Chapter 4

Emperor

A/N: Set after Shinjiro's death

All was quiet.

Akihiko leaned against the cemented wall, taking a slow drag and a pool of mist evaporated from his mouth, mingling with the winter air and became one with the snow. He coughed once, unused to the burning sensation that invaded his lungs. He made a face and wondered how the hell Shinji liked this brand. Akihiko stomped on the unfinished cigarette and tightened the red scarf around his neck, the white jacket abandoned on the floor. He shook visibly from the cold but he didn't bother to care.

He wasn't the type to mope. He'd rather fight his way than brooding like a useless ornament.

Brooding was more like Shinji's thing, he thought with a smile.

Akihiko took out something from his jacket, a small white rabbit doll with red beady eyes that would suit Miki's features and made a mental note to visit her grave tomorrow, next to Shinji's. He stood up and call it a day.

Then, the spell of silence he was under was broken with a soft creak of the door and Minato appeared from the metal door, his hands cupped around two steaming mugs. They merely acknowledged each other as Minato made his way next to Akihiko and handed him one of the mugs. He flopped unceremoniously to the floor and settled there. His sloppy, casual demeanor relaxed and he brought up a knee to his chin.

"I don't think you're the smoker type," Minato said after what felt like eons, filled only by the sipping sound and sometimes a wintry breeze that made his ears rung.

Akihiko snorted, "How's Ken? Does he feel better?"

" I tucked him in, he seemed exhausted."

Recognizing his senior's point to change the topic, Minato followed suit. "I mixed your coffee with the whey protein I found in your stash cupboard."

" You're good at taking care of others, huh?" Akihiko remarked and he got a raised eyebrow in return.

They returned to the silence and this time, Akihiko didn't mind the quiet company.

He fell asleep within seconds.

When he opened his eyes, the snow has covered the rooftop so completely that Akihiko was taken aback by the whiteness. He swept his eyes, slowly aware of the absence of the Field Leader.

Minato was gone.

He blinked abruptly and groaned in pain as he forcefully shook off his body. Fortunately, they sat near the big pipe that controlled the hot water flow around the dorm so he wasn't frozen solid in ice. When he walked a step forward, he noticed that Minato wasn't gone, he just leaned against the metal door and crossed his arms to keep out the cold.

Minato looked down from where he stood, smiled and walked to Akihiko's side. He outstretched a hand and waiting expectantly. Then, a sudden gust of wind brushed his hair aside, revealing a mole under his right eye and the tranquil peace in his expression.

And in the future, Akihiko blamed his stupid self for causing him to do something out of his character. He stood up and leaned forward, looping an arm over Minato's arm. Giving the Field Leader a one-armed hug that lasted a few seconds and let go.

That done it.

The first few peals of laughter resounded from Minato. It evolved into a full blown laugh that affected The Emperor who had lost both his sister and a sworn brother and they laughed until his cheeks hurt and his stomach cramped.

" I...I-" Minato gave a small grin and wiped his wet eyes. "I was about to pull you up, Akihiko-senpai," Cue to a wheeze that sounded half-amused, half-astounded.

"Just forget it," Akihiko jabbed with a glare that didn't look threatening.

"Yes, sir," Minato said airily and he moved to pick up the mugs. His shaking shoulder failed to convince Akihiko that the junior took his threat seriously and Akihiko shrugged, returning to the indoor warmth.

"Akihiko-senpai?"

"What?"

"I've got your back, you know."

"I know," he said in a final tone, the grief receded somewhat and he felt okay.

Not fine completely, but okay.

That Fool. There's no saving him.

Author Note:

The white rabbit doll is the item that the female MC got when you completed Akihiko's Social Link. Well, I played the portable version and his route was so saaadd I wanted to pat his back. It doesn't count as a spoiler, right?

Thanks for reading and please give your input :)