Book 3: Saving Scars {BoyxBoy}

Chapter 24

"Wolfy, come over here," Peter chided, holding his right hand out as he kept his left on his hip. Five year old Wolfgang lifted his head and hurried over to his nine year old brother, wrapping his small arms around his waist. Peter sighed and stroked his hair, "I told you to stay next to me. There are a lot of people here."

"I am sorry," Wolfgang pouted, and Peter smiled, taking his hand.

"You're forgiven. Just stay beside me, alright? We still have to pick up a few things before heading home."

They began walking through the street side market, Peter holding Wolfgang close to his side as he weaved through the many people who could trample them if they wanted. Several gave Peter confused looks, others whispered behind their hands, but Peter ignored them all as he continued on his way. It was startling to see such a small boy buying things like fruit and vegetables with handfuls of coins, but no one said anything. They just watched.

It was painful for Peter. Wolfgang was too little to care about the stares, but Peter could feel them burning into him as he walked, and had to fight off the tears so he could smile down at Wolfgang, "Is there something special you want?" he asked, and Wolfgang pulled his thumb from his mouth, his green eyes glittering as he looked around.

He pointed over to one of the booths covered in assorted fruits, and smiled brightly up at Peter, "Blueberries!"

Peter gave a soft laugh and nodded, leading Wolfgang to the booth and asking for a small basket of blueberries. He made sure Wolfgang was next to him, his tiny arms wrapped around his waist, as he used both hands to count out the many coins of change he had in his pocket. Panic began to consume him when he came up short, and his breath hitched in his throat as he drew his hand back.

He bit his lip before collecting the coins and stuffing them back into the pocket of his jeans, apologizing to the lady behind the booth and dragging Wolfgang away. The little boy looked confused as Peter knelt in front of him.

"Do we not get blueberries?"

"I'm sorry, Wolfy," Peter apologized with a soft voice, "We don't have enough money," he felt tears burn his eyes, but Wolfgang just smiled.

"That's okay," he said, "We can have blueberries later."

Peter bit his lip and pulled Wolfgang into a tight hug, burying his face against his neck, "You're a good baby brother," he said, and Wolfgang giggled, his arms wrapping around Peter's neck.

He really was such a good boy. He knew sometimes they didn't have money, he knew mommy was never there to feed them, he knew to stay away from her and listen to everything Peter or Gilbert told him. It made Peter's chest hurt badly. Wolfgang was so mature, but he was only five! It wasn't fair! He shouldn't have to worry about money, he should be able to complain and be a kid.

Peter sniffled and leaned back from Wolfgang, who frowned and lifted his tiny hands to wipe Peter's cheeks, "Why are you sad?"

"Oh, I'm not," Peter laughed, "It's just you're so smelly," he ticked Wolfgang's stomach, eliciting a squeal.

"Not smelly!" he countered, and Peter smiled, taking Wolf's hands.

"We'll all take a super nice bath tonight, alright? Then we'll scrub all that yucky smell from your hair."

Wolfgang pouted, but nodded obediently, looking up when he heard shuffling footsteps. Peter looked over as well, climbing to his feet and hugging Wolfgang against his chest as the strange boy stopped near them. He had messy blonde hair and eyes like gold. He was holding out a small bag, but Peter just eyed him uneasily as they both seemed to observe the other.