Night Shift 27: M11-M20 Hallway

[screwthegods]

The end of day announcement set Homura into motion as always. The night before had been rewarding, and he had a few things to get together before he headed out. Though he was reluctant to leave what he couldn't take with Ken in no hurry to vacate, there was little choice, as Homura had appointments to keep

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[coolegoist]

Kyouya was in no hurry. Perhaps he should be bothered about his lack of initiative, but no occasion was worth rushing around like a commoner. Not even being a supposedly mad prisoner in a danger-filled rat maze.

He smiled ironically to himself. What were the chances he'd still be thinking this when a monster found him again?

No use worrying about it. After gathering all his supplies (still no weapon), Kyouya stepped out of his room and immediately spotted a familiar figure. "Homura-san," he greeted when he came near enough, surprising himself with the real pleasure he felt at meeting the demi-god again.

[screwthegods]

Problem solved, as the boy in question came to him. Homura grinned at the familiar voice, returning Kyouya's greeting with a nod. "Ootori Kyouya. It's been a little while, hasn't it?" Minutes, days, months--time tended to lose a great deal of it's meaning when a person was immortal.

"You should know better than to wander the halls alone by now." The demi-god smirked to the boy, noting the lack of weapon. "Are you off to meet someone?"

[coolegoist]

Kyouya shrugged noncommittally at Homura's question, then smiled. "I haven't been killed yet." In his own ordinary world, he'd hardly been helpless, bodyguards or no bodyguards. Strange how he still held onto that self-confidence. Still, this place required proper self-defence. Tonight, then.

"You look better than usual," said Kyouya, after taking a half-second to assess Homura's wounds. "But I imagine that you still have much to do tonight."

[screwthegods]

"It's easier to die than you might think." Homura would know, having had it nearly happen to him countless times before--and experiencing it once. But the confidence was always a welcome sight, a large part of why Homura continued to bring the boy along with him. A substantial thing, given Kyouya's lack of fighting ability.

"My more recent nights have been rather successful." Homura's only injuries were minor, almost completely healed due to time and monster's blood, which Homura planned to get more of that night. "Hopefully tonight will turn out to be the same. You're free to come along if you wish."

At least for the start. But already Homura had tasks planned for Kyouya, should the boy join him. And if not, well. There were always other ways to fill in the gaps, weren't there?

[coolegoist]

Successful? Yes, he could see that. From the sounds of it, even Tamaki and rest of the host club was making progress within Landel's walls. What would they think of their vice president now?

Kyouya took a moment to reply, and less than that to decide: "All right." He loosely crossed his arms in a show of casual acceptance, not wanting to show that he was grateful for the offer. If there was opportunity to be had now, he'd find it in Homura's company. "I'm ready to move when you are, Homura-san."

[screwthegods]

Homura gave a slight nod, grinning as he motioned to the hall ahead. "Good. We're going to be busy tonight. Try to keep up." Of course, Homura wouldn't pull too far away. One of the most important things Kyouya would provide that night was a pair of free hands to hold the flashlight, something that Homura was currently lacking.

"We have two stops to make before we meet up with our party for the night. Have you gotten a map of the Institute yet?" Homura had a copy to spare, and he could always ask Okita for more. The man had been rather enthusiastic in his reproductions. But time was valuable, and even as he spoke, Homura began to walk, leading Kyouya down the hall.

Their destination wasn't far.

[coolegoist]

"Not yet," admitted Kyouya without embarrassment, following immediately. He had next-to-nothing achieved in all his time here, but there was no point in getting ashamed about it. Things happened. He dealt with it.

A flashlight was indeed in his hand, the first thing Kyouya looked for when he planned a nighttime excusion. "But I'm familiar with the layout of the first floor. Where to first?"

[screwthegods]

"The next hall." Homura watched with interest as Gin suddenly came into view, unaware that his room had been so close to the man's. He made note of the door Gin had emerged from, having no doubt the information would be useful later. The man's salute was returned with a nod, but nothing more.

At least not yet.

"I'll give you a map, then. Most of our night will be on the second floor." Though Homura knew the way to the hall, he wasn't sure where the boy had gotten the bottles the night before. There was a chance Kyouya would, once he saw the map Homura had.

Homura set a quick pace, covering the distance of the hall, and without hesitation, turning the corner.

[coolegoist]

[ To here.]