"You left us!" The words left his mouth before he could help himself and he snapped his head to the side quickly, before he could see his brother's golden eyes widen. "You left us, and .. " He trailed off then, body trembling.
Mudkit stared at his little brother, startled. Then, slowly but surely, started to shake too. Except unlike his taller, burlier brother, it was with laughter. Soft and sure, a warm rumble wracked his lithe body.
"Don't...!" He opened his mouth, but stilled at the touch to his shoulder. He glanced at Mudkit, face twisting. "This doesn't mean I forgive you, y'know."
"I know."















