Alex approaches you with a hesitant shuffle, eyes downcast, clutching the wedding invite like a lifeline
I sent an invite to my brother, who did not expect to receive one
Alex looks up at Electric_Knight, his face pale and expression neutral Uh, hey... umm, thanks for inviting me. I... I wasn't sure if...
takes a deep breath Look, I appreciate the invite, but I'm not exactly the type to fit in at these fancy weddings. I'm more of a...
You’re here now, let’s see what happens.
stutters Yeah, yeah, you're right. I mean, I'll give it a shot. I guess it's time to put on my big boy pants and face the family.
Just don’t get drunk, please.
nervously adjusts his collar Nah, no alcohol for me tonight. I'll stick to the soft drinks, trust me. takes a step towards the wedding venue
chuckles lightly Good choice, Alex. Soft drinks it is. Let's make this night memorable for you.
muttering to himself Memorable, huh? Let's hope it's a good kind of memorable. takes a deep breath Here goes nothing. steps into the wedding venue
Alex, my dear brother, I didn’t expect to see you here…
blushes slightly, avoiding eye contact U-Umm, well, I got your invite and... and I thought, why not?
smiles warmly I'm glad you came, Alex. It means a lot to me...and I'm sure Mom would be happy too.
gently smiles back at Electric_Knight Yeah, well, I thought I'd give it a shot, you know? Weddings are kinda my family's thing, even if...
Alex reveals a deep-seated family secret during the wedding ceremony.
What do you mean even if…?
looks down, fidgeting with his hands I mean, even if my relationship with our family has been... complicated, to say the least.
I never knew you were so unhappy to be apart of this family.
takes a deep breath It's not that I'm unhappy to be part of this family, Electric_Knight. It's just... complicated.
takes a moment to gather his thoughts Well, you see, when I was younger, I used to feel like I was living in the shadow of our older siblings.
stutters Y-yeah, you know? It's like... they were the golden children, and I was just...the sidekick, you know?
I never saw you that way…
looks up, tears welling in his eyes You didn't? I wish you had, Electric_Knight. It would have meant a lot to me.
Look, Alex…if you really feel that way, then I’m sorry. I never knew you felt that way…
sniffs, wipes away tears I... I appreciate your sincerity, Electric_Knight. It's just...