Disclaimer: The original show and characters still aren't mine, I'm afraid.
A/N: ... Okay... Where do I begin? It's been insanely long since the last update. I'm entirely aware of this and I'm so beyond sorry. I hope you guys understand, I didn't want to force myself to write this, because I want it to be good quality for you to enjoy. So this chapter isn't as long as I'd hoped, but I wanted to get used to this plot again before I started doling out the longer chapters I'm sure you'd all prefer. Thank you so, so much to everyone who's stuck by this story, and to every single one of you who's left reviews. They've inspired me so much, and are probably one of the biggest reasons this chapter is coming out now, instead of later in the week. I know this Author's Note is getting a little long, but oh well. Again, thank you all so very much! I love and appreciate all of you! And now, without further ado, Read, Review, and Enjoy!~
The beginning of the car ride seems to take forever, but the moment the huge building comes into view, I wonder where all the time went.
Hikaru is clutching onto my hand, maybe for comfort, possibly to make sure I'm not going to leave him. I'm not positive and feel no need to ask him, because his answer doesn't matter. It won't change the fact that unless the court requires it, nothing will get me to leave his side.
When the car pulls up in front of the courthouse, he begins a series of deep breaths. I breathe in time with him. If I'm this stressed, I can't even begin to imagine how horrible he must be feeling. He seems to have mostly moved on from the attack, and I think he's afraid to relive it, afraid of how much he'll have to relive.
We step out of the car- he has to break the grasp on my hand to do so -and straighten out the formal clothes we were forced to wear. I assume he's going to start walking up the steps, but instead he slips his hand back into mine. This time I have a feeling he's doing it to keep himself grounded, like if he lets go, he'll break down. I return his tight grip and add in a reassuring squeeze, which he responds to by squeezing back. After everyone else steps out of the car, we make our way up the expanse of steps. We ignore the swarm of paparazzi, just as we've been taught to, and proceed into the large building.
The minutes before the trial begins blur, everything from walking down the halls to entering the courtroom that's way bigger than I remember. Of course, my brother and I can't sit together but I end up right behind him, a maybe yard long space between us. We hug before sitting in our respective seats, awaiting the difficulties to come.
Although all of that blurs, the moment the judge declares the court to be in session, time nearly stops. Seconds take hours.
-Line-
The jury finds Jane Ryu guilty by the end of the day, thanks to a set of amazing prosecutors and lawyers (as well as the compelling statement and evidence) on our side. She's convicted of attempted murder and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. All-in-all, she won't be released for a very long time, if ever. By the time we clear the courtroom, the air feels lighter somehow.
Like before, Hikaru and I don't address the crowd full of mostly news anchors and journalists; that's a job for Hikaru's defense attorney. Instead, we focus on walking back down the stairs without tripping and making idiots of ourselves. This time, we don't walk hand-in-hand, but we do stay close, never going more than a step away from one another. It's fitting; I did say I wouldn't leave his side, after all.
-Line-
"How do you feel?"
"Exhausted. Glad it's over," he responds as he finishes pulling on his pajama shirt. The day has finally come to a close.
"Me too. It's been taking a pretty big toll on you."
"The same toll it's been taking on you." We both know that's not quite true. Of course it's been horrible for me as well, but he's had the worst of it. It's not something that's worth mentioning though, so I just nod and let it drop.
The two of us sit in silence for a little while longer before he says, unexpectedly, "Maybe now I can start sleeping better again."
"I hope so." And I really do. He had lost too many hours of sleep over the anxiety and fear. But with Jane locked away, maybe his mind would be at ease and his stress levels could drop back down to normal.
"Hey, Kaoru?" His voice becomes soft, and lighter, as he asks the question.
"Yeah?" I reply curiously.
"Thank you. For being there for me. You were the one always by my side, and you were the one who helped me through everything. And I know that must have been hard, because I know you were dealing with things, too. So thank you."
"Hikaru, you know I'll always be there for you. You're my brother, and there's no place I'd rather be than by your side."
By that point in the conversation we'd both already found our way under the covers and turned off the lights in our room.
"And I feel the same way…Goodnight, Kao." He smiles at me from across the pillows, and return it wholeheartedly.
"G'night, Hika."
For the first time since the attack, I fall asleep with a smile still on my face, all my worries gone, and my brother sleeping equally well beside me. The thought makes me indescribably, happy.