He was running through the halls of the workplace, calling out for Bendy. He couldn't find the little toon anywhere, and he'd checked the entire building twice now. He was alone, no one else was here with him. Then he heard his friend's voice, coming from one of the rooms at the end of the hall.
He ran over and opened the door, but it was not Bendy who had called to him, but it had only mimicked his voice.
He tried to run, but the Ink monster grabbed his throat, its claws ripping into his flesh..
Joey awoke with a start, breathing heavily. He called out for Bendy, but got no response. He called out once more, a little louder this time. After a few seconds, he heard the rustling of blankets and the soft pitter-patter of the little demon's footsteps on the wood floor.
Bendy stopped at the entrance to Joey's room, rubbing his eyes tiredly. "Yeah, Joey?" He stopped and stared at him for a second. "Wait, why are you crying? What's wrong?"
Joey sat up and wiped the tears from his eyes. He didn't even know he had been crying. "Um, did you leave the building at all tonight?"
Bendy gave his creator a puzzled look. "What do you mean? I've been here all night." Joey sighed, settling back against his pillows. "Oh. Ok. Never mind, then."
Bendy walked up to him and gently placed a gloved hand on his cheek. "Joey, what's the matter? Why are you upset? Tell me. Please."
Joey hesitated before he answered. "I, um, I just-" He shifted his gaze away, a little embarrassed, then replied, "I guess I just had a nightmare. You were gone. I couldn't find you. I looked everywhere. I thought someone had taken you."
Bendy removed his hand from Joey's cheek, and reached up to wipe the tears from the human's eyes. "I see." He said after a moment. "Well, do you want me to stay with you until morning? Would that help?" Before Joey could respond, the cartoon Demon was already climbing into the bed, snuggling up against him, burying his face into Joey's chest, and softly rubbing his back.
Joey put his arm around Bendy, cuddling with him. He felt calmer already. Safer. "I guess that would be okay." He murmured. "Are you cold?" Bendy asked, wrapping his tail around Joey, trying to keep him warm.
"Thanks." Joey muttered tiredly. Bendy smiled. "You're welcome. I'm always happy to help, Joey."
Joey felt his eyes begin to close, and he fought to stay awake, not wanting to experience his nightmare for a second time. Bendy seemed to sense this, and nuzzled him affectionately, whispering, "Don't be scared, Joey. I'm right here. I won't leave you. Promise." Bendy's body felt so warm, so soothing to him.
The Ink Demon resumed rubbing his friend's back, humming softly. His voice was so melodious. Joey whimpered, still a little frightened. His dream had seemed so real.
Bendy snuggled deeper into Joey, sighing contently. "Shhh, it's alright," he whispered. "You're safe. I'm not goin' anywhere. I won't let nothin' hurt you."
"I know."
The blankets had been kicked off when Joey had woken from his nightmare, so Bendy got up and hopped off the bed, grabbing them and covering his human, tucking him in and enveloping him in their warmth. He knew that these nightmares had been happening more frequently for Joey, and Bendy was always happy to provide some comfort or anything else that he needed to feel better.
He crawled back into the bed and resumed cuddling with Joey. He felt him relax. Bendy laid his head on Joey's chest, listening to his heartbeat, his breathing. He wondered what it was like, since he didn't have a heart himself. He didn't need one.
"Bendy?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you. For doing this. Staying with me. I really appreciate it."
Bendy smiled agian. "No problem, Joey. I want you to feel safe. I'd do anything to make you happy or to help you ease your fears, even if it is only for tonight."
Joey nodded. "I know that, too, bud."
"How do you feel right now? Are you still scared?" Bendy asked softly, gazing up at Joey with concern in his eyes.
Joey shook his head. "No, not anymore. I feel…better, I guess. I'm not scared anymore." Bendy smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll always be here for you when you need me. Always remember that."
"I will."
Then Joey let himself fall asleep, with Bendy cradled in his arms.
A/N: Was it good? I hope it was. I'd appreciate some feedback.