Over the Falls

Chapter 6

WIRT

When Wirt returned, Bill was asleep on the ground, lying face first in the dusty path. Wirt would've laughed if he weren't so concerned about his own problems. And Bill needed to eat.

Wirt gave Bill's foot a nudge. "Get up."

Nothing.

This time he kicked him. "Get up, Bill."

Bill's head moved up and looked at Wirt lazily and a little confused. When his yellow eyes focused, he sat up and rubbed them.

"Have your antlers impaled your brain, Beast boy...? I need sleep as much as I do food..." Bill scowled sleepily. He was too tired to sound believably threatening.

Wirt sat down next to Bill and held out a handful of roots and berries. "They're not antlers, I'm not a moose. And you needed to eat."

Bill didn't even try to make a clever comment, he grabbed the food and stuffed it into his mouth, biting his fingers a few times. (Not that he minded the pain.)

Food tasted amazing at this point. It tasted amazing anyway, but this time in particular.

Wirt actually cracked somewhat of a smile watching this demon eat. His first smile in a long time. He watched as Bill licked off his fingers.

BILL

 Bill finished gobbling up the roots and berries and looked at Wirt.

"Thanks, soul-stealer."

Wirt's smile disappeared. "Don't call me that."

"Why not? You prefer Beast boy?"

"I'd prefer you call me Wirt."

Bill made a face. "What kind of name is 'Wirt' anyway?"

Wirt almost got mad, but then he thought about it. "I don't know."

"You don't know?"

Bill must've been getting tired again because he almost sounded genuinely interested. Wirt sighed, figuring Bill wouldn't remember this conversation in the morning anyway.

"No, I don't know. When you're here for awhile, you start to forget things. I wouldn't be surprised if one day I forget my name entirely."

Bill was lying on the ground now, eyes closed. "Your name is Wirt."

Wirt laughed to himself. Bill's sleepiness was amusing.

"Yes, my name is Wirt."

"Why is your name Wirt"

Wirt was laughing quietly now. "I don't know, Bill."

"Wirt."

"Yes?"

There was no response. Wirt looked over. Bill was asleep.