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Wemmbu shot up in a cold sweat.
His room was dark and the sound of rain angrily beating against the window sounded all around them, his heart beating in sync with the drops.
The walls seemed to move whenever he blinked, and he faintly registered someone coming into the room, but he couldn't tell who it was. All he could tell was that their hand was warm, sitting on his shoulder.
Someone was attacking him, his half awake brain decided, and with his mace or sword nowhere in sight, he realized these were his last moments.
But no stab of pain ever came, just the hand gently guiding him to lay back down. Just when he was snuggling up, his vision and ears slowly began to work again. All he could tell was that there was someone with wings on his bed, but they weren't Egg's. So he probably wouldn't wake up alive tomorrow.
Tomorrow came, and Wemmbu immediately felt like he was going to fall off the bed when he sat up. His hair was messy, tie still in a loose ponytail, most of it draped over his face.
"Wemmbu!"
The last person he expected to see, Parrot, was standing in his doorway.
"Parrot..?" He acknowledged drearily. "What're you doing here?"
The avian shifted from foot to foot, looking outside. "Uhm, Wemmbu, do you remember, like, anything?"
Wemmbu shook his head, and Parrot sighed. "Bro. You almost passed out last night, you were so tired after battling a bunch of overpowered bandits. You invited us back to yours and Egg's place, and didn't even bicker with Flame the whole way there."
The dragon just blinked in confusion. "Nah, I don't remember that."
Finally coming to, he slid out of bed carefully, fuzzy socks hitting the ground.
Okay, this was kind of embarrassing. He had on fuzzy pink socks with paw lines on them, and some random white pajamas he'd had for years, the shirt cut to fall off the shoulder because why not?
He could tell Parrot was holding in laughter, looking at his paw socks, but kindly enough, he didn't say anything.
Quietly, he stormed out of the room, not bothering to change.
Downstairs, Spoke, Flame, Theo, and Eggchan were all scattered around the room. Eggchan paused his writing when he saw Wemmbu, happily trotting up to him. "Morning, sleepyhead," Egg teased, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. Wemmbu huffed, shoving him gently. "Whatever."
Parrot went to join the others conversation, and Eggchan turned to look at Wemmbu in that 'all-knowing' way that he didn't like.
"Wemm. You okay? Parrot said you woke up last night and he heard you,— 'bird hearing' and all that— he said you were like, delirious n' stuff."
Wemmbu blinked. He did remember accepting his death last night when a blurry figure approached him. He didn't remember what caused it.
"I'm fine. I dunno why I woke up, just a bad dream." His words were slightly snipped, still laced with sleepiness.
Eggchan shrugged. "Okay." And let it go.
Wemmbu made his way to the kitchen, trailing Eggchan closely. Egg loved making food, so it was pretty much a given he'd make food for the six of them. Wemmbu just liked to be his professional assistant. His taste tester, if you will.
Egg pulled out eggs out of the fridge, along with carrots and potatoes, then bent to grab a pan.
Wemmbu turned and sat down at the island next to the others, keeping his eyes set on Egg. He liked to watch him work, it was a soothing sight for some reason.
The drowsiness had still not gone completely away, and it was getting to be pretty annoying. Temptations of letting his head rest on the cool marble of the island were quickly consuming him.
He tried to ignore the fact that Egg was getting slightly blurry, instead turning to Flame, who was sitting next to him.
"Soo," Wemmbu started, but his voice sounded lazy. "What're you guys talking about?" His words slurred together.
Flame blinked, looking at the demon. "Uhm.. you feeling alright, Bu?"
Parrot looked over as well. Did Wemmbu look bad or something? "I'm feeling fine, jus' tired." The sentence was barely finished before a long yawn overcame him, flashing his sharp fangs to everyone in the room.
Flame started to laugh quietly, looking into the kitchen. "Hey, Egg, your guy is falling asleep in the middle of a conversation."
Egg turned around, pausing chopping carrots. "Dude, Wemm, did you even sleep last night?" He asked, and Wemmbu could feel his stares on him.
"Mhmm, I did." Wemmbu answered absently, deciding that closing his eyes and picturing rainbows would be a much better way of entertainment.
"You look rough, buddy." Theo suddenly added.
"Jeez, no need to rub it in, bro." Flame said, but he was laughing ever so slightly.
"Seriously, bro, you should take a nap until breakfast is done, or something." Parrot was the only one who seemed actually concerned, aside from the angelic Eggchan.
Wemmbu just huffed, tail lashing side to side. "I don't take naps."
"That's a lie!" Eggchan called from in the kitchen as he peeled potatoes. "He takes naps all the time, you'd think he's part cat, or something."
Flame burst into a short bout of laughter, a hand landing on Wemmbu's shoulder. "He probably is, and he isn't telling us."
"I am not," Wemmbu clarified indignantly, feeling sleep rapidly drag him under, fighting the urge to pass out on the countertop.
Spoke added something to the conversation, because he always had to, but Wemmbu didn't hear it. He was out cold.
His dreams consisted of a lot of blood. That was nothing new.
Blood all over his hands, seeping into the ground and filling him with emotion every time. Usually, he'd say it's pride, but no, it's always been shame. Boiling shame beneath his skin, burning him from the inside out.
Usually, his maces would accompany him into his dreamland, clenched tightly in his fists.
This dream was new.
Eggchan was standing in front of him, a look of fear on his face.
Wemmbu twitched, he knew something was wrong the moment he saw the now clear angel in front of him.
His hands itched, and suddenly both of his maces, along with his sword and axe, were on the ground.
Eggchan was saying something, but the words were jumbled together, only the tone of fear laced in his voice. Blood was all over his usually clean hands, dripping down his fingertips and onto the soft green grass below.
Wemmbu tried to figure out what was wrong, eyes narrowed as fear slowly filled him from his toes up, inching its way into his veins and turning them cold.
His heart started to beat worryingly fast, hands reaching for the angel that kept getting farther and farther away.
"Egg," He said, voice weak.
"Huh?"
Wemmbu's head shot up. He was in the kitchen. Eggchan was staring at him in confusion, and he was pretty sure he could feel Parrot's gaze burning a hole in his temple as well. "Rest well, sleeping beauty?" Eggchan mocked, passing him a plate with a mouth watering omelet on top.
"Thanks," He managed to get that out before discreetly checking his own pulse.
It was fast, more than usual, but not worrying.
Still didn't mean Wemmbu had an appetite, but he ate anyway, because he knows he has to; he's not as stupid as people think he is.
Tentatively, he picked up a piece with his fork and stuffed it into his mouth, not surprised at the wonderful taste flooding over his tongue.
Too bad the warmth in his mouth made him sleepy. At this point, he was convinced he'd sleep the whole day away, head lolling occasionally and threatening to give him an omelet facial before he caught himself.
It was clear Egg noticed.
He thinks the others might have too, but brushed it off because, maybe this is just like Wemmbu is like out of combat, who knows? They weren't really around him outside of fights that they needed him in.
Ouch, the thought stung. As much as he hates to admit it, he's pretty fond of everyone here.
It's always a shame to know he's just their weapon; sometimes he finds himself wanting to get to know them.
When he was finished with his food, omelet only halfway eaten (Flame took the rest), he washed his plate and sluggishly moved to collapse on the couch.
His eyes were drooping again, and he wanted to give in, considering they had nothing to do today, but after his nightmare, he wasn't sure he could.
So what if he's afraid of his own dreams? Kids are too! The only difference is that he's a grown man. A hunter. A killer.
A killer who is afraid of killing.
Something warm draped over his lap, another warm thing on his side. He vaguely registered the blanket, and Eggchan on his right side like always, and the warmth that both brought, before he was out like a light again, head dully thumping on Egg's shoulder.
No, no, no, please!
The words stuck in his throat, unable to come out.
He found himself in a dark oak forest, moonlight weakly shining through the dense leaves, blood of a strangers pooling on the ground, on his pants, on his hands, as he knelt there.
The gore-ish scene was from a little ways away, he figured, when he saw the thick trail of red.
Fear nestling itself into his heart, he began to crawl, following it. His body wouldn't let him stand, joints like jello beneath him.
There sat.. Flamefrags?
His rival, one of his closest friends as well, sat there, on his knees as well.
Despite the quiet, Wemmbu knew this is where the trail lead.
Even with Flame sitting up, something felt wrong.
Wemmbu tried to lunge at him, to wake him up, to do cpr, anything— his legs did not move. His body did not move.
All he could do was stare at Flame, sitting there innocently with his tail flicking, looking a little too dull, a little too sick. Wemmbu started wailing inwardly, the sound not escaping his mouth. Flame, Flame, Flame, he begged, tears relentlessly pouring down his cheeks. I'm sorry. Come back, you're the strongest, you're better, please, I'll never fight you again. I don't want you dead.
His pleas never landed on lifeless ears. Please! He screamed soundlessly, throat constricting and sight too blurry to make out anything but the awful red pooling out like wings around the blur that was Flame.
You can't die. Please, please, I didn't mean to, Flame..
He killed Flamefrags. This is all his fault. He killed him.
He woke up with a jump, almost knocking heads with Eggchan as he immediately searched his surroundings.
Spoke, Theo, Parrot....
Where was Flame?
His heart started racing even faster, and he started to squirm, only to find something holding him down. Panic settled in, he needed to find Flame, he needed to make sure he hadn't hurt him.
He found himself unable to make any noises, nor hear them, aside from the pounding of his own heart against his chest, trying to shatter itself. His tail lashed back and forth with him, desperately using his dull nails to try clawing at whatever had him in such a tight grip.
When his eyes opened (When had he closed them?), he saw none other than Flame coming in, a worried frown on his face as he approached Wemmbu.
Wemmbu about melted from relief, trying even harder to escape his chains, trying to get to Flame.
Parrot was standing in front of him now, hands out in front of him and lips moving like he was saying something.
His hearing slowly came back to him, whether he liked it or not, as he kicked and clawed and wormed around, the blanket long fallen to the floor.
"-mbu! Wemmbu! Brother! Calm down!"
Eggchan.
He looked down at his shackles, only to find Egg's arms around him.
Oh.
Immediately, he went limp, stopping his insistent beating.
"Hey, Wemmbu. You with us now?" Parrot's voice sounded from miles away, when he was standing right in front of him. How does he do that?
"Wemmbu, hey. What's up?"
He wanted to reply. He truly did, but he couldn't even tell who was saying that, tongue and mind going numb.
"Flame," He mustered out, looking around in panic for the man he'd lost sight of.
Flame rapidly came into sight, sitting down a little ways away from him.
Suddenly, like a blessing, his limbs had just enough energy to jump onto Flame like a cat pouncing on prey.
He forced himself up, landing not so gracefully right next to his friend and holding him so tight his shaking hands started to shake more.
Flame didn't put his arms around him for a minute, and Wemmbu could've cried with worry, don't die because of me, the irrational part of his brain cried, I'm so sorry.
Like he heard the internal cries, his arms wrapped around Wemmbu, and he melted in relief, tail curling around his friend's knee like a plead to never leave.
"What just happened?" Came Spoke's voice next.
"Nightmare?" Eggchan supplied, and Wemmbu knew it was him trying to gently pull him off of Flame by the collar of his shirt. He was not having it.
Tentatively, he nodded, the motion hidden as he buried his face into Flame's neck like he would die without it.
"Wemm, come on, give Flame some space while we talk about this."
How evil was he for wanting Flame to say it was okay for him to cling like a baby koala?
Well, he didn't, so he let himself be dragged off and slightly choked by his collar.
Reality was quickly starting to fade in, and with that, his embarrassment. His cheeks turned pink when he saw everyone looking at him with worry, especially Parrot and Egg, and he swore his heart grew three sizes larger than the grinches own at the feeling of being worried for before it settled into embarrassment.
Like a child, he'd just reacted to a nightmare and had everyone worry about him. Because of a nightmare.
A nightmare made him hug his sworn rival and kick Egg's arms in panic.
"Wemmbu, bro, are you okay? That was not a normal nightmare." Parrot's reasonable voice carried the comfort of a birds song in the mornings.
"It was normal," He managed, voice quiet and words grumbled.
"No, Wemm, I've seen you have nightmares before. This isn't how you react." Eggchan just had to go and say something, didn't he?
"It's nothing, leave it." Wemmbu hissed, feeling himself bristle.
He can't be weak. Not in front of everyone.
He isn't weak.
Parrot was standing in front of him, arms crossed and a frown etched into his soft features. Does this guy ever laugh?
Wemmbu held his gaze firmly, trying to look imposing. Clearly, it wasn't working, because Parrot didn't falter once, brown eyes meeting purple and blurring the world around them.
He could barely believe himself when his eyes fell to the couch again. Totally a reasonable thing, Parrot was cheating. He has that 'disappointed mom' look that really makes Wemmbu worm and his skin crawl.
He decided to ignore Eggchan's giggling.
"Wemmbu. Come with me." Parrot said, voice firm, and suddenly Wemmbu found himself standing straight like he was in the army.
One thing is for sure, the avian walks with a purpose. Brisk, short strides carrying him quickly down the hall.
Wemmbu hesitantly followed, tail twitching nervously.
Parrot disappeared into Wemmbu's room, turning to face him sharply.
"Last night, you woke up from a nightmare. You couldn't even tell it was me who came in to calm you down."
Oh, okay, they're starting the confrontation now.
"This morning, you fall asleep on us twice, which is not like you. The second time, you wake up in a panic and hug Flame? Bro, I know something is going on. Just tell me what it is."
Wemmbu felt all words leave his vocabulary for a moment, leaving him to stare at Parrot blankly.
Parrot pays that much attention to him?
He let out a long sigh through his nose, looking at his feet. "I don't know. I don't usually have this many nightmares back to back, and they never affect me this much."
Wemmbu grumbled, turning to face his window.
If he listened closely, he could almost hear Parrot's face soften.
"Well, there's been a lot going on lately," The avian said, like he was trying to figure out why Wemmbu was like this. Like he cared.
Silence fell over them, Parrot's eyes burning a hole through the back of Wemmbu's head.
"That doesn't have anything to do with me." Wemmbu stared out the window, trying to ignore the presence of the other as fear crept through his gut. He was never fearful, he always faced things head on before he could get scared. Yet here he was, scared because of sleeping.
"Well, first of all, it has a lot to do with you, bro. Second of all..." Parrot approached him slowly, until Wemmbu could feel him hovering just behind him. "My instincts have been acting up lately."
Wemmbu's head turned to look at the avian so quick he may have got whiplash. "Are you saying that this is my instincts? No. I don't have instincts."
Parrot's voice softened. "Every hybrid does, it's nothing to be ashamed of. It was just a possibility, but if you don't think so, then we'll figure something else out."
Wemmbu crossed his arms tightly against his chest, looking away. He hated that Parrot was right. That would explain the sudden sleepiness and clinginess— void forbid a dragon hybrid isn't always rampaging through a village. He didn't like telling anyone what he had flowing through his veins, since he didn't even get the large wings all his brethren had, just small, stupid flappy ones like he was the bat version of cupid, and a dumb spade shaped tail from the vague netherborn genes he had. Unfortunately, it was easy enough to tell he was part ender dragon, from his cockiness and destruction to the way he growled when put at risk and how he preferred to fight in the air. Usually he could stomp away his instincts, but apparently due to all the stress lately, it was getting harder to handle and keep under control.
"..Okay. Maybe it is that. But so what? Doesn't mean everyone should be worried, I can handle myself." Wemmbu snapped defensively, turning to Parrot once more.
"You hugged Flame." The avian said simply, and that immediately made Wemmbu drop his arms to his side. He'd never willingly hug Flame— not in front of an audience. "I'll stay with you until you feel better." He offered, reaching his hand out.
Wemmbu shook his head. "No. None of that. Even if I couldn't watch myself— which I can— Egg can take care of me. He has before."
Parrot nodded slowly, retracting his hand. "Okay, then. Let's go back to the others."
As soon as Wemmbu sat on the couch, he felt the familiar pull of sleep tugging at his eyelids. He also felt Flame staring him down like he was on fire, and embarrassment was burning in him so much that he wouldn't be surprised if he did catch ablaze. Some warrior he is, cuddling his rival.
Eggchan was sitting next to him, and he was trying desperately to focus on his warmth and the stupid words coming out of his mouth rather than falling into another nightmare.
Flame hadn't said a word since Wemmbu came back in here, even though he'd heard all of them talking about him while in the room with Parrot.
They all hated him now, didn't they? Not like they particularly liked him to begin with, but the thought of them hating him, finding him childish, made him gag.
He swallowed down the burning fluid that had come up his throat, stomach swirling in discomfort.
Don'tleave,don'tleave,don'tleave, was his whole train of thought, begging silently for nobody to see him differently.
Instincts are definitely something to be ashamed of when it comes to him. It was nothing cute like everyone else's, like when Flame would purr when entertained, or when Parrot chirped to Theo in their own little language. His was scary. That's what he'd always been told. It's disturbing and creepy to flare his small, messed up wings, and it's weird to attack someone if you're awakened from a nightmare.
His begging continued in his head, the conversation about how bad Parrot was at PvP slowly just turning into buzzing in his head. Nobody mentioned his unusual silence, but Eggchan kept nudging him. He barely felt it.
They hate him now.
The weight of Flame's eyes had disappeared finally, and he hated to say that he missed it. He didn't dare look up, eyes too watery, the only disguise being the long hair drooping around his face, but he could tell Flame had stood and wandered away again. He wanted to cry. Which was stupid, he had felt fine talking to Parrot, but the reminder of his nightmare was progressively making him sicker by the moment. The echoing image of Flame bloody and sickly, haunting him.
It didn't matter if they hated him. He doesn't need them. Egg wouldn't care, isn't that the only important point?
He didn't notice when tears started to silently fall.
Stupid, stupid Wemmbu. Dragons are supposed to be fierce, but stupid, messed up Wemmbu only felt vulnerable when he was in his instincts.
He was so carried away wondering when everyone would leave that he almost flinched when a familiar warmth grabbed his arm. Quickly rubbing his eyes dry, he looked up and saw Flame tugging at his sleeve.
He let himself be pulled, wondering what Flame was thinking.
The last thing he thought would happen was Flame pulling him into his side (quite forcefully), and squeezing his shoulders close.
Immediately, he tensed up, tail flicking back and forth rapidly.
The tension melted away slowly when he felt Flame's chest rumble.
He was purring. Flame was purring. Wemmbu tried to make reason, knowing that he was probably doing it to self soothe, but the thought of it being because he wanted to calm Wemmbu down made him melt into the tight embrace of his so called rival.
It didn't take long before Wemmbu was melted into him, eyes drooping with sleep.
Parrot, of all people, was lying there, clearly unconcious, teetering between life and death.
Wemmbu almost threw up, bile stinging as it rose in his throat. Not him too. He couldn't have killed Parrot.
I'm sorry, he cried, the words not coming out past his throat, just like last time. I didn't mean to! Please wake up, please,please, please.
He felt sick. Blood pooled around his knees, just like with Flame, just like with Egg.
Slowly, he reached out a shaking hand, placing it on Parrot's head tenderly, an apology. He didn't want to feel his own friend's blood on his hands, yet here he was.
Come on. Not you too, please.
His fingers ran through Parrot's matted hair, eyes failing him when they filled with tears again.
Parrot, please wake up, I'm sorry. We can fix this— I'll never threaten your kingdom again, swear it.
Silence answered his cries.
He pulled his arms to himself, curling up in front of Parrot and crying, wailing with no sound following.
He slowly came to when he felt something warm touch his cheek. His eyes and cheeks were sticky with tears, and he almost refused to open them, deciding the black void he saw was better than whatever he would open them to.
Unfortunately, he decided he had to look anyway.
It was Flame's hand on his cheek, gently wiping away a tear that had fallen. Parrot was across the room, Wemmbu noticed with a sigh of relief, sagging into his friend.
"Wemm?" Flame mumbled, just quiet enough for the two of them to hear.
Wemmbu ached to get up and plunge into Parrot's arms just like he had with Flame earlier. But something stopped him; the horrible feeling that he could hurt Parrot. His tiny wings fluttered with nervousness, and Flame pulled him tighter like he understood. Suddenly, the tightness that felt comforting just minutes ago felt like restriction, helplessness. Every muscle in his body was telling him to get up and go check on Parrot, even if the avian was just across the room talking to Spoke. He needed to know he was okay, to feel his warmth— no, no, no. Forcing himself to relax in Flame's grip, he reminded himself that he would only hurt Parrot if he jumped on him.
"Hey, Parrot," Flame suddenly said, spooking Wemmbu, who was leaning on his chest, to sit up for a second before curling down again.
Parrot paused, looking at Flame. "I think he was calling for you."
"No I wasn't." Wemmbu mustered out, burying his face in the crook of Flame's arm like an embarrassed cat.
"You were saying his name in your sleep, bro." Flame replied, but didn't make Wemmbu move except so he could rearrange his arm.
Parrot had already walked over, he could tell, feeling him looming over the pair.
"Do you need anything, Wemmbu?" Parrot asked quietly, the noise in the background hopefully covering it up so Egg didn't hear. Wemmbu couldn't have Egg fuss over him like Parrot was.
Wemmbu just shook his head, not having the energy to say much else.
Then, like a ragdoll being passed around, he felt Parrot pull him gently away from Flame, tugging him into a side hug, so the three of them were pressed together like a Wemmbu Sandwich.
Wemmbu would be lying if he said he didn't love it, wings fluttering joyfully when Parrot started petting his head between the horns.
Parrot and Flame laughed at that, Flame's hand joining in on the petting, scratching behind his ears every now and then. Wemmbu might as well just melt right there and then, sinking his head into Parrot's shoulder, taking a deep inhale of his tropical scent.
"Are you sniffing us?" Parrot asked, slightly in disbelief.
Wemmbu nodded unashamedly, letting himself get carried away with making sure both of his friends were okay before he curled up by Parrot's side like a cat, wings flapping happily. Flame's finger traced the scales on it, and it flicked him away at the contact, making him laugh.
He let his eyes close, tucking his nose deep into Parrot's shirt.
He woke up without noticing he had fallen asleep. Warm hands were running through his hair tenderly, and he was stretched across the couch with a soft pillow beneath his chin. "Look who's finally joined us!" A muffled voice called, and Wemmbu faintly realized it was Flame, the one whose hands were running through his hair. The only way he could tell it was him was the feeling of rough callouses with no rings to accompany it. Parrot, who he remembers falling asleep next to, had sharp nails and rings.
Wemmbu let out a soft, squeaky mewl, much to his shame, as he stretched awkwardly, pushing his face into his pillow to block the light.
"Well, maybe. Looks like he's falling right back asleep." Parrot's voice joined in, much closer than Flame's, like it was right against his ear.
Someone else laughed, maybe Egg, maybe Theo, he wasn't sure. Everything was covered in a sweet mist, knocking his senses all over the place. He couldn't tell what smell was what, or whose voice he was hearing, just that he was warm. The feeling was ethereal, making his heart flutter in his chest. Last time he'd felt this feeling was a year or two ago, when he'd been under so much stress he cracked and slipped so deep into his instincts that he only remembered bits and pieces. Eggchan wasn't let out of his sight (hardly his arms either) for a week.
"Want me to take him to his room?" That's definitely.. probably.. maybe Egg talking. His wings fluttered in protest, growling something out and scooting closer to the warmth.
Laughter rumbled by his ear, followed by a "I don't think he wants that."
Wemmbu seemed pleased enough and stopped digging his fingers into his pillow, which, hm, now that he thought about it, made the pillow softer when he did so.
"It is getting kind of late, I should probably head out."
Even though Wemmbu couldn't exactly tell who had said it, his head shot up at lightspeed, immediately looking for the culprit.
His eyes landed on Flame, deciding that was who he'd heard.
Flame slowly looked over, stiffening a bit. "..Maybe I could stay a little longer." He hesitantly added.
Deciding he liked that answer, he turned to put his head back down on the pillow, only to realize the so called pillow was actually Parrot's lap. He froze for a second, smiling sheepishly up at the avian when he noticed the loose threads right where his claws had been.
Parrot just laughed, reaching up to pet his head, and suddenly any embarrassment he had melted away.
These people sure love petting his head. Not that he was complaining, this might be the best he's ever felt.
He laid back into Parrot's lap, pulling his knees toward his face, putting himself in a perfect ball. The only thing that would make this moment better was if Jaden and Minute were here.
Involuntarily, the thought made him whine, wings flapping. He hated how vocal he got when he was in his instincts.
"Wemm? What's wrong, brother?" Egg's voice got closer. Wemmbu, unable to talk in such a state, just looked up at him through his hair with the biggest, saddest eyes one could muster when so content.
Egg let out a teasing coo. "Aww, who knew the big bad Wemmbu could look so cute," He smiled, reaching out to pet his head. Wemmbu nipped at his fingers, barely missing them.
Flame laughed at that, Egg shooting him a half-hearted look.
He was already forgetting his momentary sadness, twisting around to be stretched out in an awkward position that didn't look comfortable at all— unless whoever was looking at it was a cat— with his spine twisting to have him on his back turning two different ways, stretching his legs until his fuzzy socks were pressing against Flame. He took up the half couch like this, Eggchan being cast away to the other half.
Parrot sighed, looking at Theo, who was dead asleep, lying face first on the ground after he'd rolled off his chair. "I'm kind of jealous of Spoke, bro."
Wemmbu scanned the room for Spoke, coming up with nothing. He sat up and glared at him. Is he saying he wants to leave? With him right here?
Parrot met his eyes with his own, wider with surprise. "I didn't mean it like that..."
Wemmbu growled a warning at him. Don't leave. He clicked out, then choked on the noise and paused.
Did he just click? Like, the dragon noise that they made?
This is the most embarassed he's been in his life ever (or rather, since he hugged Flame after that nightmare).
Everyone went silent, laughter dying out.
"Dude." Flame said in disbelief.
"He's only done that, like, once before." Egg added, coming over to pet the now sitting up Wemmbu.
Wemmbu spread his tiny wings to look as menacing as possible, clearly not working from the smile worming onto Parrot's face. He beat his wings, trying to get them to take him seriously.
"Is he throwing a dragon temper tantrum?" Flame scooted closer to the action, barely holding in his giggles.
"I think so. Egg? Is this, um, normal?"
Egg nodded slowly. "It takes a lot of convincing for him to let go, but I think if I just.." He trailed off. Wemmbu looked behind him at Egg in confusion, only to let out a squeal of surprise as he was lifted into his friend's arms. "Make a run for it." Egg suggested, and Parrot was already up and gently shaking Theo awake.
Flame held the door open for them, turning and waving at Egg, mouthing a "thanks, good luck" and hurrying out.
Wemmbu made a high pitched keening noise, wailing as his friends left. Oh no, no, no! They can't leave now! They have to stay with him, he has to protect him! Tears poked at his eyes, lip trembling as he cried out again, the sound more dragonlike this time. He was pulled down next to Egg, which was a bad idea, because he immediately started clawing the cushions. It wouldn't be long before he tore them all up.
Egg picked up his hands, holding them together before he could start ripping, pulling him close. Wemmbu let out a sad warble, staring toward the door.
"Come on, Wemm, they can't stay here forever. Do you want to go visit Minute? There should be a stronghold close by."
Wemmbu furiously shook his head. No, Minute needs to come here, where Wemmbu can keep him in his sight constantly. He knew that couldn't happen, Minute was too busy guarding the end for such a thing. Jaden was off being king of the pirates. Everyone else left.
Oh, cruel world! What did he do to deserve being abandoned so ruthlessly?
"Bro.." Egg mumbled, slowly rocking him back and forth. "Calm down. Knowing them, they'll probably be back tomorrow. Come on, man, you break my heart crying like this."
Wemmbu looked at him with his teary eyes and shaking lip, hoping his sad look would be enough to get Egg to bring them back.
Egg did not crack, pun not intended. He sat straight faced, staring at Wemmbu. "Your sad looks don't work on me."
Wemmbu whined again and buried his face in Eggchan's shoulder. "I'm not gonna pity you, Wemm." The smile was evident in his voice, but Wemmbu only pouted harder.
Fine. If Egg wasn't going to let him have his other friends, so traitorous to pick him up in a vulnerable state, then he'll have Egg. See if it's fun when he never lets him go.
He dug his claws into his arm, just firm enough to rip the fabric of his sleep shirt, not to hurt anymore than a sharp poke.
Egg slumped his shoulders in defeat when Wemmbu started gnawing on his shoulder bone. Yup, he asked for this. He's the one who let the others go to deal with it all by himself. They were lucky he hadn't started chewing or got his appetite yet before they'd left, or they'd be in for a treat. The treat being chewed up clothes, bite marks, and everything in the fridge being ransacked.
Wemmbu yawned again, letting his grip loosen and his chewing slow down as he felt sleep trying to catch him again.
Maybe he should sleep, just until dinner.. His stomach grumbled in protest. Egg sighed, standing up with Wemmbu attached to his hip as they made their way to the kitchen.
The fridge was opened, and Wemmbu's mouth started watering at a stack of raw steaks in the back of it. Instead, the little bully Egg was, just handed him a tiny cod. His tail flicked as he took it from him, not much, but enough to tide him over until an actual meal. He gobbled the meat off the bones quickly and gracefully, then tossed the bone into the trash and dragged Egg to the couch, pushing him down and curling up half on his stomach.
Egg just sighed again and started petting him.
This is what he gets for betraying him, Wemmbu reasoned as Hypnos took him under yet again.
His final thought was how warm Egg was before he zonked.