There was no hesitation, only utter compliance as Alphard drew him up. The tears that he had stalled from shedding, allowing them only to wrack his body in awful silent sobs, immediately began to fall as Cygnus felt his brother's sturdy body support him. They hadn't hugged like this in years, not since his youngest daughter's birth, but the memory of all the times they'd embraced each other like this, one serving as the other's anchor, made it so easy, so natural for him to slide his arms around Alphard's back in a hug that was every bit as strong as his.
Still, the tears kept coming. With a muffled sound emerging from the back of his throat, Cygnus turned his head so that he could hide his face in the crook of Alphard's neck, the material of his shirt becoming hot and damp as he fought to contain the cries. He was five again, fingers twisting into Alphard's clothes as the other became the big brother all children wanted: protective, safe.
No, he could never hate Alphard. He could despair at his bull-headed stupidity and pick hurtful yet meaningless fights with him, but this was his brother and Cygnus would not lose him like he had the others. The thought made him hold Alphard even tighter, as if he would suddenly disappear, yet despite the desperation with which he clung to him, it was clear that the hug was having its desired effect.
Slowly, the tears slowed. His breathing steadied. And slowly, hoarsely whispered, he said "Don't leave me like -- like they did."
(Read comments)
Post a comment in response:
scribbld is part of the horse.13 network
Design by Jimmy B.
Logo created by 
hitsuzen.
Scribbld System Status
