BROTHERS

Chapter 16

It wasn't a long flight from Chicago to Germany. It was one o'clock in the afternoon when we got to Berlin. I was struck with nostalgia as soon as we got off the plane; there was a familiar aroma in the air that took me right back to my early years. After four years, I was returning home for the first time. And even then, so much had changed, as I could already tell.

"Gentleman, welcome home," Felix chuckled. As Bill rolled his eyes, Georg and Gustav surveyed their surroundings. We approached a car where two men were standing with their rifles slung across their torsos. We opened the car door, gave them our stuff, and got inside. Bill grasped my hand and squeezed it. That's what he did when he needed comfort or was anxious. I gave him a look and a reassuring nod. Being back home brought back all the wonderful memories, I'm sure. The ones we once daydreamed of. Perhaps that is why we felt uneasy.

-BILL'S POV-

Driving around, we noticed very familiar areas, buildings, and parks. They looked different now, painted and reconstructed differently. Looking at this city, I realized just how much I'd missed. Just how much we've all missed. "We'll be arriving at the hotel very soon. Get some rest; the ceremony will begin at eight o'clock," Felix said from the front seat.

This has both benefits and drawbacks. The drawback was that we would automatically follow my father's plans and live a life that none of us had requested, but how could we get out of a situation in which we were already bound? We are gone the moment we decide to go. For renouncing the clan, we will perish. We'll pass away in humiliation. I've made numerous attempts to commit suicide. However, I felt as though the universe was against me for some reason.

It might be a better getaway, and death wouldn't be all that horrible, but I know Tom wouldn't allow himself to die in the circumstances of others. When he's finished, he will decide, and because of that, so will I. Because what's life if I don't have my brother by my side? Which is why I'm almost appreciative that I never managed to truly end my life.

The benefit—the only benefit to this—was that we presided over ourselves. Nobody could oversee us anymore. The question is, what exactly would we do with this sovereignty? We were practically enclosed for years. How fast could we possibly adapt?

The vehicle came to a stop, and we reached a big tower that was reflecting Berlin. Men led us out of the car and into the hotel as the doors opened. We got out of the car one by one and took in the surroundings. We felt like aliens in our own country. "Gentlemen, let's check-in," Merlin said, turning to face us. We approached the front desk, walking right behind him.

"Mr. Genovini, welcome back." A woman replied, grinning, as she gave one of the service staff his baggage. Felix gave a nod. "I've brought guests; please make arrangements for them," he said. "Your room has already been prepared, as have the rooms of the other three gentlemen. We are going to tend to the four gentlemen for you. And we kindly appreciate all of your contributions toward the hotel," she said, handing him three keycards.

"Excellent," he exclaimed, grabbing them. He distributed one to Leonel and Merlin. "I'm assuming you are familiar with hotels. He turned to face us and stated, "We need to take care of some business at the venue. Tom gave a nod and trailed the woman toward the front desk. "This young lady will assist you here," she said, pointing at a girl stationed at the front desk. "Hi, your name, please?" She asked, smiling.

-TOM'S POV-

"Tom Kaulitz, I'd like to stay with my brother, Bill Kaulitz," I replied. She gave me a nod, and started to type on her keyboard, but abruptly stopped. "You said your name was what?" Stunned, she looked up at me as she spoke. Bill rolled his eyes and remarked, "You should've paid attention the first time." Again, "Tom and Bill Kaulitz," he said.

"As in..." she said, glancing at Georg and Gustav. "No way...Tokio Hotel? You guys... I thought you guys died-"

"Listen, I can't sit here and chat for long. I don't have the patience or the time. I responded icily, "You give us the damn room or I'll make you regret wasting my time. "Y-yeah, of course." She said as she immediately began to type on her keyboard. She asked, staring up at me, "D-do you have any form of identification?"

"No, I don't. But you these men behind me? I'll make sure they take care of you if you ask me another pointless question." I said, coldly.

She instantly grabbed three keycards, and her eyes widened with fear. "Floor six, room nine hundred one. Enjoy your stay," she said, shakily handing me the keycards. "Thanks," I replied, walking towards the elevator. The three of us walked in, clicking on the floor she indicated. "We just got recognized," Gustav said, turning to us.

"It's not a big deal," I replied. "What if the public finds out?" Georg asked. "Would that be so bad?" I replied. "What are you implying, Tom?" Bill said, turning to me. I turn to face them and ask, "Are you all concerned that this Knight Guy may discover who we are sooner? How pitiful."

"This man shouldn't frighten us; after all, how much suffering did we have to endure to fear a man who killed our father? Our father may have already reached his older years when the Knight reached him." I scoffed as I said. I got out of the elevator as soon as the doors opened. I turned to face them and said, "We will concentrate on The knight when we get there; for now, we will continue looking forward." With a nod, they stepped out.

We all walked up to our rooms, sliding the key card into its reader. When the little green light appeared, I turned the knob and walked inside. Bill followed behind me, setting his bag down. I drew a pack of cigarettes out, handing one to Bill. He took out his lighter, lighting our cigarettes. We sat at the end of the bed, staring at the wall. "Do you miss it?" Bill said, turning to me.

"What?" I turned to face him and asked. "You know, music," he said, perhaps searching for a response. "I do. However, we can no longer pursue music full-time as we once could. Our lives have changed since then. All we can do is be grateful for the chance we once had." With a sigh, I said. Bill sighed, putting out his cigarette and placing it on the ashtray next to the nightstand, without saying anything. "I'm heading over to the vending machine... He turned to go to the door and remarked, "I'll be back soon"

"Sure, I'll remain here," I replied.