At Least We Have Each Other (SBI AU)

Chapter 19- Names Mean Something

Wilbur POV

Wilbur twisted and turned, trying to find a comfortable position. He had no idea what time it was, but it felt like an eternity had gone by. His brothers had fallen asleep awhile ago, the exhaustion taking them away almost as soon as their heads hit their pillows.

The brunette couldn't help but jealous, wishing to fall asleep. His eyes traced back to the window. Groaning, he slid out of bed. He couldn't do this anymore. He needed to do something.

His finger outlined the window as he glazed down at the streets below. The streets he had called home only a few days ago... He wondered what would happen when Tommy got better. Would they kick them out? Sadness pooled in his chest at the thought. He hated not having a home.

The door creaked behind him, causing him to jolt in surprise. Standing up, he tiptoed towards the door. He could have sworn the door was closed when Kristin left, but there it stood, swinging gently in the breeze.

Wilbur peeked out the door, looking around the apartment. Much like the room, it was the nicest place he had ever laid eyes on. Warm carpets and bright walls, it was welcoming. Squinting, he caught sight of a shadow in the kitchen. 

Curiosity got the best of him as he crept out into the hallway, walking towards the kitchen. He tried his best to avoid the creaks in the floor like he did at his old house, but he was out of practice. He didn't know this floor, he was basically blind. Shifting his weight onto his other foot, he was greeted by a very loud creak.

The figure turned towards him, a soft smile on his face. "What are you doing up?" Wilbur froze on the spot, his heart beginning to hammer in his chest. He was going to get in trouble. He wasn't supposed to be awake.

"Um I-" he stuttered, his eyes searching for an escape.

Phil seemed to sense his panic, quickly attempting to reassure him. "It's alright, I don't mind mate." Wilbur looked up at him in surprise, not understanding. "I actually enjoy the company." 

Footsteps approached from another room, a new person arriving. "We both do." Relief filled his chest as he saw Kristin. Wilbur trusted her... more than he trusted Phil at least. The tension left his body, only lingering at the remembrance of Phil.

Kristin smiled down at the boy, hoping to learn more about him. "Do you have an hobbies Wilbur?" she asked gently.

Wilbur bit his lip, "I play in a band... or I used to at least..." He looked away from the duo, taking a deep breath. Maybe he could do it again some day. Some day he could have the chance.

"What instrument?" she pressed, genuine interest flowing through her tone.

"Guitar-"

"I used to play that too!" Phil exclaimed, causing the young boy to flinch. Guilt filled his chest as he immediately made a mental note.

Wilbur ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the roots. "O-oh."

The blonde man thought for a moment, any idea suddenly sparking in his brain. "My old guitar is in the attic if you ever wanted to play it." 

Wilbur's face lit up at the idea. He hadn't plucked the strings of a guitar since they were evicted. He had been forced to leave his guitar behind. Maybe he could play again... His eyes drifted back towards the blonde. "What's its name?" he asked softly.

Phil gave him a puzzled look. "Name?"

"You didn't name it?" Wilbur gasped as though he had committed a horrible crime. Which in a way he had.

"I didn't think it needed a name." Phil admitted, amused by the passion behind the brunette's eyes. It was like he had unlocked something in Wilbur.

"Doesn't need a name?!" he exclaimed, offended to say the least. "You can't play it properly if it doesn't have a name! The name makes it a part of you. You're at the mercy of the instrument, so you have to treat it well. Not giving it a name is the worst thing you can do!"

The blonde chuckled, "Then you'll have to name it for me."

Wilbur watched his eyes, trying to find some hint of dishonesty. He had gotten good at that over the years. The eyes said it all. Yet, gazing into his dark blue eyes, he couldn't find anything of the sort. All he saw was kindness and that's what scared him most. "Really?"

"Of course. I would be happy to give it to you." 

"Th-"

"LEAVE ME ALONE! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" screams came from the bedroom, making Wilbur freeze. Barely a moment passed before he was sprinting towards the door.

Tommy needed him.

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-Snowy