Media: Kenta Yumiya

Don't ask how Shaun and I spent the next three or so hours watching Netflix. I had found Ghosthunters (an old favorite of Shaun's), Wipeout (always for a good laugh), and America Ninja Warrior.  We were plenty of shows and time to kill.

My brother had fallen asleep half-way through our sixth episode of American Ninja Warrior. I glanced over at his sleeping face, and rubbed at my own eyes, then checked the clock.

4:21.

Leaning back, I stared thoughtfully at the ceiling, my mind spinning in circles at the loss of sleep. With that, I turned my head to the side, fully content with the idea of spending a few sleeping hours on the couch. 

A small photo frame caught my eye.

It was a picture of our parents and us two.

And no. I'm not going to bore you with some 'tear-jerking' cliché sob story. My parents were completely fine, living back in America. They visited every two months or so, checking in on how we were and stuff. 

Originally, they were going to move with us to Japan to accompany Shaun on his 'researches' (the dude is obsessed with dragons), but something stopped them. Somehow, I was trusted enough with my brother to go on my own. 

My mom looked like Shaun and I, with blonde-brown hair and blue-colored eyes. My dad was black-haired, and he had more of a lighter-green in his eyes. 

They were supposed to come in like three weeks. I smiled to myself, closing my eyes, and man, I really crashed. 

OoO

"Tess. Wake up."

Someone jostled me, and I groaned, lifting my head and opening my eyes. Shaun stared down at me, his blue-green irises unblinking. "Do you know what time it is?"

"Course not, brother dear," I replied sleepily, attempting to peer past his shoulder to realize the clock was behind me. "Uh...tw- TWO O'CLOCK?!"

No wonder why sunlight was filtering through the windows. It was mid-afternoon. With my drowsy mind, I had thought Shaun had turned on all the lights to blind me or something. 

Shaun nodded, turning to shut off the TV. The Netflix logo floated across the screen before it became completely blank. 

"What time did you go to sleep?"

"Uhhh..." I thought back to the clock I glanced at las- I mean this morning. "4:30?"

He crossed his arms, nodding to himself. "Makes sense, then. Ten hours."

I shrugged, hearing my joints pop as I stretched. "I'm sore," I complained, pushing myself off the couch and heading to the kitchen.

What he said next startled me.

"Do you want to go for a run?"

Blink. Blink. 

"Say what, Shaun? Us go out for a run?"

He adjusted the headphones almost always located around his neck (He even slept with them, geez) before meeting my gaze. "I don't see the problem. I have a day off, and I know you were supposed to meet Rehn at the doorway at five this morning-"

I froze. How could he know that?

But Shaun continued like he didn't see my expression, but I know he did because of the slight smirk spreading across his features. "So I thought, Why not?"

I pulled a glass from the cupboard and poured some milk in, pondering the idea. "Sure, I guess? Go get the drinks, will ya?"

Him and I worked in harmony. I made toast while he prepared the Gatorade and drinks into our..what do they call them? Camelback packs or something like that. As I shoved my feet into my shoes, I snatched up the four pieces of baked bread, handed two to him, and opened the door.

OoO

I didn't really know how much I enjoyed the feeling and sound of shoes smacking against concrete or pavement. 

I was breathless, my thoughts of creepy Rehn and silent Kato gone as I pumped my legs, struggling to catch up with my brother. 

Damn his long legs!

On the other hand, I had pretty long legs too...

Totally didn't just become a hypocrite for myself.

Shaun worked effortlessly, holding his tube-thing to his mouth as he took a sip of his Gatorade. I did the same, the ache of the lemon taste coming back as it went down my throat.

He risked a glance behind me, and I swear I heard him chuckle. 

"I'm not that far behind!" I barked, trying to even my breathing. He said nothing in return, doing a sharp right. I followed, crashing into his back and falling on my butt. 

"What's with the hella sharp turn?" I grumbled, rubbing my back while scowling. 

"Do you have your beyblade?"

I blinked in surprise before patting my pocket. "I don't go anywhere without it," I paused, adding on as an afterthought. "Besides the bathroom."

Shaun pointed upwards, and I could faintly hear the roar of the crowd, but I could clearly see the stadium looming in the distance. 

"What, you expect m-" I didn't finish as he pulled out his own beyblade. I gaped in surprise- Shaun had quit blading quite long ago, but he was incredible (in my eyes, anyway). 

"It's a tag-team tournament."

I grinned, flashing him a bright smile. "I like your style, bro. Let's go."

A/N~

ahahaha yeaaaaah eighth chapter

Sorry I had too much sugar again

But, yeah...filler chapter. A bit of Shaun's and Tess' relationships. 

Whee I just realized I used Kick Me words in this oops. Well, I am wearing a SWS shirt currently.

I'M AHEAD OF UNA NOW YEAH

I'm sorry. Just wanted to shove that in her face xD Trying to get her to update.