Fionn liked to be at home with his family. His mother, a slim, tiny woman with dark brown hair and eyes the color of a sunset was always cooped up in the kitchen, doing what she loved best—baking pastries and large meals and the like. His father, however, was a tall man with platinum blond locks curling slightly inward. His blue eyes were dark and sharp, almost hostile to those who didn’t know him well. While Fionn looked like a direct cross between the two, his brother, Reiner, was the spitting image of his father. Reiner’s height rivaled his father’s, and, even though his older brother’s hair was only a few shades darker than his father’s, his eyes were the same depth of blue. 

It was no wonder why Reiner had gotten married so quickly. He was an extremely handsome man, as his wife said. Not to mention his wonderful personality. Yet… even thinking about Reiner got him sick. Fionn was simply his shadow; everyone thought of Reiner instead of him. Then again, he wasn’t nearly as robust, funny, or cute as Reiner. He was the runt of the litter, the underdog. No matter what he did, whether it be grades or housework, Reiner always used to thwart his attempts of getting noticed by doing what he did ten times better. 

Even though he was often ignored, Fionn enjoyed spending time at home. It was the only place where he wouldn’t be pushed around or abused… or so he thought, until he remembered about Reiner. 

All the blond-haired boy wanted to do is lay on his bed and play a video game or two. His peace was interrupted when his brother trotted into his room as if it was his own, smirking down at his little brother. “What’s up, Fionn?” the tall man asked, his grin unwavering. “Aren’t you going to go out and see your girlfriend tonight?”

Fionn buried his face into his pillow, his eyes peeking out over the edge of the soft object as he hid his blushing cheeks. [b]”Already told you, I don’t have a girlfriend. I just hang out with my friends.”[/b] he answered, his voice tinted with annoyance and his gaze remaining on the television screen. His brother always loved to tease him for whatever he did. His life was a tough one; either he would be completely ignored or he would be pushed around or teased. 

“Uh-huh. Sure.” Even though Fionn wasn’t looking at his brother, he could tell that he rolled his eyes after uttering that comment. “Then why don’t you tell me who you hang out with, then?”

Fionn tossed Reiner a sharp glance. “Someone named Naoto, and a few other guys. A few girls, too. Why?”

“I was just curious.” Reiner muttered, ruffling Fionn’s light hair rather roughly. “No need to get your feathers ruffled.”

“Fionn?”

When Fionn heard his mother’s voice, he perked up. He looked toward the doorway to see his mother, who was peeking into the room. [b]”Yeah, mom?”[/b]

“I was wondering if you can pick up a gallon of milk from the grocery market.” she said, walking into the room. “I need it to bake some cookies.”

“Oh boy! Cookies!” Reiner threw his hands above his head in joy. “I love your cookies~”

Fionn paused his game and sat up in the bed. [b]”I’ll get the milk.”[/b] he told his mother, who grinned at him in relief. His mother’s cookies were delicious, and he felt like having something warm in his stomach… [b]”It’s just down the street, anyway.”[/b] And with that, he walked out of his room and down the stairs. [i]It’ll be just be for a second. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining.[/i]

Walking to the front door, Fionn pulled out an umbrella from a closet. [b]”I’ll be right back.”[/b] he called to his mom, who was already walking down the stairs with Reiner. 

“Alright. Stay safe, okay?” his mom called back.

“Of course he’ll be okay. No one notices him, so he won’t get mugged.” Reiner teased, walking to the living room with an annoying grin on his face.

Fionn found his patience wearing thin with his brother. Shaking his head, he left the house, opening the umbrella before he could get too wet. It wasn’t raining too hard; then again, it had been a while since they had a storm. It was a pity; the humidity was killing Fionn, and he figured that the coastal town should have some relief from the heat. The blond haired boy sighed, listening to the pitter patter of rain on his umbrella and the street. 

Getting the gallon of milk was an easy task. Fionn’s stomach was already growling as he started to make his way home. He was dying to get out of the rain and get back home where it was dry. The boy was almost home when he saw a figure in the rain. [i]Is that… no… it can’t be.[/i] [b]”Jak?”[/b] he called, walking over to her with a concerned expression. [b]”What are you doing in the rain?”[/b]