3

Takumi had only been to one other funeral in his life.

His grandfather had passed away when he was in middle school after a long battle with emphysema.

His death was sad, but expected. As for his brother, that was never spoken of and he did not attend. He still hadn't accepted his parent's choice in the matter.

Someone Mari's age wasn't supposed to die.

He wished he could have known her longer.

Everyone was devastated; Mari's parents for losing a child, her sister for losing only sibling and confidant; but mostly Iko, widowed at such a young age, with a two month old.

Takumi spotted Gii talking with his friend.

Iko looked like he hadn't slept at all in the past week. Takumi couldn't imagine what he must be going through; losing the person he planned on spending the rest of his life with.

He turned when he heard someone call his name.

Takumi smiled and leaned down when Iko's mother went to put a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you for being here, for standing by Gii" She said. "It means a lot to Iko. All of us, actually."

"I know Mari was like a sister to him. I only wish I could have known her better."

"She was really special. I don't know anyone who didn't love her."

Takumi smiled. "If I can do anything…"

She lightly touched his arm. "Just be there for Gii. He's having a really difficult time with this."

Takumi glanced at Gii

He and Iko were talking with a dark haired guy who Takumi quickly figured was Iko's friend Anthony. "I love Gii, Mrs. Cole. I'd do anything for him."

She squeezed his arm affectionately. "How many times have I told you to call me Betty?"

"Sorry….Betty." He smiled at her.

"Oh come here," she said and hugged him tightly.

Takumi saw Gii heading in his direction as Betty went to speak with another family member. Gii took Takumi by the hand, went out into the hallway and gave him a bone crushing hug.

"I'm so glad you're here," Gii said, his eyes welling up again. "I need you to help me get through today."

Takumi wrapped his arms around the other man, reached up and placed a comforting hand on the back of his head. "I'm here, my love. Let it out."

They stood silently for a few minutes until Gii finally let go of the grip he had on Takumi.

"I think I'm okay," he said, "then I break down again."

Takumi wiped the tears from Gii's face. "I know how close you were. How's Iko?"

Gii closed his eyes then slowly opened them while shaking his head. "Numb. He hasn't slept in days. I've barely gotten him to eat."

Gii had been staying with him for the past week. The parents and Mari's family had been taking turns caring for Abby. Today the baby was with Iko's neighbour.

"I can't imagine what he's going through," Takumi said. "To lose the person you love… suddenly like that."

"There really were no symptoms. Although she would get these headaches. She had an appointment last week to get it checked out. I'll always wonder if this could have been prevented."

"From what I've read about aneurysms in the past couple days, not really."

Gii was touched that Takumi had taken the time to do some research. He smiled. "Do you know how amazing you are?"

Takumi grinned back. "Why…..yes, I do. How do you think I snagged you in the first place?"

That made Gii laugh. "Thank you," he said, and gave Takumi a quick kiss.

"What was that for?"

"For making me laugh for the first time in more than a week."

Takumi gripped Gii's arm in a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here for you, Gii. You know that, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do." Gii sighed, "I'm going to spend some time here with him. Do you mind? If you feel weird about staying at mine without me go back to yours. I know you still have your room there and it will only be for a few days, right?"

"Ready to go back in there?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Knowing how important the makeshift family was to Gii, Takumi gave him all the space he wanted to spend more time with Iko. Takumi would have been the same way if it were one of his friends.

They were all they had, some of these people had been Gii's friends for most of his life, especially given the estrangement from his family.