Chapter Text
"Come home, Tenma," Nina said, her eyes gentle and sad, "We'll be waiting for you."
It was not supposed to be a choice –how could anyone possibly choose? He wondered if this turmoil was what their mother experienced, having to choose between her beloved children. He stared at Johan's prone form, lying in a bed, looking relaxed and serene even after the heart-stopping run and chase from yesterday.
"I don't wish to involve you, doctor," Johan said in barely a whisper, eyes downcast. The doctor waited, but the young man said nothing more and continued to avert Tenma's gaze. Ever since his encounter with Johan after his escape from the hospital, their exchange was always like this, short and impersonal. The aversion was like an underlying message of please leave that Tenma couldn't help but to notice.
Tenma sighed, then took Johan's hand, squeezing the fingers which had pulled a trigger too many times. In a choked whisper, he said,
"How can I leave you alone?"