Gentle Old Eyes

19

Zeno smiles, he is staying at his family home currently. Why? Because Zeuxis is 9 and was granted permission to go to the final election early. Very early. Even earlier than Zeno.

And he fears. For his little brother's safety. He knows that since it was easy for him it should be child's play for Zeuxis, goddamn prodigy level of talented kid, but he cant get the image of Zeuxis dead in a ditch out of his head.

"Ow!" Zeno snaps back to reality.

"Sorry Hinoe. Aniue is very sorry" Zeno immediately starts smoothing out her black hair. He had been braiding Hinoe's hair and accidentally pulled too hard.

"It's okay Aniue, I know you're worried about Onii-sama, I'm sure he will be fine!" 7 years old and already so mature. Zeno wished Hinoe would still act childishly with him. Ask for hugs and piggyback rides.

"I know" He smiles at her.

Time passes, and soon he and his family move to the hallway facing the door.

Zeno is there sitting next to his father, who has mother at his side and Hinoe to her side. They watch the door and sit in a strict posture as time ticks on. Surely Zeuxis will be home soon.

Zeno knows Zeuxis would rush home. Just like Zeno did, craving the smell of home and the familiar soothing presence the family gives. He watches and knows that Hinoe's legs have already gone numb by the waiting.

They have been sitting here for four hours now. When he was at the election his family minus at the time baby Hinoe had sat for two hours until he came back. Four hours, that was a worrying amount. Surely Zeuxis will soo-

The front door opens and Zeuxis steps in with an expression of relief. Yet it looks far more haunted than it did before leaving.

"Onii-sama!" Hinoe tries to stand up to rush to hug Zeuxis, happiness shining from her face, but falls forwards from her numb legs.

But she stands up right up again and then rushes into Zeuxis's arms hugging him. Zeuxis chokes back a sob and clutches onto Hinoe like a lifeline. Zeno watches as Zeuxis whimpers names, names of children that died in the election most likely and buries his head into the crook of Hinoe's neck.

And Zeno cant help but just feels so so so relieved. His brother is safe.