“You don’t have to look so horrified ….I just ….” He started as the shocked expression came across Hakuba’s face then shook his head. The was no point in saying what he wanted to say. What he had been wanting to say for a while now. Hakuba wouldn’t understand nor accept it. He was still human and needed people but his need for Hakuba seemed to be so much stronger than what he had ever felt before. The other balanced him out and provided a great foundation for him. Hakuba kept him from slipping so many times before with just the little acts of persistence.
Kaito sighed and started to head back up stairs with his hand on the railing to take his weight off his thigh which was starting to throb painfully. “Come on up and I’ll show you the way.
Horrified? Had he looked horrified? It wasn’t what Hakuba had intended, but he supposed he could imagine. Grimacing at his own foolishness, he followed up the stairs without comment – at least for the first few steps. But once Kaito was on the main level, he hefted a sigh.
“Kuroba-kun… I’m sorry; I didn’t mean for you to think that I felt burdened or anything. Honestly, I… I’m touched that you called me. That you asked for my help.” He continued up, holding onto the handrail to support his fatigued body. “It means a great deal to me. I… I always hoped I’d be of service to you one day…"