Jezha: I needed to write more, that's all, but in any case, this a series I'll probably be focusing on a little more- I'm not dedicated, nor do I claim to be, but I will try my best. This is a Nezumi x Shion fiction. BL warnings. Implied torture, horror and scary scenes will not be avoidable. It's half-AU (Alternate Universe), so it will be a mix of plots.

Kakurenbo

Prologue: Countdown

"Are you running, Shion? I'm about to start counting, you know. I should mention- there's no way to escape from here, Shion. It's my world down here, and it's got just over 1001 rooms. I'm going to give you a fair chance. Hahah, don't give me that look, of course you know what happens when I start the game- it's not the first time you've been playing, ne?

How about this, we'll raise the stakes?

If you can hide from me fore more than 2 minutes, I'll let you off for today and tomorrow.

No tests.

Food.

Probably some new clothes- your shirt is atrocious, what with all your bloodstains and sweat. You haven't had a shower for two days, right? Because I found you the last time. Ah, you don't seem motivated, still. You can be quite the gambler, my dear boy. Should we up the stakes more Shion? How much more, your face asks. Ah, I'm not as greedy as yourself, young one.

5 Minutes.

Just five minutes, and I'll let you see them- I'll even buy the new clothes for you. You can shower, and I promise I won't touch you today.

But if you happen to be caught before time's up, what will you offer me?

What would you give to see them once more?

Shion?"

And Shion had gasped, the wretched, desperate words praying to god that he would win this time.

"Everything."

And so, the race begins, Shion's feet dragging the chains bound to him across the granite floor, echoes of the scratching iron bouncing off the enclosed walls as he runs. His heart pounds at a frantic pace, his weary mind willing his exhausted body to push on. Choking back a sob at the accidental brush at his twisted shoulder, he ducks into the tiny crevice right under the staircase, knowing that this was the only blindspot, his only hope.

Shion could feel the countdown begin.

And squeezing himself tight, he knows it's either now or never. With his trembling form, his mind cries out, once more, for the name that has forever been in his thoughts ever since they had met.

'Nezumi.'

A/N: I'm creeping myself out. GAH.