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Stanley was, admittedly, getting pretty lonely. Although he’d never admit that- neither to himself nor the voice following him through this forsaken and infinite parable. Although this parable seemed neverending, it seemed as if Stanley was the only physical person in the office. Sure, the voice- it called itself ‘The Narrator’- was a person, but it wasn’t… there. Down here with Stanley.
Even so, The Narrator was still a person. It was quite obvious, with the way Stanley’s morals clashed against theirs. It was quite impossible for Stanley to create such an utterly insufferable being in his head to narrate his every action. So, with that, he supposed he was stuck here, with a stuffy and preachy British voice feeling as if it's peering over his shoulder at every moment.
Either way, it was impossible for The Narrator to not notice what has been going on during the most recent runs. It was clear that a pattern was being made- every time Stanley reset in his office, he’d make a beeline for the right door (barely even paying attention to his amazing narration, mind you!), and he’d use the platform in the warehouse to head to the room with the phone, and live out the apartment ending once more.
It both intrigued and puzzled The Narrator- intrigued him because Stanley had never shown this kind of pattern before. Puzzled him because- well, why would Stanley need to go to that ending over and over? To hear The Narrator mimic the wife’s voice? To hear the story? The Narrator was truly puzzled. And so, after one reset, he had managed to close the door to Stanley’s office before Stanley could step out, making the office worker’s attention drift towards the ceiling, where he assumed The Narrator was.
`` Ahem… Not that I’m concerned, Stanley, ,, The Narrator hastily added before anything, making Stanley’s eyebrow raise in doubt, `` but I’ve noticed a pattern in your…runs, so to speak. You keep going to that one scene with your wife- why is that? Is there something I should know about? You can tell me anything, Stanley, really. ,, The Narrator said, honesty laced in his voice, awaiting Stanley’s answer.
He carefully watched Stanley’s hands as he signed, ‘[I’m lonely.]’, followed by ‘[It’s really the only ending where there’s some semblance of someone else there, even if it’s a mannequin.]’. The Narrator’s breath audibly hitched (well, that was something new. Since when did The Narrator need to breathe? Stanley didn’t wish to dwell on that thought much longer) at the reply, and Stanley stood still with his hands up at his chest, as if he wished to say something, but his words died on his fingers as he put his arms back to his sides, deciding to instead stare at the ceiling.
`` Oh… I see… ,, The Narrator muttered, before a faint shuffle of papers began sounding in the small office. `` I see, I see… Well, Stanley, I think I can… maybe solve that. ,, The Narrator muttered, sounding as if he poked his tongue out before the sound of pencil scratching on paper followed. `` Mhm… just a few more adjustments, and… I’ll be able to code this pretty quickly! ,, he announced gleefully, before startling once he realised Stanley had no idea what he was talking about. Oops.
`` Well, Stanley, I think I might have found a semi working cure to your loneliness! ,, The Narrator happily announced, which made Stanley’s eyes light up. The Narrator didn’t wish to focus on the way that his breath hitched again at the sight, praying the mic hadn’t picked it up. `` It- It’ll probably only take effect after this run, though. So whenever you- ,,
Stanley wasted no time after the words had registered, bolting out of the office as soon as he heard the click of the door sound out. The Narrator sighed as he watched the man head to the right door, not even letting The Narrator finish his line, practically sprinting down the halls. If The Narrator would’ve known just how desperate Stanley was to cure that loneliness, he would’ve implemented this long ago. He let out one final, disappointed sigh as he watched Stanley jump from the moving platform at the earliest moment, gazing down and watching as Stanley’s body hit the ground for a split second before both of their visions went black.
/—/
When Stanley regained his senses, he was back in his office chair. Yet something felt… off. The Narrator’s beginning dialogue hadn’t started, and it felt dreadfully empty in his small office without it. He certainly didn’t like the feeling it gave him, raising goosebumps over his arms.
Still, he didn’t need to worry for long, because soon he noticed something else that was strange. A new item had appeared on his desk. It appeared to be a notepad, and Stanley cautiously picked it up. Was this what The Narrator had prepared to ‘solve his loneliness’? How would a bland, empty notepad even help him?
What Stanley didn’t expect, however, was for the notepad to not, in fact, be empty. Once he had peeled the first layer off, he was met with the sight of a cartoonish man- no younger than perhaps his 40’s, mind you- who appeared to have rustled up, messy hair, along with a pair of headphones and rectangular glasses, combined with some stubble on his chin and a suit to go along with his overall classy appearance.
Stanley realised that this wasn’t just a normal, average drawing, because the drawing began to move, its words lagging just a tiny bit behind as they appeared on the empty space next to them in a nice, calligraphy font, whilst also sounding out in Stanley’s ears.
`` So, what do you think, Stanley? Clever, right? ,, the man spoke, and Stanley didn’t have to even blink to realise who it was. Of course only The Narrator would think of something as absurd as this. `` I’ve actually had this planned for quite a while, but just now have managed to execute it! Come on, praise me, I spent actual weeks designing the way my words appear! ,, As if to show his creation off, The Narrator gestured with his hands at the text next to him, a proud grin stretching on his face from ear to ear.
Stanley set the notepad against his monitor to sign, [won’t you run out of space?] to it, thinking The Narrator’s view might be limited in this new form. The Narrator simply scoffed, as if offended by the mere thought, and quickly disappeared, much to Stanley’s shock. It didn’t take long before Stanley realised The Narrator simply moved to the page underneath that one, breathing a sigh of relief upon finding him once more.
`` But that’s not all that I’ve added! ,, The Narrator continued, his words filling up the page once more. `` You see that on your desk, Stanley? I’ve added a new, never-before-seen-in-the-office item! You have three guesses… ,, The Narrator raised his eyebrow expectantly, before making a shoving motion and looking away, a smug grin on his face.
`` Oh, whatever, you wouldn’t get it even with all of the guesses in the world! ,, The Narrator cackled, which made Stanley’s mouth curve up into a slight smile. `` You see, I’ve added a functional highlighter! How crazy is that! A highlighter that actually functions! ,, The Narrator huffed, chest puffed out as if he was showing off, clapping in excitement when Stanley picked it up and examined it in his grip.
`` Yesss! You see, that took much longer to code if I’m being honest. SO many glitches with just a simple highlighting mechanic, it’s abhorrent! ,, the man scoffed, turning his attention back to Stanley when he saw the office worker uncap it. `` Now, it is infinite, yes, but it might dry out for the run if you use it too much. That’s why I want you to use it sparingly, Stanley. Highlight only what you deem necessary. ,,
Stanley glanced over at the notepad, then at his highlighter, before he slowly nodded, putting the cap back on the highlighter once more and then picking up the pad from where he had left it standing. The Narrator made a disgruntled noise as if the motion of it being lifted up had affected him as well, but he said nothing more on it. Instead, he went quiet as he shook his head, perhaps shaking the nausea out of it, before he piped up once more, seeing as The Narrator could just never quiet down.
`` Now, let’s see if you have it figured out! ,, The Narrator happily exclaimed, putting his hands together once more. `` I will make you go through the- eugh, the page is full. ,, the last part was written in small cursive at the bottom, and Stanley watched as The Narrator phased out, hastily flipping the paper to see him again. `` As I was saying… I will make you go through my story, and I want you to highlight your favourite parts of it, okay? Think of it like feedback for me. I take what you like, improve what you don’t, and voila - a perfect story just for you! Sounds good? ,,
Stanley hesitated at first, his teeth finding his lower lip to bite on it. However, after a few seconds he nodded his head, although the motion seemed stiff. The Narrator didn’t seem to notice, though, as he merely cheered on, excitement practically radiating off of him.
`` Now, remember to highlight only the most important things! ,, The Narrator spoke, pointing a finger up. Stanley nodded, a smile creeping up on his face once more as he uncapped the highlighter and put the cap at the end of it, watching the notepad intently. `` Okay, here we go… There once was a man named Sta- ,,
Before The Narrator could finish his intro, Stanley had already brought the highlighter closer to the page, hovering over The Narrator’s face. He didn’t hesitate before he let a streak of yellow colour the middle of the man’s face, even going over his glasses. The Narrator startled before he blinked once, twice, his words dying in his mouth. He stood there, frozen, before he let an airy chuckle fly out of his mouth.
`` Okay, real funny Stanley. Now, as I was saying- ,, The Narrator began, yet was interrupted once more by the highlighter pressing against him, this time on his left cheek. Then again, on the top of his hair. Again, on the side of it this time. Stanley pulled his highlighter back, noticing how small, vertical lines appeared on The Narrator’s face, almost akin to a blush.
Stanley then continued, putting even more strokes on The Narrator’s clothes. On his hand when it was brought up to fidget with the other. On his arms. Eventually, Stanley drew two stray hearts next to The Narrator, which only heightened the man’s ‘blush’.
`` Yes, yes, I get it, thank you… ,, The Narrator mumbled, his face looking abashed as he glanced away, his nose scrunching up a little at the way his voice gave out and cracked in the middle. He coughed, shaking his shoulders, and dusted his clothes off even if the yellow didn’t seem to come off at all. `` Can I- Can I continue my story now? ,,
Stanley nodded, unafraid to hide the big grin which spread across his face, making The Narrator smile back as well. The Narrator eventually decided to move to a different page, yet still the yellow followed with. `` Must be a glitch, ,, The Narrator would mumble, and in return Stanley would add one more smudge of yellow to him, getting an annoyed and whiny ‘Hey!’ in return which made the office worker giggle.
Eventually, Stanley did let The Narrator go on about his story, reading the dialogue as it appeared on the paper with a fond look on his face. After The Narrator was done with the introduction, Stanley slowly, oh so slowly made his way to the two doors room, sighing when The Narrator instructed him to go left.
That earned Stanley highlighting that line in yellow, which made The Narrator’s eyebrows shoot up. He liked being told where to go? Then why was he so stubborn with following that direction? The Narrator was puzzled, yet continued anyways.
Yet something grew apparent the more The Narrator monologued on through each room. Each and every word he spoke would immediately be highlighted by Stanley, and soon enough the page was full of yellow rows of highlight, each and every word ran through. The Narrator sighed, wondering why Stanley would mess with him this way. Maybe he would stop if he switched to a blank, new paper?
Even with that, Stanley didn’t seem to stop. Up to the boss’ office, the numbered code he had to put in, the mind control facility, even up to the two buttons Stanley had highlighted it all, pages upon pages of lines of dialogue all highlighted by Stanley’s hand, a soft smile on his face as he did so. It puzzled The Narrator to no end, yet he let it go, wondering which ending Stanley would choose to critique this time.
Stanley pressed the OFF button, and The Narrator breathed a small sigh of relief. He didn’t think he had the will to be mean right now, with how nicely Stanley was treating him. Although, The Narrator couldn’t distinguish if the man was actually highlighting stuff he liked or simply highlighted everything because he had nothing else to do. The Narrator continued talking through the ending dialogue, his hands also expressing along with his face and words as he watched wistfully along with Stanley as the giant doors opened to show the outside. From up, where The Narrator was watching, this ending seemed way more tame, but like this, The Narrator could almost feel the freedom it gave, the wind he simulated tussling his hair up, even if all it did was blow the paper back and forth.
And Stanley was happy.
/-/
Stanley awoke back into his office. The highlighter was still tightly gripped into his hand, and now the notepad laid much more closer to his keyboard, practically pressed up against it. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes, picking up the notepad either way. He frowned at the sight of The Narrator once again colourless, yet decided not to comment on it, having noticed The Narrator’s upset expression.
`` Stanley… you weren’t really highlighting the important stuff, were you? ,, The Narrator sighed, almost saddened, yet Stanley quickly shook his head and let the notepad rest against his monitor once more to hastily sign. ‘[No, I did. Why are you asking?]’.
`` Well, clearly you didn’t, considering you highlighted everything! ,, The narrator spoke, sounding dejected. `` You couldn’t have enjoyed everything, there must be something you didn’t like. Something that got under your skin or rubbed you the wrong way. There must be something I can improve on, I’m sure of it- ,,
As if to mute him, Stanley pressed the tip of the highlighter against The Narrator’s mouth, practically muffling him. He chuckled as he let the highlighter slide away, once more colouring The Narrator’s face.
`` See? You’re treating it as a joke , Stanley. ,, The Narrator pouted, shaking his head. `` Nevermind, if you didn’t want to do it you just had to say it… ,,
‘[I did do it, though.]’, Stanley’s response came quickly, eyes narrowed at the paper man. ‘[I highlighted the most important things. The things I loved. The things I love.]’.
The Narrator’s cheeks were once again covered in diagonal lines as he glanced away, seemingly flustered. Stanley chuckled as he dragged the highlighter over his cheeks, colouring them in which got an embarrassed whine out of the man.
`` Do you simply wish to humiliate me? Is that what it is? ,, The Narrator spoke, voice low, like he was afraid to be heard, tilting his head down. `` RIdiculing me by colouring me in? Is this how low I’ve stooped? ,,
Stanley rolled his eyes, a sigh escaping through his nose. Stanley gripped the highlighter tightly and began hastily scribbling The Narrator in, watching as the man tilted his face up in shock before it got squished around by the highlighter gliding across it.
`` Wh-what are you… ,, The Narrator remains speechless as Stanley colours him in, leaving no space on him empty. Eventually, The Narrator’s shoulders begin shaking, and Stanley distantly registers the sound of hitched breaths. He pulls the highlighter back from the paper, watching as round tears start forming in The Narrator’s eyes and roll down his cheeks, The Narrator having to push his glasses up with the base of his palm so as to wipe them off.
`` You’re… you’re being genuine? The story- every word- even me… you love it all? ,, The Narrator whispers, voice unsteady and sounding as if it’s going to break at any second.
He lets out a wet sob when Stanley nods in agreement to his conclusion. The Narrator’s breath hitches one last time before his head hangs low, trying and failing to stifle the wet sniffles and sobs that crawl out of his throat.
Eventually, during that ordeal, Stanley had grabbed the notepad once more in his grip to be able to colour in more clearly. He distantly notices the paper getting more wet and his cheeks getting hotter, but he doesn’t bother to bring a hand up to feel them. He knows they’re there, and that’s all he needs to know. Eventually, he watches as The Narrator slowly disappears, and a pang of hurt runs through his body. He clutches the notepad close to him, stifling his own near silent sobs into the paper, up until he feels a strange weight settle around his waist, pulling him closer to something. He looks down through the blur of tears and sees a pair of arms, wrapped tightly around his waist.
Stanley lets out a sharp gasp and turns around, just in time as the man was lifting his head up from where he had settled it on Stanley’s back, causing the two of them to knock heads- the top of the man’s head hitting Stanley’s jaw and causing it to clash closed. Stanley let out a pained grunt, yet ignored the pain in favour of focusing on the man close to him. Holding him. Hugging him.
If Stanley thought the drawing of The Narrator looked handsome, it was nothing compared to the real thing. Brown hair, with streaks of grey and yellow was all he could see, up until The Narrator peered up at him once more. God, he really did look more pretty up close.
`` I’m going to look so dumb if you’re playing with me… ,, The Narrator whined, to which Stanley let out an airy, near silent chuckle, yet shook his head. He wasn’t playing, not now. Still, he couldn’t resist the urge- he bent over, to where he had dropped the highlighter on the ground out of shock, and got back up swiftly, grasping The Narrator’s cheek in his hand. The Narrator let out a gasp, lips just slightly parted as Stanley looked at him fondly, gliding the highlighter against his cheeks.
The liquid on his skin was a little uncomfortable, The Narrator must admit, but the action made his face light ablaze in a much redder colour, making Stanley chuckle under his breath. After that, Stanley grasped The Narrator’s tie with his free hand and pulled him closer, up until his lips collided with The Narrator’s left side of the face, where he had pressed the highlighter before.
The Narrator sputtered for a few moments, giving Stanley enough time to kiss his other cheek, but by that time The Narrator had already recovered. The Narrator, with an almost offended grumble, whacked the highlighter out of Stanley’s grip once he noticed it drifting to his lips, and instead grabbed Stanley’s face in his hands, pressing their lips together a little too harshly.
It was, admittedly, a very short and awkward kiss, but the action had caused Stanley to chuckle midway through the kiss, causing The Narrator to follow soon enough. Before long, the two of them were giggling at one another, merely holding each other's faces and looking fondly in the others eyes, giggling as they pressed their foreheads together after a minute or so.
`` You’re so- so… ,, The Narrator wished to complain, but lost his will midway, resulting in even more chuckles coming from Stanley. After a while, the two of them quieted down, and The Narrator had allowed Stanley enough room to be able to sign.
‘[No more need for the notepad, eh?]’, Stanley signed with a chuckle, which made The Narrator roll his eyes. `` I suppose I don’t have any use for it anymore, Stanley. Considering you’ve smudged enough highlighter on my cheeks to practically stain.
‘[It was cute!]’, Stanley complained, and The Narrator could almost hear the whine in his voice. He merely rolled his eyes and backed away, grasping Stanley’s hand in his.
`` Well, come on then. If you like my story as much as you said you did, we should replay it at least once, don’t you think? Onwards, to freedom! ,, The Narrator cheered, dragging Stanley by the link of their hands as they wandered out of the office, notepad and highlighter forgotten.
Yet Stanley was happy, being dragged around like this. He could certainly get adjusted to this.