The rain poured dismally, casting an equally gloomy feel over the Tozier household. All Richie wanted to do was be at the quarry, but the weather prevented him from even that sanctuary. Instead, he was confined indoors. With only his brother for company.

Matthew Tozier looked nothing like his parents or brother, with blue eyes brighter than the afternoon sky and blonde hair that shone. While Richie had inherited dark, almost glum features, Matthew was always like the sun: bright and positive-looking.

"Richie! I'm bored." Mattie said, walking into his room. The taller boy grumbled, attempting to read his comic books. His brother climbed onto the bed, and began to bounce.

"Why... won't... you... do... anything... with... me?" A jump punctuated every word, and Richie snapped after his brother managed the last word.

"Shut the hell up, Mattie. I'm trying to read, so leave me alone. You're ten years old, for the love of God. You should be able to find something to do."

Mattie left, dejected. His brother was always a jerk to him on days like this. "At least my friends aren't losers!" Mattie called on his way out, than ran to the living room. It was cluttered, filled with all sort of things that included old schoolwork, toys, used cigarettes and empty beer bottles.

The young boy settled onto the dilapidated couch, slightly nervous. He didn't like to be alone, and his overactive imagination turned every little noise into one caused by a monster. What monster would this child fear?

Any and every, except for one.

Clowns were never an object of fear for Mattie. Although his brother made it well known that all clowns were 'creepy, murderous creatures', Mattie rather liked them. They were funny.

A telephone ringing brought the boy back to his senses, and he answered before his brother made it down the steps.

"Housekeeping," Mattie answered in a nasal tone. Messing with people via phones were an excellent source of amusement.

"Mattie? Is Richie there?"

It was Bill, one of Richie's friends. He had a brother, a little bit younger than himself. Georgie. He was a good friend.

"What's the matter, though?" Bill always answered Mattie's questions.

A tense silence from the other end of the line, and in a small voice, Bill answered.

"It's Georgie."

A/N:

Apologies for this being terrible, and stuff. I just felt I needed to make it clear on where Mattie and Richie stand as far as brothers go.

Anyway, I'll see where this takes me.

-Runaway