Brothers Reunited - random art + lore :D

Instructions

Lore: Ethan is A78's little brother, and one of the few people he allows to call him Ase. A78 tends to bully Ethan sometimes (roughhousing and the occasional noogie), but he never means him harm. Unfortunately, Ethan never thought that... ...I think at this point it's a good time to reveal that Ethan is how A78 got the scar that his mask covers, and in return ended up with one of his own. Yup. Ethan attacked A78 when they were younger, about two years before A78 and Raven met (A78 was 15, Ethan was 12). They were alone in the house, and A78 was left to watch Ethan. He had intended to apologize to Ethan for all the mean stuff he'd done recently, but before he could speak, Ethan hit him. To keep things kid-friendly, things turned ugly, and a certain silver kitchen utensil was pulled out *COUGH* and someone lunged at the other, hitting them in the face. after pulling away for another strike, the person got a gut check, releasing their grip on the "kitchen utensil" as it continued upwards, injuring himself instead of the intended target. For context, Ethan actually lost his eye, A78 did not. After calling 911, A78 took the blame, and did time locked away for his brother, getting a reduced sentence for pleading guilty, compliance, and good behavior (FYI, I've never been to prison lol. This is just the story). Somehow, he managed to get out after a year, and went straight home to apologize to Ethan for that day, only to find that he'd run away the night before, leaving a note for A78... Ethan (in the note): "To my brother, Ase... ...I'm truly sorry for what I did to you that day, and I can't trust myself around you again. I didn't want to do this, but I'm running away from home. I can't put you at risk of another outburst... ...I'm so sorry... -Your brother, Ethan." That letter broke A78 more than any prison ever could, and he stayed in that room for an hour, practically bawling. He knew his brother was safe, but he didn't know for how long, or where he was. Six months passed, and A78 had gotten over his sadness when he met Raven, who helped him with her empathic abilities. They had been dating for another 6 months when a letter came in the mail for A78, and he couldn't believe his eyes. The handwriting of his name, the way the sentences were worded... ...it was from Ethan! He tore open the letter on the spot, rushing to his room to read it, and was overcome with pure joy as he saw what the tear-stained paper said. "Dear Ase, I've missed you, brother, I truly have. My time away has helped me to gain more control of my emotions, and I think I'm ready to come by for a visit. Meet me at the corner by the Wendy's we like. 10pm sharp. Don't be late! -Your (reformed) brother, Ethan" Raven came into the room, sensing A78's joy from the balcony of her own house (about a mile away), and came over to see what was going on. Raven: Geez, Ase! I can feel your excitement from my place! What's got you so wound up- Before she can finish, Ase pulls her into a tight hug to release some built-up joy, even giving her a kiss before explaining. A78: Remember how I said I had a brother? At 10 PM, A78 and Raven arrived at the Wendy's, but Ethan was nowhere to be found, and A78 was beginning to get worried. A78: Where is he? Ethan's never late to anything! Raven: Maybe he got lost? She sees the look in A78's eyes, showing he needs something comforting said. Raven: ...o-or, maybe he fell asleep? It is pretty late at night, y'know. A78: *yawns* Yeah, maybe you're right... He says, knowing he should be heading to bed soon, but his want to see his brother outweighed his own wants. A78: ...but I can't leave! I have to see Ethan! I need to know he's okay! Tears begin to show on his face, a rare sight, but one to be respected, as it shows trust. Raven hops down from her seat, pulling A78 into a gentle hug. Raven: I'm sorry, Ase... ...but I don't know if he's- Before she can finish, she's cut off by a young voice that sounds gruff from disuse. ???: ...Ase? A figure steps out of the shadows, still wearing his old gray/grey hoodie from two years ago, tattered and worn from being his only source of warmth. He wears an eyepatch, apparently from a hospital (this is after Ethan met Alice, BTW), and a prosthetic arm he could fully control. A78: ...Ethan...? The figure nods, and A78 runs to him, hugging him as though he'd disappear if he let go. Through his sobbing, he feels Ethan soften and hug him in return.