A/N:

Hails: Sorry if this is late. I'm not very good at reasonable, consistent updates. I'm more sporadic and I write when I feel like it. Anyhow, with that out of the way-

Be sure to leave a review, all feedback is appreciated, and I will take it into consideration.

AS A SPECIAL QUESTION: do you guys want a pairing for this story? There's a poll on my page if you want to answer.

Originally, I was going to make it so that this story had no pairings, because I know how annoying pairings get after a while.

(Tip: Most stories are usually better without.)

The train glided among the tracks gracefully and smoothly, moving at a comfortable hundred miles an hour. Southern True Cross was quite the distance from the academy, about two hundred miles. So it could possibly be a solid two hour trip. Not that Yukio minded, as he occupied himself with the scenery like he had on his way to the school.

He recalled the day Rin refused to let him go to True Cross Academy, or at least his older brother had tried desperately through any means necessary. From turning Yukio's alarm clock off, to hindering his movements in the morning, and even attempting to get him in the water for one last wave before he had to go.

Ultimately his attempts were futile, and Yukio succeeded anyway. Rin looked so filled with sorrow when Yukio had to leave, almost like he was about to cry. The guilt swelled in Yukio's chest, and he forced it down as he recollected his memories.

The younger twin could still remember the moment as if it were yesterday.

Yukio clutched his ticket, hanging onto his suitcase full of the clothes he couldn't fit into a box. Although he preferred it that way. It gave him something to occupy his hands with. He gripped the suitcase's handle until his knuckles turned white. He'd claimed he had made up his mind six months ago when he sent in application and took the entrance exam. The headmaster, Johanne Faust, whom Yukio happened to know well thanks to his father, had gladly accepted him into the academy with open arms, stating that-

'Of course you can go True Cross Academy. Only the best school for the perfect student!"

He swallowed the growing lump in his throat, and tried not to imagine what his father would say, his brother's broken expression, or even Shura's once in a lifetime - approving - smile. It hurt to leave, but it hurt more to stay. He couldn't continue living the way he had been; inside his house, laboring through his homework, making only necessary smalltalk at school when it was needed, desperately attempting to shut out every reminder of his father. Not once did he protest when Rin decided to go surfing again.

Yukio's mask was slowly cracking, and he felt the jealousy of his brother prevailing through the slog of depression seep through the thin chinks. That's why he decided to leave. It was better than going through a mad catharsis of emotions, or so he thought. He couldn't feel hurt if everything he saw led to more heartache. So a change of scenery is exactly was he felt he needed.

The grey clouds above Yukio thundered, and the wind whistled angrily as if warning Yukio that if he took another step towards the train that would soon be pulling in, he'd deeply regret it. Well, he'd regret it if he left and he'd regret it he stayed; so why not just leave and get it over with if he was going to wallow in remorse either way? Besides, going to True Cross Academy was his only option. He was far too overqualified for any school in the area.

"So, you're actually leaving?"

Yukio felt a sharp intake of breath shoot into his esophagus. He turned his head slowly, turquoise eyes meeting an ocean of blue. Rin stood before Yukio, dressed in something appropriate for the gloomy weather - despite the capri blue t-shirt. He donned a pair of grey jeans, a chain linked between one of the front belt loops and back ones for Rin's more punk-like appearance. He also sported his favorite red boots.

"Rin. I thought you weren't coming." Yukio implied the moments before when Rin had been yelling and screaming. He had been so angry, and Yukio hated that expression upon his elder twin's face. Despised that mix of hurt and rage swirling in a dark aura around Rin. He had never seen his brother so angry, and he didn't ever want to see it again.

"Fine. You've got a train to catch in an hour, don't you? Better get going."

"...Brother..."

"Don't you 'brother' me. If you want to leave so badly then just GO!"

"I wasn't going to." Rin's gaze shifted from Yukio's questioning face to the suitcase the younger twin held onto. "But, uh... Nagatomo said I should. Told me I'd regret it if I didn't. I figured he was right, so I came to say goodbye."

"Rin..."

Before another word could leave Yukio's mouth, Rin shot forward, tackling Yukio in a crushing hug. The wind whooshed out Yukio's lungs, and it took a moment for him to register that Rin's arms were wrapped around his midriff tightly. Rin's face was buried in the once neat TCA uniform Yukio wore. Rin, after all, despite being older, was also the shorter twin. Their father had said he had obtained the smaller stature genetics from his mother.

"Please don't leave..." Rin sobbed. It took Yukio a moment to counter.

"I have to, Rin. I can't stay here any longer." Yukio claimed. "It just hurts too much."

"I know." Rin said, his shoulders racking with choked cries. "I just can't lose you too. I don't know how long it'll be until I see you again." Yukio felt his breath catch in his throat as he proceeded to return Rin's meaningful hug. "I mean, it doesn't have to hurt, if you just-"

"I know, Rin." Yukio stopped his brother from continuing that sentence. He gently pried Rin's arms from around his back, and pushed him away so he could get a better look. Rin didn't have any tears streaming down his face, or big wet eyes, but he looked heartbroken, like the day Shiro Fujimoto had died. Yukio felt a sore pang of guilt run through him. "But not yet. Maybe when I'm a little older, and a little wiser. Just, not now."

Rin sniffed, arms falling to his sides.

"Okay." Rin finally answered after a moment of silence. "Just, remember to write. Won't you?"

Yukio smiled, ruffling his brother's hair.

"Of course I will."

There was more brotherly love as Rin and Yukio bickered light heartedly over who the elder twin really was. By the end of it, Rin was smiling. The train had pulled into the station, and Yukio was getting ready to board it. With a large grin on his face, Rin waved enthusiastically to his brother, who decided to pick a spot where he could see Rin while he was leaving.

Inside the warm train, Yukio smiled, waving back to his brother something small. Though for a moment, when Rin had stopped waving, Yukio could have sworn that...

Rin was crying.

"Whoa! Look, there's the beach!"

Yukio snapped out of his sudden flashback. The sky wasn't cloudy and gloomy, it hadn't started raining. The exact opposite in fact. The day held up the brightest sun Yukio had seen in a while, allowing the beach to show off it's white sands and bluest ocean. Yukio joined his classmates on the other side of the train, who were in awe over such a spectacular sight.

"Wow, Yuki!" Shiemi exclaimed, pressing her palms against the glass. "You got to live here? It's so beautiful!"

"You're really fortunate, Okumura." Konekomaru commented, choosing a more reserved posture, but still allowing himself to look reverential. "I've never seen water this blue. It's amazing!"

"Yeah, I guess it is." Yukio replied. "Maybe that's why my father loved this place so much."

"Afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, this is the conductor speaking. If you all haven't already seen the Southern True Cross' sandy beaches off to the right, then feel free to catch a glimpse. However, I ask that pretty soon here, you all take a seat, as we'll be pulling into Southern True Cross Station shortly. Thank you."

The students followed orders and found a reasonable place to sit as the train slowed seamlessly to a fluid stop. Once the train stopped it's motion altogether, each student stood, and dragged their suitcases out to open air. The station had a natural feel to it, as it was in an outdoors environment. The area was bathed in golden sunlight and gorgeous, blooming flowers exuded sweet fragrances. The air tasted fresh on the tongues of the new arrivals; the oxygen managed to sate the need for raw, healthy air.

Yukio scuffed his shoes against the old-fashioned brick ground. He'd never say it aloud, but despite the pain, he missed this place. He gazed around the station, looking for anyone he knew. His eyes swept over multiple people, until locating a particular, smiling man wearing a black cossack in the searing heat. He had curly, brown hair and dark eyes. His stature was tall, but slack. He waved to Yukio, getting his attention almost instantly.

"Hey, Yukio!" He exclaimed.

The said boy began making his way over to the priest, Nagatomo, with a special urgency. It wasn't until Yukio had gotten closer that he noticed two young men, both in their twenties, flanking Nagatomo's side. The one who appeared to be older had black hair and brown eyes, while the younger, who held a slight facial resemblance to the elder - Yukio supposed they were brothers - was almost the opposite with his blonde hair and green-blue eyes. Both of them were muscular - the blonde shirtless, while the darker haired man wore a short-sleeved jacket that left his abdomen exposed. They wore shorts and sandals, and they had clearly been out in the sun, resulting in their tan skin.

"Hello Father Nagatomo." Yukio greeted the priest. The cleric gave Yukio a genuine smile before cautiously pulling the teenager into a tender hug.

"Jeez, Yukio." Nagatomo returned mellowly. "You don't need to use formal honorifics, we're friends. I don't mind if you're a little more casual."

Yukio's eyes widened a bit as he faintly remembered how kind Nagatomo's personality is. He supposed this is why Rin and Yukio enjoyed being around this particular preacher the most in the past. Nagatomo could be serious in a parent-like matter if need be, but he was also fun and kind and generally well behaved. He was also trusted with the Okumura brothers' safety, which he gratefully accepted from Shiro before he died.

"So, this is the boy you were talking about?" The blonde man asked, leaning forward to get a better look at Yukio. The teenager glanced over to man, wondering where he had seen him before. He seemed vaguely familiar in appearance; his mischievous eyes twinkled, his smile pulled up smugly. Then it occurred to Yukio who these two must be. The tan skin and muscles gave off the athletic impression, then Yukio noted the damp hair, and that they smelled faintly of sea salt.

"You must be Juuzou and Kinzou Shima." Yukio inferred. "Renzo's brothers, am I correct?"

The black haired man, now named Juuzou, burst out laughing.

"You were right, Father Nagatomo." The young surfer clapped a hand onto the clergyman's shoulder. "He is smart!"

"Well, I'd be disappointed otherwise." Nagatomo grinned. "There's a reason he got into True Cross Academy."

Everyone seemed to feeling rather jovial, as they were laughing and joking. Yukio on the other hand wasn't feeling the joy, and would rather go back to TCA at this point. Too bad... he reminded himself for the hundredth time that day. There's no getting out of it, you promised. So Yukio stuck it out, even when he found out that Nagatomo had invited the academy students, as well as Juuzou and Kinzou, to stay at the Southern True Cross Monastery for Spring Break.

Yukio remained silent for the walk to the monastery. Considering it was short and close to the beach, walking to the building in which they'd be living for the next week seemed like a good idea. Walking instead of driving was healthier in the long run too. No arguments were made, and instead everyone made small talk. Renzo had the unfortunate event occur in which his older brothers continued putting him in a headlock and pinching his nose for the sake of family. Yukio found he could relate, as Rin had done that to him far too many times to count.

Rin and Yukio. They no doubt were close. Closer than any pair of twins True Cross beach had seen.

Izumi felt a chill run up his spine, and flinched. He froze almost immediately, then slowly proceeded to place the hot tray of macadamia nut cookies onto the island in the middle of the small kitchenette in the Okumura's house. The young teenagers had inherited the house from Fujimoto after his untimely death, but were, however, far too young to own a house just yet. So, the clergymen at the monastery, as well as Shura from time to time, would take shifts babysitting the young men. Rin and Yukio were old enough to stay by themselves for a few hours, but paying the bills that went with the small house was out of the question. Until they were both eighteen, old enough to live in their house, despite Rin's protests, they had a babysitter.

After Yukio left Rin had gone out of the house more frequently, hoping to avoid old memories. He'd do God knows what; running into trouble, getting into fights, ditching school to go surfing. Bad habits he picked up once his brother disappeared from Rin's life. Izumi had noticed recently for the past month, though, that Rin would stay in the house and behave more often. Izumi wasn't sure why, but he felt that the reason had to do with Yukio coming home soon.

Honestly, you think he wouldn't have noticed how much more chaotic it got around the house once Yukio left for True Cross Academy. Usually it was calmer when Yukio had been home, considering he was there to stop Rin whenever he thought up one of his juvenile schemes at the time. But since Yukio wasn't here anymore to stop Rin's antics if they ever got out of hand, well... it only resulted in multiple screams of "ANARCHY!" around the house.

This resulted in Izumi's overly wary attitude whenever he and Rin were alone in the house together. Thus why the preacher had gone completely still. He looked towards the ladder in the far corner, which went up to the twins' room. The struggle of feet trying to get away sounded near the old, wooden stairs that was the gateway to the second floor. There was light shuffling on the other end of the island, and Izumi grimaced. Without so much as a sigh, he reached over and smacked away a hand reaching for a cookie. There was a childish yelp, and then Izumi started talking.

"Nice try, but I caught you red-handed." Izumi placed his hands on hips. He swore, especially being the youngest of the preachers, that he always aged a few years whenever Rin was around. "Come out, you can't hide you little sneak."

A teenager popped up from behind the counter with wide blue eyes.

"But Izumiiiiiii~" Rin pleaded. He walked over into the light so that Izumi could see him better. He was sporting a dark wetsuit, something he wore almost never. It was sleeveless, which exposed the muscular biceps Rin had gained in his years of practice. The cover stopped just below Rin's knees. It had patches of blue on the collarbone and thighs. "It's just one cookie."

"The answer is still 'no.'" Izumi said, prepared to protect the pastries. "Those are for after dinner, when Yukio gets here. Even if it's just one cookie, I know you'll ask for more; and you don't want to eat all of them. You'll spoil your appetite, and then your brother won't get any. Besides, it's the beginning of the surf season, when the waves are strongest. You don't want to put on weight."

"I won't put on weight from one cookie." Rin claimed, jabbing a finger in Izumi's direction.

"You're still not getting one." Before Rin could plead anymore, Izumi continued. "Why are you really here, Rin?"

"Oh, I'm looking for my surfboard. It wasn't outside where it usually is." Rin explained. "Did you move it?"

"Yeah, I moved it. It's over in the corner by your bedroom."

"Thanks, Izumi!" Rin exclaimed, bounding over to the black surfboard, which had an intricate blue fire design dancing across the shimmering surface – A gift to Rin on his thirteenth birthday. Rin treasured that board when it was given to him, and the recollection of Rin's excited face when he got it. The priest turned away and began working on the dishes in the sink, and he listened for pounding footsteps of Rin's sandals slapping the hardwood floor. There was the sound of a surfboard being moved, and Rin padding back over to the clear, sliding door. The door moved lithely on the track, and Rin stepped out.

"Have a nice day, Rin." Izumi said, and the teenager wished the same return. Rin was already half way out the door when he paused momentarily.

"Oh, and Izumi?" Rin poked his head back into the house for a moment, then waved a flat, circular pastry in front of his own face. "Thanks for the cookie."

Rin was gone before Izumi could comprehend what had happened. He paused, looking at the soapy, earthenware plate in his hands. Then he turned and stared at where a smiling Rin was once standing, waving a cookie in front him tauntingly. He glanced over at the malleable, metal sheet, realizing that instead of a dozen cookies, there was one missing. Izumi noted this, and scowled.

That little runt-

Izumi pulled the breaks on his train of thought, then his lips pulled into a grateful smile.

I haven't seen Rin this happy in a long time. I know he was heartbroken when Yukio had to leave, so it's nice to see him positively reinforcing himself.

Keep smiling, Rin. I don't ever want to see you sad like that ever again.

Rin watched in a tormented, silent agony as the train carried Yukio away from his home, as it took what little family Rin had left away from him. He stopped waving, hand falling to his side. He felt the tears welling up in his eyes, and forcefully wiped them away. His once satisfied grin changed to a frown, and he was left standing in the cold, harsh winds. He knew it might start raining later, but he didn't really care. He just wanted his brother back.

Rin only had one desire; and that was to have Yukio at his side.

The young boy wasn't sure how long he stood there. But he didn't move, not even when he felt the first, fresh drop of water fall onto his head. He didn't move in inch when more rain started cascading from the clouds. He didn't bother to make a sound when he heard the plink! Plink! Plink! fall around him apathetically. The rain soaked his hair and clothes, and chilled him to the bone. Not that reacted to the goosebumps on his arms. The bangs of his dark hair were dripping with water, causing them to grow heavy on Rin's head. They shadowed his face, hiding his eyes - his depressed, sparkless eyes from the world.

Sometimes, he wasn't sure if the water running down his face were his tears, or mother nature's tears.

Then the rain stopped. It stopped hitting him. It continued to pour around him, but never on him. He glanced up to find a dark cover shielding him from cold, wet weather. There, Nagatomo stood, holding an umbrella over Rin's slouched figure.

"Rin, are you alright?" The priest asked. He placed a warm, calloused hand on Rin's shoulder, causing the teenager to shiver. The feel of Nagatomo's hand... why did it suddenly remind him of his father's compassionate, yet firm hold?

"Nagatomo..." Rin muttered. "Did I do good? Was that all right?"

Nagatomo smiled, then wrapped his entire arm around Rin, leading him away from the train station. The younger boy subconsciously clung to Nagatomo's robes. They began descending down the slippery, soaked, stone steps which would take them back to the Southern True Cross Monastery.

"That'll do, Rin." Nagatomo answered. "That'll do."

Shiemi craned her neck to stare at the tall monastery which towered over the seven teenagers, then to Paku and Kamiki's behind her. Kamiki only grimaced in return, but Paku sent her a reassuring smile. This helped to boost Shiemi's confidence a bit, and she quickly followed the boys into the building in which they'd be living in for the next week or so. Regardless of the old and worn exterior of the peaceful place, Shiemi almost felt at home inside. It was warmly lit and a soothing tranquility washed her, filling her with a genuine, sweet love. She breathed in the still air, picking up the scent of incense and something else with an unfamiliar, but saccharine and welcoming smell.

"Alright, there are two extra adjoined guest rooms on either side of the monastery that are about ten tatami mats area-wise." Nagatomo explained. "They should each be big enough to house three people each. Since I figure Yukio will want to stay with his brother in the house they inherited from their father, I didn't really think about preparing a spot for him. Is that alright, Yukio? I can help you move your stuff over to the house when your ready."

"That's alright, Nagatomo." Yukio thanked the priest graciously. "Thank you for your consideration, but I can handle it. It's not too far of a walk from here."

Nagatomo nodded.

"Good, then that will make this situation much easier." Nagatomo continued to rattle off instructions. "Connected to your rooms should be a bathroom where you can keep your cosmetics and do your business. See those stairs?" Nagatomo questioned, pointing to a set of stairs almost completely hidden from view. They seemed to lead up to a second floor, which contained a catwalk that separated the actual furnished housing from the holy monastery. "Those lead up to a couple more guest rooms where Juuzou and Kinzou are staying, as well as Kouzou."

"Big brother Kouzou is here?" Renzo asked excitedly.

"That's right, little bro." Juuzou answered as Renzo cheered excitedly.

"Is anyone else here?" Renzo asked.

"No. Sorry, Renzo." Kinzou said apologetically. "Hiriko and Kishiko couldn't come. You know what business our sisters have to deal with. They had to stay at the temple."

"I wouldn't worry about that though, my fiancé is here." Juuzou joked sheepishly, eliciting an irritated groan from the youngest Shima brother.

"The Hojo sisters are here?" Suguro asked.

"That's a pleasant surprise." Konekomaru commented, adjusting his glassed with his lips upturned contentedly.

"I wouldn't call that pleasant, Neko." Shima grumbled.

"Okay!" Nagatomo interrupted. "Since Rin is probably out practicing, and he won't be back until later tonight, chances are you won't get to meet him until tomorrow. If this is the case, I'd recommend you all get settled into your rooms, and then go explore. There's a reptile exhibit here in town for a couple days if you want to go check that out, or if your ready for the beach you can go down there. They have a night market that opens once the sun sets if you all want to go check that out. Or if you want quality entertainment, you can all spy on the crazy cat lady up the street. I wouldn't recommend it though, she's got the eye of a hawk. With that out of the way, since the priests here are responsible for your safety and comfort, I'm going to set a couple ground rules for all you young people."

No one protested, which was a sign to keep going in Nagatomo's mind.

"Rule one; I don't want any one of you out later than midnight. You have no idea what happens on these streets at night." Nagatomo began. "Rule two; dinner is made here at the monastery every night at seven o'clock if not just a minute later. You can come join us, but once the clock hits 8:30, dinner is over and you'll have to find something else to eat. Rule three; stay in groups of at least three. I'd recommend you all stay together, or the girls stay with the girls and the guys with guys. Feel free to mix it up, I don't care. But you MUST have at least three people per group." Nagatomo caught Izumo's disapproving gaze, then went on. "Lastly, your wellbeing is our number one priority. If one of you gets in trouble or is injured to an extent beyond your level of first-aid, please seek one of us, or the elder Shima brothers out for help. That is all."

A/N:

Hails: Fair warning if you haven't already figured it out. Yes, there will be a TON of flashbacks. I like to explore stuff while I'm writing. This is kind of one of my futile attempts at planning as I go along.

One more thing. Kouzou, Hiriko, and Kishiko are indeed Ocs. Renzo has an unnamed brother and two unnamed sisters, it says so on his wiki page.