[ Riku feels Tenn's tears through his shirt, and-- and his heart breaks. Tenn's always been so strong, the one to push himself even when he's feeling less than okay. But now, Tenn is leaning on Riku. He's counting on him. He doesn't say that, but... he doesn't have to.
Tenn is sharing something fragile and vulnerable, and as Riku holds him, he can't help but think he's protecting him like this. And Riku won't let anything happen to Tenn, not if he can help it. ]
I'm here, Tenn-nii...
[ His voice shakes; his throat feels tight. But it's the only thing he can think to say. ]
[ For all the mean things Tenn's said to Riku, he really couldn't have asked to have a better twin. He's getting Riku's sleeve all wet with his tears, but he can't help it. Losing Riku would feel like losing a part of himself, and there's always that nagging feeling that someday, he'll disappear and they'll never be able to make up for that lost time he thinks about so often.
A few long moments later, Tenn finally seems to start calming down. ]
...Sorry. You have to see your older brother in such a pathetic state.
[ Maybe it's foolishly optimistic to believe that they'll make it out together, make it out safe... but Riku believes that with his whole heart. He believes that by the time this is all over, they'll be together and stronger because of everything. Of course, Riku doesn't want anyone else to die.
Especially not Tenn. And he definitely doesn't want to die, either. Thinking about him or Tenn dying-- it terrifies him, more than anything.
... But in spite of that, they're both still standing. More importantly, they're together, and Tenn is trusting Riku with this part of him. He remembers a conversation they'd had earlier in the week, when Riku had asked if it was wrong to be happy.
He lets out a quiet hum, squeezing Tenn gently. ]
I don't think being scared is pathetic. [ It's earnest and honest in that way Riku tends to be. ] Even when you're scared... I'll never think of Tenn-nii as pathetic. After all... Tenn-nii is the amazing brother I love more than anything.
Then... from now on, keep watching me, Tenn-nii. So you won't be so surprised next time. I'll show you how strong I am--strong enough to keep us both standing here.
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Tenn is sharing something fragile and vulnerable, and as Riku holds him, he can't help but think he's protecting him like this. And Riku won't let anything happen to Tenn, not if he can help it. ]
I'm here, Tenn-nii...
[ His voice shakes; his throat feels tight. But it's the only thing he can think to say. ]
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A few long moments later, Tenn finally seems to start calming down. ]
...Sorry. You have to see your older brother in such a pathetic state.
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Especially not Tenn. And he definitely doesn't want to die, either. Thinking about him or Tenn dying-- it terrifies him, more than anything.
... But in spite of that, they're both still standing. More importantly, they're together, and Tenn is trusting Riku with this part of him. He remembers a conversation they'd had earlier in the week, when Riku had asked if it was wrong to be happy.
He lets out a quiet hum, squeezing Tenn gently. ]
I don't think being scared is pathetic. [ It's earnest and honest in that way Riku tends to be. ] Even when you're scared... I'll never think of Tenn-nii as pathetic. After all... Tenn-nii is the amazing brother I love more than anything.
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...You've really grown up, Riku.
[ He draws back and rubs at his eyes. They're swollen, obviously, but there's a fond look on his face when his eyes meet Riku's. ]
Thank you. Hearing you say things like that with a smile on your face -- it's enough to keep me standing here.
[ He really, sincerely does not know where he'd be without his twin here. ]
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That's when you weren't looking.
[ He considers something, then nods to himself. ]
Then... from now on, keep watching me, Tenn-nii. So you won't be so surprised next time. I'll show you how strong I am--strong enough to keep us both standing here.
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[ It's nice, to be able to say that to him. ]
I'm proud of you.
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[ He looks so touched. Riku smiles brightly, nodding. ]
I'm glad! Aha, hearing you say that... it makes me really happy.
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[ He's like, mostly joking, but also. He won't say it very often, so!!! ]
By the way -- [ He reaches over to his dresser and grabs...a TRIGGER dvd! Huh. ] I got this in the shop this week.