SECOND BEST MAN! SECOND BEST!

I started during University as a way to fill time between lectures and omg its so fun.

Yeah.

Eggy I can assure you that I have absolutely NO idea where that brony t shirt of yours has gotten to, I was merely admiring it last time we were at yours

I'm sure Felix might have seen it around however since I've noticed he's taken to borrowing some of your clothes

...right? ....

Hey @kyle-eggy-egerton I'm outside! Come get your dress.

'👍'

(That should do it. He grins, quickly pocketing his phone and sprinting down the stairs, opening the front door.)

(he rushes towards her quickly, front door still cracked open behind him as he takes the hat-box from her with a small grin)

(She repositions herself, so she's holding the dress more securely and turns to make sure her car is locked properly. Once she's satisfied, she turns back to Eggy.)

Well, I assumed you'd try on the dress - inside, obviously - you see if it needs any adjustments, and if we it does we call Rudy, if your comfortable we take pictures and then head for food, potentially with Rudy if he's here and wants to tag along. Or we could get food now?

Plan A sounds good, yeah. Trying on the dress and'en food? Possibly even Ruds joinin'? Sounds like a plan!

(He smiles as he hums to himself, going over to the open door and pushing it open so that Helen could pass after him)

(She closes the door.)

So I'll wait here while you change or-? Honestly, I didn't think this far a head.

Geez- down, Bee! I was only gone for like, 30 seconds-

(Eggy looks up at Helen apologetically, giving her an awkward smile)

Sorry about this lil' troublemaker, she gets excited. I could probably go change in the bathroom, yeah, maybe you'd like to watch Bee 'ere for me?

Don't apologise! I completely understand. And I will never pass up the opportunity to spend time with a dog.

(She goes to pet Bee but then remembers she's holding the dress.)

Whoops, probably shouldn't have this near her.

(She hands to dress to Kyle and immediately goes to get the dog.)

Who's a good girl? You are! Yes you!

(She looks up at Eggy.)

C'mon, Eggy, you've got this.

(It shouldn't be this hard. Shirt, pants, off. Dress on, and that's that. He catches his reflection in the bathroom mirror, and stares at himself, unable to look away. The dress was still in his hands, unworn and trembling as his hands shook. He was fine with this just moments before, why the FUCK was he chickening out now?)

You sick fuckin' pansy.

(It wasn't Kyle's voice. It never was. But Eggy could see his father's disdain even though he was nowhere close, the disappointment and disgust flashing through eyes that Eggy inherited.)

(Eyes that he hated)

Fuck off, dad!

(Eggy takes a deep breath, looking down at the dress in his hands. Thinking about the situation. His dad wasn't gonna be involved, so why would Eggy involve him, even mentally? Another breath, this time forcefully steeling his hands. He wanted to do this, in the first place. It was just for a prank, to make his best friend laugh- best friend, best friend, best man second best man second BEST-)

Eggy? You alright, mate?

(She absencemindedly stroked Bee, trying to calm the dog as much herself.)

(He probably just tripped on the trim or something. He's fine.)

I'm just going to go make sure your dad's OK. I'll be right back.

(After making sure Bee's is content, Helen heads to the bathroom.)

(just like what happened on the Stag)

I-

(The sight of magic clears his mind of the thoughts he'd spent years forcing deep, deep down, replacing them with the meditative calm of a warrior's thoughts, filling him with a strength that he hasn't felt since the Stag itself, enough that he's able to push himself upwards, grabbing onto the sink, and looks into his eyes.)

(No longer like his father's, Kyle Egerton's eyes glowed with golden magic, the radiant aura around him forming the warrior that had pushed and strived to survive the Stag, time after time.)

(A rapid knock on the door breaks Eggy out of the meditative state, and the warrior's form blinks our of existence, leaving Eggy to stare at his own reflection, breathing laboured, heavy breaths. This... Was something.)

I'm fine.

Hey @kyle-eggy-egerton I'm outside! Come get your dress.

'👍'

(That should do it. He grins, quickly pocketing his phone and sprinting down the stairs, opening the front door.)

(he rushes towards her quickly, front door still cracked open behind him as he takes the hat-box from her with a small grin)

(She repositions herself, so she's holding the dress more securely and turns to make sure her car is locked properly. Once she's satisfied, she turns back to Eggy.)

Well, I assumed you'd try on the dress - inside, obviously - you see if it needs any adjustments, and if we it does we call Rudy, if your comfortable we take pictures and then head for food, potentially with Rudy if he's here and wants to tag along. Or we could get food now?

Plan A sounds good, yeah. Trying on the dress and'en food? Possibly even Ruds joinin'? Sounds like a plan!

(He smiles as he hums to himself, going over to the open door and pushing it open so that Helen could pass after him)

(She closes the door.)

So I'll wait here while you change or-? Honestly, I didn't think this far a head.

Geez- down, Bee! I was only gone for like, 30 seconds-

(Eggy looks up at Helen apologetically, giving her an awkward smile)

Sorry about this lil' troublemaker, she gets excited. I could probably go change in the bathroom, yeah, maybe you'd like to watch Bee 'ere for me?

Don't apologise! I completely understand. And I will never pass up the opportunity to spend time with a dog.

(She goes to pet Bee but then remembers she's holding the dress.)

Whoops, probably shouldn't have this near her.

(She hands to dress to Kyle and immediately goes to get the dog.)

Who's a good girl? You are! Yes you!

(She looks up at Eggy.)

C'mon, Eggy, you've got this.

(It shouldn't be this hard. Shirt, pants, off. Dress on, and that's that. He catches his reflection in the bathroom mirror, and stares at himself, unable to look away. The dress was still in his hands, unworn and trembling as his hands shook. He was fine with this just moments before, why the FUCK was he chickening out now?)

You sick fuckin' pansy.

(It wasn't Kyle's voice. It never was. But Eggy could see his father's disdain even though he was nowhere close, the disappointment and disgust flashing through eyes that Eggy inherited.)

(Eyes that he hated)

Fuck off, dad!

(Eggy takes a deep breath, looking down at the dress in his hands. Thinking about the situation. His dad wasn't gonna be involved, so why would Eggy involve him, even mentally? Another breath, this time forcefully steeling his hands. He wanted to do this, in the first place. It was just for a prank, to make his best friend laugh- best friend, best friend, best man second best man second BEST-)

Eggy? You alright, mate?

(She absencemindedly stroked Bee, trying to calm the dog as much herself.)

(He probably just tripped on the trim or something. He's fine.)

(Something in him tells him Eggy will be okay with it. That he’ll understand.)

I fell down a hill, that’s all. I tried a different route back home.

(Good luck selling THAT, Gary.)

No one did anything. I really did roll down a hill. I was just being stupid, okay?

I—I forgot about the ice. I’ll do it later.

I'll go get some for you, yeah? Take a break from everythin', get some rest. You look tired.

(He can’t take a coke. He doesn’t deserve it. He wants to tell him about what he nearly did.)

No. I’m okay.

(he hesitates. Eggy’ll hate him.)

(Kyle pauses, raising an eyebrow and taking a moment to genuinely think about it)

(Gary stares at Eggy’s earnest eyes. He feels his stomach drop.)

Hey, you know dad. You know dad's a cunt. The fact that you look guilty about this is more humanity than dad's ever shown, aight? So no, I won't hate you.

I don’t think I have friends in school anymore.

(He shifts uncomfortably.)

and—and I’m sorry, and I SWEAR, I didn’t drink any, but—but—they offered, and I—

—and, I basically rolled down a hill so I could avoid it, but I don’t know if they know it was intentional, and it was embarrassing, and I think they don’t want me to be their friend anymore—

(Gary looks mortified.)

—Eggy, I wanted to drink.

I wanted—even—even for a second—maybe—maybe…maybe I’d see why he liked it so much, and maybe I’d see why it made him feel better, maybe…

And then—maybe…then maybe I could forget everything.

I thought maybe…I thought I could…I could make everything go away. Maybe all this stupid…anger…and…

…and they said that their dad saw you at the pub, and I didn’t like it, cuz it made me mad, because you’re not like dad—you’re better, and you’re responsible—

But I’m not. I’m angry, and I run my mouth, and I want to punch people all the time, and I—

And they said that maybe…maybe it ran in the family and—

Eggy…I don’t want to be dad.

(Gary’s hands dig into the fabric of his shorts, his knuckles white.)

Please…please don’t leave me. I know—I know I shouldn’t have even wanted—but—but I can’t lose you.

Sit with me, mate.

First if all, those 'friends' are cunts. Consent is important in everything, yeah? They should respect that. Peer pressure is a thing. Also- I'm sorry, you rolled off a hill? No wonder you look so fucked up, mate. You need more than an icepack, and I might need to take you to a clinic, see if you fractured anything...

(He trails off, lost in thought for a second, and runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact)

I mean, it's definitely possible they saw me at a pub. Things are... Complicated. But I need you to listen to me, yeah? You're not like dad. So, you're angry, or you run your mouth. You're a teenager, for fuck's sake. I was like that when I was a kid, too, y'know? Just like you. You're not gonna turn out like 'im, and, 'ell, you're already showin' more restraint then 'e ever 'as. And you know how much harm 'e's done. I trust that you won't go down that path.

I-I thought you’d be angrier.

(Gary stares quietly at his lap, trying to ignore the sting in his eyes, wholly avoiding his brother’s stare.)

…you…don’t have to answer me.

but…does it feel good to drink?

is it…like, forgetting things?

or…or do you feel happier?

Hey, I'm not gonna be angry 'bout this. I'm your older brother, yeah? 's my job to help you through this, and I wanna help.

(he hums, expression going serious for a moment)

Drinking is... Different for everyone, mate. For most people, drinking 'elps numb things, yeah? Others drink it to let loose. It... Breaks a barrier, in your mind, yeah? Weakens your restraint. So for people like dad, it stops him from having to be responsible. Numbs 'im, but makes 'im an angrier person.

Not the same for all people, though. I have a friend who doesn't drink in bars, says their brain gets heavy. Told me that they're fully there, in that time, just physically... Sludgy, they said.

Gotta remember, though, it does come with a price. 'ell, I've had my own fair share of 'angovers.

(his voice becomes bitter, serious)

I can't be too sure of what dad thinks, if I'm bein' 'onest. Don't wanna, either. 'e made 'is choices.

S-sometimes I want to forget.

(He wipes his face and hiccups.)

(Kyle's throat tightens, breath growing uneven, and he pulls his little brother into a hug, quietly, holding the back of Gary's head as he cried.)

Yeah.

(Eggy's voice is gruff, and he's unable to hold back the grief in his tone.)

F-fuck, Eggy, it literally fucking—hurts…like i need a doctor hurt, Eggy.

(Eventually, he lets go of Eggy’s shirt while his sobs quietly subside, tears still streaming down his face. He makes a weak effort to wipe them with his sleeve.)

(And every passing day, Eggy is reminded of how his best isn't enough.)

(The squesze loosens as soon as Gary makes an attempt to pull away, and Eggy uses the back of his hand to wipe moisture from his eyes, undoubtedly leaving them red and slightly puffy.)

Yeah, no, we definitely need to get you to a doctor. I... I know things feel fucked up right now, aight? But... I'm gonna be here for you, yeah? I hope you know that.

(Eggy was about to leave it at that, but his throat tightened as he saw the look in Gary's eyes. A look he was all too familiar with, one that he saw in the mirror. Self-loathing. He couldn't bear to think that his little brother would feel that way about himself)

We’re so fucked up, Eggy.

(He wipes snot from his nose.)

Hey @kyle-eggy-egerton I'm outside! Come get your dress.

'👍'

(That should do it. He grins, quickly pocketing his phone and sprinting down the stairs, opening the front door.)

(he rushes towards her quickly, front door still cracked open behind him as he takes the hat-box from her with a small grin)

(She repositions herself, so she's holding the dress more securely and turns to make sure her car is locked properly. Once she's satisfied, she turns back to Eggy.)

Well, I assumed you'd try on the dress - inside, obviously - you see if it needs any adjustments, and if we it does we call Rudy, if your comfortable we take pictures and then head for food, potentially with Rudy if he's here and wants to tag along. Or we could get food now?

Plan A sounds good, yeah. Trying on the dress and'en food? Possibly even Ruds joinin'? Sounds like a plan!

(He smiles as he hums to himself, going over to the open door and pushing it open so that Helen could pass after him)

(She closes the door.)

So I'll wait here while you change or-? Honestly, I didn't think this far a head.

Geez- down, Bee! I was only gone for like, 30 seconds-

(Eggy looks up at Helen apologetically, giving her an awkward smile)

Sorry about this lil' troublemaker, she gets excited. I could probably go change in the bathroom, yeah, maybe you'd like to watch Bee 'ere for me?

Don't apologise! I completely understand. And I will never pass up the opportunity to spend time with a dog.

(She goes to pet Bee but then remembers she's holding the dress.)

Whoops, probably shouldn't have this near her.

(She hands to dress to Kyle and immediately goes to get the dog.)

Who's a good girl? You are! Yes you!

(She looks up at Eggy.)

C'mon, Eggy, you've got this.

(It shouldn't be this hard. Shirt, pants, off. Dress on, and that's that. He catches his reflection in the bathroom mirror, and stares at himself, unable to look away. The dress was still in his hands, unworn and trembling as his hands shook. He was fine with this just moments before, why the FUCK was he chickening out now?)

You sick fuckin' pansy.

(It wasn't Kyle's voice. It never was. But Eggy could see his father's disdain even though he was nowhere close, the disappointment and disgust flashing through eyes that Eggy inherited.)

(Eyes that he hated)

Fuck off, dad!

(Eggy takes a deep breath, looking down at the dress in his hands. Thinking about the situation. His dad wasn't gonna be involved, so why would Eggy involve him, even mentally? Another breath, this time forcefully steeling his hands. He wanted to do this, in the first place. It was just for a prank, to make his best friend laugh- best friend, best friend, best man second best man second BEST-)

Hey @kyle-eggy-egerton I'm outside! Come get your dress.

'👍'

(That should do it. He grins, quickly pocketing his phone and sprinting down the stairs, opening the front door.)

(he rushes towards her quickly, front door still cracked open behind him as he takes the hat-box from her with a small grin)

(She repositions herself, so she's holding the dress more securely and turns to make sure her car is locked properly. Once she's satisfied, she turns back to Eggy.)

Well, I assumed you'd try on the dress - inside, obviously - you see if it needs any adjustments, and if we it does we call Rudy, if your comfortable we take pictures and then head for food, potentially with Rudy if he's here and wants to tag along. Or we could get food now?

Plan A sounds good, yeah. Trying on the dress and'en food? Possibly even Ruds joinin'? Sounds like a plan!

(He smiles as he hums to himself, going over to the open door and pushing it open so that Helen could pass after him)

(She closes the door.)

So I'll wait here while you change or-? Honestly, I didn't think this far a head.

Geez- down, Bee! I was only gone for like, 30 seconds-

(Eggy looks up at Helen apologetically, giving her an awkward smile)

Sorry about this lil' troublemaker, she gets excited. I could probably go change in the bathroom, yeah, maybe you'd like to watch Bee 'ere for me?

(Something in him tells him Eggy will be okay with it. That he’ll understand.)

I fell down a hill, that’s all. I tried a different route back home.

(Good luck selling THAT, Gary.)

No one did anything. I really did roll down a hill. I was just being stupid, okay?

I—I forgot about the ice. I’ll do it later.

I'll go get some for you, yeah? Take a break from everythin', get some rest. You look tired.

(He can’t take a coke. He doesn’t deserve it. He wants to tell him about what he nearly did.)

No. I’m okay.

(he hesitates. Eggy’ll hate him.)

(Kyle pauses, raising an eyebrow and taking a moment to genuinely think about it)

(Gary stares at Eggy’s earnest eyes. He feels his stomach drop.)

Hey, you know dad. You know dad's a cunt. The fact that you look guilty about this is more humanity than dad's ever shown, aight? So no, I won't hate you.

I don’t think I have friends in school anymore.

(He shifts uncomfortably.)

and—and I’m sorry, and I SWEAR, I didn’t drink any, but—but—they offered, and I—

—and, I basically rolled down a hill so I could avoid it, but I don’t know if they know it was intentional, and it was embarrassing, and I think they don’t want me to be their friend anymore—

(Gary looks mortified.)

—Eggy, I wanted to drink.

I wanted—even—even for a second—maybe—maybe…maybe I’d see why he liked it so much, and maybe I’d see why it made him feel better, maybe…

And then—maybe…then maybe I could forget everything.

I thought maybe…I thought I could…I could make everything go away. Maybe all this stupid…anger…and…

…and they said that their dad saw you at the pub, and I didn’t like it, cuz it made me mad, because you’re not like dad—you’re better, and you’re responsible—

But I’m not. I’m angry, and I run my mouth, and I want to punch people all the time, and I—

And they said that maybe…maybe it ran in the family and—

Eggy…I don’t want to be dad.

(Gary’s hands dig into the fabric of his shorts, his knuckles white.)

Please…please don’t leave me. I know—I know I shouldn’t have even wanted—but—but I can’t lose you.

Sit with me, mate.

First if all, those 'friends' are cunts. Consent is important in everything, yeah? They should respect that. Peer pressure is a thing. Also- I'm sorry, you rolled off a hill? No wonder you look so fucked up, mate. You need more than an icepack, and I might need to take you to a clinic, see if you fractured anything...

(He trails off, lost in thought for a second, and runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact)

I mean, it's definitely possible they saw me at a pub. Things are... Complicated. But I need you to listen to me, yeah? You're not like dad. So, you're angry, or you run your mouth. You're a teenager, for fuck's sake. I was like that when I was a kid, too, y'know? Just like you. You're not gonna turn out like 'im, and, 'ell, you're already showin' more restraint then 'e ever 'as. And you know how much harm 'e's done. I trust that you won't go down that path.

I-I thought you’d be angrier.

(Gary stares quietly at his lap, trying to ignore the sting in his eyes, wholly avoiding his brother’s stare.)

…you…don’t have to answer me.

but…does it feel good to drink?

is it…like, forgetting things?

or…or do you feel happier?

Hey, I'm not gonna be angry 'bout this. I'm your older brother, yeah? 's my job to help you through this, and I wanna help.

(he hums, expression going serious for a moment)

Drinking is... Different for everyone, mate. For most people, drinking 'elps numb things, yeah? Others drink it to let loose. It... Breaks a barrier, in your mind, yeah? Weakens your restraint. So for people like dad, it stops him from having to be responsible. Numbs 'im, but makes 'im an angrier person.

Not the same for all people, though. I have a friend who doesn't drink in bars, says their brain gets heavy. Told me that they're fully there, in that time, just physically... Sludgy, they said.

Gotta remember, though, it does come with a price. 'ell, I've had my own fair share of 'angovers.

(his voice becomes bitter, serious)

I can't be too sure of what dad thinks, if I'm bein' 'onest. Don't wanna, either. 'e made 'is choices.

S-sometimes I want to forget.

(He wipes his face and hiccups.)

(Kyle's throat tightens, breath growing uneven, and he pulls his little brother into a hug, quietly, holding the back of Gary's head as he cried.)

Yeah.

(Eggy's voice is gruff, and he's unable to hold back the grief in his tone.)

F-fuck, Eggy, it literally fucking—hurts…like i need a doctor hurt, Eggy.

(Eventually, he lets go of Eggy’s shirt while his sobs quietly subside, tears still streaming down his face. He makes a weak effort to wipe them with his sleeve.)

(And every passing day, Eggy is reminded of how his best isn't enough.)

(The squesze loosens as soon as Gary makes an attempt to pull away, and Eggy uses the back of his hand to wipe moisture from his eyes, undoubtedly leaving them red and slightly puffy.)

Yeah, no, we definitely need to get you to a doctor. I... I know things feel fucked up right now, aight? But... I'm gonna be here for you, yeah? I hope you know that.

(Eggy was about to leave it at that, but his throat tightened as he saw the look in Gary's eyes. A look he was all too familiar with, one that he saw in the mirror. Self-loathing. He couldn't bear to think that his little brother would feel that way about himself)

@kyle-eggy-egerton 'ere, everyone else gets decent songs but you mate, you get this shit (reminded me of you, love this song)

Aw, love you mate! Amazing song right there

It's making me want to go pet my dog back home... I'll be home soon enough!

Hey @kyle-eggy-egerton I'm outside! Come get your dress.

'👍'

(That should do it. He grins, quickly pocketing his phone and sprinting down the stairs, opening the front door.)

(he rushes towards her quickly, front door still cracked open behind him as he takes the hat-box from her with a small grin)

(She repositions herself, so she's holding the dress more securely and turns to make sure her car is locked properly. Once she's satisfied, she turns back to Eggy.)

Well, I assumed you'd try on the dress - inside, obviously - you see if it needs any adjustments, and if we it does we call Rudy, if your comfortable we take pictures and then head for food, potentially with Rudy if he's here and wants to tag along. Or we could get food now?

Plan A sounds good, yeah. Trying on the dress and'en food? Possibly even Ruds joinin'? Sounds like a plan!

(He smiles as he hums to himself, going over to the open door and pushing it open so that Helen could pass after him)

Hey @kyle-eggy-egerton I'm outside! Come get your dress.

'👍'

(That should do it. He grins, quickly pocketing his phone and sprinting down the stairs, opening the front door.)

(he rushes towards her quickly, front door still cracked open behind him as he takes the hat-box from her with a small grin)

@kyle-eggy-egerton 'ere, everyone else gets decent songs but you mate, you get this shit (reminded me of you, love this song)

Aw, love you mate! Amazing song right there

It's making me want to go pet my dog back home... I'll be home soon enough!

(Something in him tells him Eggy will be okay with it. That he’ll understand.)

I fell down a hill, that’s all. I tried a different route back home.

(Good luck selling THAT, Gary.)

No one did anything. I really did roll down a hill. I was just being stupid, okay?

I—I forgot about the ice. I’ll do it later.

I'll go get some for you, yeah? Take a break from everythin', get some rest. You look tired.

(He can’t take a coke. He doesn’t deserve it. He wants to tell him about what he nearly did.)

No. I’m okay.

(he hesitates. Eggy’ll hate him.)

(Kyle pauses, raising an eyebrow and taking a moment to genuinely think about it)

(Gary stares at Eggy’s earnest eyes. He feels his stomach drop.)

Hey, you know dad. You know dad's a cunt. The fact that you look guilty about this is more humanity than dad's ever shown, aight? So no, I won't hate you.

I don’t think I have friends in school anymore.

(He shifts uncomfortably.)

and—and I’m sorry, and I SWEAR, I didn’t drink any, but—but—they offered, and I—

—and, I basically rolled down a hill so I could avoid it, but I don’t know if they know it was intentional, and it was embarrassing, and I think they don’t want me to be their friend anymore—

(Gary looks mortified.)

—Eggy, I wanted to drink.

I wanted—even—even for a second—maybe—maybe…maybe I’d see why he liked it so much, and maybe I’d see why it made him feel better, maybe…

And then—maybe…then maybe I could forget everything.

I thought maybe…I thought I could…I could make everything go away. Maybe all this stupid…anger…and…

…and they said that their dad saw you at the pub, and I didn’t like it, cuz it made me mad, because you’re not like dad—you’re better, and you’re responsible—

But I’m not. I’m angry, and I run my mouth, and I want to punch people all the time, and I—

And they said that maybe…maybe it ran in the family and—

Eggy…I don’t want to be dad.

(Gary’s hands dig into the fabric of his shorts, his knuckles white.)

Please…please don’t leave me. I know—I know I shouldn’t have even wanted—but—but I can’t lose you.

Sit with me, mate.

First if all, those 'friends' are cunts. Consent is important in everything, yeah? They should respect that. Peer pressure is a thing. Also- I'm sorry, you rolled off a hill? No wonder you look so fucked up, mate. You need more than an icepack, and I might need to take you to a clinic, see if you fractured anything...

(He trails off, lost in thought for a second, and runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact)

I mean, it's definitely possible they saw me at a pub. Things are... Complicated. But I need you to listen to me, yeah? You're not like dad. So, you're angry, or you run your mouth. You're a teenager, for fuck's sake. I was like that when I was a kid, too, y'know? Just like you. You're not gonna turn out like 'im, and, 'ell, you're already showin' more restraint then 'e ever 'as. And you know how much harm 'e's done. I trust that you won't go down that path.

I-I thought you’d be angrier.

(Gary stares quietly at his lap, trying to ignore the sting in his eyes, wholly avoiding his brother’s stare.)

…you…don’t have to answer me.

but…does it feel good to drink?

is it…like, forgetting things?

or…or do you feel happier?

Hey, I'm not gonna be angry 'bout this. I'm your older brother, yeah? 's my job to help you through this, and I wanna help.

(he hums, expression going serious for a moment)

Drinking is... Different for everyone, mate. For most people, drinking 'elps numb things, yeah? Others drink it to let loose. It... Breaks a barrier, in your mind, yeah? Weakens your restraint. So for people like dad, it stops him from having to be responsible. Numbs 'im, but makes 'im an angrier person.

Not the same for all people, though. I have a friend who doesn't drink in bars, says their brain gets heavy. Told me that they're fully there, in that time, just physically... Sludgy, they said.

Gotta remember, though, it does come with a price. 'ell, I've had my own fair share of 'angovers.

(his voice becomes bitter, serious)

I can't be too sure of what dad thinks, if I'm bein' 'onest. Don't wanna, either. 'e made 'is choices.

S-sometimes I want to forget.

(He wipes his face and hiccups.)

(Kyle's throat tightens, breath growing uneven, and he pulls his little brother into a hug, quietly, holding the back of Gary's head as he cried.)

Yeah.

(Eggy's voice is gruff, and he's unable to hold back the grief in his tone.)

Hey @kyle-eggy-egerton I'm outside! Come get your dress.

'👍'

(That should do it. He grins, quickly pocketing his phone and sprinting down the stairs, opening the front door.)

(Something in him tells him Eggy will be okay with it. That he’ll understand.)

I fell down a hill, that’s all. I tried a different route back home.

(Good luck selling THAT, Gary.)

No one did anything. I really did roll down a hill. I was just being stupid, okay?

I—I forgot about the ice. I’ll do it later.

I'll go get some for you, yeah? Take a break from everythin', get some rest. You look tired.

(He can’t take a coke. He doesn’t deserve it. He wants to tell him about what he nearly did.)

No. I’m okay.

(he hesitates. Eggy’ll hate him.)

(Kyle pauses, raising an eyebrow and taking a moment to genuinely think about it)

(Gary stares at Eggy’s earnest eyes. He feels his stomach drop.)

Hey, you know dad. You know dad's a cunt. The fact that you look guilty about this is more humanity than dad's ever shown, aight? So no, I won't hate you.

I don’t think I have friends in school anymore.

(He shifts uncomfortably.)

and—and I’m sorry, and I SWEAR, I didn’t drink any, but—but—they offered, and I—

—and, I basically rolled down a hill so I could avoid it, but I don’t know if they know it was intentional, and it was embarrassing, and I think they don’t want me to be their friend anymore—

(Gary looks mortified.)

—Eggy, I wanted to drink.

I wanted—even—even for a second—maybe—maybe…maybe I’d see why he liked it so much, and maybe I’d see why it made him feel better, maybe…

And then—maybe…then maybe I could forget everything.

I thought maybe…I thought I could…I could make everything go away. Maybe all this stupid…anger…and…

…and they said that their dad saw you at the pub, and I didn’t like it, cuz it made me mad, because you’re not like dad—you’re better, and you’re responsible—

But I’m not. I’m angry, and I run my mouth, and I want to punch people all the time, and I—

And they said that maybe…maybe it ran in the family and—

Eggy…I don’t want to be dad.

(Gary’s hands dig into the fabric of his shorts, his knuckles white.)

Please…please don’t leave me. I know—I know I shouldn’t have even wanted—but—but I can’t lose you.

Sit with me, mate.

First if all, those 'friends' are cunts. Consent is important in everything, yeah? They should respect that. Peer pressure is a thing. Also- I'm sorry, you rolled off a hill? No wonder you look so fucked up, mate. You need more than an icepack, and I might need to take you to a clinic, see if you fractured anything...

(He trails off, lost in thought for a second, and runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact)

I mean, it's definitely possible they saw me at a pub. Things are... Complicated. But I need you to listen to me, yeah? You're not like dad. So, you're angry, or you run your mouth. You're a teenager, for fuck's sake. I was like that when I was a kid, too, y'know? Just like you. You're not gonna turn out like 'im, and, 'ell, you're already showin' more restraint then 'e ever 'as. And you know how much harm 'e's done. I trust that you won't go down that path.

I-I thought you’d be angrier.

(Gary stares quietly at his lap, trying to ignore the sting in his eyes, wholly avoiding his brother’s stare.)

…you…don’t have to answer me.

but…does it feel good to drink?

is it…like, forgetting things?

or…or do you feel happier?

Hey, I'm not gonna be angry 'bout this. I'm your older brother, yeah? 's my job to help you through this, and I wanna help.

(he hums, expression going serious for a moment)

Drinking is... Different for everyone, mate. For most people, drinking 'elps numb things, yeah? Others drink it to let loose. It... Breaks a barrier, in your mind, yeah? Weakens your restraint. So for people like dad, it stops him from having to be responsible. Numbs 'im, but makes 'im an angrier person.

Not the same for all people, though. I have a friend who doesn't drink in bars, says their brain gets heavy. Told me that they're fully there, in that time, just physically... Sludgy, they said.

Gotta remember, though, it does come with a price. 'ell, I've had my own fair share of 'angovers.

(his voice becomes bitter, serious)

I can't be too sure of what dad thinks, if I'm bein' 'onest. Don't wanna, either. 'e made 'is choices.

I can bit at yours in like 20 mins if you are.

OH, YOU FUCKIN' LEGEND, HELS 🙏