•|• Avatar •||• Hashibira Inosuke x Reader •|•

Chapter 2

"Now sleep! You can't work all day and not rest!"
He's still puffing his cheeks out, crossing his arms.

A big smile is on your face, your eyebrows slightly furrowed as you chuckle, not taking him seriously.
"Ame, I gotta take care of you-"

"No! You don't! I'm seven years old, I can take care of myself! You go train every single day for hours, you go all the way up and down the mountain every day, and carry all the baskets when we go shopping without ever asking for, or even letting me help!"

You're surprised by his frustrated outburst, your face scrunched up in concern as a few tears brim in his eyes.

His little anger wasn't so cute anymore... How long had he been feeling this frustrated? You thought everything was fine and yet, it wasn't. With much more worry, you furrow your brows harder when he starts to sniffle.

"Y-You cook for me every day, you teach me so many things, you always make sure I'm never stressed, o-or tired, or hungry! You wake up whenever I'm scared and stay up to keep m-me safe!"

He's already crying, and you sit up, moving your hand to wipe his tears, softly rubbing his red cheek.

"Ame..."
You sigh.

"When are you gonna start caring for yourself, onee-chan?! I'm already proud of you, you don't need to work so hard!"

His words make your body tense up, a small skip in your heartbeat being the most obvious reaction.
He was... proud?

Of me...?
But... I'm still so far off from being worth anything. Does he think I expect him to work as hard as I do?
Is this what this is about?

"I wanna be just like you! Y-You're so strong and so determined, and such a talented bender! I w-wanna take care of you at least once! Please...!"

Small tears brim in your eyes as you cup his face and wipe his tears away, smiling at his honest confession, the innocence in his voice lingering in a whimper.

I'm sorry, Ame. I never wanted you to feel like you have to reach my goals too.
I hate seeing you cry. It hurts me so badly. Whenever you or dad cried, my heart broke into pieces.

"It's my responsibility, Ame. I promised mom and dad I'd protect you when they couldn't anymore. I want and have to care for you. It's my duty as your older sister."

I promised mom to keep us all together. I won't go back on my word.

"B-But I wanna m-make you proud t-t-too!"
He grabs your hand and grips it tight, the strange little pull making you nearly whimper as it stung.

"You already make me proud! You work so hard every day to become a better waterbender, and I couldn't be prouder of my baby brother!"

His eyes immediately light up as he heard those words, and seeing you smile at him made him even happier.

"You're already a talented waterbender, a wonderful little brother and such a smart kid."
You ruffle his hair, seeing him wipe his tears away.

There you go, just come here.

He hugs you tightly, crying in your robes.
"Y-You mean it...?"

"From the bottom of my heart. Now please stop crying, I don't like seeing you cry."
You kiss his forehead, gently caressing his hair to calm him down.

"You still need to rest, though..."
He pouts, and you let out a hearty laugh.

"If it makes you feel better, I will. You'll protect me from demons, though, right?"

He perks up.
"Mhm! I'll make sure you're safe and sound, onee-chan!"

You chuckle and lay down, pretending to fall asleep, softly snoring. He waited for a bit before pulling the blanket and getting in with you, snuggling close as he hugged you tightly, quickly falling asleep.

You'll be the death of me one day. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you too.
Don't worry, mom. I promise I'll keep us safe.

His little frown vanished as he now peacefully slept, a little sniffle returning now and again.

With a soft smile, you hold him close, covering the both of you with the thick and warm blanket, humming the same melody you always do, soon falling asleep as well, your baby brother safe and sound in your arms.

《 •|• 《♡》 •|• 》

-End-
● Chapter 2 : ●
● "My Baby Brother." ●