#wh wally darlin

[thatonesalmonlingnamedspike]

found some familiar faces in Billie Bust Up!

[scribhneoirtuirseach]

Smitten

a song-titled/inspired Welcome Home one shot (also on AO3)

featuring: Eddie Dear, Frank Frankly

wordcount: 647

my other WH fics!

If there's one thing that speaks to the kindness of everyone in this Neighborhood, Eddie thinks, it's the fact that upon his unexpected arrival, the 'grumpiest' of them had offered for him to stay in his home until his post office was in a more suitable state for him to live in as planned.

Knocking on his door, Eddie slowly opens it to peek inside. "Are ya home, Frank?"

"Yes, come in." Frank is currently in his living room, folding clothes not at all made for him. "I went to Howdy's while you were meeting the others. He always has what we need, so this should be you sorted for now."

Eddie's brows raise as he steps inside, removing his hat to hold over his heart. Now, here's someone who cares, who thinks ahead… It's enough to make any new neighbor feel beyond welcome. "Thank you, darlin'."

Frank pretends he isn't blushing. Eddie isn't blind though. "Wally is Darling. The only Darling here." He corrects, clearing his throat as he gets to his feet. "I have a sleeping bag, so you'll be taking my bed when you're ready."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly—"

"I'll survive a few nights."

"I don't think survivin' is the height of livin'."

Frank's brow raises at that remark. There's something… fascinating about this mailman that he can't quite put his finger on.

"May I make a suggestion, Frank?"

"I'm listening." He doesn't find it hard to be patient with him, for one.

"Well," Eddie begins as he takes off and sets his now empty bag aside, glancing around. A confortable couch, a TV… "I reckon we have enough space here for a pillow an' blanket fort."

Having a look for himself, Frank finds he isn't wrong. "A good suggestion. I'll go get—"

"You stay right there! Looks like you've already worked with those clothes, huh? I'll take care o'the rest!" Eddie grins, sending a wink his way before heading upstairs.

By the time the sun falls and the moon rises to take her place, the fort has long since been built and Frank has just dozed off, the softest snores escaping him.

Eddie has never heard a more beautiful sound, a flustered smile spreading across his face as he memorises Frank's. He thinks back to that blush, red cheeks softening out in a strikingly curious way to the certain circles they usually sport. Colour suits him wonderfully.

When Frank wakes in the morning, Eddie's the one still sleeping, limbs thrown about as though he's doing an impression of a starfish. He finds it… endearing.

Leaving to the kitchen, Frank yawns as he makes a start on breakfast for the two of then. Best to make sure Eddie is well-fed while under his roof, he has an important job to do!

It's only a few minutes before the man himself stirrs at the smell of food, stretching out nice and big before getting up to investigate. "Oh, you didn't haveta…"

"I know." Frank answers simply, setting two plates and two mugs on his table. Strange, how things feel more complete in pairs. He's never noticed that before. "Sit and eat, you'll be busy."

"Mail isn't delivered on Sundays." Eddie informs very matter-of-factedly as though it's something he's just learned, sitting right down anyhow.

Frank briefly considers countering with how his post office still has to be built— But decides against it, sitting too. He's not rushing for this new friend to leave as he might the others. "You still have to eat, whether or not you'll be busy. I hope it's good, I don't know what you like…"

"You worry just as much as Poppy, I reckon." Eddie teases lightly as he begins to eat, melting when he sees Frank smile— Only to quickly turn away and hide it. One day, he's determined, he'll make him grin as bright and unforgiving as the sun.