Having had wise words from Charlie as usual Cal stepped back through the doors of the ED and went in search for Ethan. He didn't expect to find him still sat in the staff room after his conversation with Lily but, he did.
"I, um heard what you said."
Ethan jumped when he heard Cal's voice behind him. Hastily placing his glasses back on Ethan turned around.
"Good." Ethan answered coldly.
"Look, Eth. I know you didn't mean what you said." Cal began as he stepped forward.
"Well, you've got it all wrong then."
Cal stared at his brother.
"What are you saying?"
"I mean what I said, Cal."
"No, you didn't."
Cal expected Ethan to answer back, but he didn't.
"I know you blame me. I understand that but, what I don't get is why are you shutting me out? I'm all you've got." Cal told Ethan.
Ethan scoffed.
"Don't you dare make this all about you. You're not the one living with the constant fear of not knowing when the symptoms are going to start to appear."
"That's not what I meant, Ethan and you know it." Cal sighed heavily.
"Didn't you?" Ethan looked at his brother. "I know you, Cal. I know what you're like. Before you know it you'll run. You always run and I'll be left to deal with this on my own like I've always done."
"Ethan, that's not true."
Ethan looked at him skeptically.
"Okay, maybe it is true. But, I promise you I'm not going to run this time. You can't push me out and I won't let you."
"We'll see how long that will last." Was all Ethan said.
With his final answer Ethan walked away from Cal leaving standing there. Cal sighed. Why couldn't his brother see he'd change? He was not the same person he was. He had changed. He had changed into the brother he should have been all those years before.
Later that evening when Cal had finished his shift he waited by reception for Ethan to finish too. However, 10 minutes waiting Cal didn't see Ethan walk through reception. He's probably gone home already, Cal thought to himself. So he headed off towards his car and drove home. Upon entering the flat he noticed it was covered in darkness and there was no sound coming from the kitchen or the living room. Thinking Ethan must have gone to bed Cal was about to head to his own bedroom when he heard sniffling coming from the sofa. It was then Cal noticed the silhouette of his brother sitting on the sofa. Even in the darkness he could see the rise and fall of his shoulders. Cal's heart broke. He knew his brother was upset.
"It's okay, Nibbles." Cal soothed as he pulled his brother against his chest. "I'm here."
"You know I didn't really meant what I said." Ethan mumbled against his brother's chest. "I was just angry and upset."
"Of course, I know you didn't mean it. But, I meant what I said. I'm going to be here for you, Eth."