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Fox accepted voice only for the incoming comm after the twentyfourth ring. A familiar voice cracked to live without any preamble:
„You're avoiding me.“
„No, I'm not avoiding you. I just didn't check in for a while. We both do this from time to time.“
„We both do this when we are hurting. What is wrong?“
„Nothing is wrong. I just don't feel like talking to anyvod right now.“
„Is this about me spending most of my time with them? Do you think I don't care about you anymore?“
„Why do you always think everything is about you? You are not the 000 of my life!“
„Fox please, I'm just trying to understand. I know we don't talk about all aspects of our lifes but.. I'm so happy right now and I want to share this with you. I want you to be happy too.“
Cody's voice was soft. He obviously tried to tread carefully. Fox bristled anyways:
„I would appreciate if you stopped superimposing your feelings on me.“
His tone changing from neutral to biting as he raised his voice:
„Can't you just consider what I want for once in your life? What if I am happy for you but I don't want to be happy right now?“
„I don't understand.“
Fox took a deep breath.
„No you don't. You just found happiness. And if anyone deserves it it's you, Cody.“
Another small pause.
„I don't want to keep you from experiencing this to its fullest. I want you to grab this chance with both hands and hold on tight. But in order to do so you'll need to let go of my hand for now.“
Now it was Cody's voice rising in volume.
„What are you talking about Fox. I don't need to let go of you. You're not holding me back! Why can't I have both of you in my life? Why would you make me chose?“
Fox stared at the comm, eventually switching the holo transmission on:
„I think you misunderstood. I don't want you to chose between us, I don't want you to hold on to me right now. Please enjoy this new journey and focus on building your future. You'll experience the thrill of finding each other only once.“
He tried to meet his brother's eyes in the blue flickering to convey his sincerity. He knew he looked exhausted but he also knew Cody would feel better about seeing him unharmed otherwise. Cody still frowned at him.
„I can bear losing you only once.“ his brother pleaded under his breath.
„Cody, please.. I will find you when the speed and exhilaration of this first chapter winds down into a comfortable stroll. Please believe me. I will not get lost. Don't turn around and look for me. Focus on the path in front of you.“
Cody shook his head and leaned back from his comm, covering his face with his hands.
„Please just tell me why you cannot move on to a new chapter with us..“
Fox smiled sadly at his brother.
„I will be ready to move on when I catch up to you. Trust me to find my way home. Ret'urcye mhi.“
He cut the communication.