Genetic Broken Uprising

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|  More than one  |
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Santa's voice trembled with a mix of confusion and simmering anger as he demanded, "What the hell do you mean by 'lose one of us again?'" His normally calm demeanor faltered, and his wide eyes, brimming with intensity, locked onto Zee's face, desperate for an explanation.

His brows furrowed, lips tense, as if he was grasping at the meaning behind those words, the weight of what had been said sinking in slowly. His stance stiffened, fists clenching at his sides, as though preparing for the worst.

"Forget about that!" Bible snapped, his voice sharp and laced with venom. Frustration dripped from every word as he spat, "Boom is a fucking mutant!" His glare, cold and filled with disgust, bore into Boom, as if the mere sight of his brother repulsed him.

Boom, already smaller and more fragile than the rest, instinctively recoiled, sinking into the couch as if its cushions could offer some form of protection from the harshness of Bible's words. His delicate features twisted, a mixture of shame and fear flickering in his doe-like eyes, and his hunched shoulders gave the impression he wished to disappear entirely.

A low growl rumbled deep in Aou's throat as he snapped his head around, fixing Bible with a fierce glare over his shoulder. A warning flickered in his eyes, intense and unyielding. The tension in the air thickened as his normal teeth began to elongate into razor-sharp fangs, a silent challenge hanging between them, daring Bible to push further.

Bible flinched, instinctively recoiling at the sight of Aou's transformation. But just as quickly, Aou turned back to Boom, his expression softening as the menace faded. The sharp fangs receded, and his features returned to their usual state, revealing a gentle concern that stood in stark contrast to the earlier aggression.

"Don't listen to him right now," Aou said, his voice firm yet soothing, like a steady anchor in the midst of a turbulent sea. He leaned slightly closer, his piercing gaze locking onto Boom's panicked eyes with unwavering intensity. The warmth of his presence cut through the chaos, offering a sense of calm. "Just focus on your breathing," he instructed gently, his tone a soft balm meant to ease Boom's frayed nerves.

"I'm trying... I don't think I can—" Boom's voice quivered, the words escaping in shaky breaths. Anxiety gripped his petite frame, making each inhale feel laborious. His hands trembled visibly, clutching the fabric of his dark grey jacket as if it were a lifeline. The fabric crumpled beneath his fingers, the tension reflecting the turmoil within him.

With wide, anxious eyes, he cast a glance around, searching for something—anything—to ground him in the chaos that threatened to overwhelm his senses.

Before Boom could finish his sentence, Aou leaned forward, gently pressing his forehead against Boom's. The connection was immediate and intimate, a silent understanding passing between them. The warmth radiating from Aou's skin enveloped Boom, wrapping him in a soothing embrace that eased some of the tension gripping his heart, if only for a moment.

Slowly, Aou took Boom's trembling hand, guiding it to rest against his bare chest. Aou's skin was warm and firm beneath Boom's palm, steady and reassuring. As Boom felt the rhythmic rise and fall of Aou's breathing beneath his fingers, it became his anchor—a calming pulse that drew his focus away from the chaos swirling in his mind. Each breath Aou took resonated like a gentle tide, inviting Boom to synchronize with the calming rhythm and find solace in their shared moment.

"Feel that?" Aou whispered, his voice a gentle caress that hung in the air, low and steady. He leaned in slightly closer, his breath warm against Boom's skin, creating a sense of intimacy. "Breathe with me. In, out... just like that."