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Late, maybe too late in the middle of the night. All Yolky could feel was a constant fatigue that would not even allow him to think clearly, then why wouldn't he fall asleep? He could ask Gingerbrave the same question if he could speak. Apparently he was also too tired for that.
Gingerdozer was asleep, everyone else was too into their deep sleep but they seemed like an exception. Gingerbrave looked tired as well, yawning every now and then yet he found himself endlessly talking to Yolky, sitting next to his sleeping bag and playing with his hands nervously. Maybe too nervous.
“Well, back home is nicer than this.” That was his whole premise. “Once we get there, we will find you a very nice home, with a real bed and a real ceiling. No more campsites for you, you must be exhausted of them, no? Maybe you aren't. You must think I'm speaking for you.” A small laugh right after. Still so nervous it was more painful than anything Yolky could be feeling.
Lately their life has been reduced to this. Pitiful small chats from Brave for the equivalent of a breathing corpse, another month to feed, dead weight that they couldn't get rid of. That was what Yolky would try to see himself as before Brave would speak to him. When all his thoughts were senseless static with a few words thrown in and his feelings were more like memories of whatever he used to be before turning to this, Brave was a channel he could half turn in. Brave never seemed to regret. That nervousness he was so familiar with was no disgust or fear, but that one from he would come back to him covered in dirt with hand-picked flowers. Stumbling in his own words while trying to make up excuses for such a gift. For Yolky that was the sole reason to not grab strength he did not have to make Gingerbrave stop, how could he ask him to stop something so sincere even if he himself was not deserving of it? Maybe this wasn't all bad, he thought. The pain was unbearable, that would get better eventually but now all he cared about was Brave's small talk.
Wizard had advised him not to force himself, but gently he did his best to let his torso fall next to Gingerbrave. The other boy became worried with the sudden force, immediately jumping in his place and attempting to check on Yolky, but what he found was a slight smile along what seemed to be small tears in the corner of his eyes. It must have been dust, Gingerbrave thought as his eyes started leaking too.
—
For Brave in his hope this was all temporary. Sooner than later they'd be back home, sharing warm, filling and tasteful meals with their friend. Yolky at any time would start feeling better, he knew it, everyone told him so, Yolky was getting better. He was not all so still anymore, even if he looked gone he could as well move his body slightly. That was better than when he was completely still. He hummed now as well! Small sounds of affirmation every once in a while, like letting everyone else know he was there too. Gingerbrave always cheered, how could anyone forget him! That was what he always tried to be, a support, a translator of Yolky’s emotions, anything that he might need and Ginger could provide. He would never say that out loud but it wasn't necessary, anyone around him could tell his worry was expressed through that constant, maybe annoying at times, care.
He was always worried. He worried over being overly worried. Was Yolky tired of it? He remembers him in simpler times, getting angry over certain matters at times, was Yolky mad at him? How could he express it! Nothing stopped him from hating Gingerbrave inside, not letting him know until he was finally able to speak properly. Those were his thoughts and as easy as they came, they evaporated at the touch of Yolky's cheek on his shoulder. How could he think such things of someone that trusts him this much?
Gingerbrave became quiet, if it wasn't for Yolky's open eyes he could swear he had fallen asleep. Not wanting to make any sudden movements and hurt him, he remained still for a minute or two. Why was he suddenly even more nervous? Why was he holding his breath?! Yolky would not die if he breathed normally, why was Yolky's breath so loud? His heart was so fast, was Brave smiling? He felt like he was smiling. How does he dare to smile while Yolky cries on his shoulder? (Yolky wouldn't notice anyways, Gingerbrave wasn't smiling.) After keeping that position for a long while, he started relaxing again, slowly, nothing otherworldly was happening, not outside of his heart.
With a soft movement he checked on Yolky again, he was no longer crying but his face was wet. His fingers raised, even if his hands were still, like trying to signal for something, like trying to reach higher and higher each time.
“Do you need anything?” Gingerbrave asked, a sound of no. His fingers kept going with speed. Something inside of him took control of his brain and decided to hold Yolky's hands on his and the movement stopped. So cold. He wanted to be held by Brave, such a sign of hate wasn't it? Ginger couldn't hold a small laugh.
“I've missed you so much.” He whispered, maybe to himself but in the silence of the night nothing he said was secret. “I can't wait to listen to all the things you have to say. Are you liking the trip? I hope you are…” Brave's heart felt recharged with so little gestures. The insecurity was gone and now was replaced with a lovely embarrassment. Love as simple as it was. Yolky loved him too, they'd no longer have to suffer for this. They've suffered enough. “I promise you. This will be over soon, we will find. perfect home for you… for you and me.” That addition alone took more courage than any of his adventures.