Note: Haven’t written fictions in a long time. Me is getting rusty, ne? Just a simple fiction, but do endeavour to enjoy it.

Had enough rambling, on with The Night Child: Throat.

———-

"Munchkin?"

A pebble came his way and he thanked his extreme cat-like reflex in dodging it. He turned his head over his shoulder and watch the pebble bounce on the roof. He turned back to pout at the thrower.

"You know, that one could have hit my perfect nose." He took a seat on her right. A metre and a half away, just to be safe.

She gave him a smug look that clearly meant it was intended.

"So, how was your day, munchkin?" Another pebble wheezed past his left ear. He grinned.

A death glare. This time, the words ‘leave me or shut it.’ were clearly etched upon her face.

"Aw, cold tonight, aren’t we?" He leaned on the roof with his arms crossed behind his head.

Silence ensued and he glanced tentatively at his stubborn neighbour. As usual, she sat on the roof hugging her knees and her chin laid contentedly on top of her kneecap. The usual deep blue blanket was wrapped around herself.

"Don’t you wash that thing?" He gestured with his pouted lips towards her blanket.

Silence ensued.

"Munchkin?" He braced himself for any flying pebble. Fortunately yet strangely, none came. He blinked. He sat up slowly, slightly taken aback at her not retorting in anyway at him calling her that nickname.

"You okay?"

She glared at him with the corner of her eyes.

"Oh?" An eyebrow arched up. He watched as she repeatedly throw a pebble up in the air and catch it.

Silence ensued. She merely stared ahead, her eyes roaming everywhere except at him.

"You’re not seeing someone else, are you?" He asked with mock disappointment.

She remained completely silent.

Feeling suddenly unease, he slowly peeked at her face. As usual, the stoic girl was expressionless. Her eyes shone slightly and they roamed the whole area overlooking the neighbourhood they live in.

He mimicked her posture. “I’m not used to be ignored.” 

He waited for her reply patiently and for a full minute, only the whispering of the wind and the yowling of cats could be heard breaking the silence of the breezy night. He couldn’t take it anymore.

“Wanna tell me what’s wrong?” He asked softly.

She yawned and blinked twice to moisten her eyes.

Okay, so that didn’t work. How to make this stubborn kid talk? Plan B.

He fumbled for that pack of M&M he kept in his pocket. “Now where is that bliddy chocolate…” he muttered slowly, just audible enough for the words to reach her ears.

She heard the word chocolate, he was very positive of that. Yet she kept impassively ahead and threw her last pebble towards a cat trying to pee on her gate.

He took out the azure packet of M&M, the one with crispy biscuit inside. It was his favourite and hers as well. He tore it swiftly and smacked his lips. “Ah, the perfect snack on such a beautiful night.”

He put one inside his mouth and chewed. She merely leaned her forehead on top of her folded hands.

Two more were popped in. No response.

Four more were chewed. A sudden chilly breeze swept his hair and he saw her tightening her blanket around her.

“Seriously, you haven’t utter one word tonight.” He gentlemanly gesture the packet towards her. “What have I done to receive your silent treatment?”

No response.

“Dear me,” he slowly tapped her shoulder. “You’re not sleeping on me, are you? It’s only-” he glanced at his digital Levi’s watch on his left wrist. “-12.08.”

She tilted her head upwards and opened her eyes slowly. She turned to face her unwavering neighbour who had a slight concern look on his face. Her lips twitched upwards and she stretched her hand towards him.

He grinned and obliged to her silent request for some M&M. She mouthed a thanks and popped one into her mouth.
“So, wanna tell me what’s on your mind?”

She faced him and cleared her throat. Twice. He waited, popping M&M’s one at a time.

“Sore throat.” Her curt voice broke the silence. He frowned. She coughed twice.

Standing up, he grabbed her arm and started to push the startled girl back towards her open bedroom window.

“What the hell were you thinking, staying out on chilly night when you have a sore throat, munchkin?”

“Hey-” She coughed and made a move to protest but he effortlessly pushed her towards the window, forcing her to climb in.

“I can’t believe you’re so careless!” He shook his head, auburn hair swaying left to the right. “And here I thought I’m the childish one between us!”

“I take no orders from you.” She glared and coughed twice.

“See, munchkin?” His shook his head, arms akimbo. “Your throat’ll get worse if you get cold. Listen to me; I’m older by four years!”

She tsked and crossed her arms. “I’m more matured by eight.” She coughed heavily this time. She sauntered towards her nightstand and took a sip out of a glass of water there.

“You are the most hopeless munchkin I’ve ever met.” He shrugged and turned to leave. “Don’t stay up late.”

She coughed in reply.

“Oh, and munchkin?” He peered through the open window and threw the packet of M&M towards her.

She absentmindedly caught it without even glancing back. He grinned and pocketed his hands. “Night, munchkin.”

A glare at the annoying nickname followed her curt nod as she closed her window shut.

———-

This may be a series of enjoying life on rooftops, as I like to call it. The two characters may remain anonymous until Fate gives me the needed pang of ideas.

Truthfully, the only names I can come up with are Mitsui, Kaoru and Haru.

Till then, Allah bless, odaijini.