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Kaito was blind. An aftereffect from his death on the moon. Nothing else about Kaito changed... he still works hard, too hard at points. He's attentive to his and Chris's brothers, to a point Thomas claims Kaito his older brother more than Chris.
Yet , Kaito acts as if nothing happened.
It was troubling. The way Kaito immediately jumped back into his daily routine right as he was brought back to life. Nothing was said about what happened to him. The events that occurred. The way everyone mourned his death.
Chris saw this coming, saw this before that fateful duel on the moon. Kaito was already placing his health on the back burner in order to save the world, everyone else's life more important than his own.. his own cross he must carry to alleviate his sins.
Yet Chris watched.. watched as Kaito took more and more onto himself. He didn't stop him. He knew it was a futile effort. He was always like this, ever since they first met, just a reckless child with no regard for his life, especially if it meant he could save his brother. Chris took advantage of this, beating him ruthlessly in duel after duel, all in effort to make him stronger. And Kaito never backed down. Even as he could barely stand, even as he bled out of his forehead, the blood staining his fingers.. Chris will never forget the harsh stare directed his way each time. A small challenge for Chris to go further, to kill him right then and there.
It was terrifying.
Yet those same eyes lacked that same intensity as before. Instead they swirled behind a cloud of thoughts, dimming the once vivid expressions of the duelist he knew. Kaito seemed exhausted, his smiles never quite reaching his eyes. He barely speaks, Chris is lucky if Kaito even says hello to him. Yet, Kaito continues to work, continues to put his all into their research, despite the fact... he cannot even see it anymore.
But Chris knows Kaito is more bothered than he lets on.. the subtle sighs when he runs into a door frame, his jumps at unexpected voices, the bags under his eyes growing darker and darker.
Chris sighed.. Kaito truly was going to work himself to death, work himself to a point he never has to process the fact he already died. The fact he came back different.
Chris hesitated to ask.. to extend a branch out for Kaito, knowing Kaito will brush it off and say he's fine. That's all he's ever done. Even after he worked his body to tye limit being a number hunter, even after he injured his eyes the first time, Kaito never admitted something was wrong. Chris knew better than to ask.
However Chris longed.... longed for Kaito to share this burden with him... for Kaito to feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable around him. They've known eachother long enough, have worked together on countless projects , and even live together now, but Chris knows better than to pry. Scared his questioning will cause the fragile glass to finally break and shatter into dust. But Chris worried...
Chris told Kaito of his worries, his insecurities surrounding his brothers, his insecurities considering their relationship, and each time Kaito reassured him. Comforted him. Acknowledged how hard he has worked and how smart and caring he is... to a point Chris cried. Yet.. about... everything going on with himself Kaito kept quiet... silent...almost as if he never mentioned it , he wasn't actually blind.
The fact he ever died even happened...
A small knock at the door broke Chris from his thoughts.
"Chris" the voice choked out quietly...
Kaito.
"Chris.... please" he choked on his tears.
Chris stood up and quietly walked over to him, touching him on the arm before hugging him tightly.
"I'm right here Kaito."
The younger duelist sobbed into his chest.
"I'll be right here".
~☆