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[ He can see the way Kyousuke's eyes sparkle, the way his smile brightens up the entire room.
He knew his brother as he was five years ago was always there, but he can't describe how much it relieves him to see that boy be able to come out again. When he presses himself close to Kyousuke's again, it's to drop a kiss at the top of his head, closing his eyes in hopes of stopping them from watering. Okaeri, Kyousuke...]
Until I catch up and can carry it with you again, I'll leave it in your hands.
[That kiss was enough to nuzzle into him again, choosing the touch over the food for the moment. He was starved, but more for the affection than for the lunch. His fingers hesitate on lifting the lid to see the contents of the box, ear pressed to his brother's chest to hear that heartbeat one more time, listening to it pound confidently against his ears.
It was beautiful.
But it's only after that he pulls away, handing Yuuichi his box and sliding the hospital table over between them, standing up to grab the chair and sit across from him. How long had it been since they actually sat across from a table? Too long. At the Tsurugi household, he often ate standing up, or sitting at the coffee table while he checked his phone, the TV on in the background to provide some company. Here...his company was all he ever longed for since he was young.
Which for the first time in a long time, he actually felt. His mom made his dinner, he was eating it with Yuuichi.
For this night, he had a family that felt connected as one.
[It feels a little chilly, the space where Kyousuke used to be pressed up to him but now vacates so they could both eat. But despite the lack of physical warmth, he feels a fire that's kindled in his heart, alight like a stove in winter and making him feel warm in ways he hasn't felt in years. For the first time in a long time, he gets to sit across a table from family and eat food that isn't on a tray from the hospital's café. His mother's cooking, which he's been able to have from time to time but never with Kyousuke.
You couldn't wipe the smile from his face if you tried. It's permanent. He's so happy. He wants to hold Kyousuke close and never let go (but he will, because he wants Kyousuke to eat his food and take a shower and rest and be able to enjoy soccer). He helps set the table and shifts around on the bed as much as he can, but he doesn't take his eyes off his brother for a second.]
She was really excited when I gave her the idea, so I bet she went all out. Do you remember our favorite from when we were smaller?
[Nostalgic was a good word for it, Kyousuke's eyes softening as he sets the table up, pulls the chair over, but nothing hits harder than when he sits down, looking up from the box his mother had prepared for him--them--and meeting the eyes of his brother. He suddenly felt younger than he was, back in the days when they'd sit at the kitchen table and eat their snacks together. Their mom would put their plates down, dodging a rogue Kyousuke arm as it flew up in exclamation, talking about the newest hissatsu technique that Gouenji Shuuya had pulled off.
Now, the excitement had calmed down--Kyousuke's wide eyed innocence had been replaced with something much less soft. But it was enough to bring him back to those days. Funny, how the conversation was just about their idol, their mother making them a meal, and just after he'd gotten himself worn out from playing soccer...truly a trip down memory lane.]
Our favourite...
[How could he forget. It was what he'd always looked forward to when they'd get home.]
Mom's omurice. She always made it for us, said that her two soccer stars needed a warm meal to keep the fire going in our hearts.
["Soccer" was a word that was spoken by all of the family members. Their father was happy to hear about their adventure of the day, and when there was a game on television -- he always looked it up for them on the newspaper in the morning -- he would hold his mug of coffee and they would have their cups of tea or juice and watch together. For that, Yuuichi always did his homework early, and Kyousuke would help him finish his chores, too.
Soon, he thinks, their parents will go back to talking about that sport, too.]
[It's hard to imagine that they could go back to that. But with things how they are...if Kyousuke and Raimon could win Holy Road and take back soccer, that would be everything they needed to become the family they were. There was no doubt that Yuuichi would find a way to walk again. But to think of his mother and father with the same look in their eyes that they had when they were young, imagining their boys playing in the park again, passing a ball back and forth...it was enough to continue fighting for. And he wanted Yuuichi and his family to reunite again with soccer free as it's meant to be.
His mother's eyes would sparkle just like Yuuichi's. His father's eyebrows would lose the knit look they'd pretty much cemented for themselves over the years.
The Tsurugi family could be one again. They could heal together. And that alone was worth fighting with every fiber of his being.
There's a soft exhale, breath Kyousuke hadn't realized he'd been holding, as he opens the lid to show the omurice, exactly as he remembered it when they were young. His eyes soften immediately, looking at the dish as he fights back the urge to tear up once more, remembering every fond memory that this dish had, and more importantly...who he shared it with.
His hands clap together almost immediately, eyes closed as he starts to whisper--]
Itada-
...
[He waits, remembering that he isn't eating alone this time, and his eyes look back up at his brother. Soft curiosity in them...silently asking if they could say it together.]
[Yuuichi opens his at the same time that Kyousuke does too. The meal inside is more or less identical, although Kyousuke, who their mother knew would be coming in after practice, had been given a noticeably larger portion. Yuuichi's smile grows a little softer at the sight of the food, his mind drifting too to days they shared in the past.
When Kyousuke cuts off in the middle of his words and falls quiet, Yuuichi's eyes flicker up to him too. They make eye contact, and Kyousuke has no need to say anything for the older brother to understand and put his own hands together too.]
[Relief fills his heart at Yuuichi's words, lighting up the room with his eyes and smile. You'd think his brother had just granted his wish, as he readjusts himself to make sure that their first time saying it together would be perfect.
Little things like this...they meant so much to Kyousuke now. His life was starting to fall back into place, picking right up where they left off the day he fell out of the tree five years ago.
It's with more volume now that Kyousuke speaks, hands placed together at the same time as his brothers, naturally in sync.]
Itadakimasu!
[There it is, Tsurugi's bright voice. As energetic as it was that day in the park, although lower in tone now, even moreso than his brother.
Some things change with five years between them. But some things, things that run deeper, never do. And Kyousuke would always be that smiling child, at least for Yuuichi.]
[How easy it is to match their voices together. They know exactly when the other would move or speak, connected by a bond that just simply is unbreakable. Their synched voices fill the room with a new cheeriness, their respect for the mother who took her time to cook for them followed by a happy burst of laughter from Yuuichi.]
[His laughter was enough to brighten Kyousuke's whole face, immediately digging in (politely, he's always been such a formal boy) the moment Yuuichi gives the command. While omurice wasn't exactly a rare dish, his mother worked very hard from the time she left in the morning to well late into the night, only coming home to leave a note or dinner out for Kyousuke when he came home from school.
This was a special dinner, alright, and his mother had wanted to make it as nostalgic as possible. A reminder of what they had, and what they could in the future.
The goddess of victory shines upon those who never give up.
Kyousuke's face melts at the taste of the food, feeling like the 7-year-old of long ago.]
It's really good, Niisan...
[What a 12 year old answer.]
Mine never comes out as good as hers...
[Oh yeah, he's been trying that whole cooking thing other than just cup noodles.]
[It comes out as a question, but not one of disbelief or mockery. Yuuichi's darker eyes are alight with curiosity, just like they were the first time Kyousuke kicked a soccer ball successfully, or the first time he jumped high enough for his imitation of Bakunetsu Screw to have even a little bit of a spin to it. They're delighted. Excited. Eager to hear about the new details of his little brother's life.
He looks down at their dinner, perfectly wrapped egg torn where he'd stuck his spoon into it.]
I remember trying to make it when I was in fifth grade, too. You said you liked it so I was determined to do it, but I ended up burning the egg.
[He looks back up at Kyousuke now, looking sheepish, but happy.]
When you have time again, I want to try eating your omurice, too.
[He smiles a bit bashfully, playing with his food a little before picking up a piece and holding it, not taking a bite just yet. Not before he finishes that thought. He forgot he'd never told Yuuichi about how he had to do most of the cooking at home. Their mother would do her best, certainly, but it was unrealistic to think she could prepare food every day for him, and there was only so many times he could eat instant ramen or something from a convenience store. Their family struggled with finances as it was.
His eyes soften a bit more.]
I would have eaten it. [Yuuichi could have burnt it to a crisp and Kyousuke would have still offered to have a bite.]
Mine I still mess up sometimes too, but I've started setting a timer on my phone. It's this new thing they updated it with.
[He does, however, take that bite to avoid sputtering over that last comment. Because he is actually 12 years old and cooking for his older brother makes him SO!!! NERVOUS!!
[As Kyousuke talks, Yuuichi takes a bite, chewing on it savoringly and thoroughly -- thirty times, as he once read Endou Mamoru saying in an interview -- while he listens. His eyes narrow with a smile as Kyousuke shovels more food into his mouth at the end of a slightly awkward sentence, knowing that, just like with water, it was his way of keeping himself from growing too flustered.]
I see. You've always been resourceful. I bet that would make it a lot easier.
The next time I'm home, I think I want to eat that first. Is that okay?
[His brother's compliments do nothing to ease the slight flush of his cheeks, glad that his mouth is currently occupied with food instead of being completely able to answer. It lets the thought go through his head before he speaks, letting him seem more thoughtful than he actually is, swallowing once he's chewed the same 30 times that Yuuichi had just done.]
I'm still learning, but...I-I'll do my best.
[He quickly adds on, holding another piece in between his chopsticks.]
I'll practice so the first thing you eat when you're home is perfect.
[He can't help it. The excitement and anticipation bubbles over, and the nod he gives Kyousuke is more similar to one Kyousuke himself would've given, years ago.]
I'll do my best, too. When I go back to our house next, we'll walk through that door together.
[There's something about the way Yuuichi says that...it's got him excited too. And for a brief moment, Yuuichi might be able to see the energy of the 7-year-old boy when they used to play in the park. His eyes twinkle as he accepts that unwritten vow. He eats that omurice a little more vigorously. He--
He yawns, trying his best to hide in order to make this moment last as long as possible. But sleep waits for no one, and with the fatigue of his training was starting to finally take its toll. The last bite of food goes down, setting his chopsticks down after finishing and blinking furiously to stay awake.
A full stomach and loving company, it was no wonder he was starting to feel sleepy. Not that eh'd ever admit it, with the way he sits, looking at his brother as if he were the world.
A comparison Kyousuke would certainly claim, that's for sure.]
[He remembers back when Kyousuke was younger, that small boy would try to stay up later just to be with him. He would often wind up nodding off where he was sitting, eventually falling over so that he'd be fast asleep with his head on Yuuichi's lap, snoring away as the older boy finished off whatever homework assignment he had that day. Their mother would drape a blanket over him because it was impossible to move little Kyousuke, whose small hands gripped tightly onto Yuuichi's pants leg.
He's smiling in his sleep, their mother would say with delight, and Yuuichi would comment that it must be because he's having a good dream.
It's probably one where he's playing soccer with you, their father would respond, and the three of them would laugh happily with their youngest family member curled up between them.
Their mother isn't here right now, and neither is their father. Yuuichi can't pick up and carry Kyousuke if he falls asleep now, and he doesn't want the boy to sleep on the chair. Closing the lid to his own lunchbox, he reaches over to rest a hand on the boy's shoulder.]
Help me into my chair. Let's go brush our teeth and get ready for bed.
[It was true. More often than not, the dreams Kyousuke could remember were always about him and his brother, playing together on the same soccer field and sharing the same dream. A dream that would be just that for years to come.
And no matter how old Kyousuke got, no matter how adult he tried to act in order to let Yuuichi be the one who didn't have to worry all the time, he always in the end was the little brother, and it was something he truly loved deep down. The fact that Yuuichi would look at him like he was his entire world, and hope that his eyes spoke the same thing in return. Something that told him that if he just reached out and gripped his fingers onto his brother's sleeve or pant leg, he'd be as safe as can be. That Fifth Sector would never be able to touch him.
Let's go brush our teeth and get ready for bed.
It'd been years since they'd slept in the same bed, now that he thinks about it, and tonight would be the first in a long time that he felt worth being able to stay the night with him. Shutting the lid of his own lunchbox, he quickly cleans up their dinner, putting the empty boxes in the bag and getting out his toothbrush and past, followed by a change of clothes of his favourite pajamas. Nothing fancy--baggy sleep pants and an oversized shirt (Yuuichi's), setting it quickly to the side before going over to help his brother.
He'd done this so many times before that it was almost second nature, moving the wheelchair just next to the bed, his arms reaching underneath to help lift him up and into the chair. It was effortless by now, and with less weight on his shoulders, Kyousuke could feel that it wasn't nearly as much of a struggle as before, even with his fatigued body.]
Okay.
[One word, but there was so much love and affection poured into that one word, you'd swear he'd recited poetry.]
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no subject
[ He can see the way Kyousuke's eyes sparkle, the way his smile brightens up the entire room.
He knew his brother as he was five years ago was always there, but he can't describe how much it relieves him to see that boy be able to come out again. When he presses himself close to Kyousuke's again, it's to drop a kiss at the top of his head, closing his eyes in hopes of stopping them from watering. Okaeri, Kyousuke...]
Until I catch up and can carry it with you again, I'll leave it in your hands.
no subject
[That kiss was enough to nuzzle into him again, choosing the touch over the food for the moment. He was starved, but more for the affection than for the lunch. His fingers hesitate on lifting the lid to see the contents of the box, ear pressed to his brother's chest to hear that heartbeat one more time, listening to it pound confidently against his ears.
It was beautiful.
But it's only after that he pulls away, handing Yuuichi his box and sliding the hospital table over between them, standing up to grab the chair and sit across from him. How long had it been since they actually sat across from a table? Too long. At the Tsurugi household, he often ate standing up, or sitting at the coffee table while he checked his phone, the TV on in the background to provide some company. Here...his company was all he ever longed for since he was young.
Which for the first time in a long time, he actually felt. His mom made his dinner, he was eating it with Yuuichi.
For this night, he had a family that felt connected as one.
Okaeri, Niisan.]
What do you think mom made?
no subject
You couldn't wipe the smile from his face if you tried. It's permanent. He's so happy. He wants to hold Kyousuke close and never let go (but he will, because he wants Kyousuke to eat his food and take a shower and rest and be able to enjoy soccer). He helps set the table and shifts around on the bed as much as he can, but he doesn't take his eyes off his brother for a second.]
She was really excited when I gave her the idea, so I bet she went all out. Do you remember our favorite from when we were smaller?
no subject
Now, the excitement had calmed down--Kyousuke's wide eyed innocence had been replaced with something much less soft. But it was enough to bring him back to those days. Funny, how the conversation was just about their idol, their mother making them a meal, and just after he'd gotten himself worn out from playing soccer...truly a trip down memory lane.]
Our favourite...
[How could he forget. It was what he'd always looked forward to when they'd get home.]
Mom's omurice. She always made it for us, said that her two soccer stars needed a warm meal to keep the fire going in our hearts.
no subject
["Soccer" was a word that was spoken by all of the family members. Their father was happy to hear about their adventure of the day, and when there was a game on television -- he always looked it up for them on the newspaper in the morning -- he would hold his mug of coffee and they would have their cups of tea or juice and watch together. For that, Yuuichi always did his homework early, and Kyousuke would help him finish his chores, too.
Soon, he thinks, their parents will go back to talking about that sport, too.]
Shall we dig in?
no subject
His mother's eyes would sparkle just like Yuuichi's. His father's eyebrows would lose the knit look they'd pretty much cemented for themselves over the years.
The Tsurugi family could be one again. They could heal together. And that alone was worth fighting with every fiber of his being.
There's a soft exhale, breath Kyousuke hadn't realized he'd been holding, as he opens the lid to show the omurice, exactly as he remembered it when they were young. His eyes soften immediately, looking at the dish as he fights back the urge to tear up once more, remembering every fond memory that this dish had, and more importantly...who he shared it with.
His hands clap together almost immediately, eyes closed as he starts to whisper--]
Itada-
...
[He waits, remembering that he isn't eating alone this time, and his eyes look back up at his brother. Soft curiosity in them...silently asking if they could say it together.]
no subject
When Kyousuke cuts off in the middle of his words and falls quiet, Yuuichi's eyes flicker up to him too. They make eye contact, and Kyousuke has no need to say anything for the older brother to understand and put his own hands together too.]
Let's say it together.
no subject
Little things like this...they meant so much to Kyousuke now. His life was starting to fall back into place, picking right up where they left off the day he fell out of the tree five years ago.
It's with more volume now that Kyousuke speaks, hands placed together at the same time as his brothers, naturally in sync.]
Itadakimasu!
[There it is, Tsurugi's bright voice. As energetic as it was that day in the park, although lower in tone now, even moreso than his brother.
Some things change with five years between them. But some things, things that run deeper, never do. And Kyousuke would always be that smiling child, at least for Yuuichi.]
no subject
[How easy it is to match their voices together. They know exactly when the other would move or speak, connected by a bond that just simply is unbreakable. Their synched voices fill the room with a new cheeriness, their respect for the mother who took her time to cook for them followed by a happy burst of laughter from Yuuichi.]
Let's dig in!
no subject
This was a special dinner, alright, and his mother had wanted to make it as nostalgic as possible. A reminder of what they had, and what they could in the future.
The goddess of victory shines upon those who never give up.
Kyousuke's face melts at the taste of the food, feeling like the 7-year-old of long ago.]
It's really good, Niisan...
[What a 12 year old answer.]
Mine never comes out as good as hers...
[Oh yeah, he's been trying that whole cooking thing other than just cup noodles.]
no subject
[It comes out as a question, but not one of disbelief or mockery. Yuuichi's darker eyes are alight with curiosity, just like they were the first time Kyousuke kicked a soccer ball successfully, or the first time he jumped high enough for his imitation of Bakunetsu Screw to have even a little bit of a spin to it. They're delighted. Excited. Eager to hear about the new details of his little brother's life.
He looks down at their dinner, perfectly wrapped egg torn where he'd stuck his spoon into it.]
I remember trying to make it when I was in fifth grade, too. You said you liked it so I was determined to do it, but I ended up burning the egg.
[He looks back up at Kyousuke now, looking sheepish, but happy.]
When you have time again, I want to try eating your omurice, too.
no subject
[He smiles a bit bashfully, playing with his food a little before picking up a piece and holding it, not taking a bite just yet. Not before he finishes that thought. He forgot he'd never told Yuuichi about how he had to do most of the cooking at home. Their mother would do her best, certainly, but it was unrealistic to think she could prepare food every day for him, and there was only so many times he could eat instant ramen or something from a convenience store. Their family struggled with finances as it was.
His eyes soften a bit more.]
I would have eaten it. [Yuuichi could have burnt it to a crisp and Kyousuke would have still offered to have a bite.]
Mine I still mess up sometimes too, but I've started setting a timer on my phone. It's this new thing they updated it with.
[He does, however, take that bite to avoid sputtering over that last comment. Because he is actually 12 years old and cooking for his older brother makes him SO!!! NERVOUS!!
He'd have to do it perfectly!]
no subject
I see. You've always been resourceful. I bet that would make it a lot easier.
The next time I'm home, I think I want to eat that first. Is that okay?
no subject
I'm still learning, but...I-I'll do my best.
[He quickly adds on, holding another piece in between his chopsticks.]
I'll practice so the first thing you eat when you're home is perfect.
no subject
[He can't help it. The excitement and anticipation bubbles over, and the nod he gives Kyousuke is more similar to one Kyousuke himself would've given, years ago.]
I'll do my best, too. When I go back to our house next, we'll walk through that door together.
no subject
He yawns, trying his best to hide in order to make this moment last as long as possible. But sleep waits for no one, and with the fatigue of his training was starting to finally take its toll. The last bite of food goes down, setting his chopsticks down after finishing and blinking furiously to stay awake.
A full stomach and loving company, it was no wonder he was starting to feel sleepy. Not that eh'd ever admit it, with the way he sits, looking at his brother as if he were the world.
A comparison Kyousuke would certainly claim, that's for sure.]
no subject
He's smiling in his sleep, their mother would say with delight, and Yuuichi would comment that it must be because he's having a good dream.
It's probably one where he's playing soccer with you, their father would respond, and the three of them would laugh happily with their youngest family member curled up between them.
Their mother isn't here right now, and neither is their father. Yuuichi can't pick up and carry Kyousuke if he falls asleep now, and he doesn't want the boy to sleep on the chair. Closing the lid to his own lunchbox, he reaches over to rest a hand on the boy's shoulder.]
Help me into my chair. Let's go brush our teeth and get ready for bed.
no subject
And no matter how old Kyousuke got, no matter how adult he tried to act in order to let Yuuichi be the one who didn't have to worry all the time, he always in the end was the little brother, and it was something he truly loved deep down. The fact that Yuuichi would look at him like he was his entire world, and hope that his eyes spoke the same thing in return. Something that told him that if he just reached out and gripped his fingers onto his brother's sleeve or pant leg, he'd be as safe as can be. That Fifth Sector would never be able to touch him.
Let's go brush our teeth and get ready for bed.
It'd been years since they'd slept in the same bed, now that he thinks about it, and tonight would be the first in a long time that he felt worth being able to stay the night with him. Shutting the lid of his own lunchbox, he quickly cleans up their dinner, putting the empty boxes in the bag and getting out his toothbrush and past, followed by a change of clothes of his favourite pajamas. Nothing fancy--baggy sleep pants and an oversized shirt (Yuuichi's), setting it quickly to the side before going over to help his brother.
He'd done this so many times before that it was almost second nature, moving the wheelchair just next to the bed, his arms reaching underneath to help lift him up and into the chair. It was effortless by now, and with less weight on his shoulders, Kyousuke could feel that it wasn't nearly as much of a struggle as before, even with his fatigued body.]
Okay.
[One word, but there was so much love and affection poured into that one word, you'd swear he'd recited poetry.]