( Barefoot-guardin )

( Sewerperson-new faces ) is the song Takuya jams to.

Rewrote this chapter!

KOUJI'S POV

"Look," Kouichi spoke as he pointed at the sky.

I looked in the direction of his finger, though I was unsure of which star in particular he was pointing at or even if he just wanted me to notice the entirety of the night sky.

We only stood in his front yard and even though we weren't in a light polluted city, I still knew there were more stars to see. I wish I was rich so I could have gotten him the telescope to show him the wonders of the unknown. I was in no shape or form an expert, but his interest in the stars spiked my interest in him. Sometimes I saw the similarities between us, personalities aside. The common interests we shared intrigued me.

I grinned seeing my brother's excitement. His smiling lips, rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes always seemed to make me melt. I've never met anyone like him, and I never would even if I was social. He had a power over me unbeknownst to him. I didn't let anybody have that power and honestly I didn't have to let him. He's always had it. I don't think I could ever take it away from him even if I wanted to.

A month had passed and the sadness still hung onto both Kouichi and I. At the very least he didn't seem to have suicidal tendencies and wasn't lashing out like he used to. What he said before had hurt me to the core yet my own feelings didn't matter to me. He could say and do anything to me and I would let him. Anything to make him happy and forget his pain. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as he smiles. The only person in the whole world I wanted to stay next to was him. He made me feel better when I was at my lowest, he's all I could ever want in a single person. Maybe that sounds ridiculous but it's the truth.

The way Kouichi loved the night sky so much reminded me of the time after the carnival. A lightbulb clicked on in my brain. I turned to him, as he faced me. The light from the moon glistened on his skin. Lately I'd always feel my breathing differ around Kouichi. I feel like I'm losing myself more and more every day when I am near him.

"Want to go camping?" I asked kindly, grinning slightly.

"That sounds amazing.. but how?" He cocked his head to the side, "..we don't have a tent or anything."

I frowned, he was right.

I have to think of something.. I need to keep him smiling. Just thinking of being alone with him in the middle of the woods when he's the happiest.. sounds glorious. I can't wait..

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called Junpei. Kouichi didn't pay me any mind, turning his head back up to the stars. Junpei might have a tent I could borrow, hopefully.

'Hello?'

'Hey, Junpei. I have a question for you..'

'What's going on?'

'Do you.. have a tent?'

'I'm sorry, I don't think so. Why?'

'..never mind-'

'Takuya probably does. I know he used to go camping with his family all the time when he was younger!'

Screw it. I'll just bring a blanket.

Honestly I should have seen Junpei's words coming. Takuya had it all, didn't he? I had to keep myself from growling. Kouichi turned to me, his angelic face made me sigh.

Junpei broke the silence, 'Going camping?'

'Yeah..'

'Cool! Call him or something.'

'Yeah..'

I wanted to roll my eyes so bad.

Kouichi smiled and poked my arm, "..does Junpei want to go?"

Shit, I didn't even have a tent yet and he's inviting someone. Well.. damn it.. I can't say no to him, the one time he actually wants someone to be around.. I guess now is the time he needs company.. actually wait.. I'm relieved. I think he's starting to finally be okay.. this is okay..

'Yeah, I'll go!' I heard Junpei say. He must have heard Kouichi speak. 'Kouji! Call Takuya!'

'Okay..' I mumbled, hanging up.

I almost regretted my decision before I saw my brothers joyous and cheeky face. With how happy Kouichi was I couldn't say no. But I had to push aside my pride to ask Takuya. After all, I didn't want Kouichi calling him. What a joke.

I exhaled lowly as I pushed call, taking a few steps away from my brother. I glanced at him, his back was turned to be just feet away. Takuya's voice irked me as he answered.

'Kouji?'

'Hey.. it's me.'

But I wish it wasn't.

'What's wrong? Everything okay?'

I sighed, '..yeah.. just had a question.'

'Hm?'

'You wouldn't happen to have a tent I could borrow..'

'I do! Going camping?'

'Yeah. I am. Uh.. Actually, do you have two tents?'

'Yeah! Why? You and Kouichi sleeping separately?' He laughed.

I knew he had been joking but he didn't realize how irritated it made me.

I rolled my eyes, '..the other tent is for Junpei, actually.'

'Oh! Have room for another body?'

I should have seen that damn question coming, too. Everyone's been a little too predictable tonight. I wanted to tell Takuya no, but Kouichi would want him to go. Plus, he had the tents. What I wanted didn't matter anymore. I need to keep my focus on Kouichi.

'..sure.'

'Cool! Text me the plan! I have plenty of camping stuff!'

'..okay.'

I hung up, forcing myself not to break my phone in half.

•••

KOUICHI'S POV

Though excited, I couldn't help feeling somewhat regretful. I wasn't sure if it was thinking about my mother or the way Kouji acted after the phone calls. I gazed at my own phone, feeling it necessary to message Takuya while Kouji was showering.

Kouji seemed more annoyed than usual. He never acted this certain way towards me, but to everyone else it was a different story. Takuya is one of those people. I couldn't put my finger on why he seemed more irritable than normal. Is it mother passing? Is it age? Is it what happened with us? Whatever it was, I just wanted to avoid any conflict.

'Want to invite Izumi and Tomoki?' I sent to Takuya.

He replied, 'I don't think Izumi is a good idea.'

'Why?' I messaged him back, glooming at his reply. I had an overwhelming urge to surround myself with the group, yet I had a feeling it wouldn't happen.

My heart jumped, feeling my phone buzz a few times. Takuya was calling.

'H-hey..' I answered a bit nervously.

'Hey. Sorry to call, it's a lot to message. Don't say I said anything, I'd want them to tell you personally. But Izumi and Junpei broke up. I don't know what happened, neither of them would tell me.'

'Oh.. that's so sad. I know he really liked her..' I felt pain in my chest.

So that's why Junpei seemed so sad that day? I should have invited him in. Maybe I'm a bad friend.

'Yeah.. I just don't know what happened.'

'Is Junpei going to be okay camping with us?' I asked quietly.

'I think it's good for him.. for everyone. I'm sure he misses you. I know I do."

My cheeks deepened to a red color, '..w-when should we go?'

'Uh, Kouji was supposed to message me about that.'

'..so he didn't?'

'Nope. Just like him, too.'

I frowned at Takuya's words. Did Kouji not want to go?

'I'm free the next couple days, and Junpei probably is, too. I'll ask him. So.. how does tomorrow night sound? Junpei can pick us all up!'

'Yeah, I'll tell Kouji.' I smiled.

"Tell me what?" Kouji sternly spoke, stepping out from the hallway.

My head whipped around to see him drying his hair with a towel. The black clothing he wore, though loose, stuck to his body almost perfectly. He wrestled the towel in his wet hair, strands clinging to his forehead.

I flushed, holding the phone away from my mouth, "..umm..camping.. tomorrow?"

Kouji and I stared at each other for a minute.

'Hey! Kouichi?' I heard Takuya on the phone.

'I'll call you back,' I mumbled, hanging up the phone. Maybe it wasn't true, that I would call him. Judging by Kouji's displeased facial expression I probably should have waited to begin with.

"Tomorrow night?" Kouji shrugged, "..sure. Whatever you want."

I smiled as he did, momentarily relieving me from my anxiety. Kouji sat next to me on the couch, I couldn't tell if he looked disappointed or if that was his regular face.

I hope he's okay with this.

"So.. are you excited?" He observed me as he spoke.

"Yeah," I replied, grinning and nodding.

My voice was excited and thankful for the idea he purposed. He gently moved my bangs from my forehead, his smile caused my cheeks to heat up even more than they had been.

"I'm glad."

•••

We rode in the car with Junpei making our way to a camp ground that Takuya would guide us to. I sat in the backseat with Kouji, normally the closer he sat to me the more comfortable I felt. This time he settled close to the window, and even with his apathetic face I couldn't help but smile. I felt his annoyance. I tapped him on the thigh, my eyes mentally begged him to reconsider joy. He rested his hand on mine and shot me a small smile shown only to me. Slowly but surely, every day became better. I'm grateful to have someone like Kouji around me.

It's utterly thrilling to me, I've always wanted sleep under the stars. It also made me a bit sad knowing that a long time ago my mother had said she dreamed to as well. She never actually went camping as far as I know. Maybe, if her spirit lingers around me, we could finally go together. That's what I heard; spirits are always near by.

I understood Izumi not going, obviously Junpei needed to be just around his friends. It upset me Tomoki couldn't go, though, he had told me next time. I hope he's right.

"Ah! I can't wait! I haven't been camping since I was a kid!" Takuya grinned widely, his head turned back to me.

"When was that? A week ago?" Kouji rolled his eyes.

Takuya glowered at him, "..years, actually. Asshole.."

"Sure," Kouji smirked, "..hope you remembered to bring the tents.. idiot."

"Hope you remembered to bring another personality, jerk!" Takuya glared at Kouji's provoking grin.

"Children.." Junpei spoke as stern as possible.

His voice boomed, but his smile showed other feelings. I think he's as excited as I am. I couldn't help but giggle lightly. Although they always argued, it felt normal.. as normal as their fighting could be.

I squeezed Kouji's hand, scolding him earnestly with my expression. Kouji softened his face as me, almost offering an apology through his eyes.

"I brought some homemade anpan," Junpei spoke up, "..and liquor!"

I hummed.

"Glorious," Kouji grinned, speaking somewhat sarcastically.

Takuya pointed down a road, "..turn here!"

Junpei drove a minute before parking in an area that only one other car had been. It was only about four o'clock when we stepped out of the car. A cool breeze blew lightly on my face, rustling my hair. I scanned the area with wonder seeing countless trees and hearing nothing but silence. There wasn't a single person around.. aside from my friend group. The view was breathtaking and it hadn't even been night yet. It's electrifying.

I hope my mother can see this how beautiful this place is. I could stay out here forever.

"Can you smell that fresh air!" Takuya stretched his arms wide feeling the breeze through his jacket.

"No, but I can smell your B.O.," Kouji grumbled.

"Maybe you should stop breathing," Takuya crossed him arms.

Years and years have passed.. their arguing continued growing.. progressing further .. I wonder if this is even normal anymore. I thought I was used to it.. I think I lied to myself. They're so strange.

I thought I was weird, but they're unearthly.

"Alright, get back in the car. We're going home," Junpei joked, throwing his trunk open.

"I can help," I offered, standing next to Junpei as he handed me a heavy bag.

Kouji took the bag from me as I stared at him. He only smiled accommodatingly.

Hey.. mother.. if you're there.. can you help me figure something out? Why.. am I getting constant butterflies around him?

Junpei grabbed a bigger bag I'm guessing holding the tents. Takuya snagged a bulky bag from the trunk and handed me a backpack. I groaned lightly feeling the least helpful carrying the smallest bag. He locked his car up before Takuya lead us into the woods. As we descended deeper I noticed the sun slowly beginning to set.

The stars are coming soon. How exciting..

"We need to find somewhere to camp soon," Takuya searched the area as he spoke.

"Obviously," Kouji whispered.

I think I was the only one that heard him.

"What about here?" Junpei asked.

"Too many trees," Takuya rubbed his chin.

"Well, we are in the woods.." Kouji muttered coldly.

"I'm trying to find a better spot," Takuya glared.

Before Kouji could respond I walked a bit ahead, pointing at an open area in the woods, "..there?"

Kouji eyed me, following Junpei.

Takuya rushed over to me, and grinned, "..looks great!"

He lead us to a wide patch of grass and everyone threw their bags onto the ground. Junpei kneeled and began to set up a tent, flustered that he didn't know how. Takuya began to help him as Kouji and I set up the other tent. When they were done we stood back to take in our progress.

Junpei turned to us and asked, "..so does anyone know to start a fire?"

Takuya laughed, "..I'm sure Kouji can. He's a felon for arson."

"I only set idiots on fire," Kouji retorted.

Takuya ignored Kouji while Junpei laughed nervously. My chest pained hearing their vicious words.

Kouji grabbed something from within pocket, "..well, Junpei, I have matches."

"Prepared! I like it," Junpei beamed.

Why does he have matches? I guess it's not that weird since were in the woods.

Junpei and I finished setting out the tents and blankets. Takuya and Kouji were the opposite of a dream team while starting the fire with miniature arguments and vexed eyes glancing back and forth. They rummaged around to find dry leaves and twigs. Takuya made a circle with dirt and rocks as Kouji threw a match into the makeshift fire. I gawked at the flames forming before me. The sun had set, the fire colored the ground around it as the sun blanketed the orange sky.

Junpei laid a sheet onto the ground and settled, "..I love being out here. It's so peaceful."

I nodded, smiling at Junpei. The air feels cool, the sound of the leaves blowing in the wind made me calm.

Hey, mother. Do you like it out here, too? It's nice, isn't it?

Takuya plopped next to Junpei and patted the spot next to him, grinning in my direction. Before I could act Kouji set a sheet down on the ground next to Takuya and situated next to him. I blinked as the two glared at each other.

Junpei leaned to grab a backpack and pulled out a bottle, "..is it too early for this?"

"Nope," Kouji smirked as he snatched the bottle.

I sat next to Kouji and smiled as he handed me the bottle.

Junpei pulled another bottle out of the backpack and handed it to Takuya, "..alright, let's drink. And after we're good and drunk.. we eat anpan!"

"My favorite things," Takuya grinned.

I sipped out of the bottle and handed it back to Kouji, watching from the corner of my eye as he chugged.

"Should we play a game?" Junpei suggested.

Takuya groaned, "..last time I got so drunk I fell asleep."

"Actually, that isn't a bad idea," Kouji smirked as Takuya glowered.

Last time..?

I flushed deeply recalling the memory I had been told about recently.

Junpei looked at my face as his brow furrowed, "..Kouichi? You drunk already?"

"N-no!" My face deepened in color.

Kouji peered at me seemingly interested.

"You sick?" Junpei raised his eyebrow, swigging the bottle.

"Yeah, he is," Takuya said, "..sick of Kouji's shit."

Kouji huffed, "..Idiot."

"Asshole."

"Is it just me or are you guys fighting more than usual?" Junpei eyed the two.

Isn't this.. normal? They just have a brotherly, love-hate relationship, right? As long as I've known them, I think they had that. I don't know anymore.

Takuya crossed him arms, responding to Junpei with a slight temper, "..he's always like this."

"You wanted to come along," Kouji grumbled.

I sighed, sipping the liquid. I gazed at the sky, dusk had passed. The stars began to show, generously glittering in the heavens above. I hoped mother could see the sky, too.

"We should make you two share a tent," Junpei chuckled as both of the boys glared in his direction.

I couldn't help laugh. Kouji turned to me, and immediately I grew quiet. It's the soft look and attractive smile he gave me that caused my stomach to flutter.

What.. is that? What's this feeling? Why is he looking at me like that?

"I'm glad we all stayed friends after all this time," Junpei spoke quietly.

Friends..

"You're talking like we're almost a hundred years old," Takuya responded with a grin.

I beamed at Junpei, I wanted to say something, but I couldn't find the words. I know it's the word 'friends' that he used that caught me off guard. It feels good, though. I know I have friends now. Why did it take me so long to see? Weird.

"I'm just happy," Junpei said as embarrassed as he looked.

"Me too," I muttered towards him, smiling.

All three boys looked at me in unison grinning. My cheeks grew hot, I hated this much attention.

Takuya crawled inside his tent, pulling out his backpack. I recognized it from school. He snickered as he brought out a medium sized stereo.

"Oh, jams," Junpei nodded in approval, "..nice."

"Oh, yeah!" Takuya exclaimed, pressing play as he bobbed his head to the funky music playing.

Junpei swayed to the beat. Kouji chugged the bottle as Takuya shadowed him. I pulled my sleeves over my hands, feeling the chill from the night air.

"Dance party?" Takuya glanced at a favoring Junpei, then turned to me, "..want to dance?"

I kept myself from blushing, mentally cursing at myself as to why is was so easy for me to become flustered, "..I c-can't dance."

Takuya laughed at my admission.

Kouji rolled his eyes then spoke to Junpei, "..let's just play a drinking game. Maybe the idiot will just go to bed."

"Such a downer," Takuya frowned, shaking his head.

Junpei laughed, "..okay.. um, what game?"

"The last one," Kouji smirked.

"No! That game put me to sleep!" Takuya argued.

"That's the idea," Kouji replied blandly.

I watched Junpei's face fall for a moment, was he thinking about Izumi? He said she had taught him this game in the first place.

"Um.. Junpei," I muttered as Junpei turned to me, "..did you.. bring your cards?"

Junpei twinkled and nodded, pulling them out of his bag. He laid out them out in a circle in front of Takuya. We started to scoot closer together but Kouji wouldn't budge. I don't think he wanted to be so close to the brunette. Takuya lowered the volume on his stereo.

"I'll go first!" Junpei volunteered and flipped a card, "..four."

Oh yeah.. this is why I hated this game.. how could I remember the rules when I'm going to be drinking so much?

Junpei slammed his hand on the ground, Takuya followed his movements. I nervously froze as Kouji turned to me. He motioned, as if giving me the 'okay'. My hand shook a bit as I set it on the ground. Kouji drank.

Takuya grabbed a card, "..eight. Mate, right?"

He turned to the expert with question as Junpei nodded with certainty. Takuya smiled deviously at me and I knew where this was going. We both drank.

"Three.. me," Kouji stated, swigging our bottle.

Junpei motioned towards me, giving me the go ahead. I swallowed and flipped a card.

"Six?" I murmured quietly.

I forgot what the numbers meant. I hope he didn't expect me to remember. I felt embarrassed.

"Chicks," Junpei laughed, "..I don't know how to re-write that card.. Tomoki isn't here like last time."

"Just drink," Takuya winked, "..we mates drink together."

I couldn't help but feels my cheeks begin to heat.

Kouji smirked at Takuya, "..take a big chug, Idiot."

Idiot? It's becoming his nickname.. isn't it?

Takuya and I drank together as Junpei snatched a card from the circle.

"Eight!" Junpei rose his bottle to cheers, "..well, Kouji. Looks like you're it."

Kouji drank with him.

Takuya fixated on the cards before carefully pulling one, "..nine?"

"Rhyme. Say a word, we have to rhyme. It's easy," Junpei answered.

"Okay.." Takuya thought for a minute, "..fire!"

"Idiot," Kouji forfeited with attitude, drinking.

"Aw!" Takuya frowned, seemingly excited to be the ring leader.

Junpei laughed tensely.

I pouted, lowering my face. I thought this game was relatively dumb, but the way Kouji has been acting all night made me uncomfortable.

"Your turn, jerk," Takuya spat.

Kouji ignored him as he pulled a card, "..two."

"Pick someone to drink," Junpei informed.

Takuya and Kouji stared intensely at eachother.

"You," Kouji spoke to Takuya.

"Fine," Takuya grinned, turning towards me, "..mate?"

I hesitantly drank with him. Kouji seemed unnaturally annoyed. I wanted to speak to him but I anxiously pulled a card instead.

"Ace.." I murmured, glancing at Junpei.

"We all drink," Junpei shrugged gazing at the bottle he and Takuya shared, "..at this rate I'll be in bed before midnight."

"Lightweight," Kouji teased with a smile.

Junpei chuckled and flipped a card.

"Uh, five," he sighed, grinning, "..it's guys. I guess I'll just drink.. Kouji?"

Kouji barely nodded as he took a swig. The drinking was practically nonstop. I felt a mixture of emotions watching my twin drink. My stomach burned while butterflies zoomed around. Both bottles were a little more than half way already. I didn't feel too intoxicated, probably because Kouji took big chugs and I took sips. I didn't realize I had been staring at him until he met my eyes. Luckily Takuya and Junpei were engrossed in a conversation they had amongst themselves and didn't notice my red face. Kouji smiled at me and I felt my stomach do a flip. I could have vomited from the edginess.

"Be back. Nature calls," Junpei stood to his feet, departing through the trees.

Kouji focused on the area that Junpei went into and smirked, "..hope he doesn't get lost."

"Go after him," Takuya snickered.

"How about you get lost with him?" Kouji replied harshly.

"You wish!" Takuya rolled his eyes.

Kouji crossed him arms, "..I really do."

Before Takuya could reply, I spoke, "..Kouji.."

They both studied my face. Insecure, I felt almost judged.

"..nevermind," I sighed, fumbling with my sleeves.

I wasn't sure what I was going to say but I knew their arguing had been extremely persistent tonight. They always had fights, but this was ridiculous.

Hey, mother. I don't feel as relaxed as I should. What's my solution? Is there even one anymore?

"Anpan time!" Junpei announced loudly as he stepped out of the woods. I jumped, startled at his thundering voice.

"Yes! I love those," Takuya grinned and turned to me.

"Yeah," I smiled back at him.

Kouji exhaled grimly, gulping out of the bottle. Junpei handed Takuya and I both a bun while Kouji rejected the sweet.

"Later then," Junpei spoke to Kouji, watching him sip once more.

I took a small bite, peeking at my twin out of the corner of my eye. He looked extremely bothered. I pulled on his jacket lightly and shot him a smile. Kouji turned to me, his face softened as I held out my anpan. I begged with my eyes as he gave in and took a small bite. He washed it down with liquor.

Preoccupied in his phone, Takuya held the bun in his mouth replying to someone vigorously. I could see him frowning even with the the dessert hiding his lips. I fixated on him for a minute, his movements upset me as I noticed him gloom and sigh towards his phone.

"Takuya.." I muttered, "..y-you okay?"

Kouji's eyes squinted at me. I wasn't sure why I felt bad for speaking.

Takuya smiled, "..yeah.. why?"

Liar.

"He's asking because you're acting more idiotic than usual," Kouji smirked.

My twin's face showed teasing but his voice sounded aggravated. I could tell he had been upset about something, at this point it was hard to understand what had caused him to act so irrational.

"You're more of an asshole than usual," Takuya glanced at me but fixated his glare on Kouji, "..what's your problem?"

"You," Kouji said honestly.

I could feel my heart racing watching them scowl at one another. Junpei was already finished with his anpan as he reached out for his bottle. He splashed a bit into the fire abruptly and the flames grew momentarily. This stopped everyone from speaking. My eyes widened as I stared at him.

"The fire was going out.." Junpei laughed nervously.

"Get more wood?" Kouji suggested almost blatantly as he took another swig out of his bottle.

"Sure. Come with me," Junpei smiled, his voice sounding demanding.

"Bring the idiot with you instead," Kouji frowned, challenging his words.

Takuya shook his head. I could tell he longed to say something.

"I want to talk to you, Kouji. Come on," Junpei stood, motioning for Kouji to leave with him.

Takuya kept his gazed fixed on his phone as Kouji made up his mind. My twin met my eyes. I nodded to him and I think he understood.

"Fine," Kouji grumbled as he stood, gulping some liquid before handing the almost empty bottle to me.

He glanced at me one last time before following Junpei into the darkness of the woods.

BIG thanks to the lovely reviewers. It's people like you that makes writing worth while.