Chapter 6: Praise the Flood | Henry/Reader

(ft. Sammy and Norman)

⦁ It was another mundane morning. The 26-year-old Animator would dress up, gather up her belongings and look presentable - just like a young lady should.

During the whole ensuing day, (Y/n)'s labor would drag on. She'd receive mutual greetings upon her arrival as she'd start working : animating, outlining, and sketching before retreating to the Art department to consult with several storyboard artists. So on and so forth. She would communicate with her co-workers, expressing more inviting smiles and thus rebounding with her office once more - a corner of solitude and silence, in which only her thoughts could be perceived. (Y/n) sat, tired-eyed, and slumped over her desk, her soft mask of civility washed away by desolation.

Afterwards, (Y/n)'s true nature got out.

"I'm so tired."

As a result of (L/n)'s enduring work - the woman was exhausted beyond oomph. Her cumbersome body begs for rest, but she can't. She must work; Finnish animating, or she'll spend restless nights accentuating and tossing over it. Everyday, people mistook her calm for a readiness to rely on, while neglecting (Y/n)'s own heart. She'd compliment Susie's looks, she'd support Samuel on his hardest times, she'd help Henry when he had overworked himself and yet (Y/n) never knew how to request such love and support in return.

"Why do I continue?"

She wasn't the noble and well-pleased girl that everyone deduces her to be. She was, authentically, quite the contrary: Similar to any human being, she would envy, loath and get jealous whenever something went against her. But (Y/n) would restrain her temper. In her mind, she was no different than a coward, a selfish egoistic wimp - all hat no cattle*. After all, how else would (Y/n) describe her inner dread and fear towards her Little Devil Darling?

"I'm s c a r e d."

Indeed, (Y/n)(L/n) feared Bendy. He was an unknown living being made solemnly out of ink. Upon their first encounter, he was monstrous, aggressive and inhumane. It would be only logical to fear the unknown. The lady would fear his touch, his hugs and passion - But Joey had to drag this cursed fate onto (Y/n), demanding her to cooperate and keep it secret. Of course, Mr. Drew now held favors so grant towards Miss (L/n), that he would beg her like a slave.

Therefore, The burden of beholding a fatal secret of a living cartoon was hurled onto the 26-year-old Animator. (Y/n) would never dare to show her fear towards Bendy, no matter the odds. He was far too pure yet oblivious due to his lack of understanding about the surrounding.

It's no surprise either that (Y/n) contemplated on calling the police or quitting - but she'll have to consider on forsaking Bendy's life and her future. Thus, escaping was no option - (Y/n)'s guilt wouldn't let her.

"For how long can I protect him? What if someone finds out? What if...?!"

Every night is a futile tussle of conflicting thoughts

As gentleness of colors faded, Miss (L/n) kept her hands gripped on her hair, deaf to the world around her. A series of rushed footsteps echoed outside, followed by a knock on the door: "Miss (L/n), there's an emergency."

No response.

"Our department is getting flooded, and Joey informed us to gather up for safety." - The muffled voice whom belonged to Henry now sounded more deliberate and concerned. The Man couldn't hear the lady within her office, hence he feared that she was whether absent or engaged with work. "... (Y/n-"

Swiftly, the door of the office was jagged wide open, rather aggressively, revealing the female animator (Y/n)(L/n) : "W-what? What's going on?"

Henry was startled in a second, before taking a look on (Y/n) - although she spoke clearly and held her stance high per usual, her puffy red eyes were definite: "The Western wing of the first floor got massively flooded with ink, now it's leaking down into the Music Department."

"A case of bursting pipes?"

"Exactly. No one's harmed but Joey told everyone to gather up and wait in the lobby." - Giving a moment to collect herself, Henry and (Y/n) dashed towards the corridors.

⦁ "This got to be a joke!"

Within the crowded entrance hall of the Studio, the whole crew of employees was present. People moved like enchanting shoals of fish, querying about the conundrum and its the cause - For instance, Lawrence was already complaining while smoking his cigar frustratingly. (Y/n) and Henry slipped into the crowd; there's chatter between affliction and curiosity for sure, but surprisingly, a gratifying music played somewhere from afar, as if someone forgot to turn off the recordings in the Music department.

"Joke? An entire sea of Ink is a Joke for you, Sammy?" - Norman Polk hollered at his colleague "I've heard those pipes echo before bursting, It's inhumane! It's like something crawling in those pipes, I swear, a living thing is haunting this Ink Machine."

Henry and (Y/n) stayed close by making sure to be secured within each other's company, but both of them were rather silent and all ears. - 'A thing?'

The projectionist continued, "And worst of all, we were in the middle of a recording. I didn't turn off the projector! Now the music is still basting down there..."

"And for how long are we supposed to wait?" - Susie asked

"Joey didn't say anything else. Poor Conor and Franks were requested to go in and look at the issue... Something is telling me we won't see 'em soon."

Groaning in frustration, Lawrence proclaimed - "Meaning we'll be waiting for hours."

The whole group of employees started grumbling in disappointment, followed by more complaints. It seems everyone will be stuck here for awhile, giving (Y/n) an opportunity to communicate about the problem with Henry: "The situation is even worse than I thought. Good thing it only got the western side, not the whole Studio."

Henry nodded in agreement, but he was aimed at something else - he took notice of (Y/n)'s tired expression, although her red eyes were no longer vivid. "Hey, (Y/n)...? Were you alright back then? In your office?"

"Huh...?"

"I apologize to nag you all of a sudden, but I just thought you were collapsing on yourself."

Miss (L/n) caught genuine concern and honesty within the man in front of her. Briefly, she felt embarrassed that someone caught her miserable behavior, But Henry saw clearly and through her:"I've just been... exhausted. Extremely."

"Has there been problems with some projects?"

"No... I just," stuttering back in her words, the lady decided to lie - "It's alright."

Beyond (Y/n)'s smile, Henry saw something else. He got used to her nonchalant behavior - she would smile and dismiss any personal conflicts to not bother anyone. But Henry saw the truth - and (Y/n) knew it. His hands lapsed with her, giving warmth by holding them for a second and squeezing kindly. Henry's concern didn't cease, but he shall not dare to aggravate her.

⦁ "It's been an hour... Uuuugh-" Indeed, as Norman said - it's been an hour. The crew mindlessly sat in the lobby without any care about the happening on the other side of the Studio. Whether or not the flood is sealed, no one knew. The only thing that was left is the looping music from downstairs that nobody could turn off due to the flood.

"Quit being childish and stop whining!" - Sammy barked, reflecting on smoking another cigar.

"It's boring! We could've worked on something or just went home! Where's Drew?!"

"He's right, Sammy. But our working area is blocked now, so we can't do anything." Even Susie, who now pouted with a pitiful expression, was fatigued by the sheer dullness.

Henry and (Y/n), once more, sat together: "They're right... There's nothing for us to do."

"Well," Henry chuckled "Good thing the music is still on."

"Sure, at least we have something to lighten up the mood! The only thing is left is to dance in here."

Momentarily, an idea occurred to the adult man. Dancing slightly would've been a great opportunity to pass some time and cheer everyone up. Perhaps it was a silly thought, but for once, Henry wasn't against it - "...Hey! Not a bad idea."

(Y/n) watched with wide eyes as Henry extended his hand in invitation - "I'm not the best dancer, Henry, believe m-"

"Neither am I, (Y/n)."

(L/n)'s blush seared through her cheeks and for a minute, she felt awkward, demure, and coy; even going as far as attempting to break her gaze with Henry who held palpable appreciate to the lady. Mannerly, (Y/n) placed her delicate hand in his, and accepted his invitation ;

First and foremost, the two started to tap into the rhythm of the Music echoing far from their floor - Henry started off slowly, before leading (Y/n) into the center of the lobby, his hand lightly wrapped around hers.

Soon enough, the dancers flowed into the swing. Perhaps, neither Henry or (y/n) were acclaimed broadway dancers like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire* - but for the joy of Music, anyone may queue in.

When Miss (L/n) flowed in dance it was as if it were the only way her body truly acknowledged to speak. Verbally she was guarded, physically she would shrink and fade into the background no matter where she was. But today, her sensuality deliberately busted through into the most vibrant picture of a beautiful soul. Henry watched her move to the music filling the studio, crackling somewhat from the old projectors and recorders. Together as unified dancers, Henry and (Y/n) simply enjoyed their simple moves, ignorant to the people around them.

"Oooh~ Look at those young couplets swingin' !" - Norman whistled bringing more attention to the couple. Low and behold, more smiles and people joined in.

(Y/n) may not indicate it - but her shy and hesitant moves evolved into more lively and exotic motions. To feel the movement was new breath for her body and nourishment for a soul so tired.

Her movements flowed with a dazzling grace that took away the breath of every person in her audience, even Lawrence peered with intense charm.

Henry's customary cautious grin exploded into a radiant smile that he had never worn before, not even as a small boy. He tried his best to match with (Y/n), bringing in the joyful crowd that wanted to enjoy the music with delight - The part was full on swinging.

Abruptly, a gaudy well-known voice busted in, revealing a grumpy manager who's sleeves soaked with ink: "Y'all be having a bash in here while this place is flooding?!"

_____________________

Note : All Hat and No Cattle - all talk and no action.

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire - a famous dance duo from the 1950's. I Fooking love 'em.

I really need a clever way of adding more Henry scenarios.