Things We Used To Share

Customary

Hiro blushed furiously, staring at Kaname like he had wronged him.

"I'm not a child anymore."

Kaname held up the plate of food, a gentle smile on his face. He lifted the spoon, watching as Hiro reluctantly opened his mouth.

"Your wounds will heal slower if you don't drink blood." Kaname informed him with a slightly bitter tone.

Hiro took the spoon from him, giving a light glare. He paused at those words, sighing. He bit his lip, a nervous frown appeared on his face.

Kaname has offered him blood countless times...but Hiro had declined. His older brother was confused and worried, but obliged. He didn't bring it up again.

It worried him.

"...Is Yuki here?" Hiro asked, changing the subject.

Kaname nodded. "She is."

The infirmary was a bit boring, but he liked the calm scenery. There were many trees, and a lot of people. He could watch from the window, without being in their way.

And he could see a few animals hidden within the trees and bushes.

There were humans that would pass by and go to class, and Kaname would visit before and after his.

He watched as a Hiro slowly chewed, a distant look on his face.

So many questions had run through his mind. And he had stifled them so he could focus on taking care of his younger brother.

But one question had been resurfacing within his mind.

With so many bullet wounds...how did Hiro survive? He was a young Vampire, without having unlocked his full powers. Two shots would've been enough to turn him to dust.

...but he had been under Rido's control the last ten years. Who knows what could've happened to Hiro. Rido loves to play mind games, and loves to manipulate and control. He also loves to hurt and kill.

Did he kill any part of Hiro?

What had happened in the last decade?

"What is she like?"

Kaname looked to Hiro.

"Yuki, I mean. Is she doing well in her classes?"
Hiro asked, looking to Kaname with a hopeful smile.

Kaname gave a small smile with furrowed eyebrows. "She's..." he struggled to say the next word. "...passing."

Hiro laughed, covering his mouth. "She wasn't very good at paying attention."

He remembered how he would try to read to her, but she would be focused elsewhere.

Kaname chuckled, the memory fresh in his mind as well.

"I'm glad to see you guys have adjusted to being here." Hiro stared into his eyes. He placed a hand on Kaname's. "Are you...happy here?"

Kaname blinked, surprised.

He...never expected such a question. Hiro's eyes seemed to be serious, as if he could tell there was something weighing on his brother's mind.

Kaname smiled, truthful in his next words.

"Yes." He said. "With you here now, I couldn't be happier."

Hiro blushed, scratching his cheek with a tiny smile. He nodded, agreeing.

"Your words are cheesy." Hiro says with a grin.

Kaname moved closer with a slight chuckle, taking Hiro's hand.

"We're together again." Kaname said, connecting their heads.

_________

Takuma watched as Hiro stepped out of the infirmary with a change of clothes and no more wounds. Senri stood beside him, hands in his pockets. Rima leaned against the wall, arms folded with a slight frown.

Kaname stood behind him, holding his old clothes and shoes. They were torn and wrapped in a bag, ready to be disposed of.

Hiro stared at his friends. He was surprised at their silence.

This wasn't the welcome he was expecting.

Maybe they were angry? Should he apologize for vanishing like that? Did they find out who he was?

Were they...afraid?

"Is something wrong..?" Hiro asked, eyebrows furrowing. He tried to laugh.

There was a tense silence that hung within the air. It drifted them apart, strangely.

They wore stoic, empty faces he didn't recognize.

"You're a Pureblood." Rima said, moving from her spot.

Hiro looked to the ground and scratched the back of his neck.

"I'm...sorry about not telling you." He looked to each of them, staring into their eyes with truth and sincerity.

"We understand why. It's dangerous for Purebloods." Takuma said with a small smile.

He was relieved to hear that. But the air was still heavy.

He swallowed.

"Then...why are you so distant?" He didn't mean to sound so pathetic.

They were there when he woke up, lucid and afraid. They had hugged him and been by his side.

Why is this so different?

Takuma furrowed his eyebrows.

Senri stepped forward, but not close enough.
"We're at a lower level than you are."

"It wouldn't be proper without permission." Rima told him. "To touch you...or be too close."

Hiro blinked, looking to Kaname.

"It's custom. They've been taught to follow certain rules pertaining to Purebloods." Kaname said softly. "They merely need permission. From you."

Hiro frowned. He didn't like this rule. It reminded him of the power Rido held inside his castle, the way he looked down at his servants and the people who swore to stay by his side. They were loyal and kind, they were sometimes nice to Hiro, but Rido only saw them as puppets or food.

To look down on others...it was terrible.

"Fine." Hiro said with a radiant smile.

They all looked at him.

"Please don't stop being my friends." He said softly. "Okay?"

"Hiro!" Takuma smiled, tears flying as he hugged him instantly. "You're so sweet!"

Hiro laughed a bit, patting his back.

He missed hugs.

Takuma squished his face, rubbing their cheeks together.

After finally letting go, Hiro was hugged by Rima, who pinched his cheek angrily. "You disappear and then come back on the brink of death?"

Hiro rubbed his cheek, eyebrows furrowed. "I got lost..." he admitted.

Senri placed a hand on his head, smiling softly.

Hiro smiled back. He was glad he had made it back.

"Thank you for rescuing me." Hiro told them.