Monsters and Ladybugs

by Kitteh and Neo

Three years later Dwicky comes back to fix what he messed up. But the little boy he left behind is no longer the same energetic soul from before and now may just be too broken to reach. DADR

35. Sessions 35

Monsters and Ladybugs

By Kitteh and Neofox

Rating R

Warnings Violence and intense smooching

Disclaimer Smeets will eat our souls if we dare claim Invader Zim. So yeah, Jhonen can keep his smeets of DOOM!

Summary DADR. Three years later Dwicky comes back to fix what he messed up. But the little boy he left behind is no longer the same energetic soul from before and now may just be too broken to reach.
Beta Heartless7

Chapter 35

After the two had left the apartment Dib had wasted no time in bugging Dwicky once more about breakfast. It was only after a stop at the asylum to pick up a new prescription that Dwicky would agree to anything. Dib had opted to stay near the exit doors as far away from the place as he could, but still near Dwicky's line of sight. When everything was taken care of Dib was more than happy to be out of there. As soon as they were in the city and after they had picked up his pills, he dragged the man away to grab some food, taking advantage of the fact he was the one being treated. Over the entire course of the meal, Dib had made small little jokes and it had been as if he were back to his normal self and nothing of the past few days ever happened.

After breakfast Dib once again pulled Dwicky away just to enjoy the fact he could be with the other. It was better than staying stuck in the apartment, hiding away from prying eyes. Dib refused to let go of Dwicky's hand, realizing it couldn't do any harm since people thought they were related anyway. As they walked he kept his eyes on a few of the shop windows they passed by, once or twice stopping, jerking Dwicky beside him so he could look in at whatever interested him. That included the window full of lava lamps that held him at the moment.

Dwicky stood beside the boy watching the globs of color lazily shift up and around in their containers. It was captivating, that slow lethargic movement of colors, melding around but never mixing; like oil and water. "There's something strangely relaxing about lava lamps.. My parents owned one, I'd stare at it for hours at a time." He chuckled. "Taken with any particular colour?"

Dib pointed his finger at a lamp in the far corner, lava with a dark blue and the color around it minty green. "That one." He let his finger drop back down and continued to stare at the lamp, watching the blue color go up and down inside the container. After a few seconds he stood up straight and turned his eyes back to Dwicky, giving a small smile. "They are really calming. I never realized it until now, being able to look at them for longer than a second."

Dwicky glanced at the lamp Dib pointed out a second with a thoughtful expression before looking back to Dib with a smile. "Would you like it?"

Dib blinked his eyes in a bit of surprise at the question. The surprise immediately turned to excitement and he couldn't help bouncing on the balls of his feet while he reached his hand back out to tug on Dwicky's own. "Yes!" He realized how loud he answered and quickly lowered his voice. "I mean, yes please." He gave a sheepish smile.

Dwicky laughed and he tugged Dib into the shop. The shop was littered with brightly coloured, psychedelic, peace and love seventies items. It was like walking into a flowery rainbow splattered painting. He gave a whistle at the sight. He pointed to the lava lamps as he fished out his wallet. "Just go ahead and grab what you like."

Dib had no trouble doing just that and walked right over to the lamps. He picked up the one which he had been staring at the entire time, having to shift Skeets around to grab it with both hands since it was a bit heavy. His own eyes looked around at each brightly colored trinket that littered the store as he walked back towards Dwicky. It was all very eye catching and he had to stop himself from picking up a few of the beaded bracelets that were on the counter.

"Is there anything else you'd like, kiddo?" Dwicky couldn't help but notice Dib's interest in other things about the store. He easily gave a shrug with his grin, leaning on one arm on the counter. "Money is no object today."

Dib turned his eyes back on Dwicky and tried his best to keep his expression innocent. "Well, if you put it that way." He placed the lamp on the counter and picked up the bracelets he had his eyes on, putting them with the lamp. Without a word he walked away from the counter to explore the rest of the shop, leaving Dwicky to hang out at the counter for a bit while he looked around. It didn't take very long for him to find a few things that interested him and bring them back. A few different colored tie dye shirts and a necklace with a beaded charm were placed on top of each other on the counter. Dib stood up on toes and tried to look over it all as he glanced up towards Dwicky giving a small smile.

"I see we're liking the array of color here. Very nice." Dwicky returned the smile. "Nice and cheerful, right?" He couldn't help glancing around the room, nostalgia for his younger days. "Maybe I should get something too. My apartment could use some bright neon. I guess I could use color as well." He glanced down at his white shirt, black slacks and watch. He patted his shirt and looked back to Dib. "Maybe we should get something matching?" he suggested with a grin.

Dib nodded his head at the idea as he turned around fully to face Dwicky. "You could use a change anyway." He grinned at the teasing words and reached a hand out, tugging at Dwicky's arm. "So, pick out something. This is the perfect place to get something completely different."

"Hmm, what do you think I should get? Some tie-dye shirts? Flower sticks for the car? A horribly tacky rug? Peace sign arm bands?" Dwicky laughed. Then something caught his eye. "Oh hey, I know." He tugged Dib over to a table. He took Dib's hand resting it on his palm and slipped a ring on his ring finger, letting his touch linger with the action. "Mood rings."

Dib had kept his eyes down and watched as Dwicky slipped the ring on his finger. His eyes stared into the stone which very slowly started to change color. He kept his hand on Dwicky's palm, letting it rest there even though the ring was already in place and only after a few seconds did he finally wiggle his fingers and pull his hand back. Without a word he picked up a mood ring and took Dwicky's hand, sliding the ring on the man's ring finger much the same way, letting their hands fall after, but keeping them linked together as he smiled up at the other.

It took all that Dwicky had to refrain from leaning down to kiss Dib after that. Instead he just brushed a few fingers against he boy's chin, trying to make the touch as brief as possible. But it didn't stop him from smiling back. He walked back over to the counter, with Dib in toe. He paid for the items, handing Dib the bag soon after. "Is there a new destination? or shall we just wander some more?" They left the store, still hand in hand.

Dib thought about the question as he swung the bag beside him as best he could while clutching Skeets. "I don't mind just walking around some more." He watched as few people walked by them. A lot of the people that were usually out on the streets were more than likely at work, so the city wasn't as crowded for the moment. "I'm sure something will catch my eye again."

"If it's colorful or shiny, I'm sure it will." Dwicky chuckled, shoving his other hand in a pocket. He looked up at the sky, a warm blue with barely a trail of white cotton to be seen. "It's such a nice day. Too nice to be in skool, don't you agree?" He grinned Dib's way. "No competition for anything since all your fellow classmates are locked away tight indoors." He looked back up to the sky. "It's a shame too, such a beautiful day."

Dib thought over those words as he looked over at Dwicky for a few moments. A slow smile started to form on his face and he became excited once again as he began to walk in front of Dwicky while turning around to face the man. He tugged on the other's hand, urging him along while he spoke up. "Let's go to the park. Barely anyone will be there." He tugged a little more. "At least not like before when we tried to go."

"Okay, okay, we'll go to the park." Dwicky laughed a little, picking up his pace so Dib wouldn't drag him there the entire way. "Just you and me. And some trees. And possibly some old folks feeding pigeons."

Dib laughed at those last words and continued to tug Dwicky through the streets. There were a few times he bumped into a couple of people, but he didn't seem to mind and only muttered a small apology each time under his breath. The park wasn't too far of a walk and it wasn't long before they reached it. It was then that Dib finally let go of Dwicky's hand, making his way onto the grass and towards the swing set, not really minding the few people that were hanging around for the moment.

Dwicky trailed along behind, shoving his free hand into his other pocket. He was impressed with just how greatly improved Dib had become in such a short amount of time. The boy looked so happy with the worry and guilt lifted from his shoulders. What impressed Dwicky the most was how well Dib was acting with people now; crowds didn't terrify him, and he wasn't clinging to him like he normally would, never daring to leave his side. It had Dwicky smiling at Dib's back and something swelling to a pleasant ache in his chest. He walked to lean against one of the swing's metal polls, crossing his arms to watch.

Dib had set the bag down as soon as he was near the swing and took up one for himself. He kicked his legs a bit to start swinging, moving back and forth as he turned his attention towards Dwicky. He nodded his head towards the swing next to him and gave a small smile before he spoke up. "Swing with me?"

Dwicky turned his attention to the other swing, looking at it as if it were the most foreign thing he'd seen. He gave a nervous chuckle. "I haven't swung on a swing for ages." He tentatively walked over to it. "With my luck I'll crash it horribly some how." He sat down on it, though it was a bit too low for him. Instead of swinging like Dib he pushed himself with his legs to slowly rock back and forth.

The action seemed to satisfy Dib enough and his smile grew. With his free hand, he reached up to grab onto one of the metal chains, keeping it held as he swung a bit higher. "I haven't been on one in a long time either." He turned his attention back on Dwicky even as he continued to swing. "I think so far its holding up pretty well under you." He couldn't help but grin.

"Same with you." Dwicky leaned his head against the chain to watch Dib swing. "Looking really good there." He gave a small soft smile. "Really good." He lazily rocked himself back and forth on the swing.

Dib smiled back at Dwicky and slowly bit by bit he stopped to rock back and forth much like the other was. He reached his hand out to touch Dwicky's own which was on the chain and walked his fingers up and down the man's hand as he spoke up. "I like being outside again, just like the first time. I feel much better now and it's nice that I just get to be with you." He let his hand fall below Dwicky's on the chain as he looked at the man's face. "I'm glad I get to enjoy being out, since you were able to fix everything."

The man's hand slipped from the swing's chain to run up and down Dib's forearm, an innocent enough action to be seen, but either knew better. "I agree. Full heartedly." Dwicky gave a quick glance around before leaning down to subtly place a kiss on Dib's knuckle that gripped his swing's chain. "I like this… I like this a lot." He idly toyed with the ring on Dib's finger to no real ends.

The small actions left Dib even more pleased with the situation. He kept his hand right where it was as Dwicky played with the ring and let his head lean against the chain to his own swing. "This isn't bad. We didn't want to worry about being as careful when I got out and here we are." He kicked his legs a bit at the ground as he continued to rock. "Besides one small little mishap, I think everything is turning out just fine." His voice lowered a bit. "Maybe four years won't seem so bad now."

"Maybe." Dwicky quietly echoed, finally resting his hand over Dib's smaller one. He parted fingers so he could look at Dib's ring. "Blue." He gave a small chuckle. "Maybe we should have picked up a color legend. But... I think it means happy." He stroked his thumb slowly on the boy's hand. "You certainly sound happy to me."

"I am." Dib smiled wide once again as he got up off the swing only to turn and face Dwicky, standing in front of the man. He continued to keep their hands around each other, not wanting to loose the contact just yet. "The only reason I felt so upset was because of so much going on. I was worried about you, but now I know everything is going to be alright, so I feel like I can actually get better. Especially since my head is clearer now." He gave a relieved smile at that.

Dwicky gave a nod of agreement. Without giving it much thought he reached out and tugged Dib onto his lap, keeping him gathered up so he could still lazily rock. "You're doing an excellent job, don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. You've come a long way." He rested his chin on Dib's shoulder. "I'm very proud of you."

The sudden action startled Dib. He wasn't expecting such a move after what they had just gone through lately, but all the same he couldn't help cuddling close to Dwicky. "It's because of you. I don't think I could have done any of this on my own. I mean, I was never able to in the past. That's what kept me where I was to begin with." He pulled back a bit so he was able to look at Dwicky. "I'm glad I could make you proud of me. Even through every down part of the entire thing. It's nice to hear."

"Heh, a combined effort then. See, we do make a good team after all." Dwicky gave the boy a quick kiss on the cheek, still continuing to slowly rock. "Isn't that right, partner." He couldn't help grinning some with the remark.

Dib smiled at the words and nodded his head. "Right." He stayed cuddled close to Dwicky as the movement started to relax him. "Tomorrow I think I'll feel even better about going back to Skool. Maybe things will be okay when I go. I'll be able to make friends and just have an actual life outside of the asylum, like I wanted." He frowned a bit. "That's if everything turns out okay." He pulled back once again as he thought over his own words. "I don't know if you can fix what happened with Zim."

"I think things will be much better now." Dwicky tucked back a few strands from the boy's forehead, tenderly fussing over the boy's hair. "You'll see. You'll do fine now. You have so much skool work to catch up on." He gently tsked. "You'll have plenty to keep you busy. You could even use the excuse to get notes from previous classes to make yourself a friend to start." He chuckled slyly. "Maybe a cute boy or girl." he teased, briefly tickling Dib's side.

Dib flinched away from the touch with a small laugh. He stuck his tongue out at Dwicky for a few seconds before he spoke up again. "That means they'll probably pile a lot of homework onto me. I might not even have time for friends." He gave a slight grin as he looked at Dwicky. "Unless I bring my work with me when I visit you and talk you into helping me here and there."

Dwicky rubbed his forehead, looking skyward as he combed his hair back with his fingers. "Wow. It's been ages since I was back in skool. I don't know if I'd be more of a hindrance than a help. But I guess I could try. Though the only thing I really paid attention much to was science, and that's only because I loved astronomy. I used to memorize stars for fun." He laughed. "Now I couldn't tell you a star's name to save my life." It was such a lie, but for a good cause. "At least I know the name of the planet that counts." His arms slipped tighter around Dib's middle, and Dwicky affectionately cuddled the boy.

Dib gave a happy noise at the affection. He nuzzled his face against Dwicky's neck before pulling back once more to look at the other. "I still know some things about science. A lot of it was drilled into my head, considering who I lived with my whole life. I'm sure I'll pick most of it back up." He shrugged a shoulder and smiled a bit. "The other subjects will just have to be hit or miss. As long as I have some help along the way, right?"

Dwicky nodded. "Right. Though I think a teacher or a textbook will be more helpful than I'll be." He laughed quietly. He glanced out across the terrain of the park, barely a soul was around save for a jogger and cyclist or two, a few parents with strollers and children who were just too young to be in skool yet. No one seemed to pay them much mind, or that Dib was even out of skool, and that suited Dwicky just fine. It had him relaxing all the more there, content to just swing as he was.

Dib allowed himself to lay across Dwicky's chest. His cheek pressed against the man's shoulder and he closed his eyes after a few minutes. "We should do this a lot more. Even if it's not for celebration or anything special like that. We should just go out to spend time together." He moved an arm up to wrap it around Dwicky's neck in a loose hold, to stay cuddled close. "No one is watching. No one really cares." He smiled a bit. "Things have been fine so far today."

Dwicky didn't nod right away, his mind had wandered off somewhere, watching an old married couple slowly stroll across the grass to the park bench with a bag of scrap bread, the pigeons eagerly cooed and walked around, bobbing their heads by the benches in anticipation of a free meal. Dwicky lazily rubbed Dib's side, resting his then atop Dib's. He didn't have much to say after that, so he idly hummed.

The sudden quiet around the two allowed for each small noise to be heard that went on through the park. It was after a few moments that hesitant footsteps started to make their way towards the two from the right. With each step the grass made a slight noise until finally it was a voice that cut through the silence. "Dwicky?" A hand reached out to grab at the nearest chain to stop the swing as a bit of realization came through in the person's voice. "Man, it is you! Hey, if all you were doing was babysitting the entire time you've been away then the least you could of done was call, ya know?"

It had been someone other than himself saying Dwicky's name which startled Dib. The quick stop that the swing took didn't help much either and caused him to jerk up from the relaxed position he had been in. Dib's eyes wandered from Dwicky and over to the sudden company they had with wide eyes, wondering how the person had known the other's name at all.

Dwicky had the worse start of all and he nearly accidentally let Dib drop onto the gravel, and he would have had he not froze entirely, practically clutching Dib in that instant. He could feel the colour drain from his face, but when he saw who it was it had him letting out a small nervous chuckle. "Ohhh, hi Trec. Heh. Long time no see." he answered back in a weak voice. He let Dib off of himself to let the boy stand, better to not incriminate themselves more than what was seen.

Trec paid no mind to the boy for the moment and instead kept his attention on Dwicky as he leaned against one of the poles which held the swing set up. "No kidding. I'd say three years definitely counts as a long time. You ever heard of a thing called post cards?" He raised a brow at the other before turning his attention on the one beside Dwicky. "So, what's with the kid? Is he yours?" He laughed at that thought immediately. "I never figured you for the type to settle down."

Dib glared at the man, suddenly taking an instant dislike in him. He never really liked being called a kid and lately it was becoming a habit of most people around him. The last few things the other said caused him to narrow his eyes a bit more and when Trec had his attention away, Dib stuck out his tongue at the man before he could get caught.

"N-no." Dwicky tried to clear his throat, make his voice sound a little bolder so Trec wouldn't notice the shaking worry in it. He glanced at Dib, catching the immature gesture, causing him to laugh a little. "This is Dib." He gestured to the boy. "He's a patient of mine. I'm his personal counselor. Counseled him from the institution straight out. He's really come a long way, I'm truly proud of him." Dwicky gave a smile before gesturing to the other for Dib. "Dib, Trec. Trec is a good friend of mine from college." He smirked some. "Who seems to have missed me."

Trec waved his hand a bit to dismiss such a comment. "Boredom, that's all." He turned his eyes back to Dib and looked the boy over for a bit before he nodded his head. "Nice to meet you, Dib." When he got only a nod back in response, Trec turned his eyes back on Dwicky. "Institution, huh? I thought you were some Skool counselor? When did they knock you down to work with the crazy people?" He couldn't help grinning. "Did they not like the fact you decided to take an extended vacation or something?"

Dib frowned at that, taking such words a bit personal. He glared once more at Trec for a few seconds before he walked away from the two and back to his own swing. There he sat down and rocked back and forth while glancing at the two out the corner of his eyes.

Dwicky glanced at Dib before back at his friend. "C'mon Trec, be nice." He coughed into a fist purposely. "Besides.. I quit. It just wasn't doing it for me. I left with some friends to travel for a few." He twirled a finger. "I just got back actually, rather recently." He smiled tiredly. "Turns out it's true, you can't run away from your problems." He loosely gestured to his friend. "What about you? What's been keeping you busy?"

Trec raised a brow before he finally shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing really. Just hanging out at a few places here and there to keep myself entertained. It's been boring around here without you or any of the other guys we used to know. Not to mention I hate the job I have." He raised a hand up to run through his hair. "I should have paid more attention in college. Now I'm stuck with a crappy part time job at the mall." His hand dropped and as it did he turned his eyes back on Dwicky. "So, who went with you on your trip? I didn't hear anything about it from anyone we hung around."

The last question grabbed Dib's attention and he sat up straight on the swing. His eyes turned on Dwicky, wanting to know even more about the three years Dwicky had been gone, and suddenly he had a chance.

Dwicky shook his head, feeling more than one gaze on him. "No, no one you'd know. Friends outside of skool." He smirked a little, just needing to change the subject to turn the heat away from himself. "And you use to chastise me about studying too much. Now you're getting to middle age and you're working for teenagers." He laughed, even if it was mean; payback for the earlier comments. "So what are you doing? Counseling the cola? Or little left-behind kids in the day care ball pit who have attachment disorder and A.D.D.?" He tapped his fingertips together.

Trec gave a groan at such comments. "You're not very far off on that last one." He shook his head a bit. "I can't believe how many people bring their kids to such a big place, day after day." He reached a hand out to grip the closest chain on Dwicky's swing and shook it a bit while narrowing his eyes on the other. "Remind me once again why I ever decided it would be such a joy to work with kids. I must have been out of my mind at the time." He let go of the chain and looked away. "I ended up locking a few of them in one of the employee only stations until my shift was over."

Dib blinked his eyes at that and suddenly felt it best that he stay silent around Trec. Or at the very least try his best not to make any loud noises to annoy the man. Instead, Dib swung back and forth on his swing as he continued to listen.

Dwicky raised his brows and shook his head. "This coming from the guy who wanted to open his own day care and 'better the minds of children everywhere'." He laughed. "Wasn't that the coined phrase you were using at the time? And then you met Macks, and everything went down hill from there." Dwicky laughed again. "Ah, good times. Good times. Seeing anyone? Or are you married and with child?" Dwicky snerked.

"No, no, no." Trec quickly shook his head at those questions. "I'm still very much alone and planning to keep it that way." He made a face before he went on. "I still don't see what's so great about any kind of relationship. You know I never liked the idea." He raised a brow as he turned the question back to Dwicky. "What about you?"

Dib quickly looked away at that, feeling extremely nervous in that moment. He looked down at the ground below him as he kicked his feet. It was such a time where he wished they didn't have to keep it a secret, but he knew the truth wouldn't be the best idea. In fact, it would be the worst idea.

Dwicky loosely shrugged his shoulders, pushing with his feet on the ground to start swinging lazily back and forth again. His feet suddenly became very interesting.

Trec blinked his eyes at the response he got, but after a few seconds he couldn't help grinning. "What's that mean?" He moved forward a bit just so he could poke Dwicky in the shoulder. "It means something, doesn't it? Tell me what it means." He poked again.

Dwicky tried to lean away from the onslaught of poking. "Hmph. You're a counselor too ya'know." He rubbed his shoulder. "You tell me what it means." He smirked a little back.

Trec moved back a bit and frowned. "Man, come on. I'm off work right now, so technically I'm not a counselor at the moment." He moved a hand to scratch at the back of his head as he grinned. "But, if you want to have it your way, then I say it means you're avoiding the topic because unlike me you are no longer a single man." His hand dropped and he feigned shock. "Could it be true?"

It was easy to tell that Dib was trying to keep his laughter held in as his head stayed bowed. He found it funny how Trec was acting to the situation. Not to mention the situation in itself had turned a bit comical to him.

Dwicky narrowed his eyes but still smirked, in the end he shrugged, gripping the chains of the swings as he continued to idly swing. "I may be interested in someone." he answered back as casual as he could.

Trec blinked his eyes at getting nothing else from Dwicky and it finally had him groaning. "Oh come on. You have to give me more than that." He finally moved away from the pole he had been leaning against and stood in front of Dwicky. "Who is it? Someone we know?" He raised a brow. "Someone you met from that trip you went on?"

Dwicky raised his brows, looking up at his friend with slight amusement. "Nosey much, Trec?" He shook his head. "No, you don't know them."

"Curiosity, my dear friend." Trec shrugged and moved to lean back against the pole. "It's not like anything interesting ever goes on in this city. I might as well suck out all the news I can before things become dull again." He smirked. "And bugging you after three years away is good enough for me."

Dwicky shook his head. "I think it's about time you found yourself a girl... -or guy." Dwicky snerked. "Settle down. Have a few kids. A dog. A fence. You're not getting any younger. You're at that age. And that'll keep your interest. What with all the casual s-" he glanced at Dib and cleared his throat "s-stuff. Ya'know, find yourself a 'career'. Make a family. Grow up." He smirked up at Trec.

Dib had raised his head to look at Dwicky when the man glanced at him. The small slip up Dwicky almost made had him trying to hold back another laugh. He bit his lip to keep himself silent as he kept his eyes on the man, even when Dwicky turned his attention away.

Trec made a face at that and quickly shook his head. "No thanks. You can have your nice little romance with whomever. I'll keep doing what I do. Less hassle that way and no annoying commitment. I won't have to fight with anyone over who gets my stereo system if there was to be a damn divorce." He pouted at that. "I like that stereo system, you know that."

"Yes, sadly, I do. You wouldn't let us forget. You're more committed to that piece of equipment than any known living person." Dwicky sighed and shook his head. "I'm not one for material possessions... except on a sentimental base." He couldn't help but thumb the band of his ring. "I'm pretty content with what I have now." He leaned his head against the swing's chain. "I don't need much else to make me happy. Let alone a large audio base to fill up what hole I'm missing in my life." Dwicky laughed quietly. "...I guess that's why we never worked out. Two totally different people. Hmm, with age I think I've grown much too romantic for my own good." He couldn't help grinning up at Trec. "I really do think I'm ready to give it all up, and settle down. Have a family. But... just a little one." He looked back down at his mood ring, toying with it, the color itself dark blue.

Those words had a small smile coming to Dib's lips. He couldn't help letting his eyes fall to his own ring, toying with the band for a few moments as he stared at the stone before he clutched Skeets to his chest. The plush was cuddled as he continued to toy with his ring, away from prying eyes. He knew how much the small piece of jewelry meant, but with Dwicky's words it suddenly meant even more.

Trec rolled his eyes for a moment as he looked away. "Damn, that's three down. Here I was hoping at least you would stick by my side and stay lonely with me." He turned his attention back on Dwicky, a frown still on his face. "Think of all the fun we used to have and all that you're gonna miss out on because of a ball and chain." He thought about those words for a moment. "Granted, most of the fun stuff happened back in college and we haven't been to a party in years, but, that's not the point." He caught sight of the piece of jewelry which held Dwicky's attention. "Is that a mood ring? Why are you wearing one of those?"

"You'll understand someday, Trec. You'll find him or her in the most unlikely of places, and then ' i bam /i !', you'll be spouting off horribly, disgustingly romantic sentiments too." Dwicky chuckled. "But I guess that'll be the day, eh. Mister-one-night-stand?" He lightly grounded his feet to stop swinging. "This? Just a little something meaningful." He raised his hand up to show it to Trec. "See! I'm happy."

Trec blinked when the stone was held up to his face. "I can see that." He looked past Dwicky's hand and at the other's face instead. "So, one single person is making you act like this?" He couldn't stop the grin that came to his face as he teased Dwicky. "Try and keep them away from me. I don't want to catch it."

Dwicky lowered his hand back down to his lap. "Will be doing. Besides, I'm not one to share anyway." With a small sound he pushed himself to stand from the swing, raising his hands to stretch, leaning back to give his back a good stretch as well. He let his arms back down with a pleased noise. "I have to admit, I did miss seeing you, and the others." He patted Trec's shoulder. "How are they anyway? It feels like forever since I've talked to them."

Dwicky's sudden movement caused Dib to look up. It took him no time in getting off his own swing and walking over to the other, clinging to the man's shirt as he stood by his side. He found no real harm in the action since he used to do it all the time when he was frightened, and wanted any reason he could get to just be near Dwicky.

"No one has changed much." Trec stopped speaking for a second when Dib came up and clung to Dwicky, but just as quickly he went right back to speaking. "I'm the only single one in the group now it seems." He shrugged. "It doesn't bother me. Not to mention everyone has the jobs they wanted. Some of them come by the mall to hang out while I'm working or on break. They usually ask about you sometimes and I had to tell them I didn't know what happened to you."

"Hm. Well now you know." Dwicky grinned. He glanced down at Dib and gently ruffled the boy's hair. "Tell them I say 'hi'. Won't they be shocked to hear I haven't fallen off the face of the planet." He laughed at his own ironies in that statement. "Maybe I'll stop by sometime, though I've got my hands full most of the time. But if I have a free moment to myself, I'll keep it in mind."

"Well, if it's the kid you're worried about you could always bring him along." Trec seemed to think about it for a second. "Although, I guess it's really up to his parents, isn't it?" He shrugged. "Guess you'll just have to find some free time to come and visit whenever you can if that's the case." He smirked. "Not to mention whatever significant other you're hiding away from us." He wagged a finger. "I'll figure you out sooner or later."

"I'm not a kid..." Dib mumbled the words against Dwicky's shirt so they couldn't be heard by Trec. At the rest of the words he continued to cling to Dwicky even more at the thought of being left alone without the other. At least for the moment on the day when he was supposed to have Dwicky to himself.

Dwicky made an amused sound. "We'll see, Trec, we'll see. Anyway, I should get going. I said I'd spend the day with Dib here, and from the looks of things I think he's getting impatient with me." He petted the boy's head and looked back at his old friend. "It was definitely nice seeing you after so long. Sorry I didn't call you guys after I got back. I've been so busy. But feel free to send me a line, number's still the same."

Trec sighed, but a smile came to his face as he nodded his head. "Fine, alright. I was supposed to be picking up a few things anyway and got completely side tracked." He moved away from the swing set and raised one hand to wave at them both. "Talk to you later, Dwicky. Bye, Dib." With that he turned to make his way out of the park and head back into the city.

Dib kept his eyes on Trec until the man was completely out of sight. Only then did he finally pull back from Dwicky and look up at the other with a tiny smile on his face. "I think your friend missed you." It was stating the obvious, but it was funny at the same time. He couldn't help it.

"Hmmm. Seemed so. Trecky always was the social, out-going one of us all. I was always far too realistic he'd complain." Dwicky shrugged as he scratched the back of his head, ruffling his own hair. He smiled down at Dib. "It was nice to see him. I'd forget to be social if he didn't drop by just now. Heh, but he's a nice guy. Still just as out going and immature as he was years ago in college." Dwicky rested his hand affectionately on Dib's head.

Dib closed his eyes for a second at the contact before he turned his attention once more up to Dwicky. "He's very interested in your love life too." A playful grin came to his lips. He moved out from under Dwicky's hand, making sure it was safe enough before he took hold of that same hand and kissed the man's palm. After the action, Dib let go so he could walk over to pick up the bag from the store. "Will you keep him guessing or let him know that he already met me?" The answer was obvious, but Dib was having fun and he still couldn't keep the grin off his face as he turned back around to face Dwicky.

"Heh, yea, for someone who isn't interested in relationships for himself he sure likes to pry into other's." Dwicky looked down at his palm that Dib kissed and took the boy's question into actual thought. He slowly flexed his fingers, touching his fingertips onto his palm before stretching them out. "Well for one thing it's none of his business... for two... I'm not really sure." Closing his hand he lowered it to his side. "No offense, but I think the age gap would weird him out. Hmm." Dwicky tried to picture bringing Dib to the mall to introduce him to his old friends, hanging out; it didn't go over well. He shook his head and finally turned to look at Dib.

The grin fell away from Dib's face at the look on Dwicky's own. He was silent for a little bit before he spoke up again, no longer playful. "It would probably weird out anyone, but friends are supposed to listen to you and understand you." He gave a small smile. "At least that's what I hoped for whenever I was able to find friends." He walked up to Dwicky until he stopped in front of the man and with his free hand took the other's in his own. He let a finger trace the stone that was in Dwicky's own ring as he went on speaking. "You want to see that guy and the rest of your friends again, right? If that's the case I could always go home after Skool instead of coming over." He tried to actually seem okay with the idea. "Since they would probably think it's weird of me to hang around you all the time."

Dwicky's hand slipped from Dib's to raise up, fingers took Dib's chin raising the boy's head up. "You're more important to me than a few stupid college friends." He didn't bother to glance around as he placed a quick kiss on the boy's lips. "Besides, your sister is a demon and no company anyone would want." He brushed his thumb across Dib's cheek and gave a small smile of his own. "If anything, I can visit them while you're at skool. Which you will finally be going to tomorrow." Dwicky straightened. "I rather have you brushing me off for friends than the other way around."

The smile returned to Dib's face and he seemed to feel much better after Dwicky's words. "I wouldn't do that to you. I enjoy every minute I get to be with you." He gave a small laugh. "I'll probably make friends and lose them just as quickly, considering I'd much rather just be with you-- which I really wouldn't regret in the slightest." He bounced on his feet as the thought of Skool started to excite him once more. "I'm going to have a lot to tell you when I get home tomorrow. Since I'll actually be able to go to Skool, I'll have a lot to talk about."

"Such priorities." Dwicky tsked. "But I can't wait to finally hear about a proper day at skool. I'm sure you'll have many a story to tell me, and all the best gossip." He grinned some. "But don't worry about me. Take as long as you need to do whatever you need. Go play video games with friends or study with friends or, uh, whatever it is that kids are doing now-a-days." He tugged very gently on a lock of Dib's hair. "I'll still be here when you get home. I'll even pick you up if you need a ride home." Dwicky smoothed the boy's hair back with a grin. "Take advantage of my bountiful generosity."

"I'd like that." Dib let his one hand fall to grab onto Dwicky's own so he could link their fingers together. "If I'm going to be coming to your house after Skool most of the time, then I wouldn't mind if you picked me up." A small grin came to his lips before he went on. "As long as you're offering, why not? You'll have to be careful, though. After a while you might get sick of me, considering how often I'll be over. I might never want to go home. You may just have to kick me out." He laughed a little.

"Quite the other way around. I won't want to give you up. I'll oh so very conveniently forget to drive you home and just drag you into bed." Dwicky grinned. "Then you'll really be in trouble because then I'll never let you go." He touched Dib's cheek with his free hand. "I'll just want to cuddle, touch and kiss you all day. And neither of us will get anything done that way."

"Not necessarily a bad thing." Dib lifted their hands up and kissed Dwicky's knuckles. He dropped their hands between them after the kiss and looked up at Dwicky as he went on. "Of course you're right, I wouldn't get any Skool work done that way. I'd have to come up with so many excuses as to why I keep skipping out on my home work, and there's only so many times I can say a dog ate my paper before it just won't work."

"Hmmm." Dwicky leaned down, lazily stroking the boy's cheek with a thumb. "How about: 'My tall, dark and horribly sexy older boyfriend demanded my attentions all night' ?" He kissed the boy's lips but found he couldn't pull away until he'd stolen two more kisses after that. "That might work. I'm sure your teachers would understand that."

Dib couldn't help blushing a bit at the words. Even so, they didn't stop the small grin that found it's way back on his face. "Yes, I'm sure they'll be just fine with that excuse. It wouldn't bother them in the slightest." He let go of Dwicky's hand so he could raise his own back up, pulling Dwicky back down so he could press a longer kiss to the other's lips. It felt so good to be able to do such things out in the open, that Dib couldn't help smiling behind the kiss.

"I love you..." Dwicky spoke up after. "And I love being with you outside. Doing things with you like any other couple does, just spending time, going out. I like this. I like just being with you outside of what we do and what we are." He brushed a lonely finger across Dib's bottom lip. "...I just thought I'd say that."

The words caused Dib to smile a bit more. "I love you." He pressed a kiss to Dwicky's finger. "I love you, I love you, I love you." Each time he spoke the three words he pressed another quick kiss to Dwicky's finger. Once he was done, Dib pulled Dwicky near by his shirt so he could bury his face in the fabric, nuzzling his face near Dwicky's chest. "Thank you for so much." The words were muffled, but still heard.

It had Dwicky grinning wide with a chuckle. "Oh yea?" He threw his arms around the boy for a tight hug, smothering his face and hair, anything he could get at with kisses. "Well, I love you too!" Then without warning he scooped Dib up in his arms and spun him around with a laugh.

Dib gave a loud squeak at the sudden action, but it quickly turned into a laugh. He used his free hand to hug tightly around Dwicky's neck. Even through his laughter he couldn't help moving forward to press his lips against the other's once more, having to pull back just as quickly because he couldn't keep himself quiet.

Dwicky staggered back dizzy, almost falling over. He gave another laugh, blinking hard to shake the vertigo. He tried to place a quick kiss on Dib's lips but missed entirely; after a few tries he finally found his mark.

Dib moved his hand around to place it on Dwicky's cheek as the kiss continued. When he pulled back he kept his hand right where it was, but let his fingers trace a small heart on Dwicky's skin. A few more quiet laughs escaped him until he was finally silent and he leaned forward to press his forehead against Dwicky's own, wanting to keep the close contact.

Dwicky smiled but seemed to lose his footing anyway and toppled over onto the grass with an 'oof!', Dib cushioned atop. He stayed splayed on his back and gave a breathless laugh. "Not as young as I used to be."

Dib laughed a bit at those words as he cuddled up to Dwicky. Everything he had been holding was set aside on the grass so he could wrap his arms around Dwicky's neck while resting his head down on the man's chest. "I don't think I'll mind four years much at all anymore. I know we still have to be careful, but right now things just feel normal and I really like it."

Dwicky raised a hand to mess with the boy's hair, spending a quick moment to catch his breath. "Normal is good. I like normal. Normal is normal is normal." He gave a light hearted laugh at that. "We've come a long way, no, i you've /i come a long way, Dib. It's amazing. It truly is. This is amazing. I am amazed!" He sat up for a brief moment with a grunt to plant a kiss atop the boy's head as best he could before flopping back down, lax on the ground. " 'Mazing."

The small bit of praise and quick kiss caused Dib to blush a bit. He wasn't used to so much of it, but he wasn't about to protest to any of it, either. "I feel a lot better now. I don't have anymore fear or worry and you're still with me." He buried his face closer to Dwicky's chest at those words and allowed his eyes to close. "I'm just focused on what I should have been focused on this entire time. So now I'm happy with how everything is and how it's going to be."

"Good." Dwicky nodded, his eyes went skyward though there was barely a cloud to look at. "Good, I'm glad. I think... for once… I may just stop worrying and relax." He chuckled. "Maybe. Things aren't so bad now. In fact, pretty close to perfect. Why ruin it. Why topple over and shatter what we've built up." He let his eyes fall close. "If I could just freeze this. Keep everything like this… so that when something goes wrong I could just come back and start over from this point again." His voice drifted as he went on "...Just keep this."

"To keep this one point in time, I'd like that as well." Dib lifted his head so he could glance down at Dwicky. He moved a hand up from around the other's neck and began to run it through Dwicky's hair as he continued speaking. "I'm sure there will be more times just like this one. We'll be able to enjoy ourselves like this whenever we want." He moved up a bit and placed a kiss on the other's lips, despite the fact Dwicky had his eyes closed. "At home, outside, wherever. As long as I'm with you."

Dwicky peeked an eye open and gave a lazy grin. "That's quite the romantic sentiment." He ruffled Dib's hair with a chuckle. "Especially for someone so young." he teased.

Dib grinned at those words and couldn't help but tease back. "I learn from the best." He moved his other hand up to grab onto Dwicky's own, linking their fingers together and letting them drop to the man's chest. "Either way, I meant it." He placed another kiss on Dwicky's lips, letting it linger much longer than the last one.

"Mmm. Fine, I'll agree, I'm a romantic fool. But," Dwicky moved his free hand to trail a few fingers across cheek "I have good reason to." He gave a smile. "At least I think so."

Dib leaned into the touch and gave a small smile of his own. "Well, as long as you're only a romantic fool for me." He couldn't help but to continue with his teasing. "I don't mind hearing loving words on a daily basis. Not one bit, actually." He looked down at their hands and toyed with the ring on Dwicky's finger. "But even without them, I still know that you love me."

Dwicky smiled softly at that, stroking his fingers against Dib's cheek. He chuckled, though very quietly. "When did you become so sweet?" he spoke the question rhetorically.

Dib looked up at Dwicky. For a few moments he stayed silent before a small grin came to his face. "Hmm, maybe it was the toast I had this morning. It might have done something to make me this way." His other hand moved away from Dwicky's hair to trail down the man's neck and towards his chest, walking along as he continued to speak. "Maybe we'll just have to eat there more often."

"'Special toast', that's new. But I'll have to agree." Dwicky turned his head to get a better look at Dib, his smile softening, almost sadly, placing his hand back on Dib's cheek. "Your cheeks are still warm... Anyone ever say you're horribly adorable when you blush?" He stroked the boy's cheek with a thumb. "When you do anything." He smiled a little more.

Those words only caused the blush to come back to Dib's cheeks. He shook his head and averted his eyes for a moment. "Not really." He finally turned his attention back to Dwicky and gave a small smile. "You would be the first." He raised a brow and couldn't help the curious look that came over his face. "Anything, hmm?" He couldn't help grinning, despite how shy he had suddenly become.

Dwicky nodded in agreement. "Anything and everything." His brows furrowed in good humour. "Despite whatever lewd thing your mind has just come up with." He still continued to stroke Dib's cheek.

Dib lifted his free hand to place it on his chest. "Lewd? I'd never think such thoughts." He shook his head and turned his eyes away. "I'm offended, really." He tried his best to keep a straight face through his words.

"Then what was it you were thinking?" Dwicky's brows rose as he grinned, giving Dib a skeptical look. He took the boy's chin, making him look at him.

Dib continued to try his best and look innocent, but it just wasn't working. Even the tone of his voice began to give it away after a few moments. "Oh, nothing. Just normal everyday things. Really." He smiled sweetly.

"Right. Of course. How could I think such things about such a dear innocent boy as Dib." Dwicky tucked Dib's hair back with the hand that had been at his cheek. "He's a saint. As pristine as the elements themselves. Pure of heart and pure of mind, he is above such things as lewd thoughts." Dwicky gave a mock sad sigh, shaking his head. "Unlike me, a poor old man who still divulges in the sins of the mind and flesh. It's too late for me to transcend like you, Dib." He sighed dramatically. "Too bad... my bed will be so lonely now."

"Oh, I don't know." Dib leaned down a bit to touch their noses together. "I'm sure it wouldn't hurt for me to be a little sinful every once in a while." He gave a quick lick to Dwicky's lips then pulled back just enough to speak again. "Just so you won't be lonely." He grinned.

Dwicky couldn't help but lick his own lips after the action. "How giving, that you would grace a seedy old man your presence." He pressed a quick kiss to Dib's lips, but couldn't pull away to speak until he pressed a lingering one. "Though, for some reason, I don't think you're as innocent a boy as you let on." He couldn't keep the grinning perk of lips subdued.

Dib gave a mock pout at those words. He tried his best to seem hurt before he spoke up. "What would make you say such a thing?" He pulled away a bit to sit up once more, looking down at the man. "Of course I'm innocent. Name one thing that would prove otherwise."

Dwicky gave a catty expression "Cake."

That caused Dib to snap his mouth shut pretty quickly. His face went red once more and he tried his best to hide it by averting his eyes, but it didn't work very well. He opened his mouth to speak, but all that came out was a small embarrassed noise before he quickly closed it again.

"Must have been good cake too." Dwicky patted Dib's thigh, amusement plain on his face as he tried to mock seriousness. "For you did have seconds." He chuckled low in his throat, rubbing the boy's thigh to sooth his embarrassment.

The touches relaxed Dib and he turned his attention back on Dwicky. He gave a small shy smile before he leaned back down to place a kiss on the other's lips. "It was very good cake. I can't wait until I can have more." He nibbled on Dwicky's bottom lip for a quick second then pulled away with a grin.

Dwicky tsked. "Gluttony is a sin. And a sin isn't innocent." He still grinned up at Dib. "But I forgive you, thus you are absolved of your sins and you are chaste once more." He laughed and shook his head at the situation. "Until we have more cake, that is." He ran his hand up higher Dib's inner thigh.

Dib gave a soft moan at the action and let his arm slip back around Dwicky's neck. "Then I'll worry over my innocence when the time comes." He squirmed around a bit on top of the other, grinning as he did. "Maybe sooner than later." He pressed a kiss to Dwicky's chin, giving a quick lick to the goatee before he spoke up again, his voice a bit more serious. "I love you."

Dwicky kissed what he could, which was Dib's brow. "I love you too." He ran a few fingers through the boy's hair before he rested his hands on the boy's back. A little while after he craned his neck back to blink at the pair of eyes that were staring at them from the far park bench. "Uh oh... I think we're making a spectacle... the old folks are staring."

Those words caused Dib to turn his head back as best he could and look behind him. Sure enough Dwicky was right and the stares had Dib hurrying to scramble off the man and back to his feet. The worry over the past few days came back to him for a split second and he tried his best to act as casual as he could, but their position probably hadn't helped them. Instead, he leaned over to pick up his things from the grass, glancing over to the two at the bench for a split second after.

Dwicky, on the other hand, took his time; straightening his shirt and sitting up with a grunt. "It's alright. They're near sighted." He stood up and dusted the grass off his back and pants. "But I was starting to get a cramp anyway." He ruffled Dib's hair as if that would abolish the boy's worry. "Don't worry, the worst they could do is throw bread crumbs at you. Mmm, and then look upset you aren't pecking away at it." He gave a small laugh.

Dib calmed down a bit and couldn't help laughing as well. He kept his eyes on the people for a few more minutes before he turned his attention back on Dwicky and used his free hand to tug on the man's arm. "Come on, let's go back into the city. I want to see if I can mooch off of you a bit more." He teased while grinning at Dwicky.

Dwicky obeyed the tug, taking the boy's hand as they walked from their spot on the grass. He shook his head and snorted in amusement at Dib's last comment, but it was true enough. "Sure. What would you like to do next on our date, hm?"

Dib thought over the question as he lead the both of them away from the park and back on the sidewalk. "I'm not really sure. There were a few stores we passed by that had some things I sort of wanted. I could always pick the stuff up later, though." Once they were completely away from the park, Dib took Dwicky's arm and wrapped it around his shoulders, linking their fingers near his chest. "We could always go to a movie or go to that fancy laser tag place that's somewhere in the city. I can't really remember."

"I don't know what kids are doing anymore. Funny considering I used to work in counseling them. It was mostly: 'my life sucks', 'everyone hates me', 'mommy doesn't hug me enough', 'daddy hugs me too much', 'skool smells'." Dwicky gave a sly grin down at Dib. "It's too bad you're underage, night clubs can be pretty entertaining. Dancing like you just don't care because everyone else is probably just that much more hammered than you." He gave Dib's shoulders a gentle one arm squeeze as his grin widened. "And I'd love to see you dance."

Dib glanced up at Dwicky and raised a brow. "Hammered, huh?" He shook his head while hiding a small laugh. His eyes moved back ahead of them while he spoke up again. "I don't know about any of that, but it doesn't mean I can't dance." He blinked. "Well, I don't even know if I can dance." He shrugged his shoulders. "It doesn't mean I have to go to a nightclub to try, though." He turned his eyes back to Dwicky and gave a small smile.

Dwicky laughed. "So then, where is it sober kids go to dance? Oh wait, don't skools have dances? With stupid and corny themes like 'beach party', 'hay-ho downs', 'Christmas' and 'the prom'? There's a place to try. Right in front of your peers. Wiggle and writhe for their viewing pleasure. Make a lasting impression." Dwicky stifled his laughter into his free hand.

Dib nudged Dwicky in the side with his elbow. "Yeah, I'm sure they would enjoy that very much." He eyed Dwicky for a moment before he shook his head and looked ahead again. "No, I think I'll save the wiggling and writhing just for you." He grinned.

"Mmmm, and I prefer it that way." Dwicky nodded with a grin of his own. "But still, that shouldn't stop you from dancing. Just not the wiggly writhy kind. Though, if I remember skool, way way way way way back, the girls would be on one side of the gym and the boys on the other." He snickered. "But you should go to the dances at your skool. It should be fun."

"I guess so." Dib seemed to think about it for a few seconds. He glanced at Dwicky out the corner of his eyes and smiled a bit. "If I'm lucky I'll be able to drag you along as a chaperone and sneak a dance in with you. It would be boring without you there."

"M-me? At a skool dance? I think that would make the teachers wonder why you're bringing your counselor to skool, less I'm introduced as something less conspicuous like... uh... uhhh... a wall or a prop." Dwicky laughed nervously. "Hmm. But there is one dance I'll be able to take you to that no one will be able to question. Because you won't be seeing anyone there at your skool again, and it won't matter that you'll be dancing with an old man." Dwicky grinned widely at that.

Dib thought over those words for a moment and it slowly dawned on him what the other meant. "The prom?" The thought seemed to shock him for a moment, having never even thought about such a thing, ever. "You'd go with me to my prom?" Dib tried his best not to seem as excited as he really felt, but it was hard when such a small thing meant a lot to him.

"Of course! Tuxes, corsages, limo, the whole nine yards. Maybe even sneak a little wine or champagne in later on in the night." Dwicky gave the hand that held his a squeeze, thumbing the boy's knuckles. "We'd have a lot to celebrate along with your graduation. A big, new beginning for the both of us." Dwicky leaned over to press his lips near Dib's ear to speak briefly with a grin "Besides, I'm sure you'll be just that much more lickable in a tux."

Dib grinned as well before turning his head to press a kiss on Dwicky's cheek. "Now I have something else to look forward to." He leaned closer to Dwicky as they kept walking, holding tighter to the man's hand. "I wish it wasn't so far away. I'm really anxious now." He glanced back at Dwicky and couldn't keep the smile off of his face. "We'll be able to do anything and have no worries. That includes dancing in front of a room full of my classmates and more than likely a few friends." He couldn't help laughing at that.

"Mm. But best of all-" Dwicky took a quick glance around. "This." With a new sly grin he pressed a quick kiss to the boy's lips. "In public. Much to the chagrin of your class mates, friends, teachers and old folks in parks."

Dib gave a small noise, happy with the kiss. The words caused him to laugh once again and he shrugged as he kept his eyes on Dwicky. "They'll get used to it, I'm sure. Either that or they'll have to, because once we're able to, I plan to take full advantage of it." He gave a sly smile before turning his attention back ahead of them.

Dwicky laughed some. "I can only imagine." He shook his head at that. "Things won't stay very chaste very long if you take full advantage. Maybe just a little advantage." With his free hand he pressed his pointer and thumb together in gesture of 'little'. "At least save the full on advantage for the limo. Then I'll have you all to myself, in the classiest back seat money can buy." He chuckled low in his throat as he then nibbled the tip of Dib's ear.

Dib leaned into the small bites and let out a pleased sound at the same time. "Fine, we'll do it your way. Your reasoning is hard to argue with." He let go of Dwicky's hand only to raise his own up and bury it in the man's hair, letting his fingers trail down slowly and play with the other's earring.

Dwicky murmured something but he was too busy petering kisses from Dib's ear down his cheek to get to his mouth. It wasn't the safest thing to do, considering what had just happened it was close to throwing their victories out the window. But Dwicky couldn't help it, he wanted the years to be up and to do what he was always promising Dib. He glanced and noticed the spaces between the buildings that would give them cover, but it had something sinking in Dwicky to have to degrade Dib to hiding their affections in a dirty alley. Dwicky straightened, just noticing some passers-by nearing. "...Sometimes I wish it wasn't." Dwicky let his hands fall to Dib's shoulders but it just didn't feel plutonic enough, so he let them fall back to his sides as the people walked by.

The sudden loss of contact disappointed Dib for a moment, but when he realized why he let his own hand fall back down to his side as well. He watched as the people passed them and even after they were gone he kept his hand where it was while letting his eyes fall to the sidewalk below them.

"Dib…?" Dwicky quietly spoke up, but his gaze seemed to be else where like Dib's. "Can I ask you something? Hypothetically. A hypothetical question... just... hypothetical." He raised a hand to rub the back of his neck, glancing at some building that suddenly became very interesting.

The words caught Dib's attention and had him looking back up at Dwicky. "Sure, I guess." He blinked and quickly shook his head. "I mean, yeah, go ahead. What is it?"

"How long would you wait for this? I mean, 'us'. I mean- could you wait to be together?" Dwicky shook his head and ran a hand through his hair as he furrowed his brows. "No, that's not right. A hiatus. A relationship hiatus, until things are okay." He tentatively looked at Dib. "Until...-until what we do can't be used against us." He combed the hair on the back of his head with his fingers, the need to fidget wouldn't stop. "What do you think? Er-wait, that's not hypothetical question." Dwicky tried not to frown. "Yea... what if?" That question was more hypothetical.

The questions caused Dib's eyes to widen bit by bit as he kept them on Dwicky. When the man was finished speaking, Dib quickly looked back down to think over what was asked. He had to keep reminding himself that the questions were only 'what ifs' just like Dwicky had said. There was no reason to get upset. It still took him a while to answer, his voice quiet when he did. "I would wait." His hand clutched the bag he held tighter as he brought Skeets closer to him. "It would hurt, but I would wait until we can actually be together." His eyes fell lower.

A hand rested atop Dib's head, stoic but in a comforting way. "…It wouldn't be too hard on you..." Dwicky paused, licking his lips which suddenly felt too dry "…would it?" he very quietly continued.

Even the one simple touch couldn't really comfort Dib. He found it hard to find words and had to keep silent for a bit longer before he finally shook his head. "N-No. I guess not." He shook his head a bit, but even after, continued to keep his eyes down. "I'd be fine."

Dwicky stood still after Dib spoke. His hand fell from atop the boy's head to his chin, taking it to raise Dib's gaze back up. His voice was barely a whisper "Please be honest with me." His brows furrowed just a little. "It's important to us."

Those words grabbed Dib's attention completely and had him keeping his eyes on Dwicky's face. Even as the worry came back in his expression, Dib didn't once avert his eyes. "It..." His voice shook and he had to stop before actually going on to try and control it. "It would hurt, a lot." He swallowed hard, trying not to sound choked up. "To have to wait again when I finally have you would hurt more this time around." He finally looked away even though Dwicky had a hold on his chin. "Even if it would be best, I'd just want to be with you."

Dwicky's hand moved to finally rest at Dib's shoulder, though the boy didn't look at him he still kept his eyes on Dib. "...Do you think we should?" he quietly went on, giving the boy's shoulder a small squeeze. "Would it be for the better?"

Dib continued to keep his gaze away even after the questions were asked. It took him a while to actually answer, his voice still just as quiet. "Everything has been so perfect today. At least I thought so." His eyes fell to the sidewalk. "It was just like we wanted. To be out together and not worry about anything else." He thumbed the ring on his finger for a few seconds before continuing on. "For once everything is okay." He finally turned his eyes back on Dwicky. A small frown on his face. "I'm okay with the way things are. I'm completely happy for once." He dropped his gaze back down. "But... it all depends on what you think."

"There's still plenty to worry about... Every pair of eyes is just another witness. And who knows just who will be walking where at what time." Dwicky shook his head, taking his hand back from Dib's shoulder to rake it through his own hair. "...I don't know what I'm thinking anymore." He tugged his hand free of his hair and grimaced as he wiggled the dark strands free of his fingers. "And I'm shedding, how charming and attractive."

Dib smiled sadly at those words, but the expression quickly fell as he looked back down below him. He continued to stay silent for much longer, thinking over Dwicky's earlier words. Finally, he spoke up again while bringing Skeets even closer to his chest. "I guess I've just been trying so hard not to worry about it anymore. I'm sorry it's still bothering you so much." He looked past Dwicky at the building behind, but wasn't really focused on it at all. "I just thought we would try not to worry about anyone else at all. Sorry..."

Dwicky straightened. "No, no don't be sorry. You shouldn't be worrying, you've been doing the smart thing. The worry is my job. That's what I'm paid for, to straighten out a person's problems and guide them to a proper choice. 'Counselor is just a fancy title for 'someone whose down to earth that worries for you'." He shook his head and then his hands. "It was just a question, just, just--- just a thought." he murmured as he turned to start walking again.

Dib turned his attention to Dwicky as the man walked away. The words still left him a little upset, but he tried his best not to let it show as he turned to catch up to the other. He kept silent as he moved his hand out, taking Dwicky's in to his own as they walked down the street.