Comfort Me Ch. 2

Enzan layed back on his bed. He felt a deep sorrow still tugging at his heart. This world, he almost felt as if it was created to torture him. Seeing his closest frien completely broken... he had seen such a thing before when Rockman was deleted, but this time it was much worse. Plus seeing his mother.... As much as he wanted to believe it was the real thing, he knew that she had died a long time ago. It unearthed feelings that he thought he had rid himself of, but it seemed as if they were only locked away.

He told his mother he felt ill, and that at least earned him today off from school. The only thing was, as long as she think he's sick, she won't let him outside.

He silently debated with himself, was it wise to continue seeing Netto? This one couldn't be the same one, and he should be occupying his time trying to find out how to return to where he was before, but he didn't want to leave even an alternate version of his best friend when he knew that Netto needed him. He let out a thick sigh, knowing that all this debate was pointless. In the end, he couldn't resist. He needed to be there for Netto, just like Netto was always there for him.

He got to his feet and looked out the window. It would be simple to escape from here. All he would need to do is climb through. However, if he did, his mother would surely notice sooner or later.

Enzan decided to take the chance. He opened the window slowly, trying to make the least amount of noise as possible. He slid through the opening, lifting his leg over the wall and trying to touch the ground on the other side. He lifted his other leg and completely lost his balance, falling outside onto his back. Quickly, he shut the window and ran to the side of the house. She certainly would have heard that.

He peeked around the corner, looking at the front door.

"Enzan?!" He heard his mother's muffled scream. She already knew he was gone. Before she could make it to the front of the house, he bolted away toward Netto's house. He stopped at the fence, leaning over to catch his breath. He knew he would have to deal with the consequences of his actions later, but for now he had a promise to keep. He walked up to the front door and knocked lightly.

After some shuffling and the sound of a door unlocking, Netto opened the door.

"Enzan!!" He hugged the boy tightly, but then let go before Enzan could respond.

"I told you I'd be here," Enzan smirked.

Netto smiled, then awkwardly took Enzan's hand and pulled him into his bedroom. After they sat down, Enzan gently grabbed Netto's hand and pulled up the sleeve. Thankfully, nothing looked fresh. It was just the same scratches as yesterday. He reached over to the other hand and calmly asked, "Did those kids give you any trouble today?"

"No, they left me alone..." A slight blush ran across Netto's face as Enzan checked the bandages he had put there yesterday. He wasn't used to being touched so gently.

"How do you feel?" Enzan asked, looking directly into Netto's eyes.

"I-It doesn't hurt anymore... I mean, some spots hurt if you touch them but..." He stuttered, looking away.

"That's not what I mean," he softly lifted Netto's chin so they're eyes could meet again. "I mean... emotionally. Are you still hurting? Is there anything I can do to help?"

Netto wrapped his arms around his stomach. He didn't want to lie, but he didn't want to make Enzan worry either. "I-I..." he trailed off.

Enzan sighed softly. He pulled Netto onto his lap and held him close. "It's alright. You can tell me anything, I promise."

Netto froze at first, but then wrapped his arms around Enzan's chest. "E-ever since... Saito died..." his voice slowly broke into sobs. "People treat me different. Mom and Dad are never there... my friends want me to stop being such a baby but... I can't... I miss him...."

'Saito?' Enzan thought. He remembered Netto telling him a while back that his navi, Rockman, was once human. Netto's twin brother. That he had died from a heart attack and they used that human's DNA to make Rockman.

Enzan rubbed Netto's back gently. His heart started to ache, he hated seeing Netto like this. But he knew what he needed to do. He needed to stay by Netto's side, no matter what. No one else was willing to help him.

After a while, Netto finally calmed down. He spoke softly, his voice thin and frail, "C-can we stay like th-this for a while...?"

"Of coarse," Enzan answered gently. He felt Netto nuzzle his neck lightly, then rested his head on Enzan's shoulder. His soft breath rhythmically brushed against Enzan's neck.

Enzan swallowed harshly, his face starting to turn pink. Netto's breaths felt so good against his neck. His heart started to pound, and he internally cursed himself for having such thoughts at a time like this. He continued to pet Netto as if he was a cat.

After a few moments, Netto shifted, looking up at Enzan. He spotted the pink spreading across his cheeks and smiled. "What are you blushing for? Are you falling for me?"

Enzan moved back, a bit startled. That didn't sound like the same Netto he'd been talking to for the past two days. Even that mischevious expression, it was like the other one had returned. A part of him was happy.

"N-no..." came Enzan's late response. He knew Netto would see through it.

"That's why you,ve been so protective isn't it? You like me! C'mon, admit it, Enzan!"

"N-Netto!"

"-I'm joking," he looked down, appearing defeated. That little bit of confidence and cheerfulness melted away. "I know no one would ever like me."

"W-wait, don't say that...!" Enzan mentally kicked himself for saying no.

"It's ok, just forget about it. Sorry I made things awkward..." He started to move off of Enzan's lap, but Enzan held him close.

"Netto, I..." he hesitated once more. He liked Netto, he knew that, but he didn't even know if this was the same one. How could he admit his feelings now? What if this one is an alternate version? He would have to leave and break this Netto's heart.

"Enzan...?" he spoke softly.

"Y-you're an amazing person, Netto. I know you don't believe that right now, but some day you will. You will find someone, I know it."

Netto nodded half-heartedly, then Enzan let Netto leave his lap. "I'm sorry, I have to go," Enzan said lowly.

Netto nodded. "Will I see you tomorrow?"

"Yes, I promise." Enzan got to his feet and left, slowly walking home with a heavy heart. He needed to find out more about this world, and he had a pretty good idea on where to start his investigation.