Work Text:
Usually, the Pimza's workplace was pretty deserted. In a literal sense, too. Yet today it was packed to the brim with customers, chatting up with each other and waiting for their food orders.
The kitchen was swamped! How could a single chef make all of the orders? John was baffled, but he kept silent and tried to do all of the orders correctly.
He had a little help from Carl, who was already overworking himself with bringing heavy supplies on a bicycle. He wanted to ask Todd or Bob for some help, but relented. Todd would probably be getting a lot of complaints of the food having mold or something in it, or - simply not care. Bob was probably lifting some weights double his size. Who knows what that tiny fella does these days?
Crap.
John was getting sidetracked, the pizza he was making was nearly charcoal. He bit his lip, hopefully he wouldn't get in trouble for burning the pizza. Whatever, he could make another. And another. And a lot more. John groaned, today was gonna be a long day.
---
John threw his apron and chef hat (He didn't know what it was called.) away onto the kitchen stove. He was exhausted from many orders, barely getting a break. He should check up on the others in their shared room. John walked out of the kitchen sluggishly, entering his shared "Rat Homage" room with a very detailed rat statue, a few candles surrounding it. The room itself always had a red lighting to it, but he couldn't care less.
Opening the door to their room, he spotted Carl in his bed, probably playing some sort of game on his phone. He doesn't remember what it was called but he swears it started with a "D" ? Bob was lifting weights heavier than all the pimzas combined in the corner, as John suspected. Todd was missing though. He was probably in his office. For what reason? John had no idea. Recently, Todd has been pretty absent from the rest of the pimzas. Hopefully he was fine... John sighed. He nodded a quick greeting to Carl, who waved slightly before going back to his phone.
John stepped over to the party room entrance, opening the door. Funky, loud music was playing nonstop in the disco room, John quickly closing the door behind him to not disturb his co-workers. He eyed the connected door that led to Todd's office, it was always dark in there. He walked over, knocking before entering. He spotted Todd slumped over his desk, all it contained was a little picture of them all. It was torn, since Jade left Todd has been more on edge.
John poked Todd on the shoulder. Todd was sleeping soundly, his arms balancing his head. He had terrible eyebags under his eyes, but he wouldn't point that out. Todd stirred, opening one eye and grumbling.
" What do you want? "
He sighed. Todd averted his gaze, seemingly curling up into himself.
" What are you doing? "
John asked. Todd straightened up, stretching his arms above his head and yawning.
" Nothin' , Why? Is something wrong? "
He asked.
" No, you just... You weren't here all day. "
John grabbed his desk to lean onto it.
" I was worried. "
Todd scrunched his nose. He was absolutely fine. Nothing to be worrying about.
" Im fine. Did we already close? "
He asked. John nodded solemnly.
" Well, uhm you look pretty tired, so why don't we go to sleep? Carl is already in bed and Bob will probably go to sleep soon too. "
Todd mumbled a 'fine' before standing up and going to their room. John followed quietly. Todd plopped down onto his bed, covering his head with his pillow in case someone tried to talk to him. He could hear rustling sheets in the beds next to him, then a quiet "goodnight" before , he assumed, everything went dark.
---
A bed over John's, Carl could hear Todd tossing and turning restlessly and he was getting a bit annoyed. He was worried for Todd, he was acting strange lately but he didn't want to call it out unless Todd snapped at him. But still, he could hear Todd murmuring something in his sleep. Was he dreaming? - No, probably a nightmare. Carl sighed at sat up in his bed, taking his phone and pondering if he should turn the light on to check on Todd ,trying to see if Todd was alright through the darkness. He stood up, stumbling over clumsily to Todd's bed, he shook him by the shoulders gently.
"Todd? " Todd gasped, shaking the hand off his arm.
" Fuck. " He panted, staring at what seemed like Carl.
"Todd? Are you okay? Hold on- " Carl turned the flashlight he had on his phone, Todd yelped.
" What the fuck?! Turn your stupid cellphone off! " He covered his eyes with his hands.
Carl clumsily turned it off. " Sorry, sorry. My bad all. "
Todd glared, rubbing his eyes tiredly. " What do you want? " He asked.
Carl blinked. " Oh yea. You were having a nightmare. " He twirled his fingers sheepishly. " Did you want to, i don't know, talk about it? "
Todd gave him a weird stare. " What? No. " He sighed, clutching his head.
Carl nodded. " Well, do you atleast want something to drink? " He offered. Carl wasn't the best at comforting people, but he tried his hardest.
Todd got up and followed Carl through the "Rat Homage" room, making their way to the kitchen. Once there, Todd sat up on the kitchen island with a flandre fumo, fidgeting with it while Carl makes him - whatever. He had trouble remembering his nightmare, but he was glad Carl was... trying. To comfort him. If that was the correct word.
Once Carl had made him a drink, (What the hell? it looked and smelled like hot chocolate. When and where did he get this?) He passed it to Todd, who suspiciously eyed it before tasting it. He seemed to melt instantly, letting himself relax for a small moment to treasure the hot drink. " Do you still not want to talk about it? " Carl asked casually. He was still tired, but he wanted to know what was bothering Todd.
"...Maybe. " Todd gave in, slouching on the kitchen island. He took a sip of his hot drink, setting his fumo plush down to sit next to him.
"I don't wanna get into specifics, if that's ok. " Todd requested. Carl nodded, atleast Todd would open up a tiny bit.
Todd glanced around the room, trying to find the words to explain. " I've just been under a lot of stress...Especially since Jade left. And i worry. That's mostly all. "
Carl hesitated. " I don't really know what stress you have been under but, im glad you're telling me. I really do appreciate you. And the rest of the pimzas too. With you being the manager and all, it must be well, pretty nerve-wracking. " Carl offered a small smile.
Todd returned the small smile, although it never quite reached his eyes. " ...Yeah. " He looked away, seemingly lost in thought.
Carl returned Todd's mug to the sink. He'll wash them tomorrow. Or never. Hopefully John will wash it.
Todd and Carl return to their room, uttering a single but heart-felt goodnight.