Chapter Title: Little Brother

Series Title: Unlikely Brothers

Ages in this chapter: Tanner (10) Dashen (16)

POV: Dashen

Chapter Summary: Dashen has a crappy day.


Late night. I was exhausted. Filthy. I stunk like the sewer. It had been one of the worst work days of my life. Not one thing about this day had been good. Not one damn thing.

Well, I take that back.

Stumbling into our apartment, arms were immediately around me, hugging my waist, clasping behind my back.

Three words followed that made up for just about every bad that had happened in the last twelve hours.

"Love you, Dash."

Had he known my day was crap? Not sure how he would have. I hadn't talked to him or Colton. Opting to keep the misery to myself. And his weirdo Jedi magic senses didn't extend to those who were not Force users.

Yet somehow... somehow he knew.

Involuntarily, a small sob escaped my lips. It's how horrible I felt, but how relieved I was to come home to this. When the galaxy had been against me at every turn and the day of misery concluded, here was Tanner.

I clutched him tight to me. My chin set on the top of his head. I breathed in a wobbly breath, and another. Tanner didn't let go. Neither did I.

I was sixteen with a traumatic life of loss behind me, having been forced

to take on adult responsibilities when I was all of eleven years old. All hell had broken lose in my life then. And now? Honestly, now, not a damn soul cared what I thought or what I did. Not like Tanner did. Colton cared, but that was different. Tanner was pure love. Pure joy. Pure goodness. He was everything and the only thing I truly needed in my current life. He'd saved me and he kept me from falling to pieces.

He's keeping me going now. Tonight. When I need someone to be there and just love me for me. My little brother could do the impossible.

"Thank you, Mouse." I finally pressed out the words, though they were tangled in another sob, emotion cascading within. "It was... it was a really terrible day."

"It's okay, I'll take care of you."

Damn kid. Making my cry actual tears this time.

We walked to the couch, sat down and he snuggled against me. Didn't care that I smelled or had mud and filth on my face, he loved me regardless.

Stars, I adored this kid.

I fell asleep with my little bother wrapped in my arms.

The day from hell that wouldn't end, had finally ended.

Everything would be okay.


END