Hunter awoke tangled within the bed sheets. In complete darkness, if not for the small amount of greying light peering through the curtains.
His vision was blurry from sleep. He blinked a few times as he licked his lips. Too familiar with the dryness that was inside his mouth. But it didn't stop his mouth from tasting funny.
Maybe it was because of his semi-awake state, but he could barely make out a silhouette in the corner. Although, there was only one person it could be.
Hunter was groggy this late in the afternoon. He should have been up hours ago. But it wasn't his dazed state that made Blake so unrecognisable.
The idea of Blake hiding in the shadows was so strange and foreign. It meant Blake was hiding from something. From him.
It gave Hunter a newfound sense of claustrophobia, as the entire situation was beginning to choke him.
Because despite the fact that it was only Blake in the room, Hunter was unsure how to approach this side of his brother. And frankly, he was afraid of it.
It was a scenario Hunter never thought he would have to face. He would always see Blake as that chubby little face that always followed him. Would always follow him.
Yet this time, it was Blake who uncharacteristically made the first move.
"Did I wake you up?" With an uncharacteristically flat, almost monotonous voice to match.
"How long have you been sitting there?" Hunter's own raspy voice sounded pitiful to his ears. He could only imagine Blake's take on it. Maybe yesterday morning it would have involved some teasing and shared laughter.
But now, wishful thinking only added to the already overwhelming tension.
"Not long." However, knowing Blake, Hunter translated "not long" as a few hours.
Seeing as Blake had always been the patient one.
When they were younger, he would always run to Hunter's room after a nightmare. But would rarely wake his older brother. He would sit on the bed and simply stare at Hunter, gaining the greatest comfort by merely being in his presence.
Things were always easier when you were younger. And things only became harder when you were older. He knew he changed drastically. But only so Blake wouldn't have to. Because really, Blake did not change that much. Even in his appearance.
The dark hair that was constantly styled to emulate his own; excess gel and all. The soft features that bared no resemblance to his own hardened qualities. The shorter and more compact physique.
The fact that Blake was adopted.
When did the differences ever make such a…difference?
"Does it matter?" It wasn't that strange a concept, but for a moment, it seemed as if his brother knew his exact thoughts.
And perhaps Blake did know. His profile being eerily still. Not ready to face Hunter, yet too determined to turn away.
"Maybe." Hunter tried to sit up, but his limbs would not cooperate.
"I was talking to him earlier, while you were sleeping." It was no question as to whom Blake was speaking. Hunter could only hope Blake wouldn't say his name.
Then he wouldn't have to admit to any of this being real.
Luckily, Blake didn't seem anxious to continue, and Hunter was in no hurry to indulge in anything at the moment.
Hunter simply didn't know what to do. Didn't know if he could do anything.
"We um…We talked." Blake didn't seem to mind, or at least appear bothered by his decision not to participate.
"About you, I mean." The short sentences should have been the first clue, but Hunter only neglected Blake's mounting nervousness. Too involved with his own misgivings.
The long silence that followed made Hunter feel uncannily self-conscious. He felt naked and clumsy; his only barrier being the thick comforter which now adorned him.
"Look, I can't- I'm just going to leave, okay? I can't do this." Blake grabbed his jacket from off the floor. Almost tripping over the chair in a desperate attempt to escape.
And even through the slam of door, Hunter could still hear Blake's soft footsteps.
Personally, I don't think Hunter is overreacting. His world is turned upside down. It's not helping matters when Blake doesn't understand. And it's only been less than a day, after all. I think the stages are shock, denial, anger, and acceptance? I could be missing one (or a few), but anger is coming up either way.