The Brother

Seraph let his eyes droop.

He had nearly fainted after using so much of his magic, so Esper told him to go downstairs and rest. After washing the blood off his hands, Seraph retreated to the couch to try to get some sleep.

His head was buzzing, but Seraph knew his overworked body wasn't to blame.

He and Seraph had barely managed to save Umbra, the man he had come to look at as his new father. Seraph had been forced to assist Esper in removing his decimated eyeball, as he was the only one who could staunch the blood flow.

All of his medical classes couldn't have prepared him for the horror that met his eyes earlier that day. It was easy to heal a patient. But it became harder when that patient was the person you loved. Seeing one of the strongest people he knew writhing in pain under his blood-soaked hands terrified him.

Shaking his head, Seraph slowly sipped on the water bottle he had gotten for himself. He knew he needed to replenish the energy he had lost before he could help Esper again. Esper had denied needing his assistance, but Seraph saw the unstable sway in his stance. He had to be running only on pure adrenaline at this state. Esper needed him, no matter how much it scared Seraph.

Sighing, Seraph stared solemnly across the couch. Victor was curled in a blanket, head obscured by the soft folds. Victor had been silent ever since they rendezvoused in front of the guild, and Seraph was concerned. He hadn't tried to even interact with Seraph all day, just drawing into a ball and laying on the couch. Seraph wondered whether he was even sleeping anymore.

Seraph shifted his position, letting his hand rest on Victor's shoulder. He felt Victor twitch, an intense shudder wrecking his frame.

“Victor, are you alright?” Seraph asked softly.

No response.

“Victor, please talk to me,” Seraph said, touching the edges of Victor's mind.

Seraph grimaced, a small headache growing between his eyes. Victor's thoughts were confused and frantic, and he was unable to decipher them. Gasping, he pulled out of his telepathic grip.

Seraph grabbed Victor’s wrists, wrenching him forward. Victor stared at him fearfully, eyes tired and rimmed with red.

“Victor, I know you are comfortable with me! Stop avoiding me! You will feel better if you tell me what is wrong!” Seraph cried, shaking him.

Victor gaped at him, quivering violently. He threw his hands around his neck, a symbol Seraph recognized from when they first met. He appeared to be trying to speak, but no words would form in his throat.

“Victor?” Seraph asked, his tone softening.

Victor shook his head, pulling from Seraph and darting away. Victor slammed the bathroom door, and Seraph heard him hit the floor.

----

“I just do not understand,” Seraph murmured, sitting his head on the counter, “Why is Victor refusing to speak to me?”

Matthew rubbed the top of Seraph’s head, twisting his fingers through his golden curls.

“He's not trying to be mean,” Matthew murmured, letting out a heavy sigh, “Victor just...gets like that sometimes. When he gets stressed, he just completely shuts down. He's always done it.” Matthew laughed dryly, “One time, when he was younger, a car accident happened right in front of the restaurant. He freaked out and couldn't speak for the rest of the day. Umbra and I were worried sick.”

“I am worried for him,” Seraph mumbled.

“We both are, sweetie,” Matthew said, gently massaging Seraph’s shoulders, “But can you do me a favor? Please don't try to force him to talk. I've tried to do it before. It only upsets him more. Just be there for him the best you can, and he'll open up eventually.”

Seraph nodded slowly. “Can I ask you one more thing?”

“Yes, sweetie?”

“Does…” his voice cracked, “Does Esper need me to help him some more?”

Matthew frowned. “Aunora had to put Esper to bed. The poor thing blacked in the middle of talking. I'm sure he could use another hand while he's sleeping.” Matthew’s expression tightened, “Why?”

“I...um...I do not know if I can continue doing that.” Seraph hugged his chest, lowering his gaze, “Seeing Father like that, it, ah, s-scares me very much.”

Matthew grabbed Seraph, pulling him into his chest. “Seraph, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have expected you to do this. It’s too much for a kid.” Matthew let his lips rest on his cheek. “Take as long of a break as you need to. I want to make sure you're well too.”

Seraph slowly nodded, closing his eyes and relaxing against Matthew. “Thank you, Father.”

Author's Note- who is your favorite character?