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“Hey, little buddy,” Steve said, waving to King and leaning down to give him a pat on the head.
“Steve!” King said, opening his arms and letting Steve pick him up for a hug. “Are you here to see Lilith?”
Steve chuckled and set King down as soon as they were done exchanging their hug. “What, I can’t come see my friend King Clawthorne every once in a while?” he asked.
King laughed, tilting his head and leading Steve into the Owl House. Eda was busy upstairs with plans for the new university, so it was just the two of them. “Come in!”
Steve found himself looking off to the side. “I actually kinda wanted some advice,” he said. “You have an older sister. Do you still think you’re close to her even when she’s gone for a while?”
King stopped in his tracks and turned back to Steve. “Well, yeah,” he responded. “Of course I do. Luz and I are still, like, best friends.”
Steve nodded. “Of course, of course,” he said, still looking away from him. “I just-... It’s still a bit rocky between me and Matt. Since I was gone for so long, you know? I wanted to know how you felt about distance as a little sibling.”
King tapped his claws together. “It’s tough,” he said.
Steve bit his tongue. The silence was deafening.
“I wasn’t a little brother for very long. But it was so awesome when she came back and I got to see her again. It was a big relief to know I got to spend time with her. I guess that’s what you should do. Make sure your brother knows he can spend time with you again now,” King finished, nodding slowly.
Steve stopped to take a breath. “It just feels like there’s so much rebuilding to do. I don’t know how to slow down and let him know that I’m there,” he said.
King hummed quietly. “Do you wanna practice with me?” he asked. “I can be a little brother for a bit.”
Steve sighed and broke out into a smile. “I think I’d really appreciate that,” he said.
King opened up his arms. “Hey, Steve,” he said.
“Hey, Matty,” Steve responded, waving with so much friendly charm. “How’s school coming?”
“Oh, you know,” King responded.
Steve nodded in understanding. “Yeah. It was rough for me, too, little buddy. Say, I know it’s been a while since we’ve taken the bike out. I’ve still got your helmet, you know. What do you say to a trip to your favorite joint? The one in Latissa, not far from Glandus. I know it’s a bit of a drive, but, I know you like the scenery.”
King showed Steve two thumbs up. “I think you’re gonna do great!” he assured him.
“You think so?” Steve asked, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s just been so long...”
“So why wait any longer?” King asked him in return.
It made sense to Steve now. “Huh. I guess you’re right.”