Wally Darling - An ANGST story

Party

Barnaby POV:

"We need to talk." Frank says, almost blankmindedly. Great way to start a conversation, note the sarcasm.

Wally's expression was unreadable, maybe because he can't frown, but I can feel the worry around him. "ok," was all he said, pacing towards the kitchen in front of Frank and I.

I was the last to come into the room. I already saw Frank sitting on one of the island stools, as Wally stood in front of him. Frank's emotionless state seemed to have lifted, leaving a calm aura around him. Wally on the other hand was faintly shaking. Was he cold? I can't just let my bestie be cold. I scoop him into a bear hug, which is funny, considering I'm a dog. "Don't be so worried Wally, you're safe now!" I exclaim, slightly tossing him onto the air. "They're gone!" Wally asks me to put him down.

Wally stared at me in disbelief. "They're gone?" he asked, as though he were frozen. We didn't even have to answer him. "They're gone!" he yelled excitedly. He started hopping up and down, flapping his hands in excitement. I'm so glad he's happy, sadly, I may end up ruining it.

"Wally, one more thing." I state. Wally reels it in, his face returning to it's usual relaxed expression. I realize how happy he seemed in comparison to his face now. I'd die to see it again.

"If you need to talk to one of us, we're always here to listen." I voice, putting my paw on his shoulder. My hand was lots bigger than his shoulder, I felt as though I could crush him.

His eyes falter, but return to his usual state. "It should get better now that they're gone." He declares with such certainty, I can't help but believe him.

"Either way, I would like to know what's going on with you," Frank states, his voice calmer than usual. "We would love to help you through this."

Wally looks through the window of the kitchen into the mid-day sky. I wonder if breaking eye contact is his new thing. "I think i'll be okay."

1 week later.

Wally's POV:

I can't tell if I've gotten better or worse. I mean, I am happy I'm out of that situation, but when I look in the mirror, I don't see the handsome man I saw before. I can't even recognize myself.

So here I was, a mess. Overthinking 2134125 until I hear a knock at my door. I groggily get up, take time to look as normal and open the door to find Frank. When has Frank showed up when I'm fine?

Frank didn't even start with hello, instead getting straight to the point. "I need help with my garden. Eddie made snacks. They were meant for Julie, but she doesn't know much about gardening; you do. Could you help? Please." I was surprised Frank didn't just drag me to his house. Though he wouldn't actually do that, it's more likely than him using his manners.

"Sure!" I exclaim, "Let me get into casual wear and I'll meet you there."

"Okay bye." Frank says, waving as he walks away. Frank probably had enough of the 'useless words' for today. I shut the door, getting on my normal clothes. It's spring and warm outside, but I'll probably be cold anyway, so I put on my cardigan over my long sleeved button-up. My lovely second layer that nobody will notice.

Waving goodbye to Home before I left, I make the walk to Frank's house, heading towards the front door. There is a sign on it. 'Go around back Wally' it read, but in Barnaby's handwriting. Seeing how it was addressed to only me, I felt a little special, but the feeling fades quickly.

When I take the side route to their yard, I can see their garden. This looks hard.

Eddie walks up behind me, and I flinch as he puts his hand on my shoulder. "We just need help with picking weeds and planting flowers. We asked Barns for some help with the weeds, they are quite tall, so you won't be out here alone." When I didn't answer, Eddie then asked, "Do you want any cookies? I made them myself."

As a person who doesn't bake, he seemed so proud of his work, and I didn't want to disappoint him. Especially since even Frank mentioned them, which may mean that Eddie really wanted someone to try it. "Sure!" I replied.

Eddie led me inside and to him and Frank's kitchen, though I did already know where it was. When I got there, I found Frank and Barnaby chatting over some pink cookies. That could only mean-

Ew, strawberry.

All three of them looked at me with anticipation as I gently grabbed a cookie off the tray, fidling with it in my fingers. All I need to do is blink. And I did.

"Mph- this is certainly something... Julie would eat."

It was sweet, sweeter than I thought. I could get diabetes from it. However, Eddie seemed content with my answer, celebrating with his husband.

"Can I use your bathroom?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. Frank gave me a thimbs up while being practically crushed by his husband's hug.

In the bathroom:

I turned on the bathroom water, rinsing out my eyes. I wonder how much sugar was in there. Do I need a treadmill? Suddenly Barnaby knocks on the bathroom door. "Wally, are you ready to do some DIRTy work?" He laughed, the bellowing chuckle from his gut is the best medicine.

"Ha. Ha. Ha." I responded. It was logically funny afterall.

"I'm glad you like it Wally."

I do leave the bathroom, as we make our way to the garden. We go some good work, Barnaby lifting the weeds I had trouble with. Damn is he strong.

Planting flowers, however, was my specialty. It took a while especially in the heat, but the now clean look of their yard made me feel proud of myself. I hadn't noticed that one of the husbands had brought out water, though it was probably Eddie. Barnaby was inside, probably gobbling up the rest of the cookies.

I check the time, Eddie's probably delivering the mail. I step inside, to bump into Barnaby, who I guess was going outside.

I almost fall, but barnaby catches me quickly with his arm. "Sorry BUD, I didn't see you there." He says, followed by a small giggle. I respond, "I guess I didn't see you there either, considering I bumped into you."

He stands me back up going around me to see outside. I was hoping to talk to him inside, but I guess he came to me.

"This is a great job you did out here!" he said, his tail wagging at the river of flowers that were planted. I was glad he liked it, I worked really hard on them. "Couldn't have done it without your strength with the weeds." I respond, hoping to give him some gratitude in himself. He did help afterall.

Frank comes out of the backdoor, inspecting the flowers really closely. Too closely for comfort. "Not half bad." He says, his frown slightly less frowny. Seeing that Frank didn't even complain, I think I did a great. "I left some water on the table for you. Barnaby already made a mess of his glass." Frank said the last sentence with sass. Barnaby retorts as I finally sit down. "You know I can't hold cups Frank! The glass was your issue!" Frank and Barnaby continue bickering as I sip my water. I hadn't even realized how thhuinrgsrtyy I was.

"BARNABY"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello again everyone! The danger isn't over, but I did get a chapter in. I know you might say this didn't have much angst, but people with deppression do have 'good' days. I put it in hyphens because you do live with it still. Thank you for reading, and have a good day or night!