Night Shift 24: M11-M20 Hallway

[screwthegods]

((OOC: Starting off in M13, moving into the hall.))Homura closed his eyes as that familiar voice filled the air, let out a slow breath to ease into the proper mindset for what was about to happen. Short this time, which was good, as he didn't have any desire to listen to the head doctor prattle on endlessly. No, Homura was eager to get things

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[coolegoist]

Kyouya stepped out of his room as soon as the door unlocked with a loud click, having prepared for this as soon as he'd finished dinner. The time he took to do so went a long way - the fear he felt as soon as the lights went out was still present, but now controlled. His flashlight was held in one hand, at his side and ready.

He might not be fooling anyone, least of all the person who was now headed for him. Still, it wasn't as if Homura hadn't seen Kyouya's fear before, which by all rights was completely rational. He had no place here.

But he'd make one, if that's what it took to get out. "Good evening, Homura-san," said Kyouya, without his usual host smile. There wasn't much use for pretense now. He held out Homura's collected metal. "This is yours. If you don't think it'll be sufficient for your sword, I have my metal as well."

[screwthegods]

It took effort to hide the surprise from his face at Kyouya's generous offer. Perhaps what helped Homura to succeed was the voice in his mind that knew Kyouya's personality, and his methods. The offer was only generous if one forgot the price that would come with it.

Though it was still tempting.

"Adelheid said what I described should be enough." Homura took the pot, but didn't turn to leave just yet. "Though it might not hurt to be cautious. What would you want in return?"

Protection was the obvious answer, of course. Or perhaps Kyouya was attempting to settle the debt he'd already accrued for the two nights they'd spent together so far. Still, Homura wouldn't take the materials until he knew exactly what Kyouya intended; fighter or no, he wouldn't underestimate the boy.

[coolegoist]

Pleasantries were on the tip of Kyouya's tongue: modest demurring, platitudes about teamwork, only the slightest hint of expecting any reciprocity in the future. It was easy to deal that way back home, with the intricacies of their social etiquette. The rampant suspicion and rudeness made that a little tougher here.

Of course, it wasn't as if Homura was wrong to question him. Kyouya only smiled as he turned back into his room - not far, as he already had a portion of his silverware set out. The rest was as safely hidden as could be in a completely insecure room.

"A sword arm. I assume the sword arm of the 'Toushin Taishi' is top notch," he said over his shoulder. "Not tonight, of course. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you, but should something come up in the future, I'll call upon your assistance. One night only. Is that acceptable?"

[screwthegods]

Perhaps those from Kyouya's home could be taken so lightly, but Homura hardly thought it rude to be upfront with each other. If Kyouya wished to smoothly talk his way into an advantage over some fool, then it was his own choice, and more power to him should the method actually work

[coolegoist]

"Done," Kyouya accepted smoothly, and moved closer to transfer the metal into Homura's pot, taking care to avoid making loud noises as he did so. He'd expected this condition, and it certainly wasn't unreasonable.

It didn't solve the problem of what he'd do if Tamaki or the others were called for experimentation. Still, Homura's claims of being a war god aside (which Kyouya was inclined to believe), it wasn't likely that he'd be able to overcome the hospital's best defences when so many others had apparently failed.

"But you'll have to get the sword first before I even think of asking for your help," he half-joked, giving Homura a little smile as he finished. "I hope your endeavour goes well tonight, Homura-san."

[screwthegods]

"As do I." Homura grinned as he watched Kyouya carefully add to Homura's collection. "And it's a wise decision to wait. I fight better with a sword."

Once Kyouya had finished, Homura decided to take a moment to indulge himself in something he'd wanted to play with since the fourth shift, but only now had the clarity of mind to fully enjoy. "And speaking of successful endeavours. I take it yours on the bulletin board went well? Your 'friend' must be very pleased with the results."

Homura shifted the pot to one hip, and hid no intent from his eyes as he met Kyouya's gaze. For the second time in only a few hours he reached up, his fingers tracing the firm ridge of Kyouya's chin. Close, so very close, enough for the boy to feel the warmth of the tips on his skin...but he didn't touch, only teased, with his hand and with his voice. "You could have asked privately, if you were so eager for lessons. I'd happily oblige."

[coolegoist]

Kyouya didn't even try to interrupt as Homura spoke, and held the gaze of his mismatched eyes. Neither did he step back or lean away as the demi-god's fingertips almost brushed his face - he'd been inappropriately hit on before by parents of host club clients, some of whom were just as forward. None had been quite as... unexpected as Homura, however.

Surprise flickered behind Kyouya's glasses before he managed to look bemused at the attention. "I'm afraid that I must decline your generous and flattering offer, Homura-san, as you have me mistaken for someone else," answered Kyouya, although his little smirk suggested otherwise. "But if I do ever meet this person, I'll be sure to give them your name."

[screwthegods]

Homura grinned as Kyouya held to his denial, and with a calmness that was older than the boy himself. Not a warrior, but it did make Homura curious as to the kind of life Kyouya had led to become this way. There would be time to find out later, however. He still had an appointment, and that came before pleasure.

"Of course. My discretion can be trusted, as...someone said." There was no hint of shame or regret at the rejection. If anything, Homura seemed just as encouraged, his fingers lingering for a moment longer before he pulled his hand away.

"I'm afraid I must be going. You're free as always to follow, but," Homura balanced his pot a bit better, then turned to leave, his back towards Kyouya. "Whatever you decide, good luck. I'll see you in the morning."

And with that, Homura headed down the hall at a quick pace, without hesitation, or pause to look back.

[screwthegods]

(OOC: To here.)

[coolegoist]

"Thank you." Kyouya said nothing more as Homura left, finding that there wasn't anything left to be said. Still, he watched the war god walk away, musing over the then uniqueness of the people here. Despite the imprisonment and monsters and impossibilities, he had to admit that it sometimes proved to be quite entertaining.

Only sometimes. Right now, he had to find Renge before she got into trouble.

[ To here.]