Identical Memories (An OHSHC Fanfic) [Completed]

Chapter Thirty-One

A/N: So... she's a bit emotionally volatile this chapter... but can anyone blame her?

Emi

I curled up, knees-to-chest, in the chair. My phone, which I'd shoved to the side, vibrated almost constantly as I stared at Eri. At some point Hiroshi came in to tell me that the doctors would be keeping her out for awhile, something about giving her body a chance to rest. Then, he disappeared again, saying something about, "I'll get in touch with those assholes if I have to storm the damn office building myself. Kit and the asshole are coming with me."

It wasn't until my phone stopped vibrating, and a knock came at the door that I tore my gaze away from Emi. Standing there, looking as awkward as hell, were the twins. For a full moment, I couldn't speak. Then:

"What the actual fuck?" I demanded.

Hikaru laughed, Kaoru glancing between Eri and I with a frown that mirrored the one his brother wore, despite Hikaru's amusement. I didn't move-- simply tightened my arms around my knees.

"I didn't tell you two where I was," I pointed out. "So how the hell did you find me?"

They exchanged some silent communication between them, before giving identical shrugs, holding their hands palm-up in the air.

"Who--"

"--knows."

I glowered at them. "That's not an answer."

"Really?" Hikaru asked, turning his frown into a mischievous grin.

"Pretty sure it is," Kaoru added.

"Then again--"

"--Emi-chan--"

"--if you don't think so..."

"Just get the fuck out," I sighed, dropping my head back to my knees.

I didn't have the energy to deal with them. Really, I didn't have the ability to deal with anything. It was as if, despite feeling like I was filled to the brim with churning emotions, someone had taken a pin and leaked all the energy from my body. Silence fell on the room for several moments; then, suddenly, Kaoru's face appeared in front of me. I blinked, owlishly, before scowling at him.

"I said leave, dammit."

Instead of listening, he grabbed both my wrists, tugging me from the chair. "Dammit, Ka--"

"C'mon," he interrupted. "Hikaru'll watch her."

I swore up a storm, but didn't have the fight in me to protest as he dragged me from the room. Outside, he released one of my wrists, but kept his hand clamped down on the other as he dragged me down the hall. It wasn't until we'd nearly reached another hospital ward that he stopped in front of a vending machine. Still, he didn't let go.

"Let's see... coffee... juice... ah-- caramel milk!"

Kaoru dug around in his pocket with his free hand. I stared at him for several seconds, before rolling my eyes.

"You pulled me out here to buy a drink?" I demanded.

"Sure. Why not?" he retorted.

He seemed to locate his card, pulling it out and staring at the machine. For a moment, we both stood there, silent and brooding.

"I don't think that'll work," I pointed out.

Kaoru knitted his brow. "I don't carry coins..."