Ai woke up to find himself in Reiji's room. Analyzing the situation, he confirmed that this was when they were watching dramas together, but this time, it feels... off. He looked to his side and saw Reiji sitting next to him.
"Honestly, this guy really needs to stop playing around and confess to her already!" He groaned. Ai spoke up.
"What if he doesn't know fully that she had feelings for him?"
"Hmmm, well... sometimes, taking the risk is exciting. Like, for example..." Reiji gently grabbed Ai's chin and turned his head to face him."
"How I really want to kiss you right now."
Ai was stammering. "H-Huh? H-Here of all places?"
"Are you nervous? Don't worry, with a little practice, and you will be an amazing kisser." Reiji lifted Ai's chin and leaned closer towards him. Ai closed his eyes tightly and waited for a pair of lips to meet his, but they never came."
"Hm? That's odd..." The older man said quietly. Ai's eyes opened, seeing Reiji dangerously close to him.
"You're not... Aine..." Reiji's eyes narrowed.
"Is... is that a problem?" Ai tilted his head.
"I can't believe I actually fell for a faker pretending to be him." He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I'm my own person! If it's for you, I can change my appearance!" Ai stood up.
"Don't you get it?" Reiji's voice sounded cold- disgusted even. "You're made to replace someone. An actual human. Now that the real deal is up and about, you think we actually want to hang around you anymore?" He stood up as well. "Honestly, you think I would go for a sack of bolts pretending to be human? I wouldn't sink that low." He turned away from Ai. "Get out of my sight."
"I-I..." Ai backed up. "My purpose is over... I should just be thrown away then."
Reiji looked back at him. "Ai?"
"What?"
"Ai..."
"What do you want from me?"
Reiji quickly walked over and grabbed his shoulders, shaking him violently. "Ai!"
XxXxXxXx
"Ai! Ai! Wake up!" Ai woke up to see his two kouhais standing by his bedside.
"Mm... Syo? Natsuki?" He sat up.
"Ai-chan..." Natsuki said slowly. Syo added on, "We came into your room at noon because no one has seen you all day. When you didn't answer, we got worried."
"It's rude to come into someones room when they didn't give you permission." Ai said without any emotion in this voice.
"You idiot! You have a lot of nerve to say that-"
"What we mean to say is that we found you on the floor unconscious. We carried you to your bed and tried to cool you off. You started freaking out a moment ago, so we panicked." Natsuki cuts Syo off.
Ai quickly ran a checkup on himself. He concluded that he overheated and fell unconscious.
"My system seems to be fine right now. I am functioning quite well."
"Ai-chan..."
"We are worried about your mental health! You have been acting off lately!" Syo yelled. Ai was confused.
"Why would you be worried about me? I am a robot. My feelings should be the least of your concerns."
"I feel like you're only telling yourself this..." Natsuki trailed off. The blue haired robot bit his lip. "I'm not..."
"Well anyways, Natsuki and I have been talking and we both thing that you should go to the lab if you are going to crash like that. It's not healthy for you."
"I see... if that's what you really want." Ai got up. "I will return to the lab for a quick scan. If anyone asks where I went, let them know. Does that ease your worries?" The two boys nodded.
"Take it easy okay? If you need to talk to anyone, you have us." Natsuki mentioned before turning around. "We'll leave you alone for now."
Once the boys left, Ai looked down. "I'm only... telling myself that? Are they saying I can feel?" He placed a hand over his chest. "I better not think about this too hard and get ready. After all, this is the last day of our break."
Once he was ready, he walked out of his room and down the hall. On the way there, he heard Reiji speaking from his room. Pressing his ear against the door he was able to make out what Reiji was saying.
"Are you alright, Aine? I'm serious when I said I will pay you a visit... why not? Oh... you're not ready to go outside yet? Tell me when you are! I would love to catch up!"
"Of course they would meet up. They are old friends." Ai told himself before walking away, not wanting to hear anymore of the conversation.
XxXx
"Ai? You're here again?" Professor Kisaragi opened the door. "Is it because of Aine?" The robot shook his head.
"My peers told me that I fell unconscious onto the floor. They recommended that I come see you as soon as possible." Ai replied.
"Is that so? I knew that it would be hard on your system to be around Aine. At this rate... Ai, I need you here all day to make sure you are stable. If you pass out again, I want it to be somewhere where you can treat yourself."
"I understand." Ai nodded.
"For the meantime, can you run a few tasks for me while you stay here?" The professor rubbed his chin. "Can I trust you to stay here to take care of Aine? I need to run out for some errands. I can teach you about how to care for him while I'm not here."
"Of course."
"Good. Now, follow me." Professor Kisaragi lead him to Aine's room. In the room, Aine is still talking to what is assumed to be Reiji.
"Aine, I need you to get off the phone. We need to give you your medications." The professor said. "Ai is going to be here all day to take care of you. If anything happens to him, call me. Same with you, Ai. It's easier to fix you if you happen to break, but a human is a little trickier."
Does that make Aine more valuable? Ai thought as he nodded again.
"Mhm... I have to go, Reiji. Let's talk later... huh? Yea Ai is here, but he can't tell you where I am. Okay. Heh, yes I miss you too. I told you this a million times. 'Kay. Bye." Aine hung up before laying back down. "Uncle, I'm talking more now." Aine smiled a little weakly.
"That's good, kid. Hand me your arm. You need your shots." The professor took his arm before giving him a shot of something Ai assumes to be vitamins.
"See this, Ai? He needs these every other day to give him more nutrients. Don't worry about it today, but just in case, you should know this. Also, Aine is unable to walk, so you need to take him to the bathroom every now and then even if he isn't asking to go. He is still having trouble eating too-"
"Am not!" Aine argued.
"You dropped your food several times and choked once yesterday. You're being spoon fed for a bit!" His uncle argued back. "Anyways, that's all you need to do to make sure he's alright. If you have any questions, call me okay?"
"Understood."Ai said.
"Good. I knew I can count on you." He patted Ai on the head before walking out the room. "Take care you two!"
"Ai..." Aine said suddenly.
"Hm? Are you hungry?"
"No... well... I don't know, but can we talk for a bit? Uncle forgot to say 'keep Aine entertained.'"
"What do you want to talk about?" Ai asked. Aine blushed a little big and hugged his pillow.
"I was talking with Rei-chan all evening. He was crying and apologizing half the time and I spent my time soothing him... he seemed happy to talk with me again."
"Rei-chan? You're using that nickname?"
"It's really silly, but he told me to call him that. I kinda like it. I like calling him that when we are alone. Is that dumb?'
"He tells everyone to call him that." Ai said bluntly.
"I-I see. Well, if it's still making him happy, I don't mind!" Aine smiled. "I'm still nervous though. He wants... to speak to me in person. but I told him that I'm not ready. I don't want him to see me like this. Being catered to by everyone around me. My speech is also off. I talk much slower than usual and I have problems ready... I want him to see me strong you know?"
"I see..." Ai trailed off. "So you have a crush on him after all?"
"S-Shut up! He is a goofball, but there something about him that is just so... captivating."
Something ached inside Ai. "So that's a yes. I wonder if he feels the same."
"You should ask him, Ai."
"Huh?"
"Ask what he thought of me when we were together in the band... I really hope that he felt the same way. I lost him once, it would be a shame if I lost him again."
Yes, it would be...
"...I'll think about it. for now, it's almost time for you to eat." Ai turned around and nearly left the room.
"Wait! Take me with you. I can use the wheelchair and we can talk together!"
"Hmm... it shouldn't hurt you if you're just sitting... very well."
For the rest of the day, the two hung out. The spent their time chatting and taking care of each other until it got late. The professor still wasn't back, so Ai went ahead and gave Aine a bath before tucking him in to sleep.
"Hey Aine?" Ai asked, pulling the covers over his human copy. "Do you think that my emotions are linked to yours? Like if I had feelings for Reiji, it's because of you?"
"Why? Are you saying you like him?" Aine raised a brow.
"I-I'm not saying anything! He just happened to let me sleep on his shoulder and ever since then, his every mover makes me want to short circuit."
"That's funny, because the same thing happened to me. Don't worry Ai, you will feel normal soon. It's just our bond speaking to you." He spoke. "I'm feeling sleepy now. Thanks for the fun day we had... goodnight, Ai."
And just like that, he fell asleep.
You mean Reiji got that close with Kisaragi too? I'm not special? Ai thought as he exited the room, nearly bumping into the professor.
"Ai! I'm sorry I got so held up! Where's Aine?"
"Sleeping. I'm heading back myself."
"Wait Ai, have you been alright today?"
"...my systems are normal right now." Ai felt him feeling his forehead.
"You're hot. You are coming to the lab room with me for some repairs. Don't worry, I can charge you here too." Professor Kisaragi grabbed his hand and took him to the lab for a check up. After cooling him down, he took some notes after analyzing the problem.
"You seem to be in an emotional distress. There is something in your life that is causing you to emotionally damage you. It seems to make you overheat when you think about it. I won't pressure you into telling me the problem, but you need to come to terms with it if you don't want to have episodes like these. It can even be confessing to a girl or not worrying about a performance."
"Isn't that because of Aine? He says it's because of a bond us two share."
"It could be that, but I personally think that it's better to listen to what Ai thinks instead of what Aine thinks. It could make you a lot happier." The professor pokes his forehead. "After all, when I saw you boot up for the first time, I saw you as a completely different person. Just because you share the same face with someone, doesn't mean that you share the safe emotion, thoughts, and feelings."
Ai nodded slowly. "So if Aine and I want the same thing, can I also try to have it as well?" The the professor hesitated.
"I suppose so. What do you want anyways?"
The life that he is taking away from me.
"...Earlier today, Aine wanted the last piece of cheesecake and I let him have it. I wanted to grab it." He lied. The professor chuckled a bit, buying his lie.
"Ai, you and Aine are like twins. Same on the outside, but still individuals nonetheless. Just because Aine wants something, doesn't mean you should always fork it over."
Keyword: Always. Does Reiji count? Ai closed him eyes, sighing. "Alright then. I understand."
"That's my boy. Now run along. Be careful going home!" He pat his nephew's head. Ai smiled a bit before walking home.
That's right! Just because Aine like's Reiji, doesn't mean I should fork him over! I... have time to tell him how I feel... Ai's face warmed up. He imagined the thought of Reiji liking him and only him. Ai's hand in his. Reiji pulling him in another hug...
"I can't believe that I..." Ai swallowed.
"I'm actually in love with Reiji Kotobuki."
xXxXxXx
My heart is pounding, or what I think is a heart... Ai took a minute to collect his thoughts. He is now in front of Reiji's door, freaking out about what to say. Maybe he can just say, "Reiji! I'm in love with you!" Like in those over dramatic dramas they watched together.
No too 'cringey.'
How about he says nothing and kisses him on the lips?
No he would hate that. In fact, he would yell at him for being a pervert.
Before Ai could knock, a tired Reiji answered the door.
"Ai, It's late, and practice is tomorrow... do you need something?"
Ai heated up. "Y-You noticed I was here?'
"You were mumbling outside my door. It took me forever to realize that you weren't a serial killer."
"I-I'm sorry!"
"All is forgiven, but why are you here so late?"
"O-Oh... I just got back from the lab, and I didn't notice the t-"
"You went to the lab? Like the one were Aine is staying?"
"Y-Yes, so-"
"Is he alright? He's eating properly? Is he getting enough rest?"
"He's fine now, but-"
"Did he say anything about me? Like him asking if I was alright?" Ai was a little annoyed about Reiji not asking if HE was okay, but he decided to let it go and change the subject.
"...Reiji? Can we talk?"
"Hm? What's wrong?"
"Every since we got back from tour, I've been realizing something about you."
"Well, what is it?"
"I... l..li..." He is about to overheat is this keeps up any longer."
"I.. I think I developed what humans have, feelings." Ai sighed. Reiji's eye's widened.
"Ai Mikaze... likes me?"
"I thought about it a lot. How Kisaragi and I are different beings, and that I shouldn't always fork over what I hold dear to me" Ai smiled shyly. His face was a bright red. He couldn't believe he just let Reiji know how much he feels. Meanwhile, Reiji looked sad... guilty even.
"Wow... I have to say that I didn't expect you at all to confess to a guy like me. You could've had any other guy."
"But I wanted you..." The robot fidgeted with his thumbs. It's taking a lot of effort not to overheat. He avoided eye contact with Reiji.
"Ai... you know things could never work between us." Reiji said softly. Ai's eyes widened.
"Why not?" He finally looked at Reiji.
"Well... uhm."
"No. I don't understand. You said I can have any guy, but what makes you so different?" Ai raised his voice slightly, loosing the calm tone.
"Ai, are you... a robot?"
Suddenly, everything is spinning. Reiji knew? How? He perfected his hiding so well.
"Aine told me everything." A familiar feeling emerged in Ai. It was the same feeling when STARISH won the SSS. That feeling was frustration.
"He shouldn't have said anything." Ai mumbled.
"Hey, don't get so worked up... it's okay."
"Is it because I'm not human? You think we won't work together?"
"Ai, that's not it."
"Or is it because you love Aine and you decided, 'why go for a robot version of the original?'"
"That's not it at all!"
"Oh, you think I never thought of the fact I can't get old with you, or because of this 'no love' rule that has many contradictions?"
"..."
"So that's your reason?"
"Ai, it's also because, we are both on the same group. If we date, and if something happens, things would just get hostile."
"And rejecting me wouldn't?"
"You're right, which brings me to my second reason. Yes. I think I am in love with Aine. I have been for a while. Hearing his voice again made me fall in love all over again."
Ai was silent for a second. Of course he likes him. It's not his fault for liking someone before he even knew me, but... I still feel gross.
"So, was I just Aine's replacement while he vanished?"
Reiji was confused and a little annoyed by that accusation. "Ai, you know that's not true."
"Then why would you treat me the same way you'd treat Aine? Are you trying to drive me insane?" Reiji went silent.
"Ai, I think we both should calm down."
"I can't calm down! Ever since Aine came back, I feel like we've haven't been together much. It's like he's more important because he is a human. I don't even think he cares for you as much as I do."
"Ai..." a warning tone.
"I mean, if he wanted to be with you that much, he wouldn't have up and left you to begin with." I said it. I actually said it.
Ai looked at Reiji's face to notice that he looks angry. Ai has struck a nerve.
"That's enough. I understand that rejection hurts, but that doesn't mean you have the right to be insensitive about other people." Reiji wasn't yelling, but he looked serious, cold, and even pissed.
Ai's face softened. He felt gross. He tried to form an excuse. "I just... never felt this way before."
"I don't want to hear any excuses. If acting this out of line is you're saying, then maybe you haven't felt much to begin with."
"..." Ai was stunned. He knew he angered Reiji with insensitive remarks, but he still couldn't help but feel hurt by that statement. He bit his lip and started shaking.
"You're right. I should've stayed emotionless. I was more put together then." His voice was shaky. He noticed his actions are similar to a human crying. Reiji felt bad for being harsh. Horribly bad. Especially now that he notices tears in his eyes.
"Ai, I-"
"I'm going now. Sorry to disturb you. See you at practice tomorrow." Ai turned around and walked away before Reiji said anything else. This idea was dumb. Ai was regretting everything that happened. He was foolish to think he can just run up to someone and outright declare their love. What he regrets most is hurting Reiji. He felt hot. He went into his room and shut the door behind him. Grateful that his kouhais moved out forever ago. He jumped into his bed and started crying. The more he thinks about Reiji's words, the more it upsets him. No matter how many times he reassures himself that androids shouldn't be possessing emotions like these, it still doesn't make the pain go away. Eventually, he forced himself to go into sleep mode in attempt to not overheat.
Out of all the emotions to feel, he had to feel love, the most frustrating one ever.
The next day was the end of Quartet Night's break. They have a music video coming up, and they all started learning the choreography. Ai did not even speak to Reiji. When Reiji tries, Ai ends up making an excuse to not speak to him. Ranmaru and Camus noticed the tension, but they both decided to not intervene unless if it's going to affect the entire group. The thing is, as the days passed, the two came to a conclusion:
Ai has been feeling off recently. He has been more scatterbrained and people have been noticing his sudden shift in mood.
He slips up a lot in practice and has been more stressed out about perfection.
And it's all that stupid Reijis fault.
XxXxXx
Author's note:
Annnd that is a wrap! Merry Christmas everyone! To wrap to the year, I decided to release this chapter as well. I hope I was able to display one message about the story:
I do not want to paint any one here as an antagonist against Ai. I want everyone's side to be understood, so everyone's actions can be understood in some sort of way. I realized first chapter that I was painting Aine as the 'bad guy,' so I wanted readers to understand his emotions and actions. Everyone in this story is not 'good' or 'bad.' That's up for the reader to determine. You can argue that Reiji, Aine, or even Ai is in the wrong. I didn't want the story to be black and white, so I wanted emotions to be more complex and diffucult to handle.
In case you haven't noticed, this is not a typical happy-go-lucky yaoi (no shade I love those fanfics bless them.) It is sweet as it is sour.
Anyways I hate long Author's notes. Hope you enjoy this chapter and stay tuned for the final chapter soon!
~Mint
