Bit by Bit [II AU]

Introject

When Paper awoke, he quickly took a good look around the room. Paintbrush was screaming at Bomb for doing something so stupid, but quickly turned to Paper once he woke up.

"You alright, man?!" They asked, helping him back up on his feet.

"Alright?" Paper had a wide smile on his face. "I'VE NEVER FELT BETTER! HEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHA!!"

Bomb and Paintbrush stumbled back, immediately recognizing the voice and panicking.

"Whaaaat? Scaaaaaared? Psh, what a bunch of freaking babies!" E.P. laughed. "I don't plan on doing anything to you... for now." He quickly ran upstairs, cackling the whole way.

Paintbrush looked at Bomb as their bristles set ablaze. "You fUCKING MORON!"

—

[Welcome to E.P.'s Perspective]

FINALLY! After so long trapped in that damned headspace I'm FREE! It felt so nice to run on my legs again. So far the decor of this "Hotel OJ" was quite nice. Orange is a very beautiful color...

Right, OJ. Paper said something about him acting weird? Out of character? Might as well get it over with.

I quickly ran around the hotel, trying to find OJ. I checked every single room I could just in case! Plus it's funny watching the others freak out over my return.

"AAH! GET AWAY!!" Marshmallow screamed when I tore open her door. I laughed, lazily reattaching the hinges and continued to run down the hallway. Eventually I stopped at one that had OJ's name on it.

I kicked the door open, only to find nothing.

Ffffffork.

I ran back downstairs, finding an office with OJ's name on it, too, kicking the door wide open.

AHA! There he was!

"Paper? What did I ask you earlier-" I ran over to him, getting directly into his face.

"OJ! Ol' pal! Remember me?? Starts with 'E', ends with 'vil Paper'?"

OJ didn't budge. "Ha-ha. Very funny, Paper. Now leave me alone. I'm trying to do work here-"

I grabbed his tie and pulled him closer to me. "Paper asked me to figure out what your deal is! So you're going to tell me! If you don't, then I'll uhhhhhhhhhhhh..." Crap, I forgot Paper didn't want me to hurt anyone. Well, there's always a plan B!

I slid half of the items off of his desk, papers, pens, a coffee cup, and a few empty glasses flew off the table, smashing and causing a huge mess. "I'll destroy your property!" I laughed like a maniac.

OJ still didn't budge. "Clean that up, please."

I laughed more. "Not until you tell m-" OJ suddenly grabbed me by the edge of my paper skin, tugging on it hard. I screeched from the sudden yank, attempting to pull away from his grip.

"Clean it up." OJ said again, his tone more enraged. "Now."

I stumbled back, confused as to how he had that strength. I felt... weak. Scared. His eyes had a soulless glint in them. Just like Paper said...

No. Nonono don't give into that stupid bullcrap! "Like hell I'd listen to you! You listen to ME, bucko-"

"Clean. It." OJ stated firmly. "Do you want me to talk to you like a baby?"

----

[Welcome back to Paper's Perspective]

I blinked back to reality. E.P. Must've given up...

I looked up at OJ, he looked furious.

Shoot.

"I-I'm so sorry, OJ! I don't know what got over me! Please let go of me..." I whimpered, anxiety overtaking me.

OJ's gaze seemed to soften, letting go of me, looking terrified of what just happened.

"Wh-" he stumbled, as if he wasn't in control of himself in that moment. Before he could continue, I interrupted.

"Lemme help you clean up the mess, I'll replace your mug and-"

Before I said anything else, the sound of something snapping could be heard.

Everything went dark again.