Work Text:
Oftentimes, Time saw so much of himself in Twilight. The rancher’s well practiced stoicism which hid a well of childish mischief, the way he fussed with his bangs when he was deep in thought, even the expressions he made or the way he sat. But there were other things—shortcomings of his own—which Time saw in Twilight. The rancher’s self-sacrificial tendencies, the way he would give his own flesh just for a scrap of meager praise, and the insecurities which lingered beneath a thick mask of pleasantries and unsaid words.
It wasn’t often Twilight allowed himself to be vulnerable with any of them. Not even with Wild, not even with Time . When the rancher was ashamed, he avoided Time like the plague. Like a dog with his tail between his legs, Twilight would tuck himself away as if afraid to be kicked for not fighting hard enough. He would keep his gaze down, he would fidget, he would vanish into the trees and Time knew he would weep alone before returning to camp.
So, Time could only stand there, utterly confused and shocked, when Twilight wrapped his arms around the elder hero. The rancher often comforted the others by giving hugs but he never asked for them. His arms around Time’s waist, Twilight buried his face into the man’s shoulder. He said nothing as he did. He simply stood there, grabbing his ancestor like letting go would be the death of them both.
“...pup,” Time got out. “Are you alright?”
Twilight nodded, his arms squeezing tighter. “Fine,” he mumbled into Time’s top, though his voice was small.
Awkwardly, Time patted Twilight on the back. “What’s the reason for this, then?”
Twilight stirred slightly. “Do you…you want me t’ let go?” he asked.
Time glanced down, reminded then of how young Twilight was. Younger than Time, barely older than Sky or Wild. There was some apprehension in his face, a crumbled look like a boy with a popped balloon. Twilight’s cheeks and ears warmed. Hesitantly, he withdrew.
Time shook his head, pulling Twilight back into his chest. “No. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t hurt.”
“No,” Twilight sighed, settling into the hug again, “not really.”
Now that the rancher had Time’s permission, he hugged tighter. Twilight tucked himself in so tightly Time thought he might be trying to merge with him. Time sighed, one hand on Twilight’s back as the other idly drew through the rancher’s curls.
“You just needed a hug?” Time asked.
Twilight nodded. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “Just for a moment.”
“Alright,” Time agreed. “Take your time, rancher. I’ve got you.”