Work Text:
“Ow!” Caleb yelps, clutching his chest in pain.
He and his little brother were outside playing their favorite game, witch hunters.
It was similar to tag, but with a Puritan spin.
As the hunter, Philip chased after Caleb, the witch, with his wooden sword.
Once he managed to get the elder on the ground, Philip raised his weapon and jabbed Caleb a little too hard.
Slowly standing up, the blonde sends his younger brother a slightly stern look. "Philip, you must be more careful. Otherwise, you might end up badly hurting me someday."
Was Caleb annoyed?
Mildly, but he was not angry.
Caleb's tone of disapproval causes Philip to lower his head in shame. He didn’t mean to hurt his big brother. Not at all. He was only having fun. What if Caleb decides to never play with him again because of this?
“I’m sorry…” he softly apols, tears forming in his blue eyes as they spill down his cheeks.
Philip's sorrowful state brings Caleb's frown to an end, giving way to a look of sympathy.
Lowering down on one knee, he immediately wipes his wet face with his thumb.
When both of his hands are placed on Philip’s shoulders, he speaks again, soft words leaving his lips.
“Pip, it’s okay. We all make mistakes…”
'How can I make Philip feel better about this?' Caleb thought to himself.
Suddenly, an idea comes to mind as a smile forms on his face.
“Why don’t we head back home? I wanna carve you up something special. Would you like that?”
Standing back up again, Caleb offers Philip his hand to hold.
After a few sniffles, Philip looked at the hand, then at Caleb.
His brother looked so happy with him!
Smiling back, he takes Caleb's hand and the two walk home together.
Whatever carving surprise Caleb had instore for him, Philip couldn’t wait to see it!
He was certain that he was going to love it since his big brother best friend would be the one crafting it.