I never enjoyed their social visits, hours of talking over nothing, while I had to endure childrens toys. This time they were going to meet with my "fathers" sister, I was told that I would be expected to watch my cousin while they chatted away the hours. At least I would have someone to talk to.

The vehicle pulled to a stop in front of the small house, such a fascinating creation. No matter how many times I saw new technology it always gave me an excitement I found nowhere else. They got out of the car and opened my door.

"Naoya, do you remember what we spoke about? I haven't seen my sister in sometime, so I'd like to catch up without interruptions," The man before me repeated for the seventh time. I understand him the first time, repeating it another six will not improve someone's memory; they're more likely to stop listening all together. But he couldn't know that.

"Yes, Father. I understand." I smiled politely, and nodded. Yes, I understood his pointless repetitive actions, taking the woman's hand. Absolutely sickening, acting like some stupid child. "What's my cousin's name?" Despite all of his repetitions he had neglected to mention it even once.

"Weren't you listening to me?" He sounded angry. "I've told you a thousand times. His name is Kazuya."

I gritted my teeth, he hadn't said that even once. I would have remembered. "Of course father, how could I have forgotten, since you told me before?"

"Good boy." He smiled. What a faker. He didn't mean a single thing he said. But who was I to judge him? I was the same way. We approached the front door, and he rang the bell. The young blue haired woman opened the door after only a few seconds. Naturally, she had expected us.

"Ah, Hello. Come in." She greeted us warmly. A nice change, someone who seemed to care; I wondered if she was actually sincere. But something else caught my eye. Something impossible, that blue haired child standing behind her, clinging to her leg hiding. "You must be Naoya." She knelt to get closer, extending her hand. I shook it. I saw her lips moving but I couldn't hear what she said anymore, I could actually see the child now, who was still trying to hide behind his mother. "Ah, you seem distracted. This is Kazuya." She egged him out from behind her. He was a few years younger than I was, but there was no mistaking it.

I smiled, "its nice to see you again." His parents looked confused for a moment. "I'll watch him. You can go talk with my father if you like."

"My, he's quite responsible for his age." It was her who started the conversation, their voices continued as they walked down the hall but I stopped listening. My hands started closing around, the child's throat. His eyes widened confused.

"Don't mock me!" I whispered loudly, as he struggled. "Don't act stupid." He kept struggling, and my hands slowly released him as realization struck me. "You don't remember." I cursed His name. This was his fault. I found the child's room and started digging through his toys, as he followed me idiotically; like a droid. It didn't take me long; he had been making crafts before we got there, so the scissors had been just cast aside when he fled to his mother's side. "Stay here." I told him. He cocked his head but sat down. Just like a dog. He was such an obedient child, just like always. I checked on the adults, they were deep in conversation; they wouldn't miss me for a few minutes. I stepped outside and inspected the car. These scissors should do the trick. I began my work; putting the scissors back when I was done, I entertained the cursed child. It wasn't a difficult task, after all I knew this child, my brother quite well. The meeting seemed to end quicker then normal. I smiled when they called me.

"Father, can I stay here? I want to play with Kazuya some more," I asked, it wasn't a lie. But it was beyond his understanding.

"Oh that's-"

"I want Naoya to stay." The small voice behind me picked up, catching the adults attention.

"Well I can't make that decision. What do you think?" He asked his sister.

"Oh that's great. I'm fine with it. Kazuya rarely opens up to someone like this. It's a good experience for him." My previous evaluation of her had been correct. She was truly sincere and loved her child.

"We'll come back later this evening then. We'll be in the city for a while." The man and his wife went to the car, waving at me.

"Good bye." I smiled and waved. Later that day, the phone call arrived. My 'parents' had died in a car crash. Apparently the brakes lines in their car had started wearing, and finally broke when they tried to break at an intersection. They both died instantly. The funeral was quiet, only a few people. I stood away from them all, and people left me alone. They thought I was crying.

I wasn't.

I was laughing.

The next few years went by quickly. I was adopted into the Minegishi family, and grew up with Kazuya as if he were my own brother. But they still insisted on us referring to each other as cousins. It was probably to keep the family image but I couldn't understand it. At one point they tried to start going to church, however I quickly taught them the error of their ways. I had a hard time controlling my temper when they tried to speak about God, and often said too much that left them speechless.

Kazuya grew up quickly as well, he very well in school. And he seemed to make it his goal to get a better grade then I did. He could never over come my grades though.

He was my opposite; I preferred to be secluded, alone. And people who realized this quickly left me alone. There was one however, who persisted where all others failed. A friend Kazuya met in junior high school. Just after I had graduated and started attending college for computer programming. His name was Atsuro Kihara, and he followed me like a dumb puppy. He mimicked me and even insisted I become his teacher. After refusing him dozens of times, I finally gave in and accepted. Although, only in name. He was a bright young man, but he didn't carry one wit of his own free will. He simply did what his friends did.

He met Yuzu Tanikawa in high school, who obviously carried a flame for him, he either didn't notice or chose not to notice. I was proud of the fact that he wouldn't let himself fall prey to a woman like that, she had a strong will, but no brains. She didn't like me much. But then I didn't like her either so it worked out. And besides, I didn't need to like them. He did.

After all he'd need companions for the days to come.