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Stanley didn't ask for much. He knew the Narrator was always working hard for him, trying to make new content for him to enjoy, and letting him take breaks almost any time Stanley wanted. And of course, now the Narrator often had his office available for Stanley to find -while he didn't tell Stanley every time, Stanley always paid more attention to the doors he passed, to see if he couldn't find his Narrator. And whenever he found the entity, Stanley would take a little break with him, and preferably snuggle with the entity and hold him close.
The Narrator always grumbled about it, but as soon as he was curled up into Stanley's chest, there were no more complaints to be had. Not when he was so warm, and safe, and being held by Stanley felt so wonderful. And if they sneaked some little kisses in now and then as well, then that was for them to know only. Even if they didn't put words to it, and didn't put a label onto their relationship, they didn't need to.
But with the Narrator now more and more willing to spend time with Stanley, Stanley wished that he would come with him sometimes. Sure, there weren't many amazing places in the Office, but simply being able to walk around with the Narrator by his side would be nice. But he wondered if the Narrator would want to. Not just if he wanted to, but if he would. Stanley knew that the Narrator didn't like even the thought of leaving his office, but maybe now that he was more comfortable with Stanley being around him, he'd come out.
But Stanley wanted to make sure he knew exactly what to do, and where to go. He may need to convince the Narrator after all, and so he needed to know just what to do. He figured that maybe doing the freedom ending together would be best. It was the Narrator's favorite ending after all, so surely he'd enjoy doing it together with Stanley. Now, he just had to convince him to come with him. How hard could it be?
[Hey Narry?]
They were once more sitting together in the Narrator's office, the smaller entity curled up against Stanley's chest, nuzzled up into him. The Narrator seemed to greatly enjoy being enveloped by Stanley, being held securely against his chest, letting the taller man wrap around him as much as possible. Stanley wouldn't be surprised if the Narrator would even take a nap with him like this -which he wouldn't be opposed to, normally. But this run, he had a mission, and he wanted to at least try and convince his Narrator to come along. Or well, give him the idea to mull over, until he was ready for it.
The Narrator hummed, nuzzling a little more into Stanley, clearly content to just stay right where he was. If he weren't so adorable, Stanley would try and get a verbal response from him.
[I was thinking, maybe you could join me for a run through the Office? We could do the Freedom Ending together.]
The Narrator tensed a little bit, holding onto Stanley's shirt. Him, leave his office? He trusted Stanley, more than anything else he could possibly trust, but... he wasn't sure. The Office was... it was so unfamiliar, even though he knew nothing but the Office. He hadn't ever been in the Office physically. Before he made his human form, he wasn't restricted to anywhere, to any one place, and while he couldn't exactly see he could... well, he'd describe it as "feeling". He could feel the Office, the physical space, the game's restrictions and limitations. But since he had his humanoid body, he had never once left his office.
Going around the Office sounded terrifying. He knew there wasn't anything dangerous around, especially if they just went to the Freedom Ending, and Stanley would be with him to make sure he was safe, but... it was another big step of putting his trust in Stanley. He knew he could trust Stanley. Stanley never betrayed his trust when coming to his office, and never did anything to make the Narrator uncomfortable or hurt him. There truly was no reason as to why the Narrator shouldn't trust Stanley to lead him through the Office.
But fears were irrational, and and the Narrator knew he was simply far too used to being inside his own office, in the familiar and safe environment.
[I know the Office like the back of my hand. I won't let you get lost, or left behind, or anything.]
Stanley would really like it if the Narrator came with him. He gently moved his arms to tug the entity away from him just a bit, so he could cup his cheeks in his hands, gently caressing his face as he looked at him. He loved cuddling with the Narrator, to spend quiet quality time together like this. But wouldn't the Narrator like to experience his story first-hand? Or just to take a walk together with Stanley, move around a little bit?
[You'll still hear the story-triggers, right? So you'll know where we are even when I forget to tell you.]
The Narrator still looked uncertain, his eyes refusing to attempt looking at Stanley. He could tell how much Stanley wanted to do this, and it really wasn't that big of an ask, was it? The Narrator would be perfectly capable of keeping track of the Parable even outside of his office. Sure, it would be a lot harder to affect the Office in any way, but he shouldn't need to anyways. The entire Parable could function without the Narrator technically, as every trigger was set and would automatically move the story along. Even the secret passageway in the boss' office would open on its own, after enough time had passed -the Narrator's lines were more to show that time did, indeed, pass.
And he would indeed hear every trigger still. It'd be a little different, but with Stanley letting him know where they are, and in general knowing which path they were taking, it wouldn't be a problem. He knew the script inside out, and reciting it in the presence of Stanley shouldn't be a problem. A little unfamiliar of course, but certainly doable.
He squirmed a little in Stanley's hold, before sighing softly. His gaze looked upwards, to where he thought Stanley probably was judging by their proximity. He wondered how Stanley was looking at him. He probably had a soft expression, hopeful, maybe a little smile. He wouldn't be mad if the Narrator wasn't ready to do it now. He'd give him time. The man was far too patient for his own good, wasn't he?
"Alright, my dear. Let's go through the story together."
Stanley's face broke into a bright smile, eagerly pressing a kiss to the Narrator's lips in thanks, before he let go of the other. He was excited and giddy, making the Narrator chuckle softly, feeling Stanley's happiness radiating off of him. So the Narrator climbed out of Stanley's lap, standing up and smoothing over his clothes. He could hear Stanley standing up, his mind an excited buzz as the man watched his Narrator go to his desk for a moment, doing something or other at his computer. When he was done, the Narrator turned back towards Stanley, smiling softly.
Stanley eagerly hurried over to him, his mind already used to sending little thoughts of his actions to the Narrator, and reached for his hand. He gently grabbed it, giving it a reassuring squeeze, before tugging the Narrator to follow him to the door. The Narrator's office was right next to Stanley's this run, so they could start the story properly from the beginning.
Stepping out of his office for the first time, the Narrator could feel the Office around him. It was so... different. While also the same. He held tighter onto Stanley's hand, as the man gently brought him the first steps out of the room. He could feel the Parable, the strange mechanics of this strange place, assessing him and his presence. The Narrator wasn't a new entity here, but his form was. It felt a little uncomfortable, making his skin tingle, holding tightly onto Stanley's hand as he waited for the feeling to pass.
Stanley waited quietly, a little concerned as he watched his Narrator, not knowing what was wrong. The Narrator looked uncomfortable though, and Stanley was close to suggesting that they could do this another time, that the couple steps out of the room were already enough, when the Narrator seemed to relax again, albeit slowly.
"Already, this was uncomfortable, and Stanley decided that as soon as he found a new space he felt safe in, that he would never leave it again in his life."
Stanley snorted softly, smiling at the smaller being. He wasn't surprised he chose that line out of all of them, even if it applied more for the Narrator than Stanley. Still, he very gently urged the Narrator to walk with him, the entity stepping up close to Stanley, sticking to his side. It was cute, making Stanley think a little bit of a scared child, though he hoped the Narrator would get more comfortable as they continued. Being this tense wouldn't be very good for him, nor make this enjoyable.
But, Stanley didn't mind. He loved being with the Narrator, and even just standing here in the hall with him was wonderful. Even if the Narrator wouldn't relax until they were already at the end, Stanley would do his best to make it enjoyable for the both of them regardless.
And so he began leading the Narrator, keeping his mind open for his Narrator to hear, making a conscious effort to tell the Narrator where in the Office they were, and what was coming up. No twist or turn was unexpected, and Stanley didn't try to go anywhere they didn't need to. He was delighted to see the Narrator relaxing slowly, his grip on Stanley's hand becoming gentler, though he still stuck close to his side.
"When Stanley came to a set of 2 open doors, he entered the door on his left."
The Narrator's voice was more sure of itself as they entered the largely empty room. He knew there was nothing of note besides the two open doors in this room, and they would close once they had passed. He also knew they would take the door on the left, because Stanley had promised they'd go to the Freedom Ending. He actually felt... a little excited. This was a novel experience, completely new, and while he knew every twist and turn of the story, it was still making him feel a spark of anticipation. Clearly Stanley could tell, or perhaps he himself felt it too, as he eagerly hurried to the left door.
The sudden increase in their pace however made the Narrator trip, the tugging of Stanley's hand holding his pulling him forward too quickly. He yelped as he tripped over his own feet, his hand slipping from Stanley's as the man flailed to stop his momentum forward. The Narrator lost his balance completely and fell -but right against something. Something hard and solid.
[Narrator?!]
Stanley's worried thought reached the Narrator loud and clear as he was saved from falling to the ground by something that felt like wood. The entity felt disoriented, carefully standing back upright, both of his hands against... the door. The door?
"I'm alright dear. Just a little scare."
The Narrator reassured, moving his hands along the door, until he found the handle. It was the left door, he was rather certain, but it shouldn't be closed. Not- not unless... Stanley had gotten to the other side without him. He felt the handle being pushed, and the door not yielding, not letting the protagonist backtrack. The Narrator could feel his breath hitch, hands pressing against the door, knowing Stanley was on the other side of it, but unable to get back to him.
He was alone. He was- he was alone. Sure, he wasn't that far from his office technically, but he'd have to wander around the Office utterly blind, with no idea where he was or what was in his way. He'd hurt himself if he tried to go back to his office, he was certain of it, and he wouldn't have Stanley nearby to help.
It was an accident. Stanley had been excited, and forgot suddenly pulling on the Narrator like that could make him trip. He hadn't meant to go through the door while the Narrator was falling. He hadn't meant to let go of his hand. But it had happened, and the Narrator was left behind, stuck on his own. He hated it. Logically he knew nothing could happen to him, but he couldn't stop the fear gripping him. What if something went wrong? What if Stanley would need him to do something? What if there was suddenly a glitch, or a bug, or something else?
A whimper left the Narrator, trembling as he pressed himself against the door, his knees shaking. He wanted Stanley back. He wanted his office.
[I'm here Narry, I'm here. I- Maybe-?]
Stanley's thoughts were a mess, trying to come up with a solution. He could hear the fearful whimpers leaving the Narrator, he could tell the entity wasn't handling this well. Of course the Office wasn't dangerous, and the Narrator was perfectly safe. But he was somewhere relatively unfamiliar, being mostly helpless, and on his own. But what could he do? He was trapped in the story, he couldn't backtrack. Doors always stayed closed behind him, no matter what he did.
The Escape Pod Ending! If he triggered that, the doors would open again, and would let him back through. He could get back to the Narrator like that! But he'd- he'd have to leave the Narrator. Really leave him. And he could hear the Narrator's whimpers, could hear his uneven breathing. The entity was clearly close to panicking, and Stanley would need to leave him alone.
"S-Stanley? You're there still- right?"
The Narrator's voice was pleading, desperate to know that Stanley was still there, was still with him, hadn't left him alone. He had collapsed against the door, shaking as tears burnt in his eyes, his breathing ragged as he tried so hard to keep himself together. It was fine. He was fine. He was safe. Stanley was right there, just- just behind the door. It was fine.
But the room felt too big, too open, too empty. Too quiet. There was no buzzing of electronics, no sounds of fans of a computer. There was just himself, and the worried buzz of Stanley's mind, doing nothing to calm him. He heard as Stanley gently knocked on the door, still there, still with him. He whimpered, sniffling, pressing his forehead against the door. He didn't like this. He hated being so- so helpless, and vulnerable.
[Narry, I have an idea how I can get back to you. But I'll... I'll need to continue going.]
Stanley tried to think it as gently as he could, and the Narrator was fully aware of it. But it still made him seize up, choking on a sob as it tried to leave him. He didn't want Stanley to leave! He didn't want him to go away, to put even more distance between them. He knew it was inevitable though, he knew one of them would have to leave the other. Either Stanley managed to find a way back to the Narrator, or the Narrator had to go back to his office. One of them had to make the game reset.
That didn't make it any less painful though, as the Narrator sobbed softly, hunched into himself against the door. He could hear the worried buzz of Stanley's mind, could hear the guilt, and he knew Stanley wasn't happy about this either. He knew Stanley didn't want to leave him any more than he already had, but there was nothing else they could do.
[I'll be as quick as possible. I'll keep thinking at you, you won't be alone, okay? The quicker I'm gone, the quicker I'm back.]
Stanley's heart hurt, hearing his Narrator sobbing softly, clearly in so much fear from this stupid accident. But there was nothing else he could do. Sure, he knew the Narrator could reset the game if he got back to his office. But in the state he was currently in, Stanley didn't think it'd be possible. Even if he weren't panicking right now, he had been so uncomfortable and uncertain about walking around, clinging to Stanley, depending on him to guide him. No, the Narrator going back to his office was out of the question. Stanley would have to be the one to get them back together.
He didn't want to leave his Narrator like this either though. He knelt down by the door, knowing his Narrator was behind it, hearing every sob and gasp. He longed to hold the Narrator, to keep him protected in his arms, to comfort him like he deserved. But all he could do was be here, lightly tapping against the door to let his Narrator know he was still here, and think calming and reassuring thoughts.
[I'm here. You're safe. We're both safe. It's just a short moment. This will pass. We're okay. Deep breaths, okay? In and out.]
The Narrator clung to Stanley's thoughts, to the gentle taps on the door. He tried to focus, to breathe through his sobs, trying to forget he wasn't in his office. To breathe in and out, together with Stanley's thoughts, until his lungs stopped refusing him air. Until his shaking lessened to a tremble, and his sobs had quietened to sniffles. He felt horrible and gross, but more than that, he just wanted Stanley. He just wanted to be back in Stanley's arms. He just wanted to have Stanley's hand in his own again.
He sniffled, shifting to sit down instead of kneeling, curling up with his back to the door. He just had to wait. He'd know where Stanley was, because he'd hear the pings, and he'd hear his thoughts, and he wouldn't be alone. He wouldn't be alone. Stanley was still with him, even if not physically. It would be just like normal, just like every other run. The Narrator listening, and Stanley going.
His breaths were still shaky, but he had stopped crying at least. He'd be fine. He'd be able to wait for Stanley, because Stanley wouldn't really leave him alone.
"I- I'm okay. You can... go. But- please hurry."
Stanley's heart squeezed as he listened to his Narrator's words, so quiet and vulnerable. He craved to hold him, to wrap him up in his blanket and cuddle him for hours and hours. And he would, as soon as he was back with him, as soon as he could be with him again. So he slowly stood up, hands flat against the door. It would just be a couple of minutes before he'd be back with the Narrator, before he could hold him again and apologize for making him trip, for falling through the door without him, for suggesting something so stupid when the Narrator was barely comfortable leaving his office in the first place.
Taking a deep breath, Stanley knew he shouldn't linger any longer. The quicker he was gone, the quicker he was back. Still, he tried to fill his mind with love and warmth and reassurance, knowing that his Narrator would hear it, maybe even feel it. He wouldn't stop thinking for even a second, he'd make sure the Narrator wouldn't be left alone for even a moment.
And so Stanley turned around, told the Narrator he was going to go, and started running. As he made his way through the hall and meeting room, he kept thinking at the Narrator, telling him where he was, what turns he took, that he would be back soon. He took the stairs two at a time, pulling himself up the steps faster with a hold on the railing, up to the boss' office. He was panting when he made it, the stairs taking more out of him than he had thought, quickly approaching the opened double doors. This was it. He just had to not mess this up, and he'd soon be back with his Narrator.
[The door is going to open in a moment, so you should probably move a little away. And I'll be back with you in mere moments, okay? Just a little more.]
Stanley could hear the Narrator's quiet sniffles, barely picked up by his microphone. He waited before he did anything, waited until the Narrator told him he could continue. Only then did Stanley walk through the open doors, triggering them to close, and quickly hurrying back out. A shuddering breath left him, glad he hadn't messed it up, before he turned back to hurry back to the stairs.
As he began his descent, as quick and safely as possible, Stanley realized something crucial he had forgotten. The Narrator wouldn't be able to hear him during this ending. At least, that was how it had been the last time -no thoughts directed at the Narrator would reach him. And the Narrator's words wouldn't reach Stanley.
Realizing the added panic this was likely causing the Narrator right this moment, Stanley threw caution to the wind, and himself down the stairs. He'd told the Narrator he wouldn't stop thinking at him, and now he had stopped thinking at him.
The Narrator had gotten the ping of Stanley entering the boss' office, and shortly after, silence. The ever-present buzz of Stanley's mind was still there, but there were no more clear thoughts for him to hear. He had moved away from the door, and he heard the soft click of it opening on its own, but that was no comfort for him. Not when he could no longer hear Stanley, not when none of his words reached Stanley anymore, not when he was suddenly more alone than he had been seconds ago. Stanley had said he wouldn't stop communicating with him, and now he had, and the Narrator couldn't grab a rational thought to know why that was.
He had to do something, didn't he? He had to- he had to get up. Right? He needed- if Stanley wasn't able to communicate- it was on the Narrator. Right? But he could barely breathe, could barely focus, forcing himself to his feet even as fresh tears started to run down his cheeks. He didn't want to be alone, he just wanted Stanley back with him, and he had no clue where he was, and-
He could hear sounds, making him freeze up, unable to track the sounds, to face even close in the direction. But he heard it, he heard someone- Stanley?- running, harsh breaths, and finally he could turn to face the open doorway he knew must be there. Was it Stanley? Was he there? He could hear the frantic buzz of Stanley's mind, anything more hidden from his perception.
"Nar-"
The Narrator froze, eyes wide, and suddenly there he was- Stanley. Stanley, barreling into the smaller entity, crashing into him, arms thrown around him and clutching into his back. They nearly toppled over, Stanley barely able to keep the two of them upright. It was Stanley, and he was here, and he was holding the Narrator, and he was back-
"Stanley!"
The Narrator's voice broke as he sobbed again, clinging to Stanley's chest as he was held, squeezed tightly to Stanley's chest. Stanley was back, he was with him, he wasn't alone. He still couldn't hear Stanley's thoughts, but he could feel him, could feel his frantic heartbeat against his own, could feel Stanley's panting as he held his Narrator as close as he could. Finally he wasn't alone, he was back with Stanley, safe in his arms. All of his fears left with his tears, as he sobbed and gasped into Stanley's chest, shaking like he'd fall apart if Stanley were to let go of him.
But Stanley didn't let go. Stanley didn't even think of letting go. He held his Narrator tight in his arms, cradling him close to him, letting him sob and cry. He tried to pour every ounce of love and care into his mind and through his thoughts, although he could tell that none were reaching the Narrator. He still did it though, he still did his best, and if that meant merely holding his Narrator while he cried, then that was what he would do. Holding him, rubbing his back, carding his fingers through his hair, making soft little sounds so the Narrator could hear him, could hear that Stanley was here with him, solid and real.
Once the Narrator's sobs had quietened again, Stanley shifted. He cooed softly at the Narrator's fearful whimpers, bending down to pick his Narrator up. He made a startled sound, before quickly holding onto Stanley, wrapping his arms around Stanley's neck, clinging to the man. Stanley pressed soft kisses to the Narrator's temple and hair, starting to carry him back through the Office, back towards the Narrator's office. There was not a single want for Stanley to attempt doing the Escape Pod Ending with his Narrator -the poor entity was so shaken, all they needed right now was a break. A break and cuddles and lots of kisses.
Thankfully the Narrator was deceptively light -much lighter than a human person in general should be- so Stanley had no problem carrying him. He brought them back to the Narrator's office, where he settled back down onto the couch with his Narrator. He knew he couldn't communicate with him right now, and that they'd need a reset to fix that, but it was fine. Right now, simply being with each other should be enough, had to be enough.
Stanley grabbed the blanket to drape it over the both of them, laying down onto the couch with the Narrator against him. He made sure that the Narrator was between him and the sofa's backrest, so there would be no chance of him falling off, or missing Stanley, wouldn't be able to feel him. Like this, the Narrator was pressed against Stanley, could feel his presence and body all around him. His arms wrapped around the Narrator's small form, holding him close, his face in his hair. He kept making soft sounds, humming and cooing for the Narrator, and he could feel him slowly relax.
He couldn't deny that he felt responsible for all of this. If he had reigned in his excitement a little better. If he hadn't pulled so hard on his Narrator. If he hadn't let go of his hand. If he hadn't stumbled through the door. He knew it could've been avoided, but there was nothing he could do about it anymore. He had done all he could, to reassure his Narrator, to make sure they'd be together again as soon as possible. It still didn't feel good, but Stanley would make sure that they would be okay now, at the very least.
He noticed when the Narrator's breathing had slowed and evened out, his eyes fallen closed and his grip lighter on Stanley's shirt. Seeing him asleep made Stanley smile softly, pressing a soft kiss to his hair. He hoped his Narrator could get some well deserved rest after the panic he'd gone through. And maybe next time, they'd take things slow. Maybe get the Narrator used to the Office before they got to a choice. But that was for another time. For now, Stanley just wanted to relax, and hold his Narrator close, and protect him from the world.