More Than 'Just Friends' [Wally x Barnaby]

🍎| It Started With An Apple |🍎

[TW: None]

*It was another sunny day in Welcome Home, all nine neighbors were playing games or running errands. So was Wally Darling, he ran out of art supplies and planed to buy some from Howdy's shop in the afternoon.*

~~~~~

*Home's tentacles nudged at the bed where Wally was sleeping. He slept in, again, and Home wanted to make sure he could socialize with his friends.*

"Home... Is that you?"

*Wally spoke, his voice monotonous as usual. A few more nudges confirmed it, he got up and stretched with a sleepy yawn.*

"Good morning to you!"

*He chirped, he spent half an hour getting ready for the day while trying to avoid falling asleep again.*

[Later...]

*Wally was on his way to Howdy's shop all the while greeting his dear neighbors. He entered the store, causing the bells to jingle, alerting Howdy of his presence.*

"Howdy, Wally! Are you here today for some art supplies?"

*Exclaimed Howdy while waving one of his four arms, he ushered Wally to the counter to have a friendly banter.*

"Mhm, I ran out yesterday."

*Wally spoke while staring at him. He swore Howdy was looking at him weird, was something wrong with his appearance? Wally quickly went to the arts and crafts aisle to avoid being seen, once he gathered everything he needed, he returned to the counter. He wanted to make this quick, but then he saw a big, juicy, red apple in his reach.*

"Can I add this too?..."

"Of course, Wally! Just remember to pay, I don't like stealing. Everything in total will be ten bucks."

*Howdy put emphasis in the word 'pay', after a few incidents of Wally attempting to steal apples and getting caught, he always had to be watched when near the apples. Wally grabbed the money in his pockets only to realize he was a dollar short, it hit him like a ton of bricks. He didn't want to be a bother and ask Howdy to give him the apple for free, maybe he should just put it back, but he really wanted it.*

"E-Ermm... I'm a bit short on money."

*Wally mumbled bashfully, but just as he thought he would have to go through an awkward situation, his hero came!*

"I'll help you, Wall's."

*Barnaby crooned, putting a conforming hand on his shoulder. Wally's face lit up at seeing him.*

"Thank you, Barnaby!"

*Wally said in relief, he clung to his leg due to the height difference. Barnaby paid for the apple and left the store with him. The pair chatted while walking around the neighborhood, Wally was even happier since he was able to enjoy the delicious apple.*

"So, why did you help me? You didn't need to, but I'm very grateful you did."

*He asked while blinking at the apple to eat it.*

"Because I care about you!"

*That response struck a cord in Wally, he knew Barnaby cared about him but hearing was a whole different story. His heart started beating a bit faster, the puppet didn't know what this new feeling was... It felt amazing.*

"O-Oh."

*Wally blurted out while fidgeting with some loose threads from his cardigan. For some reason, he couldn't think of a single thing to say, it was like his head was filled with cotton.*

"Anyways, I gotta go practice some fun tricks with Sally. I'll see you later!"

*Barnaby waved goodbye and scurried off to Sally's home. Wally stood there speechless with his face all red, what was this emotion? Maybe Julie will help him, she's good with this emotion stuff, it's a good thing they're going to have a sleepover tonight.*