~the undead Diaries~ (re-editing!!)

Brodey's worry

Finn approached Brodey with a steady determination, taking a moment to assess the situation before he began to clean the injured shoulder. Brodey grimaced as Finn's cloth made contact with his skin, and a sharp scream escaped his lips, echoing in the quiet space around them. His low pain tolerance was evident; fear and discomfort flickered in his eyes.

As Finn meticulously wiped the area, carefully avoiding any sensitive spots, Brodey gradually began to settle down, the initial shock giving way to a resigned acceptance of the pain. Once Finn moved on to stitching the wound, he focused intently, feeling the tension in Brodey's body as he fought to remain still.

But when Finn reached for the bandage, Brodey's patience was tested once more. The moment the fresh bandage pressed against his skin, Brodey squirmed, his discomfort bubbling to the surface again. "That hurt, Finn!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with both frustration and distress as Finn tightened the bandage. The pressure only amplified the sting, leaving Brodey glaring at Finn, who remained focused on ensuring the injury was properly treated.

"Honestly, it's not my fault that you can't handle pain, Brodey," Finn said, his voice rising in frustration. "Kai managed it just fine. So why are you squirming like that?" He shot a piercing glance at Brodey before turning away, his irritation palpable. As Finn walked off, Brodey stood there, the weight of his pain overwhelming him. A few silent tears slid down his cheeks, each drop a mix of hurt and confusion, as he grappled with the reality of his feelings. The echoes of Finn's words hung in the air, intensifying the ache in his heart.

I glanced over at Kai, my lips curving into a sad smile that barely masked the frustration beneath. Sensing the weight of the moment, I turned away from the two younger boys, who were still debating the incident with youthful intensity and made my way toward Finn. I reached out and gently pulled on his shoulder, prompting him to turn and face me.

"What was that all about?" I whispered urgently, the sharpness of my tone contrasting with the quiet around us. Finn rolled his eyes, exasperation evident in his voice as he replied, "He was being a pussy, okay? It's not my fault he can't handle pain."

With that, he redirected his attention back to the shelves, methodically putting away the supplies we had gathered earlier. The rhythmic clinking of jars and boxes filled the silence between us. After he carefully closed the cupboard door, he turned around to face me again, his expression guarded. We locked eyes for a moment, his gaze piercing as he silently challenged me to push further, yet my heart was heavy with the understanding that sometimes, the battles we face aren't just physical.

"He can handle pain," I emphasized, my voice barely above a whisper as I shot a pointed glance at Finn. "He's just a bit more vocal than Kai ever was." I felt the tension rise between us, and without hesitating, I lifted my shirt to reveal the darkening bruise swelling on my arm—a painful reminder of Kai's strength. "Kai can be as rough as he wants, but Brodey's not the same. He's not as physical as Kai, Finn."

I took a deep breath, my frustration driving my words with pointed clarity. "You have no right to yell at my brother or to demean him in any way." I saw Finn's confusion and annoyance, but I wasn't backing down. "I understand that you and the others have only been here for two days and that you want to help, to find your place. But you need to remember, this is still my house, not yours."

My voice grew stronger, echoing slightly in the room as I continued, "You can offer all the help you want, and I appreciate that. But do not ever raise your voice at anyone in this house again." My glare was unwavering as I focused intently on Finn, ensuring my message sunk in. Without waiting for a reply, I turned away, calling out to Kai and Brodey to join me outside.

Once they were with me, I firmly closed the door behind us, locking it with a definitive click, creating a barrier between us and any further confrontation with Finn. It was necessary; I needed this moment to speak openly with them, away from the chaos of conflicting emotions and heated words.