Dahlia - The Flower Of Betrayal. || SBI Hero AU

-CHAPTER TWENTY-

"So you're only ten? You don't sound ten."

"You don't sound twelve."

"Touché."

For almost three hours after Techno had arrived at this strange man's cabin, Wilbur and Techno had been playfully bickering with each other, only stopping whenever Phil came into the room to do his occasional check-ups or having to bandage Techno's wounds. Whenever he stepped into the room, both of the boys had different reactions, Wilbur looking down and sitting up straighter, and Techno quickly jerking his head up to the man. Phil, after a while, started to notice the change, but would never poke at it until he thought they were both comfortable.

"How long have you been here?" Techno questioned, tilting his head as he watched the other boy.

"You know, I can't keep track of dates very well. Like- I couldn't tell you what today was, or- or the day I was found either. But...it's been a couple weeks. He's...helped me a lot, you know?"

"You're scared of him."

"What? No," Wilbur argued, narrowing his eyes, though he only looked at the ground. "I just- I don't know. It feels like he's gonna hurt me still, even though I know he won't. I'm not used to- well, not getting hurt."

"Where'd he find you?"

"In the woods, too. I was running as well."

"From what?"

Wilbur went silent, for what felt like the first time in their whole interaction. He was a very chatty person to Techno, but it was like that was the only time he was. Techno had the same feeling, so he understood. And talking with Wilbur was like how he used to talk with his sister, when they were little. Something had clicked between them that had made it so easy to talk and talk forever.

But the silence brought a new feeling into the room. It floated around them like a gas taking over the air; it wrapped around their throats and held what they wanted to say inside.

Finally, the moment was broken when Wilbur sniffled and looked away. He brought the back of his hand up to his mouth.

"Can you make me a promise, Techno?"
"I think so."

"We don't have to tell each other what happened before we got here. It doesn't matter anymore, right?"

Techno thought for a moment, and though he didn't notice it, he let his mouth curve slightly upwards into something of a grin as he nodded. "I promise."

Suddenly, snapping the mood into pieces, Wilbur gasped and pointed a finger at the other, giggling. "I saw you smile!"

Quickly, Techno dropped it and crossed his arms, looking the other way with a fake look of defiance written on his face. "No you didn't. Shut up."

"I did! I saw it with my own two eyes!"

"Nope. You're blind, Wil," Techno countered, but let the same half-grin peek out, until they both just started laughing. The nickname had originally just slipped out, but it stuck-and maybe Wilbur even preferred it. It stuck, and for years and years to come, that is what he'd be referred to behind closed doors.

"Maybe it was your bright pink hair that blinded me, then!" Wilbur countered, sticking his tongue out childishly.

"My hair is amazing!" Techno exclaimed, his mouth hanging agape as if he was offended. He couldn't hold his fake, though, and began giggling along with the other.

And for the first time since he left, he wasn't thinking about his sister. He could have, in many ways, compared this strange child to her, especially with how stupid and childish they were being right now, but he could care less. He knew he didn't have any responsibility right now, and as long as he was here he'd be safe.