[Nine] - [Twelve]
As time went on, the general condition of all things seemed to improve. Shibazaki had helped swing living arrangements for the two boys, who had achieved a sort of odd celebrity status among certain groups. Shibazaki hadn't been sure whether to be relieved that finding a living space would be easy, or disturbed that two state-convicted terrorists were so easily welcomed in. Despite the fine rented space, Nine and Twelve found themselves spending more time with Lisa in her apartment, always being sure to message their dear housekeeper to ensure her that they were alright. She was elderly and kind--and had far, far too many recipes for sweets.
Something else had happened, too. Nine glanced at Twelve once he'd run the doorbell, the shorter boy looking over the cake recipe that their housekeeper had given them to take to Lisa's apartment. He watched Twelve's eyes dart from ingredient to ingredient, something soft stirring in his chest. He shifted his weight on his crutch when he heard a distant 'coming!' from inside, then drew in a startled breath when Twelve leaned in and pecked him soft on the cheek.
Through time and awkward half-communication and a bit too much love for each other, it seemed that they had all started dating, somehow or another.
