Chapter Text
Rin awoke to the familiar dark cloud hanging over his head.
Ever since Shiro’s death, he had been feeling worse and worse.
His health, both physical and mental, was declining.
He didn’t talk to his friends as much as he used to, he was less motivated to get out of bed with every passing day, and he hadn’t even thought about sukiyaki since the night his demonic powers were awakened.
Rin reluctantly got out of bed, got dressed, and headed downstairs for breakfast.
Yukio was already gone; he was usually very busy, so he didn’t like to lollygag.
Rin contemplated eating breakfast, but he didn’t really have much of an appetite.
He grabbed his schoolbag, hung the Kurikara over his shoulders, and headed to the academy.
Rin sat silently in class, just waiting for the day to be over.
All he wanted to do was go home and sleep.
The sad truth was, that was really the only thing he wanted to do these days.
Just as Mr. Tsubaki was finishing up with his lesson, Mephisto’s voice was heard over the PA system.
“Rin Okumura, please come to the director’s office.” he said.
Rin rolled his eyes, but grabbed his belongings, and walked out of the classroom.
As he walked down the hall, he wondered what he was called down for.
He had a sneaking suspicion, but he didn't want to assume anything.
Rin arrived at his destination, and rapped on the door three times.
“Come in.” Mephisto's voice called in its usual singsong manner.
Before Rin’s hand reached the doorknob, the door opened by itself.
Rin entered the office, and approached Mephisto's desk.
“Please, have a seat.” Mephisto said, indicating to a chair that faced his desk.
Rin complied, and waited silently for an explanation of why he was here.
“Rin, I'm worried about you. You've been so sad ever since Shiro passed away, and I've noticed your reluctance to do anything with anyone. I made a promise to our father-” Mephisto began, before the young demon interrupted him.
“You mean Satan? I wouldn't consider him to be much of a father, seeing as how he killed he man that raised me.” Rin said bitterly.
Mephisto raised an eyebrow, but ignored the harsh comment.
“As I was saying, I made a promise to our father and myself that I would look after you. It seems that I've got my work cut out for me, since you clearly aren't taking care of yourself.” Mephisto continued.
Rin huffed, and blew his hair out of his face.
“I have an idea. How about you start keeping a journal. That way, you won't be keeping your feelings bottled up, and if you don't want to talk about said feelings, I can read what you've written.” Mephisto told him.
“Wouldn't that just make me a nerd? I'm not much of the writing type.” Rin said.
“If you don't want to write things down, that's fine. Instead, you can just tell me exactly how you're feeling, and I can just hover over you like a helicopter parent, or brother, in my case.” Mephisto replied smugly.
Rin gritted his teeth.
“You're not gonna leave me alone about this, are you?” he asked.
“Nope.” Mephisto answered simply.
As if to further his point, he floated up, and slowly moved over to Rin, making obnoxious helicopter sounds.
He slowly moved his hand to Rin's shoulder, and laid it down softly.
Rin groaned, and smacked his older brother's hand away.
Mephisto rubbed his hand gently.
“Getting a bit testy, are we?” he asked.
“Fine. I'll write the stupid journal.” Rin grumbled.
“What was that? I couldn't hear you over your testiness.” Mephisto teased, cupping his hand behind his ear.
“I said I'll write the stupid journal. Just stop making those stupid helicopter noises.” Rin told him.
“As you wish.” Mephisto said, floating to the ground, standing.
“Now, you can go back to class. Just make sure you do your part, or it'll be one on one therapy sessions between us, little brother.” Mephisto said.
Rin grumbled at the nickname, but agreed to Mephisto's terms.
Rin decided that he'd rather go back to his dorm and sleep; and that's exactly what he did.
Upon returning home, Rin flopped onto his bed, and closed his eyes.
It felt good to sleep, seeing as that was something that evaded him at night.
It seemed like only three glorious minutes of rest, before Yukio was shaking him awake.
“Rin, did you cut class?” the younger, albeit more responsible twin asked.
“What's the big deal?” Rin grumbled, faced still buried in his pillow.
“The big deal is that you'll get in trouble.” Yukio said.
“Who cares?” Rin asked, annoyed; he just wanted to go back to sleep, but he knew Yukio wouldn't leave him alone until he gave him an answer.
“I just wasn’t in the mood to go back to class.” Rin said softly.
He felt like crying; he didn’t know why, but he just felt awful.
With a mix of emotions swirling around in his brain, he felt his eyes well up with tears.
“Rin, are you okay?” Yukio asked, noticing his twin’ sudden change in demeanor.
“No...I'm not.” Rin realized.
“Ever since dad died, I've just felt so sad and lonely.” Rin continued.
“Oh, Rin, I miss him too. Besides, you're never really alone. This may be how you feel now, but I can guarantee that you'll feel better soon.” Yukio said encouragingly.
“You're right. Thanks, lil bro.” Rin said, laughing.
Yukio smiled.
“You're welcome.” Yukio replied; his tone and facial expression changed in a split second.
“Now do your freaking homework.”
Rin just sat there, scowling.