Chapter Text
It was a comfortable day in August and the two elder Watson boys were spending it out in the back yard. It was the first time in a while where it was just the two of them together. Their father had taken Tommy out to the doctor due to cough he’d had for the last few days leaving them in the care of their mother. Their mother, who was taking time doing ‘mom stuff’ while they ‘played nicely’ with each other.
Technically they’d already gotten in trouble for fighting, but that was well over an hour ago and they’d promised to be good if she didn’t tell their father when he got home. And so here the boys were, in the back yard and tossing a few toys around the ground. They’d already had a small argument on what to play with neither agreeing on what the other wanted. Instead they concluded that they just needed to make something new up instead.
Techno was kneeling down and looking between what was left of their foam Frisbee that Tommy had basically chewed to pieces when no one was looking, and a rubber football dart looking thing that had a missing fin on one side. Though the broken dart was Wilbur’s doing, having used to it smack Techno during a fight. Neither knew when the fin itself went missing during the assault, but it was certainly gone after.
Wilbur looked down at what was in his own hands. Nothing special really, but it was one of the toys they had yet to break at least. A jump rope that had been tied to the last standing hula hoop some time ago. He could come up with a few games with that but…He wanted something new.
Something new that he could win.
Techno was winning a lot of their games lately and honestly, Wilbur needed that to stop. He was the bigger brother and therefore he should be winning at things. What was next? Tommy starting to win too?
Wilbur wasn’t going to have that.
Glancing over to Techno again Wil tilted his head in thought. He needed something fun, something he could win and something that neither of his brothers would ever beat him at.
Something…
Wilbur looked to his hands.
Something…
Wilbur looked to his feet where the deflated soccer ball lay, still not thrown out.
Something…
Wilbur looked at the fence.
Wilbur grinned.
“Hey Techno, what about the ‘brave test’?” Wil asks as he looked to his younger brother, smile still in place.
Techno was staring up at him with a furrowed brow and a small frown.
“The ‘brave test’?” Techno asked, though he knew what Wil was referring to.
“Yea, like we used to play, only now we’re doing it outside.” Wilbur nodded, “And instead of sneaking into the kitchen we….find places out here that we’d normally never go to.”
There were two places in the yard that the boys avoided, small as it was.
The left corner of the yard that was just about below their bedroom window and then the spot just behind their mother’s garden. The spot under their window was where they had seen spiders crawling and so that just was a nope. Behind their mother’s garden was a small little nest their mother had mentioned a ‘garden snake’ living. They generally left it alone because she told them to, but also because snakes were cool until they could slither up your leg.
Techno looked over at both of those places and visibly shivered. He looked back at Wilbur and Wil could see the unease and slight fear in his eyes.
“I dunno.”
“Come on, it’ll be fun!” Wilbur encouraged, “Besides, we only have to go closer until the other gives up.”
Techno swallowed hard, brow knit tighter as he fidgeted in place.
“Winner gets the others desert for a week.”
That perked Techno up a bit, but he was still nervous. Regardless though, he nodded his head.
“Okay. But no pushing and if I want to stop then we stop.” Techno said as he held out his hand to shake, much like their father did.
“Okay.” Wilbur nodded and shook his brother’s hand.
Once the deal was made Wilbur pulled on Techno’s hand to pull him fully to his feet. Within the same motion he started to lead Techno over to the side of the house, closer to the spider spot. Both Wilbur and Techno hated this spot, but Wil knew that Techno was far more scared of spiders than he was. Not that he himself wasn’t scared, but Techno would for sure give up first.
An easy win.
Wilbur stopped a fair distance from the dreaded corner and made sure Techno and himself were just about shoulder to shoulder. Neither one moved until Wil looked over at the other.
“You first since you’re younger.”
“Shouldn’t you go first cus you’re older?” Techno asked back with a frown.
“Not this time.” Wil shook his head with a smile as he nudged Techno’s shoulder, “Take a step or admit defeat now.”
Techno frowned at him before biting his lip and looking forwards. The first step was to be on him and he did not look any sort of eager. Wilbur waited though, watching at his side with an almost smug looking grin. Part of him considered that his brother would give in on this one before making a move at all and that honestly suited him fine.
Taking a deep breath Techno clenched his fists and took a single small step forwards. He looked back at Wilbur with a dreaded sort of expectancy. Wil offered him nothing more than the same smug look on his face as he, in turn, took a step forwards. He was barely an inch closer than Techno was.
Techno was looking at Wil’s feet, judging the distance he’d have to go to be closer to the feared corner. As before he had to take a deep steadying breath before moving, his hands raising up to hold onto the front of his shirt.
Wilbur stepped just ever so much further. In truth they weren’t even really near where the spiders were last seen, nor where the web was spread out in the nook between the wall and fence. It didn’t matter though because Techno was already shaking. They’d played at this distance from the webs before, but the difference was in knowing they were going to get closer.
Techno managed another step and honestly Wilbur was impressed he was holding in there. Normally his brother would give like a wet napkin when he was this afraid. However, impressed or not Wilbur was in this for the win. For the victory.
Wilbur took a large step forwards that was almost easily over half the distance of Techno’s total steps combined. When he looked back he could see the look of horror on Techno’s face, his mouth slightly open. It made Wil laugh and Techno could only continue to look at him with a sense of betrayal.
“Wil! That’s not fair! That’s too big a step!” Techno complained as he pointed to where Wil was currently standing.
“That’s perfectly fair, Techno. That’s the point of the ‘brave test’. I got closer than you, just by a lot this time. Now, you need to out do that or admit defeat.” Wil stated proudly.
Techno continued to gape at him.
Wil was certain he had this in the bag now. No sweat. He didn’t need to get any closer than this because there was no way Techno was going to get within an actual arms reach of the corner. He just needed to have Techno give in quickly so they could move away before any of the creepy crawlies came out to nip at their toes or something.
Wilbur shivered but tried to ignore it. He just, wouldn’t think about it. He wouldn’t. Not the spindly legs or the tiny sets of a dozen eyes or the-
Techno took a small step forwards and Wil could feel his heart beat faster.
There was no way.
Techno took another small step forwards and Wil’s mouth went a bit dry.
Another step and they were almost shoulder to shoulder. Techno was shaking visibly and his hands were held so tight in his shirt it looked like they might rip it. Wilbur maybe was regretting this game a little…that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try to win anyway.
“do you think these are the jumping ones?” Wilbur asked in a hushed tone.
He could see Techno’s eyes widen at the thought and his face pale. With a distressed whine Wilbur knew well Techno turned and gave the other a shove before turning and bolting back towards the main of the yard.
“You’re a butt, Wilbur! A cheating, stinky butt!” Techno yelled as spun back to glare at his older brother.
Wilbur, who had almost lost balance at being pushed, was back to smiling at his brother. He knew the other would crack, even if he needed a small nudge to do so.
“What are you talking about? I just asked a question, Tech.” He replied with false innocence.
“It was a mean question and you know it!” Techno shouted back and stomped his foot for good measure.
“I didn’t mean for it to be mean, I just, thought of it randomly.” Wilbur stated, like a liar, “Come on. Lets do behind the garden next!”
Wil was already leading the way, chipper as ever over taking the first win. At this rate he would win the game in the next few minutes and gain himself a week of extra deserts. Not to mention the right to pick their next game too.
Techno pouted after Wilbur, not following behind him just yet. Even when he did start walking he was dragging his feet. He wanted to quit, Wilbur was sure. However, he knew Techno would try hard not to. His brother hated quitting more than losing, true, but Techno hated being afraid even more.
“No mean questions.” Techno stated firmly as he scowled up at Wilbur.
Wil snickered but nodded his head anyway.
“No ‘mean’ questions.” Wil echoed for good measure.
This seemed to make Techno feel a bit better as his expression relaxed. The arms he had crossed slowly dropped down to once more grip at his shirt. Though this time the hold was softer.
“I’ll go first this time.” Wilbur volunteered, his smile growing just a bit more.
Techno looked at him and Wil could see the distrust. Still, his younger brother nodded in agreement and Wilbur already started planning his victory dance.
This was going to be too easy…and he loved it.
Without even needing to prepare himself Wilbur took a large step forwards, careful not to step on any of their mother’s plants. A few had sprouted long arms that draped out of the raised boxes they were rooted in. If one wasn’t careful they could easily trip a person.
Techno huffed behind him and Wil didn’t need to turn around to know he was being glared at.
“Okay, your-” Wilbur cut off with a startled gasp as Techno stormed past him.
The smaller boy took an entire extra step further than Wilbur and was now turned and facing him. There was an annoyed frown still resting on Techno’s face, though it didn’t entirely remove the unease that rested in his eyes.
“ Your turn.” Techno stated bluntly as he crossed his arms for good measure.
Wilbur looked to the grounds behind his brother. They…they weren’t that close yet. He could…probably do another big step…before making them smaller. Assuming Techno didn’t cave first again after this.
This time Wilbur did need to take in a breath, though he did so as quietly as he could. He didn’t want Techno to know he was getting scared. No, Wilbur was going to win, as usual, and continue being the ‘brave test’ master.
Swallowing down his anxiety Wilbur took a big step, bigger than he was intending, in fact. He was closer than he planned, but now that meant Techno would have to best him even more.
Wilbur looked back at his brother and tried to flash a confident smile, though it didn’t seem to rest right on his face. He hoped it would still be effective.
“If you crush one of moms flowers I’m going to tell her.” Techno commented with a frown.
Techno was fidgeting in place with his eyes darting from Wilbur, to the plants and then over to where the ‘snake home’ was.
“Stop stalling. Its your turn.” Wilbur stated with an eye roll as he motioned ahead of him.
Techno returned the eye roll for a second before he turned his attention ahead of himself. His fear was starting to ebb back into him a bit more and it showed in his next step. It took three smaller ones to reach just ahead of Wilbur. Though Techno was also being more considerate of where he was putting his feet in regards to the plants as well.
Wil didn’t even need a full step to get ahead of Techno and he used that to his advantage. The flat look his brother gave him was honestly funny considering his cheeks were puffed with his lingering annoyance and thus made him look like a chipmunk.
Wilbur couldn’t help but laugh, Techno scowling deeper at him for it.
“What are you laughing at?” Techno demanded to know.
“Y-y-your face-” Wilbur gasped out, a pitched wheeze leaving him as he held his stomach.
“Stop laughing at me!” Techno commanded as he stomped his foot.
“Y-your like a-a ch-chipmunk. A-angry little chipmunk-” Wil went on, his legs actually growing a touch wobbly as his head grew lighter.
Techno stepped closer to Wilbur and gave him a shove. It was only by chance that Wilbur managed to catch himself once more instead of falling over. Techno crossed his arms firmly and stomped his foot again when Wil failed to contain or suppress his fit in the slightest. A second later an ever so familiar whine rose into the air. Us usual it lilted in that way that reminded Wilbur of a whales’ song and once more he was laughing fully.
Techno knew why.
Wilbur could see it in the glare he was being given. He knew what he needed to do.
Wilbur grinned.
Techno scowled.
“Whale song.” Wilbur stated and Techno’s expression turned into a snarling one.
He rushed Wilbur and started to punch anywhere his hands could reach. Wilbur stumbled but didn’t fall over, nor did he cry out at the attack. How could he over his continued hysterics?
It took a few minutes, but finally Wilbur calmed down. Techno had given up his assault when he realized Wilbur was just…taking the hits. Apparently Wil not making any noise regarding the ‘pummeling’ made it less appealing.
Noted.
At this point, as Wil was catching the rest of his breath, Techno looked between his older brother and the small path ahead of them. Wil could see him swallow hard and assumed it was either his anger or his returning fear. Not a second later Techno’s brow set into something firm and…and determined.
That was…something new.
Wilbur’s own brow knit in a questioning look before Techno breathed out a very big breath. With one final pointed stare at his older brother Techno started to walk forwards. Not just ‘walk’ forwards, but stomping his feet ever so much that it looked like some kind of soldiers march.
He reached the last place he’d been standing, and then he reached where Wilbur had been standing, and then he reached even further.
“Tech-” Wilbur started, but his brother didn’t look back.
Fists tight at his sides Techno continued on, feet slapping the ground and eyes forwards.Wilbur watched with a growing dread and shock as each step was taken. It was only when Techno reached the end of the planter box that he stopped. His toes were just barely past where the box itself ended, the rest of his form was rigid and tense but he didn’t flee. Instead Techno turned and looked at Wilbur with a heated frown.
“Your turn.” Techno stated flatly, once more crossing his arms with a huff.
Though it honestly looked more like a self hug than anything else.
Wilbur swallowed hard as he looked from his brother’s face, to the ground he’d covered and then back up to where the snake nest was supposed to be. A little curl of grass that rested over a small hole as far as he’d been able to see before. Almost unnoticeable if their mother hadn’t pointed it out all that time ago.
“Any day now.” Techno huffed at him as he fidgeted in place.
He was clearly uncomfortable, but he was still further ahead than Wilbur. By a lot. Wil just…needed to be ahead of him…by a little. It only had to be by some kind of amount. While Wil hadn’t thought his brother would get this close that didn’t change the plan. Get just a bit closer and then spook him out of his next step.
He’d promised no ‘mean questions’, but he never said anything about scary comments. Techno would yell at him after the game, but that wouldn’t change the winner. It never did. In the ‘brave test’ once you ran you lost no matter what and Wilbur was good at making sure Techno ran first.
Taking a breath and steeling his own determination Wilbur started to walk forwards.
He tried not to count his steps in his head.
He tried not to note the small crack beside the planter box where a snake could easily fit and jump out at them.
He tried not to think about how fast a snake could slither in the grass they were currently standing in.
He certainly tried not to think of how easy it would be for one of them slip up the end of his pant leg if he wasn’t paying attention-
Wilbur paused as he reached where Techno was standing. They were about shoulder to shoulder now though Techno looked unimpressed. Wilbur could feel himself shivering but couldn’t do anything to stop it. This was the closest he had gotten to the snake nest since learning about it.
He really didn’t want to get any closer.
“You can always turn back.” Techno stated with a smug tone.
When Wilbur looked over at his brother he saw a matching grin on his face. Techno could obviously see Wil’s shaking and hesitation and was enjoying it. Wil tried to put a scowl on his face, but it was shaky. He just hoped it looked real enough.
Judging by how Techno only smiled wider, he doubted it.
“I’m not backing down.” Wilbur declared in a heated breath and looking ahead of him again.
He hesitated still as he stared at the barely notable swirl of grass that denoted the nest. He muttered the words again as he took in a deep breath, letting it out in a rushed huff. He lifted his foot...and placed it down.
“You have to move closer, Wil. You can’t just, stay here.” Techno commented dryly before he started to smirk again, “Unless you’re quitting.”
“I’m not quitting, and I did move closer.” Wil replied with confidence.
“No you didn’t. You’re still right here.” Techno frowned as he pointed to Wil’s feet.
“I’m still close to you, but I did move forward. See? I’m a whole toe closer than you.” Wil offered smugly as he wiggled his toes for good measure.
Techno’s frown pulled into a thin line as he knelt down to actually inspect their feet placement. Wilbur held still aside from the continued wiggling of his little piggies. After a moment Techno let out a noise of frustration as he stood back up. This time Wil was looking absolutely proud of himself.
“That’s not fair.”
“Its within the rules.”
“But its not fair.”
“Its fair, you just don’t like it.” Wilbur stated before he crossed his own arms to mimic how Techno was standing, “And its your turn again.”
Techno stomped his foot once more and looked like he was planning to attack again. Only, instead he turned sharply and marched two steps forwards.
Wilbur’s mouth dropped open.
Techno was practically right over the nest now and looked far more angry than he did afraid. Wilbur, on the other hand, was still shivering in place. If…if a snake came out of the hole right now it would very easily be able to nip at his brother’s toes in seconds.
Trying to suppress a shiver Wilbur swallowed hard and inched one of his feet forwards. Techno watched on and Wil was only slightly aware of the grin starting to spread over the others’ face. He inched a little closer.
“Hisssss-”
Wilbur was moving before he was thinking. His feet stumbled back over the growing vines of his mother’s garden, which sent him to the ground with a yelp. He was scrambling up and away and it took until he was at the other end of the plant box before he realized he could hear Techno laughing. Not screaming in alarm after him, but laughing.
Panting heavily Wilbur looked back and saw Techno still standing in his place beside the snakes nest. He was doubled over much like Wil had been just recently, and was gasping out his own hysterical laughter. Wil could feel his face heating up in embarrassment which he tried to cover up with a glare at his brother.
“You yell at me for cheating and then do that?” Wil asked with an almost firm scowl on his face.
“I-its not ch-cheating.” Techno stammered out as he wiped at one of his eyes, “I only made a-a small n-noise.”
Wilbur’s frown grew but he didn’t know what to say to that. Techno technically wasn’t wrong.
“Y-you jumped so high-” Techno wheezed before bursting out laughing again.
While he didn’t like being laughed at Wilbur had to admit…it was pretty funny. Now that he was away from the nest and feeling far less anxious it was…it was actually really funny. Funny enough that, try as he might, Wil couldn’t keep himself from starting to laugh along with Techno.
X-xXx-X
It had taken the two a fair bit of time to calm back down. Techno had wandered back over towards Wilbur at some point and the two were laying on the grass almost beside one other. Wilbur was aimed one way and Techno the other, but their heads were even with each other as they faced the sky.
It was a bright day, but the clouds overhead kept them from being pelted with too much sunlight. It was overall a really nice time to be out and on the grass.
Their breathing was just about returning to normal when Techno turned to face Wilbur.
“So, we each won a round. How do we know the winner?” He asked curiously.
Normally when they played inside it was easy to tell. Pretty much whoever got closest to the kitchen without getting caught. It was harder when there was multiple rounds.
Wilbur hummed thoughtfully beside him, a smile creeping onto his face. Techno frowned at the sight. It was one of those looks that he got when he was about to get them in trouble.
“I know how we can tell.” He stated as he slowly sat up.
“Okay….so how?” Techno asked, also sitting up and turning so he was fully facing the other.
“Like this.”
As soon as Wilbur finished speaking he was up and on his feet. Techno moved to follow him at first before stopping dead. Wilbur had made a small running start before placing his hands on the fence leading to the alley and then hoisting himself over it.
They had seen their father do it a few times, though they had been told in no uncertain terms to never do it themselves.
“Wil!” Techno called out, darting the few steps he needed to reach the fence and lean against it.
Wilbur was cackling on the other side, wide and wild grin on his face as he hopped from foot to foot giddily. His bare feet were slapping against the broken cement or pavement or whatever it was on the other side. It was old and deteriorated and absolutely filthy. There was also trash littering the ground all over, but Wilbur didn’t seem to care.
It was kind of gross.
“You Can’t Be Over There!” Techno called after him and Wilbur cackled back at him.
“Maybe you can’t be, but I’m not afraid.” Wilbur announced as he puffed out his chest a bit, “You can’t beat me now. I know you wont come over.”
“Mom and Dad said-”
“Mom and Dad aren’t watching right now.” Wilbur stated, his smile inching ever wider as he took a step backwards without looking.
“Wil! Stop!” Techno tried again as he reached a hand out towards his brother.
Looking back at the house Techno debated going to get their mother before anything bad happened that they’d been warned about. However, before he could Wilbur was talking to him again and he couldn’t think to do more than listen. Techno was afraid for his brother, but he had no idea what to do.
“Its fine! Look! Nothing bad is happening to me and I’m so going to win because you’re too afraid to come out!” Wilbur cheered to himself.
He was still walking backwards, though he stumbled over a few items that had made him wince. It wasn’t enough to stop him though.
“You can win, Wilbur! You win! Just come back!” Techno called out as he tried his best to stand on the wooden support of the fence to get a bit higher.
Wilbur just looked so thrilled with himself, letting out an excited squeal as he gave a small jump backwards. As if there was nothing at all around him that he needed to be wary of. As if they hadn’t been told a dozen times about the dangers of the city and the alley itself.
Techno opened his mouth again, preparing to shout even louder, half to convince Wilbur to return and half to make sure their mother heard him. One way or another he just wanted his brother back in the safety of the yard.
He didn’t get the chance to though.
Before words even came to mind to shout Techno paused as he noticed the smile drop from his brothers face. The wild laughter died and all movement halted sharply. Techno wasn’t sure what happened but he could see the sudden fear on his brother’s face.
And then he heard it.
A low guttural growl.
Wilbur turned sharply to look behind him and Techno froze as his gaze followed his brother’s line of sight as best he could. It wasn’t the best view, but he could make out four paws, ratty looking fur and roughly a body that was crouching or something towards the ground on the other side of Wilbur.
Wil and the alley monster seemed to be staring each other down and even Techno didn’t dare move. He couldn’t see the things face, but with the growling he could only imagine large red intimidating eyes and a mouth of sharp fangs that dripped hungrily.
“w-wilb-” Techno started to ‘whisper-shout’ but he wasn’t able to get further than that.
The thing made an angry noise and lunged forwards, Wilbur let out a scream as he jolted backwards and started to sprint back to the fence. The monster was faster though and in seconds Wilbur was on the ground and shrieking louder than before.
“WILBUR!” Techno screeched, his own voice shrill as he saw his brother hit the ground.
He tried to reach his hands through the bars to grab at Wil’s hands, but the beast was dragging him further away. It had caught hold of Wil’s pant leg and was thrashing its head from side to side and tugging back hard. Wil could do little more than scream and flail his legs hoping to free himself.
Techno looked around himself for something, anything, he could use to help. He wasn’t big enough to reach his brother nor hop the fence. He didn’t want to risk leaving to get their mother and all he had around him were, were-
Techno grabbed the largest stone at his feet and stood up. Drawing his arm back like his father had taught him he threw the stone with all his might.
He didn’t see where the stone hit, but he heard a sudden yelping and the monster was no longer trying to chew on his brother’s leg.
Wilbur, making use of his freedom quickly, threw himself back over the fence with no grace in the slightest. He hit the ground hard and haphazardly flailed himself away from it. Techno was rushing to his side before a snarling sound made both boys jump and scream in unison.
The monster was scratching at the fence savagely, its jaws snapping between the planks at them. Techno felt himself being pulled back harshly as Wilbur tugged them both towards the house while screaming for their mother.
Wil hadn’t even gotten the full call out when out of the house their mother flew. There was a broom in her hand that she had raised, as she shouted at Wilbur to get inside. Wil did just that, lifting Techno up off his feet and hurtling them both into the safety of their home.
Wil collapsed at the side of the couch and both of them remained in a shaking heap on the floor. Wilbur was holding tightly onto him and Techno could vaguely hear his mother’s shouts from outside. It was all a blur to him though as he shuddered and sobbed into Wilbur’s shirt. He was sure Wilbur was crying too, but he didn’t have the focus to make sure. All he could think to do was to hold onto his big brother tightly and never let him go.
X-X
Techno wasn’t sure how long the soothing hands had been weaving into his hair, but when he looked up to investigate he found his mother there. He and Wilbur were seated on the couch now, both of them in her lap, even if it was a bit awkward.
Wilbur was still shaking, as was he, but his brother was managing to talk at least. Techno didn’t think he remembered what words were at the moment. He wasn’t really following what Wil was saying, but whenever his brother looked his way he nodded lightly.
Something about playing near the fence, and a dog and then trying to run away. Techno shivered and pressed his face into his mothers chest. She gave him a comforting squeeze of a hug and placed a kiss to his forehead.
Techno closed his eyes and tried not to think about the thing outside.
x-x
Wilbur sat on the couch, Techno hugged to his side, as the tv ahead of them ran some kind of cartoon. He wasn’t paying attention to it, his eyes glancing back to the yard. Their mother had chased the dog off, but had decided that there had been enough outdoors time for the day.
Honestly Wilbur agreed.
Once she had checked them over for injuries she had left them on the couch to recover while she ‘made a phone call’. Wil assumed it was to their father.
In the meantime he kept Techno close to him, the smaller boy still shuddering every so often and pressing into him more. He hadn’t spoken a word since it happened and Wilbur felt terrible. Techno had cried so hard earlier that Wilbur thought he was choking a few times.
He’d never seen or heard his brother so upset and afraid before.
He hated it.
So here he sat, not watching cartoons and running his hand through his brother’s hair like their mother did whenever they were upset.
He didn’t understand. That kid, Dream, he walked up through their alley all the time. He should have been fine. Why was it that the one time he tried it-
“wil?”
The voice was soft, barely at a whisper, but Wilbur heard him all the same. When he looked down Techno was still looking ahead of them. Also not watching the tv, but staring at it as if he was.
“yea, tech?” Wil asked, matching his volume as best he could.
“are you okay?”
Techno’s voice sounded so small and fragile that it made Wilbur hug him tighter to his side.
“yea. yea, i’m fine. i didn’t get hurt.” Wil nodded despite not being looked at, “what about you?”
Techno remained still as if he were thinking about it before slowly nodding.
“you-" Techno faltered before turning to look up at Wil.
His eyes were still red and puffy and even now Wil could see the shimmer of tears that threatened to build and fall once more.
“don’t go over the fence again. okay?”
“Of course not. I wont. Never again.” Wilbur assured, his voice louder as he made his promise.
Techno’s question had been asked with such a shake that Wilbur wouldn’t have had the heart to answer any other way. Not that he would have. The alley had lost its appeal with his almost becoming dog food.
Techno nodded his head and let out a sigh of relief.
The silence between them resettled as both returned to staring with disinterest at the television. It was almost a casual sort of quiet between them if it weren’t for the lingering memory of their recent terror.
“you know-” Techno spoke again, his voice stronger than before but still mostly in a whisper, “i totally saved your life.”
Wilbur snorted at that, the suddenness of it as well as the factual way it was said. He looked down at Techno and raised a brow at him.
“You did.” He admitted before tilted his head, “Do you want a gold star?”
Techno looked up at him and allowed a small smile to pull onto his face.
“I want your deserts for a week.” Techno stated plainly.
It got another laugh out of Wil as he hugged his brother tighter than needed, getting a squeaked giggle out of him for the effort.
“Okay.”