Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 16)

He looked up, frowning at her. "So."


Gaius found the door was slightly ajar. He knocked gently, then stepped inside.
Tomhas was sitting on the floor in the corner, head buried in his arms. His shoulders were trembling.
"Tomhas." Gaius limped forward until he was beside him, then set his crutch to the side and braced himself agains the wall so he could sit down beside him.

“…So…” she agreed, feeling strangely small next to him.

He turned toward her, fixing his eyes on her. "How'd that go for you?"

Gaius slid down, glancing over at Tomhas. His brother had tensed as he sat beside him and he was bunched tighter than before.
"Tomhas." Gaius tried to catch his eye as best he could but Tomhas's arms were blocking the way.

“I…” she blushed a little, glancing away. “Think that was the right call. Gaius clearly cares.”

"Sure, but how do you think they'll both feel? It's awkward and uncomfortable."

Gaius decided to wait it out and leaned against the wall, resting his head against it.

“That happens sometimes with family.”

"Ideally it shouldn't happen, though. I never did that with my brothers and sisters."

“Did what?” Empathize?

"Comforted them. Their problem is their problem, not mine."

“That seems a bit callous.” She frowned.

He shrugged. "It's how we were raised."

“Well… I’m glad Gaius and Tomhas are there for each other, anyway. They both deserve it.”

"Sure." He glanced back at the door. "So. Let's find another spirit."

“Alright.” She bit off a sigh. He was determined, she’d give him that. Best to just do what he wanted so he stopped asking.

(Me screaming at Ky to stop enabling toxic masculinity mindsets but here we are lol)

(God it's hopeless anyway he's a ghost)

He strode off down the hall. "Where do you think we'll find one?"