"It" Can't Be Helped (Revised) | ✔️ | Blue Exorcist

33

When Yukio returned a few hours later, he looked exhausted, both physically and mentally. I had debated whether or not I should question him, but decided that he had his turn earlier and I wanted to know what he was so secretive about. Yet, when I pressed for answers, he waved me off saying I'd find out soon enough and that it wasn't his place to tell me. That alone was enough to ruin the rest of my night. I spent the last few hours before bed sulking. He remained silent, as well. However, after he had showered, he went to lay in bed and almost immediately crashed. I had wondered just what he had done after he left to make him so tired, but I guess I'd "find out later."

I went to bed some time in the early morning, my thoughts preoccupying my mind to the point of insomnia. Unfortunately for me, when I finally fell asleep, it was restless. I woke up several times during the night, clawing at my chest and feeling my earlier nausea return.

I sighed, shaking myself from my thoughts as I changed in the bathroom. When I exited, Kuro was waiting on my desk. He greeted me happily and hopped down. His paws padded against the floor as I made my way toward the staircase. He jumped up and perched on my shoulder. "Rin, it's Saturday." I paused, glancing down at my school uniform. I groaned and turned around, heading back to my room. My familiar cackled at my cluelessness. I opened the closet and ripped my casual clothes from their hangers. Marching toward the bathroom, I flipped on the light and moved to close the door. Kuro's chuckles died down, and when I turned to look in the mirror, his expression was perturbed. His nose twitched and he moved to get closer to my neck. "Rin?" He said quietly, his tails slowing to a stop as he sniffed. "Why do you smell like adhesive?"

I shook my head, looking at him in the mirror. "What are you talking about?"

His tails twitched and his eyes moved to look up at me. "When you passed out before, you smelled different. You smell similar right now." Concern flashed across his face, "do you feel alright?"

I wasn't sure how I'd explain myself out of this one. Had I known that he'd be able to pick up on my habits through scent alone, I wouldn't have brought it up to Yukio to explain it. "I'm fine, Kuro. Maybe my new uniform hasn't been washed well enough. It might be the fabric."

He shook his head, his nose going back to my neck. "It's coming from you, not your clothes."

I shrugged, trying to dismiss the topic. However, I felt suddenly anxious to change in front of him. What if he made the connection? He might be able to clue Yukio into it and I'd lose my second coping mechanism, as well. I chewed on my lip and exited the bathroom, leaving my clothes. He questioned my actions and I tried to back track. "I'll change later, I'm hungry." Hopefully, I could somehow twist things in my favor. A white lie here and there was usually enough to quell any suspicion. However, he seemed distressed with my sudden change of behavior.

He hopped off of my shoulder and stood in front of the bedroom door. I could easily step over him, but I couldn't afford to ignore him now. "Rin, what's going on? You're acting weird."

I rubbed my forehead, "I don't know what you're talking about. I feel fine."

He stared at me, questions swirling behind his expression. Suddenly, his face fell. "Go change."

I flinched, "why? I said I'd do it later."

"Humor me."

I shook my head, deciding to risk it and stepped over him. He darted forward, running up to the staircase before I could reach it. "If you don't go change right now, I'll go scream at Yukio until he follows me!"

I ground my teeth, feeling my anxiety swelling. "Why are you so adamant about this?"

"Why are you refusing so hard?"