Inspired by my sister freaking out over flies

It's a bit angsty with a bit of nightmare stuff.

Tw for mention of blood/gore, anxiety, and just that sort of thing.
———

Grian was trying to do the dishes. He really was. But there were just so! many! bugs!

He let out a squeak as a stink bug appeared on the counter. He nearly dropped the plate he was loading into the dishwasher.

He set it down gently before running into his roommates room.

"Mumbo- theres anothe-" he said in a slightly sheepish voice.

"Oh for goodness sake," Mumbo said, face shrinking into his hands.

"It's just a bug," he said, laughing out of frustration. "You know what- just go ask Iskall, ok?"

"Oh, ok," Grian said, realizing that Mumbo was frustrated and pestering him might not have been the best idea.

He walked into Iskall's room, knocking on the open door to signify his presence.

"Hey Iskall," He said quietly, as to not disturb him.

Iskall was editing a video, headphones over his ears, looking frustrated.

"I swear to god if this is about a bug I'll-" he started, before realizing he shouldn't take his frustration out on his friend. "Sorry, I just can't do anything right now, ask Mumbo."

"I asked him and he said to ask you!" Grian said, a bit annoyed.

"It's just a bug what are you so afraid of!" Iskall said, sounding angrier than he may have intended.

"I-" He said, shocked. "I'll go." He said sadly, closing the door on his way out

He then cautiously walked into the kitchen to keep doing the dishes.

Mercifully, the bug was gone, and he was able to do the dishes without further issue.
———

That night Grian let his duvet fall over his shoulders, it's weight comforting- like a hug he desperately needed.

He tossed and turned, his nightmare consuming him.

He was on the ground, everything around was black. Dark. Empty.

The ground was covered in a thin layer of liquid, it covered his arms, hands, legs, everything.

It was red.

Dark red.

Blood.

Covered in blood.

Covered in who's blood?

His chest burned.

His own.

He was bleeding.

Where were his friends?

Alone.

He was alone.

Was he?

What was that over there.

"Mumby..?" he said, voice muffled.

"God, I can't believe we were ever friends with you." Mumbo said, his voice blossoming in Grians head. Sharp and shrill.

Iskall materialized next to Mumbo, nodding with a blank expression.

Grian sat up as far as he could, reaching his hand forward to try and touch his friends.

He stretched and stretched, but no matter how far he reached, he could never touch them.

What are you so afraid of?

Iskall's words from earlier ricocheted around his head.

What was he afraid of?

Bugs?

Blood?

The dark?

Or was it something else.

Grians eyes shot open and he drew in his breath.

He was in bed, a few tears pooled on his lower lashes.

He got up and walked out of his room, the darkness of his shared apartment warping the halls.

His tired legs wobbled as he tried to get his balance, his breathing not yet even. He had a hard time staying straight as he entered the bathroom, gripping onto the sides of the sink to stay straight.

He didn't even bother to flick on the light, his eyes had adjusted to the darkness.

His shaking hands turned on the faucet, and he splashed his face with cool water to calm down.

From what he could see of himself, he was a mess. Hair disheveled, bruises under his eyes from the sleep he had been lacking.

He bit down on his lip and looked back at his reflection, letting his own blank stare drive his thoughts.

Was he a burden?

Was something wrong with him?

Was he bothering Mumbo and Iskall?

His fears spilled out of him, consuming him. He shut his eyes, as if that'd help.

Tears slipped down his face. A sob threatened his chest.

He pushed it all away. He couldn't think like that. He couldn't think like that. He couldn't think like that. He couldn't think like tha-

"Grian?" A familiar British accent asked.

"M-Mumbo!" Grian said, trying to mask his sadness and surprise.

"Are you al- have you been.. oh you poor thing." Mumbo said, tripping over himself, quickly pulling Grian into a hug. "You alright?" He asked quietly.

Grian shook his head, putting his hands up against Mumbo's chest. "A-am.. I.. a.. am I- am.. a burden?" Grian managed to stutter out.

"Oh god! Of course not, G." Mumbo said, sounding surprised Grian could ever think that.

Grian let out a shaky breath of relief, not entirely believing Mumbo- but the hug helped.

"Why would y-" Mumbo started, before he remembered earlier that day. "Oh, oh god G, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

Grian nodded slowly into Mumbo's chest, shaky breaths exiting his lungs.

Part of him thought it was his fault for being so sensitive.

Part of him just wanted to believe Mumbo.

But for now?

The hug would do.

———

A bit of an abrupt Ik.

I just wanted to do some stuff with nightmares and a more poetry-like style. Lmk what you thought.

Also! I have another story called 'Blind Trust' that I'll be splitting my time on, so check it out.

~shameless plug~

-yours, lonely asf