Burn ~ Chapter 3

[clovert]

Title: Burn
Author: clovert &  kokkaii
Rating: PG
Pairing: Aimiya, Sakumiya, Ohmiya, Sakumoto... (yes it's messy)
Summary: There's something Nino couldn't remember. And it won't leave him alone until he does.
A/N: This is a very very messy collaboration with Kokkaii (but it was really fun writing it that way). She made me post this cus I haven't been showing up for... a long time. beware, we're on 4 horror movies + crack when writing this.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2


Chapter 3:



The sky had begun to switch from black to a bluish gray. The street lights were off, but nothing on the street has opened yet.

Sho-chan must be here somewhere, Nino thought. He sniffled. He couldn't tell if he was cold or was crying anymore. His legs began to feel wobbly. Nino sank down onto a bench and dropped his head onto his hands. How'd it get to this? He thought forlornly. Sho-chan.... his only anchor is gone and now... now he's left shaking like a leaf in a windstorm.

He didn't even know how he got into this mess, how everything suddenly became too hazy and scary that he can't even live without Sho-chan. He used to be independent, he remembered - he had his own place, paid his way through school, was on his way up - until... until THAT DAY. His head hurt.

"Wherever you’re going, I’m going too," a voice whispered.

"No," Nino said, his resolve outweighing his fears. "I have to look for Sho-chan alone."

"Wherever Kazu-chan’s going, I’m going too," the voice repeated.

This conversation..."No, no you can’t, I won’t let you!" Nino said as if he was reading a script. "I… don’t want you to…" he continued.

"You don't understand," the voice said. "I promised before I’d protect you so now I’m telling you that I -"

"Ninomiya-san?"

Nino looked up. A dark man stood in front of him, his chubby face stretched into a smile. He knew who this is… "Oh-chan?" he said.
Ohno nodded. "You shouldn't be here," he said. "It’s too cold." Nino nodded dumbly.

"Get away," the voice whispered again.

"Come, my house is nearby," Ohno said.

"No, it's ok," Nino said. "I-I can find my way home." He bolted.

*

Somehow, Nino found his way into a twenty-four hour McDonalds. He slowly walked to the counter where a teenager was currently napping. Nino knocked on the desk to wake the other up. The teenager with a baby face immediately stood up straight realizing that there was a customer.

"... Warm milk," Nino managed to mutter shakily after a while.

"... Um… Ok," The kid said after a pause, since that item wasn't on the menu.

But Nino didn't realize that in his state. He just stared blankly at the boy as he poured the carton milk into a paper cup and then put it into the microwave. All the while, the boy had been turning around and staring back at him.

After a few minutes, the boy placed the cup in front of Nino, "200 Yen." Nino nodded and gave him the exact change. The boy kept on staring at him as he took the money and dumped it into to the cash register. Nino knit his brows and was about to ask when the boy spoke up first with a smile, "Where's the idiot?"

"What?"

"Y’know, your friend… boyfriend? The guy that comes here with you all the time a few months ago…"

Nino tried to get his muddled brain to process the information. He didn't remember seeing this boy at all. But it hurt when he mentioned the word friend, because all he could think of was Sho-chan at the moment. "I think you've got the wrong person," he replied coldly.

The boy looked puzzled for a moment, "I don't think so, shiba inu. I mean, he's the only person I've ever seen who dumps sundae on their fries and eats them," he said. “Don’t you... don’t you remember, Kazu-chan?"

Nino almost jumped at the name. He pulled on the boy's collar and shook him. "How do you know my name?!"

The boy looked at him as if he grew a second head. After a few seconds he pulled Nino's hands off his collar and replied slowly, "That idiot always yells it out loud..."

Nino suddenly felt numb. He barely registered the boy's odd look, and the milk splashing down from the cup to his hand and to the floor, and when he came to, he realized he had fallen onto someone. He gasped and pushed the man away. The man grabbed his wrists. "Let go," Nino cried.

"Mister," the boy said.

Why is everything so blurry, Nino thought. "Let me go," he repeated.

"No, it's ok, I know him," the blurry figure told the kid behind the counter. "I’ll just take him from here."

"But wouldn't it better if he stays here -"

"It's ok," the man said, more firmly this time. He hoisted Nino up. Nino's head swam and he shut his eyes. "My house is close by."
Nino blacked out.

*

Everything's bright… everything’s too bright...

Nino lifted a lacy arm. He paused. "Doesn’t it bother you the least whenever I wear dresses," he pouted to no one in particular.

"I don't know why you're even asking that," a voice answered. "I DO make you wear them."

"You FORCE me into them!" Nino humphed. "It’s all non-consensual y'kno."

"I don't see YOU complaining!" the voice replied.

Nino felt a chill up his spine. This all seems familiar... "This is a form of rape," Nino said, softly this time, realizing how the words felt rehearsed. "I'll sic Sho-chan to you…"

"Sure, whenever you finally introduce us," a sad laugh.

Nino paused. "This... we've had this conversation before..."

The voice didn’t say anything.

"Where are you?" Nino asked.

Still nothing.

"Where are you?!" Nino demanded.

Nothing.

Nino took a cautionary step back and a hand grabbed him. Nino's eyes followed the hand up onto an arm and onto nothing. "Why can't I see you?" Nino whispered.

"Because you never do," the voice said. The hand disappeared from Nino's wrist.

"Wait!" Nino called. "Wait, Aiba!" A man appeared in front of him. Nino snaked his arms around the man's middle. "Don't go..."

*

Nino woke up. He started to move when he realized that someone was wrapped around him. Downward eyebrows and a chubby face… Nino did a sharp intake of breath and jerked out of the embrace. He fell off the bed painfully, also managing to wake the man up in the process.

"Nino?"

".... Oh-chan!" He scampered off the ground immediately and retreated to a corner of the room, staring at the man in bed. "Why-why am I here?! I said I didn't need your help!" he almost yelled.

"You fainted in McDonalds." Ohno threw off the blanket and got off the bed.

He did? He Fainted? He didn't remember.

"Look, Nino, you've been acting weird lately." Ohno slowly stepped towards him, "And we're worried about you. Sho-chan asked me to help you"

Sho-chan? Sho-chan! Nino's eyes snapped open. He was searching for Sho-chan, who disappeared, and he shouldn't be wasting time like this here. Before the other man could come any closer to him, Nino shoved him roughly away. "I need to look for Sho-chan," he hissed angrily and stomped towards the door. But before he could yank it fully open, an arm shot over his shoulder and slammed it shut. Nino froze.

"I'm sorry, but you can't leave."

“…What?”

"You can't leave yet," Ohno repeated. "You haven't had breakfast yet."

Nino gulped. "Of...course..."

Ohno put an arm around him and lead him back to the bed. "Now you just stay put," the man told him. "I'll go make you breakfast." Nino nodded. Ohno locked the door from the other side when he left.

Nino buried his face on the pillows and he sobbed. Where is he?! Where's Sho-chan?!

A hand crept up his neck. Nino froze. "When you wish upon a star...." someone hummed. The hand stroked his hair comfortingly. "Don't be scared..."

"I'm scared of you," Nino said softly.

"Don't be....."

Nino whimpered. "Sho-chan..." he whispered. The hand tightened. It pulled his hair suddenly -

Ohno held out a tray to him. "Hungry? You were whimpering," Ohno said, smiling gently.

Nino stared at the food dumbly and rubbed the sore spot on his head. It was as if someone had really pulled on it... "...No… no I'm fine." Nino said, not sure who he was reassuring.

Ohno pushed the plate of food towards him. Nino picked up the fork and pushed the food around for a second.  "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with your food?" Ohno asked. Nino said nothing.

"I have to go," Nino said after awhile. "I have to look for Sho-chan."

"Nino," Ohno placed the plate on his lap. "I'm sure that Sho-chan is fine."

"Why are you so sure? He left and didn't come back." Nino felt a wave of sadness rise in him. "You haven't seen him. Have you?" They stared at each other in silence. "What if something happened to him...."

"Didn't you call him?"

".... Someone else answered," Nino muttered, feeling like a balloon out of air. He only remembered this now. The one who picked up the phone was probably Jun, and Nino had selfishly demanded for Sho like a bastard. He didn't even have the right to do that.

"- cellphone?"

Nino looked up from his musings. "I’m sorry?"

Ohno stared at him thoughtfully. "Do you have your cellphone?"

"No..." Nino said sadly. "I smashed it when I was..." He paused.

Ohno started to fix the dishes.

"Have you met Jun, Oh-chan?" Nino asked.

Ohno's shoulders tensed. "Would it make any difference if I did?"

Nino's eyes widened at the unexpected reply. He looked at his hands. "I....no I don't think so..."

Ohno put down the dishes. "You don't have to hide anything Nino," he said. "I know everything."

A chill went up Nino's back. "What -"

Ohno suddenly loomed over him and Nino gasped. "It doesn't matter though," he said leaning closer to him. "I have you here."
Ohno knew something he didn't. He was sure of it, and it was terrifying.

"In the mean time, eat your breakfast, or else you might faint again." The older man finally stepped away from him. "We can call Sho-chan later."

Nino stared at the plate of food with a frown. He hated scrambled eggs. Nino pushed the plate away. "I’m not hungry," he said.
Ohno tilted his head thoughtfully. "Sho-kun DID say you didn’t like scrambled eggs," he said. "I should’ve remembered that."
"Eh?"

Ohno took a forkful of Nino's eggs and swallowed it. "I don't see anything wrong with it," he said. He forked some more. "Here," he offered to Nino. "Stop being picky. You need to eat," he said when Nino shook his head.

"It's ok," Nino said. "I’m not hungry."

Ohno blinked at him and then stuffed the eggs into his own mouth. His eyes had a playful light in them when he put the fork down. Smiling, he grabbed Nino and kissed him, transferring the eggs to the younger man's mouth. He let Nino go, Nino blushing and coughing.

"Gross! You’re gross, Oh-chan!" Nino cried and wiped his mouth with his sleeve.

The older man laughed. "Now THAT'S the old Nino I know!" he grinned. His eyes misted over and his grin turned into a sad smile. He hugged Nino close. "I missed you."

The younger man suddenly felt awkward. "Oh-chan..."

It was familiar, this feeling. In Nino's muddled memories, he couldn't remember if he was ever this close with Oh-chan, but the sad smile and the warm embrace brought him a sense of nostalgia. Even if he was uncomfortable with the whole situation, he didn't have the heart to push the older man away. It felt too much like someone...

It was then Ohno decided to release him. He brushed a bang away from Nino's eyes and smiled lightly at him.

"I want my warm milk, now," Nino pouted like a sad puppy. “The taste of scrambled eggs in my mouth is really gross.” And the other man chuckled and then left the room to the kitchen.

*

"I want to call Sho-chan," Nino said to him when he came back.

Ohno paused, mug held out to Nino. "Ok..." he said.

"Oh-chan," Nino said. "I WANT to call Sho-chan... I NEED to call Sho-chan."

Ohno placed the mug on the side table when Nino ignored it. "What does that have to do with me?" he asked.

Nino blushed. "Can I... can I use your phone?"

"I don't have Sho-kun's number," Ohno replied curtly.

"I know his number!" Nino said. "I remember it! I just need a phone and I can call Sho-chan anytime!"

Ohno stared at him blankly. He turned to leave.

“Please.... Oh-chan..."

Ohno paused. "How... how important is Sho-kun to you?" He turned back to see Nino looking at him confusedly.

"Very important, of course," Nino said confidently.

"If I tell you to do something for Sho-kun... would you do it?"

"Of course," Nino repeated without hesitation. Ohno felt his heart clench.

"Ahh..." Ohno said. He turned around briskly and grabbed Nino's shoulders. "Anything?" he asked.

Nino gulped. "Anything..."

Ohno pushed Nino to the bed. He hovered over the younger man, placing a hand on his chin. He leaned closer. He saw Nino shut his eyes. Anything for Sho-kun, huh, Ohno thought bitterly. Ohno pressed his lips onto Nino's. His hand moved down from Nino's chin down to his shoulders to the edge of his shirt.

Suddenly, someone yanked Ohno away.

Ohno winced as he fell onto the floor, eyes darting everywhere. A shadow moved slightly to settle beside Nino. His eyes widened. He hasn’t seen any of these since he was younger and the more he thought about it, the more he thought Nino’s nightmares made sense. He shook his head slowly. This, he thought, could only verify his suspicions.

He got up cautiously. "I....see...." he said. He reached into his pocket and tossed his cellphone to Nino. "Here, call Sho-chan," he said. Nino smiled at him gratefully and Ohno waved it off. "At least," he said. "At least I’m not the only one who cares." He felt, rather than saw, the shadow glimmer. He left Nino.

*

"Hello?"
"Sho-chan!"
"NINO!!! Nino where are you?!"
"I’m at Oh-chan's, Sho -"
"ok, I’ll be there soon!"
*click*

*

Nino immediately jumped onto Sho's embrace when he saw the other man at Ohno's door step. Ohno stood a few steps back, watching the exchange with a thoughtful expression.

"Sho-chan, where were you?!" Nino asked the other in his normal tone, as if seeing Sho returned him back to his normal self.
"I think I should be asking you that question. How did you end up here?" Sho pried Nino off and looked at him eye to eye.

"... I was looking for you -"

"- and then he fainted in McDonald," Ohno cut-off.

Sho's eyes widen like saucers and Nino immediately turned around to glare at Ohno for saying too much. "I'm fine, Sho-chan," Nino reassured, completely ignoring the doubtful look Ohno gave Sho.

"Nino, if you're gonna look for me, call me okay? Don't run out like this next time. I was really worried," Sho sighed.

A little flame ignited inside Nino, and the words 'but HE picked up your phone' were at the tip of his tongue. He squashed that down. Sho-chan came for him, and that was what mattered. "Can we go home now?" He asked in a tiny voice. Sho nodded and gave him a smile.

"Thanks, Oh-chan." Sho took Nino’s hand and gently tugged Nino out the door.

The oldest man suddenly spoke up, "About your call -"

"- let's leave that for another day," Sho interrupted Ohno's sentence.

"See you later then."

*

"Where were you Sho-chan?" Nino asked again as soon as they got to the car.

"Buckle your seat belt," Sho reminded him, his eyes refusing to meet the other man's.

Nino shrugged and buckled up. "I was worried yesterday," Nino continued. "but... Sho-chan, I just realized something..."

"Uh-huh?" Sho looked up to the car’s ceiling’s light. "Why is the light still on?" He checked his door curiously, slamming it shut firmly. The light was still on.

"Sho-chan," Nino said. "Sho-chan?"

"Check your door, Nino," Sho said. Nino opened it and shut it. The light was still on. "Strange..." Sho murmured. He got out of the car. He walked to the back and checked the other doors, surprised that the right side was slightly open.

"Sho-chan!" Nino called insistently, his hands clutching the back of his seat. "Sho-chan... I feel weird..."

Sho rushed to his side. "What is it?" he asked. "What’s wrong?"

Nino looked at him, his eyes clear and lucid like four months before, a smile breaking onto his face. "I didn't have a nightmare last night," he laughed lightly and hugged Sho. "I’m…  I’m glad..."

Oddly, Sho felt his own reassuring smile droop slightly.

"Let's go home Sho-chan."

Sho looked at Nino for a second and then nodded.

He returned to the driver's side, started the car, and drove them out of the parking lot.

Sho turned on the car radio to listen to the news, while Nino looked out the window at the passing scenery. Suddenly he remembered something. "Sho-chan?"

"Yes?"

"Did we ever go to that McDonald two blocks away from my house?"

"Hmmm..." Sho said thoughtfully. "I don’t think so... why do you ask?"

"Huh," Nino said. "It must be the wrong person then."

"I’m sorry?"

"That kid there," Nino explained. "He said he often saw me with a 'friend' who called me Kazu-chan. It must be a different one huh?" Nino smiled to him. "After all, I only hang out with sho-chan."

Sho-chan smiled.

The radio crackled.

"What the..." Sho said. He turned the dials from side to side until music came on.

"When you wish upon the star..." streamed to the car.

Sho heard Nino panting heavily.

"Nino?" he held out a reassuring hand out to the younger man. "Are you ok?" He stole a glimpse at Nino, gasping at the sight.
Nino was pale, paler than before, his mouth parted slightly and his eyes glazed over. His hands were clenched so tightly Sho was worried they might bleed from the nails. But what scared Sho the most was that Nino was MOUTHING something.

"Nino?" Sho asked, terrified. He grabbed Nino's knee, shaking it lightly. "Nino?!"

Nino suddenly snapped to him, a look of horror crossing his face. "Liar!" he screamed. “Don’t touch me!" he pushed at Sho. The car swerved out of control.

Sho pulled the steering wheel to the side and the car swerved 180 degrees around neatly. "Nino, What the f-"

Nino yanked the door open and ran out. Sho followed him.

"What the f....hell, Nino?!" he yelled. "What just happened there?!"

Nino turned around sharply, a glare in place. "Remember Sho?" he asked furiously, his eyes just a bit sad. "Don't you remember?"
"Remember what?!" Sho yelled.

Nino looked at him sadly. "That night…"