Chapter 7
The following morning, Hiroto got up early and went to Shou's room to make sure he was still alive. It scared him that it had come to the point where he had to check every day.
Shou was curled up in a little ball, hugging his pillow tightly against him.
Hiroto smiled and moved over, gently kissing Shou's cheek. Everything was gentle with the fragile king.
Shou moved slightly to nuzzle the other, slowly waking until his soft eyes opened a little.
"Good morning." Hiroto whispered, relieved to see Shou open his eyes.
Shou smiled softly, weak. "Hey..." his voice was barely a whisper.
"Hey, beautiful. Did you sleep all right?" Hiroto asked, crawling into bed with Shou and cuddling him close.
Shou cuddled up to Hiroto, sighing softly. "Better... I don't think I have much longer..." he said softly, honestly, letting his eyes close as he breathed in Hiroto's scent.
Hiroto held back tears at that statement, just kissing Shou lightly on the lips. He couldn't form words, because he knew if he opened his mouth the first thing that would come out would be a sob.
Shou nuzzled the other, sliding his arms up and wrapping them around Hiroto, returning the soft kiss as he rest his neck in the nook of the other's neck. "I love you, Hiroto...."
And Hiroto did cry then, not able to hold it back anymore. Not when Shou was being so sweet to him.
Shou felt the tears against his skin, pulling back some to gaze up at Hiroto. He slid his thumb up wipe at the tears before leaning up to kiss one of the stains. "Don't cry..."
"I c-can't help it...." Hiroto said between small sobs as he clung to Shou. "I don't want to lose you."
Shou hugged Hiroto's hair close to him, burying his face in the other’s hair. "You'll be fine, Hiroto... I promise..."
Hiroto took a deep breath, trying to calm himself from his crying. He moved his head back and looked Shou over. "You'll make a perfect angel."
A tear slid down Shou's cheek as he looked at Hiroto, though a small, sad smile touched his lips.
Hiroto kissed away the tear, smiling slightly as well. "Hey, you're not supposed to cry either."
Shou sniffled slightly, his lip quivering slightly. "You started it," he said with a small laugh.
"If you wanna cry, let's cry together." Hiroto whispered, kissing Shou's quivering lips.
"No..." He said softly, closing his eyes and kissing the other back. He didn't want Hiroto to cry...
"I'll get breakfast for you then...and you can cry if you need to while I'm gone." Hiroto said, giving Shou several kisses before he rolled off the bed.
Shou nodded slightly letting Hiroto go. Once the other left, the tears fell form his eyes.
Down the hall, coming at Hiroto from the kitchen was a maid with a large silver tray with a glass and several bottles of classy, strong liquors, going towards Tora's room and moving around Hiroto with a soft pardon.
Hiroto eyed the liquor, raising an eyebrow. Seemed like Tora had a long night too. He sighed to himself and leaned against the wall for a moment to collect himself, trying to be happy for Shou's sake.
The woman knocked on the door and Tora stuck his head out. His hair was a mess and he was only in his sleeping pants. He looked pretty bad... "Thanks..." he muttered, taking the tray and letting the door close behind him.
Hiroto moved quickly to get breakfast once he had a hold of himself and he brought it back to Shou's room, knocking before he entered.
Shou was okay now, looking over at his lover and offering a small smile. "Smells delicious."
Hiroto brought it to Shou's side and set it down to let him eat. He wasn't very hungry himself.
Shou wasn't so hungry either and picked at it some. "Did you sleep okay?"
Hiroto shook his head, wanting to be honest. "I was worrying about you..."
Shou reached over, running his fingers through Hiroto's hair. "I'm sorry..."
Hiroto nuzzled the hand, smiling some. "But if I didn't have you, what else would I do with my time?"
"I could think a bunch of things," he said with a little laugh.
"Hmm? Like slave away in Saga's shop?" He asked, wrinkling his nose at the thought.
Shou laughed softly. "That's one thing."
"If I could have the education...I wouldn't mind being a doctor so that I could actually help people instead of sitting back and watching them die..." Hiroto muttered softly.
Shou's soft smile faded some at the term... He didn't want to think of it as dying, really... "You can have the education..."
"I'm sorry..." Hiroto apologized, knowing what he said wasn't the brightest.
"There's nothing to apologize for," he said, laying his hand down over Hiroto's. "Will you stay with me tonight?"
"Sure." Hiroto agreed, moving the breakfast stuff off the bed before crawling back on it.
Shou smiled softly. "I missed you last night..."
"Yeah..." Hiroto looked away when he remembered why he hadn't slept with Shou the night before.
Shou looked down at himself, pulling his legs up close to him. "D...D-did I do something wrong?"
"No....No, Shou..." Hiroto sighed softly. Should he really tell Shou why? "I just didn't want to disturb you." He lied.
Shou didn't look up at the other. "I-I'm sorry for waking everyone up last night... I didn't mean to... I didn't want to..."
"No, I should be more careful about giving you the medicine." Hiroto said, nuzzling Shou softly.
Shou nuzzled his lover. He just felt like Hiroto was pushing him away some... Even though it's what he told himself he wanted, a part of him, a part he hated of himself, was a small piece of him that wanted Hiroto to stay with him forever...
Hiroto grew silent then, not sure what else he could say. It was such a difficult situation for both of them.
Shou kissed Hiroto's neck softly. "I'm still really tired..." he confessed with a small laugh.
"Do you need to nap?" Hiroto asked, moving his fingers through Shou's hair.
Shou nodded. "I guess last night really wore me out," he said a small laugh.
"Understandable, it was pretty bad." Hiroto kissed Shou's forehead and got up to pick up the breakfast tray. "I'll let you rest then while I bring this back to the kitchens. I promise to be back later."
Shou nodded with a small smile, snuggling down comfortably. "I love you..." he whispered softly. He wanted to say that as many times as he could...
"I love you too." Hiroto replied, squeezing Shou's hand before he headed for the door and left the room.
Shou fell into a deep sleep...
Down in his room, Tora was going through papers, drinking glasses of this and that without second thought.
After bringing the breakfast tray back to the kitchen, Hiroto decided to check on Tora to make sure he wasn't drinking himself into oblivion. He knocked lightly on the door before just opening it and stepping inside.
Tora was pouring himself another glass as Hiroto came in. He was only a little off right then, standing with his bruised, bare back to Hiroto and looking over documentation. It was all of Shou's documents... He hadn't heard the other enter, however.
Hiroto slowly made his way over to see what Tora was doing. "Drinking so early?"
Tora jumped slightly, looking over at Hiroto. He smirked slightly. "Didn't sleep well..." he muttered, moving a few papers over onto another pile with his foot.
"I think it's safe to say we all didn't do so well last night." Hiroto said as he grabbed a bottle and drank straight from it.
Tora took a long swallow from his glass. "How's Shou holding up?" he inquired, bending down to sort a few more papers, before lifting up the larger pile and setting it in a golden box.
"He's....weak. He knows it too." Hiroto replied, sighing before taking another gulp of liquor.
Tora reached over and took the bottle from Hiroto. "You, Hiroto, don't need this right now... Stay sober for him at least..." he muttered, setting it aside after a moment. "I think we all know he's weak... "
Hiroto sighed again and moved to sit down, putting his head in his hands. "It's hard to be the one that has to be strong, who can't cry in front of Shou...."
Tora watched the other a moment before setting his own glass over and kneeling down in front of Hiroto's chair. "But, you can cry in front of me..." he offered, his voice gentle.
That permission seemed to be a trigger for Hiroto's emotions because he did start to cry. And cry a lot. He moved from his spot and threw himself into Tora's arms, wanting the comfort of being held too.
Tora wrapped his arms around Hiroto, holding the younger one close and gentle, letting his eyes close a moment. He slid one of his large hands along the other's back, hoping to sooth him out, yet let him cry all he wanted as well.
Hiroto cried until it hurt to cry any more and had to blow his nose on his handkerchief. He still snuggled against Tora's chest, though he had gotten the prince wet with his tears. "Sorry..." He apologized softly.
"It's fine," he said comfortingly, holding Hiroto close. It wasn't like he was wearing a shirt or anything, and he showered every night anyway.
Hiroto nodded and closed his eyes, feeling a little weight lifted off his chest. It was nice to cry. "Should I move?" He asked after a moment, wondering if Tora was getting uncomfortable.
Tora shook his head slightly. "Unless you're done and ready to go, no..." he said, leaning back against the foot of the chair, holding Hiroto loosely.
"You're comfortable." Hiroto muttered, turning a little in Tora's hold so he was using him like a chair, his back pressed to Tora's chest.
This left Tora's arms around his shoulders, which was comfortable with their height difference. "That's good to know."
"I think I like this too much..." Hiroto said softly, turning his head slightly to look back at Tora.
Tora opened his eyes so he could see Hiroto. "I wasn't going to say anything about it..." he muttered.
"Should I have kept quiet too?" He asked, laying his head back down against Tora's chest.
"Depends on whether you want to acknowledge it now or later..." he pointed out.
"What do you want?" Hiroto asked, curiously.
Tora sighed softly. "I feel guilty enough as is... I want to wait..." he said softly, honestly.
"Me too." Agreed Hiroto, as he moved out of Tora's arms. "Thanks for this though." He said, referring to the fact that Tora let him cry all over him.
Tora's arms already missed the other's body and he rest them on his knees, nodding slightly. "Anytime..."
Hiroto hugged Tora briefly before hurrying over to the door and waving good bye. He did need to check on Shou again anyways.
Tora sighed, running a hand through his hair. He didn't like these feelings right now. He didn't want them, not while Hiroto was Shou's.
Shou was sleeping soundly, though he moved a lot, about ready to wake.
Hiroto quietly entered the room, moving to sit by Shou on the bed.
Shou's eyes stayed closed, but he moved over some, wrapping his arms around his lover's waist loosely.
Hiroto smiled and settled down beside him, closing his own eyes. He was still sleepy from the night before and he could use a little nap himself.
Shou smiled softly and nuzzled his lover gently, sleepily.
"Good night..." Hiroto whispered before he drifted off, his hand finding Shou's.
Shou's fingers laced with Hiroto's and he was gone.
Hiroto slept for a long time, having been so exhausted and he didn't wake up until around dinner time.
Shou didn't really want to wake up, though. A knock sounded at the door and Tora peeked through it slightly. "Dinner... you guys coming?"
Hiroto sat up a bit and looked to Shou, wondering if he felt up to it. "Shou?"
"Nn?" Shou sounded softly, though he didn't open his eyes.
"Are you coming to dinner, sleepy head?" Hiroto asked, gently leaning over Shou.
Shou wrinkled his nose slightly. "Not hungry... You'll come back, right?" he asked, holding onto the other's shirt lightly.
Hiroto nodded, kissing Shou's cheek. "Are you sure you don't want me to bring something back with me?"
Shou smiled, shaking his head. "Just you..."
Hiroto smiled, squeezing Shou's hand lightly before he crawled off the bed. "I will."
Tora held the door for the other before walking with him down to the kitchen.
Hiroto wearily rubbed his head and tried to straighten out his hair on the way down. Shou seemed to be getting worse, not even wanting to leave bed now.
Tora glanced at the other. "I'm sure he's just tired..." he tried.
Hiroto sighed, shaking his head. "You know it's not that."
Tora ran a hand through his hair. "Can't blame a guy for trying," he muttered walking into the dining room. He looked like he was just fine until he just about tripped over a chair, misjudging the distance because his vision was a little funny from all the alcohol he'd had.
Hiroto managed a little smile, moving over to help Tora to his seat. "No wine with dinner I think." He commented with a small smirk.
Tora smiled slightly, sheepishly. "I finally corked what was left about an hour ago, so I think I'm on a roll."
"I still think you should share." Hiroto said, shaking his head as he sat down.
Tora laughed some, shaking his head slightly. "Not if you're planning on staying the night with my little brother," he said and left it at that. Their food was brought out then.
Hiroto picked at his food some, not really hungry for it anyway.
Tora didn't appear to be very hungry either, poking at his meal some and only occasionally taking small bites of things. He was worried about his brother... And he was a little scared of himself.
"I think I need to take a walk." Hiroto said softly as he pushed his plate away.
Tora glanced up at the other. "Would you like some company?" he inquired, though he figured the answer would be no.
After a moment's hesitation, Hiroto nodded. He probably needed some alone time, but Tora set him at ease now. He was no longer weary around him.
Tora stood, moving over by the other for their walk.
Hiroto moved out into the gardens for a bit to walk around out there to get some fresh air. It wasn't a sunny day though, it was kinda cloudy and the air was damp with impending rain.
Tora looked up to the sky as they moved outside. "It's been awhile since the last rain..."
"The weather matches my mood." Hiroto muttered as he glanced up at the sky.
Tora lightly patted Hiroto's shoulder. "Not only yours..." he pointed out, moving past the other and down the steps, into the gardens.
Hiroto followed Tora, walking through the grass and taking Tora's hand. He didn't think anything of it, it was a friendly gesture.
Tora held the other's hand in his own as well, moving through the gardens, around the flowers. "I hope it rains tonight... The flowers need it."
"Mm, I want to run in the rain." Hiroto said, smiling as he leaned against Tora's shoulder. "That sounds nice right now."
Tora laughed a little, nodding some. "Does it? I've never done that before," he pointed out, running his free hand over one of the large leaves in the garden.
Hiroto nodded and walked around a little bit more before a light sprinkling of water started to fall from the sky.
Tora glanced up as it started to sprinkle. His fingers unconsciously laced with Hiroto's. A low rumble crept off in the distance, coming their way.
"Race you back in." Hiroto said with a mischievous smile as he darted off toward the door.
"What?" Tora asked, turning a moment before realizing the other was gone. He caught on instantly, though, and split off, running through the trees and around the bushes quickly, hoping to beat the other.
Hiroto was quick though and made it to the door a few seconds before Tora.
Tora caught himself on the door with a small laugh. "You're fast," he said, looking over at Hiroto while he caught his breath some.
Hiroto smiled and nodded, leaning against the door and getting drenched by the rain. "That was fun."
Tora nodded with a soft laugh, looking out over the gardens as the rain soaked into his clothes.
"Should we go inside?" Hiroto asked, since the rain was a little cold.
Tora looked over at the other and nodded, moving to enter in through the large hall doors.
They dripped water onto the floor and Hiroto headed up to his room to get a change of clothes for himself.
Tora moved back to his room, undressing and then searching for something to wear, since he didn't want to get his carpets wet. He slid into a pair of loose pants and scrounged around for a shirt.
Hiroto moved back into Tora's room after he quickly changed and he snuck up behind him, jumping on his back.
"Ack!" Tora sounded in mild surprise, having yet to find a shirt in his mess of a room, between papers and clothes that were thrown around.
Hiroto grinned and clung to Tora's back, enjoying the warmth radiating off the other.
Tora laughed some, trying to turn so he could grab the smaller one until, finally, he sat back as if he were to sit in a chair, but ultimately sitting on Hiroto.
Hiroto squeaked and let go, hitting Tora's back. "Don't sit on me!" He exclaimed.
Tora laughed, pulling himself up and turning to look at the other. "Why should I do what you tell me?" he inquired, teasing the other.
"Because I'm cute." Hiroto said, laughing a bit.
Tora laughed some, running a hand through his hair. "Good enough, I guess."
Hiroto nodded and with a little smile, he put his arms around Tora's neck. "You can't sit on me now."
Tora's hands instinctively rest on Hiroto's hips, looking down at the other with a smile. "That's a very good point..."
Hiroto nodded and rest his head against Tora's chest, relaxing against the other's larger form.
Tora rest his head against Hiroto's, breathing in the other's scent. He knew this wasn't right... But it felt so good...
Hiroto felt the same, tightening his hold on Tora and sighing in contentment. He knew he should probably back away, but his limbs seemed to be frozen in place.
Tora let his arms slide around Hiroto's form more, holding him close.
Hiroto looked up at Tora for a moment, shifting his fingers into the other's hair.
Tora looked down at him before he did something his mind didn't even register. His lips moved down, pressing lightly against Hiroto's.
Hiroto pressed his lips back against Tora's, his lips parting automatically.
Tora's tongue slid past those inviting lips, kissing him softly at first, tasting him and savoring it.
Hiroto moaned softly as he slid his tongue over Tora's, getting completely lost in the feeling.
Tora's own, deeper moan faded into the kiss as he held the other close, sliding his tongue along the other and luring it back into his own mouth.
Hiroto kissed Tora back a little more passionate after a while, pressing against him more.
Tora slid one of his hands into the other's hair while pulling Hiroto as close as he could possibly get.
Hiroto moved his hands over Tora's bare chest, warming his fingers against the skin as he trailed his kisses down over Tora's neck.
Tora shivered, nuzzling the other lightly as he nibbled lightly on Hiroto's ear.
Hiroto let out soft breath and bit down on Tora's skin, perhaps a bit of a possessive bite.
"Nnn..." Tora sounded softly against the other's ear. No-go lights were going off in his head, but his body disagreed. His lips trailed down along the other's neck, his mouth hotter then Shou's.
"Mm..." Hiroto let his head fall to the side, exposing more of his neck to the pleasant feel of Tora's lips.
Tora sucked, kissed and nipped along the beautiful neck, unable to get enough of his salty skin.
Another moan left Hiroto lips at that, as he clung to Tora, not able to do much else with that distracting attention.
Tora's lips moved down, along Hiroto's collarbone and shoulder, moaning very softly against his skin. His hands slid up Hiroto's sides, feeling his body beneath the cloth.
It was hot, too hot. Hiroto groaned and led Tora's hands to the edge of his shirt, wanting it off.
Tora slid his hands up under the other's shirt, pulling it off before his lips returned to his lovely skin, sucking and kissing along it and along his chest.
"Nn, Tora..." Hiroto breathed, arching against Tora some and weaving his fingers into the other's dark hair.
Tora rest on his knees, wrapping his arms around Hiroto's hips as his lips played with one of Hiroto's nipples, sucking and tugging on it, before returning the favor to the other. Before long he moved to let his kisses travel down Hiroto's lean, toned form.
Hiroto sunk down and pulled Tora on top of him, because he knew his knees would've given out otherwise.
Tora leaned up, kissing Hiroto deeply again, hovering over him as his free hand continued to explore down the other's body, over his trail of kisses.
Hiroto trembled slightly with desire, his arms moving around Tora's neck once again.
Tora's fingers lightly brushed over the front of the other's pants as he devoured Hiroto's delicious mouth. "Hiroto..." he moaned softly against the full lips.
Hiroto then seemed to snap out of it suddenly, thinking of Shou. He pushed against Tora's chest, turning his head away.
Tora's hand fell away and he tensed up, resting his head against the other's head a moment, coming back to reality. He sighed softly, his voice more husked then usual when he spoke, his words soft. "You... You shouldn't come in here anymore.." he breathed, while pushing himself up. He walked around Hiroto, running his hands through his hair as he sat on the edge of his bed, holding his head. He knew better...
Hiroto took a deep breath and grabbed his shirt, hurriedly putting it on. "I'm sorry." He said, before standing up and almost running out the door. He hated himself so much for giving into his desires. How could he do that to Shou?
Tora's hands fisted in his hair as a tear slid down his cheek. Why was he letting this happen? Grabbing his shirt, Tora put it on and left his room, letting his door close hard behind him. He walked down and into Shou's room, wiping at his eyes some before entering. He walked over by his brother's bed and sat on the edge of it, watching his brother sleep.
Shou woke, looking up at his brother. He smiled softly. "What's wrong, Tora?" he asked softly as the older man sighed softly, running his hand though his brother's hair.
"It's nothing, Shou... How're you doing?" he asked as his brother shook his head some.
"I'm running out of time..." he said softly, sadly. "Don't let Hiroto know." he pleaded and Tora nodded, closing his eyes as his sweet little brother touched his tears.
"I won't... I'm going to go for a walk... Do you want anything from the market?" he asked and Shou shook his head some.
"Tora?" he called softly as the brother left the bed. "I really want you and Hiroto to be together when I'm gone..." he said softly, watching the other. Tora turned, looking back at Shou.
"We'll see, little brother... Get some rest," he ordered with a small smile as he left the room.
Hiroto took a long bath and scrubbed at his skin as if it could erase the guilt and Tora's touches, but mostly he ended up crying, letting his tears join the soapy water. Eventually, he returned to Shou's room in his night clothes, hoping that Shou was already asleep.
Shou woke when the door opened though, and looked up. He smiled so very sweet and soft at Hiroto. "I was afraid you were going to forget..."
Hiroto took a deep breath and moved over to the bed to lay down with Shou, snuggling against his side. "I'm sorry I took so long..."
Shou snuggled his nose against the other's chest. "Mmm... You smell like soap... I love that smell."
Hiroto closed his eyes and tried not to cry again. His eyes already stung. "I'm tired..." He whispered softly.
Shou nodded slightly, resting his head against the other's chest, listening to the heart beat as he sighed softly. "Alright... I love you..." he said, his arms wrapped loosely around his lover.
"I love you too, Shou..." Hiroto said, holding the other tighter.
Shou closed his eyes and drifted off into a deep sleep, surrounded by his lover's warmth and scent.
Hiroto had another horrible night of no sleep, not when so much guilt was weighing on his heart. Shou deserved so much better.
Shou didn't think that, though, but he didn't sleep very well either. Sometime in the middle of the night, he woke in a wet sweat, sitting upright with a soft gasp.
Hiroto frowned softly and sat up as well, already having been awake. "What's wrong?"
Shou panted softly, running a hand through his hair. "Y-you... a-and Tora... you were..." he choked softly as tears stung his eyes. "You were both dying..." he cried softly, sniffling and totally freaking out. "A-a-and I was all better..."
"Shou, calm down. You're not making any sense." Hiroto said, hugging Shou close and kissing his head.
Shou sniffled, crying against Hiroto's chest as he tried again and again to tell the other his nightmare.
"Shh, it's ok." Hiroto whispered, rocking Shou back and forth a bit.
Shou gasped softly, resting and clinging heavily against his lover. He finally calmed down some, worn out again, but he didn't want to sleep again, not just yet...
"Are you ok now?" Hiroto asked once Shou seemed to be calm again.
Shou shook his head some, holding tightly on to Hiroto, sniffling some. "That was terrible..." he whimpered softly.
"What happened?" Hiroto asked, hoping that it was ok to ask now.
Shou sniffled softly, closing his eyes. "I-I woke up... And I was feeling better... I didn't hurt at all and I wasn't scared... I was dying..." he said softly. "I ran out to tell you both... I went to Tora's room first... And when I opened the door, a flood of... of blood ran out... Tora was in his bed... And his eyes were open... And he was all bloody from coughing... And not moving..." he whimpered, feeling more tears fall in remembrance of the dream. "A-a-and then I ran to your room... and when I opened the door, it was dark... When I stepped onto the carpet... It squished.... And I turned the lights on... And.. and..."
"Shh, you don't have to say any more." Hiroto kissed both of Shou's cheeks and cuddled him.
Shou clung to the other tightly. "I don't want you to die..." he cried softly. Not at the expense of his own health.
"I won't." Hiroto promised, gently rubbing Shou's back.
Shou sniffled softly, hugging the other tightly. He'd been so selfish in that dream. And the thought of his getting the other two sick made him feel nauseous.
"You shouldn't worry about me." Hiroto said, sighing to himself.
Shou sniffled, shaking his head some. "Of coarse I'm going to worry about you." he argued, wiping at his eyes and resting against the other, nuzzling him.
"I kissed Tora..." Hiroto muttered, though that was the understatement of the century. They probably would've had sex if he hadn't snapped out of it.
Shou heart stopped for a second as his hands fisted in the other's shirt. "No..." he whimpered softly as the tears came back. He didn't want to hear that. One of his trembling hands moved up to cover Hiroto's lips. "D-don't say that..." he cried.
Hiroto removed the hand, looking down at the bed. "I have never regretted anything more in my life. You deserve so much better than this, Shou."
"Stop it..." he sobbed, shaking his head. He didn't want to hear this. "I d-don't care... Just.. please..." he cried, holding himself tightly. "Don't say th-that..."
Hiroto sighed and he nodded slightly, moving his hand to hold Shou's. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't hold it in. I never want to lie or keep things from you, Shou."
Shou sobbed, trembling against the other. "Do what you w-want with him... I don't care," he cried, though it hurt. "But, lie to me... I don't want to know," his words were broken as he spoke. He just wanted to be happy.
Hiroto touched Shou's cheek, looking into his eyes. "Listen to me, Shou...Make no mistake that I love you. That will never change."
Shou cried, looking at Hiroto through sore, red eyes. He wanted Hiroto to love him. He wanted him all to himself, but he knew that was unrealistic. Shou leaned up and kissed his lover softly, sniffling before he rest his head against the other's shoulder.
Hiroto just sighed heavily, pulling Shou into his lap. "This whole situation just sucks. I wish it were just a bad dream."
Shou nuzzled the other, sniffling softly as he calmed down again, slowly. "I don't..." he said very faintly.
"Why?" Hiroto asked, smoothing his fingers through Shou's hair.
Shou sniffled, wiping at his eyes. "I don't w-want to be around... When you and Tora get together..." he said softly, sniffling it. He knew it would happen eventually.
"I wouldn't be with him." Hiroto promised, touching Shou's cheek.
Shou looked up at the other, sniffling softly. "Things would still happen, though. I know it." he said softly. he looked so scared. "That's why I don't mind."
"Shou...." Hiroto whispered, feeling so sad for him.
Shou nuzzled him, softly kissing his neck. "I don't mind at all..." he breathed softly, closing his tired eyes. He was ready to sleep.
Hiroto laid Shou down, and settled down next to him to see if he could sleep some too.
Shou still trembled in Hiroto's arms, staying close to the other with his face pressed close to Hiroto's heart. Where he wanted to stay; forever.
Hiroto fell asleep after a bit, tucking Shou in close to him as if protecting him.