Contrasting Similarities

57. Regression

Have I ever mentioned that I love you with all of my heart for always being here? Well I'd like to send some love to my readers who leave such sweet and funny comments.

And I'd like to send a lot of love to the introvert babies who are reacting through stickers and showing their support in whatever way they're comfortable with.

AND to the extremely introverted introverts who are simply increasing the reads on my story.

In short, I love you all. I hope you know you're keeping me stable and provide me with enough happiness and motivation to go through each exhausting day.
🤧❤️
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At exactly 5.57 pm, Lucian walked out of his office. He had been feeling anxious all day, awaiting the 'bonding' time they were given. He had messed up a lot before and he was a little afraid he'll do that again.

He watched the front door open slowly as he strode down the stairs. He stopped where he was at the third step. Damien entered, carrying a sleeping Bunny in his arms. Her head was resting on his shoulder, her face buried into his neck. He had his arms wrapped around her.

Two other men entered behind him with lots of bags in their hands. Lucian's eyes widened when he saw the quantity of bags. They were uncountable.

The two men left after putting the bags at a side. But those bags at a side became the centre of attention for Lucian as he stared at the them then moved his gaze slowly to his brother. Damien had a smile on his face as he saw Lucian, who was now standing in front of him, a few feet away.

He wanted to tell him that there was progress. A lot of it. He wanted to make Lucian proud by telling him how much he had changed and how much she trusted him now that she was letting go of everything in his presence.

Lucian felt a warm feeling in his stomach as he watched his younger brother smile warmer than he'd ever done.

Damien's lit up eyes told it all. The date had gone great and he was excited to tell him about it. Something he stopped doing as soon as he entered teenage. The rambles and rants from his younger brother hadn't been heard after he entered teenage.

"She might've regressed," Damien said, looking into Lucian's eyes, desperately searching for the appreciation he needed.

Lucian's eyes widened a fraction.
"What do you mean by 'might'?

"We don't know for sure. But she was acting a lot more childish and adorable than she usually does," Damien explained, keeping the volume low.

"That's good." Lucian's lips twitched up. Now he saw exactly what Damien was happy about.

She felt safe around him. Safe enough to enter a space more delicate than her current situation.

"I'm proud of you."

The smile that graced the usually annoyed face was brighter than it had ever been. The warm feeling in Lucian intensified as he pictured a twelve-year old Damien giving him that look when he aced a subject.

He really was proud. Days ago, they had stood at the same places as now, with him furious out of his wits and Damien guilty and sad for hurting his sister out of anger and foolishness. Now Damien was standing with her in his arms, looking extremely peaceful in her sleep and clinging onto him like he was her only support.

This was a huge contrast to that day and one that warmed both of their hearts.

"Thanks," Damien muttered. "I'll put her to bed."