Counting Up

By: M14Mouse

Summary: Herbert knew that his brother was irresponsible, foolish, stubborn, lovable, loyal, open…damn it…he wished that he didn't do this to him.

Disclaimer: Don't own them.

Hubert turned his back for one second and this happened. His stupid, irresponsible, foolish brother pushed him out of the way of some fiery fireball. After he healed Asbel, he has plans to lecture him on the dangerous of this martyr complex of his. It was unnecessary and most likely going to give him a heart attack. Then he had the nerve to ask him if he was okay. OKAY?!

He…IT…Him…Urgh..

How could his brother do this to him?

Why did he do this?

Why does he keeping doing this again?

Why didn't he shout or wait one second? Maybe even….two

He watched as his artes started to heal his brother. He watched as Asbel's skin turned from a bright red back into a shade of white. He could see blood under his brother's body.

He couldn't heal his brother fast enough.

"CHERIA! SOPHIE!" He shouted.

His eyes darted from side to side. He didn't see them. He could see crumbling rocks and flames burning the rotting wood. He knew that there was a possible that they were fighting monsters else where. It wasn't the wisest decision but he wasn't much of a healer. He could only do so much.

He hasn't felt this useless in years. He hated this feeling. He hated that his brother could invoke such feelings.

He had done it at least three…four times since they have reunited.

"You idiot. You stupid idiot," He said as he tried to heal his brother again.

Nothing.

His brother's eyes were closed and relax. He almost looked like that he was sleeping…almost….

"You better not think about dying on me. What would mother think? Do you know Sophie and Cheria will cry? You hate when they cry. You probably make the Captain and Pasha cry as well. Captain will give this long speech. It will terrible and highly drama. Pasha will probably make a robot of you or some sort of insanity. It would probably be in memory of you. So you better not think about doing this. I will not stay for such nonsense." He choked.

He felt something run down his cheek.

He was crying.

He hasn't cried in so long.

"See what you have done? You…you…better wake up and answer for yourself."

OF course, his brother would answer for himself.

Just like his brother did when he was five and stole the cookies from the kitchen.

"Little bro!" Pasha shouted.

He looked to see that crazy woman running toward him. Pasha stopped in her tracks and stared at him.

"Little bro?" She said.

"Please…get Cheria and Sophie," He pleaded.

She didn't make some joke or say anything. Her eyes darted to him then his brother. She turned on her heels and ran.

He started to count in his head.

One….Two…Three…Four…Five…Six…Seven…Eig…

"Hubert!" Cheria shouted.

"Cheria…heal him!" He shouted back.

Cheria nearly tripped over herself to reach them. She held out her hands. He could feel the familiar warm energy flow him.

He turned his attention to Asbel. He started counting again.

One….Two…Three…Four…Five…Six…Seven…Eight…Nine…

His brother's eyes flickered open for a moment before they opened completely.

"Hubert…are you okay?" His idiot brother said.

He…still…urgh…! SO maddening. And yet…he wiped his face for a moment .

He pulled his brother up and hugged him for a good ten seconds before he punched him in the shoulder.

Just to show how he felt.

End

A/N: I wanted to make this longer but the bunny sort of died in the middle of the fic. So, it became shorter. Anyway, Read and Review if you wish.