[idk why he's here, probably to pick up a coke for Guren or something who knows~

either way, can't help overhearing the complaint]

Aha, one of those friends? Have you tried changing their ringtone to something they'll want to turn off?

[he's very used to this--though it's been a while since he was last in this dire of a situation. still, the familiarity makes it easy to fall back onto certain behavioral patterns that actually kept him alive this long--and he does have reasons to stay alive.

the need to save Guren from his demon is one.

killing Kureto one day would be another.

for now, it's about biding time. if he's lucky, Goshi, Mito, Shigure, and Sayuri made it out of the slaughter and were planning something to help.

if he's not... well. that's how it goes.

so, when Kureto shows up, there's maybe a brief moment of his expression going blank before That Smile comes onto his face]

Hm? The great Hiiragi Kureto's come to visit at such a late hour? How strange.

[did something happen or is this just Kureto reestablishing his supremecy...]

[yeah, that's bullshit.

still, he's smiling]

Ehhh~ Is that so?

Then, maybe Kureto-nii remembered to bring supper for this brother of his? It seems like that meal's been missed today.

[hums in answer, mostly because it's partial confirmation of Kureto just looking to throw his weight around. typical Hiiragi, really.]

Ah, then, I'll wait.

But what sort of brotherly concern brings Kureto-nii here at this hour, I wonder? Surely there's nothing pressing that couldn't wait until morning.

[smile seems to drop off at that last part as he stares up at Kureto from where he's seated]

Hypothetically. If I say I'd rather my solitude...?

[as long as he's outside of it... smile coming back onto his face]

I said "hypothetical", didn't I?

Well, hypothetically, that would only be the case if it wouldn't unduly upset Kureto-niisama.

[spoilers for the viewing audience: he doesn't want to be alone, he just doesn't want Kureto as company.]

Ah, that does seem to be the way it would go.

[gross.

also not getting food isn't an option. even if the rations aren't much, he needs to keep up his strength for whatever Kureto may throw at him. he can't die here.]

I guess it's a good thing that it's hypothetical, then.

Such praise from Kureto-nii. I feel spoiled.

I'm surprised I'm receiving any sort of praise, is what I was saying.

Not at all.

So aside from levels of praise, what would Kureto-niisama like to talk about?

[it never is]

Hmm... well. I could complain about the lack of decor or the draft or the lack of a north-facing window...? But I'm sure Kureto-nii's heard them all before.

Mm, it has been but... ah, well. It does sort of grow on you after a while.

Very minimalist.

[... the thought of this being the lead into whatever Kureto came here for makes him pause for a split second]

Eh... well. They were simpler times, in a way.

I was a child, after all.

It was kill or be killed.

[that is the Hiiragi way, after all.]