Meet the Robinsons fanfic

[toria_phoenix]

Title: Unraveling

Author: Toria_Phoenix

Rating: PG-13

Pairings: Wilbur/Lewis, Franny/OC, Wilbur/Cornelius

Summary: Attempting to lessen Wilbur’s growing hatred for his father, Franny decides to send Wilbur back in time so he might have a better understanding of the sacrifices his father has made; but somehow Wilbur ends up falling in love with the blond inventor.

Warnings: Slash, kinda-sorta-not-really-incest! Don’t like it, then don’t read it, and for heavens sake, DON’T review just to tell me I’m disgusting and going to Hell.

A/N- So dang. This was intended to be a small little one shot, and it turned into a forty-page angst/fluffy time story. But, yeah, I like it a lot. I didn’t edit it because… well, I’m lazy, but if you find mistakes and remember to point them out, I’ll fix it. I’ve taken liberties with the characters- I know the plot of The Robinsons supposedly makes Cornelius thirty/forty years older then Wilbur, but I’ve chopped that down so he’s only eighteen years older then Wilbur.

Feedback is a must. Flames will be used to roast marshmallows.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Wilbur stabbed his macaroni viciously, glaring heatedly at the cheesy pasta. Shoving a forkful into his mouth, he barely chewed before swallowing the huge mouthful, choking slightly in the process. When he went to stab more of the innocent pasta, his gaze caught his mothers from the other side of the table. She was looking at him worriedly, face worn and tired.

“Wilbur…” She paused, biting her lip. Seeing Wilbur’s glare had narrowed on her, she tried again. “Darling, you know he would’ve been here if… I’m sure something incredibly important came up at work! You know he didn’t do it just to hurt you sweetie…” She paused, seeing his hand clench around his fork dangerously.

“Yes, of course.” Wilbur snarled. “I mean something incredibly important must’ve come up, right? Because there’s no other reason dad would miss his only sons eighteenth birthday dinner! Or for that matter, he wouldn’t miss his only sons seventeenth birthday dinner, or sixteenth birthday dinner unless something incredibly important came up!” He breathed in heavily, trying to contain his fury. His mom didn’t deserve it after all. He banged his fists angrily on the table, causing the plate of macaroni, along with all his other favorite foods to sway dangerously close to the edge of the table. Abruptly, he stood up, causing his mom to jump in surprise.

“I’m going to go to my room.” Wilbur murmured. “I just… I want to be alone.” With that, he turned sharply, and strode through his homes corridors.

Meanwhile at the table, Franny Robinson sat perfectly still, following her sons’ sudden exit with pained eyes.

“Oh Cornelius.” She whispered softly to herself. “How could you?”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Wilbur threw himself on his bed, feeling all to close to breaking down. He took a shuddering breath, and felt tears begin sliding rapidly down his face. Wiping them angrily, he began taking gasping breaths, hoping it would help calm him. The soft knocking on his door caused him to jolt out of his despair and stare at the door hopefully. He would say, “come in,” and his dad would enter looking distraught at being late for his sons birthday dinner, and promise to make it up to him if Wilbur would just come downstairs and finish dinner with him and his mother.

It had become tradition many years ago… on the birthdays of Franny, Wilbur, and Cornelius Robinson, the rest of the family would leave the house and go out to eat somewhere in town. The remaining would then have a private dinner, just the three of them, laughing and talking, eating food of the birthday girl/boys choice. It was easily the best three days of the year in Wilbur’s opinion, for while he loved his large and eccentric family; he adored getting to spend private time with just his mom and dad. The soft knocking came again, and Wilbur stared longingly at the door.

“Come in.” He said softly, voice cracking, hoping against hope… the door opened, and Wilbur rapidly deflated, for there in the door was not his father, but his mother. His began gasping in earnest, trying to choke back tears. Franny sighed, and walked to her sons’ bed. Gently, she wrapped her arm around his shoulder, and pulled him close to her.

“It’s okay.” She whispered, stroking his hair softly. “It’s okay to cry Wilbur… it’s okay.” And just like that, Wilbur made a whimpering sound and began sobbing desperately, as tears rapidly fell down his face. He continued to sob into his moms shoulder until his eyes felt bloodshot, and his throat felt hoarse from whimpering and gasping so much.

Franny gave her son one last squeeze before pulling away and gazing at him affectionately. “I… I’m sorry he didn’t come darling.”

“He promised.”

Startled, Franny stared at her son in confusion.

“He promised…” Wilbur rasped again, voice shaking. “I asked him… I begged him to be here for this… just one day a year! Why can’t he make it one day a year on time!?” Wilbur began to tremble. “You know what he said? He smiled and said he promised he’d be here come hell or high water! He LIED! He lied to me!” Wilbur stood up and punched his wall furiously, and gasped in pain when he pulled his trembling hand away and discovered blood. Franny rushed over to examine the wound, and stared at him in sadness.

“Oh darling… How about this… how about I call your grandparents and aunts and uncles back here, and we’ll make it a big family dinner! We’ll wait on your birthday dinner until tomorrow! Does that sound okay?” Franny smiled weakly at him.

“He won’t come.”

“Well of course he will darling… I know he wanted to be here… he just…”

“He doesn’t love us.” Franny pulled back as if she had been slapped.

“I… what?” She whispered, face pale.

“He doesn’t love us.” Wilbur said emotionlessly. “He never comes to my birthday dinners anymore, I hardly ever see him! The only way I can get attention from him anymore is if I destroy one of his damned inventions, and even then he only lectures me! He never comes to family dinner anymore, and when he does, he ignores my existence! It’s like he hates me!” Wilbur ranted angrily.

“Darling.” Franny said weakly.

“I can’t even recall the last time I saw you two kiss, or tell each other you loved each other! Hell, I haven’t even seen you hug in months!”

“Darling!” Franny said a bit louder, eyes watching her son pace his room.

“He doesn’t love us mom! He doesn’t give a flying fuck about you or me! He probably wishes I had never been born!”

“WILBUR!” Franny nearly shrieked. Wilbur sank to his floor tiredly, emotionally drained and hurting. Franny surveyed her son, conflicted. “Wilbur Jameson Robinson! Don’t you ever say your father doesn’t love us, or wishes you were never born! I will not have it!” Now, Franny Robinson rarely raised her voice or got angry… but when she did, God help the poor soul who caused this anger. In this case, Wilbur Robinson curled into himself to shield himself from the shouting.

When it seemed her tyrant had ended, he warily looked up to see her gazing at him contemplatively. “Wilbur,” she said gently. “I think we need to talk about some things.” Wilbur stared at her curiously. “I… your father and I weren’t planning on telling you anytime soon… and we certainly wanted both of us to be here when we did… But circumstances being what they are, I think it’ll be okay if we talk, just you and me. Okay?” Wilbur simply nodded. Franny sat on the floor next to him.

“Your father and I…” She paused. “Your father and I were never in love.” At this, Wilbur’s head jerked to observe his mother in horror. She took in his horror, and forced herself onward. “We weren’t planning on getting married, or living together or…”

“I was a mistake?” Wilbur asked, voice cracking in anguish. “Neither of you wanted me!?”

“NO!” Franny shouted in panic. “No Wilbur! Don’t misunderstand me! Your father and I weren’t in love because… I was in love with someone else. Jamie. Your biological father.”

Wilbur’s eyes widened dramatically, and began trembling fiercely. Standing up shakily, he ran to the bathroom, and threw up all the innocent macaroni he had brutally stabbed not an hour before. Once he finished heaving, he turned to see his mother in the doorway looking unsure.

“What…” Wilbur licked his lips. “What do you mean my biological father?” Franny bit her lip.

“You know what? I think you need to see for yourself in order to understand.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“ You can’t be serious.” Wilbur asked incredulously. Him and his mother stood in the garage, the shiny redness of the time machine reflecting his baffled reflection. His mother nodded excitedly.

“I am perfectly serious Wilbur! You want to know more about your real father, and I want you to understand just how much your dad loves you! Cornelius, that is- not Jamie. Jamie maybe your biological father, but Cornelius has made so many sacrifices because of how he loves us… I just think you need to see for yourself. So, go pack all your clothes and belongings you can’t do without, and I want you to go watch…”

“How long are you expecting me to be gone!?” Wilbur asked in confusion at her suggestion of packing. Franny let out a puff of breath, a thoughtful look on her face.

“I believe a year should do it… yes! A year should do nicely.” Franny mused aloud, a fond smile passing her lips. Of course, to me it will only seem like hours opposed to you living through a year…”

“A YEAR?” Wilbur bellowed, horror on his face. “I can’t live in the past for a year! I’ll mess something up in the space-time continuum! I won’t be born! I… I!”

“Trust me Wilbur… This was supposed to happen. I didn’t realize at the time that I would be the one encouraging you to go… but nevertheless, you need to do this. In fact, you may mess up the continuum if you don’t go.”

“Mom?” She smiled fondly at him.

“Darling… just trust me. You are supposed to be there. You’ll know the right time to come home.” She bit her lip. “There’s something else… Lewis won’t remember you.” At the name of his young best friend-who-would-one-day-become-his-father, Wilbur perked up, a bewildered smile on his face.

“He… he’s still Lewis? Will I… can we… wait, he won’t remember me?”  Franny shook her head, smiling sadly.

”Goob never dropped the ball, so he never grew up to be bitter and steal our time machine, which means you never really met Lewis.”

“But if that’s the case, why do I remember him? Why can both of us remember his visit?” Wilbur asked, perplexed.

“Love is stronger then even the space-time continuum darling.” She smiled at him. “We remember him because we loved him so much… and while he loved us as well, he was young, and probably forgot about us the instant Goob caught the ball.”

Wilbur slumped in defeat. “But… he’s still Lewis?”

Franny smiled, nodding encouragingly. “In fact… I believe he’ll be your age, if not a couple months older when you go back… I believe he changed his name to Cornelius shortly after you’ll leave? I still don’t know what prompted the change. But enough of that. Go pack quickly darling!”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“Well,” Wilbur scratched his neck. “I guess… this is goodbye?” Franny smiled encouragingly at him. “I’ll miss you mom.”

”Oh you! Don’t be so silly! You’ll still have me… just younger, and better looking.” She winked. “One last thing.” He paused as his mom passed him a thick envelope, and he held it in confusion. “That should be enough money to last you the year…”

He smiled weakly and climbed into the time machine. Waving one last time, he pressed the “Ignite Engine” button.

As he flew out of the garage, he could distantly hear his mom shout after him.

“If you come upon any frogs, make sure you give them to past-me!”

Wilbur smiled fondly, and punched in his the year he was going back to. With a flash of blue, the sky changed dramatically.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Wilbur sighed in frustration, his bag still slung over his shoulder, the envelope of money tucked safely inside of it. After parking the time machine in a forest just outside of town, he began his long walk back to the city. He had been walking for over three hours, and still had yet to find a hotel, or anywhere suitable to stay. Why couldn’t his mom have just answered his questions, rather then sending him on a yearlong Easter-egg hunt? To make things worse, the sky was slowly darkening until near black, and Wilbur knew a huge thunderstorm was coming.

‘That’s okay.’ Wilbur thought determinedly. ‘I’ll just find shelter before the storm even-’ before he had any time to finish his thoughts, the rain broke through the clouds, and began drenching the black-haired eighteen year old. He growled, and began running toward a nearby grocery store. Once inside, he shivered at the warmth the heaters emitted. He was wet, cold, hungry, and he had no idea where to go. Collapsing near the entrance, he watched through the doors as the rain continued pouring. His gaze caught on one of the grocery store workers.

“Excuse me sir! Sir!” Wilbur called after him, standing up and rushing over. The worker looked to be an irritated teenage boy, so Wilbur decided to speak quickly. “Um… do you know how long it’s supposed to rain for?” The teen snorted.

“Yah. It’s supposed to be rainin’ for the next few days straight. Bummer, yah?” The teen smirked at him, before walking away again, only to be stopped by Wilbur again.

“Wait! I need to find a hotel!”

“And is that my problem?” The teen snickered and turned his back again, ignoring Wilber’s cries for him to stop.

“But I don’t know where any are, and it’s raining, and I-“

”Excuse me young man,” interrupted a cheerful voice. “Did I hear you say you’re looking for a hotel?” Wilbur turned around to reply, when his voice froze in his chest. Standing right in front of him was his Grandma Lucille.

“Erm… I… um, yes. Yes I am.” He stammered. Her eyes brightened.

“Well isn’t that just wonderful! How long are you staying for?” Lucille chirped, a wide smile on her face.

“Uh… I don’t know for sure. A year maybe-“

“A year! My dear boy, you can’t possibly stay in a hotel for a year! The fees would be astronomical!” Lucille admonished him.

“Oh well… I… I have plenty of money. I suppose I’ll just be staying in a hotel until I can find an apartment…” Wilbur trailed off. Why hadn’t he thought about that?

“Oh pish-posh! I won’t allow it! What’s your name kiddo?”

Wilbur cleared his throat. “Wilbur. My name is uh… Wilbur.”

“Well Wilbur, it’s very nice to meet you! My name is Lucille Robinson, and I would be delighted if you would like to stay at my families home until you find a suitable apartment!” Lucille offered brightly.

Wilbur felt his heart leap in his chest. He felt a wave of affection overcome him for his grandma, and the woman she was, and would stay.

“I… that’d be wonderful.” Wilbur replied, smiling softly. “But uh… are you certain that would be alright? I don’t want to impose or…”

“Please, I insist! There’s always room at the Robinson home! Right now the house feels so empty… My husband and I have a son, and his friends are always over, but it’s nice to have a full house! So, what’da ya say kiddo?”

Wilbur allowed a grin to cross his face. “I’d love to.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“Bud?! BUD!” Lucille shouted loudly upon entering the house. Wilbur took the opportunity to look around in amazement. This was his home… It looked so different from how it would in nineteen years.

“Lucille! I am in the middle of a VERY important mission! I can’t find my red-checkered pants, and it’s driving me bonkers! What could possibly more important than my…” Bud walked into the room, looking much younger then Wilbur had ever seen him. He was grinning, until he caught sight of Wilbur. His expression changed to curiosity.

“Pants.” Bud finished, observing the boy. “And who are you young man? One of Cornelius’s friends?” Wilbur shook his head wildly. Cornelius’s friends? But his mom had said that he was still Lewis!

“I’m Wilbur.” He announced, sticking his hand out with a wide grin on his face. Immediately Bud was smiling again.

“Why hello Wilbur! Would ya like to help me find my pants?” Bud asked excitedly.

“None of that Bud!” Lucille warned. “The poor boy is drenched and freezing. He’s going to be staying with us for a while, so let’s make him feel welcome shall we? Go make some soup, alright dear?” Bud flashed her a charming grin, and leaned over to pull her into his arms and kiss her sweetly. Wilbur felt a pang of longing for the affection the couple showed each other. His grin faded to a weak smile.

“Of course darling. How about you get Wilbur settled in, I’ll make dinner, and then Cornelius should be home by the time it’s ready.” Wilbur sucked in a sharp breath. Silently, he prayed that it was indeed still Lewis. Bud seemed to take his jumpiness as curiosity, for he explained happily. “Cornelius is our son! He’s a very sweet boy- I think it’d be impossible not to like him!”

“Bud, let the boy alone. We’ll just introduce the two when Cornelius gets back. Where is that boy anyway?” Lucille interrupted.

“I think he said something about showing Franny his new invention.” Bud replied scratching his head. Again, he turned to Wilbur. “Franny is one of Cornelius’s best friends, see.” Wilbur nodded to show his understanding.

“Anyway, let’s get you settled in sweetie!”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Wilbur felt as if he was in a daze. Had his mother known that the Robinsons would take him in? Had she known he would be put in close quarters with her one-day husband? He had already unpacked, and was now staring out the window as the rain cascaded down his window. A soft knocking at the door interrupted his musings.

“Wilbur? Dinner is ready! You hungry?” Lucille called from the other side of the door. Wilbur smiled, and walked over to the door, opening it.

“Yeah, I’m quite hungry actually.” Wilbur smiled charmingly. Lucille grinned back.

“Excellent! Let’s go to the dining room then, shall we?” Wilbur nodded, and followed Lucille to the dining room, where a delicious looking soup had been divided into four bowls. They all sat down, and Wilbur smiled at the closeness of his grandparents little family. Lucille glanced at the clock.

“Cornelius has two minutes to get here before he forfeits his rights to choose our family night activity, thereby forcing us to have another pie throwing contest with him as the target!” Lucille grinned wickedly.

“Lucille, we’re all out of pies- we used them in the great pie famine of last week.” Bud pointed out. “We’ll just have to use pudding balloons.” He decided thoughtfully.

“But the pudding balloons always pop the minute we throw them!” Franny argued. Bud sighed thoughtfully, before brightening up immensely.

“We could always use the Chinese leftovers from last month to throw at him!” Bud suggested excitedly

“Don’t even think about it!” A new voice from the doorway said playfully.

“Oh fiddlesticks Cornelius. Thirty more seconds, and we could’ve done target practice for family night!” Lucille pouted. Wilbur couldn’t bring himself to turn around, but settled for listening to the young tenor voice that came from behind him. He didn’t have to wait long to see his former best friend though, for the boy crossed behind him, and walked to his seat and sat.

“Which is precisely why I’m on time! I still haven’t healed from our family night where you decided we should make our own chocolate insects.” Lewis/Cornelius pointed out, shuddering.

“You can’t dog something till you try it!” Replied Bud grinning. Lucille smiled at her boys.

“Cornelius, this is Wilbur. He’s going to be staying with us for a while!” Lucille introduced the two.

Lewis rolled his eyes at his mom, before turning to spare a brilliant smile at Wilbur. “Hey! It’s nice to meet you. Not to confuse you, but I prefer to go by Lewis.” He stated, jerking his thumb in the direction of his parents. “They think I look more like a Cornelius, so that’s what all the documents and such say, but I really prefer Lewis.” Wilbur nodded, feeling the sickness in his stomach gradually disappear.

‘So it is still Lewis.’ He thought, breath catching in his throat.

“I… I’m Wilbur.” He stuttered. He was suddenly reminded of that day of Lewis’s science fair, when he had stood frozen for the longest time, eyes trailing Lewis. He was all too caught off guard by this sweeter, younger version of his father. His best friend (even if Lewis didn’t remember him) had hardly changed at all. The boy was still shorter and slightly smaller then Wilbur, even though he had grown a few inches. His blond spiky hair still seemed to defy gravity, despite the fact that he had just come in from the pouring rain, and water was still clinging to him. What affected Wilbur the most though, were Lewis’s eyes. Impossibly beautiful sky blue, still innocent and sweet, unlike his fathers which held only bitterness and sorrow. For reasons unknown to him, it caused Wilbur’s breath to cease, as if afraid of erasing his friend by moving or breathing.

Lewis was still staring at him in slight confusion. “Do I… have we met before?” The blond asked the black haired boy.

“I… I don’t think so.” Wilbur replied, forcing an easy grin on his handsome features. Lewis nodded blankly.

“Alright.”

Dinner went on, and once again, Wilbur’s tale of needing a place to stay was told for Lewis’s benefit.

“So, where’d you move from?” Lewis questioned curiously in between bites of soup.

“Oh… um… North Montana… I mean, Canada.” Wilbur corrected himself quickly, remembering that at this time, Canada was still its own country. Lewis was staring at him oddly.

“So… why did you come here?” The blond asked curiously.

“I… uh… it was a family decision.” Wilbur answered honestly. Lewis nodded understandingly before grinning at him again.

“Well Wilbur, it looks like things are finally going to get interesting around here.” Lewis said, winking at the boy from the future. Having looked away quickly, he never saw the small blush upon Wilbur’s cheeks.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

The rain was still pouring after dinner, and after the family sat down for “family game night”. Since they were fresh out of pies, they ended up playing card games. Wilbur was slightly surprised, seeing as how such an eccentric family played something as normal as cards. Upon noticing his confusion, Lewis grinned and explained.

“Family game night really isn’t about games at all- it’s just one night a week that the family will sit down and relax together, and just talk and hang out. It’s nice…” Lewis trailed off, sparing a fond look at his parents.

After a couple hours of card playing, the family decided to call it quits for the night, and go to sleep.

“Cornelius dear, could you please walk Wilbur to his room?” Upon Lewis’s amused look, she elaborated. “I just don’t want the poor boy getting lost.”

“Alright mom, I’ll show him his room.” Lewis rolled his eyes, and Wilbur felt a stab of hurt as Lewis’s parents walked down the hall and into their bedroom.

“It’s okay.” Wilbur muttered. “You don’t have to show me to my room if you don’t want to. I’m sure I can find it.” Lewis shot him a surprised look at the hurt tone.

“Oh Wilbur- I’m sorry! I didn’t mean for it to sound like I didn’t want to show you your room- I just… I assumed you would feel babied if I agreed to, and I don’t want you to be annoyed by me showing you everything.” The blond explained, looking sincerely sorry. Wilbur smiled. This most certainly was the Lewis he remembered. “Hey, are you tired?”

“Huh?” Wilbur asked, caught off guard.

“Are you tired?” Lewis repeated.

“Oh… uh, no. Not particularly.”

“Good!” Lewis grinned and grabbed Wilbur’s arm, dragging him up the stairs, through the hallways, and all the way to… Lewis’s laboratory? “I wanna show you something.” Lewis explained, grinning. “This is personally my favorite room in the whole house.”

Wilbur smiled at his friends’ enthusiasm, as they carefully made their way through all the machines scattered about.

“This is my invention room!” Lewis declared proudly. “I love inventing things, you see, so mom and dad gave me this room as a sort of private haven. It’s really cool.” The blond smiled sweetly at Wilbur. “But that’s not why I brought you up here. I brought you up here, cause this is where I usually am all the time. If it’s 3:00 A.M and you can’t sleep, I’ll probably be here. If you’re utterly bored in the afternoon and want to hang out, I’ll probably be here! Feel free to come in anytime. I love the company.”

“Thanks.” Wilbur replied, smiling fondly at the boy, who grinned back. Lewis stared at him thoughtfully, biting his lip, before apparently coming to a decision and nodding.

“There’s another really cool thing about this room, but it’s a secret.” Grabbing his arm again, Lewis dragged the other teen to the center of the room, where a spiral stairwell led up to a small balcony right below the glass window. “Not even my parents know about this, so feel honored.” Lewis announced as they mounted the stairs.

Up the stairs they went, onto the balcony, and then Lewis stopped and stared at him solemnly. “What I am about to show you I have never showed anyone. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why I am showing you but… I just feel like somehow I know you… like… I can trust you.” Lewis’s brilliant blue eyes met Wilbur’s deep brown eyes. “Can I trust you Wilbur?” The blond asked softly.

Wilbur nodded, throat to tight to squeak out a reply. Lewis released his arm, but quickly regained his grip on Wilbur by clasping their hands together. Feeling a jolt of electricity run through him, he shivered, and tightened his grip on the other boys’ hand. Lewis led Wilbur to a small bookcase, where he pushed on the edge, and it suddenly opened into a hidden door. Ducking below the archway, Lewis pulled Wilbur after him, shutting the bookcase behind them.

The room wasn’t incredibly small, but not big enough to be an entire bedroom. Just like the main laboratory, the ceiling of the room was made entirely of glass, but for some reason, it was more breathtaking in the smaller room then in the larger room. It was more intimate as the sound of the rain pounded on the glass, and the moonlight shone through the windows.

“Wow…” Wilbur said softly. “This is beautiful.” Lewis smiled in acknowledgement, but kept his gaze focused on outside.

”This is where I come if I’m really upset, or I just want to be alone. More often than not, I’ll sleep up here if I don’t feel like going all the way back to my room after a late night. But yeah, feel free to come find me if you ever need to talk.” Lewis chuckled. “I’m sorry… you probably think I’m a psycho. I just met you, and I’m acting like we’re best friends who tell each other everything. I’m really sorry.” Lewis repeated softly.

“Don’t be.” Wilbur replied, grinning at the other. “I feel the same way… for some reason, I just feel connected to you… I don’t know why, but it makes me want us to be better friends.” Liar. A small voice in Wilbur’s head accused him. You do know why you’re connected to him. He’s your dad. Maybe not biologically, but he’s still your father. Wilbur shuddered. For some reason, those words felt wrong to him when thinking of Lewis. Somehow…

“Tomorrow I’ll introduce you to my two best friends- Franny and Jamie. You’ll love ‘em! They’re great.” Lewis announced, interrupting Wilbur’s inner musings.

“Alright.” Wilbur replied, smiling.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“Wilbur! Wakey wakey! Rise and shine!” Wilbur groaned, and burrowed his head further under his pillow. The voice attempting to wake sighed in annoyance. “Alright, fine. You leave me no choice.” The voice announced, and Wilbur tried to recall why this felt so familiar… A second later, he was bouncing midair. His eyes shot open to find Lewis leaping on his bed, narrowly avoiding jumping on the sleeping boy.

“Lewis!” Wilbur groaned. “Knock it off.”

“Nope!” Lewis replied in a cheerfully. “You need to get up!” At Wilbur’s growl of annoyance, Lewis leaned down and playfully smacked his head. “None of that mister. My friends are going to meet us in a hour, so if you wanna shower, GET UP!” Wilbur moaned pitifully.

“Lewis. Dear, dear Lewis. I’ve known you for less then one day.” Liar. “Why on earth should I listen to you bossing me around?”

“Cause if you don’t I’ll make your life miserable!” Lewis replied, grinning widely. “Now get up!” With that, the small blond flounced off the bed and out of the room. Wilbur sighed, irritated as hell, but unable to contain the small smile that crept on his face as he watched the blond walk cheerfully out of his room.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“You don’t have to be nervous Wilbur.” Lewis told the petrified looking boy that stood next to him.

“I am NOT nervous!” Wilbur cried, insulted. “I’m just… cautious!” Lewis snorted.

“Of what? Are you scared my friends will eat you?” He teased, poking Wilbur gently in the shoulder.

“No! I mean, maybe! Cannibalism maybe illegal, but some people still do it!” Wilbur rambled, aware of the stupidity of his previous statement.

Lewis raised an eyebrow, mouth quirked in a half smile. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that.”

Wilbur nodded thankfully. “That’d be a good idea.”

The pair was seated in one of the restaurants many booths, waiting for Lewis’s friends, who would be arriving soon. They had been mercilessly teasing each other for the past twenty minutes, and Wilbur had never been happier. It was so easy to connect with Lewis, and joke around like they used to.

“Lewis!” An excited females voice cried. “I’m so sorry we’re late! Jamie wasn’t answering his phone, so I had to go to his house to wake him up, and I just- oh, hello! You must be Wilbur!” The young female had ceased mid-rant to direct her attention to Wilbur. Wilbur nodded, smiling widely at his someday mom.

“Well my name is Franny, and this is Jamie!” She pronounced excitedly. For the first time, Wilbur’s gaze traveled to his moms traveling companion… his father. Jamie wasn’t what he was expecting… he had expected someone almost identical to his dad, blond, small, and blue eyed. Instead, Jamie had black shaggy hair, brown eyes, and was tall and muscular. He had a carefree grin on his face, eyes twinkling with glee. It was then Wilbur noticed that Jamie and his mom were holding hands. He stared open-mouthed, before he realized how rude it must seem.

“Oh… hi. I’m Wilbur.” He introduced himself awkwardly, complete with a stiff wave. Jamie merely nodded politely and slid into the booth next to Franny, wrapping a long arm around her.

”Nice to meet you. This will sound weird, but I’ve always loved the name Wilbur… if I had a son, I think that’d be what I’d name him.” Jamie chuckled, pulling Wilbur’s mom even closer to him. Franny sighed contentedly and leaned her head on his shoulder. Wilbur stared, fascinated. For so long, he wondered why his parents didn’t have an affectionate relationship, and yet here was his mother with another man, completely smitten.

‘I wonder how Lewis feels about this...’ Shifting his gaze, his eyes traveled to Lewis, who was openly grinning at the couple. He was… happy for them. He didn’t care Franny wasn’t with him? Curious indeed.

Wilbur shook his head, needing to step away from the situation. ‘This is so weird… I’m at a table with my eighteen year old parents, and my real dad who is also the former love of my moms life.’ He shuddered. This was disturbing on so many levels.

“Wilbur? You okay?” Wilbur’s gaze darted to Lewis, whose blue eyes were filled with concern. “You look like you’ve got some pretty serious thoughts goin’ on up there.” Lewis teased, gently tapping Wilbur’s forehead.

Wilbur laughed. “I’m okay… I just…” His gaze drifted to the other side of the table, where Franny and Jamie were kissing tenderly. Lewis followed his gaze, making a gagging noise.

“You guys, I don’t mind if you do that in front of me, but you are making my guest feel incredibly awkward! If you want to suck face, please do as the Irish do, and get a room.” Franny and Jamie broke apart, both fire engine red.

“The Irish? Lewis, that doesn’t make sense.” Jamie pointed out, smirking. “Besides, you’re just jealous that you don’t have anyone to “suck face” with.” Winking, he pulled Franny closer to him, who merely giggled.

“Now you leave Lewis alone! I think it’s very sweet, and noble that he’s waiting for the right person before getting into all the physical stuff.” Franny lectured her boyfriend, gently punching him in the arm.

Jamie rolled his eyes. “Yada yada ya. Lewis just hasn’t found the right girl because he nearly throws up every time he tries to talk to one.”

Lewis gave an indignant squawk. “Hey! That is not true! I talk to girls all the time! I’m just not interested in anyone right now.” He shrugged. “I just don’t see the big deal.”

Jamie stared at his friend in disbelief. “You get a girlfriend, then give me a call. We’ll see what you think then, alright?” Lewis merely snorted, and glanced over at his friend, who was looking incredibly pale.

“Wilbur, are you sure you’re alright?” Lewis asked, even more concerned then before.

“Yeah… yeah, I’m okay. Sorry.” He stammered, forcing a grin. Something about the thought of Lewis kissing someone just didn’t sit well with him… it made no sense.

Lewis shrugged. “Alright then. Let’s order!”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“Hey Lewis?” Wilbur whispered softly.

Silence. Then. “Yeah?”

“How come you and Franny aren’t a couple?” Lewis sighed, and took off his glasses, rubbing his eyes. Wilbur and Lewis had retreated to the secret room after a long day of hanging out with Franny and Jamie. It had surprisingly clicked. Wilbur had fit in instantly, and Jamie and Franny had loved him. Through the period of one day, he felt like he had regained his best friend, along with two new ones. It was… wonderful.

“It’s complicated.” Lewis replied, after a long pause.

“So explain. We’ve got time.”

Lewis chuckled. “Alright… For a long time, I was convinced Franny was the one for me. I was positive one day we’d get married and have kids, a house, everything. I don’t know when that idea was planted in my head… I think it was right before I turned thirteen…” Wilbur inhaled sharply. That was when Lewis had visited the future… was it possible he remembered? Even if it was on a smaller scale?

“Go on.” Wilbur encouraged, though his throat had tightened.

“When I turned sixteen, Franny and I started dating. After imagining it for so long, I though it would’ve been so much more amazing… but it wasn’t. There was just… no attraction. No sparks, no anything. So, we called it off with no hard feelings. It was around that time I met Jamie… We met randomly at a video store, and decided to hang out. We just clicked as friends. About a year later, I introduced him to Franny, and it was love at first sight!” Lewis snickered.

“Do you ever miss her being yours?” Wilbur asked quietly.

“Nah. She’s like… she’s like a little sister. I feel more of a parental affection then attraction to her. It’d never work between us. But that’s why she has Jamie! They really are the perfect couple…”

“Do you get lonely? I mean, hanging out with them constantly, seeing them in love?”

Silence.

“Yeah.” Lewis whispered. “Yeah, I do. I mean, it’s not like I’m looking for a relationship, but it’d be nice to find someone who would love me like they love each other. I guess that’s partly why I’m so glad I met you- if I have someone else to hang out with me when I’m with them, I can distract the loneliness by talking to you. So… thank you for that.” Wilbur smiled.

“No problem Lewis.”

“How about you?”

“Hmmm?”

“Any special people in your life?”

Wilbur laughed. “Not really. I really haven’t been too interested in relationships. I think the last time I had a crush on someone… I was thirteen. They were my… they were my best friend, and I had the biggest crush on them. It hurt though, cause I knew it would never work out, no matter how badly I wished things were different.”

“Man… that sucks. What happened?” Lewis questioned, curiously, yet sympathetically.

“I… I had to say goodbye to them. Even though I didn’t see them after that, I still liked them a lot. I thought about them all the time, till one day I realized… it was pointless. So I forced myself to get over it.”

“I’m sorry Wilbur. That must’ve hurt.” Lewis said softly, looking out the window. Wilbur turned to stare at his best friend, studying his profile in the dark.

“You have no idea.” Was the whispered reply.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

On to part two!