SMP are different.

Of course, Wilbur knew that from the first time he met Techno and Schlatt – when his heart was going at a jackrabbit pace and he was hedging backwards into a metal corner ready to do his best to not be beaten into the floor, and Techno pulled back.

No one has ever done that before.

Wilbur knows how people work. They're all cool and fun on the outside, but when they get a person under their boot, all of a sudden, even the most kind person begins to smile like a shark. If Wilbur is trapped in a corner, then people will keep him there until they deem themselves satisfied.

But Techno didn't. Schlatt didn't.

They stepped back, gave him space to breathe, and gave him a choice.

Wilbur's never had that before.

Of course he'd choose SMP. And, now, sitting here on the bench waiting for Phil to come in, he knows that he'd choose them again and again. Whatever beating he needs to take, he will.

"He said Las Vegas," Sapnap is saying, twirling his hockey stick quickly in his hands. "I remember it. Phil said –"

"Wrong," Schlatt argues lazily. He's not even halfway close to being ready for practice, just laying on the ground looking up at the ceiling. If Wilbur scoots over just an inch to the left, their feet will touch.