It was the first morning for the very first day of school. A day you dread, so much not even your new clothes could life your spirits. Sitting at the table waiting for breakfast, legs dangling above the floor. Slowly swinging back and forth, like a pendulum. Eyes and head hung low, staring at the empty place mat. Scared and highly nervous, which you try to mask by showing nothing. No smile, just a solemn frown. There was nothing good about this day, just thinking about all those eyes staring at you. Back in America you wouldn't feel this way. Because you actually had friends. Here in Japan you didn't. None at all. All alone.
"Here comes breakfast!"
A plate was placed before you. It startled you for a second, and then confused you. What a strange breakfast. Sunny side up eggs. Though the yolk seem a runny. Two on your plate, with rather burnt bacon below it. All of this onto of what could be shredded hashbrowns. You weren't sure really. Turning your head to the side, trying to figure out what this image was on your plate. It kind of look like a face, then again. Maybe not.
April took her seat right next to you, about to eat when she noticed the way you stared at the food."Hey?"You look up at her, she seem rather annoyed."Why are you looking at the food like that? It's a face. Okay."She huffs turning away from you."A happy face."
"Happy face?"you repeat in the form a question, looking back at the sort of happy face. It didn't look like it. Not with the burnt hashbrown and bacon. And the running eggs. One of the eggs started to peel apart.
How in the world was this a happy face? It looked more like something in pain. Or rather twisted. What was April trying to make? Cooking wasn't really her thing, if she needed help. You would have helped her. Picking up the bacon that crumbled the second you did. April notices and sighs disappointed.
Feeling bad, you get ready to apologize when she suddenly starts to laugh. That she spit up her juice and some nearly came out of her nose. Seeing this, you begin to snicker a bit. Trying to conceal it, but it didn't help. Laughter begin to fill empty silence. Bringing joy back. The more you laughed, the bigger April's smile became. Reaching out placing a hand on your head, you look at her still giggling.
"...There's my smile."she flashes you a cheeky smile."Show everyone today, you beautiful smile."
You stood looking up your new school, Iwatobi elementary. The place seem to so big, or made it could be your nervous causing your eye sight to see it this way. Either way, you where scared. Feeling your knees beginning to buckle. Shutting your eyes afraid, tears started to form. When you felt someone take hold of your hand, and wipe away your tears softly. Opening an eye, April was holding your hand and wiping away your tears. Smiling at you softly, with such a brave look.
"I-I don't..."you start to whimper.
Knowing what you where trying to get out, she wipes your eyes again. Removing any tear and stood back up tall. Casting her eyes towards the school. A mighty stand she had. Fierceness in her eyes, it amazed you. She turns back to you with a smirk. Which turned into a comforting and assuring smile."I'm sorry I can't go with you. We've gone through every grade together really."She pauses, reflecting on those memories."It's scary. But, don't worry. Just smile okay? Things will be alright. I'll be here for you afterwards."
"Promise?"you plead."Promise, that you will."
Understanding, seeing the tears in your eyes. Trying hard not to fall. Such a brave face you where trying to put on. Holding out her pinkie, she links it with yours."I will. Always. You're my little sister after all. It's my job to be here for you. Don't worry, we might not be able to have our time together in school to make memories. But, when we both get to High School. We'll make all the memories together. I promise that too."
That was a promise never to be fulfilled. It never got its chance. It would. This was to be the year you and April would spend together. It was going to be the best, before she went off to college. You had so many things and ideas on how to make the memories. Eager and happy to do them, or so it would have been if you would have been allowed to keep going to school here. But, that all changed during those long absence years of your life away from this place. Having become so lost and entangled in your short comings. Wallowing in your sadness and grief. To not even start any of those ideas. To not even notice how huge of a effect this was having on others. Especially on your sister, on April. Who was doing all she could despite her health issues, to give you those memories. You discarded without even looking over your shoulder or giving it a second thought. April was working hard to try. She kept going at it, to give you and allow you make those memories you lost out on. To instead become stressed out and worried over your state.
How selfish you are. Since a young age, you were nothing but selfish. Scared and nervous which made April do all she could to make you smile. She did it every day. Knowing how you felt, she made sure you laughed every single day. Even when you had a not so good first day of school. Running to her crying, crying how much you didn't like it here and wanted to go home. You cried all the way home, not even bothering to see how her day went. While the whole time she smiled and listen to you. Treating you something special, just so you could smile and have a good memory. Everyday she would race and hurry over to the school. Ignoring her own health, a few times you recalled seeing her looking rather exhausted and pale. But she came. Taking your hand, leading you home. Listening to you. Telling you something funny to make you smile.
You didn't know she made friends at school. She was more interested in the friends you made. Happily accepting them. When you pleaded with her to spend time with them, she would take you. And stay. Even go along. Just to see you smile. She stood on the sides watching you make a life for yourself. It warmed her seeing you coming back to your old self. Never had you noticed the relieved look in her eyes every time she saw you with the others. It was like she could breath again and health seem to get better. The pictures told you. Not just that, but her friends told you. April wasn't at all bitter at the fact you made you friends of your own. Memories with them, it always made her smile and it told her that her little sister was going to be alright. She had others around her that would what April has been for her.
It was the reason she bought you a new camera. Pushed you to join with the Samezuka swim team. Eager for you to sign up for club or clubs. Taking you to the festival. Just everything. All this was because April wanted you to smile. To be happy again. She didn't care about herself. It pained her those last three and half years you weren't with her. When everything fell apart. After that day. Seijuro told you there wasn't a day that went by, she didn't think about you. Blaming herself for allowing what happen to you to happen. The second she turned eighteen she was beyond thrilled. She could get you back and bring you back.
You remember the second you arrived back, she raced to embrace you. Welcoming you back. She was so happy to see you more than anything. The smile she had on was warm and bright. Quickly she brought you back home, a home you where force to leave for so long. She helped you get settled in, just like in elementary. Everyday she woke you up with good vibes and greetings. Had your breakfast set out, which she had gotten better at. Eager to show you everything. There not a second her smile dropped. But, of course you didn't see it. To blinded by your own darkness. To not even see the suffering all around you.
Until it was to late. If only you had noticed sooner, than maybe things would or could have been different. They really could have, she wouldn't have wasted all her energy on you. She would be in better health. You two would make so many memories together. If only you would have rekindled your relationship with the others. Smiled more, a real smile. Recapture your joy of taking pictures. Instead you lied. You just lied to those around you. Became bitter, angry, foolish. Resentful. Because of the fact you could not let go, let go the past. Which April was so desperately trying to get you to do. But the chains of the past, that took so much from you would not let you go. Becoming taken over by their power. It surrounded you, that you saw nothing anymore. You couldn't hear her calls, before you heard the last breath.
Your reach was too late. She slipped right through your fingers. The only shard of your life you had. The only light and joy. Shattered by reality. That you refused to believe in. Even when it was told to you. Even when you saw it. It was just all a dream. Nothing but a dream. Why? Why you wanted to know, when joy started to come to you. You had to lose. And feel pain. First America. Then when you made friends, to have that stripped from you. And now this...why was must this keep repeating itself? Did life just hate you? You thought this time, if you didn't experience any joy, than maybe it wouldn't happen. But, it did. In your mind it made the most sense. It just shattered. What could you have done? If life just told you, you would do it right. If life could just give you a redo. You would make it right. You would, you promise.
Your hollow eyes watch your sister's body be cremated. The whole funeral went by in a blur. Throughout it all, you just went through the motions. The sun shined over head brightly. Today. Its rays to beautiful, if you could actually see it. But, you couldn't. Not now. Feeling a consoling hand brush upon your shoulder, you quickly step away. Away from Seijuro. Refusing it. You didn't deserve it. Casting your eyes away to the side. Refusing to cry or shed a single tear. There was no need for their pity for any of their pity. Something like that was not meant for you. Makoto and the others at the funeral stood with the rest of the guest and watch you stand alone by yourself. Even when the whole ceremony ended, you walked off by yourself. Holding your head high, eyes straight ahead. Struggling not to crack. They saw you denying yourself to feel. Punishing yourself. It worried them. After the burial and everyone paid their respects. You lite an incense and placed the last flower upon her grave. And didn't even move. You stood there by her grave, right next to father. Your eyes glanced over at his, then right back to April's. Re-reading her name over and over again.
Unsure how long you stood there, one thing was sure that the incense went out before you realized how late it had gotten. Not even standing in your high heels bothered you. Like a statue you stood. This was it. This was going to be the last memory you would have of your sister. What a perfect memory. Reaching out, you touch the tombstone. Slowly running your fingers on it. Then use one finger to trace over her name. A couple of times. Over and over again, until someone takes hold of your wrist stopping you. There was no need to look, you knew who it was.
Makoto looks down at you, the dull and empty look you in your eyes. All of them could, Haru, Rin, Nagisa, Rei, Gou, Aiichiro and Seijuro. It nearly seem soulless, he looks at your finger, seeing it was starting to become raw. Luckily he stopped you from tracing April's name over and over again. He takes off his jacket and puts it around you. The temperature had dropped, sun no longer setting. Night now took its place. There was a chill in the air. Carefully he guides you away. Walking you back. All of them walk out with you. Standing there watching, Ms. Miho and Coach Sasabe. Seeing you approaching, they stand respectfully for. Ms. Miho says a few words of condolences and even a famous quote that you paid no mind to. But you thanked her anyway. And Sasabe. When you spoke it was so low and somber. Emotionless, no feeling in it. You do same with to the others, taking off Makoto's jacket giving it back to him. Telling all of them they could go home now. There was no need, it was all over. Though they could tell it wasn't, there was something else, lingering in your eyes. Something you wanted to say, it wasn't meant for Miho or Sasabe.
"May? What is it?"Makoto ask the question, to help you say what it was you needed too.
The bottom of your lip quivered, but you did your best to keep yourself together. Though your eyes remained staring at the ground."...M-My..."you try hard not to choke on your tears and words. Struggling with the words you manage to say what you needed to."April...please follow me back to my family's home. There is something my...April left something."
Your cryptic words left them a bit lost, except for Seijuro. Seeing the confused looks on the others, he watches you beginning to walk away and insists they follow you. Rin sensing his captain knew something was at to asks. For Seijuro to tell him it was directed to them, not him. Just to go with you, this was where he stops. Aiichiro wanted to go but Seijuro told him it wasn't meant for him. So he didn't follow.
It seem to take a lot longer to reach back home than normal. Though you walked normal, your feet seem to move like cement blocks where attached to them. When you arrived back, the place seem so cold and empty. The white lantern hanging to let others know of the death. There where also some white and black envelope for condolence money at the door. You paid them not mind, unlocking the door and go straight in. Rei and Gou collect them for you. Following you quietly while keeping an eye on you. Rin turns on the lights for you, along with Nagisa. Still following you, you pass the pictures on the wall of you and your family. And some pictures of your old life back in America upon the wall.
"Please take a seat. In front of the T.V."you tell them, while you ascended up the stairs. Rei and Gou come in a few seconds after you went upstairs.
They both place the envelopes nicely on a stand."Are you sure it's wise for her to go up there by herself?"Rei looks to the others worried."In the state she's in, shouldn't one of us-"
"She won't do anything."Haru assures him, looking towards the stairs. Rei looks at him not believing him, but the strong look in Haru's eyes rang truth. Looking at Makoto, Nagisa, Rin and Gou. They each had the same look in their eyes.
Convinced May wouldn't do anything. Though he worried, he had to remind himself they knew better than him and had to trust that much."Come on, let's all do what she says."Makoto tells them. Moving everyone along to the family room.
Moving to the next room, that connected to the kitchen. Nagisa looks around, it still hadn't changed after all this time. He recalls coming over here. April had a tray full of treats for him and May to share. For all three of them, a few times they attempt to make some, which was always fun. Smiling at the warm memory. Snickering to himself at the funny moments too. Though at times April could be rather scary he would mostly laugh it off, which earned him being chased by her. Makoto smiles hearing Nagisa's low laughter. Reaching the room, everyone takes their seat and waits. Time passes, first five minutes then up to ten. Gou glances at the clock which now twenty minutes have passed, she was started to get worried and anxious.
It shouldn't take this long. About to get up when you appeared, everyone turns to you. Rei sighs relieved seeing you in one piece."Thank goodness."he whispers to himself.
"What do you have there?"Nagisa ask, pointing at the what you held. All eyes look at the medium size envelope you held. Looking closer Rei notice it was addressed to you.
"How strange."he said rather puzzled."You haven't opened it yet."
Walking stiffly over to the T.V. turning it on and the DVD player. You open the envelope taking out a disc and feed it to the player. While it loaded, you had another item you held. Unfolding the piece of paper you begin to read it out to the others.
"If you are reading this letter out load, that means you have the others before you. First off, hello Makoto, Haru, Rin, Nagisa and Gou. It's me April."you read in a monotone voice, shocking the others."I beat each of you are surprised, I know. Oh, forgive me I completely forget about the newest member of your Swim Club, what was it...Rei I believe. Yes, hello Rei. Anyway I wanted to say welcome to all of you. Let me make this brief, if you're all hearing this, that's great. I sent this letter to May and the video I made. She isn't allowed to watch unless all of you are presented. Which I'm sure you all are. I'm not fully good with my words really. You guys all know I'm really not. In this video please, well, please know how much it means to me."
Finishing you fold the paper back up and step aside, pressing play. Walking away just as it starts, turning off the light in the family room. While the others respectfully give their attention the video, you turn you back and start to walk away. Just as April in her video says "Hi" to everyone. Greeting them and talks about of them briefly. Bringing up old history and memories. Earning snickers from Nagisa who agreed. There was no need for such sentimental old memories. If this was all she was going to say, then that's what you had pictures for. Having enough, you decide to leave. You did follow April's final wishes, read the letter and watched the video with them. Well most of it. The letter didn't say for you see the whole thing, just to start it. That's what you at least took from it. Turning your back to this, you retreat back upstairs to your empty solace.
"May. Don't leave."You hear April say from the video. It stopped you."I have so much to say to you. That, I wasn't able to say when I was there. So please don't leave. I know right now you want to go up to your room and conceal everything behind the doors. To bury everything that is bothering you. So no one else can see. The past three and half years you had no choice but to lock yourself away. Denying yourself of sort of comfort or relief."Hearing her starting to cry, made you turn around and look right her. Even as she smiled the tears came."That's not the May I know. I know things where different when you came back to live with me again. I could see it in your eyes, even when you tired to plaster on a smile to make it seem like everything was fine. Those years done to you, changed you. Caused you look at everything much differently than before. Your eyes always had gray clouds in them, not the sunshine I know. I'm so sorry, that we had to be separated after father died. You couldn't stay with me, Mrs. Yama could only take one of us. I'm so sorry that wasn't you. Trust me! I tired so hard to find a way for you come back to me. Anything! Everyday I prayed and hoped. But, nothing. I swear the last couple of years I tired to find out which family you where with. But you kept moving so much, I wasn't able to. Everyday without was you agony for me, but not as much agony that you must have felt in Foster Care. I know for a fact, what you saw was not pleasant. Those memories, those dreadful memories shattered everything your eyes saw. You couldn't see anything the way you use to. When we lived together. Back with your friends. Our friends."
She pauses for a second looking away ashamed, though still had her smile on. Then back to the camera. Right at you it seem."I know you where upset at me. Bitter no doubt. Over hearing the memories I would share with my friends. You felt it was ripped from you. If I could have switched places with you, I would have in a heartbeat. I know how important capturing such memories and making them. Though you try to pay any mind to it when you came back, you truly wanted that back. I understand why you where afraid to start it back up. Everything you came back was broken in your mind. I know you went out to see the old club. And you ran into the others too that day. Seeing it just broke you. It was meaningless and pointless. It hurt you inside, expecting to come back to everything being the same. For that I am truly sorry. Seeing you hurt, broke my heart. I never loved seeing my little sister so damaged. When we first moved here to Iwatobi. It hurt me knowing how you felt. Your happiness was all that mattered to me and still did even today. I wanted to do all that I could to bring back your smile and the light in your eyes. Before...Before I left. I wanted you truly enjoy our last year together before I went off to college. I wanted you to be happy. Because when you're happy there is no need to worry. When you met your first friends here, I was so happy for you. They brought back my sister back. Her smile. Everything. Seeing your eyes light up every time in their presence. Though a strange group of friends, it was nice to know you had found them. It eased my soul and heart. Why? Because I know would be fine. Everything would be. Remember what I would always tell you? Smile and-"
"Everything would alright."
April smiles brightly."Yeah. That's right. Your friends brought you back. You begin to see light again. Your old self came out. No longer did you hide anymore. Full of life. Indulging yourself back into hobbies you loved and liked. Especially photography. The pictures you took, capturing every precious moment. Of everyone. Making everyone happy and moment count. I was so proud and happy for you. I knew you met the right people in your life. So whenever I was gone, you would have them. Even now."She places a hand over chest."Let me show you."Next thing a quick slide show presents itself, of old pictures. You and her. The group, with you and April. Fun pictures. Funny pictures. Cute pictures. Silly pictures. Random ones. A colleague of memorable memories. After the pictures came a few videos. One involving you teaching Nagisa a move that you had learned from Mr. Hamato. It was in the backyard. Nagisa who wasn't taking it seriously and the result you flipped him over your shoulder onto his back. You where only ten going on eleven. Everyone around was shocked at what you just did. Nagisa especially. Though he laughed it off screaming it was awesome.
Another video at the club, Rin talking like a big shot. Then him making fun of April not realizing she as behind him until it was too late and she gets justice. Haru sunk back under the water to avoid April's wrath. Nagisa laughing, while Makoto trying to get them to stop. With another video it was of you and April. She had gotten the camera ready for the two of you to dance. Though you didn't want to do it, she managed to get you to. It was short dance, but cute. The last one was of you and the others sleeping. April filming and whispering she loves you. Video clips ends and returns back to April.
"See? Look how happy you were. With everyone. I know you felt it was your fault because of what happened, being taken away like that. The promise you made, for it to be broken. The guilt you felt towards all of them. Which was why you wouldn't start anything back up. You couldn't share anything with them. Feeling ashamed. Your eyes couldn't see the same anymore. I know how much you missed the club, which was why Seijuro and I wanted you to go with his team. In hopes starting fresh would help you. Bring you back. It seem to be working. You having that sense of security and comfort. Feeling of belonging. Being apart of something. Because so much in your life has already been broken and shattered. I guess...I guess I was wrong. At times you seem to be getting your old self back, but then...I must have failed as a sister if I couldn't fix it. That I am sorry for. That was the last thing I wanted to do to you...The video is almost over, May. Listen to me. I know I won't be there anymore with you, and I know you're going to want to dwell upon the past. Feeling it was your fault, because you had me worry over you. But, know that it never was. I would do again and again. All I ask is that you let it all go. And see your friends never left you. They've been waiting for you just as I have. To make memories with you. All of you, Makoto, Rin, Haruka yes I said your whole name, Nagisa, Gou and even you Rei. I leave my sister to you. Please all of you make so many wonderful memories. I love you May."
The video ends, everything stayed quiet. Lights remained off, until Rei gets up turning them on. He turns in your direction along with the others. Finding you sitting in front of the television. Your back to them and forehead upon the screen. They could hear your struggling whimpers and cries for April. You silent cries became louder and louder to the point you started pounding the ground with your fist over and over again. Shaking your head. Gou was about to stop you, when you stop yourself and sit up looking up at the ceiling.
"My sister...she was right."you cry tears coming down. A broken smile upon your face."I'm such a h-horrible...A horrible person."Your eyes glance at them, then back at the ceiling."I-I became so blinded by my own feelings. I didn't see what it as doing to others. Around me. Lost, that's what I was. Lost and broken. Alone too. My eyes couldn't see any light, none at all. For three and half years, I saw nothing but dark clouds. With no way out. And when light returned, I still couldn't see it. A horrible storm came and took everything away from me. B-Because that's what storms do. Just when everything is going well...it comes and destroys everything. When I thought I had something good, here. For it be taken away."You look Rin, then look back up at the ceiling."That storm wouldn't stop. It became worse and worse. I tired so hard!"you say in anger."To stay strong in the storm. But, it was stronger than me. The winds so harsh and cruel. Lighting stung me over and over again. Until I couldn't feel anything any more. What was there to feel? When everything is taken away? I-I didn't want things to be broken. I swear!"You turn around to them, slamming your hand on floor. Tears streaming down your eyes."I swear I didn't! I didn't want to to go. Go away again! Coming back here was all I wanted! I wanted to make so many memories with all of you, again and again! But, how could I? When I hated myself and all of you!? I hated the fact I couldn't see what my eyes use to see!"You scream."I hated the fact that if I tired to start things back up, it would be taken away again! How was I suppose to know? I hated that I didn't! I would rather feel nothing, that way when it was taken from me...i-it wouldn't matter at all. When my father was taken, you guys, my memories, and now...Now April."You stand up quickly looking at them confused, angry and sadness."What's the point!? You're all going to go away anyway?!..."You wrap your arms around you and fall to your knees. Dropping your head and scream."Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-"
Gou comes and hugs you with Nagisa. Muffling your screams. So you scream in Nagisa's chest. While trying to fight against him. The others come over to you, the second you wiggle out from Nagisa. Finding yourself in Makoto's arms. His hold you remained strong and comforting. He places a hand upon your head, gently stroking it. Soothingly. Slowly calming you down. Your eyes saw nothing but clouds, dark clouds. Like before. So you shut them, going back into the darkness. Sinking deeper and deeper. Calling out for anyone. Crying out for anyone. Screaming for them.
"May! May!"
Hearing someone call your name, your eyes shoot back open and for the first time, light breaks through. Piercing through those thick clouds. Showing the clear sky. The light rays where stronger this time. Each cloud it hit, they dissolved instantly. Hearing someone again calling for you, you see a hand reaching out for you. Searching for you. Struggling to reach it, stretching with all your might to take hold of it. It takes hold of your hand pulls you out. A breath of air escapes your lungs the second you burst through. It felt so nice and refreshing. Looking up you see a clear sky for the very first time after three and half years.
Reopening your actual eyes, finding to your shock next to you and all around sleeping over at your place. Haru, Rin, Nagisa, Gou and Rei. And Makoto who's arms you still remained. They hadn't left, still here. Touched by what you saw, even after all this time they still...they still...Tears started to form, this time tears of solace and happiness. A couple come, looking at each of them. All of them slept close to you, using Makoto as the pillow. Nagisa held onto your arm. Snuggled up close. Gou resting on your shoulder. Rei by Nagisa, Haru behind Makoto, and Rin by his sister.
"...Thank you."you whisper to them.
*Four Weeks later*
Over at Samezuka the team was having practice. Aiichiro just finished his turn and gets out of the pool. Looking around seeing everyone he knew on the team. Nothing out of the norm, well so it would seem. There was one person missing, who was very important to this team. Always with their camera ready to take pictures. The one who greet him whenever he finished. Show him what he should improve on. Give him a smile. He hadn't seen them nor heard from them in four weeks. He wondered, looking towards Rin if he he heard anything. Then again maybe not. Rin hadn't said anything really. Even with Aiichiro tired to find a way to bring them up. Not even their captain. Which was rather surprising. One would think he would be making a big fuss out of it. Then again, they still needed time to recover. Well they did have the others back at Iwatobi. They probably decided to stay there instead. If it helped them heal, then that was a good thing.
He just wondered why he felt miserable not having them and if he was wrong for wishing they would just come here instead of staying at Iwatobi. Taking a seat on the bench sighing heavily. So bummed out, that he didn't notice someone had come in until they greeted everyone.
"Hello everyone!"
Hearing that voice ring throughout, his head whips up and around towards their direction. Shooting up from his seat, stun and happy to see standing there. Dressed in their personal Samezuka's uniform provided to them by Seijuro. With the brightest and warmest smile on, waving to everyone. Their camera hanging around their neck, and camera gear on one shoulder. Their pink hair styled some what messy bun with chop sticks being used to hold it together. When their golden yellow eyes open they look to Seijuro, then go to Aiichiro smiling at him.
"May!"Aiichiro hurries over to you happy to see you. A good portion of the team comes over to you. Crowding around.
Happy to have you back, welcoming you back, Aiichiro squeezes his way through, popping out nearly knocking you over. Which you didn't mind, it made you laugh. He shares it with you before hugging you."May!"he cries.
With your free arm you hug him back."Hi Aiichiro."
Releasing you from his hug, he looks at you so glad to see you."I thought you weren't come back."His words said what the others where thinking. You simply smile.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry."you apologize, spotting Seijuro. You excuse yourself and go over to him, all eyes follow. Looking up at him, he looks down at you with an unreadable look. Which made you nervous.
He then cracks his famous smile and places an affectionate hand upon your head."Welcome back, May."
Your smile becomes bigger."Thank you. I'm glad to be back."He smirks to himself and pulls you into a side hug. Squeezing you rather tightly. Then lets you go.
"Go put your things away. We've got practice!"he tells you, thumbing over his shoulder at the office.
Laughing a bit, you nod your head and grab your things hoisting things, when someone grabs your bag first. This startled you for a second, looking finding Rin. He looks at you, then flashes you a grin. Nudging you playfully. Making you laugh.
"Come on. I'll help you."he offers and walks towards the office. Aiichiro watches the two of you smiling, so does Seijuro.
Reaching the office, Rin places your bag down by the desk and turns on the light for you. While you get things out and start to set up when you on the desk Taro flavor Pocky and Peach flavor Daifuku. This was a surprise. Picking up the treats, they where newly bought. No one knew you would be returning back today. Not even Makoto and the others. Opening the Pocky first, looking at the delicious treats. Taking one out closing your eyes and put it in your mouth taking a bite when you felt someone else take a bite from the other end. Your eyes open fast finding the other bitten off. Baffled by this until you hear a chuckle from Rin. Realizing it was him, you fluster. Upset he ate your favorite treat and from he did. Only for him to find it amusing. While you pouted, he laughed. Which you eventually share it with him. Just like you the two of you use to do as kids.
"Hey you two!"Seijuro sudden presence ended the laughter and moment. Looking to him, he thumbs over his shoulder to head back."Coming."you tell him, grabbing your camera and Pocky then hurry out.
Rin follows after, and stops by Seijuro. The two of them watching you get started. The joy and passion in your eyes. That had been locked away for so long, now back. Putting his cap and googles back on, Rin goes back to practice. Taking his position on the block, you not to far ready this time.
He looks over at you."Hey?"he calls to you, you look at him. He smirks at you."Don't forget to get my good side. Okay?"Putting his googles over his eyes.
"Okay."you agree. Focusing the lens and snap the shot the second he jumps off.