As time passed, Ichimatsu and Jyushimatsu sat on the cliff, not saying a word. It was almost like everything was going to be okay again...just like it used to be. The wind had finally calmed down, and now there was only a soft, quiet breeze as the waves crashed more softly on the shore.

Jyushimatsu had fallen asleep in Ichimatsu's arms from crying so hard. And Ichimatsu didn't bother to push his pitiful brother off. He actually looked happy when he was asleep...

"And I thought I was the 'depressed' one..." Ichimatsu thought to himself as the sun slowly began to set. "Poor Jyushimatsu...poor Jyushimatsu...why did everything have to happen like this? He was so happy when he was with Homura-chan, and now she's dead...I wonder if I'm the only one who knows about this now..."

As the sun began to go down farther and farther into the sky, Ichimatsu shook Jyushimatsu awake.

"We should be heading home now...don't you think?" he muttered.

Jyushimatsu nodded his head. His mouth open, once again, like everything was perfectly fine.

And together, the two walked away from the cliff, hoping to never be there again...

They took their time on the way home, walking slowly in silence. This was only normal, of course. Everyone was used to Ichimatsu not saying a single word. But for Jyushimatsu to just stay...quiet the entire time was ridiculous.

"I feel like I should say something to him..." Ichimatsu thought as they continued to walk up the street towards their house. "But what more can I say...it's not like words will bring Homura-chan back..."

Jyushimatsu stopped walking.
"Everything will be better from here, right, nii-san?" he asked innocently.

Ichimatsu wouldn't promise anything, but he knew for sure that he would gladly do anything, as long as his brother kept on smiling through rough times.

"Mmm..." Ichimatsu replied, nodding his head, then continued to walk.

Just as the two reached the door step to their house, Ichimatsu stopped and looked up at a pole. And there sat five birds, huddled close together, quietly singing mournful songs.

"I'm sorry..." Ichimatsu whispered as he walked into his home with Jyushimatsu.

Author's note: Yes, the last two chapters were short. I'm going to be working on quite a few BIG chapters over this weekend! I'm really hoping you're all enjoying it so far! ^•^