32 Apologizing (1/2)

They finished eating, and so Arius ended up doing the dishes. Dante helped of course.

Eirik, Zuna, and Asrael sat in the living area.

Both Zuna and Asrael were excited to torment the other, as if what was about to go down was a battle. Asrael was a rare breed, one that could make a one-sided punishment seem like an equal playing field.

Arius treated the matter with seriousness, while it seemed everyone but Eirik was simply wondering who would win. Arius was rather hesitant, but didn't try to stop them.

When they were all finally seated in the living area, Zuna began, ”Okay Asrael, are you ready?” She dragged Eirik closer to the young man.

”Ready as I'll ever be.” The challenge in his eyes irked her.

”Dad, don't go easy him.” She looked at Eirik.

”Okay.” As soon as he uttered that, Zuna brought Eirik's hand to Asraels shoulder.

A quietness followed, it was a brief moment but somehow it felt longer than that. Asrael leaned forward and put his face into his hands, when he started trembling Eirik ended it.

Zuna lost her previous grin, as it was replaced with a sudden realization. Seeing the boy like that suddenly made her feel like she'd gone too far. ”Hey, you weren't too hard on him right?” She looked at her father. She figured he'd scream a bit and then that would be it.

”Of course not. I've learned not to listen to you when your drunk on revenge.” He stated calmly.

Dante stood up and walked over with a frown, he might hate his bother but that didn't mean he wanted him to hurt.

Eirik held Zuna by the shoulder and led her away. He could tell that she was quickly regretting it, so he didn't want her to ponder on it.

It was all silent except for the boy's uneven breathing, until a trembling voice whispered, ”Sorry.” But who was he apologizing to?

'What a sequence of events.' Thought Arius as he stood up and walked over to sit next to him. There was no guarantee that he wasn't just acting, but the thought didn't pass through Arius's mind.