Hi guys! School is now out so I have more free time. Maybe even a little too much. Thank you for the wonderful reviews once again.
Kouji's POV
Today I'm going to go over to see Kouichi. Most of the time he would come to see me, but it's been decided by our parents that it's best not to give him another change of scenery just yet. What Takuya said the other day hasn't left my mind, but we never came up for a weekend plan either. I guess for now I'll just have to try and help him on my own.
Dad still hasn't come home to take me over. Today has also been uneventful and quiet. I've never been this shaken up by the lack of noise in this house, but lately that's been starting to change. I can't figure out if it's nerves or if it's all in my head, but the feeling of nausea isn't something I'm a huge fan of. I don't like being alone the same way I used to. Allowing myself to make real friends changed how I felt about being alone all the time. Having a brother did so even more. I care about them, and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.
The sound of the door opening brought me back to reality. Dad was finally home. I don't think I've ever been so happy about that in my life. Grabbing my bag, I bolted down the stairs as fast as I could, almost tripping on the way down. The look on the older man's face as I slid past him was priceless. He took a moment to stare at me with wide eyes before straightening up and smiling.
"I guess you're all ready to go then?" That was a question he hardly had to ask.
"Yeah, I guess so." In truth, I was nervous, and almost felt like I was going to collapse. I wasn't sure how Kouichi felt. He hasn't seen me since he was back in the hospital. What if in just a few days he had forgotten who I was again? Not that he had really figured it out when I had seen him anyway. Trying not to show my fear, I followed dad out to the car and climbed in the front seat.
The ride across town was almost painful. The scenery we drove by was blurrier than it would have normally been which fed my nausea. It helped a bit that the ground and trees were coated in white, but there was still enough mixing of colors to make me sick. The knot in my stomach grew tighter as we arrived at the apartment. I took a deep breath before stepping out of the vehicle. This was it, my first chance to jog my brother's memory, or at least try.
Kouichi's POV
I looked up from my book as the doorbell rang. The woman, who I now knew was my mother, rushed to greet the mystery visitor. There was hushed speaking and a few chuckles before the door shut. Looking up from my spot on the small sofa, I saw the doppelganger boy that had come to see me in the hospital just a few days ago. I had also been informed that this boy was my brother, my twin at that. I had also found a few pictures around my room that included him and a couple other people. I don't know who those others are, but surely I'll find out.
"Kouichi, Kouji's come to see you!" my mom's voice rang happily, with a hint of nervousness hiding behind the joy. The boy, Kouji, walked in behind her, his eyes glued to the ground. He looked more than just a little frightened, and I could see his hands trembling. Mom's voice spoke again.
"I have to run to the store. I'll be back in a bit." with that, she was gone. From across the room, Kouji was stealing glances at me, and after a few minutes started his way over. He took a seat beside me, but still made no eye contact. Finally, he took a shaky breath and looked up. His eyes were cold, but looking past that there was fear. The two of us simply stared at one another for what felt like ages. He ended up being the first to speak.
"So, I guess you at least know who I am, right?" I nodded, which seemed to ease him a little. It seemed neither of us were really sure on where to go conversation wise. He reached into his bag and pulled out a thin rectangular box.
"Do you want to do this for now?" I nodded again. We needed something to break the ice. He gave a small smile, and his eyes seemed to clear up. He still seemed shaken up and unsure, but this was better than nothing for now. In return I smiled back at him. Maybe we could end up as close as we were in those pictures. It can't hurt to at least try.
Tomoko's POV
The drive home had me nervous. Kouji wasn't looking well when I left. I'm worried that maybe they won't get along very well. Of course, it didn't take long for the two of them to warm up the first time they met. Maybe it'll turn out like that again. Kouji cared for his brother and helped him the first time he was injured. I don't know if there's anything I can really do for them.
Before deciding to unlock the door, I peaked in through the small window. I couldn't see much, but the television was flashing. Upon walking inside, I was greeted with talking and laughter. Looking over to the small living area, I saw my two boys playing some sort of console game. The sight made my eyes tear up just a little. It felt wonderful to see that they had already been able to find common ground again.
I figured it was best to let them be for now, and set off to start making dinner. The two of them seemed happy enough, so now I just have to wait and see how the rest of the weekend works out. A feeling of relief spread throughout my body. Sure, it hasn't been long since the last time they were together like this, but I was worried that Kouichi's accident would have prevented them from being this close again. After his fall down the stairs, it had taken him a bit to get completely better. He didn't suffer from amnesia, but he had been a little distorted. The memory was a bitter one. Seeing my son try so hard to help only to be disappointed with himself broke my heart. I looked back at them one last time before finally starting my evening routine.
Kouji's POV
I can't believe today was so great. It was so much easier for Kouichi to warm back up than I thought it would be. Any sign of my nervousness from earlier was gone now. I had my brother back, at least a little bit anyway. As for now, he had fallen asleep about thirty minutes ago.
There was a buzzing noise coming from my phone right as I was about to fall asleep. Who in their right mind would be up and texting me at this hour? Looking down at the device, Takuya's name stared at me from the flashing screen. Of course, how could I expect anything different?
Opening the phone I was greeted with the request to meet him and the others at the park. Well, it would be a better time than any other for now. I had to get Kouichi out, even if it was against his will. Obviously the two of us havn't planned to do much of anything, and mom has to work too. Dragging Kouichi out might be the easiest way to trigger some kind of memory, even if it proves to be a bit of a challenge. He might not like it, but this is for the best.
Without a second thought, I told goggle boy we would be there. I'll probably regret it when he decides to wake me up early and wonder where we are, but for now that's the least of my worries. Clicking the switch on the side, I reduced the phones volume to the vibrate setting. Tomorrow's going to be eventful, that's for sure.
Not super great, but it's something and I'm happy with it. I'm sure my lovely readers will offer me help as they always do. I love you all. For those of you that read and don't review, you should! I would love to see what you think of it as well. Every bit counts! I'll be going out of town for a couple days, but surely I can come up with a half decent chapter or two while I'm without internet.