toremainbehind | [Just wanna stay alive]

[Just wanna stay alive]

[It was just an ordinary day.

He was just working at his uncle's bar as usual, cleaning the glasses and maintaining the orders for delivery. He's given up on trying to kick Mikoto out when he comes over right after school, well aware how his best friend likes to come and sleep on the couch before opening hours start.

On the radio, he idly listens to another report on a famous couple after discovering they were soul mates, and he scoffs softly to himself.

Soul mates.

It's rare to find them in their world, but when found, it's suddenly as if the whole world changes. People make such a big fuss about it, and it slowly grates on his nerves.

Mikoto himself was unimpressed.

He accompanies his friend, though, when he receives a call about Mikoto's 'stalker' being in the hospital, curious as to who this person is to be so determined to go after the grumpy redhead. He waits for Mikoto go in first before following him.]

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Hm, you're not allowed in the bar, though since you're underage.

[He wonders how Mikoto will handle the news. It's only been the two of them for a long time now, so having another person added to their duo might not be so bad.

The capability of approaching the topic is lacking.]

That doesn't count.

[He doesn't quite understand why he did that himself, and it's confusing. He just furrows his eyebrows a little as his eyes lower down to their linked hands.]

[He half-pouts, letting out a small huff.]

Both of you are too!

[Legal age is 20 in Japan, Izumo. He knows that much, just as he knows that many don't follow it.

It's not like he's interested in alcohol anyway--he's seen what alcohol and gambling can do to people, thanks to his father.

He laughs, shoulders shaking slightly.]

Yeah.

[Their hands are a good place to look, rather than studying this boy's face. It's comfortable, even though he hasn't held hands with many people before.]

Did you think about it? The possibility of finding a soul mate. [He's curious, and well...this way they'll talk about it. It's no longer a mere possibility, if this oddness was for both of them like it seems like it is based on how Kusanagi reacts to him.]

[He laughs.]

I'm a bartender, and the only employer at the bar at the moment. [Since his uncle apparently is useless when it comes to the bar.

Good. Izumo wouldn't want Totsuka anywhere near alcohol, anyway.

He continues to stare down at their hands, feeling as if something inside of him felt complete. It's strangely familiar yet satisfying.]

Honestly? No. I actually found the idea to be...ludicrous. [He says the last part carefully as he wants to make sure he didn't accidentally offend Totsuka if he believes in this kind of thing.]

That doesn't excuse King...

[If there was an exception made for King, another can be made for him, clearly.

Tatara laughs, the smile lighting up his entire face while he shifts his thumb over the side of Izumo's hand.]

It sounded really silly, right? Even though people talk about it all the time...The idea that someday you'd meet someone and then everything would just-- [He waves their joined hands rather than letting go. He's really not sure what word he wanted to use.]

But, I think it should take work. Like a friendship, right?

[Just, maybe easier than some of them. And maybe not just a friendship.

That's as close as he'll probably get for a little bit to saying that the oddness he hasn't ever mentioned matches what they've been told. They seem to be on the same page about that already.

Congratulations, this small 14 year old who is apparently your soul mate is already unbelieving of this kind of fairy tale.]

Mikoto does whatever he wants. He keeps coming back even after I kick him out.

[That feeling is nice, though. He's had a couple of girlfriends in the past, but none of them ever made him feel so much at home before.

He shakes his head when Totsuka waves their joined hands.]

I agree. It's better to take it one step at a time before we jump into this whole...soul mate business. [It'll certainly be best to get to know each other better

This kind of fairy tale is a little hard to believe, but his eyes shift to the clock and then down at their hands again.] I have to go now, but I'll come back tomorrow to check up on you.

That sounds like King! Would it really be bad if I went to the bar?

[He could...help cook, or something. He knows how to cook and clean at least.

Tatara's had nothing like that. Mikoto was the first person he was even somewhat interested in, and then this happened. He guesses his father will be kind of happy--he's found people he didn't want to let go off, even if they aren't about the same age as him.]

Yep! It'll work out somehow.

[It might be interesting to see how long it takes before Mikoto realizes, if Kusanagi doesn't just tell him.

He slowly lets go of his hand, keeping his hand there even though he's no longer actively holding Izumo's.]

Then, I'll see you tomorrow!

If you come, then it'll have to be before the bar opens.

[Izumo...wouldn't protest to Totsuka helping out. At least he'll be doing something productive, unlike Mikoto who just likes to sit around and take a few naps here and there.

But he gives a slight nod.]

Let's just not rush into this.

[If it's Mikoto, he might already suspect something, but won't confront them about it until one of them tells him first; chances of that are unlikely.

When Totsuka lets go of his hand, Izumo slowly releases his hand in return.]

Be sure to rest, okay?

When does the bar open?

[He will be very helpful, okay. Okay. Definitely going to help rather than just sit nearby and watch; that's not as interesting usually.]

Yeah.

[Wouldn't be mentioned until they figured things out themselves--it's not like people are actually ready when they meet their soul mates. How could they be?

The entire thing is somewhat different for everyone. Has to be, since it's supposed to be a complementary part.

Tatara laughs again, actually separating their hands to gesture at his leg.]

It's all I'll be able to do for a while!

Usually around 9pm.

[Izumo would appreciate the help, actually.

He's still trying to wrap his head around this, trying to understand how this could've happened, but the soul mate business is a tricky one, and he'll have to figure it out another time.

His eye twitches a bit, mostly with him holding back the urge to punch the kid in the head himself like what Mikoto had done earlier.]

Alright, then I'll see you tomorrow.

That's a couple hours then!

[Between the end of school and the opening of the bar. That's enough, he thinks. He doesn't exactly have much else to do apart from school when he gets out of here.

Look, there's no point in being gloomy about being caught in the hospital when he can't do anything to get himself out faster. He's gotta look on the brighter side of things.

It's almost the same thing he said a little bit earlier, but Kusanagi-san hasn't actually gone to leave yet...He repeats it anyway.]

See you tomorrow, Kusanagi-san.

Is it?

[He is curious about totsuka's life, wondering if the kid has any friends at all.

How optimistic; izumo just likes to be realistic most of the time.

But Izumo still manages to give Totsuka a smile, placing a hand of top of his head before finally leaving. Time to go find his best friend.]

[No, he kind of didn't.

Tatara nods at the question, finishing the movement only a moment before Kusanagi-san touches the top of his head.

But then he's actually gone, and Tatara sits there staring at the door for a moment before picking his book back up. Sure it's warm, but hospitals are really boring...]

[The next day comes rolling around, and after school and whatnot, Izumo comes back to the hospital with a bag in hand.

He figures Totsuka might get bored being stuck on bed rest, so he hopes he can find some way to get rid of that boredom.

After getting clearance from the nurses, Izumo knocks on the door leading to his hospital room.]

You can come in!

[He's reading the same book, but...it looks like he's not as far in the book as yesterday. Did he move backwards? Or did he restart? (He restarted, after finishing it.)

Even though Kusanagi-san said he was going to come back the next day, Tatara wasn't quite sure when (or if he actually would), so the first thing he'll see is Tatara being way too excited because someone actually did what they said they'd do.]

You seem quite excited.

[He eyes the book curiously, just to see what kind it is, before he sits next to Totsuka.

Holding up the bag, Izumo looks a bit sheepish.]

I brought you something, though I'm not sure if you'll like them.

Well, Kusanagi-san is the only one who doesn't work here who came in today.

[And, you know, he came back. That's reason enough to get excited.

The book appears to be a compilation of several different fairy tales and mythology. Who knows why he's reading it though...

Tatara's eyes widen, his good arm sliding to the side with the book.]

You brought me something? [It's a feat when his father comes home, how is he supposed to react to being given something when it isn't his birthday?]

There's no one else?

[...That's...worrisome.

But he nods, opening the bag and taking out a few more books, including some puzzles that he can manage with one hand.]

Yeah, just some things I thought would help you not stay bored while you're in here.

Yeah? It's usually just me where I live.

[His father isn't exactly around, and he's got no siblings (and his father's wife left long ago).

Tatara stares when Izumo takes out the books and puzzles. If he didn't realize there was something "off" about Tatara's life, he probably realized it now.]

Thank you, Kusanagi-san. [It's more than he's been given in a long time, really. And it doesn't really have anything to do with school!]

No one else lives with you?

[That's alarming. Izumo might not have a happy childhood either, but at least his uncle was still there for him.

The gratitude throws Izumo off, but he doesn't show it on his face; the fact that Totsuka is even happy about this says something about his life in general.]

Ah, you're welcome. I didn't know what kind of books and puzzles you like, so I just grabbed whatever I could find.

Ah, no...Kind of? My father isn't home often.

[He technically doesn't live alone...but he kind of does, since that man is gone so frequently. But he's not really going to get into that when he can look at the books and puzzles instead.

It doesn't even matter that he isn't really interested in some of them; he's going to be really interested soon, most likely.]

They look interesting! [Maybe they'll spark a hobby apart from mountain climbing and picking herbs to make pathetic salads with.]

[Izumo looks like he wants to pry, but he won't.

Family matters aren't issues he'd want to address unless really important.]

Do they? [Ranging from simple romance novels to mystery, and puzzles like sudoku and basic puzzles, Izumo just thought it'd be enough to help Totsuka power through.]

How much longer until you can go home?

[They'll have to be addressed someday, but not for now. Maybe not until they figure out the soul mate thing or his father dies. One or the other...]

Yeah! I don't think I've read any of them or done these puzzles before.

[He's honestly excited to look through these, smiling as he reaches over to grab one.

Oh. That. He tilts his head.]

I think they said that I'll be able to go home as soon as I can walk with a crutch. But I think they also said something about needing to talk to my parents about continued treatment?

[He'd probably be able to go home today, if his father showed up. Maybe he could ask if they'd let him substitute someone else...or maybe he just needs to prove that he'd be reliable enough to remember everything on his own. He is just fourteen, but he can remember to take medicine and things...]

[Only question is how to address this soul mate business without having it sound awkward?

He smiles slightly at the excitement on totsuka's face before it gradually faded as he listens about his father.]

You don't sound too keen on the idea.

[And frankly, neither does he.

He's never even run into this father of totsuka's, so it makes him concerned as to whether or not this man really loves Totsuka as much as he should.

Izumo would offer, but then again, he's not sure if he can be counted on as reliable.]

[By being Tatara and having no shame, clearly.

He shrugs, looking at the book he'd grabbed--it's one of the romance ones.]

I'm not sure where he is, and I don't think being home alone with a broken arm and leg would be a great idea.

[It's not like his father is a bad man, just...probably wasn't suited for being a father, for all he adopted Tatara when he and his wife had found him.

Wait, what if...?

Tatara leans forward, smiling again. It might be a weird idea but--]

Do you think they'd let you help? Since they make such a big deal about soul mates.

[Tatara and shame don't go together at all, really.]

No, it's not. You need someone to be with you.

[Even Izumo has his uncle to help, and Mikoto, whenever his friend felt like it.

But he blinks when Totsuka leans forward, a bit taken back when he voices the questions.]

Well...it's a possibility. I'd feel better if I can keep an eye on you, at least. [He ponders a bit.]

I'll try asking your doctor if it's okay for me to take care of you.

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