Final Riff

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

"To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time." - Clara Ortega

Mami was already dozing off as soon as she rode the car Naoki was driving. They've just came back from their World Tour that took almost three months to complete and now she was completely exhausted and ready to sleep the daylights out of her for a week. Unfortunately, her week was already planned out and she needs all the rest she could get starting now for the toughest week she will be facing.

Naoki dropped her off in front of the gate and was about to get out of the car to help Mami with the luggage but was only interrupted when Mami stopped her.

"Naoki, I can handle this. You go ahead and go home. I know you're tired too. You deserve some rest." Mami softly told to her and she could clearly see the appreciated look washed all over Naoki's face at the mention of the word, rest.

"Thank you. I'm rather beat already. Rest well too, Mami." The woman was about to say something more but her mouth only quivered. She stopped and cleared her throat that seemed to suddenly itch.

Mami knew what she was about to say but she chose not to comment about it. Instead, she gave her a warm smile before sending her on her way home. "Sure. Be careful on your driving, okay?" She answered back and started to haul her lightweight suitcase and guitar out of the car with relative ease.

Naoki sounded the horn twice to Mami before completely driving her car to the street and out of Mami's eyes. She stared into the empty street for awhile, knowing that she will miss these times. She let out a sigh before she started dragging her luggage into her apartment. Her eyes were cast down as she watched her step into the stairs to the door.

"Need help with that, Mami?" A familiar voice called out to her surprising her in the process. She jerked her head up only to see a tall, muscular guy smiling widely at her. Mami jaw dropped in disbelief and let out a sharp breath.

"Hello Mami. It's been a long time." The guy muttered, with amusement on his voice.

Finally breaking from her trance, Mami hurriedly pulled her suitcase with her and dropped her guitar to side before throwing herself to the guy, giving him a tight hug. "Nii-san!" She said right to his ears that made him wince at the sudden loud sound. He only tapped Mami's hair and back as he returned the hug his sister gave him.

"You seem well." He whispered to her and that's when she let go and looked at her brother. She looked at him from head to toe and she couldn't still believe that her brother was just right in front of her.

"It is really you! Wow, the sun really burnt you." She muttered as she noted that his skin got darker than she had remembered.

"Nice to see you too, Mami and yes. I think I've just got my entire share of the sun's rays for a lifetime." He teasingly said to her. "Oh, sorry. Where are my manners. It's good to see you too, bro." Mami chuckled.

"How long have you been out here?" Mami suddenly asked as she realized how cold her brother's hands were. He only shrugged and gave her his toothy grin before answering. "Just a couple of minutes."

"I don't think so. You've waited for me for hours, didn't you? Oh why didn't you call me sooner?" Mami angrily told him and he was about to answer back when she suddenly dug into her pockets and took a set of keys before shoving it to the door of her apartment.

"Let's get inside now before you freeze your butt out." She blatantly said that made her brother laugh at her words.

"Who's the older one here again?" He asked, amused on his sister's reaction.