But You Don't Care

jyuni

Two more days passed before I was to return home. It was still overcast, but the rain had ceased. I sighed before sliding the door open, calling out to the empty house. Rie ran upstairs, searching for any sign of life. I removed my shoes and set my stuff down. As much as I love my solitude, I missed my brothers, despite what may have happened a few nights ago. I walked upstairs and sat on the couch, realizing how tired I was. I pulled up my sleeve and gazed at the bandages. How could I be so stupid? Why would I do that? It didn't solve anything. In fact, it made things worse if anything.

You thought you could get away from me, didn't you?

I looked up to see the black masked duplicate. His ink covered feet shuffled ever so slightly as he stared at me. Every once in a while his head would jerk around violently, every movement filling me with dread. I pulled my sleeve back down and pulled my feet up onto the couch. My brows furrowed as I replied to him.

"I didn't think I could, but I was hoping it was possible."

Hah, hoping? You and I both know that you don't have any hope.

He took a seat next to me, dramatically crossing his legs as he put his arm around my shoulders. I shrunk away from his ice cold touch, but he followed my movements. He stared at his sharp nails before rubbing them on his shirt.

"Why is it only you now? There were five other ones, weren't there?"

You wound me so! You'd rather have their company? Keh! Don't worry about them. I'm all you need to think about. Besides...

He turned his face towards mine, lifeless eyes burning into my features.

Neither you or anyone you care about will get rid of me. I'm with you until you die, no matter how long, or short, of a ways that is away.

I tensed up, but just simply closed my eyes. I felt him shift.

No answer to that, hm? Heh, of course not. You wouldn't be able to think of anything worth saying. Not in this life at least.

I continued to ignore him, putting up a mental wall in my head. I felt him remove his arm from my shoulder.

Ah, I see. Are you rude to all your guests like this or something? Whatever. I'll be back, Shittymatsu.

With that, he was gone. I opened my eyes again to see Osomatsu up in my face. I jumped backwards, almost crashing out the thin window.

"You're back! We missed you!" my older brother laughed. I blinked a few times and sat back down on the couch with a sigh. I put my sunglasses on and smirked.

"Heh, of course my brother, I missed you all dearly from the deepest reaches of my hear-"

"You wanna come play Pachinko? We were already there, but Choromatsu made me come check if you were home yet."

"Eh? Oh, uh, no thank you. I'll just stay home this time. I don't really have money."

"Ah, too bad! Well, I'll see you later Karamatsu!"
He left with his arms behind his head. I let out a heavy breath and slumped onto my side. Rie snuffled my face before laying down beside me. I slowly stroked her fur, eventually falling into a gentle slumber.

~~~

I felt warm as I came back to Earth. I mumbled as I rubbed my eyes, curling up under the soft, pink blanket that was neatly placed on me. I lifted myself up and yawned, feeling even more sleepy than I did before my nap.

"Oh! You're up. That's good," Todomatsu said from the other side of the room. Jyushimatsu was playing with Rie quietly before he hopped up.