Yeah, so it's been a while. Honestly, I lost interest in writing for a while, and while it's not completely back yet, I'm trying to push through it and get back into this hobby that I loved.
I still love all the characters I've made very much, even though Shion is the explicit definition of an ass. xD
So here I am, a few years later. I hope I haven't lost my touch.
Though I suppose that's a job for you guys to tell me. ;P
• • • • • •
It was an odd experience not waking up in one's own bed. Usually, it would give someone a spark of panic, though on this occasion being buried under blankets that smelt of someone else felt nice. Safe, even. Bleary-eyed and brain full of fog, Kyoya's sleep-crusted eyes looked up at the unfamiliar blurry ceiling for a minute before the smell of eggs wafted in through the crack of the door and hit his nose. It was now the second time he's woken up in this small room that Shion called his bedroom.
Sitting up, Kyoya rubbed the sleep out of his eyes that stubbornly clung to him and looked over to Shion's bedside clock. Narrowing his eyes, he closed them for a moment and read it again, making sure that the digital display wasn't faulty. It was indeed 8:00 AM, and as if to taunt him, the clock continued its task of keeping time, now showing 8:01 AM. Even if his mind didn't want to wake up, his body told him otherwise as his stomach requested that the source of that delightful smell be promptly deposited in his maw. Kyoya put on his glasses with a well-practised motion and stretched as a few cracks resounded, his body protesting from sleeping on an unfamiliar bed. He would usually be irritable getting up at such an early time on a weekend, but he was already alert enough to not be able to go back to sleep.
Opening the door, Kyoya stepped out to see Shion tending to the stovetop, and before he could open his mouth, Shion spoke without even turning around, "Go ahead and wash up. I was actually about to drag you out." Shion laughed when Kyoya just grunted in response and trudged over to the washroom.
The first thing he did was take off his glasses and wash his face with crisp, cold water. The shock of the temperature flushed the remaining drowsiness right out of him. Turning the tap off, Kyoya took a moment and just took a breath. Noticing the spare toothbrush that Shion had set out for him, he squeezed some toothpaste on and started brushing, eyes wandering the room and noticing small details as he idly glanced around. A cracked tile here, a small break in the ceiling there… Eventually, as he finished and spat into the sink, he rinsed his face once more and looked at himself, a small tug of curiosity pulling at him. He blinked almost owlishly, surprised that he, Ootori Kyoya, wanted to snoop around Shion's flat. He was above such things, well, doing it himself at least. That's something he would get the Twins to do for him, and he was stooping to their level.
I shouldn't…
He gave in to the urge.
Quietly, Kyoya opened the medicine cabinet door and took a look at what was inside. There wasn't anything too surprising—some bandaids, a first aid kit, medication with a brand that Kyoya didn't recognise. Under the sink was a surplus of toilet paper, extra towels and face cloths. Nothing controversial, and nothing for Kyoya to be surprised about. Surprisingly normal.
He just hasn't checked the right areas.
Finishing up, Kyoya returned and Shion had just finished plating the last egg before garnishing it with a bit of parsley on top. Granted, it wasn't fresh, but he did not expect gourmet. With two plates in hand, Shion set them on the table. A classic breakfast.
"I could have helped," Kyoya commented as he pulled out his chair and sat down with Shion.
Shrugging, Shion popped open his tabasco sauce and put it on his eggs. A teasing look caught Kyoya off guard, "I'll have you cook next time." There was a pause, "Can you even cook?" Without assistance that is.
Scoffing at the remark, Kyoya reached for the pepper. "Adequately." Though he didn't think he could make as good of a sunny side up as Shion did. Looking up, he frowned as Shion just raised an eyebrow.
Shion took a sip of his coffee, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "I'll believe you when I witness it." Then he took his piece of toast and dipped it in his runny egg yolk. After taking a bite, he noticed Kyoya staring. "What is it?"
"I just thought it was fitting," Kyoya said as he cut into his eggs. "You eat your breakfast like an Englishman."
Shion shrugged, "Well... I am German."
Kyoya reached for the tabasco sauce and put a small drop of it on his pinky and tasted it. Humming, he frowned and nodded as he added a decent amount as the red liquid lightly coated the two eggs.
Shion eyed Kyoya, slightly confused as Kyoya took a bite with no outward change in his expression, "Huh, I thought that you didn't like spicy foods."
"Oh, I do," Kyoya explained as he gave Shion an amused look, "It's just that your tolerance is much higher than mine judging from that schweineschnitzel you made."
Shion's eyebrows rose behind his bangs at the proper pronunciation, but he didn't comment on it. "That soup that the twins tampered with though… I wouldn't be surprised if they put a few tablespoons of Carolina Reaper powder in that unholy concoction."
It was Kyoya's turn to look surprised as he remembered something. "Those two did have something delivered to them as soon as Tamaki started making that soup with Haruhi."
Shaking his head, Shion scoffed, "Fucking twins."
Kyoya couldn't agree more.
After finishing their breakfast, Kyoya stood up first and took his and Shion's plate, "I'll clean this up." It was the least he could do after all. There weren't many dishes to do, the pan Shion used to cook, their plates, cups and cutlery all soaked for a minute in hot soapy water. While they soaked, Kyoya wiped down the table and looked over to Shion's recording room. He smiled lightly as his gloved hands reached into the water to pull out the first dish to be cleaned, at least I have some music to listen to. Turning off the tap, Kyoya put the last dish on the drying rack Shion had and dried his hands. The gloves proved to be ineffective as it hindered his dexterity and he almost broke a plate when he almost dropped it. Thankfully Shion had a small container of lotion by the sink as his hands were slightly wrinkly from the water. Satisfied at the state of the kitchen, Kyoya then went to study for the English test that was coming up, claiming Shion's living room as his own for the time being.
An hour or so went by, and Kyoya had set aside a few questions that needed to be answered by a native speaker. A notebook in hand, Kyoya got up from the couch he'd taken over and knocked on Shion's studio door before opening it. There he saw Shion sitting on his chair, leaning back and frowning at a script in his hand. His script had lines highlighted for each part that was going to be used for the audition.
Cocking his head and leaning his head on his shoulder, Shion sighed and looked at Kyoya before his lips tugged up into a small smile, "Need assistance?"
Kyoya blinked and stared for a second, "Well... it seems that you need it more than I do judging from this…" he gestured at Shion in general, "irritation of yours." Closing the door, Kyoya leaned his back against it and saw Shion look back at his script with one last frown before putting it down on his desk.
Shion shrugged, "I'm trying to memorize lines." After all, if he had them down beforehand it would give him a better chance to get the roll. "You have some English questions?"
"If you have the time to answer them."
Taking a break from the script would be good for the time being. If I push it too much, I'll just end up forgetting everything. He got up with a stretch and saw that Kyoya was still leaning back on the door. Smirking, Shion closed the distance and as Kyoya craned his head, Shion took that chance to lean down and kiss him. From his position, Shion twisted the door knob and as the door swung open, he caught Kyoya as he lost his balance.
"Don't let me throw you off balance," Shion chuckled and continued speaking English as he strode into his living room, "Ask away."
• • • • • •
With the sun descending from its peak in the sky, Kyoya thought that it was about time he went back home. He finished the last of the tea Shion provided him and started putting away all his school material.
Soon enough, Kyoya got a notification that his ride was outside and Shion followed him to the door. There was no need to walk him to the vehicle as Shion could just watch from the upper walkway.
Shion paused in his task of opening the door to give Kyoya a kiss. It was teasing, because just as Kyoya pushed into it, Shion pulled away. "You have my number if you have any questions about that homework—I still have no idea how you got it by the way."
Kyoya blinked, a sly smile pulling on him. "I'll keep my sources secret." And with that, Kyoya left.
Watching as Kyoya descended the stairs from the hallway, Shion muttered, "I bet he somehow has access to the school records."
It was apparently loud enough for Kyoya to hear because Shion noticed a distinct pause in his stride. Then a moment later, Kyoya entered the vehicle with a lazy wave. Closing the door behind himself, he adjusted his seat and leaned back with a sigh.
The driver adjusted his rear-view mirror and looked at Kyoya through it, "How was your stay, Kyoya-sama?"
Humming minutely, Kyoya idly watched the buildings slowly pass as they left the neighbourhood. Upon chance, he saw Haruhi walking with bags in her hands who nodded to the car. She wasn't stupid—no doubt the fancy vehicle was Kyoya's.
Kyoya rested his chin on the palm of his hand as he stared outside, the wind from the partially open window tousling his hair. "It was… enjoyable."
The driver blinked, Kyoya seemed disappointed to leave a friend's place. That was certainly something unexpected since he was usually looking forward to going back home from the Suoh's residence. To be fair, I'm surprised how he's tolerated the blond with how… energetic he is.
The familiar feeling of the vehicle pulling into the cobblestone driveway broke Kyoya out of his trance as he arrived at his home. The door opened and his driver held it for him as he stepped out and paused, simply staring at his household. The thought of dinner with his family crossed his mind and for a brief moment, Kyoya wanted to turn around.
Shion's homely tossed together dinners had more warmth to them than the meals served here on a silver platter.
A small smile quirked at the corners of his mouth as he entered. Those spices he likes certainly adds to the warmth. I do like spicy food, but his taste is beyond mine. He held in a mirthful chuckle and returned the greeting to the domestic staff as he continued walking to his room. Immediately upon entering his room, Kyoya opted to lay on his bed for a while instead of looking over his notes. Prioritizing relaxation for the time being—or procrastinating as some would call it. He still had to get the concrete plans done for the more complicated themes for the club.
Blankly looking at the ceiling, Kyoya frowned, "The theatre department does have an associated club that handles their props and costumes... If I could use them… Tch." Kyoya grumbled and sat up, his mind clearly working too hard to try and relax.
Well, he was in the mindset now, why not get things done.
About an hour or so passed as Kyoya worked away before he was called for dinner. It was a usual occurrence, the family would meet at least once a week for dinner if their schedules aligned. Kyoya didn't necessarily look forward to them since he didn't have the best relationship with his brothers, but it was a rule of the household.
Sitting down at his place at the large dining table across from his brother, Kyoya noticed that his elder brother's seat was empty. Yuichi must have had something come up. Ah, well it wasn't his problem he supposed. It only meant that dinner would be quieter. Nothing too different.
With the family seated, Yoshio cleared his throat, "Due to unexpected events Yuichi will not be attending tonight. He will be attending later in the week." With that announced, he gestured for the food to be brought in.
"You have been going over to your friends more frequently, and yet you haven't spoken of them Kyoya." Mizuki, his mother questioned as she put down her glass of white wine.
Kyoya dabbed the corners of his mouth with a cloth before addressing his mother, "What would you like to know, Okaa-sama?"
A small smile came upon her lips, "We shall find out when you invite them over for dinner."
He looked to his father who met his gaze for a mere moment before moving to his middle son's, "Akito, how have your studies been progressing?"
Kyoya held the urge to rub the bridge of his nose as he felt a headache starting.
Just a regular family dinner.
• • • • • • •
It was a regular day in the club room and it was nearing the end of the club's run time. Shion had been growing in popularity over the last while since he stopped hiding his eyes much to Shion's frustration. He wanted to take it easy and rising popularity didn't help in the slightest. Though thankfully it seemed to plateau and he had gotten used to the larger number of groups he had to go through.
Sighing and leaning back, Shion cracked his neck as the last group for the day approached. The three girls were familiar faces, ones that occasionally visited him every so often. Smiling politely, Shion gestured for them to sit, "Hello ladies. Please, take a seat."
The girls giggled and followed suit, "Hello Hakuba-san."
"Please, none of that. Now," Shion's mismatched eyes moved over each of the girls who fidgeted under his gaze, "What role shall I embody for you three?"
They each looked at each other before nodding and one spoke up, Ayumi if Shion remembered correctly, "We were actually hoping that you wouldn't do that today."
"We would like to sit and chat with you, Hakuba-san," Another spoke, the name escaped him but the girl had short strawberry blonde hair.
Shion's eyebrows disappeared behind his bangs, "Really…" Shion hummed thoughtfully. "I've never had anybody request this." A pause. Shion's eyes lidded and a small smile came upon him. "Are you sure about this decision?"
Despite Shion's friendly smile, a shiver wracked through the girls in front of him. Even with that as a warning, they nodded.
An unnerving grin made them feel like they made a wrong choice, and Shion's pleasant and proper disposition dissipated. Without an act to uphold, Shion leaned back and crossed his legs, a saucer and teacup in his hands.
He closed his eyes and took a sip, and when he opened them, the girls were blatantly staring at him. A teasing smile tugged on him and he laughed outright, "This is still a visit that I'm hosting girls, idle chit-chat is still allowed."
"O-oh, then… um. I-is it true th—owch!" The third girl, Eimi, bit her tongue. She laughed in embarrassment and continued, "Is it true that you will be doing performances during the art festival at the end of the year?"
"It is," Shion stated. "It is a key part in my scholarship after all."
There was a relatively comfortable silence as they all enjoyed their tea. The girls found that Shion typically only talked when asked a question, or to occasionally redirect the conversation to make the girls talk amongst themselves.
Upon reaching the end of their session, Shion stood up to guide them out as per usual. He gestured for the ladies to go ahead. Walking beside them, one of the girls misstepped and their ankle rolled.
Flinching to brace for impact, Eimi felt an arm wrap around her. Blinking, she felt her ankle throb in pain. Her face turned crimson when she noticed that Shion was holding her up. "O-oh I'm sorr—eep!" She let out a squeak as her legs were swept up into Shion's arms.
It was only for a brief moment because the next thing she knew she was set back down on the couch.
"Ootori!" Shion barked, and Eimi flinched at the tone, "I don't know where that damn first aid kit is." Knowing that he was heard and that Kyoya knew what he meant, Shion knelt down. "Eimi-san. Your ankle is probably sprained if the pain you're experiencing is any indicator."
Eimi moved her foot, it wasn't the smartest of decisions and she winced. "Yeah… it hurts quite a bit." She giggled lightly after Shion shot her a disbelieving look.
"I'd think so," Shion clipped. "I'm going to take off your shoe before it swells. It'll hurt, but not as much as it would if you kept it on."
Kyoya arrived with the first-aid kit just as Shion took off the shoe. It had an annoying little latch that his nails couldn't get under. He saw the girl wince, "Do be more gentle with the lady."
Without even looking Shion grabbed the kit and started rummaging through it, "Gentle's my middle name."
"Really?" "That's doubtful," The twins echoed each other as they sat back and watched what was going down. The other guests have been ushered out except for this girl's two friends that she came in with.
"Fuck no," Shion found the items he needed, "It's sarcasm."
Kyoya smirked, "The joke or…"
"My middle name is Sarcasm," Shion said without hesitation. Sighing, he redirected his attention to the girl who was giggling in front of him. "Now, I'm going to have you to get those socks, leggings, stockings or whatever the fuck you have on your foot—off."
Tamaki lurched forward at Shion's manners, "That's not how you—!"
"Kindly shut it Suoh." The quip cut Tamaki off before he could fully go off on him, though Shion could hear irritated mutterings. He'd probably regret that later.
The girl's face turned bright red, "I-I'm wearing stockings… I can't really take them off w-ithout..."
Shion grabbed the pair of scissors from the kit, making sure that she understood what he was insinuating. "Are they replaceable?" After receiving a nod, Shion gave the scissors a precursory snip, "Good enough."
It didn't take any time at all to cut through the fabric. Now with the ankle visible, Shion inspected it. There was already a bruise which indicated that it was a bad sprain. "This'll hurt, I have to be firm with this," Shion said as he straightened her ankle, a groan of pain resounding from the girl, and used his other hand to start wrapping the cloth. The final result was tight enough that it was held in place but loose enough that it didn't cut off circulation.
"Thank you for the help Hakuba-san," Eimi smiled.
"You're welcome. However, I'm not done yet." Shion stood up and brushed off his pant legs from kneeling on the ground. "You have two options: Go to the nurses' office or go straight to a hospital. It is a bad sprain from what I can tell, so I recommend the latter." Shion held his thumb and pointer finger out, counting the two options.
Eimi thought for a moment. "I do have a vehicle waiting for me." She looked to her friends, "It looks like I can't go over tonight, Sara."
Sara shook her head, more worried for her friend, "That's no problem. I can go with you if you'd like?"
"I can as well!" Ayumi piped in.
Eimi looked back to Shion with a small smile before her expression looked troubled, "I'll take your recommendation… though how am I going to go down the stairs… hmm."
There was a moment of silence as the girl thought, and Shion felt all eyes in the room bore into him. Heaving a sigh, he rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. Stop looking at me like that, I'll do it."
"Do what?" Eimi questioned.
"This," Not a moment later, Shion had swept her up and into his arms once again, "I'll bring you to your vehicle."
Her face flushed, "O-o-okay."
With her friends opening the door, Shion left with the girl in tow. The two other girls bowed and quickly took off after Shion who was quickly walking away, both giggling at their friend's predicament. He just wanted to drop the girl off as soon as possible.
Silence occupied the relatively empty club room as the members stared at the door for a solid minute. The spell broke when Tamaki clapped his hands. "Alright, while Hakuba escorts that beautiful young lady, we'll start cleaning up!"
Each member did their own part upon the order of their King.
Haruhi had a little metal cart with three levels picking up all the teaware off the tables. She carefully set each dish and cup, having learned to not stack the cups first-hand. She finished clearing a table and when she moved to the next, she overheard the twins talking.
Hikaru hummed as he sprayed the tables around him that Haruhi had just cleared, "You think Hakuba's just going to peel?"
"Pfft, he would though," Kaoru laughed as he wiped the tables with a cloth. "If anything it would let him escape Tamaki. He's been fuming about how he treated that girl."
Haruhi picked up the remaining teacups at the tabled closest to them, "No, his bag is still here. Shion wouldn't leave without it." Inwardly, she smiled humorously. His keys and phone are in there and he has no landline.
Shion conveniently arrived when the cleaning duties were just about finished and Haruhi had her suspicions that it was done on purpose. Expecting this from him, she handed him a broom with a smile. She didn't do that duty. On purpose. Shion would be proud if it were not at his expense.
Frowning with a shrug, Shion took the large push broom out of the girl's hand and did the obvious. After finishing up, he sat down with a sigh on the couch across from Kyoya. Tamaki still sat on a chair, sipping on a fresh pot of tea.
"Since you made it, you have to clean it," Shion informed bluntly.
The blond set his cup onto the saucer, "That's fair I suppose."
Taking a cup for himself, Shion inhaled the scent and hummed, "I do have some news," upon grabbing the 'King' and by association 'Queen's' attention, he continued, "I'll essentially be having to go on… part-time with this club for the foreseeable future."
Tamaki reacted how Shion would have expected—by starting to choke on his tea. "W-what?!"
Kyoya's typing stopped and he made concrete eye contact with Shion. Urging him to explain.
"As you are aware, I," Shion gestured to himself, knowing full well that dragging the explanation out would irk Kyoya, "am a scholarship student under the arts. As such, I have to take part in the major performances at the end of the year. This means that I have to take part and practice a role in the productions."
"You need time for rehearsal," Kyoya stated and put down his cup of tea, having finished.
Shion nodded, affirming Kyoya's statement. "While there are rehearsals with the clubs, I will also need my own time to prepare."
Tamaki frowned, "Does this mean that you will be missing out on some of the events we're planning?" He didn't want that, but Shion would need time to prepare as his scholarship was on the line.
"Unfortunately," Shion drawled. He didn't have that much of an interest in the big events. "Though my performances are a higher priority since it'll affect my schooling. I may be able to attend some of the events depending on the days and when rehearsals are."
Kyoya started typing again, "I expect you to keep us updated."
"Of course, Queen," Shion's face held neutral for the joke, but the scathing look he received from Kyoya was enough for him to break into laughter.
Tamaki felt like he was out of place and was quite confused. Is there something I'm missing here?
• • • • • •
Walking through the hallways of Ouran, Shion walked with purpose, a mid-sized black case in tow that hung from a strap on his shoulder. He had hung back in the classroom to wait for everyone to leave so he could navigate the halls in peace.
It did not go as planned.
"I was wondering what that case was... so you have your audition today!" Tamaki exclaimed, trying to keep up as Shion kept walking faster than he was comfortable with, "I wish you luck!"
Shion raised an eyebrow, "Luck will have no hand in things," and just as Tamaki started sputtering about how he didn't mean it like that, Shion continued, "I appreciate the sentiment though."
"Hakuba certainly is right," Kyoya said as he easily matched pace, simply adjusting the length of his stride to keep up. "His spot in each performance is guaranteed regardless. Respect for others as well as your own pride is the reason why you're auditioning still, is it not?"
Out of Tamaki's view, Shion gave Kyoya a rather rude gesture which made the devils neigh visible smirk grow. Right on the mark.
"You're supposed to show your support, not grill me about my motivations." Shion's dry humour surprisingly caught on Tamaki as the blond stifled a laugh. Soon, their walk came to an end as Shion slowed to a stop. He made a shooing gesture with his free hand, "Now run along and stop harassing me."
"We weren't harassing you Hakuba, we were merely—" Tamaki was cut off by Kyoya as he tugged him along by the collar. Shion saw that brief eye roll of Kyoyas.
Making sure that they were actually going to the other club room, Shion closed the door behind him with a sigh of relief. He thought for a moment that Tamaki would follow him in. He definitely would have if Kyoya wasn't there to guide him to the host club. Shion scoffed and realized that he was being stared at by a number of other students, some curious, some in an attempt to intimidate.
Holding their stares for a moment, Shion returned the looks impassively, "It looks like I'm not welcome." he shrugged, "That's not my problem." He ignored the other students for the time being and found a place at the back of the room away from the others to set up. Judging from how many people there were, it was going to be a while until it was his turn to be called in. It would be counterproductive if he warmed up too far in advance, so he went over the sheet music in his head. The first score wasn't technically difficult but required control of their embouchure and the ability to hold a note while the second was much harder with a mixture of key changes, sharps, flats and varied dynamics. It was almost habit as he gestured the fingerings of the required notes while his eyes scanned the pages. Every so often he would frown and pause as if he had played a wrong note and start over.
In time, the gathering of students filed out of the room, leaving Shion to be one of the last few to be called in for his audition.
The practise rooms in the back of the wing varied in size, but the one he was led to was larger, meant for a group of people. Within the space was a long table with three teachers sitting at it and in the middle was someone Shion recognised with their long grey hair. Satou-sensei.
"I suppose it only makes sense that you're a proctor, Satou-sensei," Shion mentioned as he moved to the chair at the centre of the room, giving the other two a look as he bowed politely and sat down and started to set up.
Satou smiled, and brushed a lock of hair out of their face, "While I would love to exchange pleasantries, it has been a long day." Their smile was genuine, but Shion could tell it was a bit forced with how it didn't quite reach their eyes. The other two seemed to be getting irritated from their body language as well.
"Start at the 12th bar, the 8 bar rest isn't worth waiting through." A man with short messy brown hair spoke, voice gravely and tired. "We've listened to that part enough and have deemed it unnecessary." The other proctor stifled a laugh by covering her mouth.
As Shion lifted his trumpet up to his mouth, he smirked, "I serve to please." Taking a deep breath in, he started softly with the first note that slurred and flowed into the next. He purposefully played with an airy breath, making it sound light although that took more air to do so. His practice with circular breathing had paid off as he was able to do the whole section that was tied together in one continual breath. This piece was meant to show the qualities of sound the player could produce and how consistent it could be. Shion slowly transitioned into a brighter, more vibrant sound as the music built up to its end. Yet, it didn't seem like a completely happy ending from how the last note trailed off.
Without waiting for their responses, Shion switched the sheet music over to the next piece and gave it a quick read-over to make sure he had the key signature and notations in mind before he was directed to start. He got up to empty any saliva that was in his valves and gave an idle look over the proctors. He could hear the sounds of them writing, but couldn't quite read their faces as they were angled away from him, their fatigue probably played into it as well. As he sat back down, the scratching of the pencils slowed to a stop.
Shion took the look from Satou-sensei as a go-ahead to start. He startled the three of them with the intensity of the sforzando that had built up from the gradual crescendo of a series of triplet notes that set the tempo. The piece had much more energy and brightness compared to the slow peaceful tune that was previous. The intensity rivalled a march into battle, before it lulled, the changing key signatures adding an uneasy feeling that slowly dissipated as the notes grew further apart, slowing to a stop. The rest was intense, there was tension despite the lack of sound. Then a spark of hope, a bright note, quiet, but growing louder as the battle comes to an end, victorious but not without loss.
A moment of silence held in the room, only Shion's deep breathing was heard as he regained his breath from the last triple forte note that dwindled off over the course of a few bars. Once recovered, Shion gathered the sheet music and took his mouthpiece off his instrument to clean it.
Satou-sensei was the first to finish their scoring as they reclined back and stretched, "Would you be a dear and get the next student for me? I really can't be bothered getting up."
Shion hummed as he stood up, instrument case and bag in tow, "If I'm told when results will come in, I'll do so."
"Ah, yes, there's the wise-ass I heard about." Satou-sensei only raised an eyebrow at the looks she received from her student and her colleagues. "What? You are aware your sarcasm doesn't escape some of your teachers, don't you, Shion-kun."
A toothy grin grew upon Shion's features, "Yes, classes with them are oh so very much entertaining. Especially Ebisuke-sensei, he can take a joke just as well as you can, Satou-sensei."
Satou sighed, their hand propping their chin up as a hand waved Shion away, "Just… just get the next student. I don't want to deal with you anymore, I'll tell you your results personally if that'll sate you."
"It will," Shion said smugly as he left.
Given the length of time that Shion waited for, it was surprising how short the process was despite how long it felt. He expected to be asked to repeat a few phrases, but surprisingly wasn't asked anything of the sort, he equated that it went off without a hitch or the proctors were just tired. According to Shion's stomach, it was getting late as he checked his phone for any notifications.
Entering the main room again, Shion slid his phone into his pocket and locked eyes with both of the two remaining students before settling on one, tilting his head to gesture behind himself, "Your turn."
The other student's leg stopped jerking as he stood up, "I thought I was—"
"Figure it out yourselves," Shion clipped without care as he continued out of the room, completely disregarding the scathing look he got from both students as he rummaged through his bag for his earbuds. If they played as well as that confidence they gave off, Shion was not looking forward to seeing them again.
Kicking the door closed behind himself, Shion looked up as he fished out his wireless earbud case to look out of the window. A sliver of the sun was left as it dipped past the blanket of clouds on the horizon, a beautiful show of pinks and oranges and a silhouette of an occupied Ootori Kyoya looking out of the window whilst talking on his phone, arm crossed and foot tapping in impatience and poorly veiled irritation. Shion was surprised Kyoya didn't yet notice him by his side.
Kyoya took a deep breath in and let it out in a controlled stream so as to not convey his irritation to the party on the other end of the line. "Please understand that it was placed explicitly as a rush order, as is noted in the delivery options. If this were a system error I would have been more lenient. However, as this order had gone through a multitude of your associates and the important detail, that is bolded for further emphasis on the order form, was missed, I request free same-day shipping or I will cancel the order and expect a full refund, as is stated in your customer satisfaction guarantee clause." Ending on that firm note, Kyoya rubbed the bridge of his nose under his glasses as he looked at the clouds.
Wow, somehow I'm not surprised he goes right for the jugular. There was something about seeing Kyoya in his element, but Shion couldn't quite place the feeling he quelled. There was a pause, but even Shion heard the poor person force their customer service voice through the panic they surely felt. That poor, poor man, he should get a drink when he gets home.
A curt but professionally scathing goodbye was had as Kyoya pressed the button to hang up a little harder than need be. Kyoya's shoulders relaxed as he heaved a sigh to let at least some of his stress flow away. A moment passed and Kyoya looked behind his right shoulder as the door opened behind him and closed behind him and there were two students who stood there for a second.
"Perchance have you seen Hakuba Shion?" Kyoya asked, his tone professional as always as Shion, who was luckily on his left side when he turned and stepped towards them, gestured a cutting motion across his neck.
One of the boys smirked, "Tall, curly black hair and a massive dickwad?"
Kyoya didn't bother hiding his own amused smile, "Those attributes do describe him quite well it seems. I do believe that is who I'm looking for."
The other hummed, going along with the joke knowing that Shion would be taking the fallout of it. "He was the last student before us, but he left right after his test. You must not have noticed him then?"
The first of the two boys started walking and tugged the other along with him, "Can't you just call him if you have his contact?"
Kyoya watched the two leave as he mentally kicked himself for overlooking such a simple solution. With a bit of a huff, he took out his phone again to call Shion and jumped in his skin when the ringer sounded from directly behind him.
Shion laughed heartily, fully enjoying what shenanigans had ensued, "Looking for me, dear Kyoya?" The scathing look he got was just what he wanted as his shit-eating grin only grew. "Though I'm sure that man you scared witless will be looking for his liquor cabinet tonight—wonderful job by the way."
Kyoya smiled and his glasses gleamed in the residual light from the sun, "Seems I have a knack for it."
"Now," Shion reclined against the window ledge, "knowing you, you wouldn't be waiting for me for no reason. As much as that thought is nice and all."
Clearing his throat, Kyoya flushed lightly due to Shion's forwardness. "I would like to invite you over for dinner if you would like to accept?"
Shion took a hard look at Kyoya and studied his disposition, "Is this you inviting me, or were you told to invite me?" Shion knew the answer just from the uncomfortable shift in Kyoya's posture. "No matter, your family is probably curious about your choice of 'friends' and wants to judge my worth, I gather. Not that I blame them for wanting to know what kind of ruffian their son spends his time with." Shion's grin seemed to ease some of Kyoya's worries. "So, when is this dinner?"
"Tonight."
A small chuckle sounded from Shion, the sound oddly threatening as the grin promptly dropped off his face, "Aha, I don't think I heard you right. You didn't say tonight did you?"
Kyoya checked his phone, "To be more specific, in precisely fifty-five minutes. The vehicle is ready to take us to my residence immediately."
"Wonderful," Shion drawled as he picked up his instrument case once again, "who needed first impressions anyway." He asked rhetorically. "Say, Kyoya, there aren't any security cameras in this hallway, are there?"
Kyoya had to think about it for a moment, "Not in this specific hallway, however, there are cameras stationed at each stairwell exiting the area."
"Good." Shion stepped closer to Kyoya and put his free hand on the back of his head. The movement surprised Kyoya as Shion leaned in and gave him a deep kiss that lasted a bit longer than what Shion intended. "Then consider that downpayment for the trouble I'm willing to go through for you."
• • • • • •
I do intend to finish The Musician, probably just not in a timely manner.