Len sat, bored in his living room. He was ironically reading a newspaper, but he realized he had been staring blankly at the same page for almost a full half hour. Blinking spastically, he put the paper down and sighed. He was just about to pick it up again in yet another sad attempt to "read" it when he heard a knock at the door.
Glad for an interruption, he got up and went to the door, not bothering to look out first, like his wife, Miku, always insisted on. For safety, she said. They lived in a quiet suburban neighborhood occupied mostly by elderly couples. Very dangerous.
Expecting to find yet another nosy old lady wanting sugar or something, Len was shocked to see a young, familiar slim figure. Rin.
Her head was turned when he opened the door, but he could tell something was wrong despite the two years it had been. She swung her head around at the sound of his sharp intake of breath, her big sapphire eyes turning to meet his similar ones. They filled with tears.
"Len." She said in a breathy tone. He opened his arms wordlessly as she fell into them, sobbing. He rubbed her back reassuringly.
"Rin, what's wrong? Tell me!" he insisted. She shook her head and pulled back cautiously.
"I'm sorry Len, I shouldn't have come, I just... I didn't know where else to go and you... you... I'm sorry!" She shook her head and turned, ready to race back to her car. He caught her wrist and pulled her inside. She pulled back, stubborn as always, even when upset. Because she wouldn't come, he simply picked her up, swinging her into his arms. The familiar gesture brought back many forbidden memories. He cleared his mind and noticed how fragile she seemed despite her ferocious fighting. He could feel worry build up inside him as he gently placed her on the gray couch. He sat down and leaned over, still holding her hand. She was biting her lip as a few tears escaped.
"Rin, tell me. It's ok." He said calmly despite his feelings. She shook her head again.
"Please? For me?" he pleaded, desperate to know what had made his twin cry. She finally met his eyes after avoiding them, and when she did, he saw her eyes fill with fresh tears. She put her head in her hands.
"I-I'm pregnant." She whispered. Len started, shocked. Pregnant?
"It's Kaito's... but... he left me... said he didn't want a baby.. Said he was cheating on me and doesn't love me. After a whole year..." Len watched, stunned as tears dripped onto her peach dress, staining it with salt water. He quickly found his voice.
"Oh Rin..." he said. So much had changed in the last two years since his marriage, he could tell. Rin was so much more... docile, scared. He didn't like that. Where was his ferocious twin he loved so dearly and forbiddingly so long ago? He pulled her into a close embrace, wishing he could find her inside this new, frail Rin. She snuggled into his chest, relishing in the comfort he provided. Feelings of tenderness he hadn't felt in a long time welled up in him. He stood up, grabbing her hand once more.
"Come on Rin." he said. She looked up, her damp face confused.
"Where?" She asked.
"You are staying with us of course. I'm going to show you to the guest room so you rest for a while." He grinned reassuringly, and to his delight, she smiled back.
"Really Len? I don't mean to be such a bother, turning up like this, imposing on you and... Miku." He heard the slight hesitation in her voice. He shook his head.
"Never imposing Rin. You are my sister, you will stay with me. It's my duty to take care of you." She blushed and looked away, but he saw the small smile on her face. He pulled her towards their guest room. It was messy for sure, for he had been sleeping in there for months.
"Sorry it's messy Rin, I've been sleeping here. Miku and I haven't really been... getting along." Len stopped, shocked at his own words that he hadn't dared to utter to a single soul, had barely even acknowledged them himself. He forgot how easy it was with Rin.
She studied his face, searchingly.
"I'm sorry. I could sleep on the couch..." She said carefully.
"No, No, we will figure it out later." He said hurriedly. "Do you have bags Rin? In your car?" She nodded.
"There's only a few, do you need me too..."
"No Rin, I think I can handle it. Why don't you just rest ok?" He helped her into bed after she slid off her slim sandals. She nestled into the covers, and Len couldn't help but smooth her hair back as she blinked sleepily.
"Have you been sleeping OK Rin?" he asked, noticing the dark circles under her eyes.
"Not really, it's been... hard." She said quietly, casting her eyes down.
"How...How far along are you?" he said inquisitively, eyeing her stomach beneath the covers.
"Only a month and a half." She said, smoothing her hand over her still flat stomach. "But I only found out a bit ago." She clenched her eyes closed. Len felt his heart being tugged. They opened again, staring deep into his. She reached out and took his hand for comfort.
"I-I'm scared Len." She whispered. Len was taken back. Rin was never scared. He felt panic rising in him. Damn that Kaito. He always hated him and his sleazy ways, but this... Maybe it was better he left Rin alone. Yes, it was for the best. Len would take care of her now.
"Rin, have you taken any of those vitamins? And have you eaten lately?" he said, worried. She shook her head yet again.
"I'll go to the store and get some things right away. Is there any particular food you want? Or anything else you need?" He asked.
"Mmm... Oranges..." she said tiredly. He smiled. Rin had always loved oranges, and it was nice to see some things hadn't changed.
He leaned forward to brush his lips against her forehead lovingly.
"I'll be back soon, you sleep OK?" She nodded, closing her eyes. He got up to slip out the door quietly, stealing one last glance at the small blond figure, smiling as he closed the door.