From Frost to Flame

Chapter 7: A Brother's Embrace (Kinn's POV)

Personal Note:

Hello!

Before we dive into the story, I want to share my thoughts. In this chapter, I wanted to explore the bond between the two brothers. It's different from what you might've seen in the series, and I hope it brings a fresh perspective. Their relationship here feels deeper and more personal, and I wanted to capture that special connection.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. I'd love to hear your thoughts on their dynamic and any moments that resonated with you!

If you like it, you can rate the chapter

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After dropping Pete off, I drove toward Porsche's apartment, the silence between us thick with unspoken worry. The weight of the evening hung heavy in the air, and I could tell Porsche felt it too.

As I pulled up in front of his building, I turned off the engine and sighed, resting my hands on the steering wheel. Porsche glanced over at me, his gaze soft but filled with concern. Without a word, he opened the door and got out. I followed, feeling the exhaustion pressing down on me.

Once we were outside, Porsche stepped in front of me, his brow furrowed with worry. "Kinn, are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice tender but firm. "You've been carrying this all night. Talk to me."

I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. "Porsche had this way of breaking through the quiet, always knowing when I needed to let my guard down."
"I just can't stop thinking about Vegas," I admitted, my voice low. "Seeing him like that... it's tearing me apart. He needs me, but I don't know if I'm doing enough."

Porsche's expression softened further, and before I could say anything more, he wrapped his arms around me in a warm, firm hug. His embrace was gentle but grounding like he was anchoring me amid my worry. I closed my eyes, letting myself lean into him, feeling the comfort of his presence wash over me.

"You're doing more than enough," Porsche whispered against my ear, his voice soothing. "You've always been there for him. He knows that, Kinn. But don't forget to take care of yourself, too. I'm here for you, okay?"

His words sunk in, the concern in his voice filling the cracks in my resolve. I pulled back just enough to look at him, a small, tired smile tugging at my lips. "Thank you," I whispered.

Porsche smiled gently, his hands resting on my shoulders. Then, without hesitation, he leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. It wasn't rushed or desperate—it was sweet, filled with tenderness and quiet reassurance. A kiss that told me he was there, steady as ever.

When he pulled back, he gave me a warm smile. "Go check on Vegas. I'll be fine. But he needs you right now."

I nodded, feeling the warmth from his kiss still lingering on my lips, mixing with the steady comfort of his hug. "I'll check on him," I promised. "Thank you... for everything."

"Always," he said softly, brushing a thumb against my cheek before stepping back.

I watched as he turned and headed inside his apartment, my heart swelling with both gratitude and concern. Porsche had this way of calming the storm in me, and I felt a little lighter knowing he was looking out for me. But Vegas... the thought of him alone in that mansion, still struggling with everything, kept gnawing at me.

With a deep breath, I got back into the car, determined to get to him as quickly as possible.

As I drove away, the anxiety that I had been holding back crept in again. I grabbed my phone, my thumb hovering over Vegas's name before finally calling him. The ringing seemed to drag on, each second amplifying my worry. Straight to voicemail. "Come on, Vegas, pick up," I muttered under my breath, frustration mixing with fear.

I drove faster, the knot in my stomach tightening with every mile. When I finally arrived at the mansion, everything felt too quiet, too still. I stepped out of the car and started walking toward the main door. Before I reached it, Nop opened the door for me.

I looked at him, anxiety creeping into my voice. "Have you seen Vegas?"

He nodded but hesitated before answering. "He's in his room," he said, concern etched on his face.

"Is he okay?" I asked, my heart racing.

Nop's expression darkened. "Not really. He seems... overwhelmed. I think something's bothering him."

The weight of his words settled heavily on my chest. "Thanks for letting me know," I replied, trying to steady myself as I made my way down the hallway, my footsteps quickening as I approached Vegas's room.

As I reached Vegas's door. I knocked softly, trying to keep my voice steady. "Vegas? It's me. Can I come in?"

A muffled response came from the other side. I slowly opened the door and found him curled up on the bed, his body shaking with quiet sobs. My heart sank at the sight. Without saying a word, I sat down on the edge of the bed. I've always protected him, but tonight I felt helpless.

"Talk to me, Vegas," I said quietly, reaching out to rub his back. "What's going on?"

He turned to face me, his face streaked with tears. "Why can't I just forget him?" he cried, his voice raw with pain. "He was everything to me, Kinn. Now... now I'm falling apart."

I didn't know what to say that could take away that kind of pain. Instead, I pulled him into my arms, holding him close. "I'm here," I whispered, my voice steady even though I felt like breaking inside.

Vegas buried his face in my shoulder, his sobs wracking his body. I held him tighter, my own heart breaking as I felt the full weight of his sorrow. At that moment, all I wanted was to shield him from the world, to carry his pain for him. But all I could do was stay by his side, offering the only thing I had: my presence.

The hours passed as he cried, the bitterness of Nawee's betrayal pouring out with every sob. He cursed Nawee's name, and all I could do was hold him, offering silent comfort in the darkness.

Eventually, exhaustion claimed him. His sobs faded into quiet sniffles, and soon he was asleep against my shoulder. Carefully, I laid him down, tucking a blanket around him like I used to when we were younger.

I stood there for a moment, watching him. Even in sleep, he looked so fragile, so broken. My heart ached for him, knowing the pain wasn't going to disappear with the night.

With a heavy heart, I left his room and headed back to mine, the weight of the evening settling in my chest. Vegas needed me now more than ever, and no matter how hard it was, I wasn't going to let him down.