FicWad

Surge looked at the door as someone knocked on it.

“Babe, it’s me.” Manic called as he knocked again. “Your blinds are up; I can see you and Kit playing on the computer. Your Discord is showing you’re playing some duck game.”

“Tell him I’m running late for work.” Surge said. She ran toward the kitchen.

Kit sighed as he got up. He hurried to the door as Surge ran out the back door, letting it slam behind her.

Manic, holding Hip and his baby bag, turned around as Kit opened the door.

Surge was on her mini bike, speeding out of the driveway.

“Babe, wait!” Manic called.

Kit grabbed Manic’s arm before he could run after her. “I know why you’re here.” He said. “Maybe I can explain.”

“Please do.” Manic replied.

Kit showed Manic inside and shut the door behind them.

Manic sat on the couch.

“Sorry I’ve been lying to you.” Kit said, walking over to the computer chair. He sat down. “She kinda made me.”

“So why is she doing this?” Manic asked.

“She’s not good with kids.” Kit replied. “Uh… something about an old Tamagotchi?”

“Yeah, I know about that, but she’s not trying.” Manic said. “Does she hate kids?”

Kit fidgeted with his tail. “I don’t think she hates them, but I don’t think she wants any one day.”

Manic sighed. “Did she actually say that?”

“She asked me if she thought you wanted any and she didn’t know what to do if you did.” Kit replied. “She hoped this would change your mind.”

Manic ran his hand through his spines.

Kit pinned his ears back. “I’m sorry, Manic.” He said. “Uh… maybe… it… I think it might be for the best. She can be pretty impatient with me.”

Manic waved his hand dismissively, “Ah, that’s just sibling stuff.” He replied. “Sonic and I ambushed Sonia with nerf guns last month. Sonic hit me with a pillow last night, though I had that coming. Sonia smacked me because I ate pizza off the floor last week.”

Kit swished his tail away from his hands. “But Surge hits me when she loses her temper sometimes.”

Manic furrowed his brow.

“She doesn’t lose her temper with you for some reason.” Kit said. “Maybe because you don’t call her ma’am. She’s more relaxed with you. It’s not her fault, her birth and foster homes were pretty chaotic. She does feel guilty about it.”

“Yeah, but she’s old enough to get help if she’s got anger issues from this.” Manic replied. “It explains a lot, but it’s no excuse to hurt you.”

Kit nodded. “I know, sir.”

“Hey, if you need to leave, you can stay with us.” Manic said. “I’ll talk to her about getting help.”

“Thanks, Manic.” Kit replied. “You can hang out and wait for her. Help yourself to some pizza and water or soda.”

“Thanks.” Manic said.

Kit handed Manic the tv remote. “You can watch tv or watch the duck game with me.” He said. “It’s oddly addicting.”

“I guess I’ll check it out.” Manic replied.

*

Surge finally came home an hour later. She froze as soon as she noticed Manic on the phone.

“So are you finally ready to talk?” Manic asked.

Kit got up.

Manic looked at Kit. “Do you mind babysitting?”

“No, not at all.” Kit said. He took Hip and his bag.

“Don’t shake him.” Manic replied.

Kit furrowed his brow. “Why would I do that?”

“Just making sure you knew that.” Manic said.

Kit, carrying Hip, headed to his room and shut the door.

“So I had an interesting conversation with Kit.” Manic said, getting up.

Surge clenched her fists. “What did he say?”

Manic raised an eyebrow. “What’s gonna happen to him if it’s something you don’t like?”

Surge seethed and marched over to Kit’s door. “Kit?!” She yelled as she knocked on the door. “What the heck did you say to him?!”

“N- nothing.” Kit cried. “Nothing, I swear, ma’am.”

“Stop calling me that!” Surge yelled.

“Sorry, Surge.” Kit whimpered. “I’m sorry.”

Manic marched over to Surge and grabbed her shoulders. He marched Surge back over to the couch. “Listen, he told me why you were bailing on the project.” He said, sitting her down on the couch. He sat down next to her. “You confirmed what he was saying about how you treat him.”

“I don’t mean to lose my temper with him.” Surge replied. “I do yell at him and smack him more than I should, but I don’t beat him senseless or try to kill him.”

“Yeah, but you need help before it gets worse.” Manic said.

Surge nodded. “Yeah, I do.” She agreed. “I’m sorry about bailing on the project.”

“It’s okay.” Manic replied. He hugged her. “Ma said she’d be happy to help you, teach you how to change diapers and all.”

“I could use the help, I guess.” Surge said.

Manic side hugged Surge. “That’s my girl.” He replied. “Okay, wanna go with me and give Kit some time to destress. You need to help me with the project anyway.”

“Alright, might as well.” Surge said.

Manic got up and helped Surge up. “Hey, Kit, can you bring Hip to me?”

A few seconds later, Kit walked out with Hip.

“Here you go, Manic.” He said, handing Hip to him.

“Thanks.” Manic replied. “I’ll drop her off later, ‘kay?”

“Sure, have fun.” Kit said, handing Surge the baby bag.

Manic and Surge left the house.