Baldi's Basics in Baking and Birthday Preparation

by Inky_Kuro

Summary:

During the night, Baldi has a strange dream about cake that takes an unusual shape, and he can't for the life of him figure out what caused such a dream!

Then during the day, he realizes that the students and other staff members of Here School are getting up to some very peculiar, indecipherable mischief indeed.

He'll have to work overtime to solve these two complex equations- but how can anyone do math if they can't get any sleep?...

Notes:

I was very much inspired to write this by fanart from sentryworm and lemonsonaa on Tumblr where they drew Baldi being made of cake!

I've drawn my own art featuring a couple Baldi's made from cake, and it does contain body horror/cakegore, I guess you could call it? So please proceed with caution if you're sensitive to those themes!

Chapter 1: Sweet Dreams

---

 

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

I smile at all the singing students gathered around me, taking in their own smiling faces as they sway back and forth, holding hands and linking together in a circle around me.

"Happy birthday, dear Mister Baldi... Happy birthday to you..."

As they draw to a finish, I clap my hands together in applause. "That was fantaaastic! Thank you so much, children!"

"We love you, Mister Baldi," They chorus together, continuing to sway back and forth. Delighted, I clap my hands again and gaze around the chain of children.

"Now, who would like to blow out the candles?"

"Oh!" MC raises their hand with a grin devoid of any of their usual shyness. "May I do it, Professor?"

"Of cooourse! Come along, now!"

The next thing I know I'm able to see myself from above, almost like an out-of-body experience. I lay on the table, cheerful even with a whole ring of burning candles in my stomach. My clothes are rather rumpled and slightly torn. Cracks line my skin, too, showing hints of brown- the treat waiting underneath.

MC stands by the table, smiling back at me as they bounce on their feet.

"Now, close your eyes and make a wish, Professor Baldi!"

"You got it!" I close my eyes, thinking hard about my wish- the only thing that comes to mind is that everyone enjoys the cake. When MC blows out all the candles everyone cheers, then I open my eyes and sit up. "Alright, now lets have some cake."

"Yeah!"

I pull my ruler out of nowhere, making sure the edges nice and sharp before I begin cutting slices of cake out of my torso. "Yummy, yummy! Principal, could you help hand these out to the kids?"

"Of course, Baldimore," The Principal replies, smiling and helping me cut myself up into equal servings and then handing plates out to the kids. Everyone eats the delicious chocolate cake happily, and I watch over them with a gleeful smile of my own.

"I'm so happy that my wish came true!" I chirp, drawing a curious hum from the Principal.

"Your wish?" He asks, cutting through his own slice of cake and fondant with his fork and biting into it.

"For everyone to enjoy the cake, of course!"

He chuckles. "Oh, Baldimore, that's just like you! You even use your own birthday wish to make others happy... Ah! Speaking of which, you need a slice, too!"

I wait patiently as he lifts my ruler and cuts through my cheek, laying a generous slice on a plate and handing it to me with a fork. "Happy birthday, Baldimore!"

"Thanks, Principal!" I take the plate and fork, scooping up some cake and popping it into my mouth. "Mmm! That's delicious!"

...

"AHH!" I bolt up in a cold sweat, kicking for a moment before realizing my feet are tangled up in the covers. "Off, off!" I yank them off and kick them away, scrambling to my feet and running into the bathroom. I turn on the light and look in the mirror, immediately heaving a sigh of relief when I see myself- normal, without torn fondant skin or anything. My t-shirt is soaked through with sweat, but after seeing that my alarm clock reads 5:57am and I realize I have to change anyway, it's not a big deal.

I make sure to cancel the alarm for this morning and get ready for the day, getting dressed and such. I head to the icebox to get something for breakfast- maybe fried eggs- but as I look over the contents of it I find myself hesitating. My stomach turns a little at the thought of eating something...

But why should it? It was just a dream. And eggs aren't cake, anyhow, so it's all okay!

... Well, they do go into cake, but that's still not the same. Luckily, that helps ease the ache in my middle and I manage to make myself some breakfast. After I finish up my morning routine, I drive to Here School, arriving at the same time as the Principal.

"Good morning, Prince!" I call to him as I get out of the car, walking over to him as he waves back.

"Good morning, Baldi." We walk side-by-side as I get out the keys to the school, unlocking the door and letting him in first. "How did you sleep last night?"

"Huh? Oh, um." I manage a small chuckle, saying, "I slept okay. How about you?"

He raises an eyebrow at my less-than-enthusiastic answer (normally I say "great," or "good,") replying, "I slept well. But did something keep you up last night?"

"Well, not really kept me up, but I was a bit restless because of a creepy dream."

"A creepy dream?" He murmurs, following me as I unlock the doors to the classrooms. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I smile at him, shaking my head a little. "No, but thank you for asking. I just- I wouldn't know where to even start, it was so odd. And it was just a little dream, anyway."

"Alright. But if you ever change your mind, feel free to come to me."

"I will," I assure him, and we go on about our business. Throughout the day I notice the students whispering intensely to each other when they think I'm not looking, and I can't figure out what they're discussing. They're speaking in codes and garbled jargon, almost like they're hiding something from me.

At one point, I tap my ruler on the desk and call out, "Susie, Adrien, is there something you'd like to share with the class?"

Both students jump and squeak in alarm, their gazes whipping towards me as I cross my arms and look at them curiously. They both exchange nervous glances, then Susie nervously smoothes the creases of her red dress as Adrien picks lint off of his sock puppet.

"I see. If this is a private conversation, then please wait until after class to have it so you don't miss anything."

"Yes, Mister Baldi," They chorus, so I simply nod and continue on with the lesson until the bell rings.

"Alright, class. Remember to come to me for help if you had any trouble with the subject today- we'll be using it a lot in this unit."

Everyone gathers up their things and starts to leave, Adrien and Susie going right back to their whispering. "Papa Big Halls said that he would use his Gs to get the B-loos and hang-ups," Susie tells him, and I can't help blinking incredulously. Is this some kind of mafia game they're playing?

Papa Big Halls... And his Gs? To get the B-loos and hang-ups? That definitely sounds like a kids' mafia. Though, I could have sworn I heard the others talking in that jargon, too. Is it a school-wide game?

As much as I'd like to solve this interesting equation, I don't have time to before my next class begins. I continue my lessons as per usual, then when lunchtime comes I join Prince in the teacher's lounge. He splits his lunch with me since I forgot to bring my own, and we chat lightly about our day so far.

"It's kind of funny, the students keep whispering to each other in funny code," I say at one point, noticing his dark eyes widen ever so slightly and growing much more curious than before.

"What kind of code?"

"Well, Susie told Adrien, "Papa Big Halls said he'd us his Gs to get the," I trail off, still wondering what this actually means. "B-loos and hang ups." I have no idea what on earth it means, it sounds like they're all playing some strange mafia game."

"I... See."

"Have you overhead anything like it?" I ask innocently, knowing that all the same students would have had geography with him before lunch. If they said anything, he may not have heard it too clearly, but it's worth the chance of asking.

"I'm afraid not. Either they haven't tried talking about it around me or I haven't been able to hear it," He answers coolly, and though his explanation is sound, I still can't help being suspicious. Especially when, as he's getting a drink of water, his gaze flickers to me almost nervously.

So, whatever the kids are playing at, Prince is in on it? It's not just a game then, I'm sure.

But I don't have any evidence to prove it, at least not yet, so for now all I can do is play along. I also notice, regrettably, that when I get back to class the kids are being more subtle in their exchanges of information. Talking under me, and then immediately going silent when I do. By the end of the day, I don't know anymore than I did at the start.

Well, hopefully I can pick up some more pieces, I hum, tapping my chin as I walk to my car. Because it feels like everyone's in on it but me, and I don't know why. I say my goodbyes to the staff, getting in my car and heading home.

---

"Congratulations, you found all seven notebooks! Now all you need to do is... Come meet us in the cafeteria."

Even though I'm not actually by them, I get to watch as MC leaves the geography classroom and pad all the way to the cafeteria, entering the darkened room and glancing around nervously. But then they see everyone waiting for them by the giant cake and perk up, heading over.

"W- What's going on? Where's Professor Baldi?"

"Come an' look inside the present here!" Gotta Sweep chimes, gesturing to the big, wrapped-up box sitting on the lunch table before them. Hesitant, MC steps closer and inspects it, holding it by the sides and lifting it off the table. Underneath is me, dressed not in my usual sweater and jeans but a plain shirt with a tall collar and dark blue pants. I sit with my legs crossed and my palms resting on my legs, which feel much softer and stickier than normal flesh and blood- something else I find odd is the scent of chocolate wafting around me.

"Oh, hi! Welcome to my party!" I greet them enthusiastically, waving my right arm and letting out a soft, "Oops!" when the fondant on it rips and it falls off. The others can't help but laugh, and I join right in as I collect the fallen appendage. "Hey, Sweep, do ya need a haaand?"

"Sure thing! An' throw in a leg while you're at it, Prof!"

When the laughter dies down, it's time to blow out the candles. The Principal lights some and sticks them into me carefully, and this time I call on Playtime to blow them out.

"Alright! Close your eyes and make a wish, Mister Baldi!" She chirps, and so I close my eyes and concentrate really hard- thinking up wishes has never been my strong suit, so, um...

I hope nobody takes my eyes, ha ha.

Playtime blows out all the candles with a mighty huff, and everyone cheers as I open my eyes. "What did you wish for?" She asks, and the Bully scoffs, saying,

"He can't say or it won't come true, ya dingus! Everyone knows that!"

"Be nice, Bully," The Principal says, raising a finger scoldingly. The Bully only crosses his arms and looks away.

With that, it's time to serve the cake. Everyone lines up patiently as I cut even slices and put them on the plates, handing them to the Principal and Sweep so they can pass them around. I serve myself last, getting a piece from my cheek and then watching as everyone else digs in, content and jolly. It warms my heart!

I wonder if I'm even tastier than last time? To find out, I take a hefty bite out of my slice, chewing it over and-

And I bite down on something hard. N- No, two somethings...

"Huh?" I cover my mouth and carefully extract those two somethings, my eyes widening as I fell into dead silence when I see what they are.

Everyone else stares in a similar silence, their expressions indistinguishable between disgust, dismay or indifference. But before much time elapses at all, the Principal simply looks to the others and says with a strangely calm voice, "Well, everyone, watch out for bones in your pieces and chew very carefully. Okay?"

"Okay!" The kids all chorus as they go back to eating without a single concern, but I can't help but keep staring at my hand.

This... Isn't supposed to happen. I'm cake, so why do I have... Teeth?

...

I kick and wrestle, trying to get out of the covers but only getting more wound up in their trap, wriggling and whimpering to no avail. Some part of my brain finally yells at me to just CALM DOWN! and I go still, sucking in deep breaths until the deafening thunder of my heart fades and the ringing in my ears silences.

I finally manage to untangle myself from the web of blankets and stagger into the bathroom, throwing on the light yet feeling no relief when I see myself. I looked normal enough in the dream, after all...

What does help ground me to reality is by pressing into my arm as hard as I can, making sure I feel bone and normal skin. And I'm sticky, but not in the sugary-feeling way- just the sweaty, gross way. And I certainly don't smell like chocolate.

Ugh, I'm going to have to take a shower, I realize, pulling off my shirt with a grimace and going back into my bedroom. Do I have enough time before work?

I look at the alarm clock and realize, yes, I do have time.

I have two hours before I'm supposed to even be getting up for work, since it's only 4am. Just fantaaastic.

So, I take a quick shower and change into some fresh nightclothes, additionally having to wash my blankets because they stink like sweat. It's only 4:21 when everything is clean, so I settle back into bed and lay down.

... Even though I am yawning and sleepy just after thirty minutes, I can't fall asleep. I want to get some sleep for work, but something else deep inside me fervently insists on keeping me awake. So, by the time the alarm starts ringing I'm dead tired and desperate to stay in bed, but I don't have any choice. It's my school, I can't just call in sick with no one to fill in!

I start a pot of emergency coffee and head to the icebox to make some breakfast, but oh, geeze, the moment I even think about eating I think about teeth, and suddenly I have absolutely no appetite and no desire to eat through a roiling stomach.

The emergency coffee is enough. I drink a whole mug and then fill up my thermos, passing on the creamer and sugar and just taking it black. It's bitter and hard to down, but I'm not in the mood for anything sweet.

Before I can even consider why, I leave the house and arrive at the school way too early. But, since I'm here anyway I go ahead and unlock it for the day and unlock the classrooms, dragging myself back to mine in the end and laying my head on the desk.

I don't bother tracking the time, only lifting my head to sip some more coffee and nothing more. The only way I know how much time has passed is by the arrival of the faculty. I try to make myself seem more presentable as Prince sticks his head through the door, eyes widening a bit.

"Baldi? What are you doing here so early?"

"I just figured I'd get an early start," I chuckle sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck. "I didn't sleep very well again and couldn't get back to sleep."

He frowns, his brows creasing in concern as he crosses to my desk. "Are you sure you're okay to teach, then? You could head home and I'll cover for you."

"No, no! It's okay, really. I wouldn't be able to get to sleep anyway, with all this running through me." I swerve the thermos around on its bottom edge, hoping that Prince doesn't notice the way the caffeine makes my arm shake. But he does because he's annoyingly perceptive like that, and he places a hand on my shoulder.

"You could still take off and just take it easy at home until you're tired again."

I look away uncertainly, tapping my fingers against the top of the thermos. "Honestly, I think I'd rather not."

"... Just let me know if you change your mind, okay?" He murmurs, massaging my shoulder comfortingly. I can't help but smile at how sweet he is, nodding once and laying my hand over his.

Soon, he has to leave to go to his classroom as the students begin to arrive, and though the spot where his hand was quickly grows cold, I take another shot of coffee and force myself to get my head in the game.

Class carries on like normal even though the coffee gets me wired enough to trip over my tongue every so often, and I notice that the students are still playing it safe on their scheming. I at least figure out that, surprisingly, even Brett, MC and Flynn seem to be in on it, something I didn't see yesterday.

After class I go head to the bathroom to blot the sweat forming on my face, slowing to a stop and then hiding by a locker when I notice the janitor talking with the three about something.

"Eyup, he got the B-loos and hang ups for the B-D fest last aftertime. Now we're jus' workin' out the nitty gritty on who's gettin' the Mu-foos and pu-rinks," Galahad, or just Gal for short, tells them with a cool smile on his face like always.

"Are the ET and HT going to be throwin' down?" Brett asks as he rifles through the pockets of his orange hoodie for something- probably a candy bar.

"We haven't got word back yet."

"I heard that they have other haunts to be at, but they're going to bring some ca-wishes," Flynn says, and somehow, that makes sense to everyone. But I have no idea what a 'ca-wish' is supposed to be. Then again, I really don't have any idea what any of this is about. All I know is that someone might be getting into a fight?

Before I can listen to any more of their chat, Susie runs up behind them and whispers sharply, "Ixnay on the biznay chalakt, guys! The Halo Angler's around!"

"Eep!" MC claps their hands over their mouth, looking around nervously. I find myself looking around, then I notice the hall that loops around to the exact same hall in front of me and realize my mistake.

Ah, she caught me eavesdropping!...

"Heya, Prof!" Galahad cheers in my ear, and I yelp way louder than I would like to before whirling around to face him.

"H- Hi, Galahad!"

"Hasn't anyone ever told you it's impolite to listen to other people's conversations?" He asks, nudging me playfully as I rub the back of my neck.

"Eheh, sorry... I guess curiosity killed the teacher!"

"I guess we'll forgive you, just this once," Brett huffs, leaning back against a locker. Flynn and Susie grin, and MC fidgets a bit with a small smile.

"Um, but what are you all talk-"

"Class is gonna be startin' up soon, Prof," Gal interrupts, then he notices my face and frowns. "Hey, are you alright? You're kinda sweatin' a lot."

"Oh, uh," I stammer, then he goes to his cart and gets a paper towel from the roll hanging on it.

"Here, you can wipe off with this."

"Thanks." I accept the towel, wiping my face with it then folding it up. Gal throws it away, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"You okay? You look kinda shaky."

And now the kids notice it, too, their expressions shifting with worry. I don't like worrying them, so I simply wave my hand and explain, "I needed a bit of a jumpstart this morning, but I think I made the coffee a little too strong, that's all."

"Oh, okay." He smiles sympathetically, patting my shoulder. "Just be sure to take it easy, okay?"

"Will do. And, um, we'd all better head to class now, the bell is about to ring."

"Ah, right!" The kids all scramble to get to class, and Galahad pulls away so I can turn and head back to mine.

At lunchtime I head into the teacher's lounge, chatting with the health and English teachers for a little bit, then I get some water and sit down with Prince.

"Did you forget your lunch again?" He asks after a minute, and I still a bit.

"I guess so! Whoops..."

He smiles a little, shaking his head fondly. "We can split mine, if you'd like."

"No, it's okay. I had a big breakfast, so I'm not all that hungry."

"Oh, okay." He nods, going back to eating his lunch. I sip my water every so often, my thoughts still on the weird scheme going around school.

So, the Halo Angler's gotta be me, right? Because Susie said he was around, and they immediately knew to look for me. And halo angler... Halo, like how the strand twirls into that shape, angler like an angler-fish? How it hangs down when it's wet? That makes sense.

And I was right about them leaving me out of this. I realize, puffing out my cheeks a little. But why? What are they planning? I glance at Prince, chewing on a piece of tomato from his salad, and get a devious idea. Maybe if I pretend to be in on it, he'll let something slip!

I glance at the others to make sure they aren't listening, then I nudge Prince to get his attention and whisper, "So, I heard that the ET and HT might not be throwing down."

He stares at me, blinking incredulously, and the back of my neck gets hot as I flush in embarrassment. "One of the kids were talking about it, at least. Um, you know, like they were yesterday."

"Oh! I see!" Now it seems to be clicking with him, even he understands what that jargon means. But I already botched my chance of getting in on the act by trying to not seem insane. Darn my intolerance for embarrassment.

"I'm still in the dark. Do you have any ideas?" I ask tentatively, and he shakes his head.

"Not particularly. But what else did you hear them say? Maybe then I can figure it out."

I relay what I heard, then I watch his face closely as he processes it all and runs the code through his head. He's definitely piecing it all together, fully comprehending, but in the end he shrugs and sighs in defeat. "I've got nothing, I'm afraid."

"Darn," I murmur, realizing just a moment after he just used me as a messenger. Sneaky sneaky, Princi!

"Maybe if I catch any of them talking about it, I can figure some things out," He says, and I nod slowly. Then, I realize something.

Hang on... ET and HT? Could that possibly be the English and health teachers? Only one way to find out.

Making sure to keep from raising any suspicion, I finish the last couple sips in my bottle after a few minutes and excuse myself to go get another, leaving the room and making sure to sound like I'm walking away as I linger by the shut door.

They fall right into my trap, and I grin triumphantly as I listen to Prince's hushed whisper, "You two aren't throwing down?"

Okay, it takes all my willpower not to laugh at that. He sounds so serious, almost like he's upset they're not planning to fight.

Oh, wait, does "throw down" not mean fight here?

"Well, I can't say for sure yet," The health teacher replies. "The sitter is working out her schedule to see if she can help me out, but it's leaning more towards no."

"I'm sorry, Prince, I promised my husband I'd come home on time- it completely slipped my mind then."

"Ah... I understand. And don't worry, the Halo Angler will, too."

"Huh?" They both chime, and I take it they aren't as fluent in the secret code, which makes sense. I think the students aren't as comfortable with them yet, since they're both fairly recent hires.

"The MT."

"Oh."

Ohhhohoho! Very sneaky, but I recognize you changing my codename! I cup my chin, staring at the ceiling thoughtfully. So, whatever they're planning is happening on a school day, it involves me, and that makes it a secret. Is it the anniversary of me opening the schoolhouse? No way, I'd never forget that day, and it's not until next March! So then, what could it be?

"Sorry, it's hard understanding all this code."

"I'll send you a list of the basics, if you'd like."

"No, no, it's okay. I'll figure it out, and even if not, MT's b-"

"Hushshshshhh! He may still hear you!"

"S- Sorry!"

ARGH NO! My what, my what?! I gotta know! I glare at the door, thinking of all the b-words it could be, then...

"GOTTA SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP!"

I shout in alarm as a familiar, speeding rolling cart sweeps me off my feet, grabbing onto it and holding on for dear life as we speed through the corridors. By the time we slow to a stop, I'm shaking from head to toe and can't let go of the cart.

"Whoops! Sorry, Prof, I didn't mean to take you for a ride!" Galahad chirps, rounding to the front of the cart and grinning at me.

"G-G-G-Gal! You r-really need to- to slow down! M-M-My heart is g-gonna explode!"

He grimaces. "Oof, sorry. I forgot you don't like to go fast, uh, here, lemme help you..." He carefully pries me off of the cart, then I clutch onto him when he lifts me up off the ground. After that, he pries me off of him and gently sets me down, holding my shoulders when I sway on my feet. My heart is pounding so loudly that it's making my ears ring!

"Uh, what were ya doin' standing by the door, though?"

"Um, ah," I hold a hand to my head, then it automatically moves to rub at my ear. "I don't quite remember. I- I guess I was going to throw this away?" I raise the water bottle, which is shaking in my hand like a leaf in the wind. "I need to clear my head..."

He nods, hanging onto me and patting my back to help me calm down. I take a few deep breaths and let them out slowly, rubbing my temple as my head begins to hurt a bit. But, I manage to calm down before long and get back on track. "Thank you for the help, Gal."

"No problem. Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I laugh sheepishly, shaking my head at myself. "I'm just jumpier than a little rabbit, I guess." He smiles sympathetically, patting my shoulder and then gesturing to the bottle in my hand.

"I can take that for ya, if you want."

"Oh, uh, yes. Please, and thank you." I smile a little, handing it to him and letting him throw it away in the trashcan on the cart. "I was going to get another one- would you like any?"

"Sure thing!"

I smile more, then I go to a nearby vending machine and buy two water bottles, handing one to him and opening the other for myself. He chugs half of his down, letting out a satisfied sigh when he comes up for air. "Nice and cool! Thanks, prof, I needed that!"

"No problem, Gal." I glance at the clock, letting out a squeak when I see the time. "Rats, I have to get going- class will be starting soon!"

"Oh, okay! See ya!"

I wave goodbye, then I head off in the direction of my class, trying to be quick without running. I get there in the nick of time, apologizing for the delay and starting the lesson.

After school ends and all the staff but Prince, Gal and I have gone, I make my rounds to start locking up the rooms that have already been cleaned. I can't see them, but I can hear them both heading into the cafeteria as Gal begins to sweep up in there. I think Prince is following him to talk to him, but I they're speaking in hushed tones that I can't quite make words out of.

Sometimes I wonder if telling them about my keen hearing was really a good idea.

I tread lightly in the halls, trying to be quick but inconspicuous so maybe I can get closer and find out what they're saying, but with how fast Galahad always cleans up, they're moving through the school pretty fast. I grumble under my breath, soon easing my pace and giving up on trying to catch up to them. Because the only time I do find them is  when we all meet up at the school's front entrance when I'm locking it up.

"Heya, Prof!"

"Hello, Baldi."

"Hi, guys," I greet in return, smiling at them both. "How was the rest of your days?"

"Good!"

"Just fine. Yours?"

"It was good." I nod, then Prince looks at me with a touch of concern.

"Be sure to get some rest, okay? And be sure to get some dinner too, considering you haven't eaten since breakfast."

Him saying that helps me realize that my appetite has finally come back- especially because I'm starving. I nod again, smiling at him. "I will, don't worry."

After a bit of miscellaneous discussion we bid each other goodbye, driving to our respective homes. Once I'm there, I make myself a big dinner and settle into bed for what hopefully will be a peaceful night's sleep.

Chapter 2: Lost My Appetite...

"Right this way, Baldimore! Come on!" The Principal chirps enthusiastically, guiding me along and keeping my hands away from the blindfold around my eyes. Of course, I can still see what's going on around me, I'm even able to see myself and the Principal as we walk through the dark halls. I'm dressed just like I always am, in light blue jeans and a green sweater.

"Come on, Principal! I'm just dying to know where were going!"

"Hehehe, just be patient!" I hear the sound of the cafeteria doors opening, my smile falling as I grow curious.

What are we doing in here after school? "Principal, what..."

"Shhh, shh! No questions! Here, sit down right here..." I let him guide me into sitting down at- on?- one of the tables, then he slowly pulls the blindfold off, revealing...

The dark cafeteria. And that's it.

At least, it is for a moment. But then, all my students and the rest of the faculty spring up out of nowhere, screaming, "SURPRIIIISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MISTER BALDI!"

"Oh, you guys!" I clap my hands together, laughing lightly. They light some candles to illuminate the cafeteria, and I can see the decorations hanging around the place. "What a lovely surprise! It's all so beautiful, thank you!"

"Do you really like it, Mister Baldi?" Playtime asks eagerly, and I nod.

"Of course I do! There are such pretty decorations, e- even if it is a little dark in here. And I always appreciate everything my wonderful students do for me!"

"You better, this was a pain to set up," The Bully huffs, and MC's friend lightly smacks his shoulder.

"Don't be mean, Bully!"

"I was just saying! Jeeze."

"Settle down, you two," The Principal scolds them, then he turns to me with a smile. "I'm glad you like it. And hopefully you'll enjoy the cake, too."

"Of course I will! Who wouldn't love any kind of cake? It's all delicious, especially coming from the ones you love." He smiles even more and I raise my right arm, sheepishly rubbing the back of my neck.

Then I hear a familiar pop accompanied by a piercing pain that is not supposed to be there, yelping and jerking my arm down as everyone gasps in surprise. When I go to inspect my elbow to see what went wrong, I scream in horror- my arm completely fell off.

"Oh my God! Principal, h- help! We have to call an- an ambulance or something, I'm bleeding!"

"Baldimore, calm down!" The Principal tells me, putting his hands on my shoulder. "Easy, easy!"

"B-B-But I'm bleeding! Don't you se... see..." I trail off, noticing something about what's pouring out of the stump of my arm. It's bright red- almost pink- and it's dripping slowly, its viscosity thicker than blood. I let out a shuddering breath, looking at the fallen limb and seeing the same thing oozing out of it. And inside, the flesh and muscle is actually- actually a roll cake? It's red with a white swirl... Red velvet? "P-Principal, what's going on?!" I question, looking to him desperately.

"Don't you know? You're the cake!" He explains, laughing easily.

"I- I- what? How is that even possible? I'm- I'm confused..."

"You shouldn't be. Here, take a few deep breaths to get your head screwed back on." He breathes in and out slowly, coaxing me into doing the same until I can think straight. This still doesn't feel normal, but I don't know what else could be if it isn't.

One way or another, I end up laying down on the table, right under the knife. I don't even remember what my wish was, I just know it's probably not going to come true.

"You don't have to be so nervous, Baldimore, we've done this already, remember?"

"Y- Yeah, but, um. I don't remember it hurting last time."

"It'll be fine, don't worry," He tells me, smiling pleasantly as he brings the knife down.

I choke back a scream as it cuts through my skin(?) and my back arches on instinct, leaving me clutching to the table and grinding my teeth. "O- Okay, Principal, m-maybe we should just- just get a normal cake?"

He doesn't seem to hear me, ignoring me and continuing to cut me up with the knife. Before the pool of red has even grown very large I find that I can't fight back the pain anymore, crying and yelping each time the knife cuts. No one even reacts to it!

"P-P-Principal, stop! Stop, stop!" I beg, whimpering as he cuts through my cheek and finally sets the knife down. I bolt up and push myself back from him, clutching my cheek and letting out a shaky breath. The Principal stares at me, raising an eyebrow.

"You don't look so good, Baldimore."

"I- It hurts," I choke out, but the words barely register with him.

"I know what will make you feel better- here! Have some cake!" He says, shoving a plate into my hands. The red continually oozes out of the dark red cake, pooling around it and soaking through the flesh-colored fondant.

I stare at it for a moment, hesitantly prodding it with the fork, then I scoop up a piece and bring it close. It reeks like blood, and- "I- I think I'm gonna be sick."

...

"HHGH!" My throat burns like acid as I heave up the contents of my stomach, clutching onto the rim of the toilet for dear life. Everything I ate tonight comes up in an unpleasant mash, acrid to the taste and smell- it's so disgusting that it makes me even sicker, causing me to retch until my stomach is completely empty.

For a moment I stay in place, afraid to move in case I get sick again, then once it passes I slowly lean back, breathing hard as my vision blurs. I don't even remember getting up, funny enough. I wasn't trapped by the blankets for once, it seems. If I had, I'm sure my bedroom carpet- or even my blankets- would be a mess by now.

With the ringing in my ears, it's hard to focus. I can't even really think, much less think straight. I don't even deal with the mess, letting my eyelids fall shut... I think I fall asleep for just a few minutes- or maybe I black out- but when I come to I'm already forcing myself to my feet, one hand clamped to my ear to muffle the ringing. It helps, somehow, and I shut the toilet lid before flushing it. After that, I turn on the bathroom faucet and begin to wash out my mouth, trying not to tip over when spots dart across my eyes.

To get rid of the foul taste, I try to gurgle some mouthwash. I quickly spit it out, though, clutching the counter as another sick-spell hits me and I dry heave over the sink. The next thing I know I'm collapsing in the shower, icy cold water spraying over me and soaking through my nightclothes as I shiver miserably. I try to haul myself up only for the shower curtain to snap off its hooks, sending me slamming back into the tub with a yelp.

I brace my arms underneath me to push myself up but my right arm buckles. I feel my heart hammering with panic and quickly jerk my arm into view. Did it actually?!... I see what happened, then my breath hitches and I close my eyes.

It's fine, I must have reached up too high and popped it out of its socket. And unlike in that horrible dream, it's as pain-free as always. Every piece of reality helps keep me from losing my mind, but it doesn't automatically make everything better, either...

I pop my arm back in and push myself up, shutting off the water. I peel off my clothes and grab a towel, shivering miserably for a moment or two until I can muster the strength to dry off. When I'm finished I trudge into the bedroom, grimacing at the 1:09 flashing on the alarm clock before beginning to rifle through my drawers.

Because I'm so cold I have to dress in my winter pajamas, and because the thought of going back to sleep sends a wave of frigid terror through me I have to go into the living room, dropping onto the couch and curling up under my blanket as the TV powers on. I put it on a channel for kid's cartoons, and though they play the strangest programs at this time of night I'm glad for the distraction.

Come morning, I get dressed in my day clothes and skip the coffee, heading to work far too early yet again. When I'm there, I grab my yardstick and begin patrolling the halls, slapping it against my hand to keep me grounded to reality. As I lose focus on what's happening around me time becomes meaningless. I don't even know how late it is until something suddenly takes my hand and holds the yardstick still.

"Did you get any sleep at all last night?"

Startled, I whip around to face that something with wide eyes, only relaxing when I see that it's Prince. But he's not relaxed at all, his body tense and his brows knit together with worry as he inspects my left hand. Softly, he winces softly at the red mark on it. "Did you get any sleep?"

"A... A little," I sigh softly. "But the nightmare was worse than before, and... I- I didn't want to go back to sleep."

"Baldi, this isn't good for you. You look sick, and your hands are clammy."

"I'm not sick, I promise. I wouldn't come if I thought I was, I just- I'm just tired."

"I can't let you work like this," He says sternly, and I shake my head.

"Even if you send me home, I won't be able to sleep. I ca- I physically can't, okay?"

He frowns even more, his sternness fading into even worse concern. "I can't let you work like this. You're not well, and-"

"Okay, okay, I don't have to work, but- but please don't force me to go home," I plead, taking his free hand in mine and holding onto it. He stares at me uncertainly, seeming to consider it thoroughly and evaluate his options. After a bit, he sighs softly and nods.

"Alright, you can stay here. But if at any point in the day, even during the middle of a class, you decide you want to go home and rest, tell me immediately. I'll drive you home."

I nod in understanding, murmuring weakly, "Thank you, Prince. I really appreciate this."

"... Let's go to the teacher's lounge for a bit. You're shaking."

"Am I?" I glance myself over, just now realizing my limbs are trembling with the effort of holding up my weight. "Oh..."

Prince gently takes my arm, guiding me to the teacher's lounge and having me sit down on one of the sofas. "I'm going to get you some water, okay?" I nod, waiting for a few minutes as he disappears to find a vending machine, then he comes back and hands me a bottle of water. I simply hold onto it for now, not wanting to risk upsetting my stomach.

He stays with me for a little while, gently rubbing my shoulders comfortingly, then I hear Galahad arrive and he has to go talk to him. This time around, I'm grateful to them for keeping their voices down- I don't want to hear just how worried Prince is, and I don't want to hear Galahad grow just as worried.

Before long I hear the rest of the teachers arriving, trying to act natural when they come in. Hard to do when most of their immediate reactions are, "Baldimore, what happened to you?!" or, "You look like you got hit by a bus!" but I manage. Somehow.

Prince and Galahad come to my rescue after a bit, lying and telling them I just stayed up too late grading homework but wanted to come in to keep an eye on things anyway. When the other teachers aren't looking, I mouth 'thank you' to them both, wilting into the couch a little.

But soon the students begin filing in and they all have to leave for their classes, and in Prince's case, he has to corral my and his first period students and give them a heads-up about the change of schedule. As I listen to all of this, Gal sits down beside me and mumbles, "How long's it been since ya got a drink of anythin', Prof?"

"O- Oh, um..." I glance at the bottle in my hand, sighing. "Probably too long."

"Then you know what that means." I wait for him to elaborate, so he pulls on an easy-going smile and chimes, "Gotta sip, sip, sip!"

I chuckle softly, then I unscrew the cap and slowly sip some water, glad for the way it wets my lips and my dry throat.

"An' hey, don't worry about bein' lonely! I'll visit you on every break I get!"

"You don't have to do that, Gal," I murmur. "I'd hate for you to use up all your breaks on keeping an eye on me."

"It's not keepin' an eye on you, it's visitin' my friend! An' I'd get lonely if I didn't, you know."

I can't argue that, instead nodding silently. Unfortunately, he has to leave after a moment or two to get started on his work, leaving me alone in the teacher's lounge with nothing but my thoughts. Or, so I think, until I remember I can simply tune in to any of the classes going on around me. Not focusing on them is kind of like having a radio on every channel at once, but if I concentrate I can adjust the 'radio' to only one channel.

And listening to Prince explaining math concepts is something that never fails to make me smile. He had a lot of trouble with math in college (granted, that was higher level work,) so it always shows me how far he's come and how much help I was to him as a tutor.

Focusing on his voice helps keep me awake throughout the morning, and if he can, in between classes he'll come to check on me. Gal does the same, and I wish I didn't have them worrying over me like this. Though, at the same time I wonder if they'd worry more if they didn't come to see me. I don't know...

What I do know is that I'm in for a big surprise after third period. Namely, when the door opens and I'm greeted not by a teacher, but by a student. Susie steps into the room and quickly shuts the door behind herself, turning to me with a small smile.

I sit up straight in my seat, blinking at her curiously. "Hey, you Susie! Wh- what are you doing here? You could get in trouble if Prince comes in..."

"Well, I wanted to come and check up on you, everyone missed you in class! But we're sorry you're not feeling well, Mister Baldi," She trails into a murmur, and as she comes over to sit with me on the couch I say softly,

"Aw, it's okay. It's not your fault, I just-" I sigh, looking away. "I just haven't been sleeping well, is all."

"Is your bed too hard or something?" She asks, her brows lifting with curiosity.

"I... I've been having bad dreams, actually."

"Oh," She murmurs, frowning a bit. "Are they really, really bad?" I debate telling her for a moment, because, well... I'm the adult here, right? I want to be strong for my students, and I don't want them being scared to rely on me. But before I can say anything to reassure her, she pipes up. "You know, when I have super bad dreams and I'm scared to go back to sleep, I can always go to my Mama for help!"

I smile at her, nodding my head. "Mm-hmm. I imagine she tells you that no matter what time of night it is, you can wake her up?"

"Uh-huh!"

Well, I wish I had a mama to help me, then.

"She always helps me sort out what's real and what's not, and then she helps me pick out a stuffed animal to sleep with based on what my bad dream was about." She smiles brightly, clapping her hands together. "Maybe you could find something nice to sleep with to keep the bad dreams away!"

"Yeah, I sure could!" I tell her even though I don't know if that would really help- or even what I could try to use as a security blanket- because I'm so touched by and really appreciative of how much she wants to help. She's even beaming with pride at being able to help, and I can't help but fondly ruffle her hair.

Then I hear a door down the hall open and lift my head, looking to the door to the lounge. Susie fidgets a bit.

"Should I head out?..."

"No, it's okay. I'll talk to Prince if he gets upset. Besides, I like having company- I missed you guys during class, too," I tell her, smiling warmly. She nods back, her smile returning even as Prince steps into the room. He seems surprised to see her and takes a breath, but when he sees me smiling he relaxes.

"I see we have a little stowaway in the lounge."

"That we do. A very clever sneak," I say, winking at Susie and making her giggle mischievously. Prince stands by the couch, laying a hand on my shoulder and looking at me with hidden concern. I lay my hand on his in return, subtly nodding to let him know I'm okay. "I've been listening to you teach math, by the way." For a moment he looks nervous, and I chuckle softly. "Aw, don't look so worried! You're doing great, Prince!"

"Yeah!" Susie agrees cheerfully, and he smiles shyly.

"Thank you both. I'm glad I can make you proud, Baldi."

"You always make me proud," I tell him sincerely, squeezing his hand gently. He smiles even more, nodding a little in understanding. For a moment, no one says anything, then he glances at the clock and frowns.

"It's getting close to the next class time. We should get going if we want to get back in time."

"Ah, right." I nod, letting go of his hand and feeling my skin grow cold. "See you two later. And thank you for your advice, Susie, I can't wait to try it."

"No problem, Mister Baldi! I'm happy I could help!" She chirps back, hopping down and taking Prince's hand as he starts to head out, then she pauses. "Oh! I remembered that I could use some help with something, actually..."

"What do you need?" I ask, smiling and readying myself to explain any mathematical formulas or equations she needs.

"Well, y'see, my Mama's birthday is coming up in a few weeks or so, and I wanna get ready ahead of time." She rocks on her heels uncertainly, and I notice a bit of apprehension on Prince's face that I can't place. "Usually Papa gets her a cake from the store, but this year we wanna try to make her something special! But the thing is, she doesn't have a favorite kind of cake so we dunno what to make. You and her have pretty similar tastes, though! You both like granola bars and raisin bran and stuff, so, um, do you have any ideas?"

"For cake?" I ask, blinking once and feeling my stomach already beginning to turn, nausea welling in my throat. They both notice it, too, and look worried. I drop my gaze, rubbing my head and murmuring, "Uh, well, I can't say I'm actually a big fan of cake, e- especially not chocolate or red velvet... But, um, maybe your mother would like lemon cake?"

"Oh, okay!" She chimes back uncertainly, mustering a nervous smile. Prince ducks his head a little, and I almost feel like throwing up as he asks,

"Are you alright, Baldi? You look pale..."

"Yeah, of course. I'm fine." He takes a breath to press further, then I cut him off, "Class is about to start, you and Susie are going to be late if you don't go now."

"Baldi-"

"You can't run in the halls, remember?" When he keeps giving me that same stare, I heave a sigh and murmur, "Please go. I'm not going to feel any better if you keep staring."

"... R- Right." They both exchange glances, then they reluctantly leave the room. When the door shuts I heave a sigh and drop my head onto the arm of the sofa.

Damn it. And just when everyone was feeling better, I had to go and ruin it... Hopefully by the time he comes back, I'll feel alright and can just play it off.

As I listen to Prince and Susie make their way to their class (geography), I turn my head to the side and curl up into myself, hoping for the nausea to fade soon. When the bell rings, Prince begins his lesson and I listen closely, becoming aware of my eyelids sinking shut far too late to stop it...

---

Whining. Keening, staticky whining. It rings in my skull and hammers my brain, making it hard to think and even harder to hear anything else. Where am I going? Where are they coming from? I have no idea, and it's terrifying. My heart thunders in my chest and I gasp for breath as I stumble through the halls.

I feel like a broken computer, resetting and resetting again, trying to hold onto just one document- just one memory so I don't lose my life.

Run. Run! RUN!

It's so hard to remember. The noise scrambles my brain and leaves me so confused. So, so, so confused, is that why tears are streaming down my cheeks?

I bust into the classrooms as fast as I can, looking for ammunition, leaving bright red smears on the doors where my fondant sleeves rip and the cake underneath splatters. I hate leaving such an obvious trail, but all the doors have been locked and they stole my keys- I can't unlock them. I don't have time to unlock them. They're hot on my tail, and I need as much time as I can get to find the real exit.

As the ringing slowly stops, I stagger around the corner and staring at the end of the hall. The Principal stares at me from where he stands by the old Nokia phone, his mouth gaping with pitch black oozing from his eyes. He has his finger raised like how he does catching a student breaking the rules, and I hear him droning out, "No escaping your fate in the halls. Infinite seconds for you, when will you learn?"

"Principal, why? Why do you want this to happen to me?!" I roar, wiping my eyes on my sleeve and watching as he deposits another quarter into the phone. The cycle begins anew, and I force myself to begin running in the vain hope that I can survive.

"No running in the halls. Infinite seconds for you. Your parents will hear about this one."

I run right to the exit down the hall and grab for the doors, crying out in pain and alarm when I slam into a wall instead. Then I stumble away from it, heading to the cafeteria. When I reach the door, I notice the Principal beginning to smile and feel my stomach churn. Just in case, I use the yellow door lock, then I make my way to the bright, promising exit to the left.

I slam into another wall, bright red beginning to ooze from my face and trailing down the bricks. Then it just gets worse, when I turn to leave out of the other pair of doors, they're all waiting for me. The students stand there, grinning with devilish triumph.

"We finally caught you, Professor Baldi!" MC cackles, and I feel my heart beginning to pound even harder. They begin to circle around me, keeping me trapped.

"Kids... Please," I beg weakly, clamping a hand over my injured eye. "I- I don't want to die. And you- you don't want to kill me, right?"

"Of course, Mister Baldi!" Playtime chirps, grinning brightly. "And we're not going to kill you!"

"We just want to see if your cake tastes as sweet as your demeanor," Arts and Crafters finishes for her.

"Though, I don't make any promises to make this easy after all the work we had to put in to getting you!" The Bully huffs, and the Friend nods in agreement with his cheeks puffed up in annoyance.

"Pr- Principal!" I yell, turning to the door and seeing him standing there with Gotta Sweep. "Please, don't let them do this!"

"No escaping your fate in the halls," He tells me, still smiling like this is funny to him. Then, before I can plead any further, he says, "Alright, students. It's time for cake!"

And then they attack just like animals. I'll never be able to describe the never-ending agony of them digging in and tearing out hunks of cake from my body. I'll never be able to forget the ear-piercing sound of my own screams that become louder and louder one the static of the phone fades away. At some point I completely crumple to the floor, covering my face in the vain hopes that they at least won't rob me of my senses.

"Ohhh, this is so tasty!"

"I never liked red velvet before, but now I almost can't eat anything else!"

"Hey, don't take mine! Hands off!"

"Hehe, he's curled up like a little baby!"

"... G- Guys? I don't feel so good..."

Everyone lets out breaths of confusion and I move my arms, craning my neck to see who it is who said that.

MC's face is smeared with frosting and red ooze, red crumbs sticking to their lips and hands. They wear a pained grimace as their face takes on a greenish hue, and the others look confused.

"Do you have a tummy-ache?" Playtime asks innocently, and I slowly push myself up, turning to face them.

"M- Maybe we should go to t- the nurse," I groan softly, wiping off the sticky redness dripping down my cheek from my eye.

"Yeah, y-yeah, we should, because I'm starting to feel bad, too!" Arts and Crafters says, and now Principal and Sweep are acting more like their normal selves, growing concerned and coming to check on the students.

"You're just paranoid!" The Bully says, though he's clutching his stomach like he's feeling it too.

"Is everyone gettin' sick? Did y'all eat too fast?" Sweep asks, placing a hand on Playtime's and the Friend's shoulders as they both start looking sick, too.

"I don't think this is anything normal," The Principal says, glancing at me and frowning even more. "Sweep, go call an ambulance!"

"An ambulance? But they-"

Any rationalization is cut short when MC begins coughing and hacking, blood splattering their lips. Then more begins pouring freely like a faucet, and slowly... They fall backwards, hitting the floor with a thud.

Panic spreads through everyone like a wildfire, especially when the others begin to cough up blood of their own and start dropping like flies.

"Oh my God! OH MY GOD!" The Principal shrieks. "GO CALL AN AMBULANCE!" As Sweep runs off to go find a phone, the Principal grabs me by the shoulders and yells. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!"

"I- I don't know! I don't know, I just- I didn't mean for this to happen! I don't know what's going on!"

"YOU POISONED THEM, BALDIMORE! THEY'RE DYING! BECAUSE OF YOU!"

My heart plummets to my stomach, sending waves of nausea running through me as the Principal's yelling deafens my ears. "I- I didn't know. I didn't mean to! I would ne- I would never..."

He grabs my collar and forces me to my feet, glaring daggers at me. "You're going to pay for this, Baldimore. If it means killing you myself, you will pay."

...

"HUURGH! H- HHGH!" It feels like my ribs are shattering over and over each time I heave, the pain wracking my weak core blinding. I can hardly breathe, each intake sending another throng of pain through my skeleton and then churning up my stomach enough to send another surge of bile spilling out of my throat.

"Easy, prof, easy... Slow breaths, slow."

I don't even know how I got to where I am now, I don't remember even getting up. I wouldn't even know where I am if it weren't for the tiles lining the wall and floor, stark white and painful to look at. My head aches so much more because they're so damn bright. The only reprieve I get is when I close my eyes, and even that doesn't last so long.

The only okay thing in all of this is the warm hand on my shoulder, helping to stay some of the shaking that's riling my stomach so much. Was it him who helped me here? It had to be, I wouldn't have made it alone...

When I've managed to go a few minutes without vomiting more, the hand squeezes my shoulder gently and he murmurs, "Hang on, I'll get something to clean you up with."

I sit as still as I can, unprotesting out of fear of upsetting my stomach. I stay that way when he comes back, gently wiping my face with a damp paper towel- the warmth of it is so, so welcomed. Then he carefully helps me to my feet, practically carrying me to the faucet and helping me rinse out my mouth. The taste isn't nowhere near as disgusting as this morning, but it's still bad.

"Alright. Now I'm gonna clean up in here, but I'll be right back."

My feet aren't touching the floor anymore, and after a moment I'm on the couch. I don't know why everything is so blurry, but maybe it has to do with the way my head feels. It's fuzzy and numb, like suddenly everything in there is cotton.

I don't know if any time passes at all or not, but before I know it, he's back and gently pulling me to his chest.

"We're gonna go home now, okay?"

"O- Okay," I groan softly, clutching onto his jacket tighter. "I'm sorry, Sweep..."

"Hey, don't be sorry. I like takin' care of my friends, prof."

After that, I can't muster the will to say much else. I'm pretty much a ragdoll in his arms, limp and lifeless. I don't know which way he's carrying me, but I do know that at one point we're stopped in the hall, and- and I hate the way my muscles tense up at the Principal's voice.

"B- Baldi? Galahad? Oh God, what happened?!"

"I came in an' he was havin' a nightmare... An' when he woke up, he got sick. I already cleaned it up, so now I'm gonna take him home and keep an eye on him."

"I- I'm coming with!"

"What about the school?"

"I can make it a half-day. For now you go on and take Baldi back to his place, then I'll catch up."

"Rodger."

"M- Mister Baldi?" A new voice suddenly chimes in, sounding small and scared.

Playtime? She- she's okay?

"Is he okay?!" MC gasps, and I can hear the other students clamoring over each other to find out the same thing.

Right, right, they're all okay! They're all fine, it was just a dream! They're fine, they're fine, a- and the Principal- Prince, he- he isn't going to kill me...

I feel my muscles relax finally, and I think Galahad notices, too. "... He's okay. He's jus' gotta go home and get some rest," He tells the students.

"Remember what I said about your favorite comfort thing, Mister Baldi!" Susie tells me, and I muster a weak smile.

"I will..."

When we head outside, I feel Gal rifle through my pockets and pull something out, then I hear the sound of a car unlocking. I'm set down into a seat and he pulls the buckle over me, the door shutting before he comes into the drive's seat and repeats the process.

The engine starts up after a moment, and I realize that we're in my car rather than his truck- a decision he probably made based on how rattly that old thing is. I'm grateful, since it means that the ride there is smooth and easy on my throbbing insides.

When the drive is over, I'm suspended in Gal's arms for a few minutes until I'm lowered onto my bed, huddling gratefully into the thick blanket on it. He helps situate me further, pulling off my shoes and propping up some pillows under me. "So, what did Susie mean earlier?"

"She- she told me before that she had some toys to hold whenever she had a bad dream of- of her own," I explain, rubbing one of my eyes and finally getting some of the blur to fade. "But I don't have anything like that..."

"Aw, gee, you don't? Well don't worry, I'll make ya one! Do you got any cotton or rice you don't need?"

"Um, yes? Er, the rice is in the c-cabinet."

"Alrighty!" Before he leaves, he rifles through my drawers and steals a sock I haven't had a match for in years (one with a bunny's face on it, something that had been a joke from Prince in college.)

There's at least seven minutes where I'm alone and I have no idea what he's doing, but then he comes back with the sock in hand, filled up with presumably rice and sealed shut with a couple rubberbands and- and a staple? He found my stapler? I've been looking for it for weeks!

"Ta-daaah! A lil' friend to cuddle with!" He hands it to me, and I stare incredulously at it for a moment before breaking into a smile.

"Thanks, Gal," I murmur, holding it to my chest. "I feel better already."

"I'm glad to hear it, Prof. Now, do ya think you could stomach some water? You lost a lot of fluid earlier, and it's showin'..."

I suck in a shaky breath, then I shrug a little. "I guess we'll try it and see."

He nods, quickly getting me a mug of water. I set down the little rice bunny and accept the it from him, hesitantly bringing it to my lips and taking a very small sip. It doesn't send my stomach reeling, so I take a couple more sips and set the mug on my nightstand. After that, Gal grabs my desk chair and sets it by the bed. As he settles into it and thinks about the next step, I pick up the rice bunny again.

I can tell that he wants to ask me about what's bothering me, but he's probably waiting for Prince to come so he can help coax me into talking. Honestly, I'd like to wait for Prince, too. At least that way I won't have to repeat myself and sound even crazier.

Before either of us can worry too much about it, the front door opens and Prince comes inside. Galahad notices me snapping to attention and sits up straight, calling out, "We're in here!"

Just a second after, the bedroom door swings open and Prince rushes to my side. His eyes are wide with anxiety as he asks, "Are you okay?"

"Mm-hmm," I nod, glancing off to the side because I hate worrying him so much. "I- Prince, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause such a commotion."

"Why are you apologizing? Baldi, you got sick, you have nothing to apologize for! You are sick, and if anyone has a problem with going home so we can come and take care of you, I'll-"

"Easy there, tiger," Gal interrupts, patting Prince's arm. "No one was fussin'. Deep breaths."

He deflates, heaving a sigh and then breathing in and out slowly. "Right, I'm sorry... I'm just really worried about you. I've never seen you like this, ever." I nod a little, looking back to him as he places a hand on my shoulder. "You have to tell us what your nightmares are about. Talking about it will help you, and it will help us help you. Once it's out in the open, we'll make sure it can't hurt you anymore."

"I know," I mumble, letting out a shaky breath and looking away again. "Just... Give me a moment, and then I'll start from the first and go to the fourth."

"Okay."

I take a few deep breaths to try and calm the anxiety building in me. Then, as I clutch the rice bunny to my chest, I begin to relay the four nightmares, feeling shame burning hot against my neck and in my chest. Prince and Galahad are dead silent the whole time. I don't dare look at their faces to see if their expression convey their thoughts.

By the end of the fourth dream, I'm furiously wiping at the tears streaming from my eyes, fighting back sobs because my ribs still hurt and I don't wanna get sick again. "A- And that was when I woke up. I-I-I know you all would n- never do that, and I- I hate that I'm getting s-so scared by such silly dreams, b-but I don't know how to stop them!..."

"Baldi, it's not silly," Prince says in the gentlest voice, sitting on the edge of the bed and wiping away some tears with his thumb. "Nothing that scares you so much could ever be silly."

"But I-I still know you guys would nev-"

"Of course you do. But sometimes, nightmares don't listen to what we do or don't know, they just... Write their own stories."

"I'm not a psychologist or anythin' fancy like that, but if you don't mind me sayin', prof," Galahad begins, scratching at his stubble thoughtfully, "It sounds like there could be somethin' deeper goin' on with this. It's like deep down, you have some kind of anxiety about your birthday. Or maybe cake."

"D- Does it?" I murmur, looking down at the rice bunny uncertainly. "I don't know. I- I don't see why I would, nothing bad has ever happened, as far as I can remember."

Galahad lets out a low hum. "Well, maybe if it was real bad, your brain doesn't want ya to remember."

"It's possible," Prince says quietly. "If there was something bad that happened on or around your birthday, and it was related... Your mind my have repressed the memory to keep it from hurting you."

"But what could have happened?" I look back to them, my brows furrowing together in confusion. They exchange glances, and Prince swallows nervously.

"Baldi, do- do you remember what ever happened to your father? You said he disappeared one day when you were little, right?"

"Mmm. When I was about MC's age or so, he just vanished from thin air. I- I don't remember anything that happened between the last night I saw him and the morning I woke up in the hands of the system. I do think I first woke up in the hospital, but I can't be sure- my memories from around that time are scattered and fuzzy."

For a moment, they don't say anything... And I realize why. "You don't think he did something to hurt me, do you?"

"I think he did, prof. It sounds like he poisoned you," Galahad answers in a quite tone. "An' then he disappeared because he was arrested for it."

The moment he says that, my mind conjures up a picture- in the bathroom, a split-second glance inside of a small jar filled with white powder- and my heart skips a beat. "B- But why would he?..."

They don't know. Of course they don't know, because they never knew my father. Given the turn this is taking, it seems like I never knew my father... Or did I? When I try to remember something about him that would allude to why he would do such a thing to me- to his own son, I remember something.

The memory is faint, but still legible. I was sitting somewhere- was it on a chair or under it? I think under, because I was scared. And I could hear something- the sounds of arguing voices, his and a the voice of a woman I can't remember. And that argument- didn't it turn sour? All I really remember was seeing blood and golden-blonde hair spilling over the floor, then my father telling me, "Your hearing is going to be the death of you."

"Oh. Oh my God," I breathe out, slowly raising a tremoring hand to my head.

"Baldi?" Prince calls meekly.

I try to just breathe, in and out as slow as I can, but it's like my heart was shot full of adrenaline and everything is trying to go fast. Fast, fast, fast, so fast that I think I'm going to pass out. So fast that my ears start ringing and my head starts hurting and I have to bury my face in my hands to try and ground myself.

I feel hands on my shoulders and hands on my arm, trying to steady me, trying to soothe me. "That's it, Baldi, just keep breathing. Keep breathing deep, slow breaths. Focus on us. Focus on my voice. It will be okay," Prince tells me, trying his hardest to keep his voice steady for my sake. I can hear the slightest quaver, but I ignore it in favor of doing as he tells me to.

"In, out. Slowly, slowly now." He takes one of my hands, gently guiding it to his chest. "After me, Baldi. In, out, nice and slow like this."

He breathes deep, slow breaths, and I try to do the same while focusing on the beating of his heart. For a few minutes, that's all I listen to, his voice and his heartbeat... Then I let out one final, shaky breath and lift my head. "I- I think I'm okay now..."

"Okay," He says quietly, and he and Galahad pull back to give me a little space. But they don't completely pull away, something I'm grateful for. I raise my free hand back up to wipe my eyes, sniffling softly.

"I know why my father would poison me. I remembered that a couple weeks before it happened, he- he had a fight with a woman I think he knew, a- and he killed her... And he knew I heard him do it, and so- so he had to get rid of me. B- Before my birthday, there was a jar of white powder in our bathroom, and then I saw him mix it in the cake!" I can't choke down the whimper forming in my throat, blinking back tears.

Galahad and Prince fall silent. Then they wrap their arms around me, holding on tight and surrounding me with their warmth. That's the straw that breaks the camel's back, and before I can even fight it I begin sobbing and howling like a wounded animal, clutching onto them like they're a lifeline.

I don't know how long it lasts for, I just know that somewhere along the line I begin gagging and they have to calm me back down to keep me from getting sick again. Then I just give up and lean back, resting against Gal and closing my eyes. He gently rubs my arm, but no one says anything.

The silence and warmth lasts for so long that it becomes comforting, and then I fall asleep.

...

But when I wake up, I'm not throwing up or running in terror. I don't think I even dreamed about anything. I'm warm, hanging onto the rice bunny, and I'm still comfortable, aside from the aching in my sides and core- I still haven't eaten anything, and according to my alarm clock it's been a long time already. It's almost six in the evening.

"You feelin' alright, prof?" Galahad asks, and I look up to meet his gaze.

"Y- Yeah, actually. That was the first peaceful sleep I've gotten since this all started."

He smiles warmly, patting my shoulder. I smile a little in return, then I glance around the room and it falls away. "Where's Prince? Did he leave?..."

"Nah, he's jus' makin' soup for ya. Somethin' light that'll be easy on the stomach."

"Oh, okay." I'm not entirely sure how I feel about eating after everything, but I know I want to try. At the very least, I'll eat enough to settle the pain in my stomach. "Let's go in the kitchen and see how he's doing, then."

"Are you good to walk, though?" He asks with a frown, and I falter. I have no idea, but considering he was carrying me around before, the answer is probably no. He seems to notice me realizing this and offers, "I could take ya in there. Push you around in your desk chair, since it's got wheels."

"I'd appreciate it," I tell him, smiling a little. So, he helps me into the desk chair and wheels me into the kitchen. I feel a little silly, but I have to keep reminding myself I've literally deprived my body for so long that I can't walk. I threw up everything I ate for dinner, and before that I hadn't eaten at all.

When we come into the kitchen Prince immediately whirls around, trying to find any sign that I'm in distress of any kind. I simply smile, telling him, "I slept great, Prince, don't worry. No nightmares."

He relaxes finally. "That's good. I'm glad you're-" He suddenly cuts himself off, growing tense again. "You are okay, right? After everything..."

I have to think about it, petting the rice bunny in my hands anxiously. "I think so. It's still a lot to process, but- but as long as I don't try to shut it out, I think I'll be okay. The hardest part was remembering. Though, I still don't remember actually eating any poisoned cake..."

"Maybe that in itself is for the best. We were able to identify the source of your anxiety, and it seems like that's finally done away with your nightmares."

"Yeah, I think so, too. And you know, I realized that this all may be why I have so much trouble remembering my birthday," I tell them, leaning back in the chair and sighing softly. "When is it, anyway? Next month or so?"

Prince stares at me silently, his gaze flickering up to meet Gal's. Neither of them say anything for a couple minutes. "Something like that."

"Um, okay," I murmur, blinking once. Then I notice something happening with the pot on the stove and frown. "Is it supposed to be bubbling like that?"

"Huh? Oh- OH!" He spins around, jumping to the aid of his soup. Luckily he saves it before any damage can be done to it, or my cooking pot. After a few minutes, he turns down the heat and smiles at me. "Well, it's ready now! Are you going to be alright to eat?"

"Mm-hmm," I nod quickly, trying to keep from drooling now that I notice the wonderful smell wafting through the kitchen. Gal sets me up at the table as Prince serves me some soup, and though I know they're going to hate it, I have to say it because I feel bad- "Thank you both for taking care of me, by the way. I'm sorry, I know I'm a grown-"

Gal just presses a finger to my mouth, shushing me. "Even grownups need help from time to time, prof. An' if their friends ain't willin' to help them, do they really got the best friends a guy can get?"

"I see your point," I chuckle sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Besides, I think after all the hard work you've put in pretty much ever since you opened the school, you deserve some looking after," Prince tells me. "Now please stop apologizing and eat, you could really use something other than water."

I nod, turning my attention to the mouth-watering mix of broth and vegetables, all chopped by Prince's steady hands. And it is refreshingly savory, which just makes it so much easier to stomach, so I surprise everyone- myself included- by managing to down the whole bowlful. In the end, I sigh contentedly and lean back in the chair, smiling. "Thanks, Prince, that was so good!"

"I'm happy you liked it, Baldi," He tells me. Then I can't help but yawn, covering my mouth. "Did you want to go back to sleep?"

"Mm-hmm," I hum, rubbing my left eye tiredly. "But you two can go home, I'm sure you don't want to spend all night watching me sleep."

They frown, exchanging glances and quietly deliberating. Without saying anything, Galahad smiles, and Prince smiles in return before they both turn back to me, shaking their heads. "N- No?" I blink in confusion, glancing between them both.

"We're stayin' here. That shoulda been a given, prof!"

"How many times do we have to tell you we want to help you?"

"O- Oh," I blink again, blushing as I duck my head sheepishly "Right. I guess I'm just so used to being the helper that being the helpee is... Hard."

"It's okay, we'll help you," Prince says gently, patting my shoulder. I nod, then I look between them.

"Um, do you need my help finding the guest blankets and stuff?"

"Nah, we'll manage. After all, I found that stapler you had hidden in your refrigerator!" Gal chimes, not noticing the weird look Prince gives him as I throw my head back.

"Augh! So that's where it had been this whole time?! Gal, you have no idea how long I've been looking for it!"

He only laughs at that and I can't help but join in, then even Prince begins to laugh with us despite his confusion. I lower my head as my laughter calms, looking over my friends as they continue to laugh (Prince even keeps asking, "Why is this so funny?!"), unable to help smiling as I see how happy they are now.

And they keep smiling, even as they have to wheel me back into my room and tuck me into bed. They bid me goodnight and tell me to call for absolutely anything, then they head out and let me rest. I hold the rice bunny close to my chest, closing my eyes and nestling into my bed. I'm okay. I'm going to be okay.

Chapter 3: The Big Day

I knock lightly on the door to the Principal's office, waiting for him to call me in before I go inside. Prince looks up from his papers to me, smiling warmly. "Good afternoon, Baldi."

"Good afternoon, Prince," I greet in return. "You said you wanted to see me?"

"I did." He lines up the papers and taps them into an aligned stack, laying it down before skirting his desk. When he stands before me, he offers his hand. "I was hoping you'd want to come with me to the park. We can just relax and unwind a bit, you know?"

"Oh, yeah! I'd love to!" I smile back at him and he nods, then I take his hand and allow him to lead me out of the building. Everything else is locked up, so we're able to leave without much delay. I decide to go with him in his car, and he agrees to drive me back to come get mine when it's time to head home.

When we arrive at the park Prince asks to go to the pavilion, so we tread down the walking trail to where the pavilion rests, secluded in a shroud of big and flourishing trees. But as we get closer, I notice something odd- our students are all there, alongside Galahad and a bunch of birthday decorations.

Prince continues leading me to there, his smile growing a bit nervous as I take it all in. We climb up the stairs, their handrails wrapped with green streamers, and stand before the group. I wave to them all and smile, saying, "This is lovely, everyone! Whose birthday are we celebrating?"

They all kind of fall silent. Then Brett sighs and pipes up, "Yours, Mister Baldi!"

"Wh- r- really?" I question, glancing at everyone before looking to Prince, who nods with a sheepish smile. "O-Oh, goodness. I forgot again, didn't I?..."

"Surprise!" Susie and Flynn cheer brightly.

"S- Surprise!" MC and Adrien chime, just a second or two after them.

"We've been kind of working on this for a while," MC admits, smiling shyly as they rub their arm.

"Really? I- I didn't even realize, unless... Wait! Is that what all that code and weird jargon had been about?! You guys were planning a surprise party for me?!" My eyes widen and I blink once, flabberghasted at myself for not even realizing.

"Uh-huh," They nod a little. "Because we knew you could hear pretty much everything, we made up a code that was easy enough for us to catch on with, but nonsensical to anyone not involved with the plan."

"It really was," I murmur, reaching up and rubbing my chin thoughtfully. "I figured out that I was the Halo Angler and MT, and that the ET and HT were the English and health teachers, but the rest had me completely in the dark!"

"MT? But your new codename was Ruler Knight," Flynn says, confused.

"Th- that was the codename I gave him when I was talking to the health and English teacher in private..." Prince says, his eyes wide. "I though that you went to go get another bottle of water!"

"Oh, uh!" I laugh sheepishly, scratching my cheek. "Actually, that was an excuse. I left to eavesdrop on you, because I knew you knew something, but I couldn't figure out any way to get you to spill the beans."

"Very sneaky, sis!" Susie says, puffing out her cheeks and crossing her arms sternly. I shrug with a little smile.

"After that and finding out that "throwing down" meant coming to something important- th- the surprise party, I didn't manage to figure out anything else, which is for the best, all things considered. I'd have hated to ruin all your hard work," I tell them, ducking my head in shame. "I guess I have a bad habit of eavesdropping, huh?"

"Aw, it's okay! Everyone's curiosity drives them pretty far!" Flynn chuckles, waving his hand dismissively. "And we knew just how to thwart you, no harm done!"

"Mm-hmm!" The others chorus.

"Thank you, guys," I say softly, lifting my head. "But I still promise not to do it again, it's not very nice."

They nod in understanding, then Prince lays a hand on my shoulder, smiling warmly. "For now, how about we get to celebrating? We have a lot of fun to make up for, with all the birthdays you've forgotten these past few years."

"Hehe, right!" I smile back eagerly, nodding once. "It's been so long since I've had a party like this!"

"Oh! Oh, oh, oh! Even though the other teachers and the nurse couldn't be here today, they all brought you really nice cards!" Susie chirps, bouncing up and down before taking my hand and leading me to the little table they've got set up. It's covered with a white, plastic tablecloth and lined with green streamers. There are a couple of green balloons tied to the rear legs, too.

On the top of the table are a few tupperware containers of lunch food and a pan covered with aluminum foil, alongside three boxes of varying sizes and a few envelopes of multiple colors- all with familiar signatures on them that make me smile.

I read through them all, feeling my heart warm at the sweet and sincere messages written on them all. I wish they were all here so I could thank them- it's so nice to see how much they all care!

When I put down the final card, the kids begin to clamor excitedly, "Now open your presents, open your presents!"

"Okay! Which one should I open first?"

"The one from us!" They cheer, so I go ahead and pick up the present from them- the one in the widest, yet flattest box. I start off by trying to unwrap it without tearing the paper, but then they all start shouting, "Rip it open, Mister Baldi! We're not savin' the paper, c'mon!"

"Okay, okay!" I laugh softly, then I begin to rip the paper and tear it off the giftbox underneath while the kids cheer me on. When the paper is off I crumple it up and toss it into the trash bag that Galahad brought, opening the box carefully.

Inside it is a big, homemade dreamcatcher. It's made from a big wooden ring, with pretty white yarn wrapped around the ring, woven into a pattern in the empty space inside, and a dozen strands hanging from the bottom of it. Tied into the center weave and the hanging strands are a whole rainbow of pony beads and a few decorative buttons- some shaped like roses or stars and such.

And oh my goodness, the moment I see it I know what it is, and I am not prepared for the tears that suddenly flood my eyes. "Oh, kids... It's beautiful, my goodness!" I sniffle quietly, wiping my eyes on my sleeves. "Did you all make this?"

"Yeah! We all got together after school with our own supplies and made it for you!" Flynn answers, bouncing on their heels.

"We know you've been having a lot of bad dreams lately, and a dreamcatcher seemed like the right gift. You don't have to worry about any nightmares ever again!" MC says, smiling with an amount of certainty and confidence that I am thrilled to see from them.

"Do you really like it?" Adrien asks hopefully, and I kneel down in front of them all.

"Are you kidding? I absolutely love it!" I hold out my arms and they all immediately crash into me, hugging me so tight I may suffocate- but I don't care, I just want to let them know how much I love them and how happy I am. "Thank you so, so much! I'm going to treasure it forever!"

"You better! Working out a schedule with these guys and then actually making something this complicated with them is a pain," Brett huffs, and before Prince can scold him and tell him to be polite, the others laugh and shake their heads affectionately.

"He's not wrong! It took us ages to all get ready to make it," Susie tells me. "One day Adrien would show up with the yarn, another MC and Flynn would show up with their beads, I almost forgot the hoop every single time!"

"It was a nightmare," Brett heaves a sigh. "But at least it was worth it to make you happy."

"Aww, Brett!" Everyone else coos at the same time, and he grumbles to himself as we hug him even tighter. But not long enough to make him uncomfortable, and when we finally pull away, Galahad hands me another present.

"Here ya are, prof! From me to you, I hope you like it!"

"Thank you," I tell him, then I unwrap the paper around the medium-sized box and throw it away, pulling the lid off the box. At first, all I see inside is a mass of yellowish-gold, but when I reach in and pull it out, it turns out to be a stuffed animal- a snake that uncoils and a long tongue hanging from its little cat mouth, black pie-cut eyes, and a long body lined with the inch marks of a yardstick.

"Awww, it's a big ol' ruler snake! It's so cute, Gal, thank you!" I throw my arms around him, squeaking when he lifts me off the ground and holds me tight.

"I'm glad ya like it! I figured you could never have too many stuffed friends around."

After a moment, he sets me down and I drape the snake over my shoulders like a boa, deciding that I'll figure out a name for him- or her- later.

Prince walks over to me, offering me the final, small present that's actually not in a box. I gently take it from him, tearing away the wrapping paper to reveal... A pair of pink, fuzzy socks with white polka-dots and little bunny faces embroidered into the fronts of them.

"I noticed you didn't have the full pair anymore, and, well... You liked them a lot the first time," Prince explains, and I smile fondly.

"And I still love them, even now." I pull him into a hug, closing my eyes as he rubs circles into my back. "Thanks so much, Prince."

For a couple minutes we're both silent. I'm fighting back tears as I realize how loved and wanted I am, something I never realized I have trouble understanding until now. Prince seems to know this and continues to rub my back comfortingly. When we finally pull away I have to wipe my eyes again, smiling at him as he tells me, "Happy birthday, Baldi."

"Thank you. Thank you, everyone," I say, looking around at all the kind, loving faces of the people I care for so much. "This is the best birthday I've ever had."

"It's the least we could do for the best teacher in the whole world!" MC cheers, then they sheepishly glance at Prince and add, "Well, you're both the best teachers."

Prince chuckles softly, then Susie clasps her hands together and chirps, "You better get ready, though! Because next year it's going to be even better!"

"Then I can't wait!" I tell her, and she grins brightly.

After presents, we eat the lovely lunches everyone brought and play fun board games for a while. Then, apparently Prince has something else for the party.

"Well, every birthday has a dessert, right? But we got something better than cake," He reassures me when he senses me growing nervous, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Prince here made it himself, actually!" Gal chimes in. "And I already know you'll love it- you could never get enough of it before!"

"Huh?" I raise an eyebrow, looking to Prince as he shakes his head fondly.

"Why don't you look and find out?"

"Um, okay," I murmur, then I carefully pull the aluminum foil off of the top of the pan, letting out a little gasp. "Oh! Oh, oh! It's your apple pie tarts- I love these so much!"

"I know, that's why I made them," He chuckles, gazing at me warmly. Then, he opens a box sitting the table, pulling out a candle holder with a birthday candle shaped like pi on it.

"Ohhhhhh," I clap my hands together, grinning and giggling. "It's pi for the pie!"

Prince smiles even more, lighting the candle and then beginning to sing, "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

Everyone joins in, their smiles a stark contrast to that in my dream, real and genuine as they all stand in odd spots, some of them bouncing excitedly and some clasping their hand behind their back. (Or if you're Brett, shoving your hands in your pockets.)

And another contrast that I can't help but chuckle at is how everyone has a different name for me- most of the students say "Mister Baldi," MC says "Professor Baldi," Gal calls me "Prof," and Prince calls me by my name only.

When they finish, I applaud them lightly and smile. "That was fantastic, you guys."

"Now make a wish! Make a wish!" Flynn prompts excitedly, and I nod before looking to the candle.

... I wish that I will never, ever forget how loved I am.

I blow out the candles and everyone cheers, then it's finally time for pie. Prince hands me the first slice with a fork, and I tell myself to take a deep breath before cutting a piece and biting it off my fork. It's sweet, yes, but it also has a lovely, fresh taste from the apple, a perfect splash of spice from the cinnamon, and a delicious hint of buttery crust.

How could I ever be made sick by this? "Mmm! Fantaaastic!"

Prince breathes out in relief, and he serves everyone else a piece of the wonderful dessert. Everyone's calm and content as they eat, and when we're all finished we play some more games for an hour longer. Then, unfortunately, the students all have to go home for the day. Prince, Gal and I stay at the park for a while, then as the sun begins to set we say goodbye to Gal and- at my request- head to Prince's place.

There, he treats me to a delightful cup of tea with lemon and honey and we sit together as we watch the sunset in his backyard. Wordlessly, I lean against his shoulder, hoping that the way I smile at him will let him know everything I'm thinking- how grateful I am to everyone for this perfect birthday. How much it means to me that he's been so dedicated to helping me past the hurdle of... What I've remembered. How I will never, ever take him or anyone I love for granted.

How that night, when it's time for bed, I'm curled up in bed with my new dreamcatcher hanging overhead, my adorable snake and squishy rice rabbit held in my arms, wearing the delightfully plushy socks he gave me. How that night, I have the best night's sleep I have in my whole life.