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akphaezya​:

      When the attention shifted towards him, Syo rolled his eyes and looked away with his usual smirk plastered on his face.

      “Oops,” he muttered to himself, pretending to be shocked.

      Despite Niklaus’s intimidating stare, he wasn’t going to budge from that spot. It seemed like he was ignoring them and removing himself from that conversation altogether. In reality, his finely tuned ears listened in on their hushed conversation, despite them trying to keep their voices down. He would laugh, but that would give him away.

      Feeling the tension rising, Shiro intervened by moving himself in front of Niklaus to take the attention off of Shoichi. Standing up on his knees, he got up in the twin’s face and shook his head, a tinge of disappointment visible on his expression. Before he let Niklaus in on what went down in his absence, he took another smaller bite and adverted his gaze towards the side, lowering it to the ground. His shoulders slumped while he thought back on the encounter he had with Alto shortly after the rampage ended.

      “I didn’t return it to him, but I don’t have it anymore,” he murmured as if he’d done something wrong. “The green eyed man tracked me down and took it back. Well, we bargained for it…” A small smile formed on his lips as his gaze returned to Niklaus’s face. “I’m allowed to walk around now, with supervision.”

      “Everything’s more lax now,” Shoichi chimed in, looking and sounding equally as smug. “You’re welcome.”

Not that he could truly hold foul feelings towards the one that technically saved him along side Shiro but naturally, Niklaus was protective and he couldn’t help it. When Shiro popped up into view, his gaze lowered a bit more curiously. Alas... He followed his lead, slouching a bit with a hum. The mention of this spoken green eyed man made him narrow his eyes for a moment - almost thinking he meant his twin until it dawned on him rather fast on who he was referring to... Knowing really, Markus wouldn’t do that to Shiro from the get-go.

However, before he could go ahead and get annoyed before Shiro even finished, this revelation caught him before it could happen - making the tension in his shoulders slack.

“Didn’t think that was possible in the first place.” Providing much earlier in their previous first encounter - to in which still bothered him since it was fine now all the sudden? Niklaus didn’t dwell on it long, Shoichi butting in made sure the agent didn’t but it did earn him a small glance. Hands moved in a careful motion, scooping up around Shiro in a considerate hug even if the agent was a tad stubborn about it but... Still, he had manners. Despite that tone. He let out a quiet exhale. “Thank you.” Although... His comment about supervision reoccurred back to the twin. “Who’s supposed to be supervising you, then?”

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akphaezya​:

  Hearing Niklaus’s concern, he stopped short of the point of no return and turned his gaze towards his fingers, fixing them with an intent, cross-eyed stare. The silly look with his mouth agape only lasted a few more seconds, replaced by a half grin soon after. A giggle erupted from his throat and he closed his eyes, his expression relaxing. It looked like, for the moment, he gave up on the idea of eating the dirty chocolate bar. But before the twin could protest, he bit off a piece out of it and swallowed it without chewing.

  “Mm, I don’t mind,” he mumbled, tightening his arm around Niklaus’s back in a gentle squeeze. “I’d rather you had the… fresh one instead.”

  The unexpected question wiped the smile off his face, however. A tinge of embarrassment lit up his cheeks and he looked askew, his gaze trailing off towards Shoichi in a sluggish manner. In attempt to delay the answer, he cleared his throat and started moving Niklaus around, manhandling him. With a bit of effort, he pulled him upright all the way until he was seated next to him. Unfortunately, that meant the agent lost his shade and was now the one providing it for Shiro instead. Quiet for the while, he resumed his nibbling on the snack bar and waited until the other one chimed in with something.

  “Have I?” Shoichi snickered to himself. “Yer gonna have to juggle my memory a lil’ bit.” Slow footsteps brought him close enough to the two of them in order to have a hush-hush conversation. In his flamboyant glory, he leaned his back against the bookcase and propped his left leg up, hooking his heel onto the edge of a shelf. He crossed his arms across his chest and looked down at Shiro with an expecting smirk, his eyes narrowing in a cat-like manner.

  Shiro understood the cue and gave him a small nod, as if they had just communicated telepathically. While the air of secrecy lingered about, he leaned into Niklaus’s side and propped himself up on his knees until he was in hearing range. He squeezed his opposite shoulder for support while he murmured the revelation into his ear.

  “He is the one that let me out of the cell back then, when the doll incident happened…” He paused and sucked in a reluctant breath. “He gave me the card.”

When his lapse in attention failed him immediately and Shiro ate the bar just out the corner of his eye, the twin looked back at him with a small agape frown. However, his moments flit attention made his head crane - more so from the unexpected reaction that made him partially concerned now. If not for the fact nothing else seemed to be amiss, Niklaus would’ve gotten defensive... He heeded his contact at least so Shiro didn’t need to do all the work, his eyes straining a squeeze before blinking open a bit again while taking in Shoichi’s words.

When he finally decided to join the duo and make it a trio, the agents eyes were on him with a raised brow and bearing silence as if trying to answer his own question in his mind. Not quite picking up on the matter of what was going on anymore, his attitude was near shifting close to someone who wasn’t in on a joke that’s been running up until Shiro made a move - preventing it altogether. Earning him more so as much a side-eye but stable nevertheless to hear him out.

His reaction might’ve seemed visceral when he managed to turn his whole head now and give him and almost unreadable look - though not angry but parts shocked and more so due to his natural concern to what happened during that bout. Internally Niklaus wanted to pop but not at Shiro, but at the same time... His eyes loomed over to Shoichi before glancing back at Shiro.

“Does that mean you didn’t give it back to him?” The agent turned his head, keeping his voice at a whisper of course - attention planted on Shoichi. “Is it yours?”

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A small heave of a breath left the Agent's lips once he felt palmed contact on his back, though far from uncomfortable as the fall might've been. He didn't even think to consider any apologies immediately while he was trying to gather the question as to whom, or what made him forcefully hit the deck. "At ease--" He muttered, feeling the arrange of handsy contact but not instantly expecting Shiro's sudden strength, that in which felt like he was peeled off the floor like a sticker. His expression was alert and half bordering the potential anticipated blindness if not from Shiro's obscuring silhouette. Staring at him with squinted eyes at first with no recognition at the time his eyes were adjusting to the hunkering frame.

His voice reached him before Shiro's visage did, where his gaze softened up on the spot like his rag doll body. "Shiro? I'm sorry, I didn't-- see you there, my bad," although unintentionally brushing over his question in interest of his well being instead. He didn't get a chance to address it when Shiro went for the chocolate bar and the Agent used that small frame - using his arm to prop himself up a little bit. Niklaus was watching him for that mini moment, registering his words last while eyes were watching the bar now - with quick reactivity. "Wait-" Two digits came up to intervene, shoving in front of the treat before it went into his mouth. "I can give you a fresh one, you don't have to eat that one. Not off the floor." His brows upturned with a small frown.

While his hand remained, albeit Shiro was free to ignore him easily while he found comfortable refuge in his lap. The Agent was using his freehand to reach around for his pocket, but briefly caught by the remark from Shoichi that made his features flinch. "I have to go over there but I don't often go on higher floors, I'm all over the place... Wish they didn't think florescent were a good idea-- oh, actually-" Regardless if Shoichi was fixed on his distance, "have you met Shiro yet?"

eeriestatic​:

When he reached the near end of the shelving, his steps paced down a bit once he heard his strange response, one that made Niklaus look back over his shoulder. Between all the people in here, he knew that they’d have not a trouble replying to the agent, where it only brought on more question at the bizarre matters at hand.

“Someone? What’s the set difference people in here…plus you didn’t answer my question.” Niklaus stated, but this time mid step came rounding the corner of godly hell light Shiro was casted in - and unfortunately… Niklaus’ was caught on him like he tripped over a hidden rock in obscuring fog - his features flitting shock once he failed to catch the shelf and utterly tripping over Shiro. So much the toss down momentum sent the Agent down faster than a falling tree right on his belly with a heavy whump of gear and grunt. His chocolate bar sadly was lost from his grip, sliding away a few feet as Niklaus lie there like he died on the spot… Not even sure what he tripped on in the first place but at least Shiro was more better off from his rooted spot - F to the agent who was cursed with unwanted height.

      When Niklaus’s lanky form tripped over him, he let out a gasp and hooked his fingers into the edge of the bookshelf. But that didn’t help. Moments later, his body tipped over like a bowling pin and he fell on his back by the agent’s side. When he tried pushing himself off the floor, his palm landed on the twin’s back instead. He stubbornly braved the blinding light and pried his eyes open to see Niklaus laying there like an uncoordinated giraffe. That’s when he realized what had happened. In a frenzy, he began patting around the agent’s back and nudged him from side to side in his attempts to get s good grip on him to lift him up, at least enough to turn him over. It took a moment, but with a heave, he managed to pull him into his lap. Shiro towered over him, providing an escape from the neon beam in the respite of his shadow.

      “Are you okay? That was quite the fall” he noted. Through his periferial vision, he caught glimpse of the chocolate bar that lay abandoned on the floor a little out of his reach, but with a bit of effort he managed to stretch his arm out for it and grabbed it. However, looking over the state of it, he let out a sigh and shook his head. “I don’t think you’d want this anymore. Five seconds have already passed… Oh, but me?” he paused and brought it closed to his lips. “It’s not gross enough to deter me.” After making that declaration, he opened his mouth and was about to chomp down on his snack.

      Somewhere behind the two of them, lurking in the contrasting shadow, Shoichi was tilting his head and staring at them with a look of disappointed confusion on his face and his hanging mouth slightly crooked, half grimacing at the sight. A rare expression. The distance he kept from them showed that he was still on edge, not comfortable having others in his proximity, but at the very least he seemed more approachable now than he did prior to entering the library.

      “Good thing yer not working in Containment. You’d have tripped over the safety rail a long time ago,” he snickered.

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akphaezya​:

      Most of the staff that frequented the library during their breaks was well aware of Shoichi’s reputation. The moment that man stepped in, their peace of mind was gone and they decided to use the other exit to make themselves unseen. Why someone as dangerous as him was allowed to roam freely inside the panopticon, much less the office building, was beyond them. But they couldn’t argue with authority, not when they were paid so well to work with supranatural entities that others only dream of.

      As for Shiro, he was at his wit’s end by the time the agent’s voice reached him in his secluded spot. His body tensed up, his heart pounding loudly in his tight chest the closer Niklaus’s unsuspecting footsteps got. When they stopped dangerously close to him, he shut his eyes and squeezed them tight, struggling to keep his breath as shallow and less frequent as he could. It felt like they were playing a more sinister game of hide and seek where he was the only one being hunted. He hoped that by sitting still, he would blend in with gray floor and the blinding neon light, but to what end? Even the slits on his arms closed back up in coordination with his one good pair of eyes, as he had yet to learn how to control them individually—for what it’s worth, he was completely blind at the time, much like Niklaus who had to deal with the bothersome contrast.

      “Someone,” Shoichi courtly replied as he rolled the bandage strip around four of his fingers. He stared at it for a while as if entranced by something no one else but him could see, an ethereal gleam laced into the otherwise normal looking medical supply. When he tried prying it apart with his thumbs, it didn’t make a difference. Intrigued by it, he hit it out of sight inside of his jacket’s inner breast pocket and smirked as he returned his attention to them. He didn’t want to miss the next part, so he went to catch up with Niklaus, or at least to lag a few feet behind him.

When he reached the near end of the shelving, his steps paced down a bit once he heard his strange response, one that made Niklaus look back over his shoulder. Between all the people in here, he knew that they’d have not a trouble replying to the agent, where it only brought on more question at the bizarre matters at hand.

“Someone? What’s the set difference people in here...plus you didn’t answer my question.” Niklaus stated, but this time mid step came rounding the corner of godly hell light Shiro was casted in - and unfortunately... Niklaus’ was caught on him like he tripped over a hidden rock in obscuring fog - his features flitting shock once he failed to catch the shelf and utterly tripping over Shiro. So much the toss down momentum sent the Agent down faster than a falling tree right on his belly with a heavy whump of gear and grunt. His chocolate bar sadly was lost from his grip, sliding away a few feet as Niklaus lie there like he died on the spot... Not even sure what he tripped on in the first place but at least Shiro was more better off from his rooted spot - F to the agent who was cursed with unwanted height.

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akphaezya​:

      Shoichi derived a sort of perverse pleasure from watching the confusion creeping onto Niklaus’ features. He subdued a chortle that absentmindedly emerged out of his throat and shook his head at the twin, as if to mock him for being a step ahead of him. That would be his payback for the earlier manhandling, at least for the time being.

      “It?” he parroted in an incredulous voice. That misplaced pronoun alone turned his mood around, returning the shit-eating grin to his face along with the mischief in his gaze.

      Their distraction offered Shiro a window to attempt to switch his hideout. He was already on all fours, skittering across the floor on his hands and knees as gracefully as getting entangled in his coat would allow it. Like an amorphous solid object, he wiggled his way across to the nearby bookshelf while small grunts and gasps slipped out of his opened mouth. That was more physical activity than he had done in a week of being in that place. Without knocking any books off the shelves, he made himself small at the far end of it, where his ethereal complexion blended in with the blinding neon spotlight beaming down on him from above. His gloved fingers gripped the side of the shelf as he peered past it, using the unconventional “aid” that ran across his arm as a means to peer past the steep corner. When they blinked, the dozen crevices closed and opened out of sync.

      By the time they reached the table, Shiro was already gone. But what he left behind was incriminating evidence that dispelled any doubt his hunter might have had towards his identity. Swift in his movements, Shoichi swept the long strip of bandage off the floor and held it up into the light, humming positively to himself as he studied it. For good measure, he brought it up to his nose and took a whiff of it, then a couple more, like a trained hound. With a hand on his hip, he turned his head towards Niklaus’ and jutted his shoulder in his direction in a flamboyant manner.

      “Didja want me to go in, or will ya?” he spoke, his voice unusually quiet. He was taking the predator roleplay a bit too seriously.

His senses weren’t nearly as honed as some folks in here were, that’s why when he was greeted wit the idea something else was amiss, he made a small sour look - twinge a combo of puzzled. He wasn’t on the same page as what Shoichi was on, and all he could do was follow his lead for the moment.

Niklaus remained quiet. Eyeing him before they’d carry on toward the table, taking small glances in between at the environment while he remained a small few extra inches behind their pace. Even the people who seemed to take refuge of hiding weren’t making much a peep - as far as weird could be. But as soon as they hit their goal had the agent turned his attention down to Shoichi - eyes barely taking in on himself to look at the personnel and more at the strip of bandage. Although, he was more investigating, Niklaus loosened his arms before a hand popped up to seek out his snack pocket and only choosing to watch for the moment. There with ease did he pull out a candy bar, barely in view of the bookshelf itself from his own annoying angle.

“Guess I will.” The agent murmured, crinkle crinkle of the wrapper while trying to pull it apart. Niklaus succeeded before stuffing the exposed half into his mouth - shuffling over closer now towards the table where he bent down. Not chomping his chocolate bar yet as his hands clasped the edge of the table to support his squatting weight, peering beneath the table and greeted with empty air. With silence did the Agent shuffle further under the table, disappearing from sight briefly before he suddenly popped up on the opposite side of it. “Nof’ing,” he pulled the end of the sweet before biting a chunk out of it on his way back upright. “What are you smelling off that anyways?” He pried no doubt after a hot second, but little knowing that it belonged to Shiro - it wouldn’t even be his immediate assumption. He had waited an answer and amidst it, his attention swiveled about, taking in the current surroundings before nearly landing on the bookshelf Shiro was taking refuge behind. 

Considering that the bandage left behind, by direction that was - Shiro was lucky the light was annoying in here for the more than common tired agent. 

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akphaezya​:

      “Eh?” Shiro whispered in response to being called out. When Niklaus’ eyes shot straight in his direction, the strange limb that barely resembled an arm quickly descended under the edge of the table. A strange heat overwhelmed his face, one of embarrassment that trumped over whatever fear he must have had at the time. Still, he opted instead to cover his mouth and pretend he wasn’t there, even if it might have been too late for that.

      Unlike the twin, Shoichi was slow to respond. With a sluggish rotation of his hips, he turned towards the object of Niklaus’ interest and glanced it over with his pupils slit like those of an apex predator. That “hunt” for the unsuspecting white rabbit had its perks though. Little by little, the crazed expression that had been etched into his face started to ease and leave room for neutrality. Even his tense shoulders let up after a while, his fists finally unclenching after what felt like an eternity of his fingernails digging into his palms. All that remained was a slight tremor in his frame and the labored rhythm of his slow breathing.

      “We don’t eat the same shit,” he eventually responded, turning a side glance towards the blonde. He would be lying though if he said he wasn’t curious as to what kind of snacks he had on his person. 

      In grim addition to his foreboding words, he started sniffing the air and turned towards the scent of the familiar smell. It carried him away with jagged footsteps like a wild animal on the prowl, the clinking of his heels chiming his imminent arrival. The sound abruptly stopped when he paused to look over his shoulder at Niklaus, fixing him with an inquisitive gaze as he cocked his brow. 

      “We’re huntin’ wabbits.”

Watching the motion vanish in a mere instant, it made the agent perk up in confusion now and entirely fix attention more on the oddity in the room. Having even paused in his fumbling grip while he was eyeing the environment more as if he thought something abnormal escaped now, and no one knew. But the thing to pull him out of the intrusive thinking was Shoichi’s response, making Niklaus glance at him... If only partial relief since he had an answer despite it being more against his offer than it would be helpful. Eyes peered down at his gear before letting his hands drop to his sides once more. “Well, I didn’t know.” He added - be it he’d save them for himself since that was the kind of answer he got.

However, the strange behaviour that took place unlike Shoichi’s previous demeanour made him raise a brow. Short lived but the agent remained idle while his eyes remained on the skulking company that scoped out interest, not to one he knew(yet). The agent just thought to let him do his thing - or at least planned to until he had those piercing eyes look back at him. Narrowing his own in response before they slacked confused.

“What does that mean?” He murmured audible enough. While finding himself moving this time as well - such a strange aspect but this was likely the first of few times to genuinely interact with the odd personnel. The agent was following Shoichi’s lead but without the flared and painfully dry, at least rolling his steps so they seemed quieter as far as a quiet hunter should be. “Did you hear it too?” Came his vague question. Something about it must’ve been different to not confuse it for just a bystander in the room, especially since Shoichi shown interest only that time.

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akphaezya​:

      Before he even had the chance to commit to going on the offensive, his jaw locked up in a rigid and uncomfortable manner. His prior hesitation cost him dearly, every second passed in inertia making it so that his already rigor-like muscles went into a catatonic state. When Niklaus finally released him, his arms  and wrists were contorted with the phantom memory of still clinging onto him while his mouth remained agape, with the slack slowly returning to his jaw. With his head twisted to the side, his posture hunched over and the vacant yet violent look in his eyes, he resembled a rabid beast more than a person. He swayed and jolted unnaturally while he tried to straighten up his body, the same way the mangled corpse of a zombie would recuperate after being knocked down. The masquerade of a human mask he hid behind fell through at that moment, if only for a bit.

      “…hrgh…” he panted, blindly staring at the blurred silhouette in front of him. 

      Unbeknownst to the twin, Shoichi hadn’t heard a single word he said, but only a muffled jumble of words and the awful high-pitched ringing that pierced through his brain. Neither did he hear the small gasps and scuttling footsteps of the very few researchers that were seeking refuge behind the tall shelves, away from their dispute. Only one lone person who was already in the back of the library was making his way against the grain towards the main entrance door. Lithe and quiet as a mouse, he slipped underneath a table to the side of the large room in hopes of listening in on their scuffle. As for seeing them, he was fortunate enough to have eyes on other parts of his body that wouldn’t have been quite as obvious as him peering his head over or underneath the table. With a quick motion, he unrolled the strip of bandage covering his right arm, revealing the countless slits on his afflicted skin up to his elbow. Some of them blinked open with an unnerving squelching sound as he lifted his arm above his head and bent it just out of their view, just enough to catch a glimpse of who it was. 

      “Niklaus? And that’s…” he muttered to himself. The revelation made a cold shiver travel up Shiro’s spine, and when his body trembled involuntarily, it bumped the table just enough for it to make a sudden squeaking noise as its legs got nudged slightly out of place. Given his surprise, though, he didn’t even hear it happen.

Niklaus took little trust in Shoichi’s current state. It was all concerning to say the least but he wasn’t about to let his own worry cloud what could be despite his confidence on handling the matter. But as well as worried for those nearby that scattered, they seemed to get the memo to move along at least without the agent having to make his demands known by a raised voice. All he could do was watch him with a close eye, that any movement could make the agent flinch and jump to action.

The agent wasn’t about to scold him either about it, although he wasn’t sure what necessarily set him off but that wasn’t his main concern. It was making sure he could leave the room without other members putting him on the wringer over a small outburst - that they didn’t have to do that. Even if it wouldn’t have seemed like a favour to him. Niklaus hooked his thumbs into the straps of his vest, idling there for a moment, fumbling with the woven works of the fabric - putting his thoughts together regardless if the other wasn’t going to respond to him.

“You want snacks or something? I got something in my vest, I think.” Not that small talk seemed to be a good thing - it was his effort to try and at least put some ease instead of seeming like a threat. Or to take his mind off the settled focus of what was giving him hell... Be it, the agent had no idea that Shoichi didn’t necessarily eat. One hand moved to fumbling over front of his vest, picking pockets until he heard crinkling in one but not taking much eye off him - trusting his peripheral. But the thing to make him stop and completely take his attention away was the sudden squeak of a stealthy soul in the room.

Cobalt eyes glanced up, immediately trying to pinpoint the sound - casting his gaze off towards the source with a squint. His eyes were still focusing in the light after lifting off Shoichi’s troubled form, but with it, came a word of warning. “Whatever’s going on over there, you better not be trying to radio off help, everything is fine.” Although, squinting harder now... Only came question when his gaze fixed better on the table. “Huh-?”

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akphaezya​:

      Fighting against Niklaus’ grip became strenuous quickly; the more he struggled, the more it tightened, like quicksand drawing him under. But whether the twin had read his file or not, he was about to find out that Shoichi was no regular human. He was panting up a storm, digging his fingernails into the twin’s bicep from the awkward angle that he was being held in. The lack of air should have begun to slow him down, and yet it did nothing to prevent his squirming and random bursts of power that almost broke him free of the restraints. What he lacked in physical strength, he made up with his resilience. 

      It was when his struggling abruptly stopped that the agent should have gotten worried. A pair of crazed, seafoam-hued jewels fixated on his shoulder as they trembled in his sockets while a slowly widening gap of a mouth revealed sharp canines underneath his perked upper lip. Even though he was inches away from biting a chunk out of Niklaus’ shoulder, something akin to a voice of reason was holding him back. At his core, no matter how suppressed, he still held a semblance to the human named Valerie. And that remnant of conscience was Niklaus’ only opening.

One would’ve known better but that’s what he’d get for putting his faith in only strength and underestimating people in the heat of the moment - his goal to get him away from this spot in particular was close but not as close as the trouble brewing while his eyes were away to watch his path. Although the pain that came with his grip was irking him to say the least, the agent was trying to have some patience with Shoichi’s inner armed antics that if Niklaus relented - he wouldn’t know what would happen. Not a risk he wanted to take with a loose cannon right now and all he did was bear it a toothed grunt.

At least for what he could, he wanted to put some distance between them and that door with the unmentionables - not aware of the looming danger despite him stopping  his struggle that had him on edge, especially when Shoichi almost slipped his grip and loosened it. Cobalt eyes only took a quick glance down, albeit his height made it almost impossible to see the state in which he was in if not for only small glances - shambling of his movement not making it much easier.

“Eugh--study room--right up there-” He huffed and his paced picked up the moment he could see the plaque shimmer just a smidgen after hauling it down from the library. As if he wanted to lock a Shoichi in that space right now, quiet was a myth but at least he’d have a space to have his meltdown in a stable area.

He took what window he had to move it and with little hesitation as soon as he got close to the door, the agents shoulder slammed into the door, suffering that one moments delay before it’s doors opened for him. Only then would Shoichi have his freedom when Niklaus released him after hearing the doors close behind him - now being the gatekeeper of the Study area that was going to make sure he didn’t slip out until he knew he was fine.

“Jesus christ, man.” He huffed, rolling his shoulders - the little fight certainly was a lot in the span of a few moments that felt like an eternity. He wasn’t even looking at anyone who’d have potentially been in here at the time but that wasn’t the agent’s interest.

[eeriestatic]

akphaezya​:​

      Despite their difference in size, he wouldn’t let the twin drag him away without a fight. Struggling and writhing, he dug his heels into the floor and grasped at the edge of the doorway until his fingers slipped away. Shoichi kept staring at Niklaus with a look of defiance, his slit pupils quivering madly with an unnatural sheen. When the grip seemed to loosen up, his hand released the cane and dropped it on the floor by their feet. His gaze followed it until it clanked and fell motionless between their boots. As if in a trance, his head swayed the opposite way and drew his attention towards the researcher and his guest who were trying to dry themselves up with a small piece of cloth. In all of his rage that drowned out the sounds around him, he could still make out Alto’s distant voice making excuses for him as if he was just an insane person that happened to barge in and ruin their chatter. His words pierced through him like a knife, twisting in his wound. Even so, his hateful glare fell on the unsuspecting Josiah; if gazes could kill, that would be it.

      “Let go, beanstalk! It’s not like you care what happens to me!” He tried to shake his grip off one more time, but the violent yanking cost him his wrist. His hand suddenly went limp, but there was no indication on his face of any new pain besides the psychological kind. Even as the closing door drew away from his reaching hand, he still foolishly believed he had a shot to slip away and carry out his unwarranted attack.

      On the sidelines, the other researchers that heard the ruckus stopped what they were doing and stared at them through the glass windows separating their working space from the others. One of them had his finger on the button of the headset, standing by in case he needed to call for reinforcements. Everyone in the lab knew how resilient Shoichi was—he would only stop struggling when incapacitated. Niklaus had to think fast if he didn’t want company to ruin his act of benefaction.

“Goddammit-” Niklaus uttered a bit under his breath, especially when things weren’t going as easy as he’d thought - although, not relenting his grip on him, he didn’t want anyone getting hurt in this process. So much, why he stepped in for that matter, being he knew not how the others would handle Shoichi in the first place. 

“Cut it out, let’s go, if I didn’t give a damn, I’d have let the other crew come in-” He muttered through gritted teeth, whether he heard him or not but at least he didn’t need to worry about getting cane whacked. Niklaus didn’t relent from his goal, one Shoichi wouldn’t have been able to prevent in the moment as he was putting all his strength into it genuinely - not risking any small second even with a considerate grip. He at least knew the one at hand was nimble, it was already risky being physically slack.

Although, in passing of the mess picking and cleaning - just vaguely did Shoichi get a mere glance from the target issue in the room. She had not a clue.

“You reaaally need to calm down for a moment...” The twin knew for a fact unwanted eyes were on them, be it he wasn’t the one that was going to suffer for it. But if he caved to any means of incapability, he knew it might’ve got bad - just sparing their audience an unseen glare. “Wish they’d mind their own business-” The twin jerked his wrist, yanking him against his frame before his free arm slung around him - hooking around Shoichi’s arm to pin it at his side. His other came next, having trapped him in a potentially smothering bear hug but he was more fixed on making sure Shoichi didn’t free his arms before wobbling away from the door a few feet. Niklaus so much as even turned his back to the glass. The rowdy one was vaguely subjected to no footing from Niklaus’ height but he retained it and was ready for kicking incase. Or really, anything for that matter - his arms locked over one another’s forearms with another secure squeeze. 

The twin really had no intention to hurt him like how most would’ve handled him to say the least. Even if it might’ve not been much, he wasn’t too far off from hauling Shoichi away like that.

[eeriestatic]

The Bullyingying

Unfortunately for Shoichi’s rage fit, Niklaus was having none of it - especially since as well... He didn’t want him to get in trouble either, and the twin’s resolve was there on his face. Not even considering the others, or one that was probably inches away from a bludgeoning and left them to recover on their own with the sheer confusion. Niklaus only glared back at him in return, although only in the slights did he catch only briefness to the look on his face. Niklaus would rather get him out of the room before anything bad happens - despite the backlash, he didn’t answer his question.

“Let’s go. We’re leaving.” He stated firmly, not even aware of how bad thing’s could’ve truly got if he hadn’t stepped in. Whether or not he still had the walking cane in hand, Niklaus pulled his weight along with him and backed it for the door. There was only as sliver lining as Shoichi got. He obvious didn’t want the person who helped him awhile back to suffer dumb consequences or get boxed over violence. 

When Niklaus got more towards the door, he chimed in, ignoring the familiar gaze and the latter.  “No, I’m not his bodyguard, either. Talk about great timing, but let’s not get put in a box if it can be helped.” Niklaus’ grip loosened up with some consideration, but more than ready to react and  keep tight if he thought that was his chance to move.

@akphaezya​

[eeriestatic]

mnemosys​:

      When asked for permission, Shiro instead closed in the distance and pressed his sizzling hot cheek against the side of the agent’s neck. His thighs tensed up with anticipation as he slightly shifted his hips in his grip. His timid reactions were his silent manner of consent, and he was glad he didn’t have to say it out loud. The mind reading between the two of them worked wonders.

      “Mhm,” he let out a sheepish hum alongside a warm puff of breath. His body tingled where Niklaus hands wandered, drawing out an electrifying sensation in their grip. As this new strange sentiment settled itself in his gut as just another unaddressed reaction, one that would haunt him in the near future, he gently rose from his spot and nudged Niklaus’ cheek with his own. He looked just as worked up as he did while he let his absentminded gaze wander over the new floor that they had arrived on.

      “We’re slowly getting there,” he chuckled. To thank him for carrying him all the way there, Shiro planted his lips on his cheek and gave it a big smooch to compensate for the amount of time they were going to be apart from the moment he would be set back down. “I somehow doubt that this library has any of the books that I’ve ever read, but I’m looking forward to it nonetheless. Maybe we’ll find something…”

Any means of discomfort would make him stop, but as far as he was able to tell... There was none of that. It drawn a sheepish smile to wobble his cheeks. Niklaus kept it all at bay until they got to the Library. He kept his words to himself though, humming a small titter to himself before resting his feverish cheek to the side of Shiro’s head. Even if it would pay off better to be able to read minds at this point... Niklaus was at peace. 

Up until affections caught his cheek, making the twin squeeze his eyes closed, lips pursing with a small giggle. Counter weight made him lean most of his own against Shiro’s, hauling along at a decent pace for the moment as he listened to him speak - eyes opening to peer off ahead. Watching the corridor pass them by, but carefully watching and waiting for their cue. 

“We will be there shortly, don’t worry--” his grip on him tightened when greeted with the pleasantly overbearing smooch, so much it made his pace sway a bit. Carefully, he hoisted a forearm under his hind without disturbing his placement much - so he was able to support him with one arm. 

“I’ve only been in it a few times, but there’s a large selection to look at... I just...” Niklaus side glanced. “Browsed on my free time. We’ll find something, though,” his freehand had no warning before cupping the back of Shiro’s head while turning his own, pushing to press a snug kiss to his cheek in return, “show me what you find, I’d be happy to see.” Muttered through words lingered on his skin.

It didn’t take them long to finally arrive at the door of the Library, where it was already open for them to enter. Niklaus gave no pause before striding on inside, leaving it be. No one was up at the front it seemed. No cause for alarm, especially at this hour, they were all welcome but near back, Markus looked to have already went ahead and arranged some stuff for their fort. 

[eeriestatic]

Once he seemed to catch that he too, was meant to hang on as well, Niklaus gave him another secure squeeze and chuckle that sounded uneven from his sudden pace. "You're safe, don't worry, always with you, my love-" Niklaus chimed in, be it he had no problem with him being up front but no matter - the twin made sure his grip wouldn't be too much on their way up.

Even the contrasting loosen grip that he was beginning to feel, Niklaus didn't need to compensate much at all for it. He'd never drop Shiro or put him in a situation that was dangerous, let alone pose a very small risk for it. Although, feeling him suddenly move closer in warmth to his neck, it made his cheeks easily flare up - sealing his lips briefly as if he were to expect something. They were almost to the top, easily but his words brought him back with a curious peek of eye.

"Feather-light." Niklaus chuckled, leaning his head more towards Shiro's with a soft nudge, up until he made that accusation. It was enough to make his pace slow exponentially, a few stuttered words jumbled incoherent. Easily did his blush take a deathly turn, from feverish hues up his neck to ears. "N- I-I--uh..." while his brain might've stuttered, his efficiency in pace and balance did. Speed didn't matter, but a sheepish giggle left his lips. "Am--am I allowed-?" While he might've been comfortable with the idea, of course he wanted Shiro to be as well.

Considering it was contradicted anyways, by the hands that made a curious squeeze. His stable pace made it easier but they were soon hitting the top of the stairs now finally, padding onto flat ground.

eeriestatic​:

Of course he wasn’t trying to suddenly throw Shiro off if he had, but he wasn’t spared the same flush heat on his cheeks - upturned brows and a wider smile drawn on his lips. His words weren’t with any concern, although he easily recovered his prior injury regarding the puppet - Niklaus perked up with a comfortable huff.

“My back is in well shape, I’ll make sure you’re comfortable in my arms instead-” however, it died as quick as it came as soon as Shiro took a 180. Wide-eyed, he had no anticipation from his love’s sudden grasp for him. A quiet, surprised peep but no resistance - topped off with a soft, muffled away grunt that was lost to his lips. There was no hesitation, smiling against the warm softness that caught his while his hands came up to cup over Shiro’s. He closed his eyes, tilting his head a little for a more snug seal and knead of lips - eager no doubt despite how clumsy even he was with it.

It all felt too short for him once he pulled away, a lazy gaze opening itself again to peek at him with a small, dazed giggle. It always left him feeling weightless. His grip didn’t hinder the strokes of thumb while Niklaus listened, shaking his head a little bit with a giggle. “Why are you apologizing-” he nosed through his hands, nudging a soft peck to his cheek before releasing his grip, he didn’t want to let that smile go to waste. “we are too powerful for that, let’s go.” Niklaus chimed in, hands slinking down just briefly below his hind before hoisting him up in a snug scoop. There was little warning before he went jogging off for the stairs to begin his ascent, clutching securely to his beloved so he didn’t have to worry about falling.

  Shiro mumbled an uncertain answer to his question, one along the lines of an excuse, but he spoke it so quietly that it got lost to complete silence when Niklaus suddenly overwhelmed him. It was silly of him to think that a kiss would pose as any kind of inconvenience for the agent, but he didn’t yet know just how much he was allowed to act on and when. Before he even got to wrap his mind around his own insecurities, the sudden force that scooped him up pried a startled gasp out of him. Left with no wiggle room, nor a fighting chance, he surrendered pretty quickly and threw his arms around Niklaus’ shoulders while simultaneously wrapping his legs around his waist for some kind of support for the both of them. The last thing he wanted was to slip out of his arms while they were rushing up the staircase, so he behaved and leaned a bit to the side to give Niklaus more field of vision.

  “H-Hey, be careful,” he whisper-yelled as he usually did, too timid to even raise his voice properly. However, his warning came accompanied by a faint giggle; even though his heart was racing, he was having fun.

  As the agent jogged up the stairs, his fingers tightened their clutch at the back of his shirt and his thighs squeezed around him. His limbs quickly lost their grip and strength though, his muscles trembling from being tense even for so little time. Despite that, he had faith that the twin wouldn’t drop him. It took a while due to all the rattling, but eventually he relaxed and rested his head on top of Niklaus’ shoulder, snuggling in closer to his neck.

  “You make it look so effortless…” He anxiously rubbed his shirt between his fingers and gently squeezed his arms around him in a hug. “I think you’re just trying to cop a feel, though.” There came another deadpan joke.

[eeriestatic]

Of course he wasn't trying to suddenly throw Shiro off if he had, but he wasn't spared the same flush heat on his cheeks - upturned brows and a wider smile drawn on his lips. His words weren't with any concern, although he easily recovered his prior injury regarding the puppet - Niklaus perked up with a comfortable huff.

"My back is in well shape, I'll make sure you're comfortable in my arms instead-" however, it died as quick as it came as soon as Shiro took a 180. Wide-eyed, he had no anticipation from his love's sudden grasp for him. A quiet, surprised peep but no resistance - topped off with a soft, muffled away grunt that was lost to his lips. There was no hesitation, smiling against the warm softness that caught his while his hands came up to cup over Shiro's. He closed his eyes, tilting his head a little for a more snug seal and knead of lips - eager no doubt despite how clumsy even he was with it.

It all felt too short for him once he pulled away, a lazy gaze opening itself again to peek at him with a small, dazed giggle. It always left him feeling weightless. His grip didn't hinder the strokes of thumb while Niklaus listened, shaking his head a little bit with a giggle. "Why are you apologizing-" he nosed through his hands, nudging a soft peck to his cheek before releasing his grip, he didn't want to let that smile go to waste. "we are too powerful for that, let's go." Niklaus chimed in, hands slinking down just briefly below his hind before hoisting him up in a snug scoop. There was little warning before he went jogging off for the stairs to begin his ascent, clutching securely to his beloved so he didn't have to worry about falling.

eeriestatic​:

He didn’t need to worry deep down, Markus would more than likely soon come to Shiro even if he was all over the place. The twin was simply eager to please and make things easier, that being for all of them too. He’d be back in no time, like a dog whose ball been thrown too far out of sight.

But Shiro’s heavy silence made Niklaus lean over more, a concerned glint in his eyes but curious. Deep down, no such thing as rocket science that something seemed off… All in consideration, two and two together, Markus leaving so suddenly changed the air extravagantly and the cobalt eyed twin felt it. Even so…

While Markus might’ve seemed oblivious, he wasn’t dumb either on the small things. Equally, he watched Shiro closely too.

Before Niklaus could address his concerns yet, the reciprocation made his gaze briefly drop, looking down at Shiro’s hands. It brought a smile to his lips, squeezing them a bit more with a soft chuckle. “We can do that, then. You can read something for us, we don’t often get the chance to hang around but it’ll be so much fun with you.” He leaned over, planting a kiss atop his head and a content coo muffling through.

As soon as things were starting to slow down, his attention craned up to take a quick glance. While Shiro might’ve not been used to it, the twin was. “Pretty sure we need to go up one, he’s fast… He’s trying to race us I bet-” Niklaus leaned a playful, tittering whisper. “Don’t worry, my love. It took us awhile too but we can take the stairs up.” The twin leaned his head against his, squishing his cheek against Shiro’s locks before gently turning his frame towards the staircase. “-or I can carry you up-”

  The concept of racing had Shiro looking down at his stocky frame, then back towards the staircase with a hint of doubt in his eyes. Before he could address his lack of stamina when it came to running, the warm breath of words tickled his ear and made him shudder. In a timid response, he hugged himself and shrugged his shoulders, sinking beneath them for a moment. His gentle blush took a violent turn and it was more noticeable when he tilted his head back a bit to peek at Niklaus.

  “You already know how heavy I am. What about your poor back?” he asked. Although it sounded like it was meant to be funny, it was impossible to tell due to how earnestly he spoke at all times. If anything, he seemed as much embarrassed by the pet name as he did pleased.

  However, one thing was certain. Without Markus around, Shiro felt more comfortable doing what he was about to do. With a quick step, he turned around to face Niklaus and reached out to grab him by the cheeks before he slipped too far out of his range. Just like before, when he greeted him, he pulled him down to his level but unlike before, he went straight for his lips and met them halfway with a well awaited kiss. It was soft, gentle, and longing, but also a bit clumsy thanks to his glasses that got in the way. He lingered close for a while even after their lips parted, running his thumbs across Niklaus’ cheeks. He looked up at him with a softened gleam in his eyes, although that loving expression was tainted by a hint of anxiety in his upturned brows.

  “Sorry. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while,” he murmured, his voice tinged with shyness. Even so, he gave him one of his rare smiles. “Maybe we should hurry up… If it’s a race, I mean. Although… I think it’s safe to say we already lost.”

[eeriestatic]

He didn't need to worry deep down, Markus would more than likely soon come to Shiro even if he was all over the place. The twin was simply eager to please and make things easier, that being for all of them too. He'd be back in no time, like a dog whose ball been thrown too far out of sight.

But Shiro's heavy silence made Niklaus lean over more, a concerned glint in his eyes but curious. Deep down, no such thing as rocket science that something seemed off... All in consideration, two and two together, Markus leaving so suddenly changed the air extravagantly and the cobalt eyed twin felt it. Even so...

While Markus might've seemed oblivious, he wasn't dumb either on the small things. Equally, he watched Shiro closely too.

Before Niklaus could address his concerns yet, the reciprocation made his gaze briefly drop, looking down at Shiro's hands. It brought a smile to his lips, squeezing them a bit more with a soft chuckle. "We can do that, then. You can read something for us, we don't often get the chance to hang around but it'll be so much fun with you." He leaned over, planting a kiss atop his head and a content coo muffling through.

As soon as things were starting to slow down, his attention craned up to take a quick glance. While Shiro might've not been used to it, the twin was. "Pretty sure we need to go up one, he's fast... He's trying to race us I bet-" Niklaus leaned a playful, tittering whisper. "Don't worry, my love. It took us awhile too but we can take the stairs up." The twin leaned his head against his, squishing his cheek against Shiro's locks before gently turning his frame towards the staircase. "-or I can carry you up-"

eeriestatic​:

He hadn’t expected him to suddenly weight shift, but thankfully Markus caught himself with a chuckle - easily though supporting Shiro in stark contrast to his own well being. “I can do that while you two go on ahead, I’ll catch up. Isn’t that far anyways,” his head lifted better, giving him light squeeze until he felt the grip loosen up. Markus freed him, putting his hands on his hips.

“Yeah, we can do that. I’ll walk Shiro down, then.” His attention finally perked off from his cheek, eyes catching Shiro’s whereabouts before moving as well. 

But easily, it caught both twins’ attention when he made his odd mention, although Niklaus wasn’t against the idea. It was his love after all.

Markus on the other hand… Tilted his head, brows upturning a bit with a lack changing smile. “Maybe we can hangout for little bit. You can come back and cozy up in there afterwards, don’t worry.” Despite any paranoia, he didn’t feel left out for any means. But there, he was the first once to move along from them, shimmying away from his spot and careful when he got to the door to slip by Shiro without bumping him. “I’ll meet you guys over there-” Markus shot him a passing glance before carrying on ahead.

Niklaus didn’t fall behind, and instead stopped behind Shiro, popping his hands up on his shoulders with a squeeze.

“Maybe we can pick some stuff out to bring back here so you can lay down and read too, if you like.” A small ushering push urged Shiro forward gently, his grip remaining, “as many as you like too, they can’t stop all of us for nabbing all the books out of there.”

  His scrambled thoughts and the ever present worry over accidentally creating an unpleasant situation between the twins blindsided him from the purity of Markus’ gesture. As soon as he departed, Shiro opened his mouth as if to say something, but couldn’t get his words out. By the time he let out a vague croak and tried to reach out for him, the twin was already out of sight. His defeated posture didn’t have time to slump before it jolted back upright under the gentle weight of Niklaus’ hands. His shoulders felt tense, his unease palpable as he began walking on ahead with his head slightly bowed as if to conceal his face even further from the twin’s gaze. Beneath the curtain of hair, his conflicted expression dawned both anxious and flustered, but it was up to him to decipher what was going on inside of Shiro’s mind. On the one hand, he was happy to get some time alone with Nikalus and he wouldn’t waste it on brooding over things that were out of his control.

  After what felt like forever, he placed his hands on top of Niklaus’ and timidly pressed down on them, acknowledging their touch. The fuzzy warmth he felt back then returned to his chest and brought some color to his pale cheeks, a rosy dash of life.

  “I would like that very much,” he said, his soft voice resounding cheerful. “I’ve never been able to get through an entire book on my own, but maybe if I read it to you out loud, then…”

  His words trailed off absentmindedly while he was distracted by the other doors they were passing by. They all looked exactly the same save for the number plates and other labels on them, a large enough dormitory to house the entirety of the staff in case of an emergency lockdown. Either way, Shiro’s eyes were spinning from how the environment shifted not far from where they were. Past the leisure area, the odd office-like building architecture opened itself up into the waiting lobby where the elevators were located, along with a staircase. By the looks of it, Markus was long gone.

  “This floor looks exactly like the floor above it… It’s no wonder I got lost,” he murmured as his footsteps slowed down to a stop.

[eeriestatic]

mnemosys​:

      In comparison to him, the twin was a beanstalk. He feared deadweighting him in return and, rather than playing the loser game to the end, he released him from his overbearing hug and merely clung to him for support as he steadied himself back on his feet.

      “The library… Maybe we will find something of interest in there for our sleepover party,” he said. “Oh, and we should get some snacks from the lounge too.”

      As he mused on the idea, Shiro inadvertently pursed his lower lip and turned his gaze to Niklaus who was still stunned and daydreaming. With a light sway on his feet, he parted from Markus and turned his back to them. His hands joined together behind him by his waist while he fidgeted with his gloves. The cause for his sheepishness would reach their ears just as he was about to walk out the door ahead of them; even if he had, he wouldn’t know where the library was located, so he had to wait for them to lead the way.

      “But afterwards, we should come right back. Because…” His voice grew a bit quieter, almost faltering to the sound of his drumming heartbeat. “Because I want to…  lay in Niklaus’ bed,” he murmured his odd confession. Somehow, getting words out was even more difficult when Markus was around to hear them too, out of fear of making him feel left out.

He hadn’t expected him to suddenly weight shift, but thankfully Markus caught himself with a chuckle - easily though supporting Shiro in stark contrast to his own well being. “I can do that while you two go on ahead, I’ll catch up. Isn’t that far anyways,” his head lifted better, giving him light squeeze until he felt the grip loosen up. Markus freed him, putting his hands on his hips.

“Yeah, we can do that. I’ll walk Shiro down, then.” His attention finally perked off from his cheek, eyes catching Shiro’s whereabouts before moving as well. 

But easily, it caught both twins’ attention when he made his odd mention, although Niklaus wasn’t against the idea. It was his love after all.

Markus on the other hand... Tilted his head, brows upturning a bit with a lack changing smile. “Maybe we can hangout for little bit. You can come back and cozy up in there afterwards, don’t worry.” Despite any paranoia, he didn’t feel left out for any means. But there, he was the first once to move along from them, shimmying away from his spot and careful when he got to the door to slip by Shiro without bumping him. “I’ll meet you guys over there-” Markus shot him a passing glance before carrying on ahead.

Niklaus didn’t fall behind, and instead stopped behind Shiro, popping his hands up on his shoulders with a squeeze.

“Maybe we can pick some stuff out to bring back here so you can lay down and read too, if you like.” A small ushering push urged Shiro forward gently, his grip remaining, “as many as you like too, they can’t stop all of us for nabbing all the books out of there.”

[eeriestatic]

mnemosys​:

      He giggled upon seeing Niklaus’ reaction and, without wasting any time, he puffed out another hot breath through his shirt. Luckily for him, Markus came to the rescue and cut his fun short. Shiro was then trapped between their solid frames, sandwiched in their collective embrace with nowhere to escape. His gentle laughter subsided as he shifted away from his hiding spot and greeted the green eyed twin with a flushed smile.

      “Who needs a blanket when we have a Markus?” With a quick motion of his hand, he fixed his crooked glasses and barred his uncanny grin at him in a friendly manner.

      However, as he warmed up to them more, his sheepish demeanor changed. He made himself at home by throwing the pillow onto one of the beds, but that also means his hands were finally free. First to get grabbed by the sleeved hands was Niklaus. Shiro urged his head down and stood up on the tips of his toes in preparation for a loving kiss delivered to his cheek. His longing lips lingered for a bit as if enticing him with their softness. But just like that, the contact was gone and Shiro had already moved onto the next twin. Much less gentle than with Niklaus, he jumped and threw his arms around Markus’ shoulders, grabbing him in a tight hug. It felt only fair, since he hadn’t managed to return a proper one earlier.

      “What do you want to do?” he asked. “I know you’ve called it a sleepover, but based on my vague pop culture insight, people don’t actually sleep during those. Do they?”

Although the returning grin wasn’t as powerful as Shiro’s, he was greeted with a toothed one in response to his words and tittering under his breath. “I’ll be better than the blanket then,” Markus chimed in, squeezing a little tighter with a giggle - not too short of squeezing onto them tighter. However, mercy as his grip slacked more now so they had their space - letting them go entirely with a content huff. All he seen was Niklaus get nabbed out of his height sight, making his head turn down briefly to see what was happening - little knowing he was going to get it too up here soon.

Niklaus had a mere flash of caught off guard look on his face, or so until he registered what was going on and he wasn’t on the floor. The grace of lips touching his cheek brought him back down immediately from his brief shock - drawing an instant smile to his lips and a feverish bloom to his cheeks with a giggle. The twin was close to leaning in more to his lips, not too far from turning to catch his lips until he missed his window, enough to elicit a small coo, “so close-” Niklaus’ frame perked back up with his hand lifting to graze his cheek where his lips left a phantom sensation.

Markus fell like a pool noodle though, as soon as Shiro caught him - making him burst out into a cackle before his arms threw around his frame, sacrificing his back for his height. No matter, he had no qualm with it at all before his question reached him, muffling his laughter into a quieting few snickers. 

“Niklaus was talking about the Library not long ago--” He glanced at his twin with a small squint, making cobalt eyes peek at him in sudden alertness. “Maybe we can go for a night walk and check it out for a bit.” So much for hanging out in the room for long, but nobody said they couldn’t sleep over in there either... Markus wasn’t about to be told no, especially on their free time despite the night. But right after his words, Markus playfully weight shifted in Shiro’s arms, almost like he was about to topple over him, mere dead weight. The twin wouldn’t let him fall though, or hurt him for that matter.