Chapter 5: A single pale Gardenia | Susie/Reader

(ft. Bendy as well)

⦁ (Y/n) sighed in delight while stretching her arms out into the early summer morning. Outside was the sweet fragrance of yesterday's rain and birds chirping in the trees. The sun was already a friendly ball of yellow above, promising more heat as the day progressed. (Y/n) knew, today is going to be a splendid weather.

On her way to work, the female tends to pick up some blooming flowers from around the streets, keeping them with herself. Blue yarrows, purple cosmos, baby-blue flax, purpur geranium and many more mesmerizing colors stood out within (Y/n)'s hands. Their fresh, delightful smells brought pleasures to anyone's senses.

When Miss (L/n) arrived to work, she entered her office. A private working area, granted by Joey Drew himself, in which (Y/n) felt comfortable working in silence away from crowded lobbies. It was the first brush of the morning, meaning the studio was still empty and very few employees were presented on such an early hour. When the young (Y/n) placed her flower boutique in a water-filled glass, the female cartoonist noticed stacks of paper on her desk.

"Oh, yesterday's story board... Good thing they didn't forget it."

Indeed, The lady recalled how she requested the Art Department to leave the unfinished frames on her desk yesterday, and it seemed they did so. They were episodes that are still in progress, still unfinished and messy, but when (Y/n) took them within her hands - she was met with completely well drawn and fully finished animation frames. "Huh..? But these are already done? In only one night?"

Upon closer inspections (Y/n) wondered why, and more specifically, who did it - it was clearly not someone from the Art department that finished the job - the art style was different, and it is impossible to complete a whole new episode of Bendy in just one single night? Each frame was perfect, flawless and clear. "Who...?"

(Y/n) sinks into her chair and peer around, oblivious to the cartoonish eyes that stared at her with amusement and bewilderment. Within Miss (L/n)'s soothing and organized office, stood an inanimate Bendy cutout made of cardboard. It leaned on the corner, completely still and harmless - but no one would've suspected that behind those pie-cut eyes was a particular Demon staring through them. 

He watched the female animator through walls and pictures, observing shyly her every move ; For Bendy, it was embarrassing to just gape at a lady such as (Y/n), but since it was daytime - the toon wasn't allowed to make a noise. All day long he'd stay hidden within pictures and walls, observing different employees and their work innocently. Thus staying unseen, Bendy found himself hiding as a shadow on walls trying to be closer to (Y/n)'s presens.

An unnoticeable smile started to develop on Bendy's composed face ; he wanted to sneak out of his hiding, tell (Y/n) that it was him who finished those animation frames, and perhaps, receive an approving hug from his lovable creator... Just the thought of (Y/n)'s soft figure envelope Him with admiration made Bendy's inky heart melt inside.

But Alas, a knock on the door prohibited the toon from doing so. "Come in!"
A young lady, whose sharp tones of her contrasting face and a pomegranate lipstick were visible, entered the office : "Good morning dear. You're early today, I see."

Forgetting the drawings in her hands, (Y/n) turned around, noticing Susie Campbell leaning on the doorway : "Good Morning Susie, It was a lovely day outside, so I decided to take my time and enjoy the weather."

The voice actress tilted her head aside, regarding the flowers in a vase on the wooden table. From the top there were so many delicate shades of hue, yet the kind of color that feels confident, proud to bring a radiance to the room. A strong smell of Acacias lingered around, giving a gentle aroma, that even Campbell's calmness departed before chuckling slightly. "Does that explains those lovely Acacias on your desk?"

"Ah, yes!"

For a short while, Susie kept her endearing smile before it slowly faded away. An awkward silence filled in. Susie's unusual disappointed behavior cannot go unnoticed at this point ; Ordinarly, the woman would be enthusiastic and social to everyone, but today she wasn't herself. Campbell's gaze was facing the floor, hesitant to speak. She held her arms together as if some sort of protection. "Susie, is everything alright?"

"What do you mean, dear?"

"You seem awfully..." - (Y/n) took a pause before finding the correct word "-exhausted today."

"Oh, it's nothing important... It's just-" - Campbell contemplated on whether or not she should discuss this matter with (Y/n). She adored Miss (L/n) for her willpower, but Susie feared to open up her envy : "It's just Sammy. He's been quite conflicted with my work."

"What? How so?"

"When ever we work on the upcoming Alice Angel episodes, he's always grouchy and unsatisfied with everyone's results in the Music Department. He's unhappy with the band's work, then he picks on every single line I sing."

(Y/n) hummed for a moment before raising a brow in confusion, It's quite expected from Samuel to be cold, But he usually got along with Susie. In fact, (Y/n) always saw them together "I've seen Lawrence criticize his orchestra a lot, but did he dare to raise his voice on you?"

"Huh..? Well, no-"

"Because if he did, then me and Sammy Jammy will have to talk..." - Not even a second, before (L/n)'s sweet manners were washed away by her sudden low and threatening voice. Even Susie was taken back - she expected (Y/n) to lighten up or even be jealous when talking about Samuel, but instead the lady was on Susie's side.

"No no no, it's nothing like that! Lawrence... can be sweet sometimes. It's just lately he's been less cooperative, sending me judgmental looks, telling me 'I can do better'. I'm trying my best - I really am. I'll do anything for Alice's first episodes to become successful! But I feel like Sammy doesn't always appreciate my efforts..." - breathing out her worries and emotions, the women finally let her heart vent out her thoughts. "Sometimes, I feel like I'm ready to burst and explode out of exhaustion anyday."

Looking closer, (Y/n) could see the perfected mask of pretense on Susie's face crumbling down as raw emotions taking over. It was no news that the whole crew was preparing a new sets of episodes starring Alice Angel as a new official character, and since it was her first debut in the cartoon, every department was working earnestly to make her first impression presentable. Susie Campbell really did a number on voicing almost everything. And yet, no matter how charismatic and splendid the voice actress was, she had her limits and breaking points of misdoubt.

"Oh Susie," - (Y/n)(L/n) spoke in a softer tone "You overworked yourself. I can't disagree, Sammy is a hot-headed man. But you - you are the star of voice-acting in the Music Department. Without you, none of the characters would have their voices today. You can't just let one person break your determination!" Seeing the disappointment etched on her face, (Y/n) swung her arm around Susie's sagging shoulders while pulling her close. "You're a professional. When our first episodes of Alice Angel will air, people will be astonished by your singing!"

Looking up at (Y/n), Susie finally responded - "You... think so?"

"Of course I do. I've seen you working nonstop in those voice acting cabins, and honestly, I can't blame you for being worn out by it." Letting go of Susie's shoulder, The young animator stepped aside and took specific flowers from her desk - Purple Chrysanthemums and Pink Carnations. All the while Campbell started in sheer curiosity, (Y/n) placed a blooming Pink Carnation on the crook of her ear. "It is not the name of the action, but the result of the action, which is the chief concern."

Campbell rose her hands, her fingers trailing on the flower that now gently lied on her ear. With approval, (Y/n) handed the rest of purple chrysanthemums to her. Perhaps the voice actress didn't see her reflection, but (L/n) held the urge of telling her how much these bright flowers complimented her dark hairstyle.

"Oh, (Y/n)" Susie laughs, her feminine chuckle lifting the spirit of the room. Her face gained back her softness even when it comes to rest, as if forgetting her inner bitterness of conflicts. "You're so charming. Is that a, um..?"

"A Pink Carnation." - added (Y/n) shortly, aware that the flower symbolized a 'Love of a woman or a mother'

"It's absolutely lovely. Thank you!" - Campbell's cheeks are suddenly kissed pink, very much like the pink Carnation. She looks at the flowers, mesmerizing the smooth texture of their petals before lastly, Campbell enveloped her dear friend with a tight hug. (Y/n) hangs back, allowing time to compose herself, fighting back the silly girly smile that wants to break out.

"There's nothing to thank me for, Susie. You should come here to my office more often so we can talk with a cup of coffee during break times."

"You're right, dear. I will." - and with that the voice actress took off, a smile returning to her lips.

(Y/n) closed the door behind Susie, Her smile fading off. For a moment, she pondered if she should confront Lawrence's about his behavior. He's been more 'unfavorable' when it comes to partnership, yet the man is highly respectable for his work, that's undeniable.

Silence filled the room, before a faint scratching sound came from behind the Bendy cutout.

No one.

But the female animator noted how the Cutout moved slightly.

⦁ Following that day, when midnight was befallen upon the streets and no soul was present in the Animation Studio, An Ink Demon lumped his way around.

Bendy was alone once more ; the employees long gone to their domains while Joey Drew aggressively jeopardized the Monstrouse Toon to not touch anything in his workshop. Bendy was locked in the Studio per usual, but his behaviour was far from peaceful. He'd keep his form shorter, his face holding his iconic grin. But currently, Bendy's hostile appearance was out. He was taller, thinner, his round face was smudge with ink dripping from his eyes and devilish horns. The Ink Demon was frustrated and wistful. He craved for (Y/n)'s company so much, that a day without her touch was an equivalent of hell.

Miss (L/n) was the only being Bendy could ever admire. No matter how tough things got She always knew the difference between essential virtues to be upheld no matter what and what was negotiable. As it was Today, (L/n) poured her heart and support onto the voice actress Campbell. It made the Toon realize, that (Y/n) had other people in her heart, not just him.

Bendy grunted, more ink dripping from his legs onto the wooden planks. Within the dark hallways, he dragged himself to the basement, in which He and (Y/n) would meet. Upon his arrival, something caught his attention - colors.

He saw these colors in (L/n)'s office - but now they were here. Nearing them, they give a gentle aroma, one that brings life to Bendy's imagination. These were flowers with gentle lazur and pink petals, shaped and colored as they co-evolved with the life outside this Animation Studio. These were Blue Violets blended with Pink Camellias. Though what stood out for Bendy in the midst of this colorful bouquet was - A single pale Gardenia.

A Note attached - "Thank you for the finished drawings."

Perhaps, The Ink Demon's admiration has shifted into something much deeper.

__________________

Note : Amma leave this for those who are interested :

White or Rose Acacia - Friendship or elegance

Purple Chrysanthemum - support and friendship

Pink Carnation - Love of a woman or a mother

Blue Violets - I'll always be true, devotion.

Pink Camellia - longing for you...

White Gardenia - secret love, purity, joy