Archive of Our Own ^beta

Here in the neighborhood Home. The residents are not supposed to be out at night. Why you ask? Well that wasn’t important dear neighbor!

But what was relevant. Was the fact that Wally himself didn’t sleep like the rest of the neighbors did. So while at night most would be going to bed anyways. So it wasn’t that big of a deal. That was not the case for him.

Once it got dark out. There wasn’t that much to do. The only things he could do was stuff indoors. And even most of those weren't as fun without the other neighbors.

And while he could still just lay down and pretend to sleep, it felt pretty boring. He sort of understood the concept of sleeping, but even trying to close his eyes and think of nothing, he never fell asleep, not how the other neighbors always described it.

So most nights he just ignored the bed and the darkness of the outside, and drew all night.

It was hours that he could just paint and doodle anything and everything without any interruptions. Or anyone questioning what in the neighborhood the drawing even was. The other neighbors always did get worried when they saw the never ending spirals. Especially Barnaby. So he decided to stop drawing them around others. Besides Home of course.

Home was usually happy to just let him draw to his heart content. And encouraged him to paint the more bizarre ideas that he came up with. Wally wonders sometimes if those were the type of things Home would paint himself, if it was easier for him to.

Regardless.

Usually, Home was alright with him painting all night, and didn’t bother him.

But every now and again, Home tried to convince him to go rest for a while instead. And While Wally felt like it was kind of pointless to. He usually did anyway, just because Home wanted him to.

And it wasn’t like it was something he just really wanted to avoid. The bed was very comfortable, and the sleepwear was always a fun change from his outdoor clothes. And he never got to wear those unless he actually tried resting, or went to a sleepover with the other neighbors.

On this particular night though…

He would rather do anything but that.

So as a few soft knocks ringed out within Home. Wally reluctantly turned his attention to the window shutter.

‘It’s getting late.’ Home says expectedly.

Well, Yes. It was already dark out. And that was what the whole neighborhood considered as late.

“Ha, ha, It sure is.” Wally laughed.

Home raised a brow at that. Before more knocks ringed out. ‘Been a long day.’

Wally just smiles. Already knowing what he’s saying. But choosing not to acknowledge it yet.

“Yes. Julie games have only gotten more active. I think she likes throwing things.”

Home chuckles. ‘Agreed.’

There's a beat.

‘You should get some rest.’ Home says after a second.

Wally hummed. But does not move from where he’s sat on the armchair.

There’s silence for a moment.

Before Wally gets up, and walks over to his easel instead of the bed.

“I was wondering what it’d look like for all the trees around us to be full of apples.” He says as an explanation. Because he’s going to paint it now.

Home watches him for a moment. With a slightly surprised expression. Since Wally never refrained from resting when prompted.

‘Aren’t you tired?’ Ringed out.

“Maybe.” He says honestly, as he picks up his brush and palette.

He might feel drained. But lying down sounds far too boring.

‘Wouldn’t it be more enjoyable to paint after you rest?’ Home asks.

Though it was more of a rhetorical question. Because it was true, that it would be. But why do it tomorrow, when he could just do it now?

“I might not want to paint it by then.” He says simply.

And Home basically sighs. ‘Ok.’ It wasn’t like one more night without rest was going to make that much of a diffidence. Home always tried to make sure he rested once a week if nothing else.

So he gets to painting after that.

Apples were probably his favorite to draw. Although all his friends were a close second. Painting always gives him new appreciation for the small details that he might have not noticed otherwise. Like how every apple was slightly different color. Or how Barnaby paws has hearts, And how Julie's hair glows gold in the sun.

He ended up painting all night again. Just painting one neighbor after another, once he was done with the first painting of the forest.

Smiling, he takes a few of them to go show the others. Now that they should be up themselves.

“I’ll be back Home.”

Home gives a soft knock in acknowledgement. And as he walks out he can feel the other watching him.

He heads over to Barnaby’s Home first. Knowing he’d appreciate the paintings the most.

After knocking on the door, it doesn’t take long for Barnaby to answer.

“Morning bud!” The other exclaimed with a grin ”Aren’t you up early? Must be true what they say about the worm Ey?”

“Ha, Ha. Yes, If you could make worms.”

Barnaby raised a brow at that in confusion. Before Wally just gets his own grin, and lifts up one of the paintings to show him.

“Here’s the worm.”

Barnaby barked a laugh. “I see! Nice worm kid!”

“Thank you Barnaby.”

There’s a beat, before Barnaby asks in slight worry. “Huh- When did you paint these kid? The paint does seem really fresh.”

Oh- Right. They didn’t know he didn’t need sleep. He didn’t want to lie, but he couldn’t just say that he doesn’t sleep. Since that was far more concerning then not resting for one night. So He just half lies.

“Last night. I wanted to paint a bit, but I lost track of time.”

Barnaby hummed. “Didn’t Home remind ya what time it was?”

Great. Now he has to add another lie. Considering Home literally told him to rest.

“You know Home might have lost track of time too. He loves watching me paint.” He declares with a smile.

Barnaby didn’t look conceived. But he doesn’t press the matter. “Right. Well, maybe we should take it easy today. You wanna go take a cat-nap- or maybe dog-nap?”

“Ha, Ha. I’m alright Barnaby.”

“You might be, but I’m still dog tired! We don’t wanna be run ragged do ya?” He declares light heartedly.

Wally just gives an amused look. “You could take a dog-nap yourself.”

“Nah- I’d rather hang out with you. Wanna have a picnic or something? Nice day out.”

That does sound the most! “Alright.”

“How bout we head over to Howdy’s ta get the best food first?”

“Okay- Can I keep this here?” Wally holds up the painting again for emphasis.

“You bet bud.” Barnaby moves to the side so Wally can lay it right inside the doorway of his Home.

Before long, they both started walking over to Howdy’s.

Right as they entered, they ran into Eddie as well.

“Howdy-do! What can I do for ya both today?” Howdy questions as they walk in.

“Hello Howdy, Hello Eddie.” Wally greets.

And Eddie's eyes widened upon seeing them. “Goodness! Hello! With you two being here I could just give you both your mail now!”

“You know the old saying- Time is money! And you got the grand deal right here!” Howdy adds.

Barnaby grins teasingly. “Whatever you want Ed. I’m sure you’d love to try and get my mail to my box.”

Eddie immediately starts to sweat. “Uh- Heh- I think I will just give them to you now!” He quickly skimmed through his satchel. Bringing out two letters, one for each of them.

“Thanks pal!”

“Thank you Eddie.”

“Course- course! Welp, I’m off. The rest of the mail won’t deliver itself!”

“Goodbye Eddie.”

As he walks out. Howdy grins. “So what can I do for ya both, on this lovely morning?”

“Just a couple of hotdogs!” Barnaby declares.

“Surely-do Barn!”

“And you wouldn’t happen to have a comfortable blanket we could get, would ya? We’re going ta have a bit of a picnic.”

“Oh- You bet your behind I do! I got many in every variety of different hus! Wouldn’t ya like one ta match the vibe of every occasion? Sun? Rain? Snow? I got 'em all!” Howdy exclaimed as he pulls out a box with a bunch of blankets.

Barnaby grins. “What do ya say kid? Got a color to pick your fancy?”

Wally scans them for a moment, before picking out a Blue and red checkered patterned one.

“I like this one.”

“Sounds good to me!”

“Good choice! It’s on the house! You know what they say, gotta give loyal customers the best deals. So they’d keep coming back!”

“Aw, you flatter me Howdy!” Barnaby puts a hand over his chest dramatically. “Though you should know by now that we’d never pick another store over yours. You got the best food after all. Not to mention the best banter in town!”

“Ha! Now who’s got the flattery?” Howdy gives a playful look. “You trying to get free dogs too? You’re gonna run me out of business!”

“Well- now that you bring it up, Free does make everything taste better.”

The two fall into a fit of laughter after that.

“Alright- Alright. Don’t push it.” Howdy says still with a grin, as he starts to make a few hotdogs.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Barnaby smirks as Howdy hands him the food, Also now in a picnic basket.

“Come on kid, This food ain't gonna eat itself!”

“Goodbye Howdy.”

“See ya round Walls, Barns.”

“Catch ya on the flip side!”

Once back outside, they head back to Home, to set up in the front yard.

Home noticeably relaxes upon seeing them. But doesn’t actively keep a full eye on them either. Wally could only assume Home was just relieved they weren’t doing anything really energetic.

“There’s nothing like some good food, on a beautiful day, Ay Wally?” Barnaby exclaimed, as they both took a seat.

“Yes. It’s the absolute most!” Wally declares.

Food was always a bit bizarre for them though. They always bought it, and made it. But they never actually ate it. It was more of a neat accessory for them. Always nice to look at as a decoration. He and Barnaby both has so many hotdogs within their Homes, they might have to get rid of some of them one of these days.

After a bit Barnaby yawned. “Ya know what kid? I'm so dog tired, maybe I should take that nap after all!” He says before flopping face frost onto the blanket dramatically.

“Ha, ha, Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Wally says as he pats Barnaby’s head.

Barnaby gets a very amused expression. “Don’t think bed bugs are what Imma be worried bout out here. But let's hope those butterflies don’t catch me!”

Wally just smiles, before laying down as well, only on his back.

It’d be easy to cloud gaze that way. It was always fun to try and find shapes within them. Though he wasn’t very good at it. Most of the time they just looked like ice cream to him, if anything besides normal clouds. Or maybe like a soft pillow.

Clouds always looked so very fluffy. He thought if you could get up there in the sky with them, and layed on one. They’d be the most comfortable kind of bed you could dream of.

Though clouds were made of water. So you might go right through it. Unless it was more like snow? Ice would be like a rock, but snow was still soft. And even if it was just like water, you could still float in it if you relaxed your body enough. So maybe it’d still be comfortable, no matter what it was.

They fall into a comfortable silence for a while. Just enjoying the nice day’s weather.

Wally couldn’t have said how long they laid there.

But after a long while, another voice rang out.

“Ah- There you two are!” Sally exclaimed as she walked up to them.

“Hello Sally.” Wally says as he sits back up.

“Why hello there Walliford, Barnaby, I have a request for you both.”

“Oh yeah?” Barnaby raised a brow, as he also sat up. ”It wouldn’t happen to have something to do with that odd outfit of yours would it?”

“Yes.” She rolled her eyes. ”I wanted your opinion on my next play!” She declares. “I thought I’d ask you both. Since Poppy and Julie are far too busy today.”

“What are we- Chopped liver? Only your third choice Er?” Barnaby jokes.

But Sally just gets a smug smile. “Nope. Wally was my third choice. You just happen to be here too.”

“Ouch!” Barnaby puts a hand over his chest in mock offense. ”Tell me when the dog days are over!”

Sally rolled her eyes again. “Anyway. Are you two up for watching my rehearsal or not?”

“Okay Sally. What is it about?” Wally says.

And she grins. “About a lonely monster, who finds out she’s not so alone after all!” She puts a hand over her chest dramatically. ”She just wasn’t looking in the right places for the people like her!”

“Sounds like a hoot.” Barnaby says with amusement.

“It’s a drama, Barnaby.” Sally's eyes narrowed at him.

“It sounds kind of like us in our neighborhood.” Wally points out.

Sally grins again. “Exactly! The best kind of creativity is from one's own experiences!”

“Well, Are ya gonna share it with us? Or are you just going to tell us about it all day?” Barnaby teases.

She rolls her eyes again. “Very well. But any criticism coming from you, I’m only taking with a grain of salt.”

“Pfft- fair enough.” Barnaby just shrugged.

Sally clears her throat. “Once upon a star, There was a very small monster. And she lived in a town that had many other people who always judged her.”

She made a very sad expression. “Woe is me! Nobody wants to be my friend!”

She crouches down slightly, and uses a different tone of voice. “Oi! Shut yo face! Nobody wants to hear from someone so ugly!”

Before she switches back to the other tone. “But this is just how I look! I can’t do anything about it!”

She crouches down again. “So what? Get lost why don’t ya!”

She goes back to standing up straight. “Why don’t you make me!”

She crouches down. “Oh a wise guy aren’t ya? Why I odda-”

She does a fake punch to her face. Before falling to the ground dramatically.

“Oof! Ow-ooW!” She cries. Before jumping up, and taking her own hand.

“Take this you fool!” She exclaimed, before doing a full back flip. And then falling on her back.

“Noooo! How could a monster like you do thisssss!?”

She hops back up on her feet. Before kicking the grass where she layed one moment before.

“That’s what you get for being so mean to me-”

“Yikes-” Barnaby says in disbelief. ”When’s the second act starting? Ain't this a bit violence?”

“Barnaby!-” Sally glares at the interruption.

“I like the part where she flips him over.” Wally says with a grin.

“Thank you Wally.” Sally smiles again, before giving Barnaby another annoyed look. “Though I think that’s enough opinions from others for one day.”

Barnaby raised his hands in a mock surrender. “Thought you weren’t gonna take my opinions into account?”

“I’m not. Goodbye Walliford.” Sally says before walking away from them. Purposefully not giving a real goodbye to Barnaby.

“Geez kid. I don’t think she’s very happy with me.” Barnaby jest.

“Really? Are you sure?” Wally teases.

“Pfft- Very funny kid.” He raised a brow. “You don’t think she’ll flip me over like that if I piss her off enough do you?”

“I don’t know. You better be careful.” He jokes.

Barnaby chuckles. “When you’re right. You’re right, kid.”

There’s a beat of silence after that.

“Welp- Guess it’s getting late. We should probably head back home ourselfs.” Barnaby points out.

“Yes. Goodnight Barnaby.” Wally says.

“Night kid! See ya tomorrow!”

And like that they gather all the loose items. Before returning to their respective Homes.

The moment Wally walks into the doorway. The door closes behind him, and a few knocks ring out from the window shutter.

‘You should rest.’ Home points out.

Wally just got a soft smile. “I rested all day. We just sat and hung out.”

‘Doesn’t count.’ Home declares.

“Aw but I have more ideas to paint.”

‘Something to look forward to after rest.’

“I might lose motivation.” Wally dismissed the idea instantly.

Home eyes narrowed at this.

“Just one painting.” He says knowing Home would be more likely to agree to that.

There’s a beat of silence.

Before Home knocks reluctantly ringed out. ‘One.’

Just one. He can work around that.

So he starts painting small spirals on one end of the canvas, slowly but surely going from that end to the other end, until it reaches all the corners, like you might do with a puzzle. Before filling in the whole center with small spirals as well.

While that didn’t take all that long. He starts to repeat the process over again, layering it with another color, just slightly off from the other color. And then again, and over and over. Once he ran out of colors, he just started mixing new ones to add.

It gives the whole painting a glitching effect. Like it was a messed up tv screen, over paint on a canvas.

After a long while. The middle of the canvas rips slightly from the overwhelming amount of paint that was added.

Wally blinks at it in surprise.

“Oh…”

He pokes the ripped piece.

Being yanked out of his painting. He also now realized much more paint than usual fell to the floors as well. He knew Home didn’t mind, but he still didn’t like leaving such a mess around. So he jumps up and grabs a wash wipe and a bucket full of water. And starts to clean the mess.

Some soft knocks ringed out as he did this. But he doesn’t catch what was said. Too focus on the paint.

Another moment, and he accidentally knocks over the easel and canvas down. Them both crashing to the floor, spotting more paint to the floors.

Wally blinks at them. Before picking up the painting and laying it aside against one of the walls. And returning to cleaning off the rest of the paint.

Home watches all of this in worry. With the painting being unintentionally ripped, then being knocked over, along with Wally missing what Home has said to him. That was already 3 strikes of extremely concerning behavior. And that didn’t even add the fact that it seems like he’s refusing to rest.

Wally often got very engrossed in painting. That sometimes it was like everything else around him just disappeared. But never to the point where the painting itself got ruined from not paying attention to the actual art piece.

A few knocks ringed out from outside. Not from Home. Making Wally and Home both jump. Neither even realizing that the sun had apparently risen at some point. not to mention Home hasn’t noticed someone walking up.

Wally went over to the door to answer. Only to stop mid step. “Oh-” He looked down at his clothes. They were covered in paint as well. And just generally disheveled.

‘Change. I’ll talk to them.’ Home called out without hesitation.

“Thank you…” Wally said very grateful. Before moving over the wardrobe.

He didn’t really have another good outfit to wear. But anything would be better than walking out there with clearly messed up clothes. And It’d be far too clear that he was up all night painting again.

So he put on his warm clothes meant for the cold. It wasn’t the best since it was nowhere near being cold outside. But it was the best he had. And besides Home and Barnaby, no one else would probably even question it much. And Home already knew, so it was really just Barnaby he needed to worry about.

With that, he heads outside.

Being met with Julie and Frank.

“Hello Julie, hello Frank.”

“Hello Wally!” Julie exclaims with a grin.

Frank smiles as well, but raises a brow at the outfit. “Isn’t it a bit warm out for those clothes?”

Wally just gives a reassuring smile. “I was feeling cold. And they’re very comfortable.”

“Fair enough.” Frank shrugged.

“We wanted to see if you wanted to play double dutch jump rope with us!” Julie declared.

“Yes, we need three players, and we thought you’d like to join.” Frank adds.

It probably wasn’t the best choice to do something so active at the moment. But he wasn’t about to say no, when he would like to play.

“Alright.” He says with less enthusiasm than he would have liked. But luckily neither of them seem to have noticed.

“Great! I’ll be right back!” Julie hops away for a moment. Only a minute later to be returning with two jump ropes in hand.

They move over to the pathway between the three of their Homes.

This time. He felt Home watching him the whole time.

He knew he only got lucky that the other two showed up as soon as it was light out. because Home couldn’t have been happy with the fact that he stayed up all night again, after agreeing to one painting. So at least he wouldn’t have to hear Home scolding until another day now.

Although with how tired he felt, he wasn’t too sure it was considered that lucky. If it’s this noticeable to him, no doubt Home could tell too. Maybe he should’ve just layed down. But it was too late for that now.

Julie went first on jumping in the middle of the two ropes, while Wally and Frank both turned the two jump ropes in opposite directions.

Before long she hops out of the ropes. And she and Frank switch places. And a bit after that he and Wally switch places.

While the game was still fun to Wally, There’s starting to be noticeable black spots within his vision.

Getting distracted by those, he stumbled and tripped over one of the ropes. And fell to the ground. Luckily the grass broke his fall a bit.

“Ah-” he did not get back up, and just closed his eyes for a moment.

After a second, Julie picks him up with a worried look. “Oh my goodness! Are you okay Wally?”

He gives a reassuring smile. “Yes. I just have two left feet. Ha, Ha, Ha.” Barnaby said that that meant someone was awkward when dancing. So hopefully it worked okay here too?

Julie grins then. “That’s okay! Frank has two left feet too! And he still learned how to dance!”

”Julie!” Frank called in embarrassment. Making Julie giggle.

As Julie puts him back on his own feet. He catches sight of Home. And clear worry is across his expression. As he’s still keeping an eye on him.

Also, those spots in his sight were not going away…

“Oh!” Julie exclaimed after another second. “I almost forgot! Poppy asked me if I could help her make cookies for all the neighbors today! Would you both like to help too?”

“Oh! Of course!” Frank says. ”You should have asked us sooner!”

Julie giggles. “I know- I know!” She then turns to Wally. “What about you Wally? Bet ya she’ll let us lick the spoon!”

He just smiles. “Alright.”

“Great! lead the way.” Frank says.

As the other two started to walk over to Poppy's, Wally also took one step in that direction. Only to almost fall again, barely catching himself. His balance is so messed up.

There’s a quiet creak of worry from Home, As he can obviously tell something is wrong.

There’s a beat, and he does not move again. He knew he needed to before the other two noticed. But he also wasn’t sure how he was going to walk all the way over to her Home without falling again.

Not to mention back to his Home once he left Poppy’s. At least right now he might be able to get back to Home easier. But over there and then back? It wasn’t going to be fun to say the least…

“Hey bubby!-” Wally jolts at another voice now besides him. Thank goodness he doesn’t fall just from that.

”What are you doing standing still here like a statue for?”

He turns to the other, realizing it's just Barnaby.

Barnaby's expression immediately turns to concern though. “Er- Sorry kid, didn’t mean ta make ya jump.” He puts a hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright?”

Wally just nods slightly.

Barnaby didn’t look convinced in the slightest. But this could be the excuse Wally needed to not move.

“Julie, Frank, and I were about to visit Poppy. She might need help with all the baking.”

Barnaby raised a brow at that, while looking in the distance, where the other two were already walking there.

“Got ya. Why are you still stood here for then?”

Wally doesn’t answer for a beat too long. And now Barnaby’s giving him an even more worried look.

“Do you want to help with the cooking?” Barnaby now questions.

“Yes.” Wally says instantly.

“Want a lift over there?” Barnaby is only really guessing, but trying his first thought.

There’s another beat. Before Wally hesitantly says. “Maybe…”

Barnaby’s expression immediately softens.

“Alright! Up you go!” Barnaby gently lifts Wally up onto his shoulders.

And Wally instantly felt tension from his own shoulders start to ease. He hadn’t even realized how stressed he was until now.

The moment they get to Poppy’s home, they see Julie and Frank both waiting in the front yard.

Before they catch sight of the two. And then Frank groans. “What are you doing here?” He directed at Barnaby.

But the other just smirks back. “Can’t a dog just hang out with his best bud?”

“The more the merrier I say!” Julie declares with her own grin.

Frank scoffed. “Having you here will only slow down the baking.”

Barnaby huffs in amusement. “Like you’re a master chief yourself, Ay Frank? Last I remember, you burned water.”

Frank's face flushed in annoyance. “At least I don’t get eggshells in the mixing bowl!”

“Now what’s wrong with a little crunch? It’s better that way!” He jest.

The other eyes narrowed. “Cakes aren't supposed to be crunchy!”

“What about the ones with sprinkles?” Wally questions.

“And peanuts!” Julie adds.

Frank gets a betrayed expression. As Barnaby chuckles.

“Which side are you two on?” Frank frowns.

Julie giggles. “Sorry Frank.”

“Anyhow! These ain't gonna bake themselves!” Barnaby points out, before knocking on Poppy’s door.

After a moment Poppy is answering the door with a smile.

“Oh! You brought more helpers?” She says in surprise.

“That’s right!” Julie exclaimed with a grin. ”I thought it’d be even easier with a few more hands!”

“Oh! of course! Come in- come in!” Poppy insists while moving to the side a bit, so they could all enter.

After that they got set up in the kitchen. And started to whip up the food. It was far less exhausting then the game was. So it was easier to ignore how much Wally just wanted to close his eyes and not move for a long time.

But He still felt very sluggish. Though he wasn’t sure if he really was lagging behind, or if he just felt like he was moving in slow motion.

Barnaby could clearly tell something was up with him. In the way that he was noticeably keeping an eye on him the whole time they were baking. Just like how Home was doing when they were still outside. Hopefully Home wasn’t too worried, especially now that he couldn’t see him while they were in another Home.

Once they were done with all the cookies, they headed back outside, to each and every neighbor, to give each of them a batch. Every single one of them was very grateful and excited for them.

And by then, it was getting dark again. So they all said their farewells.

Barnaby faltered though, very clearly not wanting to leave him. But he reluctantly says goodbyes anyways. Knowing Wally wouldn’t talk about what was going on unless he wanted to.

Wally tried not to falter himself on every step he took. But once he passed into the doorway of Home. He hesitantly pressed a hand against the wall, to help hold himself up. He knew Home wouldn’t mind, but he’d also find it concerning. So he didn’t want to do it…

The door closed behind him again, very much to his relief this time.

‘U Ok?’ Ringed out. Purposefully shortened to be quicker.

“Yes.” He says like a liar.

Home didn’t believe it for a moment.

‘You should lay down.’ Home declares as if Wally didn’t already know that.

But he just goes over to the still fallen easel, and picks it up. Before setting up another canvas.

Home eyes narrowed at this. Knowing full well the other just planned to paint all night again then.

‘Wally.’

The tension in those knocks was clear. So he snapped around to make eye contact with Home.

“Yes Home?” Wally says hesitantly.

‘Rest.’ Ringed out, clearly meant in a way that leaves no room for argument.

Wally just stares for a moment in silence.

Before just turning back to the canvas, and dipping one of his hands fully in the black paint.

Home grimaced at that, knowing it’d be extremely difficult to get clear again. The floor was one thing, but Wally’s fabric was another. The fact that he was even willing to do such a thing just made it that much more worrying.

Wally spreads the paint onto the canvas in spots with said hand. The spots being exactly where they are within his vision. Although now they started to cover the corners of his sight too. So he paints all the ends of the canvas in a circle as well.

There wasn’t much else he could even add to this one. And there wasn’t any point in keeping it either. So he just picks up his palette and starts to paint over it.

‘Wally.’ Home calls again.

“Home.” Wally just calls back, continuing to paint.

‘You need to rest.’

There’s a beat.

“It’s so boring…” He says quietly.

‘You still need to.’ Home points out regrettably.

“I’m alright without it.” Wally just says, even though it was such a clear lie to them both.

Home was at a loss on what else to say. Wally clearly wasn’t going to listen.

‘Wally, please rest.’

He grimaced. “Can’t I just paint instead? I’ll just take it easy the next few days.”

Home made a creak in frustration.

“I’ll paint us!” He says with more enthusiasm, trying to further convince the other.

‘You’d feel better after resting.’

“I feel fine now.” He just insists. And starts to paint them both.

Home has no idea what he’s supposed to do in this situation. Wally has never been so determined not to rest before. Imagine that, refusing to do something that all you needed to do- is nothing at all. And that was the problem since it was so dull. But resting, along with sleeping, aren’t supposed to be exciting. The whole point is to get your energy back.

After a long while. Wally grins, and picks up the painting to show Home better.

“It’s done! Do you like it?”

Home softens not only at the painting, but also Wally’s smile. It’s a painting of them both with many flowers all around them.

‘It’s very lovely.’ Home declares genuinely.

Wally's smile widens. “Thank you Home.”

There’s a beat.

‘Rest now?’ Home raises a brow as he asks.

Wally doesn’t give a verbal answer. And just starts painting Barnaby and Julie.

Home made another creak in frustration.

Once again. Wally paints every neighbor. And once he painted everyone within the neighborhood Home. he starts painting others beyond that. Like Barnaby ma, Julie siblings, and Howdy’s extended family.

And just like that, the sun was now rising again…

As the sunlight was now shining through the window shutters.

Wally smiles, and gets up to go to the door. But stumbles slightly, immediately having to catch himself on one of the walls.

Home made a creak in worry. But Wally just gives a reassuring smile as he still makes his way over to the door.

This night made it ten days without any real rest.

Enough was enough.

Right as Wally got to the door. Home locked it.

Wally stops mid step, eyes narrowing at the door. Obviously hearing the click.

But he tries to open it anyway. Before he gasps, as it doesn’t budge. “You locked me in??” He says in disbelief. Home has never done that before.

‘Rest.’ Home just says very clearly annoyed now.

“You’re making me rest during the day now?” Wally wines.

Home rolls his eyes. ‘If you just had at night, No.’

Wally huffs, and reluctantly moves back over to his painting easel instead.

Home eyes narrowed at the action.

Before starting to flip the floorboards under Wally feet, pulling the other over to the wardrobe. As the doors to said wardrobe yanked opened.

“AH-” Wally yelped, and tried to keep his balance. Before grabbing the wardrobe doors to stay up.

‘Rest.’ Home repeats.

“Home-” Wally tries only to be interrupted by knocks again.

‘Rest.’

“You can’t just-”

‘Rest.’

Wally gives Home a frustrated look. But Home shares the expression.

There’s another beat. Before Wally reluctantly takes the nightwear.

Home could almost sigh with relief.

Once Wally switches clothes though, he moves back over to the easel again.

‘Wally!’ Home exclaims now in disbelief.

“I know Home. But I can’t just leave the painting unfinished.” Wally reasons.

Home eyes narrowed at the clear excuse.

‘You were about to leave it when you were going outside.’ Home points out.

But Wally just ignores that, as he picks up his paint palette.

Home flips the floorboard again, now pulling the seat Wally was sitting on, away from the easel slightly. Getting him to stop painting, but not enough to actually knock him out of the chair.

Wally stares at the floor. “Home, don’t you want another lovely picture of us?” He tries to convince the other. Even though he knew it wasn’t going to work.

Home rolls his eyes. Flipping the floorboards further. To where he was now right next to the bed.

Wally just stares at it, but he doesn’t move.

So Home uses the mattress end, and tosses a pillow at him.

“Oof-” Wally gets a sheepish smile. “Are we having a pillow fight now?”

Home just gives an unimpressed look.

So the other slumped. “Okay…” He says with a sad smile. Before reluctantly standing and then climbing into the bed. Pulling the tossed pillow back onto it with him.

‘Goodnight.’ Home says in encouragement.

“Don’t you mean good morning? Ha ha.” Wally says light heartedly.

Home chuckles. Before closing the window shutters to try and block out as much light as possible. Along with turning out most of the light inside. Save for a nightlight.

Wally wraps the wool blanket around himself, and puts the weighted blanket on top over the other. And fixes back the tossed pillow back up with the other one at the headboard.

Not that he needed another pillow. In general the bed was unnecessarily big for him. But it was great for sleepovers. So they could just share, and not have to sleep on the floor or armchair. Within reason of course. Clearly not everyone in the neighborhood would be able to fit all at once.

As he finally lays down. He can practically see tension easing from Home even in the darkened room.

He also almost forgot how comfortable the bedding actually was with ten days refusing to lay in it. And with the nice warmth from it as well. It was very cozy.

Though with how tired he’s gotten within that time, it would probably feel like a cloud even if he laid on a rock. He could feel all the tension he’s been collecting, slowly easing the longer he lays here.

After a moment, he picks up his eye mask and wraps it over his eyes. This time he could easily keep his eyes closed without it. But he never rested without it either. So it just felt wrong not to have it.

He wasn’t sure how long he laid there, not even really thinking much of anything besides how cozy he felt.

But after a long while He hears some knocks from outside. But he doesn’t attempt to get up.

Not only because Home probably wouldn’t let him out the door anyways. But also because he really was just far too exhausted to. So he can only assume someone is talking with Home. And by how he could just barely make out ‘Sleeping’ being ringed out, They might be talking about him.

Thinking about it now. He should’ve just asked some of his friends if they wanted to have a sleepover. The other neighbors always made resting less boring. Even after they actually fell asleep themselves, it was still just nice having more company. Not like it really matters now that he was already resting.

Just the thought of getting up again made him want to bury himself fully under the blankets further. His lambs feel like heavy weights. But he’d still just kept thinking about all the things he could be doing instead of laying here. Even though he knew full well none of those would be any fun while this exhausted.

Thinking about all the things he could be doing just made him feel like he wasn’t resting at all too. He’s supposed to be thinking of nothing at all. Or something less mentally tiring. Barnaby says that a lot of people will count sheep when trying to fall asleep, because it's a meditative distraction. He wasn’t sure how much it worked. Especially if you can't picture things in your mind like how some couldn’t. And what if you just got too engrossed in counting, that you still wouldn’t be resting well enough? You’d spend all your time wondering how many sheep could fit in one farm, instead of sleeping.

Barnaby also said some will listen to music for the same reason as counting sheep. Only it’s much less of a mindful distraction, because you do less when a song plays. Although he always liked to sing along to songs. So if you put music with lyrics to play, he didn’t think it’d help very much because he’d want to get up and sing instead of resting.

Sometimes it was nice to just sit and do nothing while thinking up new ideas for stuff to make at a later time. Because you might be too busy doing other stuff to even think about what to paint. But times like now would be the perfect time, if it didn’t take more energy to think about it so much.

The softness of the bedding was only nice for so long. Until you get so bored that it starts to feel suffocating. And the warmth that felt so cozy, switches to burning you alive. And the only thing you can think the longer you lay there, is how much you just want to jump up and go run across the neighborhood, and never lay back down again.

But the aches from the pure exhaustion keeps you from moving. Because what would you even do once you got up? Not enjoy a thing because it feels like you’re underwater? And the longer you stay up right, the more it’d hurt once you’d fall, because you’d start to feel like you’re finally drowning. At least laying down sooner than later, it’d feel more like a cloud, over a river.

Sometimes, the time flies so slow when doing nothing, and other times it’d go by so fast, that you can only wonder where the time went. It never stopped moving. But one can lose track of it so easily.

‘Wally? It’s morning.’

There were a few soft knocks from Home that made him realize just how much time had passed without him even noticing. It was the next day now. He hadn’t even known it gotten dark again at one point.

‘Barnaby wants to see you.’ Ringed out another moment later.

Oh, that must be why Home’s even bothering him. With how long it took to get him to lay down, he wouldn’t have been surprised if Home would’ve just let him rest until he decided to get up himself.

But it made sense that Barnaby was here. After three days of odd behavior, and yesterday they hadn’t even spoken. He was most likely very worried. And he couldn’t be sure what Home had told them where he was yesterday.

He still didn’t want to get up. But he wasn’t going to keep Barnaby worrying either. So reluctantly, he tosses the two blankets to the side, and takes off the eye mask. Before standing, and walking over to the door.

He stops med step by the door though. Before ruffling his hair slightly. Trying to fix it the most he could without having to take a long time on it. He knew Barnaby wouldn’t judge him or anything. But he’d still rather it not be such a mess.

Now, he opens the door.

“Hello Barnaby.” He gives a tired smile.

There’s clear concern in Barnaby’s expression. But it softens upon seeing him. “Hey sleepy head.”

“Ha, ha.” Wally chuckled.

“Home said you been sleeping. Ya feeling okay?”

“I’m alright now. Just tired.”

Barnaby hummed. “Did I wake you up? You’re not dressed.”

What time was it anyway? Barnaby didn’t usually get up super early. But if he was also worried about him, he might not have been able to sleep himself. And that thought alone made his chest ache.

“No. I just wasn’t in a rush to go out today.” Half true anyway. He was never asleep. Besides, Home was technically the one that told him Barnaby was even here. So if anything, Home ‘woke him up’.

“What happened to your hand?” Barnaby questions.

Wally and Home both grimaced at this, as Wally looks at the still black dyed hand. They forgot all about that!

Barnaby raised a brow at their reactions. But quickly puts on a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, we can get it washed out no problemo!”

Wally eases at that instantly. ”Painting got a little- out of Hand. Ha, ha, ha.”

Barnaby howls with laughter at that. “Now that’s a good one bud!”

He puts his own hand on Wally's shoulder, before pulling him back inside Home. “Now come on. I’d bet you’re dye-ing ta wash that out.”

Wally and Home both chuckle at that as the door closes back behind them.

While Wally still felt tired. At least he didn’t feel like he was going to fall over from one step anymore. And his sight was now clear again too. He wonders if Barnaby would want to sleep over. He really just wanted to go back to bed.

Still, he brought over his usual clothes that also had paint all over them, to the water Barnaby had set up too. And realization crosses Barnaby's expression for a moment.

And it’s then Wally realized, he didn’t move any of the paintings he had made over the last few days. So the ripped spirals painting was still sitting where Barnaby obviously saw it.

Worrying Barnaby must be his most skill…

Despite that. They fell into a comfortable silence as they cleaned the clothes. And he tries to get his hand as clear as possible. He gets paint on him all the time. But usually he’d wash it out the same day it happens. So it doesn't stain. But clearly he didn’t do that this time. But after a bit. It was all clear enough, that they’d called it done.

“Thanks for always helping me Barnaby. You too Home.” Wally says quietly.

Barnaby and Home both get fond expressions at that.

“Of course buddy! That’s what best pals do!”

Home makes a creak in agreement.

“Ha ha. Still, Thank you both for being here.”

“Thank you, for being here Wally!” Barnaby pokes him light heartedly. Making Wally smile.

There’s a beat, before Barnaby raises a brow. “So- Do you want to head out to Howdy’s or something?”

“Actually-” Wally falters, but continues. ”I think I’m just going to stay in again today. I’m still tired.”

Barnaby gets a sad smile. “Whatever ya want kid. Do ya want some company?”

“I’d love some.” He says without hesitation.

Barnaby grins then. “Well- good thing we’re here!” He wraps Wally into a hug.

Wally slacken in the hold. As Barnaby carried him over to the bed, and wrapped the wool blanket over them both.

If it was cozy before. Having Barnaby here made it feel that much more safe.

Moments like this, he wasn’t even sure why he refused to lay down for so long.