Chapter Text
When the clock hit midnight with a mysterious dong, Jun opened the doors of his bar, Starlight Kiss’s door, signalling that he was open for business for that night too.
His first guest, a usually cheerful but right now very overworked fairy called Aiba came in.
“Good evening, Aiba-san,” Jun greeted the tall guy who smiled back at him.
“Good evening, Jun-kun! Can you give me the usual?” He said as he sat down in front of the bar.
“Tough day?” Jun chuckled. Aiba has been doing his best as a fairy godparent to a very spoiled child. Good thing, Aiba really liked children.
“You have no idea,” Aiba started with an exhausted tone. “Today, I had to forgo my lunch and dinner because Miki-chan wanted to play... You know, her best friend went to a holiday and since Miki refuses to hang out with other kids I had to replace her,” Aiba gushed out suddenly, earning a confused look from Jun. “Oh, sorry! My job must be confusing for you.”
Jun shrugged while placing Aiba’s usual cocktail in front of him. “I am the bartender here,” he said with a chuckle. “You can rant as much as you want.”
“Jun-chan~! We are surely lucky to have you as our bartender~” Aiba said in a singsong voice. It was good to see his cheerful guest in his usual smile. Then his door opened and closed almost inaudibly. An extremely familiar cold shiver ran through Jun’s spine before he turned around to welcome his guest.
“Welcome, Ohno-san!” He called, swiftly moving behind the counter to give the small-built man his usual drink.
The Shinigami made a slight head move to acknowledge Jun’s greeting, silently taking his place near Aiba. “Tough day?” Aiba asked his usual companion.
Ohno nodded while placing his head to the counter. “So many souls to take…” The sleepy-looking man murmured when Jun placed his usual drink in front of him. Jun chose to stay silent when Aiba started to pat Ohno’s back. Aiba was probably one of those few who wasn’t afraid of Ohno. But then again, Aiba was afraid of no one.
Jun let them have their own time while walking back at the counter, doing his job. Since it was early in the midnight, he didn’t have many guests so he checked the stock of alcohol and other things, polished glasses, or even re-washed some of them which let his mind drift away.
Man's greatest desire is to elucidate unknown, Jun thought. Mankind has always been harsh towards the unknowns which lead them into a frenzy of stories and myths. But in the end, the truth was a lot more simple than mankind has expected.
Or maybe not. Jun was sure that he wouldn’t believe all those things if he weren’t running a bar filled with Mythical Creatures. He didn’t mind though. Starlight Kiss only had a bit more odd guests than normal bars. First, he freaked out a little however slowly but surely he got accustomed with all those creatures. Now though, all he was feeling is excitement towards every night, since he took over Starlight Kiss from his late grandfather who had been running it.
Matsumoto Ken, who often considered as a weird person was the previous owner of the Starlight Kiss. He had been running it for more than twenty years, and the shop was open from midnight until the first rays of the sun. Every Matsumoto in his family has found that bar very strange. It was out of the way, out of anywhere near. No one would walk near that place even in midday but Matsumoto Ken had religiously continued to run the shop.
For Jun, Matsumoto Ken was a very strange but very kind old man who told interesting stories to little Jun every time they met. Every story was different, every story was original and thrilling. “One day, my dear Jun, you will be able to hear those stories with your own ears,” his grandfather has told him before his father stopped them from the meeting. Well, who could have blamed the poor father who had no idea about all those stories were actually real… He wanted to protect his son from the madness and he even managed to do that until the day that Matsumoto Ken passed away. Jun’s poor father hadn’t been able to predict one simple thing, is that Matsumoto Ken would choose Jun as the successor of his weird bar.
Jun’s father wanted him to refuse the heritage however, Jun actually loved his grandfather even though he was a bit crazy. So he decided to keep the bar even though he had no interest in being a bartender.
Being a bartender wasn't his first choice, so he pursued his own dreams. He had joined a troop of musicals and worked at the backstage for a long while. It wasn't a well-paying job but it was a challenging job that Jun liked very much. He had worked in that troop until it got shut down. It was sad and Jun had no idea about what to do from now on. That was when he remembered that he still owned a bar. A bar named Starlight Kiss.
Well, what could have gone wrong?
Starlight Kiss stayed closed for more than ten years until Jun decided to reopen it. Meanwhile, Jun studied how to be a bartender, since living his life like that was better than being jobless and going to job hunting at the age of thirty-four. Also, the will that his late grandfather left behind for Jun, saying that if by any chance that Jun decides to run Starlight Kiss after him, he would never be short of money and he would have a really interesting life, but he has to continue opening the bar with the same hours that his grandfather used to.
On his first day he reopened Starlight Kiss, Jun was greeted by a very enthusiastic guy with green thin wings. A fairy, the man labelled himself as, who happened to be Aiba Masaki. At first, Jun thought he was kidding, then he thought the other was crazy. They weren’t in Halloween after all! However, the fairy waved him off, saying that he will get used to it eventually.
His second guest said that he was a werewolf, and Jun was sure that this place was a pure joke. The werewolf introduced himself as Matsuoka Masahiro, asked that if he was that famous grandson of Ken-chan. Slightly feeling weirded out about Ken-chan part, Jun nodded. Matsuoka seemed somehow happy, trying to hug Jun over the counter he said what an honour to finally have met him!
Apparently, his grandfather has told many stories about Jun to his guest just like he told their stories to Jun. He was slowly but surely freaking out.
Jun’s third guest was a small built witty vampire who had a cheeky grin all over his face. For a moment Jun forgot about everything, just feeling fascinated by this petite guy. And with that, he got used to this weird place in a very strange way, thanks to his greatest help, who happened to be this small built witty vampire.
Speaking of this certain vampire, Jun checked the walnut pendulum clock which was currently showing two minutes to one am. With expectations, Jun’s lips curled into an unconscious smile. He was about to come!
Jun couldn’t stop himself counting the ticks of the clock and until it finally hit one am. Jun’s eyes moved to the door immediately while the door opened slowly, revealing his favourite vampire and guest.
“Good evening,” Nino greeted Jun with a mischievous grin covering all over his face. He went to sit in front of the counter graciously. His movements were elegant, swift yet always mischievous.
“Good evening, Nino,” Jun answered him, a smile covering his face. He didn’t even think about pretending normally. He was simply happy to host Nino every single night in Starlight Kiss.
“As a starter, I will take the usual,” Nino said, leaning on the counter, he looked deeply into Jun’s eyes making him blush.
“Oh? Will you be staying longer today?” Jun asked with expectation, reciting his usual question which he had no idea about when it became usual.
Nino hummed while eyeing Jun from top to bottom. He placed his chin to his hand, not really trying to mask his interest towards the younger one. “The night is young,” he murmured. “Convince me to stay longer,” Nino challenged, accompanying the game. Jun felt his heartbeat rising and he was sure that Nino could hear it too.
“You seem like pretty easy to convince,” Jun added to his challenge.
Nino smirked. “Oh really?”
Jun bit his lower lip, feeling his excitement raising together with his frustration. He wanted to accept that challenge, no, he wanted to challenge Nino more… Just because he could. Just because Nino here was letting him do so. This was their usual game, which took place every night and would end unsuccessfully for Jun mostly. Nino was intoxicating and Jun felt like he needed him more by every night. He wanted more, not their usual game but more of Nino. However, knowing that it would be inappropriate and very much unprofessional Jun tried to calm his nerves and moved at the back of the counter, preparing Nino his usual drink. He mixed everything in a martini shaker with ice, shook them vigorously for 15 seconds and poured everything into a chilled martini glass. The cocktail was called Vampire Blood and Nino was ordering the same thing from Jun for almost a year now.
It may sound pretty unusual for a vampire to drink cocktails like that but it wasn’t like they couldn’t eat or drink anything, Nino had explained to him. “Vampires need blood, but it’s not like we only drink blood. Let’s say that I really enjoy my drinking sessions,” he said nonchalantly.
Most of Jun’s patrons were like that. They were really strange, very exceptional but they were all somehow very normal. For example, the werewolf, Matsuoka had said that he was pretty much in control with the phases of the moon. It wasn’t like werewolves would transform into something scary in every full moon. In the end, Jun even had joked with him about the full moon outside and he would “Auu!” to him. However, some of those legends were also true. Like the one about the sun is deadly for vampires, silver for werewolves and iron for fairies. Well, he didn’t have anything about the Shinigami who was also one of his frequent guests but the other seemed pretty much harmless.
“It’s just my job,” Ohno told him once, shrugging a little before continuing his drink. Jun stopped questioning it afterwards. It wasn’t like they were there to harm him since they would have done it long ago if they wanted.
However, when it came to Nino, Jun simply wanted to know more and more about the other. The urge was impossible to resist. Jun would never be able to keep himself from watching Nino's face whenever he had the time and chance. It was hypnotizing and a bit like magic. Because damn it, he had a really handsome face.
Nino looked young. Jun couldn't dare to ask him how old he is but he was assuming that Nino became a vampire at a very young age. However, his youthful looks have been blended with a maturity that no one could deny. It was a total mystery for Jun. But he assumed that was also the effect of him, being a vampire.
Time went by and Nino continued to frequent his bar every night without missing a single day. Jun slowly but surely got addicted to his presence. Just by knowing that Nino was sitting there, in front of the counter and watching Jun's movements, did strange things to Jun's heart and body. No one beside Nino had that kind of effect on him. And by now, everyone who frequented the Starlight Kiss was aware Jun’s crush on Nino.
Jun knew that Nino was aware of his crush on him. Because well… it was obvious! There was basically no way someone like Nino wouldn’t understand the meaning of Jun’s gaze. Sometimes Jun would catch himself staring at Nino’s curvy lips, imagine how they would feel on his body. He had been imagining it for so long and Jun felt like he was at his limit. But Nino never made any moves on him, no matter how much Jun alluded, asked or almost begged. Nino was always perfect, sitting in front of him, watching Jun’s movements, joking and making some light-hearted conversations with him. Jun would have thought Nino didn’t have any interest towards him if it wasn’t for Nino who kissed the inside of his wrist every night before leaving.
Those lips would linger more than any polite span of time, almost claiming Jun as his. It was like, Nino was testing him. Trying to know his limits until it was too unbearable and maybe, just maybe, he waited for Jun to jump on him, kissing the shit out of him not even caring about the other guests. However, Jun had very admirable self-control so it never happened. They simply continued flirting, claiming each other with those underrated gestures and feather-like touches.
Jun served the cocktail to Nino professionally. Nino’s fingers brushed over Jun’s sensually. Nino thanked him in a low voice, his eyes lingering on Jun’s face longer than any appropriate look before travelling down to his body.
There were so many vampires and a handful amount of other magical creatures out there yet none of them had this kind of effect on Jun. What Ninomiya does to him with a mere glance was simply impressive since Jun, despite having his own share of romantic escapades, he has never felt something like this in his whole life. So, Jun wonders, if Nino is capable of doing this to Jun's insides with only a look and maybe with a knowing smile that always implies more, what can he do more if he's given the chance? And deep down, Jun doesn't just wonder about it but also dies to know about it.
The night continues just like the others. Some other guests come and go while Nino continues to sit there, asking for refills from time to time as he watches Jun. It’s not even a secret between them anymore as he hears Aiba’s muffled giggle when he serves Nino his next drink, a very nice red wine this time. He tries to hide the blush that is creeping out on his cheeks but before he could do so, Nino catches his wrist and looks deeply into his eyes. There was no cheeky smirk this time, no playful touches. Nino moves his thumb on Jun’s pulse. “I like it,” he whispers making Jun shiver slightly. “When they know that you belong to me,” he adds confidentiality.
Jun gulps down. “Am I?” he asks daringly and a bit irritated to Nino’s surprise. The vampire blinks a few times. “As far as I know, I don’t belong to you. You haven’t claimed anything,” he says stubbornly.
Nino, amused by Jun’s boldness, let out a laugh. “So you want me to claim you?”
Jun averted his gaze as he decided against to answer which made Nino chuckle again. Suddenly, Nino lets him go and Jun regrets that immediately. Despite all the legends, Nino, as a vampire, wasn’t cold and his hand always felt warm and secure on Jun’s skin.
“You should have said so,” Nino told him as he let his head rest against his hand. He was looking at Jun with a fond smile that somewhat made Jun’s heart ache.
At times like this, Jun would feel lost in those eyes of Nino. They looked so familiar sometimes, even though Jun knew he hadn’t met Nino before he opened the Starlight Kiss. However, when Nino looked at him like that, Jun would feel sad and happy at the same time, which he didn’t know was possible until he met Nino.
That moment, the door opened again, saving Jun from looking into Nino’s eyes further since it was getting harder each second to cope with the whirling emotions inside his mind.
“Good evening, Sakurai-san,” Jun welcomed the sharp-looking shinigami whose name was Sakurai Sho.
Sho acknowledged his greetings with a mere nod of his head and looked inside the small bar with his sharp eyes which were hidden behind a pair of black-rimmed glasses. His eyes locked on Ohno, who was sitting closely with Aiba and drinking, and Jun knew that Sho wasn’t there just for a drink.
“Ohno-san!!” He exclaimed, loud enough to make the sleepy-looking man jump with surprise. He stomped over to Ohno, looking down behind his glasses like an eagle who was about to catch his prey. “You forgot to turn your report out again!” Sho spoke calmly but it was enough to make any living creature’s blood turn cold.
Ohno scratched behind his head, seemingly not afraid of Sho. “I’m sorry?” he offered helplessly.
Sho heaved a sigh. “Being sorry solves nothing.”
“But I can’t help it!” Ohno whined. “I don’t get the purpose of all those reports!”
“You don’t have to get it!” Sho said patiently. “It doesn’t change the fact that we have to write reports!”
“But-” Ohno tried pitifully.
“No buts,” Sho cut him. “You’ll work overtime tomorrow and I already informed the upper ones.”
“Sho-chan~” Ohno whined sadly, however, Sho wasn’t going to buy anything.
“You’re so strict again, Sho-chan,” Aiba interrupted.
“A job is a job, Aiba-san,” Jun mingled. “You can’t slack off like that, Ohno-san,” he added with a stern look on his face.
Ohno pouted. “You should have been the shinigami instead and Sho-kun would be delighted,” he sulked.
“I’m sorry but I’m not letting you guys take Jun,” Nino butted in, with an amused expression.
Sho rolled his eyes. “Jun-san, please give me a whiskey,” Sho requested, ignoring others for good.
However, Jun was faster than him as he placed the ordered whiskey in front of Sho. Sho smiled at him apologetically, while he took his place next to Ohno. He soon took off his glasses and loosened his necktie and Jun knew everything would be alright. Ohno’s relaxed smile turned back while Sho let the work go. Despite nagging a lot about the paperwork that Ohno usually forgot, everyone knew that the sleepy-looking shinigami was capable of his work.
The night fell back into its usual pace as Jun continued to carry through the orders. At some point, Ohno dragged a fairly drunk Sho out of the bar, Aiba in tow. They made an interesting picture, Jun had thought since they had seen the three. Two shinigami and a fairy… Well, he wasn’t one to talk.
His routine of the night contained a couple of minutes alone with Nino when everyone went back. Tonight was, of course, no different from the other nights.
He looked at Nino, his eyes immediately meeting his. Nino who was still sitting in his usual place with his sported expression was watching Jun’s every move.
“You’re not going back?” Jun asked curiously. Maybe, he thought, trying not to raise his hopes but failing on it, maybe tonight was the day he was going to stay.
Nino hummed thoughtfully. “You want me to go back?”
There we go again, Jun thought bitterly. “You very well know that I don’t,” Jun grumbled as he looked away feeling rather surly.
Nino let out a hearty laugh, a sound that Jun loved dearly but not this time. “You’re so adorable like this Jun-kun,” he said, smiling widely.
Jun narrowed his eyes. “I’m so fed up with this game you know,” he started and turned his back to Nino, giving his attention to wiping the glasses he just washed. This was how their game ended, every time. Defeat for Jun. He didn’t even understand why Nino was doing this but Jun felt like he was reaching his limits. Nino, on the other hand, seemed cool which was only frustrating for Jun.
“Jun.”
Jun jumped with the sudden closeness of Nino’s voice as he turned back only to find Nino a few centimetres away from him. He stumbled back, losing his balance and almost falling. Nino caught him, wrapping his strong arms between Jun’s waist and held him firmly.
“Nino…” Jun gasped because of the sudden closeness. He was looking right into Nino’s deep, brown and sparkling eyes.
“You have no idea what you’re doing to me,” Nino whispered lowly, pulling Jun closer to himself until they were pressed together. Nino’s voice was so close, Jun couldn’t help but shiver. Nino brought his face closer to Jun’s neck, burying his nose to Jun’s flawless skin, inhaling deeply. Jun’s unique scent which was mixed with his aftershave was setting Nino’s senses on fire. Jun shivered and Nino’s lips curled into a smile that was only saved for Jun’s eyes.
Jun took a shaky breath before speaking. “Stay,” Jun voiced his desire, his hands bravely circling around Nino’s fairly small body. His fingers twined around Nino’s hair, pressing Nino deep into his neck. “Please.”
He should be scared. Nino is a vampire for God knows how long and vampires drink blood. With the strength Nino had, it wouldn’t be hard to kill him right then and there. He was aware of that but somehow, it was impossible to be afraid of Nino. Jun himself doesn’t understand why too, but as long as it’s Nino, there’s no need for him to be scared.
Jun gasped when Nino pressed his lips to Jun’s carotid artery, then slowly moving up while pressing kisses to Jun’s skin. Jun’s skin felt like burning and he clutched Nino’s body hard as if his dear life was depending on it. He was shaking with anticipation as Nino’s lips inched closer to his lips.
There was no description of how good it felt when Nino actually kissed him. A proper kiss. Not like the ones Nino presented him teasingly, but a proper, real one. Jun’s heart felt like bursting. He had no idea how he managed to fell for this small witty vampire this hard and deep. Nino’s lips moved against Jun’s with a perfect rhythm as if they were meant for each other and that moment Jun knew that he had been waiting for this. He had been waiting for Nino for his whole life, without knowing. He had been searching, yearning and desiring for this for his whole life.
Jun moaned, parting his lips for Nino as he let him deepen the kiss. Nino’s tongue moving as if he had already known Jun and how to please him. His cavern was exposed to Nino as the latter kept his ministrations, stealing every bit of oxygen from Jun.
When Nino parted to let Jun breath, Jun’s legs were wobbly and he would fall if it weren’t for Nino who’s been keeping him up. Nino helped him sit down onto the floor, his hands caressing Jun’s cheek lovingly.
“Nino…” Jun rasped, out of breath.
Nino just brushed Jun’s bangs out of his eyes. He looked at Jun so fondly that it nearly broke Jun’s heart. “You’re mine, Jun,” Nino told with a voice that was hard to read. “There’s hardly anything I wouldn't do to keep you with me,” he added and pressed one last kiss to Jun’s forehead before disappearing.
A minute later, the sun was rising.