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"It's just..taboo."
Raleigh sighs.
"Not pretending just..maybe not acknowledging. Admitting. I don't know. You see right through us."
They nod. Honesty would be a reeelly good thing for them.
Yancy bites on his lower lip.
"Yeah. Let's just..keep the lines clear stay upfront about everything."
"Or alone time in general."
But yeah Raleigh gets that. Yancy nods too.
"I know this isn't the case, but a lot of times it looks--it feels like you feel significantly less for me." Raleigh is pushing his food around his plate.
"That was part of the problem before. It just always felt like I wasn't needed, or a necessary part of the equation."
"Just.."
He exhales.
"Acknowledge I exist. I know Yancy is easier and calmer and I'm a pain in the ass. I just don't want to be the annoying little brother tagging along anymore."
Yancy looks between them and shifts, leaning back in his chair.
"Off the top of my head, no. But if something comes up, I'll tell you. Okay?"
Raleigh nods.
"I get it. I'm sorry. I just..that's how it felt sometimes."
He picks at his shirt.
"Like today when you got out of the car and just..held him. It made me think you missed him more. Like I just sort of came as a package."
Raleigh has to laugh.
"Yeah. Yancy gives...really fucking amazing hugs."
Yeah he gets it. There's a flicker of irritation on his face, but it fades.
"I know. I'm just..putting it out there."
"I think.."
Yancy interrupts and taps his chin.
"I think that we all just need to be honest. No secrets. I love you both. You both love me. We all love each other. Openness is the only way this will work."
"It's..different now, Chuck. I realize I was being an idiot."
Raleigh runs a hand through his hair.
"If I feel like it's happening, I'll tell you."
"I know it's valid. But I'm still an idiot."
Small smile.
"You'll just have to try and trust me. I'll earn it back."
There's nothing else Raleigh can give him. He's out of things to admit and apologize for. If Chuck wants more then he doesn't know what to do. He's said and given all he can. Now he just has to prove it.
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