Shuichi's remaining hours of sleep were restless. He woke several times, disturbing Hiei. He knew he'd been dreaming but was unable to remember what the dreams were about.
It wasn't until dawn that he finally slept soundly. He woke to see sunlight streaming through the window. Hiei was gone. Shuichi got out of bed and gathered his clothes for a shower. It was Saturday, so his chances of avoiding people were low. Some students spent the weekend off-campus but many remained to take part in club activities or study.
When he entered the hall, several of the students turned to stare at him. Shuichi resisted the urge to duck back into his room and began to make his way to the bathroom, hunching his shoulders self-consciously as he walked.
"Hey, Shuichi," one of his classmates said, stepping in front of him. The boy had short black hair and wore glasses. "You've missed a lot of class. Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Shuichi answered.
"Someone banged you up pretty good, huh? Kind of surprising since you aren't the sort to get into fights," the boy continued. Shuichi couldn't even remember his name. He wished the boy would leave him alone.
"I'm sorry. I have to go," he said, hoping the boy would get the hint.
"Oh, okay." The boy stepped to the side, allowing Shuichi to pass. Shuichi gratefully took the chance to escape. He was several steps away when the boy's voice rang out behind him.
"Hey, Shuichi?"
Shuichi turned.
"You need any notes for your classes?" he asked. "You can borrow mine."
Shuichi was surprised by the offer. Given that he didn't socialize with any of his peers, he had not expected them to go out of their way for him.
"No, thank you," he said. "I have what I need."
"No problem," the boy said. "I hope you feel better soon."
Shuichi continued down the hall. He was stopped twice more by classmates asking him how he was. Finally he made it to the bathroom.
After showering, he returned to his dorm room to find that Hiei was there, sorting through a stack of textbooks on his desk. He appeared to be looking for something. Perhaps he'd lost a library book, Shuichi guessed. It wouldn't be the first time. The shorter boy looked him over critically.
"I know you have more decent clothes than that," was all he said.
Shuichi winced. He was wearing a baggy dark red sweater that his aunt had knitted him and sweatpants. He was uncomfortable wearing anything that showed off his figure.
"I haven't done laundry," was his excuse.
Hiei scowled at him. "Bullshit," he said flatly.
Shuichi began to feel annoyed as he moved to his bed and began to make it. He very much wanted to move the conversation away from himself. After a moment of consideration, he said, "Are you related to Yukina, by any chance?"
There was a clutter behind him. Startled, Shuichi spun around. Hiei stood beside his desk, several books lying on the floor at his feet. He'd obviously just dropped them. He stared at Shuichi, eyes wide like a deer in the headlights.
Shuichi felt a surge of triumph. "I'm right, aren't I?" he said.
Hiei glared at him. "God damn fox," he muttered. "Since you've somehow figured that much out you might as well know the rest. And wipe that smug smirk off your face!"
Shuichi hadn't realized he'd been smirking. He made an effort to contain it and sat on his half-made bed. Hiei sat on his.
"Well?" Shuichi asked eagerly.
Hiei sighed. "She's my sister," he said. "My twin sister."
"Twin?" Shuichi asked in surprise. "But isn't she a year younger?"
"No, you idiot. I skipped a grade," Hiei told him.
"So you're the brother she's been looking for? Why haven't you told her?" Shuichi was genuinely confused. He knew that Yukina would be thrilled to learn that she'd found her brother.
"We were seperated when we were put into foster care when we were children," Hiei said quietly. "My family was not as kind as Yukina's was. I got into a lot of trouble when I was younger. Things are better for me now, but Yukina doesn't need someone like me in her life. I'd just cause problems for her."
"Do you think you aren't good enough for her?" Shuichi asked.
Hiei nodded. "I suppose you could say that," he said.
"That's crazy," Shuichi told him. "I'm sure Yukina will be very happy to learn that you are her brother. She's been looking for you too, you know. You should tell her."
Hiei's eyes hardened. "Look who's talking," he snapped. "You aren't exactly the poster child for honesty lately."
Shuichi flinched as if he'd been slapped. His own eyes hardened. "My situation is a little different," he said defensively.
"You're such a hypocrite," Hiei told him bitterly. "It's not different at all." He stood up and stalked out of the room, leaving Shuichi bewildered and upset. That hadn't gone well at all.
