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“Do not bring a knife,” Banji says, debating if it’s worth the argument before deciding that no, they are not explaining a knife to the school staff today. Kagerou pouts, crossing his arms. The knife very visible in his hand, because Kagerou is a dumbass who fears no god.
“But my dear Onii-Sama,” Kagerou says. “Don’t you think we might need it?”
“No!” Banji exclaims, grabbing it from the younger boy’s hands. “Why do I even bring you?”
“You wouldn’t leave poor little Kagerou alone with father, would you?” Kagerou asks, and oh yeah. That’s why. Annoying little shit that Kagerou is, better keep the smaller devil with them than their real demon of a father.
Rabuko walks up and takes the knife. Banji sighs.
I can use it , she signs.
“…just. Please keep it hidden, Rabu-Chan,” Banji says.
“Yes, I understand,” Banji says. “But we can’t get her to a no uniform elementary.”
“Why are you here in place of your father, anyways?” The principal asks.
“He has work,” Kagerou drawls. An impressive feat for a ten year old.
“That,” Banji says. “I swear, she’s a very good girl. At school. Just… please. One exception?”
Banji begs with large, over dramatic gestures.
“…that kigurumi is too small on her,” the admin says. “At least make sure she is presentable, first.”
It is at that moment that the knife falls from Rabuko’s pocket.
Banji groans.
Kagerou gets them Vail’s credit card. How, Banji isn’t sure, and they rarely ask the details of whatever bullshit Kagerou gets himself into. They probably should, but Banji is the only sibling that does not routinely think about murder and violence despite knowing it best of the three, so at some point they gave up on their siblings trusting them.
“This looks the same,” Kagerou says.
“It’s a knockoff,” Banji says. “She won’t wear it, and Vail will yell at us for no darn reason.”
“Just curse like a normal person.”
“No!” Banji exclaims. “This is your fault, by the way.”
“How?”
“The knife was your idea!”
“…Okay, that’s true,” Kagerou replies. “I’m so sorry , Onii-Sama.”
“Shut up.”
Banji wonders what he would do. They haven’t met properly since that night, but Igarashi Ikki had it all figured out.
In the few glances Banji managed before Vail moved them all again, that is. Ikki, who stood there desperately in front of his family. His father, begging, and the both of them hit by Vail, and Banji had just…
They had seen Ikki’s terror and resolve and sworn they would protect the family Vail so hated. Swore they would protect their own siblings like Ikki wanted to. And maybe… maybe get to know the child, themself.
But then there was… Something about a lawsuit?
Which: how did Vail not go to jail?
And, more importantly…
God, Banji wishes they could actually go near them. But between moving, and…
They just worry. Worry if they could go near with Kagerou always talking about murder like it’s a game, Kagerou if you kill me who will take care of it all? Or Rabuko, who everyone talks down to. Who everyone treats as so fragile and soft that she barely even tries to communicate anymore, even when Banji tries…
They curl up in the corner of their room, groaning.
…on the bright side, they found the Kigurumi.
Rabuko lights up, when she gets the Kigurumi a bit later, even if she immediately rushes back to her room, sticking her tongue out at Banji and pointing at the “No trash allowed” sign on the door. Kagerou made it.
“Well,” Kagerou says. “Should we call this a success?”
Banji just sighs and hands the card back to their little brother.
“Just shut up,” they say. “What do you want for dinner?”
“Shouldn’t Rabu-Chan get to choose?”
“She’s used up my good will for the year .”
They wish they knew how to do this right.