Chapter Summary- Renzo discovers what Yukio did. Lewin is on the trail of Section 13. Ryuuji is very tired. Rin just wants everything to be ok. The Illuminati proves their worth and Christmas is celebrated. But tensions grow outside the Inn's warmth and love.
CHAPTER NOTES AND WARNINGS!!!Please read before reading chapter!!!!
This chapter picks up right after Yukio's attempt. I will tag it with (*). And end it with another (*). This chapter will have many mentions of the suicide attempt.
There are some really good scenes towards the end but please note that we will be getting into the mental impacts for Yukio and Ryuuji. Yukio is experiencing severe mental health problems. And Ryuuji is having trouble with Caretaker Burnout.
The demons (and Renzo but he doesnt mean it in a terribly bad way) do not care about the mentalities of the humans so they make crude remarks or actions that aren't helpful at all for Yukio.
Please be aware of any triggers in the chapter!
Merry Christmas! I hope you all have a great and safe new years too!
* Warnings in Chapter Notes!
Renzo's hands fidgeted restlessly as he walked. He was on edge, hyper aware of his surroundings. Todou made him uncomfortable in all the worst ways and hisvoice.But… he had a Doctor's Meister and Renzo wanted Rin to live. If Todou could cure Rin, then Renzo would be happy to have done his part. He had hated stealing blood from the medical box, he hated trudging through the snow to deliver it, hedespisedsurrounding himself with the sneering demons. It was all getting a bit tedious.
The moon was bright in the sky and he credits the shine to the fact that he even noticed the figure in the snow. His back stiffened and he took off running. God, he wassotired of the way snow made his movements sluggish and difficult. His hands fumbled for his phone and he flicked on the flashlight.
The cold air made the phone's light foggy but he could seehim.Something raw curled in a vice grip around his heart. His stomach churned at the pale emptiness of the figure lying so still in the snow. Was he even breathing? Renzo couldn't tell.
He dropped to his knees, hissing when something shattered and cut into his knee, his phone landing in the snow encrusted with ice. His hands rested onhischeeks, the cold stung his eyes.
Those turquoise colored eyes were staring up, past Renzo, past the trees. His lips were parted and graying.Yukio.
Renzo set his head on Yukio's chest, grateful for the quiet night as he listened. He could hear the slowing heart beat, but what could he do? He looked back in the direction that he had come. Maybe Todou was still there?
Something blue flickered, then flashes of blue fire licked up from Yukio's left eye. The eye itself was the same color Rin's were, the pupils elongating like a cat's and tinted red. A sinister sounding growl made Renzo leap back and glance around.
What was that?
"So the pathetic little weakling thinks he can escape that easily?"
The voice sent a shudder down Renzo's spine, his hands quaking.
He jumped again when a new presence appeared in a shower of pink dust. His heart was racing, threatening to send him into a panic. He looked down when he felt his knee going numb, to see a glass syringe shattered and shining with red blood.
"Now, this is something. I hadn't realized you had been pushed to such a precipice." Mephisto huffed, "of course, I knew you were close… Hello Father. "
Renzo gasped, staring down at the glowing eye. The right one was rapidly losing its light. Renzo's hands scrambled to check Yukio's pulse, his panic skyrocketing when he couldn't detect one. "Are you just going to stand there or are you going to save him?"
Mephisto waved a lazy hand over Yukio. He disappeared as if he had never even been there.
"Of course I can save him." Mephisto said with confidence.
"Take me with you." Renzo tried not to sound begging or demanding.
Mephisto stared at Renzo with an unreadable expression, something too knowledgeable in his eyes. "To True Cross then."
Light looked through the files he had gotten on Section 13, fully engrossed in the sheer amount of damning evidence in his hands. He had spent months building this evidence up.This. Clues to how Satan came to enter Assiah… the science experiments held inside.Shiro Fujimoto.
The fact that demonic cancers were common in the clones and Nephilim made a quiet rage burn in his chest. He scanned the death reports for what seemed like the hundredth time, scoffing in disgust. Samael wasn't surprised and he knew there was nothing to be done. He should have let the kid go months ago. He was just letting everyone suffer. Samael would call it character development.
Now, should he drag Ryuuji down the rabbit hole with him? The Aria showed great promise with his intelligence and strong sense of justice. He would seek to avenge Rin's death. Rin would be the fuel and Ryuuji the unstoppable machine… the perfect replacement if, when, Light died under mysterious circumstances. They would kill Light as soon as they discovered he was on their tail. He hoped to drag them all down with him.
Light shook his head and jumped when his phone buzzed.
"Yukio Okumura attempted suicide. He will stay with me for observation for several days." - Samael.
Light growled, narrowing his eyes as his lips twitched into a smirk. "I hope you're happy, Samael. I'm coming for you."
There was a knock at the door and Ryuuji slid inside at Light's voice allowing entrance. The teenager didn't look much better than he did the days prior. Light was skeptical how much the kid could take but he needed help. This was too big for just him.
"I've got a big project for us, kid. Brace yourself because this is a tough one. Personal too." Light slid the stack of papers over for him to see, being sure to keep the papers about Fujimoto and the clones' fatality in plain sight.
Ryuuji's eyes scrunched up as he traced over the papers. Each sentence brought deeper lines and anger into the youthful face.
"What the fuck is this?" Ryuuji snarled. Light mentally acknowledged the language, tucking it away as yet another sign that the Aria was a ticking time bomb.
"And this." Light handed his phone to Ryuuji with Samael's message.
The boy's face crumpled and he leaned back in his seat. His hands dug into his hair, tearing his fingers through violently.
"What do you want me to do?" Ryuuji's voice was low with a tone of devastation.
"Oh boy. That's where it gets interesting." Light yawned and stretched. "I've been up all night so, please read through those while I have a nap. Then we can go take care of Rin."
Ryuuji was exhausted, he scrubbed at his face, hoping to bring some life back to his paleness. His parents had taken him aside and quietly scolded him for neglecting himself. Ryuuji had angrily lashed out, unable and unwilling to admit to his internal turmoil. He looked into the mirror, wincing at the state he was in.
He was thinner, meal times spent helping Rin eat and overexerting himself in training under Light. His clothes were wrinkled and… if they were the same clothes he wore yesterday, he wouldn't tell. His cheeks and chin were rough with dark hair. The hair on his head was longer than he had ever had it before and his roots were taking over the blond dye. He needed…wantedto cut it but he was scared Rin wouldn't recognize him. He had to keep it how it was for just a little longer. The thought made his stomach sour and he swallowed down the sick feeling.
His heart trembled with the strain and he dunked his face back under the freezing water, choosing to ignore his ragged state.
Rin had found himself back inside the Suguro family's kitchen. He was staring forlornly at the food he had gathered. He wanted to cook.
He had woken up alone, his fever skyrocketed, his vision blurring more with each day and bones aching. His stomach churned with a foriegn anxiety that he didn't know the source of. Where were Yukio and Ryuuji? They were often gone throughout the days but never at the same time. Theyneverleft Rin alone. He didn't dare say it was a welcome change to the hovering, and babying.
He decided he wanted to cook as a distraction. His legs tried to crumple under him but with the help of walls and a cat sidhe, he made it to his destination. Taking out the ingredients was easy but now the pot full of water in the sink was too heavy for him to lift. His hands trembled when he tried to cut the vegetables. The violent uncontrollable motion had made the task sloppy and dangerous.
The last straw was the inability to get ahold of the fragile egg without it shattering at his feet. Rin's legs decided that would be the time to collapse. Rin curled in on himself, hiding his face in his knees. Kuro headbutted Rin's shoulder.
"I can get someone to help you, Rin." Kuro meowed.
"I can do it!" Rin snapped, his fangs cutting into his lip. His eyes were burning but he was tired of crying.
Kuro chirred sadly, and Rin swallowed down his sorrow to force himself back up. His vision went black for a moment with the rough movement.
He just wanted to make soup. It was winter, wasn't it? You made warm things in winter… He paused, mentally searching his brain. When was the last time he went outside? What if he was wrong and spring had come?
Kuro yowled and tapped at his leg with his paw. Rin had forgotten the cat was there. He blinked down at the cat, confused to see the shattered egg on the floor.
He shook his head and hummed at his surroundings. The glow of his skin was brightening and he stumbled to the cutting board. He needed to cook. Nothing would stop him.
"Rin?" Ryuuji's voice was behind him and he stiffened. He didn't want to be told he couldn't do it.
"Go away." Rin choked, squeezing the knife to try to ease the tremble. He wouldn't look back.
"Do you want help?" Ryuuji hesitantly asked.
"No!" This washisthing. Everyone knew that. It was the only thing he had ever been good at. He couldn't let this be taken from him.
Arms wrapped around his waist and he bit his lip to stifle the sob threatening to escape. Ryuuji's lips brushed his temple and Rin leaned into the touch.
"Asking for help isn't a bad thing." Ryuuji's hands trailed down to Rin's and steadied them. Rin took a shaky breath and allowed the guidance. Finally he made an even cut.
The meal they made was perfect and Rin couldn't remember the last time he had cooked like this. Ryuuji's arms helped guide him through the motions, keeping him steady. The gentle kisses and roaming touch helped relax them both.
Ryuuj explained that Yukio had to leave for something and they saved some for Shura to take to him.
Rin had excitedly spent as much time as he could in the kitchen. Various classmates coming to lend a hand but never intruding. Ryuuji was sad to leave but apparently he had business with Light.
Rin put together a pile of food just for Yukio. He shoved it into Shura's hands and told her the two could share. If she acted strangely, he didn't notice. In fact, he hadn't made a single mention about any changes with her.
*Back to Yukio, if you are skipping his scenes*
"Did you think you'd be allowed to escape? I have use of you and will not allow you to die. I will admit… you caught me off guard with your actions…" Satan's voicewas in Yukio's head. He wanted to claw out his eyes. He was in Mephisto's bathroom, tugging at his hair. Thedemoninside of his left eye was teasing him. "You don't get to die until I'm done with you… you'llsee.I will bless you with merciful death in due time."
"Leave me alone!" Yukio hissed, aware of the demon lurking outside the door.
"Who are you talking to?" Mephisto's voice came from the door, a hint of smugness in his voice. The demons wouldn't leave him alone.
"Don't." Yukio's voice was cold and firm as he threw the door open and exited the bathroom, glaring at the demon.
"Don't?" Mephisto cocked his head, something playful lit his eyes. "You behave as though I have no experience in this."
Yukio glanced at him, wishing Mephisto would just leave. Yukio stomped back to the bed, slightly unsteady but… between Satan and Mephisto, Yukio was fully healed except for his arm.
"Your father. After the devastation following the Blue Night, suddenly keeping two newborns. One part demon and the other was frail and susceptible to illness… it did things to his head too." Mephisto smirked. Yukio did not want to hear this. "But he healed with time. Fought through it.Keptfighting. What will you do? Tough it out or abandon your brother to the path ahead? I hear Rin's been asking for you."
Yukio shut his eyes, pain shooting through his chest. He couldn't tell if it was the aftereffects of the drug or the reminder of Rin or the comparison to his father. Rage at the demon for saving him bubbled in his gut.
"There's someone here who wants to see you. AndIhaveother things to do than babysit." Mephisto swept out of the room, leaving Yukio feeling like he had a hole in his chest. Yukio gritted his teeth at the word "babysit", the urge to punch the demon growing.
A visitor? Not Rin…Yukio would scream if it was Rin. The door opened silently and the head of pink hair brought him a rush of relief and dread.
"Hey!" Shima trotted over and flopped right into bed with Yukio. He sat cross legged, facing Yukio, a candy cane hooked on his finger. Shima grinned at Yukio's stare and bopped him in the nose with the candy.
"What are you doing here?" Yukio asked gruffly.
"Ah…" his bashful face was rather fake, Yukio thought. "Ya see… I found ya! And saved you. Sorta."
Yukio blinked. "Am I supposed to thank you?"
"Hmm?" Shima shook his head. His brown eyes studied Yukio with an intelligence hidden by the familiar playful light. "No. 'Cause you are at your breaking point. That's obvious after all this."
Yukio huffed. "So? Why are you here?"
"It's about Rin, right? This whole…" Shima beckoned at him and used the candy cane as a crude example of a gun to the mouth.
Yukio raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching as the candy cane was promptly crushed between Shima's teeth. "If it is?"
Shima beamed, his teeth were almost matching his hair. "Then I can help! We have offered our help before. Lucifer has all sorts of stuff wrong with him and he's doing better than Rin is. They extend their offer through me again. True Cross is useless for Rinandyou. If this organization was even partially competent, they would have had someone to counsel you. And if we can heal Rin… the deadline the Vatican set is in what? A few weeks?."
Yukio didn't trust the Illuminati. Especially not after Todou. But it goes without saying that Yukio would risk it all for his brother. Perhaps it was a detrimental mindset left over from being raised by his father. If they could give him a chance… and the reminder of the Vatican's death threats didn't sit well with Yukio either. Was the Vatican interfering with Rin's care? Letting him waste away?
"Let me think about it."
"They're planning a Christmas party for Rin. The whole Myodha… we should go together. Mephisto says you get to stay here for a bit… it's a week till Christmas." Shima looked down at Yukio's broken arm, a contemplative look taking over his handsome face. "I have an idea… I'll get back to you on that."
Yukio nodded solemnly, not looking forward to spending more time in Mephisto's home. "Take your time."Please hurry.
Shima laid down, grumbling. His candy cane was almost gone as he draped himself across the purple bed sheets. "I hope you don't mind me sticking around for a bit."
Yukio sighed, reluctant to send him away. After all, they were both hiding from something.
* Still a Yukio scene but less serious
Yukio retreated to the Old Boys Dorm, a part of him relieved to be free of Mephisto and away fromeveryone.In the week since his attempt to take his life no update of Rin had come… probably on purpose. Shima was bouncing around from place to place, and Yukio was impressed at the show of dedication from the spy.
Shima was part of why Yukio had returned to the dorm instead of Kyoto upon his release. The pink haired boy had requested it, telling him to go to his room and wait. Yukio was intrigued, wondering what the boy had planned.
Yukio stepped into the room, wincing at the dust that had collected. The curtains were pulled back, showing the black sky. Rin's bed was still a mess, a lone sock was sticking out from under his bed. Yukio's eyes landed on the hair clip sitting on the bedside table, the silver glistening in the lamp light and he found himself pocketing it.
He would need something to make up his absence to Rin… especially as Shura had brought meals prepared by Rin.
He startled slightly at the tap of knuckles on wood and he turned to the door expectantly. Shima opened the door, peering in at him.
A sheepish grin grew on his face. "Don't kill me… or them."
Yukio narrowed his eyes, fingers itching for a gun. Shima stepped into the room leading…
"No." Yukio growled.
Todou beamed and clapped, "he remembers me!"
A man in a familiar white uniform entered behind him. Yukio had a faint memory of this man stitching his leg. Illuminati medic…
"What do you want?" Yukio kept his eyes on Todou, bristling under the condescending expression on his face.
"We bring party favors." Todou grinned, pulling latex gloves on. He unzipped a cloth pouch. Yukio could see the various tools inside.
The other man pulled an odd sleeve from a white filmed bag and laid it against the pouch.
"They have the key to regeneration. Let them help." Shima offered.
Yukio wanted to reject it, but if they did… Yukio nodded reluctantly. "Show me proof… and I will let you help Rin."
Todou stepped forward, and Yukio tensed, desperate to hide a flinch as the demon-eater began to remove his cast. The cast fell away easily and Todou kept himself focused, a serious expression on his face. Yukio appreciated the silence but it was slightly unnerving from the usually talkative former Exorcist. Todou beckoned the doctor forward with a wave of his hand. The doctor pulled the sleeve open, revealing the radioactive green coating inside. Yukio allowed the medic to fit it around his arm.
The sleeve was uncomfortably tight but he swallowed down any complaints. Todou tugged Yukio's shirt up, and Yukio finally allowed himself a flinch. The medic strapped a bandage over the gashes on his side, an apologetic smile on his lips.
"Leave that on for six hours. Pull the silver tab here to remove it. Best to do it in the shower. Please call Mister Shima if you experience any side effects." The medic spoke quickly, clearly uncomfortable.
Yukio could hardly believe that this should heal his arm and his cuts. It should take six weeks… they're saying six hours. Yukio's hands trembled anxiously. If they could do it, they could fix Rin…
Six hours…Yukio's arm was fully healed. Yukio stared at the skin, marveling. He dropped down and did a push up, his arm was as strong as before it broke. The cuts in his side were no more than light pink scars. Yukio stroked over the new skin. It felt normal.
Yukio looked up at the mirror in his room, his eyes were wide. His lips parted in awe. He was healed. They had done it.
When Shima came back by, Yukio sat down and they discussed what would come next. Yukio would do it. He would give Rin Christmas and the wedding but after that… they would smuggle him away andsavehim.
Ryuuji couldn't sleep… he would manage an hour or two but his attention was everywhere but on resting. Things were falling apart around him and he was trying to pick the shattered pieces up.
Konekomaru, Kamiki, and Shiemi had gravitated to him with the absence of Yukio and Shima. The pink haired boy had just disappeared on the night Yukio attempted and never returned. Yukio was hanging on by a thread according to Shura. She reported that he kept his back to her throughout her visits.
Light's training had intensified. The information that the Arc Knight gave Ryuuji was one mental blow after another. Ryuuji's afternoons were spent exercising his mind and body. The strain was tiresome and made his head throb.
Rin had woken up one day and found he had lost the sight in his left eye. His coordination was off and he needed help with everything. Ryuuji spent most of his nights watching Rin sleep. His hand clamped around Rin's wrist, keeping track of each pulse beat.
It was three days until Christmas and Ryuuji's father seemed to be exceptionally thrilled for the day. Ryuuji could understand why. All the pressure of Karura and keeping up the temple was gone for him.
Ryuuji ran his fingers over his prayer beads, his other hand holding Rin's. The boy was tired today and had slept almost the entire day. The soft sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts.
Yukio was in the open doorway, his eyes were drawn to Rin immediately and he frowned.
"Ryuuji. How is he?" Yukio asked as he crossed to the bed.
Ryuuji blinked in suprise but decided to not question the name. "He is holding steady. He… uh he can't see too well. The vision in his left eye is gone. His fever is getting worse. He doesn't really get hungry or thirsty very often. He's pretty active though. He likes to be up and participating in everything around him."
Yukio frowned at the information. He lookeddifferent.Ryuuji would blame it on his lack of sleep and the strain he was under as he stared at Yukio. Finally it dawned on him. His arm…
"How are you?" Ryuuji asked hesitantly.
Yukio stroked his hand over Rin's hair. "I am fine. Mephisto fixed everything."
"That's a first." Ryuuji grumbled.
Yukio's lips twitched and glanced at Ryuuji. "Thank you for taking care of Rin."
Ryuuji forced a weak smile, trying to hide his internal struggles. "It's nothing…"
Yukio hummed. "And what did I hear about a party?"
Ryuuji nodded. "It was Shiemi's idea."
Rin shifted then, tail coming up to curl around his leg. His eyes opened and looked up at them. Ryuuji grinned, if it didn't completely reach his eyes anymore, Rin couldn't tell the difference. Rin stared at Yukio for a moment, carefully sitting up. He seemed uncertain at first but when he reached out and touched Yukio's hand he grinned.
"Yukio!" Rin lunged forward, hanging on to him as tightly as he could. "Don't just go off like that!"
Yukio's expression was gentle as he sat back. "I won't leave you."
Rin beamed. "Good!"
Ryuuji slumped, happy to have Yukio back. Ryuuji eyeballed the no longer broken arm, trying to not ask questions. Mephisto had never done anything like that before…
"Let's tell the others you home!" Rin's words were jumbled and slurred but he didn't seem to notice. He was up on his feet, tugging Yukio towards the door without another word. His legs were wobbly but held steady.
Ryuuji watched them go, willing to let Yukio take charge for a while. His eyes closed without his consent and he drifted off.
Christmas morning found a clear blue sky and a fresh sparkling layer of snow. The inn was loud and bright, full of life. The residents were riled up, acting young and carefree.
Ryuuji, Rin and Yukio dressed warmly as the chill crept in under doors and through windows. Ryuuji held Rin's hand, trying to ignore the discomfort of holding the super heated skin.
Yumi Shima was running through the halls, dragging her brothers along. Yukio smirked at the familiar squawks of protest from a certain pink haired boy.
As they entered the dining hall, Mephisto stepped over a chain hanging from his hand.
"Happiest of Christmases to you all!" He cheered, a fat green hamster squeaked on his hat. A green and red candy cane bigger than the hamster was clutched in his tiny paws. Little teeth gnawed at the side. Mephisto took Rin's free hand and dropped the chain into it. "Enjoy your gift, Rin. It won't work forever, time cannot be stopped. Beware of over exerting yourself."
Rin peered down at the crystal hourglass hanging from the chain. A lava lamp effect was taking place inside as a red sand moved upwards in a clear liquid.
"What is it?" Yukio asked, his hand settling on Rin's shoulder. Rin flinched slightly at the touch to his blind side.
"Put it on Rin. You will know." Mephisto encouraged. He didn't wait around, sauntering to the meal tables.
Rin let go of Ryuuji's hand and fumbled to put the chain around his neck. His hands shook and his splotchy vision did not help his hand-eye coordination. Rin hissed softly at the hands that attempted to help him, jerking away roughly. He settled the chain down and the charm landed against his chest, his next breath was easier.
His vision cleared and the lingering exhaustion disappeared. All the discomforts seemed to be gone. His mind cleared and he could recall everything. He took a second to look around the room, soaking in the warmth. The room was full of people… people Rin recognized without struggle. Rin turned his eyes to his brother and his boyfriend. They were hovering, twin looks of astonishment on their faces. They looked older, ragged hair and paler than ever. Rin felt a violent rush of love and concern for them. They had been his rocks in all this and the care they gave him was something he was internally insistent to return to them tenfold.
"Rin!" Shiemi called, a bright smile on her face. Rin looked at her and beamed at the attention of his friends. His hair flopped in his face, blocking his view. Yukio pulled back hisblackhair and clipped it in place and Rin felt like himself. A phantom of discomforts thrummed under the surface but he wasok.
Rin took a deep breath and his tail, which had hung limp, lifted in a wag. Rin bounced in place, taking final stock of his body… becausesurelythis was a dream.
His eyes turned to Mephisto who had his back to him, filling a plate full of cakes. Rin had to be aglow with excited flames. He broke into a steady, surefooted run. Yukio and Ryuuji cried out for him but he didn't stop. At their shouts, Mephisto glanced back and his eyes widened as Rin collided with his back. The demon didn't stumble though he did almost drop his plate.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thankyouthankyou!" Rin was unashamed at the tears running down his cheeks.
"Just a gift. It won't last but a day or two." Mephisto replied.
A day of freedom. Rin squeezed the demon one more time before stealing away the heaping plate. Mephisto's eye twitched but didn't stop him past halfhearted complaints.
"You feel good?" Ryuuji asked hesitantly.
"I do! I'm starving!" Rin couldn't describe the relief he felt.
"That's great!" Konekomaru cried out as he appeared from beside them.
"Ohhhhhh. Black hair, eh?" Light slid over, a chicken leg held snugly in his hand. He squinted, peering at Rin's chest. "Nice display of power Samael!"
Mephisto shot a fanged grin over his shoulder, eyes glistening with a hidden threat. A silentstop talkingdirected towards the Arc Knight.
Rin trotted over to the tables followed closely by Ryuuji, immediately they were swallowed up by the crowd of eager friends. Yukio lingered along the edges until he too was given a plate and herded into a seat by Shura. Kinzo Shima had his arm around her, a smug grin on his lips.
Arthur Angel slinked in like a grouchy cat, a formal envelope in his hand. He stomped over to Rin, a not quite so angry look in his eyes.
"Son of Satan." Angel addressed him. The noise ceased as everyone gave him their full attention.
Rin frowned, his ankle giving a phantom twinge of pain. "Yes?"
Angel slapped the envelope down. "This is the Exorcist Written Exam. You are to complete it by tomorrow evening. You will be allowed one Exorcist to help you. In the event that you survive, you will be given the practical and your Meister will be determined then."
"All us old guys petitioned for it!" Light commented while various exorcists grumbled at being called old.
Rin's mouth hung open, staring at Angel expectantly, wondering if it was a joke. Then he turned pleading eyes on Yukio. "Would you help me?"
Yukio nodded. "Of course, brother."
Rin cheered, then scoffed. "Never thought I'd be happy about a test! Thanks Angel!"
Angel didn't grace him with a reply, but his chance to escape was stopped by Light. "Ah ah. You get to stay and have a decent meal."
"But! You know where I'm stationed!" Angel argued.
"Yeah and it's cold as hell up there. Have something hot before you go!" He shot back.
Angel sighed, glancing down at his watch. "One hour."
"Mamushi is pregnant? Oh man." Renzo groaned. "Her temper is already bad."
"At least you aren't around as often as the others." Konekomaru offered. The pair was sitting together outside. Renzo wouldn't admit it but he was hiding from his brothers. Their roughhousing and noise was as grating as ever.
Renzo had also found himself spending more time alone trying to sort out his thoughts and feelings. Feelings of affection forYukio,his teacher, and workaholic anxious friend who thought so lowly of himself. His thoughts centered around the clock on his wrist, ticking away till Lucifer's promiseddistraction.He shook himself and tried to pull back into the here and now.
"I guess." He looked out over the grounds, pulling his coat more snugly. "It's a bit cold."
"We can go back in." Konekomaru offered, stretching his hand out to the spy.
The door behind them burst open and Rin and Kuro came sprinting outside. Rin was cheering and with arms spread wide, threw himself into the snow. He sat up with a laugh and Renzo screeched when the halfling threw a handful of snow in his face.
"Oi!" Renzo lunged for him, and was pleased when Rin took the hit like old times.
Konekomaru grumbled as Kuro leapt into his lap, "I don't think Sir Pheles would approve of this. Where did you leave Mr. Okumura and Bon?"
"I can't deal with the hovering anymore. I just want a day of fun!" Rin explained, he flopped his tail in the snow. Renzo couldn't remember the last time Rin's tail was so active.
Renzo sat back from where he had pinned the demon and squinted. "What did Mephisto even do?"
Rin shrugged. "Yukio said something about reverse aging. My body is how it was in June."
"Rin!" Yukio stormed out, Ryuuji following like a worried dog. "Renzo, off."
Rin winced, "oops." He took Renzo's offered hand and stood, putting on a bashful face as the two strode through the snow.
"Rin. Don't just run off like that." Ryuuji scolded.
Rin squinted in silent rage.
Yukio opened his mouth to lay into Rin but found his mouth full of snow, some of it even slipping between his glasses and eyes. The younger twin sputtered, wiping at his face as look of shocked disdain made Rin laugh.
He grinned and shot off across the yard, his feet kicking up snow in their faces. "Come get me!"
Ryuuji looked to Yukio, his mouth hanging open. Renzo was tempted to duck and cover from the ever increasing redness of Yukio's face. The young Exorcist shook himself, and took a breath, reminding himself that this is exactly what he wanted. Then he took off after his brother, crouching to collect his own snow. Rin shrieked in delight.
"I'm on Yukio's team!" Renzo declared before smacking the dumbfounded look off Ryuuji's face with a snowball. Konekomaru clutched Kuro against his chest and stood nervously.
"Oh you've done it now, Shima!" Konekomaru squeaked.
"Can I join?" Shiemi asked from the door. "I've never played in the snow with friends."
"Of course!" Rin shouted as he ran from Yukio.
Shiemi smiled and emerged with Kamiki's arm in her grasp, dragging her along.
It quickly moved into teams fighting. The game expanded and "cheating" became common as familiars were brought out and older exorcists assisted them.
Rin was breathless with laughter, his cheeks red and eyes bright. Once the game was won by Shiemi and Izumo, thanks to Nee, they retired back inside for hot drinks. The fireplace was roaring, and Kuro purred belly up. The Exwires were cuddled up on the rugs, as the sun set through the windows.
Yukio couldn't help but notice how tense the older exorcists were. They came and went, the older Shima brothers donning their exorcist uniforms. He caught snippets of hurried conversations, worried glances and reinforced wards being laid down throughout the Inn.
Yukio looked back to the others from where he lingered in the door. For now, everything was alright for them.