Disclaimer: I disclaim.

Warnings: Implied spoilers about Jin (although if you don't get it, don't worry)

A/N: I missed my JinxMichiru crack (even though it's not really that), so… yeah, it had to end up like this. I'm not sure what they're really on about in the first part, but I'm sure I don't need to mention that there's a time-lapse between that and the second (much, much smaller) part. Yeah, I like it (& apologies for any errors).

To fallenxfate: Aside from being the only one who's said something since the last time… you win! And since you've chosen to go through all this, you get to request something from me (Kamichama Karin related, anyway, as I am currently incompetent with other series). It's totally not because I love you (& your writing), okay?

Locked in a Cage
30
(Those Nights)

The downpour refused to stop, as the two sat at opposite ends of the small table; smoke curling in thin trails from the cups set out before them.

"Are you worried?"

The boy with golden eyes started, as he glanced away from the outside world veiled in water.

"I think it'd be strange if I wasn't worried, really," he tapped his cup cautiously, as if he expected something to jump out at him. His companion nodded absentmindedly, as he fiddled with a spare napkin.

"I guess Hanazono-san really doesn't know how deeply involved we've all become now. Or maybe…" he paused, as he tried to find the right words to explain how he saw the situation, "She knows, but feels that she isn't capable of doing anything to prevent it… or something."

Satisfied that his coffee hadn't been spiked (or homed anything living), he took a sip, "Nishikiori, there are times when you have to accept that things are going to happen, and it isn't going to end well."

He smiled, although there was nothing to smile about.

"So we should accept our deaths as the only possible path to take, Jin-kun."

"I think a part of me is already dead, to be honest," he tapped his chest with his free hand, "Kirihiko isn't exactly something to be trifled with."

Silence descended upon the pair, as they mulled over his words – the relentless patter of rain their only other companion.

"But, you know," Michiru reached across the table to pat his friend's hand, "you're stronger than that, Jin-kun. Himeka-san, Hanazono-san, Kazune-kun… we can all see that. Give yourself a little credit, love."

The idol huffed, as he shook the other away, the ghost of a smile in place, "Right, whatever."

"Where's your friend?"

Michiru glanced up; the part-timer placed his order down carefully, as she took a look at the empty seat opposite him. He stared at the vacant space as well, scalding his tongue with the drink in the process.

"He couldn't come tonight." His voice a low murmur. "He chose to stay with other company."

"Really?" She didn't sound convinced.

"Yeah," he turned to the window and the darkened sky, "But he'll be back. You'll see."

You'll see… (An empty echo, as she never saw either one of them - the black-haired teen idol or his auburn-haired friend - after that night.)