âOwls.â Theo moved closer yet, and turned his back to the cool wall and slid down it so that he was seated next to Teddy, beginning to observe the slippers, running his fingers over one or two torn spots where the white stuffing could be seen protruding. âOwlets, specifically, thereâs a new nest of them, Iâve been keeping up with them, and I think they donât so much mind my presence anymore. Obviously, they are most active at night, so thatâs when I like to make my visits. Next time I go, I will be sure to invite you. I bet Cedric would be most pleased to see you, heâs the most outgoing.â The subject of owlets was strong in his mind, but not strong enough to remain fixed when Teddy mentioned his bad dreams, and so they were shunted aside by concern for the boy beside him. Theo wasnât sure what to say at this point. He used to hate seeing Teddy have his bad dreams, but there was always something he could do about it. To come over and hold him, a sudden memory flashing into his mind that caused hurt to well up in his chest, hurt because it was no longer something feasible to do. âItâs never a matter of manning up,â Theo insisted skeptically, prioritizing the otherâs worries over his own personal qualms. âThatâs a sick excuse to use, by people who donât want to have to help with and invest in another personâs issues.â He finally stopped picking at the cotton and looked over at Teddy, the shadowy face making facial features rather drastic. âYouâre strong already, donât discount that by expecting yourself to suddenly get over these night terrors.â He paused a moment before going on, âIs Toxin okay?â
there was something about theoâs ramblings that felt like a safety blanket being wrapped around him; the familiarity of the situation making everything seem a lot less chaotic despite all that had happened between the pair of them. âalright, iâll come meet cedric but i doubt heâll like toxin and i.â teddy shrugged it off, a lump invading his throat soon enough to silence him as theo spoke again. âweâre both...agitated. i donât know how to make it stop, or calm us down.â he mumbled again, head in hands and fingers tangled in his hair this time. âi donât know how..how to be vulnerable. my body and mind see you and want to be, because itâs normal...but it makes me feel nauseous. i canât tell if the sweat is from the dreams or from you.â teddy couldnât help but smile softly at that, his dramatics surprising him. âreckon my next nightmare will be about your stupid slippers.â