Note: For Heather. No spoilers. Just Kaito panicking.
please
What was happening to Haruto?
Oh god, what was happening to his little brother? Please, no. Not Haruto, please. Please, please, please, anyone but his little brother. Please.
It started with a fever. Kaito babied his little brother, even more than before, always sitting beside Haruto's bed, wiping the sweat off his brother's head, placing the cool cloth on his forehead, holding his hand tightly in his, reading Haruto's favorite books to him during the night, always before going to bed. He would whisper to Haruto that everything was going to be okay, but maybe he was just reassuring himself. Haruto looked worse after everyday that passed.
Haruto would whimper at nights, but he never opened his eyes. It killed Kaito inside. He wished fervently that his little brother would get better. He was doing his best, really. Sometimes he thinks he hears Haruto cry out for him, "Nii…san," and it's terrifying him. He wants to hug Haruto so much, to hold him and protect him, but he's scared that he might hurt him. Please oh god, don't take Haruto away from me, please.
When Haruto's cries would be too much and too loud for him, Kaito can't help but cry. He holds Haruto's right hand in his, squeezes it even, and kisses the boy's forehead. He silently sobs, begging any deity up there to help his little brother, his dying little brother. What's happening to you, Haruto? Haruto, please don't leave me.
Don't leave me, oh god Haruto. I'm begging you. I'll do anything. Anything just to keep you safe. Anything to cure you.
"Kaito-kun,"
I'll save you from whatever is hurting you.
"Kaito-kun, your mission is to collect the Numbers cards."
No matter how hard it might be for me.
"It will be dangerous."
I'll do all this for your sake.
"We will need your cooperation if you wish to cure Haruto."
So wait for me, please.
"Will you cooperate?"
Even if I go to hell for whatever I'm asked to do.
"Yes."
I'll do it, so please don't go.
Ahhhh, did I do this any justice? Hmm…