When Crickets Cry...

"Maybe you will give him someone to like other than me? He has a little crush on me, its cute but he is too young for me."

How could he have a relationship with someone he couldn't touch? He wanted to. He scolded himself. He's your brother....

Higgy frowned at him.
"I know you might not like him like that but....You know what never mind."
No one wanted someone like Angel, they couldnt touch, they had to be so careful, he needed so much special care.

"Higgy, don't take it like that... I.. I'm not supposed to like him. He's my brother. I... I sort of do but..." He looked down.

"I know Kid, thats why I didn't bother. I just feel bad. I would have him if he werent so young, he is only fourteen. But no one else wants someone they cant touch, someone who is bipolar and schizophrenic, he is paranoid, he has sever anxiety and depression. He talks to him self, voices in his head talk to him. He needs special care and someone who can calm him down and keep him from hurting himself, ignore the cruel words and know what he needs and when he needs it. I have known him since he was....God he was small so I can do that, I know all of it but I cant be with him."

"I could try... i do like him. More than I should... I wouldn't even mind like, no sex or anything I just... can't not touch him at all, y'know? I'd want to hug him and rub his hair and kiss his cheek and all that corny shit..." He sighed softly.

Higgy nodded and went back to cooking.
"Then leave him alone Brayden. Your going to hurt him..."

"I won't hurt him.... I can't..." He shook his head.

"You can and you will if you lead him on. So just....Go on and leave him be. Don't sing to him, don't try and comfort him. Don't bother him. He likes you more than he should, he fucking let you sit there and watch him sleep, usually he wouldnt let anyone do that."

"I can't leave him. I love him." Brayden shook his head firmly.

"Your going to wind up hurt him! Stop it, I dont wanna have to take him away from you guys but I wont have him hurt....Not anymore..."

"I won't hurt him damnit!" Brayden exclaimed.

Higgy sighed and frowned as he cooked, not noticing Angel had stepped up behind Brayden and was listening.

Brayden didn't notice this either.
"Higgy, I won't hurt him... if he gts a crush on me, I'll be more than happy to be with him...."

"But you can't touch him. That wont go over well now will it?" He shook his head.

"If he gets used to me maybe I can touch him occasionally...." Brayden sighed.

"And maybe not, and if not you wont like it, you will leave him....And ill be the one to have ti pick up the pieces..."

"I won't leave him. I promise Higgy..." He sighed.

Higgy was quiet.
Angel bit his lip and went back to the living room. He hadn't noticed he was such a burden..
"Just let it go."

Brayden sighed.
"No."
He wouldn't.

"Then I will take him home and I wont bring him back. I refuse to risk it Brayden..." He couldnt.

"Higgy please... don't do that. Please, I will beg you. I love him. He makes me happy... I love him." He repeated.

"He is your brother, You dont act like you wanna play with him being more than that so just...Stop it."

"Higgy, don't. Please don't take him away...." He begged lightly.

"Go tell him to come eat." Higgy sat the food on the table as he thought.