Author Note

It happened that I was couragous enough to participate in Aiko's Sibling Boots Camps :). I feel so excited so I'll try to put some deadline to stick to them. Anyway, this collection contains 10 drabbles. The main general theme is Winter because I don't like writting drabbles in utter randomness. Something to keep myself under control hehe.

Regarding this collection, some chapters take place before the divorce. I'm making sure they are logical in the time line, thoguh so no one will feel confused.

I hope you enjoy ^_^

Under A Grey Sky

1. Matchsticks

They were so cold and very very bored. Their Papa and Mama weren't home. They went to visit someone they didn't know and didn't take them along. How could they, the twins thought. They were good kids. They didn't make noise and had never ever made Mama and Papa angry but Mama said something about a sad place for children so they should stay at home and wait for the baby sitter. Maybe it's sad and also bad place like the monster's castle in their favorite anime but why would their precious Mama and Papa go there. The were grown up so they could defeat any monsters there.

And it was raining. What if the electricity went off? What should they do? What if the monster came out from under the bed to eat them. Mama and Papa would cry so much if they didn't find them home. They'd look for them for ages and ages and they'd reamin in the sad, black clothes they were wearing that morning.

Shaking their identical worries aside, they waited for the baby sitter whom their mother asked to come. Baby sitters are so annoying. They keep talking on the phone and shout at them if they played in the kitchen or came near the living room with their mud-stained clothes. Fighting the monsters from under the bed was way easier than dealing with baby sitters especially for the younger twin. He'd go so angry if someone shouted at his twin.

'Nee, I'm cold.' The elder twin thought loudly.

'Me too.' Kouji responded with a frown.

They couldn't play outside with all the rain there and sitting on the couch was so boring even with the TV on. Bright lightening crossed the sky, followed by a great roar. Kouichi trembled and got closer to his brother who was as scared as him but refused to show that. He should take care of Kouichi. He was very strong after all.

'Kouji-chan. Wanna sleep.' Kouichi whined in a small voice.

'So early, Nii-san.'

Before they think further about it, the electricity went off accompanying scary waves of thunder and lightning, making the two kids hug each other fearfully.

It was so dark and that made little Kouichi so scared. He hid his head in Kouji's chest and sobbed. 'Dawk. scawy.'

'It's okay. I'll keep Nii-san safe. Don't be scawed.' He hugged Kouichi tighter to comfort both of them. It was really scary but admitting it would only make it worse. He was not a child evne if he was only three years old. He can protect his Nii-san. He wouldn't wait for some babysitter to come and take care of them. Taking a deep breath and remembering all the heroic acts of his favourit heroes, he led his scared twin to the kitchen, blocking the sound of the crazy thunder outside. Stumbling with hesitant steps, they approached the kitchen.

Kouichi was holding his brother's wrist so tightly and walking closely behind, almost touching his back while moving. He was scared but not so very scared. Kouji was here! Kouji can keep him safe. Kouji had beaten all the bad guys in their Kindergarten. Kouji is a hero. His favorite hero!

Kouji stopped and took his twin to the drawer where the matches are hidden. They shouldn't go near fire. It was too dangerous but he had to protect Kouichi. Fire would make them warmer. It'd give them light. It was their savior. Their new hero.

Kouichi glanced at him worriedly. 'Can you light them?'

Kouji gulped and nodded with equal worry. He was a hero too. He can light some stupid matchsticks. Brushing the stick against the destined part of the matchbox with great determination.

He can do it. He should do it. And he did it! The light danced and gave life to the shadows around the stick. The shadows weren't fearful. They were so beautiful and playful. The twins gazed in awe. It wasn't their first time. They lightened some matchsticks before and got scolded but it felt different now. It was warm and nice and it seemed as if it would remain forever. The thunder voice died and what continued echoing was the low voice of the burning stick. The light died but was quickly followed by a second and a third. They were giggling in excitement and happiness, totally care-free.

They weren't scared anymore. They could find light and warmth on their own. They didn't need anyone to give them comfort. They found it in each other's presence. And that was enough for them.