A/N: Oh geez, sorry it's been forever (feels like it anyway). I haven't felt like writing much lately, but felt this needed an update. So, it got one. Granted, this chapter is probably a bit rushed at parts and...well...not good...I'll probably edit/elaborate at a later date if it's needed.
Ooishi sat at his desk, his fingers laced together as he was engrossed in thought. His foot tapped thoughtlessly against the floor, much to the annoyance of people around him. Even though the atmosphere was thick with irritation, Ooishi took no notice. It had been like this for nearly a week now. Everyone on this case felt a mix of agitation and exhaustion as the long days continued to drag on endlessly. In fact, days seemed to melt together; no one quite sure where one ended and another began. They found themselves wondering if it even mattered anymore.
Still, nobody spoke. Nobody was moving. Everyone was seated quietly. Some were working on paperwork, other's were struggling keeping consciousness, and some were like Ooishi. Deep in thought while the rest of the world passed them by. The faint tapping of keys being hit on a typewriter and the ticking clock filled the air, much like it had for days now. Ooishi's foot tapped in time with the clock without him even knowing it. Everyone had drowned these noises out long ago. Their world's were silent. Even Ooishi's foot tapping was disregarded after sometime. No one else dared make any other noise in fear of disrupting what sanity was left here.
Ooishi was growing weary. This case had almost no leads and grew more frustrating with each passing minute.
"He's still in Hinamizawa." The grey-haired man told himself as he glanced over at the clock. It was getting late. Another sleepless night was ahead. He held back a sigh for the sake of the rest of the team. "And even if he's not, he can't be far."
Ooishi glanced at the phone one his desk. No one scouting the areas had called in days. The only thing they could be left to assume was he'd taken up shelter somewhere. There were numerous shrines spread across Hinamizawa, which left plenty of places for him to hide. Ooishi bit his lip. Then there were the people of the village. They knew he'd been making his way close to the area of the Maebara residence. The Maebara's had lived there for a little over two years, Ooishi reasoned. They probably knew vague details of the Houjou's and that's all. They could very likely have taken him in.
Then again, the boy could be living back at his old home, or with his sister. The possibilities were endless. His foot ceased tapping.
Everyone in the room looked up, seemingly lost; they looked as though something was missing, besides Satoshi Houjou. Ooishi rose to his feet and pulled on his jacket.
"Where are you going Chief?" One of the men asked. It had been so long since any of them had really talked, words almost felt foreign to his tongue.
"I need a smoke. I can't think straight in here..." He grumbled. It was true; he'd went days without sleep or smokes. He was tempted to think of the last time he showered, but decided against it. If it took thought, it meant he definitely needed one.
He was about halfway out the door when the phone rang, causing everyone to jump. Ooishi walked back over to his desk and stared at his phone. After confirming that his eyes and ears weren't just playing tricks on him, he answered it. He didn't realize how sweaty his palms were until he gripped the phone. He brought it up to his ear, his heart rate increasing ever so slightly. Would it be another lead?
"Hello?" He asked into the receiver.
"Ah, Ooishi?" A calm sounding voice answered. A small wave of disappoint washed over the gray haired man. Not the call he'd been hoping for.
"Irie? What is it?"
The whole room suppressed a gasp. They, however, believed Irie would help them. Did Irie have more information? Would they finally be able to get somewhere on this case?
"Ah, I hope I'm not calling too late or interrupting anything..."
Ooishi used his free hand to hold his head. He hadn't noticed his headache until now.
"Not at all...What do you need?" The older man assured him. He could hear Irie sigh quietly as if in relief.
"I was just checking in to see if you've found anything...?"
Ooishi bit back a few sardonic remarks and settled with a chaste 'no'. He really needed sleep. If he didn't some soon, God knows what may slip.
"Nothing new. Do you have any leads for us?"
Everything was quiet in anticipation. There was no typing, no tapping, and even the clock seemed to grow quieter. Everyone and everything was watching, waiting. Irie sighed once more through the receiver, much to Ooishi's annoyance.
"Unfortunately no...I just...I don't know what to do. I don't know why he even attempted escape. He's not well, Ooishi. We need him back here, so we can help him. His memories are suppressed, and he's...well...he's just not well. Extreme paranoia, hallucinations, psy-"
"I read the case file," Ooishi snapped, cutting the doctor off from his ramblings. A moments silence followed, then;
"Yes, you're right. I'm...sorry, I just...I'm at a loss. We need him back here."
"Will he recover?"
Irie took a moment to reply, almost like he wasn't sure he'd heard the old man right.
"Pardon?"
"The Houjou boy. If left alone for long enough, would he recover?"
Irie was silent once more. Ooishi was tempted to just hang the phone up now and go stand outside. His cigarettes were calling about as much as his frustration was rising. Both could be solved if he just didn't bother with this guy right now. Curiosity won the best of him in the end, so he found himself waiting until Irie found the words he was searching for.
"...If he is found...He'll spend the rest of his life here...From what we've seen since he awoke...Our results haven't been positive ones. Maybe with enough time, therapy, and medicine he could get better...but for now..."
"Yeah, I get it." Ooishi cut him off once more. This time, he was the one to sigh.
"If you figure anything else out, feel free to call. We need all the help over here we can get."
"Of course. Until then."
"Yeah."
Ooishi slammed the phone back down and looked at his disgruntled team.
"Sorry boys. We've got nothing."
There was a brief thump as one of the men slammed his head down on his desk. Ooishi could sympathize as he found himself wishing he could do the same. Everyone slowly returned to what they were doing before, only this time the atmosphere felt more gloomy. Ooishi left them anyway in order for a smoke. That would help calm his nerves and think straight. Maybe then he could think of something.
"I can't believe I'm doing this..."
Satoshi wanted to bury his head under a rock and never see the light of day again. Currently, he and Keiichi were tiptoeing down the stairs so they could shower. The placement of Keiichi's room made this very inconvenient. Satoshi didn't want to do this. Everything was awkward enough already. This just added to it.
His foot landed on the wrong part of the floorboard, causing it to let out an audible creak. Keiichi jumped slightly and whirled around, a single finger pressed to his lips. Satoshi held up his hands in innocence, but Keiichi paid no mind. They made it down the rest of the stairs practically noiseless. Both broke off into a mad dash towards the bathroom, praying to any god they could think of that no one would get up. Neither of them dared breath until Keiichi closed the bathroom door behind them.
"Jeez, that was scary." Keiichi uttered, his back leaning against the door as he sighed. Satoshi nodded, a hand pressed to his rapidly beating heart. They both took a minute to let the adrenaline leave their bodies.
"I'll go ahead and start the water..." Keiichi uttered a few seconds later, passing Satoshi by to get to the shower. "You wanna shower first or me?"
Satoshi wanted to say 'neither'. He'd rather go bathe in a creek than do this. At least then he'd be alone. Keiichi waited expectantly, leaving the blonde no choice.
"You can go ahead," he turned on his heels and faced the bathroom door. He shifted back and forth, trying to ignore how increasingly awkward the atmosphere was growing. Thankfully, Keiichi wasn't in the shower very long.
"It's all yours," He said as he stepped out, a towel wrapped around his waist. He left the water running and moved out of Satoshi's way. The blonde stepped forward and waited for Keiichi to turn around before stripping.
"I really can't believe I'm doing this..." He thought as he stepped into the shower. The warm water washed over him like a wave, making him feel more relaxed almost instantly. He remembered the other was just on the other side of the curtain, so he made sure not to vask in the water's warmth too long. Keiichi could be heard clicking his tongue in annoyance as he waited. Satoshi hurried as fast as he could and finished his shower a good five minutes earlier than his usual baths. Satoshi grabbed the towel Keiichi had set out for him and dried off as quickly as he could.
"Oh dammit. I forgot to grab clothes, hold on a sec." Keiichi groaned. He stepped out of the bathroom as quietly as he could and closed the door behind him. Icy air chilled his bare skin as he ran up his stairs and grabbed clothes closet to him. Satoshi waited anxiously, his arms wrapped around himself. If someone were to walk in now, they'd be done for. Satoshi shook his head rapidly, sending water droplets every which way. He didn't even want to think about that.
When the door started to open, Satoshi nearly yelped. Thankfully, it was Keiichi's head that popped around the corner, clothes in hand. He closed the door and handed Satoshi his clothes after. They turned so their backs were facing each other in order for them to change.
"It's really hot..." Keiichi murmured as he threw his shirt over his head. Satoshi nodded, though the other couldn't see. He actually felt it wasn't too bad temperature wise. Warm, yes, but hot...? Maybe he was just strange.
The rest of their shower escapades consisted of sneaking back upstairs without getting caught. Keiichi almost tripping up the stairs potentially cost them their mission, but they made it back safe. Once inside their safety haven of Keiichi's room, the brunette collapsed on his futon, his breathing heavy. Satoshi looked at him with mild concern. It wasn't like Keiichi to be so easily out of breath.
"Keiichi? Are you okay?"
Violet eyes glanced over at him. He smiled best he could and said a short,
"I'm fine. Just tired."
So Satoshi left it at that. The blonde mulled around the room for a few fleeting seconds, not quite sure what to do with himself. He was about to ask Keiichi if he wanted to do something before going to sleep, when he realized the brunette's breathing had already evened out. The slow rise and fall of his chest and peaceful expression confirmed it. Satoshi bit his lip. Maybe for tonight he should sleep on the floor? He shook his head as memories of previous nightmares flooded his mind. He clamped his hands to his head, like he was attempting to stifle them. When they continued to get worse, Satoshi relented and almost jumped into Keiichi's futon. Instant relief overtook him as his whole body melted into the sheets. The blonde hesitantly crawled closer to Keiichi, just enough so their arms were touching. Satoshi was taken aback by how hot Keiichi's body was to touch. Concern rising in his chest, he sat up and felt the brunette's rosy cheeks. They felt like they were on fire.
A minor freak out ensued as Satoshi frantically wondered what to do. Keiichi must be sick. He needed help. He needed to be well. He needed-
"Satoshi...?"
The blonde jumped at the sound of his name being murmured. The glanced over to see a bleary eyed Keiichi smiling at him.
"Keiichi...? Are you even awake?" The blonde asked, leaning over Keiichi once more. The brunette yawned and didn't answer.
"Keiichi, you're really hot. I think-"
"I know I am..."
"Th-That's not what I-"
"Don't deny it..." Another yawn.
Satoshi resisted the urge to stuff a pillow in the brunette's smug face. He was being serious here, and all Keiichi wanted to do was joke.
"Keiichi, you're sick."
"No I'm not." He argued, words barely audible with his awful mumbling.
"Yes you-"
"I'm cold..."
Satoshi grimaced. That was the second time he'd been cut off. He was going to reprimand the brunette, until two arms flung around him and pulled him close.
"Wha-?"
"I'm cold...you're warm..."
Satoshi could feel his heart pounding against his rib cage. As close as he and Keiichi were right now, he wouldn't be surprised if Keiichi could feel it beating. Satoshi could feel his, seeing as his face was pressed up against the other's chest. Satoshi tried to swallow how nervous he was, but it helped nothing. He glanced up at Keiichi, whose grip was stronger than he'd thought. The brunette seemed to have already drifted back into sleep.
He didn't know if he should move, or just stay there. Keiichi was sick...it would be rude to wake him... And he was so warm...
Satoshi gave in and didn't try to fight the sleep. He let it overtake him, his arms wrapped loosely around the other. He'd figure out the rest in the morning.
Keiichi woke up a bit surprised to see Satoshi smashed up against him, his own two arms holding him there. The blonde was sound asleep, his face seemingly more tranquil than usual. Keiichi struggled to remember even falling asleep with Satoshi next to him. He was pretty sure he hadn't. He glanced down at the other once more and absently brushed some of the hair away from his closed eyes.
"He's like a puppy or something...Honestly..." Keiichi told himself with a sardonic smile. The grin he wore was soon disrupted by an uncalled for coughing fit. He hadn't realized how hot every inch of him felt until now; he hadn't even noticed how sore his throat was or how strong the urge to cough was. The fit regrettably woke Satoshi, who sat up with a start. Keiichi turned his head from the other and coughed into his hand.
"Keiichi, are you okay?" Satoshi shook off his sleep and turned his full attention to Keiichi. He lightly touched the brunette's arm and waited for his coughing fits to cease. When they finally did, Keiichi's cheeks were even redder. He slid off his futon, stumbling a bit by how off balance he was. Satoshi stood as well and stood by him in case he fell.
"Are you okay?" He repeated softly while Keiichi shook his head yes.
"I'm...fine...just a bit dizzy...I'm...gonna go get some medicine...stay here..."
He couldn't be sick. He had school and Satoshi to take care of. His whole world seemed to be tilting as he struggled to walk down his stairs. At the bottom, he fell into the wall, his hands keeping his face from colliding with it painfully. He waited a second to regain his stature before stumbling into the kitchen. He was surprised to see an empty kitchen with a handwritten note on the table. He shuffled over to the table and glanced over it.
Be gone for the day, sorry we didn't warn you!
Be back later tonight.
Love you,
Mom
Keiichi stared at the note and let it all sink in.
Of course, they weren't home. Keiichi sat the note back down and turned around. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw a worried Satoshi standing in the threshold.
"You-What-No-Go-What're you DOING?" He managed to get out. He stumbled backwards into the table and used it for added support. Everything was spinning.
"I heard your parents leave early this morning. So, I knew I'd be okay. And, I didn't hear any voices...so..." The blonde trailed off as he fidgeted. He glanced at Keiichi, his head tilted to one side.
"Go lay down Keiichi, I'll get you your medicine." He offered, despite not knowing where the medicine even was.
Gravity seemed to be playing tricks on Keiichi as he struggled to keep standing. His fever was making his balance worse than he thought. Satoshi seemed to sense this, seeing as he cautiously walked over and wrapped an arm around Keiichi for support.
"C'mon, go lay down."
"I-I can't, I have school and club and-"
As if Karma was telling him 'no', Keiichi's knees buckled. Satoshi was surprised at how fast his reflexes reacted as he lifted Keiichi to his feet once more before ever hitting the ground.
"You're not going anywhere...except back to bed..." Satoshi felt akin to a mother as he tugged Keiichi along, leading him back upstairs. "You always take care of me...so...I think I can return the favor..."
Keiichi remained silent as he climbed the stairs clumsily.
"You have some strange logic...I almost think you're too eager to help..."
Satoshi turned to him with a grin.
"Now what makes you say that?"
So, this is the kind of stupid fluff shit I write when I'm tired XD" I'm like, trying to make it so their relationship doesn't move TOOOO quickly, but I almost feel like every chapter's a drag and I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO TO MAKE IT ALL RIGHT.
-ahem-
Anyway. Thanks for reading, as always. I LOVE YOU GUYS. SO MUCH.