I Care {Darkiplier}

(Chapter 31)

After a while of texting, and making some plans to pack and go get some proper food, you find yourself finally padding through the entryway to the kitchen, and into the living room, where your friend was busying themselves with zipping up and rolling up the sleeping bags, much opposite to when you found them after your very first escapade upstairs.

You will admit, for a few seconds before you announced your presence, you let yourself take another moment to compose yourself. Yes, the conversation you both shared helped pull your mind off things, and thus helped you calm some but...as long as you were in the cursed place..it would not be something that would not fully go away.
You let a small smile tug at you despite this, however, finding yourself appreciating their effort to pack away everything before finally speaking, voice loud enough for them to hear you, but not enough to spook them.
"I have returned." You start off, trying to be somewhat lighthearted regardless of the tension that still somewhat plagued you.
This prompted them to look over their shoulder, and exchange a smile in return, as they replied, "Welcome back." They greet, before turning their head back down to whatever they were planning on working on next.
You make a quiet, but audible hum as you approach nearer, moving to settle yourself beside them, with the intent of helping. You make sure to place your flashlight that you brought with you, by the luggage bag that laid out open for them.
As you eye what work is left to do, your friend continues to speak, giving you the rundown.
"I'm almost done here, but I just need you to drop off those old documents from the study real quick? I would have done it before but I thought I should at least get a head start on here." They try to rapidly explain their reasoning after their request, looking somewhat sheepish as they avert their gaze, to others looking like they were doing a double check, but to you, a way to not see your reaction.
The favor makes you freeze for a moment...having to return there..again? Your stomach twisted slightly at yet another reminder, but, wanting to appease your friend, you accept. Despite the discomfort that began to make itself known, the appreciation on your friend's face as they looked up towards you, smiling thankfully...Almost helped.

Almost

That is until they pause, making your expression in turn, change into something akin to confusion. Did they notice your discomfort?
"Hey...Are you okay?" They inquire, their smile melting into a look of slight concern. Okay- maybe so..The question makes you cringe internally. For a moment you thought you had them fooled...That is until the gesture they use as they ask this, pointing to your slight tremor, or the slight tense, stiff shoulders, you didn't know.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck-

You chose to sputter out, acting, er, well, were, practically, embarrassed. "Oh, It happens when I haven't eaten in a while, n-no worries though I can handle it still!" You rush out, making sure to interrupt any protest that they were ready to say.
They frown a bit, their stare scanning you for any hint of otherwise. They seem almost unsure but begrudgingly nod..When it came to helping people, you were stubborn.

"I...If...you think so. But, that is the only thing I want you to do, until we can get some food for you, got it?" They bargained. This brought a slight hint of a smile, warmed by their worry.
You nod instantly, hoping the worry they had lowered some, growing somewhat relieved once they smile a bit, "Good." They muttered, and with that turn back to their task, meaning it was your turn to return the favor.

Just your luck..

With your back now turned, as you moved towards the direction of where you last saw the documents, you let your expression shift slightly, growing determined to get it over with as you were nervous.
Just like a lot of things in this manor, it was just a room.

You were not gonna let another old, ancient room, cause anything...you couldn't now.
The will to make your friend glad helped stifle the fear you had, and you went with it, using it as your motivation. You walk over, shifting as you kneel down to collect the papers off the slightly less dusty furniture, where your friend occupied it. You then glance over to where you last sat, and move to grab your own stack, placing it atop the other collection of documents, before gingerly tapping them on the furniture, straightening them. Afterward, you rise, letting yourself follow the steps you took back to the study.

Exit the living room, into the dining hall, to the kitchen, towards another hallway...