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"The prince and the princess finally share their first kiss under the shine of the moonlight. They live happily ever after."
As soon as John and Shaun arrive in their room, John peels his blue coat away from his body and throws it carelessly into the air before diving straight to his bed.
"John is super tired!!" he loudly groans to the pillow.
Shaun lets out a sigh as he closes the door behind him, quickly snatches John's forgotten blue coat from the floor, and pats it from the dust.
Today they were breaking a lot of sweat. Earlier the day, they were busy repairing the door of the research lab. They haven't got to finish it because of the interruption by Master Jeremiah and Jeremy, but at least thanks to that, they acquire a good amount of information for Miss Kate.
After that, they had summoned by the star bearers and got an earful of a lecture by Miss Barbara and Miss Suzanna regarding John's behavior about the whole fiancee and marriage thing. As punishment, they have to clean the star bearers' conference room until it's squeaky clean. Shaun would have been willing to do it himself if Miss Barbara had not firmly stated that John had to participate as well in order for him to reflect on his action.
He felt bad for his master. Cleaning is considered an insult to the shadow masters, after all. But surprisingly, John looks like he doesn't particularly mind that, or maybe he simply forgot. Then again, that does sound like his master, a nobleman who couldn't care less about what other people think.
Shaun observed him quietly from the side as his master busy dusting off the soots from the star bearers' chair while humming to himself. John didn't complain about his punishment at all. Though, he did make some remarks about the star bearers being so strict to him.
Eventually, John got tired of it and suggested that they should make a run for it. Shaun could only nervously sweat as he followed his master, sneakily making their way out from the room. He was worried that John would get into trouble again for not properly finishing their punishment, which means they might have to meet Miss Barbara again for tomorrow.
Well, that's a problem for tomorrow. For now...
Shaun sets his eyes on his master whose lying on his bed face down, already dirtying the pillow with his soots. He must be awfully exhausted. Shaun would love to let John rest immediately, but he's still wearing his formal clothes. That won't do. It's not the best attire to wear when you're going to sleep, after all.
"John-sama, you should take a bath first before sleeping."
Shaun nudges his master softly. He can hear John muffle grunts to the pillow before he scrambles himself up and stretches his body. "Alright, alright... John is going to take a bath," he groans while ruffling his own hair, then finally disappears into the bathroom.
Shaun let out a sigh, massaging his stiff shoulder. Just like his master, Shaun feels fatigued after all that work in one day. It's strange. He never once felt tired or worn out, even though he's been doing chores for days and has little time for sleep. Is this perhaps because he's aware that he's human now?
Shaun snaps from his thought and shakes his head. Now isn't time for that. He still has works left to do.
Shaun unties his 'frame' and gloves before putting them away into his pocket neatly. And then proceeds to grab his cleaning utensils from the back room and begins his night cleaning duty. He would go change to his cleaning uniform first, but since it looks like John will turn in immediately after the bath, he has to make this quick. Luckily for him, the room barely needed any cleaning because they spent the whole day outside.
Some time passes, and eventually, the water running in the bathroom has come to a stop. When Shaun is busy tidying up the desk, he hears the door open behind him.
"Oh, Shaun? You're still here?" John asks as he comes out from the bathroom with his pajamas on. Shaun takes a look at him before turning back to continue his work.
"Yes, of course. I'm almost done for the night, though."
John hums as he walks towards him. Shaun doesn't even notice his master is approaching until he sees a figure standing beside him in the corner of his eyes. He lets out a yelp when John suddenly leans into his face without warning, resulting in him forgetting to breathe for a moment.
Before Shaun can even comprehend what just happened and ask what he was doing, John is already backing away, hands on his hips. "You look pretty exhausted, Shaun," he points out.
"That's enough of cleaning for today," John then waves his hand. "Go back to your room and rest already."
Shaun immediately frowns at that.
"But, there's still--"
"Okay, okay!" Shaun stuns when his master cuts him off, ruffling his damp hair in frustration. "You've been saying that every time John asks you to rest!" John then snatches Shaun's hand and guides him to a nearby mirror.
"Take a look at yourself, Shaun!"
Shaun blinks as he inspects the figure in front of him. Eyes look jaded, lips chapped and paler than usual, and visible eyebags. He certainly doesn't look presentable as John's face right now. How unsightly. Did he actually go around the whole day looking awful like this?
John snaps him from his thought when he slaps Shaun's shoulder lightly. "See? Now you'll listen to John, right?"
Shaun turns to John before a small smile eventually makes its way to his face.
Well, if his master said it like that.
"Alright then."
Shaun takes all his cleaning utensils and puts them back in the back room. Thankfully he has already tidied up the bed nicely for his master, so at least he won't feel guilty to leave early. He quickly wipes his hand clean and approaches John whose already sitting on the bed, legs dangling on the edge as if he's eagerly waiting for Shaun.
"I shall take my leave, then." Then he leans in to place a kiss on John's cheek.
"Goodnight, John-sama."
Shaun turns around and starts to walk away to his room, sighing as his hand flies up to massage his shoulder once more.
He's so lucky to have a master so caring and thoughtful about him like John. Does other shadows master treat their living doll like this too? Miss Kate probably does too. It's obvious how much she cares for Emilico, after all. Maybe John picks that caring behavior up after seeing how Miss Kate treats Emilico. To think that his master picks up someone's else influence instead of his only, but Shaun is not complaining, of course.
Having John's attention on him somehow really makes his heart feel warm.
"Wait!"
Shaun stops on his track and turns around. "Yes? Do you need anything else?"
John goes quiet and ducks his head but quickly looks up again as if he's hesitating about something. That's a new gesture. John never hesitates about anything when it comes to Shaun, after all.
"Do you have a morning clean in the hall tomorrow?"
Shaun blinks. "No, I believe not," he answers as he raises an eyebrow, not expecting such a question from his master.
"Perfect!" John beams suddenly. "John actually has a request."
Shaun almost let out a sigh, but he managed to hold it back. His body is so ready to flop down to his bed and sleep until morning since they don't have to wake up early tomorrow. But then again, he can't complain when it comes to John. He's the one who allows Shaun to rest earlier in the first place. Perhaps it's just a quick matter thing.
So he walks back towards John, hands behind his back.
"Yes, what can I help you?"
"When you already change to your pajamas, come into John's room again," he says.
Shaun tilts his head, "May I ask why?"
"John wants Shaun to have a sleepover with him."
And that's how Shaun founds himself lying down on his master's bed with his pajamas on.
With John.
Wait, wait, wait, this wasn't how it was supposed to be!
"Shaun, you're going to fall if you sleep on the edge like that."
Shaun lets out a yelp when John wraps his arm around his waist, trying to pull him closer. "W-What are you doing?" he stutters as he pries John's hand clumsily from his body out of panic. John groans, "As John said, you're going to fall if you sleep on the edge! There's still enough space here!"
John tries to pull him a bit harder now. The alarm in Shaun's head practically goes off when he feels his body gets drag to back.
"A-Alright! I'll move!" he squeaks, finally giving up and shifting closer to his master.
It's difficult to ignore the thumping on his chest. All feelings of scared, excitement, nervousness are mixing together in his head, that Shaun doesn't know what to feel anymore. He shouldn't be doing this. Why did Shaun agree to John's request? He knows he can refuse. John always listens and respects his decisions, after all. He won't be angry if Shaun refuses his request, right?
And yet, he couldn't bring himself to do that, and now he's stuck in this situation. But it's just a sleepover. Shaun shouldn't overreact like this. Still, it's hard to do with the throbbing of his heartbeat, making him unable to calm himself down. It's not every day Shaun gets to sleep on John's bed, together with him.
"Shaun, there's something John wants to ask," John murmurs to his ear. The softness of his master's voice is enough to make Shaun finally turns around. Faint blush appears on his face when he sees how close John actually is. Shaun harshly swallows a lump before speaking.
"W-What is it?"
John bites his lips, "Have you... ever kiss someone?"
Shaun raises his eyebrow at that.
"I kiss you every day?"
"No! Not that kind of kiss!" John argues, "John means the kiss you share with your special one."
Shaun frowns as he blinks confusedly, then soon it finally connects inside his head.
Oh, he means the one on the lips.
"I have no memory of my life before here, but I don't think so?" Shaun replies, shrugging. "At least, I don't feel like I did,"
John stays quiet for a bit then shifts to look up at the ceiling above him. "So Shaun hasn't had it, huh..." he breaths quietly, seeming lost in thought.
Shaun stares at him from the side. That's not something he expects John would ask. He wonders why his master is curious about it out of nowhere.
Then suddenly, the bed makes a loud creaking noise as John jumps off from it. Shaun frowns before he brings himself to sit up, watching John make a run towards the window, and pulls the curtain open for a bit. His master sure has a lot of energy, which reminds him a bit of Emilico.
"Perfect!" John exclaims loudly, then looks back to his living doll with a big grin across his face. "Look, Shaun! The moon is full!"
Shaun follows him to the window, smiling as he peers in awe of how pretty the moon is tonight, shining brightly with no clouds to block its light from reaching the stars.
"You're right, John-sama. It is certainly lovely tonight."
If he had the freedom to go out, then Shaun would love to see it closer.
Maybe out there, there's a big empty field where he can lie down on the land of grass and observe the moon and its stars decorating the night sky together. That would be wonderful. Who knows, maybe he has already done it before he comes to the manor. But regardless, Shaun would still like to do it again.
And he wants to see it together, with his master.
"Shaun, John wants a kiss."
"...Excuse me?"
John turns to his living doll as he takes a seat by the window frame. "John wants a kiss," he repeats more firmly.
Shaun gulps, "The goodnight kiss?"
"No! The other one."
Maybe he really should've refused John's request from the get-go.
Shaun coughs to his hand, ignoring the warmth of the blush as it crawled up his neck. Is that why John asked him if he's done it or not earlier? Is he curious about trying it?
But even so, kissing on the lips is a bit... intimate .
"A-As you said earlier; you only do that kind of k-kiss with your special one." Shaun stammers in panic, starting to lose his composure out of embarrassment.
John tilts his head in confusion, "And?"
"D-Don't you want to do it with Kate-sama instead?"
The room suddenly fills in with heavy silence as they both share a look.
"Actually, don't." he deadpans.
John definitely won't come out alive if he did that to Miss Kate.
"See? You're the only one John can ask!" he claims aloud, hands flying to grab both of Shaun's shoulders in a firm grip. Shaun flinches from the sudden touch, his poor heart almost jumping out from his chest because of it too.
What should he do? All of this is way too unexpected and out of nowhere.
First, John told Shaun to rest earlier than usual. Actually, no. He tells Shaun that every night. Secondly, he asked Shaun to sleep on the same bed with him, which is clearly against the rules. Then again, he knows both of them are not trying to follow it anymore, except when they go out to meet other shadows and living dolls, but that is beside the point. And now, this?
Shaun swallows a lump.
"...C-Can I ask the reason?" John goes quiet at that. He finally lets go of Shaun, which Shaun thanks everything above for that because he feels like his heart is about to explode.
"John read a storybook the other day," he begins.
"A storybook?"
John nods, shifting his gaze out to the window. "It's on the ending, after the prince and the princess overcome their hardship and reunite, they share a kiss. The book described it as a feeling that makes one feels warm and overjoyed inside."
Then he turns to his living doll, grins even though he knows Shaun can't see it.
"Shaun is special to John. That's why he wants to try it, with you."
Shaun's eyes soften at that.
That's right. How could Shaun forget?
His master is a curious one. Shaun is already aware of that. If John finds something he doesn't know or is unfamiliar with, he will seek guidance from Shaun. If John has trouble to decides something, he will ask for Shaun's advice. Should John need his assistance, it's Shaun's duty to be his right hand. Should his master wish of something, it's his duty to grant it.
Shaun is willing to give everything to him. Because John is special to Shaun, and then so is the opposite.
If John allows it, then...
Shaun lets out a sigh, smiling sheepishly.
"Alright, let's do it."
John suddenly beams happily, "Really?! You'll do it?!"
Shaun chuckles at his master's behavior. He gets all that excited when Shaun is merely agrees to his little request. It's cute. Maybe John does really want to try it that bad, huh?
Shaun can't deny that he himself is quite curious as well.
"Yes, yes. Now close your eyes," Shaun says, resting both of his hands on the window frame between John's body.
John does as Shaun commands and closes his eyes. "This is kinda embarrassing," he mumbles.
Shaun makes a face at that remark as a chuckle escapes him. He just realizes that now? That's just like his master, never thinking twice about something. Shaun can't help the smile he makes.
Upon seeing John's face this close, Shaun's heartbeat picks up its pace again. The realization is starting to catch up to him. He is really going to do this.
Kissing on the lips is considered an intimate act. You don't do this kind of thing with everyone. But John already gives his consent, so is Shaun. It's too late to back up now. The silence between them just makes Shaun gradually aware of how loud the thumping inside his chest is. He silently hopes that John won't notice it.
Shaun gazes at his master's face. It's hard to figure if John closed his eyes or not, but it doesn't really matter since John surely will follow what Shaun says. Now that he is about to do it, Shaun can't afford to miss his lips. Or else it'll be awkward between them.
No, no, he got this.
After a long silence, Shaun finally closes his eyes and leans in to meet a soft pair of lips.
Shaun did it. He kissed John.
They stay like that for a while, drowning in the mysterious feeling inside their chest. The glow of the moonlight, the twinkle of the stars in the dark sky are the only witnesses for them.
It's just like John describes. Shaun is feeling all warm and fuzzy inside that even basking in the shine of the sun itself won't compare. Somehow, he feels relieved and happy too. What a mysterious feeling indeed. Shaun feels like he just regained another part of humanity in him. He can't think of anything else than to savor this moment they share.
It's just a simple gesture, but Shaun has accidentally taken a liking to it.
After a while, Shaun finally ends the kiss. His eyes flutter open to gaze at his master for a bit before backing away completely, wishing for a moment that he could see what kind of expression John's making.
He lets out a cough to break the silence.
"A-Are you satisfied now?"
John brings a hand up to touch his lips. "So... That's how it feels, huh..." he mumbles and looks up to his living doll. Shaun can't tell what his master is feeling right now, so it makes him a bit anxious. He waits for his master to say something, but instead, the room now fills with uncomfortable silence.
Shaun scratches his cheek nervously. "W-Well then, it's already late. Shall we sleep?" he suggests, already making his way to the bed in order to avoid John's gaze on him.
"Yeah... Yeah, of course."
John gets off from the window frame and walks his way towards the bed. Shaun waits for him to lie down first before joining him.
Well, this is awkward.
Shaun thought John would overreact or comment more, but he's been quiet than what he prepares. Shaun bites his lips. All that warm feelings blossoming in his chest earlier have washed away, leaving Shaun feeling awful and rejected.
Did he somehow make a mistake? Or perhaps, John is disappointed with that kiss? He should've refused it from the start. It's a bad idea, after all. John might have treated him equally because that is just how he is, but Shaun shouldn't have gotten ahead of himself. Should he excuse himself to his room now? Would that make the situation more awkward than it is already?
Ah, he wants to cry.
While Shaun is busy with the thoughts buzzing inside his head, John turns to Shaun's back and shift a bit closer. Without saying anything, he snakes his arms and wraps them around Shaun's body.
Shaun snaps from his thought and jerks in reflex. "J-John-sama?!"
"Shaun... Are you upset at John?" he whispers quietly, tightening his grip on his living doll's white shirt.
Shaun's worry immediately fades as his eyes grow softer, not expecting John to sound frightened like that. He then tries to look at John from his shoulder. "No... I'm not. Why did you ask that?"
When his master doesn't answer him, Shaun decides to turn around and looks at John properly. John doesn't let go of the hand wrapped around his body earlier, and he rests it on Shaun's waist instead. Now that Shaun is looking at him properly, it seems enough to encourage John to continue.
"John thought about this, but he thinks he may have forced Shaun to fulfill his request," he mutters, ducking his head down in guilt. "Shaun always listens to John, so John didn't think about how you feel."
Shaun's heart breaks when he hears how small John's voice is as he speaks, not to mention how John tighten his grip as if Shaun would leave at any moment from him.
That's when Shaun realizes it.
His own true intention.
So without thinking twice, Shaun brings a hand up and cups John's cheek.
"John-sama, I'm not upset with you," he assures, smiling fondly as his thumb caresses John's cheek gently. "If I am truly uncomfortable with it, I would refuse you right away,"
That's right .
Shaun didn't refuse John because he was simply obedient to him or because it's his duty, but because he's doing it because he actually wants to .
Because, Shaun is looking forward to sharing his first kiss with John.
"Really? You're not?"
Shaun shakes his head at that, giving his master a smile of reassurance. "After all, I also happen to be a bit curious," he admits quietly.
John goes silent for a bit before beaming up in happiness and pulls Shaun into a hug, earning a surprised yelp from him.
"You really had John worried when you brushed off the topic as soon after that!" He mumbles into Shaun's shirt, accidentally inhaling the body scent of his living doll that feels his senses. It puts his mind at ease immediately. John loves it.
Shaun is not used to this kind of closeness, so his hands are awkwardly dangling in the air, unsure if he should return the hug or not. But the sight of his master snuggling into his chest and throwing a leg over his own to tangle them together is enough to make Shaun gives up and fully surrender himself to John. He shyly returns the hug and rests his chin over John's head. It's not every day he can see John being this clingy to him. Shaun enjoys having his master's attention on him, after all.
"I apologize if I give you the wrong idea, John-sama." Shaun brings a hand to his master's head and begins patting it gently. Somehow, this kind of gesture feels really nostalgic to him. It feels like he always does this to someone before. Maybe, back in his home, he has little siblings to do this kind of thing.
Unconsciously, Shaun places a kiss on his master's forehead as if his body moves on its own. Before Shaun can even comprehend what he just did, John pulls himself away and looks up at his living doll.
They stare at each other in silence, and as time passes, Shaun's cheeks grow redder and hotter.
"I, um..." Shaun trails off, unable to form any words inside his mouth. The silence is heavy that the sound of his heartbeat is probably out loud for both of them to hear.
John decides to make the first move by climbing on top of his living doll and rests his hands between Shaun's face.
"Shaun..."
It was but a mere whisper, but it sent a shiver towards his entire body. The sight of his master looming above him with their face is just a mere inch away makes Shaun's whole face is burning now.
He wants it.
Shaun puts his hand on John's cheeks. In silence, both of them give each other their approval as John finally lowers down. And at last, they finally share one more kiss that night.
Ah. The warm feeling, it's coming back again.
Shaun loves this. He wants this more than anything in the world. To be able to share a tender kiss with his master is like a dream come true. Shaun thought that being by his side was enough all this time, but after experiencing this, he's afraid that won't be the case anymore.
He wants to be as close as possible to John.
They let go of the kiss for a bit before John diving in to catch Shaun's lips once more. Shaun unconsciously lets out small muffled noises as John deepens their kiss, hands already wrapping around his master's head. They're kissing each other as if it's their last, seeking each other bits of warmth in the cold of the night. Shaun can't bring himself to care about the noises they're making. The only thing in his mind is to savor this moment carefully and engrave it in his mind.
This moment can last for eternity, and he wouldn't mind.
The kiss finally ends as both of them catch their breath. Shaun's eyes flutter open gazes up at his master, eyes glistening under the long eyelashes. They stare at each other in silence, still trying to comprehend what they have just done.
While John is busy observing and admiring how charming Shaun is right now beneath him, Shaun himself is drowning in his own thoughts. He is supposed to be the face of his master, and yet, he's unable to guess what kind of expression John is making right now.
He wants to know.
Shaun's hands fly over and rest it on John's cheeks. With his fingers, Shaun traces his face carefully.
"What are you doing, Shaun?" John asks. Since it seems his master is not uncomfortable with it, Shaun keeps trying to trace his fingers across John's face. He can feel the shape of his eyebrows, the moist on his parted lips, the eyelids fall half-lidden and moving as it's blinking.
"I... I want to know what you're expressing right now..." Shaun mutters, can't even bring himself to care as his hands get dirty by soots.
Shaun feels the way John blinks in confusion, but he gets caught off guard when he feels the corner of John's lips tucked upwards.
For a second there, Shaun feels like he can see John's face as clear as day.
"John guess even the good-at-everything Shaun is unable to become his face, after all." John chuckles. His ink-black hand flies up and rests it on top of Shaun's, closing his eyes to bask in the warmth of those hands.
"That's good, Shaun." John leans in to give Shaun a peck on the cheek. "That's good..."
Because to John, Shaun is worth more than that.
Shaun can feel his cheeks heat up more, but it's no longer an awkward feeling for him. He snakes his hands around John's hand and combs through his hair with his fingers.
"Even if I can't become your face, will you still allow me to be by your side?"
John chuckles at that question. He returns the hug and buries his face to Shaun's neck, inhaling the sweet body scent that welcomes him.
"You're smart, Shaun. Figure that one out."
John lets out a big stretch to loosen his muscles, along with a long groan after sitting for hours. Shaun worries that with how loud that groan is, it might draw some unwanted ears.
"Ahh! Finally, all that gets taken care of!" John exclaims as he flashes a grin towards Kate and Emilico. "Good job, you two! John and Shaun will gladly lend a hand to work out this plan!"
Kate places a hand on her chest as she ducks her head a bit. "Thank you very much. Kate really appreciates it."
Emilico lets out a big smile as she claps both of her hands. "With John-sama and Shaun there, I feel much at ease! Right, Kate-sama?" Kate gazes at her and returns the smile. "Yes, you're right."
John throws a hand to his living doll's waist and pulls him closer.
"John is going to protect all of you! If the robe-sama is trying anything funny, John will make sure to blow them away with John's punch !" He claims out loud, not noticing that Shaun's face is getting red because of his gesture.
Emilico nods at him eagerly. "John-sama is pretty strong, after all!"
Kate giggles at their cheerfulness. With everyone here with her, they definitely can take on robe-sama together and clear Kate's name once again.
"Well then," She finally stands up from the bench and is followed by Emilico. "Kate supposes we should go back to our room now and rest for the time being."
John lets go of Shaun before turning to his living doll with a grin.
"Shall we, Shaun?"
Shaun nods to his master and bows down to the girls. "If you'll excuse us then,"
Kate watches them turn their heels and walks away, chatting with each other.
Emilico joins her, observing the pair before confusedly tilting her head to her master. "Kate-sama, is something the matter?"
She gazes for a bit longer before letting out a chuckle.
"No, Kate is just notice something."
"About what?"
Kate's eyes land on the intertwined hands of a human and a shadow. A gesture that you don't see every day.
"Those two, it seems like they're getting closer."