If you say so (chapter 5)

[matsuaurore]

Title: If you say so
Author:Matsuaurore
Banner:Lilisan31<3
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Ohmiya, Sakumoto
Genre: Au, angst, romance, drama
Summary: Nino and Ohno were living a life full of happiness and love until Nino ran away for a mysterious reason, leaving only a letter to his boyfriend who was decided to pursue him until the end of the world.




Part 5:

Everytime I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And everytime I see you in my dreams
I see your face, it's haunting me
I guess I need you baby

“I have to thank this Aiba, he really took a good care of you…”

“Yes, he is incredible… When I started to completely lose my sight, he was always here to guide me, teaching me with patience how to live by myself.” Nino smiled softly.

“And today, you are completely independent?”

“No. Unfortunately. I still make so many mistakes. If something in my apartment is moved, I lose all my landmarks and when I’m outside, it’s still very hard but luckily, Tsuki is here for me.” Nino smiled, stroking his dog’s head with love.

“It’s Aiba who got you Tsuki?”

“No, it was Jun. it’s a bit hard for blind people to get a guide dog. But Jun did everything to get me one and ten months ago, Tsuki came in my life. I feel less lonely with him, it’s not like lots of persons want to be with a blind man.” Nino chuckled sadly.

“Why not?” Ohno raised an eyebrow.

“Because even if I learn how to act by myself, the person living with me will have to help me. That’s one of the reasons why I left you. I can’t cook yet, for example. I know some blind people manage to but for me, it’s too early. I have to buy bento with a cashier’s help, I need Aiba or Jun to buy what I need to live and I still don’t work.”

“It would have never bothered me to do all these things for you…”

“Ohchan…” Nino sighed. “It would have been impossible with your work… And being alone helps me to learn these things, I can’t rely on someone else when I’m home.”

“Why have you stopped playing? Blind people can play.”

“Because I don’t want to.” Nino’s jaw clenched. “Jun forced me to keep my piano and guitar but I’ll sell them when I’ll be able to. Playing would remind me too painful things when I have to deal with my blindness.”

“Don’t… Don’t you want to write for me again? Like before? You were the best for that and it’s because of you I found all this success, because you are able to touch people’s heart through your songs, you have this gift, this ability to make someone feels as if you were writing his life.”

“I… It touches me Ohchan but…” Nino bit his lip, not able to admit he was unable to touch his piano because the last song he composed for his ex-lover was some days before his start.

“Think about it… I’ll live next to you from now on so, you can see me anytime you want to…”
“Thank you, but I have to be by myself… Your wife and child are coming home.” Nino smiled sadly.

“Wh…” Ohno frowned.

“I can hear their steps.”

“You really have an amazing hearing.”

“I’m getting better…” Nino shivered when Ohno stood up and took his hand.

“A good guest has to say goodbye.”

“Baka…” Nino chuckled and let Ohno lead him toward his door.

“Papa!” A little voice exclaimed happily when Ohno get out.

“What are you doing here, Satoshi?” His wife frowned, Nino clenching his jaw in pain.

“I met Ka… Nino-kun by chance, he is our neighbor.”

“Oh… You’re the friend my husband always talked about?”

“I guess…” Nino forced a smile. “Nice to meet you, I’m Ninomiya Kazunari…”

“It’s a real pleasure to meet you, Ninomiya-san, you have to come for dinner, I want to know you more since Satoshi seems really close to you.” She smiled. Kazuya who was in her arms struggled, holding out his hands to Nino. “This little one seems to want you.” She chuckled and gave her son to Nino who froze.

“I don’t…”

“Dear, Nino is blind…”

“Oh, I’m so sorry!! I’ll take him back!” But Kazuya hugged Nino tightly, looking at him with curious eyes. “He likes you obviously, I should take him back…”

“Don’t worry, it’s okay…”

“Then, I’ll let you, I have some phone calls to make.” Ohno’s wife smiled and got in their apartment.

“Do you want I take him back?”

“No, it’s okay…” Nino raised his hand slowly and looked for the boy’s hair before stroking it softly. “Hello, Kazuya, I’m Nino…”

“Ni-no!”

Nino smiled tenderly and passed the tips of his fingers on Kazuya’s face, exploring his curves, the softness of his skin before making a painful smile.

“He looks like you…”

“Eh?”

“I can’t see with my eyes but I can see with my fingers. He has your nose and your chubby cheeks. And your soft hair… He will be handsome later…”

“Thank you…” Ohno smiled, wiping the tears on his cheeks. Seeing Kazu holding his son made him realize it should have been theirs. Despite his blindness, it was clear Nino knew how to act with a child, talking and laughing softly, carrying him carefully. “You’re good with kids…”

“I’m used to since Jun and Sho has adopted. They come often with Manoa…”

“I’m surprised Sho agreed to forget his family’s obsession for man’s name starting by a S.” Ohno chuckled.

“Traditions are made to be broken.” Nino smiled. “And It’s Sho’s fault if Jun fell in love with Polynesia.”

“I wanted a name making me remember you.” Ohno whispered, staring at his son.

“You…”

“I chose Kazuya’s name, yes. I wanted to name him Kazunari but Suzuka preferred Kazuya. His name is written with the same kanji than yours.”

“Ohchan…” Nino refrained a sob and gave him Kazuya back, the boy starting to protest. “Good night…” Nino closed his door before Ohno could react.

“You shouldn’t tell him such things…” A voice said.

“I…”

“He is trying, Sato, he is trying to live, don’t spoil that by telling him so cruel things…”

“I never asked him to leave me!”

“Neither did him! He never asked to become blind, never asked to leave you but he did it for you! He suffers so much, he struggles everyday to stay alive and now, you spoil that with your cruel story about your son’s name!”

“I’m sorry to still be shocked by this situation!”

“I know it’s hard, but please, don’t make him suffer even more… You have a family and Nino has nothing when Aiba and I leave him alone…”

Ohno lowered his head, clenching his fists in pain and anger.

“He never found someone?”

“Even if he’d wanted to, it’s a bit complicated to have a boyfriend when you are becoming blind. We live in a cruel society, of course there are good people but today, lots of persons are egoists and consider that blind people can’t have a normal life. It’s unfair because Nino makes so much efforts and does so great! If you had seen all his progresses this year!”

“Jun, now I have found him, I won’t let him go. You can think I’m cruel for not letting him live his life peacefully but I want to be here for him. He won’t ever be alone from now on and Aiba and you will be able to have more time for your own families…”

“Sato… You are still an idol and you are a married man with a child, do you really think your wife is going to accept your decision? She doesn’t even know Kazu…”

“She will have to deal with my choice. I have always followed hers without saying anything, but today, I want my role back and to also take my own decisions. Kazu isn’t my boyfriend anymore but he will stay a part of my family and my life.”

“Well, I can’t stop you to act like you want but if you hurt him, I won’t spare you. You’re my friend Satoshi, but I won’t let you make Nino miserable, you know what I am able to do when someone hurts my family. I would do the same if someone hurt you.”

“I know, Jun. Thank you for everything you did, you’re a beautiful person, Kazu is lucky to have you…”

“You also have me if you need to talk… Don’t hesitate to call me, I’ll be there for you and I will come this weekend with Sho and Manoa, join us, please, it’s been a while since they saw you.” Jun hugged the singer before leaving, joining Aiba who was waiting for him against his car.

“Then?”

“I hope they will be okay.”

“I’m surprised you don’t stop him.” Aiba frowned.

“First, I’m not Nino’s mother and then, I hope getting closer to Nino will bring them back together…”

“He is married, Jun…”

“He doesn’t love her. He thinks he does but Nino is and will always stay his first and last love. They just need some help to realize that.”

“He has a child, you can’t make your plans without thinking about his son.”

“I know and it’s them who will decide what they’ll become in the future. And honestly, Masaki, do you really think his son will be happier if he grows up with a father who doesn’t love his mother?”

“If it was that easy…”

“Let’s trust them a bit. Fate has given them a second chance, it’s obvious."

“I hope you are taking the good decision… Say hello to Sho-kun and kiss Manoa for me…”

“Yup.” Jun kissed the older’s cheek before leaving under Aiba’s worried eyes. He had lived almost the same situation than Nino when his brother became blind and was afraid all this mess would turn bad.

Ten years ago…

“Congratulation again, Kaori-chan, you make a beautiful bride!” Aiba’s mother grinned.

“Thank you so much for coming, don’t you want to stay, it’s late and your husband seems too tired to drive…”

“You’re kind but I’m fine, I didn’t drink and we have to go back, the restaurant won’t open without me.” Aiba’s father chuckled. “Good night and have a good honey moon!”

“Thank you again!!”

The family climbed in her car, Yusuke already half asleep against Masaki who chuckled and stroked his little brother’s hair.

“Will you be okay to drive, dear?”

“Don’t worry, I’m perfectly awake, and we just have 20 minutes of car before being home.” Aiba’s father smiled and started the engine. Masaki couldn’t fall asleep like his brother, too excited about the night they had spent with their friends. He had met a guy there and couldn’t stop thinking about him and the way his eyes stared at him. They had kissed and made love in one of the rooms they had found as they were stripping feverishly, their hands stroking every part of skin they could find. Masaki smiled stupidly at the thought of his first time. Okay, he had done it with a pure stranger but didn’t regret it. It was intense and very very good, the guy giving him the first orgasm of his life. They agreed to just keep this night as a memory because the guy named Tadayoshi would leave Japan soon for his studies. Masaki had still given him his address mail, knowing the guy would maybe never write him.
Masaki grinned with dreamy eyes, thinking this day and night would stay the best memories of his life. He was 20 years old and was a man now. A man who would become a nice person, would make his parents proud of him and who would finally assume his preferences for men.

“Why are you grinning like that, honey?” Hanako chuckled.

“I’m happy. I have met someone at the party.”

“Oh, that’s great, who is it? Sakura-chan? She looked very interested by you.”

“It was… ano… Tadayoshi-kun…”

“What???” Both Aiba gasped.

“I’m sorry…” Aiba bit his lip, maybe making his coming out wasn’t a so good idea.

“You… are gay?”

“I… Yes, I never dared to tell you… I was scared you would be ashamed of me…” Aiba lowered his head.
The two parents stared at each other, Aiba’s father debating with himself what the best reaction was. His son was gay. Okay, it didn’t change the fact Masaki was a real man but still… gay… why? Why couldn’t he like women? Why couldn’t…

“Masa…” Aiba’s mother put her hand on her husband’s thigh with a small smile, making him sigh and nod. “You are our son and we love you. Of course, we would have preferred you to be hetero and we will need some time to get used to the idea but… are you happy the way you are?”

“Yes. I’m not ashamed of what I am. I’m just gay… there are worse things in the world than liking men, no?”

“You’re totally right. Your sexual preference has nothing to do with who you are. You’re an amazing son, you work hard, you take care of your brother, you are a nice person, you never complain and always smile even when you’re sad. We are proud of you and if you like men, then, it’s okay, why would you become a shame for something you haven’t chosen? I’m just sad you won’t give us grandchildren…”

“There is still Yusuke for that and maybe one day, I’ll be able to adopt…”

“You’re right. Who you sleep with doesn’t change the beautiful person you are. You are my son, and you are a true man. Because a real man faces his responsibilities and is always here for his family. Keep being this responsible man you are, Masaki, I’ll never be ashamed of your partner’s choice.”

“Thank you papa!!!” Aiba exclaimed, tears filling his eyes. His father wasn’t a demonstrative person and telling him that warmed his heart. Masaki thought his parents would disown him or be disgusted but tonight, they had given him the biggest proof of love a child could dream about. Tolerance. His parents had decided whatever his sexuality was, the most important was to be someone you can rely on, someone who would always face his responsibilities and would get up in the worst moment. “I love you two…”

“We also love you, Masaki. Stay yourself, it’s the most important thing in this world full of hypocrisy and egoism.”

Masaki nodded with a grin. Tonight was definitely the best day of his life. The young man stretched his body with dreamy eyes before his face paled, his smile fading and his eyes widening in both shock and fear when a car appeared in front of them.

“PAPA, BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!” Masaki screamed before everything became dark.

****

Aiba woke up with a moan of pain, annoying beeps resounding around him. His vision was blurred and his throat was dried. The young man heard voices and saw some white shadows hurrying around him.

“He is awake!”

“It’s a miracle!”

“Mmmmm…” Aiba moaned, trying to take off the mask on his face.

“Calm down, boy, don’t move, you need some time to wake up fully.”

After some minutes, Aiba’s vision became cleared.

“Where am I?” Aiba asked with a hoarse voice.

“You’re at hospital, boy. I’m Kitayama-sensei, your doctor. You’ve slept for a long time, one month to be
correct.”

“Eh? What happened, where is my family?”

“What do you remember?”

“I was in the car, we were going home after a wedding… I… We were talking happily and… I don’t remember…”

“Don’t worry, it’s normal, your brain just woke up…”

“The car!!!” Aiba suddenly exclaimed. “I remember a car charging ours! I screamed and then… nothing…”

“Yes, you had a car accident. A drunken man hit your car…”

“Where are my parents?!! And my brother???!!!”

“I’m sorry, Masaki-kun… Your parents didn’t survive…”
Aiba’s eyes widened, his face paling.

“Wh-at? No! It’s impossible!!! They can’t be dead!!! No!!!” Aiba tried to get up but his body didn’t react and it’s at this moment the young boy realized he didn’t even feel his legs.

“It’s a miracle you survived… You were in a very bad state and we almost lost you… Your spine was touched and honestly, I think your chances to walk again are thin…” The doctor took his hand with a sad smile.

“I… I’m paralyzed?”

“Kind of… I don’t want to give you fake hopes but… I think if you have the will to fight, you will maybe be able to walk again…”

“My brother…”

“He is alive… But he was pretty injured too and…”

“Tell me.”

“Your car was in fire, he has received some fragment of glass in his eyes… He… He is blind…”

“Blind?” Aiba whispered.

“He will have to be strong. Both of you will have. I’ll take care of everything to find you a place where to live. You are 20 years old, so, you can ask to be his tutor…”

“I don’t have any money to pay the hospital…”

“Don’t worry about that, everything is settled. Concentrate on your health and your brother, he will need you more than ever…”

Aiba laid his head on his pillow, staring at the white ceiling with empty eyes. His life was perfect until a bastard destroyed everything. His life, his dreams, everything was over now, he was left orphan, paralyzed and with his blind brother who would never accept the situation. What did he do to deserve such a fate? Even his father told him he was a nice person, a man you could rely on, so, why? He had never hurt someone in his life, had never acted badly while there were guys who raped, who abused people, who stole. Why fate chose him to spoil his life????

Tears started to roll down his cheeks and the day passed like that, with Aiba staring at the ceiling until a soft knock on the door made him blink.

“Masaki-kun?”

“Yes?”

“I’m your lawyer, Sakurai Sho…”

“My lawyer?”

“Well, your parents’ lawyer but… Kenta-san asked me to take care of you and Yusuke if something happened to him, so, I’m here…”

“You look young for a lawyer…”

“I’m 22 years old. My father is the lawyer of your family and I’m finishing my studies, I assist him in his
work. He will take care of the rest while I take care of you and Yusuke.”

“I don’t know you…”

“You don’t remember me? Well, we were younger when we met and I have changed a lot.” Sho chuckled.
Aiba stared at him with a frown and tried to remember when he could have met this handsome man who looked like a model and not a future lawyer.

“Shoko???!!!”

Aiba suddenly exclaimed under Sho’s laugh.

“Well, I would have preferred you forgot this nickname but yes, it’s me.”

“Woahhh, you are so handsome now! I hadn’t recognized you!”

“I have changed a bit, yes.” Sho chuckled.

“Too bad, you were hot with your piercings and your bad boy look.”

“Tell that to my father.” Sho laughed.

“What are you doing now, instead of following your father’s steps.”

“Mmmm I work hard to make him accept my boyfriend, Jun.”

“Oh… you have a boyfriend?”

“Since two years, you would love him if you knew him, he is so cool and kind. I decided to work hard for my father so, he could be accepted in the family.”

“I… I told my parents I was gay the night of the accident…” Aiba whispered, a tear rolling down his cheek. “They were amazing, they accepted me and said that as long as I was a man you can rely on, they would never be ashamed of me…”

“They were amazing parents. I liked them a lot.” Sho took his hand. “I know whatever I will tell you won’t bring your parents back or erase the pain in your heart. But Masaki, I have an advice for you. Fight. Don’t give up. Don’t let this cruel thing spoil your dreams and your life. Losing his parents is so horrible but your life isn’t done yet. You’re only 20 years old, you can still change your fate if you fight. You have Yusuke, you are young, you can still make your life beautiful.”

“I’m paralyzed and Yusuke is blind.”

“I heard the doctor. There is still a hope for you to walk again. Even if it’s a tiny chance, take it. Fight. Hope is what makes us do the most incredible things. You will walk again. You will find someone precious for you, will build your life together, will find the job of your dreams, you will have Yusuke by your side. Everything is possible as long as you don’t give up. If today, you choose to give up, then, your life will stay a hell. But if you find inside you the strength to move on, I can swear you, life will be beautiful again and your parents will look at you from the sky with pride and happiness.”

“I don’t know if I’ll be strong enough…”

“Listen, Masaki. You are not alone, I am here. I will help you when you will want to give up. I will support you. You can cry, you can yell, but don’t ever give up.”

“My mother often told me something when I was younger… She said ‘when life gives you hundred reasons to cry, show life you have hundred reasons to smile’…”

“It’s a beautiful advice. Let this sentence become your strength. Let your parents’ memory become your strength. You will doubt, it’s normal to doubt. The doubt is a force if you use it to move on, to go farther and if you don’t let it make you give up.”

“Thank you, Sho-chan…” Aiba made a small smile before falling asleep.

The following days became a hell for Aiba who had to face his brother to tell him everything. Yusuke didn’t even react, choosing to lock himself in a bubble of silence despite his brother’s tentative to cheer him up a bit. Sho was coming everyday to encourage him and make him remember to never give up. One week after his wake up, Aiba was already starting his reeducation and discovered a physical pain he had never been through before. His legs were like made of cotton, not able to support his weight and not seeming ready to obey to his brain’s orders.

“Let me do.” Sho said as Aiba was trying to bend his leg.

“It’s useless, I won’t walk again.”

“Because you want to go too fast. You have to re-discover your body before asking it to act like before.” Sho smiled and knelt down, taking Aiba’s leg to lay it on his thigh, starting to massage it softly.

“Where have you learnt that?”

“Jun.” Sho smiled. “He wanted to be an osteopath and taught me some things to help you.”

“Isn’t he in video games or something like that?”

“Yes, he is studying to have his own company but before, was interested by osteopathy. He gave up after two years because it didn’t interest him anymore.”

“Or he wanted to impress your father?”

“Eh?”

“You said you follow your father’s steps as a lawyer to make him accept your boyfriend but maybe Jun-san has decided to have his own company to impress your father.”
Sho stared at Aiba with surprise before sighing.

“I hadn’t thought about it…”

“I’m maybe wrong but if he loves you as much as you love him, then, it’s a possibility.”

“I’ll ask him…”

“But he taught you well, it feels really good.”

“You have to feel your leg completely, to re-appropriate yourself your body. Close your eyes and concentrate on my hand.”

“Okay.” Aiba obeyed and closed his eyes, visualizing Sho’s hand running on his leg, making him feel all the curves of his body.

“Now, your toes, I’ll bend them and will extend them.”

As minutes passed, Aiba started to relax, finding the sensation of his leg’s basic moves back. The young man almost fell asleep when Sho took care of the second leg, relaxing his muscles.

“How do you feel?”

“Great. Thank you so much!”

“Don’t try to walk like before so quickly, be patient, visualize your body parts before wanting to use it, you won’t walk if you see your body like a stranger and an enemy.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“We will do that again tomorrow and after, you will try to move your toes.”

Months passed, Masaki making progresses everyday under Sho’s happy face. He had met Jun and had immediately felt the beginning of a beautiful friendship for the younger who, despite his kindness, would always be honest with him without any rudeness. After one year of fight, Aiba could stand on his legs and walk some minutes even if the young man felt quickly tired. Yusuke was learning how to walk with a can while his brother fought to be “normal” again and to find him a dog guide and an apartment for them. Things seemed to get better and Aiba was starting to enjoy his new life more, trying to remember Sho’s words about himself being able to be happy again. They had lost their parents but they were young and they had to build their own lives, because it’s what their parents would like.

Tadayoshi came back to see Aiba some months after his accident. The young man had decided to stay in Japan and the two guys had finally started to get close like real boyfriends.
Aiba had found them a big apartment and hoped to be able to work when his legs would obey him completely and wouldn’t feel tired too quickly. Life was becoming beautiful again, Aiba’s dark sky finding back its colors but the young man didn’t realize that next to him, someone was hiding deeply a big suffering. Masaki didn’t realize his young brother hadn’t overcome his trauma and didn’t accept his state despite all the beautiful moments they shared together. Because Yusuke was a pro to hide his real feelings, playing the smiling happy boy in front of everybody but crying every night in his pillow. Yusuke was slowly diving into a deep depression, suffering so much that talking to someone else was unthinkable.

And it’s how Aiba’s life turned into a hell again, on a sad rainy Monday, when the young man found his pale brother laid on the ground in a big pool of blood.

****

Aiba stared at his brother’s picture a last time before getting up. He didn’t even have the force to cry anymore. His parents had left him and two years later, his brother had abandoned him. The blue sky of his life was turning into grey again and this time, Aiba wasn’t sure if his will to live would still be here.

“Come on, babe…” Tadayoshi took his hand and led him toward the car, meeting Sho and Jun’s worried eyes when he looked up.

“Let me talk with him some minutes.” Sho asked and grabbed Aiba’s arm to lead him away under the rain falling roughly as if the sky was crying over Yusuke’s death. “You have to get up, Masaki.”

“I’m not strong enough, Sho-chan…”

“You are. You will find the strength to get…”

“SHUT UP!!!” Aiba screamed. “THE STRENGHT???!!! Which strength???!!! Don’t start with your beautiful words about courage, strength and happiness, Sho!!! Life isn’t beautiful! Life is cruel!!! She took away all the happiness I had built!!! She stole my life!!!! Happiness doesn’t exist!!! We are just pathetic humans trying to live under fate’s control!!! I have lost everything!!! I never deserved that!!! I fought! I tried to become a good man!!! And what I have won??? Only pain!!!” Aiba cried loudly, tears rolling down his cheeks and mixing with the rain.

“And what? You’re going to make a suicide???!!!”

Aiba jumped and stared at him with sadness.

“Maybe I should…”

“Then, you won’t honor your parents’ memory.”

“I really don’t care anymore, Sho.”

“But we do. You are not alone, there is Jun, me and Tadayoshi-kun… Did you think about him? He loves you, you can’t abandon him…”

“It’s easy for you to say that, you can’t know what I feel.”

“True. I haven’t lost my family, I can’t know what you feel but it’s what you are going to make me feel if you decide to die. You have the choice, Masaki. You can get up again or you can give up and die.”

“I’m not strong enough, Sho. I want to get up but… my heart is aching so much…” Aiba sobbed, burying his face in his palms. Sho knelt down and hugged him tightly.

“That’s why I’m here. We are all here for you, to give you the strength you need. And Yusuke is here…” Sho touched his heart and gave him an envelope. “It’s from him. He left it in his bedroom. I haven’t read it.” Aiba opened the letter with shaking hands.

Dear Nii-chan,

If you read this letter, it means I’m dead. All the excuses of the world won’t make up for the pain I’m causing you after what we went through with our parents’ death. Please, don’t judge me, don’t hate me. I love you so much and I will never be enough grateful for all the things you did for me. You are an amazing
person, Masaki and like papa wanted, you became a true man and a beautiful person. You can be proud of yourself.

You certainly want to know why. I can only tell you that I haven’t the strength to move on. Everyday is a hell and even the moments of happiness you brought in our lives aren’t enough to appease my heart. Maybe if I hadn’t become blind, I would have been able to overcome the loss of our parents… I know it’s too easy to say that after all the efforts you made to get up and help me. But I’m not you and I’m weaker. I struggle everyday in this pain that’s gaging me. Today, I’m leaving you but I know you won’t be alone. You have amazing friends and a boyfriend who cares so much for you. I want you to do something for me even if it’s selfish to make such a request when I’m so selfish. I want you to live, to be happy and to help people like me. The association which was helping me was amazing, they have some people like me who need help and comfort not to take the same selfish decision than me. You are great to comfort people and to help them, so, I think you could concentrate on this gift. Please, live and build your happiness and life around these persons who love you and are here for you. I know I’m taking the easiest solution but I’m too empty to live anymore.

I love you so much, nii-chan, live your life, live your dreams for me. For papa and mama, be happy for us.

Love,

Yusuke

Aiba cried loudly burying his face in his palms, Sho staying next to him without a word, letting him free his pain.

“Why????”

“I don’t think you will ever have answers, Masaki. But whatever your choice is, you have to remember you are not alone.”

“I… I have to do something… Or I will break down and will make a mistake…”

“We will all stay with you, we will be here to make you get up, we will find solutions all together…”

The lawyer let him cry as long as he needed before bringing him to the car. This night, they all stayed in the same room, appeasing Aiba as much as they could.

****

“Here we are.” Sho said while parking his car. Aiba left it without a word. In one month he had barely spoken and Sho had decided to act before his friend could also make a mistake. They entered the building, a man welcoming them warmly.

“Sakurai-san! Welcome, I’m happy you came!”

“I had promised to help you.” Sho smiled and turned toward Aiba’s questioning face. “They have some troubles with a dishonest seller, I promised to be their lawyer. You can visit the building while we talk.”
Aiba only nodded and walked toward the main room, blinking in front of the view. There were people in wheelchair, blind persons talking happily.

“Nii-chan, are you a new teacher?” A small voice made him jump. Aiba lowered his head to discover a child who was smiling to him.

“I… No…”

“Oh… too bad…” The child sighed and left, Aiba blinking when he saw the boy walking with the help of two crutches. The boy’s left leg was cut above his knee, a bandage covering his skin.

“Hey… What’s your name?” Aiba stopped him. The young boy turned around and grinned.

“Yusuke. And you?”

Aiba gasped and fell on his knees, crying softly.

“Are you okay, nii-chan?”

“Yes… I’m Masaki… What happened to you?”

“An accident. I was on my bike and a car hit me.”

“Oh…”

“I was lucky, the doctors said I could have died. But I have lost my leg, it hurts a lot and I can’t walk anymore…”

“You can. You can even run if you really want to.”

“Eh?” The boy stared at him as if he was crazy.

“With lots of will, work and help, you will be able to walk and run again.”

“Will you teach me?!” Yusuke asked with a grin.

“I…” Aiva stared at him, ready to refuse when his eyes met the boy’s. And it’s when Masaki saw his own brother inside these deep pleading eyes that he understood. This boy needed him. This boy made him remember his brother when he was younger. This boy was desperately looking for help and deserved to be happy. “It would be a pleasure, Yusuke-kun.”

“Yatta!!! I want to play baseball again!”

“You will, if you are strong and patient.” Aiba smiled, raising him in his arms with a smile. “How old are you?”

“8 years old!”

“Then, we have lots of time to make you become a great player of baseball!”

“Pinkie promise?!”

“Pinkie promise.” Aiba chuckled, his eyes suddenly falling on a smiling Sho who was waiting some meters away. He lied. He brought me here to make me wake up. Because this boy needs me and lots of other boys will too. Because Yusuke wanted me to help people like him. When life gives you hundred reasons to cry, show life you have hundred reasons to smile. Aiba smiled shyly to Sho and whispered a ‘thank you’.
I’m going to get up, Yusuke. You will be proud of me. I will honor my family’s memory.

“Will you also help me, Yusuke?”

“You’re sick?”

“My heart is. My heart is aching and I need some help to heal it.”

“Then, I will help you, and you will teach me how to be strong and patient!”

“Of course.” Aiba chuckled. “You will become my champion!”

And it’s on this sunny day that Aiba’s life shone again.

****

Present day…

Tsuki barked when someone knocked on Nino’s door, the gamer concentrated on his Braille. His finger was following the line, his mind trying to understand what was written. Braille was complicated to learn and even if he had made lots of progresses, Nino couldn’t read perfectly yet. With a sigh, the gamer left his book to open his door.

“Hello, Ninomiya-san, I’m sorry for disturbing you but as we just moved in the next apartment, I wanted to invite you for dinner, Satoshi has talked about you so many times and I want to know you.” Suzuka grinned.

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea… And I can’t leave Tsuki alone…”

“You can bring him! Please…”

“Well… Okay…”

“Perfect! Come on, you will keep me company while I make the dinner!”

Nino followed her, Tsuki stuck against him. Ohno’s wife seemed kind, maybe a bit blunt but nice. They talked a bit while she was making dinner until they heard a sleepy ‘tadaima’.

“Okaeri, dear!”

“Papa!!!”

“Hey, my big boy!” Ohno grinned and raised his son in his arms with a smile before seeing Nino. “Kazu?”

“I asked him to join us for dinner.” Suzuka smiled.

“I… I should go, you have to stay in family…” Nino started to panick but Ohno grabbed his wrist.

“Stay, please.”

Nino couldn’t see but felt Ohno’s intense gaze on him, making him shiver and nod.

“O-kay…”

To be continued…

A/N: I’m sorry for the delay but RL got crazy and I have some family problems so, I couldn’t find time to write ><
Here was the chapter 5, with a big part about Aiba’s past (sorry for the Ohmiya shippers m__m And surprise, Sho knew Aiba since a long time xD They were friends and were separated for some years. So, Sho was a great friend for Aiba who wouldn’t have moved on without himJIn the next chapter, Nino and Ohno will face each other for the famous dinner and you will see how Ohchan tries to include Nino in his familyJSee you next week, comments, even short ones are very very <3