Hallo! I wanted to ask if they had any awkward situations while «making love»? For example, awkward sounds or something like that. And was there a situation when someone interrupted their session somehow?
That's an interesting question for sure!
I imagine when Frank climaxes, sometimes his head will spin.
Eddie has a bad habit of forgetting to lock the door, which has led just about every single neighbor to walk in on them at LEAST once
Frank has had to repeatedly teach Julie to knock before slamming open the door because of her often interrupting their intimacy.
I headcanoned that Eddie squeaks sometimes when pressed hard enough, so that would almost definitely happen several times. It's unclear whether it's his voice or if he has a squeaker in him somewhere. The latter would be kind of funny ngl. Like a freak accident where he swallowed it and now it's just a part of him.
Their first time was definitely awkward as neither had actually had sex with another person before, but also because of their size difference. Frank couldn't comfortably top Eddie, and Eddie felt like he was going to crush or hurt Frank by being on top.
MINORS DNI. Dead Dove content ahead. Warnings and Tags are placed before the fic, Heed them. Your mental health is your responsibility.
Word Count: 4,304
Content Warning/Tags: NSFW, Dead Dove Do Not Eat, Non-con/Dub-con, Pseudo-Incest, Sibling Incest, Possessive Wally, Yandere Wally, Obsessive Behavior, Horror Romance, Fingering, Groping, Breeding, Cream pie, Mate press, BDSM.
Read on AO3 || Masterlist
Summary: Being Wally’s adopted sibling was something you’ve always felt proud of. But behind the warmth he shows you, there’s something leering just beneath the surface. Something that will do anything to keep you there, right by his side. Even if it means tearing the wings right off your back.
—
He took you in.
You were lost. You didn’t know where you were or how you got there. You were scared.
He found you and he took you into Home. And from then on, he became your only family. The only family you could ever remember knowing. And this became the only home you’ll ever come to know.
He cared for you. You knew he only did things for your own good. He only wanted what was best for you.
That’s why he always watched you. That’s why he was always near no matter where you went.
Since you were younger, when you had first arrived, you got into the habit of sleeping in his bed. It was scary to sleep all alone. So nearly every night you would always climb into his bed and he would greet you with that smile and those eyes.
You weren’t a child anymore. So you haven’t done that for a long time. You slept in your room, even when you had a bad dream. You didn’t want to be a burden to him. Tonight was no different. You lay in your bed, comfortable under the heavy sheets. You had grown accustomed to Home’s occasional creaks and distant tappings in the night, finding them more comforting than eerie over time.
You slept soundly that night, unaware of the gaze that has never once ceased being pinned upon you.
-
You just looked so peaceful…you couldn’t fault him for not wanting to look away, could you? You couldn’t fault him for slipping into your bedroom in the dead of night and watching you. Making sure you were there, in bed. Safe. Perfect. He wanted to touch you. Graze your soft cheek with his finger. But he resisted like he always did. He remained in the same spot he did every night. He didn’t move an inch.
Like he always did.
-
That morning, you awoke better rested than most nights. After doing your usual routine you bounded down the steps to head to the kitchen, being met with the familiar sight of your big brother in that bright blue robe, sitting at the table and seemingly distracted by the paper in his hands.
You smiled a bit to yourself as you noted his pompadour was neatly done up, save for a small lock of hair slipping ever so slightly. Casually you walked up and with your fingers, stroked the thin piece of hair back into place. This effectively garnered Wally’s attention.
“There. That’s better.” You say, giving him a cheeky grin when your eyes meet.
Wally watched you for a moment before reacting, “Ha Ha Ha…Thank you.” He said in response.
You went to sit in your usual place across from him at the table, not noticing the way Wally’s gaze seemed to travel after you. There was already a plate of food and juice set up in your spot. Wally always got up early, so you always figured he ate first. And he always had your breakfast ready without fail. Today, a stack of pancakes with whipped cream, and apple juice.
“I’m going to be heading to Frank’s house after this.” You mentioned casually as you began to eat. You had previously promised you’d come over so that he could show you how those bugs of his were doing. You had expressed your interest in wanting to watch a caterpillar become a butterfly. You’d never seen a cocoon in person before, so you were a bit excited about what he might show you.
“I see…I can come along after we stop by the store for-“
“You don’t have to, Wally. I know you’ve probably got your own things to do. And didn’t you mention you were going to hang out with Barnaby today? I can go on my own.” You give him a reassuring grin. You knew he was just trying to look out for you…but you wanted to show him that you…you didn’t have to do everything together. Especially when you both had different things you wanted to do. You wanted to show him that he could trust you to handle yourself on your own. That he didn’t have to worry about you.
You didn’t realize what you were doing. You didn’t realize what your words ended up meaning to him.
“You don’t…want me to come?”
You don’t want to be with me
“No, it’s not that! I just know you have other things you might want to do today. So don’t worry!” You glanced at the clock and gasped, standing abruptly, “Oh! I don’t want to be late!”, You went over and gave your brother a quick kiss on the cheek, “You know how Frank gets about punctuality, see you later!” You said as you jogged out.
The door shut with a slam. It sounded so finite. And it was so quiet without you. His dearest little sibling…
Knock knock tap
“I don’t know, Home…But I don’t…like it…”
-
Later that day, it was getting dark. But you were excitedly making your way down the path that led to home, a portable butterfly enclosure in your hands. Inside was a cocoon that was newly formed, a soon-to-be butterfly grasped within its delicate walls. Frank had let you have it since he was already looking after a few of them himself. He made you promise you would monitor it closely and take notes of everything, especially if anything seemed out of the ordinary. You agreed, determined to take good care of your new little friend. It was just so special to you.
When you arrived Home, you greeted the house as you entered and immediately looked around for your brother.
“Hm…he must still be at Barnaby’s…” you said.
Knock creak
You laughed a little, “I’ll take that as a yes.”
You went over and set the little cage down on a window sill, wanting it to be near the soft sunlight of the daytime while you cared for it.
With one more look at the crystal-like cocoon, you turned and headed up to your bedroom. You’ve been out all day, losing track of time at Frank’s place. You were exhausted.
-
The first thing Wally noticed when he returned, was the one thing that wasn’t there before. He stared at the small enclosure as if it would somehow burst into flames if he stared hard enough.
After a moment he shook his head at himself.
He was being silly. Even Barnaby said so.
You’d never push him away.
You were two peas in a pod.
That’s what his old friend said to him after he opened up about his…feelings…this morning.
Tomorrow they would both go back to how they usually tackled the day. Together.
Because you loved him most of all. And no one would ever change that.
-
The next day was the same. And then the next and the next. You were so occupied with that…insect. All your attention was taken up by such a small little thing yet it left no room for him it seemed. And you went to Frank’s house every day.
Without Wally.
He tried not to feel bitter about it. He tried not to let his thoughts linger too much.
But it was getting harder and harder.
It was like you no longer wanted him around. Like you didn’t want to rely on him anymore.
But why? He could take care of you, he always has. Why were you pushing him away? Why were you distancing yourself from him? Did you like Frank better than him? Was that it?
The thought alone caused Wally to grip his comb so hard that it snapped in half.
-
The day your cocoon would become a beautiful little butterfly, ready to be set free, was quickly approaching. You were happy that you picked up this little hobby. It meant you had something truly your own that you could do instead of trailing along after your brother like a lost puppy.
Not that you didn’t like spending time with him. You loved doing so. You wanted to ask him today if he was up to playing some board games later…but when you woke up he wasn’t home. You didn’t think too much about that though, figuring maybe he had to do an errand. Could never be too stocked up on those apples of his after all.
You just wanted to have something you could do. You have interests you want to explore. That’s all.
You had no idea.
-
This was the day.
The day the butterfly would emerge and spread its lovely little wings.
You sat all day in front of the little cage, eager and waiting. Eventually, though, you went out to head over to Howdy’s, to get some quick house essentials. It didn’t seem like Wally would be home…again. So dinner would be up to you.
He’s been busy a lot recently. And you didn’t know where he went. You tried asking him and he just brushed you off. You tried asking Barnaby if he was spending more time over at his place, and he told you not any more than he usually does. So where was your brother going? You never really saw him leave or come back, either being gone yourself whenever he did or in bed asleep.
It felt strange and you were worried that maybe Wally was mad at you…so! You came up with a plan. You were going to bake him his favorite snack. An apple pie! Hence why you were currently stuffing a basket full of ingredients
A few bad jokes later and out of the shop you went, grocery bag in your arms as you made your way back Home.
As you walked down the bath, you tilted your head up taking note of the pink hues of the sky. It was getting late. You better hurry so you can get started on your surprise dessert! Before Wally got to home…
-
Entering Home, you set down your bag of groceries at the table before scurrying over toward the little butterfly enclosure by the window.
Not noticing the shadow in the corner.
You just wanted to check up on your new little friend. It was supposed to emerge today and- OH!
The chrysalis is empty! It’s emerged! That means…
Wait…
You paused in front of the enclosure.
Why wasn’t the butterfly there? On the little branch, the cocoon was attached to and drying its wings…like Frank said it would be…
You stepped closer, and your heart stopped as you looked inside.
There, at the bottom of the enclosure, laid the butterfly.
Its bright blue wings limp, one seemingly separated from its small body…
Torn off?
But…why…
You dropped to your knees, letting out a soft sob. Devastated.
How did it die? You did everything right! It had been safe and sound and had everything it needed once it emerged…how could it have ended up like this?
Did someone…
Why would anyone…
You didn’t realize tears were freely streaming down your face until you felt a hand cup your cheek and brush them away with their thumb.
Slowly looking up to who the hand belonged to, you sniffled as your eyes locked onto your brother’s.
“W-why did it…die? I don’t under-hic…understand…” you choked through your sobs.
Wally wrapped his arms around you, pulling him into his chest. Just like he used to when you were a kid and woke up from a bad dream.
Why couldn’t this be a bad dream?
“Shhh…it’s okay…don’t cry little one…” Whispered Wally to you.
“It just…wasn’t meant to be.” He cupped your cheek and tilted your head up to him again, “You still have me…”
“What…?” You whispered shakily. What he said confused you. Of course, you knew you’d always have your big brother…he was your brother. But what did that have to do with this? With…your butterfly…
“Y-you…did you do it?” Your voice was still remaining a whisper but now held a firmer more accusatory tone.
Silence.
That was more than enough of an answer.
“You did…didn’t you…” A statement. Not a question. You abruptly pushed him away and got up off the floor. “How could you?!” You cried. You made to turn, you didn’t understand why he would do such a cruel thing. But you didn’t want to be around him right now.
You felt an iron grip wrap around your wrist and you let out a gasp.
“You’re leaving…again? You keep leaving…you keep choosing everyone else…”
“Wally let go-!”
He pulled you in hard, and his arms wrapped tightly around you keeping you locked firmly in place right against his chest. You were shorter than him by a head. You squirmed but it only managed to make his embrace tighten almost painfully.
“I won’t let you…it’s supposed to be you and me…you’re supposed to always choose me…”
“Wally! What-“
“So I’ll choose for you…little sibling.”
It all went black.
-
Your head felt strange.
Fuzzy.
As you began to come to, your eyelids felt so heavy you had to fight against them just to open them.
It took you a couple of minutes of laying there, staring up at the dark ceiling and tugging at the restraints holding your wrists down-
Restraints?
You remember everything that happened before you lost consciousness. It all came flooding right back like a crashing wave.
Your blood ran cold and your breathing became labored as you tugged harder and harder.
Your wrists were restrained as well as your ankles. You couldn’t move much, you couldn’t even sit up. And it was so dark you felt like you’d choke on the darkness. Like you would suffocate just lying there.
“You’re awake…I’m so glad…”
Your movements halted as soon as you heard that familiar voice. But you couldn’t tell where it was coming from. You looked around, furrowing your brows and squinting. Trying desperately to make out any shapes or silhouettes in the darkness.
It was hard to tell if you saw anything at all if you saw any movement, or if you were only tricking yourself into thinking that.
“Wally…why…why are you doing this?!” You cried out, your voice shaky with panic.
He knows you don’t like the dark.
He knows that…
“You needed to be reminded who your big brother was…you need to remember who’s the one that cares about you the most…who should be the most in your heart…”
“Please…please where are you?!”
It was too hard to process his words at that moment. You were panicking too much to even think to respond to him. You just wanted to know where he was. To know he was there. That you weren’t alone and hearing voices in your head.
He didn’t respond. It went silent for a while.
Too long.
“Wally! Wally please don’t leave me here alone! Please…please don’t leave!” You shook at the restraints harder, in vain but you weren’t exactly thinking logically in that moment. You were getting desperate.
But it didn’t matter how desperate you got. Because he never answered.
Not once.
-
It felt like you were stuck there forever. Trapped in limbo.
Your wrists and ankles felt raw, and your hands and feet were numb.
After crying and yelling out for Wally to come back until your throat went raw, you lay there limply unable to tell if you even closed your eyes or had them open.
The tears on your cheeks had since dried and now you were quiet. Unable to speak anymore.
It was only then that you felt his soft hand caress your cheek. Your reaction was instinctive, and needy as you tried to lean into the touch. Tried to chase after it when the hand slid down your neck and towards your chest.
This was the first you’ve realized that you didn’t have any clothes on. But the thought passed through you like an insignificant whisper. It didn’t matter to you at that moment. Nothing else mattered in that moment as you whimpered and whined for that hand not to leave you.
“I’m here…I will always be here…you’re a part of me and I’m a part of you…”
His voice made a shudder go through you. It was really him. He was here, for real. You could feel him and hear him…even smell him with how close he was. He smelled so good. So warm.
“Please…” you choked out, forcing it out of your raw throat it barely came out as a wheeze.
“I’ll take good care of you…like I always have…”
The bed shifted, and you could feel it when the restraints to your ankles were unclasped. Those soft hands came and soothed the rawness of your skin. You felt him leave the softest kisses along your ankle and up your leg. As if he were trying to worship every inch of you.
It sent a rush of warmth through you…one that some part of you knew was wrong…some part of you deep inside beneath the need and desperation knew all of this was wrong. Yet…you didn’t plead for him to stop, not even as he got higher with his lips. Not even as his hands slid up your thighs to your hips. You wanted to feel him…in any way he would give you.
Even if it was a sin.
He was your favorite person.
Your precious family.
Your everything.
“Let me show you how much I love you…” He whispered against your stomach.
You wanted it. You wanted his love. That’s all that mattered…nothing else was more important. You parted your legs and tried to look at him through the darkness. Now that he was so close, you could faintly see him, but still not fully. But even that was more than enough to put you at ease.
Wally took this as your acceptance. One of his hands that still rested on your thigh, slid between them to start teasing you. Just tracing over you, not yet pushing or prodding. Not yet penetrating.
“You are perfect…Don’t look away from me.” He spoke so gently to you as if his words were caressing you the same way his hands were.
“Don’t ever look at anyone else…again.”
You let out a raw cry when you felt fingers breach you not too kindly. You could hear it. There was anger amidst his adoration. Rage swelling beneath the surface of his need for you.
Any thoughts that wanted to understand where that anger was coming from were quickly drowned out by your desire to make it go away. Make him feel better. Fix it.
Your entrance stung a little at the roughness. It hurt but not unbearably.
“I’m…sorry…I won’t…I won’t ever…I only want to l-look at you.” You pleaded, desperate to reassure him. Desperate to comfort him.
You could feel his warmth as he looked over you, you knew his face was right there. Right in front of you. You could just barely make out his eyes…those eyes that always watched over you. His lips crashed into yours, and the strangled sound you made as his fingers plunged deeper into you was immediately swallowed up. He was greedy, shoving his tongue past your lips as he devoured you. You couldn’t stop him even if you wanted to…and the thing that you couldn’t quite wrap your head around was the fact that…
You didn’t. You didn’t want him to stop.
Eventually, you got used to the feeling of his fingers spreading you open. It went from painful, to uncomfortable, to starting to feel…good. Your hips twitched up and you tilted your head back, pulling away from the kiss when those fingers reached somewhere that felt…weird. Not bad…just not expected. It felt like an intense wave of pleasure crashed into you when he angled his fingers and thrusted directly into that funny little spot.
“W-…Wally!” You cried out, back arching.
He kissed down your chest and caught one of your nipples, giving it a harsh bite while he drove his fingers into you over and over. Rendering your mind completely blank as you were overcome by pleasure and pain.
Something was coming, something you’d never felt before. You tugged desperately at the restraints still at your wrists, your hips moving of their own accord.
“Something…somethings happening!” You cried, tried to warn him. To plead to him as your mind just wasn’t catching up.
Like an explosion behind your eyelids, your whole body shuddered with pleasure as you came for the first time. You panted heavily as it took some time for your body to settle down and relax against the mattress completely.
Only when you were completely still did Wally finally pull out his fingers. Despite being rather sensitive now, you let out a soft whine at the loss.
“Shhh…it’s okay…just relax.” He whispered into your ear.
You could hear the rustling of fabric as he seemed to be readjusting himself, sitting fully between your legs now. Then you felt his hands hook under your knees, pushing them up to somewhat fold you over.
“W-what-“ you sputtered, embarrassment at such a position piercing through the fog that had been taking over your mind.
“Shhh…” was all you heard before you felt something blunt against you. Pressing. Definitely bigger than his fingers.
“Wait-“
“I’m sorry. I can’t wait anymore….I’ve waited and waited…I don’t want to any longer…”
With that, he pushed into you. And the pain was far worse than the pain from before. You let out a scream, your hands clenched into fists so hard your nails broke the skin of your palms.
“T-Too much...hurts!” You cried
“It’ll feel better…” he spoke lowly, and you could hear a hunger taking over his voice. That gentleness from earlier, the soft coaxing, was replaced by something far more beastly.
He pushed your legs higher, until your knees were near your shoulders, and suddenly plunged the rest of his cock into you with one hard thrust.
The pain was blinding. For a moment you thought you’d passed out because when you finally were able to take in what was happening, he was already thrusting with abandon.
You couldn’t articulate anything anymore, the only sounds coming out of you were a garbled mess of rambles and cries. Your eyes were completely out of focus, tears blurring them though the only reason you could even tell was due to what little you could make out of your brother blurring over.
Much like before, the more he thrusted into you the more the pain seemed to pass, and instead was replaced with pleasure that had your toes curling and your back arching. With every thrust he filled you, and you never wanted him to pull out. You wanted him to stay, to keep you full. To keep you his.
Wally groaned as you seemed to tighten around him even more, whispering sweet nothings against the skin of your neck as he pounded you into the mattress. Finally taking what has always been his. Carving himself inside of you, making sure you are well and truly marked as his own. He lost himself in you, fucking you harder and rougher than he had ever intended for your first time. But he couldn’t help it. You drove him crazy…you had this effect on him. And he wanted you to know it. He wanted to show you just what you did to him. With the way you’d look up at him, the way you’d send him that sweet smile of yours meant for only him even while around the others. The way you always held his hand when you went home for the day together. That was how it should always be…
It only took a few more thrusts before you reached your peak again, your cries becoming silent as you did. He wasn’t far behind, only lasting a moment longer than you before he too reached his climax. He did not pull out, instead spilling his seed as deep as he could into you. Pumping you full of him…so that you’d be full of nothing but him even when he did inevitably pull out. And he’d make sure you stay that way…
He’d make sure you always stayed that way. Full of him. Full of his love, and full of love only for him.
“Mine…always mine…” he said as he held you tightly, finally having undone your wrist restraints. But you couldn’t hear him, or feel the relief of your wrists finally being freed, or the dull ache that preceded that relief. Or the ache that was now forming along your lower half. Because this time, you had passed out.
-
The next time you would wake, it would be back in your bed, cleaned and dressed.
And as you got up from the bed to make your way down the stairs, you would feel that ache in your hips and between your legs. The only sign it hadn’t been a dream.
And you would see the same scene that you always would see in the kitchen. Wally sitting there. Waiting for you, your breakfast laid out.
You would sit down, and cringe at the wetness seeping into your underwear.
And when he asked you what you would do today, you would say…
“Anything, as long as it’s with you.”
He would stand from his seat, walk around towards you and kiss your forehead. And your gaze would have strayed to the garbage bin beside the kitchen counter.
(Read the full story below, or here's AO3 version if you prefer to read on there!)
Chapter 11: Mistletoe Incident
🐛 Howdy x Barnaby 🐾
Howdy looks at himself in the mirror. He doesn't often wear short sleeves because it's unprofessional, but it's the holidays, after all. He flexes his arms. They're muscled, partly because he lifts so many boxes, but also because he lifts weights, but he doesn't tell anyone that.
He splashes his face with water. The party got rowdy quickly. It was a culmination of long hours and rude treatment by the higher ups. But it had fizzled out just as fast, like a cheap fireworks display. Frank and Eddie already went home. Poppy is tending to Sally and Julie back at her place. Wally is passed out in a crate of apples at the front of Howdy's store. Only him and Barn remain.
Howdy returns to his ravaged storefront, pushes glitter and streamers off a stool, and sits down on the side of the lunch counter opposite where he usually stands. He feels behind it and cracks open a beer for himself.
Barnaby sits down heavily beside him in his usual spot. "Everyone here's a lightweight, ain't they?" He takes a long draft of beer. They aren't allowed to have it on set, but Howdy stashes it in back for the cast to enjoy after work.
Grateful for the company, Howdy nods. He takes a sip of his own. "They're tiny. Wally can't drink a more'n thimbleful without falling asleep." He glances over his shoulder to make sure the small man hasn't left his comfortable spot among the apples.
Barnaby laughs. He's wearing soft blue pajamas, as if he's going to a sleepover after this. That would be fun, Howdy thinks. He looks cuddly.
Howdy snaps his fingers. "I know. It's nearly midnight. We deserve something special to celebrate."
Barnaby watches with interest as Howdy reaches behind the counter, pushes down on the bottom of a cabinet, and pries open a secret panel. He produces a bottle of clear liquid with a crudely-drawn butterfly on the side and two shot glasses.
Barnaby's eyes pop out of his head. "Whoa, that's the good stuff. Where'd ya get it?"
"Latter, if you can believe that. He mixes it up in a keg in his cellar each winter. He's absolutely nuts." Howdy pours a shot for Barnaby and one for himself, then tips his glass to him. "We could be cured of every disease known to man, or be dead by morning. Cheers."
"God bless your crazy brother." Barnaby knocks back his drink and winces. "Whoo, that smarts."
Howdy does the same, then holds his chest and coughs. "Jesus, that's stronger than usual!" He shakes his head and pushes the bottle towards Barn. "Another?"
"Yeah, keep 'em coming."
Howdy didn't expect to be four shots deep and him and Barn falling over each other laughing one hour later. He raids his Santa display and adorns Barn with a festive hat. Barn ties jingle bells to Howdy's antennae and calls him cute. There's a strange feeling between them that Howdy cannot describe, but he likes it.
It makes a little more sense when Barn points to the cluster of green leaves and white berries hanging above Howdy's register.
"That's mistletoe, ain't it?"
"I dunno. Julie put it there." Howdy sloshes another shot of forbidden juice into their cups. "Who knows what it means."
"It means I get to kiss ya."
"Huh?" Howdy blinks and turns towards him, his eyes wide. Barnaby has his arm around Howdy’s shoulder. His face reads sincere.
Barnaby realizes what he's doing. He immediately lets go of him. "I won't if you don't want me to."
The door of opportunity is closing. Howdy catches it and throws it wide open. "No, no, I want to." The glass clatters onto the counter as he takes hold of Barn's collar, pulls him towards him, kisses him.
Howdy’s unsure how long the kiss lasts. It’s more than a few seconds, but less than a few minutes. Now Barn’s holding his cheeks and looking down at him with fondness. Howdy's never felt so open and scared and euphoric all at once, his head swimming in a soup of feelings.
Barnaby kisses him again, and Howdy braces one arm against the counter so he doesn’t fall over. Now Barn's unbuttoning his shirt, oh my god, is this really happening—
"Barnaby? I think I need to go home now."
Wally looks up at them, rubbing his large watery eyes. There's glitter all over his hair that Julie had dumped on him as part of a game three hours earlier.
Barnaby stares at him like a piece of furniture that’s just come to life. He runs a hand down his face. "Aw jeez. I gotta get this kid to bed." He reluctantly lets go of Howdy, brushes his fingers against the tuft of fur sticking out from his chest, looks at it mournfully. "Sorry."
It takes Howdy a moment to understand. He sits up, buttons his shirt, and starts to clean up the spilled drink. "Right. No problem."
Barnaby swaddles Wally up in his winter coat and balances him in the crook of his arm. "But I can come back."
Howdy gazes out into the darkness. He can’t even see the lights of the nearest house, it’s so thick. "Are you sure? You might get caught.”
"It'll be fine. Playfellow doesn’t check on us after the holidays."
"Playfellow?" Wally mumbles, his head lolling.
Barnaby pats him on the shoulder. "Ssh. This is all a dream, kid." He looks back at Howdy. "As long as he falls asleep okay, I'll come back in an hour."
Howdy nods dumbly and watches the two of them dissolve into the night. He sits back down and stares at the ugly butterfly on the liquor bottle. He starts a conversation with it, as one does when you don’t have many friends.
This is a mistake.
Is it?
No. Maybe. Guess we’ll see.
Once again, it's hard to tell how much time has passed. A few minutes merge into an hour, then two. It gets to a point where Howdy’s nearly sober, and he's worried. The landscape outside the window remains unchanged, other than it’s getting grayer as the hours inch closer towards dawn.
But then Barn shows up at the door like a prelude to the sunrise. He locks it behind him and yanks down the blinds that Howdy’s never had to use before.
"I finally got 'im to sleep." Barn grabs Howdy by the suspenders and picks up where they left off. "Feels like I've been waitin' forever to do this."
"Ya have?" Howdy's never thought of anyone like that before, but desire came on so quickly, he knows it’s right. “Same.”
"Sorry for the delay. Wally had a lotta questions." Barnaby kisses Howdy’s neck, then he stops. "Are you sure? Everything’s gonna change after this. We’ll have to sneak around like Frank n’ Eddie—if you even wanna continue.” He chuckles, shakes his head. “I’m already gonna hafta bribe Wally with all your apples to keep ‘im quiet.”
Howdy cups his cheeks and smiles. “I’m sure, Barn.”
He takes Barnaby by the hand and leads him to his room in the back. They wake up in the morning a few hours later, sore, uncertain, but at least not alone.
