Y/n still held Original close, his small form nestled comfortably in their arms as they chatted. It felt... oddly reassuring, even though they were still reeling from everything.
"I'm really glad you're here." He said, glancing up with his big, trusting eyes. "It gets so busy here with all of us... I bet you'll make everything feel much nicer."
They smiled, relaxing a little. "Thanks. That's... actually really nice to hear."
Their small moment of peace was interrupted by the sound of steady, heavier footsteps coming down the stairs.
They looked up as a new Wally entered the room, this one with a steely clinical expression and an air of authority. His scrutinizing gaze swept over them, appraising them with his arms crossed over his chest.
He had a more composed demeanor than the others, wearing a frown as if he were already anticipating some problem he'd need to handle.
Hunter Wally raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Y/n's slight flinch at the new addition.
"Y/n, meet Rainbow." He introduced. "You'll probably see him coming and going, as he has his own... work and schedule."
"Uh-huh." They nodded slowly.
To expand on his words some more Hunter stared at them seriously. "Important to remember, none of these alternate puppets are allowed to leave the house. Only me, and him. I need to keep them in one place."
Y/n let their gaze fall back on Original not seeing why someone like him should be trapped here. "So they are all on house arrest... isn't that a bit much?"
"They will complain for sure, but it will severely interfere with my own work to have them running loose or getting lost in another world yet again. Especially when I'm temporarily gone, you need to keep a close watch on them."
"Yes, sir." They said, unable to hide the sarcasm.
There fell a silence, filled with background noise from the other puppets.
Original got a bit antsy and started flailing his little body so Y/n carefully put him down leaving them to focus back on Rainbow.
They might as well try to get along.
He folded his arms, looking them up and down with a scrutinizing gaze. "You're the new caretaker, then," he stated, his tone direct and a bit curt.
"Uh, yes." Y/n stammered, feeling like they were being assessed for every flaw. "Nice to meet you."
"Hmm." Rainbow hummed, a little dismissively, but then gave a slight nod. "Hunter's told me about his plans for you. I was the one to keep things smooth when he's away. Now that will be your task, don't underestimate it."
There was a subtle weight to his words that hinted at a sense of duty—maybe even responsibility—that the others lacked.
"And what do I do when one of them breaks out of here... do I have to chase them? I'm not a good runner." Y/n questioned, imagining the scene in their head.
"Home keeps them inside, the house controls when doors can open or not. The windows aren't breakable either so you should be good." Hunter replied as he pointed at the house they were in.
Y/n felt an odd chill at his words as the floorboards creaked and doors clattered open and shut to confirm the statement. No one beside them seemed to be fazed by it.
"Right, the house is alive. I'm living in a sentient house... just the cherry on top."
"No need to sound so offended, it has feelings too."
Before Hunter could yap some more Y/n quickly excused themselves.
It was overwhelming, exhausting. All they wanted was to find a bed and shut their eyes for a moment, maybe even pretend this was all a fever dream that would disappear when they woke up.
They had scurried off upstairs looking for their room, assuming they had a room of their own here at least.
One puppet had followed them, carrying their luggage as courtesy as he showed them the hallways that seemed to stretch out to reveal more and more rooms.
"This one is empty, and next to mine. You should take it."
Reboot smiled, as he nudged them into one of the rooms, inviting himself in aswell. Y/n blinked at him, not sure whether they should tell him to leave or just accept his company.
He was charming, there was no denying that, but they were wary. His smile had a way of feeling like he knew exactly what they were thinking, and he seemed to be enjoying every second of watching them try to process this bizarre situation.
"So, uh, settling in alright? You weren't looking so well earlier." Reboot asked, though his tone suggested he was asking more out of amusement than concern.
Y/n let out a small huff. "As much as anyone could, I guess. This wasn't exactly what I expected when I signed that contract."
"Oh, the fine print'll get you every time." He teased, giving a light shrug. "Hunter knows how to pull off a deal no one can resist." His gaze lingered on them, a bit too intense to be entirely casual. "But hey, you might just be the best thing that's happened to us in a while. Seems you're already a hit with... most of us."
He tilted his head, watching them with that unreadable smile.
Y/n tried to ignore the redness creeping up their face. "I... thanks, I guess?" They said, trying to keep their tone neutral. "Still figuring out what exactly I'm supposed to be doing here and how I'll handle it."
Reboot let out a light chuckle. "Oh, it's simple. All you've gotta do is survive us."
They shot him a look, not entirely sure he was joking.
"Relax." Reboot said with a wink, leaning in slightly. "Most of us are harmless. You know, except for Opposite, who'll act like you're the biggest nuisance he's ever encountered. And Priest, who'll try to reform you to his believes. But me? I'm the charming one. Easy to handle."
"Sure." Y/n mumbled, feeling more aware of his close proximity. His smirk didn't help much either, it was the kind that gave away nothing and everything all at once.
As if reading their thoughts, he reached out and gave their shoulder a playful squeeze.
"If you're ever feeling... overwhelmed, I'm here. Just one door knock away."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Y/n raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, but they couldn't hide the small smile tugging at their lips. Reboot chuckled, finally standing from the chair and heading toward the door.
He paused for a moment, looking over his shoulder. "Get some rest. You're in for quite the ride with us, but... I think you'll fit in just fine."
With one last mischievous grin, he stepped out, closing the door behind him.
