Title: Kazoku

Author: koyuki-san

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Unbeta-ed, OOC-ness, spoilers for 24, language

Genre: Drama, angst

Main Character(s): Kai, Haji, mentions of Saya, Riku

Ship(s): None.

Summary: Family is family, no matter how different they are. One shot.

Disclaimer: Blood+ is copyright to Production IG and Aniplex.

Author's Notes: A long time coming confrontation between Haji and Kai. No fist fights. Surprisingly, Kai is the easiest character for me write, even though he's my least liked character.

It had been a desperate situation, one that had been between life and death. All common sense and rational had gone, replaced by a desperate, almost hysterical need. When the solution was suggested that might save Riku, Kai had grasped it like a lifeline, unwilling to let go, even after Saya's hesitation and words. He didn't want to see Riku die.

Not like when he had seen his father died before his eyes.

It was now after the storm, Saya's words and his actions sinking into his head and surround his heart. His words had hurt her in the tower but he had not meant to. The words had just came out, he couldn't stop the flow even as he wanted to. Seeing Riku laying before him, dying, had terrified him.

He didn't want to be alone.

He scrubbed fiercely at his face, feeling the sudden sting behind his eyelids. He was too old for tears now.

Footsteps broke into his thoughts, sending them scattering like a flock of birds to the sky. He peered up from his position sitting down by the crates. His expression reflexively darkened when he saw who it was.

"If you're looking for Saya, she's not around here," he said, belligerently. "Try that cabin you are staying in with her."

Haji quirked up an eyebrow but said nothing about the way Kai spoke to him. He was used to the boy's brashness and rather impudent manners.

"You should talk to Saya," he said, after a moment, leaning his arms on the railing. The fading sunlight reflected on the surface of the waters. The breeze carried with it the salted scent, ruffling his hair.

"You should mind your own business," muttered Kai, with some asperity.

He hadn't spoken a word to his sister since returning on board the ship. The relationship between them was strained, tensed and it felt like a wide chasm. He wanted to say something to her, anything, to apologize, to thank her but she had headed into the cabin, shutting the door and stayed there since.

"Saya doesn't want to talk me. Not now." Kai glared at nothing in particular. He noted absently that the paint was peeling from a spot on the wall before him.

"She will forgive you," Haji said. "You are her brother."

"How can you say that?" Kai bursted out, astonished at the simplicity. "How can you say a thing like that? I hurt her! I forced her to do something she doesn't want to. I'm the one who turned Riku into what he is now. Because of my selfish–!"

"Pity doesn't become you," Haji said, in a desultory manner.

It was like a slap to the face or a bucket of freezing ice water thrown over you. Kai jolted, eyes wide in astonishment. His mouth opened and closed but no sound came out. He shut his jaw with a click of his teeth, and his face turned furious. He was up on his feet before he realized it, fists clenched and looking like he wanted to hit something or someone.

Which he did.

Haji sidestepped the blow, and Kai ended up on the floor, scraping his arm. He scrambled back up, chest heaving.

"How dare you–!"Kai began. "You have no right!"

"Are you going back on your words? You've told Saya that she's family to you," Haji said. "Isn't she your family?"

Kai stopped, lowered his arm, eyes growing wide as he remembered what he'd said to her countless times.

No matter what. We'll get through this because we're a family.

Riku's the only brother I ever have. I don't want to be alone!

Family. We're supposed to be that and yet... and yet...

He gave a sharp bark of laughter. "I'm a hypocrite, aren't I?" he said, bitterly. "A fucking hypocrite. I can't even keep my own word, let alone my words to someone."

"Saya will forgive you," Haji said, once more.

"How can you be so sure?" Kai asked, tiredly. The emotions had drained out of him, making him feel as if he had just gotten off a crazy roller coaster ride where he spent the last few minutes screaming his lungs out.

"Because you're family," came the simple answer.

Family. What a dysfunctional and twisted family they are then, he thought, almost laughing out loud. The hysterical feeling must have not left him yet. He was the only normal one among them now that Riku has joined the ranks of being the undead.

Family was family. No matter how fucked up the person was or how extraordinarily different. Whether they were the people you work with or stay with. They were still family because they are the people you have bonded with and are always there. Blood relation didn't matter. What mattered was the bond between them.

"Hey," he called out, as Haji was turning to leave. The Chevalier paused, half-turned at look at him.

Kai cleared his throat, scuffing at the floor with the toe of his shoe. "Riku's... he's like you now but he's still family, even if he starts to suck blood. Gah, creepy," he muttered the last part. "What I meant is... that is... you're a part of us as well. Family, that is." His face was bright red as he said it, and he looked everywhere but at Haji.

When he dared to chance a look at the Chevalier, he found the spot empty. He felt a little disgruntled but slightly pleased, his mouth turning up in a half-smile.

"Don't think that it means I'll stop antagonising you," he said to the empty place, turning away. He thought he heard a dry chuckle but it was probably the sound of the waves.

He headed towards the direction of Saya's cabin.

He had some apologizing to do.

Owari.