Archive of Our Own ^beta

(Wally loves learning new things about you. He thinks he knows you well, but there are always things people keep to themselves. He is determined to learn, to help you however he can.)

Wally enjoys sleeping. He enjoys closing his eyes, the feeling of his sleep mask over his face.

While he sleeps, you hold him. Your hand will run over his hair, smoothing it away from his face. Wally loves when you touch him. Sometimes he longs to touch you in the same way you caress him. Though there is a guardedness to you. A certain way you lean away from him, from others when they get too close.

This morning he finds himself waking up to your hand stroking his cheek. Wally lets out one last, “I’m sleeping..” (Though you tease him it’s not exactly sleeping.) It’s calming, being in the dark but lying still. He loves to sleep next to you most of all. Wally enjoys resting his head on your chest, listening to the way your breath rises and falls.

When he opens his eyes, he finds you flipping through your book. Wally’s gaze trails up to your eyes. He finds something different there. Your eyes are quite red, and wide. Your foot is thumping swiftly on the bed.

“Good morning Wally,” you greet. Your hand settles deeper into his hair, gripping at the strands. “Good morning dear,” Wally says. He removes his sleeping mask, getting a proper look at you. His aether closes, leaving him to look at you with just one pair, his original eyes.

You look even more put out in person. Wally moves closer, putting his hand close. You close your book, placing it between the two of you as he nears. Wally lowers his head, placing it on your stomach. He listens as your stomach makes music. The sound rises and then lowers, making a loud growl.

“Wally?” You exclaim. Your hand now lays flat on his head, releasing the grip you had on him. Wally nuzzles further in, revelling in your touch. “Your stomach is making music, are you hungry?”

When he looks up, your cheeks have reddened. (He loves it when they do that.) Your hand leaves his hair, and he wants to pull it back. Your foot has stopped tapping so quickly, and it lays still. Your eyes are now focused on him, but they blink slowly, still red.

“I could eat, yeah,” you admit. Wally takes a moment to listen. He could listen to it all day. However, he would never want you to starve.

“Okay neighbour,” Wally answers. He moves away, one last glance at your belly. He sees you yawn when he gets out of the bed. A small trickle slides down your cheek. “Neighbour? Are you sad? What’s wrong sweetheart?” Wally leans forward, his hands cupping your cheeks to bring you closer. When you stutter he tugs you down to his level, thumbing away at the tear.

“No, no,” you wave your hand. Wally tilts his head. People cry when they're sad. He never has, but he has seen you cry before. Not lately, but when you had first arrived in Home. You would shake, calling out for your world that was no longer reachable.

Now though, you rarely cry. You hold his hand and cling on to him on hard days, sighing at something he cannot see.

You do not look sad. There is purple under your eyes. There is red, and your skin is damp.

Wally ponders this as you step back. You blink rapidly, shaking your head. You look down at him, a tight lipped smile crossing your lips.

“Let’s get that breakfast, shall we?”

Wally walks down Home’s stairs, calling a greeting as he goes. “Good morning Home!”

His friend blinks his large eyes, glass opening and closing. Good morning Wally!

You follow after Wally, but he glances back when he hears something unusual.

He turns just in time to see your foot catch on a stair, your body descending down. “Neighbour!” Wally cries. His legs are much shorter than most. He almost doesn’t make it in time.

But he does. Wally’s hands find your waist, steadying you as your body comes to a halt. “Wally?” You ask.

You seem confused, your gaze not focusing. He gently pulls you down from the stairs. Wally tried to lead you to the couch, when you push his hands away.

“I’m fine!” You shout. Wally stills, feeling surprised. Something else, sad maybe? He definitely doesn’t feel good. You must feel worse, because you have never shouted at him. Not once.

“Neighbour, what’s wrong?” Wally asks.

You hum, looking around. “What?”

There is something not right, very not right. Wally tried to think of what could be the problem. As he ponders, you walk forward.

“Where are the apples?” You question glancing around.

A cold feeling washes over Wally. Your eyes are red, you are more clumsy than usual, you shouted at him. You have forgotten where the apples are kept.

This more than anything, makes Wally know something is definitely wrong.

“Where they always are dear,” Wally points a four fingered hand. Behind you is the bowl of apples on the counter.

“Oh,” you say softly, turning to pick one up. You lift a hand up, rubbing at your eyes and blinking rapidly, looking around.

The rest of breakfast is had in an awkward air. You are speaking rapidly, talking about what kind of yarn you wish to purchase from Howdy next. Wally hums along quietly, nodding as you speak about what to make Julie for her upcoming birthday.

Wally knows he has to do something when you get up from the kitchen table, swaying and then lurching over. When you fall Wally is too late this time.

“Ugh..” you moan softly.

“Sweetheart?” Wally cries, pulling you closer to him.

“I’m okay,” you say, dusting your clothes off.

He’s hesitant as you get up. Wally knows that he needs to help with whatever is wrong. But he does not know how. He knows someone who might be able to.

“I was thinking we could go out today, make a trip of it. Maybe go for a walk, see where the day takes us-“ you are speaking rapidly. Your words trail off as you stare out, looking at something he cannot see.

“Sweetheart, you need to sit down.” Wally says.

Your leg is bouncing up and down similar to your foot this morning. Your eyes scrunch at this, displeased. There must be something that you see on his face, because you nod after heaving a deep sigh.

Wally takes a hold of your hand to lead you to the couch. You perch yourself on the very edge of the cushion, not allowing yourself to relax. When Wally tries to guide you back, you shift, pulling away.

Wally understands that something is wrong. You are not yourself, with an angry voice and uncertain feet. The phone is just by the couch, in perfect reach.

There is one person who could help Wally fix this, who he often goes to.

You are looking up at the ceiling, eyes rapidly opening and closing, too distracted to see Wally reaching for the phone.

His finger dials the number, listening as he waits for it to pick up.

“Yello lil buddy, what’s kicking?” Comes Barnaby’s voice.

“Barnaby,” Wally says.

“Uh yeah? Is there something I can do for ya? Let me guess, you missed me! Can’t say I blame you-“

“Neighbour is acting strange, you need to help.”

This does get your attention, sitting up so fast it makes him turn to face you.

“I’ll be over in a pinch!” Comes the chirp from Barnaby as the line hangs up.

When it looks like you're about to bolt, Wally launches himself onto you. Which is to say he comes very close very quickly, placing his hands on your shoulders and pressing his knees on your legs.

“Wally, why would you call Barnaby? I can deal with this on my own! I’m not a baby!” You proclaim.

Wally has to move one hand to the back of the couch to tether himself at the force you are putting into getting up. He moves his other hand to your cheek, looking into your eyes.

“Something is wrong sweetheart, you need someone to help you,” Wally expresses. His thumb strokes down, and he feels the warmth coming from your cheek.

“Wally,” you begin, when the door opens.

“Did someone call for a package? Look what the dog dragged in!” Barnaby strolls in, idly waving a hand as he looks at the two of you.

You stare at Barnaby, huffing as you look away.

“Why the long face kid? We’ll need to roll it back up!” You appear to not appreciate this joke as Barnaby walks over to the couch, throwing a “hiya Home!” as he does.

Wally keeps his position when Barnaby bends down, taking your chin in his large paw. Your cheeks scrunch when the blue dog squishes them together, clicking his tongue at what he sees.

“Lean back there bud, I know what we’re dealing with,” Barnaby states as he lightly pats Wally’s shoulder.

Wally gives your knees a squeeze as he steps away.

“What would that be Barn?” Wally asks.

“A little case of some lost zzzs!”

“I’m just fine you blue clown!” You hiss, rubbing your eyes fiercely.

“Yeah, tell it to the paw pup. Now Wally, fetch me a blanket huh? Something big!”

Wally passes through Home until he comes across the pantry closet. Inside reveals a dresser where large sheets and blankets are kept. He looks through and grabs something, and it is quite big.

Wally walks back over to Barnaby, handing him a large white sheet. Barnaby nods in approval. The blue dog turns, a gleam in his eye that is directed at you.

Wally watches in fascination as Barnaby steps calmly towards you. Your eyes become wide, and you begin to scramble.

“No, no! Get away from me!”

Barnaby chuckles, before lunging. His paw connects to the back of your sweater, plucking you away.

“A little pooch like me loves fetch! Thanks for the game!” Your enraged screams are muffled by Barnaby wrapping the sheet around your body. Your limbs are swaddled inside with only your head popping out.

“Barnaby stop this! I don’t need to-“ you rush before Barnaby begins to place you in the crook of his arm. He places his knee up, setting you on it before bouncing you.

“Barnaby..” you stretch out his name. You quiet as Barnaby offers a soft lick to your hair.

“Easy there bones, no reason to fight it,” Barnaby says. He whistles a tune as he raises you up and down. Wally watches as you start to do something very funny.

Your nose twitches up at Barnaby. His snout presses close to you, offering you his gentle song. You settle back against his fur, one hand reaching up to fist at it.

Wally thinks you are going to tug on it. Instead you lightly grip onto it. Your eyes are opening and closing very quickly. Your mouth opens wide, showing your teeth as your eyes water.

“That’s it pup, don’t fight now,” Barnaby hums, licking at your hair one last time.

Your brows scrunch, nose twitching before you sigh. Your eyes slip shut, silencing you to rest.

Oh.

In all the time Wally has known you, he has never seen this. He has never seen you sleep. When you join him in his bed you never lay down. Not for long periods of time. Your elbow will stay propped up, hand in your book or nestled in his hair. He has never seen you close your eyes like that, sleeping.

Wally approaches, coming to a stop when Barnaby sets you down on the couch. Barnaby arranges your legs so that they are set straight, your arms crossed at your chest. The dog chuffs with satisfaction before stepping away.

With his eyes still on you Wally turns to Barnaby. “I didn’t know they could do that.”

“No?” Barnaby asks , raising a brow.

“No.” Wally echoes. His hand finds your hair, pushing pieces from your face.

“Not even once?” Barnaby’s tone changes slightly, the lilt taking a deeper sound.

“Is it odd?” Wally asks. He doesn’t know much about humans. You are a marvel to him. Not because of your humanity. He loves the way you speak, the soft sound of your voice. The way you look at the world with fascination, the way you compliment his paintings. The gentle hold of your hand in his. The way your thumb rubs against his. Wally loves that you let him share his world with you, in return you share stories of yours.

No, he does not love you for your humanity, but because of you.

Wally realises he has been silent, but Barnaby fills it in. “People can get sick that way, when they don’t sleep. Human or puppet.” Barnaby’s face is unusually serious, which Wally gives credit to himself for recognizing. You help him learn so many things! But then he pauses. You could get sick?

Barnaby looks down at Wally. “Most people need sleep,” he states.

“I sleep Barnaby.” Wally says in response. His fingers glide through your hair, ignoring Barnaby’s laugh.

“Sure you do buddy,” Barnaby’s paw joins beside Wally’s hand, giving your head a light pat before pulling away.

“We’ll keep an eye on that, kay? Tell me if they get like this again.”

Wally meets Barnaby’s gaze, nodding.

“I don’t want them to get sick.” His hand tightens in your hair.

“That’s the spirit!” Barnaby barks. His paw gives Wally’s back a gentle pat, before tipping his hat.

“Seems like everything is sorted, give ‘em some water when they wake up yeah? Tootles!” With that Barnaby slams the door, which makes Home’s eye twitch.

He’ll wake them, Wally’s friend says.

Wally turns back to you before stepping away.

“They’re very sleepy Home, I don’t think so.”

When Wally returns, he has that glass of water for you. He kneels on the floor, his hand returning to its spot in your hair. You sleep a very long time. The sun goes down and Home’s door locks, safely secured against the night.

The sun rises once again, bringing with it a new day. Wally stays by your side, but he starts to wonder. You are sleeping a long time, longer than he has seen any of his friends sleep. He wishes for you to wake up, to hear your voice and see your eyes.

They need it. Home tells him. Wally agrees, and reaches into the blanket bundle to find your hand. His fingers slip into it, connecting your palms together.

Your eyes open when the sun has just begun to lower. They flutter open, looking up. They find him, and Wally leans happily over you.

“Neighbour! You’re awake!” Wally holds your hand tighter, and watches as you shake away the remaining sleep.

“Awake? Did I sleep?!” You return his grip, sitting up before huffing when it is revealed to you how secured you are in your blanket cradle.

“Is that a bad thing dear?” Wally asks, smoothing stray hairs from your face.

You pause your thrashing, glancing at him. “No..” You draw out. You are silent before saying, “it was really good..”

This is good news! Maybe you won’t get sick now.

“Can you help me out please?” You offer quietly after struggling for a few minutes by yourself.

“Yes neighbour!” Wally answers before pulling away at the fabric.

When you are free Wally hands you the water. You stroke his cheek before gulping the water down.

As you do this Wally wonders, why has he never seen you sleep before? Is it something that you’ve always done? Or do you tuck yourself away in your room on nights you don’t join him, avoiding it? Why was it good this time and not other times?

Wally loves you, loves learning new things about you. This is one new thing he has learned about you, and he will not stop until he has helped you.

A few days have passed since you rested. Wally has seen a difference in how you act. Your eyes are brighter. They have never been so red like they were when you were agitated. Though there was at times a pinched look to them. Now they are gleaming, alive.

You gaze at him and he feels like the sun is warming him up from the inside out. You’ll sit with him as he paints. He’ll paint many things as usual. The flowers, the new apples in the apple dish, Barnaby, or you. Wally likes to paint you. He looks at those eyes, and they stay in his head for hours afterwards. When Wally looks at his new painting and at his old of you, the difference is like night and day.

Sleep has done you well.

Which is why Wally notices when you start to act unusually. You always spent time with him before. You would sit while he painted, or read to him, go on long walks or spend time with their neighbours. You’ve been so bright now. He knows now when you are feeling good, and you weren’t always before he realises.

Now that he has seen you rested, he knows you are going back to how you were before. The redness starts to return. So has being grumpy.

This comes to a close on this particular morning. You spent the night in his bed last night. Wally noticed how you were shaking your head, eyes rolling upwards to blink away the sleep.

He watches as you go down the stairs, stumbling as you walk. Wally’s arm goes around your waist, while his hand holds onto the railing. You glance at him as you go, a pinched look to your face, pink cheeked as you glance away with a huff.

“There sweetheart,” Wally praises when you descend.

You turn to him, smiling and shaking your head. His arm clings to your middle, and he follows you to the kitchen.

“Good morning Home.” You mumble softly to the large house.

Home’s eyes lift up in greeting, opening and closing the front door.

Good morning my friend.

Home’s eyes move to Wally when you focus on something else.

They are tired Wally, they need to sleep.

Wally nods, showing his agreement.

He stares at you, watching as you frown at the empty dish.

“Where’s the apples?” You say, lip jutting out.

“I think we need more neighbour,” Wally announces.

You turn back to the dish, grumbling quietly.

Then suddenly you turn, hands going out to squeeze his shoulders. “Why don’t we go to Howdy’s? I needed to buy some yarn anyway, new project and all!”

The thing is, Wally has learned a lot. Barnaby often tells him new things. You do as well. Tales from your books, characters you love. You’ll talk about something called a plot, motivations, and tones.

Tones are important, and yours keeps changing. As you speak to him it goes up and down. Wally takes your hand, and tries to guide you to the couch. You grip, his hand, and do a full turn as you lead him towards the shoe rack.

“It’s so pretty out! Why waste it, now just let me-“ you look down at your shoes. Your hands shake as you sit on the stool, struggling to tie the laces.

Wally moves downward, kneeling and prying your fingers away. He laces up your shoes, knotting them tightly. “Neighbour,” Wally begins.

“Let’s go!” You say, already grabbing onto him.

He has just enough to grab his own shoes, with a disapproving look from Home. Wally feels a tight squeeze in his chest, worry, he realises.

For you.

As you walk to Howdy’s Bodega, your steps are uneven, and you keep your gaze low, avoiding the sun. Wally’s arm takes its position from before, pressed tightly against your waist.

“Howdy-do fellas! What brings you here today?” Howdy greets you both when you open the door to his Bodega. One arm reaches out, waving as you walk in.

Wally has his eyes on you. When Wally looks at you, it seems as though Howdy may as well.

You stroll to the counter, grinning up at the large caterpillar.

“Your finest apples sir, and perhaps a peak at your newest yarn stock?” You ask, your hands shaking as you cross them together.

“Well bug, I’ll go look at what I have in stock, and I think I have just the thing!” Howdy gives you a smile before giving Wally a wink.

You lean against Wally, your arm resting on his shoulder. “I think I have the right idea for Julie’s gift, but I have to make sure, you know? I might change my mind when I see what Howdy’s got.”

Wally listens as you wait, your foot moving quickly on the floor. Howdy arrives back from his journey to storage. What he holds is a large box.

“Ooh! There must be something good in there!” You remark.

“Indeed bug! Now let’s see…” Howdy muses.

Howdy holds out a cutting knife, and peels the tape back. Your smile is stretched, leaning forward as though you can’t wait. Your smile quickly drops as Howdy pulls out a long bag, soft and plush.

“What’s that?” You question, head tilting.

Howdy takes a step towards the counter, before hopping over it. Wally is not fazed by it, Howdy’s large hulking form coming at a rapid pace.

You however, are very affected. Wally finds your hand, squeezing it.

“Why this is the new state of the art human keeper! Designed for comfort and relaxation yes siree!” Howdy holds the bag out toward you, wiggling it back and forth.

“Oh no,” you cry, jumping back. You try to run for the door, but you are tethered. Wally looks down at your joined hands.

“Wally,” you begin, tugging him to you.

“Well neighbour, I think you should be the first to try it!”

Your hand slips Wally’s hold as Howdy approaches, courtesy of Wally. You point at Howdy, shaking your fist.

Howdy scoops you up with one set of arms, holding the bag below you. You howl as you are dropped in, thrashing.

“Look at that! You're a perfect fit,” you are held in the bag, your wiggling form very displeased.

“Release me!” You shriek. Howdy brings your head to the crook of his arm, balancing your neck in his hold. One arm goes around the back of your knees. You are held closely to Howdy’s chest.

“Help! Wally help me!”

Wally stays where he is.

Howdy raises a free hand, and gestures to the light switch.

Wally reached up, extending his toes to pull the switch down. There is darkness, along with a look of betrayal from you.

Settled into Howdy’s arms, you are rocked from side to side. You attempt to thrust your head upwards, but this is defeated by Howdy resting his head on yours.

“This,” you grow while being swayed to one side. “Is,” you continue, “a violation.” You are swayed to the other side.

“I know all about that!” Howdy chimed. “Can’t run a store without them!”

Howdy’s second pair of arms comes up to your face. Your eyes blink rapidly, glaring at Howdy as his fingers find your lids.

“Now that’s funny, I don’t think those peepers should be open!” Howdy booms. His fingers press lightly on your eyes, forcing them to close. Howdy repeats the process. When you open your eyes, he slowly drags his fingers over your eyes again and again. They open, looking up at the ceiling as you roll your eyes up.

Howdy picks up something off to the side. When he picks it up, Wally sees a clean set of bellows. The bellows is lifted up, and promptly pumped at your face.

Your expression scrunches, your eyes shutting firmly. “Mmm,” you groan. Howdy swoops in, dipping you down as he lifts your body up and down.

“Noo..” you plead. Howdy rocks you back and forth, his head once again coming to rest stop yours.

“That’s it little bug, you’re doing so well,” Howdy praises. A finger presses on your nose, stroking down. Your eyes flock to it, watching it move up and down.

You sigh, looking at Howdy, and then at Wally. Wally smiles, lifting his hand to his mouth “mwah!” he lets it fall. “Rest neighbour.”

You squint, before your mouth parts in a big yawn. You lean back against Howdy, finally ceasing your fighting. You snuggly into his form, your eyes shutting. Howdy sways you a few more times, before Wally hears a quiet snore. Howdy smiles, and then nuzzles your head.

As Wally watches Howdy hold you, he feels something he has not felt in his life. Howdy can hold you easily, Barnaby can cradle you without getting tired. Wally is not big. He cannot lift you into his arms. He is not mad at his friends for holding you, he is happy they love you as much as he does. Wally realises he wishes to be big to carry you as well.

Howdy turns and surveys the shop. He chuckles as he sets you down in an empty food stand. In your sleep, you huff and shift to fit in, your head falling back. Howdy adjusts the bag, making sure you are covered.

“That’s better,” Howdy remarks as he dusted off his hands, all four of them.

“It is,” Wally agrees.

Wally stands in silence with Howdy for a few moments.

“I’ve never seen them sleep,” Howdy says.

“I hadn’t either! I thought they didn’t.”

“They look at peace..it’s a new look.” Howdy regards you with a thoughtful look. He turns to Wally.

“Good old Barn says he had to step in to help. Does it seem like they don’t want to?”

Wally pauses, thinking. “I think so. There’s always a little something about them. I’ve never seen neighbour…relax. They’re always stiff really. But I didn’t mind. I didn’t know there was a reason for it.”

“Huh,” Howdy brings a hand up to his chin. “I’ll help you keep on eye on that like Barn said okay? They should be right as rain between the three of us.”

Wally smiles up at Howdy, leaning into the pat on his head.

“So,” Howdy puts his hands on his hips. “Let’s get you what you came here for.”

Wally stays with you once more like the last time. His hand returns to his spot in your hair. He brushes pieces back, plucking them from your eyes. When the sun starts to set, Howdy allows you both to spend the night downstairs. Lest you go out at night fall.

Wally is there when you call out in the night. Your eyes open, bleary and scanning the room.

“Wally?!” You cry.

“It’s okay neighbour,” Wally answers. When your hand shoots out he takes it, his thumb rubbing your knuckles.

Your harsh breathing slows, and you slump back. “Let it out sweetheart.” Wally offers. “I’m here.”

You accept his words, your eyes closing as your hand squeezes his.

You are quiet for the rest of the night. When your eyes open that morning, you smile at Wally.

“Good morning dear!” Wally beams.

“Good morning,” you greet. You move to get up, but grunt when you find yourself trapped.

“Ugh not again…that caterpillar..” you grumble quietly to yourself.

Footsteps come from atop the stairs as the person descends.

“Why golly gee neighbour! It seems you were the perfect test subject after all!” Howdy gloats.

“I want outta this prison!” You demand.

Howdy clicks his tongue before scooping you up. He sways you once teasingly before turning the bag upside down, allowing you to fall before a second set of arms catches you.

“Ahh!” You shriek, and then glare. You shove at Howdy and he sets you down.

“Let’s go Wally!” You say and link your arm in his.

“Come again!” Howdy calls out as you leave.

You do some strange way of saying goodbye. Your middle finger lifts up to wish Howdy goodbye. Wally looks at it before raising his own. It would be mean if he didn’t join in.

He watches Howdy’s eyebrow raise very high when the door closes.

The days pass. After your second rest you are alive again. Your mind seems clear. You do odd, wonderful things you’ve never done before.

When Wally is painting, you read your book. Your fingers flip through the pages, and a sound comes out from your throat. It’s so unexpected that Wally drops his paint brush on the floor. His outburst seems to startle you.

“Oh geeze! Are you okay Wally?” Your book is forgotten as you take his hand.

“Yes neighbour. What sound were you making?” Wally inquires.

“Me? I was..I was humming.” You mutter. You rub the back of your neck with your free hand.

“Was it bad?” You say in the silence.

“No neighbour. I’d like you to do it again please.” Wally locks his fingers in between yours.

You suck in air, (something he doesn’t have) and your cheeks turn a soft pink. “Wally! You can’t just say that!”

“No?” Wally questions.

“No.” You say with your brows furrowed. The you sigh as your frown buckles, your lips pulling up into a smile.

“Let’s clean this up,” your hand reaches up, covering your mouth as you giggle.

“Haha, okay.” Wally agrees, you giggled! You never giggle!

In the end he does hear you hum again later that day, when you think you’re alone. It feels like a warm bath, soaking into his skin and making him feel like he’s wrapped up in a warm hug.

You do things you’ve never done before. You hum, you giggle, he even saw you dance one day. He stayed in the living room as you did the dishes. Wally’s eyes showed him, your hips gracefully swaying, until you bumped into the counter. Then you said some not nice words.

Wally starts to figure out that the longer you go without sleep, the more you seem to dim. You’re movements are slow, your eyes unfocused. You don’t yell, and you don’t forget. But you will soon if he doesn’t help.

Wally brings you around to the bodega. You grumble and protest as you are gathered up and cradled, eased and teased to sleep. Or a certain blue hound that bounces you until you drift off.

Wally loves that his friends help you, and that they love you. He finds himself wishing that he himself could help you. But Wally is not large. He cannot hold you in his arms to make you feel better. He can’t do anything.

Wally tells this to Sally. Sally looks at Wally, an intensity in her gaze that tells Wally she has a big plan.

It’s a day where you're tired. You don’t look at Wally as he looks at you. Your hands are tangled in a new yarn you received from Howdy. There are a few more balls of yarn in front of you. You blink at your options, silent.

Wally wonders if you think he’s going to call Barnaby, he had to a few days ago. This time however, he’s going to do something different.

“Oh!” Wally exclaims, he clutches his chest. He lets himself go limp in a way he hasn’t in some time. He used to hug differently. Laying still as he was tucked forward and embraced. Since meeting you, he learned to wrap his arms around you, and hold you in return.

“Wally?!” You turn to look at him, apprehension forgotten. You rush over, your hands rolling him over. Your peer at his face, frantically pushing at his face as you place your hands on his cheeks.

(“Now Wallefer,” Sally has a hand to her chest. “You have to sell it! I want to see you in pain! Say ugh.”

“Ugh.” Wally blinks.

Sally pauses, lips drawing tightly. “Hm. No, not quite.” She approaches, guiding him into a hunched position. His hands are clenched into tight fists. Her fingers move his lips downwards.

Sally pokes him in the chest. “Ugh!”

“Ughh,” Wally says.

Sally shakes him by the shoulders.

“Ugh!!”

“Ugh,”

“Ugh.” Wally blinks.

“Ugh!

“Ugh!” Wally recites. You blanch at him, your face growing pale.

“What do I do? What do I do? There’s no hospital!”

“I don’t feel so well neighbour, I think I need to lay down.” Wally explains.

You nod, head almost popping off as you do. You eye upstairs, and then eye Home. A creak follows your look.

“Homes right, I’m too tired to go upstairs.” You frown at his words.

In the corner of the living room, is a long mattress. It is thin, and light with padding. You look from him to it, and nod to yourself.

“Just stay here okay? I’m gonna help.” You stand up, your hands finding the mat and dragging it over to Wally. You place it at his feet, and reach your hands under his legs. You hoist him up, and pull him to your chest. Much like Barnaby or Howdy had done.

You place him on the mat, and grab a nearby pillow. You lift his head and a blanket that was draped over the couch. “It’s a good thing we had this right?” You say as you settle it over Wally.

“It is a good thing dear.” Wally agrees. Home opens and closes one window pan, a wink.

Wally lays still as you pat the sheet into place. “Are you feeling any better?” Your hand feels his forehead, before sighing. “You don’t have a temperature,” you joke.

Wally squints his eyes, his mouth turns downwards, you straighten to attention.

(“You have to sell it Wally! I want to see that lip wobbling!”)

“Neighbour,” Wally whines.

“What’s wrong?!” You lean in.

He moves his shoulders up and down, much like you did in the winter that passed.

“I’m cold,” he moans.

(“Well, close enough,” Sally brings a hand up to her forehead.)

“Fuck, okay. I’ll get another blanket. Maybe I should get Barnaby. Should I get Poppy? Her feathers look soft enough.” You rush out, panicked.

Ignoring your language, Wally raises up his arms. “Neighbour, please.”

“Uh,” you stammer, blinking at him. He motions to you again. You lean closer, Wally snatches your waist.

“What!” You yell as he flops. Your hands grasp at him, sliding under the blanket to join him. You guide his head back to the pillow, propping yourself up on your elbow.

“Neighbour,” Wally says, voice hard. He tries to match how Frank sounds when seeing Barnaby almost step on his vegetables.

Your eyes grow wide, your eyebrows going up. “Yes?”

Wally moves to the side, offering you space to lay down.

“I don’t think-“ you begin.

“Neighbour,” Wally pats the space.

“Wally,”

He imagines Barnaby’s large paw stepping on a tomato, crushing a bug that is crawling on it. Wally says your name, before patting the bed again. “Neighbour.”

“Okay!” You drop down quickly beside him. Wally immediately presses into your side. He guides your arms to rest by your stomach. He moves in closer, his leg wrapping over your hip.

Your breath hitches, turning to look at him. Wally winds his arms over your waist, and wiggles upwards. He shifts you to face him.

“Um,” your cheeks darken, no longer pale. Wally moves until your head is by his chest. His head comes up to rest on your back, rubbing slow circles into it. Wally’s other hand goes to your nose, running his thumb down it. You lean into it, your eyes following the motion up and down.

His hand travels down to your hip, patting it as he does. “Wally,” you say, voice quiet.

Wally tilts his head against yours, his thumb caressing your eye. They close when he rubs circles over the corner.

“Your tired sweetheart,” Wally hushes. You try to get up, hands pushing at his shoulders, but he presses you closer to him. Wally lets one hand wrap around your back, the other falling over your eyes. He holds tightly to you as he rocks you, his hand trailing up and down over your eyes.

Your lips pout, eyes scrunching as they try to push up. As they do, Wally smooths out your forehead, rubbing the tightness away. You shake your head, but he brings it to rest in his shoulder. Wally sways from side to side at a quicker paste, and you slump back down.

You blow out air, muscles relaxing as you admit defeat. Wally slows down, rocking you gently and resting his forehead against your own again. His hand floats up and down your back as his legs settle over your own, locking you in place.

You make a high sound, your cheeks now red. Wally smiles, and begins to hum. It’s a song Barnaby taught him some time ago. He doesn’t remember all of it, but enough. He thinks you would be a beautiful dreamer.

You look up at him, and seem to melt closer. Sending your close, Wally feels a warmth inside of him. But then you must sense it too, because you squirm.

Wally sways you again, one hand resting in you hair and another on your cheek.

“Sweetheart, you need to rest.” Wally insists.

“I can’t,” you whisper back.

“You can.” Wally says.

You grow silent. Then, quietly, “what if it’s bad?”

Wally gives you a squeeze. “I’ll be right here, like I always am. I promise.”

Your eyes grow misty, but your head dips up and down. “Okay,” you concede.

“Thank you,” Wally praises. You settle back into him, and he runs his fingers through your hair as he rubs your eyes. His song finds its way out of him, and he serenades you.

“Wally,” you say. Your eyes slip shut, and your breath grows quiet. It comes out in soft snores.

“There you are sweetheart,” Wally stares at you. His eyes lend him a full look of you. The way your lashes are soft against your cheek. The gentle rise and fall of your stomach. You appear so at peace. Wally feels an overwhelming urge inside of him. Like he’s a paint can over filling, ready to burst.

The way you trust him, allowing him to care for you like this. The way you listen to him as he sits beside you. The way you stay with him until morning, your hand in his. The quiet way you carry yourself, the silent way you care. The time Frank’s net broke and you fixed it. The way you always indulge Julie, letting her win her games. Or sabotage Barnaby’s attempts at chasing Eddie, goading him into telling you a good joke. Reassuring Poppy’s nervous with a kind hand and warm words. Listening to Howdy’s deals, or Barnaby’s jokes. Letting Sally talk about her latest play idea. Saying good morning to Home every morning and wishing him a good night.

Maybe that explains the warmth in his chest. But for some reason he finds his mouth on your forehead, lips pressing against the soft skin there. Wally pulls back, wondering what just happened. He’s never done that before. He’s never even thought about doing that, but he just did it.

Wally settles back, bringing you with him. The warmth spreads all throughout him, and he holds you close as you continue to dream.

Most days in Home are wonderful. Filled with endless sky and large, fluffy clouds.

This day, however, is a rainy day. Wally finds that he enjoys rainy days. He likes the sound of the rain hitting the window. Staying indoors to paint, inviting Barnaby for a sleepover.

He watches as you sit next to Poppy, bundles of yarn in front of the both of you. Wally likes being in Poppy’s house. She always gives him the warmest tea, and there’s always something nice smelling in her kitchen.

You hold up a ball to Poppy’s eyes, turning it over in your hand. “I like the colour, but I think it should be softer..” you trail off.

Poppy raises one hand to take it from your hand, patting it as she does. “I see what you mean dear, it is a bit scratchy, isn’t it…”

This is a day where Wally thinks sleep would do you good. It hasn’t been many days, only two. You're awake enough that he isn’t too worried, though he knows you will need it soon.

Your eyes are dropping, and you keep saying the same words over and over again. “I want it to be nice for Julie, I just can’t find one I like..”

Poppy hums, sweeping a hand through the options, and selecting a few. “I have to say dear, I think these ones might be nice.”

You peer at them, your eyes squinting. You pick at them, before sighing. Your fingers tap the top of the table. Your nails clicking, Wally discovered it’s a sign of irritation.

“Well, what are you making dear? It may be easier if I knew. I may have a pattern!” Poppy chirped.

You look to the side, mumbling, “I was thinking maybe some coverings for her horns. She says they get caught on her clothes sometimes. I think it could be useful..” Sometimes you become embarrassed when giving gifts, even when putting all yours love into it.

Poppy beams at you, which causes you to give her a small smile. “What a lovely present! I’m sure she’ll love it!”

“She loves everything, but I think she will.” You blush.

You turn to him, drawing him closer with a hand on his wrist.

“What colour do you think Wally?”

“I don’t know neighbour, I think all of them are nice.” Which is true, with the assortments of pinks, yellows, blues, and greens.

You don’t get to reply to him when he looks from the yarns back to you. Your eyes are closed, soft breaths coming from your body, before you squeeze your fist and jolt upward. You blink your eyes rapidly, determined.

“Sorry, what?” You say sheepishly.

There is a silence among the three of you. Wally stares at you, wondering what he could do. He could try and put you to bed now, but you did want to visit with Poppy today. He doesn’t like it, but Wally could wait.

The decision seems to be made when Poppy laughs. “Oh my, it looks like someone needs a little rest!”

Wally can see you trying not to cross your arms or roll your eyes. Unlike Howdy or Barnaby, you make an effort to be very kind to Poppy. She takes jokes to heart, he finds you act more carefully around her.

“I’m okay Poppy, please don’t worry.” You smile at her, hiding your twitching hands under the table.

Poppy regards you, before clicking her tongue.

One moment you are sitting in your chair at the kitchen table, the next you startle back when bright red wings come into your view.

“Now that just won’t do,” Poppy chides.

“Huh?” You stammer as you are cradled to Poppy’s chest. You sputter as you get a face full of feathers, leaning back.

“Sh dear, I see a little chick that needs some rest.” Poppy guides your head more firmly to her chest, one feather around your shoulders with the other moving your legs to her lap.

“Oh!” You squeak, your cheeks pink.

Wally enjoys the colours you reach, and that he didn’t even need to worry! You seem to not want to fight with Poppy, for you allow her to begin to sway back and forth.

Though you don’t protest, you don’t close your eyes. They stay wide awake, you pushing them upward as you sink into soft feathers.

Wally thinks, just a little push.

He comes over to Poppy’s chair. You lay in her lap as she raises you a bit higher. Her rocking is almost doing the trick, however, you are persistent.

“Noo,” you pout as Wally nears. Ah, you know what he’s up to.

“It’s time to rest now neighbour,” he says as the rain drones on.

You sigh, not quite glaring at him. You let your body loosen, relaxing into Poppy’s hold. Poppy places her beak to your hair, ruffling the strands.

Wally brings his hand up to your eye, slowly stroking it. He lets his thumb run down the lid, forcing you to shut your eyes. You furrow your brow, trying to fight, but Wally lets his other hand rub your eye. You growl, huffing as he strokes your cheek.

Your huffing turns into a second sigh, when Poppy begins her rocking again. You lean into his palm, Poppy’s wing going to fall over your hair, patting it in waves.

“There now dear, be a good little chick,” Poppy coaxes you.

“That’s it sweetheart,” Wally praises, and for some reason Poppy’s eyes go wide. She recovers quickly, and begins to hum.

Your tense body slowly loosens, easing back to lay in Poppy’s chest. You snuggle in her shawl, letting your eyes fall shut.

Wally grins, something he learned from Barnaby, and grabs your hand and continues to rub your cheek.

A low breath comes from you, and your snoring he’s come to know arrives. Poppy chuckles and stares down at you. Her beak goes to rest in your hair where it once did before. She slides you to her side, and tucks one large wing over you, nestling you among her feathers.

Wally knows how soft Poppy’s feathers are, even softer than Barnaby’s fur. He won’t tell his best friend that though, it might hurt his feelings.

“They’re a dear aren’t they?” Poppy comments. Her eyes trace over him, a warmth to them, and maybe a little mischief. A kind he usually only sees from Julie or Howdy.

“I love them very much,” Wally answers.

Poppy grins, it’s so unlike her that Wally actually feels a bit strange from seeing it.

“I bet you do,” she teases.

He does, he just said! Wally smiles, glad that he shows it so well.

“Do you fancy them?” Poppy asks.

Wally pauses, did he?

“I think they can be fancy. Sometimes they wear long skirts or do their hair with Julie.” Wally explains.

Poppy stares at him silently, before shaking her head. Her smile remains on her face.” That isn’t quite what I meant Wally.”

“It’s not?” Wally asks, head tilting.

As he wonders what Poppy could mean, a loud bang comes from outside Poppy’s home.

Thunder, Wally realises.

Suddenly you jolt from under Poppy’s wing. Poppy squawks as you rise, the pair of you startled from the loud sound.

Oh no. Wally sighed in disappointment, you really had needed to sleep.

You sit up straight in Poppy’s lap, your back looking stiff. You look from Poppy, to Wally, to the window. Almost as if you cannot decide to go to him and abandon your warm nest, or burrow into soft feathers.

Wally makes the decision to come to you. “It’s okay,” he soothes. He goes to take your hand and you clasp his. Wally places his other hand on one of Poppy’s wings. He rubs up and down her wing while he squeezes your hand.

“Oh my! It’s ever so loud…” Poppy frets.

You lean back, patting her with your free hand. “I think that was the only one.” You say slowly.

A silence passes, as the three of you listen closely. You breathe out, smiling slightly. “Seems I was righ-“

“No!” You screech when the next strike happens. Poppy yelps and tries to hurry her beak into Wally’s hair.

This won’t do. Wally thinks as he turns his head to let Poppy land on his shoulder instead.

“It’s okay,” Wally repeats. He leans close to the both you and Poppy. He puts his head to your chest and hears your nervous heart.

After giving Poppy’s wing one last rub, he caresses your cheek. “I’ll make it better okay?” Wally reassures.

Poppy gives a small squeak, and your brows furrow. Wally steps away, but you clench his hand. “Wally,” you begin.

“Hush sweetheart,” Wally gentles.

You open your mouth once more, but he moves in quicker. His lips find your forehead, pressing against your flushed skin.

“I!” You stammer as he pulls away. He hides a grin in his hand as he walks off, enjoying the warmth in your red cheeks.

Wally heads towards the living room. On the cushions he finds a familiar blanket. It was project you and Poppy worked on together. Sewn together squared filled with different patterns throughout the piece.

An envelop, a yellow and blue ball, a butterfly net, and a bright star. A food stand with a green caterpillar inside. A bright rainbow surrounded by assortments of flowers. A large baking bowl with a whisk. A paint brush and an apple, a welcoming red Home.

Lastly, a heart. His heart, Wally thinks.

He thumbs over the fabric, the symbols swirling in his mind as he arrives back over to the pair of you. Wally drapes it over Poppy, pulling it around her shoulders and around her neck. Her body sinks down with a low breath as she snuggles into it.

Scanning the living room, he lets his eyes widen. The living room view expands, helping Wally to his desired find. He pats your head, tweaking your hair as he pulls away. You duck your head, hiding warm cheeks in Poppy’s chest.

There we go! Wally thinks as he walks over to a high shelf.

The thing is, Wally’s never thought much of his height before. It never seemed like a problem. Lately, he has. He’s thought of the way he could cradle you, holding you above the ground in act of safety.

Wally waited a moment, imagining himself reaching up to pluck the chest off of the shelf. When nothing happened, he glanced to the side and found a long broom.

“Ah, that’ll work!” Wally clapped.

“Dear don’t trouble yoursel-“

“Might wanna be careful-“

“Offf!” Wally squeaked when something large and heavy fell on his head.

He smiled when he landed flat on his back.

“Wally!” Two voices call out. He sees Poppy start to rise from her chair.

“Stay there.” He commands.

Wally picks up his treasure, a wooden box with a buckled clasp.

“Jesus are you okay?!” You rush out.

“Don’t say that neighbour,” Wally chides, wondering what a Jesus is.

He lets Poppy examine his head before moving back, getting to work.

Wally waited a moment, imagining himself reaching up to pluck the chest off of the shelf. When nothing happened, he glanced to the side and found a long broom.

“Ah, that’ll work!” Wally clapped.

“Dear don’t trouble yoursel-“

“Might wanna be careful-“

“Offf!” Wally squeaked when something large and heavy fell on his head.

He smiled when he landed flat on his back.

“Wally!” Two voices call out. He sees Poppy start to rise from her chair.

“Stay there.” He commands.

Wally picks up his treasure, a wooden box with a buckled clasp.

“Jesus are you okay?!” You rush out.

“Don’t say that neighbour,” Wally chides, wondering what a Jesus is.

He lets Poppy examine his head before moving back, getting to work.

You have a certain look on your face he wants to smooth out. Eyebrows pinched and hands twisted into fists. At least the thunder has stopped-

A loud thump against the window causes you to shriek, Poppy quaking over your form.

Wally quickly unclasps the chest, pulling out two pairs of head coverings. Their large, with two round bases on the bottom. He slides them over Poppy’s head, then yours. Her feathers may have given you protection from the noise.

Wally slides forward, grabbing your hand and Poppy’s wing as he feels your heaving shoulders, and Poppy’s shaking.

“Oh why is it so loud, could it be any louder-“

“No, no, no, it’s too much, too loud,”

The voices of you both mix together. He rubs and strokes, guiding heads together as he nuzzles cheeks.

“I’m here, I’m right here and it’s gonna be okay. The sound will stop and it will pass. I’ll stay right here.”

Wally fixed the noise cancellers over ears and head alike. He squeezes your hand and threads your fingers through his. Wally pats the feathers on Poppy’s neck in even strokes.

After a time, voices dwindle into muttering. His voice rings out through the air. Sweet reassurances easing anxiety and fear.

Poppy’s shoulders go lax, back leaning against the chair. Her squawking turns to a large sigh.

Your sobs become quieter, falling back against Poppy and clutching Wally tightly.

“See neighbours? I’m right here.” Wally smiles.

“Thank you Wally, I feel better.” Poppy’s beak presses to his hair.

You twist on Poppy’s lap, shifting over.

Wally stares at you, waiting.

You huff, pulling him closer.

Poppy giggles, moving one wing away.

Wally gazes at your pinched frown before his world tilts as he is lifted high into the air.

He finds himself perched on Poppy’s other leg, her wing closing around him.

“Oh.” Wally says simply.

“Yes, oh Wally.” You spit out, your eyes dancing with a playfulness. “Not so fun being surprised huh?” Your eyebrow quirks. He’s unable to look away.

“Hush now chicks,” Poppy chirps.

Poppy’s wings engulf the pair of you. You squeak around feathers pressed into your mouth. You shake your head and the slump downwards.

“That’s it sweetheart,” Wally encourages.

“When I said hush, I meant hush.” Poppy demands.

Wally quiets as you snicker.

Legs bounce up and down as Poppy moves from side to side. Humming fills the silence as you close your eyes. Soft purring erupts as Wally finds himself rocked along with you.

He presses his face into Poppy’s warm feathers. Your hand is till clutching his, and Wally allows himself to close his eyes.

His mind goes quiet as he is surrounded by warmth and love.

That had been a good day. When he arose he felt a peace he has not felt before. The feeling of being barricaded with comfort, and a still mind was a foreign feeling to him. Wally saw things at all times. He could know where one friend was at any time.

Never before had his mind felt so silent, and Wally wondered if this new sensation was because of you. It must be, for you brought so many wonderful feelings into his life.

Wally finds himself cradling you in his arms, the both of you wrapped tightly in blankets to simulate that intimacy of safety. Your eyes grow big when he presses his mouth to your nose. Dotting your cheeks with little kisses that make your skin warm. Wally loves to see the way your shoulders scrunch up, but you can’t hide from him. It just makes him change direction by burying his face in your soft hair.

It’s taking less for you to resist more often than not. Except, you still resist. The other day you had been very determined to read your book.

Wally had discovered a new trick when your eyes had dropped. With Home’s assistance he coiled dark shadows around your body, holding it close to his own as he moved you back and forth. You drifted off soon afterwards, too unaware of his cradling.

Wally marvelled that he could hold you on his own. His size did not hinder him now. It was unfortunate he could only do it when you were sleepy.

You had only been awake for one day and night, and today Wally found himself visiting Frank in his garden.

Frank had requested help in pruning his bushes. Wally has helped Frank many times before, but this time seemed a little different.

You were joining the two of them. You sat a distance away. In your hands a journal you had taken to writing in. When Wally asked, you held it to your chest. “It’s private, I can’t tell you.” Your cheeks had been that lovely shade of pink, almost verging on red.

“Hold here please,” Frank directed Wally to a nearby stem.

Wally held it still as Frank snipped, shears gently plucking away.

“I visited Poppy the other day,” Frank revealed.

Wally turned his attention away from you. He tilted his head towards Frank and let his eyes view you instead.

“I saw her too! How is she feeling?”

Frank rested his shears down, putting a hand on his cheek. “Poppy is very well. I heard something very interesting about the two of you.”

Wally considers this. What had happened? Is he talking about when Wally had accidentally spilt paint on your ball of yarn? He had replaced it, even when you and Poppy said it was fine.

“and how you look at them,” Frank’s voice carried on.

“How I look at who?” Wally questioned.

Frank’s smile fell as he sighed. Following Frank’s gaze found you peering up at Eddie.

Home’s mail man had a large satchel today. Stocked full of items yet to be delivered. When Wally looked closer he could see a package with your name on it.

You had gotten up from your sitting position. Now crouched on your knees as your fingers pinched the bag. “Really Eddie, your so formal,”

“Professional!” Eddie corrected, stepping back.

“You could just give it to me now, Home’s not that far away,” you said.

“No can do darlin’ mailman’s honour.” Eddie held up a two fingered pose.

“Hm,” you huffed at him.

Wally let himself drift back to Frank, who was staring intently at Eddie.

Oh, Wally thought.

“I see the way you look at him,” Wally copied.

“I-i, Urgh!” Frank hissed. He turned away and picked up his shears once again. Wally held the stem, clip.

“They seem a bit..pouty today.” Frank inquired.

“They haven’t slept,” Wally answered.

“Ah,” Frank realized.

Wally’s hands moved to accept the shears placed into them.

“What about a trade?” You offered. You held up a shiny packet of envelopes.

Eddie’s posture stiffened as he clutched his satchel.

“Gee, these sure are nice.” You commented.

“No! I won’t do it! Eddie protested.

You waved them around, “they even have gold siding!”

“Oh Mr. Dear!, You seem busy today!” Frank interrupted.

Frank stood up from his place and waved your packet of papers away. You looked affronted, glaring.

A change in Eddie happened very suddenly. He gazed at Frank fervently, his carrying bag held up as he puffed out his chest.

“Why yes indeed Mr. Frankly!”

Frank stepped closer, his hand resting on the mailman’s arm. “Such a big amount, you must be so tired.”

Eddie’s eyes followed Frank’s hand, before he gaped. “Well, uh, I’m really strong you see!”

Frank nodded, patting the muscle there before withdrawing. “Very strong!” Frank gushed.

“How strong can he really be?” You snipped to Wally.

“Neighbour,” Wally chided.

“Strong enough to lift me, pup.”

You jumped as Barnaby appeared from behind you.

“What?! When did you get here?!” You cried.

“That’s true Barnaby, Eddie has lifted everyone in Home!” Barnaby’s eyebrows rose vey high, surprised by Frank’s bright tone.

Eddie took kindly to the praise. One hand rubbing his neck while the other concealed his face. “Aw shucks.”

“Everyone except one neighbour.” With a very pointed look to Barnaby, the blue dog was quiet before he nodded.

“Hey your right Franky, one neighbour has yet to be put to the test.”

All parties turned to you. You, who held up your journal menacingly. “Don’t you dare.” You threatened.

“Well, that solves that.” Eddie agreed, eyeing your tight grip.

“I suppose, but we’ll never know if Eddie is strong enough. Oh well,” Frank sighed.

Once again Eddie was led to gape at Frank. “Not strong enou- I lifted Barnaby! Howdy! Poppy when Sally convinced her! Heck, I even lifted Home! Does that mean nothing?!” Eddie cried.

Frank sighed deeply, “we’ll never know.”

In a fit of desperation, you were grabbed under the legs and around your shoulders. Eddie held you high above his head as you screamed in rage.

“Wow! You’re so strong Eddie!” Frank’s eyelashes fluttered extra hard, a trick Frank has possibly learned from Sally. Wally certainly had.

“Gee, t-thanks,” Eddie stuttered, avoiding your attempts to bonk him with your journal.

“Hey Ed, is that my new rubber chicken? The other one crossed the road too soon!” Barnaby joked.

With his hands occupied, Eddie couldn’t shove Barnaby’s paws away. Instead, he started to back up as Barnaby advanced.

Still held up, you could see the mischief dancing in Barnaby’s eyes.

“Oh no.” Wally observed quietly.

“Now stop right there, I can’t give it to you and you know that!” Eddie shouted.

“Really? That doesn’t sound familiar,” Barnaby quipped.

Eddie’s pace picked up as he started to run.

“Eddie put me down!” You stressed. You gasped as Eddie let you drop, only to find yourself thrown over his shoulder.

“Sorry darlin’ this means war!” Eddie began to dash around the neighbourhood of home, rapidly giving out parcels as you held on for dear life from your perch.

“Bad dog! Go away!”

“I’m just trying to get my chicken! I think you’re being dramatic!”

“Ahh!” You yelled.

“I see the way you look at his shoulders too.” Wally offered.

“Oh shush you.” Frank tapped Wally with the forgotten fancy envelopes.

Wally watched in silence with Frank as you were carried across the neighbourhood. Your cries had started to die down, your grip slackening against the strong hand held atop your hip. Eddie finally made it to Barnaby’s house. The mailbox was thrown open, just in time before Barnaby made a swipe for Eddie.

“You have no power over me anymore!” Eddie decried triumphantly.

Barnaby paused, “eh, I guess so.”

Eddie calmed, heaving as he slouched in exhaustion. As if he had forgotten you, he suddenly stood up. “Are you alright there darlin’? I was running pretty hard,” Eddie guided you off of his shoulder.

You blink wearily at Eddie, and then nestle against his shoulder.

“Oh!” Eddie exclaimed.

A moment passed.

“Uh, what should I do?”

Barnaby snorted, moving Eddie’s hand to cradle your head. The other was moved to rub your back. Barnaby grabbed the mailman’s shoulder, swaying Eddie back and forth.

You allowed yourself to settle, drifting away as Eddie bounced you up and down. “Wow, they’re real cute when they’re sleeping. So peaceful,” Eddie remarked.

“Don’t let Frank hear ya say that!”

“I didn’t mean it like that!” Eddie wailed.

Wally closed his eyes, satisfied with your slumber.

“Stalking I see,” Frank teased.

“I’m not.” Wally denied.

“Sure,” Frank agreed.

“Sh, you don’t want it to hear.”

Frank sighed, turning away.

“No, I suppose not.”

Your fingers are tangled in yarn, hand rotating as he watches you spin row after row.

“Show me again, neighbour?” Wally pleads.

In his own hand he holds a hook, a fistful of strands in his other.

You quirk your brow at him, pushing closer to show him your creation.

“Oh Wally, that’s not, um?” You giggle.

You unravel the yarn from his hand, or try to. When your hand gets close, Wally fits it against it without thinking, tangling your hands together.

You blink, stunned into silence.

“I really don’t know how to undo this.” You admit, picking at strings.

Why would you want to? Home creaked teasingly.

“Here dear,” Wally said, at the same time you said, “I’ve got it!”

You part some of the yarn away, shifting your hand around until half of it is free.

Poor Wally, the window sill shakes.

Your eyes turn to the window. Outside shows a dark sky. Stars adorned with twinkling lights of silver.

“I wonder if Sally misses being up there.”

Wally squeezes your palm.

“I’m not sure sweetheart.”

Your gaze drifts to your joined hands, before you copy his squeeze.

“I wonder what it’s like out there,” you confess.

His squeeze turn into a grip. He says your name lowly, and you shrink back from his gaze.

“Neighbour, we can’t go outside at n-“

“Yes, but why?! You’ve never said! No one has ever said! What is out there?!” You stand, towering over him. Your body is turned towards the door, and the window has slammed shut.

There is a rattle on the door, Home sealing it closed.

“Sweetheart,” Wally urges. His hand goes to your waist, guiding you closer.

“No!” You shout, pushing at his hands. Wally keeps his grip, pulling you further to him. When you fail to pull away, you whimper, falling into his lap.

“Neighbour,” Wally gasps. His arms go around you, sheltering you from anything, everything.

“Just tell me why, please,” you beg.

Wally cradles your head, gathering your legs to settle on his lap.

“I want to tell you,” he strokes your hair.

You wait, head lifting when he doesn’t further explain.

“So tell me!”

“It’s not safe,” he guides your face into his shoulder.

“Wally,” you resist, twisting out of his grip. You rise, your knees over his.

You take a breath, sitting back on your haunches as you settle your hands on his legs.

“Every time I used to sleep, all I would see is, darkness.” You clutch a fistful of his pant leg. “A voice, it calls to me. It shows me pictures of my world, my family, it taunts me.” Your breathing quickens, your shoulders tensing.

“Neighbour,” Wally cooes.

“I just…I’m so afraid,” you confess.

Wally strokes your thumb, rubbing what you allow him to.

“Do you still dream of it?”

You lean into the hand he puts on your cheek. “I don’t, not sense..”

“I’ve been sleeping with you?” Wally says hopefully.

“Don’t say it like that!” You scowl, beautiful red rushing to your cheeks.

“Why not?” Had there been something wrong with what he had said?

“Since the others started sleeping with you?” Wally tried. Maybe you were sad he had left the others out? They had been such a help after all!

“Wally!” You shriek.

“I’m sorry sweetheart.” Wally apologises.

He gives you a moment, his hand coming up to feel the rise and fall of your breath. Your body has loosened, tightness slowly falling away.

“Sense I gave you a bedtime?” Wall offers.

You blow out a breath, almost a laugh. “We’ll go with that,” you agree.

“I think it’s made me feel safer, it kind of acts like, um,” you struggle.

“A protection?” Wally suggests.

“Hm, yes.” You rush. A hand moves into your hair, and you twirl a piece around your finger. A habit Wally has not seen from you before.

“That makes sense. I have always tried to keep you safe. I’m your protector.” Wally pledges.

You stare at him, your skin becoming hot beneath his finger tips. You lean closer, your forehead pressed against his. “Wally,” you whisper, staring into his eyes.

“Neighbour?” Wally whispers back. This feels familiar, when you had been sound asleep, and he laid his lips upon your head. A burning desire, a warmth in his chest that seeks to clutch you tightly, and merge into one with you.

He’s not sure what’s happening, if this is like that, but he hopes it is. Instead of moving closer, you sit up, though it seems to pain you too. “Sweetheart?” Wally pleads.

“Can you tell me what’s outside? Please?”

Wally slumps, his head hitting the couch cushion with a thwack. “I can’t.”

“Is there a reason?” You loom over him again, but this time, your hands are soft, laying upon him with gentleness and care.

“I wish I could, but it’s not safe.” It’s the only thing he can tell you. What lies outside is not for you to know. For if you did he does not know if he could pull you back.

“Not safe?” You implore, urging him to continue.

Wally’s hands go to your thighs, pulling your legs taut so that they splay over his, your head falling on his chest.

“Oof!” You squeak, your face buried in his sweater. Your cute nose is visible, scrunching adorably. Wally reaches out a hand.

“Honk.” Wally states. “I’m your protector remember? I have to keep you safe,” he reminds you. He boops your nose, hands squishing your cheeks together.

“Wally,” you moan, sinking into his hold.

“Hush now neighbour.” He guides your head to rest into his shoulder once again, and this time you do not resist his hold.

Wally lets you breath into his shoulder, cradling you until your breaths become steady, tranquil. As you sleep he glares outside, clutching you close.

“You can’t have them.” Wally warns.

A creak comes, but it is not from Home. It lurks outside, like a wolf stalking its prey. But you won’t be. He’ll keep you safe.

“Really now, it’s not that hard! Just read your lines!”

“Sally, I’m not reading these.”

Standing before you was Sally, with one hand on her hip, and one hand gently holding a stack of papers.

Wally watched from his spot on the ground, outlining the two of you on his sketchbook.

“First of all, I never agreed to be in your play, second of all, I don’t sing.” Your nose was wrinkled, like the very idea was impossible.

This caused Sally to smirk. She leaned down, tip to tip with your nose.

“Why are you looking at me like tha-“

“I happen to have it on very good authority that you're a wonderful singer!” Sally tips her head towards Wally.

You whirl on him, eyes pinched. “Wally!”

Wally puts down his book. “Yes, neighbour?”

“Why did you tell Sally that I sing?”

“Because it sounds lovely!” It was true. The soft drawl of your voice filling the air. On days his head laid in your lap as you rang your fingers through his hair. Humming as your pressed your forehead to his.

“Urgh! You!” You stammer, growing red.

Sally dances between you and Wally, he finds himself going dizzy as he watches her twirl around.

“You can’t deny it now!” Sally hummed.

You release a breath, before eyeing the script in Sally’s hands. You slowly raise your own hand, Sally passing the papers to you with delight.

“What do you think?!” Sally asked impatiently, though with a smile.

You return her smile, “I think it’s really good!”

“I knew you’d think so!” Sally brought her hands to her cheeks, beaming.

“But I’m still not going to read it,” you leaned against your hand, beaming back at her.

Sally kept her smile, though there was an eye twitch so prominent Wally wondered if it was broken.

You gazed at Sally, before nodding to yourself. You turned towards Wally, and handed him his sketch pad.

“Sorry, you looked like you were working hard on that.”

Wally took it, brushing some dirt from your sleeve.

“Thank you sweetheart.”

Silence passed between the three of you, before you glanced up at Sally. Wally watched as you jumped back at how close Sally had come to your face.

“You know dear neighbour, I think this play could apply to many people.”

“Oh yeah? How’s that?” You jeered.

Sally’s expression was a very intense one. Her grin sly, her eyes piercing. She peered at both you and Wally.

“Well, this character is pouring out their heart! Struggling on how to admit their feelings for the object of their affections!”

Wally observes something very interesting. Your body seems to freeze. Your shoulders go tight, your eyes wide and fists clenched.

“Are you okay neighbour?” Wally pulls you closer, touching your forehead for warmth.

You laugh, slowly pushing him away.

“Neighbour, are you not feeling well? You don’t have to hide it-“

“I think our dear neighbour is hiding something else!” Sally chimes in.

You bolt upwards, “where’s that script!” you shriek, Sally already pushing it into your waiting hands.

“Neighbour?” Wally says questioningly.

You don’t meet his eyes, instead focusing on the papers in front of you. A distinct squeal is heard from behind you.

“E-every time I see you, I-I just-“ you stutter. A sigh leaves you as you shake your head.

“Every night I close my eyes, and all I see is you. You occupy my every thought, every moment of my waking day. I go to bed thinking of your eyes, so dark and deep that I never want to look away. So kind and caring that I can’t get enough. I cry knowing you will never be mine, and I close my eyes. Knowing I won’t stop seeing you in my dreams.”

Your eyes have left the page, and Wally has two very distinct thoughts in this moment.

One, Wally understands that you are reading words from a page. They’ve been created for someone to express and act out. You are reading the words you have been given, you are performing them.

Two, Wally desperately wished that they were for him.

Loud clapping jerks Wally out of his thoughts, bringing him back as Sally whistles. “Bravo!”

You thrust the papers back at Sally, before turning the other way.

“Sweetheart wait!” Wally calls. He watches as your walk becomes a run, disappearing behind Sally’s stage.

“Why did they do that?” Wally speaks aloud. Are you embarrassed? But you're wonderful! How could someone so precious be ashamed?

“I don’t know,” Sally answers, a pinched furrow to her brows, lips drawn down.

“I should go see them.” Wally states.

He is stopped by a hand to his arm.

“I should go, I think they need a director’s guidance.” Sally offered.

Wally frowned. “But they might need me.”

Sally’s face softened. “I’m sure they do, but let me go first okay?”

Wally nodded, letting Sally disappear behind the stage after you.

Sally finds you backstage, sitting behind a large change curtain.

“Starlight?” Sally calls out.

“Are you here to humiliate me further?” You bite back.

Ouch, but Sally deserved that. Her feet lead her to the curtain. “Knock knock.”

“Go away.”

“Can I come in? Please?”

Sally hears nothing, but sees something. A hand darts out, and when her ankle is grabbed Sally yelps.

She falls on her back, watching the ceiling as she is pulled under fabric to meet you in your hiding place.

“…. ”

“I’m sorry Starlight, I am.”

You turn away from her, pulling at an old blanket from the floor.

“What reason would you have to be sorry for?”

“It was wrong of me, I didn’t do it to mock you.”

“But you still did it.”

Sally cringes, feeling her throat grow tight as she hums nervously.

“It was wrong of me, and it wasn’t my place.”

You turn your head slightly in her direction, peeking.

“It’s just…I see how much you care about him, such raw emotion. How you let yourself relax around him. So different from how you carry yourself.” Around me, is what Sally doesn’t say out loud.

You finally turn to face her, eyes filled with tears not yet fallen.

“Oh starlight!” Sally gasps as you rush to her, letting her envelop you in her arms.

“It’s just, ever since I’ve been here it was so…scary! It was so dark and cold. I still think about it sometimes. Falling asleep and then waking up to a new world I’ve never been to before. When I looked up, I saw him smile. He helped me up and just was there. I don’t know how I would have survived if it wasn’t for him.”

You sagged against Sally, moving with her hands as you were gathered up and settled on her lap.

Sally nuzzled your cheek, guiding you under her rays as you sobbed. She remembered that night, peering out of her window. The rain had been hitting the glass so hard she was convinced it would break, letting the beast finally come inside, like it had wanted to all along.

Instead, she saw a figure. Drenched and crying out at the sky. The door to Home opened, and out stepped Wally, a blinding force in the inky pools of night.

You clutch tightly at Sally’s sleeve, burying yourself as deep into her as you can, as if you want to merge and become one.

“I just, I would feel so guilty telling him, if he ever found out. It would feel like a betrayal, he’s been so kind to me.” A betrayal? Sally thought wryly.

“Starling, I promise Wally would not feel that way.” She raises your head, cupping your chin. You lean into her hands, whining as she brushes away thick tears.

“But I-“

“No buts,” Sally tuts. She tucks strands of hair back, pulling until she separates them into different sections.

“He’s just such a ….good friend.”

“A friend?” Sally asks incredulously.

“I mean, we just have such a good friendship!” You burst out.

Sally hums, letting you continue as she begins braiding.

“He just looks at me, so much care even when he doesn’t always know what’s wrong. He tries his hardest all the time.”

A red begins to take over your cheeks. “His hair is so…soft, and fluffy. When he’s just had a bath, it’s down and so long. I love when it falls just the right way over one of his eyes. He looks at me and just ugghh!” You groan.

Sally hides a smile as she gathers more hair, giving herself a moment to smell the sweet scent. Apple, no doubt one Wally had given you. She wondered if he did that to make you smell even better. Probably not though, he probably did it just to share.

“It sounds like you care about him a lot.” Sally pulls a ribbon from her pocket, securing your braid. You rest your head on her shoulder.

“So fucking much.”

“Don’t let Barnaby hear you saying that. You know how he feels about language.”

You huff out a laugh, shaking your head. “Barnaby needs to keep his tail where it doesn’t belong.”

“You know he won’t,” Sally said as she watched you blink slowly.

“You’re tired sweetheart.” Sally rubs between your shoulder blades.

“I guess,” you confess sheepishly.

“Now that just won’t do.”

“What are you doing?” You yelp as Sally gathers you tightly against her, one arm slipping beneath the back of your knees and another crossing your shoulders. You are held aloft and close to her chest.

“When did you get so strong!” You gape, cheeks going red.

“I was very motivated!” Sally announced.

“By what-“

“Hush my starlight,” Sally quiets you. She waits until you settle your head on her shoulder. Sally clears her throat, warming up.

“Are you going to sing?” You ask softly.

“I was.” Sally admits.

“Okay.” You sigh in contentment.

Oh you sweet thing.

Sally gifts you her song, cupping your ear gently as music comes from her throat.

“Days seem sometimes as if they’ll never end,” Sally strokes your hair, twirling the tip of your braid around her finger.

“Sun digs its heels to taunt you, but after sunlit days one things stays the same,

Rises the moon.”

Her hand leaves your ear to find your eye, making small rubs over the lid. Your breath shutters as she does.

As Sally sings this part your breath begins to quiet.

“Days pull you down just like a sinking ship

Floating is getting harder

But tread the water child, and that meanwhile, rises the moon."

Your head tilts, body slumping as you rest against Sally. Sally allows herself to be a safety for you, shielding you from all that could harm you. At least Wally isn’t one of those things.

She hopes anyway.

Wally doesn’t come to find you, he must sense Sally handled it on her own. It leaves Sally feeling grateful. To have you a little longer.

When you show no signs of waking, Sally lifts you. The walk to Home is too quick, but the light is fading.

Home blinks it’s large dark eyes, piercing Sally with its gaze.

“Stop that!” Sally scolds.

The house seems to roll its eyes, before letting its door open.

“Hi Sally,” Wally calls.

Sally pauses before carrying you inside. The weight of you against her, your soft eyes and warm smile.

Okay. She breathes as she enters.

The first thing she sees is a paint brush, whipping her in the face as it slides down to the floor.

“Oh Sally! I’m sorry! I didn’t know you when you were coming in. You spooked me.” Wally said sheepishly.

If it were anyone else, Sally wouldn't believe them. But Wally’s lidded eyes and surprised look lead her to believe otherwise.

The second thing Sally saw was the canvas. It was you, arms out passionately as you recited your earlier declarations. Sally behind you, hands clasped and eyes pinched.

“Well, I’m here.”

“You are,” Wally answered. He looked from her to you held snuggly in her arms.

“Eager aren't we?” Sally snipped. She felt guilty. Wally was her friend, and she had been the one to push him to act.

“Uh eager? I’m not sure what you mean by that-”

“Oh Wally, here!” Sally stepped closer, pulling Wally towards her. He stumbled as she slipped you from her to him.

“Wait!” He yelped as he staggered under your weight. Dark shadows formed around him, assisting him in wrapping around you, boosting you to his chest.

Wally adjusted you until he froze, slowly glancing up at Sally.

Sally shook her head, feeling amusement at the sight.

“I already knew Wally.” Sally said helpfully.

His eyes grew wide, hands squeezing you nervously.

“But how?”

Sally raised a hand, “it’s best not to talk about it.”

Wally’s eyes followed her hand to its place over his mouth. He nodded wordlessly.

“Good.” Sally sighed. She leaned down, nose touching your hair as she tucked a piece behind your ear.

“Goodnight.” She said in farewell.

“Goodnight Sally.”

I wasn’t saying it to you dork.

“Goodbye Walter.”

She turned towards the door, pausing to look over her shoulder as she did.

“Take care of them Wally. Like your life depends on it.”

Wally cradled you close, nodding.

“I will. More than anything.” He swore.

“Good.” Sally repeated, walking away with the lowering sun at her heel.

Barnaby loved his neighbours. They were his friends, his pals. Though his very best pal was Wally. It was known to all of Home. Especially to you, who orbited around Wally like the stars at night. Or so Sally said anyway.

Barnaby loved you, he really did. The playful banter that passed easily between the two of you. The way you kept a straight face before your lips would pull up at his puns. You sure did try to pull one over him!

It was just that….Barnaby missed having Wally to himself a little. Sure, he and Wally were still together all the time. Barnaby, Wally, and you.

You and Wally did spend time apart, but were together more often than not.

It’s not like Barnanby could blame you. The worst storm Barnaby had ever witnessed happened one night in Home. Loud, booming thuds over his roof, drenched grass when he stepped out the next morning. That morning he went to his best friend’s house, greeting Home cheerfully before stilling.

A human, that’s what he learned you were called as you sat curled in the corner of Home’s living room. Wally was crouched in front of you, holding out an apple for you.

You had taken it, holding it to your chest as you surveyed the room.

It took a long time for you not to be afraid of Barnaby. You had clung to Wally through every step of the way. After many days and nights, you slowly began to be around the others.

Now, you let Barnaby hold you close, swing you onto his shoulders, or hold his paw. You listened to his jokes, stories about life on the farm with his ma. Barnaby loved you, you were his close friend.

But sometimes, a dog just wanted his best friend to himself, y’know?

You seemed to pick up on this too. Barnaby found himself seated on Home’s couch as he and Wally held their newly purchased hot dogs in their paws. Or in Wally’s case, hand.

You were found in the kitchen, sorting through different items in the cupboards.

“What is this? I mean soap suds? Sally gave this to us thinking it was potatoes!” You strut through, waving a cardboard box filled with soaps inside.

“Neighbour!” Wally greeted.

You stood before them, stopping your exasperated tirade as you took the sight in.

“Oh, you guys look like you're having a nice meal.”

Barnaby waved his hot dog in the air. “Yup! Got our usual at Howdy’s. Two dogs for two buds.”

Your head tilted, a longing look.

“No mooching pup! You need to get your own-”

“Here sweetheart, you can have mine.” Barnaby was stopped by Wally offering you their sacred shared meal.

Your hand eagerly shot out, going to cup the hot dog before you paused. There must have been some kind of look on Barnaby’s face. For it caused your hand to retreat.

“Heh, I think maybe I’m not so hungry after all!”

Wally pulled his hand away, tilting his head.

“Your not?”

“Nope!” You said sheepishly.

Barnaby felt a little bad, also a little grateful.

You seemed to pause for a moment, before becoming suddenly animated.

“I have an idea, why don’t you guys have a sleepover? It’s been a long since your last one.”

Oh, now Barbary felt really grateful.

“That sounds fun Barnaby!” Wally chirped.

Barnaby grinned.

“Oh dear-“ you sighed.

“That sounds pawferct lil buddy!”

“Let the rest out, I know it’s coming.”

“Like a dog-on good time!”

You chuckle, hiding your smile with your palm.

“Why bones, is that a smile? Are you hiding something over there?”

You push his paws away as he pulls you closer.

“Why bones, is that a smile? Are you hiding something over there?”

You push his paws away as he pulls you closer.

“Bad dog! Get away!” You cry as he lifts your hand towards him. Revealed to him is your grin, giggling as he pinches your cheek.

“You,” you say shoving his shoulder. “Are the worst,” you go limp as his paw finds your stomach.

“Hey bones, what’s this?” Barnaby asks innocently.

“Don’t you dare!!” You gasp, losing yourself as his paws dug in, wiggling into your soft folds.

You giggle into his shoulder, taking quick breaths when

“What are you doing?” Wally asks. His eyes are wide, focused on the scene in front him. His own fingers curl, reaching for your tummy.

“Ha, anyway,” you flounder, removing yourself from Barnaby’ lap.

“Neighbour? Can I do that?”

Your cheeks are very red, wow. Barnaby could let you suffer, it is pretty funny.

But your pleading eyes are kind of pitiful.

“Pal, why don’t you pack? We can head over to mine.”

So they are having a sleepover. Yay!

The bad part? Wally refuses to leave Home. Or more specifically, you.

“I have to stay Barnaby. I promised.”

“Promised who Wally? I’m sure Home won’t mind.”

“No, I promised neighbour. I have to protect them.”

Barnaby wasn’t sure how much Wally could protect you, but who was he to crush Wally’s dreams.

That’s how Barnaby found himself in Home with a packed bag for his overnight stay.

Barnaby settled his hat over his head, brushing fur down to sit.

Wally was dressed in his flannel pyjamas, wrapped up in his dark blue housecoat.

You sat a plate of snacks in front of them both. Filled with cheese, apples, and different meats.

“You didn’t have to do that, kid.” Barnaby ruffled your hair, laughing as you bristled.

“Thank you sweetheart.” Wally squeezed your hand gratefully.

“Yeah, thanks.” Barnaby gave with similar earnesty.

“You're welcome, enjoy it.” You draw away, carrying a small plate for yourself.

“Where are you going?” Wally questioned.

You continue on, waving upwards to the stairs.

“Aw kid, you don’t have to leave. It was real nice of you to make this for us. Don’t go.” Barnaby surprised himself by saying. He did want some time with Wally, but look at what you did! He’d be a sorry pooch to make you go.

“Come here neighbour. Sit with us.” Wally pleaded. Jeez, his little buddy was down bad.

Your ears burned, your face hiding as you retreated upstairs. “No it’s okay, I want you guys to hang out. I’m gonna go relax anyway.”

Wally’s eyes pinched, narrowing as you left. He seemed to be focusing. On what Barnaby wasn’t sure.

“Well, that was kinda strange.” Barnaby thought aloud.

“It was.” Wally agreed.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine, they’re tough.” Barnaby offered.

Wally nodded, eyes closing.

“It’s not them I’m worried about.” Wally says.

Hm, that was a little cryptic.

Barnaby clears his throat, pawing at the couch cushion.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m as hungry as a dog, I could really use a little treat to cheer me up!”

Wally smiles, raising a piece of cheese for Barnaby to have.

“Why thank you Walls!” Barnaby plucks the cheese up, throwing it back and down the hatch.

They sit on the couch together. And it’s nice. It feels familiar. Him and Wally against the world.

They talk about Eddie, who tripped over a wasp’s nest and got chased until he crashed into Frank. Who had dragged the mailman inside his house until the wasps calmed down. Frank really was some kind of bug whisperer. Barnaby had felt bad for the guy, as Eddie recounted the tale the next day over a delivery. Barnaby didn’t feel the need to rub the wound in with a pun.

Or Poppy who had baked a new desert with bread and pudding. She had even made some into bone shapes for Barnaby!

Sally’s play, about a hidden romance destined to ever be. Which sounded a bit dramatic, but Sally was pretty good at what she did. Even if Barnaby didn’t understand it.

Howdy had been successful in selling Sally another faux product idea. Guess stars weren’t too knowledgeable on food. Poor Sal.

Wally talked about how Frank's garden was going. Bright tomatoes sprouting and flowers layering the field. Julie said they even liked to sing! There was a song they heard you sing once, and now it was all she could hear.

Wally spoke about a journal you had hidden away, from him at least. He didn’t try to look at it, but he was curious of its contents.

Barnaby said he would bet his lucky rabbit foot on what it contained, but ignored Wally’s attempts to reveal it. He didn’t have a lucky rabbit's foot anyway!

As they talked the light sky had darkened, bringing with it the night. Signifying Barnaby’s stay for the night.

It felt so right. To talk with his pal again. The two of them fit together so right like a hotdog and ketchup. Except it did feel like something was missing. There was a spot on the sofa that had your name on it.

Just as Barnaby thought this Wally went taught. Like a paper chain with its strings cut.

“Barnaby something’s wrong.” Came Wally’s cold voice.

“Oh yeah? What’s wrong dog?”

“I can’t see.”

This caused Barnaby to sit up. “You can’t see? What happened? How many fingers am I holding up?”

Wally sat up too, before springing from the couch.

Barnaby followed Wally, easily meeting his strides as he bolted up the stairs.

Barnaby boosted Wally with his paw, helping him until he reached the top stair.

“Neighbour!” Wally cried.

No sound came from your room, until shaking of the window could be heard.

Wally jiggled the door knob, shaking it rapidly.

“Sweetheart! Open the door!!”

Your cries could be heard, and Wally became frantic. You must be scared, what were you trying to do?

“Home? Why aren’t you opening the door?!” Wally demanded desperately. Only faint thumps could be heard from Home.

Wally called your name, looking between Barnaby and the door as if contemplating something.

The sound of the window opening came, and darkness gathered around Wally’s sides as it raised. Barnaby thought he must be dreaming.

As you wailed Barnaby kicked the door open, bursting through the wood. It might be extreme, but you didn’t deserve to be scared alone. Besides, it was probably a dream he was having.

It turned out not to be extreme.

From the window was a great beast. It towered above even Barnaby, hitting the ceiling as it neared you. It’s hulking form was dripping with the deepest of darkness with flowing feathers. Claws racking the floor, teeth in places teeth shouldn’t be.

The eyes. The eyes bored into Barnaby’s soul. It knew of each and every thing Barnaby had ever done. Pinning him like a butterfly to a board. Seen at every angle and known.

As he felt this, tendrils spread from Wally to you, pulling you away from the horrible creature and into his grasp. Wally pressed you into Barnaby’s paws where he scooped you up. He held you tightly as you sobbed into his chest.

“You can’t have them. You can’t have any of my friends. Leave and don’t come back.” Wally’s voice sounded strange. Deep and dark in a way Barnaby had never heard before.

The beast stared at Wally. Eyes opening and closing quickly. Eyes appeared around Wally, beginning to glow as they spread around the creature.

They bore into the beast, pushing it back until it growled, the sound settling in Barnaby’s bones and making you go still, turning to the sound. Barnaby startled as you squirmed, trying to fight out of his arms. You weren’t yourself, enchanted by it’s song.

“Get out! Leave my Home and don’t return.” The room became bright. So bright Barnaby closed his eyes as he fought with you to stay with him.

A howl pierced the air. When Barnaby opened his eyes the window was shut, claw marks carved into the floor and windowsill.

Wally’s eyes didn’t leave the window, shadows still formed around him as he walked towards the pair of you.

Wally held out his hands for you. Barnaby didn’t know how Wally could hold you, but he didn’t know anything right now.

Wally took you as Barnaby lowered you. Your eyes were foggy, set on the night sky as you whispered unspoken words.

“Sweetheart.” Wally soothed. He held you with his shadows and left the room, Barnaby following in a daze. You jilted, pushing against Wally’s chest until your feet hit the floor. Wally scooped you up, pulling you from the window.

“I have to follow!” You screeched, twisting and clawing.

Wally said your name darkly, commanding you to stop.

“I need it!” Your eyes had glazed over, so unlike their usual heat.

Barnaby yanked the both of them into his arms. Scrambling from your room and slamming the door shut. You screamed as he did, all the way down the stairs as he barricaded you in his arms, forcing you into a prison on the couch.

“No! Take me back!” You slapped him, pushing on his muzzle.

Barnaby huffed, before turning you around and taking a hold on the back of your neck. His maw held onto the fold of your neck, carefully pulling the loose skin there with his teeth. He released a warning growl.

It seemed to stop your madness, and you slumped. You fell against his chest, lost eyes staring at nothing. Wally drew closer, resting against Barnaby and you. His shadows finally retreated, looking exhausted.

Barnaby’s mind felt different. Like someone opened his skull and rearranged everything. It felt raw, seeing things that didn’t let itself be revealed before.

The only thing anchoring him to this moment was you. With your quiet breaths and glass eyes. Wally was tilting your head this way and that, eyes sprouting around you imploringly.

“Neighbour,” Wally said, like he didn’t know what else to say.

He called your name, again and again when you said nothing.

Barnaby pressed Wally to his fur when you failed to respond.

“You gotta give ‘‘em time pal. They need to come back on their own.”

Wally was stiff against Barnaby, but allowed himself to be pet.

“I think they’re broken.”

“Wally, I’m broken.”

“You are?!! Wally tore himself back, frantic.

Barnaby found himself chuckling despite the situation.

“Figure of speech kid.” Barnaby rubbed his back soothingly. It seemed Wally settled, his breath making a sigh. The first time he had heard Wally sigh actually.

Time was nothing. It held still into the night, still into the morning. Barnaby hadn’t slept, clutching his two friends like the teddy bear from his childhood.

His ma had gotten him that teddy. She found him in a box, and brought his sorry behind to her home. He suddenly fiercely missed his mother, vowing to visit once this nightmare was over. His ma made everything make sense. Barnaby wanted his ma, so that everything could make sense when nothing did.

Wally never went to sleep either. His fist stayed in Barnaby’s fur all night, his other tangled in your hair.

You however, had gone to sleep. Your head was pillowed on Barnaby’s nightgown, nestled deeply as you snored. He couldn’t blame you, he wouldn’t fair any better. You deserved the rest.

Barnaby said nothing, waiting in silence with Wally. The clock ticked by, the light from outside rising further and further in the sky.

Eddie dropped off a delivery, but no one went to answer the door. There came the knock on the door, which jolted you. Barnaby huffed as your chin sent him seeing stars, must be Sally’s siblings!

Wally reached for you, tilting your head back.

“Neighbour! How are you feeling?”

Barnaby pushed his friend back. He moved the both of them back, letting you shift and come to.

“Give ‘‘em a minute pal. They just woke up.”

Your eyes peeled open, and most surprisingly, you smiled.

“I just had the best sleep!”

A paw was sent to Wally’s chest as he scrambled forward.

“Barnaby stop, sweetheart, what did you dream about?”

You giggled, peering at Wally with squinted eyes.

“You.”

Oh wow, you definitely weren’t awake yet. The you Barnaby knew would rather die than admit that.

Wally sat back, closing his eyes. Home was very quiet, no hinges swinging or creaks.

He could still see it, the crushing presence of that thing. With shifting eyes, twisting pools of knowledge that Barnaby didn’t know.

Barnaby wished it was all a nightmare, but the claw marks would still be in the floor, and Wally wouldn’t look like that. His hair dishevelled in long strands. When he blinked, Barnaby swore he could still see eyes hovering around Wally.

The most odd thing of all, was how unaffected you seemed by last nights event. Or maybe…

“Hey kid, what happened last night?” Barnaby asked casually, stretching his legs out.

You slid down onto his stomach, resting there.

“I remember…we ate cheese? Or I guess I did..”

Wally sat up from his thrown off position.

“Barnaby no.”

“They gotta know Walls.” Barnaby said firmly.

“They can’t.”

“They have to. It’s not right.” You deserved to know. To be controlled like that, aching for something not of your free will.

“Why can’t I remember after that? I can’t…there’s nothing there.” You croaked out.

Barnaby stared Wally down, before Wally broke their contact. Wally inched forward, crawling to reach you.

“There’s nothing! I know I didn’t sleep, I would know!” Your breath had quickened, Barnaby pressed his snout to your head. Tongue lapping at your hair in small strokes.

“Sweetheart, it’s okay. I’m here, Barnaby is here.” Wally joined him, prying the tight grip of you popping your knuckles apart.

“Don’t say it’s okay! I don’t want to hear that!”

“Alright. What do you want me to do?” Wally laced your fingers through his own, letting you squeeze the soft plush. Barnaby cradled the both of you, shielding you from harm of the unknown.

You quieted, tilting your head back into Barnaby’s shoulder. “Tell me about last night.”

Barnaby wondered why Wally didn’t want you to know. But he agreed. With a nod, Wally leaned back, closing his eyes until they opened.

They opened from placed eyes shouldn’t, flowing through the air around Wally like the fireflies they would see from the window. Pupil less, shining. Hair lifted around Wally to rise up, letting eyes reveal themselves from their hidden world.

They were bright, pulsing, aching. For what, Barnaby didn’t know.

You froze, not knowing where to look, before your hand lifted. It reached for Wally’s cheek, pulling him closer. Wally gasped as your forehead met his. Eyes glowing increasing brighter.

Wally called your name, his hands finding their way to your shoulders.

“Look into my eyes, they will reveal the truth to you. You will see what wants to hide from you.”

Barnaby watched as you stared at Wally, losing yourself in his eyes. Your own began to change, colour dimming to grow dark, seeming to withdraw into yourself as you became lost to Wally’s gaze.

When you came back, your shoulders started to shake. You opened your mouth, maybe to scream, maybe to speak. What came out instead was nothing. Your eyes were back, gaze focused on nothing and everything.

“Neighbour?” Wally asked.

“I knew something was wrong. I knew you were hiding something.”

Did you? What had you seen that Barnaby hadn’t? He thought he knew Wally, but Barnaby didn’t know anything right now.

“I get it, I think. It’s hard to explain to people, you probably wanted to protect everyone.”

What came upon Wally’s face is not something Barnaby’s seen before. His mouth pulled taut, his lip wobbling as golden tears poured from his sockets.

He’s crying.

Barnaby realised. His best friend, who had never cried before, was crying.

You made soft cooing noises at him, returning his grip around your shoulders. Wally heaved, spilling something from his lips.

Is that…ink?

Barnaby took off his cap, lowering himself to wipe Wally’s mouth. You helped to hold his hair back, wiping with your hand as you went.

“I don’t know what’s happening pal, but it’s fine. Whatever mess this is, we’ll help you, okay?”

Wally leaned away from the cloth, drawing his knees to his chest.

“Barnaby don’t you get it? This can’t be fixed. I thought I was in control, but I’m just as bad as it!”

Well that’s just not true. In fact, the idea of Wally being anything like the creature was so obscene it made Barnaby snort.

“Barnaby!” You swatted his arm.

“It’s not what you think kid.”

Barnaby sat you on the couch while he raised Wally on his knees. His pal reminded him of a painting, still and unmoving.

“Hey Wally?”

A head lifting, “yes?”

“That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard.”

Barnaby placed his paw over your protesting mouth.

It captured Wally’s attention, though not fully.

With his other paw Barnaby put it to Wally’s head.

“Listen here Wally, you are nothing like that weirdo! You may have a couple mysteries, sure, but you’re still my best friend. The same pal who goes on walks with me in the mornings, the same pal who listens to everything I say! It’s not any different, triple eyes and all.”

Wally’s eyes changed, dimming to become soft. Barnaby huffed in surprise as Wally jumped forward, arms tightly circling his neck.

“Barnaby!” He whimpered, his small body shaking.

“I gotcha buddy, I gotcha.”

As Barnaby held his buddy tight, he found you watching them, warmth in your eyes.

“C’mere pup.” You squeaked as he snuck his foot under you, letting you bounce upwards until you fit into his lap again.

It was what they needed, all three of them, Barnaby knew. The world had changed, or maybe it’s always been this way. Maybe now Barnaby’s eyes are opened to the truth.

Whatever the truth was, it would have to wait. Barnaby let his arms protect those dearest to him as the world lulled him to sleep.

Barnaby rested peacefully on the sofa. For all the terror of last night, it was quiet.

It had been stupid to let his guard down. Leaving you alone upstairs while he pretended nothing was wrong. Like it was all a bad dream. While Wally laughed, you faced a battle with no defence. How was he going to keep you safe if he couldn’t even-

“Wally, look at me.”

So he did. You, curled up small on Barnaby’s lap.

“Oh, maybe not so intensely please.” You squinted at his revealed sight.

“I’m sorry,” Wally closed his eyes, leaving open only a few.

“It’s okay.”

You played with his hand, seeming like it was a normal morning in Home.

When he looked closer, Wally could see the shaking of your hand, a twitching of your foot that wouldn’t rest.

“Come here sweetheart,” Wally cooed, echoing your tone from earlier.

“Wally,” you pushed his hand away, a flush to your cheeks. But he paid it no mind, gathering you close to lay across his own lap. With the spare throw on the armchair he bundled you into it, allowing you to disappear within.

“Hello darkness my old friend,” you said suddenly.

What? But how could you be friends with-

“The darkness is your friend?” Wally said distressingly.

An exhale came from inside the blanket.

“No, it’s a meme.”

“A me?”

A shake of your head.

“Just a dumb joke.”

You descend into silence, but Wally isn’t finished.

He pulls strands of your hair out of the blanket, twisting it to fit in his hands. He wraps the ends around his fingers, looping them mindlessly.

“Does it not let you speak of it?”

You push the blanket black revealing your face, Wally pulls it back over, shushing you as he does.

“Wally, please, I need to know.”

Well, he didn’t want to know. He didn’t want anyone to know. The cruellest parts of Home should be silenced, kept hidden in the deepest cracks he could find. Shielded away from the innocents of this town, where no one could find them.

It seems to have found you, a desire Wally doesn’t know how to quench. He thought he could keep you safe by not speaking of it, but it seems to have only made it worse. He knows it won’t stop until it has you. Something he can’t let happen, but nearly did.

“I’ll tell you, neighbour, you're right. You need to know.”

Wally gathers you closer, if that’s possible.

He tells you a story.

.