[Basil and Max are more similar than either of them realize. Their circumstances are different, but...on the inside, they share the same struggles. The same demons. Never once has Basil felt secure enough to go to someone and tell them he needs help, because preserving the status quo had been too important. He was the one to make the snap decision that night, because if he hadn't...to this day, he has no idea what might have befallen them. But in the end, what happens to him...it matters so little, compared to the secret he's kept this whole time.
If he gives it now...it will be over. Even though he's so far from home...he's convinced himself of that fact.
...but then he remembers. There is one other, isn't there? And a promise they'd made.
So many promises. One day, Basil will be so burdened by them that he won't be able to take it anymore. But as the truth dances on the tip of his tongue, he realizes it's his only escape.
For a moment, his eyes dart. Then, he's reaching for Max's free hand, holding it tight in his own. It's warm, but not hot.
He wishes he could talk about something else. About Max...literally anything. But that, too, feels selfish. To focus on someone else's struggles, to try and hide from his own...]
Y...you have to promise me. Promise, you won't tell anyone.
Please.
[He has no more time left, after this. He can't put it off any longer, as the violin screeches through the window, frantic and spiraling.]
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If he gives it now...it will be over. Even though he's so far from home...he's convinced himself of that fact.
...but then he remembers. There is one other, isn't there? And a promise they'd made.
So many promises. One day, Basil will be so burdened by them that he won't be able to take it anymore. But as the truth dances on the tip of his tongue, he realizes it's his only escape.
For a moment, his eyes dart. Then, he's reaching for Max's free hand, holding it tight in his own. It's warm, but not hot.
He wishes he could talk about something else. About Max...literally anything. But that, too, feels selfish. To focus on someone else's struggles, to try and hide from his own...]
Y...you have to promise me. Promise, you won't tell anyone.
Please.
[He has no more time left, after this. He can't put it off any longer, as the violin screeches through the window, frantic and spiraling.]