[the words earn hizamaru another kiss - this one to his temple, and then another to his cheek, and one that presses against the corner of his mouth. all of them are soft, intended to be reassuring]

Mm, it's the elder brother's responsibility to be reliable when the younger is facing an ordeal.

You don't need to apologize - you only need to feel better.

[that's all higekiri cares about.

and also putting his blade through whoever's carelessness did this to his brother]