Author note: Written as a wishlist 2016 gift for Jaqtkd.
Unconditional
Words had cut, choices were made and they had parted. Max thought he was fine with it, until he wasn't. All of his life he had watched out for Leo, been by his side in their life of always running and hiding. Though they did not share blood there had never been any doubt in his mind that Leo was his little brother.
One warning that Leo was in trouble and he had come running. How could he not? Worry had clung to every fibre of him as he ran through the streets towards the building where Leo fought for their case. Had his brother overstepped his abilities? Had his need to do right pushed him to his death? No… Max did not want to think it.
But as Max ran out into the field of grass all he could see were the remains of struck down synths. Their blue essence of life oozed from their bodies… but Max no longer saw them. Instead his eyes drew towards where his brother knelt into the grass. No cry had ever sounded more mournful to Max than that of the loss Leo felt.
"Are you hurt?" The question fell short, for he could see in wet eyes of sadness that indeed Leo felt heartbroken. His body seemed in tact though when he rose to his feet.
Pain… relief… sadness… joy… so many feelings hung heavy in the air. All Max had to offer for comfort was a hug, one which Leo clung onto with the same despair he had felt. And in the one gesture all was forgiven. Each human heartbeat against his synthetic chest answered Max's instinct to watch over and love Leo. Around them so many had fallen, but not his little brother.
As they walked off Max vowed that he would keep Leo safe once more. After all they were brothers and his love for Leo was unconditional.