BRANCE + RINNEY

deny, deny, deny

"You can't yell at him like that."

Nails scratched at skin, sickly red painting over white. A breath was sucked through teeth, a sharp noise that made the air that much colder. Tears, lots of them. The bed creaked, a whine of worn wood, then stopped.

"I don't know how to deal with him anymore."

The bathroom was blindingly blank, an empty space of neutrality. The sink faucet dripped out cold water, a splash of ice against tears of crimson. Clean it off.

"Then don't. I can take care of him myself."

The tears were cleaned off, now replaced with splotches of pink and beads of clear water. It felt nice. The floor was still cold, a bitter feeling that slowly gnawed at the limbs of the person standing atop of it.

"You're a year older than him, take care of yourself."

The bathroom door was opened, squeaking on its dried hinges. The hallways was warmer, dark. Comforting, in a mildly concerning way.

"He's my brother, I'm putting him first."

Finn rounded the corner, his nose an inch from Vance's shoulder as he halted himself. Robin was stood some odd feet away, his stance uncomfortable and expression blank as he stared towards the floor.

"He needs help."

Finn cleared his throat, his vision blurred and hands shaking at the hem of his space-themed sweatpants. Vance turned to him, a hand reaching out to comfort. Finn shook his head, moving away.

"You think I need help?" The question, of course, was directed to Robin. He was still staring down at the floor, a splinter of wood staring back at him as he breathed slowly.

"That's not, it's just, you're not acting like you usually do. I'm worried." He was looking up at Finn now, avoiding the cold stare from the boy's brother. "And you thought yelling at me would make me act how I usually do?" Finn almost laughed at the question, almost.

"You're not okay. You need help."

Finn turned around, his eyes meeting the wall plastered with sketches and polaroid pictures of him and Vance. He smiled, letting it linger for only a second before erasing it.

"No, I need support. I don't need help, I don't need therapy. I need support. Fuck, what don't you understand about that?" Finn turned back around, eyes cold and chest heavy as tears threatened to fall. Vance put a hand on his shoulder.

"I can't, this isn't good for you. For us. I know how you deal with things Finn and I, it's too much. It's too much knowing I can't do anything to help you. I've tried, really I have." Robin exhaled heavily, hands rubbing at his eyes.

Finn looked down at his arms, a tinge of pink burning into his vision. He frowned.

"I do not need help Robin. I'm fine. I'm,

Finn gasped out a cry, a gut-wrenching noise that echoed throughout the room. Vance was quick to throw his arms around him, pull him close as he'd do on those dark and tear-stained nights. Robin stayed in his stuck position, a single sniffle sounding from him as he turned his back.

"Bye Finn."