The Knights Himura

#15: Last Drop of Liquor in Ikebukuro

"Yo, you ready, Tsuki?" Haruka's voice pierced through Tsukiko's idle daydream.

Tsuki sat on the steps in front of her family's home, staring down at the ground. Her eyes meandered back and forth slowly, counting each little scuff on the pavement leading to the street.

The sun had just hit its highest point, lighting up the world to its brightest point. The massive shadows cast by the clouds meandered around, filtering the pure sunlight. The sky beyond the white, fluffy pillows was a deep, powerful blue.

Haruka's face filled Tsukiko's vision. It was the same face she'd known her whole life, looking back down at her. It was still a strange feeling, after thinking for so long that she'd be gone forever.

Even though they had fought again just a few days ago, the pain they'd endured was gone again. Neither of them was any good at holding grudges. It must have run in the family.

Tsukiko wasn't paying attention, so she muttered a vague response. "Yeah, yeah, never better."

"You OK there?" Haruka leaned in closer.

"Y-yeah." Tsuki stuttered.

"Here." Haruka held her head down and shoved something forward.

Tsuki looked down and saw the navy blue jacket and hat again.

"...this again?"

Haruka shook her head. "It's not permanent. We'll get you fitted for your own jacket."

Tsukiko scratched her head. "It's not that, it's just--"

"Yeah, I know it'll be tight around the chest but, again, we'll get it custom fit!" Haruka groaned.

Tsuki frowned. "If it mattered so much to you before, why're you handing it over now?"

"...I thought a long time about what Sylvie said. I think having you matters more than this stupid thing." Haruka put a hand on Tsukiko's shoulder.

"Haru..."

"I know it's not your style, but try it. If anything, it'll give you a little protection out there." Haruka weakly smiled.

Tsuki sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't really intend for this to happen."

"Neither did I, but someday I knew my little sis would have to fend for herself." Haruka wrapped an arm around Tsukiko.

Tsuki avoided eye contact. "You think we'll find 'em?"

"Maybe, but right now, that doesn't matter."

Haruka grabbed her sister's head and turned it back to face her. "Hey, look at me."

"Wha--"

"Promise me you won't abandon that jacket." Haruka moved her hands down to Tsuki's shoulders.

"It's not mine." Tsuki made a weird face.

"You know what I mean, don't you?"

"C'mon, out with it."

"I want you to be a good person. If you're gonna get a jacket of your own, I want you to fight to protect people. Fight for a good cause."

Tsuki shook her head. "This ain't my battle."

Haruka sighed. "You're not just fighting for yourself out there, right?"

"That's rich coming from you." Tsuki chuckled.

"...what's it gonna take?" Haruka looked Tsukiko right in the eye.

Tsuki didn't blink. "Only if you do it too."