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Makoto first began noticing it around a year after their first meeting. The realization came about as he stood next to Yuma during a morning briefing. He had glanced over to his twin, intending to make a fun comment. But he realized in that moment that he had to look up slightly to meet the violet eyes he shared.
Yuma… was now taller than him.
It wasn’t very much, just half an inch. But still, it caused all sorts of thoughts and questions flying through his mind. Though he had pushed them all aside to focus more on his work. He had to maintain his reputation, after all.
Yuma was just a little taller. That’s all there was to it. Nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary. Nothing would be different at all.
He repeated that lie to himself over and over again, thinking that maybe he would eventually accept it.
~~~~~~~~~~
Two years had passed since Makoto and Yuma first encountered each other. Two wonderful, memorable, and fun years. So much better than his time spent as an experiment in that dreadful lab.
But along with that time, it was growing much more apparent that they were starting to differ in appearance. Yuma had grown a few more inches and his face was maturing, his hair also getting longer as he decided to not cut it.
And now, he wasn’t the only one who noticed. Desuhiko and his amazing ability to analyze people’s appearances was the first to be audible about these observations. “Well, well, well! Never did I ever think a day would come when Yuma wasn’t the shortest in the agency! Makes me want to weep like a proud parent!”
This attracted the attention of everyone else, who were now staring at the brothers sitting next to each other on the couch. “O-oh! I’m… not the shortest?” Yuma scratched his cheek with an embarrassed look, having not expected all eyes to suddenly be on them.
Makoto rolled his eyes with a grin. “Took you long enough to notice! But I suppose I can begin making jokes about it now. Though, don’t let your head get too far into the clouds.” Then he got an idea, one that might help him improve his mood. “Hey, Desuhiko! Can I borrow something from your disguise collection real fast?”
“Huh? Uh… sure. It’s in the hallway near the bathroom. But… what do you need it for?” the blond asked.
“You shall see!” he chirped, waltzing out and finding the large bag easily. And the same could be said for his desired items, sparing a thought to wonder why on earth the detective had them. But no matter! He put them on and walked back out. “Ta-dah!” he said as he folded his arms behind his back.
Everyone looked over, eyes widening and then laughing. “Really? You had to do that?” Yuma inquired as he stood up and walked over to his sibling.
Makoto grinned, now slightly taller thanks to the platform shoes he was borrowing. “Of course!” He strutted around in a sassy manner, imitating a runway model. It cracked the room up, even Halara who had been trying to hide it behind a hand. It made his spirits soar, and he was momentarily able to forget about his previous worries.
~~~~~~~~~~
It took another two years before Makoto made the decision to find out answers for himself. He had come to the realization that he really didn’t know much about himself biologically. He hadn’t bothered to read any of the research and results on him from the lab before he destroyed it all. He hadn’t thought he would need any of it. But hindsight proved once again to be 20/20. So he did the next best thing.
He drove his car to the WDO branch in the city, waltzing into the lobby and casually leaning on the receptionist’s desk. “I need to use your laboratory and the equipment inside. Please let me know where it is,” he asked the very confused man behind the counter.
“No one other than employees are allowed access to this building’s facilities. I’m sorry, but I can’t help you there,” was the reply.
Makoto tilted his masked head. “Oh? But it won’t hurt to let me use it for a few hours. Pretty please?”
The man shook his head. “I can’t! Now, if that’s all you are here for, I must insist you leave.”
“Bummer, I was hoping that I could get in on my own,” the homunculus lamented as he slid off the desk. But instead of leaving, he whipped his phone out and sent a message to a certain someone. “Guess I’ll have to rely on him. Man, this is going to be so awkward without Yuma here.”
This seemed to inspire curiosity in the receptionist. His eyes gave away exactly how hard he was mentally working to puzzle this out. “Who… are you referring to? You have connections to someone here?”
Makoto shrugged his shoulders. “You could say that. But I understand we have to follow proper policy and all that. So I’ll just wait over here on this chair until he comes to get me. Thank you for your time!” He twirled around and chose his seat, relaxing into it as if he wasn’t a bundle of nerves inside. He knew he would get results today. Would they be as he feared? He felt like he knew already, but he stubbornly wanted to get concrete proof before deciding.
It didn’t take long before the familiar sight of his mind’s double appeared, the older man finding him with no problems. “What an unexpected surprise. Even I didn’t expect this,” Number One stated.
Makoto grinned under his mask as he returned to standing and made his way over. “Lucky me! You were actually here! Well, now we can go in and get down to business.”
“Yes. Let us proceed.” The two passed the shocked receptionist, Makoto waving at him as he passed. They walked through the building, ending up in an expansive, yet empty laboratory. “This has all you need to accomplish your goal, right?” Number One asked, opening a cabinet and pulling out specific chemicals.
The homunculus removed his mask and pulled a microscope closer to him. “More than enough. You wouldn’t mind assisting me on my data collection, would you? I’m sure you can guess what I’m trying to discover.”
The older man nodded, hints of sympathy flashing through those usually cold and calculating eyes. “I believe I have a hunch. Very well, let us proceed.”
Hours passed, the two greatest minds working diligently to test. Results were found and recorded on sheets of paper. Samples of blood and skin were examined, tested, then disposed of. Makoto had no fears of his status as a non-human leaking out of this lab, so he didn’t worry. Instead, he focused more on the notes he and his mind’s double had compiled.
“When comparing the telomeres in your DNA to the ones in the sample you brought of Yuma’s, there is a difference. Yours are slightly longer. In addition, no matter what harmful chemicals your cells came into contact with, they recovered at an incredible rate and returned to their initial state. This means you aren’t aging and your body can come back from death. In short, you might be immortal. Perhaps that was the reason behind your creation, to make an unkillable creature. What they planned to use their successful specimens for… well, I’m thankful we were able to get you away before anything was tested,” Number One said, placing his notes down on the table.
Makoto laughed humorlessly, setting his own notes on top of the others. “So I was right. I’m not growing or getting older. I’ll remain in this state forever. And I guess… I can no longer be Yuma’s twin.”
The older man placed a hand on his shoulder. It was stiff, but he at least tried to be comforting. “You may do with this information as you will. I shall destroy our notes and never reveal this to anyone else. But in exchange, there is something I wish to request of you.”
Makoto looked up, meeting his double’s eyes. “I suppose I can hear you out. It’s only fair.”
~~~~~~~~~~
It was now late in the evening, the sun having gone down and a gentle rain falling. The white noise was nice, he supposed. He was laying on his bed, staring blankly at the wall as his mind was abuzz. He had been laying here for a while, almost the entire time since he returned from the WDO.
He had been aware of Yuma returning and checking in on him. But he had remained where he was as Yuma warmed something up for their dinner. Idly, Makoto wondered if he would have the capacity to eat tonight. The stress was killing his appetite.
Then there was a sudden noise, like someone flicked a piece of metal. Predicting what it was, he raised a hand and caught the object. He lowered it back down, seeing a coin now in his hand.
“A shien for your thoughts?” his brother asked, voice slightly deeper and much more mature than the first time they had spoken to each other.
Makoto groaned, not moving from his position on his bed. “I don’t know if you want to ask that. I have far too many right now.”
“Is that right? Still, it might help if you share. Perhaps some burdens you are shouldering might get lighter,” Yuma suggested, sitting down on the opposite side of the large bed.
The homunculus remained quiet and still, not reacting at all. But despite the fact that he was turned away, he could practically feel a mischievous energy emanating from his sibling. And sure enough, he felt larger arms grab ahold of him, pulling him up and setting him so that he was sitting upright right next to Yuma. He sighed as he leaned against the pillows and headboard, head lolling to the side so that it made contact with the human’s upper arm. “You won’t give up, won’t you? Always driven to solve every mystery.”
An arm wound itself around him, tugging him so that he was in a side hug. “You know me well. And similarly, I know you better than anyone else in the world. So tell me, what’s troubling you?” Yuma leaned his head on top of the homunculus’, long lilac hair briefly tickling his cheek. “You can trust me with anything. You know this, right?”
“Of course I do. I know that as an undeniable fact.” Makoto sighed again, comforted by his brother’s presence. “Okay. I’ll talk.” He took a breath and released it. “I’m… sure you have noticed our… new differences. Your body has grown taller, your voice deeper, and I’m… still the same as the day we met.”
Yuma rubbed his shoulder in a comforting way. “Yes, I have noticed. Has it been bothering you?”
“To put it simply, yes. This has been weighing heavily on my mind for years. About three years, to be exact. But only recently have I done something about it.” He lifted an arm, pulling down the sleeve to reveal the affected skin and veins from the earlier experiments. “I met with Number One and we used one of the labs to test some things. And we got results. My body isn’t aging. And my cells didn’t die even after exposure to extreme elements or circumstances. I am an immortal non-human, possibly incapable of dying.”
Yuma’s grip on him tightened a bit. “Immortal? You’re sure about this?”
Makoto shrugged as he lowered his sleeve again. “I can’t confirm this 100%, as I was the only one who was considered a success. Is it possible to kill me? I don’t know. But age certainly isn’t affecting me as of now.”
The taller human reached over with his free arm and took hold of his left hand. “While this is crazy news to learn, I feel the need to say this. Don’t you dare go testing the limits of your immortality. You aren’t allowed while I’m still in your life,” he said sternly.
That made Makoto laugh. “Not to worry, as I had no plans to. I dislike pain, so I would really rather not try.” His expression grew somber again. “But I am left with the same conclusion I came to all those years ago. I will outlive you. You will grow old and I will remain young. And… that thought terrifies me.”
Yuma remained silent, which encouraged Makoto to continue. “And… in addition to finding out about… my body, your grandfather offered me something. Something huge.”
This certainly sparked interest in his sibling’s eyes. “My grandfather? Number One offered something to you? What was it?”
Makoto squeezed the hand holding his. “He told me that when he dies, he wants me to take his place. He wants me to become the next Number One. To lead the WDO to a brighter future.” He shuffled closer to his brother, as if seeking more of the warmth the human was providing. “I’m… more than a little conflicted on all of this. If I accept, that means that I would have to leave you and the Nocturnal Detective Agency behind. But… I'm just not sure.”
“You should accept it,” Yuma told him, voice full of confidence and affirmation.
The homunculus raised an eyebrow. “You think I should?”
“You know, I haven’t told anyone else this yet. I guess you’re the first outside of the Chief,” his brother suddenly said, almost seeming like a rapid change of topic. “When Chief Yakou retires, he wants me to take over the agency.”
“Really? I guess he has always acted like another father to you. He wants his kid to take over the family business.” A pause. “But how does this connect to our previous discussion?”
Yuma hugged him tighter. “Because it is an enormous change that will change our lives if I accept. Same as you becoming Number One. But, I think these will be good changes. Ones that might be hard at first, but will become easier over time. And I know you are still upset over our different lifespans. I understand how much fear you have about it. But if you stay fearful, you may miss opportunities to experience new fun and wonderful memories.” Yuma lifted his head off of Makoto’s in order to make eye contact. “We still have years before these changes are to happen. And even after, I don’t intend to cut contact with my beloved brother. So hey, let’s make the most of our time together. Sound good?”
It took a few moments before Makoto cracked a small grin. “I must say, I didn’t expect such wisdom from you. Are you taking lessons from your grandpa on being an old sage?”
Yuma snickered as he reclaimed his headrest on Makoto’s hair. “Oh come on. We’re not that old yet. But… do you feel a little better now?”
The homunculus sighed once more. “I’ll admit that I’m still terrified of losing you. But you’re right, that we need to make the most of what time we have left. So I do expect us to go indulge on various vacations and treats. With lots of pictures. I want to make at least five albums.”
The human intertwined their fingers. “That is more than doable.”
~~~~~~~~~~
So many years had passed since their first meeting. 20 of them to be exact. And as they had said during that conversation, their lives had changed.
Makoto had indeed accepted the position as the new Number One, taking over once Yuma’s grandfather passed. Some had been skeptical about this young looking person being chosen, but he quickly proved to be just as intelligent as their previous head. It was very easy to fall into the role, having many memories already of how to properly run things. Thanks to his position, he had been traveling all over the world helping people. It still was a little hard doing it, as he had to leave his hometown behind. But as promised, he and Yuma remained in close contact at all times.
And speaking of his brother, he was calling right now! He shoved a stack of papers aside and put his phone on speaker. “Well, hello there Chief! How’s everything going over there?”
He could practically feel Yuma rolling his eyes. “I told you that it’s embarrassing to hear you of all people call me that!”
“And why do you think I keep doing it?” Makoto laughed. “Come now, Yuma. Surely you must be used to teasing at 37 years old!”
“Look who's talking. I seem to recall several instances of me teasing you and you being unable to take it either,” Yuma countered. He cleared his throat before speaking again. “Anyways, you're back home now? How was your business trip?”
Makoto hummed as he leaned back in his reclining office chair. “Yeah, I’m finished and just in the office filling out paperwork. It went well. Stopped a crazy cult from kidnapping children and saved the ones they had hostage. Everyone is getting the proper treatments and have places to go once they recover. And the guilty have been sentenced to life in prison. Took about three days.”
He heard an impressed whistle on the other end. “I know you are crazy good at this stuff, but still. That’s really impressive. Good work.”
Makoto waved his hand, as if his brother could see him. Though he had a feeling Yuma knew regardless. “But enough about me, how about you? What’s new at the agency?”
His sibling sat back in his own chair, the tell-tale creak giving this action away. “Well, we have a new hire. She’s really talented for someone so young. She’s amazing at gathering intel. She will be great for us. Oh, also Yakou came by to visit. He asked me to pass on a greeting to you.”
“Sounds like you are quite busy as well!” the homunculus exclaimed. “You know what? Let’s ditch work early and go meet for ice cream! I’ve been craving some from the place near the agency.”
He heard an exasperated sigh. “You never change. But I suppose that’s a good thing. Sure, I can finish up early and meet you there. I’ll buy.”
Makoto launched himself out of his chair. “Nope! I’m throwing that idea out. I’m treating you and that’s final.”
Yuma laughed. “Alright, alright! But next time, let me pay. It’s only fair.”
“I’ll consider it. But anyways, I’ll see you in half an hour!” He ended the call, stuffing his phone in his pocket. He marched over to the elevator, entering it and traveling down to the first floor. He sped out, not giving anyone time to speak to him. If it was important, they could call him from his official Number One phone line. But he was confident nothing would interrupt, hopping in his car and driving away from the WDO’s office. While driving, he removed his mask, setting it down on the passenger's seat. He mostly wore it at work to remain anonymous. Only a few people knew what he really looked like. It was a method of protection, not only for him but for Yuma as well. He didn’t mind, as he was used to it. But he wouldn’t deny the elation he felt when he would walk around without it. Especially nowadays, as it led to all sorts of interesting interactions. People often mistook him for Yuma’s kid, which he found hilarious.
But putting that aside, he pulled into the ice cream place’s parking lot, stepping out and scanning around. He spotted the long lilac hair quickly and rushed over, hugging the taller man. “Found you!” he sang, grinning when he felt his brother ruffle his hair.
“Yes, you did.” Yuma turned and bent down to properly hug him. “Missed you. It’s great to see you in person again.”
The mischief melted into a genuine smile, the homunculus leaning into the warm and comforting embrace. “Same. Nothing can compare to this.”
The hug lasted for a while, neither one of them keeping track. They didn’t need to. It was perfect.
Eventually, they seperated. Makoto grabbed hold of his brother’s hand, tugging him towards the shop’s door. “Come on! That ice cream isn’t gonna eat itself! And pictures! They are also a must.”
“I know, I know! I’m coming,” Yuma replied, smiling wide along with him.
Regardless of how much time passed, the two knew that their bond would just grow stronger. Nothing could break it, and they would cherish every moment.