Becoming a vampire had been confusing, confusing and scary, not just because of the process of turning in itself but mostly due to having been strung around like a puppet at the rhythm of orders impossible to ignore. Sure, Gin had at least caught a glimpse of their brother after the latest news about him were when he had been declared dead in action, but actual relief didn’t arrive until vampirism was gone and Ryûnosuke remained alive. Plus, they still feared for him, since right after their reunion he had entrusted them with the safety of a little redhead girl who answered to the name Aya and left again to contribute in saving the day as he was seemingly getting used to. Though, it could have been worse. Waiting without nothing to do would have been worse, for starters. “I’d ask if he’s your boyfriend, but even with just seein’ half of your face it’s easy to see how you’re so damn alike.” Aya was saying as the two of them entered a hopefully abandoned store that would have to do for the time being. Smart. “Siblings, right?” Smart indeed, and there was a smidge of pride in her expression when Gin nodded to confirm her suspicions; it was the closest they had seen to a smile in the girl’s face so far, which wasn’t rare given the current circumstances.

Besides, they might not be an expert in kids nor the most socially aware person ever, but still remembered how being a kid under deep distress was, and it was written all over Aya’s demeanor: she was no stranger to loss, and some had been recent. Gin could have asked about it, maybe. But the two of them had just met, and they were quite busy with scanning around for possible threats. Especially after hearing footsteps nearby, coming closer. Tapping the girl’s shoulder and pointing to a table beside them, Gin instructed Aya to take cover, who nodded and ducked to hide under it. Then, drawing their knife, Gin dashed forward, ready to meet whoever was coming and meeting a gun’s barrel first and a familiar face second. “Who the hell’s the-- Gin?!! Gin!!!” In a matter of seconds, Higuchi had lowered said gun, and closed the distance between them to hug them, with utmost confidence about Gin moving their knife out of the way on time. Which, of course, they did; making it disappear inside one of their sleeves as it had been concealed before, Gin reciprocated just as quickly.

The last time they were both together for real, since the actual last time it had been when Higuchi had been already turned and did nothing more than attack the Black Lizard and bit them (though it was in a way they wouldn’t mind experiencing again if in-- hm, a different context), had been at Ryûnosuke’s funeral, where she had held Gin’s hand through it all and managing to stay strong despite the tears running through her cheeks. And now? Now they could both breathe, even if just for a moment. “I… I’m so glad you’re okay.” Higuchi said when they separated, making them smile under the mask; there was no doubt she would notice it. “Oh, and who are you?” She then added, turning towards Aya. ‘I’m so glad you’re fine too.’ Hands now free, Gin moved onto signing. And explaining, evidently. ‘Nii-san asked me to keep her safe.’ “Name’s Aya, by the way.” The kid herself chimed in. “I see.” Higuchi nodded, her eyes darting from one to another in the meantime. “And nice to meet you, Aya-chan.” After offering her a polite smile, Higuchi went back again to lock eyes with Gin, clearly already making plans. “How can I help?” Before offering a useful response, Gin simply beamed.

for higugin week 2025 day 6 | vampirism: higugin reunion post-vampirism
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