♙4 [Video/Action]

[devouredtwin]

[The limbs are almost all bare by this time, the last of the sakura falling to the ground with every strong gust of wind that hits the trees. Sitting on one of the lower branches of one of the trees, Ichiru sits, legs dangling down.]

I'm sorry if anyone has tried to get a hold of me recently.

[A handful of petals slowly drop from his fingers and

Comments

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[bloodypawn]

[Although he saw the feed, he's quick to pick up on Ichiru's presence even before the particular tree comes into view, while on his way back from a bit of shopping

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[devouredtwin]

[Looking down, he hadn't expected to actually see Zero. He'd chosen to partake in the video just to see if he'd get any reaction from his brother. Knowing their opinions on this situation would differ. Zero had been left behind in order to sow the seed of hatred within him. To Zero, Shizuka was someone to be hated, a monster that had destroyed everything he held dear. Yet to Ichiru--she'd been his savior. She'd cared for him in the only way she'd been able to and the memories he held of her were one's he held very dear.

The question from Zero was a little surprising. But only because he'd expected a different reaction than the one he'd got. Head lifting up to watch as the branches of the tree rustled gently in the wind, Ichiru just smiled as he gave his answer.]

The winter. It was always the winter.

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[bloodypawn]

[Of course. It wasn't all that unexpected.]

You ventured out more than you probably should have, then.

[Not that he really minded tending to the ill Ichiru, though.

He glanced up as a flurry of petals drifted free from their branches to float about to the ground. ]

Not that that ever really concerned you...

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[devouredtwin]

[That was part of it, maybe.]

Zero was also gone a lot more in the other parts of the year.

[Leaving him behind and alone.]

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[bloodypawn]

[Blaming him, now? You know I couldn't control that, Ichiru.]

It felt better when you were well enough to visit.

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[devouredtwin]

[Just stating facts. He liked it when Zero was around the most.]

But I still had to share you. It was best when you were home.

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[bloodypawn]

I liked being home with you, too, Ichiru, but you know I had to train. [quiets] ...everything aside from those responsibilities was you.

[And isn't this all just water under the bridge, now? He just sighs, ready to change the topic. As much as time has passed, that doesn't mean the nostalgia isn't entirely pleasant. He closes his eyes for a moment, only to open as a petal drifts softly down upon the back of his hand, his gaze lingering on it until another sweep of the breeze carries it away.]

... Have you eaten lunch yet?

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[devouredtwin]

[Ichiru bristles at the words, his back straightening slightly as Zero defends himself. It wasn't meant to be an attack. He was just stating the facts. It was lonely at home without Zero.]
It's just easier to remain inside when you don't want to go outside. Plus Shishou rarely made me go in the winter since I was susceptible to the cold. [His words are a little cold as well, refusing to look down at his brother.] I ruined less trips that way.

[There's a large pause as he considers his brothers question. Irritated slightly, he's tempted to say he had and continue with his enjoyment of the flowers. He reaches up and grabs another small handful. Purposely letting them fall one at a time down onto his brother.]

Have you?

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[bloodypawn]

[Recalling such events is disheartening, even after all these years have passed. He knew Ichiru only wanted to be a part of everything. The thought draws a bit of a frown to the edges of his lips.

He doesn't seem to mind the petals, watching as they flutter past him, until one lands on his nose. It takes two tries for him to blow it away. A shake of his head, he lifts a hand to ruffle any additional petals from it, head tipped back against the tree to look up to his twin.]

I wouldn't be asking you if I had, would I?

[Let's just try and enjoy this time we have, okay? He grabs his bag from shopping earlier, then takes a step out to properly look up to Ichiru.]

Come on. Anywhere you want, my treat.

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[devouredtwin]

[Ichiru just gives a sigh. It was difficult to be irritated with Zero when his brother was obviously trying so hard to not take the bait. Slowly, he moved to climb down from the limb as Zero moved away-bags in hand.]

[Still he couldn't help that irritation he felt toward Zero. He realized it was irrational but at this point he didn't care. Maybe he just wanted more of Zero's attention, so he just gave into the urge that came to him. He released his hands from their grasp on the tree limb and let gravity take control.]

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[bloodypawn]

[Maybe it should been expected.

-Actually, no. There's no doubt about whether he should question this or not. This is Ichiru. And so-]

Ich-!

[-the bags are abandoned, and he moves in the split second it takes for him to barely get out his brother's name.

It's an easy catch - luckily, at least; he isn't quite as quick on his feet, here - although Zero wasn't too far away, to begin with. He holds Ichiru close on instinct, one arm supporting him at the bend of his knees, as the other securely cradles his midsection.

It's bitterly nostalgic.]

...What the hell was that for!?