Eternal Melody



HINO

"You were relieved even if that person wasn't you?"

"I never actually thought the two of us would make a good couple, so I didn't have any expectations. I'm relieved I thought that way, because as you can see friendship suits the two of us better. No, I see her as a part of my family. For me that's more important than any other relationship we could have had." Atushi trailed off. "Besides, when I learned the guy she liked was Yuhi. I decided to give up on the spot."

"Because you thought you'd lose?"

"Because I knew Yuhi would give her the happiness she deserves. I only intended to pursue her again, if she wasn't happy. If she hadn't found anyone she could rely on. However, what I saw was. Even though there was still a slight wall between her and others. She gradually expanded her circle and let more and more people help her and after she met Mashima? She allowed herself to have faith in others again. She found happiness, and I had no doubt that after she fixed the complicated issue with Yuhi. She would be even happier."

"But you chased her to Tokyo." Hino protested.

"I chased her, because I wanted to continue acting as her anchor. I wanted to make sure everything went okay with Yuhi. The two of them are very stubborn after all. I knew it wouldn't be a simple case of them seeing each other, and falling into each others arms." Atushi trailed off and laughed. "But, well in the end I wasn't much use. There was someone better to play the role of her anchor."

Hino already knew who he was talking about even without saying it. "Me, right?"

"Yes you, I don't think you realize how much of a support you have been to Sumire since she came to Tokyo."

"Initially I was cautious around her."

"But it didn't take long before you two became friends. Sumire told me, that whenever she was lonely. She would go to your place, and even though you were busy. You'd make time for her. You were there for her when she needed someone. For Sumire, that was enough, to let you into her heart."

Hino's cheeks coloured. "You're making it sound too grand, making it sound like she is in love with me."

"It wouldn't have surprised me if she was. Well there is no doubt she loves Yuhi romantically, but she does love you. In a different way, not like family. But you're certainly not friends."

'All this information I have been hearing this past week is overloading my brain.' However, Hamano does make a point. It's not like he hasn't noticed it.

"I'll go get Shizune and try to keep Sumire being awake a secret for now. She needs all the rest she can get."

"Yeah, do that."

After ending the call, Hino made several more but insisted that Sumire still wasn't well enough to see visitors.

A different kind of love huh?

It's better than being rejected, it's better than nothing. He can be satisfied with it. Look at Hamano, he seems to be content after finding a different bond with her. He can do the same, can't he?

 ______________________

Hino peeked in the room, only to find Sumire drinking Mashima's blood. For a minute the sight stunned him, because from the angle he was in. The two looked like they were kissing, thankfully he isn't stupid enough to jump into misunderstandings. When he shifted slightly, he could see Sumire drinking from Mashima's neck. 

"Nnnnn...do I really need to drink more?"

"Just in case. I don't doubt that Terashima fed you everyday. But a little top up won't hurt."

"That's true. Nnnghh..you do taste good today."

Toh chuckled. "Careful what you say to me beautiful. You know how dangerous those words are."

Sumire bit him harsher and Mashima simply laughed again.

Hino slowly entered the room and Mashima looked up. "Just giving her extra blood. She'll need her strength just in case there is a second attack."

Hino frowned. "Do you think-"

"It's just a what if. I haven't just been doing nothing the past week. I've been doing my best to exterminate the pests who are disobeying orders in the company. But, from what I can tell. They had nothing to do with the attack on Sumire. I was called away as a distraction, yes, but even my subordinate said they simply received a request to keep me busy. They actually didn't know the details." Toh trailed off. "And before you ask, I broke into his mind and got the answers directly."

"As a fellow mind ability user, I have to warn you about the consequences of shattering people's minds."

"It's fine. It has no effect on me."

It should, but Mashima is right. If Mashima has been shattering people's minds on Lucifer's orders for years. He should have broken down by now. The fact that he is still sane, must mean that the rules do not apply to him.

"Beautiful. Don't do that."

Hino's gaze fell on Sumire whose hands were unbuttoning Mashima's trousers. What is she doing?

Sumire growled and Mashima chuckled. "Narasaki will kill me on the spot if I let you continue." Toh moved her hand to his chest. "Here, make do with this. Keep your hands here, and don't go any lower."

She didn't look pleased, but followed Mashima's instructions.

"What's wrong with her? why is she acting so possessive?" Hino wondered.

"This is what happens when pure breed hanyous feed

and when they choose potential suitors."

Hino's eyes widened shocked with the news he was receiving.

"No doubt Terashimas blood helped her since he is a potential candidate. But the same can be said about me. I just allowed it to test if we were the same, however I could have easily given her blood myself."

'I am quite knowledgeable regarding hanyou's, so I know Mashima is telling the truth.' But, it's shocking that Mashima is one of her suitors. He thought that Yuhi was the only candidate, since she hasn't shown a greater bond with anybody else. He wonders if this is the reason why Mashima remains confident.

*Unedited*