The blood merged with the alcohol. It ran along the floorboards, between the chairs, towards the carpet. In a start, Touma pulled the tablecloth off, and pressed it again the floor. In just a few seconds, it was maculate in brownish fluid.

With a grunt, Touma rolled the body over on the tablecloth. It didn’t quite fit.

He glanced at the carpet again.

“A bit decoration always lightens a home!”

He shook his head. No, she would definitely notice if the carpet went missing. She already would definitely notice for the tablecloth. Tsurugi spilt soda over it, Touma would argue. Eyeing at the whisky bottle lying carelessly by the table legs, it came to his mind that Tsurugi could also spilt soda on the carpet, now. He just had to be convinced he did. Not much of an issue.

There he sat, crouching over the already stiff body. Touma clicked his tongue – there was a little too much blood to frame it as a drinking accident. Or the aggressor had been very, very mad at the man. For all Touma knew, many people had many reasons to give that man a harsh beating. He didn’t think he was the first who ever had, but he surely was the last.

That thought lit a slight smile across the youth’s face.

That was it, now. He was freed. He had freed himself. That poor, retarded, pathetic excuse of a man was the last string tying him to his past life. And he, Touma, himself, without nobody’s help, had cut it.

He straightened up, took a deep breath in – repressed a laugh thinking of the body at his feet – then a deep breath out.

A few breathes later, he did no longer want to laugh at all.

He had killed a man in the middle of his living-room. Beside the carpet the girl he was seeing gifted him – the girl he was supposed to be seeing this evening. He looked up at the clock. 4 p.m. and 18 minutes. That loser really had the nerves to show at his apartment in the middle of the day. How much time did he have before Tsurugi came home? Was he coming home today? Touma could call the Tsuyukis and made sure the kid didn’t. And when was she supposed to arrive? She was never on time. Either early, with presents and cheerfulness for the both of them; either late, with even more of both.

So there was no telling. What Touma could tell for sure, however, was that she should never, ever, know about what had happened in this flat.

At that very moment, the doorbell rang.

It rung so distantly, at first, that Touma first though it was his imagination. So he let it ring, once, twice, with more intensity, as if the doorbell itself wanted him to get a grip. On the third time, he got up, careful not to slip into the pond of blood, and walked slowly to the interphone.

He stood, perfectly still, his voice was blank, but calm. Nobody ever rang him. Actually, only two people did, and since one of them could not possibly be that early, it had to be the other one. The annoying one. The one that could see through him. The one that would, if not get it, at least bear with him.

Besides, the body was way too heavy for him. At first, Touma had thought about dragging it on the tablecloth, but that would only spread the blood all around the corridor. Then, he had wondered how large the garbage chute was, considering that it was the only acceptable way for such a man to end – Touma believed he could then retrieve the body from the dump, and toss it wherever it suited him in the sewers. That sounded like a terrible idea, but it was the most creative he had.

Why couldn’t that drunkard just wait for him to come at him?

It wasn’t as if they lived the very next door.

It wasn’t as if they had lived the very next door for six years straight, and that he only decided to remember the existence of his son this week, of all weeks.

This week, Touma was supposed to conclude with the girl. This week, Touma was supposed to graduate and to officially get a job. This week, Touma was supposed to get out of this miserable life. But this week, that man, that man who could have remained just a stinking memory, that man chose not only to reappear, no, he chose to intervene.

“Dirty meddler,” those were his words.

Touma didn’t remember much of what had happened after Tsurugi’s father had said them. Touma had been careful, though. When the man had crossed the border - crossed the tresholf of the flat - Touma knew there was no way back. So he played nice. Offered discussion, offered a chair, offered a drink. And while the man was sitting there, so casually, blattering enormities about how Touma had dared laying his hands on his only son, and how there was no way Touma could even repay him for the wrong he caused him, a poor, innocent, salary-man - while Kamiya was drowning himself into the nonsense he must have been repeating for a while, Touma put on his gloves, chose the heaviest bottle that was left from some drinking evening with his invading so-called friends, and stood behind the man.

Then his head turned empty.

“That’s… Definitely not a good excuse.”

“Since when do I make up excuses?”

“You really don’t but… Somehow, you…”

Seemed rather calm about this? Looked like he had other fucks to give than about some asshole he had beaten to death in his flat? Really just wanted to have a peaceful afternoon because it was the first leave his got in years?

“Look, I just want to get this done before Tsurugi comes back from school.”

The gaze Tooru gave him did not surprise him. The Shirotas always had the same face when confronted to the saddening, yet factual, cruelty of life. Or maybe Tooru didn’t believe him. Maybe he was convinced that Tsurugi was the last of Touma’s concerns, and that he had just messed up, once more.

“And, yes, this was highly unprofessional. However, if you could not report it to the chief inquisitor, I would appreciate it.”

Tooru frowned.

“Anything else?”

“How big is your car trunk?”

Tooru’s car was average, and that was just about what Touma expected of it. Most of all, he was amazed by how convenient it was to have a Shirota around. A costly investment, but he couldn’t say he regretted it. Kamiya, carefully wrapped in black plastic, was as cumbersome as he had been his all life. Luckily, at this time of the year, carrying such a big package could look like getting rid of a Christmas Tree. Shirota had even bothered shaping the bulk like one, which made it even more stupidly difficult to move. But it did make him laugh. And although Touma didn’t, the incongruous smile on Tooru’s face made the situation somewhat funny.

They snuck out of the apartment complex, headed down the parking lot – hid in the garbage dump while neighbors were coming back from fetching their children to school – and finally secured their load in Shirota’s car.

“So, what’s your plan now?”

“You are surprisingly involved in this whole hiding a body case.”

New outraged pout.

“I accepted to lend you my car to hide a man you just slaughtered! You bet I am involved!”

Touma rolled his eyes. Carefully, he searched for his lighter, and lit a cigarette.

“You lend me your car for a while. I’ll get rid of it.”

“The body, right?”

“I can – and should – get rid of the car as well. But since you seem very sentimental about it, I’ll bring it back to you in one piece.”

Tooru looked annoyed. Touma couldn’t tell if it was the cigarette, the alcohol, or Kamiya in the trunk. He bet on the three of them.

“I can’t believe you are actually going to graduate.”

Touma almost dropped his cigarette. He blinked at Tooru.

“What.”

“You’re a menace to society.”

“I’ll remind you I just killed a man, funny guy.”

“Oh, come on. If you’d wanted me dead, you could have done it in a thousand different flavors by now.”

Saying that, he opened up his arms in sign of peace. And this gesture was so humble, so carefree, so soft, that for a moment Touma really wanted to bury his face inside that simpleton’s chest, he really wanted to forget about the murder, and he really wanted to forget about the girl too.

But the cigarette and the alcohol were sour, and he had made his choice.

“I wouldn’t let my guard down, if I were you. The villain is still going to be around for a while.”

“Well, every villain needs a hero to keep them in check!”

Now, call him a coward, call him a fool, call him a doddering old man… Perhaps he was all those things. But he was not so fool enough as to blindly praise working oneself into the ground, nor was he the type to give praise where it wasn’t due.

Tetsu was not the brightest.

He would admit this, albeit no longer to his Eve’s face. And while he would admit this, he would also much more readily sing Tetsu’s redeeming qualities. Tetsu was a hard worker. Tetsu was steadfast. Tetsu was loyal. Tetsu was a good listener.

Tetsu was all these things and more, but most of all, Tetsu was dedicated.

Which is how Hugh found himself acting as tutor, with his brilliant mind and sharp wit, while his dear Eve prepared for university entrance exams.

It was heartbreaking, though, how hard he worked. Not because Hugh believed he would fail, oh no, far from it. Tetsu might not have been the sharpest tool in the shed, but he was fastidious, and really, Hugh thought, the thing that held him back the most was his lack of confidence in his own abilities, to which Hugh proudly thought he had been quite instrumental in rectifying, if he did say so himself.

It was heartbreaking because… Sometimes, it felt as if the only one who believed Tetsu would succeed was Tetsu himself.

And Hugh, of course.

Now, don’t get him wrong. He didn’t believe Tetsu’s family meant to discourage their son. Far from it, they wanted nothing more than for Tetsu to succeed, and they supported him fully in his university career endeavors. Except, well, Tetsu had told him that he wanted to go to university for one very simple, but very heartfelt reason.

He wanted to save their inn.

The inn which… Tetsu’s own parents felt had no future.

But Tetsu and his iron will, of course, thought otherwise, and he refused to give up on the family business, the place he had grown up and loved and worked so very hard to help run, even as far back as before he and Hugh had met. It was charming. It was lovely. It made Hugh want to fight for him, more than ever before.

The inn was something that, even more than a contract with Hugh, Tetsu took Pride in.

So Hugh, in order to nurture that pride, in order to care for his Eve, would do everything in his power to teach Tetsu everything he needed to know to make that dream of his come true. To make their home, because that’s what it is, this place. This little inn is Hugh’s home now, too. It’s no grand castle, no stone walls or towers or awe inspiring, imposing structures, but he loves it all the same, loves the people who make it such a warm, wonderful place.

He wonders how he could have ever considered letting this place die.

Hugh knows the answer, of course. It’s because he was a coward, a fool, and a doddering old man.

He refuses to be that way any longer.

***

“Hugh. Are you tired?”

The Servamp of Pride exaggerates his yawn further, rubs at one of his eyes with a tiny fist, and mumbles that he is fine, he can keep going, let them continue the lesson. Tetsu frowns at him, adjusts the reading glasses he now needs (and he’s grown into such a handsome young man, Hugh thinks, barely able to keep the smile off his face to continue his ruse), and sets the heavy prep book aside.

“No, it’s late. What time is it?”

“Check your phone, my boy… It’s almost a quarter to eleven,” Hugh informs him, just as Tetsu makes a startled noise when he confirms as such with his own eyes.

“It really is that late… Hugh, that’s amazing. You never need to check a clock or anything.” He shakes his head, willing the distraction away. “Sorry. I should have kept a better eye on the time. Let’s stop for the night. I didn’t notice, but… I’m kind of tired, too.”

And just like that, Tetsu starts tidying his space, placing his glasses back in their case and his books back in his bag while Hugh goes to fetch their pajamas. His Eve pats his head when he returns, murmuring a quiet thanks while Hugh soaks up the attention in a way very few people who aren’t big brother are able to earn from him, and after that, it’s the rest of their bedtime routine as normal. Getting changed, brushing their teeth, rolling out the futon, and climbing in together, Hugh always forever tiny against Tetsu’s larger frame, forever his Eve’s favorite teddy bear.

It suits him just fine, and he chitters softly, contently, when he’s snuggled close, tucks his head up under Tetsu’s chin and inhales the scent of pine he finds there, that wafts from Tetsu himself and his futon each. It’s soothing. It’s home.

Hugh cannot allow himself to fall asleep yet, no matter how tempting it is.

He lies there, being held, being loved, and waits for Tetsu’s breaths to slow, waits for his arms to go slack, just a bit, because once Tetsu is asleep… His real work begins.

It’s easy to slip away. A bat in the night, easing the door to Tetsu’s room open and swooping out into the halls, a wandering pet no one will see in the dark and no one will hear, silent as the beat of his wings are. He pauses, only briefly, when passing by the front desk where the lovely spouse of Tetsu’s elder sister still diligently works, greeting Miyako with a swoop and a cheep. She smiles at him, bids him safe journey.

“I’ll leave the lamp on for you. Take care, Hugh~”

A charming young lady, and she treats Tetsu well. Hugh can’t say he disapproves of her, even if her family is one he could do without. Of course, he never says as much, neither to her face nor to Tetsu’s.

That would be rude.

...To All of Love, however, he will gladly complain.

***

Hugh does not return until hours later, when the moon has passed its highest point in the sky and is on its journey back down to the horizon, chased by creatures neither he nor humanity can see, and yet, if you had asked him once, he would proclaim for certain that they were there.

Now, though, science tells otherwise, and he mourns the loss of that mysticism of the past at the same time he celebrates the inventions of the future, because it is only through the inventions of the future that he is able to monitor what needs to be monitored, and complete the tasks that need to be completed.

Such as keeping up with the local subclass, not all of which are his.

It is… Exhausting work.

Tokyo is a large place, and even without the Melancholy vampires to look after, knock on wood that it stays that way, even without Lust subclass, godspeed to All of Love, the number of them in Tokyo is staggering. Most of them are his, yes, and he does not regret granting them new life, no, never, not one bit, but… Well. Some of them need more assistance than others, and between tending the inn alongside Tetsu, studying, and this, his schedule is just… Completely packed full.

He wouldn’t trade this mind numbing feeling for the world. Not after they worked so hard to achieve what is still, unfortunately, an unsteady peace, but it’s an unsteady peace that has allowed his siblings and his subclass to prosper. To be happy, and healthy, and it leaves him puffing out his chest, tired but proud. Tired but happy.

Hugh would do even more if it were asked of him, he thinks as he sits to start putting together more flashcards and mnemonics and memory games, pens and books and note cards spread out in front of him while he lies on his stomach and gets to work. He would do even more, do whatever he could, if only to secure Tetsu’s future even more surely than the rising of the sun.

Because Tetsu is his pride and joy.

And as his pride and joy… Hugh would make certain that his Eve could rest without a single ounce of guilt.

Kuro wakes up one afternoon and feels like he should be remembering something important.

He lounges for a bit longer on the bed, curling on his side and thinking. He can hear Mahiru moving around in the kitchen and singing along to a popular pop song.

It makes Kuro smile a bit. Singing while cooking is one of his Eve's more endearing habits and Kuro wishes Mahiru wasn't so shy about it. But as it is, Mahiru only sings when it's just the two of them in the apartment and even then, he only does it when he thinks Kuro is still asleep.

(Kuro doesn't bother telling Mahiru that he spends some minutes just listening to him sing before deciding to get up.)

Kuro does that now, too. He lets Mahiru's voice wash over him as runs his fingers through his hair, thinking. Just what exactly should he be remembering?

He turns to his other side and sees the small calendar Mahiru keeps on his bedside table.

The date today reads July 5.

Oh, Kuro thinks, realization dawning on him, Mahiru's birthday is coming up soon.

He contemplates for a few moments before he reaches out to grab his phone. Scrolling through it, Kuro makes a decision.

He sends a text to Lily and hopes the other Servamp will be able to get what he’s looking for.

--

"Brother, it’s here. I got the simplest one available."

"Thank you. Just leave it in front of the door at midnight. I’ll give you the payment the next time we meet."

"Got it. Oh, aren't you just the sweetest, Brother? Doing things like this for your Eve. Ah, my heart is singing!"

"...Mahiru deserves it."

"I have to agree with you on that. He’s really secretive about it, isn’t he?"

“He is.”

“We all have something for him, too, but we all decided to wait until a little bit after. Misono was a bit upset that he had to find out about it through the grapevine, but he benevolently agreed to be patient with the rest of us.”

“Thank you for going along with this.”

“Anything in the name of love, Brother.”

--

Mahiru is the kind of person that makes a big deal out of everyone's else’s birthday but his own.

He’s the kind of person that has everyone's birthdays saved on his phone calendar. He's the kind of person that makes sure to greet them the night before the actual date. If time permits it, he even throws a small house party for the celebrant where he takes charge of the cooking and all the other preparations. He's a very thoughtful and attentive person.

(Kuro knows this. Mahiru's thrown him a party before and while it was embarrassing to be at the center of everyone's attention, Kuro doesn't deny that the party and being doted on made him feel warm inside.)

But when it comes to his own birthday, Mahiru becomes as discreet as possible. Kuro hadn't even known the date until he had stumbled upon the birthday card and the small gift Mahiru's uncle had sent him.

As he and Mahiru eat late dinner together in companionable silence the night before the Mahiru’s birthday, Kuro finds himself wondering just how Mahiru celebrated his birthday all these years, if he even celebrated at all. He ponders on the possibility that perhaps Mahiru is the kind of person that gets shy about his birthday judging from the fact that he never really lets other people know about it.

"Something wrong, Kuro?" Mahiru asks suddenly, startling Kuro out of his thoughts. Kuro glances at him and finds Mahiru staring at him curiously.

Kuro tilts his head to the side. "Your birthday is tomorrow," he states, not beating around the bush. Mahiru blinks at him, surprised.

"How did you know?"

"I didn't mean to, but I saw the card and the gift your uncle sent you."

"Oh." Mahiru chuckles, embarrassed. "I thought I hid that properly."

So he didn't want me to find out, Kuro confirms. Setting down his chopsticks, he asks softly, "Can you tell me why you don't want other people to know about your birthday?"

You make sure to celebrate all of ours with us, Kuro thinks but doesn't say, so why don't you want us to celebrate with you?

Mahiru looks away and stays quiet. Kuro doesn't push him and only waits patiently for his Eve's reply.

"I don't want to bother people with it," he eventually answers, giving Kuro a lackluster smile. "People are already so busy with other things. My birthday is just another date on the calendar, anyway. It doesn't really matter if it gets celebrated or not."

Hearing him speak about it so matter of factly makes Kuro pause. "Mahiru," he begins, making sure to look into his eyes, "your birthday isn't just another date on the calendar."

Mahiru shrugs, looking away again. “Sure it is. It’s just another July 7th, Kuro, and besides, I’m not a kid, I’m not going to kick a fuss about my own birthday.”

(Mahiru’s response makes another more sobering possibility flash through Kuro’s mind. Could it be that there were people before who berated Mahiru about his birthday and celebrating it? He knows His Eve’s mother had passed away early on and that his other relatives, excluding Tooru Shirota, weren’t very kind to him. If Mahiru’s relatives constantly made him feel like he was nothing but a nuisance, if they made him feel bad for wanting to celebrate his own birthday, it would make sense that Mahiru would be very hesitant in letting other people know about the date and any kind of celebration would simply be out of the question for him.)    

It makes Kuro sad to hear how Mahiru undervalues his own birthday. Out of everyone, Mahiru is probably the one who deserves the most attention and praise during his special day seeing as he’s always taken care of the people around him.

He’s done so much for everyone, Kuro thinks, he deserves to be spoiled even if only it’s during his birthday.  

(But if Kuro had his way and if Mahiru would let him, he would want to spoil his Eve every day for the rest of their lives.)

Kuro glances at the clock and notices that it’s a little past 11 o’clock in the evening. Deciding that it’s time to put his little plan into action, he stands up, holding out a hand for Mahiru to take.

“Come with me,” he says to Mahiru, “I have something to show you.”

Mahiru stares at Kuro’s outstretched hand for a brief moment before replying, “It’s almost midnight, what are you planning to show me?”

Kuro huffs lightly and grabs Mahiru’s hand, pulling him up. “Something nice,” he answers vaguely, “now let’s go.”

“Wha-wait, Kuro!”  

--

Kuro found this place several years ago.

The small forest is a little haven away from the bustle of the city and before he got contracted to Mahiru, Kuro had always retreated to this place whenever he felt particularly overwhelmed or whenever he felt like he wanted some peace and quiet.

The fireflies emitting a gentle glow are just a bonus.

Mahiru gazes around in wonder. “I never knew a place like this existed,” he says, awe evident in his voice, “it’s so beautiful.” Kuro quietly trails behind him and lets him take in the scenery. It fills him with a sense of satisfaction knowing that Mahiru’s appreciating it the same way that he does.

He watches Mahiru for a bit longer before saying, “This is one of my gifts to you for your birthday.”

Mahiru turns to look at him, lips parted in surprise. “Kuro…”    

“This place has always made me feel peaceful,” Kuro begins, walking closer to him. He stops when he’s directly in front of Mahiru. “And I wanted to share this place with you.”

Kuo cracks a small smile, then. “It’s not much, but happy birthday, Mahiru, thank you for being born.”

It’s a little past midnight and Mahiru looks close to crying. Reaching out, he draws Kuro into a tight embrace. Kuro returns the gesture, resting his cheek on the top of his Eve’s head.

“You’re important to us,” Kuro murmurs, stroking his back in soothing motions. “We want to have the chance to show you that, especially during your birthday.”

Kuro feels warm tears dripping onto his collarbone. “We’re all glad to have you in our lives,” he continues softly.

Mahiru cries for a while longer and Kuro only proceeds to hold him tighter.

--

“I had a relative who once told me I didn’t have any right to want to celebrate my birthday because I was nothing but a burden to those around me, that my birthday was just another date on the calendar, anyway.”

This is what Mahiru shares once the two of them reach the apartment. Mahiru looks a little melancholic at remembering those words and Kuro wishes he could somehow protect him from the pain of the memory. But as it is, all Kuro can do at the moment is to listen carefully, so that is what he does. He carefully listens to the pieces of Mahiru’s heart and tenderly holds them close in his.

This is Kuro’s way of saying, I won’t let anything else hurt you.

“I guess it kind of got stuck in my mind,” Mahiru says softly, leaning against Kuro. “It honestly made me feel terrible about being happy about my own birthday. I felt like I would be troubling everyone if I asked them to celebrate with me, so I decided to keep quiet about it.”

Mahiru didn’t deserve to hear something like that. Truthfully, no one ever deserves to be told something so cruel. Distinctly feeling Mahiru’s pain in his own heart and wanting to offer him some sort of comfort, Kuro reaches out to intertwine their fingers together. Mahiru doesn’t pull away and only snuggles closer to him.  

“But at the same time, I didn’t want anyone else to be feeling the way I did, so I wanted to let everyone enjoy their own birthdays as much as possible,” Mahiru continues, eyes slipping closed. “It seems kind of silly now that I’m talking about it out loud like this, don’t you think?”

“No, it’s not silly at all,” Kuro assures him gently, “you didn’t deserve to hear those words from that relative of yours and you don’t deserve to deal with all these negative feelings, too.”

“You’re important to all of us, Mahiru.” He repeats what he said in the forest because he wants to drive his point across. “You were never a burden and you will never be. The only thing I’m hoping for now is that one day, you’ll get to celebrate your birthday without any lingering feelings of sadness or guilt. You deserve to be happy, Mahiru.”

He sees Mahiru’s lips curl up. It’s slight, but it’s a more genuine smile and Kuro prefers it over the lackluster one Mahiru gave him earlier.

“When did you get so good at talking about feelings and comforting people, huh?” Mahiru asks lightly, teasing him.

Kuro chuckles. “I think I learned from the best.”

“I do feel a bit better,” Mahiru admits, opening his eyes and gazing at him fondly. “Thank you for today, Kuro, really.”

Kuro raises their intertwined hands and presses a soft kiss to Mahiru’s knuckles. Mahiru turns red at the action and it makes Kuro laugh.  

(He loves Mahiru so much.)

“I told you I had another gift for you,” Kuro says, suddenly bringing his face closer to Mahiru. He relishes the way his Eve’s eyes widen and the way his cheeks turn redder.

“Y-you did…”

“Close your eyes, Mahiru,” he whispers and Mahiru’s eyes flutter close. Kuro grabs the gift he hid under the bed and places it on Mahiru’s lap. Mahiru instinctively opens his eyes and looks down when he feels the soft fabric brush the top of his legs.

“What-? A hoodie?”

“I had Lily help me pick out the design,” Kuro reveals, watching Mahiru lift the orange hoodie up. “I saw it when we went out grocery shopping the other day and thought that it would suit you.”

Mahiru’s cheeks are still flushed and he looks at Kuro with something akin to disbelief. Kuro knows how easily flustered Mahiru can get and he can’t help but want to tease him, so he asks, “Were you hoping for something else?”

Mahiru sputters and shakes his head, recovering. “I’ll-I’ll try it on now.”

He puts it on and Kuro was right, it does suit him. Orange has always been his color , Kuro thinks to himself.

    “It’s so comfy!” Mahiru exclaims, pleased. “Thank you, Kuro!”

Kuro gives him a small smile. “Do you want to receive your last gift?” He asks, cocking his head to the side.

Mahiru stares at him, astonished. “There’s one more?”

Kuro nods. He motions for Mahiru to give his hand to him and Mahiru obeys. Kuro makes sure to look into Mahiru’s eyes before he places Mahiru’s palm on his chest where his heart beats a steady rhythm.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

“You know, this one beats for you,” Kuro tells him, quiet and sincere, “and since it beats for you, I want you to have it. That is, if you'll have it.”

Mahiru gazes at him before smiling warmly. He looks close to crying again, but Kuro thinks it’s safe to assume that it’s because he’s happy.

“I don’t think I can reject a gift as beautiful as this,” Mahiru replies softly, moving closer to Kuro and pulling him into an embrace. “Thank you, I’ll treasure it for the rest of my life.”

(And if Kuro kisses Mahiru once, twice, numerous times after his Eve’s reply, he’ll claim that it’s because those kisses come as a package deal with his heart.)    

--

Mahiru is sleeping soundly, curled up to him.

Kuro idly plays with his hair and smiles when Mahiru shifts closer, seeking his warmth. He glances at the bedside table where Mahiru’s cellphone lays forgotten. The first thing Mahiru will see in the morning of his birthday are well-wishes from the other Servamps and the other Eves.

Kuro knows that they all prepared gifts for Mahiru the moment they found out about his birthday. Lily told him that Misono’s written a three-page letter for Mahiru, aggressively highlighting Mahiru’s good points and aggressively validating their friendship. Hyde said that Licht composed a short melody especially for him seeing as Mahiru has the potential to be an Angel like him. Hugh mentioned that Tetsu’s planning to give the two of them discount coupons to their family’s inn. All of them, including Kuro, planned a surprise birthday party for Mahiru at the Alicein mansion. Kuro can’t wait to see how Mahiru will react.

He smiles, wrapping an arm around Mahiru, the boy who loves everyone and who everyone loves in return.

“Happy birthday, Mahiru,” he whispers, “thank you for being born.”  

-- Kuro holds moments like these close to his heart.   Mahiru is nestled beside him, head resting on Kuro’s shoulder and napping quietly. It’s not often that Mahiru allows himself to sleep the afternoon away, so Kuro decides to let his Eve use him as a makeshift pillow.

Studying the other’s features, Kuro can’t help but notice how exhausted Mahiru looks. In between attending classes, training with the other Eves and doing housework, Kuro briefly wonders where Mahiru finds time to rest, if he properly rests at all. (A part of Kuro wishes he could tell the other to pause and breathe for a bit, to not work himself too hard, but with how determined Mahiru is and with how serious the war is turning out to be, Kuro thinks that it’s safe to assume that his efforts will be in vain.

It doesn't mean Kuro won't worry, though.) “Learn to take a break, will you?” Kuro whispers to his sleeping companion, “you’re going to end up sending me to an early grave with how reckless you are sometimes. Doesn’t matter if I can’t die, you’ll probably end up killing me with how much you worry me, Mahiru.” Mahiru, predictably, only responds by snuggling closer. Kuro sighs and lies down on the sofa, adjusting Mahiru’s position so that the other is laying on top of his chest, legs tangled in his. Kuro drapes an arm over Mahiru’s back to make sure he doesn’t fall off. It’s a testament to Mahiru’s exhaustion that he doesn’t even stir at all.

Kuro gently runs his fingers through the other’s hair, smiling slightly when Mahiru makes a contented noise in his sleep.

Kuro holds moments like these close to his heart.

(It’s quiet moments like these that make Kuro believe that he’s truly, honestly happy.) His Eve is a reassuring weight on top of him, warm and solid and real and Kuro can’t help but think of the fact that happiness used to be such a farfetched dream to Sleepy Ash, to the Servamp of Sloth, but to Kuro-

But to Kuro, his happiness exists in the form of Mahiru Shirota. And to this day Kuro still wonders just how it is that Mahiru was the one who ended up picking him up that day, that Mahiru was the one who gave him a new name and a home-

That Mahiru ended up becoming the one person Kuro completely and willingly surrendered his heart to.

Kuro wonders about this and finds it equal parts fortunate and unfortunate. Fortunate because it is Mahiru Shirota and Kuro will never regret meeting him, never regret giving Mahiru his heart in full, never regret having this time with him.

Unfortunate because when all is said and done, Kuro will one day be left alone again. Unfortunate because Kuro is immortal and while being by Mahiru's side brings him the most happiness, it cannot change the fact that Kuro will outlive Mahiru by days, years, decades, centuries.

(Unfortunate because what waits for Kuro at the end is solitude and loneliness, heavier and infinitely more painful now that Kuro has been given the chance to experience genuine companionship with Mahiru. Unfortunate because Kuro has no doubt his heart and soul will continue to long for the other even after he's gone, has no doubt he'll see traces of his Eve no matter where he goes, has no doubt he'll chase after the phantom warmth Mahiru once radiated.)

The truth, Kuro thinks, is this: One day, his identity as Kuro and his time with Mahiru will become a mere bittersweet memory tucked into the edges of his heart.

The truth, Kuro thinks, is this: One day, when Mahiru is no longer by his side, Kuro will become Sleepy Ash once more, except this time, he will become the Sleepy Ash who experienced love and happiness but lost them to time, in the end.

The truth, Kuro thinks, is this: Mahiru Shirota has easily become everything to him and Kuro isn't confident he can pick up the pieces after Mahiru is gone.

Kuro's heart suddenly feels too heavy as he gazes at Mahiru's sleeping form.

(How am I supposed to live in a world without you? How am I supposed to live in a world where you don’t exist anymore?)

"Kuro?"

Kuro startles at the sound of Mahiru's sleepy voice and the sight of him slowly waking up. His Eve looks at him with mild confusion before his eyes widen in alarm.

"Kuro," Mahiru starts softly, any trace of sleepiness gone, "You're crying."

And-

Kuro hadn't noticed, not at all, but now that Mahiru's mentioned it, he's become all too aware of the warm tears running down his cheeks.

Mahiru sits up fully and moves to gently pull Kuro up with him and Kuro wants to feel bad because he hadn't meant to wake his Eve up, but he can't bring himself to stop crying either.

(Kuro's never really been one to cry so he surprises himself when his tears just continue falling.)

"Kuro," His Eve murmurs, reaching out to wipe his tears away. "Kuro, what's wrong?"

(How am I supposed to live in a world without you? How am I supposed to live in a world where you don’t exist anymore?)

Kuro tries to silence his intrusive thoughts as he closes his eyes and leans into the other's warm touch.

"Kuro," Mahiru repeats after a while, tone gentle, always gentle, "Can you tell me what's bothering you?"

(And isn’t that a frightening thought to consider? The aftermath of what he and Mahiru have. What comes after Mahiru leaves and Kuro is left all alone.

What happens then?)  

“It’s troublesome,” Kuro finally whispers.

He hears Mahiru exhale softly. “What is?” The other asks patiently.

That your time is limited. That mine has no end. That with everything the way it is, I can’t see a definite future for both of us, no matter how much I wish for it.

The truth, Kuro thinks again, is this: One day, his identity as Kuro and his time with Mahiru will become a mere bittersweet memory tucked into the edges of his heart.

The truth, Kuro thinks again, is this: One day, when Mahiru is no longer by his side, Kuro will become Sleepy Ash once more, except this time, he will become the Sleepy Ash who experienced love and happiness but lost them to time, in the end.

The truth, Kuro thinks again, is this: Mahiru Shirota has easily become everything to him and Kuro isn't confident he can pick up the pieces after Mahiru is gone.

“Mahiru,” Kuro begins quietly, “What should I do, when you’re gone?” Because Kuro has no answers and the heaviness in his heart only continues to grow with every passing moment. Because Kuro has no answers and the prospect of a life without Mahiru upsets him so much.

Because Kuro has no answers and he’s not certain he can find them by himself. 

   Mahiru doesn’t reply immediately. Kuro thinks he’s weighing the question in his mind, trying to understand what prompted Kuro to ask in the first place, trying to understand what Kuro means by the question.

His Eve doesn’t reply immediately, only pulls Kuro into his arms. In response, Kuro embraces him back tighter, as if doing so would extend the time they have together.

“Kuro,” Mahiru says and Kuro wants to always hear this name, his name, from Mahiru’s lips.

But that’s not possible with the way things are.

“Mahiru,” Kuro murmurs and his voice sounds broken, even to himself, “What should I do, when you’re gone?”

Mahiru runs his fingers through Kuro’s hair. “Why do you think I’ll leave you alone?” He asks carefully.

Kuro exhales shakily. “I’m immortal, Mahiru,” He answers quietly, “Because of that, I can’t die the way other people ordinarily would. Because I can’t die, I’ll still be here after you’re long gone. And if you’re gone, I-”

I don’t know how I’ll be able to handle living in a world that you’re no longer in.

He feels Mahiru shuffle and finds the other cupping his cheek and looking at him with sad but tender eyes.

“Mahiru, I’m scared.” Kuro whispers and he finds himself divulging all of the truths he’s kept close to his heart. “I’m scared because being by your side is what makes me the happiest. I’m scared because I don’t know what to do once you’re no longer by my side.”

Kuro keeps his eyes trained on Mahiru. “I’m scared,” Kuro says softly, “Because I love you and when I think of a world where you’re no longer by my side, it hurts so much.”

Mahiru’s eyes widen slightly upon hearing his words. He remains quiet.

Kuro slides his gaze away from Mahiru, wondering what the silence between them meant. That is, until he feels both of Mahiru’s hands on his cheeks. When Kuro looks at Mahiru again, he’s surprised to find his Eve close to crying.

“Mahiru?” Kuro asks softly. Mahiru lets go of his cheeks to wipe his own tears away.

“Kuro,” His Eve murmurs,“I’m sad that you’re hurting this much and I can’t do anything to take it away from you.”

Mahiru exhales softly. “I’m sad that you’re hurting this much and I can’t even promise you that everything will turn out alright in the end,” He continues, closing his eyes.

Kuro moves to draw Mahiru into his arms but before he can, his Eve opens his eyes and he sees determination and deep affection reflected in them.

“But that doesn’t mean I won’t try,” Mahiru declares with finality and he holds Kuro’s gaze. “I’m not giving up on a future with you, Kuro, not when I love you, too.”

Kuro’s breath catches in his throat at the other’s admission.

“Kuro, you make me so happy,” His Eve says, smiling tenderly at him, “I can’t bring myself to imagine what life without you would be like.”

And-

And hearing those words makes Kuro want to cry again. Mahiru draws him into his arms and Kuro presses his face against the other’s collarbones, his tears soaking his Eve’s shirt.

“I want you to be happy, Kuro,” Mahiru whispers and Kuro wants to say I am, I will be, as long as you’re here by my side, as long as you keep me by your side, I will never not be happy, I love you, I love you so much, but he can’t bring himself to say those words yet, let alone speak when he’s overcome by the intensity of his emotions.

Kuro breathes in and lifts his head. He sees Mahiru gaze at him with unbridled affection and warmth and Kuro’s heart feels full.

Kuro brings his face closer and gently kisses his Eve. Mahiru hums and returns the gesture tenderly.

When Kuro pulls away, Mahiru presses another kiss to his cheek and it catches him so off guard that Kuro feels heat rise to his cheeks. His Eve lets out a chuckle before grinning at him.

“Kuro,” Mahiru starts, voice soft, eyes softer, “I meant what I said about wanting a future together with you.”

“I want that, too,” Kuro replies just as softly, “I want it more than anything.”

Mahiru nods, smiling. “Then, simply thinking, we’ll just have to stay together,” He states easily and adds, “We’ll find a way to undo your immortality, Kuro. I’m not going to leave you alone.”

And-  

And Kuro, for the first time in a very long while, allows himself to hope.

“You really think we’ll be able to undo it?” Kuro asks quietly, but his heart is already full and hopeful and decided.

Kuro thinks maybe, maybe, a future with Mahiru is possible.

Kuro thinks, maybe, a future with Mahiru is something that can be set in stone.

Kuro thinks, if Mahiru is by his side, then, maybe things will work out, one way or the other, in the end.

Mahiru’s answering grin is bright and determined and so filled with love that it makes Kuro smile, too.