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RJ embraces independence.

He had grown up doing things on his own and by his own.

Their father, Gilbert, was Senior Finance Manager for a clothing company. He had practically lived in the office---he had always came home late and left home early. The time his children spent with him was a struggle to capture. He was there yet he never was.

Their mother, Brianna, was a housewife. She didn't work. But instead of staying at home, she was always at one of her friends' house, discussing household problems and gossiping about other housewives and their nonexistent sex lives. She was an affectionate mother, but she had never truly let go of her freedom. Most of the time, she had forgotten she already had a family.

He and Bow---they had grown up with the maids as their only companions, a typical yet not a necessary set up for children born in a rich family.

Gilbert and Brianna were good parents. They genuinely cared for their sons. However, they had a different definition in mind with regards to the meaning of being responsible parents.

Gilbert thought that because he could provide well for them, it was enough to make them happy. Brianna on the other hand always thought that her sons were independent enough not to need her so much. She hadn't completely let go of her bachelorette status.

So RJ had always acted as Bow's parental figure. Which was why the younger had started relying on the older more than he had relied on their parents.

At a young age, Bow had completely let go of his parents as his guardians. As long as RJ was there, Bow had never complained. It didn't take long before the bond between the brothers became stronger than the bond between parents and sons.

And RJ had loved it. Most would have felt that it was a heavy burden and a responsibility, but to RJ, it had felt... natural. He had easily accepted it. He had easily fit into the role as Bow's guardian despite his young age. He had taken care of Bow and had looked after him without the slightest hint of regret. He had taken pride in watching his brother grow into a fine young man.

For RJ, it was a huge accomplishment. His accomplishment.

When their parents had decided to stay in L.A., RJ was never angry. He had welcomed the change.

So did Bow.

It had made them closer. RJ used to be Bow's everything---his parent, his brother, and his best friend.

But then the accident happened. And while Bow's thoughts and feelings for his brother had somehow faltered in a way due to the brain operation, RJ's hadn't. He had cared more for his younger brother, had become more protective of him.

RJ's parents had volunteered to take Bow with them back to L.A., but RJ had never agreed. He had known what would happen to Bow if he would allow it. Their parents would just hire caregivers to take care of him, something that Bow didn't need.

First, his younger brother wasn't an invalid. He had huge changes in his behavior, and he might be fond of using his wheelchair for an unknown reason, but Bow could still walk and move properly.

Second, Bow needed to be placed in a normal environment. The flat effect might prevent him from understanding and feeling things the normal way, but he was still a breathing, feeling, thinking human being. He didn't need to be treated differently.

So Bow had stayed. And so did his children. Even when it was hard at times, RJ didn't request for help except for the usual sitters.

And it's the way he wanted it, still wants it.