Work Text:
It's almost the fourth anniversary of when it happened.
But until then, it's been three years. Three years Ube has been by himself.
And that's okay, he guesses.
He gets up, eats breakfast. While trying not to stare across to the chair in front of him that is always permanently and will never be filled again.
Then he brushes his fur and teeth. While staring dead in the mirror.
He used to not be able to do that. Maybe a year or two ago, he couldn't look at himself in the face. Because all he saw was him.
A year or two ago. He could of bring himself out of bed. The empty space and the silence of the room haunting him.
He used to get him out of bed, always being greeted by his face. He'd make breakfast, because Ube wasn't that great of a cook.
Ube taught himself to wake up early, at least early as he possibly could. He taught himself how to make eggs, and pancakes. When he used to only be able to make toast.
He can't bring himself to get bread anymore. Because what's the point of having jelly without the peanut butter. It feels empty, like a void.
And in a way, he has been feeling like that. A void.
He does the samething everyday almost. Wake up, eat breakfast, groom himself, brace himself to go outside.
A year or two ago, he couldn't even step outside. Not without the comfort of someone holding his hand.
But that space will never be filled, and he thinks he's beginning to accept that.
He thought about moving. Or at least getting rid of the extra space in their room.
His room.
He leans his head back onto the back of the booth he sits in. He has beginning to make himself come back here.
Ever since it happened. He can't bring himself to go places. He's alone now. And he's never been alone before.
But if he doesn't do this, he will always be trapped.
They used to eat here together. The waitress even commented how she hasn't seen him in so long.
She seems to know what happened, but is the first to thankfully not bring it up.
When it first happened. He was bombarded with attention he never had been given before.
Apologies and sorrow from those around him. He did not know how to respond. Even with how genuine it all seemed. He felt himself cracking on the inside everytime.
If he spoke, they'd know how he truly felt. So he kept silent for himself. Nodding a small thank you.
They were just looking out for him that was all. Having him in the back of their mind. He didn't know how to feel.
Then it became almost a routine. He knew how to respond at the point.
And then it became annoying.
Sitting alone. He stares down to the table, eating in silence.
They'd always sit across from each other. Eating almost practically opposite meals.
It was always funny, to the waitress. With each of her arms, she'd have their refills on one side and then their meals in the others.
Ube liked sweat, and he'd like plain. But sometimes they got almost identical meals.
The waitress would always guess which was whose. A game they'd play. And he'd love to respond.
"Nope!" He smiled. Leaning forward in the booth. He gave her a playful smile.
The spider would laugh. "I should of guessed it was yours, Flan." She'd say as she'd place their plates down.
Ube used to not order for himself, always so quiet. Sometimes he would try to respond himself now. But most times, he'd slide a note over.
They'd never understand his quiet voice. Especially now that he is gone. There's no voice to be said.
No one to whisper to. To comment to. To rely on. To hear their chuckle, see their soft smiles. To feel their paw within his.
A year or two ago. The thought would make him shatter. But now, he just stares down at his plate.
He's beginning to eat things that he normally wouldn't think he'd like. Coming out of his shell some would say. And he absolutely hated the thought.
So dependent. You brought this onto yourself. His fork tapped on the edge of the plate. His posture leaned over in an almost wilted manner.
"Hey, Soosh. Lookie over there.." A bear tried to whisper over. Catching the attention of her friend.
'Soosh' met Cupcake's eyes. Blinking until she saw where her gaze had been placed.
"Oh hey, haven't seen him in a while.. Hope he's doing okay." Sushi quietly says. Mostly to herself it seems.
"Who?" Their messy red friend says, a mouth full of food. It's practically coating his fur. It's amazing how they could even understand him.
Sushi grabs a napkin. Rolling her eyes, she wipes off his mouth before dropping it into his hand.
Pepper swallows, laughing sheepishly as he continues the job of cleanup.
His eyes glance across the diner as his chair swiveles with his movement. "Ohh. I see now. Hey, maybe we should go say something." He suggests.
"I dunno.. He's kind of, not a very out going person you know." Cupcake's voice is uncharacteristically quiet for once.
Her eyes gazed down to the wrapper in her paws. Bending it instead of staring at the purple bear. She seems afraid of being too out there. Knowing how he is.
Sushi brings a hand to the smaller bear's back. "Hey, it's worth a shot. We would be letting him know we're thinking of him."
Her eye's glance over, the sound of metal meeting the porcelain plate. Pepper seems to be finished his food. The napkin dropped ontop as he props himself up.
"I'm going to go talk to him." He says. The two remaining bears watch as he steps away.
Past the waitress, and to the booth. Ube is all alone. No one sits behind or even in front of his booth. It brings Pepper's attention solely to him.
Once he's at the table, Ube doesn't even glance up to him until he speaks. Seeming not to notice him until then.
"Hey Ube, haven't seen you in a while. Out for lunch?" Pepper smiles. Just keep it cool.. Don't scare him off..
"U-Uh.. Huh.." The bear mumbles as he glances up to him. That's.. Enough of answer he thinks. Pepper won't force anything out of him.
Sushi watches from the counter. Almost cautiously. In case she has to step in for support.
"We're gonna go to Lunar Grotto this weekend if you wanna come with." Pepper invites with a smile. "We might go swimming or something."
Cupcake blinks. "We're not doing anything this weekend.."
"Uhuh.." The purple bear taps it's paws together. His gaze looking across the table. "Okay."
Pepper eyes shimmer and brighten almost immediately as he stands high. "Sweet, you wanna meet your house orr?"
Ube's ears drop. Shaking his head. He points a paw to Pepper.
The red bear blinks. Caught off guard by the bears gesture. Then offering a smile, he clicks two and two together.
"So my place?" He holds in a 'oh yeah!' as the bear nods again. I've totally got somewhere with him.
"Me and Soosh will pack some food for the trip." As if a light bulb literally went off above him. Pepper snaps his fingers.
He hears another mumble exit the lavender bear. Possibly an 'okay.' But Pepper doesn't ask him to repeat. Understanding he's not much of a talker.
Especially not with his brother around to talk for him.. But, that was okay Pepper thought. Afterall, not all conversations need words!
Even if he was quite terrible at reading rooms.. Haha..
Pepper smiles. He taps Ube's shoulder in a friendly manner, almost as if it's a way to give him a hug without the whole hugging.
He points back to the bar behind them. Trailing the direction, Ube sees that Pepper's friends are with him.
"Alright were probably gonna pay up and head out." His fangs flash, but not in a mean manner.
He's grinning to Ube, a way that makes his stomach butter. He's not very used to positive affection like this.. Especially since, well..
It's been three years. Three years since hes had a full conversation with someone.
Ube finds himself staring blankly. Watching them clean up and leave. Pepper raises a hand to him as he steps out the doors. Another smile.
"See you, Ube!"
He feels his mouth drop a bit. Staring at the door. He cannot express a lot facial wise. But his surprise is obvious.
He guesses, he'll go to their house on Saturday. That's only a few days from now. Feeling his stomach clinch. He's nervous. Knowing what's to come.
He feels as tho he shouldn't of said yes. He could back down at anytime. Avoid the occasion all together. But a part of him wants to.
He shouldn't be cooped up all alone in the house all the time. Maybe that is what he would of said.
He inhales through his mouth. Before biting onto his tongue.
"It's okay, Ube." A voice soothes. "You can back out anytime. They just wanted to spend some time with you.
The younger of the two looks to his brother as he speaks. His eye full of worry.
The lighter of the two brushes his paw over his tuff of fur in a comforting manner. Closing his eyes with content as he does so.
"I'll be here waiting for you guys to come back. Don't worry about me." His eyes flicker open. A warm hazel shimmering inside his dark pupils.
"I'm sure Mocha will have me be doing something to keep myself occupied!" He laughs.
There was something behind his tone that Ube didn't immediately catch onto. Always believing his brothers soft words.
His brother was concealing something. His own worries to keep to brother blissful. Afterall, it was rather selfish to wish Mocha would talk to him right?
He shakes his head. Ube doesn't understand why but it's get his own thoughts straight.
"Go take them to the library. Show them something you like." He emphasizes.
Ube doesn't exactly want to present his interests to them.. Especially without his brother. But if it's what he wants..
He looks up him, finally meeting his eye. "I'll try, Flan.."
"That's the spirit!" His brother brightens. Ube finds himself smiling, just a bit for his brother. Truly fond at how jovial his brother could be.
"C'mon Ube, we're gonna miss the train!" Calls a voice. Snapping his attention away and to the figure hopping away."
"O-Okay!" Ube attempts to call back. Slipping away from his brothers hands. He chases after Cupcake.
Flan stands there, alone. Watching as Ube leaves.
Placing a tip onto the table. Ube silently leaves the restaurant. The bell chiming as he exits is the only thing announcing his leave.
He wishes he could of come along.
. . .
The days leading to the weekend are rather uneventful. But that isn't saying much as everything before is mostly a blur to Ube.
He gets up, doesn't bother to make breakfast, and immediately goes to groom himself that morning.
Flicking his hair to the side, he briefly washes his face. Unfazed by the old scar crossing over his eye.
As the water runs, and he splashes his face once again. He can see something in his reflection, blurring and aching as it makes itself known.
His pupil shrinks. Glancing behind himself. There is nothing to be seen. His breath his held as the fur on his back begins to lift.
He doesn't feel alone in the bathroom anymore.
Exiting the bathroom. He stands in the doorway. Eyeing the remainder of their home.
There's a sort of uneasiness. Perhaps it's due to not sleeping properly that night. Ube can blame himself.
But now he isn't sure he wants to be here at moment with this lingering feeling. So he exits the house, without looking at any reflections as he steps out.
Taking a breath of fresh air. His heart begins to soften it's drumming.
The mind is.. Frustrating. Home should be the place you feel the safest.
A year or two ago. He felt a similar way. The silence was enough to make him lay in the grass. Listen to the wind and the birds.
But this.. Isn't the same. His paws are trembling questioning if what it was is just tiredness.
He swore it was a figure. His lungs feel strained.
He closes his eye, and begins to count all things pretty. Something he taught him to do.
Perhaps it's just a memory of the cabin..
Opening his eye. He finds himself standing in the grass, all alone. A paw lifts to be placed underneath his tuff of fur.
He doesn't recall that day much. Afterwards their trail to the city. He remembers them stopping.
He patted a wet rag over his eye. Cleansing it of whatever remained in it. Pepper stood off to the side, almost seeming.. Unsure of himself.
He was not mad at him. Afterall, he hurt him first he believes.
An uncomfortable feeling for sure.
Glancing across the field. There's a breeze that runs through his fur as he makes out something from afar.
Tulips.
The sound of their door suddenly coming makes Ube almost jump out of his seat. His fork slips out from his hand onto his plate as he begins to hear his brother splutter out nonsense.
"Ube! Ube! It's spring! It's here for sure this time, I'm telling you!" He shouts. Excitement bursting out from him channeling his volume.
Ube quirks a brow. Confusion crossing his face as he looks across the room to meet his brothers face.
"Huh..?" He blinks. But before anymore words are said. His brother takes his hand. Beginning to drag him out to the outside.
"Just- come see for yourself Ube!" He shouts with determination.
Dragging his twin along the ground and into the grass. Ube looks around. Seeing nothing in particular. He glances over to his brother with confusion.
"Over there!" He points. And almost immediately, Ube's eye widened.
Dozens upon seemingly hundreds of flowers blossomed and spread all across the field. It must of happened over night..
It seemed.. Spring really was here.
Ube finds himself.. Somber. His shoulders sinking as ease untenses his body.
Walking across the field into the higher parts. He doesn't care for any ticks or bugs that might hop onto him. As he carefully begins to pick a few from the field.
As he briefly enters the house once again. He grabs a cup from the cabinets, and fills it with water.
As he walks back out, upon the trail that leads him away. Something now sits in the window.
It's the only bit of life the house has seen other than the bear himself.
The tupils seem to like the house too. Because somehow, they stay alive longer than he anticipated.
It somehow fills him with hope.
. . .
The buttery feeling does cease as he continues through the forest. Peeping out it's end, sun rays down onto his lavender coat.
It blares into his eye somewhat as he scans the open area.
His ear twitches as he can hear the sound of multiple things at once. Birds, talking, and running water. The white noise is.. Welcoming.
"Hey!"
He blinks. That wasn't birds.
Glancing to the source of the sound. He sees a familiar red coat. He's greeted with serveal smiles. And the one who called out is waving to him.
"Ube, hey! We where just packing up! Didn't expect you to be here so soon!" Pepper grins. He seems excited.. Almost joyous to see the bear arrive.
Pepper doesn't notice, but Sushi let's out a silent sigh. She seems to be relieved too that he came.
Ube steps forward. Up the little hill that the two stand on top of.
He can smell the scent of something below him. Glancing down. He sees a basket in between them. Around it's handle, is a blanket tied to it.
"Just a little something we're bringing along." Pepper says. Noticing where his gaze was placed. "Did you uh, eat yet?" He blinks.
Ube shakes his head. "..No. -" He slowly opens his mouth, preparing to say more. But shuts himself back up a figure rapidly approaches.
"Hold up guys! This is the last of it!"
Cupcake shouts as she quickly hops up to the others. Within her paws, she holds out a few plates. And on top of said plates is sandwiches in a little baggie.
Sushi casts her gaze down to her friend. Once she sees what she brought, her smile drops into a small frown.
"Cupcake... It was my turn to make sandwiches." She quietly informs.
As the words are spoken. It's almost as if a mental brick just crashed onto Cupcake's head. But she quickly recovers.
"Oh uh- oops! More the merrier right?" She attempts to laugh it off, but its awfully sheepish.
Dropping the items into the basket. She closes it up and tosses it over to Pepper.
Cupcake rocks in place, smiling happily as the excitement fills her. "We ready to go?" She smiles. But almost immediately after she asks, her attention lands on Ube.
Her eyes blank, seeming to process this. Before snapping into a wide smile. "OMG! Heey, you made it! That's so cool!"
Ube feels a little.. Timid. Rubbing the back of his head, he offers a smile. "Y-Yeah.."
"This is gonna be so fun!" Cupcake hops side to side. Her pigtails bouncing along with her.
"Do you like swimming or just having your toes in the water or no water at all ooorr?" She rambles on. Almost too quickly for Ube to be able to process.
Sushi seems to catch onto this as she flips out a map. "We gotta get there first before we can do any of that, Cake."
"Okay.. Got it." She nods to herself. Pepper leans over eyeing the map briefly before meeting her eyes.
"It looks.. Close?" He asks aloud. And she nods with a smile. "That's cool. Way less walking for us then."
As they begin to trail beyond the depths of the trees. Ube's eye is caught on Cupcake as she hops by his side. Obvious to his staring.
Leaning over, he softly whispers over. Finally answering her.
"I like to just watch the water.."
Her mouth forms a little 'o' shape, caught off guard by the sudden answer. Looking up to him. She meets his smile. Making her smile way way WAY much.
Her eyes crease up as she smiles widely. But she doesn't say anything.
But that's okay. Because that's just how Ube is. And getting one response, is enough for her.
She hopes she can find him a lilly flower. They're always so pretty.. She knew he'd be the watchful type.
Maybe she can show him.. He doesn't have to be alone anymore.
. . .
Ube sits near the edge of the ground, just before the water. His feet dipping into the water. He cast his gaze downwards, getting a slight glimpse of himself in the waters reflection as he does.
The others, he can hear them from here, are playing out in the waters. Splashing about. Laughing..
He'll sit over here. That's fine.
There are some fish here too, chatting along with the others. Or just minding their business.
Seems that Cupcake has made a friend. A peachy looking fish. She's been playing with them as Pepper and Sushi do their own thing.
Ube closes his eye. Listening to the sounds of the water around him. It's nice..
He likes it here. But he wouldn't of gone out of his way to come if it wasn't for them. He'd rather stay home, even with the lingering dread that it permanently casts now.
Taking in soft breaths, Ube thinks back on things. Not the same pond, but he and his brother would like to go sometimes.
His brother would come up to him, holding out something in his paw.
By now he always knew it was some sort of creature inside. Giving a nod as his brother showed it off.
His bright smile and giggle. It was enough to make Ube smile a bit.
Even though he would never really get into the water. Ube was glad he came along. His brother made it worth while.
One day, something else happened.. Breaking the peace
"Ow!" Ube's eyes would pop open to the sound of distress. Scanning over the area before him. His eyes landed on his brother.
His brother had his foot lifted up as a sickly color ran down his paw. Ube's eyes widened.
He quickly hopped into the water. Not caring for the unpleasant feeling of having his fur soaked.
Shiftly making it over to his counterpart. He examined his foot briefly, before meeting his brother's shaky frown.
There was tears in his eyes, threatening to leak out.
"Don't step on it.." Ube quietly commanded as he wrapped his arms around his brother.
He leaned onto him, almost desperately so. As if he was afraid he'd suddenly drop him.
Ube tried to put his focus on getting onto the shore. Determination in his eyes as his eye brows furrowed.
Although he stared straight ahead. He couldn't help but watch from the corner of his eye as his brother's mouth trembled..
Laying him out on the grass. His brother's foot continued to bleed. Staining his soft tan fur into something uncanny on the bear.
"I'm going to try pull it out.." Ube's soft voice made his head snap up. Fear laced within his eyes.
"Ow.."
"Ow!"
Ube closed his eyes. Ears twitching back as he continued to hear his brother scream.
"I'm sorry.." He said so quietly, that almost nothing could hear it.
One last little movement, and it was out. Within Ube's paw, was a red covered fishing hook.
Ripping some plants around the area, he made a makeshift bandage. Until they got home at least.
His brother clug onto him. His posture slumped in a way he never truly saw before.
Ube was silent as he brought them home. He wish he wasn't. It wasn't right to his brother like this.
"Who would do such a thing..?" He heard him choke. Twisting his heart even further.
Ube leaned his head into his brother. Closing his eye as he couldn't continue to stare at his miserable state.
"I don't know.." He whispered. Right before he heard Flan begin to sob.
"Hey purple." Ube's eye opened. Looking up, he now saw Sushi in front of him.
She had her paws on her hips. Smiling down to him. She seemed a little less soaked then the others. Maybe just drying out now.
"We're gonna get the picnic out. Do you want to come over or.. I can bring you something." She shrugs.
Ube opens his mouth before immediately closing it. Almost slipping out if that was okay for him to do.
But.. She seemed okay with the idea..
"I think I'm gonna stay here.." He responds. His soft voice barely catching her ears but she eventually nods.
"I made peanut butter while Cupcake made turkey sandwiches." She rolled her eyes with a smile.
"We also have dried apples and potatoes. Wasn't sure if you'd like that kind of stuff.." She continues.
Ube stays silent momentarily. Swaying his feet within the water as he gazes down. "I can have.. A sandwich?"
"Sure! Which one? The turkey has mayonnaise on it by the way." She smiles.
"Uh.. I like mayo. I'll take it.." He places his paws together. Briefly seeing in his peripheral vision her nod as he stares down. Avoiding her gaze.
"Alright! They might be a bit soggy, being in a bag and all." She informs before walking off.
Ube watches her go. Seeing in the distance the other two already have placed down the blanket.
He cannot hear, but he sees her talk. Probably telling them where he's at. He feels okay with that. In all honesty.. He's almost appreciative he could be alone.
After a second. Sushi comes back over with the sandwich.
"Thank you.." He takes the baggie. Staring down to the neatly made sandwich. He begins to process that he hasn't eaten today.
"Of course! If you need anything else just wave or something." After a little nod given to her. Sushi turns and goes back over to the others.
Ube eventually brings himself to eat. Staring down to the water as he does.
The sandwich is good and.. He should thank them anyway for food.
He still doesn't really know how to feel about this. It's not that he hates it, it's that it isn't routine. Isn't expected.
Maybe it was just easier when he followed him. Someone to always be by. To not need to respond to.
He should of told Flan how much he did for him.
. . .
They walk home with him. The wait until he is inside to leave. And even before that as he glances out the window. They all wave to him.
His eye widened, surprised they'd even bother to stay. As they smile to him. He raises a paw up. Slowly waving back.
Walking back into their room. He feels something on his shoulders. Something that flutters in his chest.
They.. Care about him.
Or maybe, they're just really nice.
He isn't too sure how to think if it just that they were happy to see him.
Climbing inside of bed, he brings the blanket over himself. Closing his eyes as the silence of the house brings him to sleep.
In the back of his mind, however. He cannot thinking of the days events.
. . .
Ube wakes up early in the morning. Earlier than he regularly does. Almost as if he's woken from something.
But nothing seems out of the ordinary. His eyes feeling heavy as he glances around the room.
His nose suddenly twitches. Is that..?
Shifting out of bed, Ube walks out to the dining area of their small home. An odd smell leading the way.
Upon the small table, is a plate. Pancakes, butter already on top... Ube finds himself uneasy.
There's no note with them. Or a sign that anyone has entered their home. He searches, and there's nothing.
"Wake up, Uuube! C'mon you can't eat with syrup in bed. You'll make a mess!" A voice calls.
A soft and confused groan escapes Ube as he lifts himself out from bed. Tired eyes glancing over to see paws upon his chest the must of been shaking him awake.
Flan smiles at him. "Good morning, brother!
The bear stands there as nothing else is heard within the house besides total silence. Not even his breathing as it stiffens.
He exits the house shortly after. From the corner of his eye, he can vaguely make out something in the window.
Gerbera daisies are now placed within the cup, joining the tulips.
"That's.. My favorite. Thank you, brother." The lavender bear speaks. His tone soft, but the surprise still obvious.
Meeting the bear's eyes in front of him. He sees his smile. The flowers are bundled up and close to his chest.
"You're welcome Ube. Let's enjoy spring while it's here!"
Ube closes his eye as he walks. His head leaned down towards the ground. He's still uneasy.
He walks down the path, and disappears into the forest.
. . .
Ube begins to do the samething he has always done. Get up, groom himself and his teeth, go get lunch. Perhaps maybe he'll stop by the library, he could do that by himself..
It's almost the fourth year. He hasn't seen the three bears that invited him out in a while.
In a way, he was avoiding them. It wasn't to say he didn't enjoy himself. It was just.. Too much for him.
It had only been a few weeks. That wasn't very long at all he believes.
The flowers in the cup begun to wither. But for whatever reason. It seemed like they clung on. Ube thought about replacing them.
But something about that felt.. Wrong. He filled it with new water, and walked away from it.
It had been a few weeks, and yet, the uneasiness had welcomed itself back within their home.
He thinks, he's seen it again. Behind him in the mirror. He refuses it acknowledge it directly. It haunting over his shoulder.
"It's okay, Ube.. Just was a coat in the darkness." His brother hushed.
He stood by the doorway, paw over the light switch. Ube was curled up within the blanket. Eyes peeking over it with the same nervous terror.
"B-But.. I saw something." His brother shook his head to him as he came back to bed. Crawling in to meet his side.
"Nothing can hurt you in the darkness with me around! Remember?" He smiled. The lavender bear could see the sparks within his paws. The light within them coming to life.
Ube leaned his head over on top of his brother. Closing his eyes. He felt safe, with him by.
Flan ran his paw through his fur. "I love you brother, try to sleep.."
It stays in front of him while he eats. Not moving an inch. Sitting in his spot.
This must be his minds cruel joke. Because of course it is.
It becomes more vivid. The longer it stays. The clearer it becomes. It looks like him. He refuses to look it in the face.
It isn't real.. If he ignores it. It'll go away.
He wants it to.
Ube's bed is fixed when he isn't home. More flowers appear. Filling the cup to where seemingly no more can be placed. The house smells like almost a mix of vanilla and caramel.
Ube closes his eye. Running a hand over his face. It's the smell that his brother brung with him. His natural, familiar smell.
Ube feels as though he could possibly scream.
. . .
After his food is brought. He eats in silence, as it has become his usual.
There isn't much business today. Before lunch it seems. The silence is fine to him. Ube can't bring himself to care.
It watches. He's staring down to his plate to where he can only see until it's nose. Purposeful of the angle. He doesn't wish to stare it in the eyes.
It doesn't speak, and hasn't tried to. He's almost thankful for that. This phantom seems nothing more than a burning image of what he and his brother did together.
Quicker than usual, he finishes up. And walks out from the restaurant. It follows. With no sound of it's own as it walks.
Ube can feel it's presence. He has been for weeks. Even before he begun to see it.
He squeezes his eye shut tightly. He doesn't know if he can take it anymore.
"Is this some cruel choice of fate?" His naturally soft voice sounds almost hostile.
Anger flares up his chest. Threatening for the feeling to leak out from his eye. He turns around, meeting it in the eye.
Ube feels as though he could scream. His mouth trembles as he clinches his teeth so tight they could shatter. To hide his miserable frown.
"Are you just in my head? A curse?" The anger begins to slow down, showing another emotion in it's place. Despair.
His brow furrows up as he feels himself loose the very remaining hope he did. A pit filling his chest as he stares it in the eye.
It's expression changed after he looked to it. It's eye widening as it mouth opened slightly. As if a lost for words.
Between the two bears, recognition flashes with their eyes. Ube does not what he is feeling anymore.
The feeling within the house.. It's presence. Is of another person.
It's Flan.
The ghost's mouth twitches into a small, but utterly sorrowful smile. Familiar but almost lost joy shining within it's eye.
Ube feels frozen. His voice stuck within himself as he watches it. He doesn't process how much the tears have even fallen.
"You can see me?" They smile. Ube hasn't heard that voice in three years.
He throws himself at the ghost. His paws wrapping around it's hollow form as a wail rips through his throat.
Flan figure is cold, but he holds on anyway. His brother wraps his paws around the younger. Closing his eye as he embraces him.
"You found me.." He whispers into Ube's ear. Something he hasn't felt in so long but oh so familiar as his brother's soothing chilling voice.
Ube fingers twitch as he feels himself not be able to breathe anymore. His sobs choking him in it's grasp.
His claws dig into the ghost. He cannot feel Ube's touch. So he doesn't say anything.
After three years, Ube wasn't sure he could ever let go of his brother's passing.
Now, he can certainly not let go of Flan.
Flan hushes him. His ghostly fingers trail over the back of his head. Ube's sobs begin to devolve into hics and gasps. Laying his head tiredly into Flan's shoulder.
"It's going to be okay, Ube.. I'm here now." His voice is all he can focus on through the hysteria. He tries to soften his sobs, but that leads to him just not being able to breathe.
"I'm here." He repeats. And Ube softens his grasp as he leans into him. The cold feeling blossoming into something warmer. It almost feels as if he's here more than just as a ghost.
Ube's body untenses as he let's his eye close. His fur stained and eyes dry.
The sun rays lay onto them as a cool breeze runs through the grass and flowers around them.
The empty filling within Ube begins to dissipate. He pulls himself off of Flan, keeping his paws onto his shoulders as he tooks to him tiredly.
His expression crumbles as he begins to speak up. "I-I missed you." He chokes out. Almost on the edge of crying once again.
Flan leans his head forward as he closes his eyes with content. His forehead against his brother's, he smiles softly.
"I won't be going anytime soon. I love you, Ube."
Ube's expression crumbles even further. His voice hitching as tears begin to fall once again. Hearing those words after so long. He shatters.
"I-I-I missed yo- you too." Despite the tears. Flan feels warm. Holding onto his brother.
He finally feels found.