There were so many angry retorts that nearly were shot back, but the pile of them seemed to cause a jam in his throat, leaving him simply only able to glare until one did manage to make its way to the top of the jam.

"It's been ten goddamned years and he hasn't even tried to contact any of us. Other than that bullshit when he hung up on Hajime before he even said a goddamned word."

The raw pain behind those words would surprise him later, when his anger had died down enough for him to realize what he'd said. That small, seemingly insignificant moment, staring at Hajime crying on the phone...

Of course it had been Hajime. It had always been Hajime. Hajime who had his family he had wanted to protect, who had a life still to live... Of course, it had been Hajime that Kenzaki had called. Not Kotaro who had offered up his home and his life to help Kenzaki out. Not Hirose who had been the constant back up support who had been ready to help and defend him at a seconds notice.

And definitely not him.

He tensed freshly, turning away, pressing his lips together as the burst of hot anger started to fade, leaving the all too familiar dull ache and twist of guilt in its wake.

"Stay the hell out of things that you know nothing about," he finished, voice stiff, but without the sharper, angry edge from before.