Things We Used To Share

A Loving Feeling

He had once asked Rido what happened when the curse fully took hold.

His uncle barely glanced at Hiro, too busy planning and preparing for the future.

But he did answer him.

"What do you expect to happen?" Rido asked from his seat, both his eyes closed.

It must've been daylight hours, and Hiro faintly wondered what that looked like.

He never bothered to sleep anymore. Only when he was exhausted or didn't want to feel anything. Even then, his sleeping schedule was almost nonexistent, nightmares hiding behind his eyes. Once they closed, he was left with nothing but horrible memories.

Hiro fiddled with his shaking hands, eyebrows furrowing as he spoke. "...did you-were you aware of it?"

Rido finally looked to him, sitting up from his seat and gesturing for Hiro to step forward.

Hiro followed, stepping beside the chair. The smell of blood ran through his nose and he watched as Rido lifted his hand, placing it on Hiro's curls.

"Dear nephew..." Rido smirked, his eyes growing dark. "If you fight it, it will only be more painful." He chuckled, leaning back into his chair. "I welcomed such power."

Hiro raised both eyebrows in surprise, tilting his head in confusion.

"I killed your grandparents the day it happened. They had angered me with their ignorance, telling me I couldn't wed Juri, and I disposed of them." He said blankly, as if it were a trivial matter that needn't require any attention. "My body had become weak, draining away to make space for new power."

Hiro recoiled at that, moving away. But Rido only laughed harder.

"You will be eaten by Gin." Rido said thoughtfully. His voice grew serious, his smile fading.

Hiro felt his body grow cold.

Hiro?" Kaname questioned when he entered the dorm room.

Hiro had been sitting in the couch, unmoved. He didn't hear Kaname come in, nor did he hear his name being called.

There was a haunted look in his eyes.

He suddenly looked older, more harrowed and tired. His expression was full of worry. He seemed lost in thought, unable to find his way back.

"Hiro." Kaname said, stepping over to him. He placed a hand on his younger brother's shoulder, which earned a flinch and slight gasp.

His eyes darted to Kaname, wide and tense before he calmed down.

"...Kaname." He said, blinking and giving a soft sigh. "Are you alright?"

Kaname slowly nodded, eyeing Hiro with unwavering focus. He walked over to a chair and sat down, crossing one leg over the other.

They sat in silence, Hiro finally looking up to meet his intense gaze.

Hiro frowned at him. "Rido is going to come after her. He's going to use me to get to her."

"Yes, I know." Kaname told him.

Hiro moved to stand, getting off the couch and dusting his pants off. "You seem calmer than I expected." He gave a glare at his older brother, still frowning. "What are you planning?"

Kaname was always astounded by just how perceptive Hiro could be.

Hiro walked towards him, his eyes hard as he moved to the cushioned chair. Both hands landed on the armrests, and he peered into his brother's face, refusing to be ignored.