Chapter Text
It all happened so quickly. Everything was dull, then bright in color. The sound died down quickly and became muffled cries and shrieks.
Everything seemed to go quiet. Then black.
Sylvestre’s eyes fluttered open. He was greeted with a pounding headache to his temples. He winced in pain and hid under his blankets, hoping it would stop. Which to no avail, it did not.
He weeped silently before a knock was heard upon his door. He fluttered his eyes open again but stayed narrowed to avoid the light adding gasoline to the fire.
The door opened to see a familiar blue figure. Mr. Calloway. Though this time he had a smile that threatened to frown and kept twitching downwards. From Sylvestre’s full 3 days of staying here (considering he slept through the entire day) he’s never once seen a frown on the blue ladder.
Mr. Calloway invited himself into the room but Sylvestre wasn’t complaining. He sat down at the edge of the bed and looked at the floor. He fumbled with his thumbs and his leg tapped the bed at a decently quick pace.
Sylvestre felt the vibrations against the bed and the odd behavior which led to him sitting up with a raised eyebrow. He had opened his eyes more than before to collect a better picture on what was happening.
Then it clicked. This must’ve been some sort of panic attack or anxiety. Sylvestre was decently fond of it all but he never knew how to properly help anybody.
“Oh Calloway, what seems to be bothering you? You look quite ill.” Sylvestre spoke in a loud yet soft whisper. This made the blue figure somehow hide his face more. The threat of a frown seemed to become reality. Sylvestre winced at the unfortunate expression and hesitantly reached a hand out. He placed it gently onto Calloway’s shoulder, mirroring his frown.
He removed the blanket from his body that was already warming up rapidly. Sylvestre scooted closer and tried to get a glance of his face. Which was quite easy considering Mr. Calloway was already taller than Sylvestre.
Sylvestre’s heart began to hurt. It felt like it was just crushed seeing such a sad expression on his dear friend.
It was an awkward silence. Sylvestre went to open his mouth to say something but Mr. Calloway seemed to beat him first.
“I just.. I-“ Calloway weeped out. Sylvestre stopped him and pulled him in. Mr. Calloway didn’t fight back.
“Take your time, Bowtie.” Sylvestre spoke softly and prayed the nickname would bring some sort of smile to his face. Which it did. He received a chuckle.
“I know, I know- I just- I can’t bring smiles to absolutely everybody. I wish I knew where I went.. wrong. I’m so sorry about last-“
Sylvestre cut him off with a few coos and ‘shh’ and entangled his hands into his uniquely shaped hair. He played with it and combed his hands through. Though his curls and unique shape held strongly. Sylvestre found it quite amusing.
“Calloway, stop it. Last night was not your fault in any way. Last night was just.. I just.. I got horrible flashbacks and it wasn’t the.. nicest to me to say the least. I’m sorry I made you think like that. All you did was bring smiles to me. I promise that.”
With those words, he received a tighter clench on his shirt and a small yet so big ball of a Calloway. His sobs gained volume and his sniffles seemed to be a horrible reminder to his heart.
Mr. Calloway spoke again but his words were shaky and slurred. “Am’ sorr..” His words lacked completion and were not properly spoken which was very odd behavior.
“You don’t have to be sorry.” Sylvestre said sternly but was so gentle at the same time, Calloway was beginning to take the hint he had nothing to be sorry for. Yet guilt still took him over.
“Can.. can we just stay here?” Calloway spoke through sniffles and a shaky voice. Sylvestre nodded and smiled. Even if Mr. Calloway couldn’t see it, he could feel its warming and gentle aura.
“Of course, Calloway. We can stay here for as long as you need.”
They both adjusted, Calloway still half way in Sylvestre’s lap, asleep. Soft snores came from both of the tall ladders.
Sylvestre was suddenly forced to wake up due to a hoarse and dry throat. He seriously needed something to drink. He swallowed and winced in pain.
He looked at the Calloway still curled up against him, sleeping soundly. He carefully slid him off and laid him down against the pillows. Thank goodness he didn’t wake up. Not for a bad reason but just in case he couldn’t get his glass of water.
He covered up the tall blue figure with a fuzzy blanket which he immediately curled up in. Sylvestre’s smile grew in size almost immediately. Like a mother seeing her son after a long day.
He walked towards the door and hesitated. He wasn’t sure if he was allowed out or not. Well. There’s no way Mr. Calloway would just lock him up. But there’s others who live here.
After a few moments of contemplating, he grabbed the handle and swung the door open. He was greeted with a hallway full of other doors and two hallways off to the side. Right in front of him was the kitchen which he was beyond grateful for.
He walked down the hallway and he crossed his arms protectively around himself and looked around. He was quite skeptical and afraid to see.. whatever he saw last night. He wanted to spend no time trying to remember who or what he saw.
He got to the kitchen and walked to the actual, physical kitchen part.
He opened the fridge and to his advantage, there was a cold water bottle already there. Just what he needed. He sighed with relief and turned around.
He closed his eyes while turning around, enjoying the coolness against his skin. Until his paradise of a moment was ruined with a grunt. Someone clearing their throat.
He fluttered his eyes open and it was someone who stood in a fancy lab coat that was neatly put on. A hat that stood a dark navy blue color that you could mistake for black. Sylvestre tensed up.
This wasn’t Karp. So why did he freak out the way he did?
“Are you feeling alright? You look fairly pale.” The mysterious being said awkwardly while avoiding eye contact. It was quite an awkward moment.
Though Sylvestre didn’t know if he should’ve taken it as offensive or a compliment considering his skin was always lighter than average.
“Oh I’m- I’m fine. I appreciate you checking up on me.” Sylvestre spoke softly. He took another sip of his water, eyes darting an opposite direction from the blue sea creature.
There was a hard and solid gulp from the teal skinned creature before he looked up. His voice seemed quite stable for being so awkward. “I’m Dr. Fischer.”
“Sylvestre. Wonderful to meet you.” Sylvestre looked downwards to make better eye contact with Fischer. They both ended up looking away. Though Sylvestre gained his courage back.
“What's with all the.. fancy lab.. equipment..?” Sylvestre asked, scanning the others outfit once more. Confusion lurked in his tone, praying he was right when he said lab.
“Oh. I’m a scientist.” Dr. Fischer said quite deadpanned. Sylvestre raised an eyebrow, showing interest in where the topic was going. “Oh? What type of scientist? Do you do experiments on people or something?” Sylvestre was actually quite interested despite his tone, possibly almost being seen as sarcastic.
Dr. Fischer could feel his brows furrowing. He really couldn’t tell if he was trying to press his buttons or if he actually meant it.
“No, not other beings. Just inanimate objects or the mixture of chemicals. I find no reason to test on things that breathe.” Dr. Fischer walked towards one of the island's stools to sit down.
Thank goodness tension was finally easing.
“Quite formal you are.” Sylvestre chuckled.
“I guess it’s just a part of me.” He groaned, his brows still pointing downwards.
Sylvestre sighed. It was awkward again.
“I guess I’ll catch you later. I’m going to check on Bowtie.”
Dr. Fischer raised an eyebrow at Sylvestre with the nickname.
“Bowtie?” “Calloway.” “Ah.”
They both looked away awkwardly. Sylvestre made the first move and left the kitchen area. “I’ll see ya later, bye Fish,” He said in a joking tone. He’ll come up with another nickname later.
He walked back to his room and opened the door, seeing a resting Calloway. It brought a soft smile to his face. He walked to the other side of the bed, and laid down. He was so exhausted already.