Back in his apartment later that night, Rilon sat at his desk, scribbling in his journal. His mind still whirled, tired but unable to sleep.

Being anxious… still a thing he despised. It was a thing he tried to avoid at all cost. Even his self-induced agoraphobia was the only thing keeping him sane.

At a knock on the door, he raised his head, but didn’t reply.

“It’s me, Frei.”

Asiah only called him that. He let out a noise of affirmation and the door opened as he turned his attention back to his journal.

“Wie geht es?”

How’s it going?

Asiah knew to revert to Rilon’s first language when he was distressed. He must still think that he was the same from earlier.

Rilon smiled and waved his hand. “English please. I’m fine.”

“How’s it going?”

“I heard you the first time.” Rilon tittered, mostly to himself, feeling rather amused. “And I’m fine, thanks for asking.”

After no reply from his brother, he set the quill down and turned around in his chair. “Are you okay?”

“Father is being a little too… insensitive.” Asiah sat on the counter and crossed his arms with a loud huff. “Mostly to you.”

“Oh, you’re protecting me? I’m flattered, but shouldn’t I be protecting you?”

“I think insensitive wouldn’t be an accurate statement.” Asiah’s voice rose sharply. “Maybe abhorrent, nasty, or maybe just downright abusive.”

The last word struck a weird, panicked pang within Rilon’s chest, feeling it tighten up and nearly cutting off his breath. He wanted to say something about it, but couldn’t bring words to his feelings.

“I wouldn’t say… that. About him.”

Asiah stared straight at him, his gaze icy and cold. “Would you? I wish you would think otherwise, then.”

This didn’t feel right. Asiah wasn’t usually this confrontational. Rilon abruptly got up from his desk and nearly stumbled to his brother.

“You need to cut this out, Asiah.” Every part of him tensed up as he raised his voice, yet even more so as his brother leaned forward, getting in his face.

“Should I?” He sneered.

Instantly, Rilon reeled, almost in disgust. It was an instant reaction, but it was delayed to him what he had actually done until Asiah glared at him, appearing hurt.

“What...?” Rilon’s hands began shaking, more out of shock than anything, and he stared down at them. “Asi…”

“If you’re trying to apologize to me.,” Asiah glowered at him, sliding off of the counter top and shoving Rilon away. “Don’t.”

He didn’t offer Rilon even a glance as he slammed the door behind him.

Silently, distressed, Rilon stared at the floor. He bared his teeth and whispered, “Es tut mir leid.”

I’m sorry.