Kotetsu took a breath, about to say no, let's keep going, but Hayate was turning, walking back, and Kotetsu exhaled, a harsh sound dampened by the rain.

He shoved his hair back, out of his face, and water crept icily down his ears, his forehead, dripping into his eyes as he tilted his face up.

Where was Ryuichi when you needed him? If Ryuichi were here, he'd understand, and he'd help. He'd do something, and Kotetsu wouldn't be standing out here, foggy breath clouding his vision, icy rain washing down his face, hateful anger burning his skin.

Of course Ryuichi's solutions usually involved beating Kotetsu into the ground, but Kotetsu would welcome it.

The snow was mushy beneath his boots as he stomped back to where Hayate was climbing into the little hollow, and he fisted his hands. "I'll stay out here."

Maybe the rain would cool him down. Maybe. He didn't think he could stand thinking and hating and all of the burning fury in the same small space as someone else.