Finally Rest - A Sleepy Boys Inc. Story [PERMANENT HIATUS]

Reunited

T “So it would seem. I see you have the guitar, where's the old man?”
W “We can talk about that later, What the heck happened? One day you're with us, the next you're gone and you stole the food!”
T “Oh, so that’s what he told you! The old man kicked me to the curb with nothing but a piece of bread.”
N “W-whats going on?”

Hearing NIki’s voice, the boys stopped arguing and sat down. They started telling the story of why they knew each other. Wil started first, not wanting to risk techno making him look bad.

W “It all started two years ago, when dad lost his job. We managed to keep the apartment for about two months before we were evicted and forced to live on the streets. The only thing keeping us afloat all that time was dad's guitar. He played everyday, getting the money we needed for clothes, food and water. Eventually, pinky here showed up. Dad offered him food, for whatever reason. Techno ended up staying with us for about four months before one morning, he took half of our food and left. Prick.

Niki stood still, listening to the story, not wanting to miss any of the details. After Wil finished telling his perspective, She turned to techno. “What do you have to say on the matter?”

T “He was mostly right, up till the end. On that morning, the old man told me I couldn’t stay. Something about money getting tight. He handed me a pile of food and sent me on my way.”

Niki thought for a moment, then looked at the boys. “I’ll be right back, I’m gonna ask mom for some hot cocoa for us!” With that, Niki walked back inside, leaving to two to talk to each other. At first, there was an unbearable silence, neither of them wanting to talk to the other, but eventually, Techno spoke.

T “How's the guitar going? I remember the old man was trying to teach you before he sent me off.”
W “Pretty well, actually. You remember anything of what he taught you?” Wil reached for the guitar and handed it to techno, along with a pick.
T “I suppose we’re about to find out.” Techno took the guitar and pick, then started fretting chords. He started playing a progression he had liked back when he could play, but now any skill he had was completely soiled.

W “Wow, you really forgot everything. For one, fix your fretting hand, you look like you're trying to strangle the guitar”

After a few minutes, Techno was back at his old skill level, playing a simplified version of hayloft by Mother Mother. Niki came out carrying two glasses, handed them to the boys, then ran back in and got her own. Techno took a sip, then continued strumming. At this point, he wasn’t playing anything in particular, just whatever chord felt natural in the progression. The three started passing the guitar around, taking turns playing until it got time for Techno to go home.

T “Hey wil, do you need a place to stay tonight?” Techno was pretty sure Phil wouldn't mind, and he wanted to help his old friend out.
W “ if you're offering, sure”
T “Then why don’t you come to my house, I'm sure Phil won’t mind. After all, he took me in”
W “Lead the way”

As they walked, Techno was questioning his decision silently. What if Phil didn’t want Wil in the house? What if he kicked wil out? What if he kicked them both out? Technos panic was cut short but their arrival at the house. Techno opened the door and looked for Phil. Wil followed him in slowly, taking in the warmth of the house. It was a very welcome feeling that the house provided. Eventually, Techno led Wil back to his room and handed him a change of clothes and a towel.

T “You should shower, you have sand in your hair”

W “Right, thanks” Techno showed Wil to the shower, then continued looking for Phil, So he could tell him what was going on. Eventually, Techno looked in Phil's room, where he found Phil passed out over the computer. Techno snuck oer and tapped on his shoulder.

T “Dad? Are you awake?”

P “Hmm? Whats up Techno?” Phil slowly got up, tired from working all day.

T “I just thought I should tell you that I’m home and one of my old friends is here”

P “Ok that’s fin- wait, who?”

T “He’s a friend of mine from the street, me and Niki saw him today. He’s taking a shower right now” Techno looked proud that he was helping someone, and Phil just couldn’t take that happiness from him.

P “I trust you’ll figure out somewhere for him to sleep?”

T “Yeah, I’m gonna let him use my bed. I'll make a mat on the floor”

P “Alright, Techno, just make sure you don’t stay up all night.”

T “Right, thanks dad”

P “No problem, kiddo. I’ll start making dinner, and then you can introduce me to your friend.”

T “Ok!” Techno ran off to his room and waited for Wil.

After a while, Phil called the two to the kitchen, where Techno introduced Wil to Phil, telling him the story from earlier. After they ate, Techno and Wilbur layed down, tired from the day. Eventually they both drifted off. Phil, on the other hand, returned to work, hoping to get this project done soon.

End of Chapter