continued from HERE. // @legendbrother
   A sound has never been as welcome in Kristian’s life as their
   twin’s voice, cutting through the cold grip that anxiety hasÂ
   around their heart. For the past while, anxiety has been a static
   hum in their blood, in their mind, claws dug in deep and refusing
   to let go, no matter how often they had been assured that Krist-
   opher is tough! He’s competent, he’ll be alright! The worry had
   been a sharp stab in their ribs, a nagging pain in their side, aÂ
   constant thought in the back of their mind that made themÂ
   snappier than normal.
  (Phantom pains, Kristian had told himself, that’s all it is. Phantom
   pains that don’t mean anything. It hurts to breathe, but it’s justÂ
   the anxiety. My side hurts, but it doesn’t mean anything. Don’t.Â
   Don’t think about how you always know. Don’t think about how
   you felt Kristopher’s pain when he got a black eye, don’t think,Â
   don’t think, don’t think–– It’s phantom pains.)
   For a moment, at the sound of Kristopher’s voice, relief washes
   over Kristian. For a moment, the anxiety is quiet, drowned out,
   and a smile curves their lips, tired eyes lighting up, and they take
   a step forward, gloved hand reaching for their twin, and––
   And Kristian’s hand starts to shake again (metal rattles againstÂ
   metal, tremble unable to be hidden) as he actually takes a moment
   to take everything in.Â
   A step is taken forward, and then another, and then another, andÂ
   they find themself by their brother’s side, hands reaching out toÂ
   check their twin over, chest aching (bruises, blood, there’s blood,Â
   oh, God, why is there blood, there shouldn’t be blood, those weren’t
   phantom pains, he knew it wasn’t phantom pains, oh, fuck!
   He takes his twin’s hand, squeezes tight, squeezes so tight, as ifÂ
   afraid Kristopher will disappear if he were to let go. The other arm goes
   to pull his twin into an embrace (carefully, carefully, mindful of potentialÂ
   injuries).Â
  * Where are you hurt, let me see, okay? You’re safe now, I’m here, it’s okay,Â
   everything’s okay now...