Chapter Text
Branch curled up in a tight ball, covering his ears. His brothers were yelling, yet again, over something so stupid.
“Shut up!” He finally snapped, tears pricking his eyes. He couldn't take it anymore.
He was tired. Tired of masking. Tired of the fights. Tired of everything.
It was a bad day. Why did it have to get worse?
Why couldn't he have a quiet day?
Why couldn't they just shut up?
Clay knelt in front of him, “Baby Blue?”
“Just shut up.” Branch choked out a sob.
Clay silently waited for him, they all did. A few minutes later, Branch lowered his hands.
“I'm sorry.” John frowned, “I'm sorry for upsetting you.”
Branch sniffled, “Why does this day keep getting worse?”
Floyd knelt in front of him. “I don't know, but I'm sorry. Anything we can do to help?”
“Snuggle?” Branch whimpered, reaching up for Floyd.
The four brothers surrounded the youngest, holding him close. They felt awful for upsetting their baby brother, they hadn't wanted to.
Maybe now they'd see that he needed them more than ever.