Work Text:
Shaun has just finished the evening cleaning and was heading off to bed. Today has been rather eventful, if you can say that about another ghost accident, which left many dolls infected with soot sickness or on a brink of it - like himself. Shaun shuddered at the memory of a grimy crunchy creature sucking itself onto his face. At least he got saved in time.
At least the others weren't attacked instead.
And speak of the devil - Shaun heard a series of knocks on his tiny door. He knocked back twice as a signal to enter and a second later the sound of a quiet rummaging was heard. It was a routine at this point.
For a few weeks now, him and Ricky would meet in his room and just do whatever. Talk about the day's events mostly. It was a good way to communicate without any prying eyes or ears and Kate suggested they could use this opportunity to slowly break the brainwashing off of their blond friend. The act of wandering like this in the first place was rulebreaking after all.
Shaun even got around to get a spare key for Ricky to use.
He didn't go all out revealing the truth about the Shadows House, Kate said it would be dangerous, so he just let the casual talking slowly spice in the ideas not looked gladly upon by their peers.
And, as it turned out, Ricky was actually a good person to talk to. While sometimes they did get into arguments, only kept at a whisper-yell level due to John sleeping in the other room, most times they used this opportunity to vent out their frustrations and discuss things they couldn't with others, not even Lou and Emilyko.
Some nights even ended in an emotional embrace between the two, usually prompted by Ricky venting out his insecurities in assisting Master Patrick, especially on the days the others were off to train their soot powers, leaving the lonely shadow behind, which led to a whole day of sulking and aimless wandering around the premises of the estate. Ricky didn't know what to do or what to say to make his master feel better and it weighed down on him much more than he let on, so Shaun was glad to take some of that weight off.
Finally there was a click, the door slowly opened and Ricky crawled into the other boy's room. Shaun, lost in his thoughts, did a double take as he saw him, thinking his bad eyes were giving up on him completely. His hair was disheveled, long bangs, usually slicked back, now were covering half of his face. Something about it seemed familiar.
For now though, Shaun decided not to think about it and focus on his late night guest.
"Had a rough evening?"
"Huh?" - Ricky responded confusedly, closing the door behind him. Noticing the brunet pointing at his hair, he just shrugged. "Didn't feel like styling it after the wash."
"Didn't you say outer appearances are important?"
Ricky rolled his eyes. "I have no idea where you got that from, but it does sound like something I would say."
"So, what brings you here today, Your Majesty?"
"Wanted to check if you tried to kill yourself by being a hero again." - the blond bit, jumping to seat right on the table - very improper of a noble's face.
"You know, you could just say "thank you". Trust me, it wouldn't harm you."
"Let me think about it.... no." His usual smirk, for some reason, didn't seem as annoying paired with his disheveled state.
"I meant it, you know." - he continued after the pause. "I mean, the checking up part. The other shadow masters heard about what happened and were worried for you. Or- well, in Mistress Louise's case, worried for Master John. After all, what would he do without his face?~" Ricky rolled his eyes as he put on a mocking tone. Shaun snickered at a very accurate portrayal of the extravagant shadow's mannerisms. Seems like the brainwashing is almost broken, if Ricky is willing to go as far as to openly mock one of their masters.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Suzy made me drink so much water I never want to repeat that again." Even the thought of that made him sick.
"You better." - huffed his friend. "Emilyko was seriously considering breaking into the medical wing."
Shaun blinked. "Why?..."
Ricky only shrugged. "Beats me. Maybe she thought her presence would somehow magically make you feel better.. or something..." - his voice got progressively quieter.
"That- that does sound like her." - he nodded slowly, keeping his eyes on his friend. He might not see that well, but he could recognize changes in mood. And this one was a weird shift.
"A-and Lou then suggested that we could just get you something tomorrow, like a "get-well present", she called it. Though I think she just did it to distract Emilyko from her dumb idea." - he brushed his bangs out of his eyes, looking off with a pout. "She jumped into thinking of what to get you right away. Honestly, it's like she made it her personal mission to look after you."
For some reason, these words sounded almost.. bitter? Shaun wasn't sure, but it was a perfect opportunity to bring back a bit of a spark into their conversation.
"Aww, are you jealous?" - Shaun put one hand over his heart dramatically.
"What-?! No! Of course not! How did you even get to such a ridiculous conclusion?!" The blond's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Perfect.
"Your face says otherwise~" - he cooed jokingly, making the blond blush even more. "Aw, Ricky, I knew deep down you were a softie~ To think that all this time you just wanted to become closer to me..."
"I-I did not!" - he jumped off the table, defensively crossing his arms over his chest.
"Oh really?" - Shaun smirked, putting his hand on the wall beside Ricky's head. Their height difference, as miniscule as it was, made him feel bold enough to joke like that, if only to knock down his friend's arrogance a peg or two.
"Stop it." - mumbled the blonde, turning away from his friend's gaze. - "Y-You know I like Lou..."
Shaun raised an eyebrow. "And yet you still keep coming back to me."
Ricky didn't answer. His eyes refused to leave the wall to the side of them. Usually he'd bite back with a joke of his own at this point.
Something was wrong.
"Are- are you okay? You've acting kind of weird today."
Ricky sighed, then whispered. "Yeah, just- had a lot to think about."
"Didn't you say that living dolls aren't supposed to think unnecessary thoughts?" - Shaun's attempt at humor clearly didn't work, he could see that much even through his foggy vision. Instead, Ricky just turned to look at him with disbelieve and snapped:
"You could've died today."
Shaun was taken aback by these words. Both of them were, seeing as Ricky clapped a hand over his mouth.
He didn't really consider such a possibility, with their medical team's quick responses and flawless records. To be honest, he was scared in the moment. Terrified even. But protecting his friends came first, even if it meant he would get hurt.
"I wasn't.. i mean- it barely got me." - he started, nervously scratching his neck.
"But it did get you. You got infected. Your life was in danger- b-because you were protecting me!"
Ricky's blue eyes shimmered with tears.
"Do you know how worried I was? I kept thinking what if something happened and you seriously got hurt- because of me!" A tear rolled down.
Shaun flinched. He hated seeing others upset, but this felt different. For some reason, seeing Ricky's tears felt like a knife stabbing his heart over and over.
Just the thought that he was the reason for such a state.
Carefully, his hand cradled the other boy's face. Ricky leaned into the touch, eyes closing, his long eyelashes trembling.
"I don't know. But I can imagine." His other hand rested on the boy's back, pulling him closer. "I remember how terrified I was during the debut. When that boulder almost crushed you. I felt so helpless, I couldn't do anything... I couldn't do anything to help you and that made me feel sick." He felt his friend tremble slightly.
"That's why I decided to never let you get anywhere near danger again. Even if I had to get hurt in return."
Ricky flinched against his chest. Shaun mentally prepared himself for an incoming tirade of all the reasons why he was a moron and should stay away from him, less he spreads his stupidity onto others.
However, it never came.
Reluctantly, Shaun opened one eye and looked down, where he knew his companion was starring daggers into his soul. And indeed, a pair of blue eyes, still rimmed with tears, was focused on him, taking in every feature and slight change of emotion.
After a moment of silent thinking, seemingly satisfied, he closed his eyes and sighed. Next moment, Shaun felt a pair of hands snake around his torso, clutching the back of his shirt. And another moment after, Ricky rested his head on his shoulder, pulling their bodies closer together.
Chest to chest like this, Shaun could feel the other boy's uneven breathing. Hesitantly, he returned the embrace, lightly running a hand along his back. Much to both of their embarrassment, the blonde let out a contempt sigh at that and Shaun wondered if he could feel his heart race too.
"Shaun?" - a whisper felt much louder within their embrace. "Can you promise me something?"
His breath ghosted over the brunet's neck as he whispered, and Shaun briefly wondered if his face could go any redder. It took a conscious effort to make his vocal cords produce a small hum.
Ricky slowly pulled away, and while for a moment he missed the warmth, Shaun was relieved to see he wasn't the only one with a face brighter than Kate's dress.
For a moment they just stared at each other - clear blue and greyish purple. Then Ricky spoke again, voice barely above the previous whispers.
"Promise me to take care of yourself first."
His eyes always looked sad, purely because of their shape. But now there was something much deeper, clouding the sky as he made his request heard. A gentle warmth on his own cheek snapped Shaun out of his thoughts. He took in a breath, already knowing his answer and put his palm on top of the one cradling the side of his face, lightly lacing their fingers together.
"You know as well as I do, I will brake this promise the moment something dangerous comes to attack you."
"Yes, I figured." - a small smirk formed on the blond's lips. "Can you at least promise to not jump into danger yourself?"
"I'll try to." - he huffed out a laugh.
"Good."
With that, Ricky closed his eyes again, just standing there silently, enjoying the closeness between them. Shaun took this moment to let his wandering thoughts run loose.
This close, he could see why many of their peers considered his friend to be a lovely face. With his fine complexion, symmetrical features and a slightly upturned nose he looked like a noble. With him, Master Patrick would surely become one of the more popular shadows. And that's not even counting in his personality, that, while sometimes grating on his nerves, Shaun admired as an example of what a confident high-class individual should be.
But even though, nobody will ever know him like he does. Not any shadow, not any doll, not their friends, and not even Master Patrick.
Shaun gently brushed away the long bangs that fell over his friend's eyes. He didn't need his glasses to see the small smile that formed on his face at that practically weightless motion.
This close he could see things that nobody will ever bother to.
The length of his eyelashes, slightly fluttering at any touch, looking as if they were powdered with flour. The sprinkle of light freckles on the bridge of his nose. The gentle blush coloring his cheeks-
That last one - that one Shaun especially hoped nobody else would ever get to see.
As if hearing his troubled thoughts scatter around his brain, Ricky opened his eyes slightly with a cute questioning look on his face. Shaun just shook his head and smiled. Feeling a little bolder, he leaned down and rested his forehead against his companion's, and a small gasp he heard in return made his heart beat faster.
He was content just staying like this for a bit, knowing that soon Ricky will have to return to his own room and next morning they'll act like nothing happened. The same song and dance every time. Though, if he must admit, it was the first time something like this has happened and he liked it a whole lot more that he should. Usually, they just talked. Sometimes they cried. Sometimes they even hugged. Nothing as gentle as what transpired between them tonight.
And because of this, he will cherish those tiny moments they shared.
Suddenly, Ricky shifted against him. Thinking it was time to go already, Shaun pulled away, only to be stopped by a hand cradling his cheek once again. Feeling more nervous than he probably should, Shaun opened his eyes in confusion, only to find Ricky looking away shyly, his face a bright shade of red.
"Can we... stay like this.. a bit longer? I-I- It's not like-" - he cut himself of, biting his lower lip. - "N-nevermind-"
"Of course we can" - Shaun whispered, suddenly feeling lightheaded. Could it be because of the small space they occupy? Or from a lack of oxygen in his brain, due to it all going into his face with blood?
"S-stop starring at me.." - Shaun's eyes were suddenly covered by a hand. He huffed out a laugh.
"Okay, okay, I closed my eyes."
"Good. Keep them that way."
Shaun was about to make another quick jab, but was interrupted by the warmth of a hug returning once again. After taking a moment to compose himself, Shaun wrapped his arms around the smaller boy's torso for the third time this night. They stayed like this for a bit before Shaun felt his friend move again. He wanted to ask if something was wrong, but his brain seemingly short-circuited at the chill of another's breath on his face. He wondered if his heart could stop from the amount of beats per minute it had to make now to keep him from passing out. He couldn't even comprehend one coherent thought, with all of them screaming, turning into white noise to accompany the drum of his overworked heart.
And suddenly it all stopped.
A feather-light brush against his lips. Here and gone just like that.
A chill, a shock, a- something- went through Shaun's chest like a wave, making him gasp for air.
He heard a small huff of laughter right next to him. Swallowing the knot that formed in his throat, Shaun opened his eyes and was about to ask what the hell was that, but the sight in front of him answered everything he wanted to know.
Never in his life would he have imagined that someone would stare at him with such admiration- no... something else-
"Shhh. It's late." - Ricky shushed his upcoming slew of questions with a small adorable smile. All Shaun could do is open and close his mouth like a fish out of water with wide eyes and burning cheeks and ears and a heart that now has caught up with what has happened and-
"I need to go back to my room" - Ricky looked away, nervously brushing off his bangs to the side, as if waiting for an objection, then shook his head. "Thank you, for dealing with me. Um... Good night."
And just like that, he left with a click of the lock.
Shaun fainted.