A Night with Derek

It was a stormy night over the Highborne kingdom and The town of Wedgewood was in the center of it all. Inside the Star Child Bakery was a terrified little five year old named Steven Star, the young boy feared lightning and thunder and the storm was causing problems. It was already an hour past his bedtime and he wasn't asleep yet, he was to frightened.

Steven nervously got out of bed, holding an old teddy bear tight. He walked through the dark room, trying to walk through the room towards his brother’s, who to his relief. Had the door open. He quietly walked in, seeing his older brother in bed.

Surprisingly his seven year old brother Derek was still awake, though he looked tired. He was lying in his bed, staring out his nearby window to watch the storm. Unlike his younger brother it intrigued him rather than scared him. “Steven?” He asked with a yawn.

The five year old nodded with tear filled eyes, shaking with fear as he held his bear tighter. “D-D-Derek. Can I stay in your room tonight? I’m scared, please?” He asked wondering if it was a good idea to get closer.

Derek started at him for a bit before sighing and scooting to one edge of his bed, patting the other side. “Fine alright, come on you scaredy cat.”

Seven gave a relieved smile, quickly climbing on his brother’s bed and joining him. It was true the brothers didn’t always get along, but Steven was always really happy whenever Derek let him be by his side.

“So even Asriel couldn't protect you huh?” The child brother asked as he looked at him. “Try to at least not cry all night okay? Nothing will hurt you with me and him both with you now.”

Steven nodded, beginning to lay by his brother’s side and getting comfortable. But not before giving Derek a big hug. “Thanks, Dere-Dere.” Steven giggled using his favorite nickname for Derek.


“Yeah yeah whatever.” Derek said as he pushed Steven away gently. “Just go to sleep silly head.”

Steven only laughed before closing his eyes, he didn’t know why. But he now felt really tired like he could barely keep his eyes open. It seemed Derek and Asriel were all the child needed for peace from the storm. He’d thank Derek again, but he knew he wouldn’t like it if he did. Steven soon fell to sleep next to his brother knowing he’d keep him safe for the night.  As he slept, he kept hugging Derek in his sleep, as if wanting to take advantage of this moment.

Derek tried to brush off the hugs, gently pushing his sleeping brother off each time and trying to get some sleep himself. Each time he fell back to sleep however he’d get woken up again by the sudden latching on, this happened what he counted to be six times before he couldn't take it anymore. When Steven latched onto him a seventh time he didn't gently push his brother off, he flipped him over and shoved him away, expressing his annoyance with a very irritated sigh.

“Ah! Sorry, Derek!” Steven quickly apologized waking up from being flipped over and shoved by his brother.

“Could you stop latching onto me during you sleep, sheesh. You did that seven times!” Derek yelled before trying to calm down for his younger sibling. “I’m sorry, I know you weren't doing it on purpose little bro, I’m just really tired.”

Steven nodded looking sad for bothering Derek as many times as he did. “Sorry, big bro. I’ll stay on my side this time. Promise.” Steven told him with a little smile, getting comfortable once more. But not going over to Derek.

“Were you sleeping good Stevie?” The older boy asked with a yawn. “You’re a lot happier now.”

Steven nodded with a yawn of his own. “Uh-huh. It's great sharing a bed with you.” He said, still looking tired.

“It can’t be that comfortable.” Derek giggled, now smiling for Steven. “Silly butt.”

“It is when you're sleeping with your brother.” Steven answered yawning once more, beginning to drift off to sleep.

Derek wrapped his arms around his little brother, hoping this would help Steven sleep and be more comfortable for Derek himself if Steven latched on again. “Good night little bro.”

“Derek?” The younger boy asked, his eyes barely opening. “I love you...so much. You’re...the best, big brother.” He told him hugging his brother back before falling to sleep.

His older brother blushed but smiled, rubbing Steven’s back and giving him a little kiss on his forehead before smiling. “I love you to buddy, I’ll make sure to keep being the best big brother and even try to be the bestest.” He whispered softly into his brother’s ear, slowly and eventually falling asleep himself and staying that way the whole night, the two siblings never letting each other go.