Inner thoughts of Bruno Brittle!

When people see me and my brothers, they tend to get the idea that I'm the boss. The de facto leader of the Brittle brothers. I guess that's true, in a way.

My father died when I was seven years old. The others don't remember it that well. The twins were just babies. Beck and Ben have vague memories of him. Bruce remembers I think, but he just doesn't seem to want to talk about it, and I don't want to pry.

But I remember clear as day. I remember bawling my eyes out. I remember my mother pretty much breaking. I remember how scared my brothers were when she left, and we were all alone.

I also remember my aunt, who gave up a promising career in MMA, struggling to raise the six of us. The rest of our family was just too old or just didn't want to be bothered with us. Well, we had a few uncles willing to take us in, but I don't think they were really fit to raise kids. Uncle Butch is a blast to hang with, but not an ideal role model…

Aunt Berta on the other hand was there for us in a heartbeat. She'd dropped everything. Her hopes, her dreams, just to take care of us. She never complained about it, at least not to our faces. She raised us like we were her own sons.

But she was still just nineteen when she took us in. Practically a child herself. The whole situation took its toll. Both on her, and on us.

There were times when food was a little scarce. Times we couldn't have what all the others kids got. New shoes, new clothes, and things like that. Auntie always worked her hardest, but there was only so much she could do. Still, we got by.

One way or another, the Brittles always get by.

I was the oldest. Everyone's big brother. And seven years old or not, I had to help to make sure my little brothers were ready to take on the world. Auntie couldn't hold us together on her own. She needed help. My help.

So I stood tall. Dad's death, mom's leaving, our poverty. I ignored all of it and put a smile on my face. I told my brothers everything would be okay and we'd be fine. I set the best example I could for them, and did everything one hundred percent.

Sports, grades, work. Anything that I knew they could look up to me for, I made an effort not just to be good, but the damn best. That's what they deserved.

I was the leader of the Brittle brothers. And when the time came to pick my tattoos, I went with the sun, which represents brilliance and leadership. I honestly felt a little arrogant going with that, but it's what my brothers needed to see me as.

They, and auntie, needed to look at me and know they had someone they could rely on. And it worked. My brothers had someone to lean on, and some of the pressure was taken off of auntie.

It wasn't always easy. My brothers seemed to get this idea I was invincible. That I could do anything and I was the answer to any problem we faced. Of course, I didn't tell them otherwise. I just went along with it. As long as it made things easier for them.

Bruce was the first to realize what I was doing, and he'd always had my back. He was never the most social, but he did what he could to help smooth things over. Keeping the twins out of trouble, being an open ear to Ben and Beck, helping out auntie in the kitchen.

I honestly think I might have broken down a long time ago without his help.

While Auntie pulled our little family of seven forward from the front, we pushed it from behind.

By this time next year I'll be eighteen years old, and off at college. My brothers won't have me to lean on anymore. At least not right then and there.

I used to be afraid. Scared of leaving them alone. Scared of not being there to catch them when they stumble.

But now when I look at them, I think I was just being stupid. My brothers are all doing just fine on their own. They don't need me to look after them anymore.

Bruce is starting to branch out. He's still obsessed with his robotics and computer programing, but he's not locked up in his room all the time anymore. Heck, he even comes out to read over comics with Lincoln and his friends. A bunch of eleven year olds wasn't the ideal buddy I had in mind for him, but I'm not complaining. I have to make sure to thank them for that later.

Ben is doing better too. He's really found his place with Luna and the rest of their band. He's always been hesitant about letting people close, so I'm really proud of him. And even if he doesn't realize it yet, I know he's smitten with a certain purple shirt wearing rocker. I hope they do something about that before I leave. I hate cliff hangers.

Beck is just as cocky as always, but his attitude is starting to get better. Once again I have the Loud sisters to thank for that. He's been showing a lot of maturity lately, especially when it comes to looking after the twins.

Speaking of the twins, they're the ones I'm the least worried about. They've always had each other, and as long as that stays the same they'll be fine no matter what. Though I have been noticing a begrudging respect for Lynn growing with them. The dynamic duo might be growing into a terrific trio.

And my aunt… well, she was tough enough to raise the six of us. I don't think there's anything that woman can't handle after something like that.

I'm proud and confident in my brothers and aunt. So when I do pack up and leave I know I won't have to worry. They're strong.

If they do really need me though, I'll come running, just like I always have. It's my job as a big brother after all. But I doubt it's going to come to that.

Whatever comes their way, they'll get by, with or without me.

That's what they do.

That's what Brittles do...

A/N: Just a short I did to help you guys get to know Bruno Brittle a little better. I'll be doing one for all of the Brittle brothers, and possibly some of the other OC's in the story too.

If anyone has ever seen the History and Lore videos they do for Game of Thrones, I was going for something like that. Just something to help get to know them and give a little backstory for the Brittles in general. Hope I at least came close. Let me know what you guys think!