What's It Like Outside? [An II Fanfiction]

Chapter 20: A Hard Pill to Swallow

Trigger Warnings: mentions of kidnapping, uh finding out someone you know did something terrible ig? (idk how to word that in a general sense lol), a shit ton of angst near the end idk

WITH OST

Fan woke up with a jolt, letting out a loud yelp which woke up Paintbrush as well.

The art supply lifted up their sleep mask, looking over at their partner. "Wh- Fan? What happened...?" They asked drowsily.

Fan exhaled and laid back down. "My bad I had a nightmare"

Paintbrush gave a small hum in response. "...Where's Lightbulb?"

Fan looked to his side, realizing that she wasn't there. "I... I don't know.."

Paintbrush sat up, glancing around the room. "Lightbulb? You in here?" They waited a few moments but got no response. They turned on the lamp on their nightstand, the light hurting their eyes a bit. They couldn't see any trace of Lightbulb anywhere.

Fan sat up as well, leaning against Paintbrush's arm. "It's 1 AM where did she go"

Paintbrush shrugged, thinking for a moment. "...Wait a fuckin minute- she left her crutches in her room!"

Fan blinked. "..Oh-!"

Paintbrush got up, walking out of the room. "Hold on I'll be right back." They walked across the hall to Lightbulb and Test Tube's room, knocking on the door. They waited for a few moments, anxiously tapping their foot against the ground. They got no response, and hesitantly decided to try the door handle. They opened it, realizing it was unlocked, and peered inside. Nobody was in the room, but Lightbulb's crutches were haphazardly laying on the floor. Paintbrush's heart sank a little. They gripped the doorhandle tighter, hitting their fist against their forehead. "..no no not again.."

They closed the door, flapping their hands around and trying to calm their mind. 'Nonono it's probably fine, I'll just... I'll just call them, and see if they're okay, yeah..'

They went back into  their room, sitting back down next to Fan. "Test Tube wasn't in there, but Lightbulb's crutches were just on the floor" They explained, grabbing their phone from their bedside table.

Fan scratched the back of his head nervously. "Oh, that's... weird... Y-you think they're okay..?"

Paintbrush shrugged, calling Lightbulb and waiting for her to pick up. A few uncomfortably long moments later, it went to voicemail. Paintbrush decided to go ahead and leave one just in case. They cleared their throat, trying not to sound worried. "Hey, Lighty, uh.. It's 1 in the morning, where on earth did you go.?" "Don't worry us like this- how are are you even walking??" Fan chimed in. "oookay-" Paintbrush hung up, calling Test Tube next.

After a few moments, she actually answered. Paintbrush let out a quick sigh of relief and put it on speaker.

"Hey Painty, what's up?"

"Test Tube! Hi, uh-"

"Hiya Test Tube!!"

"Hi Fan. You guys need something?"

"Well no but- where are you? It's like 1:30 almost"

"Oh golly- is it?? Huh, guess I was too busy with my work I.. lost track of time? Thanks, I should probably head back."

"...Are you in the lab..?"

"Yeah"

"......Okay- uh-"

"Where's Lightbulb?? I miss her"

"..Oh- is.. is she not there..?"

"No, we were wondering if you'd seen her"