Paralles
By Hexes

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"You're going back?" Hiro questioned, a little astonished, but continued listening to the cow speak. He walked closer to him, starring out the window, just like Haru.

"Yeah," he replied, scratching his head. "I'm gonna brave the beast… I guess." I have to, he thought to himself, unaware of the younger boy's interest. I have to or I might go crazy.

"But last time she hurled the IV at you." Hiro gawked, pointing out the obvious. He shifted to look up at Haru, silently—and arrogantly—begging him to speak further.

Haru met the young boy's eyes, and turned himself backward; leaning against the window he'd been starring out of, his back slide against the glass causing a loud squeak—his posture dropping.

"I still gotta try." He looked over with passion, as if he weren't really speaking with his cousin, but more so to himself. He folded his arms suddenly and turned his head to glance upon Hiro. They were so similar, he mused absentmindedly as he observed the 'sheep' without being noticed. "Hiro," he started, slyly, "you care about Rin, don't you?" He wasn't teasing, but Haru caught Hiro's face, and noticed he'd taken the question the wrong way.

Hiro gawked, not ready for any question, let alone one as forward as that. From Haru's aura at the moment, it seemed as if he'd finished his words, ready to take off. But that--? "No," he said loudly, suddenly, and stomped a foot down. "Why would you think that? I mean…" He stopped, blushing, moving to mimic Haru's position against the wall.

Haru gave a chuckle, allowing himself to throw his hands down to his sides, smirking with amusement. "No Hiro, I didn't mean it like that," he said, watching Hiro's face turn red. Haru used to be the same way. He recalled the moments when a certain blacked haired lanky girl use to make him squirm with embarrassment. "And you know, there's Kisa," he hinted, enjoying the reaction.

"What exactly do you mean by that, huh? 'Cuz you shouldn't be talking about things you know nothing about!" He yelled, pointing fingers in a fit.

"But I know all about it," Haru stated plainly, his amusement subsided, falling to the floor like broken glass. "Hiro," he continued, facing him with a more somber mood, "you have to be careful. I mean it. I know you are but--"

"She already got hurt, I won't let it happen again," Hiro stated in stone. No, he wouldn't let Kisa be in pain. Ever. Not by Akito or anyone else.

Haru smiled slightly, proud of Hiro, if only for this moment. He could be a pain, an arrogant little punk, but hadn't he been the same way? Giving a laugh out of nowhere, confusing the younger boy, Haru continued to ponder himself. And he'll do his best to make Kisa happy, and keep her safe. Just like I do.

Hiro gave a 'gah' noise and moved toward the center of the room, circling back, waiting until the cow made a move.

Haru just starred at his cousin, making Hiro angry, giving him the disposition of a blown off firecracker. He had to go to Rin, he started thinking, more clearly, as if the clouds had gone and all he could see was the sun. And they would work things out, they had to, he told himself, they can't not. He smirked, forgetting he was alone in the room, his memories drifted, flashing, he knew her better then anyone else.

And then we'll help Hiro and Kisa, because they're just like we were. And we would have rejoiced if someone had been there for us…

Minutes passed, and Haru left the wall, ready to go. Saying a minor goodbye to the annoyed youth, he sauntered to the door. "Hey," he paused, stopping at the threshold. "Why don't you come with me?"

Hiro stalled, open mouth, and then composed himself. "Why do you 'wan me to come? Why?" He repeated, growing in temper; you could seem the imaginary fumes rise from his body. "So you can use me as a blocker when she's hurling things straight-"

"Just figured you might want to," he interrupted, giving a shrug. He was aware of the protective nature Hiro held towards his girl, although not exactly sure why. He'd find out sooner or later, or maybe that was just the kind of boy Hiro was…

"Alright. But only for your benefit. I'll just come to make sure you don't get killed, because she won't go for murder if there's a witness," he saved himself, wandering off in speech. He stood up from his crouched position on the floor and headed to the door. It's not like a care about her. Much.

"Alright," Haru retorted, following 'the man in charge' that brushed past him out the door. He walked into a shocking drop in temperature, caused by the forth coming winter. Haru shivered, without a coat he froze; the wind blew against him with a roar. Rin would probably scold him for not dressing warmly…

Suddenly Haru stopped, almost falling forward against Hiro, jutting backwards to keep from losing his balance. The kid had stopped short, starring memorized at a spot across the road. Looking up, Haru caught sight of what held his gaze. A small girl with golden eyes. She was walking slowly, rubbing her mitten-covered hands together, pacing about in front of her house.

"Hey," Haru heard Hiro say quietly, in an almost hypnotized tone, "Can we ask Kisa to come?" Hiro looked up, waiting for an answer.

"Yeah," Haru smiled, and so did Hiro, although a lot less to his own credit. They had a meeting of the minds.

Watching Hiro turn and run over to Kisa, Haru's eyes become intense--and his temperament became less lethargic--taking him to a higher place of logic.

"Your gonna be okay," he said quietly to himself, shoving his hands down aggressively in his pockets to keep from the cold; he'd settle for huffing later. He noticed it was staring to snow as he sauntered across the street after the two.

Our mini parallels.

End

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A/N: These four characters really play a game of four square. You can compare them so much in terms of relationships and personalities.