Quick drabble I wrote while trying to get the hang of writing the TnC characters. Togainu no Chi is the property of Nitro Chiral.
Shiki likes the way his brother's eyes light up when they meet. He likes the way Rin takes up the blade and declares that one day, he will be a great fighter just like his big brother. He likes the way Rin takes down enemies with deadly accuracy and looks toward him for approval. He likes the way Rin doesn't bother fighting against him any more when he grips his chin and bites his neck, likes the way he just accepts his kisses and the bruising grip on his wrists like it's the most natural thing in the world.
And then, things start to change. Rin's eyes are still alight with happiness, but his expression is far away, and Shiki immediately knows that Rin's smile is not for him. Rin stops using katanas, instead focuses on mastering dual-wielding daggers that Shiki did not present him with. When Rin fights now, it's not for his approval, it is for the approval of another, and Shiki watches with displeasure at the way Rin smiles when he says the name Kazui. When Rin returns home that night, he pulls away from Shiki's embrace sharply, as if burned by the heat of Shiki's anger, and Shiki realises he's staring at the dark shape of the bite on Rin's neck; a mark that was not left by him nor by any opponent, because when Rin realises Shiki is staring, he tries to hide it with his collar.
The next day, Shiki throws Rin against a wall when he says he's going to meet his Blasters team, winding him and igniting an anger in his little brother that is not dissimilar to his own rage. Shiki smirks, and leaves the house without another word, his katana a familiar weight in his hand.
When Rin reaches Kazui's house later that day, he is greeted by the smell of blood. He feels anger before he feels sorrow, and grips the hilts on his weapons so hard that his knuckles turn white.
Shiki watches his brother from nearby, completely unafraid, and knows that his work is done.
END