. : : The Godly and Lonely Yokai [Chapter 4 part 1] : : .
Title: The Godly and Lonely Yokai (4/?)
Pairing: Arashi/Sakumiya/Junba/
Genre: Romance, Comedy and Angst
Chapter Rating: PG-13
Summary: Sakurai Sho was punished by the gods for the sin he committed, turning him to an immortal yokai. The gods stated that only his chosen to be can remove the cursed sword that was placed on him, freeing him from his immortal state freeing him from his punishment. Meanwhile Ninomiya Kazunari, whose family had died in a car accident was saved by the yokai and ever since then he was able to see the spirits of the dead. So 19 years later their paths are crossed again, can Nino break Sho’s curse? And how does a Shinigami, a rich heir to a company and a son of a restaurant owner/chief come into play in story?
Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own the boys...Though a girl can dream!
Chapter 4- To Die or Not to die
[Enjoy]“I’m telling you, I see it!!! I really see it!”
“What?! Tell me!!”
“The sword on your chest!” He finally admitted, as he pointed to exactly where the handle of the sword is, that was stained in blood. Sho’s mouth opened slightly, taken aback at everything as time had frozen still.
“I was able to see it since the beginning. Since the first time I met you. That’s why I assumed you were a ghost.” Nino explained putting his finger down as Sho stood there, still trying to absorb the sudden information.
“So what does that make me? Am I still not the yokai’s chosen one?” Nino asked.
“I….I think you are.” Sho answered. Nino couldn’t help but give a slight smile, fiddling with his finger.
“Really? Am I of value to you now?” Nino asked, giving his cheeky grin. Sho heart sank, unable to tell the young male the truth of this role.
“Yes...you really are my bride..” Sho spoke, as his voice came no louder than a whisper.
“Groom..you mean groom.” Nino corrected.
“Why didn’t you say you can see it since the beginning?” Sho asked.
“At first I was slightly scared. It’s not everyday you see a sword through someone’s chest. After that I was being polite, I thought it would be rude to asked something like that, it couldn’t have been something pleasant you want to remember.” Nino explained.
“Well wait here for a second ok? I’ll be right back.” Sho ordered as he calmly headed back into the house.
-------
The reaper slowly lifted up his comforter to prepare himself for bed, however his door suddenly flung opened, as Sho ran inside panicking.
“He…He saw the sword!!” Sho panicked as the reaper sighed in defeat.
“He pointed at the sword. Like this!” Sho pointed, showing exactly here Nino had pointed few minutes earlier.
“Good for you. Now get out.” The reaper sighed.
“Didn’t you hear what I just said? He SEES THE SWORD! I’m going to die!” Sho emphasized again. The reaper groaned and turned fully towards the yokai.
“SO what?? Isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t that why you were looking for your bride in the first place? A bride that will return you back to the way you were ,meaning to turn you back to ashes??” The reaper reiterated.
“T-That’s true…I was searching for my entire life.” Sho nodded, admitted to the reaper’s statements.
“Then what’s the problem, then? Does he want to kill you?” The reaper teased.
“Hey I’m not in the mood to be joking around right now. This is serious!” Sho retorted, still having a panic expression spread across his face.
“Then be honest how are you feeling really? Are you happy or scared?” The reaper asked taking the yokai seriously.
“I don’t know a part of me is relieved to meet the end of this eternity. But it wasn’t all that bad. A part of me still wants to live.” Sho admitted truthfully.
“Just say the word and I’ll take him.” The reaper offered, leaving the yokai shocked for a few seconds.
“I was meant to take him a long time ago anyways. Though the paperwork will make me work overtime at night.” The reaper continued.
“Is that what you think I wanted?” Sho asked, as the reaper gave a simple nod. Sho immediately ran up to the reaper’s side and grabbed his hands, as the reaper immediately pushed it away.
“You’re right, it’s looks like we’re finally building a friendship.” Sho sighed in relief. The doorbell rang again and both male turned towards the sound.
“Death is calling me.” Sho whimpered.
“It’s a kind one, ringing the bell and everything. You didn’t say anything to hurt him did you?” The reaper tried to comfort.
“You have have no value to me…”
“Please don’t summon me with false hope.”
“I think I’ll just choose death. It’ll be easier that way.” Sho sighed as he slowly made his way out the door.
“Okay. Let’s go with that.”
----
“You seriously couldn’t wait that long? It was only like 5 minutes that I was gone.” Sho complained, as Nino just stared at Sho confused at the sudden mood change.
“You can do better than that. He’s not buying it, go harder. Make him hate you so he’ll pull out the sword in one sweep!” The reaper advised telepathically.
“I’m sorry I’m just impatient with all of this. I’ve been hearing since I was little that I was meant to be with you. I’m been trying all my life to avoid you, but in the end it was useless…” Nino started, as Sho couldn’t help but feel a slight pain in the his chest at that statement.
“But ever since meeting you I got to experience so many things I never thought I’d experience. And right now because of my uncle. I don’t really have a place to stay…So Sakurai-san, if you’re willing, if I can stay..” Nino began to suggest as the reaper quickly whipped his head and extending his hands to stop Nino from going any further.
“Wait…are you seriously...” Sho shushed the reaper and let Nino continued.
“Please can you let me stay? You could even adopt me.” Nino begged, letting out his big poor puppy eyes to increase the persuasion.
“Let you live in my house? Can’t you see who lives here?” Sho pointed at the reaper as he also turned to face the college student.
“I don’t know when my uncle will return and I know Shinigami’s hypnosis doesn’t last long. They’ll come to find me eventually. I’d rather live here with him than face my uncle. I’d rather die with dignity and in this place if I’m meant to die anyways.” Nino refuted pointing at the reaper.
“I’m sorry to break it to you, but we already agreed that I’d-“
Sho jabbed on the reaper’s side with his elbows halting him from continuing.
“For now go to the living room and don’t. move…You hear me?” Sho ordered as Nino nodded immediately running into the house.
“We need to talk.” Sho stated, as they both disappeared to the reaper’s room.
As Nino entered the living room, his jaw dropped at the size and the quality of the furniture. This one room alone was bigger than his uncle’s house and dorm put together. He carefully sat on the sofa leaving his backpack next to him, as he continued to gaze around the living room in awe.
--
“How can you tell him about talking him away you idiot!” Sho screamed.
“Oh..I didn’t know it was a secret when you asked me to take him.” The reaper shrugged.
“In any case, don’t come out of your room.” Sho ordered, pointing his index finger towards the reaper.
“What are you going to do? Do you know a way out of this?” the reaper asked, raising his eyebrows.
“I do..but it’d make me look….materialistic and a douche.” Sho sighed.
------
Sho headed downstairs towards the living room with an envelope he had prepared and slammed it on the coffee table across from Nino.
“I pick option two. Here’s 4000 dollars.” Sho stated as he tried to act coldly. Hate me…hate me…
Nino merely shook his head and tossed back the envelope.
“Forget it. I don’t need the money anymore. The situation is different now with this house.” Nino smiled.
“What does that mean?” Sho asked, afraid where this was going.
“It’s means that I’ll be a proper wife…I mean groom. I may not be able to get pregnant, but I can still cook and clean the house for you. Let’s have a merry happy life the two of us.” Nino answered, giving his cute cheeky smile.
“So which to do you prefer?” Nino continued.
“W-what?” Sho stuttered, placing his hand on his face to hid his blush
“What type do you like? Innocent and cute? Or the wild and sexy type?” Nino asked, as he went through various cute and sexy pose for the yokai, causing the yokai to redden even more.
“Sakurai-san thank you for letting me stay. I’ll be a good partner you’d ever have!!!.” Nino thought loudly as he was staring intently at the now confused yokai
“I’m sorry. I think out loud sometimes.” Nino apologized giving a playful smirk as the yokai finally understood what the young college student as talking about.
“I was lying about being able to hear thoughts you know.” Sho admitted, as the smile quickly faded away from Nino’s face.
“What?! You said you could hear my thoughts! You even appeared before me complaining about that and you even saved me from uncle!” Nino raised his voice in annoyance.
“How did you even know where I was?”
“Well for some reason, I just felt it. I don’t know how, but I think it has something to do with the mark on your wrist.” Sho answered honestly. Nino scoffed giving the yokai his death glare.
“You con artist! And here I was worried that you might hear my thought so I was so discreet when I thought about you and even tried to distract myself in between my thoughts! Even looking at my four leaf clover! I had to be cautious even when I wasn’t thinking about you!!” Nino yelled as he continued glaring at the yokai, flapping around his laminated four leaf clover he picked at the park, as the yokai just stood here stunned his face staring at the college student.
“What? Why are you staring at me like that? Got something to say?!” Nino grumbled.
“Y-You…just confessed that you were t-thinking about me....So it’s confusing me.” Sho stuttered, now turning full on red as a cherry. The two stayed silent for what it seemed like forever, avoiding each other’s eyes.
“S-so should I unpack or what?” Nino began as he tried to break the awkward silence.
------
“Grandpa I’m here! What did you need?” the young heir greeted, as he entered the apartment his grandfather had called him to.
“Ah!”
“Ah.”
“What’s he doing here grandpa? And why are you with him?” Satoshi asked tilting his head in confusion as he saw Nino standing there with his grandpa.
“This is my grandson that I was talking about. He lives just a floor down in this apartment so please call him if you need anything. This place is only temporary as the master has advise me to tell you “to wait”.” The president informed, as he gave a formal bow.
“Well I guess it’s good to see you again. Just call me if you need anything ok, and again let me introduce myself. My name is Ohno Satoshi.” Satoshi smiled, giving his business card to the young college student.
“And I guess then I will be on my way. If you need anything else, you can reach me here.” The president smiled, as he gave his business card as well. Nino took the card and read both, as he saw the titles on the cards.
“P-president?!” Nino almost choked.
“President, grandson.” Satoshi answered gesturing his hands from his grandfather to himself.
“Well then let’s be off Satoshi.”
“Aww why? I wanted to talk with him more!” Satoshi whined, as the president grabbed him by the ear and dragged his whinning grandson out of the apartment, leaving Nino on his own.
Nino looked around the apartment that the yokai had setup for him and couldn’t help but smile.
“It’s a suite.”
------
“Uncle! I need to tell you something!” Satoshi called out as he ran towards the kitchen.
“You’re never gonna guess this but grandpa set up this young guy in my apartment build-….”
Satoshi froze as he saw the yokai sitting there staring at his hands that were filled with different pills.
“This is for a nervous breakdown due to heartache, this is for bipolar disorder due to heartache, and this is for depression due to heartache” Sho whispered to himself.
“Uhh…these medicines are due to what now? Are you sure you should be taking this much? I thought yokais had low tolerance for human medications?” Satoshi asked cautiously.
“Do not stop me Satoshi..I’m on the edge right now…I’m happy then the next minute I’m sad, then the next minute I’m consumed by regret…” Sho sighed, taking the shot of pills as he got up and dragged his feet back to his bedroom.
“I hope Uncle is okay….and where the heck is Uncle Tenant?” Satoshi asked himself as the reaper appeared on que and quietly took the same pills as the Sho.
“Uhhh….Uncle Tenant why are you taking these? Are they even effective on Shinigamis?”
“Same symptoms….I shed a tear when I met a man I had never met before in my entire afterlife...What could that mean? Am I going crazy?” the reaper answered, as Satoshi stared warily at the reaper…What is going on with the people in this house..
-----
Sho dragged his feet towards the kitchen the next morning, his bags under his eyes more prominent with the lack of sleep from the night before.
“I think that medicine did more damage than good, my stomach is killing me.” Sho complained.
“I’m not in the mood to talk to you or do anything right now.” The Shinigami hissed, as he was always weak with mornings.
“And besides you won’t die without a stomach. You just won’t be able to eat. Let your partner take care of your death.”
“Ahhh…so you want me to die?” Sho grumbled.
“That was all we talked about yesterday. What’s new that’s making YOU sensitive?” The reaper asked.
“What’s new? ME sensitive? Am I not worth the air I breathe? Must I die?! Why don’t you just tell Nino that huh? Might as well tell him everything!! Tell him to just kill me because I don’t deserve to live!!” Sho hyperventilated as he felt tears forming in his eyes.
“Cry why don’t you. And the others call me a diva and a drama queen.” The reaper scoffed.
“I’m trying hard not too.” Sho pouted, slowly walking back to his room, as the reaper sighed helplessly. And he thought he had issues…
“Should I just move out?”
----
Nino had exited from his new apartment building, ready to head towards school when he felt the rain suddenly pouring down from the sky.
“Is he feeling gloomy?”
“You know you’ll hurt my feeling if you feel gloomy right now. If you hated me that much you should have just said so instead of forcing yourself.” Nino whispered sadly feeling the rain drops on his hands.
---
Sho sat on the couch in his living and stared at the laminated four leaf clover Nino had accidently had left behind, remembering their time in New York and all other moments he shared with Nino, as he let out another depressing sigh. He was hoping to get the college student to hate him so it wouldn’t be as painful when he pulled out the sword, but a part of him doesn’t want that and want to continue his life…with Nino, and he was afraid that, these conflicting feelings that are grow stronger.
---
“Stolen? How can this gold be stolen?!” Nino’s uncle yelled as he and his two sons were detained at the police center when one of the officers had found them in the middle of the road with a bag filled with golden bars.
“I told you already this is from my sister’s life insurance! We inherited fair and square! These were my nephew’s and I took them to cash it in for him!” The man continued to yell as he rose from his seat.
“Sir please sit down.” The officer ordered, as the man huffed frustratingly but still taking his seat.
“So you’re saying this is your nephew’s? What’s your nephew’s name and birthday? We’ll do a search then.” The police asked as he opened up his laptop.
“He’s a sophomore in college and his name is…..what’s his name again?” He asked turning to one of his sons.
“Kazuya? Kazuma?” He tried to remember, as the officer sighed in annoyance.
“OI Do you think this is a joke?!” The officer snapped, causing the three to flinch.
“You nephew, who you don’t even know the name of and don’t even know which college he goes to, had this many gold bars specifically made by the Bank of Japan, which should have been kept by the Federal Reserve Bank? YOU KNOW HOW CRAZY THAT SOUNDS?! You people definitely stole these bars!”
------
Satoshi was eating lunch with the reaper as they discussed the topic of Sho’s recently discovered destined partner.
“Is he really my uncle’s partner Uncle Tenant? And why?” Satoshi asked, taking a bite out of his meal..
“It’s because the divinities are being naughty.” The reaper replied nonchantly.
“I see..so that’s why he’s depressed, because he’s not uncle’s type.” Satoshi deduced, although completely wrongly.
“The divinities are sure mean, they should have picked someone more suitable for him.” Satoshi sighed taking another bite, as he noticed the reaper’s plate freezing.
“Uh….Uncle Tenant’s the plate you just froze…is my uncle’s favorite china..” Satoshi informed causing the reaper to freeze the plate and his meal even more.
“Satoshi…” the reaper leered.
“I won’t tell…Even though it’s a plate that King Louis the 14th had given him specifically when he visited France…But I won’t tell…..And please stop staring at me like that! It’s scary!” Satoshi begged, as the reaper sighed and had his face down.
“Is it because of that man you talked about?” Satoshi asked, causing the reaper to face the young heir immediately.
“The one you said made you cry the first time you saw him? Think about it carefully. Perhaps it wasn’t the first time you saw him.” The young heir advised, as the reaper then began to ponder.
“What was he like?” Satoshi asked.
“He was carefree, but he was shining. His eyes were sparkling and his lips….” The reaper began as he unconsciously began puckering his lips.
“Lips what?” Satoshi gulped.
“First time I’ve seen anyone like him.” The reaper suddenly finished.
“Ugh why didn’t you finish your earlier sentence?!”
“What about his lips? Did you two kiss?” Satoshi asked again, as the reaper glared as he began to slowly freeze the table.
“….I won’t ask..Sumimasen…” Satoshi apologized.
“Oh would you look at the time. I need to go! Goodbye!” Satoshi giggled nervously making his quick exit out the dining room.
The reaper had tried to go to the same place where he met the man name Aiba Masaki, hoping to bump into him. However after two attempts he sighed again not knowing what to do. It’s not like I have an actual name to introduce myself with…And #830 just sounds like I’m crazy….
----
Nino headed inside his apartment hoping to find a certain yokai to be there to visit however, the apartment was empty and Nino couldn’t help but fill a little lonely in his spacious temporary home. He had tried to keep himself busying with studying and playing multiple games afterwards, however he still couldn’t ease this uncomfortable feeling. He sighed and placed his controller down as he brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around his cushion.
“Why is he not coming to visit…Does he hate me that much? Not even a hi...” Nino whispered to himself.
After walking about an hour around the city he had found himself in front of the yokai’s house which even shocked himself that he had autopiloted himself here. He headed towards the door and rang the doorbell but no one had answered the door.
“He’s definitely avoiding me... Until when do I have to wait?” Nino pouted feeling his eyes water, he took out his lighter, hoping that we wouldn’t have to resort to this but it seems as though he doesn’t have a choice. He quickly wiped his tears and blew out the flames and within a few minutes Sho had appears with his black suit that he had worn when they were at New York.
“Where were you?” Were you visiting someone?” Nino asked, noticing his black suit and the can of beer on his hands.
“I was. What are you doing here? Why are you at the apartment?” Sho asked.
“I just wanted to come by….You never made a visit…so I thought…I got deserted by you. You were the one who told the president to tell me to wait…but for how long?” Nino mumbled looking down at the ground while fiddling with his fingers.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you feel like that.” Sho apologized.
“Did you eat dinner yet? What do you want to eat?” Sho asked trying to cheer the student up. Nino then grabbed Sho’s hands and dragged him towards the city to one of the special late night fast food burger joints he wanted to try.
“Are you sure just a burger is enough?” Sho chuckled as he saw Nino munch down on his double whopper, taking a sip of his 3rd beer can.
“I can buy this whole menu for you if you want.” Sho showed off, feeling the alcohol cloud his head.
“Are you seriously drunk? From only three can of beer?” Nino asked taking away the beer and throwing in the garbage.
“Heeyyy my beer!!! Give it back!!” Sho cried, causing a scene in the restaurant as Nino tried to hide his face. He immediately stuffed the remaining burger down his throat and brought the yokai out before he can embarrass himself any further if that was even possible.
“Okay you can go home now. I’m sorry for even calling you. Bye. See you tomorrow.” Nino tried to leave, but Sho continued to clung unto Nino.
“No, I’m going to walk with you! Whether you like it or not~” Sho chuckled bringing his arms around Nino’s shoulders, causing Nino to blush at the close proximity.
“Seriously Sakurai-san what is up with your mood swing first you act cold then you act sweet then you act cold and then you act sweet again. Do you like me or not?” Nino asked confused at the yokai’s different approaches. However, Sho just stayed silent and only tighten his hold on Nino, confusing the student even more.
“Then let me ask you this, has there been a bride..or partner before me?” Nino asked as they continued to walk. Nino then suddenly felt Sho’s arm disappear missing the warm already as he stop to turn and face him.
“You’re the first and the last.” He answered.
“Fine, I could be your first, but how do you know I’ll be the last?” Nino continued to question.
“Because it was meant to be that way.”
“And if I don’t want to be your “bride?” What happens then?”
“Well the sword can’t be pulled out…because you’re the only one who can. I have to get this sword out to…to….to-to be even more handsome.” Sho lied.
“Is that what it is? Kind of like the cursed beast turning into a prince once he finds his princess?” Nino chuckled, as Sho joined more so of laughing at the irony in Nino’s logic than laughing with Nino.
“Well…honestly if that’s all what is it, how about just accepting who you are now?” Nino advised, causing Sho to stop laughing and looking at Nin.
“I mean you’re not horrible looking and I don’t necessarily think you need to look anymore better than you already do.” Nino chuckled, as he started walking ahead.
“If only it can be that way Nino..Believe me…” Sho whispered as he tried to make his way following behind Nino.
--
The next morning while Nino was heading towards campus and he decided to stop by area he and Sho had taken a walk the night before, and noticed a few trees where the yokai was near had bloomed beautiful sakura flowers, which made no sense in the middle of the summer. So when he’s happy Sakura blooms..…how cute.. Nino smiled as he continued to make his way towards the campus.
---
[Part2]
Pairing: Arashi/Sakumiya/Junba/
Genre: Romance, Comedy and Angst
Chapter Rating: PG-13
Summary: Sakurai Sho was punished by the gods for the sin he committed, turning him to an immortal yokai. The gods stated that only his chosen to be can remove the cursed sword that was placed on him, freeing him from his immortal state freeing him from his punishment. Meanwhile Ninomiya Kazunari, whose family had died in a car accident was saved by the yokai and ever since then he was able to see the spirits of the dead. So 19 years later their paths are crossed again, can Nino break Sho’s curse? And how does a Shinigami, a rich heir to a company and a son of a restaurant owner/chief come into play in story?
Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own the boys...Though a girl can dream!
Chapter 4- To Die or Not to die
[Enjoy]“I’m telling you, I see it!!! I really see it!”
“What?! Tell me!!”
“The sword on your chest!” He finally admitted, as he pointed to exactly where the handle of the sword is, that was stained in blood. Sho’s mouth opened slightly, taken aback at everything as time had frozen still.
“I was able to see it since the beginning. Since the first time I met you. That’s why I assumed you were a ghost.” Nino explained putting his finger down as Sho stood there, still trying to absorb the sudden information.
“So what does that make me? Am I still not the yokai’s chosen one?” Nino asked.
“I….I think you are.” Sho answered. Nino couldn’t help but give a slight smile, fiddling with his finger.
“Really? Am I of value to you now?” Nino asked, giving his cheeky grin. Sho heart sank, unable to tell the young male the truth of this role.
“Yes...you really are my bride..” Sho spoke, as his voice came no louder than a whisper.
“Groom..you mean groom.” Nino corrected.
“Why didn’t you say you can see it since the beginning?” Sho asked.
“At first I was slightly scared. It’s not everyday you see a sword through someone’s chest. After that I was being polite, I thought it would be rude to asked something like that, it couldn’t have been something pleasant you want to remember.” Nino explained.
“Well wait here for a second ok? I’ll be right back.” Sho ordered as he calmly headed back into the house.
-------
The reaper slowly lifted up his comforter to prepare himself for bed, however his door suddenly flung opened, as Sho ran inside panicking.
“He…He saw the sword!!” Sho panicked as the reaper sighed in defeat.
“He pointed at the sword. Like this!” Sho pointed, showing exactly here Nino had pointed few minutes earlier.
“Good for you. Now get out.” The reaper sighed.
“Didn’t you hear what I just said? He SEES THE SWORD! I’m going to die!” Sho emphasized again. The reaper groaned and turned fully towards the yokai.
“SO what?? Isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t that why you were looking for your bride in the first place? A bride that will return you back to the way you were ,meaning to turn you back to ashes??” The reaper reiterated.
“T-That’s true…I was searching for my entire life.” Sho nodded, admitted to the reaper’s statements.
“Then what’s the problem, then? Does he want to kill you?” The reaper teased.
“Hey I’m not in the mood to be joking around right now. This is serious!” Sho retorted, still having a panic expression spread across his face.
“Then be honest how are you feeling really? Are you happy or scared?” The reaper asked taking the yokai seriously.
“I don’t know a part of me is relieved to meet the end of this eternity. But it wasn’t all that bad. A part of me still wants to live.” Sho admitted truthfully.
“Just say the word and I’ll take him.” The reaper offered, leaving the yokai shocked for a few seconds.
“I was meant to take him a long time ago anyways. Though the paperwork will make me work overtime at night.” The reaper continued.
“Is that what you think I wanted?” Sho asked, as the reaper gave a simple nod. Sho immediately ran up to the reaper’s side and grabbed his hands, as the reaper immediately pushed it away.
“You’re right, it’s looks like we’re finally building a friendship.” Sho sighed in relief. The doorbell rang again and both male turned towards the sound.
“Death is calling me.” Sho whimpered.
“It’s a kind one, ringing the bell and everything. You didn’t say anything to hurt him did you?” The reaper tried to comfort.
“You have have no value to me…”
“Please don’t summon me with false hope.”
“I think I’ll just choose death. It’ll be easier that way.” Sho sighed as he slowly made his way out the door.
“Okay. Let’s go with that.”
----
“You seriously couldn’t wait that long? It was only like 5 minutes that I was gone.” Sho complained, as Nino just stared at Sho confused at the sudden mood change.
“You can do better than that. He’s not buying it, go harder. Make him hate you so he’ll pull out the sword in one sweep!” The reaper advised telepathically.
“I’m sorry I’m just impatient with all of this. I’ve been hearing since I was little that I was meant to be with you. I’m been trying all my life to avoid you, but in the end it was useless…” Nino started, as Sho couldn’t help but feel a slight pain in the his chest at that statement.
“But ever since meeting you I got to experience so many things I never thought I’d experience. And right now because of my uncle. I don’t really have a place to stay…So Sakurai-san, if you’re willing, if I can stay..” Nino began to suggest as the reaper quickly whipped his head and extending his hands to stop Nino from going any further.
“Wait…are you seriously...” Sho shushed the reaper and let Nino continued.
“Please can you let me stay? You could even adopt me.” Nino begged, letting out his big poor puppy eyes to increase the persuasion.
“Let you live in my house? Can’t you see who lives here?” Sho pointed at the reaper as he also turned to face the college student.
“I don’t know when my uncle will return and I know Shinigami’s hypnosis doesn’t last long. They’ll come to find me eventually. I’d rather live here with him than face my uncle. I’d rather die with dignity and in this place if I’m meant to die anyways.” Nino refuted pointing at the reaper.
“I’m sorry to break it to you, but we already agreed that I’d-“
Sho jabbed on the reaper’s side with his elbows halting him from continuing.
“For now go to the living room and don’t. move…You hear me?” Sho ordered as Nino nodded immediately running into the house.
“We need to talk.” Sho stated, as they both disappeared to the reaper’s room.
As Nino entered the living room, his jaw dropped at the size and the quality of the furniture. This one room alone was bigger than his uncle’s house and dorm put together. He carefully sat on the sofa leaving his backpack next to him, as he continued to gaze around the living room in awe.
--
“How can you tell him about talking him away you idiot!” Sho screamed.
“Oh..I didn’t know it was a secret when you asked me to take him.” The reaper shrugged.
“In any case, don’t come out of your room.” Sho ordered, pointing his index finger towards the reaper.
“What are you going to do? Do you know a way out of this?” the reaper asked, raising his eyebrows.
“I do..but it’d make me look….materialistic and a douche.” Sho sighed.
------
Sho headed downstairs towards the living room with an envelope he had prepared and slammed it on the coffee table across from Nino.
“I pick option two. Here’s 4000 dollars.” Sho stated as he tried to act coldly. Hate me…hate me…
Nino merely shook his head and tossed back the envelope.
“Forget it. I don’t need the money anymore. The situation is different now with this house.” Nino smiled.
“What does that mean?” Sho asked, afraid where this was going.
“It’s means that I’ll be a proper wife…I mean groom. I may not be able to get pregnant, but I can still cook and clean the house for you. Let’s have a merry happy life the two of us.” Nino answered, giving his cute cheeky smile.
“So which to do you prefer?” Nino continued.
“W-what?” Sho stuttered, placing his hand on his face to hid his blush
“What type do you like? Innocent and cute? Or the wild and sexy type?” Nino asked, as he went through various cute and sexy pose for the yokai, causing the yokai to redden even more.
“Sakurai-san thank you for letting me stay. I’ll be a good partner you’d ever have!!!.” Nino thought loudly as he was staring intently at the now confused yokai
“I’m sorry. I think out loud sometimes.” Nino apologized giving a playful smirk as the yokai finally understood what the young college student as talking about.
“I was lying about being able to hear thoughts you know.” Sho admitted, as the smile quickly faded away from Nino’s face.
“What?! You said you could hear my thoughts! You even appeared before me complaining about that and you even saved me from uncle!” Nino raised his voice in annoyance.
“How did you even know where I was?”
“Well for some reason, I just felt it. I don’t know how, but I think it has something to do with the mark on your wrist.” Sho answered honestly. Nino scoffed giving the yokai his death glare.
“You con artist! And here I was worried that you might hear my thought so I was so discreet when I thought about you and even tried to distract myself in between my thoughts! Even looking at my four leaf clover! I had to be cautious even when I wasn’t thinking about you!!” Nino yelled as he continued glaring at the yokai, flapping around his laminated four leaf clover he picked at the park, as the yokai just stood here stunned his face staring at the college student.
“What? Why are you staring at me like that? Got something to say?!” Nino grumbled.
“Y-You…just confessed that you were t-thinking about me....So it’s confusing me.” Sho stuttered, now turning full on red as a cherry. The two stayed silent for what it seemed like forever, avoiding each other’s eyes.
“S-so should I unpack or what?” Nino began as he tried to break the awkward silence.
------
“Grandpa I’m here! What did you need?” the young heir greeted, as he entered the apartment his grandfather had called him to.
“Ah!”
“Ah.”
“What’s he doing here grandpa? And why are you with him?” Satoshi asked tilting his head in confusion as he saw Nino standing there with his grandpa.
“This is my grandson that I was talking about. He lives just a floor down in this apartment so please call him if you need anything. This place is only temporary as the master has advise me to tell you “to wait”.” The president informed, as he gave a formal bow.
“Well I guess it’s good to see you again. Just call me if you need anything ok, and again let me introduce myself. My name is Ohno Satoshi.” Satoshi smiled, giving his business card to the young college student.
“And I guess then I will be on my way. If you need anything else, you can reach me here.” The president smiled, as he gave his business card as well. Nino took the card and read both, as he saw the titles on the cards.
“P-president?!” Nino almost choked.
“President, grandson.” Satoshi answered gesturing his hands from his grandfather to himself.
“Well then let’s be off Satoshi.”
“Aww why? I wanted to talk with him more!” Satoshi whined, as the president grabbed him by the ear and dragged his whinning grandson out of the apartment, leaving Nino on his own.
Nino looked around the apartment that the yokai had setup for him and couldn’t help but smile.
“It’s a suite.”
------
“Uncle! I need to tell you something!” Satoshi called out as he ran towards the kitchen.
“You’re never gonna guess this but grandpa set up this young guy in my apartment build-….”
Satoshi froze as he saw the yokai sitting there staring at his hands that were filled with different pills.
“This is for a nervous breakdown due to heartache, this is for bipolar disorder due to heartache, and this is for depression due to heartache” Sho whispered to himself.
“Uhh…these medicines are due to what now? Are you sure you should be taking this much? I thought yokais had low tolerance for human medications?” Satoshi asked cautiously.
“Do not stop me Satoshi..I’m on the edge right now…I’m happy then the next minute I’m sad, then the next minute I’m consumed by regret…” Sho sighed, taking the shot of pills as he got up and dragged his feet back to his bedroom.
“I hope Uncle is okay….and where the heck is Uncle Tenant?” Satoshi asked himself as the reaper appeared on que and quietly took the same pills as the Sho.
“Uhhh….Uncle Tenant why are you taking these? Are they even effective on Shinigamis?”
“Same symptoms….I shed a tear when I met a man I had never met before in my entire afterlife...What could that mean? Am I going crazy?” the reaper answered, as Satoshi stared warily at the reaper…What is going on with the people in this house..
-----
Sho dragged his feet towards the kitchen the next morning, his bags under his eyes more prominent with the lack of sleep from the night before.
“I think that medicine did more damage than good, my stomach is killing me.” Sho complained.
“I’m not in the mood to talk to you or do anything right now.” The Shinigami hissed, as he was always weak with mornings.
“And besides you won’t die without a stomach. You just won’t be able to eat. Let your partner take care of your death.”
“Ahhh…so you want me to die?” Sho grumbled.
“That was all we talked about yesterday. What’s new that’s making YOU sensitive?” The reaper asked.
“What’s new? ME sensitive? Am I not worth the air I breathe? Must I die?! Why don’t you just tell Nino that huh? Might as well tell him everything!! Tell him to just kill me because I don’t deserve to live!!” Sho hyperventilated as he felt tears forming in his eyes.
“Cry why don’t you. And the others call me a diva and a drama queen.” The reaper scoffed.
“I’m trying hard not too.” Sho pouted, slowly walking back to his room, as the reaper sighed helplessly. And he thought he had issues…
“Should I just move out?”
----
Nino had exited from his new apartment building, ready to head towards school when he felt the rain suddenly pouring down from the sky.
“Is he feeling gloomy?”
“You know you’ll hurt my feeling if you feel gloomy right now. If you hated me that much you should have just said so instead of forcing yourself.” Nino whispered sadly feeling the rain drops on his hands.
---
Sho sat on the couch in his living and stared at the laminated four leaf clover Nino had accidently had left behind, remembering their time in New York and all other moments he shared with Nino, as he let out another depressing sigh. He was hoping to get the college student to hate him so it wouldn’t be as painful when he pulled out the sword, but a part of him doesn’t want that and want to continue his life…with Nino, and he was afraid that, these conflicting feelings that are grow stronger.
---
“Stolen? How can this gold be stolen?!” Nino’s uncle yelled as he and his two sons were detained at the police center when one of the officers had found them in the middle of the road with a bag filled with golden bars.
“I told you already this is from my sister’s life insurance! We inherited fair and square! These were my nephew’s and I took them to cash it in for him!” The man continued to yell as he rose from his seat.
“Sir please sit down.” The officer ordered, as the man huffed frustratingly but still taking his seat.
“So you’re saying this is your nephew’s? What’s your nephew’s name and birthday? We’ll do a search then.” The police asked as he opened up his laptop.
“He’s a sophomore in college and his name is…..what’s his name again?” He asked turning to one of his sons.
“Kazuya? Kazuma?” He tried to remember, as the officer sighed in annoyance.
“OI Do you think this is a joke?!” The officer snapped, causing the three to flinch.
“You nephew, who you don’t even know the name of and don’t even know which college he goes to, had this many gold bars specifically made by the Bank of Japan, which should have been kept by the Federal Reserve Bank? YOU KNOW HOW CRAZY THAT SOUNDS?! You people definitely stole these bars!”
------
Satoshi was eating lunch with the reaper as they discussed the topic of Sho’s recently discovered destined partner.
“Is he really my uncle’s partner Uncle Tenant? And why?” Satoshi asked, taking a bite out of his meal..
“It’s because the divinities are being naughty.” The reaper replied nonchantly.
“I see..so that’s why he’s depressed, because he’s not uncle’s type.” Satoshi deduced, although completely wrongly.
“The divinities are sure mean, they should have picked someone more suitable for him.” Satoshi sighed taking another bite, as he noticed the reaper’s plate freezing.
“Uh….Uncle Tenant’s the plate you just froze…is my uncle’s favorite china..” Satoshi informed causing the reaper to freeze the plate and his meal even more.
“Satoshi…” the reaper leered.
“I won’t tell…Even though it’s a plate that King Louis the 14th had given him specifically when he visited France…But I won’t tell…..And please stop staring at me like that! It’s scary!” Satoshi begged, as the reaper sighed and had his face down.
“Is it because of that man you talked about?” Satoshi asked, causing the reaper to face the young heir immediately.
“The one you said made you cry the first time you saw him? Think about it carefully. Perhaps it wasn’t the first time you saw him.” The young heir advised, as the reaper then began to ponder.
“What was he like?” Satoshi asked.
“He was carefree, but he was shining. His eyes were sparkling and his lips….” The reaper began as he unconsciously began puckering his lips.
“Lips what?” Satoshi gulped.
“First time I’ve seen anyone like him.” The reaper suddenly finished.
“Ugh why didn’t you finish your earlier sentence?!”
“What about his lips? Did you two kiss?” Satoshi asked again, as the reaper glared as he began to slowly freeze the table.
“….I won’t ask..Sumimasen…” Satoshi apologized.
“Oh would you look at the time. I need to go! Goodbye!” Satoshi giggled nervously making his quick exit out the dining room.
The reaper had tried to go to the same place where he met the man name Aiba Masaki, hoping to bump into him. However after two attempts he sighed again not knowing what to do. It’s not like I have an actual name to introduce myself with…And #830 just sounds like I’m crazy….
----
Nino headed inside his apartment hoping to find a certain yokai to be there to visit however, the apartment was empty and Nino couldn’t help but fill a little lonely in his spacious temporary home. He had tried to keep himself busying with studying and playing multiple games afterwards, however he still couldn’t ease this uncomfortable feeling. He sighed and placed his controller down as he brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around his cushion.
“Why is he not coming to visit…Does he hate me that much? Not even a hi...” Nino whispered to himself.
After walking about an hour around the city he had found himself in front of the yokai’s house which even shocked himself that he had autopiloted himself here. He headed towards the door and rang the doorbell but no one had answered the door.
“He’s definitely avoiding me... Until when do I have to wait?” Nino pouted feeling his eyes water, he took out his lighter, hoping that we wouldn’t have to resort to this but it seems as though he doesn’t have a choice. He quickly wiped his tears and blew out the flames and within a few minutes Sho had appears with his black suit that he had worn when they were at New York.
“Where were you?” Were you visiting someone?” Nino asked, noticing his black suit and the can of beer on his hands.
“I was. What are you doing here? Why are you at the apartment?” Sho asked.
“I just wanted to come by….You never made a visit…so I thought…I got deserted by you. You were the one who told the president to tell me to wait…but for how long?” Nino mumbled looking down at the ground while fiddling with his fingers.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you feel like that.” Sho apologized.
“Did you eat dinner yet? What do you want to eat?” Sho asked trying to cheer the student up. Nino then grabbed Sho’s hands and dragged him towards the city to one of the special late night fast food burger joints he wanted to try.
“Are you sure just a burger is enough?” Sho chuckled as he saw Nino munch down on his double whopper, taking a sip of his 3rd beer can.
“I can buy this whole menu for you if you want.” Sho showed off, feeling the alcohol cloud his head.
“Are you seriously drunk? From only three can of beer?” Nino asked taking away the beer and throwing in the garbage.
“Heeyyy my beer!!! Give it back!!” Sho cried, causing a scene in the restaurant as Nino tried to hide his face. He immediately stuffed the remaining burger down his throat and brought the yokai out before he can embarrass himself any further if that was even possible.
“Okay you can go home now. I’m sorry for even calling you. Bye. See you tomorrow.” Nino tried to leave, but Sho continued to clung unto Nino.
“No, I’m going to walk with you! Whether you like it or not~” Sho chuckled bringing his arms around Nino’s shoulders, causing Nino to blush at the close proximity.
“Seriously Sakurai-san what is up with your mood swing first you act cold then you act sweet then you act cold and then you act sweet again. Do you like me or not?” Nino asked confused at the yokai’s different approaches. However, Sho just stayed silent and only tighten his hold on Nino, confusing the student even more.
“Then let me ask you this, has there been a bride..or partner before me?” Nino asked as they continued to walk. Nino then suddenly felt Sho’s arm disappear missing the warm already as he stop to turn and face him.
“You’re the first and the last.” He answered.
“Fine, I could be your first, but how do you know I’ll be the last?” Nino continued to question.
“Because it was meant to be that way.”
“And if I don’t want to be your “bride?” What happens then?”
“Well the sword can’t be pulled out…because you’re the only one who can. I have to get this sword out to…to….to-to be even more handsome.” Sho lied.
“Is that what it is? Kind of like the cursed beast turning into a prince once he finds his princess?” Nino chuckled, as Sho joined more so of laughing at the irony in Nino’s logic than laughing with Nino.
“Well…honestly if that’s all what is it, how about just accepting who you are now?” Nino advised, causing Sho to stop laughing and looking at Nin.
“I mean you’re not horrible looking and I don’t necessarily think you need to look anymore better than you already do.” Nino chuckled, as he started walking ahead.
“If only it can be that way Nino..Believe me…” Sho whispered as he tried to make his way following behind Nino.
--
The next morning while Nino was heading towards campus and he decided to stop by area he and Sho had taken a walk the night before, and noticed a few trees where the yokai was near had bloomed beautiful sakura flowers, which made no sense in the middle of the summer. So when he’s happy Sakura blooms..…how cute.. Nino smiled as he continued to make his way towards the campus.
---
[Part2]