Chapter Text
“Damn, it’s already leaving,” Eggchan sighed.
“Who?” came Wemmbu’s mumbled reply, silently wondering how many apples he can shove in his mouth at once.
The demon had gotten bored somewhere between peeling them for Egg and then shaping them to look like bunnies, and probably some awfully formed flowers. He learned that somewhere ages ago, it still stuck with him.
“Summer bro, it’s gonna be fall in a few days already,” the angel clarified. The thick book on his laps now forgotten, his pale finger traced whatever page he was reading.
Eggchan sounded different, the demon thought. It made Wemmbu stop focusing on his busywork of apple sculpting to look at what Egg’s been fascinated about; the two conjoined windows of Egg’s hospital room, locked with a key only Minutetech knows about. The trees outside have been shedding more of their leaves recently, and the sky had settled for a sad, grey tone of blue Wemmbu never really liked.
Egg was right, it’s about to be autumn already. Wemmbu didn’t realize the days had gone by so fast. He continued to make bunnies from apples anyway, a few slices left.
“What? You can’t wait to trick or treat again?” joked the demon, lighthearted.
They both know Egg wouldn’t be able to even walk more than a few minutes in the cold. Something the doctor told him once, about the chilling temperature that made Egg’s muscles contract and left him basically in a constant, numbing discomfort through the whole season.
Egg laughed, as usual. “Nah man, I just wished I could’ve gone to the beach before winter.”
One more apple left, the purple demon continued, “I mean, we can go next year. I think then we can go somewhere farther, and more beautiful than the beach in the next town over.”
The soft sound of apple peels falling to the plate and sharp cutting was all Wemmbu could hear. He had to admit, this conversation was starting to go somewhere he didn’t want to. It was so silent Wemmbu thought Egg had fallen asleep in the middle of the talk. He didn’t, of course, because Wemmbu could hear him breathing steadily and shuffling beside him, and Wemmbu was a little scared to look at him.
“I don’t think I’ll last another summer, bro,” Egg mumbled, suddenly so small and quiet.
And if Wemmbu hadn’t been practicing his knife skills from the PvP classes Mane teach, he’d probably have already cut his fingers off.
That didn’t sound right to Wemmbu. Egg was using his usual, nonchalant voice, that was normal. But something about it now sent off the wrong signals to the demon.
Egg was supposed to agree with his dumb joke and then they’d talk about how annoying the teachers were to him last week. Or how Wifies and Parrot have been interrogating him in every break, and the side eyes he’s been getting from Flame whenever they walk past each other.
In turn, he’d listen to Egg’s book analysis on the newest English Classics his parents bought him, before they had to go on another (much longer) business trip. How it was about the complaints of today's societal standards and other stuff Wemmbu could barely care enough to understand. But he stayed and listened anyway, there wasn't anything for him to do outside of his visits and training.
Now, Eggchan sounded too small and weak. He looked too fragile under his baby blue cardigan, his iv-tied wrists were too thin and his eyes were too tired. Maybe it was just Wemmbu’s lack of attention, only noticing it now thanks to just how bland the room is. If he let go of his focus a bit, the angel’s pale, white body would eventually just fade with the background.
He didn't want Egg to fade out.
Maybe he was just too used to trying to fill every negative space with jokes and reckless acts that he failed to notice his best friend is slowly slipping away.
No, Egg’s not slipping just yet. Not now, not ever.
But he’s not in denial, no way. He accepts his losses and moves on, that's just how Wemmbu is. That was how he defeated Flamefrags, how he parted ways with Mane, and how he moved on from Rejoice. The Wemmbu of the Unstable High doesn’t let his personal emotion get over him.
The thought made his throat dry, he ignored that too.
“Let’s just go tomorrow then,” Wemmbu forced the word out of his throat. Maybe he can come up with something, and really, he was almost bored with visiting the same hospital.
Eggchan looked at him like the demon had just gone to the nether and took over Clownpierce’s monopoly while growing 3 heads at the same time; shock was really an understatement. Wemmbu had to admit, it was a funny face.
“Are you insane?” the angel would have screamed, if it weren't for the fact the medicine was making him sleepy. And Minute would definitely scold him.
“Look, I learned lockpicking a while ago,” he’s only smashed windows to steal candies, “and we could sneak out through the window. You’re lucky we’re on the first floor.”
While Wemmbu was confident in his ability, he really had to gamble about Eggchan’s. With the cold coming in, he might just need to carry his friend for the whole almost 4 hour trip to the nearest beach. But really, who would he be if he gets cold feet this early? Wemmbu the unstoppable will have a way, planned or not.
“Minute would definitely spot something is wrong, Wem.”
“We’ll just deal with him later! He can't be mad at us everyday, can he?” Wemmbu grinned, knowing damn well his claim will be easy enough to debunk.
Minute will definitely– have been factually confirmed– to scold and get mad at them for their recklessness. It was his job anyway, he's getting paid for this. But the demon’s experience as the school’s (self proclaimed) number one troublemaker is probably enough of an insurance to at least shield Eggchan from too much trouble.
Egg raised his eyebrows so high in suspicion that Wemmbu almost thought he had to forget this conversation ever happened and move on as usual. But fortunately, the trust they shared weighed heavier, perks of being best friends since childhood, he supposed.
“Fine, but you’ll do the planning. I lowkey don’t know where to go– like, anywhere,” Egg sighed, acting exasperated but the demon knows better from the slight move from his ear wings.
His best friend was excited. Eggchan, the monotone nerd who thinks nothing is worth his attention other than words and paper, is excited for this. He hadn’t been this excited for ages, not since being bedridden for half of his teenage years. And that was enough motivation to keep Wemmbu up all night and make a seamless planning of the route they’ll take.
All Eggchan has to do is sit patiently like the angel he is, and Wemmbu will always be his crutch. It'll be just like the old days.
“Deal.”
***
The hospital ward was, surprisingly, quite empty the next day. Minute said something about a “mental health seminar” happening, leaving only a handful of nurses and doctors in their offices. He didn't even need to break the window this time! Egg was kind enough to wake up earlier and opened them for him instead. The angel was a great thief, turns out.
This is easy enough for Wemmbu, just like stealing candies from children. Which he had done multiple times, actually.
He can’t say the same for Eggchan though. He wondered if it was too hard for a certain white haired angel who he had to tell multiple times to crouch and be silent. The angel was like a baby duck following him, but somehow still wandering off from the demon. Wemmbu really couldn't have stressed himself enough with Egg’s unawareness of his surroundings. Maybe all those years spent in a hospital room really did something to him.
“Brother, crouch down! You’ll alert the guards!” Wemmbu whispered loudly to Egg’s ears. His hands are already pulling down Egg’s cardigan. The angel just snickered under his covered mouth, and lifted Wemmbu’s mouth a little. As long as he's having fun, he supposes.
All they need to do right now is to reach the hospital’s bus stop. That's their first objective. If the demon can convince himself it's just like the recent mmorpg he's been playing, he could get through this.
The route was simple. They'll ride the bus for a few minutes, then get on the train for a few hours and board another bus before realizing they've reached their destination. It was a perfect plan, splendidly smooth. The faster they went to the beach, the faster Wemmbu could make sure Egg at least got back to the hospital safely.
If only the guard in front of them would just stop looking at the entrance for a millisecond. They really were guarding the hell out of that door. Too much effort was spent on such a poor amount of pay, if Wemmbu had to be honest. He could just work in a chain restaurant and probably get more than them.
“I have a silly plan, Wem,” Egg whispered, sensing his best friend’s distress like a third eye. Wemmbu could hear the smile in his voice, his black sclera’d eyes caught something colorful in his hands.
The angel had taken a few pieces of candy out of his pockets. Candies. Wemmbu doesn’t even know if Egg was allowed to have candies. But he feels like he's about to witness some looney tunes ass shit in front of him in real time, by his own best friend, and he doesn't even know if he should be proud or disappointed.
“Are you serious,” Wemmbu tried his best to not laugh.
He lets Egg have his whimsy anyway, who was he to stop a good bit? Besides, Wemmbu can easily save him if anything happens. After telepathically agreeing with each other, the angel ran off in silent steps, putting a line of candy away from the door and throwing one to catch the guard’s attention before scurrying back.
It was silent for a minute too long when Wemmbu had already planned to make an alternative plan. Suddenly, the guard– either from luck the world had granted them, or the sheer stupidity of the situation– followed the dumb, straight line of candy and left the door wide open, unguarded, and perfect.
The hospital should really work on training these security guards. Not right now though, right now it’s funny as hell.
Before they couldn't stop holding their laughter, Wemmbu grabbed onto Egg’s hands and they rushed for the exit. Once the fresh air hits them– messing their hair and sending chills on their skin– they laugh like madmen.
“Oh my god, I can't believe that actually fucking worked,” Wemmbu laughed as they both ran out to the streets, the bus stop waiting for them just after the large parking lot.
He could hear Eggchan giggling stupidly beside him, out of breath and slightly wobbly, but he's still running. And Egg could feel Wemmbu’s hand guiding them to their next checkpoint of their adventure. The grey sky greeted him, much clearer than the one he saw behind the glass. The wind rushing past his skin was cold. The concrete they’re running on is hard and dark and real.
Everything was real.
Eggchan is out of there. Maybe not forever– he’s definitely coming back– but for a few hours, he’ll be able to taste freedom.
The duo finally caught their breath as the empty bus closed its doors and they found a seat near enough to almost collapse to it. Heavy breaths echoed through the bus, mingling with the white sound of redstone powering the vehicle. They were lucky that the bus was completely empty.
“That was so funny! Like, I genuinely didn't even think that was possible, Egg! You're actually the goat!” Laughed Wemmbu, catching up with the oxygen and letting it actually fill his lungs again.
“I know… oh my god– wait give me a minute…” Gasped Eggchan, his hands were already clammy and sweat covered his face.
Oh, right.
Immediately, a pang of guilt and worry made its way to Wemmbu’s stomach. Did he really just forgot about Egg? He didn't mean to run like that. It was just a sudden push of adrenaline and the absurdity of the situation. But now, seeing how out of breath Egg was, Wemmbu wondered if it was still worth it to go check out the beach.
What if the demon had accidentally triggered something? The hospital is still a few minutes of walking if they stop at the next one, and maybe he can make a stupid reason as to why they just ran off to a bus stop and came back not even an hour later; They're teenagers, hormones happen and the hospital was so white and blinding it drove them insane. Minutetech wouldn't believe it but the other nurses at least would hear them out.
Wemmbu could barely feel Egg weakly moving his hand from the angel’s forehead. When did he do that?
Egg’s eyebrows furrowed, worried, “I’m fine bro… just let me breathe for a bit, okay?”
“Are- are you sure Egg? We can like- go back or… something,” Wemmbu asked.
“The last thing I wanna do is to go back, Wem,” Egg reasoned, his voice now steady and back to its monotonous tone, “Don't wanna get cold feet this early, right? I thought you’re better than Flame bro.”
It took Eggchan’s assuring hands to calm down from his spiral, which was quite pathetic of Wemmbu. His best friend isn't shaking anymore, and Wemmbu could notice his breath was going back to normal. His chests were moving, he could hear the angel’s heartbeat and it’s as normal as it could be.
Or maybe even better than normal, if Wemmbu had to be honest. The angel’s earwings fluttered with joy and his eyes crinkled. Eggchan hadn’t looked like this since, probably a millenia ago. He looked so much brighter now, like the walls of his room no longer dimmed his light.
Egg is alive and breathing and really, was still quite giddy from the stunt. That was plenty enough for Wemmbu to stop worrying for a while.
“...d’alright bro. Don't bring his name here, you might just curse us,” He smiled, and Eggchan grinned back before resting his head on Wemmbu’s shoulder. He purposefully dropped his head, gaining an oof from the demon.
“It’s a 40 minute ride right? Do you mind if I just nap a bit bro?” Egg hypothetically asked, not even caring enough to wait for his friend’s answer. Wemmbu wouldn't blame him for that.
“Eh, I’ll just leave you here to get stored in a warehouse somewhere bro,” Joked the purple demon.
The angel huffed out a laugh as the bus settled into a nice silent ride. Wemmbu spent his time looking at the changing scenery instead, watching over his napping best friend.
It reminded him of their childhood a lot.
He spotted a row of bright sunflowers somewhere outside, and the clouds were making silly shapes. More people were starting to appear one by one as the sun rose higher. It was quite relaxing, for once. For someone who couldn't sit still for long, Wemmbu wouldn't mind staying if it meant Egg could rest.
Maybe this isn’t so bad after all.
₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚
This is actually very bad.
Today is a very bad day for Dr. Minutetech of the Endatorium Hospital. If he had to rank the worst day of his life, today’s date would place at the very top of his list, even above the date when he had been born. It was so atrocious he could barely keep his composure and had to silently crash out inside the locked room of his currently missing patient, to avoid worried glances from his coworkers.
Healthcare workers already have enough baggage as they are, Minute didn't want to drag them to this mess.
“Where could he possibly even be?” Minutetech groaned, his hands already threatening to tear off his precious black locks.
Maybe he needs to break something, since yelling isn’t really his thing. Or another shot of espresso in his system. Anything to ground him.
It was supposed to be a normal day. He was about to visit his main patient, Eggchan, and do his normal checkups. He’s already memorised their routine; At this hour, Egg would still be asleep and warm under his mountains of blankets and plushies, the doctor would have to wake him up and then do their usual physical checkups with a very sleepy Egg, before listing off his charts. And maybe then, if he’s not too rushed, he’d stay around for a minute or two to talk with him. It could be about the books he’s been reading, or about a patient Minute found interesting with silly stories to back it up.
Imagine his utmost surprise when he didn’t even see anyone, not a single living soul aside from leftover apple peels and a yellow, sticky note clearly addressed to him. “Be right back” was written on it with the handwriting Minutetech could only describe as being ripped straight out of the declaration of independence, and a very messy, blocky smiling face beside it, drawn in purple, glittery marker.
There would only be one person in this hospital who would write like that, and exactly one person in the whole universe who would draw that exact smile with the dumb glitter marker he remembered being terrorized with.
Minute had to take a really deep breath to not shatter the clipboard he’s been holding onto. It had way too many years accompanying him, it would be a sad fate if it were to break just because of two, reckless teenagers. Besides, his schedule was already packed to the brim. He doesn’t need a trip to the local store for clipboards added on his calendar.
He was mad, incredibly so. He could already conjure up the hundred pages of lecture he’d give the teens once he found them. He's so ready to stretch their stupid cheek like bubble gum until it's red and make them walk outside like that.
But deep in his heart, the wave of worry was bigger.
Minute couldn't just let himself stay here and do nothing. Theres a clinically ill teenager with a rare disease running wild on the outside, unsanitary world. Eggchan, who sometimes couldn’t even have enough energy to eat, was out there doing whatever they were doing. And as much as he’s proud of Wemmbu and his self defense skills, there’s only so much the purple demon could protect Egg from.
Minutetech stood up, dragging himself out of his own hole and finally thought logically. Yeah, think logically, that’s something he’s good at– basically his pride at this point. He should really do something before anything worse happens.
But for now, maybe another two cups of coffee would help the voidling to stay sane. Or five. Actually, on a better note, he should just empty out their break room cupboard.
Yeah, that sounds like a really nice idea.