![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Yancy and Raleigh glance at each other, and Raleigh nods.
"Yeah. We do."
Don't. Their father was an alcoholic and while the occasional night out is fine...
This? Not okay. Doing this more than once is probably a really good way to lose them both.
"No more of that," Yancy says quietly. "Please."
See, they're all learning. Don't say shitty things to each other. It's not worth it.
"Forgiven," Raleigh says, pulling him in close and tight, unwilling to let go. It's been so long since he's held Chuck that he nearly loses it, but instead presses his face into Chuck's hair and breathes him in, closing his eyes.
God you scared him.
Yancy pulls into Chuck's drive and comes around to let them both out, offering a hand to Chuck. They're in a rental and Yancy's the only one of the two with a valid international drivers license, so he's stuck behind the wheel.
Once Chuck's out, it's Yancy's turn to pull him into a tight hug.
"Scared us, kid."
That's definitely what it looks like, that he missed Raleigh significantly less. It stings, but what can you do. He wants this. Raleigh doesn't say anything, just steps closer, starved for that kind of affection.
"I want it too."
It's unhealthy for everyone, honestly.
"As well he should," Yancy says, reaching to ruffle his hair.
"It was definitely an idiot move."
"Drinking to the point of hospitalization trumps breaking up because you thought you couldn't handle it." Raleigh grumbles. "If you're gonna throw it in my face every chance you get this won't work."
"I did! I told you I was sorry and that it was stupid. What the hell else do you want me to do?!"
Raleigh stops in front of him, arms folded.
"Tell me what you want from me."
He glances at Yancy then steps forward, squatting down so he can get on Chuck's level.
"I can't change what happened," he says quietly, reaching for his hands. "I wish I could. But I can't change the past. All I can do is move on and learn from my mistakes, and hope that you can forgive me for them. I'm sorry I hurt you. You have no idea how sorry I am. I was stupid."
"That isn't how it works," Yancy says, coming to sit next to him. "This could have killed you, Chuck. If anyone at all had decided to try and let you sleep it off, you'd be dead."
He sighs.
"And throwing things in each other's faces...that isn't going to work either. Chuck, you fucked up. Raleigh, so did you. Accept it and move on, otherwise this is doomed."
"Yeah you know what-- he's right."
Raleigh brows his hands up.
"He's never gonna forgive it or let me forget."
"No!"
He's tempted.
"No. Let's just get you to bed. You need rest and liquids."
"..Chuck." He can feel his anger ebbing, and he comes to wiggle under chucks other arm to help.
"I love you. I'm not leaving. I promise."
Page 8 of 18