{036] Ninomiya Exchange 2019
Jul. 26th, 2019 03:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Marks Classified (The Ninomiya Chronicles) 2/3
Ohno/Nino, PG Teens, 6680 words
They were being monitored for a reason, and Nino, for one, didn’t plan to be executed for treason. But his best friend and roommate seemed hardly bothered, inviting strangers to their home when they both know he shouldn’t. Still, he trusted Aiba to know better.This was his first mistake.
For
ink_letters, for this year's Nino Exchange. (Crossposted to AO3)
Part 2 - Discovery
It wasn’t the ‘talking part’ that freaked him out, but how it worked exactly.
Touching the shell - as Sho normally addressed him - first and foremost was the key, to, well, establish a connection. This was only possible when the man was awake, or at least conscious enough to communicate. Which didn’t happen often.
Nino also realized that their communication was mostly similar to speaking with someone through a telephone - they could both hear each other, but they couldn’t see each other. Though in their case, Nino seeing exactly what the replicate could see from the creator’s end was the exemption.
This fact, however, still wasn’t enough to convince either Aiba or Sho.
It’s day four now. The past two had been quite unfruitful, since the man (Nino honestly had a hard time referring to him as an ‘it’, a shell, since he looked anything but) was always sleeping. At least that’s how it looked like from the outside. Surely, it should mean something, but he hadn’t worked out the nerve to ask. It was another thing that was confusing about their visitor, and Nino swore he would get the answers to it soon, along with everything else he wished to know including how they’re going to help break Jun and his mysterious friend out from where they were being held captive.
Obviously, planning their escape would be difficult when their only means of communication was out of commission.
He kind of hoped that would change tonight.
He finished his shift early tonight, glad that it was Maruyama who would be taking over the next one because it was too easy to manipulate the man into letting Nino go early. He didn’t bother walking home either - it usually take about forty five minutes to an hour to get home by foot - opting on taking a cab and silently bemoaning the amount of cash he would be shelling out to this particular taxi ride just to get home quickly.
When he got into the apartment, thankfully, Aiba wasn’t home yet. And when he checked, he realized gleefully that their visitor was awake. Nino watched him turn his head towards Nino’s direction when Nino announced his arrival.
“Glad to see you up and alive, Ohno-san’s clone.” he commented with a grin, mostly to himself as he dropped his bag on the floor. He rounded the way to the couch, and was giddy to find the man already reaching out for him despite the fact that he was certain he couldn’t see him.
“Woah. Looks like someone is too eager to talk, huh?” he teased, taking in a deep breath to ready himself before he sat down next to the man, closed his eyes and took his hand.
Ninomiya-san, hello.
That gentle slur was unmistakable, as was the softness on the man’s tone when Nino’s name fell from his lips. And even now, or after the few times Nino’s heard it, he couldn’t shake that unusual feeling blooming in his chest at the sound of it. He was obviously becoming so fond of the man - the shell and the voice that owned it - and it was both hopeless and insane.
Certainly, he was losing the few remaining working screws in his head for even allowing himself to develop a crush on a weird guy who probably wasn’t even real in the first place, and, what in hell was wrong with him, really?
He was busy trying to wrap his head around everything as it was, and holy crap, romance should be the last thing he should think about getting himself into, not now at least, but apparently, it was simply unavoidable.
God, he was so screwed.
He breathed, and focused on the voice instead of the feeling it evoked in him for now, forcefully swallowing his excitement and worries down despite the difficulty.
Hi yourself, he said, fingers tightening marginally against the man’s own. They’re warm. Nino wondered if the real person who sent its ‘copy’ over felt just as warm.
It’s been a while. How are you holding up?
Barely. Ohno answered, Sorry I haven’t been able to talk. Things are a little difficult here lately.
I can imagine. So, are you finally going to tell me where you guys are so we could, I don’t know, start looking for you?
We’ll get there, but first things first. A beat, a pause. You sure you’re decided? To help us?
Nino didn’t even hesitate when he answered.
Of course, why are you even asking me that?
A pause. Because it won’t be easy, Ohno said, paused for a moment as if he was contemplating continuing. And I’m sorry, but I’m afraid you have to do it alone.
The remark took him by surprise.
What do you mean I have to do it alone? Are you saying I can’t ask Aiba-chan and Sho-chan for help? Are you crazy? If in case you don’t know, I’m just a weak-ass Reader who can’t do shit. I don’t even work out to save my life, and the only thing I’m good at is with games. You know, shooting things on a screen? Please stop making assumptions of me. I’d rather not be the reason you and Jun end up dead for real.
I know what you mean, and yes, I do realize that fact. Matsumoto-san made that point very clear from the beginning.
Good to know he hasn’t lost all of his working brain cells yet, then, despite being in captive. So, tell me. What should we do? I’m sure Aiba-chan and Sho-chan would gladly -
I’d still prefer not to involve them. Matsumoto-san agreed with me on this as well.
Nino frowned. Okay, but what about me? Surely, you’re not insisting I do this suicide rescue mission alone. Because that would be fucking impossible.
No, it’s not. Because you can. You’re the only one who can.
He shook his head, feeling slightly incredulous.
Ohno-san, I appreciate you putting all of your confidence in me, I really do, but I’m telling you, you’re wrong. Talk to Jun again, he’ll tell you. He knows how my powers work, since we got the same thing. There’s no way I could save you on my own, it’s impossible. My ability is useless in this situation; I swear it wouldn’t even help me get close to where they’re keeping you. I might probably end up dead before I even get there. Do you understand what I’m saying here?
You think I’m referring to your Mind Reading ability?
Well, obviously, since that’s the only one I have?
No, Ninomiya-san. There’s more. God, you have no idea, do you? About your other abilities?
He was certain he sounded as confused in his head as he looked. What was this man getting at, really?
What other abilities are you talking about? I only have one, okay? I’m a Reader, been classified as one for as long as I can remember. Aiba-chan, Sho-san, me, and even Jun, before he disappeared. We’re all Readers. Just Readers. And that’s how we knew each other, the four of us. People were grouped together according to their abilities, surely you know that.
That’s the dominant one you’re referring to, but that’s not what I’m talking about. You’re gifted with other powers too, Ninomiya-san. Abilities you kept hidden, maybe even forgot about.
What are you even saying? That’s not - No, no way, that’s impossible. I’m pretty sure I would have known it if that’s the case.
Are you sure?
Yes, he countered, confused, irritated. Seriously, I don’t -
Tell me, Ninomiya-san. Didn’t you ever experience, when you were younger, maybe before the Classification, a time when you could do odd things? Reading minds is your default power, so doing that should be so easy, familiar, like breathing. But how about the time when you’re able to move things with your mind? The time you were hit by a car while crossing the street but came out unscathed? The time you traveled to the past and had no idea how you snapped back to the present after staying there for hours?
How - How did you know all of that?
How about the time you got mad at your parents and turned invisible for the whole week that no one could find you? That even your family thought you were dead, your friends. Or the time -
Stop, please stop. How are you even - how do you know all these?
A beat, longer this time. Because I saw them, Ninomiya-san. Because you gave me access to your memories, your thoughts.. Even the ones you kept to yourself, the stuff you never told anyone.
But…what? I never - I don’t remember ever doing that!
You did. The first time you held your hand out, the first time you voluntarily touched me, you remember? That was when it happened. That was when you allowed me to see everything.
But…But you said -
I told you we’re connected, right? Right?
No, but that’s not - that shouldn’t -
Ninomiya-san, please calm down -
He’d pulled away, body shaking, shuddering in fright. It wasn’t that hard to figure out what was causing it.
Oh god, what had he done?
*
It took him a while to compose himself, enough to want to try again. He supposed it was a good thing they had the apartment all to themselves. It gave him enough room to think without the consequences of having Aiba around to influence his decisions.
And he was a rational person in nature. After the initial shock had died out, he began to see things from a different perspective, and it allowed him to understand the gravity of what Ohno was telling him.
Those incidents Ohno mentioned were all true. They happened during the time he hadn’t yet understood what it was like to have powers like he did now, or even how to handle them. When the revolution happened, and the Classification after it, then it had been a lot easier. He’d been assigned to live in a community, around people who have the same abilities as him, and those memories involving him displaying several terrifying powers had been forgotten.
Until now.
Somehow, it terrified him to think that he was wrong.
It didn’t take him long to decide, finding himself gravitating towards the couch where Ohno’s replicate was sitting, stock-still, in the same position Nino had left him a little while ago. He sat down next to the man, and was only slightly disappointed that he wasn’t reaching out to take Nino’s hand like he did the first few times he sensed Nino near.
This was obviously his fault.
This time, there was no second-guessing his decisions. He reached out before he could talk himself out of it, closed his eyes and hoped for the best.
*
Of all the things he’d braced himself for, this, certainly wasn’t one of them.
I’m a what?
A Solvent. It’s an ability that allows you to absorb other people’s existing powers. Surely, you didn’t think you have all those abilities to begin with, only to lose them after a while. It’s because you didn’t; you were merely borrowing them.
That’s absurd.
It’s not. God, you really don’t know, do you? You have no idea how powerful you are. Apart from being a Reader, you’re a Solvent too, Ninomiya-san. Another power you possess that you still properly hasn’t discovered yet.
I thought you’re already done with the surprises, he despaired, fingers gripping Ohno’s replicate’s own tight. What the hell is this about now?
Well, that’s not all of it.
Oh my god, are you serious?
I’m afraid I am.
Why do you know all these things about me better than I do? Is this because you’re still reading me? Oh my god, stop.
No, I’m not, I promise. I knew you have this power the very first time we talked. Remember? You passed out afterwards.
Are you talking about the stuff you showed me that first time? Yeah, those pretty much fucked me up, so, you know, thank you very much for that!
You thought those were mine?
Wait, what do you mean, are you saying they’re not? I thought they were your memories, and you were showing them to me, just so I’ll believe you. I saw Jun then, and some other people too, and it was honestly terrifying. There was so much blood -
No, Ninomiya-san, they’re not mine. A beat, and Nino swore he could hear Ohno’s heartbeat accelerate.
What - What are you talking about?
They’re yours.
They’re - what?
And they’re not memories. That was - it was a vision. Of the future. And they’re yours. You were the one who saw it, and in turn, you showed it to me, that first time we touched. And that’s your other ability, Ninomiya-san. One more that you obviously didn’t realize you have.
What is it?
You’re a Watcher.
He felt his heart actually skipped a beat at that. Is that -
Yes, Ninomiya-san. It’s the power that enables the person who possess it to see the future.
*
“You’re not actually considering - no, no way,” Aiba muttered, pausing in mid-sentence to give Nino a look, shaking his head, lips pinched and his expression rigid. “No fucking way, Nino. I won’t let you.” said Aiba with a firm shake of his head, crossing his arms tightly over his chest in a clear display of defiance.
Nino understood Aiba’s concerns - how could he not when this concerned him more than anyone else - but turning Ohno down, and by extension, Jun, would mean leaving them to deal with this problem on their own. In short, they were simply going to let the Guild kill their friends slowly while they do nothing.
And Nino had no intention of doing that.
“This isn’t up for debate, Aiba, Sho-san,” he said, squaring his shoulders and countering Aiba’s glare. “I’m only telling you this so you know. So you won’t come looking for me when you realize I was gone. I didn’t say I was going to let you stop me.” he pointed out.
“But how do you know it’s going to work?” Sho cut in this time, furious. “You don’t even know if that shell’s owner is telling the truth!” Sho gritted, pointing at Ohno’s unmoving copy on the couch.
Sure, he didn’t, he couldn’t, but he’d take his chance. It wasn’t to say he was confident their plan would work, but he trusted Ohno enough to still go. He couldn’t not, not after everything he’d learned and not when he was certain he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if he let his fears get in the way.
“Obviously, I wouldn’t know it if I don’t try.”
Sho and Aiba groaned in unison. “That’s the stupidest, most useless sentence I’ve ever heard. Jesus, Nino.”
“I swear you two are going to take that back once I come back here with Matsumoto in tow.”
“Jesus Christ, he’s serious.” Sho cringed.
“That’s what I’ve been telling you!”
“Well, he’s stupid if he thinks you’re doing it alone,” Aiba muttered, eyes narrowed. “Because you’re not. We’re coming with you.”
“Aiba -”
“And no, Nino, that’s not debatable,” Aiba added, unperturbed. “You can’t expect us to just agree to this and let you go there on your own. We’re not completely useless, okay? And Jun’s our friend too. Let us help.”
“But the shell won’t be able to protect us all,” he said, counting on Aiba to understand.
Aiba and Sho shared a look. “It doesn’t have to,” Sho said, “We’ll be fine.”
Ohno didn’t exactly elaborate on the matter, but that he made sure Nino would get where he needed to go with the help of Ohno’s copy. Nino kind of wondered if that meant the shell was invincible, though it would be unlikely if that was the case.
One more thing that worried him was the fact that Ohno didn’t mention anything about acquiring the powers he needed to save Ohno and Jun, just that he would, also with the help of the replicate. Surreal couldn’t even quite describe it all, and it was honestly difficult not to feel terrified knowing that he was willingly putting his life on the line to save a friend, and a stranger, but he knew that he couldn’t back out now.
Especially not after the last conversation he and Ohno had. The subtle hints were there, and it wasn’t even that hard to figure out that there was something there, between the two of them; despite the consequences of their meeting, of the situation itself, Nino was certain he wasn’t the only one.
You need to know these things, Ninomiya-san, Ohno had said, like he knew he had to remind Nino this over and over again. in order to help us. Otherwise, we’re scrapping this plan and you can just forget all about it.
What? But that’s not -
You heard me, Ohno had insisted, tone surprisingly resolute. I’m not letting you do this only to get yourself killed.
Wow, and here I thought you don’t care what happens to me. You did say I have to do this rescue mission alone, right?
Alone means without your two other friends tagging along, Ninomiya-san. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to do it on your own, because you’re not. That replicate is going with you.
You’re kidding, right?
Do I sound like I’m joking?
He didn’t, but Nino wisely didn’t comment on it. But, this guy? Seriously?
You’ll find that he’s pretty useful. He’ll guide you where you need to go, and protect you at all cost, with his own life. He wouldn’t get hurt easily so you can use him however you see fit. You’ll get the powers you needed to bail us out once you are inside. Please be careful.
So, does that mean the first thing I should do is to get close to the prisoners with the powers so I could borrow them first to be able to rescue you? That’s the plan?
Pretty much, yes.
Oh god, he moaned, dramatically. We’re all going to die, aren’t we?
Ohno’s answering laughter made Nino giggle in return, in spite of the circumstances.
I was hoping we won’t. Y-You already saw how it ends, but I’m still counting on the fact that the future is not set on stone. It could still change, because it hasn’t happened yet. I - I hope you know that I didn’t wish for this to happen, to put your life in danger to save us. I just - I wanted to think this is fate, Ohno paused here.
Yours and mine, at least.
Nino hoped Ohno wasn’t reading him right now, that it wasn’t too obvious that he was swooning. God, he was hopeless.
You really should stop talking already, like, seriously.
You liked that one, didn’t you?
God, you’re still talking?
Fine, fine, alright, I’m sorry. I was just - no, don’t mind me. Okay, just remember, I’ll be with you no matter what, yeah? Just take his hand if you need to talk to me. I’ll be there. Please be careful.
I’ll try.
You have to. I can’t - I can’t lose you, Ninomiya-san. Not like this. Not now. Okay? Do you understand?
Don’t. Just, please don’t.
Ohno remained quiet after that, but it didn’t mean Nino misunderstood, because he didn’t. He knew what was happening, and god, would it be right to just ignore it? This?
Hopeless. Guess that made two of them, then.
“We’re doing this together, end of story,” Aiba said, with finality. There was understanding in his eyes that Nino refused to see earlier, Sho’s too, clear as day as they stared Nino over. For a moment, Nino wondered why they haven’t called him out on it, maybe teased him about it the way he expected they would, but he figured they knew and they understood.
This was important to him as it was to them, since he knew they all wanted the same thing.
And it didn’t matter how they were going to achieve it. This was a fight they were going to do together, and that was that.
He just hoped they knew what they were doing.
Ohno/Nino, PG Teens, 6680 words
They were being monitored for a reason, and Nino, for one, didn’t plan to be executed for treason. But his best friend and roommate seemed hardly bothered, inviting strangers to their home when they both know he shouldn’t. Still, he trusted Aiba to know better.This was his first mistake.
For
Part 2 - Discovery
It wasn’t the ‘talking part’ that freaked him out, but how it worked exactly.
Touching the shell - as Sho normally addressed him - first and foremost was the key, to, well, establish a connection. This was only possible when the man was awake, or at least conscious enough to communicate. Which didn’t happen often.
Nino also realized that their communication was mostly similar to speaking with someone through a telephone - they could both hear each other, but they couldn’t see each other. Though in their case, Nino seeing exactly what the replicate could see from the creator’s end was the exemption.
This fact, however, still wasn’t enough to convince either Aiba or Sho.
It’s day four now. The past two had been quite unfruitful, since the man (Nino honestly had a hard time referring to him as an ‘it’, a shell, since he looked anything but) was always sleeping. At least that’s how it looked like from the outside. Surely, it should mean something, but he hadn’t worked out the nerve to ask. It was another thing that was confusing about their visitor, and Nino swore he would get the answers to it soon, along with everything else he wished to know including how they’re going to help break Jun and his mysterious friend out from where they were being held captive.
Obviously, planning their escape would be difficult when their only means of communication was out of commission.
He kind of hoped that would change tonight.
He finished his shift early tonight, glad that it was Maruyama who would be taking over the next one because it was too easy to manipulate the man into letting Nino go early. He didn’t bother walking home either - it usually take about forty five minutes to an hour to get home by foot - opting on taking a cab and silently bemoaning the amount of cash he would be shelling out to this particular taxi ride just to get home quickly.
When he got into the apartment, thankfully, Aiba wasn’t home yet. And when he checked, he realized gleefully that their visitor was awake. Nino watched him turn his head towards Nino’s direction when Nino announced his arrival.
“Glad to see you up and alive, Ohno-san’s clone.” he commented with a grin, mostly to himself as he dropped his bag on the floor. He rounded the way to the couch, and was giddy to find the man already reaching out for him despite the fact that he was certain he couldn’t see him.
“Woah. Looks like someone is too eager to talk, huh?” he teased, taking in a deep breath to ready himself before he sat down next to the man, closed his eyes and took his hand.
Ninomiya-san, hello.
That gentle slur was unmistakable, as was the softness on the man’s tone when Nino’s name fell from his lips. And even now, or after the few times Nino’s heard it, he couldn’t shake that unusual feeling blooming in his chest at the sound of it. He was obviously becoming so fond of the man - the shell and the voice that owned it - and it was both hopeless and insane.
Certainly, he was losing the few remaining working screws in his head for even allowing himself to develop a crush on a weird guy who probably wasn’t even real in the first place, and, what in hell was wrong with him, really?
He was busy trying to wrap his head around everything as it was, and holy crap, romance should be the last thing he should think about getting himself into, not now at least, but apparently, it was simply unavoidable.
God, he was so screwed.
He breathed, and focused on the voice instead of the feeling it evoked in him for now, forcefully swallowing his excitement and worries down despite the difficulty.
Hi yourself, he said, fingers tightening marginally against the man’s own. They’re warm. Nino wondered if the real person who sent its ‘copy’ over felt just as warm.
It’s been a while. How are you holding up?
Barely. Ohno answered, Sorry I haven’t been able to talk. Things are a little difficult here lately.
I can imagine. So, are you finally going to tell me where you guys are so we could, I don’t know, start looking for you?
We’ll get there, but first things first. A beat, a pause. You sure you’re decided? To help us?
Nino didn’t even hesitate when he answered.
Of course, why are you even asking me that?
A pause. Because it won’t be easy, Ohno said, paused for a moment as if he was contemplating continuing. And I’m sorry, but I’m afraid you have to do it alone.
The remark took him by surprise.
What do you mean I have to do it alone? Are you saying I can’t ask Aiba-chan and Sho-chan for help? Are you crazy? If in case you don’t know, I’m just a weak-ass Reader who can’t do shit. I don’t even work out to save my life, and the only thing I’m good at is with games. You know, shooting things on a screen? Please stop making assumptions of me. I’d rather not be the reason you and Jun end up dead for real.
I know what you mean, and yes, I do realize that fact. Matsumoto-san made that point very clear from the beginning.
Good to know he hasn’t lost all of his working brain cells yet, then, despite being in captive. So, tell me. What should we do? I’m sure Aiba-chan and Sho-chan would gladly -
I’d still prefer not to involve them. Matsumoto-san agreed with me on this as well.
Nino frowned. Okay, but what about me? Surely, you’re not insisting I do this suicide rescue mission alone. Because that would be fucking impossible.
No, it’s not. Because you can. You’re the only one who can.
He shook his head, feeling slightly incredulous.
Ohno-san, I appreciate you putting all of your confidence in me, I really do, but I’m telling you, you’re wrong. Talk to Jun again, he’ll tell you. He knows how my powers work, since we got the same thing. There’s no way I could save you on my own, it’s impossible. My ability is useless in this situation; I swear it wouldn’t even help me get close to where they’re keeping you. I might probably end up dead before I even get there. Do you understand what I’m saying here?
You think I’m referring to your Mind Reading ability?
Well, obviously, since that’s the only one I have?
No, Ninomiya-san. There’s more. God, you have no idea, do you? About your other abilities?
He was certain he sounded as confused in his head as he looked. What was this man getting at, really?
What other abilities are you talking about? I only have one, okay? I’m a Reader, been classified as one for as long as I can remember. Aiba-chan, Sho-san, me, and even Jun, before he disappeared. We’re all Readers. Just Readers. And that’s how we knew each other, the four of us. People were grouped together according to their abilities, surely you know that.
That’s the dominant one you’re referring to, but that’s not what I’m talking about. You’re gifted with other powers too, Ninomiya-san. Abilities you kept hidden, maybe even forgot about.
What are you even saying? That’s not - No, no way, that’s impossible. I’m pretty sure I would have known it if that’s the case.
Are you sure?
Yes, he countered, confused, irritated. Seriously, I don’t -
Tell me, Ninomiya-san. Didn’t you ever experience, when you were younger, maybe before the Classification, a time when you could do odd things? Reading minds is your default power, so doing that should be so easy, familiar, like breathing. But how about the time when you’re able to move things with your mind? The time you were hit by a car while crossing the street but came out unscathed? The time you traveled to the past and had no idea how you snapped back to the present after staying there for hours?
How - How did you know all of that?
How about the time you got mad at your parents and turned invisible for the whole week that no one could find you? That even your family thought you were dead, your friends. Or the time -
Stop, please stop. How are you even - how do you know all these?
A beat, longer this time. Because I saw them, Ninomiya-san. Because you gave me access to your memories, your thoughts.. Even the ones you kept to yourself, the stuff you never told anyone.
But…what? I never - I don’t remember ever doing that!
You did. The first time you held your hand out, the first time you voluntarily touched me, you remember? That was when it happened. That was when you allowed me to see everything.
But…But you said -
I told you we’re connected, right? Right?
No, but that’s not - that shouldn’t -
Ninomiya-san, please calm down -
He’d pulled away, body shaking, shuddering in fright. It wasn’t that hard to figure out what was causing it.
Oh god, what had he done?
*
It took him a while to compose himself, enough to want to try again. He supposed it was a good thing they had the apartment all to themselves. It gave him enough room to think without the consequences of having Aiba around to influence his decisions.
And he was a rational person in nature. After the initial shock had died out, he began to see things from a different perspective, and it allowed him to understand the gravity of what Ohno was telling him.
Those incidents Ohno mentioned were all true. They happened during the time he hadn’t yet understood what it was like to have powers like he did now, or even how to handle them. When the revolution happened, and the Classification after it, then it had been a lot easier. He’d been assigned to live in a community, around people who have the same abilities as him, and those memories involving him displaying several terrifying powers had been forgotten.
Until now.
Somehow, it terrified him to think that he was wrong.
It didn’t take him long to decide, finding himself gravitating towards the couch where Ohno’s replicate was sitting, stock-still, in the same position Nino had left him a little while ago. He sat down next to the man, and was only slightly disappointed that he wasn’t reaching out to take Nino’s hand like he did the first few times he sensed Nino near.
This was obviously his fault.
This time, there was no second-guessing his decisions. He reached out before he could talk himself out of it, closed his eyes and hoped for the best.
*
Of all the things he’d braced himself for, this, certainly wasn’t one of them.
I’m a what?
A Solvent. It’s an ability that allows you to absorb other people’s existing powers. Surely, you didn’t think you have all those abilities to begin with, only to lose them after a while. It’s because you didn’t; you were merely borrowing them.
That’s absurd.
It’s not. God, you really don’t know, do you? You have no idea how powerful you are. Apart from being a Reader, you’re a Solvent too, Ninomiya-san. Another power you possess that you still properly hasn’t discovered yet.
I thought you’re already done with the surprises, he despaired, fingers gripping Ohno’s replicate’s own tight. What the hell is this about now?
Well, that’s not all of it.
Oh my god, are you serious?
I’m afraid I am.
Why do you know all these things about me better than I do? Is this because you’re still reading me? Oh my god, stop.
No, I’m not, I promise. I knew you have this power the very first time we talked. Remember? You passed out afterwards.
Are you talking about the stuff you showed me that first time? Yeah, those pretty much fucked me up, so, you know, thank you very much for that!
You thought those were mine?
Wait, what do you mean, are you saying they’re not? I thought they were your memories, and you were showing them to me, just so I’ll believe you. I saw Jun then, and some other people too, and it was honestly terrifying. There was so much blood -
No, Ninomiya-san, they’re not mine. A beat, and Nino swore he could hear Ohno’s heartbeat accelerate.
What - What are you talking about?
They’re yours.
They’re - what?
And they’re not memories. That was - it was a vision. Of the future. And they’re yours. You were the one who saw it, and in turn, you showed it to me, that first time we touched. And that’s your other ability, Ninomiya-san. One more that you obviously didn’t realize you have.
What is it?
You’re a Watcher.
He felt his heart actually skipped a beat at that. Is that -
Yes, Ninomiya-san. It’s the power that enables the person who possess it to see the future.
*
“You’re not actually considering - no, no way,” Aiba muttered, pausing in mid-sentence to give Nino a look, shaking his head, lips pinched and his expression rigid. “No fucking way, Nino. I won’t let you.” said Aiba with a firm shake of his head, crossing his arms tightly over his chest in a clear display of defiance.
Nino understood Aiba’s concerns - how could he not when this concerned him more than anyone else - but turning Ohno down, and by extension, Jun, would mean leaving them to deal with this problem on their own. In short, they were simply going to let the Guild kill their friends slowly while they do nothing.
And Nino had no intention of doing that.
“This isn’t up for debate, Aiba, Sho-san,” he said, squaring his shoulders and countering Aiba’s glare. “I’m only telling you this so you know. So you won’t come looking for me when you realize I was gone. I didn’t say I was going to let you stop me.” he pointed out.
“But how do you know it’s going to work?” Sho cut in this time, furious. “You don’t even know if that shell’s owner is telling the truth!” Sho gritted, pointing at Ohno’s unmoving copy on the couch.
Sure, he didn’t, he couldn’t, but he’d take his chance. It wasn’t to say he was confident their plan would work, but he trusted Ohno enough to still go. He couldn’t not, not after everything he’d learned and not when he was certain he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if he let his fears get in the way.
“Obviously, I wouldn’t know it if I don’t try.”
Sho and Aiba groaned in unison. “That’s the stupidest, most useless sentence I’ve ever heard. Jesus, Nino.”
“I swear you two are going to take that back once I come back here with Matsumoto in tow.”
“Jesus Christ, he’s serious.” Sho cringed.
“That’s what I’ve been telling you!”
“Well, he’s stupid if he thinks you’re doing it alone,” Aiba muttered, eyes narrowed. “Because you’re not. We’re coming with you.”
“Aiba -”
“And no, Nino, that’s not debatable,” Aiba added, unperturbed. “You can’t expect us to just agree to this and let you go there on your own. We’re not completely useless, okay? And Jun’s our friend too. Let us help.”
“But the shell won’t be able to protect us all,” he said, counting on Aiba to understand.
Aiba and Sho shared a look. “It doesn’t have to,” Sho said, “We’ll be fine.”
Ohno didn’t exactly elaborate on the matter, but that he made sure Nino would get where he needed to go with the help of Ohno’s copy. Nino kind of wondered if that meant the shell was invincible, though it would be unlikely if that was the case.
One more thing that worried him was the fact that Ohno didn’t mention anything about acquiring the powers he needed to save Ohno and Jun, just that he would, also with the help of the replicate. Surreal couldn’t even quite describe it all, and it was honestly difficult not to feel terrified knowing that he was willingly putting his life on the line to save a friend, and a stranger, but he knew that he couldn’t back out now.
Especially not after the last conversation he and Ohno had. The subtle hints were there, and it wasn’t even that hard to figure out that there was something there, between the two of them; despite the consequences of their meeting, of the situation itself, Nino was certain he wasn’t the only one.
You need to know these things, Ninomiya-san, Ohno had said, like he knew he had to remind Nino this over and over again. in order to help us. Otherwise, we’re scrapping this plan and you can just forget all about it.
What? But that’s not -
You heard me, Ohno had insisted, tone surprisingly resolute. I’m not letting you do this only to get yourself killed.
Wow, and here I thought you don’t care what happens to me. You did say I have to do this rescue mission alone, right?
Alone means without your two other friends tagging along, Ninomiya-san. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to do it on your own, because you’re not. That replicate is going with you.
You’re kidding, right?
Do I sound like I’m joking?
He didn’t, but Nino wisely didn’t comment on it. But, this guy? Seriously?
You’ll find that he’s pretty useful. He’ll guide you where you need to go, and protect you at all cost, with his own life. He wouldn’t get hurt easily so you can use him however you see fit. You’ll get the powers you needed to bail us out once you are inside. Please be careful.
So, does that mean the first thing I should do is to get close to the prisoners with the powers so I could borrow them first to be able to rescue you? That’s the plan?
Pretty much, yes.
Oh god, he moaned, dramatically. We’re all going to die, aren’t we?
Ohno’s answering laughter made Nino giggle in return, in spite of the circumstances.
I was hoping we won’t. Y-You already saw how it ends, but I’m still counting on the fact that the future is not set on stone. It could still change, because it hasn’t happened yet. I - I hope you know that I didn’t wish for this to happen, to put your life in danger to save us. I just - I wanted to think this is fate, Ohno paused here.
Yours and mine, at least.
Nino hoped Ohno wasn’t reading him right now, that it wasn’t too obvious that he was swooning. God, he was hopeless.
You really should stop talking already, like, seriously.
You liked that one, didn’t you?
God, you’re still talking?
Fine, fine, alright, I’m sorry. I was just - no, don’t mind me. Okay, just remember, I’ll be with you no matter what, yeah? Just take his hand if you need to talk to me. I’ll be there. Please be careful.
I’ll try.
You have to. I can’t - I can’t lose you, Ninomiya-san. Not like this. Not now. Okay? Do you understand?
Don’t. Just, please don’t.
Ohno remained quiet after that, but it didn’t mean Nino misunderstood, because he didn’t. He knew what was happening, and god, would it be right to just ignore it? This?
Hopeless. Guess that made two of them, then.
“We’re doing this together, end of story,” Aiba said, with finality. There was understanding in his eyes that Nino refused to see earlier, Sho’s too, clear as day as they stared Nino over. For a moment, Nino wondered why they haven’t called him out on it, maybe teased him about it the way he expected they would, but he figured they knew and they understood.
This was important to him as it was to them, since he knew they all wanted the same thing.
And it didn’t matter how they were going to achieve it. This was a fight they were going to do together, and that was that.
He just hoped they knew what they were doing.