Summary: There's a reason why Ryuichi always looks out for Shuichi. Very, VERY AU (manga-wise).

Disclaimer: Gravitation is not mine. I suck at crack, no matter how hard I try...

Companion fic to "Memory", but can stand alone.

"I'm home! How's my baby brother? Was he able to sleep peacefully even without me singing for him?"

The fourteen-year-old bounced childishly through the hall and pulled open the door at the end.

"Eh? Shu-chan?" The boy frowned at the empty room.

A large hand rested lightly on the teen's shoulders, and a tired voice answered.

"He's not here anymore, Ryuichi."

Ryuichi swivelled hastily to face the older male and drew his brows together.

"Why? Is he sick? When's he coming home?"

The old man let out a tired sigh.

"He's not here anymore, Ryuichi."

"Pa… why won't you answer?" Panic started to creep into the boy's eyes. "When's he coming back! When's Shu coming back!"

Strong arms wrapped around the boy. "He's not, Ryuichi. I'm sorry. He's not. He's not going to come back."

Fists pounded on a broad chest, and the adolescent screamed. "You're lying! Where is he! Where's my baby brother!" A cracked wail. " I hate her! I hate her! She took him away, didn't she! She took him away! Shu-chan! Shu-chan!"

The grandfather could only sob quietly as his pubescent grandson threw a tantrum fit for a child.

000000000

K frowned at the lively boy on the Zepp Tokyo stage.

"That boy… he looks like Ryuichi, doesn't he?"

Tohma blinked in surprise. "Yeah…"

"Aniki, will you sing for me? Aniki's voice always makes me feel better!"

"I always know if it's Aniki! His voice is the best ever!"

The blonde American raised a brow and cast a short glance at his client.

"Why do you sing?"

"…Because I want to find someone. And I want him to find me."

"Interesting…" K muttered.

Ryuichi smiled.

I've found you at last, Shu-chan.

Borne of a very old plotbunny that resurfaced when I re-watched Gravitation. K and Tohma's dialogue (if you can call it that) is from the second episode.

Timeline: Ryuichi is 14, Shuichi is 2. 24-36 months is ordinarily when toddlers learn to speak in sentences, anticipate routines, and attempt to sing in-time with songs.

Please review!