Title: Fast Forward to the Stars
Author: modern warfare king
Fandom: Nurarihyon no Mago
Pairing: Yoru (Night!Rikuo) and Rikuo Nura (Day!Rikuo)
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own nothing from Nurarihyon no Mago. I only own the plot! I hope you guys enjoy the ride anyway!
NOTE (PLEASE READ): This fanfic is AU. No incest or anything. They totally live on separate worlds. And yes, this is SHOUNEN-AI.No flames or anything of the sort. I've already warned you.


CHAPTER 9: SO PERFECTLY MASKED


Rikuo couldn't help but sigh of relief after three days in the hospital. Luckily, he only suffered minimal. He was so close to having broken bones and bleeding internal organs. Classes would resume for him the next day whereas he needed extra rest due to fatigue. He had tire himself out from helping too much. He was careless that way.

He and his mother walked home together. As expected, she scolded him on the way. He really gave her a fright. She never anticipated this kind of behavior from very own son.

"Okay, okay. I get it," Rikuo sighed. He had just enough of her sermons because it was the only thing occupying his mind that moment. "I'm real sorry. I won't get into fights ever again." I think. It wasn't his fault he got mixed into it in the first place. What's done is done. He looked up at the clear blue horizon, thinking he must really have his own lucky stars, getting out of a terrifying situation like that.

Well, ever since he met Yoru that is.

Speaking of the crimson eyed yokai, it had been days since they last saw each other. Rikuo felt incomplete because he hadn't been able to thank the other for saving his life. Again. His debt to him was far greater now.

"I owe Yoru an awful lot again," Rikuo thought. "So a proper expression of gratitude should be in order. Hm… I'd better go to his place then." Then his eyes widened, his face flushed. He didn't know what went over him when he thought that. He shook his head and balled his fists, smiling sheepishly. "I'm going to his place to thank him and nothing more! That's it!"

He then turned his head to his mother and asked, "Hey Mom, you don't mind if I drop by Yoru's place today?"

Wakana had second thoughts. She didn't want Rikuo to go anywhere just yet but that good friend of his was the reason he came to the hospital in one piece. She knew what Rikuo had in mind. Such a sweet boy. But she was surprised. Yoru had some place to live around here? Maybe he was rich. She then crossed her arms against her chest and sighed. "Just come home early, okay?" she said. "I don't want you ending up hurt again, you careless boy."

Careless was his middle name. "Got it, got it," Rikuo said, scratching the back of his head. He then nodded at his mother as he went on his way. He remembered Yoru's place since he did accidentally spend the night there.

"Now that she mention it, I've been a lot more careless lately," he thought, admitting his recent flaw. "But it's for a good reason! Besides, even if I did tell them about it, they'd be in more danger. But I obviously don't want that." He was being stubborn and overprotective over his loved ones, excluding a particular someone. Why? Because Yoru was the one overprotective of him. He was more like… his guardian angel? Was there even such a thing? A yokai who was an angel in disguise? It didn't compute.

He snapped out of his reverie as he stopped in front of Yoru's place, his mansion to be specific. "If I recall the address, this should be it," he thought in disbelief. "I can't get over the fact Yoru's mansion is way huge compared to mine… or anyone's for that matter. How does he even live here? Do a lot of other yokai live here? What if this was actually their secret headquarters?" A lot of questions already rushed in his head. He didn't know but he was actually really excited seeing his crimson eyed savior again. He was hard-headed that way.

The chocolate hair was about to ring the doorbell when he realized there wasn't even one. "Eh… no doorbell? Man, this is one old-fashioned mansion…" He looked around and fidgeted. He was too embarrassed to call out anyone's attention in the mansion. What if there was actually a doorbell? He'd be a laughing stalk. He checked again to make sure. Yep, still no doorbell. "Come on, Rikuo. Pull yourself together. You can do this!" He took a deep breath. One… two… three…

"Rikuo-sama?"

Rikuo gasped. He spotted Yuki-Onna, walking towards him in the entrance. "A-Ah, Yuki-Onna-san," Rikuo greeted, cold sweat dropping from his forehead. He wondered why she called him "Rikuo-sama". He wasn't used to it. In fact, it was his first time being called that.

"You can call me Tsurara, Rikuo-sama," she said, smiling. "It's my human name." Rikuo mentally sighed of relief. He felt more comfortable calling her by an actual name not by a mouthful one. "You're here for Yoru-sama, right?" she asked.

Rikuo's eyes widened. It triggered his bashfulness. "Huh? Uh… well…" He looked away. "Y-Yeah, I guess…"

Tsurara chuckled, her hand muffled over her mouth. "Teehee. I knew it."

"U-Um… that's because I want to thank him personally for that night—"

Tsurara screamed, her face flushed and hands over her cheeks, startling Rikuo. "That night?! Kyaa! It's happening all too fast! You two aren't even married yet! What am I supposed to tell sodaisho?"

Rikuo's face became even redder than usual as he waved his hands. "N-No! We did nothing of the sort!" He felt like his heartbeat could be heard from miles away. But that was just his imagination. He then explained everything to Tsurara the events that occurred that night.

Tsurara immediately bowed apologetically to Rikuo after quickly jumping into such a conclusion. "I'm terribly sorry, Rikuo-sama," she said, guilt-ridden. "I'll take you to see Yoru-sama right away."

Rikuo nodded and smiled. "Thank you," he said as he thought, "About time."

Tsurara took Rikuo to the guest room. She bowed again as he exited the room, shouting out the name that'd make Rikuo's heart race every single time. "Yoru-sama!"

The chocolate hair looked around in silence. Everything sure looked fancy and yet it gave off this simplistic feel. The power of tradition. He gazed at the sakura branch in a beautiful porcelain vase. It reminded him about none other than Yoru. And now that the yokai infiltrated his mind again, he suddenly felt nervous and excited at the same time. And it was all because Tsurara had to bring up that very… personal topic. Besides, they haven't seen each other for days.

After what felt like an eternity, the sliding door opened. Rikuo's eyes widened, his cheeks burning like mad. His heart raced at an unmanageable pace. Yep, that was Yoru's forever lingering effect on him whether he liked it or not.

"Rikuo!" Yoru said, surprised. "So Yuki-Onna really wasn't kidding…"

Rikuo felt like melting. Why did it have to happen now out of all times? Yoru walked towards Rikuo, his face shining like the sun… or any other stars out there. Rikuo tried moving his mouth but was completely immobilized and captivated by the other.

"I'm just here to thank Yoru," he thought to himself over and over again. His self-control was like an unpredictable time bomb, ready to set off at anytime.

"I'm so glad you're okay again," Yoru said, his heart at ease. He was most happy seeing his favorite person in the world but he was even happier Rikuo visited his place this place. He couldn't ask for anything more. While Yoru felt joyous and like the luckiest guy in the world, Rikuo's heart was out of control. Sure, he was madly happy about it too but his agitation kicked in. He wasn't Yoru who could be so calm and composed over everything. "So what brings you here? This is the first time you've ever visited me."

"Uh… um…" Rikuo stammered. "Just thank him, darn it!"

Yoru blinked and tilted his head, stepping closer. "Rikuo?"

Rikuo mentally shrieked. Yoru broke through his barriers again. "A-Ack! Don't come closer or I'll—"

The yokai placed his hand thoughtfully over Rikuo's burning and tomato-red cheek. "Huh? Your face is red…"

That was the last straw; the final blow. Rikuo yanked Yoru and smashed his lips against his, slanting his head this way and that to get closer. Yoru's eyes widened in surprise and eventually kissed Rikuo back as he wrapped his arms around the chocolate hair's waist lovingly.


MEANWHILE, IN UKIYOE HIGH SCHOOL


"Ugh, I can't believe Rikuo's still absent today," Kiyotsugu shouted, slamming the table in frustration. Everyone else practiced their hearts out while Rikuo relaxed and lived the high life. And he happened to be the lead actor of this year's class play.

"You should just chalk it up to bad luck and replace Nura," Shima suggested, patting Kiyotsugu's shoulder. "It's too late for him to make a comeback anyway. I mean, the festival's a week away."

"He's right, Kiyotsugu-kun," Kana agreed, frowning. So far, she had memorized all her lines and practiced with almost every boy in the classroom. Rikuo really was the only one she hadn't practiced with yet. "Besides, we shouldn't risk our play because of him."

Kiyotsugu shook his head. He believed in Rikuo. The chocolate hair was the type of guy to memorize his lines at home wholeheartedly. In other words, he trusted him. "But he'll come back tomorrow—"

"Give it up, Kiyotsugu-kun," Saori said, rolling her eyes. "Kana-chan's right. Nura-kun has the most important role. Let's not risk it all because of your false hope."

Kiyotsugu clenched his fists, irritated. There were antagonists all around him. Rikuo happened to save their backs three nights ago and they acted like it didn't even happen in the first place. "Just give him another chance, okay?!" he shouted, a bit too loud that is. The whole class stopped doing their tasks and looked at their director.

Saori and Kana looked worriedly at one another. They only said what needed to be said, right? Their play was in jeopardy. Everybody worked their butts off yet Rikuo wasn't with everyone. And it was all because of that incident three nights ago. They were just merely facing facts.

Shima stared at Kiyotsugu, startled. He hadn't seen that much fire in him. "If you say so then, dude…"

"Okay, enough staring and get back to your places everyone," Natsumi said, waving her hands.

Outside the classroom, the same black haired student eavesdropped the whole thing, his arms folded. Kana stepped out of the room and met eyes with him. She smiled and nodded politely at her senpai.

"Tamazuki-senpai," she greeted. "What brings you here?"

Tamazuki was well-respected in their school. He transferred to the campus just a few months ago but instantly gained popularity. He was the vice president of the student council. He helped everyone, as in everyone in need for nothing in return and because everyone knew him.

"I overheard everything while I was passing by," Tamazuki said, smiling. He gazed at his kohai and couldn't help but feel that kimono was eerily familiar.

"You sure have a passionate director there, waiting for someone up until now."

Kana giggled. "Yep, that's Kiyotsugu-kun for you."

"What's your role in the play if you don't mind me asking?" he asked, tilting his head. "I'm guessing it's a very essential one."

"Um… you can say that," she said bashfully. "I'm YoHime."

Tamazuki blinked in surprise. "Oh?" He smiled again. "The role suits you perfectly."

"Ah, really? Thank you, senpai," Kana said. "I better go now. It was nice talking to you."

The senpai nodded. "Same here." When Kana hurriedly went on her way, Tamazuki rubbed his chin. "So he's not here, eh?" he said to himself as he sighed. "That's very troublesome."


BACK IN THE YOKAI MANSION


When they parted lips, Yoru pulled Rikuo in an embrace.

"You're unfair, you know that?" he said, smirking.

Rikuo raised an eyebrow, hugging back. There was no use in trying to object Yoru's affection anyway. "Huh? Why?"

Yoru chuckled. "Up until now, you've been the one kissing me."

The chocolate hair's eyes widened and pushed Yoru away, feeling even more embarrassed. "Eh? I didn't know! Besides, I did it for a good reason. Don't get too carried away."

"For what reason?" Yoru smirked. "It has been three days since we last saw each other, Rikuo."

Rikuo looked away, smiling nervously. "Er… I just want to thank you properly for saving me that night. You know… coz I owe you a lot again," he said. "And now that it's been taken care of, I'll be taking my leave."

"Not so fast." Yoru chuckled as he cupped Rikuo's chin. "It's my turn."

Rikuo didn't like the sound of that at all yet he couldn't shove Yoru away. He let his nerves get the better of him again. Yoru slanted his head as he leaned closer. Rikuo knew he couldn't ever resist Yoru, unless—

"Riku-chan! Yuki-Onna told me you were here!"

That happened.

Rikuo miraculously pushed the crimson eyed yokai to greet Yoru's grandfather, none other than the sodaisho of the first generation Hyakki Yako, Nurarihyon.

"N-Nurarihyon-sama!" Rikuo said, grinning oh so nervously.

Nurarihyon blinked. Yoru was glaring coldly at his own grandfather. Judging from their appearance, something exciting was about to happen. He rubbed his chin, smirking. "Hm? Did I interrupt something important?"

"No," Rikuo said as Yoru said, "Yes."

Rikuo gaped at the crimson eyed yokai. "Yoru!"

"Whoops!" Nurarihyon chuckled. "Then I'll come back later. Have fun, kiddies!"

"Eh?!" Rikuo's eyes widened. "No! I told you, we're not—" It was too late for Rikuo to reason with the sodaisho when he already left the room. Rikuo pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing heavily. Just when he thought the tension eased. It was far from that.

Yoru cupped Rikuo's chin again as he wrapped an arm around the chocolate hair's waist, smirking. "Now… where were we?"

Rikuo narrowed his eyes as he pushed Yoru's face away from his. "I don't think so." The chocolate smirked. With the help of Nurarihyon, he was back to his normal-avoid-Yoru's-affection-at-all-cost self. "Besides, I overstayed my welcome here. I should be going back. Mom will be worried again."

"I should walk you home then," Yoru said. He was used to Rikuo's overused excuses but he always had his own up his sleeve.

Rikuo rolled his eyes as he opened the sliding door. "Fine. Do what you want."

"I win," Yoru thought to himself, mentally chuckling.


NURA RESIDENCE


"Ah, Yoru-kun," Wakana said, smiling. "You walked Rikuo home. You're too nice. Thank you."

"I just don't want him to end up in trouble again," Yoru said, smiling just as brightly as her. Rikuo's eye twitched. How he wanted to wipe that smile off his face.

"Well, I'm glad you're back, Rikuo," Wakana said as he ruffled her son's hair. She nodded at Yoru as she walked inside.

Rikuo nodded and turned his head to Yoru, smiling sarcastically. He tried his best to smile sincerely to no avail. "Thanks again."

Yoru smirked as he nodded. "Sure, no problem." When Rikuo's eyes met Yoru's, it was as if those crimson eyes told him, "I'll be back tomorrow…"

Rikuo rolled his eyes. And Yoru definitely knew what it meant. Passing by them was everyone's favorite senpai. Rikuo blinked as he called out the senpai's name.

"Tamazuki-senpai!"

Yoru's eyes widened as he turned his head to the Rikuo's black haired senpai. Tamazuki's eyes widened as well. But then it immediately softened as he saw and smiled at the chocolate hair.

"Ah, Nura-kun," he said. "Your classmates have been worried about you. I've heard you have the lead role in your class' play."

Rikuo rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. "Yeah, you're right. But I'll be going back to school tomorrow so…"

"Ah, that's good," Tamazuki said, smiling even wider. "Your director really believed you could pull it off. Have you memorized the script?"

Rikuo nodded. "I've actually had nothing to do when I stayed in the hospital so I memorized all the lines."

Tamazuki raised an eyebrow as he rubbed his chin. "You were in the hospital? Why is that? What happened?" he asked worriedly.

"Uh…" Rikuo rubbed the back of his neck, smiling nervously. "Someone was pulling a prank at students in the school during nightly hours so we had to check it and well… they picked me on a fight…"

"Ah," Tamazuki said, slightly shocked and surprised. "Well, I'm glad you're okay again." He then chuckled. "That's one hell of a noble deed you did."

Rikuo grinned widely. "Thanks, senpai!"

Yoru's eye twitched. Rikuo never grinned so casually like that because of him ever. Apparently, he was annoyed and irritated by that senpai of his.

"Well, I'll be off now," Tamazuki said. "See you tomorrow… Nura-kun."

Rikuo nodded and waved his hand goodbye. "Okay! See you, senpai!"

Yoru glared icily at Tamazuki as he walked off. He couldn't help but feel like he needed to protect Rikuo even more, especially around him. He unconsciously held Rikuo's hand, to the chocolate hair's surprise. "Yoru…?"

Tamazuki, on the other hand, mentally laughed out loud to himself. "I finally found you… Yoru-kun…"


A/N: Whooo! Finally finished! I had writer's block which was why I couldn't write it sooner. So sorry about that. Well, at least you guys found out who the big boss now, huh? LOL congrats to HikariNoTenshi-san for getting the right answer! Ding ding ding! LOL IDK what prize I should give you OTL

Anyway, many many many lovey dovey thanks to the following who used a precious minute to review this story: Soul Vrazy, MegumiHana, Crescent Flame, akira45, Midnight Kei, zhafirah and the lovely guest lol

How was this chapter? Hope you guys still enjoyed it OTL I hope I ain't selling out. Stay tuned for the next chapter!