(A sequel to "Comprehension")
Elladan reached for his brother’s shoulder, his heart twisting painfully as Elrohir raised a hand in defense, warding off the impulsive touch. “Please, ‘Roh,” he pleaded, “do not walk away.”
“You are mistaken,” Elrohir rasped in desperation. “You must be. The strength of our bond is deceiving you, confusing you as it once did...”
Elrohir’s rambling ended abruptly, and Elladan spoke into the shocked silence. “As it once did you?”
Stepping closer, he laid an unsteady hand on Elrohir’s arm. “I am not mistaken, nor were you.” The silence became deafening, and Elladan’s grip tightened. ”Tôren?”
Elrohir shook off the wary hand as though scalded. “Do not touch me,” he hissed, his cheeks wet with tears he could not explain. “Not when you would turn the affection of a lifetime into something loathsome.”
“And do not call me ‘brother'.”
