A/N: Please forgive me and my late updates. These next couple of chapters are going to be quite the rollercoasters. Hope you enjoy!

I don't own Kodocha or any of its contents.

Chapter 12: Jig Saw

Darkness was all she could see. Her bed was swallowing her whole. The trembling stopped hours ago, but she couldn't help the uneasiness from overcoming her. Sinking further into the bed, Ayame closed her eyes, her mind wandering to happier times.

When her mom was still alive.

When Akito didn't hate her.

When their family was happy.

She could almost feel her mother's touch, so warm and gentle; even if her mother was anything but that. Her mother was eccentric, wild, so full of life and energy.

Ayame remembered her every day.

There wasn't a day that passed by that she didn't think of her mom. Whether it be something she had said, something she did, or something she was about to do, Ayame remembered it all.

She missed her mother terribly.

With her father's absence and Akito's abandonment, she was left with no one. As much as she loved both Kyo and Hiro, they weren't her immediate family. That family she had yearned for so much was nothing but a distant thought now. There was too much tension, too much history between her father and brother for things to reverse what they were before.

And even then, the relationship between her father and brother was strained.

When their mom died, Akito permanently lost his smile. Despite the obvious strain, he had still been gentle around their mother. He was overprotective of her, never letting their father lip off to her. After her death, he was no longer the same boy.

Just like she was no longer the same girl.

She reached for her phone, thumbs still trembling at everything that had happened earlier in the day. Her father had retreated to his room for the night, but Akito was still nowhere to be found. She doubted he was going to return tonight, if he did at all.

Those words she imagined, had to have stung. Ayame could feel her heart sink to the bottom of her stomach when their father had spat his venomous words towards her older brother. Only for a second, did she see the surprise in her brother's eyes. But, he masked whatever his feelings were just as quickly.

Kyo's name was at the screen and more than ever did she need him. She hated herself for how weak she was, how vulnerable she made herself out to be to him. He's had to shield a lot of her baggage since they met, and the burden has only increased since her mother has died.

To: Kyo K.

He's back… my dad's back.

Ayame closed her eyes and wished for the trembling to stop. She wished she could be like her brother, void herself of emotion and stop giving a care in the world. His heart might be empty, but at least it wouldn't hurt anymore. At least, she wouldn't have to burden the feelings of grief and despair for the both of them.

The vibration of her phone made her jump and she looked at the message on the screen.

From: Kyo K.

Hope he didn't expect a welcome back party…

She laughed. She really shouldn't have. Why was she laughing when everything just imploded? Damn that Kyo for making her laugh in the middle of adversity.

To: Kyo K.

There were fireworks, but not very bright. Just very explosive.

From: Kyo K.

As expected… are you okay? Do you need anything?

To: Kyo K.

You know me… I'll be fine.

From: Kyo K.

Not a very reassuring answer there.

To: Kyo K.

I'm fine.

From: Kyo K.

Just… just let me know if you need anything, okay?

To: Kyo K.

I will… thank you.

-O-

The burning in his chest engulfed him. There was so much pressure that it felt incredibly difficult to just breathe. Memories of his past were drowning his mind as he fell to the floor, clutching his head. The pounding in his head was enough to make him want to smack his ahead against the wall of his make shift hide out.

His adrenaline had finally worn off, but he was still trembling. Dammit, why was he still shaking!? Gritting his teeth, Akito punched the side of the wall, ignoring the instant vibration of pain that spread through the entirety of his forearm. Hissing in pain, he let his head fall.

Why?

Why now?

Why the hell was he here?!

When his bastard of a father left 6 months ago, it was a blessing. No longer did he have come home to hateful eyes and waste his time on pointless arguments. The arguments would grow louder and more hostile by the minutes. It was a constant clash between father and son and the words were always full of hate and spite. Akito was growing tired of hearing the same bullshit.

And his younger sister would just listen and watch from around the corner in the other room. She always thought she was being stealthy, thinking they wouldn't see her. But, she didn't fool him. Their father maybe, but not him.

He always saw her staring at them with sad, pensive eyes that made her look like she would break any moment. Her knuckles were always pale white as she would cling to the door frame tightly. Her lips were practically nonexistent from the constant gnawing to keep herself from crying out and intervening.

Intervene to side with their father.

Because… because he was the reason everything was so fucked up now.

"It was all your fault."

"Why couldn't you just behave and listen?"

"You stupid, insolent boy with no regard to others."

"You've only ever cared about yourself."

"Look at what you did, what you caused."

"You tore this family apart."

"Because of you, your mother is dead."

Gasping for air, he reached for his neck, feeling as if something was choking him, dragging him into the depths of hell. Screwing his eyes shut, his hands moved from his neck to cover his ears. Those words that his father had spit to him, the words Ayame never spoke, they wouldn't leave him alone.

"Stop."

Murderer.

"Stop."

Murderer.

"Stop it."

You are a murderer.

"I said stop it!"

Your father hates you. Your sister hates you. Your friends hate you. Hell, even that new girl Kurata hates you. You bring about misery wherever you go. You are nothing but a waste of space. You are nothing but an inconvenience.

"Go AWAY."

But the voices never vanished. If anything, they got louder, more violent, more hostile. It was a never ending cycle that plagued his mind all day long. Especially now with the reappearance of his father.

Akito didn't understand why that bastard of a man even bothered returning. He ran away with full attention of not looking back at the destructive mess that was left of his family. With a traumatized daughter, a murderous son, and dead wife, the man felt like he had nothing left to return too. 6 months he and Ayame had been alone with monthly payments appearing in his sister's account to pay the necessary bills and to provide for themselves.

But it wasn't just the 6 months that his father had left. The two years before were included. The strained "family" dinners, the snide comments, the hollow conversations, the long hours their father started working, the sobbing that occurred in the middle of the night when Ayame didn't think anyone could hear her.

All of this could have been prevented if it hadn't been for him. His own selfish, personal vendetta – trying to prove something! What was there to prove!? What could he accomplish from walking out! Dammit, what was he thinking?

His shoulders slumped in defeat, head leaning against the backboard of the wall. He was tired. So tired. It was exhausting.

Akito use to pride himself in how strong he was; mentally, physically, emotionally. Hayama didn't let the small things hurt him. Sure, his pride would suffer at times, and his head would get knocked around, but he never struggled with his inner and outer strength. It was part of who made him, well him. Growing up, it was impossible to tell what his emotions were unless he deliberately showed feeling or left himself vulnerable (which he rarely ever did). As a kid, he was much more prone to acting on his emotions and letting them take over.

Things have changed since then.

He has rid himself of feeling. It was easier to go on in life without caring for others, without caring about small, trivial things. Things that use to bring him joy and excitement, Akito cut it out of his life. Going through life without feeling had left him void. Everyone at school avoided him, parting like the red sea when he made his way through the halls.

People feared him, ignored him, or simply just didn't care. Some still had a disdain for him because of the actions he took when he was younger or because of the words he had said in the past. Though he could hardly recognize the old Hayama Akito, some people just couldn't see past that boy who no longer existed.

Now, he just doesn't… feel.

Liar.

He could feel the vibration in his pocket. Ignoring the constant, static vibration, he tilted his head on the wall, closing his eyes.

The sound of the rain drowned out the whispers and accusations swirling like a vortex in his head.

-O-

Fuka drummed her fingers on the desk in anxiety. She hadn't been able to sleep, her mind racing with too many thoughts. All she could see when she closed her eyes was the stupid, blond haired boy that plagued her mind with his snarky comments and haughty attitude.

It made her heart race.

She was in love with Hayama Akito.

When did this happen? When did her heart decide to love him? Had she always loved him and she just ignored it? Denied the inventible? Sana was constantly teasing her, trying to get her to admit her love for him. But Fuka called bull. She promised herself that she would never allow herself to be heartbroken the way she was with Yuta.

But now, she was falling for some jerk who pushed everyone away because he had some prejudice for the world?

Fuka groaned as she put a hand to her forehead.

How was she going to face him today knowing that these feelings were real? That all this time her need to persist and annoy him were merited off of actual concern and love for the blond haired boy. She couldn't contain the racing heart that thumped so loudly in her chest Fuka could hear the drumming in her ears.

Dammit! She wasn't a love struck fool!

Sana had told her and Tsuyoshi that Akito was sick yesterday, hence why he didn't come to school. How did her best friend know that? Was Sana with Ayame when he collapsed? Was Sana with Akito when he collapsed?

Why was Fuka so angry at the thought of the two together? Why did it matter if they were friends?

But, Hayama was my friend first. I met him first.

Fuka put her head in her hands as she sighed. Why was she like this? What reason did she have to be jealous of any type of relationship between her best friend and Hayama?

But, Sana was kind of annoying in that get in your face type of way. Her best friend was always sticking her nose where it didn't belong. And it caused a lot of strife wherever Sana went. Fuka had a feeling Sana was a lot better about it now than in the past.

"You doing okay in there?"

Speak of the devil…

Fuka looked up and Sana was looking at her with her big doe eyes and raised eye brow. She was sporting twin braids today, that were hanging over from her hunching down. Sana's hands were at her hips and her school bag falling over.

"I'll be better once you're out of my personal space." Ouch, that was kind of mean.

The auburn haired teen frowned slightly and took a step back, but not before crossing her arms and huffing. "Well, you don't gotta be so rude about it! All ya had to do was ask me to step back."

Fuka rolled her eyes, then sighed.

Was Akito feeling better?

"Shouldn't you know by now not to just sneak up on me?" There was not really an excuse for Fuka to be rude. But, Sana was irritating her. Especially when she thought about the two together.

The frown on the auburn haired teen's face deepened and she narrowed her eyes at her. "Is there a reason why you are being so hostile?"

Fuka couldn't give her a proper answer without it sounding so petty and childish. So she decided on silence instead.

"You sure everything is okay?" Sana asked again, but this time, with a more concerned approach. That ticked the brown haired girl off. When did Sana get so good at reading people? She was just an oblivious fool when they were younger? They may share the same body and face, but the Sana Fuka left behind three years ago was not the same Sana that showed up at Jinbou High School.

"Yeah… I'm fine. Just tired. I didn't get much sleep." A pathetic excuse, but it should work.

Sana still eyed her carefully, but then nodded with her eyes closed and arms still crossed.

"Yeah, sounds about right. You get grumpy when you don't get enough sleep." A smirk hit her best friend's lips and Fuka sighed.

Yeah, let's go with that.

"Sana! Fuka!" Both teenagers turned their attention towards Tsuyoshi, who waved over at them with a smile.

"Good morning you two."

"Howdy to ya, Tsuyoshi!"

"Morning." She grumbled and Tsuyoshi then casted her an odd look.

Fuka wasn't very good at hiding her emotions or what she was feeling. That was always a Kurata specialty.

"Are you okay, Fuka?" It was Tsuyoshi's turn to ask, but Sana elbowed him, causing him to yell slightly.

"She's fine! Just tired."

Her saving grace, Sana excused her behavior and switched the conversation. Fuka was thankful. It also made her feel guilty for the awful thoughts that had been plaguing her mind for the last few days. How could Fuka dislike her best friend for something she doesn't do on purpose?

"So, has Hayama texted you back?"

Fuka perked up, eyes confused at the question. Sana checked her phone, shaking her head.

"The last I talked to him was last night. After you gave me his number, I texted him and we had a short conversation. But, I texted him this morning to see how he was doing. I haven't received anything. Even Ayame didn't text me back." She explained, her voice dipping with slight concern.

Last night? Fuka thought to herself.

She texted him yesterday too. It was brief, and to the point like it always was with him.

"How sick was he?" Tsuyoshi asked, his raspy voice cleared worried for his best friend.

Sana shrugged her shoulders. "He had a fever last I checked, but it was nothing that a little medicine and rest wouldn't take care of. He should be back either today or tomorrow I would imagine."

Fuka didn't share the same home room with the rest of the gang, but she knew that he hadn't shown up for school today. The brown haired teen pulled out her phone and her fingers went straight to the message thread she had already started with him.

To: Hayama

Hey, are you feeling any better?

She set her phone down on the desk and waited patiently for the phone to vibrate.

"Have you heard anything, Fuka?" Sana turned to her and she looked up.

She shook her head. "No, but I would imagine that he'll show up soon. Akito isn't the type of guy to ask for help." There was a bitterness in her words and she couldn't see the shared look between Sana and Tsuyoshi.

Sana laughed. "Don't I know it. He insisted and insisted that he was fine when I found him nearly collapsed. I had to practically carry him home with him protesting me every step of the way. That guy just doesn't know when to ask for help."

Fuka narrowed her eyes and could pick up on the melancholic tone in her voice. She hadn't heard the whole story of how Sana found him nearly passed out at the park. Just bits and pieces because she was too distraught to listen.

"Yeah, sounds just like Akito honestly." Tsuyoshi agreed and crossed his arms next. "I just hope he is doing better."

They all silently agreed and the bell chimed.

Sana and Tsuyoshi made their way to their seats and Fuka sat in thought. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Sana pulling out her phone, typing away a message, and putting it away quickly before their sensei could say a thing.

Her heart felt like it was being squeezed.

Her eyes went down to the phone that she placed in her bag.

No response.

-O-

Three days passed and Hayama was nowhere to be seen. Sana had sent him a few texts, but there was no response. She danced on the idea of giving him a call, but passed on it knowing it probably wasn't a good idea.

Sana saw Ayame twice. The first time, the girl was frantically running out of the school and Sana didn't have time to stop her in her tracks. The second time, it was right after school and she was putting her shoes on in a hurry. When Sana approached her, asking her about her and her brother, she seemed very distraught, very confused.

"Ayame! There you are!" The youngest Hayama froze in place as she turned to Sana. Immediately, the auburn haired teen could tell that something wasn't right.

"Oh. Sana. Hi." The young blonde seemed frazzled, her eyes fatigued, dark bags hanging under. Dear God, was this girl getting any sleep?

"You okay? You seem… tired."

She stiffened again, clutching her school bag close to her body.

"Uh, no. I'm fine. Everything is… fine." She smiled to try and cover up her exhaustion and distress, but Sana knew better.

"You sure? Hiro and I were talking and we haven't seen you or your brother in a few days. Is he still sick? Did you catch his cold?" So many questions and not enough answers. Ayame bit down on her lip and clutched harder, her hands pale white.

What the hell?

"Yes! I'm fine." Sana was taken aback by the young girl's outburst. Her eyes went wide and she boxed herself in. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell. Yes, I'm fine. I think I just may be coming down with what my big brother had. And he's… fine. He's still sick."

Sana eyed her carefully. None of it was making sense nor felt right.

"Did you want me to come over? I can ask my housekeeper to make her special cold killing soup?" She laughed, trying to ease the tension. But, Ayame wasn't responding. She just shook her head in response.

"No, I'm okay. But, thank you for asking." The blonde took a step back. "I gotta go. But I'll see you later, Sana-chan. Bye."

And with that, she disappeared.

Sana was left perplexed by the situation. Ayame's strange behavior left an awful feeling in her gut. One that made her morbid curiosity spin and urge her to march to the Hayama household this instance. Both Hayama's were without a doubt leaving people very concerned.

"Sana! Hey!"

Hiro matched her speed as she came to a sudden stop in front of her. His bright, green eyes were filled with apprehension and his mouth was etched in a firm line.

"What's up, Hiro?"

"Have you talked to Ayame lately?"

Shaking her head, Hiro sighed in dejection. His eyes scanned the hall way, the frown still resting over his charmed face. He didn't look all too thrilled.

"You worried about her, too?"

Hiro raised a brow. "What do you know?"

"Hayama got sick and it scared the living hell out of her. I've tried texting Hayama a few times, but no response. Ayame doesn't respond to texts either. I saw her yesterday after school, but she left in such a hurry that I couldn't even begin to ask her what was going on." The 4th year listened carefully as he scratched at his head.

"What the hell is going on with them?" He muttered.

"I'm worried too. Ayame didn't seem like she was doing okay."

He casted another look her way and shook his head. It was then that Sana decided that no one could sit and tell her that Hiro didn't care about that girl. Hiro's worry was justified, but the amount of worry he exhibited proved that he care and loved Hayama Ayame more than people realized. It made Sana smile inwardly that she had such a great guy as her surrogate older brother.

"Just keep me updated, will you?" The determined gleam in his eye let Sana know he had come up with a solution for something.

She wasn't going to stop him. "Got it. Likewise."

He nodded and casted her a brief smile before heading out.

Sana sat in her room, sighing over and over, not knowing what to do next. Was Hayama still sick? Did he get worse? Did something else happen? So many questions, but there were no answers to any of them. Most people hardly noticed Hayama's disappearance, but it was eating Sana and her friends alive.

Mami and Hisae had told Sana to forget about it, that this happens often. Hayama was a loner, a lone wolf. No one cared about him just like he didn't care about anyone. But, it just felt so wrong. Leaving it alone didn't feel right.

Even worse, Tsuyoshi and Fuka had begun to freak out.

"It's been three days. Where the hell is he?" Fuka paced around at their after school activities gym club. Sana decided to stick around and watch, hoping to be moral support for her best friend.

But Fuka was so distracted that she could hardly even tumble properly.

"Maybe he's still sick?" Sana offered. But the piercing glare Fuka threw her immediately shut her up.

"Even if he was sick, he should have at least answered his phone! Ayame has even been acting weird. You, Hiro, and Tsuyoshi had even said so yourself. Her best friend isn't talking either. Something happened." She grunted and went for another tumble, and tumble did Fuka go. A stream of curses followed right after the fall. Sana flinched for her.

"Yeah, I'm getting a feeling in my gut that something's going on too."

Fuka stared at her. "Screw this. I'm going over to their house right now."

Sana's eyes went wide. "Whoa, right now?"

"Yes! Right now!"

Sana jumped in front of her best friend with her hands stretched outward. Fuka narrowed her eyes at her. "Sana? What are you doing?"

The auburn haired teen was treading carefully, making sure not to anger Fuka more. Normally, this would be reversed roles. Sana would be the one wanting to get to end of this case and Fuka would reason her back to rational.

But, because Fuka like Akito, which come on, it was so obvious!, her best friend wasn't thinking clearly. Sana needed to be the level headed one here.

"Hiro is talking to Ayame right now to see what's going on. If we just barge in, it'll probably make things worse. And we both know Hayama isn't going to take our help, even if we offer it. So, let Hiro talk to Ayame first and then we can plan our next move from there." Thankfully, she had just received a text from Hiro, explaining his plan.

Fuka narrowed her eyes, gritting her teeth. "When did you become so strategic?"

A smug smile appeared on Sana's face. I took some hints from a close friend." Fuka sighed deeply. Sana put a hand on her shoulder. "Just give Hiro some time, okay? I'm sure we'll figure out what's going on soon."

Sana's phone began to vibrate. She jumped and looked at the screen. Her heart fell.

"Tsuyoshi? What's up?" The auburn haired teen answered.

"Sorry to call so late. Are you busy?" Tsuyoshi's raspy voice on the other end of the line seemed frantic.

Sana sat up. "No, what's up?"

"Can you meet me at Koshi park in ten minutes?"

She knew he wouldn't be asking if it wasn't urgent.

"I'll be right there."

-O-

Sana ran out the door in a matter of minutes. She told her mom to not wait up for her, she would explain everything when she got back. She hardly gave her mother time to reply as she bolted out the door as fast as she could.

Within ten minutes, she made it to the local park that was centered between her school and her home. With labored breaths, Sana searched for a light haired boy in glasses. It had to be urgent if he was calling her out of his home at 9 at night.

"Sana!'

Called girl turned and her eyes went wide. Accompanying Tsuyoshi was none other than the youngest Hayama. They both wore this look of concern, Ayame pale white with fright.

What was going on?

"Tsuyoshi!" Sana greeted, but her hazel eyes went immediately to the youngest Hayama. "Ayame, are you okay?"

A heart wrenching sob was her answer as the young girl hugged herself, hiding her tear stricken eyes under her bangs. Sana's eyes went wide as she looked at Tsuyoshi, who's grim line made Sana sick to her stomach.

Sana immediately reached for the youngest Hayama and embraced her. Ayame latched onto her, letting the young girl sob into her sweatshirt. The auburn haired teen smoothed out her hair as she hugged her tight.

"There, there. Let it all out." Sana murmured, but her eyes went to Tsuyoshi's.

"Akito is missing." A frog formed in her throat and her heart sank to her stomach.

"What?" She asked, her eyes wild and seeking for answers.

Tsuyoshi gave a shaky sigh. Even his own voice was quivering. "He's missing. That's why he hasn't been at school and he hasn't answered to anyone's messages or calls."

"Who else knows?"

"The three of us and Akimoto-kun."

No wonder Hiro has been so irritable the last few days. He knew.

"Why?"

But before Tsuyoshi was even given a chance to explain, Ayame pulled away from Sana's hug. Both teenagers looked at the younger girl. She was wiping away at the tears in her eyes.

"I-it's all m-my fault." She sniffed and Sana was heartbroken at the sight in front of her. Ayame just looked so disheartened, so dejected and grief-stricken.

Sana shifted her gaze towards Tsuyoshi, who was looking at Ayame.

"I doubt it." Sana tried to console her, but Ayame pulled away. Grief and guilt flashed in her brown eyes that were so similar yet so different to her brothers.

"It is! If I hadn't let Dad talk to him like that! If I would have said something! Akito wouldn't be missing!" Sana was confused. Their father? When did their father get in the picture? What was going on? What did their father do?

Tsuyoshi must have noticed her confusion because he put a hand to Ayame's shoulder. He gave her a small, sad smile.

"I got it, Ayame."

The young girl nodded.

"Long story short, Akito and their dad have a very strenuous relationship. After being away for some time, he showed up and said some pretty awful things to Akito, making him run off."

None of this was making sense. A rocky relationship between Hayama and his father? Being away from home? Hurting one another with words?

What the hell was wrong with this family?!

Sana was trying to grasp the situation but couldn't wrap her mind around the idea of Hayama running off because of a conversation. The way he made it seem, nothing people said about him, hurt him. He didn't care enough to let it bother him.

"Oni-chan and our Dad don't get along, Sana-chan. At all. Since we were kids, there has always been problems between the two. And things only got worse as we got older. My Dad crossed a line the other day and I'm afraid of what big brother may do or be thinking."

"So why did you call me?" Sana asked and she could feel the knots in her stomach. They both looked at her like she could make this problem disappear.

"Because I think I may know where Akito is." Tsuyoshi stated and Sana sucked in a breath.

She knew where this was going.

There was too much unresolved conflict and history between the two for Ayame to go in and grab her brother. She has seen the conversations between Fuka and Hayama. And with how erratic Fuka's behavior has been, it was best she cleared away from this situation. Hiro was a definite no as he had built up disdain for him.

So that left either her or Tsuyoshi.

"If you know where he is, why not go get him?" Sana asked.

"Because I can't. I wouldn't be able to bring him back. He… he won't listen to what I have to say." Tsuyoshi's somber tone made Sana wonder if something had happened in the past that made him doubt in his own abilities to bring his best friend back.

"If you can't do it, what makes you think I can?" Sana asked.

Honestly, Sana already made up her mind to go grab him and drag him back home. There were people waiting for him, people worried sick for him. He needed to come home and see them again.

"Because who better than the annoying girl that challenges him every day?" Tsuyoshi smiled and Sana laughed while shaking her head. She would forgive her glass eyed friend this time. But, next time, he was getting the end of her toy hammer for calling her annoying.

"So where am I going?"

A/N: Inspiration is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Because of inspiration, I managed to crank out three chapters. So the next few updates should be all relatively close in time. The next two chapters are already written. They are just in the process of the editing phase.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Sorry for any OCCness on the characters. We are getting to the actual story now, which means PLOT. Lots of feelings and emotions. Lots of feels all around from our characters. There will be a lot of inner and outer conflict arising soon (like next chapter soon). And Sana may find herself biting off more than she could chew.

I don't want to spend too much time on the AN in this chapter because the next two chapters are almost like a direct continuation of this one.

So let me know what you think! Reviews, comments, concerns, they are all welcomed! Let me know what you all think!

Until next time! (which is very soon)
-Dark Waffle