Family
He is young, a mere 13 years old. But there is a look in his eyes; an old, solemn look that does not belong on his child face.
He sits there now, waiting, fingers unconsciously fiddling with the edge of the kerchief on his other wrist. Rolling it up and down between his adroit fingers.
There is an ugly scar underneath the cloth, long and jagged. He doesn't like to see it.
It reminds him of defeat. Of his weakness and his own inability to stand on his own feet.
But it also reminds him of loneliness. The void that yawned so deep in him, it created a chasm of pain and hopelessness.
The scar would always remind him of that.
But it is the past, he thinks. It is the past. Now, he has partners, comrades, and friends. He is not alone.
"Kaoru."
He looks up to see a scarred face looking down at him. Scarred like him. Scarred and damaged. But not alone. Not anymore.
"You're late, Onii-chan!"
The man reaches down and ruffles his hair.
"Oi!"
Now, he has family.
_