fic for 15th_moon
Title: Of shadows and starlight
Rating: PG-13
Threesome: Ohno/Nino/Jun
Summary: Monochrome Factor AU. Supernatural fantasy. Nino encounters a strange man who insists he isn't human, that he is, in fact, 'something along the lines of' a shadow taking on the appearance of a man.
Warnings: None
Notes: I struggled to come up with anything for this for the longest time, and as one of the things you said you liked were 'weird AUs', I decided to go with that. Based somewhat (loosely) on 'Monochrome Factor' (of which I admittedly haven't read much), I hope this is ok! It also turned out far longer than I expected. I don't know how it got this long.
He lay there, staring up at the sky and enjoying the pleasant warmth. It was, in his opinion the perfect weather for a doze. Fidgeting, he momentarily wished that their uniforms were a tad more padded; lying on the ground would be so much more comfortable if that were the case. Eventually deciding he had reached a suitable level of comfort, he let out a contented sigh before closing his eyes, lips slightly upturned in a satisfied smile. Just as he was drifting off, however, he heard someone calling his name.
Despite his eyebrows knitting together in an involuntary frown, he stubbornly kept his eyes closed. There was only one person who spoke to him in that tone of voice. There was also only one person who ever came to find him when he was skipping class. "You realise it's rude to wake people up", he commented dryly, resisting the urge to crack one eye open and look across at the other. If there was one thing he had learnt in his time at this school, was that Jun, head of the disciplinary committee, had some rather fantastic facial expressions when one said the right thing.
Feeling a shadow fall across his face, he swatted vaguely at where he presumed Jun's legs would be. "Now you're in the way. Out of interest-", he paused, and opened his eyes, staring up into the irritated expression of one Matsumoto Jun, he smirked. "Were you born irritating, or do you work at it? 'Cause either way-" He sat up, rubbing at the back of his hair to remove any loose pieces of grit and dirt. "It's kind of impressive. Seriously."
Feeling a hand thwap against the back of his head - not hard enough to hurt, but hard enough to be noticeable - Nino pressed his lips together in a thin line, squinting as he looked up at the other student. Fingers curling around his arm, Nino glanced at them - he'd seen Jun outside of class enough times to feel incredibly glad that jewellery wasn't permitted at school. He imagined that the earlier tap on the head would have hurt more - no matter the intention - had Jun been wearing the variety of rings he was so fond of.
As he was hoisted (Jun claimed he was helping, simply aiding a habitual slacker get over his problem, one day at a time) to his feet, he opened his mouth to speak, before being silenced as Jun waved his hand dismissively. "For someone who prides themselves on their intelligence, I've always wondered why you insist on hiding in the same place every single day. As for being irritating, I'm still trying to work out why it's always me that has to come and get you".
***
Leaving school, Nino walked with one hand shoved in a pocket of his trousers, his untucked shirt folding loosely over his wrist and arm, brown eyes flitting from person to person as he passed them, his bored expression hiding the natural curiosity he felt about most things. Expression flickering as his gaze fell on a short man, his lips twitched as he bit back a laugh. The man was seemed slightly out of place, and it almost appeared as if he hadn't been sure of what to wear. His clothes, whilst vaguely smart, just didn't seem suited to the man. Although, in fairness, it could have been the expression the man was wearing that so amused Nino. For as much as the clothing, on a different person, might have provided the image of a person ready to work in a smart, high-flying business, this man didn't look as if he were attentive enough to do anything like that. He appeared to be waiting for someone - although, quite who, Nino wasn't sure, since school didn't finish for another couple of hours, but his attention seemed to be focused on something entirely different - certainly not the present. As for his age, he didn't look that much older than Nino himself, but he didn't want to make much of a guess either way. He wondered if he was the older brother of a student.
As such, he was surprised when the man seemed to snap out of his reverie, a soft smile appearing on his face. "Excuse me. Do you have a moment?" He mumbled, Nino noted. It suited his image almost perfectly, and he immediately wondered whether the guy had simply gotten lost. Nevertheless, the phrasing of the question was extremely awkward, and Nino's doubt was reflected in the raising of his eyebrows, and an elongated 'uh' in response, staring at him with an expression which he hoped reflected his thoughts on the matter before continuing to walk.
"Ninomiya Kazunari!" The man spoke again, his voice slightly louder, the words spoken with more clarity. Spinning round, Nino frowned at the man, his expression hard.
"What makes you say that?" He asked coldly, watching the man carefully. His expression, Nino noted, was not in the least bit threatening. The soft smile remained, and he at least had the dignity to look a touch embarrassed with the answer he gave, although nowhere near enough for Nino's liking.
"I've been watching you". The response, Nino decided, was disturbingly near Creepy Stalker Territory (although he felt vaguely irritated with himself for not being aware of his surroundings enough to have noticed such a sleepy looking man following him around).
"Right. And now that you've told me that, I've got a good enough memory to describe you with incredible clarity to the police", he responded, starting to walk away from the man.
"Wait! It's not like that. I need your help". Nino regarded him for a moment. His expression seemed sincere, but still 'watching him'?
"If it involves me going anywhere other than home, or the police station, I'm not doing it", he answered.
"My name's Ohno. I just want to talk for a moment. It won't take-"
"There's plenty of other people you can talk to. You know, counsellors. Preferably people who you haven't admitted to following".
"Watching".
"That doesn't make it sound any better".
"I'm not human. I-"
Nino stared at the man for a moment with a blank expression on his face. As the comment sunk in (and stopped him from listening to anything else that was said), Nino fought the urge to laugh, figuring that angering a crazy stalker would not be the best of things to do.
"Wait, wait. You're not human", he repeated slowly, emphasising the last two words and uttering them with as much disbelief he could manage (which wasn't an entirely difficult thing, all considered). "I'm being completely serious here, have you considered counselling? Because, I'm telling you, that-"
"I'm a shadow shaped like a person. Kind of. It's complicated", came the answer. Ohno's expression was somewhat earnest, as if he were imploring Nino to believe him. Nino couldn't help the brief wave of pity he felt - the man was clearly deluded. Opening his mouth to speak, he didn't get much further than a 'lo-' before Ohno spoke again. "At least meet me here, at 10 o'clock? I'll show you, then. It's important-You're important".
Nino had wanted to say that there was no way he would go, that he was insane and that he really, really ought to seek out professional help. He didn't, however, get much further than thinking the comments. A strong wind blew fallen leaves across the pavement, and Nino closed his eyes, brushing his fringe out of them (it was about time he had it cut, he noted. The strands were at the length where they were especially fond of attempting to gouge his eyes out). When he re-opened them - it had only been a fraction of a second, he swore - the man had gone. Nino was left with the feeling that it was incredibly cliché that he would have claimed that he wasn't 'human' before leaving at a gust of wind.
***
Staring into the familiar face of Jun, Nino forced his expression into one he hoped hid the fact that he was secretly touched that he was needed, and that Jun felt he could rely on him. After all, it just wouldn't do to admit that you did, in fact, somewhat like the one person who seemed intent on disrupting anything and everything that was remotely relaxing to you.
"Why me?"
"Because", Jun started to answer, briefly glancing at his hand, his expression a little uncomfortable. "Frankly, you're the person from school that lives closest to me, and people like to avoid you. You get into fights, you're rude, and it would save me the effort of having to make sure I don't run into any other delinquents - you know, ones I don't know". It wasn't the entire truth, but it would have to do. It was certainly more plausible than the remainder.
"So, I have to walk with you to the school because you forgot something? Can't it wait until morning?" Nino asked, it was half-nine; that gave them half an hour to go there and get it and leave, before Ohno, also known as Crazy Creepy Stalker (CCS for short), got there.
"No", Jun answered quickly, looking a little offended at the idea. "If it could wait until morning, do you think I would be stood here, asking you to come with me? Besides, you spend enough time sneaking in and out of school that it'll be so much quicker for me if you help".
For his part, Nino wasn't entirely sure whether he should feel flattered by the final comment, but he couldn't deny the truth. Sighing exaggeratedly, Nino glanced at his watch, before looking up at Jun. "Just don't take long, alright?"
As they arrived at the school, Nino had to admit, it definitely looked different in the dark, and he wasn't sure it was somewhere he would choose to go at this time of night. Pausing in front of the locked gates, Nino pushed against them, before muttering sarcastically.
"Oh, dear. Locked. What a shame. Looks like we'll have to go home and get whatever it is you forgot in the morning". Turning towards where Jun had been standing, Nino was a little shocked to be staring at the other boy's feet.
"You're slow. Are you going to help or not?" Jun asked bluntly. Sighing, Nino pulled himself up the gate, unable to help the feeling of vague amusement at the fact that they were so easy to climb. It was almost as if they were built for the task. Dropping to the ground the other side, Nino winced slightly as he hit the ground - it had been slightly further than he'd expected, and his feet and knees had not appreciated the drop at all. He could almost feel the smirk Jun directed at him after climbing down a way before dropping to the ground.
Walking beside Jun as they succeeded in entering the school, Nino couldn't help but wonder just what the other had needed him for; he seemed entirely capable of sneaking into the school himself. A thought occurred to him, and he glanced at the slightly younger boy out of the corners of his eyes. "You didn't bring me along with you because of all the times that you have to fetch me for class?"
He didn't receive any answer in response.
Leaning against the door as Jun hunted for his forgotten item in the classroom, Nino tapped his fingers against the woodwork, humming softly to himself. He could think of far more interesting things with his time that he could be doing. Turning his head to one side to look through the window set into the door, a movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Sharply glancing back to where he thought it had been, Nino carefully took stock of his surroundings with wide eyes. Now was seriously not the time to be imagining things. What if it was that Ohno guy?
"Oi, Jun. You realise I don't have all night? Even if your life is built around spending every waking minute at this place, mine isn't", he spoke, his voice not as loud as he'd have liked it to have been, and the comment didn't contain as much venom as he'd wanted it to. Hand slipping to rest on the handle of the door, Nino began to press his weight against it slowly, studying the corridor in front of him for any sign of movement.
"I knew you'd come". The voice was the same as the man's from earlier that day, just a little more cheerful sounding and Nino swore under his breath. The sound of footsteps moving closer and a case of morbid curiosity kept Nino glued to the spot. He had to admit, though, the man was not the most intimidating of people, and if push came to shove, he thought there was a chance he could take him.
"You saw it, didn't you? The kokuchi?" Ohno half-questioned, his gaze more serious than the expression Nino had seen earlier in the day.
"No", Nino responded defiantly. "I saw movement. It would have been you moving. Your shadow. There is light, you know", he added, his arms crossed low against his chest. A slight smile seemed to cross Ohno's face at the mention of 'shadow', and he gestured outside.
"Kokuchi are shadow creatures. They only appear when the barrier between the shadow world and this world is weakened. Like this time of night", Ohno explained. To Nino's eyes, they looked like birds, albeit it slightly larger and moving in a completely unnatural manner.
"What are you doing?" He snapped, stepping closer to the window, raising his hands to press against the glass.
"I'm not doing anything! I'm just showing you want I mean".
"What do I have to do with this?" Nino asked, leaning closer to the window, the tip of his nose almost touching the glass.
"They're dangerous. They're not intelligent beings, but they're violent and hostile to anyone of the non-shadow world. I wouldn't move any further, though. They'll attack you". Glancing sharply at Ohno as he finished his explanation, a look of anger crossed his face, and he ignored his warning. "What, 'they're dangerous, don't go near them', so you wanted to bring me here so I could be near them?" He took several steps forward, ignoring the worry that immediately appeared on the man's face. "And your phrasing, it sounds as if you want me to fight them".
"Stop mov-" Ohno snapped, his brown eyes widening and he involuntarily reached out to try and stop Nino. Apparently, Nino realised, as he experienced a feeling similar to falling into water, he was too late and that perhaps, perhaps, he should have listened to him.
Feeling a hand grip his own, long slender fingers wrapping his own round, and in contrast, stubby hands, it felt as if time had stopped. "I was going to ask you", Ohno commented quietly. "You were going to have a choice, I just needed to make sure you understood", he continued, raising his eyes to meet Nino's gaze. Despite everything, Nino found himself being silently awed at the way Ohno's eyes seemed such to hold such perfect reflections of the emotions the man appeared to be feeling.
"Now, there's no choice. Either you die, or you sign a contract with me and become a Shadow".
At his words, Nino felt strangely empty. He wanted to speak, but it was as if his mouth couldn't form the words. Turning his head towards the classroom, Nino wondered what Jun was up to, why it was taking him so long to find his 'important' item. "Don't worry about him", Ohno spoke, touching the side of Nino's face gently, redirecting Nino's attention.
"I don't want to die", Nino told him. With a sad smile and a small nod, Ohno began mumbling words that Nino didn't understand, words he wasn't sure were part of any language on Earth. As his vision went blurry and the world became darker, Nino felt as if he had suddenly become lighter.
***
"Oi, Ohno", Nino stated, his voice betraying both his feelings clearly. "I'm bored. Entertain me". Nino wasn't sure when Ohno had stopped being a vaguely annoying, permanent presence by his side, to one that was a comfort. One that Nino couldn't imagine not being with him.
As a result of the impromptu contract, Ohno had explained that without a Shadow, Nino wasn't visible to any humans. In order to be visible, to lead something resembling a normal life whilst not doing anything that was required of him as a Shadow, Ohno acted as his shadow. The new opportunity at life after his near-death experience hadn't forced about any kind of drastic change in Nino, and he still spent as much of his school time as was humanly possible up on the school roof, spending his time doing Not A Lot.
"Where's your DS?" Ohno asked. He sounded perfectly content to continue sitting there. If what Nino had learnt over the past few months was anything to go by, Ohno probably was perfectly content to just sit there. One time, Nino had been led on his bed playing a game, habitually glancing up to see what the man was up to, only to find that Ohno had been incredibly fascinated by his own hands. For at least half an hour. For someone who had proved so capable at things Nino had really not expected - like movement, for example - he really wasn't the most 'with it' person ever.
"Battery died", Nino eventually answered, leaning against Ohno's side. He had decided that since he was forced to spend so much time in Ohno's company, he had just as well make as much use of that as he could. Nevertheless, his own habits of ignoring personal space and request for Ohno to entertain him aside, he really hadn't expected the sudden sensation if lips being pressed against his own.
Eyes widening, he stared blankly at the (incredibly close, but that would be termed in no uncertain terms as 'stating the obvious') close face of Ohno, it took him several moments to respond. He'd never been fond of being surprised, especially when it was with regards to physical contact, even if the surprise was pleasant. As Ohno pulled away, a small smirk crossed his face, and Nino thought that perhaps Ohno had been spending too much time with himself and Jun (with whom Nino had found himself increasing amounts of time with after That Incident. He also appeared strangely fond of Ohno, something Nino couldn't say he liked very much).
As he recovered his wits, a grin crossed his face and he moved closer to Ohno, murmuring in the others ear that he knew Nino's opinion on surprises, and that he was going to pay for it. Pressing his lips against the skin beneath Ohno's ear, Nino sucked at the skin before following the line of his jaw with his tongue, his hands running up the inside of Ohno's top, pushing him against the fence the wall of the building that housed the steps back to the main school building.
As Ohno returned his kisses, Nino felt himself moan softly at the way the other's hands deftly explored his body. He hadn't quite realised just how good the older man was with his hands, and Nino realised with a sudden start that he was, for some reason, surprised at the way he seemed to know exactly what he was doing, exactly what would make Nino completely succumb. His lips were soft against his skin, his breath both warm and teasing when he breathed against him, and Nino really wasn't sure if he could be all coherent about the fingers dancing across his skin beneath his top.
A soft, controlled cough brought Nino's attention back to his surroundings and - disappointingly enough - apparently Ohno's as well. Glancing towards the source of the noise, he found himself staring at Jun, staring back at them. Nino had spent enough time with Jun to know that he was faking the blank, impassive, almost uncaring expression. Nino knew his cheeks must be flushed - even to him, they felt warm, and Jun's unrelenting gaze wasn't entirely helpful. Whilst he was aware that Ohno was capable of some surprisingly blunt comments, he hadn't expected the words that next came out of his mouth. They were, of course, spoken with the same soft, mumbling voice Ohno used most of the time, which managed to make it all the more surprising.
"Don't you think that Jun looks kind of left out?"
***
Nino knew he would never be able to view his time spent lazing on the roof in quite the same way ever again. He did, however, entertain the thought that perhaps Jun would come and find him slightly more often now, and that he really, really wouldn't mind it. He got the feeling the other boy wouldn't, either. As for Ohno, the guy had an interesting idea of entertaining him, and he hoped with all certainty that he would take it upon himself to entertain Nino like that again, because Nino definitely didn't have any complaints.
As such, when a quiet voice spoke up, Nino could only manage a chuckle in response.
"Was that the kind of entertainment you had in mind, Nino?"
Rating: PG-13
Threesome: Ohno/Nino/Jun
Summary: Monochrome Factor AU. Supernatural fantasy. Nino encounters a strange man who insists he isn't human, that he is, in fact, 'something along the lines of' a shadow taking on the appearance of a man.
Warnings: None
Notes: I struggled to come up with anything for this for the longest time, and as one of the things you said you liked were 'weird AUs', I decided to go with that. Based somewhat (loosely) on 'Monochrome Factor' (of which I admittedly haven't read much), I hope this is ok! It also turned out far longer than I expected. I don't know how it got this long.
He lay there, staring up at the sky and enjoying the pleasant warmth. It was, in his opinion the perfect weather for a doze. Fidgeting, he momentarily wished that their uniforms were a tad more padded; lying on the ground would be so much more comfortable if that were the case. Eventually deciding he had reached a suitable level of comfort, he let out a contented sigh before closing his eyes, lips slightly upturned in a satisfied smile. Just as he was drifting off, however, he heard someone calling his name.
Despite his eyebrows knitting together in an involuntary frown, he stubbornly kept his eyes closed. There was only one person who spoke to him in that tone of voice. There was also only one person who ever came to find him when he was skipping class. "You realise it's rude to wake people up", he commented dryly, resisting the urge to crack one eye open and look across at the other. If there was one thing he had learnt in his time at this school, was that Jun, head of the disciplinary committee, had some rather fantastic facial expressions when one said the right thing.
Feeling a shadow fall across his face, he swatted vaguely at where he presumed Jun's legs would be. "Now you're in the way. Out of interest-", he paused, and opened his eyes, staring up into the irritated expression of one Matsumoto Jun, he smirked. "Were you born irritating, or do you work at it? 'Cause either way-" He sat up, rubbing at the back of his hair to remove any loose pieces of grit and dirt. "It's kind of impressive. Seriously."
Feeling a hand thwap against the back of his head - not hard enough to hurt, but hard enough to be noticeable - Nino pressed his lips together in a thin line, squinting as he looked up at the other student. Fingers curling around his arm, Nino glanced at them - he'd seen Jun outside of class enough times to feel incredibly glad that jewellery wasn't permitted at school. He imagined that the earlier tap on the head would have hurt more - no matter the intention - had Jun been wearing the variety of rings he was so fond of.
As he was hoisted (Jun claimed he was helping, simply aiding a habitual slacker get over his problem, one day at a time) to his feet, he opened his mouth to speak, before being silenced as Jun waved his hand dismissively. "For someone who prides themselves on their intelligence, I've always wondered why you insist on hiding in the same place every single day. As for being irritating, I'm still trying to work out why it's always me that has to come and get you".
***
Leaving school, Nino walked with one hand shoved in a pocket of his trousers, his untucked shirt folding loosely over his wrist and arm, brown eyes flitting from person to person as he passed them, his bored expression hiding the natural curiosity he felt about most things. Expression flickering as his gaze fell on a short man, his lips twitched as he bit back a laugh. The man was seemed slightly out of place, and it almost appeared as if he hadn't been sure of what to wear. His clothes, whilst vaguely smart, just didn't seem suited to the man. Although, in fairness, it could have been the expression the man was wearing that so amused Nino. For as much as the clothing, on a different person, might have provided the image of a person ready to work in a smart, high-flying business, this man didn't look as if he were attentive enough to do anything like that. He appeared to be waiting for someone - although, quite who, Nino wasn't sure, since school didn't finish for another couple of hours, but his attention seemed to be focused on something entirely different - certainly not the present. As for his age, he didn't look that much older than Nino himself, but he didn't want to make much of a guess either way. He wondered if he was the older brother of a student.
As such, he was surprised when the man seemed to snap out of his reverie, a soft smile appearing on his face. "Excuse me. Do you have a moment?" He mumbled, Nino noted. It suited his image almost perfectly, and he immediately wondered whether the guy had simply gotten lost. Nevertheless, the phrasing of the question was extremely awkward, and Nino's doubt was reflected in the raising of his eyebrows, and an elongated 'uh' in response, staring at him with an expression which he hoped reflected his thoughts on the matter before continuing to walk.
"Ninomiya Kazunari!" The man spoke again, his voice slightly louder, the words spoken with more clarity. Spinning round, Nino frowned at the man, his expression hard.
"What makes you say that?" He asked coldly, watching the man carefully. His expression, Nino noted, was not in the least bit threatening. The soft smile remained, and he at least had the dignity to look a touch embarrassed with the answer he gave, although nowhere near enough for Nino's liking.
"I've been watching you". The response, Nino decided, was disturbingly near Creepy Stalker Territory (although he felt vaguely irritated with himself for not being aware of his surroundings enough to have noticed such a sleepy looking man following him around).
"Right. And now that you've told me that, I've got a good enough memory to describe you with incredible clarity to the police", he responded, starting to walk away from the man.
"Wait! It's not like that. I need your help". Nino regarded him for a moment. His expression seemed sincere, but still 'watching him'?
"If it involves me going anywhere other than home, or the police station, I'm not doing it", he answered.
"My name's Ohno. I just want to talk for a moment. It won't take-"
"There's plenty of other people you can talk to. You know, counsellors. Preferably people who you haven't admitted to following".
"Watching".
"That doesn't make it sound any better".
"I'm not human. I-"
Nino stared at the man for a moment with a blank expression on his face. As the comment sunk in (and stopped him from listening to anything else that was said), Nino fought the urge to laugh, figuring that angering a crazy stalker would not be the best of things to do.
"Wait, wait. You're not human", he repeated slowly, emphasising the last two words and uttering them with as much disbelief he could manage (which wasn't an entirely difficult thing, all considered). "I'm being completely serious here, have you considered counselling? Because, I'm telling you, that-"
"I'm a shadow shaped like a person. Kind of. It's complicated", came the answer. Ohno's expression was somewhat earnest, as if he were imploring Nino to believe him. Nino couldn't help the brief wave of pity he felt - the man was clearly deluded. Opening his mouth to speak, he didn't get much further than a 'lo-' before Ohno spoke again. "At least meet me here, at 10 o'clock? I'll show you, then. It's important-You're important".
Nino had wanted to say that there was no way he would go, that he was insane and that he really, really ought to seek out professional help. He didn't, however, get much further than thinking the comments. A strong wind blew fallen leaves across the pavement, and Nino closed his eyes, brushing his fringe out of them (it was about time he had it cut, he noted. The strands were at the length where they were especially fond of attempting to gouge his eyes out). When he re-opened them - it had only been a fraction of a second, he swore - the man had gone. Nino was left with the feeling that it was incredibly cliché that he would have claimed that he wasn't 'human' before leaving at a gust of wind.
***
Staring into the familiar face of Jun, Nino forced his expression into one he hoped hid the fact that he was secretly touched that he was needed, and that Jun felt he could rely on him. After all, it just wouldn't do to admit that you did, in fact, somewhat like the one person who seemed intent on disrupting anything and everything that was remotely relaxing to you.
"Why me?"
"Because", Jun started to answer, briefly glancing at his hand, his expression a little uncomfortable. "Frankly, you're the person from school that lives closest to me, and people like to avoid you. You get into fights, you're rude, and it would save me the effort of having to make sure I don't run into any other delinquents - you know, ones I don't know". It wasn't the entire truth, but it would have to do. It was certainly more plausible than the remainder.
"So, I have to walk with you to the school because you forgot something? Can't it wait until morning?" Nino asked, it was half-nine; that gave them half an hour to go there and get it and leave, before Ohno, also known as Crazy Creepy Stalker (CCS for short), got there.
"No", Jun answered quickly, looking a little offended at the idea. "If it could wait until morning, do you think I would be stood here, asking you to come with me? Besides, you spend enough time sneaking in and out of school that it'll be so much quicker for me if you help".
For his part, Nino wasn't entirely sure whether he should feel flattered by the final comment, but he couldn't deny the truth. Sighing exaggeratedly, Nino glanced at his watch, before looking up at Jun. "Just don't take long, alright?"
As they arrived at the school, Nino had to admit, it definitely looked different in the dark, and he wasn't sure it was somewhere he would choose to go at this time of night. Pausing in front of the locked gates, Nino pushed against them, before muttering sarcastically.
"Oh, dear. Locked. What a shame. Looks like we'll have to go home and get whatever it is you forgot in the morning". Turning towards where Jun had been standing, Nino was a little shocked to be staring at the other boy's feet.
"You're slow. Are you going to help or not?" Jun asked bluntly. Sighing, Nino pulled himself up the gate, unable to help the feeling of vague amusement at the fact that they were so easy to climb. It was almost as if they were built for the task. Dropping to the ground the other side, Nino winced slightly as he hit the ground - it had been slightly further than he'd expected, and his feet and knees had not appreciated the drop at all. He could almost feel the smirk Jun directed at him after climbing down a way before dropping to the ground.
Walking beside Jun as they succeeded in entering the school, Nino couldn't help but wonder just what the other had needed him for; he seemed entirely capable of sneaking into the school himself. A thought occurred to him, and he glanced at the slightly younger boy out of the corners of his eyes. "You didn't bring me along with you because of all the times that you have to fetch me for class?"
He didn't receive any answer in response.
Leaning against the door as Jun hunted for his forgotten item in the classroom, Nino tapped his fingers against the woodwork, humming softly to himself. He could think of far more interesting things with his time that he could be doing. Turning his head to one side to look through the window set into the door, a movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Sharply glancing back to where he thought it had been, Nino carefully took stock of his surroundings with wide eyes. Now was seriously not the time to be imagining things. What if it was that Ohno guy?
"Oi, Jun. You realise I don't have all night? Even if your life is built around spending every waking minute at this place, mine isn't", he spoke, his voice not as loud as he'd have liked it to have been, and the comment didn't contain as much venom as he'd wanted it to. Hand slipping to rest on the handle of the door, Nino began to press his weight against it slowly, studying the corridor in front of him for any sign of movement.
"I knew you'd come". The voice was the same as the man's from earlier that day, just a little more cheerful sounding and Nino swore under his breath. The sound of footsteps moving closer and a case of morbid curiosity kept Nino glued to the spot. He had to admit, though, the man was not the most intimidating of people, and if push came to shove, he thought there was a chance he could take him.
"You saw it, didn't you? The kokuchi?" Ohno half-questioned, his gaze more serious than the expression Nino had seen earlier in the day.
"No", Nino responded defiantly. "I saw movement. It would have been you moving. Your shadow. There is light, you know", he added, his arms crossed low against his chest. A slight smile seemed to cross Ohno's face at the mention of 'shadow', and he gestured outside.
"Kokuchi are shadow creatures. They only appear when the barrier between the shadow world and this world is weakened. Like this time of night", Ohno explained. To Nino's eyes, they looked like birds, albeit it slightly larger and moving in a completely unnatural manner.
"What are you doing?" He snapped, stepping closer to the window, raising his hands to press against the glass.
"I'm not doing anything! I'm just showing you want I mean".
"What do I have to do with this?" Nino asked, leaning closer to the window, the tip of his nose almost touching the glass.
"They're dangerous. They're not intelligent beings, but they're violent and hostile to anyone of the non-shadow world. I wouldn't move any further, though. They'll attack you". Glancing sharply at Ohno as he finished his explanation, a look of anger crossed his face, and he ignored his warning. "What, 'they're dangerous, don't go near them', so you wanted to bring me here so I could be near them?" He took several steps forward, ignoring the worry that immediately appeared on the man's face. "And your phrasing, it sounds as if you want me to fight them".
"Stop mov-" Ohno snapped, his brown eyes widening and he involuntarily reached out to try and stop Nino. Apparently, Nino realised, as he experienced a feeling similar to falling into water, he was too late and that perhaps, perhaps, he should have listened to him.
Feeling a hand grip his own, long slender fingers wrapping his own round, and in contrast, stubby hands, it felt as if time had stopped. "I was going to ask you", Ohno commented quietly. "You were going to have a choice, I just needed to make sure you understood", he continued, raising his eyes to meet Nino's gaze. Despite everything, Nino found himself being silently awed at the way Ohno's eyes seemed such to hold such perfect reflections of the emotions the man appeared to be feeling.
"Now, there's no choice. Either you die, or you sign a contract with me and become a Shadow".
At his words, Nino felt strangely empty. He wanted to speak, but it was as if his mouth couldn't form the words. Turning his head towards the classroom, Nino wondered what Jun was up to, why it was taking him so long to find his 'important' item. "Don't worry about him", Ohno spoke, touching the side of Nino's face gently, redirecting Nino's attention.
"I don't want to die", Nino told him. With a sad smile and a small nod, Ohno began mumbling words that Nino didn't understand, words he wasn't sure were part of any language on Earth. As his vision went blurry and the world became darker, Nino felt as if he had suddenly become lighter.
***
"Oi, Ohno", Nino stated, his voice betraying both his feelings clearly. "I'm bored. Entertain me". Nino wasn't sure when Ohno had stopped being a vaguely annoying, permanent presence by his side, to one that was a comfort. One that Nino couldn't imagine not being with him.
As a result of the impromptu contract, Ohno had explained that without a Shadow, Nino wasn't visible to any humans. In order to be visible, to lead something resembling a normal life whilst not doing anything that was required of him as a Shadow, Ohno acted as his shadow. The new opportunity at life after his near-death experience hadn't forced about any kind of drastic change in Nino, and he still spent as much of his school time as was humanly possible up on the school roof, spending his time doing Not A Lot.
"Where's your DS?" Ohno asked. He sounded perfectly content to continue sitting there. If what Nino had learnt over the past few months was anything to go by, Ohno probably was perfectly content to just sit there. One time, Nino had been led on his bed playing a game, habitually glancing up to see what the man was up to, only to find that Ohno had been incredibly fascinated by his own hands. For at least half an hour. For someone who had proved so capable at things Nino had really not expected - like movement, for example - he really wasn't the most 'with it' person ever.
"Battery died", Nino eventually answered, leaning against Ohno's side. He had decided that since he was forced to spend so much time in Ohno's company, he had just as well make as much use of that as he could. Nevertheless, his own habits of ignoring personal space and request for Ohno to entertain him aside, he really hadn't expected the sudden sensation if lips being pressed against his own.
Eyes widening, he stared blankly at the (incredibly close, but that would be termed in no uncertain terms as 'stating the obvious') close face of Ohno, it took him several moments to respond. He'd never been fond of being surprised, especially when it was with regards to physical contact, even if the surprise was pleasant. As Ohno pulled away, a small smirk crossed his face, and Nino thought that perhaps Ohno had been spending too much time with himself and Jun (with whom Nino had found himself increasing amounts of time with after That Incident. He also appeared strangely fond of Ohno, something Nino couldn't say he liked very much).
As he recovered his wits, a grin crossed his face and he moved closer to Ohno, murmuring in the others ear that he knew Nino's opinion on surprises, and that he was going to pay for it. Pressing his lips against the skin beneath Ohno's ear, Nino sucked at the skin before following the line of his jaw with his tongue, his hands running up the inside of Ohno's top, pushing him against the fence the wall of the building that housed the steps back to the main school building.
As Ohno returned his kisses, Nino felt himself moan softly at the way the other's hands deftly explored his body. He hadn't quite realised just how good the older man was with his hands, and Nino realised with a sudden start that he was, for some reason, surprised at the way he seemed to know exactly what he was doing, exactly what would make Nino completely succumb. His lips were soft against his skin, his breath both warm and teasing when he breathed against him, and Nino really wasn't sure if he could be all coherent about the fingers dancing across his skin beneath his top.
A soft, controlled cough brought Nino's attention back to his surroundings and - disappointingly enough - apparently Ohno's as well. Glancing towards the source of the noise, he found himself staring at Jun, staring back at them. Nino had spent enough time with Jun to know that he was faking the blank, impassive, almost uncaring expression. Nino knew his cheeks must be flushed - even to him, they felt warm, and Jun's unrelenting gaze wasn't entirely helpful. Whilst he was aware that Ohno was capable of some surprisingly blunt comments, he hadn't expected the words that next came out of his mouth. They were, of course, spoken with the same soft, mumbling voice Ohno used most of the time, which managed to make it all the more surprising.
"Don't you think that Jun looks kind of left out?"
***
Nino knew he would never be able to view his time spent lazing on the roof in quite the same way ever again. He did, however, entertain the thought that perhaps Jun would come and find him slightly more often now, and that he really, really wouldn't mind it. He got the feeling the other boy wouldn't, either. As for Ohno, the guy had an interesting idea of entertaining him, and he hoped with all certainty that he would take it upon himself to entertain Nino like that again, because Nino definitely didn't have any complaints.
As such, when a quiet voice spoke up, Nino could only manage a chuckle in response.
"Was that the kind of entertainment you had in mind, Nino?"