A.I. Takuya

Chapter Ten: Tightening Bonds

By KellyQ

The kids came to what looked like an abandoned two-story factory. Takuya was giving Tomoki a piggyback ride by this point. His chin rested on his right shoulder, and his arms draped loosely over Takuya's shoulders.

"Uh ... Takuya ... I can carry Tomoki if you want," Izumi offered. "Your arms must be tired."

The android smiled at the blonde girl. "I'm alright." He glanced at Kouji. "And you, Kouji?"

"Huh? Oh. I'm all right." he responded, snapping out of his thoughts.

"What about you Junpei, are you alright?" Takuya asked, looking his way.

Before Junpei answer, a light moan came from Tomoki. Takuya glanced over his shoulder to see Tomoki opening his eyes.

"Hey champ." Takuya said with a smile.

"Oh!" The little boy realized that he had fallen asleep. "I'm sorry. I made you carry me all the way here. I'm sorry."

"I wouldn't worry about it. Your feet were tired. No one should be walking on sore feet."

"Thanks, Takuya," Tomoki said, a smile on his face.

"There you are."

After they had checked the place out, Kouji made his way to the window on the second story. He wanted to be left alone with his thoughts. Takuya made his way to Kouji a few seconds later. The dark-haired boy was sitting near the small boxed window. Takuya sat on the other side, looking out, saying nothing. He glanced at Kouji to see a lot of pain and confusion in his eyes.

Takuya lowered his gaze to the floor. "I'm sorry this is hurting you," he murmured.

"I'm just confused," Kouji said, taking hold of his coat that slipped down his shoulder and pulled it back up. "I don't understand any of this. Then again, I never understood anything that happened in my life. Sometimes I felt that my life was a mistake."

"Don't say that!" Takuya said sharply. Kouji turned to stare at the android. Takuya moved in front of him and cupped Kouji's face. "No human life is." He paused for a moment and looked deep into blue eyes. "So what if you didn't have a simple life ... people can change ... even androids. What's more important is that people have the will to change - make friends, laugh, cry and even ..." Takuya paused again, wondering if it was the right word to describe what was going on in his chest whenever he saw Kouji. "Even fall in love."

"Fall in love?" Kouji murmured, understanding what was happening with his heart when he saw Takuya.

They stared at each other until a sudden noise came outside the window. Takuya snapped out of his daydream and took hold of Kouji's arm, and they both moved away from the window. The android stood in front of Kouji protectively. The others came up the stairs to see the window open, and Kouichi popped his head in.

"It's just my brother." Kouji sidestepped Takuya and walked over to the window. Takuya walked up and helped heave Kouchi up through the window.

"I'm glad that you guys are safe, but we don't have time to sit," Kouichi said. "I was followed here by Mr. Kanbara - he'll be here very shortly."

"Mr. Kanbara?" Takuya frownd.

"Kouji will tell you later; right now, get going! They're almost here!"

They all nodded, not even considering to see if Kouichi was right behind. They ran down the stairs and out the door. The kids stopped when black cars pulled up. The orphans gave each other a nod and took off, running to the other side of the house. Tomoki tried to keep up, but he tripped and fell to the ground with a thud. Izumi turned and went to aid him. She picked Tomoki up, turned, and ran. Shinya dropped down from the roof and landed five feet away. Takuya stepped in front of Kouji, ready to fight.

"Thought you never see me again, did you?" Shinya said, pointing his gun.

"Ease off 6-2-4!" A voice ordered.

Takuya and Kouji turned their head to see that some men in black had their guns pointed at their friends. Takuya's eyes shifted to see a well-built man. He wore all black, and his short hair was pulled back.

Takuya narrowed his at the man. "Are you Mr. Kanbara?"

A dark smirk made its way to the man's lips. "That I am, son."

To be continued ...