I Remember You, Rin

C13 Don't Leave Me Yet

It was September 13th, the day before Sousuke's birthday. It had been two years since he entered Stage 7. Rin understood how the older boy would be reaching his end soon so he wanted to get Sousuke the best gift for his birthday on the 14th. So, Rin decided to go shopping. By now, Sousuke had already lost the ability to talk anymore, needing help with everyday things such as eating or moving around so Rin decided not to get him any food. He searched around town, looking inside every store not knowing what to get him. He wanted the perfect gift so he decided to look around each store and write down ideas for him. Then, he found the perfect thing. There was an empty picture frame you could put on a bedside table so Rin decided to put an old team photo of them in it for some memories of the past. Then, Rin bought it, rushing back to his house and searching through his drawer for old team photos, knowing he had a lot. Then, he found the perfect one. It was one with the whole team. It was also the only one that Rin had where everyone was doing a normal face so he decided to give it to Sousuke. Then, when he put the picture in the frame, he put it on his bedside table next to his alarm to remember to bring it to Sousuke the next day. Then, he headed for the hospital.

When Rin got there, outside was the Doctor and Sousuke (Sousuke now has to be in a wheelchair so they can move him around without hurting him). Rin walked over to them with a bright smile on his face. Sousuke's eyes shone a little, hinting he was happy to see the maroon-haired boy. Rin laughed softly when he saw this, patting Sousuke's head a little. "Now I can be the one patting your head..." Rin sighed a little but then covered it up with a hurtful smile. The Doctor gave Rin a can of soda like usual, Rin chugging it down and throwing away the empty can. Then, they all made their way back to the hospital room where Sousuke was lifted up onto his bed. After, the Doctor spoke. "Also, Rin, yesterday I was talking to Sousuke a bit and there was something he wanted to give you." Rin raised an eyebrow when the Doctor spoke, confused on what Sousuke would want to give him. But then, the Doctor reached into a bag from under his desk and pulled out one of Sousuke's hoodies that he would wear during the Winter's at the hospital. Rin gasped a little and looked at Sousuke. "You...Want to give me it?" A small light made it's way through Sousuke's eyes, showing he did. Then, Rin laughed softly, taking it from the Doctor, speaking quietly. "Thank you, Sousuke..." Rin put on the hoodie, it reaching to just above his knees. Then, when he looked up, he could see a small smile on the brown-haired boy's face, causing him to smile too. Rin walked over and kneeled down next to Sousuke's bed, playing with the older boy's hand. "Tomorrow's your birthday, Sousuke... You're turning 25." The room fell silent for a second until Rin whispered a bit. "Look at you, Sousuke, you're becoming old!" A small laugh left Rin and the Doctor, Sousuke's eyes shining again. Rin sighed softly. "You're turning 25 and you're still here...Thank you, Sousuke... For being by my side. I'm happy I met you when we were kids. And I'm glad we stayed together. Also...Thank you for remembering me." Rin planted a small kiss on Sousuke's hand, shaking. Then, the Doctor walked over and crouched next to Rin, placing a hand on his back. "It's a miracle he remembered you, I think you two won't ever be separated, even in your next life." Rin smiled softly at the thought. "That sounds nice..." Then, the day continued on until Rin went back home, heading to bed. But, before Rin left, he froze from the unexpected words from behind him. "Rin...Love on..." Rin turned around, knowing that wasn't the Doctor's voice. It was Sousuke's. Rin teared up as he smiled softly and nodded. "Sorry but I'll only love you, Sou'." Then, he left.

When Rin woke up, his chest was tight from excitement. He quickly got dressed and got the picture, heading to the hospital. No matter what, he didn't stop running. Even at a road, he would jog in the spot, ready to get to the hospital. Then, finally, he was there. He looked around but neither the Doctor nor Sousuke was outside. But, when Rin went up to Sousuke's room, he saw the Doctor standing outside the room so he ran over. "Morning!" Rin's smile was bright yet the Doctor had a dark expression. Rin raised an eyebrow. "What's up? You're meant to be excited, it's Sousuke's birthday..! Look, I got him this picture frame-." Rin lifted up the picture but was interrupted by the Doctor. "Rin, I'm sorry but Sousuke won't be seeing that picture." A small, nervous laugh escaped Rin. "W-Why not? He's only in the room, I can show him it!" The Doctor sighed. "Rin, I know you know what I'm talking about, you just don't want to admit it." Rin felt a stab go through his heart as the Doctor spoke again. "Rin, I'm sorry...Sousuke was a strong young man." The picture fell from Rin's hand, tears falling from his eyes as he took his head away from the floor and looked up at the Doctor. "Y-You're joking right? Haha....that's a good joke, anyways, I need to go give Sousuke this so if you don't mind-." Then, when reached for the door handle, the Doctor placed his hand on his shoulder. "Rin, Sousuke is still in there. I knew you would want to give him some final words. I'll come back in after 30 minutes, ok?" Rin's eyes were now wide, tears frozen, unable to fall. He nodded and then slowly walked in, shutting the door behind. And like the Doctor said, Sousuke was there, laying on the bed with the cover over him.

Rin slowly made his way towards the boy. He crouched down next to him, shaking him softly. "Oi, Sou', wake up..." But, there was no response. Not even a little twitch. Rin shook him a bit harder. "Sousuke, come on, don't joke around like this." Then, Rin reached for Sousuke's hand, going to play with it like he always would. But, when Rin placed his hand in the older boy's, he couldn't help but gasp in pain. His hand was stone-cold even though it was always under his cover. Rin moved his hand to the boy's wrist, feeling all over for a pulse. He checked the neck too. But, no matter where he placed his fingers, there was nothing. No response, no beats, no pulse. Rin's eyes widened more as tears started to slowly melt out again. Rin shook Sousuke roughly, now shouting loud enough for the Doctor to hear. "Sousuke! Please, wake up! I know you can still hear me! This is all a joke!" Screams of pain escaped the damaged boy. Rin picked up the boy so he was halfway sitting up and hugged the weak body tightly in his arms. "Sousuke you idiot answer me! Tell me you're here! I can't have you gone already!" The screams continued as Rin held the boy tighter, not letting go, still crying from pain. "Come on Sousuke, don't do this to me...Don't leave me yet!"