246 56 Exchange

n.o.body spoke a word on their walk back to town. "Our house is this way..." Mikael broke the silence. "I suggest taking Maru, and Emersyn to the hospital immediately." Rick nodded his head. "I'll try to visit when I can..." Mikael gave a sad smile. "I'm just glad they're safe..." he said, patting an unconscious Maru's head. "C'mon, Iris Azalea." Mikael stretched as he yawned. "Mm." She nodded. "See you." She said as she waved to the group.

As they arrived to the hospital, Vera, as well as Norio's sister were seated in the waiting room. Norio handed Emersyn to Keren. Hiromi lightly shook a sleeping Vera. Vera sleepily opened her eyes, looking up. Her eyes widened as she saw Norio, immediately standing up to hug him. She began crying. Norio rubbed her back. He gave a sad smile. "Oi, Norio," Keren began, then noticed he was tearing up. "No way..." she whispered. Norio knelt down, hugging Vera, as he broke down sobbing. Vera stroked his head, as they both cried. Keren began tearing up at the sight. "Hey," She quickly turned around to Hiromi. "How is she...?" Keren looked down at an unconscious Emersyn. "She's...safe at least." Keren smiled. Hiromi nodded. "Thank goodness..." She whispered.

There were screams of pain, coming from the hospital room. "Well, her arms, have a broken sensation." The doctor informed Rick. "However, strangely enough, on the outside they appear normal," he paused. "They will also heal within a week or so..." Rick nodded. "Thank you." He said, as the door shut. Rick turned to Maru, who had finally calmed down. "Hey..." he whispered. Maru looked at him. He knelt down, smiling. "You're so brave kiddo..." he whispered, stroking her head. "I love you..." He said, as tears filled his eyes. He kissed the top of her head, as he continued running his fingers through her hair. "I love you..." she whispered back.

"Oi," The door opened. Rick turned around to see Norio in the doorway. "Y-Yea?" he looked up. "Have a minute?" He asked. "S-sure." Rick stood up, patting Maru's head.

"Mikael went to the aftermath to see if he could collect anything...for the funeral." Rick looked steadily down. "He wanted to know if you wanted to attend...it'd be just us." Rick looked at him. "Who's us?" Norio looked down. "Our family." Rick kept his gaze down. "Sure." Norio nodded. "By the way..." Norio cleared his throat. "C-can we exchange numbers," he paused. "J-just to text you about the preparations..." Rick looked up at him, and couldn't help but laugh. Norio blushed. "Don't be such a stranger ya jerk..." He chuckled. Norio looked up at him. "Brothers...?" He asked, extending his hand. Rick looked at him, then smiled. "'Course!" He said, shaking his hand firmly. Norio began to laugh. Rick couldn't help but laugh too. "Looks like this is the closest they've been in years..." Sena whispered, smiling. Keren nodded. "If anything good came out of all of this mess, it's this..." she smiled. "I've never seen him so happy..." she whispered.