A/N: This chapter has been written for some time now and I wasn't really satisfied with it. I didn't know what to do with it, and was reluctant to post it. I was actually going to delete it, and just start over. But, I also liked what this chapter brought to the story, even if it's just somewhat of a filler.

I hope you guys enjoy this!

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

Chapter 13: Puzzle

Three days was a long time for someone to be out with just a cold.

Ayame was acting strange, pushing people away, fidgeting, running away every time someone close to her brother was near. Fuka had tried talking to Kyo, seeing if he knew anything. But of course, he refused to speak on something that wasn't his business to share.

So Fuka knew.

Something happened to Akito that they all refused to speak on.

And it was driving her insane.

So close had she been to walking to his home and knocking down his door, demanding for him to show his face. If she did, he would probably never talk to her again. She bristled.

It was frustrating.

No one was saying anything, and her concern was growing. Did he need help? Was he in trouble? If he was, who was going to help him? Tightening the grip on her fist, Fuka bit on her bottom lip. The thought of Sana coming in and rescuing the day added to the irritation.

Why did she think of the auburn haired teen in this time?

Because if you know Sana, you know that she's also stick her nose where it doesn't belong. She's probably hunting him down too.

Fuka shook her head, to rid herself of these callous thoughts.

Sana was always trying to rescue someone; it didn't matter who it was. She was always trying to do too much. It's how she got herself into trouble, into situations that could have been avoided.

Why was she even thinking about this?

Hitting her head against the wall, she groaned as she sighed deeply. Panicking wasn't going to solve the problem. Neither was getting angry. She had to be patient. What was getting angry going to do for her?

Ugh, she put her hand to her forehead.

The roles were completely reversed between her and Sana. She used to be the calm and collected. She used to be the one who would think clearly and rationally. Chastising Sana was her job, not the other way around. She leaves Sana for three years, and when they are reunited, she is greeted with a girl who has a rational head on her shoulders.

Not that Sana didn't before, but this was different.

The Kurata Sana that she met with was perceptive, collective, and much more relaxed. In the past, Sana was loud, obnoxious, and dense as a rock. Of course, they still both shared that annoying sense of optimism and she was still trying to save everyone. But, there was a stark difference in girl.

Why was everyone around her so suddenly different?

Not that Hayama was any different. When she met him, he was angry, stoic; it was like talking to a damn wall. He showed no emotion, no feeling. His eyes were hollow.

It reminded Fuka so much of herself.

She didn't pay any attention to him at first.

They bumped into each other in the hallway for their initial meeting. She cursed at him, telling him to watch it. He merely glared, not bothering to respond to her. It was then that she decided to ignore him for as long as she attended Jinbou High School.

So they did.

Fuka decided against talking to him, well anyone for a matter of fact.

Lunches were eaten alone, classes she sat by herself, projects she was forced to work with people she didn't know. The questioning eyes she received were eerily similar to those she received when she was in elementary school. People always looked at her with such disdain.

But for one school assignment, she was paired up with Tsuyoshi. Fuka knew of him. He was always hanging out with the blond-haired jerk that didn't say anything to anyone. He was nice, talking to her as if they had always been friends. He started off shy and soft spoken, but once he cracked a joke and Fuka joined in laughter, it broke the ice a bit.

Of course, after meeting Tsuyoshi, she met Aya immediately.

Aya was the sweetest thing on this earth with her timid smiles and candid personality. Just like that, Fuka found herself with two more friends. Being friends with Tsuyoshi and Aya meant becoming friends with Mami and Hisea. And that was an adventure. Both girls were out spoken and involved in the gym class that Fuka was eying when she first transferred to Jinbou.

Her lunches weren't spent alone anymore, she finally had friends to sit next to and talk to in class, and she could pick her school project partner.

There was only one thing that bothered her.

Hayama Akito.

Aloof and apathetic, he didn't talk to anyone. There were the few times where he would sit at the end of the table with Tsuyoshi and co., but most days, he was off on his own. Rarely saying a word, Hayama was keen on keeping to himself. When Fuka first asked about him and his aloofness, Tsuyoshi shrugged his shoulders and replied with "Hayama is his own person and doesn't really open himself up to others. He's been like that since we were kids. So, don't take him too personal. It's nothing against you."

Tsuyoshi's statement left her bewildered. She understood not wearing your heart on your sleeve. There was a certain best friend back in Osaka that did that quite well. Fuka was always adamant about keeping her emotions and feelings to herself. Sana, not so much.

Ever since then, Fuka's curiosity for the young boy with blond hair and dark, golden eyes captivated her. She blamed it on her long time best friend. Sana rubbed off on her in so many ways, her curiosity primarily being one.

A few weeks later, and Fuka met Hayama Ayame. Of course, she had no idea that Ayame was Akito's younger sister at the time. It was when she was introduced to Akimoto Hiro that she had met the young girl. The brown-haired teen was putting away a skit after practicing for the school festival play their class was putting together.

After tripping on her own two feet, Hiro had caught her and helped her regain balance on her feet. The prince of Jinbou High School was certainly one to fawn for with his charming smile and dazzling eyes. She could see why half the girl's swooned for him so. Quick introductions and Fuka would say they were now acquaintances.

"Whoa there! Need a hand?"

"You're the new girl, right? I'm Akimoto Hiro!"

Ayame, who was in middle school at the time, was waiting for Hiro to finish up with his club activities. Fuka thought she looked familiar with her blonde hair and brown eyes. But, she didn't put much attention to detail as many girls were blonde.

"Oh? You're new to Tokyo? Well, welcome! My name is Ayame! I'm not a high schooler though. I go to Jinbou Middle School. Give me two years though! Then I'll be here!"

Fuka would come to know that Ayame and Hiro were very close. And Ayame would soon reveal that her and Akito were siblings.

A few months would pass, and Fuka would be sitting next to Akito at the start of a new semester in their math class. Wary of him and his attitude, she decided to ignore his callous behavior and stand offish attitude; which was ironic due to Fuka once bearing the same disposition.

It wasn't until she caught the oldest Hayama staring at his phone with such sad and lonely eyes that Fuka realized he wasn't just a socially inept high schooler. And when Fuka had overheard a dispute between the Tsuyoshi and Akito, it made the wheels in her brain turn.

"Have you even tried talking to her?"

"That doesn't concern you."

"Why are you pushing me away?"

"I already told you to leave it."

"Akito, you are the closest thing I have to a brother. And I care for Ayame just like I care for my sister. You can't let things like this continue. You have an obligation as her older brother!"

"Don't talk to me about obligations! I'm aware of what they are! And the responsibilities that come with being the older brother! So, buzz off and stop telling me what I have to do!"

"You're doing it again."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You're pushing me away."

"Yeah, well, I don't need you to tell me how to live my life, Tsuyoshi."

After that, Akito stormed off and proceeded to ignore Tsuyoshi for at least a week. It wasn't much different at school than it normally was. But, Tsuyoshi was more somber and sullen. They had all tried cheering him up, but Fuka knew it was impossible because it was in concern with someone he cared a lot about.

Thus, Fuka's imagination went wild.

What was the basis of their conversation? What could they have possibly been discussing? What responsibilities did Akito have to his sister? Why was he so hostile over the idea? Why did Hayama keep to himself so much?

These were all questions Fuka began to think about, began to ask herself. She had craved to learn more about the blond and the mystery behind him. While the rest of the school avoided him, Fuka yearned to learn more about the golden eyed boy with lonely eyes that resembled hers all too well.

Fast forward to a year and a half later.

Fuka had made little progress in breaking that stone-cold barrier the blond fortified so well. She had been so adamant about getting to know Akito better that she didn't realize her own feelings were growing for him. How was it that her best friend, who hadn't even been around for weeks, could see her feelings for him clear as day?

Now that she was aware, it made her worry.

Was Hayama capable of feeling back? The thought made her blush slightly.

A relationship with that aloof, blond haired, callous, pessimistic boy?

But Fuka guessed that would have been the thrill of it. Unpeeling the puzzle that was Hayama Akito. Learning about who he was, his interests, his dislikes, his worries, and fears. The thought made her stomach flutter.

She didn't think she could fall in love after the tragedy that was her and Yuta.

Even if she was young, even if she didn't understand love and its complexities, she understood it enough to know that she loved Yuta Takaishi.

He was her first love.

And a part of her was scared she would always love him.

No one made her heart flutter the way Takaishi did. His uncanny smile and unruly dark hair was one of his finer points along with his charismatic attitude. The boy was selfless, and always looked to help anyone in need. While he wasn't known for having a great sense of humor, his outgoing personality was greatly liked by everyone.

Hell, he and Sana even became great friends due to their overbearing sense of optimism.

Indeed, Takaishi Yuta was certainly the charmer.

It was unfair how nice boys like him were completely capable of making you feel so loved and cared for. How they treat you with such respect and challenge you to become better, not for their sakes, but for your own.

The broken heart that came after was overbearing.

It was utterly painful, leaving her filled with sorrow and grief.

The one moment she allowed herself to feel, it burned her so harshly she would always have the scars baring on her.

Fuka closed her eyes and swallowed the frog in her throat.

Never again.

Why was she even thinking about events of the past that didn't even matter?

Hayama Akito was what mattered at this moment. His absence from school and health left her overly concerned. She wished there was more she could do than just sit on her hands.

But, it was out of her hands.

Growling under her breath, she grabbed her phone and pulled up Akito's number.

To: Hayama

You must be on your death bed if you're out of school for three days. A text telling me your okay would be suffice you know.

The message was sent and now came the waiting game.

Patience was her virtue. She had lots of patience in comparison to her best friend.

But in this instance, Fuka was restless.

There was a buzz and the brown-haired teen all but jumped. Her eyes shifted to her phone.

From: Sana

Guess what? The Haya-jerk is a-okay! The idiot went out on another run and got sicker, so he stayed home for a few more days. Hasn't bothered texting any of us back because he didn't think about our concerns for him.

How inconsiderate of him, right?

Fuka mused.

He was just sicker? That's why he stayed home?

Something wasn't adding up. If he was just sicker, than why did Ayame look like death? Poor girl could hardly walk straight and was looking deathly pale.

Also… how did Sana know this information?

To: Sana

Sounds like him… is he at least doing better? How do you know this?

From: Sana

Ayame told me. She was staying up late with him because she was worried for his health. Explains why she has looked so pale.

Girl deserves a vacation after dealing with an angry lone wolf.

Fuka frowned.

Ayame had told… Sana?

She couldn't help the little green monster from taking form. It made logical sense why Ayame would tell Sana. The two had formed a close friendship very quickly. Sana had all but taken the young Hayama under her wing. Outside of Kotetsu Kyo, Sana and Tsuyoshi were who you found her with.

Her closeness with Sana frustrated her a bit. Fuka had tried on many occasions to get close to the girl. But, it almost seemed like Ayame was intimidated by her. There was always this distance between the two and Fuka could never close the gap. So, she decided to let it be. You can't force friendship with everyone.

But, here comes Sana and suddenly, the two were best friends.

Again, it was difficult to place anger on Sana when she was just being herself. The auburn-haired teen was outspoken, and loud, and beyond friendly. The girl could have a conversation with a rock if she wanted too! The obvious connection was because of her friendly demeanor.

She couldn't blame Sana for creating that bond so quickly.

To: Sana

Just… keep me updated, will you? He refuses to text me back.

And what's with this "lone wolf" thing?

Fuka had heard her and Tsuyoshi say it once or twice, and the two snickered. The phrase was childish really. It was almost like a pet name, which was even worse. Why give someone a pet name without their consent of permission?

From: Sana

He refuses to text anyone back, so don't feel too bad.

Hayama Akito is a lone wolf and no one can tell me otherwise! I will continue to call him a lone wolf till the day he ceases being in his own pack.

To: Sana

… You're an idiot.

From: Sana

You love me ;D

To: Sana

On a good day.

Fuka sighed and closed her phone. She had to get her emotions in check. With her constant worry, she would lose her focus in school and her grades would drop. The moment her grades dropped, chaos would ensue with her parents.

She could hear her mother's lectures now.

This is unacceptable Fuka.

We raised you better than this.

You are not mediocre. You are above this.

You will not be a disappointment to this family.

No, no she wouldn't.

-O-

Pacing back and forth was going to do nothing.

Damn bastard. Always making her worry.

And by her, he meant Hayama Ayame.

He had known Ayame since they were in grade school. She was three years younger than him, but they we're somewhat friends. It wasn't until he hit middle school and the youngest blonde was in elementary school that they became close friends.

Hiro was walking home from school one day, and there was Hayama Ayame sitting at a bench, being teased by a group of kids. He had known her because of her brother.

Hayama Akito was quite the troublemaker as a child. Always in tow was his band of followers who rolled over to every word he said. The kid was always causing a scene, seeking for attention. At least, that's what Hiro had assumed. He had heard stories about the oldest Hayama breaking into shops and getting in serious fights with other kids from other schools.

The scratches on his face was enough proof that some of the rumors on the rumor mill may have been true. They had spoken a few times. Sometimes they played on the same team during the sport's days, sometimes they'd been on opposite teams. It was an uncanny alliance when they spoke. But, Hiro also thought he was an idiot.

Much to his chagrin when this kid was scoring amongst the highest in the school.

So, the oldest Hayama was intelligent, brilliant even.

So why the façade of being an idiotic, brainless brute? Didn't he realize he was leading the rest of the boys down a dangerous path and unhealthy lifestyle?

Part of his reasoning was his father's work. His father was a police officer for their local county. Always bringing work to their home, Hiro had heard all the stories and read all his case files. When he was younger, it was interesting, hearing about the car thief who tried running away or the robber that tried stealing thousands of dollars from an ATM machine, and so on.

But, the more work his father brought home, the more strife it caused in the family.

Shouting matches at 2am in the morning lead to many sleepless nights in the Akimoto household. Shrieking and crying from his mom's end of the conversation to stern and low voices to his father's side, it was hard to see who was right and who was wrong. He did wish his dad was home more.

His mom was done waiting, waiting for him to care about the family he had and left behind so often. So, they left. Hiro and his mom left back to his grandmother's house and tried to regain a normal life. His father never followed.

And that's what made Hiro resent him so much.

He never bothered trying to reach out to them, to call out to them. He just… gave up.

The man he once looked up to with curious eyes and fascinated smiles didn't bother fighting for the one thing in this world that was supposed to be important to you the most.

Hiro promised he would never give up the way his father did on them.

And that included his now surrogate little sister.

She was being teased and bullied, pushed around by a few of the older kids in the class. It was almost pathetic the attempts she made to defend herself, but at least she was. She tried fighting back, but she was just too small.

Should he intervene? Should he just let it be?

Hiro couldn't be anymore happier with his decision to intervene that day. After jumping in and scaring off the older kids, he and Ayame formed a very close knit, brother/sister relationship. After all, her real brother was kind of a jerk and didn't put much attention to her. And Hiro was an only child, so having a little sister around would be fun.

Since then, they would make it routine to meet at the park and get ice cream together.

They would talk about everything. It started off as small conversations; how are you? How's school going? What club activities are you involved in?

Then it dove into more serious questions that led to a better understanding of one another as a person. She learned about his fears and doubts, the burdens he carried and the anger that burned so harshly for his father. He learned about her yearning to connect better with her older brother, her wishes for her father and brother to stop fighting, and for the oldest Hayama to stop his rebellious behavior in hopes of spiting their father.

Hiro quickly grew overprotective of the youngest blonde, inviting her into his life, and essentially adopting her into his home.

Things turned for the worse only a few years later. And that smiling, bright, and bubbly girl with the fire in her brown eyes had vanished. All that was left in the aftermath of the accident was a hollowed shell. She now bore forced, tired smiles that were terribly hidden. Unlike the bounce she use to have in her step, she walked around with more caution.

It broke his heart to see her like this, to see her so broken and hurt.

And the worst part?

There was nothing he could do.

So, imagine his frustration when her father abandoned her? When her brother abandoned her? She was left to heal herself, put herself back together after the tragedy the fell on their family. Even now, he watched her struggle to put little pieces of herself back together. From the scars on her back to the little friends she had, every day was like surviving.

He and her best friend Kyo were all she had left.

Akito's disappearance was tearing her apart.

And he couldn't offer any type of support.

The only thing he could do is wait by the phone and wait for a phone call.

-O-

Closing the door softly behind her, Ayame sighed in frustration as she fell to the floor. The tears welded up again, falling with despair to the floor. She hugged herself, trying to keep the sobs from escaping her mouth.

She didn't want to wake her sleeping father with her troubles.

Not that it would matter.

When it concerned her older brother, their father would scoff, and pretend he didn't have a son.

The pain was unbearable sometimes, wishing she could just swallow herself whole. Her heart ached for her broken family. They had always had their issues, their own problems. What families didn't?

But, after her mother's death, there was nothing left of the Hayama's.

Their father slowly crept away, his work trips lengthening over time. Any excuse he had to leave the house, he would take it in seconds.

And she understood.

This house held too many memories, of what their life had been like before her mother died. Ayame wished she could disappear too, forget and run away from the pain that was left behind. But, she didn't have the luxury. She had to live with the aftermath of that day, every single day.

Her and Akito.

But her father, her selfish and self-absorbed father, he ran away, like a coward who refused to face the truth.

She wished she could hate him, hate him for abandoning her, for leaving her to grieve on her own. A father's job was to protect his children, support and shelter them. Fathers were supposed to be the pivotal strength behind the family, help their children grow.

Instead, he vanished because he couldn't handle the pain of losing his wife.

And in the end, he lost his children too.

And her brother; her poor brother who lost himself to his own demons.

To be told he was an inconvenience… it angered her. She despised seeing Akito treated by her father like that. How could their father say such things to his child? How could he constantly degrade him, make him feel as if he was worth nothing?

In the end, she couldn't do anything.

Because she was a coward.

The blonde scoffed, shaking her head at herself. Who was she to call her father out on his misdoings when she was exactly like him?

Ayame wished she was strong enough, brave enough, to confront the demons of her past, to confront her brother, her father. She wished instead of watching their father tear Akito apart, she stood up to him and took her brother's side.

Because then maybe Akito wouldn't have left.

And she was afraid he would never come back.

They may not speak to one another, and he may be cold towards her, and keep her arm's length away, but there was at least someone there with her. She wasn't alone in this house, alone to succumb to the demons that attempted to haunt her.

She wouldn't be able to handle the loneliness.

It would drive her mad.

Burying herself deep in her arms, allowing herself a moment to fall into the deep abyss that was her mind, Ayame failed to notice the vibration of her phone.

From: Tsuyoshi-kun

I think I know where Akito is.

-O-

11:37pm

To: Buka

From: Hayama

Stop worrying. I'm fine.

To: Hayama

From: Buka

Good to know you're alive. Took you long enough to respond.

To: Buka

From: Hayama

I could have not responded. So, consider yourself lucky.

To: Hayama

From: Buka

Your consideration is heartwarming.

To: Hayama

From: Buka

See you at school?

To: Buka

From: Hayama

Yeah.

11:46pm

To: Tsuyoshi

From: Akito

Sicking Kurata on me was a low move. I expect compensation for having to deal with her pestering and endless blabbering.

To: Akito

From: Tsuyoshi

Akito, we were all worried about you. She was the only one who could bring you back… Would it help if I said I was sorry?

To: Tsuyoshi

From: Akito

Your concern is not needed. And no, it does not. As I said, I expect heavy compensation for her meddling.

To: Akito

From: Tsuyoshi

I don't care as long as you're okay… you are okay, right?

To: Tsuyoshi

From: Akito

I'm fine.

To: Akito

From: Tsuyoshi

You know you could always talk to me, right? You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Akito, I'm your best friend.

To: Tsuyoshi

From: Akito

See you at school.

12:18am

To: Hayama

From: Kurata

Did ya make it home okay?!

To: Kurata

From: Hayama

Stop being annoying.

To: Hayama

From: Kurata

I'm assuming that's a yes… though, no need to be so rude.

Glad you made it home :D

To: Kurata

From: Hayama

This night is to not be discussed. It never happened. Understood?

To: Hayama

From: Kurata

Buuuuuuut why!? It's the start to our beautiful friendship :D

To: Kurata

From: Hayama

… Remind me why I decided to be friends with you?

To: Hayama

From: Kurata

Because I'm so great :D

To: Kurata

From: Hayama

Great at pestering.

To: Hayama

From: Kurata

Would it kill ya to give a compliment?

To: Kurata

From: Hayama

Yes.

To: Hayama

From: Kurata

Eh, whatever. At least you let me be your friend :D

But on a serious note, I'm going to bed! It's been a LONG day. Thanks to you of course! So, I'm going to bed! Good night, FRIEND! :DDD

To: Kurata

From: Hayama

I'm going to regret this decision I've made very quickly.

To: Hayama

From: Kurata

Probably.

Oh well. GOOD NIGHT! :DDD

12:30am

Walking through the dark hallway, Akito crept slowly to his room.

His door was in sight, his sister's right next to his. Glaring, he flipped off the other door at the end of the hall. Anger and fury filled him as he shook his head. Why was he being quiet again?

To damn if he woke up his pathetic excuse of a father. He didn't give to shits about that old bastard.

But his sister…

Her door was closed, and his gaze lingered on the barrier that separated the two Hayama siblings.

Unconsciously, he found his body pulling him towards her door, his hand inches away from knocking. A hard stare and Akito gulped.

The blond knew he should.

He should wake her up and let him know he's home, that he's okay.

But why?

Why should he?

It's not like it mattered.

She hated him, loathed him. Ayame resented him for ruining their lives, her life. She would never forgive him for what he did to her, to their family.

So, when Akito heard a faint cry, he froze.

A muffled sob and his hand fell from the door.

He truly was a monster, wasn't he?

The oldest Hayama reluctantly stepped away, striding to his door with somber, golden eyes. His hands were clenched tightly as he bit down on his lip. More than anything, he wanted to rip his door open, kick the chair in his room, thrash it around, and make a chaotic mess.

But, he couldn't lose control,

Akito couldn't allow himself to become unstable.

Falling into his bed, he draped an arm on his forehead, staring into the darkness of the night.

He squeezed his eyes shut, and his thoughts drifted back to his time in the shack. Three days he spent to himself, thinking about his stupid, selfish mistakes that had cost his family so much. Three days spent repenting, thinking of how he could atone for his only selfishness.

And then, there comes this idiot.

And by this idiot, he means in the form of Kurata Sana.

Akito hated Tsuyoshi for sicking her on him. He felt like a dog, who was being chased out by a bone. It infuriated him. Who did that stupid girl think she was, anyway? Coming to find him and 'bring him home.' What kind of bullshit was that?

The results were… unexpected.

He strayed so far away from her, from everyone, that he forgot what it was like to feel again. Feeling another person that close was almost comforting in a way; even if she did force direct contact between them.

But, she allowed him a moment of peace, of clarity.

Kurata allowed him the chance to feel again.

And he didn't know how to… thank her for that.

Akito shook his head, trying to rid his thoughts of that idiotic girl and her stupid, optimistic grin, and bright demeanor.

Instead, he grabbed his phone and sent out one quick text.

To: Ayame

From: Big Brother

I'm home… so no more crying.

Feet hit the ground fast, his eyes darting to the wall that separated the Hayama siblings. There was a small clashing noise, and the door opened, then closed. Her footsteps pattered along the wood of the hallway, creaking right outside her door.

They stopped.

To: Big Brother

From: Ayame

… You're home?

His eyes went to his phone, back to the door.

This was stupid. They could be having this conversation in person right now.

Then again, he was an idiot. He was the one that refused to talk to his sister.

Sighing, Akito stood up, walking over to the door, where he knew Ayame was waiting.

It just didn't make sense to him. Why was she crying? She hated him, didn't she? Why did she care if he came home or not?

The blond opened the door and found his baby sister looking up at him with surprised eyes. The youngest sibling was clutching the phone close to her chest, her eyes red and tear stains on her cheeks.

Akito held in the urge to gulp again, suddenly wishing he never opened the door.

They stared at one another for a moment, golden irises clashing with brown. He kept a calm demeanor, his eyes ice cold as they always are. Apathetic and aloof, he didn't allow any inch of vulnerability.

Ayame looked upon in relief. She was biting down on her lip, but Akito could see the quiver she was attempting to hide away from him.

"Go to sleep. We have school in the morning."

Those were the words he said, empty and distant. But, she failed to move. In fact, she stared at him like he would disappear in front of him right this second.

"I-" Ayame started, but she quickly stopped, and looked down at her feet.

"Okay." And she began the slow trot back to her room, not sparing another look behind her. Akito watched her with careful eyes, as Ayame reached for the knob, hesitating slightly. She looked back at him and bit on her lip again.

"You're not going to leave again… are you?"

This… came as a shock. Raising a brow for only a moment, he composed himself again and turned back to his room. His back was now facing her and gripping the knob tightly.

"No."

That answer must have been enough as he heard a sigh of what seemed like relief and then a soft clicking noise. Akito turned back, her door shut. He could her the groaning of her bed as she laid down.

He was exhausted.

Physically and mentally.

Following a similar routine to his sister, Akito finally laid down, and allowed himself a moment of relaxation. The exhaustion took over and he found a sort of peace in the darkness. Sleep found him and he was finally able to sleep.

Sleep till the pain didn't reach him anymore.

A/N: Like I said up above, I didn't really know what to do with this written part of the story. This chapter just adds more context behind some of our supporting characters, which do play an important part of the story. Also, I decided to add a brother/sister somewhat confrontation. There is just so much miscommunication between the siblings and so many unspoken things that need to be said. How long until we see it, though? I think a certain auburn haired teen may have something to say about this, especially because that certain teen is now friends with our resident lone wolf.

Anyway, I hope this is okay for right now.

Next chapter will bring the story back to Akito and Sana and the aftermath of their confrontation.

Again, I hope you guys enjoyed. Reviews, comments, and all that are always welcomed!

Until next time!
-Dark Waffle