By the end of the tragic story, Soubi's mouth was hung open in shock and Kio's face was buried back in his hands. His lap was wet from tears and he was shaking quite badly. This was not an easy thing to talk about, just like it wasn't an easy thing to go through. Not in all the time he'd known Kio did he have any idea that something like that could possibly happen. When he thought of the child dying in his arms, Soubi could understand a little better why Kio didn't like children. Not that he necessarily agreed with him about them being stupid… But if Soubi had been there, and it had been Ritsuka he failed to protect, he'd surely want to die, too.
"S-so now you know… I'm not just the hentai baka you thought you knew…" Kio choked out. Soubi could only respond with a nod. Kio was trying to keep it together, but was failing miserably. He tried to continue talking, but his voice caught in his throat and he doubled over himself, not able to hold back his pain any longer. Not sure what to do, or how to comfort his friend, Soubi stared for a moment longer, taking it all in, before sliding close to Kio and wrapping his arms around him tightly. Kio sobbed, pressing his face against Soubi's chest, not wanting to be let out of the comfort, and Soubi had no intention of letting him go.
"Kio I…" Soubi stopped, trying to put his thoughts together. How cliché it would be to say he felt sorry for him, or that he tried his best… Kio was really hurting, and Soubi didn't want to prolong the pain his friend felt. So, he took a few deep breaths, waiting for the sobbing to die down some before making a move. Softly and skillfully, Soubi pulled back slightly and pressed two fingers below Kio's chin, lifting his face to look at him. Kio's eyes were red and puffy, his cheeks stained by falling tears… Soubi caressed his friend's cheek, earning him a soft sigh and a sniffle, and softly he spoke.
"You're a good person, Kio… That's what I like so much about you." It was simple, but in those words, he put all the feeling he could fit, using them almost like a spell. Those few words cut into Kio like a knife, but they didn't make his soul bleed. Instead, they brought forth a smile. All the memories were falling back into Kio's subconscious, and as the two of them cuddled together on the couch, Kio made a wish. He doubted it would come true, but still he could wish. 'Please… don't let this end. Sou-chan…'