[ Joshua won't let him look away, and so Clive doesn't try, the sorrow evident in his eyes. When Joshua touches him, he leans into it, trying to return Joshua's smile but he can't. He just can't. He'll never be ready to say goodbye to Joshua, although he knows he'll have to someday, one last time. Maybe he'll be lucky enough that it won't be as painful. Maybe, for once, the loss of a loved one can be something without pain.
But Clive doubts it. He reaches up and puts his hand over Joshua's, letting out a breath. Still giving him the strength to fight, it seems, even to the end. He almost draws his brother in for a hug, gets about halfway before he feels the squish of the octopus still clinging to Joshua's chest, and he steps back, trying hard not to wrinkle his nose again in distaste. ]
That we do. And I will do my duty, Joshua. We will do our duty. Together.
[ He isn't alone anymore. Sometimes, it's hard to remember that, but he's trying. ]
no subject
But Clive doubts it. He reaches up and puts his hand over Joshua's, letting out a breath. Still giving him the strength to fight, it seems, even to the end. He almost draws his brother in for a hug, gets about halfway before he feels the squish of the octopus still clinging to Joshua's chest, and he steps back, trying hard not to wrinkle his nose again in distaste. ]
That we do. And I will do my duty, Joshua. We will do our duty. Together.
[ He isn't alone anymore. Sometimes, it's hard to remember that, but he's trying. ]