Let Me Be Your Pillow And Rest

by Nebula_Tempest

Summary:

Player hasn't been taking care of themself after the events following the death of Captain Trotter. He wants to help Calypso, so they adventure back to Bizville where all of their friends have decided that Player needs to rest.

 

aka I want to write fluff where player get some rest

Notes:

Somewhat of a gift to my friend KiwiKewt? It did take me like 2 weeks to write this. I had no motivation to finish, but today I need fluff so I wrote it instead.
I might write other BlockTale fic, but I've got no ideas at the moment. So if you got an Idea let me know.
Player in this fic uses They/Him Pronouns btw.

Chapter 1

Player hasn’t felt normal in a while

It started with a bitter cold that refused to leave him. Then a sick feeling in his stomach. Following that, a numbness crept up his arms. Then, a burning headache that continued to pester him.

He knew that there were going to be consequences for wielding the swords. But the constant aches and pains were something that they couldn’t ignore anymore.

Days and nights started to blur together.

Currently, Player was doing some side adventures as they waited for Shedletsky to get back to them about the other swords.

Some of the others had requested that Player take a break. If they took a break, how was he supposed to get back up? Sometimes, when he is forced to exhaustion and falls asleep. He worries that one day he’ll never wake up.

So, he kept himself busy. Never have time to worry about the plaguing thoughts.

He knew there was only so much work he could do before he had to face his problems. But until that day comes, he’ll just ignore it.

The desert sun sat above them as he restocked his backpack. Debating what he should restock, he didn’t even see him about to crash into someone.

“Player?” Player's eyes flicked up to see Calypso's worried expression. “Are you okay?” She gripped his shoulder, trying to stabilise him. Her eyes studied his body; whatever she found, she wasn’t happy with it.

“Don’t sweat, Calypso, I’m all good,” the lie rolled off his tongue easily.

She raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment.

“Well, Player, what are you doing in Vermillion Village today?”

“I’m just restocking. Are you doing well?” The last time Player had seen Calypso was when they were standing over the edge. The melting heat from the lava flushed against his face. He stared into the pool of lava, where a friendly face met his end.

He didn’t process that Captain Trotter had truly died until he had picked up Fireband. Player had slowly started to look up to Captain Trotter. Trotter valued his crew; they were his family. He didn’t care about the treasure, just the safety of his family. That had included Calypso and Player.

He should’ve seen the signs before. How voices whisper and slowly cover someone's mind. He should’ve gotten Captain Trotter away from the sword quicker. He should have saved him. Calypso shouldn’t have lost a family member. Calypso shouldn’t look at Player with such emotions.

Player had waited for Calypso to scream and shout at him. Push the blame that belongs to him. But instead, she took most of the burden. She had never experienced what the sword could do. He had experience, but he let himself be distracted.

The sword was right in front of him.

Why did he get blindsided by that?

If he agreed to try to find a way out, and never went near it. Captain Trotter would still be alive.

If only he had decided to go alone. The whole crew would still be alive.

He should have chased the crew away and gone in alone.

But instead, more death was on his hands.

“The best I could be. Cap’n would have wanted me to continue and find a way home. He promised that he would take me home. He would find my family. I won’t let myself fall into a pit of despair.”

Player had fallen into that pit a while ago.

“Well, I’m more than happy to try and help.” Maybe he could lift some of the guilt that ate him away.

“You've been to Bizville, you said that earlier.” Player nodded. Though Calypso had insulted it, people had their preference for where they lived.

“Do you want to head to Bizville? we have backtracked and got the ocean. I know a fisherman who can take us back.”

Calypso glanced back at the town before nodding.

Adventuring back into the desert, they fought some stray enemies. Under the heat from the sun, Player was sweating tons. Player was used to changing clothes depending on the region. Currently he wore a singlet, short pants, sunglasses and his iconic cap.

It took a while, but they reached the shores, and Player waved down the fisherman.

“You got yourself a friend there?” The fisherman asked. Player nodded, settling down in the boat. Calypso also stepped in, though hesitantly, into the boat.

Player loved the ocean wind in his hair as it now grew down to pass his shoulders. Watching as the waves go up and down. It probably was now his favourite mode of travel. Once he got the bottle on a ship, it felt freeing to be in the water.

As soon as he got the card, he had an adventure back to the Rugged Rainforest. He remembered that Mayor Thaniyel mentioned that the recipe that could change Griefer back. After that quest and healing Griefer, they promised his friends that he would take a break.

He didn’t mean to stumble upon the pirate’s crew. It just happened.

And hey, he has another sword. So close to completing his quest. And then he could to a well-deserved break from everything.

Eventually, on the horizon, he saw the docks. People were tiny blobs moving about without care. Sometimes things just look way better from a distance.

“We have arrived. It was a pleasure to help you.” The fisherman smiled and started to dock the boat.

Player thanked him and helped Calypso out of the boat.

“Welcome to Bizville Calypso,” Player smiled. It was nice to be back.

People rushed about with their days, running past one another.  After enduring the unbearable heat for a few weeks, the sunny, windy weather in Bizville was paradise.

Player didn’t know where they should head and point Calypso in the right direction. But before they could ask where Calypso wanted to go, a few people called them out.

“Player!” He saw the running figures of Red and Blue. Behind them were some other familiar faces.

“Player, are you okay?” Blue asked as she hugged their legs. Red stood off to the side with crossed arms.

“Blue was very worried about you,” Blue jabbed Red.

“You were also worried.” Red huffed and looked away.

Behind them, Noobador, Griefer, Kyoko, and Shedletsky catch up.

They all seemed to study the bandages that covered Player’s body and give him an unimpressed look. Player knew they didn’t look the best, but he tried at least.

“You haven’t responded in weeks, and return looking like this?” Noobador asked, pulling Blue and Red off of him.

“I’m alright,” Player looked over to Calypso. Who sent judgmental, look at the Player.

“Calypso?” Kyoko's eyes watered as she studied the figure in front of her.

Calypso's stance stiffened as her eyes wandered to Kyoko.  It has been an agonising amount of time since she last saw her younger sister. She appears taller and has lost the remaining baby fat. Calypso didn’t know how to react to seeing her.

Before she could make sense of her mind, Kyoko hugged her. “Thank the Swords, you’re alright. You are okay, right?” Kyoko lightens her grip, but was squashed by Calypso hugging her back.

“I never thought I would see you again.” Calypso let herself weep and continued to hug Kyoko.

Player had a hunch that they were sisters, but he was glad he was right. Though it was a bit bittersweet for him.

“How did you meet Player?” Kyoko asked as she finally pulled away.

Calypso's eyes met Player hesitant eyes. Player hadn’t really ever had a companion when he was adventuring for the swords. Yeah, he summoned people for a battle, but once it was finished, they left. Calypso knew most of the details of the quest and felt uncomfortable.

“Does Player always adventure on dangerous quests?” Calypso's eyes stare behind Player’s eyes.

The others all looked at Calypso and then at Player. A mix of worry and concern filled their eyes.

“WHAT HAV3 Y0U B33N DO1NG PUNK?” Griefer eyed Player as he tried to make an excuse.

“I’m okay. Everything was,” not okay. People died, “somewhat ok.” Sounding very convincing there, Player.  Internally, he face-palmed at his awful performance. Usually, he is way better, but he hasn’t had a proper rest in so long.

As he scanned everyone's faces. No one believed him.

“Calypso, what happened?”

Calypso's eyes wavered, but her posture straightened as she let a shaky breath out. Player went to speak, but his throat closed. It refused to make any sound.

“Player?”

Player could only look at Calypso.

“I won’t tell them until you're ready, but at least take some rest. We were in that temple for days, and it looks like after we got out, you haven’t slept.”

She wasn’t wrong. After leaving, he got a wink of sleep. The nightmares refused to let him have even a few moments of peace.

“I thought I told you to get some rest,” Shedletsky moved in front of Player’s vision. “I heard that you cured Griefer, then left again. I told the Ghostwalker to take a break.”

“Well, talking about the swords,” Player voice cracked, “I found Firebrand.”  Shedletsky looked up in horror. Player would have shown it, but he didn’t know how Calypso would react to it so soon.

“S3RI0USLY? PLAY3R, TAKE A @#@!$ BR3AK! 1F Y0U DON’T I’11 F0RC3 YOU TOO!”

Red and Blue look at each other.

“Hey Player?”

“Yes?” Player looks down to see two grinning faces.

“Can we see your hand?”

Player tilts his head and slowly blinks. Hesitantly, gives them his hand. Before he can understand what, they want, they grab his hand and drag him away.

“We are having a sleepover,” Blue smiled.

“You don’t get a choice,” Red grinned.

Player glanced back at the others, giving them a pleading look. They just started to follow. All the protests that Player could manage, they all ignored him.

It wasn’t long until they reached the train.

Once entering it, Player once again tried to emphasise that he was fine and didn’t need to rest. But Blue gave him her puppy-dog eyes and red glared at him. So, he finally caved. Being dragged into a room and tossed onto the bed, Player sighed.

Blue and Red bundle Player in layers of blankets. The other had wander off probably around on the train somewhere.

Red filled the silence with random stories. He talked about ‘adventures’ he went on with his sister. Blue added to the stories with random information.

Player didn’t even realise when his eyes grew heavy, and his mind started to slow. Perhaps refusing to sleep for a few days makes you crash when you get into bed.

When Blue and Red noticed that Player had fallen asleep, they quietened down. Silently, they left the room to see the others crowded around outside.

“Are they asleep?”

Blue nodded as she brought a finger to her mouth, shushing everyone.

“1’LL WATCH TH3M.” Before Griefer could open the door, Calypso stopped him.

“You care a lot about him?” Calpos teased as a bright green blush filled his face.

“SHUT UP AND D13.”

Griefer closed the door behind and saw the rising and falling of Player’s chest. He climbed into bed next to them, gripping their hand.

“Y0U PUNK.” He whispered as he stared at the bandages.  “JU5T SUMM0ND ME MORE. ST0P G3TTING Y0URS3LF HURT. PL3ASE…”

///

He waited for a nightmare.

He waited for the abyss to attack or voices to scream. Memories to repeat over and over again. For his chest to be ripped out and his limbs to be tied down.

Instead, a comfortable warmth surrounds him, and a hand strokes his hair. His heads were propped up by a leg.

Someone hummed a low tune, Player could feel the vibrations of the voice.  When he opened his eyes, his vision was covered in a pink, blurry mess.

“You're awake, child?”

Player tilted his neck back and saw Cruel King smiling down at him.

“Cruel King?” Player looked around and saw the pink fluffy clouds. How was he here? He hadn’t visited here in a while. He sometimes summoned the Cruel King, though in a but he hasn’t.

“It’s been a while, though, he seems you seem to haven’t been sleeping well.” King narrowed his eyes, looking at Player’s eyebags.  “Trouble with nightmares?”

Player snapped his eyes away from the King’s icy blue eyes. He wasn’t wrong, but to be comforted by one of the reasons nightmares plagued felt weird.

“Even I’ve faced my share of nightmares. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It simply makes you human. Child, you are very strong. But I’m an example that even the strongest can be swayed. You have many friends who can keep you in check. You have saved and built these bonds, child. You may have fought your dark emotions, but they will not leave you. They will continue to grow, but don’t let it define you.”

“I don’t know what to do.”

A warm smile crept on the King’s face.

“Well, for now, rest. Your problems will be there when you wake up.”

Player sank further into King’s embrace

“And don’t worry,” Player felt his body relax, “I shall watch over you.”

Player fell asleep once more.

“I shall protect you from nightmares. Each night if I have to.” 

 

Chapter 2: Wash the Fever away with Love

Notes:

Ummm, So it was meant to be just a one-shot, but I had a plan to add more to the one-shot, but I felt unmotivated to finish it so I posted it as it was. Though I had a little bit to add more and I didn't want to sit there, so I added a small, short chapter. Maybe I'll add chapter 3 one day with the rest of the planned stuff but that's in the future. hope you enjoy the cute small chapter. Thanks for all the kudos and comments from chapter 1!!!! It meant a lot to me <3

In the distance, he heard the rumble of a train.  His body was heavy, and his eyes refused to even move an inch. Plagued by a chill that refused to leave him. The blanket fell off his bed, leaving him with no protection.

Player was in misery.

It wasn’t long before Player groaned into his pillows. His body kept swinging between the freezing cold and the boiling heat. Honestly, Player was so close to giving up. He had snuck on the train to get some rest from everything. Though the sleep avoided him.

You would think that the Ice Dagger and FireBrand would cancel each other out. But no, they decided to take turns in Player’s misery. Reluctantly, they have used the swords on themselves, which gave short time of relief. They didn’t do it too much cause the damage on their body was annoying to hide.

In the end, he will submit to pain. He wished sleep would take him, but with the amount of aches he had, it wouldn’t happen for a while.

No one would bother him for a bit. Or so they hope. They had gotten better at hiding and avoiding his friends. They just worry too much and cause a scene at the slightest injury or problem. Surely, they have more pressing matters than every time Player got injured.

While Player was fighting the urge to get out the Firebrand, loud knocks got their attention. Whoever was outside didn’t care if they damaged the door with how hard they were knocking.

“Player! You in there?”

“Someone saw you walk here!”

Fuck… How did Blue and Red find them so soon? He made sure no one saw him! He even chose to sleep on the train, which he rarely ever does.

“Player?” Blue asked meekly.

“Player!” Red knocked on the door loudly.

Even if Player wanted to get up. He didn’t think he would make it to the door.

“Are you okay?” If he doesn’t respond, maybe they think he isn’t there or give up. He heard hushed whispers outside and sounds of footsteps. Thank Telamon.

See a great plan.

“I WILL RIP OPEN THIS DOOR!” Or not.

Noobador made true to that promise, and the door was forced open. Player sat up quickly as he scanned Noobador standing in the doorway. Blue and Red huddle behind him. Taking one glance at Player, that’s all Noobador needed to huff and walk over. He places his hand on Player's forehead and tsk.

“Seriously?”

“Is Player sick?” Blue hurried over to the side of Player’s bed. She peeked over the bed and looked for seconds before bursting into tears. “Why did you hide?”

“I’m fine, Blue,” Player’s voice came out hoarse and broken.

“Sounds like you're talking bullshit-”

“Red!” Blue and Noobador both called out.

“Whatever are you being an idiot. You look like you're seconds from the death door.”

“What?” Blue looked even more frantic, grabbing onto Player’s hand. “Please don’t die, Mr Player!”

Clearing, seeing the panic that crossed Player’s face, Noobador turned to the kids. “Can both of you get a wet cloth and medication?”

Both nodded and sprinted out of the room with a purpose.

Noobador's gaze fell back on Player. Who hunched his shoulder, trying to sink further into the bed.

“Seriously, kid? If you're sick, just message one of us. It doesn’t matter who. No one should suffer alone like this. Especially you.”

Player could only weakly nod.

It wasn’t long until the two young kids came running in. They passed the medication to Noobador. Pushing Player to the headboard, Noobador poured some medication. Once satisfied with the amount Player drank, he pushed him down against the bed.

“Please get some proper rest,” Noobador placed the wet cloth on the Player’s forehead.

“When you wake up, can we go to the park?” Blue asked hesitantly. Without thinking too much, Player weakly nodded.

While Player fought with sleep as Noobador sat beside him. Red and Blue sat on the floor, playing some quiet games.

As much as Player struggled to stay awake, he fell into a deep sleep.

 

///

 

When Player felt the haze rise, he felt the warm bodies next to him. Both were tucked under each of his arms. Tearing his eyes open, he saw the hair of Blue and Red. Somehow, while asleep, Blue and Red both joined him on the bed and cuddled into his side.

They suppose it wasn’t too bad. With their hands, they cuddled the two children, and they both mumbled but settled back down.

In the corner of Player’s eye, they saw Noobador fast asleep on a chair next to them, a book long fallen to the fall.

They didn’t deserve to be treated with such warmth and love.

But for once, they will be selfish and greedily eat all the affection they can.