Chapter 18

Junpei took his time getting use to the new surroundings… and family for that matter. No more than a day after his revival, he was sitting at the kitchen table as his brothers all sat, talked and ate. They were just speaking about how it was weird to be in a physical body, yet at the same time, they were thrilled to be alive and together. But hei didn't know how to really interact with them, since after all, he was only reborn by chance.

"Junpei?"

He jumped as his name was spoke, he found them all looking to him oddly. "Are you okay little one?" asked Eso. "Are you not hungry?"

He peered down and found he was toying with his breakfast.

"Oh, sorry, I'm hungry, it's just… I am not sure what to think of this right now…" he said offhandedly. "I mean… I feel guilty for what I've done, for what's happened and… I feel guilty that I was brought back, and not your true younger brother." He said.

He lowered his head after that, but the silence alone was deafening to him.

"Why are you feeling guilty, when Kechizu willingly gave what remained of his life to you?" Choso asked.

He paused to the question as he peered up to the table. None of the brothers showed any resentment towards him for what happened, and yet, he still felt that what did occur, wasn't fair to them. "But, could this not have worked the other way too? Could he not have taken what life I had to revive?" he asked.

Eso snickered. "Little brother, understand something, as much as I love Kechizu. He wasn't that strong, and I know being reborn in the method that we were, he wouldn't have survived," he insisted. "In truth, he looked to be in pain when he was alive, I don't doubt the right choice was made."

"I just… I feel like I don't belong here with you… I don't know your struggles, what you went through or how you are all so close to each other. I… I never had siblings before, let alone older brothers." He said offhandedly. "I think… I am more worried about the idea that I won't be the little brother you want…"

Silence once more befell the table. They were stunned to his words, but then Sho smirked. "Is that all?" he asked of him. "You're greatest concern being around us is fear that you won't fit in? Junpei, look upon us, what do you see?" he asked.

He looked at all the brothers who once more grinned. He shook his head not quite understanding what he should be looking for. "We're all different." Said Sanso.

"Yes, we are, but I was never in your situation…" Junpei explained.

"Doesn't make you any less of a brother to us," chimed Noranso. "Little Junpei, this is all new to us as well. You need to understand we were cursed wombs for over 150 years. We know nothing of this world, even Eso and Choso have little knowledge despite being here before us. You are going to be a wonderful help and a good brother to explain how things are, what we missed and how the world works now."

He never thought about it like that, Junpei is knowledgeable. But would that truly be enough for them to accept him as one of their own? "For example, this… TV that we have, what is it for?" questioned Kotsuso.

He smiled. "You can watch shows and movies on it, programs that are to entertain you. There's a lot to chose from too, there are dramas, comedies, thrillers, horror…"

"Mo…vies?" asked Kotsuso with great confusion.

"How about we eat breakfast and I can explain after?" he asked.

They nodded in agreement.

He ate better knowing that he could help them with something they don't understand. Junpei finished first as he rushed to the living space, there he set the TV up with great ease. Tanso watched on with interest as he finished his meal as well. "Want to learn how to work it?" Junpei asked.

He nodded.

He took his time with Tanso and explained how to work the TV. He understood it rather quickly. The rest of the brothers soon joined them as Junpei explained the TV and how it worked. "There are LOTS of shows to choose from, some are educational, for example they can teach you how to cook and learn about other places around the world. Others are full of utter trash, people looking to get a moment of fame for doing stupid shit" he explained.

"Stupid shit? Is that a show?" asked Choso.

"No, but it should be a channel, people do very foolish things as well as unsavory notions to get ahead of other people. Those are called 'reality TV shows' but there is nothing real about them."

He put it to a cooking channel. Eso was immediately take in as they displayed skills as well as recipes to make. "Ooo, let's have that tonight! Stuffed burgers!" he decreed.

Sho was already licking his lips at the notion. "I must say Eso, everything you have made so far has been delicious!"

"I agree, some of the best food I have eaten," said Junpei.

When he looked to Eso, he appeared on the brink of tears! "You… like my cooking little brother?"

"Of course I do, it's been amazing."

"Indeed, Junpei is not wrong on that!" said Shouoso.

Eso was touched by their words, but soon the focus went back to the TV. Junpei spent a good two hours explaining it, and then he explained movies. "These are my favorite to watch. When I was in school I actually made a club about watching movies," he explained to the brothers. "It's like a long TV show but with a better story. They can be a few hours along, but it's a great way to bond and pass the time."

"Bond?" asked Sho. "So, we watch these with you, we can grow as brothers?"

"Possibly, I mean, each person is different as to what they enjoy to watch, me. I use to like horror movies, but… after living through one, I don't know anymore…" he muttered the last part. But they appeared interested to try anyways. "We can watch one if you want. Suiryu is gone for a while, he won't be here until later and Yuuji is still out cold…"

"What do you recommend?" asked Choso.

He thought about it, the one thing these brothers may need is a good laugh. He left the room and found a small stack of old DVDs that were left behind. He sifted through until he found one. When he returned, he showed them the movie. "This one, it may get you to laugh!" he said with pride.

#

It worked!

The movie was a huge success and the brothers even shared a laugh or two. When it was done, they appeared rather impressed. "That was rather nice," said Sanso. "So there are movies like this?"

"Tons!" Junpei said with pride. "How about this, after we work on our curse abilities, to relax at night, we watch a movie? Everyone gets a turn to pick one and we watch it all together, sounds good?" he asked.

Sho nodded his approval. "I think this would be a good way to bond, as well as see the world before is."

They agreed.

"Hey! Why isn't anyone training?"

The room jumped as Suiryu suddenly showed up. "Sorry, I take responsibility for that, we were watching a movie…" Junpei confessed.

Suiryu glared at him but then sighed. "Well, no harm, but make up for it, you know I won't be going easy on you for this, today, it's two arms!" he announced.

Junpei gulped his pride but nodded in agreement.