Strangers in a Waiting Room
7. Conversations are a Good Hiding Place

'Well…' Takuya didn't really know what to say, but talking was easier than saying silent. 'I guess your parents being here means they're not going to pretend the other half of the family doesn't exist anymore?'

'I guess.' That was hardly a comforting thought though. But it wasn't like they could forget all over again. Takuya didn't have any need to forget – but even if he did, he didn't think he was going to forget that image of Koji in a hospital bed…and that was regardless of whether he was his best friend or not.

When he'd registered the tubes and wires and things, he'd forgotten all about facial features.

And the air was distinctly uncomfortable again.

If we met somewhere else… And if…everything…else wasn't going on…

It wouldn't be like this. Takuya was sure it wouldn't be like this.

Then again, it sounded like Koji would meet his mother and brother, and all other combinations, because of that "everything" his mind didn't want to give a word to.

'It must feel pretty weird…' he mused aloud. 'Out of the blue finding out you've got a brother. And your other parent's alive and well.'

'My mother didn't tell me my father was dead,' the other snapped, before flushing. 'I'm sorry.'

It didn't sound like the apology was aimed at him, and so Takuya didn't comment on it. 'I suppose Koji wouldn't have left it alone if he knew his mother was alive,' he said thoughtfully, instead. 'Especially after his father remarried.'

Silence, before Koichi asked, curiously and a little tentatively. 'How is she?'

'Mrs Minamoto?' At a nod, he answered: 'She's nice. She tries extra hard to be nice to Koji too, because Koji doesn't like her. I think it's because he feels like she's taking the place of his real mother. It wouldn't matter who she was.'

'I…guess I can understand that.' Koichi looked a little thoughtful. 'Most people don't want a child from a previous marriage attached.'

'Mrs Minamoto just wishes Koji'd open up a little more, but she's a good sort.' Takuya shrugged. 'I wish that myself, really. Are you?'

'Am I..?' Koichi's expression morphed into a bemused one.

'Open.' Takuya meant it partially in jesting, but the frustration with the situation might have snuck in.

And Koichi caught that, because his answer was: 'Unfortunately not.'

'Well…' If Takuya had been facing a wall, he'd have head-butted it by then. 'Damn.' As it was, he crossed his arms. 'I'll have to work with both of you.'

'Both of us?' the other echoed.

'Well, yeah. You'll be visiting Koji and I'll catch you there. Or…' Takuya considered. 'Where do you live?'

'Kyoto.' At Takuya's surprised look, Koichi added: 'We took the first inter-city train this morning.'

'Ouch,' Takuya winced. 'What was that? Three in the morning?'

'Thereabouts,' Koichi agreed.

'And – ' Takuya paused. 'We've sure jumped conversation topics.' He didn't mind it, and he didn't think the other minded either. In fact, it might've been on purpose.

'And avoiding the…heart of the matter.'

'Yeah,' Takuya nodded. 'That.' Silence again. 'You're a good distraction.'

Whoops. Should really think.

But Koichi let out a bit of a giggle, so Takuya supposed he hadn't insulted him.