He stops at the end of the corridor, neither turning to leave or coming closer. He wants to check on his brother, but he also doesn't want to have him snapping at him for disturbing him this late at night. They may have gotten closer over the months but Ichiru still didn't want his help. It was a miracle he wanted to be named by him but Zero isn't foolish enough to think that that means he wants thim inferring in his life anymore than before. He knows his brother, his need for independence from him. He's tried to give it to him but sometimes, some nights, the same need to check on him overcomes him and it takes all of his willpower to stay put. He knows Ichiru won't appreciate his need to protect him, to check if he was okay. But he can't help the need. It's too ingrained in him as far back as he could remember. The only thing he could do it was ignore it. But sometimes, like tonight, even that was difficult to do even if he already knew Ichiru was safe. He wasn't sick anymore and that pull at their familial bond... was it just him?