this exists because i thought devin relying on a stupid little stress ball to control his temper was funny. so,, enjoy lmao. it's short but idk what else to write.

  Devin's gaze switched between Conor and the item in the shepherd's hand. There was a hint of confusion in his expression. "What is it?" He questioned, tilting his head slightly.

  "It's a stress ball," Conor answered sheepishly. Was this even a smart idea? "You just.. squeeze it when you get angry or stressed. It, uh, releases tension." He held it out towards the noble boy.

  Devin slowly took it. He looked like a cautious cat, wary of the object in front of him. "Okay?" He gave it a few experimental squeezes in his hand. How was this supposed to help him? It was just a ball with some weird substance inside. Could anything even help his temper?

  Conor gave a small smile. "Just try not to burst it," he joked. Devin snorted, rolling his eyes as he tucked it into the small satchel at his hip.

  "What makes you think I'm even going to use it?"

  Conor shrugged as he began to walk away. "I just have a feeling you will." Devin stared at him as he went. He patted the ball inside his satchel, turning around with a "hmph" noise.

  Conor was right. He did actually use it. It wasn't a bad invention. Every time someone annoyed Devin badly, or made him lose his cool, he'd give the stress ball a discreet squeeze. It was something he could let his anger out on.

  But, of course, from the moment Dawson learned he had it, he'd begun to tease him about it. That was the only downside. Other than that, everything was going surprisingly well, suddenly. Ever since Conor had given it to him, things were just.. easier.

  Until it popped. Devin stared at the remains of the ball in his hand, a frown quickly appearing on his face. It appeared he had stressed his stress ball. For some reason, he felt so sad about it. He didn't want it to break. He'd come to rely on it.

  Dawson shifted beside him, tapping his shoulder. Devin lifted his head, looking at his younger brother, who wore a comforting smile. "It's okay, Devin," he chirped, "We can get you another one."

  Devin nodded after a few seconds. "That'd be nice."