Work Text:
"Stanley stepped into the broom closet, but there was nothing here, so he turned around and got back on track."
Stanley shook his head and sat down on the floor.
I'm staying in here.
"W-well...uh..." He heard The Narrator flip a few pages, or at least try to. "W-Why no flip?"
Stanley looked up at the ceiling. It wasn't like him to make a grammatical error like that.
"Um, can we no do story? I feel funny."
He nodded.
Of course, Narry. What would you like to do instead?
"'S a surise! Go to the lounge, though."
Stanley smiled and made his way back to the employee lounge.
"Hi!"
He looked over at the floor in front of the couch. There was The Narrator, looking up at him from what appeared to be a coloring book.
Odd, but he'd go with it.
Hi, Narry.
He sat next to him.
Whatcha coloring?
Narrator moved it closer to Stanley. "A dinosaur!"
Stanley let out a fake gasp.
That looks beautiful, Narry! I didn't know you were such an artist.
Narrator smiled. "Thank you, Stanley!"
He sat there and watched the other color away.
I have an idea.
"What is it?"
Why don't we hang your picture up in my office, so I can always see it?
Narrator clapped. "I love it!" He held up the finished purple dinosaur. "Can we do it now?"
Of course, we can.
He helped Narrator up and led him back to Stanley's office.
Would you like to do the honors?
"I can?"
Yep!
"Yes, yes, yes!!!"
Alright!
He picked the other up and smiled as Narrator taped the picture just above his computer.
You did such a good job! Now, why don't you take a nap?
The other nodded. "Nap time good."
Good. Now...
He laid Narrator down on the carpeted floor. He then laid his jacket over him.
Have a good nap, sweetie. You had such a busy day.
Narrator nodded as he fell asleep.
Stanley smiled as he watched the other sleep. He had to make sure he was safe in such a vulnerable headspace, whatever that headspace was.
He sat in his chair and waited there until The Narrator woke up.
"Hm?" The smaller man sat up. "Stanley? What are..." His eyes looked around the room and landed on the purple dinosaur coloring page.
Shit.
"Stanley...I-I'm sorry."
Stanley sat down on the floor.
For what, love?
"For making you see me like...that..."
Sweetie, I don't mind. If coloring some dinosaurs and getting cuddles helps clear your head and makes you feel safer, I will be there.
He held the other's face in his hand.
It doesn't matter how young you get in that headspace. I will always be right here.