Archive of Our Own

Wally adores the neighborhood Home. It's basically perfect in everyway, with it's cozy atmosphere, and delicious apples. And the company from all the actual residents of Home was the most!

Needless to say, most days Wally was up and ready to explore Home very early everyday, because there was just so much to love and see in Home.

But there was one thing that not even Home could sway.

The weather...

It still rain and snows in Home. Though honestly if it wasn't for his pompadour possibly getting wrecked, even those he wouldn't mind all that much really.

But came along with those, especially the snow. Is cold temperature.

Even in the summertime, it was never that hot in Home. It was just nicely warm.

Perhaps that's why it got so cold in winter though.

The cold was the worst!

He'd start shivering nonstop, and his hands might start to go numb. It was almost impossible to paint or draw anything.

And if he went outside he has to put on heavy warm clothes, instead of his usual nice lighter ones. He already felt like he was barely dragging his body along with him half the time. But those made him feel like he couldn't move at all.

It was always so difficult to get out of bed whenever he knew it was cold outside. Because as soon as he got up, he would most likely eventually have to go outside. But inside Home, it was always still pretty nice and warm. And if he just never got out of bed, he could also stay snug as a bug in a rug- in the blankets.

The only problem with that is that the other neighbors will worry about him if they don't see him. Not to mention Home and Barnaby will actively still try to get him out of bed, unless he was genuinely sick or something.

If only he was a rainbow monster like Julie and her family, or a caterpillar like Howdy and his family. Then he could just hibernate the whole- or at least most of winter, without anyone questioning him.

Alas.

As the sun starts to rise this morning, he knew he needed to get up. But he's still nuzzled in bed, as a soft click from the window ringed out from Home. The blinds opening and lighting up the whole room, as clear call of rise and shine.

What was he even going to do today with it being so cold? Anything outside wasn't going to be all that fun with his fingers turning purple. He could try painting inside, but it'll probably be far more frustrating then usual if he end up making a lot of mistakes from shaking.

Or he could just lay here until Home says something.

Mind made up, he buried himself further under the blankets. Fully covering his face along with the rest of him.

Technically since he wore a eye mask when 'sleeping' resting. So he didn't actually need to block the light out or anything. But it was more to show Home he wasn't going to get up yet over anything else.

The rain and snow was still always so very pretty despite how much he rather warm sunny days. it was like they were submerged in clouds. Be it water or ice. It made everything shine slightly from the drops.

It was also always fun making snowmen and snow angels with his friends. And those weren't easy to make with something else. He and Julie would know better then anyone. One summer they tried to use dirt as an alternative, but it didn't work very well. All it really did was make a mess of their clothes. it was still fun though.

All the other seasons had so much more to do then winter though. With playing games, drawing with chalk, climbing trees, searching for bugs, blowing bubbles, going on picnics, cloud gazing. And the flowers were far more pretty then the snow with their variety of colors. Fall does also have the added fun of jumping in piles of leaves too.

Not to say there wasn't many things to do inside when you couldn't go outside. One could play indoor games, like board games or puzzles, paint and craft, read or write, bake and cook, sew or knit, play pretend, or a instrument. You could even clean and rearrange furniture if you were bored enough.

Of course this was all still much nicer when it wasn't freezing in general...

At least it was cozy and warm here in bed no matter what time of year it is.

Home is literally half outside all the time, and he never heard them complaining about being cold. Even during Home warming. Maybe he was just being dramatic?

That didn't help him want to get up anymore though... The longer he lays here, the more he almost wanted to get up even less then moments before.

He wasn't even sure how long it even been now, but he was surprised Home hadn't said anything yet.

Pulling his eye mask off, along with peeking over the blankets, trying to still avoid as much cold air as possible, he glance towards the eye of Home within the room.

Home was just quietly watching him with slight uncertainty. And he now realizes it had also mostly reclosed the blinds, where only a little bit of light was coming in.

Only with a little reluctant, he reassures- much quieter then intended. "I'm okay Home." While he didn't want to get up, he didn't want the others worrying either.

Home doesn't look as relieved as he would have hoped though.

He knew he needs to get up now, but his limbs felt far too heavy to lift. And it wasn't like he even wanted to get up anyway. So why bother when it'd be so much effort?

Besides, if Home wasn't telling him to get up, maybe he could just cuddle up with them all day instead.

So he shifts around a bit to lay his face against the mattress instead of the pillows. Since that was Home, while the pillows was not.

Home's expression softens, but it still held some concern. Not that he could even see it very well with how he's now laying. But hopefully they'll realize he's fine, he never liked the cold after all.

The touch was soft and snug, he could lay here forever. And he could probably forget it was even cold out too. Home always has a lot of warm radiating from it. And he'll always appreciate Home so much for letting him stay with it. He might just sleep outside everyday if she didn't. Home probably knew that though, it hated the very idea of any of the neighbors camping outside, none less living out there.

Although not like any of them would even want to go camping, you'd have to stay outside all night long. The dark was always so off putting out there. And half of them didn't like the dark even indoors. Who knows what might be creeping in the darkness, especially outside.

Another soft click ringed from the door, before more soft clunks follows as the floorboards flips over themselves, as the bedside table mores out of the room. before returning moments later with a bowl of three apples.

Fondness fills his chest. Home is the most.

Though he didn't feel all that hungry, at least he won't have to get up anytime soon because of having to get something to eat.

Slightly reluctantly, he still reaches over to grab one of the apples. He doesn't want Home worrying anymore then he already was. And he wants to make sure Home knows he appreciates the gesture.

With the clear relief that took over Home's expression, He knew he made the right choice.

He wasn't sure if it was that good of a idea to bring food into bed since it could attract bugs- according to Frank. But it wasn't like he did it everyday or anything. So it's probably fine just this once. And clearly Home thought it was better then not eating too, since they brought the food in here.

The apple was delicious, so sweet with a bit of sour. It was just what he needed. With how much better he felt, maybe he was far more hungry then he felt.

Apples don't grow in winter, so he usually has to freeze them to preserve them over that time until they start growing again. They never taste quite as good as fresh from a tree, but it was better then not having them at all.

Howdy's shop isn't even opened half of winter either- since he slept through most of it. So even if he had some magic way of keeping fresh apples, he wouldn't be able to go over there and get some anyway.

He wraps the blankets around himself better once again as he rest back on the mattress. And Home continues to watch him with slight nervousness.

Just laying here could be so very boring sometimes. He almost wished he could sleep like all the other neighbors could, just so he wouldn't have to be so aware of the passing time at night.

Technically he has a TV in here that's supposed to be for watching while resting. But it never worked all that well, and at some point it just stopped working all together. So he was left listening to Home's heartbeat instead. Which he doesn't mind all that much. He loves being with Home, and hearing it's beat even while sleeping reminds him he was never really alone.

None of the neighbors could ever figure out why his TV wouldn't work. But no one else in Home even has another TV either. Maybe it was just out of range of whatever stations there were? He couldn't even recall what used to play when it used to work anyway, so maybe he wasn't missing much...

Besides, rain and snow can cause the channels to disconnect sometimes, so it'd probably wouldn't work half the time just because of that too.

If only he could see out the window better from where he's laying. watching the snow could be fun. Although it might not even be snowing right this moment anyway. But it's a nice thought regardless.

After a long while, he heard some soft knocks ring out from Home.

But they're very quiet, that they're clearly not anywhere near him, nor intended for him. Since he wouldn't be able to make out what was trying to be said.

He could only assume they were coming from outside. It was only a matter of time until someone came to check on him. Hopefully Home won't let anyone inside though, he'd rather not talk to anyone right now. Although Home knew Barnaby was always a exception, and the chances of it being him is very high. So he should probably prepare for interaction.

Now that's it's far too late, he really wished he got up to fix his hair at least. But he had nowhere enough time for that even if he got up right now. And Home might get worried about him caring so much about that if he got up just for that after laying here so long.

While He didn't like having his hair down, especially around others. It's just Barnaby- and obviously Home. They both won't judge him. So he just needed to let it go. Easier said than done though...

Sure enough, after a few moments there's a soft knock on the bedroom door, and he's met with Barnaby, wearing a relaxed smile.

"Hey sleeping beauty." Barnaby teases as he walks over. Though the way he scans over him with his eyes reveals clear concern.

"Hello Barnaby." It's said so faintly the other could've easily missed the reply.

He really wishes he could wipe that worry off both Barnaby and Home's expressions...

As Barnaby comes up to the bed, he lays a hand over the side of his face ever so gently. The deep warmth from it cause him to lean into the touch easily.

"What you still doing in bed for kid?" The other presses his hand gently, before sweeping his hair out of his face. "Don't get me wrong, the bedding is always so comfy I wouldn't want to get up either."

"It's cold..." He points out simply, there wasn't anything else to it after all.

The other chuckles lightly, as he sits on the side of the bed. "It sure is buddy." Softly he run his fingers through his hair. And he shudders slightly from the feeling.

"Have you eaten?" He eyes the bowl of apples.

"Yes."

Barnaby raised a brow. "Have you ate recently?"

What kind of question is that? Why would he have said he eaten if he hadn't had something recent? Then again, how long has he been laying here for? Was it even still morning? Looking towards the window, the lighting does not look like morning light at all anymore. It has to be closer to noon then anything. But it wasn't like he has a clock or something to know for sure.

"Wally?" Barnaby gently pulled his attention back.

"I don't know."

He immediately softens. "That's okay. But you should eat something else, even just another apple."

A soft click from the window ringed out from Home in agreement.

"Okay..."

He doesn't really want another apple, but he doesn't really want anything else either, so that was probably the best choice.

There's a beat where no one moves.

"Want me to cook you something?" Barnaby asks.

He tilted his head to the side slightly, facing him better. "Was that a joke?" Barnaby cook? He burns everything somehow.

The other eyes narrowed, but clear amusement took over his expression. "Okay- Very funny." He press his other hand to his chest. "I'd have you know I can cook perfectly fine."

Liar. "Ha- ha, ha. Now I know you're joking." Home chuckles as well.

He rolls his eyes in amusement. "Okay wise guy. I guess laughter is the best medicine, so I'll let you off easy this time-"

Oh-

Wait.

Is he sick?

Is that why the two of them are so worried abut him? He doesn't feel ill, but maybe it wasn't a physical sick? Why does he feel so drained even with getting plenty of rest? The cold can cause you to get sick can't it? Is that what happened? He doesn't get sick very often though.

"-Not like you can cook either."

He missed half of what Barnaby was saying, but he thinks he can manage.

"I'm not claiming I can." He was just okay at best. And that's not saying much.

"Fair point." He huffs. "Seriously though, Do you want me to get you something else to eat?"

Honestly he should probably just get up and get something himself. While he knew Barnaby and Home both didn't mind. He really shouldn't lay in bed all day long- no matter how much he wanted to.

"That's okay..." Reluctantly, he starts to unwrap himself from the blankets.

Barnaby and Home were both alarmed by this though.

"Woah hang on buddy-" Barnaby moves his hand to his shoulder to try and stop him from getting up. And the window creak in distress from Home.

As he starts to sit up he's hit with extreme dizziness. Causing him to yank a hand to hold his head.

"Oh. I am sick."

"You have a fever." Barnaby confirmed. "Just let me get you something, Okay?" He gently pushes him back down in bed.

When he said he wanted to spend all day in bed, this isn't what he had in mind. Careful what you wish for, he suppose...

"What would you like? I'll go get it."

There's a long beat of silence. He didn't want anything, he was just going to get up because he knew they were worried about him.

"Nothing."

The two clearly didn't like that answer as they got unimpressed expressions. "You need to eat something kid."

He knew that much...

So unsteadily, he starts to get up to grab another apple. But Barnaby gets the idea and beats him to it, softly stopping him, before handing him one of the last two apples himself.

"Thanks."

"Course bud."

"Do you want one too?" He glance at the last apple in the bowl. he still has more in the freezer. Although he needs to remember to put them out to defrost.

"That's okay." The other waves off with a smile. "I know you don't have too many left until they start growing again."

"Okay."

Barnaby gently covers him back with the blankets. Before standing up.

"I'll be right back bud." He gives a smile of reassurance as he walks to the door.

But he stared on in confusion. "Where are you going?" There was no way he was going to leave him now that he knew he was sick.

"To get medicine for that fever."

Oh, that makes sense. It's bad to leave a fever untreated wasn't it? Or was that just if it was bad enough? He couldn't remember...

"Okay..."

Barnaby slumped ever so slightly, but still held a sad smile as he walked out the door.

He pulls all his attention towards Home now that it was just them. And the other looks very anxious.

"I really am okay Home. I don't even feel that sick." He tries to reassure again.

But Home doesn't look all that convinced.

"You two are such worrywarts." He tease to try and lighten the mood.

And it works as Home softens, before rolling their eyes.

Reluctantly, he starts to eat the new apple.

Luckily this apple was still just as tasty as the last one. Although he definitely wants this one less. But it was better then nothing right?

'Good?' Home questions with soft knocks from the bedside table cabinets.

"Yes." He gives his best smile. "It's the most." Usually anyway, so it's not really a lie.

The other does look far more eased at that answer.

After a few moments, Barnaby comes back with a grin.

"I'm back~" He sing songs. "You two didn't miss me too much did ya?"

He sits back on the side of the bed, and holds out a cup of water and two pills to the other.

"I always miss you." He points out far too genuinely.

Fondness takes over Barnaby expression. "You're too sweet to me bud."

He tilted his head to the side slightly. "No I'm not."

Barnaby chuckle. "I mean you're SO sweet to me, I appreciate it- and you."

"Oh. I appreciate you too."

"Thanks kid." He now eyes the apple. "So how's the grub?"

"Good." He takes the pills with quick blinks to avoid having to add anymore to it.

There's a beat silence as he drinks the water.

Barnaby lays a hand on the bed next to him softly. "Care if I join you?"

"No..." He'd love that but... "What if I get you sick?"

"I don't mind." He reassures as he pulls back the blankets to lay next to him. "Besides, you can always take care of me." He gives a cheeky smile as he wraps an arm around him, resting the blankets back on top of them both too.

He rests his head on the other chest as fondness fills his own chest. "That's true."

He wasn't ever too sure how well he was at taking care of the other, but Barnaby did always seem to really appreciate the effort of trying, and just being there. Which he understood well. He always liked having Barnaby company even if he felt fine.

As they get more comfy, He melts further into the hold. The other is so warm. Now he definitely could forget it's still cold out with Barnaby and Home both here with him.

And he doesn't miss how the other two tensions both finally ease too.

If being sick gives him an excuse to lay here with them for a long while, maybe it wasn't so bad. Although he doesn't think they'll see it that way.

Still, none of them can deny how cozy it is here together.