"This ones a good one!" Beta said, munching on some instant popcorn, laying flat on his stomach as he wore his pjs. Seated on his bed, next to him but still under the covers was Fred, who seemed to be inspecting the human's phone.
"What do you like about it the most?"
"The fight scenes, definitely! There's lots of blood, you know." He giggled as the plant became even more interested in the topic. They watched the episode in anticipation, Beta occasionally commenting about a stupid thing or two, while Fred asked some questions here and there.
At some point in the series, a character with an electric guitar appeared on the screen, ready to take on the protagonist. Beta paused the video as his eyebrows shot up - he just got reminded of something very important!
"Fred, do you like music?" he asked, jumping out of his bed and looking around the trash on his floor.
"Yes," Fred answered, looking at his human with curiosity, " I like to sing."
"Hah, found it!" the human exclaimed, throwing a strap over his shoulder. He turned around, showcasing a black electric guitar with pride.
"You know how to play?"
"And sing. My mom signed up my brothers and I for so many music classes. In highschool I even had a mini band with a few guys. Those guys were assholes."
"Ok? Show me. "
He strummed it and Beta's face twisted when it was extremely out of tune. "Sorry it has been a while?" Beta said.
"Why haven't you been playing lately? You seem to enjoy it?"
"Fred, my brain makes it hard to do things that I even enjoy sometimes." After a few more adjustments he strummed again and the notes came out clearer.
"Music is a good way to let out a feeling. I sing to myself often."
"Really?" Beta snorted. "I was surprised you even talked. It doesn't even look like you have a mouth."
"I speak to you only using brainwaves."
"Pff- yeah, right. Can you make those brain readiations or whatever louder than my guitar?"
Fred rolled his eyes; "Yes, yes I can."
Beta gave him a wide smile, "Hell yes! Okay so - what songs do you know?"
With that question, a night full of music began. Thankfully, Fred managed to pull the emotional strings of everyone who tried to disturb them. It almost seemed like they forgot the world around them.
Beta was surprised by the plant's deep and smooth voice, rolling over the lyrics of whatever song they were playing perfectly. On the other hand, Fred had to admit that Beta was very skilled when it came to his electric guitar skills. He managed to pull off every riff without much difficulty, despite being a little out of practice.
To Beta this was such a stress reliever; It just made him so happy. Beta stopped mid note - "Hey Fred, can I say something?"
"Yes?"
"These past few days have been a mess for me but honestly, for you being a gross plant you aren't that bad of company."
Fred felt warm inside of him.
"Thank you Beta. I feel the same."
Beta smiled to himself as he continued to play.
————-
Alpha took a drag of his cigarette as he walked home. He was beyond annoyed. Not only did his youngest brother bother him during an important meeting he was now refusing to pick up the phone. Being the oldest had many advantages but this wasn't one of them. Not only that, apparently Beta, his silly excuse of a brother, was in trouble. The day those two were born was the day Alpha's life became harder than necessary. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb.
Alpha threw down the cigarette and stomped it with his feet before throwing open his apartment door and letting out a groan.
"Charlie, where are you? I need you."
His clumsy fiancé stumbled into the living from their bedroom. Alpha has explained to him over and over again to move slowly because of his weaker spatial awareness with having one eye. Somehow, he always seemed to forget - especially when it came to responding to Alpha's call.
"A-alpha are you ok?!"
Charlie stepped over and helped Alpha take his suit jacket off.
"I'm perfect like always, Charles. It is my brother's again causing issues. I have too much going on and I don't have time for their shenanigans."
When the jacket was off Alpha embraced Charlie, exhaling into his neck. He felt his hair get brushed.
"O-oh what happened?"
"Senpai called me during one of my very important meetings to talk about Beta. Apparently, he got himself in trouble and he was on the news."
"W-what t-the heck!?"
"Exactly, what the hell? Why does Beta have to do this to us?"
"B-but, is Beta ok?"
"I don't know and I don't care. Charlie, we have so many things to plan! This isn't something that should be my concern. I swear ever since dad died he has been like this. I don't understand why he can't just get over it."
He heard Charlie let out a sigh.
"Alpha, that was so cold and rude."
Alpha paused at those words. His partner was right. Like always, he needed Charlie to call him out on his assholeness. He loved his dad and he missed him but as soon as his funeral was over, Alpha just had the drive to move on and continue to be the best that he could be. It is what his dad told him to do. People die every day, it is a part of life. Beta wasn't him though, he was always more emotional.
"I'm sorry Charles... It is just hard for me to understand."
"I know Alpha. Maybe you should call him? It is hard being the younger brother."
Alpha nodded his head. Charlie was the youngest himself to two older brothers. He couldn't understand what that was like but he could see what he was getting at. Alpha gave him a quick peck on the lips before pulling away.
"Maybe. I'm going to shower, I feel absolutely disgusting."
"Oh, ok... W-when you get out I have dinner ready."
"Tofu again?"
"Yeah!"
Alpha flashed a smile.
"Thank you, hon."
As Alpha made his way to the bathroom, he scrolled through his contacts and stopped at Beta's number. He couldn't even remember the last time they talked with each other. It was so hard to talk to each other.
He thought about pressing it but then stopped himself. This would be pointless for both of them. He didn't care about his fiancé's advice. His own life was too important to get involved with this. Plus, he knew for a fact that Senpai was probably doing something drastic already.
If he ended up in jail as well, Alpha had to be there to keep up the Senapi's family name. It was his duty.
This wasn't his problem.
———
Beta collapsed on his bed again, still holding his guitar tight to his chest.
"Damn, that was fun but I'm beat..."
"It is alright. You were pretty much jumping around your room the whole time, I'm surprised you managed to continue so long."
Beta's eyebrow twitched; "Ey! I know what you're trying to get at, asshole!"
Fred rolled his eyes," Must you take everything as an insult? Besides, I was surprised you knew the same classics as I did. I assumed you would have liked something more... Alternate?"
"Ah," Beta stared off into the distance, "My dad used to like old rock music... We always listened to it when he picked me up from middle school."
"Oh, I apologize for bringing it up. You may change the topic if you're uncomfortable."
Beta smiled, "Thanks. Actually, Fred, I was thinking of asking you something."
"I'm all ears."
"I wanted to ask if you would like to play twenty questions with me? I've been living with you for a few days now, yet I barely know anything about you."
Fred's eyes squinted in confusion; "I have lived so long, it would be hard for you to comprehend my existence at its fullest."
"Oh, shut up!" Beta groaned, "I just want to know what your favorite color is or some shit!"
The plant exhaled; "Beta, I don't care about colors."
"Lame. How about you guess what mine is?"
Fred looked him up and down. Was he seriously asking him to guess? It was painfully obvious.
"...black?"
"HA! I know you were going to say that! No!"
Fred shook his head; "Really? It seems unlikely that it's not."
"I do love black but it can't compare to pink. I know that sounds weird and I used to be ashamed of it, but come on, pink is badass."
"Pink, of all colors? What do you even like about it?"
"Yeah, just think of the baddest bitch around. Barbie."
"Alright?" Fred gave him a puzzled look.
"Let me think about what else to ask." Beta said, closing his eyes in thought for a moment, "I can't really ask about your favorite food, because it's obviously blood. Oh, I know! What is your favorite movie genre? You watch movies, right?"
Fred then felt a rush of anxiety wash over him. He had watched movies throughout his existence but admitting some of his favorite ones was going to be embarrassing for what he is. Maybe he should just lie...
No. Being open about this was good for both of them.
"Yes I do."
"What kinds do you like?" Beta asked, looking over to him.
"..."
"Fred?"
Here goes nothing...
"...romance." He mumbled under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Romance," Fred stated more firmly.
"..." Beta's eyes widened. "You're joking."
The plant exhaled, "Sadly, I am completely serious. I am the only living organism of my kind, or at least I haven't met another being like myself in centuries. I am unsure of how I was born, the universe is the only being able to tell you that. "
Beta was struck speechless as the plant continued.
"I have never experienced romantic, nor platonic love. Although, I find it extremely fascinating. I enjoy watching these movies, they enlighten me."
After a few moments of silence, Beta's mouth twitched before he bursted out laughing.
"That's so fucking gay! What are some of your favorites?!"
Fred rolled his eyes at the comment; "I loved Casablanca and West Side Story."
"Wow, those are ancient! We should have a movie marathon of the newer ones. I think you would REALLY like Twilight." Beta tried his best to hold back his laughter.
"...What is that one about? Is it good?" Fred perked up.
"Oh my god, you are ridiculous, pumpkin pie."
"Pumpkin pie?" Fred stared at him with an unreadable expression.
"What?" Beta laughed, "Since you like those movies so much I'll give you a cutesy-wootsy nickname fitting for those films!"
"They don't say things like that!"
"Whatever, pumpkin pie."
"Stop it, I deserve more respect, mortal!" Fred said while his sentences broke. He wasn't going to lie, the nickname wasn't that bad. "This makes me curious about your own personal relationships. You do not have a partner, correct?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"It is."
Beta let out a sigh. "I'm not like Alpha or Senpai. Some girls actually do like me, but they don't want to bring me home to their parents."
"I think they are missing out. You are rough around the edges but you have a good heart."
Beta froze for a moment; "Pff, as if... Hitting a guy in the nuts was my highlight of the week."
Fred exhaled, "Whatever, then. Keep being pessimistic, if that is what you like to do."
Beta looked up to his ceiling; "I just don't get where it all went wrong."
Fred looked up at the ceiling as well, he remained quiet.
———-
A few days passed since the news report on Beta, luckily no other updates have been broadcasted about the situation since. Senpai was finally free of his schoolwork; he managed to modify his schedule to keep the next few days unoccupied. Yesterday, he told his club that he wouldn't be able to attend for a few days due to family business.
They luckily didn't think much of it, probably assuming that he had a ceremony to attend of some sort. Either a wedding or a funeral, which was ironic.
His flatmate Isaac was the only person who knew about the actual issue. He was the one who suggested that it would be good for Senpai to visit his brother in the first place.
"Like you said, I doubt he'd pick up his phone too." Isaac spoke, not looking up from his workpapers, "If you have the time, you should visit him in person. Don't get your mother involved."
Senpai thought about it for a moment; "What if he doesn't let me in?"
"Then just speak to him through his door or something. Just-" Isaac stopped as he underlined the wrong sentence on his work, letting out a grunt of frustration. "Just tell him that you're not going to hurt him or whatever. Tell him you just want to talk."
The younger student smiled momentarily, "You're right. Thank you, Spirit."
Isaac stopped dead in his tracks, "Don't fucking call me that."
That conversation happened hours ago, yet it was the only thing playing back and forth in Senpai's mind as he exited the airport. He needed to talk to Beta one way or another.
He just hoped it wasn't too late.