Aha! (Bendy x Reader)

Chapter 3: Messiah

You shivered and unlocked your car door, reaching over Bendy's seat to open the passenger side. The ink puddle splashed to the pavement. You repressed another shiver and slipped out of the car, locking it. Bendy, or, at least, what made up Bendy, crept across the pavement and settled into your shadow. Wrinkling your nose in disgust, you hesded up the studio's steps, making sure the ink blob himself was behind you before stepping inside and shutting the door. What little sunshine had made its way into the musty building flooded away, leaving you with an anxious chill, and Bendy slid off to a shadowed corner to reform. A jolt inside your stomach surprised and confused you as he walked down the hall without looking back. You had to admit, you didn't want to do this alone.

Well, who needs him, anyway? you thought, swallowing your anxiety.

Determination replaced your apprehension. You would take whatever you received with dignity. Reassured, you followed Bendy, rounding a few corners to find Joey Drew... with Bendy?

The ink demon leaned against the wall while talking to the lead animator.

"Yeah, I think I just saw (Y/N) walk in, I mean, sure, she's late, but she's here, right?" he drawled. "You're pretty lucky ya got her around to help out."

Neither noticed you. Joey wrung his hands and looked to the ceiling. "I know. I hope you're right about her being here, but I can't believe she's late! She's never late. I don't know what I should do, she's helpful, but being late when we need all the help we can get...?"

"Well, you can hardly blame her, with all the work she's been doing. Maybe she's burnt out. Ya can't punish her for that. Y'know how it feels and you're used to it, but she's only been working here for a few months, so she's not. Cut her some slack. It's nice havin' my messes cleaned so I can make more," Bendy grinned, but his eyes were dark when he met Drew's gaze, devoid of their usual mischievous glitter.

Joey sighed. "You're right. I know too well how it feels. You said she just walked in?"

Bendy nodded, and Joey's shoulders sagged in relief. "Good. I'll greet her. Speaking of which, where were you early this morning?"

You stiffened while peering at the duo, knowing Bendy was smart enough not to say anything, but...

"Keepin' outta sight. Y'know I don't like being out in the open all the time. " The ink demon shrugged. "Just staying to myself more."

"I suppose that's fine. Just remember when I stay at night..." Joey paused. "You remember. Thanks for telling me about (Y/N)." Joey clapped Bendy's shoulder, and the demon grimaced and tensed his shoulders, but his expression reverted to indifferent arrogance so quickly you thought you imagined the change.

"Right, then, I'm off," Joey said and turned to leave.

You ducked and scampered to your office, hoping he didn't see you, and once you made it to your desk, you slumped in the chair, heart pounding, considering what you had witnessed. Why did Bendy cringe at Mr. Drew? And what was that about staying the night? And why was Bendy defending you when you both didn't even know what your boss' intentions were?

"Hello, (Y/N)," said Joey behind you.

You jumped and nearly fell off your chair. Calming yourself with a deep exhale, you spun to face your boss. "Hey, Mr. Drew," you breathed. "Um, I... I'm sorry about, ah, being late..." Hot shame washed over you and heated your face when you saw the disappointment in Joey's eyes, and you averted your gaze. "I'm so, so sorry. It won't happen again, I just..." You searched for the words but finished lamely, "I just had a rough night."

His hard expression fell after your apology, but his voice grew stern. "I understand. Please just keep in mind that we need all the help we can get, I don't want this to happen again."