Astronomy #12
Lorcan and Lysander.
509 words.
The 'bond' they share.
There is a smile.
A smile that everyone can recognise.
It is a smile that can mean hidden emotions, or exploding thoughts; it can portray almost every message. A mother watches her child with it, her heart aching with love, worry, pain; a lover holds it upon their cheek; a daughter has it as she watches her parents; a sibling holds it as they experience, second-hand, what their family is feeling.
No one is able to predict when it appears, and it can disappear in the blink of an eye. To catch it is a blessing, to wear it is a treasure.
Luna Lovegood wears it the first time she meets her, and Lorcan wears it at their engagement. The most heartbreaking is the version worn by Lysander as he stands behind his brother, watching the light shine from the grooms face as she walks with conviction down the aisle. He places a soft hand on his brothers' shoulders, trying to quell the fear he knows is building. He smiles back as white teeth are flashed at him. Lorcan is jumping on the spot with nerves, but behind him Lysander is sweating with dread.
Of course he is happy. Happy for his brother, happy for his family, happy for his new sister. But he did not want to think of how this will change everything he has had for the past twenty years on this dull and dusty planet. No more just 'hanging out', no more spontaneity, no more 'just for the hell of it'-'you only live once'-adventures that splattered his old life. With a wife, and now a baby on the way, Lorcan was bound to change – his time would be focused in other places. Lysander feared that they would not see each other as much, and this hurt more than the unfortunate headache he suffered from his brothers send off.
Lorcan had promised that nothing would change. He had told Lysander that the man was being ridiculous. Of course Lysander knew that! It is as though he had not just told himself the same thing. There is a feeling in the pit of your stomach that you have, you cannot shake it, and you cannot escape.
The ceremony was beautiful; the women cried and the men exchanged happy grunts and gruffs (and the occasional 'Hey, good goin'). Lysander found himself a sturdy wall to perch against and moodily scowled at the crowd, until he was joined by another figure.
"What are you doing? You should be enjoying yourself!" Lorcan's smile lit up the corner and attracted attention like nothing else. When his brother did not reply, the groom continued.
"…'Sander, do you really think that just because I am getting married, I will see you less? You're bloody crazy if you do! There is nothing that she can give me – not even a baby – that could replace you. Not in my eyes."
The brothers embraced in a moving display of raw emotions and as the groom departed, Lysander slowly felt a small smile creep across his features.