World Tour

Brisbane: XV

It wasn't until they were well and truly outside that Belle's brittle exterior broke and she started crying. Eddy instantly enveloped her in his arms and held her softly. 
¨It's okay, Belle. The baby's okay.¨
She nodded. 
¨Come on, let's get you home and settled, hey?¨ he said and she nodded again. 
He led her to the car, opening the door for both her and Brett, and then rushed to the driver's side to get in himself. 
Brett still wasn't saying much, and Eddy could see how shaken up he was. He'd have to deal with that later, as soon as Belle was safely home. 
¨You okay?¨ he asked her.
She sighed once, a sigh as deep as the sea, and then she nodded. 
¨Yeah.¨ she said, and suddenly her voice sounded like Belle again. ¨I'm okay. It was a shock, but it sounds like it will all be fine.¨
Eddy marvelled, not for the first time, at how strong she was. How she could just get herself back online like that, how self-contained she was. His awesome sister, her mind as powerful as her heart. 
¨I love you, Belle, you know that right? I can't believe you're willing to go through all this for us.¨
She looked at him with one of her sideways looks. 
¨I decided that a while back, Eddy. Just following through.¨
He briefly put his hand on her thigh. There was no need to say anything else. 

They arrived at Belle's and he got her inside and settled on the couch. 
¨Will you need anything? Any shopping? Are you sure you're okay here?¨
She actually rolled her eyes.
¨Yes, big brother, I am fine here. I'm a big girl. I'll order some take out later. Don't worry, just go and sort Brett out.¨
Ah. She hadn't missed that, then. 
¨Okay.¨ he said softly. ¨If you promise to call if you need anything.¨
¨I will! Go!¨ 
He smiled and kissed her on the top of her head, before heading back out to the car. 

Brett was still silent as they drove home, and as soon as Eddy turned the engine off he turned to him. 
¨Come on, Bretty. Let's get inside.¨
Brett nodded and followed Eddy into their apartment. 
¨Let's have a shower, hey?¨ Eddy said softly. He knew that that was one sure way to relax Brett.

Suddenly Brett unfroze, and threw his arms around Eddy, burying his face in his chest. A sob escaped from his clenched lips. 
¨Hey. Belle's okay. The baby's okay.¨ Eddy whispered. 
Brett looked at him with wide frightened eyes and finally found his voice again. 
¨I know. But I was so scared, Eddy. It could all have been taken away from us, just like that.¨
Eddy nodded. ¨I know, my love, I know. But it wasn't.¨
Softly he pulled Brett's t-shirt over his head and undid the button on his trousers, before taking off his own t-shirt and walking towards the bathroom, knowing Brett would follow him now. 
He turned on the warm water and put his clothes on the closed toilet seat. 
As he stepped in Brett came into the cubicle too, tears streaking his cheeks. 
Wordlessly Eddy took him into his arms and they stood there, molten together like lava stone, the hot water flowing over them, taking all the fear and the worries of the day with it. 
It took a long while for the sobs to stop, but Eddy held him, stroking his back softly and taking his own comfort from their sweet embrace. 
Then, at last, Brett looked up at him and his eyes, although red and puffy, were calmer. 
¨Are you okay, Eddy? You were my rock. You were Belle's rock, too. Are you alright?¨
Eddy was silent for a moment. Was he? He was shaken, absolutely. But he was happy that he'd been able to be that rock for them. 
¨Yeah, my love. I'm okay.¨
Then he bent forward slightly and kissed Brett's soft lips.