Disclaimer: Characters are the creation of CLAMP and are the property of CLAMP, Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd., and Tokyopop Inc. This fiction is for entertainment purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
A Link to the Past
Rikuo always reads the morning newspaper while they eat. If Kazahaya were to ask why, (which he wouldn't, Kazahaya prefers to glare at his bad manners), Rikuo would state he wants to know what's happened recently. He might also insinuate that Kazahaya ought to be better informed as well. What Rikuo won't say is that reading the newspaper reminds him of Before.
Before when he lived with Tsukiko.
Before when she chattered through breakfast while he read.
Before she disappeared.
Before their apartment was drenched in blood.
Before his old life ended.
Before his current life in Hell began.
Before.