Back again // stenbrough

16

"I thought- I thought things were fine between Bill and your dad. What happened?" Stan asked as he looked at Georgie.

Georgie sighed and looked down at their hands. "It was... okay for awhile, until you two broke up really. They got along, were able to be in the same room, and would even hang out sometimes. But Bill- he became very depressed when you two broke up. I mean he already was, but it just got really bad. Dad tried to help, tried to be encouraging and get him up and moving and I think that's what did it for Bill. He just exploded on him. Dad was pushing him too hard, I guess he always pushed him too hard. I obviously don't recall any of that but apparently their relationship has always been rocky.
Bill yelled, a lot. Even threw a book at him, dad ducked luckily but- did you know my dad asked to be deployed earlier because Bill had come out?"

Stan nodded a little as he looked at Georgie. "Yeah, yeah I did."

Georgie nodded and let out a shaky sigh. "I learned that when they were fighting. Mom and I were trying to intervene but couldn't. Dad admitted that's why he left earlier too. He said that he was ashamed that Bill was Bi, that his son was a queer. He said it nastily too, but he said that he had changed when he was away. Bill didn't believe him, screamed that he hated him and wanted nothing to do with him ever again. I don't blame him. I honestly didn't speak to dad for a week after finding that out."

They paused, biting their lip a little as they looked up at the ceiling. "It was hard, the next couple of years. Bill and I were recovering for very different reasons but that honestly brought us closer. But as soon as Bill turned 18, he got his own apartment. He had gotten a job like as soon as he possibly could after the whole fight with dad and had been saving up, mom helped him out too. It was weird, not having him there but he invited mom and I over all the time. I don't think he's even glanced at dad since that fight."

It was quiet between the two as Georgie let Stan take in all of that. It was a comfortable silence and Stan found himself moving closer to the younger Denbrough sibling. He wrapped his arms around them and hugged them tightly, resting his chin on the top of their head.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you." Stan whispered and let out a shaky sigh. "I'm sorry I made you feel like you couldn't call me or co tact me for anything. I know things were over between your brother and I but- but I would've been there for you too."

Georgie shrugged slightly and sighed. "It would've just made things more difficult for Bill. I needed him and he needed me. You being there for me would've just complicated things. Besides, I survived didn't I?" They asked and smiled sadly. "Don't bear yourself up over it, yeah? It's not your fault by any means and it wasn't even your responsibility Stan."

Stan looked at Georgie and sighed softly as he shook his head. "When did you get so wise?" He asked and smiled softly as he ruffled their hair. "You're so old now, it makes me feel old."

Georgie laughed loudly and shrugged. "It is called aging." He said as they rolled their eyes playfully.

"You little-"

~~~~~
"When do you think Tate and Bill will be home from the park?" Georgie asked.

As if on cue, the front door opened and Tate ran in followed by an exhausted looking Bill.

"Stan! Stan!" Tate called out as he struggled to take his shoes off.

"In the living room!" Stan called and sent the younger Denbrough sibling a look before being met with a kid to his stomach. "Ugh- hi Tate. Did you have fun at the park?"

Tate giggled softly and nodded eagerly as he climbed onto his uncles lap. "Mmhm! Bill was so much fun to play with! But we had to come home early because he started bweeding."

Stan's eyes widened and he quickly handed Tate off to Georgie before racing over to Bill who was taking his shoes off with one hand while the other was cupped his ear. "Are you okay? Tate said you're bleeding?" He asked frantically and grabbed his free hand, pulling him towards the bathroom.

Bill blushed softly at the contact and stumbled slightly after the other male. "I'm fine Stan." He said softly. "I went down that metal slide with Tate, I insisted he didn't because it's just too big and honestly scary for him so he was like go down with me, so I did and with the static electricity shit it ripped my earring out." He explained, slowly lowering his hand.

As Bill was explaining, Stan sat him down on the toilet seat and carefully moved his hair away from his ear. He grimaced and bit his lip. "Gross.." he whispered.

Bill laughed softly. "Gee thanks." He whispered and stared up at Stan. "It's really not that big of a deal. I can take care of it myself."

Stan rolled his eyes and huffed. "Shut up. I'm helping you. You played with Tate and this happens, it's the least I can do."

Bill nodded stiffly and tried not squirm as the other began cleaning and disinfecting his ear. He winced and closed his eyes as he let out a shaky sigh.

"Georgie and I were talking..." Stan began. "You need to clear everything with your dad before we can continue our relationship Bill." He said and very gently kissed his forehead.

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I'm sorry this sucks :/