Visibility

By: Aviantei

Chapter 16: Fissure

The party ended before it got too late, and Youta and Airi walked home side by side for the first time in weeks. Tetsuya had given the twins a glance like he had wanted to come, but respected their distance. Youta wouldn't have minded otherwise, but had been serious about needing a bit more time. After all, he had been the only person Airi had relied on for years until now.

By the time the Watanabe twins made it to their neighborhood, the sun was starting to set already, a vibrant pink predominating over the oranges and yellows. Youta did his best to paint the picture for Airi, even if he felt a little rusty after weeks of not being able to do it. She still smiled, though, all the reassurance Youta needed to know it was alright.

Lights were on inside their house, something Youta thought would take a while to get used to. He and Airi had gone so long without their parents around that having two others in the house felt a bit intrusive. Even so, Airi stepped inside with no worries, a call of "We're home!" catching Noboru's attention.

"Welcome back! Ai-chan, You-tan, come to the kitchen will you?" their father called. Youta had made sure to call ahead and let their parents know ahead of time where he and Airi would be going—no need to have another incident of miscommunication like before. Airi took her time in setting her shoes in the entrance, and Youta did the same, his sister finishing first and walking ahead.

"Oh, is something happening, Otoo-san?" Youta heard Airi ask from the kitchen. He ran up the hall to catch up with her, slowing down as not to get scolded. Youta had been expecting to see the kitchen in one piece again since Noboru had stayed home today, but the boxes were still scattered about.

Youta frowned.

"Sit, sit," Noboru requested, waving his hand to the table. Airi was able to sit down on her own, but Youta waited until she was secure anyways before sitting in the chair next to her. "Ei-chan should be done with her bath any minute. There's something we wanted to talk to you about."

Youta didn't like the sound of this. His father was the more cheerful parent, usually full of smiles and enthusiasm. And while Noboru's smile wasn't wavering, there was something in his voice, almost sort of a regret. Airi clenched onto her skirt under the table, and Youta knew it wasn't just his imagination.

She had heard it, too.

"What sort of something?" Youta asked. Even if they were waiting for Eiko, he wasn't about to lose any time. If it was something that needed to be done, his mother wouldn't spare a thought in going through it, no matter what. At least with Noboru, there was a chance he would be more sympathetic, willing to change things.

Noboru's eyes shot down to the table. This was definitely going to be bad. Noboru had never been the one to deliver any sort of bad news to his children, and it showed when he had to. Youta reached out for Airi's hands, and she took hold of his. Finally, Noboru let out a sound in the form of a sigh. "It's about our future as a family," he said.

"You and Okaa-san aren't going to—" Airi started, quieting once Noboru shook his head. Youta wondered where the worry had even begun with his sister. Sure, Eiko and Noboru sure weren't a conventional pairing, but they had worked together for this long. No, a divorce wasn't the kind of problem they needed to. Airi's chest heaved in a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness…"

"I may have worded that a bit wrong," Noboru admitted. I'll say, Youta thought. You nearly gave Airi a panic attack. Even now, his sister's hand was at her chest as she breathed. "But no, Ei-chan and I are doing fine. No, this is a situation that all of as a family will be facing together."

"And what is it exactly?" Youta asked, a biting tone to the question. This was no time to dodge around unpleasantries. "If it's something important, I think we have the right to know."

"No need to be so impatient, Youta," Eiko reprimanded from the doorway. Her hair was down and she was in household clothes, but that didn't make her presence any less striking. Youta hadn't even heard her coming. His mother finished drying of her hair with a towel and slung it around her shoulders before she sat down.

Airi sat up a bit straighter, taking the diplomatic role she always did when it involved their parents. For whatever reason, she was just better at communicating with them than Youta could ever imagine. "Nii-san's just worried, Okaa-san," Airi said, a calm tone in her voice. "I'm a bit nervous myself. What exactly's going on?"

Eiko gave a glance to Noboru, but returned her attention to her children soon after. Noboru moved his own gaze to his lap. "It's about what all has happened recently. Considering the effects of Youta's recent endeavors, we don't think it will be possible to continue living here."

"What?!" Youta exclaimed before he could stop himself, standing up and hitting his hands against the table. No, that wasn't an option. Not after everything. "You can't do that!"

"You-tan, please don't shout," Noboru attempted. Airi winced, her eyelids shut tighter together than usual. "We're just worried. This isn't to punish you."

"Like hell it isn't!"

"Nii-san," Airi whispered, the small sound enough to cut through the conversation. "Please just listen. I'm sure everything will be fine if we understand the situation better."

"Listen to your sister," Eiko commanded, and Youta repressed a growl as he returned to his seat. "Now, as I was trying to say, this is more of a practical matter than it is a personal one. While it's true your actions caused trouble, Youta, the true problem is the debt you incurred, both to the hospital and outside of it." Youta winced. "As it is, with our income, moving here has been a huge financial strain. We were happy to do this for Airi's sake, but as of now, it is almost not an option."

Youta watched Airi, not believing how passive she seemed. She had to be bothered by this—wait, she was shaking a little, but wasn't saying anything. Airi was engaging in her bad habit again, the one where she insisted on putting practical needs and desires before what she really wanted. Why didn't she see that some things were worth fighting for, no matter the consequence?

"Unless we acquire a new source of income, there isn't any way for this to work out," Eiko finalized. Youta clenched his hands into fists, hoping the sting of his nails in his palms would help him produce rational thought. It didn't. "I gave up a promotion at my old branch in favor of moving here. If I accept that, we'll be able to manage the costs we need. Fortunately, my bosses agreed to still offer the position if I return to that branch."

It was just like she said; there was no other way for this to work out. Youta had always known things had been tough for them—buying discount clothes and not having as many luxuries, owning the oldest possible cellphone model every school year—that was why they couldn't have afforded the surgery in the first place. And while their parents did everything they could for Airi and Youta, it was tight.

"Then I'll help work for it," Youta suggested. Airi and Noboru turned to him in sync, and even Eiko's eyes widened a little. "Like you said, this whole thing is my fault. So I should be able to take responsibility for it, right?"

"You-tan, your mother doesn't mean—" Noboru tried.

Youta frowned. "Well I do," he said. Not even Airi bothered to argue with him. Her fingers twitched a little, though, enough for Youta to know she didn't blame him. "I know very well that my actions are what put Ai-chan in the hospital. I know that. So why don't you let me help?!"

"Even so," Eiko said, "that won't be enough." She didn't even deny what he said. At least they were closer to being on the same page. "I know your heart's in the right place, Youta, but even if the school does allow you to get a job, no part-time affair is going to generate enough income to be as useful as going back to Sendai will."

Airi reached out, tugging on the hem of his shirt. "Nii-san, it's okay," she pleaded more than she said. "I'll be fine. You don't need to push it. This is for the best…"

He hated the way her voice sounded when she lied to him.

"No, it's not," Youta repeated sternly. "None of this is. Listen, I don't care what it takes, we need to stay here. This is the only place we need to be, no matter what. So I'll quit school, I'll get a full-time job, just please don't make Ai-chan leave!"

In the end, this was just as much as about both of them as it would have been individually. Youta had prided himself on protecting Airi's happiness, even if he had been wrong. Regardless, that exact moment he was certain that he knew what she really wanted, and if Airi wouldn't fight for it, he would.

This was no time to back down.

"Youta, listen to me—" Eiko started.

"No, you listen to me!" There was a collective silence around the table. Youta may not have always been the perfect kid, but he had never really argued with his parents, and there certainly had never been any back talking. It had always been for Airi's sake, but this was for Airi's sake so— "I know you haven't been here to see it, but Ai-chan started seeing someone, and he's the only person I ever want to take care of Ai-chan besides me, so leaving him isn't an option!"

Youta had stood up again, but he didn't bother to sit. No one told him to either. Airi had blushed darkly, and Noboru's eyes widened. "Ai-chan, is that…?"

Airi nodded.

Eiko pursed her lips, eyebrows ranging lower than usual. Youta had the fleeting thought that his mother was going to end up with wrinkles way before her time. "I understand why you're so adamant about this, but there's nothing we can do," she said. For some reason, Eiko looked the smallest bit saddened by what she had to say. "Even if we moved into an apartment instead, it would just make the strain harder on Airi…"

"Don't you get it, Ka-san?" Youta asked, no longer yelling, but the hard tone remaining in her voice nonetheless. "Ai-chan's been busting her ass so that she won't be a hassle. She doesn't care if the environment's difficult; she just doesn't want to be a burden. Why do you think she refused to use the damn cane you two got her in the first place?"

He could see it—almost a spark of recognition. They really hadn't known. All this time and their parents hadn't figured out that Airi wanted to be as normal as possible, how hard she had been working for it. They hadn't seen the progress she had made.

But it still wasn't enough. Eiko had always made decisions quickly, just so there wouldn't be a too late. The argument was as good as over unless he had something else as leverage, and Youta didn't.

Time. We need more time.

"Ugh, fine! If you two won't figure it out, then I will!" he declared before turning to Airi. "Don't you worry about a thing, Ai-chan. Nii-san's going to take care of everything, okay?" he whispered to her.

Youta kissed Airi's forehead, racing out of the kitchen and down the hall to his room, locking the door for good measure. He didn't even wait for her to nod. He knew she would.

He was going to get in trouble. It shouldn't have been that much of an issue, though. Not if this worked out. Youta reached into his pocket, digging out his cellphone. Without hesitation, he scrolled through his contacts and dialed the number. They were limited on time. This was going to have to be quick.

While the phone rang, Youta allowed himself a self-depreciating chuckle. Man, I must really be okay with this if I can ask him for help so easily. The line clicked, and Youta didn't even give the recipient the time to answer.

"Hey, Kuroko, I need to ask a favor."

Airi didn't feel like crying anymore. She'd had enough of that. Right now, she needed to be strong. Just because Youta had a plan, that didn't mean he was going to have to do everything on his own. Breaking down into tears and making him worry wasn't the way to do it.

So after she heard his door slam, the sound of Eiko's chair scraping as a sure indicator she was about to take action, Airi said, "Please don't blame Nii-san." That was enough to make her mother pause. "He's just looking out for me, like always. I know he got a bit carried away there, but…"

"Ai-chan, we don't want to make things any harder than they have to be," Noboru said. "If there was a way to make this work without having to leave, then we would. But anything short of a miracle just isn't going to cut it." He swallowed, head turning down towards the table. "Surely you understand?"

That was the thing. She did understand. She had always understood, just from paying attention to her parents. Back from when Airi used her eyes, it really just took a glance to see that she and Youta had less than new belongings, often from a secondhand store. Really, she knew just how hard Eiko and Noboru were working to get the standard of living they had now, and her blindness only made things more difficult.

But still—

"I don't want to leave," Airi admitted, her voice shaking more than she liked. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I like it here. I like seeing Nii-san play basketball again. I like Tetsuya-kun. I like being able to laugh and smile and not having to worry so much and Nigou and Aida-senpai and how everyone cares about us. I like having friends again!"

Because after she had lost her eyes, everyone had been too scared to approach her out of the fear of saying something wrong. It had been six years of that, and she had had enough.

"Airi, we can't," her mother stressed. The pain was starting to show in Eiko's voice, enough to be heard by more than just Airi's ears. Things were getting closer to the breaking point, where there would be no going back.

No. She couldn't think like that. Youta and Tetsuya both had said things would be fine.

Airi believed them.

"Just give Nii-san a bit more time," she said. No, she pleaded. Her voice shook. That had been the look Youta had given her, the one that needed just a little bit more time to think things through. Surely, she could do that much. "We know it's selfish, but please."

She didn't wait for their response. She couldn't. This wasn't news she could handle hearing on her own. Even as Noboru went to speak, Airi covered her ears and stood up, heading down the hall. Her parents' voices were muffled, but she didn't hear anything. Neither her mother nor her father stopped her. Airi didn't know the reason, but she was grateful.

She almost tripped without feeling out the hallway, but she made it anyway, gripping onto the doorknob for final support. When she went to turn it, it was locked. "Nii-san," she called through his door. She heard Youta's voice, faint, but it wasn't directed at her. "Nii-san," Airi tried again, and this time the door opened.

"Come on," Youta whispered. He took her hand and led his sister to her room, locking her door was well. He placed something on the floor, and Airi went to feel it. A backpack. Just as she was about to ask, Youta opened up Airi's closet. "We need to be quick. I don't know what to do right away, so we just need to go someplace where they can't make us leave."

At the word, Airi repressed a sob. "I don't want to leave…" she said, voice almost a whimper.

"Hey." Youta stopped moving things around to step back in front of Airi, taking her shoulders. "Hey, hey. Listen to me, Ai-chan, I promise we're not going to leave here. But right now, we can't be in this house, so we just need to stay somewhere else for a little bit, that's all. I promise."

Airi swallowed. "Alright."

"Atta girl. Now gimme a minute to pack things up and we'll get going." Youta crossed the room, shuffling around. Airi just stood by the door, waiting. If they were going to leave the house, it wouldn't be so easy. Noboru would never let them leave, and Eiko would forbid it. "Here you go. Think you can handle walking for a bit with your backpack and your school bag?"

Airi nodded. Normally she would have argued that of course she could handle it, but was too preoccupied. Youta led her to the other side of the room and opened the window. That was their escape. Airi couldn't remember exactly, but she thought her window opened up into the backyard. It would be easy enough from there.

"I'll go first," Youta said, dropping something out the window. He took Airi's bags from her and did the same, then followed them. His arms reached back through the window frame, fingers brushing against Airi's arms. "Hold on to my shoulders and try and get your legs through. There's not much of a drop, but I'll support you."

"Alright." This is crazy. Airi attempted it anyways. This isn't the way to handle this. She failed the first time. You can stay here. She didn't want to. She didn't want to have her parents come talk to her and give excuses. I need to do this. She made it the second time, her sock touching the grass of their lawn.

"Perfect. I dug up some older pairs of shoes we had lying around so…" Youta unzipped his bag and offered the sneakers to Airi. Her fingers shook when she went to undo the laces, but she managed, slipping the shoes onto her feet. They pinched her toes once she tied them, but it didn't matter. "Alright, let's grab our bags and go."

Airi slipped the backpack onto her shoulders, easily managing the weight. She would have to check what Youta had packed later. It didn't matter now. "So where are we going?" she asked. She wanted to believe Youta had a plan, but there was always a chance.

"No need to sound so worried," Youta said. Airi felt a tingle of embarrassment—she hadn't meant to let her worry show in her voice. "We're going to Kuroko's. He said it was alright."

Stupidly, Airi's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't the time to be embarrassed, either. She needed to be focused. "Let's go then," she said, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.

Youta chuckled anyway, not saying a word as he took her hand and showed her the way.

To be honest, I was way too excited to post this chapter. I just love seeing everybody's responses that I almost posted early.

Thanks to MsChimix, CherryPop0120, sandy . zanders, Killerddj, LeoInuyuka, My Name is Alice, Tamani, NightWindAlchemist, Crimson Ribbon, SillyLittlePeachy, lazura234, and Calling . the . Storm for your respective reviews, favorites, and follows! Seeing regular reviewers each chapter gives me the warm fuzzies.

Bonus points to My Name is Alice for being the person to give this story its sixtieth review, making Visibility my most reviewed story. Hugs and confetti for everyone that's given me so much support as well. I look forward to hearing from all you guys again in the future!

Beyond that, I really like this chapter, mainly for the the flow of it, plus how Airi and Youta interact throughout. My babies are wonderful.

Oh, yeah. Did someone say the next major plot point? Whatever will happen now? Guess we'll find out when chapter seventeen comes out in two weeks!

Next time, haven is found, some conversations are repeated, and arguing somehow equals friendship. Please look forward to it!

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