//Ring ring ring! Ring ring ring!//
 "Hello?"
I nearly fell over.
 "Um...hello?"
[["Hey kid, it's, uh...it's been a while."]] "..."
"Tobi?"
 "Father. Oh...um...I'm sorry, it's...it's...it's, um..."
"You, uh, you finally picked up."
 "Um...um, yeah. Yeah, I've just...I've been busy lately. Sorry."
[["It's been a few months since I've seen you."]]
[["Why weren't you at the funeral?"]] "Yeah, I've just...been busy with...with stuff. I've been, uh...working, lately. Someone offered me a job at the university, I;ve just been getting by."
"Good. That's, uh...that's great."
 "..."
"..."
[["Why weren't you at the funeral?"]]  "Mother's?"
"Yeah. It was a few months ago, after you moved out."
 "I...I remember. Yeah. I...um...I. I." Tobias sighed.
[[Pester him.]]"Did something happen?"
 "No, no, no, not at all...it's just, um...I didn't feel welcome."
"You...didn't?"
 "I...I felt guilty, I guess. I mean...well...I mean, it's hard to explain."
[["That's alright."]] "How have you been, Father? Since the funeral, I mean."
"Oh...well, I've been getting by, I guess." I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I've been trying to reach you for a while, kiddo."
 "I, um...noticed. I'm sorry, I...I've been really busy."
"I...yeah, I get that."
 "Have you been...good, at least?"
[["Yeah, yeah, of course. I'm fine.]]
[["I...I could be better."]]//Ring ring ring! Ring ring!//
 "I'm sorry, the caller you are trying to reach-"
//Click.//
[[Try again.]]  "Good. That's good. I imagine it must be hard, considering...considering, um...well, she was your wife, it...yeah."
"I'm...I'm doing fine, I guess. I miss her...but, well...I haven't moved on yet, but I think I'm doing good."
 "That's...great."
"..."
 "..."
[["Have you talked to Brek, lately?"]]  "Well...I guess, huh? Since, um...since Mother..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's just...it's been hard."
 "I get it. I'm still grieving myself. You know, since I...since I up and left, and then she was...I didn't get to see her." Tobias let out a sigh.
"..."
 "..."
[["Have you talked to Brek, lately?"]] "Brek? No, not...not really."
"Ah. I see. You know he hasn't danced since she...um..."
 "Yeah, I...I know. I don't blame him, I've been...avoiding certain things lately. It's...it's just like that, I guess."
"..."
 "...hey, um...Father?"
"Yeah, kiddo?"
 "Do you mind if I come over?"
[["No, not at all."]]
[["Is there something wrong?"]] "Oh. Alright, um...I'll be over in a bit."
"Yeah, of course. It's um...it's almost time for dinner. Do you...do you want anything to eat?"
 "Um...yeah. I mean, it's a bit early, but um...sure, sure, yeah."
"Well...well, I can cook, if you want. It's early and all...you're not that hungry, right?"
 "Oh, no, no, not at all."
[["So...I'll see you soon, kiddo."]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen + 1)
 "No, no...no, it's not...it's just that, um...I don't wanna be alone today. But if you don't want me to, then...then, I'll um..."
"No, no, I'm just curious, kid. I just...I just haven't seen you in a while, I didn't...I didn't think you wanted to see me."
 "Oh, no, it's not...it's not like that. I promise."
"..."
 "...so...so, do you mind?"
[["No, not at all."]]  "I'll see you later, Father."
//Click.//
I sighed, laying back on the couch. It really has been forever since I've seen Tobias, and...I didn't know what to think. What had he been up to?
[[Go to the kitchen.]]"What could I cook for him..."
It had been a while since I cooked. I didn't want to screw anything up.
//Bzzt! Somebody is at the door.//
"Already?" I walked over to the screen, and I raised an eyebrow. I pressed a button, turning on the speaker. "Hello?"
 "Dad! Hey, it's me, can you open the door?"
[[Unlock the door.]]"Come on in, Brek. I'm in the kitchen."
I turned it off and unlocked the door, before returning to the kitchen to get ingredients out. A few minutes later, Brek came into the kitchen hugging me from behind.
 "I didn't think I'd ever find you here again. You haven't been in this room in...in probably a year."
[["What brings you here?"]] "Just wanted to stop by. Oh, and I wanted to pick some things up in my room." Brek pulled back, combing through his hair with hsi fingers. "Why are you in here, anyway?"
"Why else? I'm cooking."
 "What's the occasion?"
"Felt like it, that's all."
 "Alright. Nothing wrong with that." He pointed to the hallway. "I'm going to grab my stuff and leave. Is that alright?"
[["Sure, whatever."]]
[["Don't you wanna stay for dinner?"]] "Alright!" Brek left, and I sighed, shaking my head. The way he had his hair...I thought I was seeing her for a moment. It nearly gave me a heart attack.
//Bzzt. Someone is at the door.//
I walked over to look at the screen, and I smiled.
[[Let Tobias in.]] "I have...well, it's not really a date, I'm just meeting with some friends today. Could I take a raincheck on that?"
"Sure, it's fine. Just wondering if you wanted to."
 "I'm gonna go grab my stuff, 'kay? I'll stop by before I leave." Brek ran off down the hallway.
I sighed, shaking my head. The way he had his hair, it just...I thought I was seeing a ghost. It nearly gave me a heart attack.
//Bzzt. Someone is at the door.//
I walked over to look at the screen, and I smiled.
[[Let Tobias in.]]"Hey, I'm in the kitchen. Come in."
I put a pot of water on the stove, and took some vegetables out of the fridge, washing them and setting them down on the cutting board.
 "Hello Father."
I turned around and I smiled, setting the knife down. "Hey kiddo, how are you? I'm so glad you came."
 Tobias gave a shy smile. "It's good to be here. I, um...I haven't seen you in a while."
I nodded. "Yeah, yeah, it's...it's nice." I tilted my head. "I, um...I like the hair, by the way. It's...it's different. It suits you."
 "The...? Oh, yeah. The hair. Yeah I, um...I trimmed it, I've been, um...straightening it lately. It's a lot more manageable."
[["You look great. I love it."]] Tobias smiled, setting his coat down on a stool. "Well...thank you. I've been doing it for about a month, actually." Tobias gestured to the vegetables. "May I help? What are you cooking?"
"Yeah, yeah, just um...just dice these. Here, like this."
[[Cook.]]...
......
........
 "Father?"
"Yeah kiddo?"
 "Can I step out for a moment?"
I turned around. "Yeah, of course, Tobi."
 "Thanks Father." Tobias wiped his hands and walked off.
[[Continue cooking.]] Brek walked down the hallway, holding a box in his arms. "Hey, I'm heading out."
"Are you?" I put the onions into the saucepan. "You should at least say hi to your brother before you leave. You haven't seen him in months."
 Brek stopped. "My...brother?"
"Mhm. Tobias's here."
 "...are you joking?"
[["Why would I be?"]]
[["Don't let me keep you from your friends."]](set: $Brekdinner to true)
 Brek set the box down in the hallway. "So he's here? He's in this house?"
"That's what I said, yeah."
 Brek was silent for a moment.
"The house code is 67854, by the way. So that I don't have to keep letting you in."
 "..."
"..."
 "Actually...I think I might stay for dinner."
[["Okay."]]
[["Why the change of heart?"]] There were footsteps from the other side and Brek turned around, freezing. Tobias stood there, a little surprised and confused. "Brek. Hey."
 "You're here. You're...you're actually here."
 "I...am. And so are you."
[["Tobias, could you set the table?"]] "Well...it's been a while. My friends...forget about them." Brek closed the box.
"If you say so."
 Brek tied up his hair. "Hey...how did you know Tobi was coming over?"
"Tobi answered my calls earlier today. Wanted to stay for dinner."
 "Why didn't you tell me anything?"
"I did. Besides, you said you were busy tonight, and you seemed to be in a hurry, so I didn't say anything."
 "...could you pass me the pepper? Your sauce is bland."
[["Okay."]](set: $Brekdinner to false)
 Brek shook his head. "I'm going. Call me if Tobias comes by...or whatever. I have to go."
"I'll tell him you said hi."
 "Whatever. Bye Dad."
"Bye Brek." I paused. "Wait, Brek?"
 I heard him running down the hallway. "Yeah?"
"The gate code is 67854. In case you wanna come back or something."
 Brek paused for a moment. "Okay. Is that all?"
[["Yeah, that's it. I'll see you."]] "Bye Dad." Brek walked off and I turned off the stove, draining the water from the pot.
Tobias came back a few minutes later. "Hey kid, I was starting to worry about you."
 "Sorry, I um..." Tobias let out a sigh and smiled a bit. "I just...I just wanted to see the, uh, garden. Yeah. It's...it's in really good condition."
"Well, yeah. Your mother always liked it, and I'm pretty sure she'd kill me if I didn't keep it in good condition."
 "Oh...you didn't have to do that."
[["It's worth it to see you smile."]] Tobias was stunned for a moment. "...oh. Um...thanks. Thank you."
"It's no problem." I turned off the heat and took the saucepan off of the burner. "It's relaxing. I can see why you took it up."
 "Yeah, it's...it's nice, I guess. I...I don't really like having an apartment because there's not enough space for a proper garden. I really miss having that space."
[["You can move back in if you want."]] Tobias tsked, before he sighed. "I dunno. I've...I've been..." Tobias shook his head. "To be fair...I haven't been back to my apartment for a while, actually."
I looked back. "Really? Where have you been staying?"
 Tobias pursed his lips. "Well...um...I've been, um...I've been staying with a friend. In his, um...apartment."
[["A friend?"]] "Yeah, of course, Father." Tobias walked to the dining room.
"Hey Brek, could you bring the food to the table?"
 Brek stopped looking at Tobias. "Oh...um...yeah. Sure."
[[Go to the dining room.]] "Yeah. Kind of." Tobias shrugged. "I guess it's a bit complicated."
"Is...is he more than a friend?"
 "Mmm..." Tobias got the plates and utensils. "I...I guess so. Since we're staying together a lot. Like...living together. Ish."
[["I'm happy for you."]]
[["I'd like to meet him."]]Brek and Tobias sat across from each other at the table, and I sat at the head, which them at either side.
[[Start eating.]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen + 1)
(set: $imhappyforyou to true)
 "Oh...thank you. That means a lot."
"He seems like a nice boy."
 "He is. I'm really lucky to have met him."
(if: $idliketomeethim is false)[
[["I'd like to meet him."]]]
[[Bring everything to the table.]] "Maybe I'll bring him by one of these days. I think...I think he'd really like to meet you too."
[[Bring everything to the table.]]  Tobias set the plates and utensils at the table, and I set the food down in the middle. Tobias took a seat.
[[Eat.]] "Father?"
"Yeah kiddo?"
 "What else have you been doing since...since the funeral?"
"Mmm..."
[["Staying home a lot."]] "Have you gone to work?"
"Karasuma forced me out the day after Ren's funeral and I haven't gone back since. I...kind of want to go back, actually."
 "Wasn't that a few months ago?"
"Just about. In his defense, I guess I'm still barely hanging on." I looked at Tobias.
[["What about you? What have you been doing for the past few months?"]] "Well...I'm a lab assistant at a university, actually. It...it's been nice, I guess. I don't get to work on plants as much as I'd like to, but..." Tobias shrugged. "It's fun. It's really fun."
"That's good. I'm glad you're getting by."
 "I am too." Tobias looked back at me. "I was...well...to be honest, I was really scared to move out. And then Mother died, so...it...it was just really bad timing. I felt really guilty about it."
[["There's no need to."]] "I know, I know. It wasn't my fault she died, I just...I just wish I were there. I was already unsure, and I guess...I guess...I didn't want to face her. Even though she couldn't judge me."
I set down my fork. "Have you visited her, kiddo?"
 "Yeah, yeah, pretty recently. About a week ago. Finally got the courage to."
[["She doesn't resent you for leaving."]] Tobias sniffed. "Yeah...yeah, I know, it's just..." Tobias sighed. "I'm...I'll wash the dishes. I need a second."
"Yeah, yeah, of course, kid."
[[Help him clean up.]]I helped Tobias bring the dishes to the sink, and I put away the leftovers, closing the fridge. The water from the faucet started to run, and I turned around to look at him. He was slowly soaping the dishes, and I walked over to the cabinet, getting a glass and a bottle of wine.
When he had finished, I handed him the glass. "Here. Drink."
 "I...I don't. Can't. I have to drive back."
[["Don't worry about that, I'll drive you to your apartment."]]
[["You look like you need it right now."]]
[["You can stay over if you want."]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen + 1)
 Tobias shook his head. "No...I shouldn't."
"Kiddo-"
 Tobias tilted his head back and downed the wine quickly.
"Kid."
 "Can we sit? And maybe...talk a bit?"
[["Yeah, yeah, of course."]]
(set: $experiencen to $experiencen + 1)
 Tobias shook his head. "No...I shouldn't."
"Kiddo-"
 Tobias tilted his head back and downed the wine quickly.
"Kid."
 "Can we sit? And maybe...talk a bit?"
[["Yeah, yeah, of course."]]
(set: $experiencen to $experiencen + 3)
(set: $Tobiasstayone to 'true')
 Tobias shook his head. "No...I shouldn't."
"Kiddo-"
 Tobias tilted his head back and downed the wine quickly.
"Kid."
 "Can we sit? And maybe...talk a bit?"
[["Yeah, yeah, of course."]]Tobias sat down on the couch and I sat across from him, setting the bottle down on the coffee table. We didn't talk for a while.
"Are you alright, Tobias?"
 Tobias nodded, setting the glass down. "Yeah, I'm...I'm fine. I'm sorry, I just...I haven't thought about her in a while. I just...get overwhelmed."
"Is there anything you need?"
 Tobias was quiet for a moment. "Could you...could you get me a blanket?"
[[Get him a blanket.]]I came back a few minutes later with a blanket. Tobias had the glass back in his hand, and was sipping on more wine. He patted the seat next to him, and I set the blanket down there, before sitting next to him.
 "Thanks." Tobias set down his glass, pouring me my own and handing it to me. "Why is this here?"
"Karasuma brought it a while back. Never got rid of it." I swirled the wine in the glass. "I don't even drink."
 "I'm aware." Tobias laughed a bit.
[["Have you seen him lately?"]] "Tobias."
 Tobias looked up from his food, looking at Brek. "Yes?"
 "Where have you been? You never showed up to the funeral, you haven't been home, or answering our calls..." Brek sighed. "What's wrong?"
Tobias seemed hesitant to say anything.
[["Brek, maybe we shouldn't discuss this now."]]
[[Stay silent.]](set: $twinsargue to true)
 "Why not?" Brek whipped around to look at me. "Don't you wanna know where he's been? Don't we have the right to know what happened?"
"I want to know, but..." I sighed, shaking my head. "Just...not now. All in due time. If Tobi's not comfortable with-"
 "Brek, could we talk?" Tobias cut in, standing up. "Alone?" He looked at me. "Excuse us. We won't be long."
[["Um...alright."]] "Come on, tell us what's been happening. You can't just disappear for months on end and not say anything."
 Tobias rubbed the back of his neck. "Um...well, it's...it's, well, you see..." He looked down.
 Brek leaned over the table. "Come on, Tobi. What's been happening?"
 "Well...I...I, um..." Tobias got up suddenly. "I need to get some air. Excuse me." He ran off, down the hallway.
 "Tobias, wait!" Brek got up to go after him.
[[Stop him.]]Both of them left the room and I sat there for a moment, waiting.
[[Follow them.]]
[[Wait for them.]]I grabbed Brek's wrist before he could run off. "Give him some space. You shouldn't have been so harsh on him."
 Brek wretched his wrist away. "He should at least tell us why he hasn't contacted us for months."
"He should, but you shouldn't push him like that." I gently put a hand on his shoulder. "Sit down. Calm down, please. This is the first time we've seen him in months-"
 "Get your hands off of me!" Brek pushed me off and ran off down the hallway.
[[Follow them.]]
[[Wait.]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen - 1)
I could hear them getting louder as I approached the corner.
 "Look, it's been //months,// literal months, and I //still// can't believe you-"
 "It's not about //that// anymore! Just forget about it, okay? Since you think it's //clearly// my fault, I'd rather you never talk to me again!"
[[Cut in.]]
[[Keep listening.]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen - 3)
(set: $Tobiasangry to true)
It was a while before I heard anything.
 "Tobias! Tobias!" I heard footsteps running down the hall and I stood up.
 I saw Tobias first, who was swiping his face. "No, don't talk to me. Just leave me alone!" Brek followed soon after.
[[Follow them down the hall.]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen - 2)
(set: $Brekangry to true)
It was a while before I heard anything.
 I saw Brek first. "You're being completely unreasonable, Tobias. I'm not talking to you anymore." He bent down to grab his box, walking down the hall.
Tobias ran after him.
[[Follow.]] "Tobias, I'm sorry, please just-"
 "Stop! STOP IT!" Tobias whipped around. "You've done enough. Please...//please// just let me leave. And don't talk to me again." He caught me at the corner of his eye and he shook his head, before slamming the door.
 Brek stood in front of the door, running his hand through his hair.
[["I think you should go."]]
[["What happened?"]] "I think I should too." Brek murmured, shaking his head. "Thank you for tonight, Dad."
(if: $ask is 'uwu')[
Brek got up and went down the stairs. I followed him to the foyer, seeing him off and closing the door behind him.
I walked to the kitchen, seeing Tobias dry up the dishes. "You okay, kiddo?"
 Tobias paused and sighed. "I've been better, I suppose. But I'm alright."
[["Is there anything I can do?"]]]
(else:)[
He walked to get his box of stuff, before passing by me in the foyer. He walked out without a word.
[[Clean up the dining room and kitchen.]]] "He just blew up on me! I can;t believe after all this time, he's being irrational!" Brek ran a hand through his hair, tousling through it.
[["Did something happen between you two?"]]
[["I think you should go."]] Brek set the box down, opening the door. Tobias put his hand on his shoulder. "Brek, ple-"
//Smack.//
"Brek!"
 "I said not to touch me, you bastard." Brek took his box of things and slammed the door. Tobias stood there, holding his right cheek in his hands.
[["Are you ok?"]] Tobias was silent for a moment, before he smiled, nodding his head. "Yeah, I'm...I'm okay." He sighed. "I, um...I should be going, actually. It was nice seeing you today, Father. I'll see you soon."
He walked out without another word.
[[Clean up the dining room and kitchen.]]I walked to the kitchen to wash the dishes and clean up.
As I was washing up, I noticed Tobias' jacket on his chair. I picked it up, draping it over my arm as I finished washing up.
[[Return Tobias' jacket.]] Brek sighed, shaking his head. "No, it's...it's nothing. We just had an argument before he moved out, he's just...he's just so frustrating."
"Is there anything I can do about it?" I put a hand on his shoulder. "Do you want me to talk to him?"
 "No, Dad, it's...it's nothing. Just a dumb thing. It'll pass." He didn't sound too sure about it. Brek shook his head. "I, um...I should go. Thanks for tonight. I'll...I'll see you another time, I guess."
He walked to get his box, before he left.
[[Clean up the dining room and kitchen.]] (set: $experiencen to $experiencen + 1)
"Is everything alright?"
 Both of them stopped, and seemed bewildered to see me there. "Father." Tobias seemed to stiffen up. "It's nothing. Brek and I just got...we just got a bit carried away."
 "Don't pretend like nothing's wrong." Brek hissed.
 "Brek, //not now.//" Tobias gritted his teeth. "Preferably //not ever.// It's no longer important."
[["Is there anything I can do to help?"]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen - 2)
 "I already apologized for that! I already apologized //so// many times! How many more times do you want me to apologize?"
 "I don't want your apology! I just want you to //leave me alone.//" Tobias sighed. "You don't even know...you have no idea what I've been through. You don't know what it's like-"
 "I didn't do that to you, Tobias! I don't even see //why// I'm apologizing! You know what? Fine. FINE! I take it //all// back! I'm not sorry! In fact, I //wish// you overdosed that night. I //wish// you were never born, so that I wouldn't have to go through this stupid crap with you!" Brek scoffed. "If I had known taking you to the hospital would make you behave like //this//, I would've just let you die."
[[Tell Brek to stop.]]
[[Act like nothing is wrong.]]
[[Stay behind the corner.]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen - 1)
(set: $Tobiasangry to true)
 Tobias sighed and he shook his head. "It's nothing, really. It's a...it's a dumb thing. There's nothing to worry about."
 Brek crossed his arms. "Tobi, I-"
 "I'm serious, Brek. Shut //up//." Tobias hissed. "We're done here."
 Tobias started to walk back to the dining room, and I stood there with Brek for a while, who was in shock. "That bastard..."
[["What's wrong?"]]
[["Let's go back to the table."]] Brek nodded. "Yeah. Let's." He started to walk back.
Dinner was finished in silence, and Brek went up to his room. Tobias went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.
[[Ask Tobias if everything is okay.]]
[[Check on Brek.]]"Hey!"
 Both boys turned around, bewildered. "Father." Tobias stiffened up.
I turned to Brek. "You shouldn't be talking to your brother like that. That's extremely disrespectful and-"
 "He was being 'disrespectful' first! He's the one spewing all this crap!"
I turned to Tobias. "Tobias, what happened?"
 Tobias bit his lip and looked away, rubbing his neck.
[[Ask him for details.]]
[["Let's go back."]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen - 1)
"Is everything alright?"
 Both boys paused and turned around. "Father." Tobias rubbed his arm. "Nothing. Nothing's wrong. We just...we just got a little bit heated, that's all."
 "Little heated, my ass."
 "Shut //up//, Brek."
[["Let's go back."]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen - 3)
 It was a while before Tobias said anything. He didn't say anything, but I could hear him start to sniffle. "Fuck you." He spat. "//Fuck// you, Brek."
 Brek's tone shifted. "Shit...shit, Tobias, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it, I-"
 "Stop it. You're going to make it worse."
 "Tobias, please-"
 "Let go of me!" Tobias grunted. "I said, let me go! We're done here."
[[Stop Brek.]]"Tobias, what's wrong? You know you can tell me."
 "...nothing. It's nothing, Father." Tobias murmured, turning away.
 "Like hell it is."
[["Let's go back."]](set: $Brekangry to true)
 "Like hell I am. I'm leaving." Brek shook his head, before running off.
I looked at Tobias, who was holding his arm.
[["Are you ok?"]](set: $experiencen to $experiencen - 1)
"What's going on here?"
 I stepped from the hallway to see Brek grasping Tobias's wrist. Both of them quickly separated, Tobias grasping his wrist. "It's nothing, Father."
"It didn't look like nothing."
 "Tobias's just being an irrational and childish //dick//, that's all."
[["Brek!"]](set: $Tobiasangry to true)
 "If you could just //hear// how he's trying to-"
 "You're not the victim here, Brek! It didn't happen to you! You'd //never// understand!" Tobias shook his head. "You know what? Forget this. Forget it. I'm done."
[[Follow after him.]]
[[Let him go.]](set: $Brekangry to true)
"Tobias! Tobias, wait!" I caught him at the door, and I put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, hey kiddo. Are you alright? Please, just talk to-"
 "I would //appreciate it// if we don't speak about this. //Please.//" Tobias's voice was cold. "Goodbye." He closed the door.
I stood there in shock for a few minutes, before Brek came rushing by with his box. "Brek, is-"
 "Goodbye, Dad." The door closed.
[[Clean up the dining room and kitchen.]] I stood there for a while, before I shook my head, turning to Brek, but Brek wasn't there. I walked back to the dining room to see Brek getting the plates and taking them to the kitchen. "Kiddo, you don't have to clean up, I'll do it."
 "Do you mind if I stay over tonight?" Brek looked back at me. "Please?"
[["Yeah, of course."]](set: $Brekangry to true)
 "I don't wanna talk about it right now." Brek shook his head. "I just...I can't believe how irrational he's being. He's just...I can't believe him."
"I can't help if you don't tell me what's going on."
 "Then maybe you can't help at all." Brek scoffed. "I...I think I'm leaving. Now. I don't want to talk about this anymore."
He walked off without another word.
[[Go back to the dining room.]] Brek looked relieved. "Thanks Dad. I...I just need to get away for a while."
"It's fine, I get it." I walked over to help him wash the dishes.
 It was a while before any of us spoke. Brek turned to me as he turned off the faucet. "Is everything alright? You look like you have a lot on your mind."
[["It's nothing concerning."]]
[["I'm worried about you two."]] Brek tilted his head to the side. "Are you sure? You look like you're thinking really hard."
"It's alright, kiddo. Don't worry about it." I ruffled his hair. "I'm always thinking really hard these days. It's hard not to, I guess."
 "Because of Mom?"
"Sort of. She's not really here to get my mind off of things."
 Brek was silent for a moment. "I can distract you, if you want."
[["You don't need to, kiddo."]] Brek laughed, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it, Dad. It's nothing. It...it was a dumb fight. We didn't mean anything by it."
"I've never heard you guys fight like that. Or...at all."
 Brek sighed. "Well...we fought, I guess. Maybe it's just that we're older now? I have no idea." He looked at me. "I think you have nothing to worry about. I'm really happy to see him, I am. I just...I don't know."
[["I just don't want anything to happen to you."]]When I got back to the dining room, Brek wasn't there. Tobias was the only one there, clearing the table.
 "He left." Tobias said. "I don't blame him."
[[Help him clean up.]] (set: $unubaby to true)
I walked over to the kitchen. "You doing alright, kiddo?"
 Tobias looked up. "I've...I could be better."
"Do you want to talk it out?" Behind me, I heard Brek run down the stairs. The sound of the door came later.
 "It's fine. It's between me and him. We'll resolve it."
[["Is there anything I can do?"]](set: $Brekangry to false)
(set: $ask to 'uwu')
I knocked on Brek's open door, and he turned around, surprised to see me. "Are you alright? I know you and Tobias fought, but I wanted to check if you were okay."
 "It wasn't fighting." Brek said quickly, before turning away. "I'm...I'm fine. I guess. He was just...we...we were arguing over something stupid. It doesn't matter anymore." He looked back at me. "Do you, um...do think I could stay over tonight?"
[["Yeah, of course."]]
[["I think you should go."]] Tobias paused a moment. "I'd like to stay over tonight, if that's okay. I, um...I don't really want to go back to my apartment."
"Yeah. Yeah sure, of course you can stay. You can stay as long as you want."
 "Thanks. I...I appreciate it." Tobias turned off the faucet and sat on the couch. I walked over to get a bottle of wine and two glasses from the cabinet, setting it down on the coffee table. "I thought you didn't drink."
"Not often. But sometimes I do." I looked over at him. "Could I get you anything else?"
 "Mm...a blanket, maybe?"
[[Get him a blanket.]] "Mr. Miyamoto? Well, I've been working in Hotaru's lab, so I've seen him once or twice. Maybe...maybe right after I moved out? It's been a few months, I think."
"He came by a few weeks ago. I don't remember the date." I leaned back. "We just had dinner, talked some things over. He was worried about me after Ren died. I don't blame him; I don't think he's taking it too well either."
 "No one is, really." Tobias drained his glass and poured himself another.
(if: $unubaby is true)[
[[Ask why they were fighting.]]]
(else:)[
[[Pour yourself more wine.]]
]"Hey kiddo."
 "Yes Father?"
"Why were you and Brek fighting?"
 Tobias swirled the wine in his glass. "We had an argument before I left. It's still unresolved, everytime we bring it up, it just...it just tears us apart. It's no good, really." He set down the half full glass.
[["What about?"]] "It was...it was dumb, really. It just..." Tobias shook his head. "No, it's still...it's still a really big deal, I just..." He sighed. "I don't know, it's...it's complicated."
He didn't seem to want to elaborate on what happened. I wasn't going to force him. Tobias leaned into me, and I laid his head on his chest. "It's alright, kiddo."
 "It was stupid. I regret it. Maybe...maybe if I had agreed...maybe we'd be on better terms." He swiped at his face, sniffling.
[["Well, do you think you're in the right?"]]
[[Shut up and let him cry.]]It was a while before either of us said anything. We had finished the last of the wine before any of us spoke.
 "I fucked up."
I looked over at Tobias. "What?"
 He looked back at me, tearing up. "I...I fucked up, Father. I just..." He shook his head, curling up into me.
[["What's wrong, kiddo?"]]I wrapped my arms around him, taking the wine glass and setting it down on the coffee table. His tears soaked into my shirt, and I sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What's up, kiddo? You can tell me...it's fine. I won't get mad."
 "I messed everything up. I screwed everything over."
"Kid, no you didn't. What's wrong? What you did couldn't have been that bad."
 Tobias hiccuped. "It was."
[["Could you tell me what happened?"]]
[[Shut up and let him cry.]]Tobias shook his head. I sighed, and then smiled. "That's alright. I understand." I tucked a strand of his hair behind his ear.
 "He's being irrational." Tobias seemed to be slurring his words a bit by this point. "But...but I don...I dun wanna fight anymore."
[["Well, do you think he's in the wrong?"]] Double-click this passage to edit it. Tobias was silent for a moment, save for a few sniffles. "I think I am. I think...I think Brek's wrong."
"Well, siblings disagree. Sometimes it's just like that." I let down his ponytail. "Your aunt and I disagreed on a lot of things. It was a few years before I talked to her again..." I shook my head. "I still think she's wrong...but there are just some things that can't be agreed on."
 Tobias wrung his hands. "Do you...do you think I should just let it go?"
[["It depends. What's more important to you now?"]]He didn't answer. "It's okay if you think it's being right. That's how I felt for a while." Still no answer. I looked down. "Tobias?"
 Tobias looked up. "Can you bring the blanket closer? It's cold."
[[Drape it over him.]]I reached over, tugging the blanket closer and draping it over Tobias. "Better?"
 "Yeah." He scooted a bit closer.
"Sleepy?"
 He gave a slow nod. "A bit."
[["Alright then. Get some rest, kiddo."]] "Kinda. Yeah." He sniffed, swiping at his face. "Is that wrong?"
[["It depends. What's more important to you now?"]]"I'll be right here, don't worry."
[[Wait for him to fall asleep.]](set: $eventun to 'tobias')
Once Tobias had fallen asleep, I put a pillow under his head. He moved just slightly, curling up more in the blanket.
[[Go to your room and sleep.]]I got into my car, setting Tobias' jacket on the seat next to me. To be honest, I had no idea when he'd be coming back, or if, for that matter, considering the fight he and Brek had. There'd be no other chance for him to get it back.
It took me a minute to recall his address, considering I had gone to his apartment once, a few months ago. I wasn't sure whether he'd even answer the door to me. For all I knew, he wanted nothing to do with me anymore.
I stood in front of his apartment door, the jacket draped over my arm.
[[Forget it.]]
[[Knock.]] //"Dima!"//
//I opened my eyes.//
 //"Dima!" She smiled brightly, reaching out to me. "I was getting worried...you finally found me!"//
//Not again.//
 //"Dima? What's wrong?"//
[["You're not real."]]Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. I sighed, turning on my heel to leave. The door behind me creaked open, and I stopped.
 "Hey. What do you want?"
[[Turn around.]]I sighed, and I raised my hand, knocking on the door firmly.
I waited a while, but there was no answer.
[[Forget it.]]
[[Knock again.]]I knocked once again and waited. This time, the door opened, revealing an albino male with long white hair in the doorway.
 "May I help you?" He crossed his arms over his chest.
[["Is Tobias Waller home?"]]I turned around to see a lanky albino male with long hair standing in the door way, his arms crossed over his chest.
 "Is there something you need?"
[["Is Tobias Waller home?"]] The man raised an eyebrow. "Why do you need to see him?"
I held up his jacket. "He left this at the estate. I was just going to return it to him."
 He held out his hand for the jacket, and I gave it to him. "Why do you have this? As I recall, he was only going to his father's place."
[["That's me. I'm his father."]] The man looked over me, and looked back at the jacket, almost in distaste. He hung up the jacket on the opposite wall. "You said he left it there?"
"He left about half an hour ago."
 The man tsked, and sighed, before holding out his hand. "Elliot Mikhailov." I shook his hand, before retracting. "I'm...Tobi's roommate, I guess."
[["It's nice to meet you."]] "And I you, I suppose." Elliot crossed his arms over his chest. "I'll let him know you...dropped this off. Thank you, Mr. Waller."
I nodded. "Have a good evening, Elliot."
 "You too." The door closed.
[[Drive home.]][[Go to your room and sleep.]]  Brek laughed. "Dad, I"m fine. We both'll be. I mean, he finally came back. It's definitely something." He walked over to the cabinet and gasped, taking a bottle of wine out. "Dad, what's this? Where did you get this?" He looked back at me. "Since when did you drink?"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "I don't, Brek. Karasuma brought it the other day." I waved my hand. "Open it if you want. It'll just go to waste otherwise."
 "Come on! At least have a drink with me!"
[["Oh, no, I shouldn't."]]
[["I guess one couldn't hurt."]] Break laughed. "Come on! You've moped around for at least a month. You deserve a little distraction." He walked over to the cabinet and he gasped. "Where did you get this? I know you don't drink."
"Karasuma brought it the other day. Made me keep it."
 Brek turned around, grinning. "It's the perfect distraction. You should have a drink with me."
[["Oh, no, I shouldn't."]]
[["I guess one couldn't hurt."]] "Aww, Dad! Just one. One drink, and then I'll finish off the rest." Brek smiled. "For me? Please?"
[["I guess one couldn't hurt."]]
[["Really, kid, I'm good."]](set: $drunk to true)
 Brek laughed. "I knew you'd come around." He poured himself a glass first, before pouring another and giving it to me. After clinking it against mine, he took a sip.
I took a little sip, and rested the glass against my knee. "I don't remember the last time I drank."
 "Has it really been that long? You're not that old."
[["I did say I don't drink often."]] Brek sighed. "Alright. Fine. I'm keeping the extra glass in case you change your mind."
We sat down on the couch and he uncorked the wine, pouring the blood-red liquid into the glass. He laid back, swirling the liquid before he took a sip.
 Brek turned to me. "Do you know what Tobi's favorite alcohol is?"
[["I don't."]]"To be honest, I didn't think he drank."
 Brek laughed, shaking his head. "Oh no. He drinks. Or, well, at least before he left, I know he did." He looked down at the wine. "He likes vodka. Not a surprise, I know, but he likes...he likes the really cheap drugstore vodka. He likes the burn, apparently." He downed half of the wine glass.
"Whoa, kid, slow down." I put a hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged it off. "I don't want you to choke or something."
 Brek laughed again. "I'm fine. Really. I just...I just really need a good drink right now." He downed the second half of the glass, before leaning forward to pour himself another glass.
[["Brek, are you alright?"]] Brek looked at me. "What would ever make you think I'm not?" He looked down at his glass. "I mean, I just had a big argument with my twin, he's angry at me..."
"Brek-"
 "But I'm //completely// fine. I told you not to worry." He grinned. "It's fine. It's all fine."
(if: $drunk is true)[
[["It doesn't sound like it."]]]
(else:)[
[[Let it go.]]] Brek hiccupped. "What?"
"It seems like it's really bothering you." I took another sip. "I'll listen if you want to tell me what's going on."
 "It's child's play, really. I don't want to bother you with it. You have other things to think about."
[["It's not a bother if it's you, you know."]] Brek clicked his tongue. "I guess. When did you stop? If you even started to begin with."
"I never started. I only drank at company functions to be polite. Then Karasuma told me I could say no, and I've been doing that ever since." I shrugged, and looked over at him. "I don't mind //you// drinking, but if I find out you started at a really young age, we're going to have a problem." I took a longer sip of my wine.
 "Tobi and I waited until midnight on our 20th birthday. He had a thing of vodka hidden in his mini fridge." Brek smiled. "I'm surprised no one found it." He swirled the wine in his cup and threw his head back, downing it quickly.
"Brek, kiddo, slow down." Brek set the glass down and didn't say a word. Then he started pouring himself another.
[["Brek, are you alright?"]]It wasn't long until Brek had drained the entire bottle. He sprawled onto the couch, hugging one of the pillows to his chest.
 "Hey Dad, how..." He cleared his throat. "How long has it been since you've gone outside?"
"Brek, I go outside."
 "I meant outside the estate. You know, gone out to dinner with Karasuma, or someone or...you know." He sat up to look at me. "You should do that. Maybe I can set you up with the head of the dance studio." Brek hiccupped.
[["That's not necessary."]] Brek chuckled. "I appreciate the sentiment, Dad. But...I don't...I don't think either of us are ready to talk about what happened yet."
"I understand, kiddo. I'm here if you want to listen."
 Brek smiled. "Thanks Dad. That means a lot." He hiccupped.
[[Finish off the wine.]] Brek clicked his tongue. "Well...Mom was a dancer. I guess it's...it's too soon." He sighed. "I really miss her." He clutched the pillow close to his chest.
"We all do, kiddo. It's hard without her, but...but I guess stuff just happens."
 Brek set the pillow on the rug, before turning over onto his side. "She was gone too soon. She was doing so well, and then...then she was just...she was gone." He looked back at me. "I thought she'd be there for us forever. Well...not forever. Just...just longer than now."
[["I know, kiddo."]] "There's so much I forgot to say to her. If I knew she'd be gone...if I knew, I don't think I would've had this many regrets." Brek sighed, sitting back up. "And...and now I screwed it up with Tobi. Now we're fighting. If she could see us now...she'd be so disappointed."
I scooted a little bit closer to Brek. "It //was// a pretty bad fight."
 "We were fighting before he moved out."
[["Oh?"]] "He moved out right after and just...he vanished. And I screwed it up. If I...if I just swallowed my pride for a second, maybe he wouldn't be mad anymore." Brek pulled his knees up to his chest. "It just...it //sucks//. I can't believe I did that to him."
"It wasn't entirely your fault, I'm sure."
 "It was, Dad. If you knew...I'm pretty sure you'd agree with him."
[["What happened between you two?"]]Double-click this passage to edit it. Brek ran a finger over the rim of his glass. "We had an argument. We fought. I...did something to him. I know I'm wrong, I know I...I um...I hurt him. I don't blame him for not wanting to talk to me ever again."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
 Brek shook his head. "No...I don't think so. I don't think anything can fix this now." He sniffed, before swiping at his face. "Sorry, I...I'm just..."
[[Hold him close and comfort him.]] "Do you still sleep in your bedroom?"
I set my glass down. "That's an odd question to ask. Why would I stop staying there?"
 "It doesn't remind you of Mom?"
I thought it over a moment.
[["Not really."]]
[["At first."]]
[["Yeah."]] "Really?"
"Well, she used to talk a lot. The silence, it's empty, but...I can't hear her voice, so I suppose it's not like I avoid the room."
 Brek set down his cup. "That's kind of why I haven't gone back here."
[["Really?"]] "And now?"
"Not anymore. Not as much. I mean, the bed feels much bigger, it's quieter...it's kind of like she was never there. It wasn't a very reassuring thought at first, but..." I shrugged.
Brek set down his glass. "Everything here still reminds me of her. I don't like visiting often because of it."
[["Really?"]]"I see her in everything. Sometimes it hurts just being here."
 "That's kind of how I feel actually. It's why I don't come back as often anymore."
[["Really?"]] "Well...yeah. I just...I didn't feel like I missed her at first. I guess it's starting to hit me now. I guess I'm just processing now that she's...gone."
I don't know why it surprised me so much. "She's gone."
 Brek bit his lip. "She is. Mother's gone." He looked down. "I feel empty without her."
[["We're still here, Brek."]]
[["I do too."]] Brek looked back at me. "We are...but I still miss her so much. Maybe she could fix what heppened between Tobi and I..." He swiped at his eyes, looking straight shead. "I'm sorry. I just...I get emotional when I drink, I'm...I'm sorry, I..."
[[Hold him close and comfort him.]] Brek nodded. He sniffed, before swiping at his eyes. "I just...I miss her so much. I have so many regrets...I know she'd tell me to shut up if I tried to tell her...but there's so much I wanted to tell her." He shook his head. "I'm sorry, it's...it's the wine that's...it's..."
[[Hold him close and comfort him.]]I scooted closer to Brek and wrapped my arms around him, holding him close to my chest. "There, there kiddo. I'm here for you. You...you don't have to worry anymore, okay? I'll always be there."
 "What if...what if what happened to Mom...what if it happens to you?" Brek looked up at me. "I don't want you to leave me too...I...we...we never //saw// it coming. What if it happens to you too?"
"Hey, hey, kiddo." I ran a hand through his hair. "Don't worry. I'm here. As long as you need me to be. Nothing'll happen to me."
 "You don't know that."
[["I don't. But do you know what I do know?"]] Brek sniffed, swiping at his eyes.
"I can't promise you'll I'll be here forever...I don't know that. None of us do. But...I can promise, that for as long as I'm here..." I tucked a strand of his hair back. "You don't have to go through this alone. You don't have to go through anything alone. I'll //always// be there for you, Brek. I can promise you that much."
 "..."
"..."
 "Dad?"
[["Yeah?"]] "I'm going...I wanna head to bed."
I smiled. "Alright kiddo. Get some rest."
 Brek got up, and he started to walk out of the living room before he stopped, turning around. "Hey Dad?"
"Mm?"
 Brek offered a half hearted smile. "Thank you. For everything."
[["No problem, kiddo. You know I'll always be there."]] "Good night, Dad."
"Good night, kid."
 Brek ran back up the stairs.
[[Put the wine glasses away.]](if: $drunk is true)[
[[Go upstairs and sleep.]]]
(else:)[
[[Go to your room and sleep.]]] //"Do you remember it being this cold?"//