Thank you @IngerCGrantham and @WhoopsIJustDied for giving me this idea! 

Doc just doesn't understand what he did wrong. It's not like he's ever talked to Bdubs before. He wants to, that's for sure, but every time they lock eyes, Bdubs looks away, and if they ever come close to brushing shoulders in the halls, he jumps out of the way. He thought maybe it'd be easier to approach him when he's with a friend. So he'd go up to Bdubs and Keralis in the hall, but then the shorter male would quickly leave.

"Maybe he likes you and he's just shy," Etho teased during lunch one day. The hybrid looked around the lunchroom and spotted a small Bdubs. As usual, he was just staring at his food with this frightened look in his eyes.

"I don't think it's like that." He shook his head.

"Well, what did you say to him?"

"See that's just it! I've never said anything. Ever!"

The tall brunette watch Keralis and Bdubs walk out of the class at the final bell. Taking a deep breath, he got up. I need to talk with him.

He caught up with them outside and smiled as he saw the freckled boy laugh. I wish I could see his smile more often. Clearing his through, he tapped Bdubs' shoulder.

Oh, what a terrible mistake that turned out to be.

"Hey, Bdubs? Can we talk?"

When the brunette turned around, his smile was quick to disappear. His eyes widened and he recoiled from Doc's touch. The hybrid immediately pulled his hand back, feeling guilty and confused.

"I-I'm sorry, I-" he stammered, unsure what to say.

Bdubs glanced frantically from Keralis to Doc and just bolted.

"Bubbles, wait!" the other boy protested, calling after him.

"Did I do something wrong?" the tall male quietly asked, staring at his feet. The boy in the blue shirt sighed.

"It's not really my place to say," he said slowly and started after Bdubs. Pausing, he looked over his shoulder. "Just know it's not your fault," he added with a sad smile.

Still feeling fairly confused, Doc watched as the brunette ran after his friend. If it's not my fault, then why is he so scared of me?

"Stupid, stupid, stupid," Bdubs muttered to himself as he leaned his back against a wall to catch his breath.

"Hey!" a familiar voice called out. He looked up and saw Keralis sprinting towards him. "You can't just run off like that!" he scolded.

"Sorry," he mumbled.

"I thought you said you wanted to talk to Doc?"

"I-I did!" the freckled male protested. "It's just," memories flashed in his mind, and he began to sweat. "Last night was the worst it's ever been," he whispered.

"Oh Bubbles..." Keralis pulled him into a hug and stroked the back of his head. "You still haven't told your parents?"

The shorter male sighed, clinging to his friend. "They don't believe me," he mumbled.

Pulling apart, the wide-eyed male smiled. "Well, they should, and they're idiots for not. Now let's get you home,"

Bdubs stood next to his bed, gripping his shorts as his body trembled. I don't want to sleep, I don't want to sleep. He repeated over and over in his mind.

"Why aren't you in bed yet?" his mom asked from the doorway. Looking over his shoulder, he plastered a fake smile on his face.

"Ah, sorry!" he reluctantly crawled under his blanket and watched as his mother turned the light off and walked away.

"If I don't fall asleep, it won't happen," he muttered.

He really tried not to tonight, truly, he did. But at 3:30 AM, he finally drifted off.

Shit, no, not again! He worriedly thought.

Bdubs was staring at his body from the right corner of his room. Go away, go away! He tried to scream, as his bedroom door slowly opened. Leave me alone! The brunette frantically tried to move. Just a little twitch from his finger should do the trick. Stop, no! He protested as a shadowy figure slowly walked into his room. It had one glowing red-eye, and the closer it got the more the shadow faded away. By the time it reached the edge of the bed, Bdubs could see it's grotesque green skin and a rusty robotic arm. Dried blood coated its long claws and around its mouth and his dark brunette hair was standing up in different directions. Go away, go away! He tried to cry as it reached out with its flesh arm. Just when he had started to get used to it just standing and staring, last night it began doing the same thing. Hissing, the creature curled his fingers, and held it up, ready to strike. Please, please-

"Don't!" Bdubs cried as he sat up in bed, sweating. With his heart racing, he frantically looked around his room. He caught something in the corner of his room and jumped. Placing a hand over his heart, he took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "Just a sweater," he muttered.

Picking up his phone, he checked the time. "I only got two hours of sleep?" he realized. Not wanting to go back to sleep only, he moved to the edge of his bed and tried to forget about what happened by going on his phone.

Since Keralis couldn't walk with him to school, he wasn't able to talk to him about last night. And then when he entered the class, Bdubs found his friend sitting at his desk as he normally does, only this time Xisuma was standing over it and talking to him. I don't want to bother them. He thought, stifling a yawn.

Doc watched as a tired Bdubs left the class, and contemplated following him. Well, I won't accomplish anything by doing nothing. He figured, so he got up and followed him out.

Rubbing the corners of his eyes, Bdubs hoped the crisp outdoor air would help wake him up as he sat on one of the picnic tables outside. "Really wish I stopped at that coffee shop," he muttered before letting out a big yawn.

Tink.

He jumped at the noise behind him. Looking down, he saw an unopened soda can with a sticky note sitting next to him.

Figured you could use the caffeine -Doc

Spinning around, he watched as his classmate walked away, his hands in his pockets. Bdubs wanted to say something but just couldn't find the courage. So instead he carefully placed the note in his pocket and chugged the soda.

When the class ended, Bdubs slipped a small note onto Doc's note as he hurried out of the class. If I could only get over my stupid problem. He thought bitterly.

Thank you, I'm sorry for acting so rude

The hybrid slipped the note into his bag and smiled to himself. Maybe there's hope after all.

"Hey, Bdubs!" the short boy froze as he heard a familiar voice softly call his name. He stopped walking and inhaled sharply. Don't be a dick again. He told himself, but an image of that... thing flashed through his mind. The real Doc won't hurt me.

"Hiya," he turned around but stared at his feet as he spoke. "Thanks again for the soda. I feel like you have no reason to be nice to me, considering how rude I've been," he mumbled.

"Don't worry about, seriously. I don't think you've been rude," the taller boy reassured.

"Kinda don't believe you, but okay," Bdubs laughed. He forced himself to look up at him and smile but immediately had to look away for two reasons. One, he realized that Doc is actually kinda cute, but then two, he blinked and suddenly he was staring down the creature.

Does he think I look scary? The hybrid worried. "Make sure to get more sleep," he suggested, making his goodbye. He reached his hand out to give him a little pat on the shoulder, but when the tan boy flinched, he quickly retracted his hand and walked away. I do make him uncomfortable.

Bdubs felt like an idiot as he covered his face, and leaned against the wall. "I suck," he mumbled. Feeling his stomach rumble, he trudged to the lunchroom in hopes of finding his friends.

"Woah Bdubs, what's gotten you so gloomy?" Grian asked as he sat down.

"I just didn't get much sleep, had a- nightmare." He glanced at Keralis, who was giving him a small smile.

"Hey, is it just me or are Doc and Etho looking at us?" Iskall asked. Keralis gripped his hand as he froze up.

"Gosh, am I really that cute?" Grian jokes, pushing his hair back.

"No," Iskall said bluntly, pushing him over. They grinned as the small blonde sputtereed nonsense. Sitting back up, he shoved them back. 

"Geez, what a loud group of people," Etho mumbled as the two watched the enby and blondie fight.

"Hey, I've seen our friends get loud too," Doc pointed out.

"Yeah but not at school," he said, pulling down his mask so he could eat.

As if on cue, Ren and Beef appeared, plopping down at their table.

"Why were you guys glaring at Iskall's table?" Ren laughed.

"We weren't glaring," the hybrid mumbled.

"Doc is convinced Bdubs is scared of him," Etho explained.

"Why would he be scared of him?" Beef asked.

"Keralis and Bdubs have told me it's not my fault, but I can't help but feel like it is somehow," running a hand through his hair, he dropped his head onto the table, groaning.

"Have you tried talking to him?"

Turning his head, Doc looked up at him. "Yeah, I've tried," he sat back up and snuck another glance at the table. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as the freckled boy laughed at something. "It's just, I feel like he thinks I'm creepy looking." He stared at his hands, his face drooping.

"You're not creepy. Trust me," Ren assured him, reaching over and squeezing his creeper hand. "If you want, we can talk to Bdubs for you?" He offered.

"No, it's fine, I swear," he insisted. I'll make things right on my own.

Blinking, Doc realized he probably wasn't going to be getting much sleep. And just when he started to fix his ruined sleep-schedule. He couldn't get the image of Bdubs smiling and laughing out of his mind as he stared blankly at his ceiling.

"I want to make him smile," he mumbled. Realizing what he just said, the tall boy felt his face grow hot and rolled over onto his side, throwing the blanket over himself.

Bdubs was also lacking sleep that night. However, if it were up to him, he'd have already been asleep.

Get away from me! He shrieked. The creature hissed and extended a flesh arm. Don't touch me, don't touch me! It snarled at him as it bent down, reaching for his throat. I don't want to die, please-

"Stop!"

Waking up in a cold sweat yet again, the brunette sat up and clung his blanket. Looking at the bulletin board next to him, he spotted the sticky note from Doc, and how he had pinned it up the moment he got home. Taking a deep breath, he managed to stop shaking. "The real Doc is a good person," he reminded himself.

"...Keralis and Xisuma, Joe and Mumbo, which leaves Bdubs and Doc." Bdubs froze as he heard Doc's name called alongside his. The other students got up to move to different seats, but he wasn't sure if he could do the same.

"If you need anything, I'll be right over there," Keralis whispered, patting his shoulder as he left his seat.

I can do this, I can do this. He told himself as the hybrid sat down next to him.

"If you don't want to work with me you don't have to, I get it."

The tan brunette was surprised by how sweet the student's voice was.

"No no, I don't mind, really!" he insisted, hastily opening his school laptop.

As the two began to work on their assignment, neither seemed to notice the sky outside darkening. But when the first boom of thunder shook the school, Bdubs practically jumped out of his skin. Without thinking, Doc reached over and touched his arm.

"Sorry," he quickly apologized, pulling his hand back.

The shorter brunette was suddenly very aware of where his hand had been on his arm. It's not that his touch made him uncomfortable it was the complete opposite. Unfortunately, he wasn't given much time as lightning struck, causing the lights to go out. Multiple kids - including Bdubs - yelped. His eyes darted across the room and he jumped again as he thought he saw- but no, he couldn't have, right?

"Hey, you okay?" the hybrid whispered.

The small brunette realized he had clutched Doc's arm. Still feeling a little scared, he was speechless.

"Everything is going to be fine," the darker brunette murmured, placing his hand over Bdubs'. The boy still wouldn't look at him, but he was fine with it. The lights began to flicker, signifying the generators were working, and in a matter of moments the power returned, and the two let go of each other without saying a word.

By the afternoon, the raining had ceased, and the picnic tables outside were practically dry.

Not seeing any reason to head home immediately, Bdubs placed his sweater on one of the tables and sat down, watching as other students walked home or to a nearby convenience store.

"Hey, Bubbles!" Keralis called from behind. Looking over his shoulder, he watched as his friend ran up to the table. "You wanna come to the movies? Scar invited a bunch of us, including you!" He offered.

"Not today," he apologized.

"I know you said you were fine after the lights went out this morning, but are you sure? If you want, I can turn down the invite and we can just hang out?"

I'd rather not bother him. It's a Friday, he deserves to have some fun. "No, you should go! Besides, we can always hang out some other time," He pointed out.

Doc wasn't used to leaving the school late. Of course, late for Doc means ten minutes after the final bell, but that's beside the point. When he finally got outside he saw someone sitting on one of the picnic tables. What's Bdubs doing out here? He thought, walking closer. His mind began to wander to earlier that day, and he touched the part of his robotic arm that Bdubs had clung to. Shaking off the weird feeling, he took a deep breath, and hopped on the table too, sitting with his back to the shorter brunette.

Snapping out of his daydream, the freckled boy felt a warmth against his back and glanced over his shoulder. Whipping his head around, he simply stared at his feet. "Hi," he managed to say.

"How are you doing?" the taller brunette asked, glancing over his shoulder.

"Better," he mumbled. "Uhm, I just wanted to say I'm sorry,"

"You don't-"

"I'm sorry for clinging to you like that earlier, and I'm sorry for never-"

"Looking at me?" Doc raised an eyebrow. "It's fine, I get it. You think I'm scary looking,"

"You're not scary Doc," he awkwardly laughed.

"Then why won't you look at me?"

"It's..." he leaned back, pressing against the darker brunette. "It's stupid, really," Bdubs laughed bitterly, gripping the table.

"Talk to me, DoubleO,"

Giggling, the shorter boy turned his torso, so he could get a better look at the back of the hybrid's head. "You're gonna laugh at me,"

"I promise I won't." He wanted to reach over and take his hand, but Doc was too worried he'd make him uncomfortable again.

Sighing, the short brunette scratched the back of his neck. "I have this... sleep paralysis demon. And it kinda looks like a scarier version of you," he slowly explained.

"So you do find me scary then?"

"No no no! I swear I never found you scary, in fact, I always thought you were gorgeous, but then the paralysis started and I've been reminding myself that you're not a bad person but I can't help but freak out," he rambled. It took him a moment to process what he just said, and immediately felt his face grow warm. I called him gorgeous.

Smiling, the darker brunette blushed as well. He didn't think anyone would ever find him gorgeous. "Have you talked to your parents about it?" he asked, trying no to think too deeply about it.

"They don't believe me, they say it's not a big deal," he muttered, pulling at a tuft of hair.

Doc was surprised at how angry he felt. Bdubs was clearly having a hard time, and his parents just... refused to acknowledge it?

"That really sucks. No offense, but they're stupid for not believe you," he stared at his hands and touched his flesh cheek. "I guess I'm not much help either, since every time you see me I just..." his voice trailed off as he hopped off the table. Me being around doesn't help anything.

Looking up, the tan brunette watched as his classmate ran a hand through his hair with his back still to him. Scrambling off the table, he flung himself at the hybrid, wrapping his arms around him from behind. "It's not your fault, so stop feeling guilty, okay?" He closed his eyes as he pressed his head into his back. I'm an awful person. I'm the reason he feels like this. It's my fault.

The brunette hybrid pulled at the boy's arms, so he had room to turn around. He returned the hug, stroking the top of his head. "Is there anything I can do to help?" he quietly asked.

"I don't know. Is there anything we can do to make it stop?" Bdubs muttered.

"Well, for starters we can get you home. And then we can do a little researching this weekend, alright?"

The shorter brunette stopped at the bottom of his front steps. "Thanks for walking me home." He stared at his front door, his feet cemented to the pavement.

"Of course! Is everything okay?" Doc wanted to pat his shoulder but was uncertain if the boy was fully okay with his touch.

"It's just; once I step inside, I'll have to officially face the fact that I have to sleep eventually, and when I do, I'll..." He shivered at the thought and gripped his backpack straps.

"Well, I gave you my number, so if anything bad happens, just call me immediately, okay? I don't care what time it is, I'll talk to you until you feel better," he assured him, grinning.

"Thanks," Bdubs said. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled, before entering his house.

Gasping, the brunette sat up in bed, frantically scanning his room. He touched his neck. I'm fine, it can't hurt me. He repeated over and over again. Picking up his phone, he winced as the bright screen attacked his face. It was five am again. I don't think I can go on much longer with only two hours of sleep every night. Opening his contacts, he hesitated over Doc's profile. I know he said to call him, but I don't want to bother him. I haven't done anything for him, so why do I deserve anything from him? He looked around his room again and gripped his blanket. If he doesn't pick up, it'll be fine.

Doc woke to a soft melody from his phone. He looked across his room and realized he never properly turned off his laptop. Rubbing his eyes, he picked up his phone and saw the caller ID, and immediately became worried. "Everything okay, Bdubs? Are you alright?" He frantically asked.

"Y-Yeah, I mean- it could be worse, sorry for calling so early, er, late? It's just- I freaked- not sure, maybe- a part of me thought- even though I know- sorry." He tried to form a complete sentence, but his thoughts were scattered and his heart was beating too loud.

"Can you do me a favor?" the hybrid asked.

"Uh, yeah, what do you need?"

"First, take a deep breath. Second, what do you want to do tomorrow? For fun?"

Bdubs inhaled deeply and relaxed as he exhaled. "For fun?" he echoed. "I don't know, I guess I like video games? I can't think of anything right now," he laughed. "Also, is this really a good time to be asking this?"

"Well, anything to ease your mind, really," Doc stated.

The freckled boy hugged his knees. "Why are you so nice to me?" he quietly asked.

"Because I want to be your friend," he said bluntly.

"Really?" He couldn't help but smile to himself.

"Of course, who wouldn't want to be your friend?"

The boy felt his face flush.

"I-Is that it?" Bdubs asked, turning Doc's laptop screen so he could read the article.

"Yeah. turns out getting the proper amount of sleep should help you,"

"Easier said than done," he bitterly laughed.

He plopped down on the edge of the hybrid's bed, swinging his feet. "Thanks again for wanting to help me," he said, staring at his feet.

"What are friends for?" He shrugged. Spinning his chair, he faced the boy and smiled. How is he able to look so cute? "A-Anyways," he stood up, pulling himself from his thoughts. "I figured the best way to help fix your sleep schedule is to make you super exhausted," he explained.

"So how are we gonna do that?"

"Well, I tend to feel tired after playing fast-paced or competitive games, so we can do that!"

"Prepare to be crushed," Doc jokingly threatened before dramatically pressing [Begin] on the fighting video game.

"Rematch! Rematch! I demand a rematch!" Bdubs jumped up, pointing at the T.V screen. He stumbled and almost slipped on the red beanbag.

"Be careful!" the hybrid laughed, reaching a hand over to brace him. He still didn't quite touch him, since he didn't want to discomfort him.

The short boy slumped back down into the beanbag. "I bet you cheated," he huffed, moving his player border rapidly across the character select screen.

"You just need to get good," the taller boy teased, shrugging.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, the short brunette leaned against Doc's side. "Maybe I should just give up now before I'm utterly destroyed again."

The darker brunette felt his heart pound. It was a strange feeling, but not a bad one entirely.

"Aw c'mon, I believe in you!" he laughed, feeling his face grow warm.

Sitting back up and confirming his character choice, Bdubs let out another sigh. "I guess I can try,"

Four games later, the taller student had to muffle his laughter as the loser slid off the beanbag chair, groaning.

"I'm starting to think you only invited me over to make a fool out of me. How did I manage to lose all four?" he complained, covering his face.

"Alright," standing up, Doc turned off his console. He opened his door and stood at the entrance to his room. "Let's go,"

"Where to?" Bdubs asked, jumping to his feet.

"Who knows?" the tall hybrid shrugged.

As they walked around town, the darker brunette's hand was itching to take his friend's, but he refused to give in. It'll just make him uncomfortable. He told himself.

"Oh my god look at those kittens in the window!" the lighter brunette cooed. He was so used to tugging Keralis (or vice versa) that he didn't think twice before pulling Doc by the arm over to the animal rescue center. Four small black kittens with white were running around, climbing the cat tree and nipping at each other's ears. As cute as it was, the tall boy found it hard to look at them too long, and instead found himself gazing at Bdubs' sparkling eyes in the reflection.

Despite doing seemingly nothing all day, both boys still felt tired from all the walking they did. And even though he was tired, the freckled boy still managed to find the energy to somersault onto the air mattress, making Doc laugh.

Once he was settled in, the dark brunette leaned over the side of his bed. "I'm right here, okay? Wake me up if you need anything." The tan boy was already on his side, but he raised his hand to give a thumbs up.

Half an hour later, Bdubs glanced over his shoulder. A green arm was dangling off the side of the bed, swaying slightly. Scooching closer, he found himself reaching up to hold it. When the boy stirred, he jumped and quickly rolled back over.

Bdubs stood in the school hallway. Even though students and teachers were all walking around him in the tight space, he never felt more alone. Alone and cold. So very cold.

He looked around, spotting a friend.

"Hey, Keralis!" he waved, jogging over to his friend. "Do you know what class we have? I never got my schedule," he explained.

"Sorry, I don't have mine either." The boy's stare was blank. He shrugged and without another word walked away, blending in with the crowd.

The bell rang and the hallways were quick to empty. I'll just stay out here. He decided.

Now that he was truly alone, he felt so much colder. Something was gnawing at his stomach. He felt himself sinking to the ground as he choked on a sob. He stared at the tiled floor, gripping his knees as tears splattered the back of his hand.

A pair of hands cupped his cheeks and lifted his face. Doc was smiling, their faces inches apart. "Don't cry," he whispered. Bdubs' heart began to race. He pressed his forehead against his friend's, his vision only slightly blurred by his tears.

Slowly sitting up, Doc looked over to check on his friend. He had managed to kick off the blanket. He was shaking, crying quietly and hugging himself. Unsure what else to do, Doc dropped down to the air mattress and pulled the blanket over both of them.

"Don't cry, it's okay, I'm here," he murmured, hoping his words would give him some form of comfort. He rubbed his back and his arm, fighting back the temptation of pulling him into a tight hug.

Not again. Bdubs grumbled to himself as he was pulled from his dream. He found himself staring at Doc comforting his sleeping self, and the initial dread suddenly didn't feel so bad.

And then he saw it in the opposite corner of the room.

The same shadowy figure as always was standing there. It let out a hiss and began inching closer. It stopped at the edge of the mattress, narrowing its eyes. Bdubs just wanted to turn over and hug Doc. I'm not scared of the real Doc. He thought defiantly. The small amount of confidence faded away as the creature loomed over his sleeping body. The way he longed for, the way he silently pleaded to feel the other boy's warm embrace was something he never felt before. Please, I just want to hold-

"Doc."

The boy froze as he heard the other whisper his name. He started to move, but could barely move the blanket off of himself before the small male rolled over and buried his face in his shirt. He was still shaking and crying.

As the hybrid wrapped his arms around him, Bdubs clung to him. His heart wouldn't stop pounding and he wouldn't stop shaking.

"Everything's okay, you're safe now," Doc murmured, petting his head.

When the boy still wouldn't stop shaking, he could no longer fight temptations and kissed his forehead. The freckled male immediately stopped shaking as a warm feeling bloomed inside his chest. He smiled into the taller boy's chest.

Resting his chin on the lighter brunette's head, he fell back asleep, and for once, Bdubs was able to as well.

The next day, neither of them mentioned what happened. Neither of them could think of a way to bring it up without fearing it would make things awkward. Bdubs still couldn't find the courage to look at him, but this time it was purely out of embarrassment.

He's still scared of me. Doc thought sadly as he fiddled with the straw in his coffee. He had originally offered to take Bdubs here before walking him home in hopes of finally talking about last night but just couldn't find the words.

"Weren't we gonna work on the project or something?" the smaller boy realized, staring at his drink.

The dark brunette leaned back in his seat, laughing. "I completely forgot!"

"At least we got another week, right?"

"Yeah, I bet we can finish it before Thursday,"

They sat in the booth in silence as the tension slowly began to rise.

"Thank you, by the way," Bdubs blurted out. "For comforting me last night. You didn't have to and yet you did. You've done a lot for me and I still feel like I haven't earned it,"

"Well, love is a strange thing," Doc chuckled. Processing what he just said, he covered his mouth, but it was too late. The tan boy slowly looked up at him.

"I guess it is," he grinned.

The brunette hybrid swiftly moved across the seat so he was closer to the student. When he couldn't meet his gaze, he simply covered his eyes with his hands and kissed him.

When they finally broke apart, Bdubs pulled Doc's hand down and kissed the back of it. With a glint of mischief in his eyes, he yanked on his arm, pulling him closer so he could kiss him again.

Almost 5k words pog. Yeah the ending still feels a little rushed, but I've been spending too many late nights on this, so I'm stopping myself. I don't know too much about sleep paralysis, but I do know that a proper sleep schedule does help. For Bdubs' case, it'll probably take a couple days for his sleep schedule to go back to normal, but once it does it should be smooth sailing from there :)