Chapter Text
Time had passed, Revivebur still kept me in their arms until sundown. I could tell everyone has calmed down by a tad since there was more of silence from the area the others were in. I couldn’t bring myself to look over there though. I did take a three hour nap on Revivebur’s chest ‘cause when I looked up at them they teased about “getting my beauty sleep.” I needed that sleep though after the conflict between everyone. Me existing was already tiring enough, I can’t imagin’ how fucking fifty other me’s exist (though there were only a few here). I heard the sound of leaves crunching head over towards Revivebur & me, I turned my head around & I saw that Simpbur & Phantombur were making their ways towards here.
“Whut do you want?” Revivebur said with a cold tone. I wonder why they were upset, I guessed they wanted alone time but they didn’t mind me being here for some odd reason. “Just to check in with everything.” Phantom spoke softly while they stood over us. Possibly because they didn’t want the others to think they’re soft for me. I thought. I felt Reviveburs hands shift around, my eyes still shut from being so tired. Soon Rev moved, sitting up & positioning my body to sit up on their lap, Revs legs between mine. “We’re fine.” They said with a firm tone. My face burnt up, an odd feeling stirred in my stomach. The air was thick & awkward so to break the silence, “is Thomas ‘kay?” I asked. There was a beat of silence as the two tried to process who Thomas was. “Tommy? He’s okay.” Simpbur answered. “That’s good.” I muttered back lower than I wanted it to be.
Trying to move was a bit difficult due to Reviveburs protective grasp over my body. It felt like I was small enough to fit in the palm of their hands, but I’m blaming that on their height rather than the fact I’m extremely malnourished. It grew dark fast, the sun dying into the abyss of a multicolored sunset. Simpbur was able to drag Revivebur & I back to the campfire where LoveJoy Wilbur was singing songs with a few of the others. I didn’t sing, neither did some, I feel like they were too upset with other things like not being able to go home. I, however, was stuck in my own head. Sitting in the dirt, fully zoned out, staring into nothingness. Revivebur still stayed next to me on my left & Ghostbur on my right. The fire danced bright warm colors, red, orange, & yellow as it burnt the logs. “Who set up the campfire?” I asked when everyone finished the song. Everyone looked around, a few answering with “Pogbur” or “Tommy” while the other few shrugged & muttered “I don't know.” Taking the hints, I assumed it was Pogbur.
Speaking of the man, I turned my head around & saw him sitting in front of a tree away from the fire. He was alone, staring at us with this pained look. I looked back at the campfire & then at Rev, who was also starting at the fire with a blank look. But when I stood up they turned their attention to me. “Whut?” They mumbled over to me to keep quiet as the group started to sing the next song. “Com’ on.” I responded. Not sure why I wanted them to also hangout with the poor Pogbur over here, but I felt safe with their presence as for I was going to talk to a fuckin’ terrorist. Though Revive was also a terrorist, for some odd reason they felt protective over me with the way they would hold me. Revbur was taller, more strong, & more protective than Pogbur. When we made our way over to the man, his attention perked up at us. “You ‘lright mate?” I asked, crouching down next to him while Revivebur stood next to me. “Mh. Yeah.” He said dryly. Those words weren’t the truth & I could tell, so did Rev. “What’d you want?” Pogbur said with a growl in his tone. “To make sure you’re ‘kay? You looked…sad?” I answered. “Well, ’m fine.”
I wasn’t so sure he was okay. Convinced he wasn't, I sat down on the dirt. “Do you want to join us?” I asked, trying to invite him to hangout with everyone. I watched the man shake his head before looking down into his lap. “Well, we’ll have to discuss what we’re goin’ to do tonight.” Reveivebur added, which I nodded back at. “I’ll try to get the content creator Wilbur & teenage Wilbur back at Thomas- Tommy’s place ‘long with himself.” I said, which I realized I should inform the others that it’ll be the best option between those three. “He can bring some items for us too.” I turned my attention off of Revivebur & back onto Pog. “Com’ on, let's talk to everyone ‘bout what we’re gonna do.” “No,” he refused. “I’ll be fine ‘lone.” I breathe out a heavy sigh in near defeat. “Yeah, so go tell them that!” I demanded before standing back up to Rev’s side. Them & I both walked back to the campfire, hearing Pogbur tumble behind us.
To my luck, everyone was already discussing what they were gonna do for this troublesome night. “ ’m not comfortable with Tommy & Teenbur staying here tonight with nothin’.” L’Manbur spoke out. “Yeah, I just told Pogbur I wanted him, Teenbur, & content creator Wilbur to go to Thomas’s house for the night.” I agreed. “We need some resources though!” Phantom complained. “I’m hungry & I’m pretty sure most of you guys are too. We have no sleeping bags.” Everyone nodded, just by their looks I could tell they all started to think of something to do.
“Maybe send the people we planned to go along with c!Wilbur & then send c!Wilbur back with stuff we need.” L’Manbur suggested.
“I’m not comfortable with sending a terrorist in the city.” I commented. A few others agreed.
“I suggest take Ghostbur to go then.” c!Wilbur added.
“That’s still not a good idea, Ghostbur isn’t human & people will freak out.” I responded.
“Wait! Only humans are here?” Phantombur asked.
Shit, I forgot his source was made of fully hybrids and non-human creatures. Pushing past his question though, I offered to let LoveJoy Wilbur go with them in a Uber & everyone agreed.
Soon, the four set off on their journey out of the forest. Thomas carried the backpack and flashlight after he handed us the cans of beans for us to feed on. We got cooking right away while the rest of us discussed who’s sleeping where & if needed with who. Pogbur finally got comfortable with the conversation while talking to L’Manbur. I sat nearby with Revivebur once again. “So, tell me more about this world.” Revivebur started a conversation. I paused, not once in my mind I could imagine explaining to someone about this dimension. “Uhm, it’s something.” I responded, my words not being able to collectively add up. “We gotta lot you have, but people can’t come back when they die-” Memories of an old friend, Alex, who had passed away started to fill my mind while I was talking. “-, tons of theories of reality & life ‘cause of the lack of knowledge of it.” I looked up at them, noticing their interest in my explanation. “People haven’t learned to revive others?” They asked. I shook my head, “no. It’s impossible to.” They nodded.
Soon, food was finished, everyone trying to hand me food made me realize it's rare to be human where they’re all from. I refused since eating always made me nauseous. “Come on, you’re hungry. I know.” Revivebur tried to convince as Ghostbur stood close to us with the can of beans in his hands. “I’m not- how would you know that?” I refused the food again. Ghost decided to hand the beans to Revivebur & walked away, I thought it was more to feed them rather than me but when Revive grabbed the spoon & shoved it into my mouth I realized that Ghost wanted them to feed me. “There we go.” Rev cooed as I swallowed the food. “I can’t eat the food ‘cause there’s a large gaping hole in my stomach, so ‘course you’re gonna eat it.” They spoke while putting more into my mouth. It make me sick to feel the food travel down my throat & pit into my stomach. I tried to look away from Rev but their hand grabbed onto my head & forced me to look back at them.
“Stop, ‘m not hungry.” They put the spoon down at my protest with a frown on their face. Guilt started to fill my heart when they slowly put down the canned beans & refused eye contact with me. How am I gonna make it up to them? I questioned myself. Soon, I found myself moving over to their lap. I had a feeling that Rev was shocked by this, I am too, but I’m now sitting in their lap comfortably with their arms wrapped around my lower torso. A few of the other bursonas staring at us, but not with exact judgement. Speaking of said bursonas, I could hear Pogbur shout at Phantombur for eating three canned beans & “how we should have saved those'.” Phantom argues back by explaining how “him not eating for a day is the same as not eating for nearly a month.” I remember very vividly choosing a phantom hybrid on the Minecraft server & reading that you’ll get hungry fast.
Time passed, the yelling turned into soft laughter & short conversations as the moon raised high into the sky. Revievbur refused to let me leave their lap, which I didn’t mind at all. It got me thinking though, how I’ve always hated physical touch. Especially by strangers. But, now I’m here sitting in some fucking corpse’s lap. Face red, a buzzing in my stomach (most likely from both the beans & an unknown emotion), absolutely relaxed. Their hands rubbing through my hair, Rev’s body was extremely cold from being dead but yet it was a warm feeling. “What happened to you only holding me once?” I teased. Regret filled my stomach a bit once I felt contact with the dirt when they pushed me off. “Owch.” I muttered between chuckles. I watched them stand up & walk over to the campfire. Quickly I followed after them.
“When will those four get back?” Revivebur muttered a bit loud to get people's attention. Simpbur & ARGbur were cuddled up in each other fast asleep, c!Wilbur was chatting with Ghostbur & Pogbur while Phantombur was allowing L’Manbur sleep on his shoulder. “I’m not sure.” c!Wilbur answered. Honestly, I felt really tired. I could feel my legs grow weak & my eyelids droop. Rev & I sat down near the dying campfire next to everyone else. I usually don’t ever sleep, I’ll just chug a cup of coffee until someone notices & forces me to sleep. Thomas is usually the person who notices, I remember the first time he found out I didn’t sleep for four days ‘cause I had really bad nightmares at that time so he stayed with me throughout the sleep until he fell asleep. Now the memories for Thomas reminded me that he’s out with some randoms alone and not where I can protect him. What if he’s hurt? What have I done? ’m foolish to let him go out there with people who can do god knows what to him. My breathing quickened but I couldn’t realize. He could be in pain ‘cause of those people & ’m not there to help him. I’ve lost him.
I’m now crying, sobbing into my hands trying to be as quiet as possible but I know I’m failing at that too. Pathetic bitch. Letting their brother die alone in the forest & now crying over it? I felt something grab my shoulders & set me into their lap. With the coldness radiating with their body I could tell-or assume-it was Revivebur. “Will, are you alright?” I heard Ghostbur’s voice ask with concern. I wish I could answer but the only thing ringing in my head was about Thomas & how many possible ways he could of been dead, hurt, abused, or raped even. & it was all because of my foolishness. Another pair of hands started to rub my shoulders, this time it was warm. Though my eyes were shut tight & shoved into my hands, I could tell there were three people around me. I’m now crying loudly, being selfish & not bothering the others that were sleeping. I thought I had lost my best friend ever.
There was a long pause of silence between all & everyone besides my loud uncontrollable sobbing. Suddenly I felt a pair of hands grab my face like the same this morning & force my head up. It was Pogbur this time. “What happened?” He growled. That stopped my crying instantly, but scared the shit out of me. “Pog! That’s not so nice.” Ghostbur shouted at the man. I tried to answer but my mouth wouldn’t open. Old & a bad habit of not being able to talk to people about my feelings. I looked around, Reivivebur underneath me as I was sitting in their lap again, c!Wilbur next to me on my right, Pogbur in front of me, Ghostbur & Phantombur nearby watching. “Look at me.” Pogbur demanded & so I obeyed. “What’s ‘rong?” The lump in my throat painfully was swallowed down before I opened my mouth to answer. “Thomas…” That was all that was managed to get out of my dry mouth.
“What ‘bout Thomas?” He asked. “ ’m scared.” There was a beat of silence after I answered. “He’s fine.” Pog grumbled. I didn’t- no, couldn’t believe him. But there was no use in arguing with him. The man walked away to lean on a tree near the (now dead) campfire. With the campfire being dead it was difficult to see anything, Thomas had the flashlight & we all sat/laid in terrifying darkness. I don’t know why I’ve been so paranoid about this, I usually never am but here we are. The only form of security I felt was Revivebur keeping their arms around my body. It didn’t take long for everyone to fall asleep other than Phantom, Revive, & I. I kept checking my phone for the time, & I didn’t want to use the flashlight for the battery. What if Thomas texts me? Phantom was sitting next to us, talking about more of his source. 1:34 am. I know it took three hours for the uber to take Thomas & I to get to the forest, but I just hoped Thomas makes it here faster. Or at least LoveJoy Wilbur does to inform us that the kids (& cc!Wilbur) are okay. They left somewhere around 8, I didn’t check the time ‘cause I forgot I had a phone at that time. Don’t know how or why I forgot but possibly because I was still so stressed over everything. Thomas has a phone, he must know when he left or something.
“What’s that?” Phantom asked as I turned on my phone once again. “Huh? This?” I asked with confusion. Right, she doesn’t have a phone in her source… “Yeah- what is that?” I shrugged, trying to put it in words. “A phone. We have this here, it’s used to contact people from anywhere really &, uhm…You can do a ton with it.” I answered. “Can I see?” She asked. I handed her my phone and she clicked the on button, both the screen & his face lighting up. “Does everyone have one?” “Uhm, a lot of people do. It’s more of a newer technology really.” “Ooh.” God, they were so adorable as they looked at it. It made me chuckle. “There are so many different models, there's arguments on what is the better vs the worst.” I continued. Revivebur leaning forwards to look at my phone closer had made me jump with surprise ‘cause I forgot I was sitting on their lap. “Shit- you scared me mate.” I chuckled nervously. They smiled until Phantom handed them the phone for Rev to inspect.
“Guys!” A loud shout came from the distance. That same, familiar voice that was exact to mine. Phantom, Rev, & I all locked up from where the voice came from, a bright light was in the forest & soon LoveJoy Wilbur appeared. Revivebur pushed me off of their lap to sprint to the other bursona, stopping in front of them before yanking the bag LoveJoy had in his hands. Revive tugged the book bag open and started to samiging through it. Phantom & I rushed over after to make sure he was okay. “What took you so fuckin’ long!?” Phantom asked, holding onto WIlbur’s shoulders. “It was a long ass ride, ‘kay?” He answered. “Is Thomas okay??” I asked. Wilbur nodded, “yeah, he passed out as soon as he got home. cc!Wilbur helped me pack things for everyone here before ordering me a uber back.” A heavy weight over my shoulders lifted. “What’d you find?” Phantombur asked Rev. “Food, umbrellas, flashlights…” They grumbled. Simpbur soon walked up to us to see what the commotion was. “Finally, you’re back!” She sighed, giving Wilbur a hug. “I am!”
Wilbur also brought a tent, but they left it a few feet away from us ‘cause it got too heavy to carry. But Revivebur & a sleepy Pogbur were able to retrieve it & we were able to build it up. It was an extremely large tent, I don’t even know how Thomas found something like it. After waking up everyone we were able to finally relax in the tent. Simpbur & ARGbur back to cuddling, L’Manburg next to Ghostbur, LoveJoy Wilbur reasonably passing the fuck out on the floor, c!Wilbur & Incelbur out on their own. Revivebur was outside smoking a cigarette. I refused to sleep as Phantom, who rather sleeps in the daytime, tried to convince me into doing so. “Please?” She asked softly. “You’re human, don’t humans need their sleep?” “How would you know that?” I asked. “Tommy explained it to me.” Explaining to the poor boy that nightmares are the reason why I don’t sleep felt impossible. Even when he asked why.
“They can go a bit without sleeping, like a day. Besides, I need to sleep in a bed rather than just on the floor.” I answered. It wasn’t exactly a lie, really. “You can sleep on my chest, I’m larger than you & it’ll be like a bed.” I scoffed playfully, adored by its concern for me. I shook my head no & denied. “I really appreciate it, darlin’,” darling? Why did I say darling? “But I also need heat, You don’t have body heat.” My heart broke when he looked down in shame. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings, I just really didn’t need sleep. “My wings can cover you.” I gave up when Phantom suggested using his wings to wrap around me. I sighed & leaned back, finally nodding my head before moving over closer. Phantombur laid down & I rested my body on his cold chest. Her wings wrapped around me, illuminating some warmth.
How did they do that? I don’t know, okay? But several moments later I could hear Revivebur walk into the tent & close it behind them. Being too tired to open my eyes but I can hear them sit down next to me. I felt the warmth sooth my muscles as soft inaudible talking spoke until the world spun & swirled into a dark abyss of sleep.
I felt my body tingle, legs numb and & head started to thrash with pain. Cold sweat caused my body to jump, eyes widen but blurry & a lack of breath. Gasping for air I looked around, realizing I was alone. Trees surrounding me from everywhere, the camp gone. Did they leave me? I tried shouting hello but my mouth won’t open. Instead I stood up and took in the brightness of the sun shining through the trees. Laughter echoed from a direction, familiar voices drew into my curiosity & made my feet tumble towards the sounds. The sun warmed up my cold body, but as I got closer to laughing I saw a small campfire light with bursonas surrounding it. Simpbur, ARGbur, & Incelbur were all in my line of sight. As I got closer the rest appeared, but I couldn’t find Thomas. They were all laughing, some making attention towards me & waving their arms to ask me to join. I did despite being so confused. There was a small pot on top of the campfire, which had something inside of it that I couldn’t see. cc!Wilbur soon took it off while everyone was laughing & making noises that I wasn’t able to comprehend to be words. “Foods ready.” Wilbur said, pouring the liquid onto people's paper plates. I looked down & saw one in my lap while I’m sitting, which I don’t remember doing; not knowing where the plate came from, I held it up & Wilbur slid the food onto my plate. The liquid was gooey and red with lumps in it. “What is this?” I asked, looking back up for an answer. “Eat up.” Revivebur said before they started to munch on the food. I didn’t push someone to respond so I stared deeper into the liquid. The (what I assumed to be) soup was moving around even though my arms were still, the lumps were floating around. Something made me stare into the middle, a lump floating up out of the surface. It was white with something red sticking out of the part. As it moved and turned, it had a bright blue with a—pupil. I threw it to the ground, standing up & letting out a yelp. “WHAT IS THIS SHIT??” I screamed, staring at the red mess on the dirt. I looked up at cc!Wilbur who responded with words that made my stomach drop. "Tommy."