The Brother I Never Had [an IMSCARED fluff collection]

Strange Dreams

I can't even remember as to why I gave that thing the flower to begin with.

I tried to understand it, feel it, know its suffering and problems, and tried to... sympathize with it?

And now I'll be forced to stay with it forever, unless I decide to kill the creature.

The problem is?

I don't want to.

There is something I saw in that being, something that makes it so... human? Yeah sure, it always lived in darker spaces and for some odd reason... hated the usage of commas?

But it seemed so innocent, so helpless. I wanted to try and help it a little more.

I woke up in the same bed that I did at the start of the game, surprisingly still somewhat comfy after all this time. The wardrobe was devoid of blood and the fake exit door was nowhere in sight. Although the ladder in the space beside was still visible.

What's especially odd is the lack of key underneath the table.

I feel as if... something is supposed to occur here. But what is it?

I also notice someone standing from afar. How they got here is uncertain, but the being seemed.. happy, almost? 

It resembles a white humanoid, wearing a black turtleneck and sweatpants. They had long white [and very unstable] hair, with a red flower stuck in it. What made me especially surprised was.. that face. That grin I was all too familiar with. 

The phantom of deception itself.

"I expected you to be here."

White Face had an Italian accent, which I sure do recognize.

"Ah, I remember you... wait.. how long were you standing there for?"

"Long enough."

Well that certainly isn't concerning.

"Well... why are you here? Aren't you waiting for me to grab that heart again so you can torment me for another 3 hours?"

"There's no need for that. Not anymore. You've given me the flower. Did you not?"

Ah, now I remember.

But still, why would White Face meet up with me here? Is it something the creature wanted? Maybe...

"What are you here for, exactly?"

I tilted my head in confusion.

"Words can't explain how thankful I am after you gave me that flower. You have shown me something that I haven't experienced in years. The small amount of kindness made me feel quite grateful to be alive. And I appreciate you for that."

Its smile shifted into one that seemed a bit more genuine, as if what it was saying was indeed true.

"And so.. you want me to stay with you?"

"Precisely. Forever."

Huh... maybe this might not be as bad as I thought. I could be stuck here by myself, and maybe succumb to my own insanity in the process. At the very least someone gets to accompany me while I stay in this pixelated realm until the end of time.

But yet again... I won't get to see the outside world again. I can't hang out with my friends or family. Who will be there to take care of my cat? 

And I couldn't die even if I wanted to. Because...

White Face can't let me do that.

And that means it'd be alone, and it'd continue having to feel scared, worried, cold, all those other horrid thoughts. But the thing is... I'm also scared, and I didn't even know why.

Will I even remember who I am if I did end up leaving?

...

My thought process is interrupted by something flopping onto the bed beside me. That someone was White Face, seeming to have noticed my displeasure.

"Please do not cry. It's going to be ok."

It nestles itself up against me, placing its head underneath my chin and wrapping its arms around my torso.

Why... is it like this?

Is it because of me? Or is it just trying to say something?

"Do you want to know something? You remind me of my brother."

"Wait... brother?"

Oh... I remembered that White Face mentioned having a brother. A brother who was brutally murdered by an electrical appliance. The brother it never had to have when it was a child. And even though it isn't one now, White Face never had anyone to feel safe around. Hence why it was always scared, why it was afraid of dying.

All of this makes sense now... perhaps it saw me as some kind of brother. Or maybe just a comfort person, who knows.

"Oh, buddy.."

I reach my hand up to feel its hair. It felt a little static-like, but it was somewhat soft to the touch. White Face seemed to like this, as it leaned into my hand a little more, demanding more affection.

How long has it been since it felt anything like this? Is White Face really that touch starved?

"You're very comfortable."

"Aw... thanks, fella."

White Face proceeds to nuzzle a little more, before settling its head down, its ear pressed up against my chest.

Is it... trying to listen to my heartbeat?

Either way, it stays rather silent as it slowly dozes off, heading to sleep. Not without one small message.

"I love you."

"Aw... I love you too, goober."

I kiss the top of its head, before deciding to get some rest. I don't know what White Face plans on doing when it wakes up, but I'm pretty sure things are going to be alright from here on out. A little bit rocky, but we'll manage.

Maybe I won't be able to see reality again, but at least I have a good friend. 

And that is all that matters here.