Bendy - MOTM {14}

"...Are you going to keep following us or are you going to stop soon?"
Bendy's voice cuts through the silence without warning. You freeze in place, not expecting them to actually notice you. Slowly, you emerge from your hiding place and stand facing them. Boris had been staring at you for a while, his axe still slung over his shoulder, his expression difficult to read.
"Hey... calm down. There's no need to be afraid. We're not going to hurt you."
Bendy crosses his arms, tilting his head slightly as he watches you.
"A child? Seriously? This isn't a place for you."
But you're not leaving. Not this time. Maybe it was the way Boris softened his gaze… Or the fact that, for the first time in a long time, someone had spoken to you. You take another step forward and Bendy lets out an irritated sigh, running a hand over his face.
"No. Don't even think about it. I'm not going to become a babysitter."
Boris looks at you from Bendy's perspective... and then sighs too.
"We can't just leave a child here alone."
"Yes, we can."
Bendy replies, raising his voice on the last word. After that, silence. You remain there, looking at them, without leaving. Without looking away. With nowhere to go. Boris lowers his head slightly, thoughtful… then looks at Bendy again.
"Just until we find a safe home for them, okay?"
Bendy closes his eyes for a second, clearly annoyed.
"...That's a terrible idea."
Bendy looks at you again.
"If you slow us down, I'll leave you behind. Understand?"
They don't send you away. And that… was enough. Without realizing exactly when it happened… you decided. Bendy became your father, and Boris… your uncle. They didn't know it yet. But you did.
The next morning, the city receded into the distance. Buildings gave way to dirt roads. The constant noise was replaced by the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. The further you advanced, the denser the forest became, perfect for throwing off any pursuer.