Showtime Showdown (Reversed Story, BATIM + SB)

Chapt. 2 |☆| Part 8 - Lamb and Shepherd [4]

Having taken the plush trio from his pockets and bandana, Bandit was instantly hit with the sad reality that yeah, these three were stained.

"Aw, shoot; Sorry, fellas.." Bandit started, gripping the brim of his hat disappointedly.
"I got'cha all dirty."

Lawrence had seemingly taken notice of this quickly, clearing his throat.
"I have.. something to do, so we must get you to safety, Little Lamb."
"-oh!-" Bandit perked up. "Geez, nickname status already?- Alright!" He quickly hurried over.

"Ah, but- Let me see one of those, please."
"Eh?- 'kay."

Walking through the sewers, Bandit handed one of the ink-soaked dolls to his friend, watching with confusion as the other placed a hand on its face.

Where he brushed with his thumb became bright again, as if never falling in the ink in the first place.

It was this that caught his attention, eyes going wide.
"What'cha doin' there, Lawr?"
"It's a simple 'thank you' of sorts, little lamb.

You bring these dolls along with you because you view them as 'Friends', do you not?"

Bandit paused for a moment, thinking as he walked.
"...Yeah.
I mostly did it 'cuz I don't like bein' alone, but- I already kinda like 'em an' care about 'em."

Bandit fidgeted with his arm a bit.
"Kinda ridiculous, huh? I'm a grown adult, but I can't stop myself from carin' for dolls like a little kid."

Lawrence chuckled a bit. "It's not ridiculous," He reassured, offering the now-cleaned doll that Bandit carefully took.

This one.. oh right, it looked kind of like that 'Bendy'.

"Many people struggle to keep themselves sane here, you know.
I think it's quite endearing you've just gotten here," He adds, holding out his hand for the next one-
the dog-y thing that Bandit still didn't know the name of-
that Bandit passed over as they climbed the steps out of the sewers.

"And yet, you're already finding ways to cope, so you don't go crazy.
'You're never too old for toys', I say."

Bandit cracked a bit of a softer smile.
"...Y'know, I don't know much about you, Lawrence, but- I'm happy we're friends."

The prophet chuckled a bit, handing over the second doll and gently taking the third.

As they'd stepped out into the hall, Lawrence looked around- pausing to stare down the hall- before motioning for Bandit to follow before he responded.

"And I, as well, have found myself enjoying your company. Even if we've only spoken for such a short amount of time."

With the third- the lady- back in his bandana, Bandit was ready for anything.

After all, now he had a dear friend with him.

Reaching a room he hadn't been in before, one with instruments and a doodad up top on one of the balconies.

Lawrence motioned to the other, however, one with railing and a cutout of the dancing demon himself.

"Up there; I will help you up. From the back of it, you'll see a door.

Search for this recording booth--"
Lawrence motioned to the booth nearby, Bandit taking in the appearance.
"--And wait. I will come back as quickly as I can."

"You got it! And, uh," Bandit started, accepting the help up before turning to smile down to the prophet.
"Thanks again- Please be careful, 'kay? Ion'wanna lose a friend of mine an' not know it."

Lawrence nodded.
"I promise."

With that, and a tip of Bandit's hat, he hurried into the door.

He trusted Lawrence's decision. Why wouldn't he? He'd wait patiently until his friend came back.