FicWad

Sonic put on his coat as he was about to go looking for Manic.

It was an hour past curfew and Manic hadn’t come home yet and hadn’t even sent a text or tried to call.

The back door opened.

“Sonic, he’s here.” Sonia called.

Sonic walked into the kitchen, then crossed his arms. “Where have you been?”

Manic rubbed the back of his neck. “Got stuck in a long line and lost track of time, bro. I’m sorry.”

Sonic scoffed. “Why didn’t you call or text or get Surge to do it?”

“Oops.” Manic muttered.

“So what were you doing?” Sonia asked.

“It’s not any of your business.” Manic said. “You’re not my parents.”

“Sonia and I may as well have custody of you since Mom hasn’t raised us since we were four.” Sonic replied. “Now what happened?”

Manic sighed. “I’m sorry.” He said. “Surge and I sat in a long line at Taco Bell and we couldn’t pull out because of how the stupid drive thru is set up. Kit was home when I dropped her off, so I talked to him for a minute. Then, we had this stupid idea to film Kit dressed in a baby bonnet, diaper, and booties for this adorable fennec trend.”

Sonia pulled her phone out.

“Surge is gonna post it tomorrow, I swear.” Manic said, holding his hands up defensively.

“It better be up by tomorrow or she better send me the video.” Sonic replied. “Honestly, I don’t believe you, Manic. No one goes to the Taco Bell here and I’m shocked it’s still open.”

Manic groaned. “I’m not lying. I’m almost an adult and-”

“If it’s true, then don’t complain.” Sonic said. “Don’t play the ‘adult’ card unless you’re actually gonna be responsible. Go to your room. Now.”

Manic stomped off to his room.

Sonic looked at Sonia. “Do you believe him?”

“I believe he lost track of time and did speak to Kit.” Sonia said. “They probably did the video, but I don’t believe him about the Taco Bell part.”

“Me either.” Sonic said, taking off his coat. “I’m going to bed. I guess we can talk about this later.”

*

Manic laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He did have nothing to worry about as he was telling the truth.

He didn’t know why he felt the need to argue or do any of the self-destructive things he had been doing. He didn’t like himself much, but didn’t know what to do to change things or get rid of the pain he felt every day.

He was thankful he stopped cutting himself and had taken Sonic’s advice about creating art instead. It didn’t stop the pain, but at least he didn’t have more scars on his arm.

He exhaled slowly and glanced at Sonic.

Sonic was asleep, kicking his legs in his sleep and muttering under his breath.

Manic would have to apologize tomorrow. He hated how he’d make his big brother and sister’s jobs harder than they had to be. He tried to be a normal kid, like them, but inevitably did something stupid and got in trouble again.

“Maybe I should try another counseling program.” Manic thought as he drifted off to sleep.

*

Sonic sat at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee as the sun started to rise. He tapped his pen on the paper in front of him as he thought of what he would write to his mom.

Aleena wasn’t home much and very rarely checked her emails, so the only way he could talk to her was to stick a note on her coffee creamer. Besides, it gave him time to get his feelings out, then look at it later to see if it was too angry-sounding instead of typing furiously and hitting send by accident again.

He finally started writing, telling his mom he was grateful that she worked so hard to provide for them, while adding that they missed her and it made him sad that she pretty much missed his and his siblings’ entire childhood.

Then he brought up the stress and emotional pain it caused him having to raise his siblings at age eleven, bringing up how he had to give Manic all the talks a grown up should’ve given them, but weren’t able to do.

Though Uncle Chuck did write letters for the boys just in case he wasn’t around to help them through certain aspects of growing up, which made Sonic’s job a little easier.

Sonia, thankfully, had Maria for girl talks which also took the burden from him and saved him the embarrassment of trying to do that himself.

He forgave Aleena, then added that they really needed to have a conversation about Manic and that he was worried about his little brother.

Sonic sipped his coffee as Manic walked in. “Morning, bro.” He said. “Good news. You’re not in trouble.”

Manic poured himself some coffee. “Surge posted the video?”

“Yeah, after you went to bed.” Sonic said. “The clock in the background showed what time you filmed it and I did the math for your ride home, saying goodbyes, and talking Kit into it. Though the time between the video and Taco Bell is unaccounted for.”

“I was telling the truth, bro.” Manic replied. “Ask Surge. We couldn’t believe Taco Bell was packed. You probably won’t have to ask, just check the reviews or wait til she comes over later. I’m sure she’ll rant about it.”

Sonic looked up the reviews on his phone. “Yeah, you’re good. It’s the first review on the site.” He said. “Wow, she’s got a temper.”

Manic sat down across from Sonic. “Kinda.” He replied. “She’s never lost her temper with me. She said she’s completely at ease with me.”

“That’s good to know.” Sonic said as Sonia walked in.

“Morning, you two.” Sonia said. “I don’t feel like cooking. Do you want to go out for breakfast?”

“I don’t feel like going out.” Manic replied. “I’ll cook, Ma.”

Sonia bit her lip.

Manic groaned.

“It’s okay, bro.” Sonia said, touching Manic’s shoulder. “It doesn’t bother me.”

“But it’s not fair that you two had to be the adults ‘cause Ma isn’t around.” Manic replied. “I don’t make things easier.”

“Sometimes.” Sonic said.

“I know I don't say it enough, but thanks for everything.” Manic replied. “I’m sorry for everything. I don’t know why I keep messing up.”

Sonia hugged Manic. “You’re welcome. I forgive you.”

“You’re welcome, bro, and I forgive you.” Sonic said, reaching over and ruffling Manic’s spines. He got up. “You enjoy your coffee, sis. Manic and I will cover breakfast.”

“Thanks, boys.” Sonia replied.