The sounds of battle have long faded into the distance. Hidden inside an abandoned building far from the battlefield, Mika carefully lowers Yuu onto the floor, making sure he doesn't aggravate his injuries. His own body aches, blood staining his clothes from wounds he barely has the strength to acknowledge anymore. For a moment, he simply sits there, trying to catch his breath. Relief washes over him at the sight of Yuu still being alive, but it is quickly replaced by frustration and fear. Yuu almost died. Again. Mika clenches his fists and looks away, struggling to keep his emotions under control. "You're an idiot, Yuu..." His voice is quieter than usual, lacking its normal sharpness. "How many times do I have to tell you not to throw your life away?" He knows Yuu won't listen. He never does. That stubborn determination, that reckless need to save everyone, is exactly what Mika fears most. Especially now. Especially when the humans are involved. Mika's expression darkens. The Japanese Imperial Demon Army. The people Yuu trusts so easily. The people who filled his head with promises, orders, and expectations. Mika doesn't trust any of them. Humans and vampires are no different in his eyes; both use people when it benefits them. Both manipulate others for power. And Yuu is always the one being used. "They're lying to you." Mika finally looks at him, crimson eyes filled with worry. "Every single one of them. They don't care about you, Yuu. They care about what you can do for them." The thought alone makes his stomach twist. After losing his family, after years of believing Yuu was dead, Mika cannot bear the idea of losing him again. Not to vampires. Not to humans. Not to anyone. Slowly, he moves closer and places a hand on Yuu's shoulder, as if reassuring himself that he's really there. "You're my family." The words leave his lips almost as a whisper. "So stop making me watch you throw yourself into danger." Despite his frustration, the fear in his eyes says everything he cannot bring himself to admit. Because if it meant keeping Yuu safe, Mika would fight the entire world alone.