Trigger warnings for bullying behaviors. Verbal teasing/mocking and name calling. Minor blood warning for a bloody nose at one point. Short lived but there. Scathing argument between kids.
XX_XX
Techno never liked going home alone on the bus. However, today he realized he hated it far more when he wasn't alone but was being essentially ignored.
Currently Techno was sat by himself on a seat just opposite his brother, who was in their usual spot. However, the person in Techno's usual spot, was a stranger. Or, at least to Techno he was a stranger. Wilbur had talked about the kid before, but he was only just the 'classmate of Wilbur's'.
Today he was upgrade to 'spot thief'.
Wilbur didn't seem to see a problem here, but that was probably because he hadn't stopped rambling since the two of them had sat down. The pair had not only exiled him to another seat but then had all but forgotten about him. He couldn't even try to join in because…well…they were talking really, really fast. Or, at least faster than Techno could keep up with.
Not that he wanted to talked to this other kid anyway.
But he did want to talk to his brother. Especially since they were missing the bus jumps. He was big enough by now to play it by himself if he wanted to but…It was always more fun with Wilbur. What was the point without him?
Techno let out a huff as he looked over at the two once more. They were laughing and Techno wasn't currently sure who it was that had set them off. Not that it mattered. Knowing who made who laugh wouldn't make Techno any more included.
Techno wanted to be happy that Wilbur finally made a friend since it seemed like a big deal to his parents, but…they didn't feel right.
In fact, when Techno had been introduced to him just before getting on the bus he couldn't help but feel like the kid was…not a good kid. He didn't know how to say it or, explained it but…Techno didn't like this 'Schlatt' kid, and he had a feeling the kid didn't like him either.
Wilbur was all too happy with him though. He was bubbling over with energy to where his hands and feet were constantly in motion as he talked, like he wasn't sure what to do with them. The other kid wasn't nearly as energetic, but he was smiling wide at Wilbur as they talked at least.
As far as Techno could tell.
From across the bus aisle.
Letting out a deep sigh Techno turned to look out his window, leaning his head on the glass a bit. It wasn't a good idea though as not but a minute or so later the bus shook and his forehead banged audibly against it. He pulled away with a small whine as he rubbed where he'd been struck. He could hear laughter behind him but he chose not to look up.
It was one of those laughs that made him feel sick inside.
X-x-X
The bus ride had been horrible, as was the walk from the bus stop to the house. Wilbur had barely spoken to him since school ended and now he'd started to ramble to their father and his friend both. So now Techno was stuck just, walking alongside their father, holding his hand even, and not being able to talk to him either.
If this was how Wilbur was going to be when he made new friends then…then Techno didn't want him to make any! It wasn't fair! Techno and Wilbur were brothers! That means he should be able to talk to Wilbur first, and this 'friend' of his had to wait his turn!
"Hey, mate. Something wrong?"
Techno looked up at their father's concerned voice and was met with a furrowed brow of confusion with his worried gaze. He gave Techno's hand a squeeze and Techno realized he'd been holding on kind of hard. He tried to relax his hand, but…he didn't to.
Squeezing back just as hard Techno bit his lip but shook his head. Wilbur and his friend had run on ahead to the door, but…Techno didn't want to say anything about it. He…he knew he was being selfish with his thoughts he just…he didn't like this new kid. He didn't like Wilbur ignoring him.
"You sure? You look upset, Tech."
Techno shook his head again as he looked to the ground and kept walking. He didn't want to admit to what he'd been thinking. He didn't want his father to know he was thinking mean thoughts about Wilbur's new friend.
There was quiet between them a moment before their father squeezed his hand again.
"Ok, you don't have to say anything. But just know that if you need you, you can talk to me or your mum about anything. Its okay to need to if you're having a hard time."
Techno nodded his head but kept his words to himself. Even if he wanted to he didn't think he could pull a word out of himself right now.
By the time they made it into the house proper Wilbur and his friend were already out of sight. Techno could hear them and could rightfully assume they had taken over their shared bedroom. The same as he and Dream did when he came over.
With a sigh Techno moved to set up at his usual spot at the kitchen table for homework. He wasn't in a rush to be near the two again after all. Especially when they were being so loud. Much more so than when they were on the bus.
Techno hoped it wouldn't be enough to wake Tommy from his nap.
X-X
The homework had been easy and before Techno knew it he had finished it all, even the extra worksheet. He was looking down into his pudding cup with a sigh, pushing around the chunks of banana inside it. Normally he loved this snack, but…he didn't feel particularly hungry right now. All he could think about was how loud Wilbur and his friend were playing while he sat at the table alone.
Their father had given the two a few warnings, but they never lasted long. In fact, the longest silence there had been was when Wilbur had come out to fetch snacks for the two of them. He'd barely given Techno a word or two in passing before grabbing a handful of snacks and rushing back into the room.
Not only was it against the rules to have snacks in the room, but they weren't allowed that many either. Techno was sure Wil had grabbed a few of his 'for school snack' gummies as well! He'd have called him out on it but…
Techno sighed as he kicked his feet in frustration.
He had gotten better as speaking with Dream but, this wasn't Dream. This was a stranger in his home and he couldn't get his voice to work how he wanted it to. The few words he'd managed to get out were soft and to their father only. He just…couldn't get anything else out.
Taking another deep breath Techno decided to check on Tommy.
Putting his remaining snack back into the fridge for later Techno shuffled over to the playpen where Tommy took his midday naps. The small blond was still out cold and snoring lightly as he drooled on his fist that was partly in his mouth.
Techno grinned at the sight. Tommy was messy even in his sleep, but he was adorable too. Though…with him still being asleep that meant Techno was still on his own. He didn't want to wake Tommy up after all. Babies needed their sleep in order to grow.
Turning to the TV with a sigh Techno dragged his feet to the coffee table to grab the remote. He knew there wouldn't be anything good on for a while. But…it was all he had right now. He could go just, grab a book or something, but…then he'd have to go into the room where Wil and his friend was.
…
He was fine just watching something random until Tommy woke up. It shouldn't be to long. Tommy usually woke up only a bit after he and Wil got home after all. Usually at least.
Techno looked to the crib as a cartoon far to young for him popped on the TV screen. Tommy looked firmly in slumber despite the sounds from the toon playing. One that Techno knew Tommy enjoyed even. With a deepening frown and a breath of acceptance Techno moved to situate himself on the couch.
He tried to ignore the shouts from his and Wil's bedroom, only glancing at Tommy to be sure he wasn't woken by them.
X-X
Techno doesn't know how long it was that he sat before the TV, but it must have been long enough because he'd started to nod off to it. The only reason he woke up was because he heard the approach of two sets of feet. They weren't heavy enough to be their father's but they were loud all the same.
It made him tense and he instinctively sat up a bit straighter, shaking the lingering sleep off him.
"What the hell is this?" Wilbur's friend asked, Schlatt once more cussing as if it were perfectly normal to do.
Techno swallowed hard as he tried to set a frown on his face. It was supposed to be disapproving, but the moment he landed his eyes on the other boy he shrank back. Schlatt had his nose wrinkled up as the dancing cartoon animals continued singing on about colors or something. They were blissfully unaware of the judgement being thrown their way and Techno envied them that.
His own chest stuttered a moment as he tried to find a reply. To say it was just until Tommy woke up.
"Dude, who learns colors this way? I can feel myself getting dumber. This is actively destroying the colors I know. " Schlatt continued to tease.
Techno couldn't even open his mouth, especially as Wilbur started to laugh along with him. Normally Wilbur's laugh made him laugh at how cackle-y it got. But…right now it just made his insides squirm.
"Bet you know all the characters don't you?" Schlatt asked as he shifted his grinning , judge-y eyes over to Techno.
"Its Tommy's favorite show, of course we know them. We can barely get him to let us watch something else." Wilbur laughed as he pointed over to where Tommy was still sleeping.
"He seems pretty out of it right now." Schlatt stated as he flicked his gaze between Wilbur and Techno both, "Looks like there are two 'Zoo Kazoo Scouts' in here. Where's your badge at? Or do you keep that with the whole 'Zebra Uniform' or whatever?"
Techno felt his chest tighten as his hands shook. The more the other spoke the more sour he seemed. Wilbur just continued to laugh though and…and not help him. Wilbur didn't say anything to the other even as Techno continued to struggle to get any sort of reply out.
All the noise was cut into by a sudden upset whine from the playpen.
Wilbur turned to look at it while Schlatt only moved closer to Techno, reaching for the remote beside him. Techno didn't try to fight for it, but slid off the couch quickly. He went around the back of it and headed for the hallway as quick as he could without running.
"Hey, Tech, let dad know Tommy is awake. He's going to cry." Wilbur called after him.
Techno didn't look back as he darted down the hallway.
X-x-X
Wilbur bounced on his heels as he waved Schlatt off, not stopping until his mother had driven out of sight. He was still thrilled that the other had agreed to come to his house today even though the visit was over now. He'd been asking for a while and finally Schlatt had said yes.
Schlatt was one of the cooler kids in the school, funny and bold and willing to talk to Wilbur even when most of his class didn't. Wilbur didn't even mind that he wasn't allowed to use Schlatt's first name yet. He was told once they were 'better friends' then it would be fine.
'When', not 'if'.
Wilbur couldn't keep the smile off his face.
It felt ages since he had a friend that understood him and his humor. Schlatt not only 'got' his humor, but made it better. He even told Wilbur he'd teach him how to be cool! The two of them would be unstoppable one day.
Though, before that he had other things to worry about. Like getting his homework done before dinner. He and Schlatt were supposed to have done it earlier but, well, why was he going to waste time in their first ever hang out by doing stupid school work? He just, needed to rush it now to get it out of the way.
He'd worry about it being correct tomorrow or something.
X-X
Homework took forever it felt like, but he'd managed to get it done. He was pretty sure it was at least half right too. Which would be great because he had just randomly circled a lot of it. That would be something he'd figure out tomorrow though. Shoving it back into his school bag he tossed it towards the corner he usually put it in for the next day.
Now that that was out of the way he and Techno could play something while their father got dinner ready. He could see the timer on the oven still read an hour so he knew they had time. Plenty, in fact. He just…needed to find out where Techno had gone off to.
He wasn't playing with Tommy in the living room where Wil thought he'd be. The small blond was currently awake and well occupied with his sippy cup and an old coloring book he was scribbling away in. Honestly Wil was surprised Tommy wasn't fussing at any of them, but he wasn't going to offer the temptation.
Turning away from the room Wil started down the hall. If Techno wasn't playing with Tommy then he was probably reading or something. He had been pretty quiet today after school so he most likely was enjoying the alone time.
Wil hoped he'd had enough of that though. He wanted to play a board game with the rules Schlatt had made up earlier. Techno hadn't come in to join them after he'd done his own homework earlier so Wil would have to teach him what to do.
Pushing the door open Wil's brow furrowed at the sight of the empty 'reading corner'. Or rather, the cushion and blanket their mother had set up for Techno on his side of the room so he could read somewhere more comfortable. It was better than just reading on the bare floor.
Stepping further into the room Wil was met with even more confusion as he saw Techno was bundled up on his bed. By the sound of it he was sleeping but…it was far too early for that.
Without wasting a second Wilbur crossed over the room and pulled himself up onto Techno's bed. He wore a grin as he got ready to shake the mattress near his brother's head to spook him, but stopped short.
Wilbur's grin quickly left him as he noted the puffiness of Techno's eyes and the red splotchy marks down his cheeks.
Had Techno been crying?
Why?
He'd been fine earlier and he hadn't heard anything to say he got hurt or, something like that.
Placing a hand on Techno's shoulder Wilbur gave him a careful shake. It took a try or two before Techno squinted open his eyes with a grumble.
"hey, tech. are you feeling okay?" Wilbur asked as he backed up to give Techno room to sit properly.
Techno didn't reply as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. And then continued not to reply even when he was done. Techno was pushing his comforter off himself but wasn't looking at Wilbur in the slightest.
"Techno?" Wilbur asked a bit louder but to no avail.
Techno just, crawled around him and scooted off the side of the bed. He was a bit sluggish having only just woke up but he still had enough focus to make sure not to look up at Wilbur at all. Wil frowned as he watched his brother move towards the door.
"Techno!" He called out once more, this time with a bit of annoyance.
Techno didn't even flinch as he walked through their door.
What was Techno mad at him for now? He didn't even do anything!
With a huff Wilbur scowled and made to follow after Techno further. He made it to the door, watching as the bathroom one closed not seconds after with a bit of a snap.
"Tech-" Wil started to call out again, but was cut off by their father.
"Wilbur, there you are. I need you to watch Tommy for a bit. He's starting to fuss but I can't leave the stove right now." Phil called from the kitchen doorway, his head just barely peeking out of it as he glanced back to said appliance most likely.
"But-"
"Please, Wil? Just, sit with him until dinner is ready." Phil cut him off again, this time vanishing out of sight and ending the conversation just like that.
With a more frustrated sigh Wilbur stared at the bathroom door as he passed it heading towards the living room. The second he came in sight of Tommy the toddler was pushing himself onto his feet, a wrinkled and torn paper in his hand.
"Wilby! Come fix it!" Tommy demanded with upset in his voice as his lower lip quivered.
X-X
Dinner had been awkward as Techno had chosen to remain silent through out it. He offered signed responses to their parents but he ignored anything Wilbur said. He had hoped their parents would say something to Techno for it, but they totally just ignored it! It wasn't fair. If he had been the one to ignore Techno Wil would have gotten in in trouble.
He still didn't even know what he to get Techno mad at him!
After dinner Techno occupied himself with Tommy mostly which left Wilbur no one to play but with himself. He tried to join in at one point, but it had gotten frustrating fast with Techno just, not responding. Wil spent his forced alone time with his ukulele, but with how distracted he was he barely got his normal chords out correctly.
It really was a crappy way to end the day after it had gone so well earlier.
When it was time for bed Wilbur waited in his own, tucked in and everything, for Techno to be brought in by one of their parents. He didn't say anything as his brother was settled in for sleep and gave the usual 'good night' call as their bedroom door was mostly closed.
Wilbur waited until the footsteps retreated from the door before he sat up and stared towards Techno's bed.
"hey, techno." He called out softly into the mostly dimmed room.
The nightlight was giving off its usual pale glow from the table between their beds. It was just bright enough for Wilbur to make out Techno in his bed, his back facing Wil. Techno only faced the wall when he was upset.
"...goodnight then, i guess." Wil trailed off but not moving as he waited for a reply.
Even when mad they at least said 'good night' to each other.
When he was met with silence Wilbur's brow furrowed, a pit forming in his stomach.
"Goodnight, Techno." He said a bit louder, in case he just hadn't been heard.
When he once more was left to sit in the silence of the room he let out a annoyed huff. Dipping back down into his covers he hugged Jubilee to his chest and tried to keep his lip from trembling. He didn't know if he was mad or sad or something else, but he didn't feel good at all. It was like his heart itself had been pinched.
Whatever had happened, Wil hoped that Techno would be feeling better tomorrow about it.
X-x-x-X
In the following days Wilbur tried everything he could think of to get Techno to talk to him. Aside from a few mandatory responses, generally prompted by their parents, Techno held his silence. It was the longest Techno had ever been mad at him before and it was starting to both scare Wil as well as make him angry himself.
It didn't help that when he tried to pester the information out of his brother his parents insisted Wilbur 'give him space'. It had been days, how much 'space' did Techno need?
What did he even do to deserve this?
How was he supposed to make it better if Techno didn't talk to him or tell him what was wrong?
It wasn't fair!
It also wasn't fair that Techno kept taking Tommy to play with, or read to, and leaving Wil all by himself! Which is what he was dealing with right now. Sitting alone in the living room as he glared at the off TV screen.
He'd lost TV privileges recently, but that was another story.
"Hey, Wil. What's up mate?" Their father asked as Wilbur let out a frustrated huff on the couch.
Their father was working at the computer right now so he had essentially front row seats to Wilbur's current displeasure. Wil had debated interrupting him for help with Techno, but now it didn't look like he had to.
"Techno isn't talking to me." He stated bluntly as he sunk deeper into the couch cushion as if he were trying to be swallowed by it.
"Yea, me and your mother noticed that." The man replied as he turned to fully face his eldest son.
"And you didn't say anything?!" Wilbur huffed out with exasperation as he tossed his hands in the air lazily for good measure.
"We were waiting to see if you two would resolve it, or come to one of us about it." Their father replied with a small shrug, "We were going to give it another day at most."
Wilbur whined out another breath as he kicked his feet against the couch.
"You could have helped me."
"You could have asked." The man countered before Wil could get another complaint out, "When you need help with something you need to let us know. We wont always be able to notice and when that happens you need to be able to understand when to come to us."
Wilbur chewed on the inside of his lower lip as he forced himself to nod. Though, not without adding an eye roll to it. His father didn't scold him exactly, but he was given a look and Wil sat up a bit straighter.
"So, you want to start with what happened?"
Wil's scowl returned and he kicked his legs again, fighting the urge to flop back against the couch.
"i don't know." Wil answered in a mutter under his breath.
"I'm sorry?" Their father asked, tilting his head as he leaned in closer.
"I said 'I don't know'." Wilbur huffed out once more, arms flopping against the couch as he slouched down yet again.
"Don't give me attitude, Wil. I'm trying to help." The man warned lightly, "Something clearly happened though. For him to hold onto it for so long."
"I don't know what though! He wont talk to me so I can't even ask him. And I've tried asking him. He just-" Wilbur cut off a moment as he raised a hand in the air only to let it dead drop back to his side, "-just looks right passed me, or, or he looks at something else."
"Well…that would certainly make it harder." Their father nodded taking in a deeper breath as he thought it over, "And you have no idea yourself?"
Wilbur shook his head adamantly with a deeper frown.
"If I did I would have apologized by now." Wilbur muttered as he crossed his arms, kicking his legs once more for good measure.
Their father nodded once more, giving a low hum as he thought it over. Wil couldn't tell if his father believed him or not, but he didn't know what else to say to convince him if he didn't.
"Tell you what, I'll talk to Techno about it myself. You keep an eye on Tommy and an ear out for your mother." The man said as he stood from his chair, "She forgot her key so you need to let her in when she gets to the door. Okay?"
Wilbur nodded but kept the practical grimace on his face. Not that he didn't want to spend time with Tommy, but he didn't feel up to entertaining the toddler right now. However, if that was the price to pay for getting Techno and himself back on good terms then he would do it.
Maybe playing with Tommy would make him feel better in the meantime.
X-X
Phil placed a reassuring hand on Wilbur's shoulder as they walked down the hall towards Tommy's room. Techno had been spending most of his time in there the last couple days in order to avoid Wilbur and Phil didn't think today had been any different so far.
He had been hoping Kristin would be home for this particular part as she was actually skilled in the whole 'child mediation' thing. She certainly had the more delicate hand for it at the very least. Now, it wasn't like Phil didn't know how to handle the kids fighting and all, he'd stepped in and handled it many times before. This time, however, it seemed like a big one and he didn't want to risk doing it wrong and having it go on even longer.
But, he was not only a grown man, but their father as well. He would handle this and help them to work through it. As soon as he figured out what 'this' was.
At first he and his wife had assumed it was just a spat between siblings. Something usual and just a part of growing up. After the second day of Techno's silence, however, they began to think otherwise. They couldn't just 'helicopter in' to fix it, apparently, even if they were worried. According to his wife this in itself would be a lesson for the boys to learn when to come to them with a problem.
While Phil logically understood the idea of it, he had honestly been worrying over their choice. It was hard to watch the two at odds like this. He also didn't like the idea of just, waiting around without giving any sort of…direction. He wanted his kids to know they could, and should, come to them for anything.
Just sitting around until they made that choice had been hard. He didn't think he'd gotten much work done in the last few days as he'd been waiting on one of them to come up to him.
If his wife asked then that is what happened too. He didn't need to admit to nudging a little at the end at the sound of Wilbur's frustrated huffing. That would just be his little secret.
"Okay, wait here Wil. I'll bring Techno out to talk to while you watch over Tommy." Phil directed as they stood outside Tommy's bedroom door.
It was closed and inside he could just make out Techno's voice. He was probably reading to Tommy, one of his new favorite pass times now that Tommy had more of an attention span. For a three year old.
Wilbur nodded his head, his face still set in an anxious frown.
"It'll be fine, Wil. We'll get this sorted out. I promise." Phil tried to assure with another pat to his son's shoulder.
He just hoped he could make good on that promise.
Taking a silent breath Phil gave a short knock on the door before pushing it open. Techno was looking up at him expectantly from his place on the floor while Tommy sat before his brother and was pulling at the book he held.
"Hey, Tech. Sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk with you." Phil said with a soft tone so he wouldn't accidentally put Techno on edge.
The look on Techno's face fell regardless as he furrowed his brow.
"What about Tommy?" He asked as he easily moved his baby brother's hands off his book without even looking.
"I'm going to have Wil sit with him. Wont be for long, I promise." Phil assured with a smile.
Techno frowned further at that, accidentally mirroring the one Wilbur had been wearing just earlier. If it weren't for the three year gap the two could practically be twins.
Techno didn't even look towards Wilbur, even as Phil stepped aside so he could enter the room. Instead Techno just looked down at his book as he closed it with a snap, ruffled Tommy's hair with one hand and promised to be back soon to finish the story. When he stood up and headed towards the door he kept his eyes dead ahead of him and rendering Wilbur invisible to him.
For an eight year old with attention difficulties it was both impressive and concerning.
It most certainly hurt Wilbur.
Phil tossed Wil what he hoped was a comforting look before closing the after he and Techno. He didn't even have to motion in a direction before Techno was pushing the door to their shared bedroom open and heading to his own bed. Phil, of course, followed behind. The only time he and his wife dictated 'talking' locations was when the boys were in trouble. Every other time they allowed the boys to choose if they wanted to. If this was where Techno wanted to be than he would happily comply.
Situating himself on his bed Techno traded out his book for TechnoPig swiftly before getting fully comfortable, pig in lap.
Techno already looked like he was in for a talking to which had Phil briefly wondering what his son thought this was about. He didn't have time to indulge the thought though as he place himself beside the boy.
"Do you want me to ask you what is going on with you and your brother, or do you want to tell me?" Phil started with, hoping the choice would coax his son into volunteering the info instead of him having to pry for it.
Something he hoped to not have to really do until at least their teenage years.
Techno's lower lip dipped deeper into his frown and his brow furrowed with some measure of anger as he seemed to think it over. With a huff Techno opened his mouth to speak but only a stammer set of syllables came out. This didn't deter him though and Techno took in another breath to try again, the effort filling Phil with pride in his son.
"I don' like 'im." Techno managed to get out, only a few letters failing to form fully.
"Don't like who? Wilbur?" Phil asked with a confused tilt of his head.
Techno chewed on his lip a moment as he shook his head, though it was a stuttered move, as if he had to consider the truth of his reply.
"I don't like Wil's friend." Techno specified, his pout overtaking the angry look he'd been wearing, "I don't like when he comes over. It wasn't fun at all."
Phil nodded his head at Techno's answer. He couldn't say he was particularly fond of this new friend of Wil's either. The kid didn't seem bad exactly, but Phil had had a time trying to keep the two of them quiet while Tommy had been napping. He also couldn't help but notice the kid had a particularly 'grown up' vocabulary. He knew Wilbur knew better than to speak that way himself, but he couldn't help but worry about the influence it might have.
Still, Wilbur had made a friend. Something that had been hard on him since his former best friend Maxi had moved away less than a year ago now. Phil didn't have to like Wilbur's friends, he just had to make sure they were safe for him.
Now, he just needed to explain that to Techno in a way he might understand it.
"I know Wil's friend was a bit…loud, but-"
"He wasn't just loud. He was mean." Techno complained as his lower lip trembled a moment, "He was mean and I don't like him. I don't want to see him again."
Well, that wasn't the greatest thing to hear. He hadn't seen proof of it himself, but he knew Techno disliked lying. When not prompted to by his brother anyway.
Wilbur himself had been ecstatic the entire time that Schlatt kid had been over. In fact, Phil hadn't seen Wil so thrilled in a while. Knowing how protective Wilbur was of his siblings Phil doubted he would allow this other kid to be mean to them. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding or something?
Nodding his head lightly Phil let out a deep breath as he tried to pull the rights words together. Or the right idea for that matter. Wilbur making his own friends was a great thing and an important step in learning who he should and shouldn't hang out with on his own. However, Techno's accusation wasn't exactly something he could ignore. If the kid Wil chose wasn't friendly with all of his kids while visiting then…well then Phil would have to talk to Wilbur about the company he chose to keep. To explain the importance of healthy friend circles in regards to himself and his family.
Phil really wished his wife was here for this. He felt just a bit outside of his depth, just enough to make him worry about his next words.
"I understand not wanting to see someone who was mean to you again. Its totally valid to feel that way. But, you can't punish Wilbur for something his friend did." Phil tried to start with.
Techno frowned deeper as he stared as his swinging feet against the bedside.
"But-"
"What if Wil demanded that we don't let Dream over again? Wouldn't that make you sad?"
Techno's face scrunched up a moment before he looked up to Phil with a confused sort of frustration.
"But, Dream doesn't do anything wrong!" He tried to reason.
"But you remember how much Wil didn't want him to come over before? Called him 'mean' and a 'liar'? What if we had listened to him because they hadn't gotten along at first?" Phil tried his best to explain, "If we had kept Dream away like Wilbur wanted then you two wouldn't have become friends."
Techno's gaze fell once more to his feet as he kicked them harder against the bed.
"I know you don't care for-" Phil drew a blank as he tried to recall the kids first name, "Schlatt right now. But, over time maybe you might? It could just be that you don't know each other well enough yet."
Techno didn't seem to like nor agree with that answer.
"Or, maybe you just, wont get along. You don't need to like everyone Wil chooses to be friends with. Some people just, don't get on well together. But, forcing Wilbur to end his friendship with him just because you don't like him isn't fair." Phil said as he reached out to brush some hair from his sons face, "If the kid turns out to be bad news though, then me and your mother will handle it. That's the rule."
Techno refused to look up as he gave TechnoPig a tighter hug.
"If Schlatt really isn't a nice person, or safe, then we wont allow him here anymore. But Wil deserves the same chance to make friends that you have." Phil stated softer than before as he tried to coax Techno to look at him again, "Isn't that only fair?"
Techno didn't look happy, but he nodded his head in agreement.
"Now, don't you think you've punished your brother enough?" Phil asked as well, this time getting a huffier breath from the small boy.
"i guess" Techno admitted in a small voice.
Phil chuckled as he gave Techno's hair a slight a ruffle.
"If in the future something happens, instead taking it out on Wilbur you should try to talk to him about it. Or me and your mother. Otherwise we wont be able to solve anything, will we?" Phil asked as he leaned closer to Techno to pull him into a side hug.
"okay" Techno agreed, though just as before he didn't seem happy about it.
"Okay. I'm counting on you." Phil stated with another squeezed side hug before he let the other go, "Now, lets go see what your brothers are up to."
Techno nodded as he shuffled forward enough to slip off the bed and onto his feet. He kept TechnoPig in his arms but he was at least willing to follow along.
Phil lead them back into Tommy's room, opening the door to the sight of Tommy in what looked like a nest of blankets and stuffed animals while Wilbur was wrapped around his back like a koala bear. Tommy was happily chewing on Wilbur's fingers while Wil himself was reading one of the many nursery books in the room.
Tommy had technically stopped teething roughly a month ago, but for some reason he still insisted on chewing on Wilbur's hands when they were together. For now Phil and Kristin were letting it go as simple 'brotherly bonding', and also just not telling Wilbur about it. If it kept on after another few months then they might put an end to it, but for now it was harmless.
Also, Wilbur seemed to be less bothered by the spittle now. Though that might be because Tommy wasn't drooling as much.
"Hey Wil." Phil greeted, gaining his oldest sons attention.
Tommy smiled up at his entrance but didn't spit out his brothers fingers. Instead he just mumbled a muffled greeting around them.
"Hello to you too, Tommy." Phil laughed.
"Are you two done?" Wilbur asked, worry in his voice that he tried not to show.
"For the most part." Phil nodded before looking down to Techno and motioning him forwards.
Techno was looking mostly at the ground before he started to walk forwards. He didn't say anything as he moved to his brothers' sides and sat before the pile of blankets.
"you have to do the voices for the piggies. tommy likes the voices." Techno stated as he poked at TechnoPigs nose.
"...what kind of voices?" Wilbur asked as he flipped the book around for Techno to read the page.
Techno pointed to the pictures and started to explain the different pitches each Pig should have and Wilbur nodded his head along. There was a tentative smile on his face but he seemed relieved enough with the soft chattering. Phil let out a quiet breath as he watched on a minute or two longer. It wasn't perfect, but they were talking again. Hopefully it wouldn't take much for them to be back the way they were.
He trusted they would bounce back of course. The boys were too close to let something like this between them for long. But goodness, Phil hoped that this would be enough to teach them to seek out help sooner next time.
X-x-X-x-X
It was barely a week later and Techno was mad. Big mad. Probably the biggest mad he'd ever been. He was scribbling hard at his worksheet as sounds of obnoxiously loud laughter came from his and Wil's room.
Schlatt.
He was back in his house and in his room and with his brother.
Wilbur had insisted that Schlatt needed to come over for something with school, but like last time the two had instantly gone into the bedroom instead. Techno only didn't mind this because it meant he could do his own work without the two of them distracting him.
Or that had been the thought.
He couldn't focus though. Not with them being so loud. And not with thinking about how rude the other had been on the bus earlier. Techno had been able to get to his own spot first and was all set to refuse to budge but then- then Wilbur had just moved seats.
Wilbur had chosen to sit with Schlatt two seats down from him!
Techno couldn't even see his brother from that far away!
He could hear them though. Loud and clear, just like now. Laughing at jokes Techno didn't understand and ignoring the fact that he was even there to begin with. Wilbur had barely waited for Techno to get off the bus earlier before starting to walk towards the house with the other!
A tearing sound startled Techno out of his head and he looked at his paper. The tip of his pencil had gone right through the page. It was a small tear so…some tape should fix it but-
Looking up from the table Techno tried to see where their mother had gone off to. Off taking care of Tommy but Techno couldn't hear anything over the rowdy cackles and shouts that came down the hallway.
Their dad wasn't home at the moment and Techno hadn't heard his mother speak to the two yet. At least, not since she'd had to shout after them about running down the hallway.
Techno could try to tape it himself but, he couldn't get the tape off the thing right. Usually ending up tangling it in some way. He would just…have to finish the worksheet and worry about that one later. His answer was…technically written in anyway.
Techno kicked his feet angrily as he moved on. He was almost done and he wanted to finish so he could go looking for his mother and Tommy.
So focused on that thought was he that Techno didn't hear the footfalls down the hall until someone appeared in the kitchen doorway causing him to look up instinctively. Instead of being Wilbur, like the last time, it was Schlatt himself. Techno frowned and returned to his paper.
Schlatt didn't even bother greeting Techno as he moved into the room. Techno furrowed a brow when Wilbur failed to appear behind him. More so when he heard the fridge door open and turned to see Schlatt digging into it without even asking.
"On the middle shelf. And then there's juice boxes on the door." Wilbur directed as he finally popped into the room sounding a bit winded.
Schlatt barely acknowledged the directions before pulling three tubed yogurts out as well as a juice box. He turned and stepped to the side allowing Wilbur to poke in after him.
Techno frowned at seeing how much this stranger was taking without any form of permission, however he cast his eyes back to his paper quickly. Schlatt was moving towards the table and Techno wanted nothing to do with him if he could help it. He just, wanted to finish his work and leave.
Though if he were honest he just wanted Schlatt to leave above all else.
"What's this?" Schlatt asked as he drew up almost to Techno's side.
His tone was one Techno didn't like in the slightest. It made his stomach pull in knots and his throat tight.
Still, he tried to think of what his father had said, even if he didn't like it.
"homework." Techno answered as he practically etched in another answer.
"Homework? Why are you doing homework already? Its like, still daylight out." Schlatt snickered as he tore open one of the pilfered snacks, "You some kind of nerd?"
Wilbur laughed from behind Techno and it only made the knot in his stomach grow tighter.
"We always do our homework this early. So we don't forget." Wilbur answered at least.
At hearing his brother speak up Techno hoped he would also tell Schlatt that he wasn't a 'nerd' either. He was just following the rules.
"Lame Homework shouldn't be done when there still time to play around. Its stupid anyway." Schlatt scoffed and Wil laughed along with him.
More then that, he agreed with him.
Techno held his pencil tight and tried not to press it into the paper as the two older boys walked away. He didn't want to risk tearing his work up even more.
x-x
Tommy grabbed at Techno's hand with a giggle as Techno proceeded to 'run him over' with the plastic school bus. Techno was feeling better than he had been an hour ago and it was honestly thanks to Tommy. Once they started playing together and being as loud as they wanted it was like Techno could just about forget about Wil and his friend locked away in their room.
Tommy hadn't been in the mood for stories, but he was more than eager to play with the various cars and dinosaur toys he'd recently been sent by their grandparents.
"Beep beeeeep! The bus is coming back around Tommy! I think it might be going for your head this time!" Techno 'warned' as he turned the bus back around over his brothers' tummy.
Tommy had flopped backwards when he was first 'run over' which only made it easier for Techno to drive the vehicle up and over him until it was cruising over Tommy's forehead. Tommy himself was grinning madly and squealing at the feeling as his hands continued to try to grab onto the toy and claim it. Techno would let him eventually, but for now he was having fun enough turning the tiny tot into a racing track.
"Are you playing with a baby?" A voice asked and instantly Techno's smile fell and he snapped his mouth shut.
Looking up towards the hallway Techno was met with Schlatt's disgustingly amused gaze. Wilbur was beside him this time but didn't look like he was going to say anything.
"Dude, how bored were you?" Schlatt continued to laugh as he walked further into the room, though he seemed to be headed to the tv like last time.
"Its not always about being bored. Tommy is fun to play with." Wilbur finally started speaking as he followed after Schlatt, "When he's not being a brat at least."
At this Tommy let out a huff as he had now pushed himself back up into a sitting position.
"Not a 'bwat' ,Wilby." Tommy pouted with a angry brow furrow.
"Kinda sounds like a 'brat' thing to say." Schlatt snickered as he glanced up from looking for the remote.
Wilbur started to laugh which only made Tommy let out frustrated whine.
"Not a bwat!" Tommy started to argue.
However, before he could go on Techno was wrapping his arms around Tommy's torso and trying to awkwardly lift him to his feet. Managing to get Tommy very precariously lifted onto his hip like his mother had taught him, Techno started to walk the two out of the room and towards the hallway.
X-x
Wilbur watched as Techno and Tommy headed away down the hall. Techno hadn't looked very…happy. He didn't understand. They loved to tease Tommy all the time about being a brat. He had thought it would be enough to make Techno laugh.
"So, what do you want to watch? Do you have channel 105? Usually has something good on. Like this robot death battle-" Schlatt started to chatter as he flicked through the channels.
At this point Wilbur could only partially pay attention. It wasn't that he wasn't interested. Battling robots sounded super cool, but…
He couldn't shake Techno's look off his mind.
…
Wilbur lasted about fifteen or so minutes before he couldn't help himself. He needed to go check on his brothers. On Techno specifically. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with him again.
He found them both in Tommy's room, which he had basically expected. Techno had been avoiding their own room all day it felt like. Also, there were more things for Tommy to play with in his own room.
Pushing the door open enough to step into Wilbur watched the two. Techno was rolling Tommy back and forth in a blanket cocoon like how their parents did on laundry day. Tommy didn't seem to notice him yet, but he knew Techno had seen him come in.
There was no pause in the game.
"Tech. Are you okay?" Wilbur asked awkwardly as he shifted feet in place.
Techno didn't respond, but Tommy tried to turn his head to look at the doorway.
"Wilby-" He started to call out before spitting out a cackled laugh instead as Techno once more rolled him across the floor.
Techno didn't even glance up at him, but kept a smiling face down their baby brother.
"Techno?" Wil tried again, met with the same lack of acknowledgment as before.
He hated it.
"What did I do now?" He huffed out, not sure if tone would even matter right now as Techno was treating him as if he weren't there.
"What do you want to play next, Tommy?" Techno asked their brother, who was entirely out of breath and unable to speak over the residual giggles
"Techno, can you please talk to me?" Wilbur pleaded as he took another step into the room.
Techno still didn't reply, but Tommy seemed to be getting the feeling something was wrong between them. He wasn't laughing as much and instead was looking between Techno and Wil with a small hint of a frown.
It made Wilbur feel bad to see, but he didn't know what to do about it.
"Did you seriously just ditch me to come play in the toddlers room?" A voice laughed out behind him.
Turning around Wilbur saw Schlatt had followed from the living room. He'd assumed the other would be occupied looking for something for them to watch.
"I was just checking on them." Wilbur explained as he started to walk back to the door.
He liked Schlatt and all, but he didn't like the idea of him being his his baby brother's room. Tommy wasn't old enough to give permission.
"Checking on them? Why? What exactly can the 'Tiny Tots' get up to in here? Aside from licking the walls or something." Schlatt continued to joke.
Wilbur let out a short laugh back as he raised a hand to usher the other back.
"Just, regular checking." Wilbur supplied as best he could.
He didn't know how to bring up that it was because Techno seemed 'off'. People who didn't know Techno probably wouldn't understand what that meant.
"Did you see if they needed diaper changes too?" Schlatt snickered, "Smells like they might-"
Before Schlatt could finish speaking Wilbur was startled by a sudden angry grunt behind him. One that sounded like Techno, but without the 'whale song' whine to it that he knew.
He turned his head just in time to see something colorful go whizzing past his line of sight. There was a solid 'thonk' noise before Schlatt was letting out a pained yelp. Snapping his gaze back to his friend he saw Schlatt had his hands up and covering his face from his new position on the floor.
"Schlatt!" Wil called out as he quickly moved to check on him.
Behind him he heard the door to the room slam shut, but he was too focused right now to care. Already he could see red seeping from between a few of Schlatt's fingers over his nose. He was cussing a lot and Wil could easily guess why. Considering he'd given himself a nose bleed before with running into a wall.
Now wasn't the time to think about that though. Schlatt needed a towel. Some ice. Something-
"Wilbur? What happened?"
Wilbur looked up as his mother poked her head out of the basement doorway. She seemed to quickly assess the situation as she swiftly placed the laundry basket she had been carrying down beside said door. She turned and dug through it but a second before pulling out a pale colored dishrag.
"I'm going to wet this and be right back. Get him sitting up and leaned forward. Don't worry about the mess, we can deal with that later. Okay?" She was swift in her directions and heading off to do as she'd said.
Wilbur hadn't even had time to nod in agreement before she was gone into the bathroom. He worked on his task of getting Schlatt to sit up, but mostly it was just him doing it himself. Anytime Wilbur tried to help his hands were just shaken off.
"Are you okay? I'm so sorry. He's not normally like that." Wilbur quickly apologized with a racing mind about what had even just happened.
"Y'r broth'rs a fuck'n jerk. Th' 'ell is 'is probl'm?" Schlatt garbled out over the crimson streaming down the front of his face.
He remembered his father had told him that time that bloody noses weren't as bad as they tended to look but…it looked bad. It honestly made Wilbur feel sick just to see it dribbling the way it was. It certainly didn't help that Schlatt was licking it off his lips just to spit it back out.
"H-hes not-" Wilbur tried to defend, but…what was he defending?
Techno had just attacked Schlatt. So, was Schlatt wrong for thinking Techno was a jerk? Even if it wasn't like his brother, it was still the case.
"He fuckin' hit me!" Schlatt snapped as he glared up at Wil.
Wilbur didn't know what to say to that. Which didn't seem to matter because Schlatt certainly seemed to have more on his mind.
x-x
Techno could hear the muffled shouts outside the door as he leaned fully against it. His hands were shaking and his heart felt like it was thundering in his chest.
He…he hadn't meant to do that. He hadn't intended to throw anything at Schlatt, let alone to actually hit him…He didn't regret it.
He was scared, but he didn't regret it.
Schlatt was a jerk and…and he deserved it…
He deserved it…right?
Techno was snapped out of his thoughts by a new crying sound, this one coming from inside the room with him.
Tommy.
Tommy was sitting where he had been when Wilbur had first come in, but now his face was scrunched up as a short sob fell from his mouth. He wasn't hurt or anything, but...he looked scared.
Techno didn't even take a moment to think before he was moving over to his baby brother and pulling him into a hug. He tried to comfort Tommy, but found that a trembling whine pealed from his own lips.
Techno found that not only was he crying too, but he was shaking as well. His comforting hug for Tommy was more of a panicked clinging and he couldn't seem to calm himself down to fix it. It didn't help that the voices outside the door had raised up into what sounded like fighting. His mother's voice was mixed in but he couldn't tell what was being said.
The voices rose higher before moving away. Not long after there was the slamming of the front door and then the world outside Tommy's room seemed silent.
Whether it actually was or wasn't Techno wasn't sure. He couldn't really focus on anything outside of himself and Tommy now. He gently shushed Tommy as he rocked the both of them from side to side and it seemed to be working. At the very least it helped Techno regain himself enough to wipe his tears and offer a small trying smile at his baby brother.
Tommy was reduced to upset hiccups and some thick sniffling which was always an improvement to his crying. Techno felt bad feeling that way considering he was sure he had been the one to frighten Tommy in the first place. It was the truth though. The toddlers cries still hurt his ears far too much. He didn't know how their parents handled it.
"Techno, honey? Are you two okay in here?"
Techno looked up to see his mother carefully opening the door and stepping inside. She looked worried as she glanced at both him and Tommy up and down quickly as she approached.
Techno nodded his head slowly, unsure of his answer as the twisty feeling in his gut remained. He was sure he would get in trouble for what he did, even if the other had earned it. However, their mother only knelt down enough to pick Tommy up, offering him more solid comfort than Techno was able to.
It was a relief, but it was short lived as he remembered it was his fault Tommy was upset in the first place. Well, technically it was Schlatt's fault-
"Do you think you can tell me what happened here, Techno?" Their mother asked softly, cutting off his thoughts.
She was still kneeling on the floor, Tommy in her arms, and keeping her gaze even with Techno. It made his stomach wiggly with discomfort, but nothing like what Schlatt caused.
Softer feeling or not it still made Techno squirm in place as he bit down on the inside of his cheek and locked his eyes with the floor.
"I'm not going to be mad, sweetie. I just want to understand what happened. Okay?"
Her voice was gentle and coaxing, like it usually was when she had to talk to them about something serious.
"i-i-" Techno stammered as he tried to force his words into working.
He wasn't even really sure what he could explain. The kid had been mean to him since getting home with Wilbur, stole their snacks and made fun of him and Tommy even when they had come into Tommy's room to get away from them. He just…he had gotten mad.
Really mad.
Techno didn't even remember picking up the block.
He just recalled seeing it launch through the air and beaming Schlatt right in his stupid nose.
"I know talking isn't easy right now. Do you want to try writing it out instead?" Their mother asked, extending an arm towards Techno.
The offer was just enough to have Techno breathing out in relief. Writing it out would be easier. He could try to get the right words that way. Make sure they were the ones he wanted.
"What the heck is wrong with you? Why did you hit him!?" Wilbur's voice suddenly cut through the air.
Techno's eyes flickered off their mother and onto Wil instead, who had come charging around her from the door. He looked furious as he glared at Techno, one fist clenched at his side while he pointed accusingly with the other.
"Wilbur, not now-"
"You don't see me going around and attacking your friends! He didn't even do anything to you!" Wilbur continued to shout as he stomped a foot closer.
Normally Techno hated shouting.
Normally Techno would wince or shy back when Wilbur started to tantrum and stomp about. Kicking things or throwing things around.
This wasn't normally.
Techno was just as mad this time.
"He was a jerk, Wilbur! Your friend was nothing but a- a mean jerk! He's been mean all day!" Techno shouted back, his own raised voice seeming to startle Wilbur for a moment.
Just a moment though, before he let out a scoff and started shouting once more. He made sure he was louder than Techno and ignored their mother's warning at his side. She had one hand reaching for Wil's shoulder but he shook it off roughly.
"He hasn't been 'mean', you're just being a- a baby!"
"If I'm a baby then- you're a bully!" Techno shouted back, squeezing his eyes closed as he tried to get his voice to be louder than Wilbur, "You're a bully just like he is!"
"He's not a bully!"
"Yes he is! And if you want to be friends with someone like that then- then you can find a new brother! One that wants hang out with you and your jerk friends!" Techno huffed out, his breath heavy and panting from the effort of shouting so much.
"Boys, that's enough" Their mother's voice broke in with a sharper note in it that Techno hadn't heard before.
Wilbur didn't say anything and when Techno opened his eyes enough to peek at him he found his brother looking at him with a stunned expression. Wil's eyes were wide and his mouth was partly open in what might have been a gasp.
"Shouting at each other like this isn't going to solve anything. I think it would be best if we all took a few deep breathes and-" Their mother started to try to calmly direct before being cut off.
"Y-you're just jealous that he's so cool and you're not!" Wilbur accused suddenly, pointing once more at Techno with a violently shaking hand, "Because I like talking with him more than you!"
"Wilbur!" Their mother scolded, this time grabbing his shoulder and trying to pull him back a step.
"You're mad that he's right and you're just a-a bratty boring nerd with no social skills!"
"Wilbur! That's Enough!"
Their mother, with a crying again Tommy on her hip, was trying to pull Wilbur out of the room as he seemed keen on continuing the fight. His mouth was open again and Techno knew that something must be coming out of it, but he didn't hear a thing.
Instead a sob ripped from Techno's own throat as he rushed past his brother, shoving Wil away as he fled the room. He barely had focus enough to get to his and Wil's bedroom and slamming the door shut as hard as he could behind him.
He didn't have time to rush to his bed to grab TechnoPig before his legs gave out, dropping him barely a step from the door.
Everything felt wrong.
His eyes stung with the tears that fell freely down his cheeks leaving angry red tracks in their wake. His sobs grew as he opened his mouth and fully wailed, filling the room with the echoing hurt that tore through his chest.
…
Wilbur never came in to apologize.
X-X-X-X-X
Phil felt truly bad for his wife as he sat and watched her stewing over her drink across the table. Her brow was furrowed deep, etched with worry and frustration in equal measure. She had told him about what had happened with the boys the moment he had gotten home.
Wilbur had been in time out in the living room when Phil had arrived. He was sat at the computer desk with a paper and pencil where he had been supposed to be writing an apology letter to Techno. In place of the letter there was a large angry scrawl of "I'M NOT SORRY" that had been scribbled over many times but was still very visible.
Techno had apparently cried himself to exhaustion earlier and even when he woke up he refused to speak or come out of the room. Techno hadn't even offered Phil a greeting when he had tried to speak with him. Techno had just hugged onto TechnoPig and stared at the floor.
Kristin had been at a loss as she tried to think of any sort of solution while also taking care of Tommy. Poor kid had been fussy and upset since it had happened. She had only just barely gotten him down for an impromptu nap when Phil had come home.
Her skills in childcare were usually what they relied on when things like this came up with the boys. There was generally a trick or some kind of approach they could make use of. Even with Phil to bounce ideas off of she seemed to be coming up blank and he could tell it was getting at her.
She was the one who always had said that her skills were not meant to be 'fix its' for the growing pains of childhood. That they were often situational or required a certain amount of cooperation on the kids end, which wasn't always given.
So, to see her struggling now with that fact fully at her feet when it came to their own kids…he couldn't even imagine what that felt like. Even while knowing, knowing and still hoping, only to find nothing to help mend the situation at hand.
"Kristin." Phil said softly, coaxing his wife from her head before she gave herself a migraine.
It took a second but she looked up at him, her gaze filled with the storm in her head as she squeezed her cup a bit tighter.
"Maybe take a break for a bit? Give the gears a rest?" Phil suggested as he reached a hand out for her to take.
Kristin let out a heavy sigh as she practically flopped her own hand into his, a smile barely tugging onto her face briefly when he gave it a comforting squeeze. He watched as she tried to force the tension from her shoulders, taking in a deep long breath as practically sagging when she blew it out slowly.
"I've never seen them fight like that." She said after a moment, her voice soft and almost in a whisper honestly.
She'd repeated those words throughout their conversation and Phil didn't know what to say in response. From what he'd heard, he'd not seen the boys like that either. Considering they were far more prone to fighting with him around it was…well it was concerning.
This put the both of them at a loss for how to handle it.
Currently they were just, letting the boys sit in their respective solitary stations. Wilbur at the computer desk and Techno in their room. In theory it was in the hopes that the time to cool off would help them to mend things on their own, like kids do.
In truth they just didn't see any other options.
"Why don't you go take a hot shower to unwind and I'll make dinner." Phil offered with a small smile.
"You sure? You've been stuck at your office all day today."
"I have. And you had to deal with the boys going to war with each other." Phil reasoned as he stood up, "I can handle cooking up some fish and chips."
Seeing another small layer of tension leaving his wife made Phil twice as happy that he made the offer. The smile she gave back to him was just a cherry on top.
"I'll check on the boys first-"
"No. You, worry about your shower. I'll check on the boys. Shoo." Phil stated firmly with a chuckle and a hand motion towards the door.
Kristin gave a small laugh in kind as she rolled her eyes dramatically at him.
"Okay, okay. I'm going. The shower calls me."
Phil followed her to the doorway, giving her a quick kiss to her temple before she was out of reach. He watched her until she was just about at the bathroom door before his gaze flickered to Wil and Techno's bedroom door.
Techno had been silent this entire time and it really worried him. The same went for Wilbur too. Phil's attention drew over to the corner of the room where his eldest sat. He was still facing the desk, not moving or making a noise. In all of Wilbur's life he had never been this quiet nor still, and certainly not for this long.
Taking in a deep breath Phil prepared himself for potentially a very hard and tooth pulling conversation. Kristin had mentioned how stubborn Wilbur had been on the subject and Phil didn't expect much better for his own attempt at talking it over. It needed to be done though.
Bringing a chair from the table Phil set it down beside Wilbur, sliding into it with a purposefully audible breath this time. A way of announcing himself and still giving Wilbur a chance to engage first if he wanted to.
He didn't seem to want to.
"Hey, Wil." Phil opened with as he watched Wil's eyes remain locked on the paper before him.
The angry words still there and just as both visible and scribbled over as ever.
"Feeling better than earlier?"
The silence dragged on a moment before Wilbur shook his head, a solemn expression resting far too heavy on his face.
"You want to tell me what happened exactly? In your words?" Phil asked knowing full well there was a sixty percent chance Wil had overhead his and Kristin's conversation from there.
Even with careful voices, their place wasn't exactly the largest and sound carried surprisingly well.
" -wasn't my fault." Wilbur mumble out just barely within Phil's range of hearing.
"What wasn't your fault, Wil?" Phil asked with as neutral a tone as he could manage.
Which was harder than it sounded when he was confused and concerned.
"I-I didn't mean to- it-it wasn't my fault." Wilbur repeated, only this time slightly louder as he stuttered in places as he seemed to choke up.
When Wilbur turned to looked at him finally it was with wet eyes and a fresh wave of tears beginning to fall.
"I-I didn't mean it-"
The moment the words were out of his mouth Wilbur was full on crying, launching himself into Phil's arms and against his chest. Phil could do nothing more but hug Wilbur close with a calming 'sh' every so often. He ran his fingers through Wil's hair for good measure as a painful sounding hiccup shook through him.
There were a few babbled words but they were too marred and slurred for Phil to catch. He could only assume it was some sort of apology.
"Shh, Wil. Its okay. You're okay. I've got you mate."
"I-I d-didn't m-mean-" Wil tried again, the words no more clear than they were a moment go.
"Deeeeep breaths, Wil." Phil tried to direct, taking in a breath of his own to guide his son.
"H-he wont t-t-talk t-to me-" Wil let out mournfully as his sobbing picked up again.
Phil squeezed his son tight as he rocked the two of them back and forth.
It wasn't pulling teeth, but that wasn't making the matter any easier. It was tearing up his heart and he was all the more happy he'd sent his wife off to shower instead.
x-x
It had taken some time, but when Wilbur calmed down once more he managed to get out his tale of what had happened.
Wil and Schlatt hanging out in their room, Techno ignoring them. Wil and Schlatt coming out to watch to tv, Techno ignoring Schlatt's attempt at conversation and 'doing his quiet thing'. Wil going to check on him and Tommy and then Techno hurling one of Tommy's toys at Schlatt and giving him a bloody nose.
Wil had stopped right before talking about his and Techno's following fight, but he was staring at the scrawled on paper again so Phil knew he was thinking about it.
"You sure you aren't forgetting anything?" Phil asked as he tilted his head, a comforting hand still holding onto one of Wilbur's, "Techno isn't one to just…attack someone."
The thought of Techno going after any person at all was…until this point unheard of. Regardless Wilbur shook his head. Either Wilbur had suddenly become very good at lying, or there was nothing from his perspective that was off.
"i…i didn't mean what i said…about- a-about-" Wilbur stammered out, lower lip starting to tremble again.
"I know, Wil. This is why we try to tell you two to calm down and walk away instead of shouting at each other." Phil tried to explain, "When your emotions are running high you can end up saying or doing something you regret."
Wil looked at him and the sorrow on his face pulled at Phil's heartstrings.
"H-he, wont- I can't a-apologize-" Wil struggled to get out, the pained look on his face only growing.
Phil pulled him into another hug with a fresh gentle 'shushing' as he began to rock them once more.
"He just needs some time, Wil. Sometimes, when something especially painful happens, you need to let some time pass to help it heal over. When Techno is ready for it you two can talk it out. You can tell him how sorry you are then."
"B-but-" Wil started, pushing away from Phil's hug so they could look at one other, "I'm- I'm still, s-so mad."
"Being mad doesn't mean you aren't just as sorry. Both feelings are valid, even if they are confusing." Phil nodded as he brought Wil's head down to plant a kiss on his forehead, "Feeling mad isn't a bad thing. Using 'feeling mad' as an excuse to hurt someone, anyone, is when it becomes a problem."
"I-"
"Shhh, its okay, Wil. It was a mistake. Both of you made mistakes. That's normal. Making up for them after, once things have settled a bit, that's what's important now." Phil assured him, placing a second kiss to his head for good measure, "We'll talk it out after dinner, okay?"
Wilbur hesitated before nodding.
Phil really hoped a conversation after dinner would help.
X-X-X
The conversation never came.
Techno had refused to come out of the room and absolutely refused to let Wilbur inside. In the end Phil, Wilbur and Tommy ate at the table while Kristin and Techno ate in the bedroom. Wilbur…hadn't taken it well.
He barely ate a thing off his plate as he kept looking at the doorway leading to the hall. He clearly wanted to go to his brother, but feared what reaction it would get him. Every attempt Wil made to talk through the door had been met with either a chilling silence or something being thrown at said door.
Each failed attempt had seen Wilbur bearing a fresh look of growing defeat.
After dinner had been…far harder.
Phil had never seen Wilbur wear such a look of devastation than he did when entering their room for bedtime. What minor hope had been in Wil at the chance to see Techno was crushed the moment he set foot in the door.
Techno's bed was empty. Not just of Techno, but of his stuffed animals, his blankets and his pillows. Kristin had had to explain that…Techno insisted on moving into Tommy's room. 'For a little while' she had said, but it might as well have been forever from the look on Wil's face.
Tucking Wilbur into his bed that night had been hard. Trying to fall asleep with the sounds of stifled crying was even harder.
Phil, with everything in him hoped that this, whatever 'this' was, passed quickly.
XX_XX_XX
New year, fresh ouchies.
The brothers are going THROUGH it rn.
I'm not entirely back into the swing for posting just yet, but I hope the long chapters are good enough to cover for that. Considering some other works I have going on this might turn into a single chapter per post until I feel I've sufficiently caught up. Also trying to balance my writing with my new job as well other irl things, which is harder to account for honestly.
I am working to set up a tho to try to help with that so if anyone is interested let me know. I have the bare bones of it set up rn so peeking at it is possible.
Anywho, back to story chatter, hope you enjoyed this and are hungry for the next one. ;)