Cheer Fear

Part 4

Suddenly, she heard a motor echo down the cave, as someone appeared to park at the entrance of it.

"Hey Cheer? You in here?" A gravelly voice called.

Cheer stifled a sharp gasp and froze.

No. This isn't happening.

She tucked herself tighter, squeezing her eyes shut. She'd never wanted to disappear so badly in her life.

"Cheer!" Grumpy exclaimed, hopping off his scooter as he dumped his helmet on its seat and pattered over. He stopped in front of her, peering apprehensively. "Are you ok?"

"Cheer-Cheer's not here!" She stuttered rushingly, knowing it was a silly response.

"Yes, Cheer is here- but why?" Grumpy asked, sounding more irritated than he meant.

Cheer didn't respond.

Grumpy winced slightly, worried and concerned for her. He knelt down in front of her.

"Cheer.. Please tell me whats wrong,"

Cheer looked up at Grumpy, a pained expression on her. The minute she saw him she felt strong emotion heave into her face, making it feel hot as her eyes teared up and her throat felt choked up.

"I..." Where should she even start? Should she even tell him? What if it stressed him out too? She was the leader, she was supposed to be in control.

Grumpy waited patiently for her to gather her bearings, wearing an open but frowny expression.

"I can't!" She suddenly burst, sobs barrelling out of her.

"Woah, hey..." Grumpy looked sorrowfully at his friend, before taking in a breath. He leaned over and put a paw on her cheek.

"Hey," He said gently, and Cheer looked up at him, tears dripping.

"Cheer, I don't know what's wrong, but... it's gonna be ok. I'm here and... I want to help you, I'm gonna help you." His voice was soft and he wiped her wet cheeks.

"I'm sorry," Cheer wailed, taking in shaky breaths.

"I just can't think right! A-and I keep getting it wrong, I-" Cheer stopped as sobbing interrupted her.

"Aw, Cheer..." Grumpy slid his paws under her arms and gently pulled her towards him. He wrapped her in a warm hug and stroked the back of her head.

"I can't even pilot anymore!" She squeaked, her body throbbing.

"Hey now, of course you can still pilot! You just need to figure out what's getting you so distracted." Grumpy assured. He pulled her away so he could look at her, though he kept his paws around her arms.

"Now, you didn't eat this morning did you?"

Cheer sniffled and shook her head.

"That could be one thing. Have you been getting enough sleep?"

"I... don't think so..."
"Taking breaks?"

"...No."

Grumpy gave Cheer a concerned look.

"Cheer, you gotta take care of yourself,"

"But I... I have so much to... to do... and..."

"Taking care of yourself should be one of those things,"

Cheer looked down, a guilty look coming over her.

"Hey, now, I'm not saying it's your fault." Grumpy assured, rubbing Cheer's shoulder gently.

"But if things are getting out of hand like that, you can ask for help y'know? If you don't take care of yourself first, you can't really take care of other things can you?"

Cheer shook her head, a concentrated frown on her face.

"But-but now Bluster has a seed of caring! And it's... it's all my fault!" Cheer's speech turned into another wail and she seemed to shrivel as more tears came down her cheeks.

"Bluster what?" Grumpy said in surprise, before looking at Cheer sorrowfully.

"Ok, it's ok Cheer," He said, pulling her in for another hold.

"We haven't seen Bluster all day, what makes you think he did that?" Grumpy asked after Cheer had calmed down again. He held her paws as she took some deep breaths.

"I heard him talking about it- right outside my room."

"Right outside your room?"

"... yeah?" Cheer wiped her eyes, looking at Grumpy confusingly.