THIRTY-SIX
Kira brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She sat in the bar at the couch by the window. It was late, nearly midnight and mostly everyone had gone home or to bed with the exception of Eric, Kosuke, and Mikoto. Izumo and Tatara had gone up to the rooftop not to long ago, but she didn't think they'd come back down.
"You can talk to us, you know," Eric said as he walked over to Kira and sat down beside her. Mikoto turned on his seat and leaned back on the bar. He watched them and nodded to Kira, who glanced at him. "When I first came here, asking for help wasn't really my thing." Eric flicked his blond hair from his face and looked at Kosuke, who nodded slightly.
"I don't think anyone can help me," Kira whispered, which caused Eric to frown. He glanced over to Mikoto and Kosuke, who seemed a bit disappointed in that answer as well. "But I appreciate it." She smiled, but that smile started to shatter. Her eyes began to water and tears started to fall.
Kosuke stood up from his spot, but Mikoto stopped him with a wave of his hand. Eric looked at the two for help, but quickly looked back as Kira started to sob silently beside him. He took in a deep breath and scooted a little closer to her. When he glanced back at Mikoto, he waited for approval. Mikoto just stared at him, so Eric gave Kira a sympathetic smile and wrapped his arm around her.
She started to sob into his shoulder.
After a few minutes, Kira finally calmed down and apologized as she moved away. Eric shook his head and said, "It's okay to be sad."
"I miss my mom, I'm scared of what Jimushi will do," Kira explained, looking over to Mikoto. The Red King stood onto his feet and walked over to her. He sat down on the other side of her and brushed her hair behind her ear. "I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me."
Mikoto pulled her into his chest and held her tight, rubbing her arm in a comforting manner. She hugged him back and cuddled closer to him, taking in his warmth.
"Kira," Kosuke said as he took a seat on the small coffee table across from her. She looked at him and he smiled. "I know you are worried about us and everyone else, but what Jimushi and his thugs are doing is not your fault. If anything you can help us put a stop to what he did to you and your family."
"Why do you guys want to help me?" Kira asked, looking to each of the men surrounding her.
"Because," Mikoto began, "we're your family now, and we take care of our own." He put his hand on the back of her head and pulled her towards him. His lips gently pressed against her temple and lingered for a moment. "And Eric's right, you can talk to us."
"Thank you," Kira smiled.