Dolor omnia novi

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

Taka was glad that the other seemed to share his desire to forget about what had just happened. Truthfully, he felt like everything was stressful at this moment... Between this woman's distaste for him and his son's sudden lack of communication, he was far beyond 'on edge'.

"I don't know that we can adjust nearly as quickly as they have, though." He chuckled lightly.

"You mentioned your boy had found someone he likes, didn't you?"

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

"Thanks..." she uttered, practically ripping the key from Naoto's hand before pushing past Taka.

She hurried into the hotel, making a beeline for her room. She barely even looked the place over before flopping down on her bed, immediately breaking into tears.

She really, really hadn't wanted to come here...but she couldn't turn Naoto down like that. Now, though, she regretted it... It was so much harder than she'd even imagined.

Meanwhile, Taka watched her go...but made no comment on it. It wasn't his place...she'd made that extremely clear.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

Taka nodded, moving ahead to take the initiative. Partially because he was in front of the group, but also because he figured the woman would prefer to be with Naoto while they got sorted.

Admittedly, it had been quite a while since Taka had even tried to find a taxi. Since Yusuke had moved in, he'd insisted on being Taka's driver. Not that he thought Taka was a bad driver, or was at all responsible for what had happened that night...but because he could tell that driving made Taka nervous.

Fortunately, despite his unfamiliar sounding English, they were quick to find a taxi. And he was relieved upon entering the car to see that their hotel was only about 10 minutes away.

The drive was mostly quiet, aside from the taxi driver making idle conversation with Taka. Aiko spent most of the time either looking out the window or down at her lap, not really feeling like talking. It was going to be a long trip for her, it seemed...

Eventually they arrived at the hotel, and Taka went to go check them in while the others' sorted the bags. He returned shortly with three keys, handing two of them to Naoto since...he saw the look on the woman's face when he returned.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

"It seems as good a time as any." Taka agreed, glancing at the woman beside Naoto...but deciding to simply leave it be.

He didn't fully understand who she was, aside from Naoto's brief explanation about her being a 'family friend' of sorts. Even so...something seemed a bit off about her. She seemed...angry, perhaps?

But not only that, Taka couldn't get over this nagging feeling that he recognized her from somewhere... Perhaps they'd crossed paths at a restaurant? Or a store?

"I'd imagine they have taxis at their airports?" He asked Naoto, seeing as this was a new experience for all of them.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

Taka gave a small nod, though his stress was still fairly visible. This was clearly getting to him, perhaps in a way that he couldn't quite describe.

Before Taka had much more time to dwell, Aiko returned with 2 bottles of water. One she kept for herself, but the other she promptly handed off to Naoto. She didn't say anything about it though, still actively trying to avoid attention.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

"I know, but...I thought we had gotten past that." Taka sighed, clearly more troubled than he wanted to let on.

He had worked so hard to help Yusuke open up to him. To help him push past the trials of his childhood. And now...it felt like they were back to square one.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

While Taka took another moment to try to stretch out the ache, Aiko found herself just looking at the floor.

She knew that she should be excited... After all, she was in a new place! This was her chance to get away from home and explore!

But...she didn't want to.

At least...not with Taka around.

She knew it wasn't his fault, but that hadn't made his memory loss any easier to cope with... Especially considering it had been right after she'd lost her brother...and then shortly after, her father.

"I'm going to buy a drink..." Aiko muttered to Naoto, not wanting any unwanted attention from Taka.

Truthfully, she missed him... The way he used to be, before everything went so horribly wrong. But...that was precisely why she couldn't let herself get hurt again.

She now realized that...people were too easy to lose.

Aiko took off to a nearby convenience shop in the airport, leaving Taka with Naoto. Now that he'd taken his painkillers, his mind went right back to worrying...

"Have you heard from them...?" He asked Naoto, a look of visible stress on his features.

"I tried to check on Yusuke...several times, actually. But...I've yet to hear anything back..."

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

Aiko had made it a point to not look in Taka's direction for the entire duration of their flight. When she'd finally said yes, it hadn't occurred to her that they would be going with a group...

Taka, however, didn't really take much notice of her. He was too focused on Yusuke being ill to even notice that Naoto's guest was purposefully ignoring him.

When they got off the plane, Taka had to take a moment to stretch. His body had healed well for a man his age, but his shoulder still sometimes ached.

"I'll be honest, I'm glad it's over..." Taka admitted to the other man, "Ten hours seemed much easier on paper."

Fortunately, he'd brought his painkillers...so he could fix that pretty easily, with just a water fountain.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

Nozomi nodded, offering him a smile before planting a kiss on his cheek. She was sad, but also happy for him. Even if he didn't show it, she could tell he was at least a little excited for the well deserved break from the house.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

Nozomi gave a small nod of agreement, though she couldn't say she would blame Taka. If she found out that Goro was in the hospital over there, she'd do everything she could to make sure they were there. Even if it meant bringing the kids on their first flight.

"Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea for him to go..." she admitted.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

"I hope so..." Nozomi agreed quietly, "I don't like that we've stopped hearing from her... I hope she's at least doing ok..."

Nozomi seemed to be spiraling a little, all her thoughts hitting her at once. This didn't happen as often as it used to, but it still happened from time to time.

"It'll probably help to check on Yusuke too, the poor thing... It must be scary, feeling sick in another country." She commented.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

She smiled up at him, moving to give him a kiss. However, her expression soon turned back to one of upset. She was of course sad her husband was leaving...but this, unfortunately, had been something on her mind for a long while now.

"Naoto-" she said suddenly, surprising even herself. "I...I know this is a strange thing to ask, but..." she began, clearly gathering her thoughts as she spoke.

"Do you think...you could maybe try to take Aiko with you?" She requested.

"We haven't heard from her in over a year now...and I'm worried about her, being all alone..."

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

"It has been years now..." she agreed softly, a hint of sadness in her voice at the thought of it.

She wasn't going to lie...she was going to miss him terribly. But it was important...and she couldn't hold him back from helping out.

"I'll miss you too, Teddy Bear...but Goro needs you right now." She told him with a sad smile.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

Nozomi smiled softly, finding herself feeling a little more emotional than she'd expected to. But, she didn't want to cry right now. For the first time in a while, she had to be strong...for Goro's sake.

"Don't worry about us..." she reassured softly, "I can handle the house while you're gone."

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

"Teddy Bear..." she hummed softly as she moved in to hug him. Of course, she was upset with the situation Goro was in...but it was also really hard to see him look so troubled. She knew that look of his so well by now...

She was silent for a moment, just thinking... It didn't seem like a good situation for anyone involved, and that terrified her. Enough so that...she was considering a somewhat drastic solution.

"Naoto, dear..." she said softly as she pulled out of the hug, looking him in the eyes. "I think...maybe you should go check on them, Naoto." She told her husband.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

"Oh, Goro..." she uttered softly, a frown touching her lips.

It seemed like they'd talked about a lot while she was tending to the kids... Which she could understand...after all, Naoto was a man. And...he was there first.

"That might explain why Yusuke isn't well...if they saw something happen..." she told him slowly, sort of trying to rationalize this all.

For one, he had traded his paint brushes for a camera...opting to pursue his passion for photography. He'd fallen into the hobby late in his senior year and, with the help of Taka, had chosen to study it in university. It had been a few years since then...and every day, he found himself more grateful for the change. Of course he loved painting...but it didn't feel the same anymore. And if anyone understand that, it was Ryuji...his long term boyfriend.

@whoro-akechi

Yusuke glanced over at Ryuji, swallowing the lump in his throat before averting his gaze. Ryuji didn't seem nervous at all...but then, he hadn't really changed much since high school. Yusuke, however, had changed quite a bit...and was unsure how the others would react.

"I'm...not sure this was a wise idea..." he repeated for probably the tenth time since their flight landed.

If his career choices didn't have him nervous enough, his body changes certainly did. While he'd seen Akira a few times in recent years, Ann was a different story. Since she'd opted to attend classes in the states, he hadn't seen her since they'd started university. He knew the weight he'd gained was healthy, and that he was still technically underweight, but...he was nervous none-the-less.

"Oh dear..." Nozomi breathed, frowning at the comment about Yusuke.

She knew that even now, he was still recovering from a lot...but as far as she'd known, he'd been doing much better recently. If he hadn't been, there was no way Taka would have let him travel abroad.

"We can go over there today and talk to him... Taka wanted to drop off some things anyways." She told him.