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Asher was a bit startled when Leo entered the room, and he was concerned when all he did was stand there. He worried all the more when he saw tear-stains. "Leo, come here," he beckoned, reaching for him. "I'm not mad." His brother looked so scared, and it hurt him. He silently asked for everyone else to leave so he could talk to Leo alone.

Asher took hold of Leo's hand, but did not pull him close. "You cried because of me, didn't you?" he asked, still troubled by the tear-stains. "Are you scared of me, Leo? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you like that." Now he pulled him to his chest and cradled him as he always had. "I've never been mad, if that's what you're scared of."

Asher just patted Leo's back. "What made you think I wouldn't want to be?" he asked with a chuckle. "Did you actually think a kiss was going to change everything? You know me better than that." He was sure nothing he could do right now would comfort Leo, but he could try to keep things from going downhill.

Asher had some feeling that he should just spill everything to Leo. If that would make him feel better... "It was sudden, Leo, and I only love you as a brother," he said preparing for the waterworks. "Maybe things will change. Who knows? I might return your feelings in the future. One thing is for sure: no matter what, you're still my precious brother. That's the one thing you should worry the least about."

Asher was sure that a bit of Leo's hope died, and he wondered if continuing to care for him like this was worse than hating him. Not like he could ever hate his brother, but maybe it would have been a bit easier. It was hard, he had to say. Leo was probably going to continue loving him, most likely hoping yet despairing for the day when that love would become mutual. On one hand, Asher hoped it was just a phase. On the other hand, he hoped he could return Leo's feelings. "I'm sorry."

Asher was going to assure Leo that his feelings weren't stupid, but he didn't want to dwell on them too much now. He was glad it seemed his brother was feeling a bit better. "And I'm glad I have you," he said, kissing Leo's forehead. He half-expected him to blush at that, but it was kinda what he was going for.

Asher was satisfied with the small blush, and he was even more so when it looked like Leo's mood was finally lighting up. He ruffled his little brother's hair. "I understand. You did kinda scare me, though. I thought you ran out of the hospital," he said as he hugged Leo a bit tighter. "I'm glad Sasha was with you, though. I don't know what I would have done if you left the building." Perhaps he would have run after him. Asher wasn't paralyzed, he could still walk or run. It would just be painful to do so.

"She did? The two have you have gotten close in just a few days. I'm kinda jealous," Asher said before he could stop himself. Jealous? Maybe. The relationship he had with Leo sort of took years to develop. "I wonder why she felt she had to cinvince you, though. Maybe it's a friend thing." He couldn't really remember the last time he had been with friends. Work kept him from having much free time for such.