Sunflower brothers (boboiboy siblings AU)

Garden

One afternoon, Thorn and Solar were tasked by their parents to clean up the garden. Solar wasn't happy about it. He had other things he wanted to do, something that didn't involve spending time with Thorn, who he found increasingly embarrassing.

Thorn, on the other hand, was looking forward to it. Gardening was his favorite activity, and he hoped this would be a chance to bond with his younger brother. 

He knew Solar didn't always appreciate his company, but he thought that maybe, just maybe, they could enjoy this task together.

As they started working, Thorn talked eagerly about the plants, sharing what he knew and pointing out little things that made the garden special to him. 

Solar, however, was barely listening. He was annoyed, wanting to finish the job as quickly as possible.

"Hey, Solar, if we water these flowers just right, they'll bloom beautifully," Thorn said with a warm smile, trying to engage Solar in the process.

Solar glanced at the flowers with disinterest.
"I don't care, Thorn. Let's just get this over with."

Thorn's smile faltered, but he kept going, trying not to let Solar's indifference get to him.
"It doesn't have to be so bad, you know? We can make it fun."

Solar rolled his eyes, his patience thinning.
"Fun for you, maybe. You're the one who likes playing in the dirt."

Thorn was about to respond when he accidentally knocked over a watering can, spilling water all over the ground. Solar's frustration boiled over.

"Seriously, Thorn? Can't you do anything right?" Solar snapped.

"I'm sorry, Solar. I didn't mean to," Thorn apologized, bending down to clean up the mess.Solar crossed his arms, glaring at Thorn.

"You never mean to, but you always mess things up. You're supposed to be the older one, but you act like a clueless kid."Thorn felt the sting of Solar's words, but he didn't let it show. He just straightened up and tried to keep his voice calm

"I'm just trying to help, Solar. I thought we could work together."

Solar's eyes narrowed, his irritation spilling over into cruelty.

"Work together? You mean like how you pretend to be this happy, carefree kid with your friends? It's pathetic, Thorn. You're pathetic"Thorn's chest tightened at Solar's harsh words, but he held his ground, refusing to let Solar see how much it hurt.

 "I'm doing my best, Solar."

"Your best?" Solar scoffed. "Your best isn't good enough. You're just a joke, Thorn. All you're good for is playing in the dirt. No wonder you have no real friends. Everyone probably pities you."

Thorn swallowed hard, his throat tightening as he fought back the tears threatening to spill. He wouldn't cry in front of Solar. He wouldn't give him that satisfaction. Instead, he kept his face neutral, his voice steady.

"Maybe I am pathetic, Solar. But at least I'm trying. What are you doing?"Solar glared at him for a moment, then turned away, disgusted.

"I'm doing better things. I'm done here."

Without another word, Solar stomped off, leaving Thorn standing alone in the garden. Thorn waited until Solar was out of sight before he let out a shaky breath, his eyes burning with unshed tears. He looked down at the plants he had so carefully tended, feeling the weight of Solar's words pressing down on him.

He knelt back down to finish the job, his hands trembling slightly as he worked. Thorn wasn't fragile, but the hurt was still there, deep in his chest. He couldn't understand why Solar despised him so much, why nothing he did was ever good enough.

When he finally finished, Thorn stood up and looked at the garden. It was neat and orderly, just as their parents would want it. But instead of feeling satisfied, Thorn just felt empty.He walked back into the house, his head held high even though his heart was heavy. Thorn wouldn't let Solar's words break him. He would keep going, keep trying, even if it meant doing it alone.