See No Evil

Chapter 8

Lovino hoped that Feliciano had gone to sleep by the time he got back home, but also knew that he wasn't nearly as lucky.

"Where were you? It's almost midnight!" said Feliciano from the living room as soon as Lovino took a step inside.

"I was out with Antonio. He got lost so I had to put him on a cab. I honestly didn't expect him to be so...not dumb, but... airheaded maybe?" said Lovino, taking off his coat. "And if you hadn't stolen my briefcase, I could have called to say that I was going to come home late."

Feliciano pursed his lips. "If I didn't do that, you would never have told me," he said.

Lovino looked at the books out of the box sitting on the living room table. Two books. How to come out of the closet and how to deal with depression.

A heavy weight settled in Lovino's chest. "I was...going to tell you."

"No you were not! I... I'm... Why didn't you tell me?" demanded Feliciano.

"And why should I?!" yelled Lovino. "It's none of your business if I'm..."

"You're gay, so what? I knew that. God, Lovino I'm your brother. What did you think I would do?"

Lovino felt like he was drowning. "You knew? H-how...?"

"That doesn't matter!" said Feliciano throwing his arms around him. "You're also depressed and I don't know how to react or what to do, and I'm sad becauseyou didn't tell me, but also angry that you didn't tell me and now I'm crying and it's your fault!"

Lovino felt Feliciano's tears against his cheek. This was not in any of the scenarios he had prepared in his mind.

"Feli I...," he tried to say but Feliciano just hugged him harder.

"I'm sorry, it's not your fault. I'm just babbling. Let me cry some more, ok?" said Feliciano.

Lovino smiled. It felt strangely nice, and comforting in a way he couldn't understand.

He hugged Feliciano and let him cry.

He didn't realize when he started crying too.