A RINTORI AU COLLECTION

Don't Leave Me Behind

Author:  mymanisfictional

It took Rin over a month to notice.

It wasn't his fault really. He had just been spending less time with Nitori than he used to and as such, it took him longer to notice the change in his roommate.

Rin had just returned from a trip to the beach with Haruka, Makoto, and Nagisa. Even Rei had been there, and Rin didn't really mind it in the slightest; he was trying to befriend the kid, if only for the sakes of the others. Still, he came home in such high spirits, with tanned skin and a bright smile, that it wasn't until he had showered, changed and was lying in bed that he realized something was off. That something had been off for a while.

"Oi, Nitori," he called, staring up at the bottom of Nitori's bunk.

"Yes?"

Rin frowned. Somehow, it seemed Nitori's response wasn't as… accommodating as always. Normally the second Rin called for him, he'd chime a quick "What is it, senpai?" and peer over the side of his bed. But this time his word was curt and there came no movement from the bed above.

"I, uh…" Rin's scowl deepened as he realized he hadn't actually thought of anything to ask Nitori about beforehand. "How'd ya do on your test? You were freaking out over some English exam, right?"

"It was history and I did just fine." There was a pause. Then, "Thanks for asking."

"Yeah… sure," Rin replied, the confused frown never leaving his face. Was Nitori in a bad mood? It would explain the moody silence and the terse responses, but when Rin actually forced himself to think about it, he realized that this strange behavior had been going on for quite some time and it was only now that he noticed.

Rin ignored the guilt seeping into the corners of his mind and rolled over onto his side, the silence stifling him into sleep.

-Free-

Rin took careful notice of Nitori's behavior over the next two weeks. He made more attempts to strike up conversations with him, only to be met with strange looks and one word responses, or sometimes no reply at all. As confused as was, Rin also felt angry. He could handle Nitori being quiet once in a while. He could tolerate Nitori having a bad day and being in a sour mood. But there was no way he could get used to Nitori snubbing him like this.

"Nitori, come to Iwatobi school festival with me," he demanded one day, crossing his arms and sending the boy a look that said do it or else.

To his utter shock, Nitori barely glanced up from his book as he tossed a "No, thanks" his way.

"Huh?"

"I said no thanks." Nitori repeated, sounding like it took him a lot of effort to do so.

Rin couldn't help himself. He stormed over to the desk, snatched the book from Nitori's hand and glared down at him. "Would you look at me, damn it?! And why the hell won't you go? I know you don't have any other plans!"

Nitori immediately turned to look at him and reached for his novel. His startled eyes cooled into something inscrutable and his voice was oddly calm as he spoke. "I don't feel like going out today. I don't feel well."

"Bullshit," Rin growled. Nitori's expression didn't change though and Rin gave up in frustration. He tossed the book back onto the desk and left, grabbing his jacket and keys along the way. "Whatever." He slammed the door shut on his way out.