Fairy lied in his bed and stared up at the ceiling lost in thought like always. He definitely wasn’t thinking about Wilford again. Oh no, of course not. It’s not like that man consumed every aspect of his life or anything. The clone let out a shallow sigh and rolled over on his side. Why did he always try so hard? There was no way in Hell that Wilford would ever return his affection. He didn’t deserve to be loved anyways. Why would he? Feeling his breathing quicken, the wannabe fairy sat up in confusion. These thoughts were really depressing. Inhaling deeply, he wiped the sweat off of his brow. Why couldn’t he calm down?

               Fairy closed his eyes and focused his attention on his racing heart. Looking around in curiosity, the copy rose from his bed and slowly opened the door in front of him. He peeked his head out and glanced around to find an answer, but the hall was completely empty. Where did everyone go? Bringing his finger to his chin in thought, Fairy remembered something that Wilford said. What was it again? Why didn’t I pay attention to anything other than his… lips? Scrunching his eyebrows together, Fairy smiled as he finally remembered his words. That’s right he said Dark wasn’t going to be back for a while. So why do I feel like- Fairy straightened himself in realization. Dark had been gone for a few days now. Oh.

               The man made his way to Grim’s door and stood with his fist in the air. He didn’t want to bother or worry him, but if he was feeling this way because of him, he needed to help. Taking a deep breath and deciding to chance it, Fairy brought his hand to the door and quietly knocked.

               “Grim? A-a-are you okay?” After waiting a minute in silence he added, “I’m coming in okay?” Hoping not to startle the man, Fairy gently pushed open the door and slowly entered the dark room. He glanced around to find Grim. When he did, he brought his hand to his mouth to silence the sound he made. There, in the corner, was Grim. He tightly hugged his legs and rhythmically rocked himself.

               “Oh my God, sweetie are you okay?” Fairy dashed to Grim as he crouched down to meet his gaze. Not that he was closer, he could make out the black tears that dripped down his face. He pulled back as soon as Grim jumped in surprise. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. What’s wrong dear?”

               “Dark,” Grim stopped himself and wiped away the tears on his cheeks. He slowly turned his head away as his breathing pattern quickened. Seeing enough, Fairy carefully wrapped his arms around the pained man before him and held him there for a while.

               “Sh, it’s okay. I’m here,” Fairy whispered as he slowly stoked Grim’s arm. There was a moment of silence before Grim finally opened up and hugged the other. Shocked by his movements, Fairy glanced over as he felt the grip tighten. He rested his head on Grim’s shoulder and gently rubbed his back. What should I do? What does Mark do for me when I’m like this? “Is it alright if I sing something?” Fairy felt a slight nod and heard Grim sniffle. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath.

Short steps, deep breath

Everything is alright

Chin up, I can't

Step into the spotlight

He said, ‘I'm sad,’

Somehow without any words

I just stood there

Searching for an answer

When this world is no more

The moon is all we'll see

I'll ask you to fly away with me

Until the stars all fall down

They empty from the sky

But I don't mind

If you're with me, then everything's alright

Why do my words

Always lose their meaning?

What I feel, what I say

There's such a rift between them

He said, "I can't

Really seem to read you."

I just stood there

Never know what I should do

When this world is no more

The moon is all we'll see

I'll ask you to fly away with me

Until the stars all fall down

They empty from the sky

But I don't mind

If you're with me, then everything's alright

If you're with me, then everything's alright.

               Fairy let out a sigh in relief when he focused on the rise and fall of Grim’s chest. It was clmer now. Good. Truth be told, the fairy had no idea what to do in a situation like this. He had never experienced fear like he did now. He had no reason or way to describe it. He was just scared, of everything and nothing. Was this how Grim felt?

               “Grim, is there anything I can do to help? What usually makes you feel better?” Fairy asked in concern as he gently pushed away Grim so he could look into his eyes. The grey clone quickly looked away and mumbled something under his breath. Fairy couls guess what he said. “Do, you, uh, want to, um, cuddle?” Fairy questioned awkwardly. He smiled as he watched the other man turn back to face him with pleading eyes.

               “No, y-y-you don’t have to,” Grim managed to say. Did he think I was bothering him?

               “No,no, it’s okay, really. I could use it too,” Fairy explained as he lifted himself up and offered a hand to Grim. He grinned warmly as the other reluctantly took it. Fairy carefully led him to the bed and crawled on top of it. Patting the open spot next to him, the fairy reassured Grim while pulling him towards the bed. He finally climbed up and lied down beside him.

               “It’s not your fault you know,” Fairy said as he slid closer to the figure next to him.  Observing the other clone’s questioning glance, he layed his head and hand on Grim’s chest so he could pay attention to his breathing and heart beat. He waited a moment before adding, “I don’t really know you all that well, but Dark’s told me a lot about you.” Shit. Why did he have to bring up Dark? Fairy tensed up at his mistake and held his breath. Damn it, I’m only making things worse.

               “Really?” Fairy glanced up in surprise. Grim’s expression shocked him even more.

               “Mhm, he thinks really highly of you. We all do,” he replied as he nuzzeled his head back on Grim’s chest.

               “Why? I’m just-“ Fairy heard him sigh as Grim stopped himself.

               “It’s okay, you can tell me. I’m here for you,” Fairy assured. He knew Grim stopped because he didn’t want to bother Fairy and make him worry. Probably felt bad about making it about him as well. He could feel the hesitation in the atmosphere. There was a long moment of silence between the two.

               “I’m just a bother. All I do is cause pain and trouble for everyone. I’m nothing more than someone’s depression and anxiety and that’s all I’ll ever be.” Fairy’s eyes widened in surprise of Grim’s honesty and based off of his expression, the other clone felt the same. “S-s-sorry.”

               “Don’t be. I’m glad you told me. No one deserves to feel that way. Now, I don’t know if my word means anything but, I think you’re much more than that. If you were a bother, don’t you think no one would want to be with you? I certainly want to be there for you, and so do the others. And I believe the reason you’re anxious so much is because you care. That’s more reason to be loved than half of us,” Fairy replied as he felt Grim’s arm wrap around his body. Closing his eyes at the silence, the flamboyant copy listened to the steady heartbeat of the man beside him. It was somehow comforting.