Sleeping Bro's
Zack's eyes shifted from his book to meet Estelle's gaze, their reflections dancing in the warm, flickering glow of the crackling fire in the living room. The soft crackle of the flames created a cozy ambiance, casting gentle shadows across the room.
Estelle, lost in her thoughts, stepped away from the dishes and moved to the edge of the living room, her face marked with a deep expression. Her fingers nervously played with one another as she mustered the courage to speak her truth.
"I'm sorry I can't be a Bracer, I just... I can't follow in my father's footsteps. It won't bring him any solace, not after what happened to our mother," Estelle's voice carried a bitter tone, laden with the weight of the trauma that still haunted her. It felt like a cathartic release of her father's attempts to make amends, yet a reminder of his failure to protect her in the face of his own mistakes.
Zack's eyebrows knitted together, a mix of confusion and concern etched on his face. The unexpected revelation had caught him off guard, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.
Taking a deep breath, Zack recognized the weight of Estelle's words and the emotions they carried. He moved closer to the crackling fire, gesturing for Estelle to join him. As they settled into their seats, the warmth of the fire enveloping them, Zack spoke in an empathetic tone, his voice filled with understanding.
"Estelle, I can see that this is difficult for you. I understand the regrets our father carries, and his desire to protect us from his own mistakes. It's okay to feel uncertain about your path and what you want to do. I want you to know that I'm here to listen and support you, no matter what you decide. Can you share more about why being a bracer is not something you want?"
Zack's eyes softened with understanding as he gently interrupted Estella's thoughts. Speaking in a soft, casual tone, he said, "Estella, I understand your desire for a romantic connection, and it's natural to want what others have. But as siblings, we have a special bond that goes beyond romance. I can't be your romantic partner, but I can be your biggest supporter and help you find someone who will cherish and love you just as you deserve. And as a bracer, you have the opportunity to meet new people and expand your horizons. Your role gives you a chance to make a difference, to protect and save lives, which could open doors to meeting someone special. Let's focus on finding that perfect someone for you, someone who will appreciate and value everything that makes you extraordinary."
Estrella's frustration boiled over, and she couldn't contain her emotions any longer. She stood up from her seat, her voice echoing with anger. Zack looked startled by the sudden outburst, his expression showing surprise. The room fell into a tense silence as Estrella continued to vent her frustrations, her words piercing through the air like shards of broken glass.
Zack's face saddened, understanding the depth of Estrella's pain. He turned away slightly, feeling the weight of her words. But then Estrella's anger subsided, and she released a gasp of realization. Apologetic and timid, she spoke again, acknowledging her mistake.
Zack let out a sigh, feeling a mix of compassion and regret. He understood that he had been too focused on his own responsibilities, neglecting to check on his sister and her needs. With a sense of remorse, he gently pulled Estrella into a hug, allowing her to rest her head on his lap.
In a soothing tone, he apologized, "Estrella, it's alright, there's no need to apologize. I'm sorry for not being there for you when you needed me. I understand that the idea of meeting someone new and going on dates can be overwhelming. It's okay to feel tired and unsure about it all. Sometimes, the right person comes into our lives when we least expect it. For now, let's focus on taking care of yourself and exploring what truly makes you happy. Whether it's being a bracer or pursuing other passions, I'll be here to support you every step of the way. And remember, you have so much to offer, and the right person will recognize and appreciate that. Let's take things one day at a time and see where life takes us, okay?"
"Okay," Estella replied softly, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and gratitude.
Zack's gentle embrace wrapped around Estella like a cozy blanket, offering solace and reassurance. The warmth of his touch and the comforting scent of his cologne filled the air, creating a sense of security. She nestled her face into the crook of his shoulder, taking in the familiar scent and the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat. It was a moment of respite, a respite from the turmoil that had weighed heavily on her.
After a moment, Estella reluctantly pulled away, her eyes meeting Zack's gaze. There was still so much she wanted to express, emotions swirling within her like a tempestuous sea. Zack, attuned to her unspoken thoughts, remained seated in his chair, patiently waiting for her to find her voice.
Zack's cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of shyness coloring his expression. He pondered the implications of Estella's words, realizing the potential for their relationship to evolve beyond the boundaries of siblings. With a mix of caution and curiosity, he mustered the courage to address the unspoken desire.
"I can...uh, give you a kiss, but let's keep it within limits, okay?" Zack's voice carried a hint of shyness as he averted his gaze, his words laced with the intention of maintaining their sibling bond while acknowledging the possibility of something more.
Estella's voice trembled with a mixture of nervousness and honesty as she spoke in a timid tone. Her words carried a sense of vulnerability, revealing the conflicting emotions swirling within her.
"I... I mean, I do want to kiss you," she began, her voice laced with uncertainty. "But we haven't grown up together, and things are different between us. I need some time to think about it, to sort through my own feelings. I don't want to pressure you into something just because of my own emotional struggles."
She locked eyes with Zack, her gaze searching for understanding and reassurance. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she continued, "Let's wait until Dad comes home, until we have a chance to talk to him about all of this. And in the meantime, I'm willing to give the bracer guild a try, as long as you're by my side. Together, we can face the challenges that lie ahead and navigate this complicated path we find ourselves on."
Zack's eyes softened with understanding as he absorbed Estella's words. Relief washed over him, knowing that she needed time to process her emotions and that she didn't want to rush into anything. He respected her honesty and vulnerability, realizing the importance of navigating this delicate situation with care.
Nodding in agreement, Zack reached out his hand, a small smile playing on his lips. "Estella, I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to take things slowly. Let's wait until Dad comes home and have a conversation about all of this together. And I promise you, I'll be right by your side, supporting you every step of the way."
As their hands met in a gentle shake, a silent understanding passed between them. They were in this together, ready to face the complexities of their changing relationship and explore the possibilities that lay ahead.
"Thank you, Zack," Estella whispered, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.
As their hands intertwined, a serenity enveloped them, dissolving the tension that had filled the room just moments before. The touch of their palms created a gentle connection, grounding them in the present moment. A wave of relief washed over Estella, knowing that she wasn't alone in this journey. She looked at Zack, his eyes reflecting understanding and unwavering support. It was in that gaze that she found solace and strength.
Zack, her brother, her confidant, would remain a vital part of her life. Despite the complexities of their relationship, their shared experiences and unbreakable bond held them together. They had weathered storms side by side, conquering challenges that had tested their resilience. The prospect of facing the future together filled Estella's heart with a comforting warmth, like a soft glow radiating from within.
As the game scene came to an end, a whimsical melody filled the air, evoking feelings of joy and adventure. The screen prompted the players, Kevin and Sam, to continue the prologue of their journey. Both characters settled down, finding respite in the dorm room. The sound of peaceful snoring filled the quiet space as they succumbed to sleep, their bodies surrendering to the weariness of the day. Sam, the player controlling Zack, found himself so immersed in the emotional scenes that he drifted off to sleep, his mouth slightly agape, resembling a contented goldfish in slumber.