WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS
When Donnie touches the ground, he flinches.
His entire body tries to curl inward at the pain and he gives a tiny, barely audible gasp. Leo’s hand shoots up immediately.
He seems to hesitate, moving slowly and oh-so gently resting it on Donnie. And Donnie’s entire body relaxes.
His shoulders stiffen as his body acknowledges sudden contact against his chest, probably because that too is causing some pain.
AND YET: His mouth falls shut. The pain on his face smooths out. His head falls forward, his shoulders rise, all angling towards Leo.
And Leo’s eyes are what tells the entire story. They (expectantly) never leave him at any point and there’s not much expression to be noted outside of a mixture of sad/guilt/worried.
Then he lays his hand on Donnie.
And his little brother leans into it. He relaxes at the touch.
AND LEO’S ENTIRE FACE FALLS.
Out of everything happening right now, THAT’S what makes him look like he’s hurting. THAT’S what stops the leader from worrying and introduces the big brother who’s beyond disappointed in himself.
That tiny bit of subconscious comfort that Donnie reveals while leaning into the touch of the person who helped hurt him.
THAT is going to be what haunts him from this moment on.
