Chapter Title: Friends
Series Title: Unlikely Brothers
Ages in this chapter: Tanner (11) Dashen (17)
Chapter Summary: Tanner inquires about Dashen's friends or lack thereof.
"Dash, how come I've never met any of your friends?"
"Probably because I have none. Never had much time to find any. From the time my folks died to looking after Kossi, to his sickness and then losing him. After that, I went into depression and became suicidal and reclusive and who really wants to be friends with that? Then you came along and that responsibility. Looking after you. Protecting you. I had my work. I've had an eventful life to this point. Maybe I'll have time to make friends later."
"You should have friends. You're a good person."
"I'll trust your word on that, Mouse."
"I'm your friend."
"You are."
"Maybe one day when I'm older and stronger, you won't have to worry about me so much."
"You're my little brother. I'll always worry about you."
"Yeah, I'll worry too."
"You have friends, Tanner. You find friends easy. I admit to being a bit jealous of that at times."
"I like people. As long as they're not trying to kill me of course. I guess it helps to like people."
"Are you saying I don't like people?"
"You don't."
"Eh, well, you're right. As I said, I had an eventful childhood. I was quite young when my life when to hell. Any friends I had at that early age, I don't remember much. Kossi had them though. Friends. Like you, he found good in people, talked to them, maintained connections with them. I always tended to be suspicious about everyone and everything. With good reason at times. Mostly, I was probably just a jerk. I pushed people away. It's what I did; what I still do to an extent. There was... yeah, I guess there was one good friend I had when I was younger. She bailed when Kossi died. Truthfully, I'd lost her before that. Kossi was sick and every minute of my day was dedicated to him, no time for anyone else. Maybe it was age or maturity, but she didn't get me when I literally put my entire life on hold for my brother. No one knew at the time the seriousness of his sickness, but it was too much for her. I've not talked to her since Kossi died. She told me she was sorry and was gone. Can't say I blame her and no grudges. It was the worst time of my life. No one gave a crap about me during that period. Hell, even I hated my own self."
"She shouldn't have left you. You needed someone."
"At that stretch of my life, no, it wouldn't have been fair to her or anyone. Trust me."
"Does she still live in Kaolin?"
"She does. We get a glance of each other every so often. She's same age as me and has her own life. I've not spoken to her in years."
"Maybe you should."
"Sorry, Mouse. Don't think I want the headache. Or the potential headache. I've got enough in my life, I'm good."
"But you could bring finality to it and then you'll know."
"Tanner, this is my thing. I don't ask much of anyone but I'm asking this. Just let it drop, okay?"
"I will. Sorry I pried too much."
"No sorry. There are a few things in my past I'm just not comfortable sharing with anyone. That's one of them."
"I understand. Did you want to go into town with me to visit Dec at his shop?"
"You mean watch you and he talk about mind numbingly boring old paper books while you browse the shelves for an hour?"
"Yes."
"Ah, hell, why not. A little boredom is maybe what I need right now."
"Great! I'll get my bag."
"Hug first? I think I need one."
"I do enjoy a good hug."
"Be honest, Mouse. You enjoy any hug. And for that, I will always be grateful. Come'ere."
END
