Eiji was unpacking a box of things in his room when he heard sudden commotion downstairs. Curiosity getting the better of him, he stood from his spot on the floor and made his way to the stairs. He couldn't help but smile softly at the sight that met his eyes.

Oishi was here, and had just barely made his past his mother who was holding the door open for him, when the twins ambushed him. Haruko had an arm around his shoulders while Hikari engulfed him in a bone crushing hug only worthy of the name Kikumaru.

"Hey, don't kill him!" He called down to them. "Quick Oishi! Escape while they're distracted!"

Hikari laughed and released the younger boy. Haruko on the other hand gripped his shoulder a little tighter.

"Listen to what he has to say, Oishi. Please." She whispered in his ear and let him go. The twins and their mother disappeared into the kitchen.

Oishi walked towards the stairs and began to make his way up towards Eiji who had never quite made it all the way down. The pair walked in silence until they reached the red heads room. Eiji shut the door, and locked it. When Oishi gave him an odd look he laughed.

"It's not that I'm trying to keep you in. I'm trying to keep them out."

Oishi nodded. "Still unpacking?"

"Yeah," Eiji answered. "We've only been back a few days. I've got most of my stuff unpacked that I definitely will need. Most of what's left are little things I've collected over the years, some photo albums…and my tennis stuff. You can sit you know, you don't have to stand in the middle of the room. Here." He walked over to the bed and picked up a box of photo albums that had taken over the vast majority of it. It was only twin sized, after all. He set the box on the floor next to the bed, and began to dig through it while the older boy took a seat.

"So…" Oishi began, almost unsure of how to even bring it up.

"Hang on. I know it's here. Probably at the bottom. It's not my favorite album. Here it is." Eiji said, pulling out a simple black photo album. "I'll show you why I can't be your doubles partner anymore, Oishi. I can show you the real thing, or I can show you the pictures. Which would you like?"

Oishi blinked. "Show me the real thing, Eiji. Picture later."

Eiji sighed. He could do this. He could so do this. He set the photo album on top of the ones that remained in the box and took a spot on the bed next to his friend. "Promise me you won't freak out too much?"

"I.."

"I didn't forget you, Oishi. I know you're going to freak out. Just…please. Don't go super crazy, kay?"

"I'll try."

"Okay." Eiji sighed again, and scooted himself back to rest against the wall with his legs spread out in front of him. He leaned forward and took the bottom of his right pant leg in his hand. With a sudden burst of courage, his eyes snapped to his friends face while his hands pulled the fabric up.

He watched Oishi's eyes widen. "Eiji…" He gasped. "What happened to you?"


So...Is anyone really reading this? Because I'm starting to feel a little discouraged. Reviews would help!