roman shared a confused look. Logan leaned forward from where he was standing behind the couch. When he spoke, his voice was calm and level.

“Virgil is under the impression that you are not who you appear to be.” Logan placed a hand on Virgil’s shoulder, making sure that Virgil saw every movement he made. Virgil leaned into the hand. “He is afraid that you may be a Dark Side sent to bring him back.”

“No!” Virgil flinched a little at Roman’s exclamation but Roman kept speaking. “Virgil, buddy, it’s us!” Roman’s eyes were wide and earnest. He looked like he wanted nothing more than to have Virgil believe what he was saying and Virgil wanted to. He wanted to believe this was Roman more than anything. He missed Roman so much and all he wanted was to crawl into the older Side’s arms because he knew he’d be safe there.

But what if it wasn’t?

“I, I,” Virgil stuttered, not sure what to say. He clenched his hands in his lap and shuddered. “How can I trust you? How can I trust what you’re saying is the truth?” Silence echoed through the Common at Virgil’s statement. He glanced at (Maybe) Thomas and Roman.

Thomas was staring right through him. He looked like he was a thousand miles away. Roman ducked his head and placed both hands on one knee. Virgil had the sudden thought that he looked like a real knight right then and there. Like he was kneeling before true Royalty.

Roman raised his head a little so he was staring into Virgil’s eyes. “You asked me that once before.” He whispered and Virgil’s breath caught as memories slammed into him. Roman continue, keeping his eyes pinned on Virgil. “A few days after you ducked out.

“We were in the kitchen alone. You were so tense around me, so afraid that I’d slip back into old patterns. I had reached for a box of cereal on the table next to you and you flinched.” Roman shuddered, as though the memory hurt him. “I felt like my heart was melting and I told you that I would never be cruel to you like I once was. You asked how you could sure that I was being truthful.”

“You grabbed my hand.” Virgil whispered. Everything seemed to fade away until all he could see was Roman. “And, and you promised me something.” Roman’s lips quirked into a soft smile and nodded.

“I promised you that from that day on, I’d be your knight. Even if I had to earn your trust from scratch I would do it.” He slowly reached out a hand and cupped Virgil’s hand with both of his and Virgil felt like he was back in that kitchen all over again. “I’ll make that promise again, my brave knight. I will re-earn your trust all over again if need be.” He raised Virgil’s hand slowly, giving Virgil plenty of time to pull away, before he pressed a kiss to it like he always did when a Side needed comforting.

Virgil stared at the Creative Side and started to tear up. He squeezed Roman’s hand a little with his which earned him a shaky laugh and smile from Roman. He gasped when he felt a hand land on his ankle and snapped his head around to see Thomas looking at him gently.

“You know that I’m me, Virgil.” Thomas murmured. “You know I am.” His smile at Virgil widened a little and Virgil felt like his heart was going to burst. Because he did know. He was a part of Thomas and now that he wasn’t panicking he could easily see, feel, that this was Thomas.

And, suddenly, it was all too much. All the emotions that he had been trying to hold back for the past four weeks forced their way to the front of his mind and a sob burst out of Virgil’s mouth. He curled into Patton’s grasp and squeezed Roman’s hand tightly, unable to stop crying now that he had started. Thomas’ hand gripped his ankle softly and Logan’s hand stayed a steady presence on his shoulder.

“It’s okay.” Patton whispered in his ear. “It’s okay, you’re safe, Sweetheart. Deceit won’t get you, I promise.”

And, surrounded by his family, Virgil believed him. It would be a long road to recovery with plenty of setbacks but in this moment, Virgil felt he could do it. As long as he had his family next to him, he knew he could do it.

Taglist

@punsterterry

@iris-sanders-athena

@heck-im-lost

@sanders-trash-4ever

@tiredfluid

@sevenatee

@i-really-dig-the-purple

@detroit-become-pan

@trust-me-i-just-get-weirder

@radioactivehelena

@gaypowersunite

@lilcutekittykat

[artificialqueens]

dancing to the rhythm [in our heart and soul] (Branjie) - PinkGrapefruit

A/N - We got here! This will contain spoilers from this weeks episode (duh). So far it’s made all three of the people who’ve read it cry (thank you to Meggie, Alex and Frey for sacrificing yourselves). As usual, all content is my own and the characters are fictional representations even though it is based on truth. Please let me know if you cry (and what line set you off - it’s for science) and enjoy! x

*

He picks up the letter with shaky breaths and fumbling fingers, twirls the paper in his hands like it is a deed to the universe - like it could easily alter everything. He wonders, briefly, if this is what people feel like when handed divorce papers or a marriage licence. If this weight is what holds the world together. He knows he’s being overdramatic, but maybe this letter really could change everything.

  He doesn’t want to open it. It’s been closed with a tiny rainbow smiley face sticker and José suspects that Brock stole it from him because he sure as hell didn’t bring any himself. It’s cute that he put so much effort into it (he can see the tear tracks on the paper even from the outside, prays Brock used waterproof ink).

  *

  Vanessa knew this was coming the second Brooke said she was going to rap about Canada. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration but she sure as hell could see it. That monster grin the other queen wore as she threw her limbs around, bendy man at a carwash style - it’s why she loved her. Loves her.

She hoped the cameras caught her face as she uttered those words, knew it would be priceless because no matter how confident Brooke might have felt, she, on the other hand, was terrified. She’d had the audacity to say she didn’t need luck, to pretend that the nicknames had no effect on her and the peck was just for show but she knew how she felt in that moment, cold fear spreading like ice in the warmth of her heart. A wildfire heading towards a forest. A powderkeg about to explode.

  *

  His fingers falter as he rips the sticker. It feels symbolic  - although of what, he doesn’t know. He moves one hand from the paper, braces himself against the workbench they always shared. He can smell his cologne on the paper and knows Brock cradled it the same way he is doing now, all sorry smiles and heavy hearts.

  ‘Nessa, José,’

  He gulps hard and loud, tries to shield his eyes from the studio lighting and the cameraman who’s not giving him enough space to feel all the things he’s feeling. His emotions are a cacophony, a diabolic symphony in his mind, playing each note like it has all his life in it, all at once.

  ‘I am so proud of you baby.’

  *

  She watched her dance like a mother watches her child learn how to ride a bike. It was so very painful and she just wanted to reach out, steady it, give her a hand to hold. But she stayed strong. Every move was measured and placed perfectly and she looked so fucking elegant but that wasn’t the challenge. There’s no fire behind her eyes, just the poise and dignity that she’s always had and Vanessa can’t help but worry that that isn’t going to be enough.

There is an unparalleled joy on her face when she learns it’s going to be done in one take. The production value makes her want to squeal like a small child and one look at Brooke’s face tells her the same thing. The excitement lasts longer than it should. Neither cares.

  *

  ‘You won this thing the second you walked backwards off the stage in season ten and I am endlessly proud of you for everything you have achieved since.’

  *

  They knew it was low energy when they filmed but they couldn’t bring themselves to care. The stress is too much and all of the top five felt it seeping into their bones like a cold Canada winter - harsh and draining. She messed up lipsyncing and she knew she was in the bottom, there was no question.

They talked about the future when they de-dragged, let themselves wander into a pocket dimension filled with cats and glitter and freedom. (She might have known she was in the bottom but she didn’t think Brooke was. They considered it nonetheless.)

  *

  ‘You are the Allie to my Noah, the Vivian to my Edward and the Pam to my Jim’

  *

  They went in on Brooke on the main stage and it’s that moment when the lightbulb switched. She wanted to fight every single producer on the show because she knew what was coming, goddamnit, and Brooke, her beautiful ballerina Brooke - she didn’t deserve a word of it.

They talked in Untucked - it was bittersweet because they knew what was going to happen. They knew it would hurt and neither wanted to have to send the other home. ‘Sophie’s choice’, Brooke said as a kind of justification to the way they felt. It didn’t need justifying and when their lips touched they felt it alleviate a little bit of the pain that was to come.

  *

  ‘I am so excited to start a life with you outside of these walls, where we can go on dates and stay the night and you can meet my cats. I can’t wait for pancakes and waffles and taking you to Canada. I can’t wait for us.’

  *

  They fought.

It hurt.

When Brooke’s name was announced, Vanessa didn’t cry. She didn’t do much of anything until Brooke looked at her with those sad eyes and walked towards her like she couldn’t bear another moment alone. When they kissed, it was hard and needy and as if they were trying to convey every emotion they’ve shared over the competition. It was apologies and love songs and longing sewn into a kiss. She needed it, even if she hadn’t quite realised how much.

She didn’t look at her when she was leaving - something about salt in open wounds and how roses only grow with time. She didn’t look because she was scared that if she saw Brooke crying, she would lose any of the dwindling resolve she had  - she wasn’t mad. She wasn’t pressed. She was happy for the experience, she was happy for Brooke.

If she cried in the holding room later, no one had to know.

  *

  ‘I love you so much, José - my winner. I will see you very soon,

  Love, Brock x’

  He knows he lost, but he is Brock’s winner and it feels more real than any crown or sceptre. He loves Brock with every fibre of his being and he knows that truly, he has won.

  When he falls to the floor crying, all he can feel are Brock’s arms around him, anchoring him home.

[queenofcats17]

Two Doofs In Love

@randomwriteronline answered an ask of mine and now I have to write it. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joey Drew had been in love with his brother-in-law for a long time now. He’d kept it on the down-low, though, partially because Sonja was such a raging bitch. He’d been terrified of what would happen if she found out about his crush on her ex-husband. Even when she was gone, though, he refused to act on his feelings. 

There was no way Malcolm would actually accept his feelings, he thought. Malcolm was a good man. A genuinely good and kind and wonderful man who made the world a brighter place simply by existing. He had his shit together. He was a functioning human being. There was no way he’d be interested in Joey romantically.

Joey knew he wasn’t exactly a prize. He was fake and awful. He wasn’t a good person. Not like Malcolm was. They could be friends, yes, and ex-brother-in-laws, but not romantic partners. So, he resigned himself to just pine after Malcolm from afar. 

But Malcolm did love him. He did return his feelings. And Henry was forced to watch these two idiots dance around each other. Pretty much everyone could see Malcolm and Joey were head over heels for each other, but Henry was about the only one with a direct connection to both of them who had to listen to them gush about each other. 

Even now, he was listening to Joey dither about whether or not to propose to Malcolm. 

“I just don’t know,” Joey said, drumming his fingers on the table. “What if he says no?”

“He’s not going to say no,” Henry said. 

“Out of everyone, he couldn't possibly choose me.”

“Joey, he’s not going to say no.”

“I mean, he’s smart and handsome and has his shit together. He couldn’t possibly be interested in someone as fake and terrible as me.”

“He won’t say no.” Henry was face down on the table. Joey wasn’t even listening to him. He probably could have said Malcolm wanted to throw him against the table and do him right there and Joey wouldn’t even acknowledge he’d heard him.

“Hey, Joey?” The door to the kitchen opened and Malcolm stuck his head in. “Can I talk to you?” 

“Oh, sure.” Joey gave him a nervous smile. 

Henry lifted his head to see the expression on Malcolm’s face. He was praying that at least Malcolm had finally managed to get up the courage to act on his feelings. To his absolute delight, he could see determination and a bit of nervousness painted on the other man’s features. He knew what was about to go down. 

“I’ll give you guys some privacy.” He quickly got up and left the room, giving Malcolm a wink as he did so. Malcolm remained calm as Henry did this, keeping his gaze on Joey. 

“So, uh, what did you want to talk about?” Joey asked, leaning awkwardly on the table. 

“Joey.” Malcolm crossed the kitchen, getting down on one knee in front of him. “I want you to marry me.”

Joey froze, staring at him. For a moment or two, he just watched Malcolm, eyes wide. Then he began to cry. Not sad tears, but tears of joy. He had an adorable lopsided smile. Well, Malcolm thought it was adorable. 

“Ah...Ahah...” He laughed weakly. “You...You got me good. Henry told you, didn’t he? Ahaha...This is...Very funny....” He was dangerously close to starting to cry out of sadness. Because this couldn’t possibly be real. It had to be a joke. Malcolm wouldn’t actually love him. 

Malcolm smiled softly, taking Joey’s hands in his. He didn’t say anything, just holding Joey’s hands and smiling at him. Slowly...Slowly it dawned on Joey that this wasn’t a joke. This wasn’t a joke and Malcolm absolutely meant every word. 

“Really?” He whispered. 

“Really,” Malcolm said. 

He’d made sure to ask Charlie’s permission before doing this, just to make sure it was alright. It was, after all, a little weird to suddenly have your uncle become your dad. Charlie had, thankfully, been delighted by this idea.

“Yes!” Joey wrapped his arms around Malcolm’s neck. Malcolm grinned, hugging Joey back. 

From the living room, Henry smiled to himself. It was about time. 

.

Joey went out and told everyone he could the very next day. After he’d asked Henry to be his best man, of course. He wanted his best friend to be at his side for this, something Henry was more than happy to do. 

Kim and Niamh were first, mostly because Malcolm had mentioned Niamh might be able to officiate and Joey wanted to ask if she could. 

Kim, sufficiently surprised by this announcement, blurted out, “Condolences.” He then slapped a hand over his mouth, his face going as red as it could from embarrassment. 

“Did you mean congratulations?” Malcolm asked, trying to stifle a snicker. Joey just stared at them blankly, his head tilted adorably to the side. Malcolm wrapped an arm around his waist, briefly distracted by how cute Joey was. 

“No no, he meant what he said,” Niamh said, nodding solemnly as she put a hand on Malcolm’s shoulder.

“Niamh, no.”

“Condolences, Malcolm.”

“Niamh, stop that.” Kim groaned. 

“Um...Anyway, I was hoping you could officiate the wedding, Niamh,” Joey said, managing to shake himself from his confusion. “Malcolm said you could do that?” 

“Yeah, I can do that,” Niamh nodded, already beginning to grin. She’d heard from Thaische how much Charlie adored his duncle. Giving that boy a Whole New Loving Dad would be more than worth it. Plus, it would probably make Joey less sad and mopey.

“Is Charlie alright with it?” Kim asked. “It must be kind of a weird situation.”

“I made sure to ask him first,” Malcolm assured him. “He’s very excited.” Joey smiled to himself, feeling warm inside at the knowledge that Charlie was excited to have him as his new dad. 

“Hell yeah!” Niamh pumped her fist in the air. “I’ll do it!”

“Thank you,” Malcolm chuckled. “I appreciate your excitement.”

“Well, congratulations,” Kim said with a gentle smile. “For real this time. We’re really happy for you two.” Especially Joey, he thought as he glanced at his boss. Everyone at the studio worried about Joey. 

“Thank you.” Joey murmured, leaning on Malcolm. His cheeks were turning a bit pink. He still couldn’t believe this was happening. 

“We’ll talk to you later about the details,” Malcolm said. “But right now we need to tell everyone else.”

“Alright. Best of luck!” Kim waved as they exited. Niamh was already planning her speech. 

When the Music Department heard the news, they all clambered to volunteer their musical services for the wedding. Both Malcolm and Joey told them they really didn’t have to but the musicians had all made up their mind that they were going to do this. However, they needed direction, which meant they turned to Sammy. Who did not want to do it. 

“Aw, c’mon, Sammy. Please?” They begged. 

“I have work I need to do,” Sammy said, gesturing to the stacks of paper on his desk. “Actual work. That doesn’t involve weddings.” 

The musicians of his department visibly deflated, all incredibly disappointed by his refusal. Yeah, they probably could do this without him, but they wanted him involved. They were all about to disperse, but Wally put a hand up. 

“Don’t worry guys, I got this,” he said. He walked up to Sammy, turning on the cuteness and giving him the biggest most adorable puppy eyes he was capable of. Sammy tried to resist. He really did. But Wally’s puppy eyes were just too strong. He was too cute. 

Sammy let out a long-suffering sigh, hanging his head. “Alright. Fine.”

The department cheered and Wally threw himself onto Sammy in a big hug. Sammy blushed, muttering something about how this was going to be a big pain. He seemed perfectly happy to be hugged by Wally, though.

.

The months leading up to the wedding were rather hectic. There was a lot of planning to be done, which Henry was more than happy to help with. As the best man, it was his job to help in any way he could. He wanted to make this day the best he could for Malcolm and Joey. They deserved to be happy. 

Sammy made a big deal about not wanting to do this whole music thing, but he’d dedicated himself to it so he was going to do the best damn job he could. Sammy Lawrence did not do anything halfway. Some of the Music Department regretted asking his help because of his perfectionism. Still, they knew he was going to do a good job.

When the day came, everyone was rather excited. Charlie especially was practically bouncing out of his chair. Seeing his delight made everyone involved even more dedicated to make this wedding the best they possibly could. No one was allowed to make that child cry. 

Everyone was running around, trying to get everything set up. The Music Department had brought their own instruments, rentals in some cases because they didn’t want to damage their personal ones, which were a nightmare to transport in some cases. Especially when it came to the larger instruments like the cellos and tubas. 

Malcolm and Joey were getting ready in the back, both helped by Henry. Malcolm, being the goth he was, had gone for an all-black tux. He looked very stylish, especially to Joey. Joey looked like he came out of one of the Bendy cartoons, at least in his color scheme. Well, he always looked like that, but he looked particularly nice in his fancy tux.

“Isn’t it bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony?” Henry asked as he fussed with Joey’s bowtie.

“I don’t really think that applies when we’re both the groom,” Malcolm said. “Besides, I’d hate to deprive Joey of a sneak peek of his future husband.” He winked at Joey, who started to giggle. 

“Well, I’m certainly not complaining.” Joey winked right back. “Any chance to see you in a suit.”

“You two are such dorks.” Henry rolled his eyes.

Outside, most of the guests had been seated and Niamh was testing the microphone, clothed in a long aggressively magenta dress. 

“Can I get a wahoo!” She yelled. There was a loud wahoo from somewhere in the treeline, presumably from Eska. 

Eska had been strangely absent from the area. That wahoo had been the only sign he was around. No one had so much as seen his face since arriving. Joey was rather glad of this, due to how terrifying he found the factotum, but it was still strange. Eska was usually never far from Thaische’s side. 

Speaking of Thaische, he was sitting beside Charlie in the front row. Both children were dressed in their best. Charlie was wearing a nifty little suit, while Thaische wore a dress. The dress didn’t necessarily fit with the theme, but no one minded. He was wearing his poncho too anyway.

“This all looks real nice,” Wally said, leaning back in his chair. He’d chosen to sit beside the band in order to be close to Sammy. 

“Yes, I suppose it is,” Sammy conceded, allowing himself a small smile. 

“Give you any ideas?” Wally wiggled his eyebrows at his boyfriend. 

Sammy gave him a deadpan stare. “Do you want me to ask you to marry me?”

“I mean, I dunno. Maybe?” Wally shrugged slightly, fiddling with his tie. “Do you wanna get married?”

“We can talk about it after this.” Sammy turned back to his sheet music. He knew that if he was ever going to propose, it would 100% be after Wally did something monumentally stupid. He was fully prepared to see Wally do something dumb at the reception and just propose to him right there.

Eventually, the grooms and Henry appeared, and they got everything started. Norman had set up shop in the back, having volunteered to tape the whole thing for the happy couple. 

“If anyone here has any objections,” Niamh began, before putting her mouth right on the microphone. “SIT THE FUCK DOWN!” Everyone winced at the shrieking feedback and the boom of her voice from the speakers. Niamh was a very loud person naturally, and when her voice was amplified by a microphone it was near deafening. 

“THAT BOY IS GETTING A WHOLE NEW LOVING DAD,” she pointed to the vibrating Charlie in the front row. “AND I WILL FUCKING MURDER ANYONE WHO TRIES TO TAKE THAT AWAY FROM HIM!”

No one objected. No one wanted to object, but also no one wanted to have their back broken by Niamh. Because she would do that. They all knew she would do that. 

“Alright, good!” Niamh nodded. “Let’s do this!”

The wedding went off without a hitch. Malcolm and Joey exchanged some very heartfelt vows and Niamh pronounced them husband and husband. They didn’t need much prompting to kiss. The collected guests erupted into applause. Charlie was bouncing up and down in his wheelchair and Thaische was doing happy flaps with his arms because Charlie was so excited. 

Once the couple had stopped kissing, and it did take a while, everyone moved to the reception area for food.

That was when Eska appeared.

He showed up when Malcolm and Joey were getting congratulated by the guests, appearing out of the crowd in his usual overalls and shirt. Joey immediately tensed. This wasn’t going to end well. He just knew it. But Eska didn’t yell or do any of the things he usually did. Instead, he picked Joey and Malcolm up in a big bear hug. 

“Oh, thank you, Eska,” Malcolm said once Eska had put them down. 

“Ah, um, yes. Thank you, Eska.” Joey echoed.

“Congrats,” Eska mumbled before vanishing once more. 

Joey stood there for a moment or two, stunned by the fact that Eska had actually done something nice to him. 

“Hey.” Malcolm nudged him gently with his shoulder. “Are you okay?” Joey glanced over at him, suddenly aware of the fact that their hands were entwined. He could feel the gold band now resting on his finger. 

“I’m fine,” he said, smiling his adorably gap-toothed smile. Malcolm smiled back.

“I love you.” He leaned in and kissed Joey’s cheek. 

“I love you too,” Joey whispered. 

“Dads!!” Charlie rolled up, tugging at their hands. “Come dance with me!” His smile made Joey feel warm inside all over again. And being called ‘Dad’. 

“Alright, alright.” Malcolm laughed.  

Together, they made their way out onto the dance floor, completely oblivious to everything going on around them. They were a family, well and truly now.

[licoriceblackaliceangel]

February 1st is the day I made this blog!

First making this blog, I’ve said it plenty of times when it was brought up, but I never intended to do much with it.

I made it for the purpose of not flooding my main blog with bat/im stuff, and having the idea of answering asks for Alice if any came by. I was RPing as Alice with someone on discord for at least four months prior to this blog, and soon this blog delved more into an RP blog more than an ask blog.

I’ve made plenty of friends, have so many memories and a lot of growth through this blog. And despite some of the hard times I faced and forces and situations where I almost deleted a few times.. I don’t regret a thing.

SO.

I decided to make a little follow forever under the cut! A few people (Going back. A lot of people did. Oops.) will get some special shoutouts solely because I have a lot of thoughts, but if I don’t write something for you, don’t think you mean any less to me! If I forget anyone, my DEEPEST APOLOGIES. I have the memory of a gold fish and trying to remember everyone is. Hard.

But just know if we are mutuals I LOVE AND CHERISH YOU.

This also got a lot longer than I expected OOPS

@inkdrenchedsmile: Tea, I tell you everyday and talk to you almost everyday. I love and cherish you so so so much. You’re the sweetest, cutest, most darling thing ever. You are the brightest little marshmallow peep~ And I have so grateful everyday to have met you and be able to write with you. I love your writing and stories and your ideas and art and YOU ARE SO TALENTED! You mean the world to me. I love you, honeybun <3

@kalamxs: GIO. BOY YOu know I told you plenty of times you’re one of the reasons I even went to making this blog. I followed you before I even had the thought in my mind (I don’t remember why, maybe from your AWESOME ART and your writing and rping made me stay) because YOU ARE SO FUCKING GOOD!! I remember laughing all the time and sharing with my friends in my discord even though they don’t exactly understand BUT-- Man I’m so happy I got to actually. Interact with you! And get to befriend you and man YOUR ART GIVES ME LIFE. I love seeing all your stuff and writing and I LOVE WRITING WITH YOU. Bendo and Alice are absolutely adorable as well; fucking dorks. I LOVE YOU BABEY!! NEVER GONNA STOP LOVIN AND SUPPORTIN YOU!!

@bendicethedaughterofthedevil: NICK. You know I been with you since the MERE START. And I told you watching your growth and Bendice’s story was. WOO. Man I sometimes see the old Baby Shower art thing I did for the twin’s baby shower like.. Gonna be almost a year with that too. And just. :(.. THINGS WERE SIMPLER THEN.. I love you Nick, you’re talented and sweet and so so ambitious and strong and I LOVE YOU BABEY!!

@devilswinging: Veemo, I am so glad to have been able to meet ya and interact with you. I love ya man and I love writing with you and your muses. I love the small chit chats we have and seeing you on my dash. I love Alice’s relationship with Bebe and Sammy and just. Man!! You know, no matter what, if you ever feel down and feel like no one likes your boys, know I !! Will always love and appreciate them. <3 And Alice does too.

@instrumentsofcyanide: STELLLAAAAAAA. I fucking love you Stella. You’re so funny and sweet and the little messages back and forth sometimes and you coming in my DMs like: WHAT THE FUCK IS WITH YOUR ANONS all the time is. So funny. All the damn fiascos Oreo manages to produce and just. Oreo in general. Always gets me laughing and smiling. I love you and your boy so much?? You’re so fun and creative and silly and just an OVERALL JOY TO TALK AND BE AROUND WITH!!! I’m so glad to be able to interact and talk with you <3 (Never forget the first time I think you actually said anyhting to me was about that one Alice Blog Foot Pics Fiasco and I’ll never forget being like; Man someone I look up to and I’s first interaction is over saying ‘wow fuck this girl’ over guilting me for foot pics-- DOFIHJGFD)

@inkwise: AVI I LOVE YOU SM. DFKGJ. You’re so sweet and creative and your muses are an absolute joy. I especially have so many feelings. For Henry. So much. I love this man so much and I thank you and him everyday for my life. He needs a break. I love getting to write with you and seeing you on my dash is?? A fucking delight. Thank you. <3

@lxgner: ALICE YOU CREATIVE SWEET PERSON. You have so many damn muses and I APPLAUD YOU. Your OCs are all pretty sweet imo? The ones I seen. And the ambition you have to write and work on all this?? I applaud. I love your Joey muses esp and they’re so interesting and I love the thought you put into them all you know?? It’s interesting and really brings life into them. Your writing is delicious and your humor is. Great. I love writing with you <3 Keep your head up darling.

@one-eyed-twin: LADY V I LOVE YA SWEETHEART. Your muses are a delight and I love the little threads we’ve had, either it with Phiona, Clyde or Vlad (here and on my other blog) I love peaking at your threads and seeing your writing. You’re an absolute delight and I love?? Your creativity and your ART!! You truly are a person with impeccable tastes ~ Love seeing you on the dash, love <3

@inkyencounters: Glowbun you. Are really a sweetheart. So creative and funny, you really are kind and try to look out for everyone and it’s Very nice. I’m very appreciative of how kind ya are and the creativity you have with your muses and just. It’s very refreshing. Thank you for everything.

@sillymuses: Where do I begin. I love writing with you either with Charlie or on this blog, both here and my OC blog of course. You really have such a creative spin in your writing and really? Feel your characters and paint them so!! Amazingly. I love the back and forth between you and you’re honestly. Adorable. I love seeing you and your creativity hun <3

@inkmachine: GLOOMY I LOVE YOU AND I HOPE THINGS ARE/WILL GET BETTER SOON LOVIE. God it’s always a treat when you’re online and on the dash it’s. Always hilarious. I love seeing what Bendy fucking gets up to this time and he’s so?? Awesome. I love him a lot. The little bastard PFF. He’s absolute adorable and cute and I love the dark shit with him honestly. And him and Alice’s lil Candi adventures are always. Tooth rottingly sweet. I love ya hun. <3

@taakos-troupe-of-threads: I hope you know the phrase “Snap would fight Chalk Jesus for Alice’s honor” is a thing that will NEVER leave my mind and tends to cross it once a day. PFF. I love writing with you and seeing you on the dash as well! Snap is a fucking DOLL and I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. (As does Alice, ofc) They’re absolutely adorable and poor girl is such a worrier PFF. Our DMs are always something funny as well, I think. I always know I’m in for something good when I see that fucking. Orange Danny Devito icon in my dms-- KSKJF

@dappcrdust: GLITTER!! Man. I remember first writing with you with your Bendy muse and honestly? Ever interaction from him to now has ALWAYS been a fun treat. I love your writing and love seeing you on and getting into whatever shenanigans that seem to pop up. Mostly with Angel it seems pfff.. Sweet Angel. I love what you have all done and cooked for him and his character he’s so?? three dimensional i love it. Him and Alice’s BFFship is honestly. Great and I love them SO MUCH. You’re creative and fun and just. A sweetheart. Love ya hun <3

@gamblxrhxsk: tbh I didn’t know what blog to @ YOU FUCKING MANIAC. Jk. I love you Echo. PFFF It’s funny to me that I feel I got closer with you via fucking. shit with CEO-Entity. LMAO. Echo where do I start. You are SO DAMN FUNNY. Like my GOD how many times have I laughed out loud to myself over some shit ya wrote and done?? Hell, even with your stuff with phil swift and entity and all that stuff got my SQUAD TO COME TO ME LAUGHING OVER IT!! I love also all your muses and the fact you got this whole arsenal and can?? Keep up with it for what it seems like. PROPS!! I love fucking around with you here and there and even though we don’t really write together too much (which, I would love to but I’m myself and even still lowkey anxious OIGJG) I just love putzing around and seeing you do your thing on the dash; from jokes to serious business. It’s always a treat. <3

@nctherchpter: Pai, I’m still lowkey so flattered you ever followed me back (and now mutuals with me on our mains like. WHAAA--) Your art is always. Bellissimo. Asriel was always a joy to see and honestly just. Stole my heart. I love him so much. Your writing is always a joy and man you just. Are skilled in The Arts(TM) Your self insert blog is also?? Awesome. I love the concept and idea and going through with a thing like? Honestly. Inspiration. All your self insert stuff really is just. Big big inspo. I’m so glad you seem to have? So much fun. Also I did say it in Nick’s stream many moons ago when they were going through BATIM again. Your voice is v cute <3

@clair-de-luna: WHERE DO I BEGIN WITH YOU!!! Man I remember following your main back for that SWEET MUFFETON ART. My cherished Muffeton mutual. And now here we both are with THIS. YOUR ART JUST CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AND GROW AND I LOVE!! SEEING IT!! And LUNA MELTS ALICE AND I’S HEART ALL THE TIME. God does she ADORE HER LITTLE STAR!! Ugh. I cry real tears. Always a delight to see you both here and your main. <3 I love ya DC!!

@lilithmagne: AC you. Are truly an artistic marvel. Your art is INCREDIBLE, your writing is BEAUTIFUL. And I love seeing you on my dashboard. You are so sweet and kind?? It’s so nice. I LOVE the love and work you put into Lilith and her story and your research and dedication? It’s amazing. Lilith is an absolute BEAUTY and God I LOVE HER. You do her SUCH A BEAUTIFUL JUSTICE!! So honored to be mutuals with you honestly. <3 Keep being amazing you beautiful person.

@lucifermagne: MARZI YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE ANGEL. Working on all those HH icons for other rpers, working on your other RP blogs and pumping out that SWEET CONTENT. You are honestly a treasure. You are absolute sweet and a joy to see online. I love peaking at your threads and LOVE seeing your posts either for HCs or just IC shenanigans with Lucifer. You put so much through and care into your interpretation of him and I LOVE IT. He’s such a fun goof ball but at the same time presents himself as. THE KING OF HELL. Obviously. He’s an absolute Joy and just!! It’s amazing. We haven’t threaded together yet but even despite that?? I just love seeing you and him (and Alastor and Marx and the gang ofc) on the dash. Always a damn delight. <3

@thatscwewywabbit: we only just started interacting like. a week or so ago but AMANDA Man I have told you before how much I adore seeing you write for Bugs and how it’s ALWAYS SO FUN to see him and your posts for him on the dash. THE AMOUNT OF RESEARCH, CARE, LOVE, THOUGHT ALL PUT INTO HIM AND YOUR WRITING FOR HIM. It’s just so good. So refreshing. Ugh. MY CHILDHOOD!! It makes me so happy all the time. You really are. An inspiration. Writing with you and him is a DELIGHT and love peeking at your other threads just. It’s so nice. It’s almost uncanny how well you play him. My goodness! Keep being awesome lovely <3

@viennaxmuses​: Fuck you bitch. Yeah. You’re getting put here. Bitch. Fuck you. I LOVE YOU. BItch. You fucking fuck. You sweet cute funny fuck. You adorable loving supportive bitch. Ya uplifting comforting creative artistic thot. Fuck you.

Okay this went WAY LONGER THAN I INTENDED but sorry everyone else I didn’t write a lil blurb for. I wrote a lot and I STILL WANNA GIVE SHOUTOUTS CUS I LOVE!! ALL OF YOU!! Even non-mutuals like. I just wanna share all the love and appreciation I have here.

@hxllodolly @cvangclii @snxkeyes @ofinkdxmonsandxngels @brxkeninstrument / @butcherbrains @stupidcoffeeboy @strawberry-lemonade-muses @hazbinmuses @bornloscrs @black-jack-the-cat​ @bluescarfvivi @a-framed-rabbit​ @angelusvoce​ @ask-slender-and-gray​ @wrenchand-abone

[omsrandom]

In This Tunnel, There is but One Light {Full Fic}

Written for @ask-joeydrewstudios​ upon the reveal of the Death List for all of the known characters so far.

“I’m sorry…”

The world tuned out, the edges of his vision blurring and ears ringing as the doctor continued to talk. Two words, said in a tone filled with dread, it made him want to sit down and weep. He wanted to cry, because even though they had spent so long together, it felt like no time at all. He didn’t know what went wrong. It just seemed like a normal day…

The first had been Norman, who passed in his sleep. It had been coming for some time, after all. Ever since the Toons came to life, the elder had started to lag. He made fun of it, but they could all see it in his eyes.

The weeks following the news were somber, yes, but since it had been expected, not much had changed. Sometimes, when he passed the orchestra room, Henry could hear the man’s laugh, or orders to play a certain note. Sammy sometimes went to go argue with the new conductor, starting off with a yell of the old man’s name before stopping, a look of grief passing over his features before returning under his mask. Joey and Susie found that the music didn’t sing just quite as well as when Norman did it. The toons, perhaps, were hit worse.

There had been others leaving, if for children or weddings or other jobs, but never once for death. Alice had found a type of kinship with him, and often could be found holding his hat, which he had placed on her halo the day of his retirement party. Bendy and Boris, of course, were with her during this duration of grief.

Thomas went next due to smoking; lung cancer. It had been too late to tell, too late to properly prepare. It comes as a low blow, because everyone became very aware of the cigarette in Sammy’s mouth as they all stared at their former co-worker’s nurse. As before, grief settled across the studio, and as before, the Toons were the ones to suffer the most.

Joey went in front of all of them. Boris, Alice, Bendy, Henry, Dianne, Sammy, Susie, Wally. The Original gang, minus Norman. Each, he told them something; something that on any other day, would’ve lightened their hearts. Bendy was told that Joey was forever proud that his ‘first born’ had found a way to enjoy life, even in this type of imprisonment. Boris was told that no matter what, he was forever loved and always the best wolf-ink-son he could’ve asked for. Alice was his darling girl, a true angel amidst demonic rituals. It went this way through the humans, all the way up to Henry. “Take care of them,” Joey whispered. “Or I’ll haunt your…” he trailed off.

“Aw, c-c’mon,” Bendy sniffed, head curling into his Creator’s side. “A-A word wou-wouldn’t h-hurt.”

“Hush, Bendy,” Joey murmured. “You’re the owner, Henry. Please… Keep us…” he was gone before ‘going’ could pass his lips. Bendy wouldn’t let them near the body for a day, to which it took Alice, Boris and a group of ‘seekers’ to remove him from the room.

And for once, since the opening day, Joey Drew Studio fell silent. Silent it stayed for three weeks, the workers in too much shock to raise their voice beyond a whisper, which often sent the Toons into a fit. Wally, for all that he complained, couldn’t find it in him when he found the poor demon curled in a puddle, shaking uncontrollably as he rocked back and forth. Sammy, for all that he bitched, found that the little shit wasn’t actually as bad as he seems when he was in too much grief to do anything, which was… actually disheartening.

Slowly, things resumed to normal. Lives were lived, stories were made and told. Up until, of course, Death made its strike again.

Shawn, their toymaker, went of old age, leaving his wife and children behind. He had been working on an Alice Angel doll for the said Angel when he closed his eyes and just… never opened them again. Alice… well, somethings were best left unsaid.

They had more warning with Sammy, but it was still unexpected. Susie stuck with his side, all the way to the end. The twins, 22, helped all they could, but even so, some holes just couldn’t be filled. The music studio was in a dilemma. Sammy was rough around the edges, and not a generally nice guy, but everything just felt wrong when his son stepped up to the plate, looking frazzled and tired.

The studio was just… never the same.

Henry found Susie in her husband’s old office, sketches of happier times clutched in her hands. Offering his own, he knew his eyes reflected his own tears. “I’m sorry…”

The next time it happened, it was a rainy, cold day. As before, everything seemed, well, normal. She had woken up and went through her altered morning rituals, still not used to waking up to a half empty bed, right side cold and stiff from disuse. Eleven years had passed since her love said his final words, and a day didn’t go by where she didn’t think of him at least once.

Still, she went through the routine of applying her lipstick and straightening her hair up, she grabbed her purse and pulled on her peacoat before heading out the door. Grey fog and wet concrete met her sights as the gentle patter of rain fell. Pushing her collar up – fond memories came up as she did this, making her smile bittersweetly – she continued down the sidewalk, only a few blocks away when a terrible sound screeched through the air.

Something hit her side, sending her flying into the building. A sharp pain in her neck led her laying halfway in debris, staring at the grey clouds as the rain continued to fall, her world slowly fading out.

Three blocks away, the day in the Studio hiccuped. Stephen and Stanley were, of course, asked of their mother and her whereabouts, to which they responded a ‘don’t know’ until around 4:16, when Henry got a phone call from the police department, asking if Stephen and/or Stanley were there.

He would never forget the twins’s screams when it was revealed a very, very old coworker of theirs had been driving with no brake pads, over the speed limit in the rain, and hit and killed their mother just three blocks down.

Grant had been hospitalized, having apparently said the wrong thing at the wrong place. They expected him to be ok, for the most part.

No one expected the mafia getting involved. In a twisted sense a humor, it was funny to see Grant’s past come out, but in context? It broke Henry’s and Dianne’s hearts. They had trusted him so much, yet he didn’t return the favor? He must’ve known they would’ve helped, which is why, of course, he probably didn’t ask for any help.

The years shifted, employees left and joined, and for a while, everything was good, happy, even. Henry’s phone rang from beside him, startling him slightly from where he had been doodling a design Joey would’ve shot down instantly with one of those blasted sticky notes of his. Picking up the phone, he spoke. “Joey Drew Studio, can I help you?”

“Yes, is this Henry Batim?” A woman asked.

“Yes, can I help you?”

“It’s about a Wally Franks? It was requested that you and the studio would be notified when this happens.” Dread and apprehension filled him. “It’s to my condolences that I must inform you that as of today, Mr. Franks was found dead in his room.”

“I see…” he rasped out. “I’ll inform the others. Thank you ma’am.” Hanging up the phone, his arm brushed an old picture. Picking it up, he smiled at the scene they had managed to capture. Joey sitting in the center, Bendy, himself and Wall to the elder man’s left, Boris behind him and Alice, Susie and Sammy to his right. With a sigh, he stood and gently set the frame down. “Looks like it’s just… me…”

The year of 1990 was… unbearable

Dianne had been laughing at a joke Benjamen had told her while a cake was being baked in the oven. He had been on the phone, talking to Boris when a sudden shout of “MOM!” and when he turned, their eldest son was towering over her as she had a hand over her chest, over her heart. At first, he thought maybe she had laughed a little too hard, but her face turned pained, and her fingers dug into the borrowed sweater, and that’s when he knew.

The phone fell to the floor as he all but threw himself towards her armchair just as the first gasp came. “Honey? Honey?!” He could see Ben going to the phone, hanging up before sharply pulling it off the hook again, only receiving the dial up tone in return.

“Henry,” Dianne whimpered, green, pain filled eyes pleading. Pleading for him or for the pain to stop, he didn’t know because her next words were outdrowned by Benjamen’s screaming for help, that his mother was having a heart attack. When he was finished, Henry was left crying as her breaths grew more and more shallow.

By the time the ambulance was there, Dianne was already gone.

Perhaps… perhaps his fate was honestly the worst. He knew from day one there had been a very high chance that he’d outlive Norman and Joey. But Sammy? Susie? Wally? His precious Dianne? It made him want to cry. Oh, don’t get him wrong, the past eleven years had been a joy, even if the first year or so was numb. The Toons adored having someone living full-time with them again, but they could see it on him as the last few years begun to set it. He could tell, because Bendy was starting to act more distant, less like the prankster he was. Boris was clingy and almost never left his Creator’s side. Alice was over helpful, often taking papers even when he didn’t need help.

At first, it was a little endearing, but as the weeks passed, the feeling quickly fled when they tried to get him to stop drawing. He put a stop to that quickly, but he knew everyone would be watching him closely. “Stanley, Stephen, do you know why I called you in here?” He asked them one day when they were in his office, well aware of the toons’s eyes on him.

“Studio Business, right?” Stanley asked.

“Yes. Or, rather, Studio Succession. Joey Drew named me owner upon his passing, but for a while there, we all thought in some way we would have been left, well, leaderless. I don’t want to do that to these guys.”

“Uncle Henry?” Stephen questioned, face filled with concern. “Are you alright?”

“No, Stephen.” he sighed. “I’ve never been alright. I’m old, and tired. I know I don’t have much longer,” Boris burrowed his head into Henry’s side at this, making the old man smile slightly and pet him. “Which is why when I finally go, you two will be in charge. You grew up with the Toons, and both of you are doing so brilliant as department heads. It’s without a doubt you two can take over my place.”

“I… Henry, we…” Stanley shared a look with his twin and they went around the desk, hugging the man they considered to be an uncle. They broke at the same time, crying into his tweed jacket as Alice and Bendy also enveloped him into a hug. A hug none of them wanted to end.

Weeks passed, and on day, he walked into the studio, eyes narrowing at how quiet it seemed. “Joey?” He called out before frowning. Why did that seem wrong? There was pitterpatter and a black, faceless entity was in front of him.

“Bendy, get back here!” A familiar voice called. Joey Drew rounded the corner, and stopped behind the faceless blob. “Oh, hello there Henry.”

“Joey, what is that?” He found himself asking, unable to shake off the deja vu.

“It’s Bendy! I made him this weekend. Isn’t he lovely?” The old man asked, hands clasped and head tilted towards his creation.

“What do you mean yo-?” He cut himself off, looking around. “This is too familiar.”

“Hah, I was wondering when you’d point it out,” Joey chuckled, breaking character as well. “For lack of better words, you’re dead, and this is, well, Heaven.”

“But you sold your soul?”

“I did,” Joey confirmed. “But apparently that only takes place if I passed a line.” There was an awkward pause as the black body disappeared.

“Is… is everyone else…?”

“Oh, they’re about.” Joey answered, waving a hand around to motion to the studio, which looked exactly how it had been when Joey ran it. “I think you should go to your desk, however. There’s a present for you there.”

Frowning in confusion, Henry watched his old boss start to walk away before heading towards his old workstation, freezing at the sight that greeted him.

There Dianne sat, no more greys in her hair and laugh lines gone from her face. Her green eyes sparkled in both joy and grief as she threw herself at him, arms locking around his neck. Immediately, he buried his face into her neck and twirled her, stopping only just to start shaking and sobbing.

“I’m sorry.”

[tiny-smallest]

an inch at a time

Rating: G Characters: Sammy, Alice, mention of various characters Warnings: none really besides the usual fucked-up shenanigans of a BATIM fic? Ask to tag. Description: Healing is slow, steady work, especially after so much unrelenting trauma. Sammy Lawrence has yet to really grasp that. But there's one person who might be able to reach him...

Also on AO3!

So I uh. Got really inspired by the Sammy twitter takeover thing and wrote Over the Rainbow fluff that I only remembered was super impossible halfway through, because Sammy was not saved in human form. 

(I only just barely remembered in time that Alice was left mute in this au, which ended up working out in my favor, honestly.) 

I hope you enjoy it anyway, @upperstories. Without further ado...

Sammy Lawrence was not a man given to wearing his heart on his sleeve. A stone cold cynic, the man learned early in life to keep one’s cards close to his chest. Feelings were not for talking about, especially when they were tangled and confused 24/7 and he would frankly rather forget the large majority of what those feelings were tied to. But every once in a while, as with most tragedies, the effects were inescapable, and physical reminders forced unpleasant self-reflection.

He was, at least, a little handsome– the horrors that plagued his life and stole so many years from him, so much of himself, had not been much kinder to his memories, but he remembered that bit, at least. He vaguely remembered feeling at ease with his appearance, and that he worked diligently to be presentable. He remembered he had long-ish hair, at least considering the times, and that he kept it in a little ponytail. He could not remember the color. Was it blonde or brown? It wasn’t a question worth considering when Henry led him and the toons into the light again, because all that mattered in that moment was the light– the air, the breeze, the colors and trees and sky.

But all highs come and go, and the high that came with freedom, of course, did too. Swiftly and without mercy.

Seeing himself in a mirror again thirty years and unspeakable evils later was likely going to go down as one of the most surreal moments of his life. A stranger stared back out at him, one with so many forehead lines, and crow’s feet, and pale, sickly skin. What could barely be qualified as hair was scraggly and gray, the ink having ravaged it to near obliteration. He looked like a late term cancer patient, except the truly disturbing part was barely being able to even recognize the reflection as himself.

Was that even himself?

Who was he, anymore?

Staring at the man in the mirror as if he might move independently, Sammy backed out of the room.

Getting him to use the bathroom after that was a hassle.

Worse still was the decision that what was left of his hair had to go. It took nearly a week and many arguments before Mary could finally get the man to sit in the kitchen, clipping away at his hair while Sammy stared with a dull emptiness at the wall. The notion of going to a barber looking like this was too humiliating and so this was the compromise.

Even after all this time, he still had such little say over what happened to his own being, didn’t he?

He wished that the thought would at least inspire some sort of slow burn inside him. Being angry was much better than this numbness, even if it wasn’t loud or explosive. But things seldom went as Sammy wanted, and this time was of no exception.

An hour later found Sammy in the bathroom, the longest time he’d lingered in there since first catching sight of his reflection, staring at his bald head. Henry and Mary both promised that this was for the better, that this would encourage new hair to grow in, that this was a first step towards recovery. But all he could feel was his insides twisting, crying out that yet again, something had been taken from him.

How was he supposed to feel about this?

A hand tugged on his pants.

“Hello, my dear.” The automatic response fell from his mouth, his subconscious miles ahead of coherent thought and easily recognizing the gesture as something the mute Alice would do to get someone’s attention. Tearing his gaze from the mirror, he glanced over his shoulder and downwards at the little angel, feeling his tense body soften as if a switch had been flipped. “Can I help you?”

Her pretty little face twisted into a look of massive concentration, her hands raising and slowly moving about with the clumsiness of someone unsure if they’re doing something correctly or not. Sammy raised an eyebrow and she repeated the motion, and it was then that he realized she was attempting to use the thing called sign language that she was learning to make up for her lack of a voice.

<You look so sad. Can I help you?>

Dear little thing. Her very soul had been robbed from her when her voice was taken, and yet she was still concerned more about others than herself. His heart swelled a little with love and at the same time, withered with shame. He would never be that selfless, most likely. “No, I’m afraid not.”

<Are you sure? What are you so sad about?> She paused for a moment, frowning in frustration as she attempted to sign the next bit out but halted. Sammy watched, waiting for her to figure it out. <Mary says sometimes talking about the problem makes> Another stop. With a sigh, she produced a pad and paper. Mary says that sometimes talking about the problem makes a solution clear.

He wanted to be angry, but again, found no strength, even in his ocean of salt, to be so. “It’s a cute idea, but it doesn’t work so well in practice.”

Humor me. She tapped the pen against the sentence, a stern little frown puckering up her face.

Sammy blinked in surprise. Well then. It seemed like Alice had some of her bite back.

“It’s private.”

I know. But letting people past walls feels better.

“No, it doesn’t.” The reaction was instinct, like taking a hand away from an accidentally touched hot object.

Yes it does. She was tapping her foot now.

“How would you know?” he snapped, finally finding that ire he’d been trying to tap into and immediately regretting it as she leveled him with a glare that put his to shame.

Because it’s not like I didn’t suffer too, you know, and I see what bottling it up does to people. Bendy doesn’t like to talk any more than you do.

He winced. “… I’m sorry.” Just a few minutes ago he’d admired her selflessness and then he tried to step all over it. Why must he be a jerk at every available opportunity when he wasn’t being a sad, wet blanket?

It wasn’t like he wanted to not enjoy life. It just didn’t feel very possible at times. A lot of the time. The longer the days dragged on, the further away that feeling of light and joy from the first few moments of freedom felt. It was like he’d learned to fly for all of a day and now had cinderblocks on his feet.

I know you’re hurting. I won’t tell anyone anything you tell me. Tell. Hah. She couldn’t speak. There was an ironic joke in there somewhere-

Was… was that a bitter little smile touching the corners of her mouth? She saw it too, and…

His heart twisted. Alice didn’t deserve to feel that kind of poison in her. Bitterness was his weapon for so much of his life, that much he remembered, and he also remembered it leaving him pretty incapable of actually talking to people, shutting them out at most opportunities.

Such was the nature of walls.

That sudden thought gave him pause. Yeah. Such was the nature of walls. Did… he really want to spend the rest of his life, however long that might be, using that defense mechanism as his weapon? Keeping everyone out? He lost thirty years because Joey had a goddamn god complex. How much more time could he afford to lose?

… Did he want to look back, another thirty years from now on his deathbed, all alone, with only himself to blame for it?

“… You promise, don’t you?” It felt like such a childish thing to say, but there was no way he wanted any of this to get back to… anyone else, if he were being honest.

She nodded, her face relaxing into hope so strong it made him ache. Well, there was no backing out now.

“I hate this.” Very specific, Sammy. “I hate how… empty everything feels. I remember that day we finally left the studio and it was so- magical- it was like- like walking on air! And now…”

He gestured furiously to his reflection, scowling at it. “Now this! Look at this! I’m no more in control of anything inside or outside of me now than I was then! The things he did are still there! I remember anytime I look at myself! I hate looking at myself! I’m- old! Empty! I’m-”

Broken. Sad. Afraid.

A sudden weight at his waist nearly knocked the wind out of him and he looked down, raising his arms to find Alice clinging to his midsection. He forgot how much strength the toons could have in those noodle arms depending on their emotions- wait was she crying!?

… Had he said that aloud?

Shit.

Sammy hugged her, feeling panic build rapidly in his chest. Shit shit shit. She’s crying what does he do!?

“I’m sorry I- did I say that out loud? I didn’t mean- I didn’t mean to upset you Alice dear, please don’t- please don’t cry?”

Yeah, this right here was why he was pretty sure he’d never planned on kids.

She nodded into him. Okay, so that answered his earlier question with painful clarity. Shit. Again.

Why couldn’t he be half as eloquent with words as he was with music?

“I’m sorry, little angel. I shouldn’t-” He broke off as she let go of him, scribbling on her writing pad.

No, I’m glad you told me. You needed to get that out.

“What good did it do anyone?” All it did was make Alice upset and make Sammy feel gross for dumping his stupid, upsetting thoughts on a girl already facing her own problems.

Well now that I know what hurts, I have words.

“… All right.” God knew he didn’t have a right to stop her now that they’d both just opened this festering wound. He may as well allow her to continue.

You feel helpless and scared, and you’re frustrated that things don’t feel as good as they did at first when we all got out. You’re afraid it won’t ever feel that good again, and you hate being reminded of all the bad things that happened. Everything hurts all the time and you don’t know when it’ll stop.

Yeah, that was an accurate summary. He swallowed. She tugged on him and he leaned down, stiffening in surprise when she touched his bald head.

After giving it a pat, she went on. But it will. It’ll stop. Things will get better. It’ll be slow, like something growing, but it’ll come.

“Something growing…?”

Think of it like flowers. They don’t bloom in a day. They grow slowly. Progress is measured in inches. Each day is another inch.

The tiniest smile quirked the corners of his mouth. “… Like hair?”

She smiled. Like hair.

He straightened and looked at himself in the mirror before turning back to her.

“Thank you.”

You’re welcome.

“Let’s go; the bathroom is starting to feel cramped with us just… loitering in it. I can… show you the music I was working on? Maybe you could help, if you want? I’m a little stuck. Could use a second opinion.” She beamed, flouncing out of the bathroom with a happy little hop. Sammy glanced back at the mirror.

Maybe it really would get better. Eventually. With people who cared about him, even when he dragged his heels and said stupid things.

Days would pass. He’d been through worse. The knots would loosen. The sun would put some color back into his skin. Working at Mary’s bakery might maybe improve his social skills. He’d make music. Relearn the needed muscle memory to play instruments. He’d put on weight and get used to eating and sleeping on a normal basis again. The walls might lower. His relapses would get fewer and further inbetween. His hair would grow.

He turned and left the bathroom.

I figured he probably forgets to eat and sleep since the ink and its magic basically rendered him capable of living without either.

Next on “I forgot a key element of the au” if I can figure out how to stitch the scenes together: Sammy is the only adult human at home, faced with three distressed toons at two in the morning, and isn’t good with words, what do.

[a-inky-wolf]

Inco's past....

(An Interview with Lusty and Inco)

Reader: *sits down in a chair and set recorder on the coffee table* *inner thoughts* Okay everything is set up, time to find out how Inco was created....You can come in now!

*Lusty slowly walks in and sits on the velet couch facing you*

Lusty: H-Hello

Reader: Hello Lusty, *starts recorder* All I want to know is, what made Inco who he is now?

*Lusty gulps hard then lets out a deep sigh*

Lusty: Well, From what he's told me, his first time here on earth...Wasn't the best first impression....

So....His Joey and Henry were making new toons for their Bendy, who was lonely at the time, so they made an Boris and Alice for him. When they were making him into a real toon, something went wrong...From what he heard, someone accedentily put both designs into the pentagram and out from the Ink Machine Inco flew out and slamed head-first into a wall, talk about being a toon from birth. He looked up to see a pentagram and freaked out, crawling along the floor until he was crudely picked up by his Joey, the first he remembered was the look of disgust on his Joey's face

*Inco walks in with a tray, a teapot some teabags, a milk jug, a sugar pot, a spoon and three cups sat on the tray. He placed them on the table and sat next to Lusty*

Inco: Well while we're here, I thought that I would make us some tea, do you want milk?

*He asked you as he filled a up with a cup with hot water and drops in a teabag, he stirs the water until it turns golden brown, squezzes the teabag into the cups and places in on the tray*

*You take the cup into your hands, carefull of the hot water*

Sure, thanks Inco...I was just asking your friend here about your past, may we can see from your ponit of view? If your okay with talking about it, of course

*He rubbed his arm, ears flat against his head, looking away. Lusty placed a hand on Inco's shoulder, a worried look on his face. Exhaling a deep breath, Inco took Lusty's hand in his hands, smiling softly*

Inco: It's about time I told someone what happened to me....

*Inco breathed in deeply then he let out a large breath*

Inco: Well, I continue from where Lusty felt off, Well, When Joey picked me he actually made a scoffing sound.

*Inco makes a large ball of fire and sets in down on the table, you look into it, it shows two men, one holding Inco by the scruff of his neck and the other who's arms are wrapped around his waist*

Voices from inside the fire ball: This is what I get?! Look at him, what a waste of Ink and my time" "Joey! Be nice! She was just born for god sake!" "I don't care! I wasted time on this mistake!

*He pulled the pup close to his face, scowling*

You're a MISTAKE! A ACCIDENT! YOU'RE NOTHING TO ME! I DON'T NEED YOU!

*He tossed the pup away, the pup's little body slamming against the wall, Henry ran over to the pup's body, small whimpers coming from the pup*

Shh~ It's okay, I'm here....Hmm, An angelic wolf, this could work, it's a nice twist

Inco: As you can see, the first moments of my life were....Overwhelming, to say the least.... *coughs slightly*

*You take a sip of tea, a worried look on your face as you watch the fire show another scene*

Inco: This was me at toddler age, meeting my Bendy for the first time, I have to admit, He was gorgeous when I first saw him.

*You smile softly as you stare into the fire ball, a smaller Inco trots behind Henry as they approach a demon sitting in a lounge chair, he puts a book down and smiles at the wolf pup who looks up at him, eyes wide and blushing*

Henry: Bendy, A little wolf would like to meet you, say hello to Inco! Your angelic wolf!

*Bendy picks up the pup and rests the pup in his lap, he takes the pup's little hand and plants a small kiss*

Bendy: Hello sweetie~ So, you're gonna be my enemy, I'd rather be your friend"

*The pup blushes and giggles, holding onto Bendy's hand. Henry smiles softly as Bendy plays with Inco, he turns to face Joey, who is scowling at Inco*

*Inco's smile turned bittersweet*

Inco: One of the rare happiest moments of my life....

*You shrink back at the next image that is shown, It's a dark room, lit only by candles, Joey is yelling and beating the now older Inco, who is crying out for help. Henry and Bendy bust the locked door down, Henry wrestles with Joey while Bendy tries to grab Inco, But Joey grabs Inco and holds a knife to his throat, Inco grabs onto Joey's arms, eyes filled with fear*

*You hide behind the cup, fearing for Inco's life*

Bendy: Joey! Don't do this! Don't kill her! Please!

Joey: What's the point in keeping this MISTAKE!? It does nothing but remind me of what I could have had!

*He drops Inco, who quickly crawls over to Bendy*

Bendy: Shh~ It's okay, It's okay...Shh~

*You breath a sigh of relief, You slowly take a sip of tea, you notice Inco tearing up slightly*

Reader: Hey, we can stop if you can't handle this....

Inco: No, it's okay, it's okay....We're coming up to the first time I fell in love

*You look as a new toon is walking around a garden*

*Inco is picking flowers and is making a flower crown when he looks to the new toon, leaning on a wall*

???: Hello~ Who let this angel outta Heaven?~

*Inco looked up and blushed*

*You smiled as you see a bunch of images of Inco and the toon playing together, becoming closer and having their first date*

Inco: This is Cada, he was a demon....My demon~ I fell hard for him, he was sweet, loving and kind, our first kiss was like kissing a cloud, I was on Cloud Nine~ It was Heaven...but sadly, Five years later, everything came crashing down

It was late, about 9:30 at night, I was hurriedly looking for Cada, who had been missing for three days. I walked into the Ink machine room and froze, Joey stood above Cada's dead body, a ink-covered knife in his hand, he laughed insanely as he turned to me. Something broke inside me, I got down on my hands and bolted towards Joey, claws and teeth rushing at him, I tore him to pieces.

Reader: Oh my god, what happened next?

*Lusty held Inco's hand, tears formed in his eyes*

Reader: Do you need a break? I don't mind

Inco: No, no It's okay...

*He wipes his eyes and sighs loudly*

Inco: I snapped out of my anger and scrabbled over to Cada's body, I checked for a pulse, none, a heartbeat, none....He was dead, I howled in pain as I felt my heart break, then I had a idea, Using Joey's blood, I made a pentagram and I made a portal to Hell itself, I cradled Cada's body in my arms as I walked through hell, I saw thing beyond your worst nightmares, I finally reached the Devil himself, he leaned over me, a amused look on his face.

The Devil: Now~ What is an angel doing in hell?~

Inco: I want you to bring Cada back! Please....Bring him back!...I need him back

!

The Devil: Are you making a deal with me?

Inco: YES, I AM!

The Devil: Calm down, sweet heart~

*He held out his hand to Inco*

Inco: If I give you my soul, will you bring Cada back?

The Devil: Yes, I will

*Inco took The Devil's hand and shook it, he felt his soul fly out of his body and into The Devil's hand, taking the form of a ball of fire*

Inco: He slowly rose from the ground, At first he had no idea where he was, he staggter towards me. I held onto him, crying tears of joy but that slowly faded as he turned away from me and walked over to The Devil

Inco: He sat on The Devil's lap, laughing at me. I just stared at him....

*You look inside the fire ball*

Inco: Wha...Cada? Why?! I thought you loved me.....

Cada: Oh, poor little angel~ Did you think I ever loved you? I love this big guy right here, not some angel, Sorry sweetie~

Inco: But...I gave up my soul for you! I love you, Cada!

Cada: Aww~ Welp, Devil sweetie?

The Devil: Yes, My little demon?~

Cada: Can I eat her soul? I'm so hungry

The Devil: Of course you can~

*You watch as the demon grabbed the soul and put it in his mouth*

*Inco fell to his knees, crying as his soul was eaten infront of him*

Inco: So what now? I just stay here so I can be tormented by seeing you two together forever?

The Devil: No, I'm sending you back up, See you, sweetheart

Inco: And with that, I was sent back up, without a soul, I passed out. Henry then walked in. He ran over to me and held me in his arms, wrapping me in a blanket, he ran out of the studio and headed for here, The Devil's den.

Reader: So then, Lusty, can we hear your side of the story?

*Lusty held onto Inco's hand, handing him a tissue*

Lusty: Well...Me and her creator didn't have a good relationship, I was okay with Henry but Joey...I wanted to kill him.

Lusty: It was storming outside, Feather and Nimbus were upstairs, Crimson, Tiamo and I were downstairs making dinner when I heard frantic knocking on the front door. I walked over to it, opened it and there he was, drenched in rain, a bundle of cloth in his arms.

*You look into the fire, feeling sad and worried for Inco's life*

Lusty: Henry? What's wrong? Wait....Is that?.....What happened to Inco?!

Henry: Inco's....Not breathing! I....I think he's dead! Help me....Please...

Lusty: *sighs*

Okay, Come in, we'll try our best....Crimson, Tiamo...It's Inco

*The two other demons looked shocked and scared, one walked up to Lusty and Henry*

Tiamo: Can I see Inco for a second?

Henry: O-Of course...

*He lays the bundle down, wrapping the blanket shows Inco, still, covered in blood*

*Tiamo places two fingers on Inco's neck...No pulse, he puts his head to Inco's chest....No heartbeat*

Tiamo: Something's not right.....

*His hands light up with a dark red glow, he places a hand on Inco's chest....He frowns*

Henry: W....What's wrong?

*Tiamo gets up, he crosses his arms still frowning, Lusty kneels next to Inco, placing a hand on Inco head*

Tiamo: He has no soul...What happened?

Henry: I don't know...I found him like this...Next to Joey's dead body...

*Tiamo paced back and forth before looking to Lusty, who reals back*

Lusty: He...Sold his soul to The devil to bring back his true love but, his love betrayed him, choosing the devil instead of him, I know what to do.

*He went to the kitchen, opening a drawer he took out a large knife. Henry picked Inco up and followed Lusty, He walked into another room, it was large like a theatre, the floor was jet black and sparkling. He stood in the middle of the room, Gritting his teeth he cut his arm. He then drew a pentagram in the middle of the floor, adding some symbols into it*

*Herny looked slightly*

Henry: What do those symbols mean?

Lusty: Their Lust demon symbols, it's to call our version of the devil

*Lusty walked over to Henry and gently took Inco's body into his arms, he stood infront of the glowing pentagram. A larger demon rose from it. Lusty got on his knees, bowing his head in respect*

*The demon walked toward Lusty, knelling infront of him. A sombre look on his face as he tilted Lusty's head up*

Lust Devil: What has happened to this angel?

Lusty: He...He sold his soul to bring his lover back but sadly. He was betrayed....Now, he's soulless

Lust Devil: Poor thing~ I was talking to my brother, the true devil, and he told me that the soul his new pet ate wasn't his soul, he gave me a small shard of it...Here, take it

*The demon held out his hand, a petal-like object floated in his hand, Lusty took it and pressed it into Inco's chest*

Lust Devil: I wish I could do more...Can I make a deal with you?

Lusty: Is there a catch to it?

Lust Devil: A slight one... A piece of Inco's soul will come back, when he has a good relationship weather it was romantic or platonic. If he find a new love, his soul will fully returned.

*Inco slowly woke up, feeling weak he leaned against Lusty*

Inco: L-Lusty, where am I? And who is this?

*You look up from the ball, Inco was resting in Lusty's lap, softly crying while Lusty strokes his head*

Reader: Is he okay, we can stop if we need to...

*Inco shakes his head, still crying*

Lusty: Don't push yourself sweetie~ Let me tell the rest of the tale...

Lusty: So, when I explained what was happening and what Henry had told me, I held him up and my version of the devil retold him the deal, telling him he only had a shard of his soul.

He was told that his soul was broken up in 100 pieces. 99 were left, Inco, me and the other had a sibling -like relationship, so one shard equals five people in total.

Inco shook his hand, the glow lost from his eyes. My devil looked him in the eyes, tilting his head up and holding his hand.

Lust Devil: Look at me sweetie~ Just because you're a demon, doesn't mean you're a monster~ You're like Lusty, you can have as many lovers as you want. And you can fall in love over and over again~ It's a demon's dream! But I will give you one angelic thing that you may have lost, Your wings right?

Lusty: He nodded, hugging his arms. My devil waved a hand over his back. A large pair of charcoal wings formed on his back.

He smiled softly. Feeling a little better about himself.

*Inco sat up and stretched his wings slightly, the wings looked a little torn but mostly intact*

*You smile softly, wanting to hug the poor thing sitting infront of you*

Lusty: When my devil left, Henry hugged Inco tight, He was so happy to have he's wolf back. He asked Inco to come home with him. But Inco said no, he asked why and Inco said, "I'm a demon now, not an angel. I belong with demons now...And besides, I don't think a Lust demon in your home would be a good idea"

Reader: So, that's happened? How are things now?

Inco: Things are better now, I've gotten used to the fact that I'm a demon who feeds off of a living being's Lust and desires. I haven't found a lover yet but I can wait forever for that to happen.

Lusty: Well, me and the rest of Devil's crew are like one big family, well kinda...But that's for another time *laughs*

Reader: So, you now live here?

Inco: Yeah, but it's way better than my birthplace, Crimson and Tiamo packed up the rest of my stuff and brought it here so I could feel more at home. I feel safe here.... It actually feels like a home and some studio that I was born into....I get nightmares about my past, sometimes I get flashbacks and they cause me to...Let's just say..."Lose the plot"

*He laughs nervously, rubbing his arm while Lusty hugs him from behind*

*You stop the recording tape*

Reader: Thank you for your time, I won't ask you anymore

*You leave the underground club that leads out to a alleyway*

*You go home to think about what you have learned*

If you want to see where this was originally posted

http://silverfangil36.deviantart.com/

[queenofcats17]

Okay the last prompt was SO amazing! I loved the parts with Sammy, Wally, and Murray! Do you think you could try writing Murray attempting to gain their trust? Maybe he feels guilty so he tries to help out a bit around the village to make up for the stuff in the past? While Henry tries to get into the safe-house to corrupt Annette, but Bendy and Boris happened to be there at the time and they try to talk some sense into him? Sorry if this idea isn’t very good. You don’t have to write it! 😅

Sorry this took so long.

None of the Lost Ones were happy to have Murray in their village, but neither Sammy nor Wally could in good faith allow Murray to just go back to Joey. They knew what would happen if they turned him away. He would become like them, another voice in the cacophony of the ink. So they, begrudgingly, allowed him to stay. No one was outright cruel to him, but there was an icy sort of politeness in the way they spoke to him. Murray’s guilt over the entire affair, already weighing heavily on him, increased tenfold. So he decided he would do his very best to make himself as useful as possible. He offered multiple times to go out on food runs with Wally or Sammy.

“Are you kidding?” Wally snorted when Murray asked to come with him and Sammy. “You’d get yourself killed!”

“Harsh as that was, he’s right.” Sammy agreed. “Joey’s Searchers would attack you on sight and I’m fairly certain you lack the combat capabilities to fight them off. It’s safer for all of us if you stay here.”

“But I want to help,” Murray said weakly.

“Why dontcha hand out today’s rations then?” Wally suggested. “Everyone’s probably pretty hungry.”

“You know where we keep the soup, right?” Sammy asked, slinging a bag over his shoulder. Murray nodded dejectedly, watching as the two men disappeared into a puddle. Well, it looked like he was on food duty. He headed to the shack where they stored the soup, taking it out and dishing it into little bowls. There weren’t a lot of bowls, but the Lost Ones liked eating out of them. It made them feel more human. The Searchers tended to just eat the bacon soup cans and all.

The Lost Ones and Searchers began to appear in the communal area, all of them sensing it was about time to eat. It was borderline impossible to tell time in the studio, but they always ate at about the same point every day, so their bodies told the time for them. They were surprised to see Murray with the food, but they took it anyway. It wasn’t like he could do anything to them here. They each murmured thanks to him as he gave them their food. 

“You’re welcome.” He allowed himself a small smile, his heart warmed as he watched them eat. They’d lost their forms, their humanity, and yet they kept going. They’d found a family down here, taking comfort in each other’s presence. They found joy in one another. 

“If there’s anything you need help with, please tell me,” Murray said once they were all done as he collected the bowls. 

“You really want to help?” Jack asked, gazing incredulously up at Murray. He was the de-facto leader of the group when Sammy and Wally were gone.

“I do.” Murray said. “I really do.”

“Well…Alright.” Jack nodded slowly. “We need some help fixing the holes in the roofs of the shacks. I hope you’re good with a hammer.”

“I can learn.”

Jack let out a short barking laugh, a grin spreading across his face. “Well, alright. Let’s see if we can put you to work.” 

“Should I go get the tools?” A Lost One asked. Jack nodded and they departed to track down the toolbox. Some of the Searchers who were regaining their identities liked to play pranks on the others, usually by hiding objects. 

“It might be dangerous for you to get up on the roof.” A Lost One pointed out. “We don’t have bones or internal organs, so we won’t be hurt if we fall. You will.”

“I’ll be careful,” Murray said. He was a little nervous to get up on the roof, but he really did want to help. And this was what they needed help with right now. 

“If you’re sure…” The Lost One seemed to frown, beginning to wring their hands. 

When Wally and Sammy returned, Murray was helping some of the Lost Ones patch up the holes in the shack roofs. The Lost Ones were gathered around the shack, prepared to catch the frail human if he fell. The other Lost Ones on the roof with him were watching him worriedly, panicking whenever he nearly slipped. Wally looked up at this scene and grinned. 

“Will you look at that?” He laughed. “Looks like he’s starting to get along with everyone.” Sammy let out a small sigh of relief. He’d been a little worried about what would happen when they left Murray alone. But everything was alright. His flock even seemed to be worried about the scientist. 

“Yes, I suppose he is.” He smiled. Maybe things would be alright in regards to Murray. Perhaps they could even find a way to reverse what had been done to them with Murray’s help. Sammy felt a warmth in his chest at the idea. Things were going to be alright. 

But not everything was alright everywhere in the studio. Now that Joey was sure Henry would do as he asked, he was determined to finally get rid of Annette once and for all. She was a thorn in his side and he wanted her gone. Henry was sent on his way to the safehouse where he knew Boris and Bendy were protecting Annette.

“Now, don’t cry, Henry.” Joey whispered as Henry approached the safehouse door. “You have nothing to be sad about. She’s going to be a part of our family!” Henry just whimpered quietly, raising his hand and knocking on the door. There was the sound of movement from inside before Boris opened the door. 

“Hello?” He looked around for a moment or two, before finally looking down and seeing Henry. His face fell. 

“Oh.” 

“Bo? Who is it?” Bendy’s voice came from further in.

“Take Annette to the bedroom and shut the door,” Boris said, his voice calm and even, but betraying an underlying sense of panic. Bendy didn’t answer. Henry could hear movement further in, followed by the sound of a door shutting. A moment or two later, Bendy appeared behind Boris. 

“Henry?” Bendy’s eyes widened. Henry perked up at seeing Bendy, immediately moving to hug him. But Joey’s voice stopped him in his tracks. 

“Push them aside and find the girl,” Joey said. “You can dote on dear Bendy later. You have a job to do.” Henry whimpered, drawing back. Bendy, however, had no such qualms. He threw himself onto Henry, starting to sob. 

“I missed you!” He whimpered. “I missed you so much!” He started to cry inky tears onto Henry’s shoulder. 

“Ben…dy…” Henry’s arms lifted to wrap around Bendy.

“Yes. This is very cute.” Joey said testily. “But the girl. We need to get to the girl.” Henry instinctively held Bendy tighter, trying to block out Joey’s voice. 

“H̀͠e͡n͝r̨ỳ̵.” Joey’s voice held a warning now. 

“You don’t have to listen to him, Henry.” Boris’ voice was soft. “We’ll find a way to fix this. We will.” Bendy had moved on to apologizing now, sobbing into Henry’s shoulder. 

In Henry’s mind, Joey let out a huff. 

“I can tell we’re not going to get anywhere with this.” He sighed in irritation. “Come back to me. We’ll try again later.” Henry’s body moved of its own accord, drawing away from Bendy. Bendy fell to the floor, Boris kneeling beside him to support his friend. 

“So…rry…” Henry managed to get out before he was pulled away by Joey’s will. Bendy’s lower lip quivered.

“We’ll fix this,” Boris reassured Bendy as the little demon burst into tears once more. He hated seeing Bendy like this. He hated how miserable everyone was. There had to be a way to fix this. But how?