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It was just an ordinary day in Howdy’s shop!
He had many customers come and go all day. And he was very glad that all the new products that he now has in stock were selling extremely well! He even had to restock the shelves already!
Which is what he was doing now! At least until his attention was pulled to the door opening, with a soft ring from the bell on said door.
He turns to see who it was, it being Barnaby and Wally. Only this time Barnaby was holding Wally unlike usual.
Still he grins upon seeing the two. “Howdy do fellas!”
“Heya Howdy.” Barnaby returns the smile, but it’s far more strained than usual. And Wally doesn't greet him at all, which he always does to literally everyone.
Needless to say, he realizes something was wrong before either of them had the chance to confirm it.
“Anything I can do for ya lovely customers?” He asks much more gently than he even intended.
Now Wally actually looks at him. His expression was just as strained as the other.
Barnaby gives a light hearted huff. “Can you do me a favor Howdy?”
“Surely do.” He agrees without any hesitation. “What can I do ya for?”
“Can you just keep Wally company for a bit? Just until I get back?”
Howdy raised a brow. “Of course! I could use the company myself. Ya know any retail humor?” He directed towards Wally, and he gets a small smile at the question.
“Thanks pal- I won’t be long.” Barnaby says as he puts Wally down on the counter. The next sentence clearly being towards Wally himself. “Stay with Howdy until I get back. Ey bud? I’ll see what I can do okay?”
Wally looked exasperated, but he agreed anyway. “Okay…”
Barnaby gives one more smile at the two, before heading back out the door.
They fall into silence briefly as the two watch him go.
There’s a beat before Howdy asks.
“So- Everything aight with you Walls?”
Wally turns his head to look at him better. And while there’s still clear strain, his expression was now more relaxed.
“Yes. Barnaby is just a worrywart.”
Howdy raised a brow in amusement. Now he knew Barnaby extremely well. And a worrywart was not something he would’ve ever called him. But then again, he was always very protective of Wally. So maybe it wasn’t that far fetched. Especially from Wally's point of view.
“Oh yeah? He’d a loyal dog, bet ya he’d bite my head off for ya sake.”
Wally gives him an almost amused look. “I don’t know. He really likes you too.”
“Can't argue with that.” He chuckles.
They fall into silence for a moment, before Wally asks.
“Got any new products lately?”
And he grinned, before going on a long spout about all the amazing new things he has gotten. Even bringing many out so Wally could see them, and their worth.
After a while of that, they went on to just chat about more random things. And Howdy started to work a bit around the shop as they talked.
Usually Every night before closing he would organize and straighten any loose products. And then the next morning he’d go and restock anything that needed it, as well as restraighten anything he might have missed the night before.
After all! His shop had to be in its very best shape! How else would the rest of the neighborhood suppose to know that his products were the very best, if his shop looked like a rainstorm went right through it!?
But sometimes he just got kind of bored not moving around, so he’d start to organize everything long before closing. Where it was almost more a form of fidgeting than anything else.
Luckily Wally didn’t seem to mind. Though Howdy also couldn’t help but notice he hasn’t moved from the counter either. Usually Wally would follow him around the shop while he himself moved around it, even though the shop was small. He always assumes it was mainly to always get the best view of the products before buying them.
After a bit of talking about mostly nothing, Howdy says. “-Not that repainting the shop is only a bad idea, it could lead to more customers. Or make less come… Do you think it’d look better another color?”
But Wally doesn’t reply to that last bit like the rest. So Howdy looked towards him, only to see him staring intensely at the door. And now that Howdy looked at the windows himself. He realized the sun was already setting.
Barnaby still hasn't come back…
“Hm.” He starts to set up for closing, still working around Wally, just this time they were both silent.
Before long the shop was ready to close. So he leans on the counter, deciding on the next best move in action.
Now normally he might either offer to walk Wally home, or just kick him out. As he would do with any other customers at closing. But Wally wasn’t here as a customer. And Barnaby was pretty clear to him and Wally both that he shouldn’t leave until Barnaby himself got back.
But it was also getting dark now. And none of them are supposed to be out at night. So unless Barnaby shows up in the next few minutes. Wally was probably going to have to stay the night.
Which he didn’t mind, the whole neighborhood has sleepovers all the. But this just wasn’t planned as a sleepover. Wally hadn’t brought anything that he might need. At least of all places for this to happen his shop was the best option, since he has anything one might need right here! But something told him Wally won’t find much luck in it.
After a few more moments it was fully dark out. And Howdy hummed, before pointing out.
“Don’t think Barns coming back tonight. Guess you’re staying over.”
Wally noticeably slumped at that. Before he’s hesitantly climbing off the counter. And whines slightly doing so.
“You alright-”
“Yes.” Wally doesn’t let him finish. Before he unsteadily walks over to the windows, looking out of one of them. And Howdy notices how he only really puts weight on one leg.
Howdy eyes narrowed slightly. That explains why he hadn’t moved this entire time. But the question remains on what happened.
Howdy heads over to the same window, and puts a hand on Wally's back. “Can I pick ya up?” He asks instead of asking why he was even injured.
Wally turns to look at him with an unintelligible look. “Aren’t you going to ask what happened?”
“Do you want me to?” While he did want to know, that wasn’t really what mattered the most right now.
There’s a beat before the other replied in a quiet tone. “No...”
“Well- that settles that then.” He gives a reassuring grin. “Can I pick ya up?” He asks again.
And this time Wally reluctantly nodded.
So he scoops the other up easily, before moving to the living quarters of his Home.
Wally noticeably scans the whole surroundings. And that’s when Howdy realizes Wally has never been in here before. While they talk everyday, it’s usually just in the shop, if not just outside all together. And when they had neighborhood wide sleepovers, it was never at Howdy's or Eddie's, because they were both work places too.
“What ya think? As snug as a bug in a rug?”
Wally gets a small smile. “Yes, it’s cozy.”
“Now that’s what I like to hear! Gotta have da best products in town, and who better to sample them than moi!?”
Wally chuckles at that.
“Speaking of which- I got lots-o nightgowns in the shop. Ya can have one on da house!” He exclaimed as he sats Wally down on the bed.
“That’s alright, I’m used to wearing day clothes at night anyway.”
He is? That didn’t sound as reassuring as he thinks Wally meant it to be.
“Well- It’s up to you. I really don’t mind you taking em though.”
Wally doesn’t reply back to that, as he stares at the bed he was now sitting on.
“Your bed is bigger than mine.”
Howdy couldn’t help but laugh. “Well I am much larger than you are Walls.”
“Yes. but mine is big enough so Barnaby and I can both fit. Yours could fit you and Barnaby both too.”
Howdy couldn’t help the amusement in his tone as he says. “Probably because that’s why it’s that big. I like Barnaby’s company too, ya know?”
Wally stares at him for a long moment after that.
“Like me and Barnaby? Or like Frank and Eddie?”
Howdy couldn’t shop from choking on air from such a question. Not only from the question itself, but the fact that he never would’ve expected it from Wally of all neighbors.
“Oh-Ye-Dear- Now I think that’s a good time to call it a night!” Howdy exclaimed, not giving an answer.
Howdy moves over to his wardrobe, taking out his own nightwear.
Wally's eyes narrowed slightly at him, before he tossed his shoes off, and turned around to fully have his attention to the wall by the bed. So Howdy could change in peace.
There were many picture frames in the living quarters. Some with the neighbors, and some with Howdy's family.
Wally still hasn't met all of Howdy’s family, even with meeting so many of them already. Sometimes he felt like Howdy gets more family members as soon as he meets one of them. Which could be true if they had a baby or something. But that wasn’t the case here.
After a moment Howdy sits on the bed with Wally.
“Ya sure you don’t want one of those extra nightgowns?”
“Yes.” He takes off his blue cardigan, And gently folds it. Before laying it on the night table by the bed.
He shrugged, before they both got settled on the bed, wrapping the blanket around them both.
Howdy realizes they never had cuddles just them before, so he has no idea what Wally was comfortable with. Usually whenever he went to sleepovers himself, they were always the neighborhood wide sleepovers. So while most of the time they would end up in cuddle piles. Usually he and Wally were never on the same ends of it.
Laying one hand on his back, and another on his head. He hopes for the best, and by how Wally doesn’t complain about it, he thinks it’s okay. And the other just gently lays on his chest.
He never realized how soft Wally's hair was before now. During the day, touching Wally's hair was one of the only things that he’ll actively swat you away if you tried touching it. He assumes it’s because he always sets his hair a specific way everyday. While at night it’s going to get messed up when sleeping anyway, so by then he didn’t care.
The longer they laid there though, Howdy notices how Wally was still not asleep.
“Hey Walls, Aren’t you tired? Why aren’t you sleeping?”
Wally shifts, so they can look eye to eye. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”
Howdy chuckles slightly. “Well I was kinda waiting for you to fall asleep. Just in case you needed anything.”
Something flashes across Wally’s expression, but it’s gone so quick Howdy doesn’t fully catch what it was. “I don’t sleep well…” The other says hesitantly.
Howdy hummed at that. “I see. Well, you think a bedtime story would help?” He offers.
“No.” Wally declares immediately. “Nothing helps.” He says matter of factly.
Really? That doesn’t sound good. Did anyone else even know that he doesn’t sleep well? He’s surprised he’s never heard anyone mentioned it before if they do though. So that gives the idea that maybe no one did. Or at least not many. He wouldn’t be surprised if Barnaby and Home both knew though.
You’d think with all the sleepovers most would have noticed at some point. But he also knew that most everyone else fell asleep pretty easily and quickly. So really, it’d make sense that they haven’t.
“Well, you want to chat for a while?”
“You still need sleep.”
“I don’t mind, It’s not like one night without sleep is going to do much.”
Wally stares at him for a moment.
“Sometimes it’s nice to rest in silence.” Wally shifts back to how he laid before.
Howdy hummed. Just deciding to take his word for it.
They fell into comfortable silence after that.
And while he didn’t figure it’d help the other sleep any better, he gently ran his fingers through Wally’s hair. Hoping that’ll feel nice at least.
And after a moment, while he could tell Wally still wasn’t asleep just as he’d assumed, he did relax much more in his hold than before. So he’s going to count that as a win.
Eventually he did fall into a slumber himself. He just hopes Wally wasn’t too bored at least if he still never got any real sleep that night.
-
As the sunlight started shining through the window shutters, waking Howdy up. He tossed an arm over his eyes. Fully knowing he’ll have to get up and open the shop soon.
Don’t get him wrong, he loves his job, and he adores talking to all the neighbors. But sometimes it would be nice to sleep in now and again.
As he runs that hand down his face, he starts to shift to get up, but immediately stops as he feels another learning on him.
He looks down to the other, seeing Wally. For a moment he thinks the other might actually be asleep, but another second, and he’s opening his eyes to meet Howdy's.
“Morning Walls! I forgot you were here. Sorry- Did I wake ya?”
“Good morning Howdy. No.”
Howdy looks at the clock on the bed side table, and realizes he never set it the night before. It was actually much later than he usually got up. But luckily still plenty of time before he’d need to open the shop.
Now normally he’d immediately get up now. But with Wally here he shouldn’t jump up so quickly for the work day. And he was also very comfortable. So those made good enough excuses for him to just lay in bed for a while this morning.
“What do you dream about?” Wally asks curiosity.
Howdy pulls his attention back to the other with a grin. “Mostly about good deals. Ever found the best bulk deal ever, only to wake up and realize it was just a dream? Oh-no.” He makes a fake cry at the end.
Wally gets an amused smile.
“What about you pal?”
There’s a beat of silence before Wally answers. Only as if he’s deciding whether or not he should.
“Eyes.” He says very quietly.
Howdy raised a brow. “Eyes?”
“Yes. thousands of eyes watching me intensely.”
That sounds very creepy. No wonder Wally couldn’t sleep.
“Huh. That sounds more like a nightmare. Does it feel like they’re judging you or something?” Howdy questions.
“Yes, but only some of them. Most of them love me.”
Uh- What?
Dreams never do make much sense though, and Wally has always been a bit odd. So maybe it was just another quirk.
“If ya say so. Can you recognize any of the gazes?”
There’s clear hesitation before he answers.
“No…”
And something about the way he says it makes it sound like a lie. So Howdy just raised a brow, skeptical.
So Wally reluctantly changed the answer. “Yes. But it’s no one you know.”
“I see. Well that’s good to know I’m not haunting ya in those dreams of yours.” He says in a more light hearted tone. And Wally chuckles slightly.
They fall into comfortable silence briefly.
Before Wally points out. “We should get up. Your shop isn’t going to open itself.”
Howdy laughs. “Right you are!”
Howdy gets up and walks over to the wardrobe, picking out his day clothes for the day.
And Wally takes his cardigan, putting it back on. Before standing, and unsteadily walking over to the vanity mirror Howdy has in the room.
Wally stares at the hair brush for a moment, before lifting it up towards Howdy, without actually looking over. “Can I use this?”
Howdy just gets an amused smile at that. “You betcha!”
“Thanks.”
Wally starts to brush his hair, while Howdy switches clothes.
Once Howdy was done he realized he only has one hair brush in here. So he’ll need to wait for Wally to be done with it before he sets up his own hair. Unless he wants to take one out of the shop, which he’d rather not do.
As he looks back over to Wally, he also comes to the realization that he never saw the other actually set up his own hair before either. Even at sleepovers his hair never usually got that messed up enough for it, or to be considered down, where he’d need to fix it fully.
In hindsight maybe that was partly because the other didn’t usually sleep. So he’s careful enough not to mess it up. He’d be worried the other would be annoyed with him messing it up this time. But as far as he could tell, Wally didn’t seem to care in the slightest.
After a moment, Wally lays the hair brush down. Before he starts twisting his hair up to how it usually is.
There’s one loose hair that falls in Wally’s face though, and he glares at it, before fixing it.
Howdy couldn’t stop the chuckle that came out at the display.
Wally looks over at him, now realizing he was looking at him, and he gives him an unamused look.
”Sorry, sorry- Never seen ya set up your hair before.” He says, because that was why he was staring at him.
“I don’t like it down.” The other says as his own explanation. And it made sense to Howdy. If Wally didn’t like it, why would he let others see it that way?
“I dunno-” He grins. ”It’s very lovely to me. Don’t get me wrong, I think the way your hair usually is, is very charming too. I'm just saying either could be the bee's knees.”
Wally stares at him for a long moment after that.
“Thank you…” He says very softly. Before continuing to fix his hair.
Something in Howdy's chest twists at the gentleness of it.
Hesitantly, Howdy walks over to the vanity as well.
“You done with this?” He points to the brush.
“Yes.”
So he picks it up, and starts brushing his own hair.
Once Wally was done setting up his hair, that's when Howdy puts down the brush, and sets his own up.
Wally stares at him in the mirror the whole time he does so.
“What ya thinking in that head of yours Walls?” Howdy asks in amusement once he’s done.
“Our hair styles are very similar.” Wally points out.
Howdy raised a brow, before looking between both their hairs.
“Huh- You’re right Walls! They’re both blue too!”
Wally grins. “Now we really know we got style.”
Howdy laughs. “You got that right!”
Wally starts to say something else, but it gets cut off. As they both jolted as a really loud bang was heard from outside.
They fall into silence as they both stare at each other in confusion.
Before another ringed out.
And now Howdy doesn’t even hesitate before picking Wally up, and heading outside to check it out.
Upon first look right outside the shop, there didn’t seem to be anything off. So they round the corner, where they can see the rest of the neighborhood better.
And that’s when they see Home and Barnaby seemingly yelling at each other.
But right as they walked past the wall. Home’s eyes immediately narrowed in on them. Or as Howdy may think, to Wally specifically.
And Wally noticeably tensed at the intent stare.
Howdy saw how Barnaby stopped talking momentarily, before looking in their direction as well. Probably noticing how Home attention wasn’t on him anymore. He crossed his arms before looking at Home again.
Howdy and Wally were both nowhere near close enough to have any idea what was being said by the other two. But those bangs that were heard were no doubt from Home. Neither of the two being happy whatsoever was the only thing clear right now.
Howdy was also a bit unnerved by how quickly Home caught onto them though. Not only with how the two were clearly in a passionate argument and still pulled away his attention so quickly like that. But also by just how far away they still were, but he still looked over so clearly at them.
Had Home known where Wally was last night? Surely he had, so maybe he was just keeping an eye out for Wally?
There was just something in that stare that Howdy really didn’t like though. It looks almost dangerous. Possessive maybe.
He saw Barnaby look between Home and them in frustration. And so, Howdy looks at Wally, and realizes he and Home were both just staring intensely at each other now.
So on that note!
“Let’s head back inside Walls. You know what they say about breakfast!” Howdy exclaimed and turned around to start heading back.
“The most important meal of the day.” Wally adds in a blank tone.
Howdy smiled slightly at that.
Before the two jolts again, As an even louder bang rang out.
Howdy turns around again, only to be met with a very angry glare from Home.
This time Wally actively buries his head in Howdy's shoulder after seeing the look. And that’s all Howdy needs to turn back around and walk around the corner.
More loud bangs ringed out after that, but Howdy ignored them, and just walked back into his shop.
He felt like he was really missing some important details on what in Home is going on. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try his best to keep Wally safe.
Wally is already injured…
‘Home hurt Wally.’ Howdy couldn’t help but think after everything he just saw. ‘What if Barnaby had hurt Wally?’ Howdy felt nauseous as the thought moved to that.
Barnaby was clearly worried about Wally, And Wally did say he was a worrywart. But he also left Wally with Howdy for some reason, and knew Howdy would trust him. Home was acting odd, but why wouldn’t he if Wally had just gotten hurt and then didn’t show back up that night?
Neither thought was ideal. And The two were both clearly mad at each other. So there was no telling what happened unless Wally told him.
It was actually time to open the shop now. But just this once, Howdy was going to ignore that. Going back into the living quarters to make them some food.
One great advantage of having four arms was that it was still easy peasy to hold Wally, while also making the food. Normally he put Wally down now. But considering the other hadn’t moved even slightly from whatever happened outside. Howdy figured he’d just continue to carry him for now.
Once the food is ready, he puts out a seat. “Do you want to stay like this Wally? Obviously you can have your own seat if you'd rather. But I’m also fine ta keep holding ya.”
Wally finally lifts his head, and stares at the chairs momentarily.
“I want my own seat. But can it be the one next to yours?”
Howdy just gives a smile. “Of course!” He pulls out another chair. Before gently sitting Wally there.
As he starts to eat, he couldn’t help but notice Wally doesn’t eat his own food though, he just kind of stares at it. Which Howdy wasn’t too surprised by. Wally was clearly upset, and eating sometimes became very unappealing when in a bad mood.
“Can I ask what happened yesterday?” Howdy finally asks.
Wally somewhat sighs. And is quiet for another moment before he answers. “Home closed the door on my leg when he was trying to stop me from leaving with Barnaby.”
Howdy blinks.
“What!??” He exclaimed in confusion. “Why would he do that?”
”It was an accident.” Wally immediately defended.
“No- I meant-” Well actually that was a good question too, but- ”Why was he trying to stop you from leaving?”
The other doesn’t reply right away again.
“...Home doesn’t like Barnaby very much.” Wally says very hesitatingly.
He doesn’t?? That was news to him. He and Barnaby talked everyday about their lives, why hadn’t he mentioned this? Unless-
“Does Barnaby know that?”
But Wally genuinely laughs. “Yes.” He says it like it was very obvious.
That was a bit concerning.
“Barnaby doesn’t like Home either.” Wally then adds.
“Why?” Howdy couldn’t help but ask. “I mean- You’d think that since they both get along so well with you, that they’ll get on as well.”
“They don’t agree on how to take care of me.” Wally says almost- bitterly?
“Right…” That made sense, he supposed. While for the most part Wally could take care of himself, sometimes he did need a bit more aid now and again.
But at the same time with that tone- he couldn’t help but wonder… “And how do you want to be taken care of? Shouldn’t that be the way they both should go about it?”
Wally yanks his head to stare at him with wide eyes. “Do you really mean that?”
Oh-
He could feel the rage bubbling up his chest. Has neither of the other two even talked to Wally about what he actually needed? Or maybe they just liked to think they knew better than Wally himself. He wasn’t sure which would be worse.
He tries for a reassuring grin. “Yes. Who better to know what is needed? Then yourself?”
Wally stares at him for a long moment.
”Thank you.”
Geez- he was basically just doing the bare minimum here and Wally is thanking him? The bar is far too low.
“Of course!” He says, before hesitantly asking. “Can I take a look at that leg of yours?”
“Yes. But Barnaby already took care of it.”
“Good. But stitches can get messed up.”
“That’s true.” Wally agrees. Before lifting his leg slightly, and pulling the pant sleeve up.
There was a very clear split across his leg, but luckily it was still held together perfectly fine. It still had to hurt though.
“Doesn’t look too bad. Is it still hurting?” Howdy raised a brow.
“Yes. but only when I step on it.” Wally confirmed as he pulled it back down.
That was a good sign then.
Still, Home and Barnaby were probably arguing about Wally. And if it was about how to help him, It would make way more sense for Wally to actually be there too. But he also didn’t want to bring Wally back out there if it’ll make him uncomfortable. Although maybe the whole reason he was uncomfortable was because the other two weren’t listening to him. And with Howdy there too, maybe that’ll be enough as backup? He wasn’t even fully sure if not listening to Wally was the main problem, or if it was more lack of communication. Either way they should probably head back out there and talk to the two.
So somewhat reluctantly. Howdy asks. “You up for going back out there to talk to them? We should probably see if we can find a solution to all this.”
“Don’t you need to open the shop?” Wally just questioned back.
“It can wait.” He waves off easily. One day staying close wasn’t that big of a deal. Besides, Barnaby and Wally were his most loyal customers anyhow.
There’s a beat before Wally replies. “Okay.”
“Alrighty! Can I pick ya up?” Better safe than sorry.
“Yes.”
So he picks him up again. And heads back outside. Them both hoping for the best of this conversation.
As they round the corner. Home immediately narrows in on them again. Only it quickly softens as they walk closer this time.
Barnaby turns to look at them as well, And he looks tired.
“Hey, Sorry I didn’t come back. Got a bit side tracked.” Barnaby says as they walk up close enough to hear.
“That’s okay…” Wally says looking between him and Home.
‘You ok?’ Knocks ring out from Home in clear worry.
“Yes. It barely even hurts anymore.”
Home and Barnaby both seem to relax a bit at that, though not fully.
“Oi!” Howdy eyes the two. ”You two should probably include Wally in conversations about him.”
“To be fair we only really been arguing.” Barnaby says pointblank
“No kidding.” Howdy gives him an unamused look.
‘Stay out of this.’ Home says in annoyance.
“No. I don’t think I will. Care to explain what happened yesterday? Based on what Wally said, you both ended up hurting him because you couldn’t agree. Not a good look pal.”
The two got guilty expressions.
But before the two could even try to answer. Wally explains.
“Sometimes things around me get really hazy. And I feel like I’m not here. And sometimes I won’t understand what someone is saying to me, even if I’m aware they’re there.”
So Barnaby adds. “And I think it’s better to go out and get some fresh air and sunlight to help ground him.” he declares, before giving a glare to Home. ”But Home thinks it’d be better just to have a day at home when it happens.”
‘He’s too out of it to go out!’ Home exclaimed.
“Couldn’t y’all just go based on day to day, and ask him what would be better?” Howdy asks in confusion.
“We can’t always get a response.” Barnaby says. “Sometimes that works but not every day.”
“Well, it’d probably be safer to stay at home then right?” Howdy couldn’t even imagine how lost Wally might feel during those times. He knew sometimes Wally would stop talking to those around him, but he never knew exactly what that was.
Barnaby looked very annoyed at that reply. ”It’s not like he’s just stranded, I stay with him the whole time.”
“You did leave him with me yesterday.” Howdy just points out with a raised brow.
And Home laughs as Barnaby gets a look of betrayal.
“That was a unique set of circumstances!” He says in defense, putting a hand over his chest. ”We can’t let Wally get hurt by accident again! And I knew you'd look after him!”
“To be fair, getting injured was a very effective way of pulling me out of that state.” Wally points out simply.
The other three expressions all turned to absolute horror.
“Bud- That’s not the solution we’re looking for. ” Barnaby pats Wally's shoulder.
And Wally gives him an unimpressed look. “I know. You and Home just need to communicate better when I can’t talk.”
Howdy barely held in a laugh at the sheepish expressions that took over the said two faces at that.
“Sometimes staying inside makes it worse. That’s why Barnaby insists.” Wally now answers the earlier question better.
That made sense.
‘Being around too many could make it worse too.’ Home points out.
Ah- Howdy was starting to see the problem.
“Right- Well just going base on the day is still clearly the best option.” he says, as it was obvious.
“And that’s what we already have been doing.” Barnaby points out frustrated.
“Okay.” Howdy gives the two a pointed look. ”So what the heck happened yesterday?”
They all fall in silence after that.
After a beat.
“We just couldn’t agree on what would be better…” Barnaby says.
‘So we both tried to go for our thought.’ Home adds.
“Well, hopefully you’ll be more careful from now on.” Howdy just says eyeing the two.
“Touch helps a lot.” Wally adds. And the three looked at him in surprise. “Howdy asked me how to help.” Well kind of. He asked how he’d want to be taken care of. ”Touch does.” He gently pokes Howdy. “The pain helped because it brought more feeling, and grounded me a bit. And soft touches do the same. Like when you pat me Barnaby.”
Barnaby gets a fond expression. “That’s good to know! I know half the time I hold your hand when you’re out of it. But I never wanted to pick you up or anything since I knew you might not be able to tell me to put you down even if you wanted me to.”
“That's true. And walking can help too.” He adds. But after a beat he says. “Just cozying up in a blanket can help too.”
‘Sorry.’ Home says.
Wally just gives a soft smile. “I know. I’m okay.”
“Yeah- I’m sorry too kid.” Barnaby says. “We promise to communicate better from now on.”
”Good!" Howdy exclaimed. “Now if you excuse us. We have a shop to open.”
He starts walking away from the two with Wally still in his hold. And Wally couldn’t help but chuckle at Barnaby’s and Home’s betrayed expressions as they got further away.