Eternal Melody

HINO

If he didn't have this power, then Lucifer would never have stolen and used it on Sumire.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Sumire repeated.

Hino shakes his head and wraps his arms around her. He hugs her tightly. "I won't take your memories, Sumire. It's okay to cry, it's alright."

For the next few minutes, he simply held Sumire as she sobbed. He has always held back from holding her, no matter how sad she was. He didn't want to overstep his boundaries. However, right at this moment. Hino knew that Sumire really needed a friend.

"Do you think Yuhi will hate me?" Sumire said, breaking the silence.

"He won't. He loves you too much."

"I think that's what scares me the most. Yuhi forgiving me for everything." Sumire trailed off. "W-when I was Lucifer, there are a few things I did, that I'm not proud of."

"No matter what Sumire, I won't judge you."

Sumire hesitated but eventually continued.

"I butchered three guards for 'practice' I..let the darkness take over me. Also, there were loads of women there."

"Women?" Hino frowned. "He didn't keep you in the same place as his lovers did he?"

Judging from what he saw, Lucifer was always covered in Sumire's scent. But, he was in a weakened condition. Perhaps Lucifer isn't as loyal as he claims to be.

Sumire shakes her head. "Y-you misunderstand. It's true he had three other wives but he divorced them after I asked. I never actually met them. The other women in the manor are mainly there to keep his men company."

Hino's eyes continued to darken at her explanation and Sumire sweat fell.

"T-this isn't helping improve his image is it?"

Hino nodded. "Right now he really sounds like a bastard."

Sumire paused before saying. "He really wasn't bad. But, when I was with him. I felt the darkness I suppressed growing. One day, I just snapped. When he was returning from an inspection, I destroyed his harem. I killed everyone in cold blood."

At those words Hino notices her body tremble.

"I-I've never used my abilities like that Hino. No matter how angry I got in the past, I-I have never done that. I don't know what got into me."

'But I do. Lucifer's darkness must have corrupted her. It must have brought out Sumire's own darkness.'

Seeing Sumire's gaze on him, Hino realized that she was waiting for any sign that he wasn't judging her. Even after Sumire explained how she killed those women, his impression of her didn't falter once. Hino reached over and flicked her forehead.

"If you're trying to frighten me away, good luck with that. You've always been scary."

At those words Sumire pouted. "Hey, what is that supposed to mean?"

"You've always been a violent woman. No wonder nobody but Yuhi can handle you."

"That's so rude. My dear loves everything about me."

"Yes he does." Hino trailed off. "When you did all this, Lucifer didn't mind?"

"He seemed pleased."

Of course he did. Nothing will change his mind about Lucifer. However, he wants to confirm something with Sumire first.

"You told me when I was captured that he was good to you."

Sumire bit her lip but nodded. "He was. I thought he'd be a bit--more forceful. But, that's not what happened. I don't know what to think of him anymore."

Hino didn't know what to say to that. He would really like to argue and insist that Lucifer is the bad guy. However, he saw Lucifer's expression when he talked about Sumire being in pain. That guy probably has actual feelings for her.

"Hino, I want to see Yuhi. I want to...can you tell him first..and.." Sumire stammered.

"I understand Sumire. I'll explain it first. First, you need to get some sleep."

Sumire suddenly tugged on his shirt. "Are you, okay?"

Hino blinked. It takes him a few extra minutes to understand what she was referring to. His gaze was gentle as he nodded. 

"I'm fine. I had Sano check my wounds, before Eli came with you."

Sumire's gaze darted to his bandaged arms and his leg, and the crutches by the bed. 

Hino wiped her tears with his sleeve and shook his head. "It's fine Sumire, it wasn't that bad. You often came and gave me basic first aid." He trails off. "Even with no memories, you're really bad at tying bandages."

Sumire hits his arm and Hino winces in pain. 

"S-sorry!" Sumire immediately apologized.

Hino shakes his head. "How can you still have so much strength?"

"That's what I was going to say to you, didn't you hit Eli in the car parking lot?" Sumire questioned as she pointed to his bruised hands.

"I hit him, because his method to get you was too extreme."

Sumire sighs. "I'm upset with him too. Lucifer already made a deal with Toh to return me a few days after I gave birth."

Hino blinked startled. "Would he really have let you go?"

Sumire nodded. "Mm."

So Eli made an impulsive decision. Hino sighs, well that shouldn't surprise him. That guy has always just done whatever he wanted. Hino stares at Sumire's appearance. Other than the injury Eli reopened, she looked healthier than ever. Lucifer has truly been treating her well. 

"Do you, I mean-" Hino didn't know how to ask this question.

Sumire closed her eyes before shaking her head. "It's true I don't dislike him. But, I don't love Lucifer. The reason it took me so long to remember Yuhi other than the restricted environment? It's because, since Yuhi-san left I have been very lonely. When Lucifer told me he was my husband, my amnesia self knew how tired I was. She understood, I just wanted to be held by the one I love. So, she subconsciously accepted him in place of the gap Yuhi-san left."

"This is the first time you're admitting to me that you've been lonely." Hino pointed out.

Sumire laughs weakly. "Did I have to say anything, you already knew didn't you?"

"Yeah, I knew."

How could he not? She has been practically wasting away everyday since Yuhi left. He knew about her throwing her meals in the plant pots to make it seem like she had eaten, and her pretending to sleep.

He also knew that even when she ate, she threw up her meals.