Fluffy G-rated brotherly Peter musing on Nathan. It's worshipful, but not slashy. Season 1, before shit happened.



Home was where his heart was. Peter had often joked, back in the day, that having such a big house meant he must have a big heart. Nathan used to roll his eyes and remind him that brainiac, we all live there and I doubt we're all as big-hearted as you.

Peter would scoff because of course his big brother was big-hearted, of course his father was a good man, of course their mother only wanted what was best. Sometimes those innocent days felt like a dream that he was forgetting more as time went by. Sometimes he'd say that to Nathan, but his brother would make a derisive sound that wasn't a laugh but was nothing as inelegant as a snort. Then he'd say Newsflash Pete, you're still way too innocent for your own good. This world would just love to chew you up, what with your tasty dreams and your crunchy rose-tinted glasses.

Peter would laugh at that, let Nathan throw an arm round him. In those moments he would be more aware than usual that the gesture was a protective one. Without words Nathan was saying Get under my arm, safe and warm. Nothing will get you while I'm here. He had always dreamt of one day, maybe being the stronger brother, of being able to defend Nathan like Nathan so valiantly defended him. But when that strong warmth wrapped around his shoulders, drew him in against a firm and unyielding body, Peter could admit that there was a wonderful pleasure in being cared for.

In Nathan he had someone who would always be strong for him, who would never let him down. Reliable, brave and loving, he had faith that Nathan would never steer him wrong. If he ever dared to say any of this out loud, Nathan would just sigh and say see? Naive to the end. But Peter didn't worry about that. Nathan was his home. Where his heart had always been and would always be.