That familiar rounded face, big, bright eyes, that almost heartbreaking look- it took a moment to process, from the moment he turned his head and locked eyes with one of his missing pieces, what do humans call it?
Relief? Something aching in his chest, but in a good way, an exaggerated throb in his heart. Relief, yes, relief that Kadaj was not only still alive, but had somehow come back.
His legs moved without him realizing, and heâd grabbed the youngerâs shoulder in a rough grip before his consciousness could catch up to him. Kadaj felt solid, warm, not at all like the illusions heâd conjured during lonely nights in the dark. He wasnât just part of the scant few dreams thatâd plagued what fewer hours of sleep heâd gained over the past weeks while wandering the wilds. He was-
âReal. Youâre real.â Had humor been appropriate, surely thereâd been a laugh or two at the expression on Lozâs face, a mix of confusion and lessening panic, tinged with something almost akin to grief. A far cry from the Loz whoâd happily crumbled nearly half a city not too long ago.
He shifted his grip, arm encircling the smallerâs shoulders, crushing Kadaj against his chest while his cheek rested on his brotherâs crown.
The smaller remnant looked up at his older brother as he approached him, still unsure of what to say. Real. Youâre real. He wanted to scream, âYes! Yes, Iâm real!â but he still hadnât found his voice. It all still felt like a dream but that hand on his shoulder was definitely solid. It was Loz. His Loz. His older brother.
As soon as he was pulled into that hug both of his arms tightly wrapped around the otherâs middle. Kadajâs cheek rested against Lozâs broad chest, his silver bangs falling into his face. Finally, he managed to ground himself enough to actually speak.
Something heâd never had admitted in their past life but heâd never been so alone before. Heâd never been without his older siblings. He loved them more than anything and to have been without them physically hurt him.
âI couldnât find you. I couldnât find anyone. It was just me.â And he had not been doing well since left to his own devices. Kadaj wasnât the most mentally stable. Heâd acted out rather badly. Terrorized some people here and there, but now that crushing loneliness was lifted off his shoulders. He had Loz again.Â