[HABIT]

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The summer sun beat down on the two boys sitting on the park bench side by side. They were smiling and laughing, unaware of the problems around them.
"So, we're having Carne Asada for dinner, will you be coming like usual?"
"Sorry Val, not this time. Mother wants me home."
"Why Monte? You know she's just gonna get drunk and pass out again. Why does your father put up with that?"
"You know they can't get divorced..."
"And why not?! It's tearing you and your dad apart and she won't go to a group to get help!"
"Papa thinks they can work it out, he wants to stay because of me. He knows she would get me if they got a divorce."
"Yeah right, we'd get you and you know it. You practically live at my place. That's it! You are my brother."
"I... I don't think it works that way."
"Nope, we're brothers now, that's that, Hermano."
Monte eventually gave in and let his little cousin call him his brother, and eventually the two went their separate ways home that night.
Eventually, the divorce was settled, shortly before the diagnosis that would change Valentine's world.
(written by me)