Hearing his name spoken by someone familiar, by someone who was family, opened up the flood gates. For the first time in a very long time, Elliot didn't care who saw him break down. He'd waited so long for this moment, for the comfort and reassurance that he wasn't alone.
A bark of laughter escaped him when David climbed over the back of the bench and threw his arms around him. If it had been a contest to see who was squeezing the other tighter, it would've been anyone's guess as to who the winner was.
It was still fresh in his mind that last day when he'd said goodbye and wished David luck as he climbed onto that bus. Elliot had been a few minutes late for work, but it had been worth it to see his little brother set off on his first trip alone. That trip had lasted far longer than either of them had ever imagined.
Sniffing, Elliot opened his eyes and stared up at the high ceiling, willing some of the flood back, as pointless as his effort was. The second David said he hadn't given up on being found by his family, another rush of tears trailed down Elliot's cheeks. If only Mom and Dad were here...
Somehow, somewhere, he found his voice. "I missed you, too, buddy. I never once gave up on you." He'd come close a time or two, but he'd just known, deep in his heart, that his little brother was out there. "And you're okay; you're in one piece. My brother, clever enough to find the safest place in New York."
Exhaling shakily, Elliot let his eyes fall closed again. Now that they were here, how was even supposed to begin explaining that their parents were dead? It was one of those cruel good news bad news jokes. The good news is you found your brother. The bad news? You gotta tell him Mommy and Daddy are dead.