OH, LITTLE BROTHER... (aptlyattorney):
“ I’m not- I’m not crying, “ Every effort was taken to prevent it, deep breaths, refocusing on the floor, anything, anything that won’t break the dam. But it takes as little as saying so for it to burst through.
As the hesitance goes, he can rest his hand there on his shoulder, until the warmth isn’t stiff and bony.But his own part won’t come until he releases his own arms. It was harder, before they’d met again to allow that emotional door to open, and not swing back in his face to slam shut as quickly as possible.
“ It’s never been alone. I wish I could’ve lied, and told you that- that I was doing great, and where I got dropped off wasn’t, bad, and I conquered my fears…” As many times as he’s wiped his face, it’s hard to feel all of his cheeks being dry after wiping it so many times.
“ I… I tried to forget everything about home, and you... but my head was always here… hoping I’d get to see it all again. And I’d be… happier somehow.”
❛ apollo... i ❜ oh, he hates this. he really hates the sight of his brother so tense and teary- and all the rage that remained in his heart, rage from being taken away from his little brother at a young age... it turns into sorrow- he feels his own eyes water and he tries his best to wrap his arms around his brother- as if he hoped to also hold the little child within him that was still wounded, scared and confused.
❛ i’m sorry... you must have been so scared. ❜ his voice is a bit more hushed, unsure of the words he’s picking- this is no courtroom and he doesn’t have to fight anything- why does he still feel like something could take apollo away from him? he tightens the embrace- he, too, is scared- more than he will ever admit. ❛ it’s okay... ❜ he tries to imitate the same soft tone datz would use on him when he was younger- when dad was always a bit too busy- ❛ you can cry, don’t hold it in... you’re safe. you’re safe. ❜
those last words- you’re safe- he can barely believe them himself. he says it outloud to prove that he’s right. oh, his dear brother, how hurt he must have been... all alone, away from them.
he goes silent- he’s so full of doubts- but... but the thought of being distant from apollo shatters his heart- he lets himself give in and he holds apollo as tight as he can, letting him hide his face if he wants to. ❛ it’s okay, apollo, i’m here. ❜ as if he could do something, really. ❛ y...your big brother is here, you’re safe with me. you can let it all out, you don’t have to keep it in anymore. ❜