"Nee, Kei?"
Sho glanced up at his friend as the two walked aimlessly. Kei had been deep in thought, wordless for most of the way, but looked over at the boy as soon as he heard his name.
"Hm?"
Sho rubbed the back of his neck nervously, afraid of upsetting the vampire with his words, but he felt he had to say what was bothering him, and what bothered him now was Kei's grief. It pained Sho to see his best friend so sad.
"I'm really sorry about Luka."
Sho noticed Kei flinch and turn his eyes back to the ground, but the vampire wasn't angry, only sad.
"I know you cared about him a lot."
Kei swallowed hard, suddenly forced to remember that day… Sho frowned, sympathy evident in his eyes.
"And… I know you really miss him."
Kei sighed heavily. He hated having to constantly think about Luka, hated having nightmares haunt him every night.
"Hai." the vampire spoke lowly, afraid of his voice suddenly cracking. "We were very close."
The two were silent for a moment before Kei cleared his throat. He was sick and tired of grieving. He wanted to forget everything, let it all wash away with the rain. He wanted to move on. Kei switched his thoughts to Sho. Why was he so sad? He had a new friend, now. This is what Luka wanted. Kei had Sho, and for once in his life since Luka's passing, he could finally be happy.
Truly happy.
"Ah, but now I've got you."
The vampire gave his companion a wide grin, hugging the boy's head to his chest. Sho smiled, glad he could be there for his best friend.
Kei spoke again, his voice serious again, but not nearly as sad this time.
"Thanks for saving me that day."
Sho began to protest, but Kei wouldn't allow it.
"You did, Sho, you saved me… and if you hadn't, I probably would have given up a long time ago…as Luka did."
Sho's eyes widened. The thought broke his heart. "Iie, Kei, I needed you."
The boy wrapped his arms as tightly as he could around Kei's waist, exemplifying his love for his best friend. Kei smiled, stroking the boy's hair.
"Kei, I still need you." Sho whispered into Kei's chest. "Always will."
"Hai."
Kei pulled Sho closer, his smile fading as he realized just how much he meant what he was about to say.
"I need you, too."