Chapter Text
Wylan was overwhelmed. He was in his workshop mixing chemicals when it mixed wrong and caused a fire, sure he managed to get the fire out but he was so frustrated. It felt like he couldn’t do anything right today. He couldn’t even get his shoes on easily this morning, everything felt like a struggle.
Before he even realizes it, as he stands over the smoking residue of his experiments, tears start to well up in his eyes and his hands start to shake.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. That's all he is. He can’t do anything right. Everything’s too complicated. He doesn’t notice that by now his hands are fisted in his hair and he's sinking down towards the ground.
Wylan rocks back and forth repeating his mantra of calling himself stupid over and over again while tugging at his hair. Everything’s just too much, he can’t manage to even do the one thing he’s supposed to be able to. He hates this. He hates himself. He’s so stupid. And useless. And unlovable. He just wants someone to care, to tell him he's wrong, but he's all alone.
Kaz has a plan. He’s going to need a few more explosives but he has a plan. So he sets out to his crow that specializes in explosives. It's been a bit since he and Wylan spent time just the two of them and he can’t help but be a bit excited to see him. It makes the walk easier even as his leg twinges each step and threatens to collapse under him.
When he gets there he has to fight the urge to smile at the idea of seeing Wylan again. The door opens easily and he wanders down the stairs, peering around to try and find the demolitions expert in his workshop.
Wylan’s nowhere in sight but Kaz can hear soft sounds coming from behind a few of the benches. The table seems to have scorch marks on the top, likely from a small fire or explosions. Kaz starts to feel anxiety well up inside of him at the idea of one of his crows being hurt. He picks up speed limping towards the table and then behind it. Finally he’s found Wylan but something is most definitely wrong.
The boy’s on the ground, rocking back and forth, hands fisted in his hair, tears streaming down his face. Kaz freezes as he sees him and hears the words being mumbled by his mouth.
“Wylan?” Kaz starts, slowly approaching and lowering himself to the ground next to the boy.
Wylan turns his head sharply, making Kaz worry about him hurting his neck. Wylan’s tears become more apparent now that he’s looking directly at Kaz, and his sobs turn louder.
“Ka-Kaz, its-its too much,” The boy sobs out, barely getting the words out past his gasping breaths.
Kaz understands now. His crow is overwhelmed and he won’t let that stand. He’ll fix this.
“Don’t worry, Wy. I’m here now, let's get you to your bed, ok?” Kaz places his hand on Wylan’s arm to try and help free his hand from his hair and get him to stand up. Wylan just nods and hums as he lets Kaz lift him up and lead him to his bed. Kaz feels his panic well up at the feeling of touching him but pushes it down so he can properly help his crow.
“You’re going to be ok, Wy,” Kaz wraps a blanket around Wylan while the boy lays down next to him. Kaz fights his body’s shakiness as he cards his gloved hands through Wylan’s hair, helping the boy to calm down and get comfortable.
Wylan drifts off to sleep and Kaz can’t help but follow, feeling safe next to one of his crows.