Axel's laughter was warm and genuine, ringing through his apartment as he leaned back against the sofa. "Yeah, I know you always listen to me," he said with a faintly teasing tone. "But now you don't fear me the way you used to when you were little. Maybe it's because of the three years we spent apart, but you've learned to talk back to me. And honestly, I'm happy about it."
On the other end of the call, Marlon laughed too. "Back then when you threatened me, I used to be so scared. I'd think that if I didn't do exactly what you said, you would actually carry out those threats. Now I know better. That was just your way of showing you cared about me. You really wouldn't do anything to hurt me."
Axel couldn't help but laugh again. Marlon had a point, and it warmed him to know his younger brother had matured enough to see the love behind his sometimes harsh words. After a moment, Axel's tone softened and grew more serious. "Marlon, tell Logan that I'll soon fulfill my promise to him."
