One shot - An unexpected visit (part 1)
Title: An unexpected visit
Pairing: ohmiya
Rating: PG
Length: ~6500 words
Genre: AU, drama, mild-angst and fluff!
Summary: “The universe is so big, there is bound to be a double of us somewhere out there...”
A/N: Written for this year’s Nino Exchange! :D
“I’m going. See you later!” Ohno calls from the entrance of their small flat.
“It’s our first day off in ages and you’re going to spend it in the cold, fishing when you could stay here? All warm and cosy with me?” Nino answers, exaggerating his disbelief.
The older man chuckles and shuffles to the sofa where his boyfriend is sprawled.
“Do you want me to stay?” He asks with a small smile, bringing their faces closer together.
Nino smirks. “I didn’t say that!”
Ohno grins and places a soft kiss on his lover’s lips.
But then the younger man pushes him away. “Fine, go! Go see your fish under the rain!”
Ohno raises an eyebrow.
“If you don’t, you’ll complain about it later... I know you...” Nino crosses his arms, making the other chuckle.
“Alright! I’ll be back soon!” He says putting a strong emphasis on the last word, and quickly avoids the couch pillow Nino throws at him.
* * * * *
When he’s reached his favourite fishing spot, he sighs with pleasure. He loves coming to this calm corner. He’s got the smooth sea in front of him, and a small forest behind.
The city is not that far away, but he probably won’t be distracted; at least not today. It is definitely not a typical “fishing” kind of day, but he doesn’t mind the fresh breeze on his face. Heavy clouds hang above, and he knows it will probably rain eventually. But for now, he intends on enjoying every minute he can get by the water.
He starts fishing, and for a while, simply enjoys the peacefulness and the sound of the waves on the shore.
Suddenly, lightning blinds him momentarily. He waits for the rumble of the thunder to follow... but it never comes.
What does arrive soon after however, is rain. It comes pouring down.
He hurriedly puts away his things and runs back up through the trees and towards his car, which he parked nearby.
He’s nearly there when there is a loud crashing sound. He turns around frowning. It definitely came from nearby.
He’s getting quickly soaked, but can’t help thinking maybe someone is in trouble... And there is really no one around apart from him.
He hurriedly puts his bag and fishing rod in the trunk of the car, grabs an umbrella, definitely put there by Sho-chan, and runs back towards the trees.
He’s taken a few steps under the green canopy when he gasps.
Trees have been pushed away... some have lost branches... And it is fairly clear what has caused the damage... For a moment Ohno thinks he must be dreaming. There is a spaceship. Right there. A metallic machine surrounded by the trees. It looks vaguely like a one-man plane, but mostly, like it came straight from a space-sci-fi comic book.
And in front of the small vehicle, a short man is standing with his hands on his hips, and muttering to himself.
Ohno frowns. Though the man has got his back to him, he looks strangely familiar...
Suddenly he turns around and spots Ohno. Both gasp simultaneously.
The man says something in a strange language.
“Nino?!” Ohno lets out. “What did you say?”
The man looks at him for a moment and then closes his eyes in concentration.
Finally he opens them and asks, slowly at first, and with a slight accent.
“What--- did you call me?”
“Emm... Nino...?”
The other man thinks for a moment and an amused smile slowly forms itself.
“Interesting...”
“So you’re not...”
“No. I am not Ni-no..." The stranger gives a short laugh. "Do I look exactly like him? I have never met my double...” He says with apparent curiosity.
“Your... double?”
“Yes, the universe is so big, there is bound to be a double of us somewhere out there...”
Ohno blinks repeatedly; this is really definitely a dream...
He standing there, in the middle of trees, rain still coming down on his umbrella, with a man looking exactly like Nino, but that is not Nino, that seems to have learned Japanese in an instant, and that has come from another planet...
And yet, the strangest thing hits him only now: when that man first saw him, it looked like he recognized Ohno...
“So... you came from... somewhere out there...?”
The man laughs again.
“You’re a slow one, aren’t you?”
“Emm...”
“Yes. I came from out there,” he says, now frowning. “But this useless piece of crap decided to stop working right when I was coming above your little planet. So... I kinda had to make an emergency landing...”
Ohno nods slowly. This really is a very peculiar dream...
He doesn’t see the smirk that briefly forms on the other man’s face.
“May I ask what your name is?”
“Ohno.”
“Alright. I am Alioth. I would be very grateful if you would allow me to stay with you until I can find a way to fix this. Would you?”
“I don’t know...”
“Even just for a while? I haven’t brought a change of clothes, you see...” he says, smiling slightly and looking at his drenched clothes.
Ohno jumps in surprise. “Ohh sorry.” He says, stepping towards Alioth to shield the two of them from the downpour.
Ohno is astonished. He really does look like Nino... Maybe just something in his eyes is different... They have a different shine...
Finally Ohno sighs. He can’t exactly leave him there.
“Okay, I’ll bring you back with me.”
“Thank you very much!” Alioth grins. “It won’t be for very long!”
Ohno looks at the small spaceship. “Is it okay to leave it like that?”
“Yeah... There is no way to move it. I’ll just make it more discreet.” And he pulls out a small remote from his pocket, presses a button on it, and the alien vehicle disappears from view.
The young idol blinks. “Oh... Okay...”
*****
The car ride back is possibly the strangest Ohno’s ever had. Alioth is sitting beside him and staring out the window with the curiosity of a child.
He often laughs, making fun of things like traffic lights, and people walking hurriedly under the rain...
“I’ve never been to earth, but I had heard humans are strange. And you really are...”
Ohno shrugs. He’s starting to worry. How can he possibly explain this to Nino...?
“Emm... Alioth?”
“Yes?”
“I should tell you. Nino...”
“My double?” He asks with a small smile.
“Yeah... He... I mean.. We... live together.”
There is a small pause, and Ohno is sure Alioth’s smile widens for an instant.
“That’s very interesting... So... Are you two dating?”
“Well.. yeah...”
“I see...”
“So I was thinking...” Ohno bites his lip apprehensively. “Maybe you could give me a moment to explain the situation to him before you come into the flat. He’s gonna have a bit of a shock...”
“Hmm, yeah alright.”
*****
“I’m home!” Ohno calls out from the entrance. Alioth is waiting just behind the front door.
“Did you catch a lot of fish?” Nino calls back with a teasing voice.
“Not exactly...”
“What do you mean...?” The gamer asks lazily. He is just about to pass a level...
“I’ve got something to tell you...”
“Hmm...”
“So you’re Nino!”
Ohno looks in horror as Alioth walks up from behind him and straight to the couch.
Nino jumps to his feet with a shout of horror. His DS clatters to the floor.
“Who the hell are you?” he shouts angrily and then turns to his boyfriend. “Ohno!!!???”
The older man quickly comes between the two. “I told you to wait outside Alioth!”
“Alioth??” Nino repeats disbelieving.
“Nino, I was going to explain... See... I was fishing... And then it was raining... And he crashed his spaceship...” He tries to explain.
Nino’s eyes widen with every word.
Alioth steps forward. “Ohno kindly offered I stay here until I can fix my... spaceship,” he says with a grin.
Nino frowns. “Why do you look like me...?” he asks coldly.
The other shrugs. “We all have a double somewhere. It’s kinda cool we get to meet if you think about it!”
The pianist’s glare clearly indicates he disagrees, but Alioth does not seem bothered by that.
“Ohno...” Nino starts.
“It’s just temporary!” the older man says quickly, and he turns to the alien, who nods in response.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but could I possibly use your shower and borrow some clothes?” Alioth asks, looking at Nino, amusedly. “After all, I bet we are the same size!” he says winking.
Nino glares.
“Okay, it might be too big, but maybe Ohno could lend me something then?”
The latter is about to nod but Nino steps in front of him. “No, I’ll get you something.” He says icily.
*****
After having explained to Alioth how a shower works, Nino comes back to the living room and sits on the sofa by Ohno.
“This is...”
“Unbelievable. I know... But I couldn’t just leave him there under the rain, could I?”
“Yeah...” Nino lets out, unconvinced. Then he sighs and turns to look straight at his boyfriend.
“It just makes me uncomfortable to have my double in my house...”
Ohno smiles. “If it helps, I’ve found a difference.”
“Yeah?”
The older man leans in closer to Nino and places a hand on his cheek. “It’s in the eyes.”
Nino can’t stop himself from smiling at that, and moves forward.
“You know you’re way cheesier than you think?” He murmurs as he closes his eyes and deepens the kiss.
*****
The next morning, Nino and Ohno are in the car taking them to the studio. They have a recording session from their next album.
Nino usually likes this trip. It’s extra time he gets to chill with Ohno before starting the tiring work that awaits them. But today, an awkward silence resides in the vehicle. Even the driver is looking worriedly at them through his rear-view mirror.
The young pianist’s face is set in a poker face which Ohno recognizes too well.
Finally the older man decides to break the silence and sighs. “What?”
“I didn’t say anything.” Nino says looking out the window.
“Nino...”
“Okay fine. What if he walks out?! Everyone could see him... and think it’s me!”
“We told him to hide his face if he wants to go out. I don’t think he would ignore our wishes.”
“I don’t know... I think he’s enjoying being my lookalike a little too much... And... it feels like he’s the type who would like to make pranks...”
Ohno laughs.
“You mean like you?!”
“Yeah... Except I know my limits... I don’t know if he does...”
“You didn’t used to know your limits... Not that long ago...” Ohno pouts, remembering some of the most worrying pranks Nino pulled on them.
“Yeah... But here it’s my life he would be playing with! People would think he’s me!!!”
“We’re here,” the driver announces.
“Thank you,” Ohno says as they get out.
Nino bites his lip right until they reach the recording studio.
He can’t help feeling uneasy about the situation. Right before leaving, they warned Alioth about their position as Japanese idols. But this only seemed to amuse the young alien even more.
Nino is certain that the smile he gave them was reason to worry. He recognized it. It was the kind of smile he makes whenever he is excited about playing a trick on his bandmates...
When they reach the room, Nino throws his stuff down on a chair, his mind still preoccupied.
“What’s wrong Nino?” Sho asks quickly.
“Nothing, mum...”
“Ohno, what’s wrong with him?” the rapper tries again.
“Emm...” Ohno hesitates.
Nino and he agreed not to tell the others about their impromptu guest. It would just make it into an even bigger deal than it already is.
“Hey everyone!! Sorry I’m late!” Aiba exclaims as he shoots into the room, distracting everyone’s attention. “See there was this dog outside my building, and he didn’t have a collar, so I thought he was lost, but actually it was my neighbour’s dog. Can you believe it? That dog takes off his own collar! He hates wearing it!” he explains hurriedly, putting down his bag and taking his jacket off.
“Alright, let’s start!” their producer says walking in.
*****
Nino goes up the stairs to their floor of the building, taking the steps three at a time. He needs to get to the flat as quickly as he can, needs to check if Alioth is there, if he’s gotten into trouble. He even left the studio ahead of Ohno.
When he’s finally unlocked the front door, he wrenches it open and walks in.
Their flat is a mess.
Empty bags of chips and candy wrappers lie around, along with a few cans of beer, and several video game boxes.
Alioth is sitting in the couch, playing one on the TV.
Nino scowls. “You could respect your hosts a bit more, don’t you think?”
The other looks up innocently. “What’s wrong?”
“Are you intending on tidying all this up?”
“Isn’t it the host’s job to take care of the guest?” Alioth asks with a smirk.
“You arrogant bastard! You think I’m going to clean up after you?” he starts shouting.
“Nino, what’s going on? Why are you shouting?” Ohno asks, walking into the flat.
“Have you seen the chaos he’s made in one day?” Nino exclaims.
Alioth suddenly gets up and walks to Ohno. “Hello, Ohno-kun! I hope you’ve had a nice day! I am very sorry. I guess I have a tendency to be a little messy. If you want, I will tidy up.”
The older man gazes at him silently and then at Nino.
“It’s alright, Alioth. I will help you to clean up. Nino, maybe you should go take a walk, you seem really riled up.”
“WHAT?”
“Nino... I don’t understand why you are so angry. Don’t push it onto us for no reason...”
The young idol looks furiously, between his bandmate and Alioth. He is certain the latter is smirking... doesn’t Ohno realize?!
“You know what, fine. I’ll take a walk.” he finally lets out. He grabs a cap, pulls it low so it hides most of his face, and storms out.
Ohno sighs. “I am sorry Alioth. Nino can have a short temper... but it is not usually to this extent.”
The alien smiles. “No problem. I suppose it must be strange for him to have me here. Again, I really appreciate your hospitality Ohno-kun,” he says putting a hand on the other’s shoulder. “I hope Nino will feel better soon.”
Ohno smiles back. “Me too.”
*****
The following days pass very slowly for Nino. Alioth takes every opportunity to create a conflict and make Nino appear like the bad guy. He will mock and wind him up and then pretend not to understand when Nino gets angry... And Ohno is getting tired of ill-tempered Nino... especially because whenever the couple is about to make up and get closer again, Alioth intervenes and causes another quarrel, distancing them even more.
At first it was stupid things Alioth said and did which annoyed him. But it has become much worse lately: the alien has found his weakness...
Gradually, Nino notices him smiling at Ohno a little too often, touching his shoulder, and overall acting a little too friendly...
This causes the quarrels to move into the ‘jealous’ sector, which Nino really wanted to avoid... They already went over it in the past, and he really wants to show Ohno that he trusts him... But with Alioth around, they have come back to it...
When asked about his spaceship, he simply replies that he is waiting for someone to come repair it... but it sounds a little too evasive to convince Nino, who is becoming more and more impatient to see him leave...
He even had to run out of the flat the other day or he might have punched him... Alioth had been complimenting Ohno’s drawing skills and sitting much too close to him on the couch.
With the couple acting more and more distant and cold, the members have started worrying...
“Okay this is has gone on too long.” Sho says about two weeks after that day at the recording studio. “They’ve never fought for this long... at least without telling us why!”
“Have you noticed it’s always worse when they arrive in the morning? Like they fought before leaving their place.” Jun adds frowning.
The newscaster nods. “I tried to ask them, but they won’t talk about it...”
They all glance at Ohno who is napping on the couch at the other end of their green room.
“Nino has the whole day off right?” Aiba suddenly asks quietly. “Maybe I could go visit him later? I know Ohno has another filming, so I can get there before him.”
“Yeah, good idea.” Jun replies. If anyone can make Nino talk, it’s Aiba...
*****
“Someone’s at the door!” Alioth calls from the couch in an annoying ‘sing-song’ voice.
“Thanks...” Nino answers coldly, walking from his room to the entrance.
“Aiba?” he exclaims surprised as he opens the front door. “What are you doing here?” he asks, trying to keep the opening as small as possible.
“I want to talk. Can I come in?”
“Emm... See, now’s not a good time. I was just...”
“Come on... I’ve brought beer!”
“You’ve got beer?” Alioth suddenly shouts.
Aiba blinks and tries to look inside, above Nino’s head.
“Who’s that... It sounded...”
“No one! Nothing!” the pianist says hurriedly.
“I’m not nothing!”
Aiba manages to push the door open, and his jaw drops in shock.
Alioth is standing just behind Nino and smiling pleasantly at him.
“Who... what... how?!” Aiba stutters, gawking between the two.
“Okay, just get in.” Nino says, sighing.
By the time Ohno comes back home, Nino’s filled Aiba in on the situation.
“Oh, hi Aiba! So now you know...” he says as he puts his shoes away.
“Yeah...” the taller man says quietly, glancing at Alioth. It is very strange seeing the two lookalikes next to each other. Nino seems to dislike the other very much, but the alien seems very comfortable where he is, and has barely said anything, only drinking a can of beer and nodding along as the pianist recounted the story.
“Okay I should go...” he says, putting down his empty beer, still feeling perplexed, standing up to give his seat to Ohno. “Can I... tell the others...?”
Nino smiles slightly. “I doubt I could stop you even if I tried...”
*****
“They are living with Nino’s what???” Sho exclaims the next day once Aiba’s told him and Jun about his discovery.
“You’re not making this up Aiba, are you?” Jun asks frowning.
“No! I promise!”
“Well, that explains it then...” Sho says slowly, taking a sip from his coffee. The three men are standing by the coffee machine.
“What do you mean?” Aiba asks confused, while Jun nods. “He seemed nice. I don’t see how he would cause their fight...”
“Think about it, Aiba.” Jun says patiently. “Firstly how strange and uncomfortable it must feel for Nino to have to live with him... And then imagine if that weird alien-clone is acting friendly with Ohno...”
“Ohh...” the taller man lets out suddenly realizing. “Man... with his jealous side, it must really be killing him!”
Sho nods. “Maybe he seemed all nice when you met him. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a bit different when alone with Nino... I mean... It’s got to be this, for them to be fighting for two weeks!”
“But what can we do...?” Aiba asks quietly, as a staff member walks by.
“I’ll think about it...” Jun says frowning.
*****
Nino finishes work early and decides to go do some grocery shopping.
At least it will take his mind off Alioth... He still hates having him around. His clone... Theoretically they should get along! But it’s like that alien’s got all the worst traits of Nino’s personality... and it makes him uneasy... Especially with the way he’s acting with Ohno...
He talked about it with Sho, who was as always very supportive and full of advice.
“You shouldn’t worry Nino. He might have the same looks and a similar personality as you, but that doesn’t mean anything. It is our memories, experiences, dear ones, which define us. Ohno knows this. His feelings for you couldn’t possibly extend to Alioth.”
Nino sighs, trying to empty his mind of the unpleasant worries.
He’s got a cap pulled low over his face and a big scarf. He’s never been caught in the crowd before. He knows they have many, many fan, but they probably don’t expect to see him wandering around a random convenience store.
Once he’s done, he takes the train to go back home. It is always interesting to discreetly observe the other passengers sitting around him. His eye is suddenly caught by one person in particular. A young man sitting not far away, opposite him. He’s wearing a similar hat and scarf over his mouth, and is looking at him.
Nino frowns. He looks horribly familiar... No... It couldn’t be... Suddenly the other man winks at him, and he knows...
They both get off at the same station and Nino is glaring straight ahead as he quickly walks back to their building. He knows Alioth is following just behind him. In fact, he’s started whistling happily.
Nino groans into his scarf.
Once they’ve finally arrived back home, Nino lets out a curse.
“Well at least one of us seemed to enjoy that!”
Alioth grins wickedly. “Yep. I was walking around hoping to bump into one of you...”
“How bored are you...”
“That’s the point. Very.” Then he giggles. “This was fun though! Imagine if your fans discovered us! I’ve seen your shows on TV! They go crazy for you people! So if they saw two of you in one go, they might pass out!”
Nino rolls his eyes as he puts away the groceries.
“Aren’t you supposed to be fixing your flying machine?”
“Spaceship.”
“Yeah, that.”
“Still waiting for someone to come fix it... It’s not really something I can do myself...”
“Well maybe you should go wait over there! You know there’s a bus that goes to that place!”
“Nah... I’d rather wait here.”
Nino sighs.
“You could help me maybe? You do eat as well, don’t you?”
“Yeah... Unfortunately... I don’t understand your food...”
Another sigh.
“Hey Nino...” Alioth smirks. “Oh-chan dances pretty well doesn’t he...”
The young idol freezes.
After a few moments he takes a deep breath, trying to keep his rising anger down.
“Okay first of all, you don’t get to call him that. Second, how would you know that?” he asks icily.
“We were talking the other day. He told me about his latest choreography and I asked him to show me.” Alioth answers, shrugging.
“Hmm...” Nino’s finished tidying up the kitchen and would really like to get out of the room, but the alien’s blocking his way.
And now he’s got a mischievous smile, and Nino frowns. He can feel it coming... He closes his fists at his sides, waiting for the impact.
“Man... You’re lucky to date him... With that body... and those dance moves of his...”
Nino’s nails digging into his palm, he pushes Alioth aside and storms out of the kitchen, into his bedroom and slams the door. Then he exhales.
He cannot let himself be controlled like that... He nearly punched him... But that would just anger Ohno. And he’s certain that’s what Alioth wants...
But it’s getting harder to control his emotions. That being has a way of getting under his skin... Guessing his weaknesses easily, when Nino doesn’t know any of his... Alioth hasn’t revealed much about himself...
Nino lets himself fall on the double bed.
His recent fights with Ohno are not helped by the fact that they haven’t really done much in the “intimate” department since Alioth has arrived.
He always interrupts them, and then at night, Nino feels too self-conscious to do anything... Alioth has been sleeping on their couch...
What if he’s listening...?! That simple thought makes his skin crawl.
Maybe he can try to convince Ohno to have a talk with Alioth... to hint that they want him to leave... Nino nods to himself. He works late tonight... so he will ask him tomorrow.
*****
But when Nino comes home the next day, the sight that greets his eyes in his own living room feels like a ton of bricks have knocked the air out of his lungs.
Alioth is leaning into Ohno’s embrace on the couch, with the older man patting his hair, murmuring comforting words.
Nino’s eyes are so wide, they start watering.
“Why...” his voice breaks.
Ohno turns around. “Oh, hey Nino! Alioth is feeling homesick...”
But as Ohno looks towards him, Nino can see Alioth smirking.
Enough. No more.
“Nino? Why are you so pale?”
He can’t speak. There’s nothing he can say anymore. He just needs to get out of here.
He runs out of their flat, takes the car, and drives. Somewhere. Anywhere away from what he just saw. He can feel jealousy like a poison pumping in his veins.
He drives out of Tokyo, not really paying attention to where he’s going, until he realizes with a scornful chuckle that he’s arrived at Ohno’s favourite fishing spot. Where he met the alien...
Nino parks the car and sighs as he gets out and looks around, letting the memories rush in. They used to like coming here, just the two of them... He walks through the trees, wondering if he’ll see the infamous spaceship... but since he doesn’t, he goes by the water.
He can’t help but smile at the view. Ohno just loves it here.
He sits down and takes out his ringing phone. It’s Ohno. He sighs and puts it down on the ground next to him.
He pulls his knees close and hugs them. Is he still with Alioth...?
Suddenly he hears footsteps behind him and bites his lip. He hasn’t got anything to hide his face... If it’s a fan he will have to put up a big smile... And he doesn’t really have the energy for that...
He tries to look away but the person walks right up to him.
Nino frowns and looks up.
Ohno is standing right in front of him and looking pretty angry at that... Ohno?! How did he know he was here?!
But something’s different... He’s wearing strange clothes...
He’s abruptly pulled up to his feet. And Ohno says something in a strange language.
“Ohno...?” Nino asks hesitantly.
More incomprehensible words... But the tone is clear: furious.
This is not Ohno.
Nino’s eyes widen. Is it another alien? Looking for Alioth?
“I’m not Alioth!” he exclaims, interrupting the strange shouts.
The alien frowns at him.
“Okay fine, if you want to use this bizarre language!”
Nino gapes. It sounds just like Ohno’s voice, but with a strange accent.
“I’ve been looking all over for you! Do you know how worried I was?! I had to use your spaceship’s signal!”
“I’m... I’m not Alioth...”
But as Nino tries to step away, not-Ohno grabs his wrist.
“Okay I’ve had enough with your jokes. We’re going home.”
Nino’s eyes widen. Home? Space?
“No...”
“Oh stop it. I’m tired, we’re going. I’ll come back for your spaceship later. It’s not really well hidden...”
As he speaks, he is pulling the young idol further down the beach. It turns out alien Ohno is just as strong as real Ohno and Nino cannot resist or get out of his grip.
“Seriously, I’m not...” But his words die on his lips as a massive spaceship suddenly becomes visible on the beach. His mouth drops open, and he stops resisting just a moment, just enough for alien-Ohno to push him into the surreal vehicle.
*************************
{ See here for part two!! }
Pairing: ohmiya
Rating: PG
Length: ~6500 words
Genre: AU, drama, mild-angst and fluff!
Summary: “The universe is so big, there is bound to be a double of us somewhere out there...”
A/N: Written for this year’s Nino Exchange! :D
“I’m going. See you later!” Ohno calls from the entrance of their small flat.
“It’s our first day off in ages and you’re going to spend it in the cold, fishing when you could stay here? All warm and cosy with me?” Nino answers, exaggerating his disbelief.
The older man chuckles and shuffles to the sofa where his boyfriend is sprawled.
“Do you want me to stay?” He asks with a small smile, bringing their faces closer together.
Nino smirks. “I didn’t say that!”
Ohno grins and places a soft kiss on his lover’s lips.
But then the younger man pushes him away. “Fine, go! Go see your fish under the rain!”
Ohno raises an eyebrow.
“If you don’t, you’ll complain about it later... I know you...” Nino crosses his arms, making the other chuckle.
“Alright! I’ll be back soon!” He says putting a strong emphasis on the last word, and quickly avoids the couch pillow Nino throws at him.
* * * * *
When he’s reached his favourite fishing spot, he sighs with pleasure. He loves coming to this calm corner. He’s got the smooth sea in front of him, and a small forest behind.
The city is not that far away, but he probably won’t be distracted; at least not today. It is definitely not a typical “fishing” kind of day, but he doesn’t mind the fresh breeze on his face. Heavy clouds hang above, and he knows it will probably rain eventually. But for now, he intends on enjoying every minute he can get by the water.
He starts fishing, and for a while, simply enjoys the peacefulness and the sound of the waves on the shore.
Suddenly, lightning blinds him momentarily. He waits for the rumble of the thunder to follow... but it never comes.
What does arrive soon after however, is rain. It comes pouring down.
He hurriedly puts away his things and runs back up through the trees and towards his car, which he parked nearby.
He’s nearly there when there is a loud crashing sound. He turns around frowning. It definitely came from nearby.
He’s getting quickly soaked, but can’t help thinking maybe someone is in trouble... And there is really no one around apart from him.
He hurriedly puts his bag and fishing rod in the trunk of the car, grabs an umbrella, definitely put there by Sho-chan, and runs back towards the trees.
He’s taken a few steps under the green canopy when he gasps.
Trees have been pushed away... some have lost branches... And it is fairly clear what has caused the damage... For a moment Ohno thinks he must be dreaming. There is a spaceship. Right there. A metallic machine surrounded by the trees. It looks vaguely like a one-man plane, but mostly, like it came straight from a space-sci-fi comic book.
And in front of the small vehicle, a short man is standing with his hands on his hips, and muttering to himself.
Ohno frowns. Though the man has got his back to him, he looks strangely familiar...
Suddenly he turns around and spots Ohno. Both gasp simultaneously.
The man says something in a strange language.
“Nino?!” Ohno lets out. “What did you say?”
The man looks at him for a moment and then closes his eyes in concentration.
Finally he opens them and asks, slowly at first, and with a slight accent.
“What--- did you call me?”
“Emm... Nino...?”
The other man thinks for a moment and an amused smile slowly forms itself.
“Interesting...”
“So you’re not...”
“No. I am not Ni-no..." The stranger gives a short laugh. "Do I look exactly like him? I have never met my double...” He says with apparent curiosity.
“Your... double?”
“Yes, the universe is so big, there is bound to be a double of us somewhere out there...”
Ohno blinks repeatedly; this is really definitely a dream...
He standing there, in the middle of trees, rain still coming down on his umbrella, with a man looking exactly like Nino, but that is not Nino, that seems to have learned Japanese in an instant, and that has come from another planet...
And yet, the strangest thing hits him only now: when that man first saw him, it looked like he recognized Ohno...
“So... you came from... somewhere out there...?”
The man laughs again.
“You’re a slow one, aren’t you?”
“Emm...”
“Yes. I came from out there,” he says, now frowning. “But this useless piece of crap decided to stop working right when I was coming above your little planet. So... I kinda had to make an emergency landing...”
Ohno nods slowly. This really is a very peculiar dream...
He doesn’t see the smirk that briefly forms on the other man’s face.
“May I ask what your name is?”
“Ohno.”
“Alright. I am Alioth. I would be very grateful if you would allow me to stay with you until I can find a way to fix this. Would you?”
“I don’t know...”
“Even just for a while? I haven’t brought a change of clothes, you see...” he says, smiling slightly and looking at his drenched clothes.
Ohno jumps in surprise. “Ohh sorry.” He says, stepping towards Alioth to shield the two of them from the downpour.
Ohno is astonished. He really does look like Nino... Maybe just something in his eyes is different... They have a different shine...
Finally Ohno sighs. He can’t exactly leave him there.
“Okay, I’ll bring you back with me.”
“Thank you very much!” Alioth grins. “It won’t be for very long!”
Ohno looks at the small spaceship. “Is it okay to leave it like that?”
“Yeah... There is no way to move it. I’ll just make it more discreet.” And he pulls out a small remote from his pocket, presses a button on it, and the alien vehicle disappears from view.
The young idol blinks. “Oh... Okay...”
*****
The car ride back is possibly the strangest Ohno’s ever had. Alioth is sitting beside him and staring out the window with the curiosity of a child.
He often laughs, making fun of things like traffic lights, and people walking hurriedly under the rain...
“I’ve never been to earth, but I had heard humans are strange. And you really are...”
Ohno shrugs. He’s starting to worry. How can he possibly explain this to Nino...?
“Emm... Alioth?”
“Yes?”
“I should tell you. Nino...”
“My double?” He asks with a small smile.
“Yeah... He... I mean.. We... live together.”
There is a small pause, and Ohno is sure Alioth’s smile widens for an instant.
“That’s very interesting... So... Are you two dating?”
“Well.. yeah...”
“I see...”
“So I was thinking...” Ohno bites his lip apprehensively. “Maybe you could give me a moment to explain the situation to him before you come into the flat. He’s gonna have a bit of a shock...”
“Hmm, yeah alright.”
*****
“I’m home!” Ohno calls out from the entrance. Alioth is waiting just behind the front door.
“Did you catch a lot of fish?” Nino calls back with a teasing voice.
“Not exactly...”
“What do you mean...?” The gamer asks lazily. He is just about to pass a level...
“I’ve got something to tell you...”
“Hmm...”
“So you’re Nino!”
Ohno looks in horror as Alioth walks up from behind him and straight to the couch.
Nino jumps to his feet with a shout of horror. His DS clatters to the floor.
“Who the hell are you?” he shouts angrily and then turns to his boyfriend. “Ohno!!!???”
The older man quickly comes between the two. “I told you to wait outside Alioth!”
“Alioth??” Nino repeats disbelieving.
“Nino, I was going to explain... See... I was fishing... And then it was raining... And he crashed his spaceship...” He tries to explain.
Nino’s eyes widen with every word.
Alioth steps forward. “Ohno kindly offered I stay here until I can fix my... spaceship,” he says with a grin.
Nino frowns. “Why do you look like me...?” he asks coldly.
The other shrugs. “We all have a double somewhere. It’s kinda cool we get to meet if you think about it!”
The pianist’s glare clearly indicates he disagrees, but Alioth does not seem bothered by that.
“Ohno...” Nino starts.
“It’s just temporary!” the older man says quickly, and he turns to the alien, who nods in response.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but could I possibly use your shower and borrow some clothes?” Alioth asks, looking at Nino, amusedly. “After all, I bet we are the same size!” he says winking.
Nino glares.
“Okay, it might be too big, but maybe Ohno could lend me something then?”
The latter is about to nod but Nino steps in front of him. “No, I’ll get you something.” He says icily.
*****
After having explained to Alioth how a shower works, Nino comes back to the living room and sits on the sofa by Ohno.
“This is...”
“Unbelievable. I know... But I couldn’t just leave him there under the rain, could I?”
“Yeah...” Nino lets out, unconvinced. Then he sighs and turns to look straight at his boyfriend.
“It just makes me uncomfortable to have my double in my house...”
Ohno smiles. “If it helps, I’ve found a difference.”
“Yeah?”
The older man leans in closer to Nino and places a hand on his cheek. “It’s in the eyes.”
Nino can’t stop himself from smiling at that, and moves forward.
“You know you’re way cheesier than you think?” He murmurs as he closes his eyes and deepens the kiss.
*****
The next morning, Nino and Ohno are in the car taking them to the studio. They have a recording session from their next album.
Nino usually likes this trip. It’s extra time he gets to chill with Ohno before starting the tiring work that awaits them. But today, an awkward silence resides in the vehicle. Even the driver is looking worriedly at them through his rear-view mirror.
The young pianist’s face is set in a poker face which Ohno recognizes too well.
Finally the older man decides to break the silence and sighs. “What?”
“I didn’t say anything.” Nino says looking out the window.
“Nino...”
“Okay fine. What if he walks out?! Everyone could see him... and think it’s me!”
“We told him to hide his face if he wants to go out. I don’t think he would ignore our wishes.”
“I don’t know... I think he’s enjoying being my lookalike a little too much... And... it feels like he’s the type who would like to make pranks...”
Ohno laughs.
“You mean like you?!”
“Yeah... Except I know my limits... I don’t know if he does...”
“You didn’t used to know your limits... Not that long ago...” Ohno pouts, remembering some of the most worrying pranks Nino pulled on them.
“Yeah... But here it’s my life he would be playing with! People would think he’s me!!!”
“We’re here,” the driver announces.
“Thank you,” Ohno says as they get out.
Nino bites his lip right until they reach the recording studio.
He can’t help feeling uneasy about the situation. Right before leaving, they warned Alioth about their position as Japanese idols. But this only seemed to amuse the young alien even more.
Nino is certain that the smile he gave them was reason to worry. He recognized it. It was the kind of smile he makes whenever he is excited about playing a trick on his bandmates...
When they reach the room, Nino throws his stuff down on a chair, his mind still preoccupied.
“What’s wrong Nino?” Sho asks quickly.
“Nothing, mum...”
“Ohno, what’s wrong with him?” the rapper tries again.
“Emm...” Ohno hesitates.
Nino and he agreed not to tell the others about their impromptu guest. It would just make it into an even bigger deal than it already is.
“Hey everyone!! Sorry I’m late!” Aiba exclaims as he shoots into the room, distracting everyone’s attention. “See there was this dog outside my building, and he didn’t have a collar, so I thought he was lost, but actually it was my neighbour’s dog. Can you believe it? That dog takes off his own collar! He hates wearing it!” he explains hurriedly, putting down his bag and taking his jacket off.
“Alright, let’s start!” their producer says walking in.
*****
Nino goes up the stairs to their floor of the building, taking the steps three at a time. He needs to get to the flat as quickly as he can, needs to check if Alioth is there, if he’s gotten into trouble. He even left the studio ahead of Ohno.
When he’s finally unlocked the front door, he wrenches it open and walks in.
Their flat is a mess.
Empty bags of chips and candy wrappers lie around, along with a few cans of beer, and several video game boxes.
Alioth is sitting in the couch, playing one on the TV.
Nino scowls. “You could respect your hosts a bit more, don’t you think?”
The other looks up innocently. “What’s wrong?”
“Are you intending on tidying all this up?”
“Isn’t it the host’s job to take care of the guest?” Alioth asks with a smirk.
“You arrogant bastard! You think I’m going to clean up after you?” he starts shouting.
“Nino, what’s going on? Why are you shouting?” Ohno asks, walking into the flat.
“Have you seen the chaos he’s made in one day?” Nino exclaims.
Alioth suddenly gets up and walks to Ohno. “Hello, Ohno-kun! I hope you’ve had a nice day! I am very sorry. I guess I have a tendency to be a little messy. If you want, I will tidy up.”
The older man gazes at him silently and then at Nino.
“It’s alright, Alioth. I will help you to clean up. Nino, maybe you should go take a walk, you seem really riled up.”
“WHAT?”
“Nino... I don’t understand why you are so angry. Don’t push it onto us for no reason...”
The young idol looks furiously, between his bandmate and Alioth. He is certain the latter is smirking... doesn’t Ohno realize?!
“You know what, fine. I’ll take a walk.” he finally lets out. He grabs a cap, pulls it low so it hides most of his face, and storms out.
Ohno sighs. “I am sorry Alioth. Nino can have a short temper... but it is not usually to this extent.”
The alien smiles. “No problem. I suppose it must be strange for him to have me here. Again, I really appreciate your hospitality Ohno-kun,” he says putting a hand on the other’s shoulder. “I hope Nino will feel better soon.”
Ohno smiles back. “Me too.”
*****
The following days pass very slowly for Nino. Alioth takes every opportunity to create a conflict and make Nino appear like the bad guy. He will mock and wind him up and then pretend not to understand when Nino gets angry... And Ohno is getting tired of ill-tempered Nino... especially because whenever the couple is about to make up and get closer again, Alioth intervenes and causes another quarrel, distancing them even more.
At first it was stupid things Alioth said and did which annoyed him. But it has become much worse lately: the alien has found his weakness...
Gradually, Nino notices him smiling at Ohno a little too often, touching his shoulder, and overall acting a little too friendly...
This causes the quarrels to move into the ‘jealous’ sector, which Nino really wanted to avoid... They already went over it in the past, and he really wants to show Ohno that he trusts him... But with Alioth around, they have come back to it...
When asked about his spaceship, he simply replies that he is waiting for someone to come repair it... but it sounds a little too evasive to convince Nino, who is becoming more and more impatient to see him leave...
He even had to run out of the flat the other day or he might have punched him... Alioth had been complimenting Ohno’s drawing skills and sitting much too close to him on the couch.
With the couple acting more and more distant and cold, the members have started worrying...
“Okay this is has gone on too long.” Sho says about two weeks after that day at the recording studio. “They’ve never fought for this long... at least without telling us why!”
“Have you noticed it’s always worse when they arrive in the morning? Like they fought before leaving their place.” Jun adds frowning.
The newscaster nods. “I tried to ask them, but they won’t talk about it...”
They all glance at Ohno who is napping on the couch at the other end of their green room.
“Nino has the whole day off right?” Aiba suddenly asks quietly. “Maybe I could go visit him later? I know Ohno has another filming, so I can get there before him.”
“Yeah, good idea.” Jun replies. If anyone can make Nino talk, it’s Aiba...
*****
“Someone’s at the door!” Alioth calls from the couch in an annoying ‘sing-song’ voice.
“Thanks...” Nino answers coldly, walking from his room to the entrance.
“Aiba?” he exclaims surprised as he opens the front door. “What are you doing here?” he asks, trying to keep the opening as small as possible.
“I want to talk. Can I come in?”
“Emm... See, now’s not a good time. I was just...”
“Come on... I’ve brought beer!”
“You’ve got beer?” Alioth suddenly shouts.
Aiba blinks and tries to look inside, above Nino’s head.
“Who’s that... It sounded...”
“No one! Nothing!” the pianist says hurriedly.
“I’m not nothing!”
Aiba manages to push the door open, and his jaw drops in shock.
Alioth is standing just behind Nino and smiling pleasantly at him.
“Who... what... how?!” Aiba stutters, gawking between the two.
“Okay, just get in.” Nino says, sighing.
By the time Ohno comes back home, Nino’s filled Aiba in on the situation.
“Oh, hi Aiba! So now you know...” he says as he puts his shoes away.
“Yeah...” the taller man says quietly, glancing at Alioth. It is very strange seeing the two lookalikes next to each other. Nino seems to dislike the other very much, but the alien seems very comfortable where he is, and has barely said anything, only drinking a can of beer and nodding along as the pianist recounted the story.
“Okay I should go...” he says, putting down his empty beer, still feeling perplexed, standing up to give his seat to Ohno. “Can I... tell the others...?”
Nino smiles slightly. “I doubt I could stop you even if I tried...”
*****
“They are living with Nino’s what???” Sho exclaims the next day once Aiba’s told him and Jun about his discovery.
“You’re not making this up Aiba, are you?” Jun asks frowning.
“No! I promise!”
“Well, that explains it then...” Sho says slowly, taking a sip from his coffee. The three men are standing by the coffee machine.
“What do you mean?” Aiba asks confused, while Jun nods. “He seemed nice. I don’t see how he would cause their fight...”
“Think about it, Aiba.” Jun says patiently. “Firstly how strange and uncomfortable it must feel for Nino to have to live with him... And then imagine if that weird alien-clone is acting friendly with Ohno...”
“Ohh...” the taller man lets out suddenly realizing. “Man... with his jealous side, it must really be killing him!”
Sho nods. “Maybe he seemed all nice when you met him. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a bit different when alone with Nino... I mean... It’s got to be this, for them to be fighting for two weeks!”
“But what can we do...?” Aiba asks quietly, as a staff member walks by.
“I’ll think about it...” Jun says frowning.
*****
Nino finishes work early and decides to go do some grocery shopping.
At least it will take his mind off Alioth... He still hates having him around. His clone... Theoretically they should get along! But it’s like that alien’s got all the worst traits of Nino’s personality... and it makes him uneasy... Especially with the way he’s acting with Ohno...
He talked about it with Sho, who was as always very supportive and full of advice.
“You shouldn’t worry Nino. He might have the same looks and a similar personality as you, but that doesn’t mean anything. It is our memories, experiences, dear ones, which define us. Ohno knows this. His feelings for you couldn’t possibly extend to Alioth.”
Nino sighs, trying to empty his mind of the unpleasant worries.
He’s got a cap pulled low over his face and a big scarf. He’s never been caught in the crowd before. He knows they have many, many fan, but they probably don’t expect to see him wandering around a random convenience store.
Once he’s done, he takes the train to go back home. It is always interesting to discreetly observe the other passengers sitting around him. His eye is suddenly caught by one person in particular. A young man sitting not far away, opposite him. He’s wearing a similar hat and scarf over his mouth, and is looking at him.
Nino frowns. He looks horribly familiar... No... It couldn’t be... Suddenly the other man winks at him, and he knows...
They both get off at the same station and Nino is glaring straight ahead as he quickly walks back to their building. He knows Alioth is following just behind him. In fact, he’s started whistling happily.
Nino groans into his scarf.
Once they’ve finally arrived back home, Nino lets out a curse.
“Well at least one of us seemed to enjoy that!”
Alioth grins wickedly. “Yep. I was walking around hoping to bump into one of you...”
“How bored are you...”
“That’s the point. Very.” Then he giggles. “This was fun though! Imagine if your fans discovered us! I’ve seen your shows on TV! They go crazy for you people! So if they saw two of you in one go, they might pass out!”
Nino rolls his eyes as he puts away the groceries.
“Aren’t you supposed to be fixing your flying machine?”
“Spaceship.”
“Yeah, that.”
“Still waiting for someone to come fix it... It’s not really something I can do myself...”
“Well maybe you should go wait over there! You know there’s a bus that goes to that place!”
“Nah... I’d rather wait here.”
Nino sighs.
“You could help me maybe? You do eat as well, don’t you?”
“Yeah... Unfortunately... I don’t understand your food...”
Another sigh.
“Hey Nino...” Alioth smirks. “Oh-chan dances pretty well doesn’t he...”
The young idol freezes.
After a few moments he takes a deep breath, trying to keep his rising anger down.
“Okay first of all, you don’t get to call him that. Second, how would you know that?” he asks icily.
“We were talking the other day. He told me about his latest choreography and I asked him to show me.” Alioth answers, shrugging.
“Hmm...” Nino’s finished tidying up the kitchen and would really like to get out of the room, but the alien’s blocking his way.
And now he’s got a mischievous smile, and Nino frowns. He can feel it coming... He closes his fists at his sides, waiting for the impact.
“Man... You’re lucky to date him... With that body... and those dance moves of his...”
Nino’s nails digging into his palm, he pushes Alioth aside and storms out of the kitchen, into his bedroom and slams the door. Then he exhales.
He cannot let himself be controlled like that... He nearly punched him... But that would just anger Ohno. And he’s certain that’s what Alioth wants...
But it’s getting harder to control his emotions. That being has a way of getting under his skin... Guessing his weaknesses easily, when Nino doesn’t know any of his... Alioth hasn’t revealed much about himself...
Nino lets himself fall on the double bed.
His recent fights with Ohno are not helped by the fact that they haven’t really done much in the “intimate” department since Alioth has arrived.
He always interrupts them, and then at night, Nino feels too self-conscious to do anything... Alioth has been sleeping on their couch...
What if he’s listening...?! That simple thought makes his skin crawl.
Maybe he can try to convince Ohno to have a talk with Alioth... to hint that they want him to leave... Nino nods to himself. He works late tonight... so he will ask him tomorrow.
*****
But when Nino comes home the next day, the sight that greets his eyes in his own living room feels like a ton of bricks have knocked the air out of his lungs.
Alioth is leaning into Ohno’s embrace on the couch, with the older man patting his hair, murmuring comforting words.
Nino’s eyes are so wide, they start watering.
“Why...” his voice breaks.
Ohno turns around. “Oh, hey Nino! Alioth is feeling homesick...”
But as Ohno looks towards him, Nino can see Alioth smirking.
Enough. No more.
“Nino? Why are you so pale?”
He can’t speak. There’s nothing he can say anymore. He just needs to get out of here.
He runs out of their flat, takes the car, and drives. Somewhere. Anywhere away from what he just saw. He can feel jealousy like a poison pumping in his veins.
He drives out of Tokyo, not really paying attention to where he’s going, until he realizes with a scornful chuckle that he’s arrived at Ohno’s favourite fishing spot. Where he met the alien...
Nino parks the car and sighs as he gets out and looks around, letting the memories rush in. They used to like coming here, just the two of them... He walks through the trees, wondering if he’ll see the infamous spaceship... but since he doesn’t, he goes by the water.
He can’t help but smile at the view. Ohno just loves it here.
He sits down and takes out his ringing phone. It’s Ohno. He sighs and puts it down on the ground next to him.
He pulls his knees close and hugs them. Is he still with Alioth...?
Suddenly he hears footsteps behind him and bites his lip. He hasn’t got anything to hide his face... If it’s a fan he will have to put up a big smile... And he doesn’t really have the energy for that...
He tries to look away but the person walks right up to him.
Nino frowns and looks up.
Ohno is standing right in front of him and looking pretty angry at that... Ohno?! How did he know he was here?!
But something’s different... He’s wearing strange clothes...
He’s abruptly pulled up to his feet. And Ohno says something in a strange language.
“Ohno...?” Nino asks hesitantly.
More incomprehensible words... But the tone is clear: furious.
This is not Ohno.
Nino’s eyes widen. Is it another alien? Looking for Alioth?
“I’m not Alioth!” he exclaims, interrupting the strange shouts.
The alien frowns at him.
“Okay fine, if you want to use this bizarre language!”
Nino gapes. It sounds just like Ohno’s voice, but with a strange accent.
“I’ve been looking all over for you! Do you know how worried I was?! I had to use your spaceship’s signal!”
“I’m... I’m not Alioth...”
But as Nino tries to step away, not-Ohno grabs his wrist.
“Okay I’ve had enough with your jokes. We’re going home.”
Nino’s eyes widen. Home? Space?
“No...”
“Oh stop it. I’m tired, we’re going. I’ll come back for your spaceship later. It’s not really well hidden...”
As he speaks, he is pulling the young idol further down the beach. It turns out alien Ohno is just as strong as real Ohno and Nino cannot resist or get out of his grip.
“Seriously, I’m not...” But his words die on his lips as a massive spaceship suddenly becomes visible on the beach. His mouth drops open, and he stops resisting just a moment, just enough for alien-Ohno to push him into the surreal vehicle.
*************************
{ See here for part two!! }