Stitched Together

Chapter 4: Matching

A soft lights hits my eyes and I open them slowly. I prop myself up on my elbow and look around sleepily. Everything seems to be normal. I get up and stretch. Suzuya's bed is definitely more comfortable, but sleeping on the couch is still better that sleeping with him. I trudge into the kitchen and rummage through the cabinets. Honestly he doesn't have much in here, just a bunch of snacks and empty wrappers. At the back of the cabinet I find some instant coffee. Not the best, but at least it's something. I heat up some water and mix it. How long am I going to be stuck here? It must not be very long with the way Shinohara was talking. I know for a fact I can ace the test, so I just hope I can take it soon. Being around this kid means I can't hunt, and after a while, hunger can really get to you. I lean on the counter and blow on the hot drink. It's already 8 o'clock, so we've slept in a fair amount. I sigh, grabbing the mug and walking over to Suzuya's bedroom. "Hey Suzuya, you up?" I ask as I gently knock on the door. After waiting a moment with no answer I creak the door open and peek in. Sure enough he's still passed out, the covers a complete mess from his tossing and turning. "Suzuya its morning," I say, approaching him. His chest rises and falls in steady breathing. Maybe I should just leave him. I set my mug on his nightstand and shake his shoulder ever so slightly. I give up, it's probably best to just let him rest. As I turn, my arm is grabbed and I'm pulled of my feet and into the bed. I let out a small shriek of surprise and Suzuya hugs my tight.

"Good morning Reina~" he smiles sleepily, rolling around slightly. I wiggle free from his grasp and hop back to my feet.

"You have got to stop doing that," I complain, as it is the second time he's just popped awake. He rubs his eyes and yawns. Oh geez, well I suppose he is kinda cute. I shake my head and grab my mug. "Would you like some coffee, or should I just bring the candy?" I ask, half joking.

"Candy, yes please," he answers as he sits up. Does this kid actually eat anything other than sweets? I leave the room but am surprised to have him follow me.

"You could've stayed in bed you know, I was coming back," I comment.

"But I was tired of being in bed," he replies before skipping past me and grabbing some snacks. He flops down on the couch and munches on them. I must be getting used to him, or just too tired to let him bother me.

I take a seat on the other side and set my mug on the coffee table. "Hey Suzuya, there's something I've been meaning to ask you about," I start, and he looks up at me inquisitively. "Those stitches all over you, what are they?" I ask. I actually have been curious about them, they don't seem to serve any purpose but he has a lot of them.

"Oh these, they're just for show. I like them, don't you?" He smiles and turns his stitched hand over.

"Well actually they are kinda cool huh," I mutter as I lean back on the arm of the couch. There is a pause before he perks up and smiles, like he had an idea.

"I know, I could do some for you! Nobody ever lets me stitch them, but I'd do a good job," he suggests cheerily.

"Um, doesn't it hurt though," I say cautiously. Piecing my skin would be no problem, considering the RC suppressants are still in my system. Puncturing yourself with a needle just for show does sound mildly questionable though.

"You're a big girl, it won't hurt at all," he giggles. I think it over for a second the let out a sigh.

"You know what, sure," I answer and he lights up and runs off for a moment. When he returns he has a bag of what seems to be sewing supplies. He pulls out a needle and a spool of red thread.

"Don't cry okay," he smiles and before I can question him he grabs my hand. He hums a cheery little toon as he pierces my skin with the needle. My breath hitches for a moment from the initial pain. Obviously it's not the worst thing I've endured, but the sensation of getting your skin sewn isn't exactly pleasant. I clench my teeth and look at the ceiling. The stinging only grows worse over time. After what seemed like forever he speaks up again. "All done~" he sings. I look down at my left hand and see it's very similar to the pattern on Suzuya's hand, the main difference being that mine ends about mid wrist instead of down my arm. He takes my hand and holds it up to his. "See, we match," he says happily.