FEARED [II AU]

[19] | Carved Smile

Paintbrush's eyes narrowed as they headed back to their room. They snatched the keys to the Art Room, their face turning into a scowl. Their eyes spoke otherwise, filled with concern. It was a rush of emotions, like pouring into a bowl and causing a stir of things. They were admittedly overwhelmed with the circumstances, Lightbulb locked herself with the pills she took. She was also planning on getting rid of them herself, but all they hoped was that she didn't mean by overdosing herself.

They ran downstairs with the keys in their hand, "Lightbulb, I'm going to come inside. Please, don't run away." Paintbrush muttered, unlocking the door and turning the doorknob. They opened the door slowly, but something stopped them from moving it any further, "Lightbulb?"

It was silent in the room, their heart started racing, "Lightbulb?" Paintbrush peeked inside of the room with their eye, seeing her staring at the pill capsules, "Lightbulb, let me in." Their voice became softer. They could see Lightbulb glancing at the door, but remained seated. She didn't seem to bother opening the door, almost like she didn't want to admit anything to them. The smile that was once there was gone, now replaced with a pair of eyes that stared deeply into their soul, eyes that were filled with melancholy.

"Lightbulb." Paintbrush whispered, reaching their hand out, "Please, let me in."

She gazed at them, "I'm staying here for the night." Lightbulb murmured, "Just– leave me alone for now."

Paintbrush stared at her. They sighed to themselves, nodding slowly in understanding. They pulled their arm away from the room, "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then." They mumbled, "Want me to bring you anything?"

Lightbulb's gaze flickered off to the side, her expression softening, "I'd like a blanket and pillow, please." She answered lowly, "And bring my cat plushie."

Paintbrush nodded, giving her a weak smile before heading to the room again. They hung up their keys and gathered her wantings. The star blanket with sherpa fabric, the white pillow she always slept on, and the orange cat plushie. Paintbrush didn't know how to deal with Lightbulb's mental state, but since she wanted to be alone, they allowed it. It would be worse if they chose to push in, she would've made her choice by now. The choice of life or death.

They went on the elevator this time, their heart still beating from the recent exertion. Their body remained tense throughout the ride. They felt that at any moment, Lightbulb would make her choice. Paintbrush knew she was hesitating to decide, decisions are always typically made to be difficult. Especially in a situation like this.

The elevator landed, the door opening slowly. Paintbrush walked out with the comforting items in their arms, gently setting it down in front of the Art Room door, "Your stuff's here." They murmured, peeking into the room again, "Enjoy your night." They could see Lightbulb walking towards the door, her hands fidgeting with her fingers. She removed the broom against the door.

"Don't come in." She mumbled, opening the door hesitantly. Lightbulb snatched up the items from the ground, taking it inside. She glanced at Paintbrush for a moment, "Thank you, Painty."

The door closed once again. Paintbrush smiled to themselves, walking away from the door. They truly cared for her.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Lightbulb took the items, looking around for a place to sleep in. The carpet floor was already comfortable enough, but she didn't want her back to be stiffened. The least she wanted was to feel uncomfortable. There were chairs around the room, but all of them were wooden chairs, none cushioned. She frowned, continuing to look around. Her eyes spotted several bean bags hidden away from the curtains.