Riika's back with the last chapter of the story!
Are you excited for this? I am. I couldn't stop writing once I started.
I hope you like it because I write for you guys, not for me.
Disclaimer:: I do not own No. 6. Seriously, why would I be here if I did?
Fading sunlight filtered through the window and into the living room of the house above the bakery. The space was small, but it was enough to fit the seven or so people who were there. Conversation filled the air accompanied by the scents of various pastries. There was music playing, classical, but it was quiet, barely loud enough to be heard.
It was a wonderful party, and he couldn't deny that, but he couldn't seem to keep focused on the people that were there. His mother, Inukashi and Ran, Rikiga, and a few of his coworkers. They were all there celebrating with him. He should have been happy. So why wasn't he? He didn't need to answer that. It was so obvious even a young child like Ran would be able to see it. If he hadn't been putting on that cheerful front, that is.
But he was. He was smiling and laughing as the statements and jokes swirled around him, a blur of sounds that didn't have real form. But it was all fake. The smiling, the laughing, the small bits he added to the conversation when he deemed it necessary. He couldn't stop thinking about him.
He could feel worried eyes on him. His mother had known something was wrong and she worried for her son's well-being. He was fine, physically at least. Mentally, he was exhausted. His mind raced all day with thoughts of his missing companion and at night, his dreams wouldn't let him sleep. He was okay for now, but what would happen when it was time to go to work again? He couldn't afford to be distracted there. There were too many things that could go wrong because of it.
It was hot in the room with everyone there, even if the sliding door was half-open to the chilling night air. He let out a soft sigh and stood from his seat on the arm of the couch that had been pushed against the wall. "I think I need some air," he said aloud to no one in particular. He crossed the room as quickly as he could without looking like he was trying to escape and stepped out onto the veranda.
He leaned against the railing, looking out over the cityscape. It was well-lit, as it was only nine in the evening. The cool wind bit at his skin and he shivered. It was refreshing compared to the heat of the living room. He leaned back, looking up. It was cloudless and the stars were shining through the purple expanse of twilight sky. "I wonder if Nezumi can see how pretty it looks too," he thought aloud.
Another sigh escaped his lips as he supported himself using the railing. His eyes slid closed and he let himself enjoy the sting of the breeze. He felt almost weightless, free. It was easier to think out here where there were no distractions. "He'd probably think looking up at the stars is something only idiots do," he added. Still, the comfort of something familiar, even a statement like that, would have made him feel better.
Time had slowed down in his head and it felt like ages before he finally opened his eyes again. The sky was black now, an endless wilderness of shining gems up above. "I should get back inside," he told himself. It was his birthday, he should be celebrating with everyone else.
Then he felt arms around him in a gentle, loving way and long strands of gray-blue hair fell over his head and into his line of sight. Time seemed to halt. "Or we could stay out here," an all-too-familiar voice suggested.
The white-haired boy's eyes widened in shock. He turned slowly, as if moving would cause the beautiful illusion to disappear. He stared up at the ravenette, his crimson orbs locking with familiar gray ones. "Nezumi?" he asked in disbelief. He'd been hearing things for days, for all he knew this Nezumi wasn't real either.
The taller smiled, caressing Shion's cheek and brushing his thumb over the head of the red snake that curled around his body. In the process, he wiped away tears he knew the other boy didn't know were there. For a moment, Shion let himself get caught up in the moment and he wrapped his arms around Nezumi. But just as he did so, the wariness returned. "How do I know you're real?" he mumbled against Nezumi's chest.
Nezumi sighed, tipping the whitette's head up so he could see his eyes. He was surprised to find the crimson hues were deadly serious, looking almost hurt at the thought. He brought their lips together in a light kiss, but the longing and desire each of them had endured turned it into a fiery, more passionate one.
"You're not crazy, Shion. I'm home."
All done!
So what did you think? Reviews are loved, they inspire more stories! If you have any ideas for stories or just random things you'd like to throw together to challenge me, I'd love to hear them! I write for a few different pairings and am thinking of writing for more. I love challenges, so if you can think up something good, let me know.
Gotta get back to my other current multi-chapter fic. Until next time, nya~
