Chapter Text
Morning light seeped through the thin curtains, shining softly onto Shishikuno Ren's face. It casted a white glow over his face, announcing dawn.
He pried open an eye before sitting up. It had been years since he got to sleep in—to relax, to let his guard down for once.
Back at the mountains, training was rigorous—which led him to be on guard at all times, to stay alert regardless if he was sleeping or not.
He was lying flat on his back, envelopped in the warmth and softness of the futon. Ren sat up, stretching his limbs.
Gently scratching the scars on his cheeks, he let out a soft yawn. He stood, walking around in his empty room.
Rubbing his eyes, he caught a glimpse of himself in front of the mirror. Ren sighed softly. Taking in his appearance, he looked anything but proper.
His olive green eyes were half-lidded, barely open. His long, blue hair was frizzy. Strands of it were over his face. His kimono was loose, the obi sash almost falling off his hips.
Ren wondered if he was fighting in his sleep. How in the world did he end up in this state? Usully, when he was sleeping, he barely moved.
But now, he woke up looking like a disaster. Which caused him to take mor time in getting ready. He hated it, yet couldn't seem to prevent the outcome from happening.
He got up, heading over to the bathroom. At the counter, he turned on the faucet, washing his face.
During his time in the bathroom, he freshened up. Made sure to look presentable, his usual look.
Ren grabbed his comb, brushing his hair to get rid of the frizz. Tying his long hair into a bun, he let down two long strands, framing his face. Ren glanced at himself at the mirror.
Not needing to do anything else in the bathroom, he decided to head back to his room to change.
There wasn’t a grand selection of clothes for him—not even casual clothes. The only thing he owned was his kimonos—specifically the official kimonos of the Shishikuno clan.
He had around a rotation of five kimonos. Two were used as bed-wear, the rest was used for outside of that. Shishikuno Ren thought that this was efficient. He didn't have to do several laods of laundry everyday.
Plus, he didn't ned to worry much on what he was wearing before heading out in public. He had enough clothes for the whole time he' be carryng out his mission in Kamakura.
Changing into his kimono, he made sure it was wrapped properly. He was precise with it. Ren searched around in his closet, looking for his dofuku. He rarely wore his kimono without it.
Sliding his dofuku over himself, he had a strong need to eat butter mochi for breakfast. He did have food, suitable for early mornings—with proper nutrients that he could eat.
But he was craving the butter mochi, not the food he had in his fridge.
Ever since he came to Kamakura, he's developped a fondness over sweets.
Grabbing his pouch, he decided to take a stroll to the local market. He decided that he was only going to bring a little, considering the butter mochi at the convenience store didn't cost much.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, it seemed a little early for the shop to be open. Though, he was determined to be the first person to snag the delicacies. And so, he decided to waiting.
Staring at the clock was what he did majority of his morning. When the clock struck 10:00am, he stood up to get ready to leave.
Upon arriving, he walked to his favorite section of the store glanced over at the shelves, picking a few small packs of the butter mochi.
Spending the only money he had in the pouch—¥300, Ren opened the small bag to see the desserts.
It felt odd to admit it, but he seemed quite happy with his purchase.
On the way back to his house, someone had bumped into him.
"Ah, je m'excuse. Didn't see you there." Ren glanced up, a pair of ruby red eyes met his.
Ren wasn't expecting to see Charles de Noir Mamoru down the local streets.
Glancing up and down, he took in the taller man's appearance.
He was wearing the same black clothes since the last time they met.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Ren came up with a reply.
“It's fine.” Ren replies smoothly.
“Mm, what'd ya buy?”
“Butter mochi.” He opened the bag infront of the white-haired man, presenting the butter mochi wrapped up nicely inside.
“Why are you out here?” Ren continued, glancing back at the butter mochi in the bag.
“Uhh, just strolling around...nothing much.”
“I thought you were a teacher at Ryuoh-high. Shouldn’t you be in a classroom, teaching?” At the mention of Ryuoh-high, Mogari popped up in Ren's head.
Right, his mission. He knew he ahd to get it done and over with, but he simply couldn't bring himself to. Just as he was spiraling—having the need to fulfill his duty, Noir snapped him out of his thoughts.
“It's saturday.” Noir replied flatly.
“Oh.” He hadn't even realized.
Had he gotten such a good night's sleep to the point he forgot what day it was?
Silence emerged between the two's conversation. Sensing the awkwardness, Noir couldn't stand it. Though, this was normal between him and Ren.
Shishikuno Ren wasn't much of a talker. He never socialized from living in the moutains. His whole time in Kamakura was basically a new experience for him everywhere he went.
He spoke once more, in hopes to get another response out of Ren.
“Since we're both out here doing nothing, why don't we go out to eat? I know a spot.” Noir offered, crossing his arms.
“I don't have anymore money” Ren muttered, glancing back at the convenience store he had bought the mochi from.
“You don’t? How much was the butter mochi?” Noir asked.
“¥300.” Ren replied, monotone.
“…and you don’t have anymore money?”
“…yes? I spent it all on butter mochi.”
Noir raised an eyebrow, confused.
He spent the last of his savings for butter mochi?
“Those were the last of your savings?”
“No. I have more money at home.”
“Why didn’t you bring it then?”
“I wasn’t expecting to buy anything else. So I just brought ¥300.”
It seemed reasonable enough for Ren. Noir didn’t press on the matter any further.
“I'll pay. I offered it anyways.” Noir insists.
“Sure.”
This is the longest I've heard him speak without talking french... Ren thought to himself.
Noir thought it’d be a good idea to take Ren somewhere quiet.
He didn’t want to deal with the sound of loud kids at popular restaurants.
After dealing with Mogari and his friends on a daily basis at school, he needed quiet.
Walking down the street, he expected Ren to follow.
They were side to side, silent the whole walk.
The chatter that filled the busy streets died down with every step.
Once they reached their destination, Ren glanced, taking in his surroundings.
It was tucked away between a few shops, dainty.
Nothing too fancy.
Nothing like the previous restaurants they’ve been to.
Opening the door, a bell chimed. A young woman approached the two.
“Ah, hello~! Do you two have a reservation?” She asked softly, clasping her hands together.
“No, we don’t. You do except walk-ins, right?” Noir asked.
“We do!” She said cheerfully, glancing over to the sign that clearly said “we except walk-ins”.
While Noir was speaking to the hostess, Ren got a good look of the place.
Dim lights, warm atmosphere, open space. The place felt calm.
How does Noir know about this place? I’ve never heard of this restaurant before…
A small frown appeared on Ren’s face. He had a few encounters with Noir, but this felt odd.
Usually, he’d bring a few colleagues of his during these encounters.
It was rarely the two of them.
It didn’t matter. These were small things that didn’t need much thought to them.
“A booth would be fine.” Noir continued.
“Mhm. Alright, follow me~!” The young woman hummed softly, leading the two men to a booth tucked in the back of the restaurant.
As they sat across from each other, the hostess placed two menus on the table.
“Your waiter will be here in a few minutes, take your time looking over the menu~!”
Ren nodded, Noir doing the same.
Looking over the menu, Ren didn’t know what he wanted.
Noir glanced over at Ren. His brows furrowed when he was reading the options off the menu.
Is he having a hard time choosing something from the menu?
“Anything that catches your eye?” Noir asked, setting his down.
“No. I haven’t heard of half of these dishes before.” He shook his head softly.
“I’m not sure if I’d like them.” Ren muttered.
“Well, it wouldn’t hurt to try something new, right?”
Try something new?
Those words made Ren feel weird.
Sure—his whole time being in Kamakura, he discovered and tried various things.
Whether it was butter mochi, beach volleyball and searching things on the internet, those were things he had learnt coming here.
But that only made him realize at how closed off he was from the real world.
While he was out experiencing new things, most people around him already knew about them.
“You’ve never had butter mochi before coming here to Kamakura, right?” Noir asked.
“Yes.”
“And yet, you ended up liking it.”
“…”
“Which means, despite trying something new, you liked it in the end.”
“I see.”
“Just try something, at least. Maybe you’ll enjoy it after trying it.”
“…maybe”
“Get whatever you want. I’m paying for it anyways.”
Noir crossed his arms, leaning back in the seat.
As he tilted his head down, his large hat covered his face.
Ren glanced back down at the menu options.
He decided that he’ll try eating saba shioyaki and tsukemono.
“I’m ready to order.”
“Mm, alright.”
When their waitress came over, Noir took the initiative to order.
“Hello~! Are you two done ordering?”
“Yes. I’ll have the yakitori and ika furai.”
Noir glanced over at Ren, expecting him to tell her his order.
“Oh, I’ll have shioyaki and tsukemono.”
“Perfect, anything else~?” The waitress said, writing down on her notepad.
“Could we also get some sake?” Noir added, raising an eyebrow.
“Sure~! Alright, I’ll be back with your guys order!”
As the lady turned and left, Ren looked over at the dessert section.
His olive eyes slightly lit up upon reading it.
Noir caught his reaction. Raising an eyebrow. He leaned forward.
“What’s on the menu that’s got you like that? Something you want?”
“They have oshiruko.”
“The sweet soup?”
“Mm.”
“You can order it later. Let’s focus on eating what we already ordered.”
“Right.”
Upon the arrival of their food, a savory aroma filled the air.
Ren stared at the pickled vegetables on the plate. Picking up his chopsticks, he took a bite.
It was crunchy—salty. He took another bite.
The shioyaki tasted amazing, the taste of the grilled fish filled his mouth.
Although it felt like a contrast to his palate due to him liking sweets, he did not show discomfort or disinterest in the dish.
Across from him, Noir was eating his yakitori.
To Ren, it felt like yakitori was something Noir liked—aside from alcohol.
The more thought he put into it, the more he wanted to learn about Noir.
Once they were done, plates were stacked up.
Yet, Ren still glanced over to the menu.
Noir caught on, assuming Ren was still hung up on the oshiruko.
“Still want the oshiruko?”
“Yes, please.”
“Pas de probleme. I’ll order it.”
Ren didn’t question the French. He had his focus on getting his soup.
Catching the waitress’s attention, he asked for two bowls of oshiruko.
"Excusez-moi. Could we get two bowls of oshiruko, please? Merci."
"Oh, of course. Is that all? Or is there something else you two would like to add?"
"No, it's fine. Just the oshiruko, please." He assured the waitress, voice smooth and reassuring.
Shishikuno Ren looked up from his empty plates, expecting the waitress to take it. catching up on the blue-haired man's signal, she grabbed the empty dishes and walked away.
Noir assumed that since Ren liked the soup, why not order two bowls?
The portions seemed small upon taking a few glances at the others who ordered it. He knew Ren would be able to finish both bowls in no time, given his love for oshiruko.
As the lady left to go to the kitchen, Noir looked over at Ren. He leaned a little over the table, wanting to see what the man infront of him was looking at.
Beside him, was the butter mochi still stored in the plastic bag. He seemed indecisive on whether he should eat it or not. Even though outside food wasn't allowed, he was surprised that he hadn't gotten caught as soon as they entered.
“Aren’t you going to eat that?” Noir pointed beside Ren—to the bag.
“Oh. At home.” Ren tilted his head to the side, as if pointing with it.
“Why not now?”
“Should I eat it now?” He asked carefully.
“If you want.”
“I’ll save it till I get home. We’re already eating a lot.”
“If you say so.” Noir said, a small smirk appearing on his face.
A few minutes had passed after their little conversation on butter mochi.
Ren was presented two steaming bowls of oshiruko, the hot, toasted mochi floating at the top.
He had been craving this ever since he ordered. Him going out to eat with Noir was better than staying home and eating butter mochi.
The man had been presented with all sorts of new dishes that he tried and enjoyed. Now, he was going to savor a delicacy he'd been buying consistently ever since he got here.
The smell was warm and comforting. One that Ren knew all too well.
Once Ren felt that sweet, earthy taste in his mouth, he was overjoyed.
Though, he could barely express it on the outside.
The taste from the azuki beans were delicious. Biting into the soft mochi added onto it.
He savored the soup with every bite. Noir was somewhat surprised that Ren loved sweet foods.
How could someone as cold as him finds comfort in something so warm and sweet?
By the time Noir paid for their meal, Ren was almost out the door.
Did he not enjoy eating? Why was he in a rush?
Noir caught up quickly, standing beside Ren.
“Hey—what are you in such a rush for?”
“I was gonna go home.”
“…Right. Why don’t I walk you there then?”
“I suppose…” Ren said cautiously.
The quiet streets were once again, filled with chatter and laughter from passerby's. Though, Ren mostly seemed to tune it out in order to listen to Noir's adventures of him travelling across the globe.
Though he didn't quite believe the exaggerated stories of Noir saving the world countless of times, he found it quite amusing. Not like he was going to admit that, he knew if he even uttered a word about him enjoying the stories, it was going to boost his ego.
Familiar voices surrounded Ren. The voices of four distinct teenagers.
When he turned his head, his eyes caught Mogari and his friends.
He looked so…happy with his friends. Living his life to the fullest.
Ren felt odd. His heart thumped against his chest, an ache that he couldn’t stop.
“Merde…” Noir muttered under his breath.
He didn’t understand—was this French again. Just as he was about to think about the meaning of the word—someone shouted their names.
“Ren!? Noir-san!? What are you two doing here?!” Mogari shouted, both hands on his head.
“Eheheh…sorry, Noir-san and Ren.” Eugene quickly apologized, patting Mogari’s shoulder in an attempt to calm him down.
Some stopped in their tracks upon hearing Mogari’s shout.
Tamon instinctively covered his face.
“Lower your voice, Mogari! There’s too many people looking…” Tamon muttered.
Kanzaki looked around, giving glares to those passing by.
“Okay—yeah! Sorry, but what are you guys here for?” Mogari continued, lowering his voice.
“We went out to a restaurant.” Ren replied flatly.
“Just the two of you?"
"Is that a problem?" Noir shot back at Mogari.
"No, it's not, sorry for the interruption!!!" Eugene intervened, laughing awkwardly.
"We'll let you get back to it then, see you guys around!" Eugene continued, waving goodbye at the two men.
The other three copied, waving goodbye as they walked away.
Noir just glared daggers into their soul, watching their laughing faces fade into the distance.
"They seem like good friends" Ren comments softly, clutching at his dofuku.
"They are. But they sure as hell are annoying." Noir replied, leaning down near Ren's level.
"Let's head back to your place, you won't mind if stay over for a bit, right?" He continued.
"Mm" Ren hummed in response, walking besides Noir.
The walk back was in silence, awkward at that.
His house wasn't all that bad. It was decent. The inside was something Noir had expected. Although he's never been over to Ren's house, he knew it'd be plain and simple in a way.
And his expectations, were correct. Most of it was unfurnished, basic and simple. Yet, it was well-organized just like Ren himself. Noir had expected no less.
"You got alcohol?"
"Didn't we already drink some sake back at the restaurant?"
"Another couple of drinks wouldn't hurt now, would they?" Noir insisted, smirking softly.
"I suppose it won't. I have some in the fridge."
Noir nodded, heading over to the kitchen. Grabbing two cups, he filled them up with the sake from the fridge.
Setting them down on the chabudai, he plopped down and crossed his legs. It only lasted for a split second before he got up and grabbed the bottle of sake.
Meanwhile, Ren was in his room. He took off his dofuku, putting it back in his closet. He was left in his usual kimono.
As he headed back to the dining room, he saw Noir chugging down the sake like his life depended on it. He paused while sipping from the bottle itself, sharing a glance at Ren.
He seemed to have choked on the sake by the way he slammed it back down on the chabudai, letting out a cough.
Why's he staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face?
Ren felt anxious. He looked down at himself, seeing nothing was wrong, he shot a confused look at Noir.
"Is there something on my face?" Ren raised an eyebrow.
"No, it's just I've never really seen you like...that."
"Like what? There's nothing about me that's changed"
"Your kimono is loose, the obi isn't that tight either."
Oh. His kimono was loose? He was sure to tie it tightly. Maybe he felt full and uncomfortable from eating so much he loosened it a bit to let out some air.
He looked over his figure once more. His collarbone and majority of his chest was shown. The kimono was close to slipping off of his body.
A small flush appeared at the tips of Ren's ears. He immediately fixed his obi sash, fixing his kimono. He coughed in hopes to change the topic.
"Ahem. Pardon me."
"C'est correcte, c'était pas ta faute." Noir muttered under his breath, sipping more from the bottle.
"What are you saying? I can't understand you." Ren confessed, sitting down across from Noir.
"I just said that it's fine. It isn't your fault. That's all i said." Noir translated, putting his hands up in mock surrender.
In silence, the two chugged down the sake. Noir glanced around the room. A few plants were near the windowsill in the living room, well-taken care of.
Is taking care of plants Ren's new hobby?
Thinking again, he assumed it wasn't, given how Ren had stated he's bad at everything during their previous encounters. Yet, he didn't think it'd hurt to ask.
"You like taking care of plants?" Noir glanced over at the greenery.
"No, not really. It makes the house look less...empty? That's what Mogari told me when he came over."
Asking was worth a shot...is there anything that this guy likes?
"Mm, he wasn't wrong..."
After a couple of heartfelt drinks shared by two aquaintaces, Noir watched as night began to approach. He didn't want to burden Ren's night, so he was going to take his leave.
Upon hearing the words "Im going to head out, bonne soirée.", Ren realized he didn't want Noir to leave. It felt shameful, asking soemone to stay when they've made it clear they don't want to stay.
Yet, there was an odd feeling swarming through Ren's body. He took it upon himself to ask this edgy, tall man to stay. He had an extra futon anyways, what was the harm?
Grabbing the calloused hand in front of him, he paused, glancing up at him. That burst of courage, faded instantly. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He let out a soft sigh, trying to gather his words.
Noir glanced back at him, stopping in his tracks.
"Could you stay the night? I...wouldn't mind if you stayed."
That was the first time Noir had ever heard Ren ask someone to stay. Looking into that beautiful face, he saw Ren's eyebrows furrow, hoping for acceptance.
How can I deny such a pretty face?
Noir sighed, slightly amused at the fact that Ren wanted him to stay.
"Oui, I can stay over."
"I have an extra futon."
"You do? That's a shocker."
"How?"
"I didn't think you'd have friends who'd come over."
"...I keep the futon just in case if something happens to the other one."
"...oh. Right, je m'excuse."
Noir was slightly taken aback, was he too rude with that comment? Though, he was only speaking his mind, so he hoped Ren wouldn't dwell on it much.
Ren wasn't as affected by the comment. All he wanted was Noir to stay over.