SOLANDIS // KotLC Oneshots

"I'll be Here"

This is a wholesome sibling oneshot- don't get any ideas.

Linh was heading to her room. It felt like she'd turned into metal, with screwed on joints. But it was the loud sniff that cracked her resolve.

It was coming from Tam's room.

She silently crept over and tapped on the door. "Anybody home?"

There was a short pause, then a "Yeah, come on in."

Even to her, though she knew he cared a LOT, Tam was slightly afraid to show emotion that wasn't anger or neutral. Now, he hadn't bothered to keep anything in. It was obvious enough from the redness to his eyes.

Linh approached his bed and sank down. "So," she whispered.

He barked a humorless laugh. "So."

For a moment it was just them staring out through the window, staring at each other's expressions. Something in the air seemed to crackle, and Tam lashed out his hand violently. A few ceramics shattered to pieces.

"I hate everyone."

"You know that's not true," Linh protested.

"It is. He was the only one who cared, and now he's gone!"

"That's not true either. He's not gone. Our friends care too. Sophie, Fi-"

He turned on her, "If they really cared, Linh, they would have damn done something! I don't think he can be healed."

Now Linh's much slower burn rose. "How can you say that?! Elwin is the best physician we know. Just because his mom was killed by the Neverseen doesn't mean he will too! He cared about us. You're right about that. It would have been better if he didn't," the rest of her speech dissolved in sobs.

Tam stiffened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."

Her tears refused to stop, so he returned to his original spot next to her. "I'm sorry," he repeated, and pulled her to him.

Linh buried her face in his shoulder. For long, awful moments, she took shuddering breaths.

"Okay. Sorry for taking your time. I'll go now," she said, starting to get up.

But Tam didn't let go of her. "Is that what you really think?" he asked. "Because you should know that I care. When I'm mad, I say things I don't mean. But you're still my sister and I love you."

She tilted her head, and then for the first time in days, a smile broke out on her face. "Love you too."

"The rest of them are coming in to check on Wylie soon. Want to go check him out now?" she added.

"Sure. Let's see what your awesome hydrokinetic powers can do to entertain him."

Linh flicked his nose. "Idiot. And I know he's going to be just fine."

"And Linh...?"

"Yeah?"

"If you ever need me, you know I'll be here."