Bro tensed when Dave began coming to him, and even more when he was running, because what the fuck? It was as if he was going in for an attack, and Bro's natural instinct was to defend himself. But before he knew it, Dave's arms were around him.

And holy shit he was being hugged. He stood there with his arms slightly raised, staring down at Dave with his mouth hanging open slightly. When was... the last time he'd hugged Dave? Shit, he couldn't remember. As he thought about it, finally he realized it had been that day at King's Cross station. That was the last time he'd really given Dave any kind of physical affection.

It wasn't something he was used to, and he didn't know what to do. He was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, because on one hand, he could have very easily hugged Dave back and lost his cool- more than he had that day at King's Cross. But on the other, what the hell would Dave think if he did? That had a goddamn pussy for a dad?

But when Dave spoke, it kind of hit Bro that... he needed to hug him back. Somehow he just knew Dave needed it. And so did Bro. Slowly, he brough his hands down and wrapped them around Dave. Dave was skinny enough that Bro pretty much enveloped him whole, and held him tightly and protectively. "I just didn't wanna be a fucking failure, okay?" he said. "I didn't wanna do it wrong." He was quiet for a few seconds. "Sorry," he repeated. "I never meant for it to hurt you."