Chapter Text
Gordon hated to admit it, but he had never been as happy as he was with the puppets. It felt liberating to be around the felt filled ones, who never treated him differently just because of him being in the war. They were of course extremely clingy and, sometimes too much for the old man, but he wouldn't change them for the world. But, some days things were just too much. And, him not wanting to worry them, he'd find somewhere to sit, and simply decompress in the silence. Well.. he used to always do so alone, until that day when he realized he wasn't the only one in the studio who sometimes got overwhelmed. It had been a rough couple of days for the older, finances had been tight due to people who didn't want them there trying to cut them down. He was trying, but he didn't have much to spare, so it was kind of like a back and forth between saving and losing cash. To say it was stressful didn't even scratch the damn surface of how he was feeling. So, he left to his usual spot... Only to be shocked to find someone else there.
Goblette, the first puppet he had actually made acquaintance with, was sitting in his usual spot. She seemed... quite uncomfortable, curled up into a small ball, her hands over her ears. He frowned, immediately recognizing what was happening. Sensory overload, he didn't go through it often, but his nephew did. He remembered, back when his sibling didn't despise him and he could babysit, he'd often have to bring him somewhere silent as things were, just too much for him in public. He'd stay by him, doing all he could to keep him comfortable until his meltdown calmed. He didn't realize puppets could go through this... Especially since most of them didn't understand such things. Again, anger coursed through his veins for those before who didn't treat them like they should've been, for those who neglected and left them here for years.
He carefully sat, making a small bit of noise to make sure she knew he was there. She flinched, peeking at him as she shook. "Do you want me to get you something?" He whispered, wanting nothing more than to help her feel comfortable. "... Blank...et." she quietly grumbled out, seeming to recoil just at the small amount of noise she made. He nodded, quickly leaving into the room next door. He looked for the thickest blanket, and managed to find a plush as well. Most of the puppets seemed to be childish, so it probably would help. He walked back, making sure she was aware of him before draping the fluffy object around her. She seemed to lightly calm, it starting to block out the sounds. He handed the stuffed creature, her grabbing and squeezing it, it helping her desires for attention that her overstimulation wouldn't allow her to have. Gordan, feeling relieved seeing her relaxed, sat down next to her again. He waited patiently, and after about 15 minutes Goblette seemed to have fully calmed. She straightened herself and looked at the older man, grumbling a quiet sorry. "Gob, there's no reason to be sorry for this, it's not your fault." He reasoned, and god did he hate how her face lit up in shock. He hated how others always complained about things he did due to his trauma, and things his nephew did because of how he was born. He shouldn't be surprised that even puppets, who were so different from humans, still received that bullshit treatment. "But... Handler always said Goblette overreacts?"
"Well your "handler" was wrong. You can't control your emotions, body or how you react. Also, everyone reacts differently to situations, and has different triggers." He offered a hug, not surprised when she curled up to him. Gordan remembered clearly when he first gave her a hug, he had expected her to be lightly slimy with her being based off a frog. But she felt just like the other puppets, except a 'little" more stiffer due to her composition. Still warm and comfortable though, but she was lightly squishing him. Oh well, it was worth it to hear her rumbling purr like noises.as he pet through her fabric, whispering assurances. What he hadn't expected though, was for the larger to fall asleep on him-
"... Great, guess I'm stuck here." He grumbled with no real menace, taking the time to relax. ... Maybe just a few minutes of rest wouldn't be so bad...
~~~~~
Pearl was worried, Gordan was usually never late for their sessions. It was where he'd help her try out new outfits, mainly for their show, and she was quite looking forward to his company. She stood up, ruffling her feathers and walking through the studio, asking around for Gordan. Her trills couldn't be understood by humans, but the puppets could easily do so. She grew even more concerned hearing that no one had seen him for hours, she hoped he didn't have another one of his attacks... 'Oh dear, what if he hurt himself??'
She quickly checked around, coming across a closed door she remembered Gordan coming out of one day. She carefully peeked in, her anxiety immediately changing to adoration for the wonderful sight in front of her. Gordan was asleep, resting more soundly then usual, and cuddled up to him was Goblette. The larger puppet had her constantly worried, she acted differently than the others and usually seemed... Sad constantly? She didn't exactly understand, but she wishes she did so she could help the other. But, she didn't have to worry now at least, as the two seemed calm and happy together. She softly let out a calm hum, grabbing the blanket around them with her beak and pulling it higher up.
Guess she'd have to let the others know filming would be postponed till tomorrow.