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I closeder than I reray sweats and a short-sleeved white t-shirt, dark tattoos covering his exposed arered back It was like I saw hiintodrown , but longer than it had been the last tiedmore of my bearded face…

And then I saw it, the moment it sank in exactly who stood on his doorstep His brown eyes widened to what seemed unnatural size He stepped back in shock, his , but no words ca away, feeling the … just waiting for hie of the door, staring at ot theof his silence: I wasn’t welcome

"Understood," I said curtly

I turned to leave just as he stepped forward and whispered, "Axel?"

Austin’s voice was strained, laced with emotion I froze and reluctantly looked over my shoulder

"Kid," I responded and watched as the shock on his now older facesmile I’d ever seen Austin launched out of the door and threw his arht

Austin’s treainst his body "Fuck… I can’t… I can’t believe it’s you…" His voice was rough andAustin on the back, I expected hi too, I knehy he wasn’t The kid was crying

And it fucking brokeback my own tears As always, my kid brother did as I asked--he always had

Austin kept his eyes down as he faced me, his hands onfro the back of his head, I pulled hi iuri?" Austin asked shakily, his voice iuro"

Drawing back, Austin lookedhis head in disbelief "Hohat… Axe, how the hell are you out? How come you’re here?"

"Good behavior, Aust"