Chapter Text
FLAMEFRAGS POV :
"Is he home yet..?"
FlameFrags sat idly by his desk, it was another one of those evenings where Manepear would come home late again so all he had was his homework and a pen.
This wasn't the first time Flamefrags experienced something like this, after all, Mane worked late at night to earn enough emeralds for the two of them to at least have food on their plates or have their bills paid. But Flame couldn't deny the fact that it felt achingly lonely.
The sounds of crumpled paper filled up the room as Flamefrags attempted to do his homework, he didn't understand math too well, and he didn't really have anyone to help either. His tail stilled weakly at his side "I don't understand.." he muttered to himself, ears pinning down at his head as he slammed his pen on his desk hopelessly.
Sniffle sniffle..
The only sound that came out of the tiger hybrid was the sound of his own frustration. He didn't understand why Manepear couldn't just come home and help him, why his brother was always out so late for so long. He wouldn't be home for another 2 hours, Flamefrags thought.
It wasn't long before Flamefrags gave up, with only half of his homework answered since he didn't know how to do the rest. He shuffled off the seat, planting his feet on the ground as he attempted to steady himself. He reached for his doorknob, tip-toeing to reach the handle as he opened the door.
The hall outside his bedroom was cold and quiet, the same kind he had grown accustomed to already. His fingers traced the wall as he began to walk down the steps, clinging onto the edge of the railing.
Eventually, the sound of a lock opening and a key twisting interrupted the cold silence, as Manepear walked in, he looked tired as per usual, he always did. That was something the younger tiger had come to terms with. He didn't want his brother to be tired, but he didn't know why he was either.
"Mane..!!"
The tiger's ears that were previously flattened, rose up at the sight of his brother. He rushed over to him, arms wide as he pulled him into a hug, clinging onto his legs as his brother picked him up.
"Easy, bro.. Wouldn't want you getting hurt."
Manepear smiled weakly at Flamefrags, brushing his dreads with such soft tenderness for someone who seemed so strong.
MANEPEAR POV :
11:09 p.m
He was working overtime again at his job, taking on an extra shift just for the extra emeralds. Exhaustion was seeping into his bones as he continued to type endlessly on his computer, most of his co workers have left by now, yet he decided to stay.
A buzz ran through his phone as he continued to type, his eyebrow shot up in curiosity as he checked it. It was their landlord.
L : "Rent due this Saturday, don't be late again."
M : "Yeah, understood.."
Manepear's shoulders slumped, he had forgotten about that part. He was looking to hopefully buy Flamefrags a new pencil case since he's been using the same one since the third grade, and the boy was going to be in year 7 next year.
But alas, he had no choice. He would have to choose between paying the bills or letting his little brother use the same old torn pencil case. They could barely afford food so it was bad enough. Manepear stressed in his own head, calculating all the costs, the possible things he could buy and how many coupons he had left. He had to figure out how to stretch his salary for the next two weeks especially with the rent and utility bills coming up.
12:04 a.m
Once he finally got home, he let out a weary sigh as he reached his apartment door, unlocking it smoothly as he looked around, he was incredibly tired and wanted to just crash onto the couch and fall asleep, but then he heard the foot steps of his little brother running down the stairs.
His lion ears perked up as he saw his younger brother rush down and run over to hug him.
"Mane..!!"
His brother squeaked, excited to see him after he was gone for the whole day. Manepear stood there for a second before smiling and lifting him up. Gently rocking him smoothly.
"Easy, bro.. Wouldn't want you getting hurt."
Manepear then used up his last remaining energy to lift his brother up into his bedroom and tuck him in gently, running a hand through his hair while Flamefrags excitedly told him about his upcoming sports event.
Manepear sat there and listened to him, this was the only part of his day which he could actually enjoy In peace albeit the exhaustion.
Work was tiring, yes, however tonight? All the both of them had to focus on was the sounds of each others breathing as they both eventually fell asleep.