A/N: I don't think they ever said when Parker's brother's accident occurred but I've pushed it back by a lot probably so they could be the ages I wanted for this one-shot.

PROMPT: Write about a character being comforted from their fear. Spiders, heights, the dark, whatever. What are their responses? Still scared or do they take comfort in feeling like someone is there for them?

CHALLENGE: After being comforted, they must face this fear on their own

"Devin!" the ten year old girl called loudly, looking around for her brother. "This isn't funny!"

The girl heard muffled laughter and the rustling of leaves from above her. Looking up, she could just make out, through the dense foliage, her eight year old brother sitting on one of the highest branches of the tree she was standing under. "Devin!" she shrieked "You're gonna fall!" The boy just laughed.

"No I'm not, Parks! I do this all the time!" Parker huffed.

"Well you need to come down. Mom wants you home, now," the girl said sternly already seeing the mischevious smile spread across her brother's face.

"Come and get me," he taunted, leaning back against the tree so she could no longer see him. With a defiant scowl, Parker grabbed the closest branch and began to hoist herself up the tree. It never occurred to her to just go back to the house and blame it all on her brother. Even when he was driving her crazy, their loyalty to each other was strong.

Halfway up, she was beginning to think it wouldn't be so bad, then she made the mistake of looking down. Her body locked up in fear, her arms clinging desperately to the tree trunk, and tears welled up in her eyes as she began to cry softly.

"Please, Devin. I don't want to climb anymore. Please!" Hearing the panic in his sister's voice, Devin immediately began scrambling down the tree to get to her, stopping on the closest branch and frowning at the state she was in.

"C'mon Parks, you're okay. I'm here."

"I just want to get down," she sobbed, her nails digging into the bark.

"Okay, breathe. Just climb down."

"I'm scared," she whimpered, looking at him with frantic eyes.

"I'm right here. We'll do it together, okay? One step at a time." Parker nodded and they slowly made their way down the tree. Parker collapsing against the base when they finally reached the ground. Devin eased himself down beside his shaking sister. "I'm sorry, Parker," Devin said quietly.

"It's okay," she sniffled. They sat in silence for a few more minutes while Parker calmed down.

"Why'd you get scared?" Devin asked, honestly curious.

"Because I could fall and die," Parker snapped back defensively. "I don't get why you like being up there. Especially after you broke your arm last summer." Devin shrugged.

"It's nice up there. Even when I was falling, believe it or not. There's this feeling that starts in the pit of your stomach and spreads through your whole body. This moment where nothing else matters. I forget about the way Mom and Dad fight and about the mean kids at school. What's not to like about that?" Standing up, Devin offered a hand to pull Parker up. "We better get back before Mom throws a fit."

She nodded and they began their walk back, all the while Parker pondered what Devin said not knowing how important his words would be.

A/N: Devin is an articulate eight year old. Next chapter is going to be angsty. This is making me want to write a series of one shots about Parker's life if her brother was alive. Would anyone be interested in that? I'm on tumblr so feel free to come talk to me or harass me about updating. Links on my profile.