#warmspicedchai

sequle to [x] | @warm-spiced-chai

They both had fallen asleep on the couch together. It just would have felt a bit too casual and domestic to just say good night to one another. So Ryou decides to just wait for the spirit to fall asleep.

And he actually did, Ryou just didn't leave for his room. Maybe it was cautious to not leave the other out of sight. Ryou could not be sure the spirit's magic was fully gone, and even if - there were more than one item, especially knives, in Ryous apartment for the man to use.

... But the truth was more likely as fascinating, seeing him sleep. He is pretty sure the spirit had rested in the ring before, something akin to sleeping but also not. So this? It, was fascinating.

But also uncanny, it was like watching himself.

Ryou did eventually fall asleep, not meaning to, but his eyes just fall shut.

Luckily, though, he still managed to wake up before the spirit. Either the other had been more tired than he thought. Or Ryou's internal clock just refuses to let him sleep longer.

Or maybe, he still felt a bit uneasy about the other being here.

---

When Ryou woke up, he made a bit of a squacky noise, before covering his mouth, seeing the other.

It... that night hadn't been a dream

Ryou breathed slowly out through his nose, trying to calm his heart, which felt like it was about to burst out of his ribcage.

It was probably a good thing he awoke first, it gave him a moment to collect himself and be on his own to just think. Carefully, he got up, glancing at the spirit. His eyes wandered to the bandages, they would have had to check the injuries again later. He also realized the spirit was still stuck in his tattered clothes.

Leaving for the bedroom, Ryou changed into different clothes. While also gripping something for the spirit to wear. He still seemed to like black, and it was warm these days. So Ryou gripped a black t-shirt with a monster world print and some dark blue jogging pants to wear.

He placed the clothes on the table, letting the spirit continue to sleep as he left for the kitchen.

Maybe we can visit a bakery or cafe ...

He wondered, not much in the mood to really make breakfast beyond some fruits, and they already had that.

Enjoying his coffee, he did eventually return to the living room, placing a cup of coffee on the table and a bowl of fruit. Placing his hand on the other's shoulder, shaking him lightly.

Ryou glanced over to his mirror image laying uncious on his couch, arms bandaged, and cuts on his face patched up. Having just finished bandaging his arms and patching up his face. Finger clicking nervously against the first aid kit he was holding

--

Ryou enjoyed his nightly walk, always one in favor of the night over the day. Not expecting this night to throw his life upside down.

At first, he just spotted something in an alleyway. He wasn't sure how, it was like ... he sensed something. A familiar feeling, but it had been to long as that he could pinpoint how and why.

It made him wander into the dark alleyway, at first seeing nothing but a slumb over figure lying there.

" Hey, are you-" and the words died in his throat. Stumbling back from the other, he had tried to reach out just a second prior.

"No..that...it can't .." but it was, wasn't it? A face and hair identical on his own ... and if this wasn't some kind of joke then ..

But how? How could he even be back? Was he dreaming? Wouldn't be the first time, but ... no, he wouldn't dream of spirit in such a state. He never did, he never saw that.

Ryou swallowed, trying to stayde his breathing as he could feel his fear crawling up his spine, but seeing the other so ... defenseless, the fear didn't stick around for long.

He shouldn't, he should just let the thief here to rot, call someone - anything, just leave. But he didn't. That wasn't him.

... and despite it all, he still cared for his other self.

--

And this is how the thief ended up in his flat, the same they had shared all this time ago.

Now in the light, Ryou actually got a better look at his double. And yes, he still .. somehow looked like him, like his current him, not the one he possessed all these years ago. Expect from the scare that mirrored the thief kings.

How odd ... why Ryou's appearance but his old scar-?

And how long was he back? Why...did he not seek him out before?

Probably cause he has no need for you anymore.

Ryou breathed out heavily. There was no point in wondering. All he could do was wait. And even that sends his heartbeat through the roof.

He is ... not sure if he is ready to face him. But this option was taken from him, now wasn't it?