Torn (Inanimate Insanity AU)

Chapter 1: The News

It was a nice winter afternoon. The majority of the residents of Hotel OJ were all in the hotel lobby, either eating dinner prepared by Paper or chatting with their friends. Paper watched as some residents ate the food he had prepared. Balloon then spoke out to Paper, "Wow Paper, you're really good at cooking! Can you maybe teach me how you do it sometime?" Paper smiled from the compliment, "Maybe. Hey, maybe I can set up cooking classes like how Paintbrush set up art classes!"

Paper and Balloon continued to chat until Paper noticed a distressed OJ rush downstairs towards him.
"Paper! I am in need of assistance!!"
"What's wrong OJ, did we run out of towels again?"
"No, it's worst! I have to attend a family function for a month!"

Paper felt his insides drop hearing that.
"W-What! Who's going to manage the hotel then?!"
OJ took a deep breath.
"It may have to be you, Paper. You're the only one I trust with that position."
"But OJ, don't you remember what happened when I ran the complaint desk? I couldn't even handle running it for a day. How can I handle running the hotel for an entire month!"

Paper felt an anxiety attack arising. He felt like he was going to drop dead on the spot. OJ put his hand on Paper's shoulder, gently rubbing it.
"Hey, don't be so harsh on yourself. Would you like to talk about it more in our room?"
Paper slowly nodded his head and then followed OJ to their shared room.

OJ sat Paper on his bed as he sat next to him, caressing his side.
"It'll be ok, Paper. You'll do fine. Just be sure to take your anxiety medications, ok? The last I'd want is for you to have multiple meltdowns while I'm gone."
Paper nodded once more as he snuggled against OJ, feeling his comfortable warmth.

"I'm going to miss you, OJ."
"I'm going to miss you too, Paper."

OJ yawned as it's getting late.
"How about we go to bed. We can cuddle if you'd like, Paper."
Paper smiled big as he looked into OJ's eyes.
"I would love to."

OJ and Paper then prepared for bed, Paper getting his weighted blanket and OJ wearing his cork so that his Orange Juice doesn't leak onto the bed. OJ turns off the lights and gets right next to Paper as they cuddled until they both eventually fell asleep.