toremainbehind | [How many times can we fall?]

[It's been a week since they've managed to escape.

Neither of them knew who tipped someone off about their location, who helped them escape while everything became hacked and otherwise useless in keeping them contained. It had been their downfall to let Izumo stay in the frontline, his skills almost legendary now with how effective of an assassin he has become over time. Their downfall led to their deaths, and Izumo has ran away with Eric while the remnants of that group tried to go after them.

They didn't know where to go - who to turn to.

For them, this open world was a mystery, even if Izumo has more experience than Eric when it came to the outside world. There's no one they could trust, and little to no money to their name since their captors often took the money Izumo's earned for his kills. But Izumo is adaptable, taking odd jobs here and there in order to earn enough money to save up and find a place to stay.

It's only been a couple of days ago when Izumo first ran into the leader of HOMRA, the Red King and him having traded blows before it came to a tie. They went their separate ways shortly after when an informant came running towards them, Izumo having escaped before he could be questioned.

Now, he had taken Eric to a refuge in a motel. It's small and not one of the best, but it's the best Izumo could afford on such short notice when it became obvious to him when Eric has to rest again.

His right shoulder blade itched from the burns he received from Mikoto, but he ignores it in favor of in-between watching Eric sleep and looking out the window from his perch on the windowsill.]

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[ He tilts his head, trying to remember someone with that name. ]

Ah, that lady we met when we first escaped...right?

That's right. [Good, Eric remembers.

He just needs to carefully tread slowly.] I've been keeping in touch with her since the last time we've seen her. What do you think of her being your private teacher?

Uhm...

[ That was fast. He squeezes Izumo's arm a bit, nervous about the unknown. He remembered that she was nice, and he talked to her, if only about 20 words the whole time they were there.

Have her, or someone completely new. Being taught by her, wold that be good? ]

I...don't know.

[He smiles a bit, stepping close to Eric to offer some sort of comfort.]

Just think it over, okay? And if you agree, I can call her.

[He's sure the others at the bar will help out, too, should Eric choose to pursue his education. Most of them had at least graduated from high school (or were high school level), and there had been others who succeeded in college.]

Okay.

[ He appreciates the comfort, glad he won't be away from his brother so much to not feel this. ]

Would you be interested? Doing school again?

[ His brother was in middle school when they were taken, maybe he wanted to go back to a bit more of a normal life as well. ]

The thought has crossed my mind a few times.

[But compared to Eric, Izumo's education is more; he's always proven himself to be smart when he was still in school, being a genius his own right.

However, he did miss going to school, being able to learn and absorb knowledge. Everything he's learned so far in life was something he had to learn along the way in order to survive.

Even now, there were times when Totsuka had to help him with certain stuff.]

Though, I'm not sure I'm clear to get an education at the moment.

Why not?

[ He tilts his head. He knew Izumo was smarter then him, and it became a bigger gap as time went on. Sure they had different skills and knowledge. But being a killer was different than learning how to read or do math. They weren't able to survive or live a life outside of gangs if they don't have some sort of education. ]

[He gives a shrug.]

I suppose it's because I'm not looking for an education right now. Perhaps once we're more settled in, I'll consider it.

Up to you.

[ It's been more then a year and they still haven't settled, in mind. It was going to take some time but eventually they would get there. These separations would be helping that, hopefully. ]

[He ruffles Eric's hair.]

For now, let's just focus on you. Then we can get back to this topic at some other time.

[ He pouts at the hair ruffle and shrugs. It always seemed to be the case, to focus on his problems. And look what that got for his brother. He really wasn't a good person, just a bad selfish dog. ]

Fine. But you think about it still, at least

[Izumo's never been one to think about himself.

Everything he does is for Eric.

But he gives a nod and pulls his hand back.]

I will.

[ That was the problem. If Eric wasn't around, Izumo could think about himself, do things for himself, without always worrying about a younger brother.

Bad brother. Bad dog. ]

Good.

[ They arrive back at the bar and were greeted by the ones there. Last night at this place. To say he wasn't nervous about, he would be lying. ]

[Ah, yes, but Izumo would have fallen deeper. There would be no more 'nice' Izumo; instead, only the heartless killer would be the one taking over.

He notices Eric's nervousness, smiling slightly.]

Do you want to sleep with me?

[ But if ther had been no brother to worry over, maybe he could have run, run away from that world and get help. Without a brother to keep him there. That thought of what if always plagued his mind.

He nods. ]

If that's okay...

[Yes, but at the same time, Izumo wouldn't have a reason to run. They'd make him more of a monster than he already is.

He smiles.]

Of course it's okay. You know I don't mind.

[ He doesn't know that. All he does know is that his brother stayed because of him. That's enough to feel guilt.

He shrugs, playing with his sleeve a bit ]

I know but still...just in case.

Don't ever be afraid to speak your mind, Eric. There's nothing wrong with that.

Old habits die hard. You should know that.

I do, which is why I believe now is a good time to break out of these bad habits of ours.

So you're going to stop hiding everything that's going on in your head? That's quite the improvement.

As long as you do.

[He hums a bit, shaking his head before certain thoughts cloud over.]

[How many times can we fall?]

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