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When Barnaby first met Wally, he really wasn't too sure what to think about him. He seem nice enough, but he also didn't seem to know that much about the world. Which is odd, And honestly it was pretty worrying too. Because for one, he was far too trusting, and seem to take anything he says as fact with no doubts. Needless to say, he's very glad he was the one to meet Wally, and not someone that would want to take advantage of that.
Sometimes he does wonder if the reason Wally eats with his eyes and don't sleep, is just because he didn't know how to do those before, and was never taught how to do them properly, so he just made do. But at least he does seems okay with how he does those. some things could be more harmful then others, and not eating at all is far worst then eating with his eyes. Not sleeping was a bit debatable, but he suppose since he still rests, it wasn't something to be concern about.
Even despite that though. Wally still needed some guidance. If not a lot. Sometimes Wally would just fully stop moving, and not reply or react to anything or anyone. And that alone, made him want to check on him everyday, just to make sure that he ate at the very least. Because while Home can also keep a eye on Wally, Home couldn't as easily help Wally when he needs it. Since Home can't move and has no arms.
Just as, while Wally met Home long before himself, Home couldn't talk, and couldn't teach Wally the things he should know. And even then, he wasn't sure if Home itself didn't need to learn the exact same things. It was just different, because Wally could move and talk, most of the time, so he really needed to know more about the world quicker. Less he be taken advantage of, and or get stuck in a bad situation.
Still... They don't live under the same roof, nor does Wally want to- Well kinda, he doesn't want to leave Home. But Home doesn't seem to want Barnaby to live there. So on that, they're on a stand still. So the best he can do is visit everyday to check on the other. And Wally and Home both seems to always enjoy his company then, so he clearly wasn't intruding more then Home wants him to.
The only real problem, is there was still moments when the two weren't able to be together. And Wally was clearly okay for the most part without him before they met, but that didn't mean that he didn't worry about the other. And that he should have to be on his own, if he ever did need help in some way.
Obviously when he was unreactive he wouldn't be able to get help though. But at least he does have a phone, so not only can he himself call whenever he could, but if he really needed another, Home could also.
Still, he wanted to make sure Wally had as many ways to get in contact with him as possible.
So...
He hands Wally a key to his own house.
"Here bud, this is for you."
Wally stares at the key in confusion.
"What's this?"
He chuckles. "A key to my house."
The other tilted his head slightly. "Oh. Why are you giving me a key to your house?"
"So you can come in whenever you want. I'd still prefer if you knocked most of the time. But if there's ever a time that you need in, and I'm not handy, then you'd have it, and let yourself in."
Wally didn't look any less confused though. "Why would I need in there... if you're not there?"
"Well like if you need a roof over your head or something."
"Why would I need another when I have Home?"
"Think of it like if you got caught in rain or something? Home might be close by, but even a few moments longer in the rain could mess up your hair very badly."
There's a very long beat as Wally thought that over.
"That would be helpful..." He agrees.
Relief fills him at that. He wasn't sure what he was going to do if Wally didn't accept the key. "And you can let yourself in even when I'm there too. Like at night, so you can get in even if I'm asleep."
Wally's eyes widened. "We're not... allowed outside at night."
He chuckles. "Exactly, so if you ever needed me at night, you should use the key, so you're outside for as little time as possible."
The other just looked more confused. "Why... would I need you at night?"
He raise a brow at him. "You tell me bud. If you ever need me, for any reason at all, I'll be there okay?"
Wally stares at him for a long beat. "Okay... Thank you..." He now takes the key from his hand. Looking at it very closely. "I promise I won't lose it."
He gives a reassuring grin. "No worries if you do kid. Just let me know if you do, and I'd just get you a new one alright?"
"Okay!" He brightens as he holds the key like it was precious.
He now lays a hand over the other back. "Can... I ask you a question bud?"
Wally looks up at him with a mischievous smile. Copying a joke he has told many times before. "You just did."
His eyes narrowed in amusement. "Okay wise guy." Wally's smile widens. But he continued. "Do you know how to unlock a door? I don't think I've ever seen you unlock one before. Home usually opens the doors for you."
Surprise comes over Wally's face. "Oh, that's true... Home does like opening the doors for me..." There's a beat, but he doesn't ask again, just waiting to see if he'll answer in a moment. "Oh... Yes I do. Does your door have any quirks?"
He raise a brow. "Quirks?"
"Yes! Some doors... you have to kick a little to open."
Oh. That was very true. Although he wouldn't lie that he's a bit surprised Wally knew about that, especially when Home opens all their doors for him.
"Luckily, all my doors are pretty functional."
Wally brightens at that. "Oh good."
"Now what do you say about heading over to Howdy's for a snack?"
"Okay." The other agrees easily, putting the key in his pocket.
-
-
-
Barnaby startles awake, staring at the roof in confusion. He wasn't a super deep sleeper or anything, but he didn't usually wake up in the middle of the night unless there was a reason.
But there's always a beat where he's too groggy to immediately recognize what woke him up.
Though now, he hears soft footsteps. And his eyes widened, as he sits up slightly, looking towards the bedroom door.
He would be worried over a robbery or something, but he'd recognize those soft footsteps anywhere. Even in his sleepy state.
Though he was surprised to hear them. It wasn't that he forgot that he give Wally a key to his house, but it been a long while since he had, and he have never used it once until now.
But that begs the question, of why was he's here tonight of all nights.
Wally stops at the doorway, eye widening at the sight of him, clearly awake.
"Hey bud." He gives a soft grin. "Nice night we're having huh?"
There's a beat as he stares at him unsure. "Did... I wake you up?"
"Maybe. But it's no biggie." He pats the bed side next to him, hoping to encourage him to come over. "What are you doing up? You didn't have a nightmare did ya?" The last bit is meant to be like a joke, since he doesn't sleep.
And Wally does eases a little, now walking closer. "Do... you have nightmares Barnaby?"
"Sometimes. I don't remember most of my dreams though. And that includes nightmares."
Wally looks over the room, he thinks just not wanting to stare at him.
"You wanna lay down bud? Got plenty of room here."
He looks at the bed now, then back at him. "Are you... sure?"
"Course kid." He drowsily moves his arm so the other can get into the bed easily.
Wally brightens, now climbing on the bed, laying next to him.
So he wraps a arm around him, pulling him closer.
"Sorry I woke you up..." Wally says very quiet.
"It's okay. You know me bud, I'd fall asleep in a thunderstorm."
He sees Wally's smile widen at that, before he leans closer to him.
And it was true he could very easily fall back to sleep even now. But he'll wait until Wally relaxes into his hold to let himself fall back to sleep. As he noticeably didn't answer his question about what he's doing here. But he can only assume he doesn't want to talk about it right now. But he also didn't want to sleep without knowing Wally will be okay while he did.
After a few moments though, he doesn't relax like he normally would. So he gently takes Wally's arm within his hand, and softly runs his thumb across it. And Wally immediately eases further into the hold now. Making the quietest of hums. Causing him to smile at the soft noise.
And he couldn't help but chuckle lightly, as Wally now buried his head in his side, trying to move even closer to him. He continues to rub his arm softly, as he closes his eyes.
While he is worried why the other is here, he was very glad he came here. He just hopes being here is enough for Wally to feel okay. Even if not perfect. Not knowing what may be wrong made it difficult to try and help. But he also might not want help anyways. So this is the best he can do. And he's glad Wally will let him this much.
He would just stay up with Wally the rest of the night, but he also knew Wally probably didn't want him to do that. Just wanting the company, even if he was asleep. He doesn't like keeping him, or their other friends awake.
So he reluctantly let's himself doze back off...
-
Waking up this time was less confusing. As he feels Wally's hand very softly tracing his paw beans. Causing him to smile in fondness.
He lightly moves to lay on his side slightly, before burying his head near the other neck and head. Causing him to yelp in surprise.
"Oh- Are you still sleeping?"
He barked a quiet laugh. "I could be. You're so warm..."
Wally leans his head against his now, still tracing his hand. "You're so soft..."
"I'm like a lil tiny bear." He chuckles. And his grin widens as Wally does too.
"Ha, ha, Yes, so lovely..." The other now just rest his hand in his palm.
There's a long moment of silence as the lay there.
Until Wally asks. "How was your sleep?"
"Great! In fact I think I slept so much better with you here."
"Oh. I'm glad..." He slowly starts to trace his paw again.
He wasn't sure if Wally believes him, but it was the truth.
"What bout you kid? Did you rest okay?"
"Yes..."
There's a beat, as he decides whether or not to ask about last night.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"You just did." Wally says with clear amusement.
He chuckles. "You caught me bud. But can I ask you another question?"
It takes a moment before he answers. "...Yes."
"Any reason you came over last night? You and Home didn't have a fight did you?"
"Oh no. Home was the one that insisted I should visit."
Really? If anything that makes him more concerned. Home, just as he, knew more when Wally needed aid more then Wally himself sometimes. "Oh yeah? And what was the reason for that?"
There's a long beat of quiet. But he just waits for him to think.
"I... wanted... you to touch me... Home couldn't hug me like you can..."
Oh.
Oh!
Of course! That made sense.
The tracing on his hand stops, because he now wraps his hand fully around Wally's. Just as he wraps his other arm around Wally too now.
"I see. Well I'm happy to hold you anytime bud."
Wally makes another quiet hum of surprise, as he lays his hand on his arm "...Thank you."
And it was very well decided, that the two will lay here together all day...