Modern
El Salvador was pacing in his own living room, stewing in his own thoughts. He had texted his boyfriend to get him to come home. He could feel rage building up in his body, and there was only a matter of time before it broke free of all of his control. He needed someone else here to listen to him and to tell him that he was not overreacting.
His brothers had always said that he lost his temper far too easily, but they did not understand how it felt to have this all building up in his chest. Guatemala had always said that he should take several deep breaths before he ever let his rage slip out. But, that never worked. It only made the feeling build up as he tried to breath it away.
He started clenching and unclenching his hands in an effort to exercise some of the tension.
Then, the door opened and Panama came through it. He looked worried, and El Salvador had guessed that his text had been quite urgent. He said, as soon as he saw Panama, "Thank God you're back! I need to rant!"
Panama gave him an understanding look, then took several steps to the closest available chair. Only then did he look up at El Salvador and say, "Alright, what is on your mind?"
El Salvador wished he was the kind of man who could stop and appreciate that Panama was patient with him, but his anger and frustration could not be restrained. He said, finally putting words to his feelings, "Alejandro just gave me a lot of money as 'aid.'"
He drew harsh air quotes around the word aid, because it seemed far too charitable for his brother's intentions. He had learned long ago not to take Mexico's intentions at face value long ago. He continued talking, "He didn't ask me first. He just gave it to me. Why would he even do that?"
The silence that followed was intentional. El Salvador was hoping that Panama would intone and help him sort out what was going on. He had no idea and wanted to hear what someone else thought.
Panama took a deep breath, like he was steadying himself for what he was going to say, and then said, "Are you mad at him for giving you money?"
It was a simple question, but El Salvador had to think about it. The rage was his initial reaction, and it was harder to put it into words. He decided on saying, "No! But he will want something in exchange for this! There is always something else with him."
Panama took another deep breath and then asked, "Has he asked for anything else?"
Again, El Salvador had to think about it, because he had assumed a demand without ever hearing one. But, once he thought about it he realized that Mexico had never said anything.
Slowly, he said, "No, he didn't."
Panama extended his arms to his boyfriend and said, "Come here, Chava."
El Salvador did as he was told and he came into his boyfriend's arms. Panama pulled him down into his lap. It was a comfortable place, and he felt calmer already.
Panama used one hand to pet his hair softly. The gesture always did such an amazing time calming him down. Panama said in his soft, soothing voice, "I know that he hurt you when you really needed a brother. And you are not wrong for feeling that, darling."
El Salvador leaned into the other man's shoulder, which made it much easier for Panama to pet his whole head of hair. Panama continued, "But, I think that what he wants in exchange is for you to give him another chance. He is trying to do better."
He took his other hand and stroked El Salvador's cheek. He continued, "I think that maybe it is time for you to give him a chance. Can you do that?"
El Salvador almost immediately wanted to say no, because he still held a grudge against his brother. But, Panama's soft calming hands convinced him not to say it. Instead, he nodded and said, "I will try."