Hi! I am back with a new one-shot from another new fandom. I have recently been diving down the hole that is Alice in Borderland. If you know me, I have a soft spot for non-canon ships, so of course this is what this fic is about. I am a die hard Chirisu lover (Arisu & Chishiya). There is something so interesting about the two of them and I feel like any story with them is bound to be filled with angst. That is exactly what I bring for you today. It is a sort of setup to a full length AU, cause I love this ship so much that I need to develop a multi chaptered story fics and grow the Chirisu community. Hopefully, I can get around to doing that really soon! Anyway, back to this one-shot, it is centered around the idea of what if Chishiya and Arisu knew each other before joining the games? What if they were already a couple before entering Borderland? What would that change? How did they become an item? Well, I guess you're just going to have to read to find out.

Arisu sits on the ground curled into a tight ball. He is in the center of a small garden near the back of one of the University libraries. His hand clenches around a stack of papers as tears trickle down his cheeks in steady streams. He sniffles as this aching feeling inside of his chest seems to grow. The sky is gray and the sound of rumbling thunder can be heard. Arisu knows that he should get inside before it starts to pour, but he can't move a single muscle. He feels completely numb. A static buzz in his ears. A heavy pressure weighing on his heart. Blurry memories flashing through his mind that makes him want to puke.

A loud sob is ripped from Arisu's chest, but the sound is almost completely drowned out by another crack of thunder. Raindrops begin to fall. Slow and delicate before coming down like bullets. Arisu's clothes quickly become damp, clinging to his body like a second layer of skin. His hair flops onto his forehead and pokes at his eyes. Droplets of rain mix with his tears.

He doesn't move as the storm rages on. His limbs locking and sorrow drenching his entire body. His teeth grit and his hands shake. His eyes lock on the blades of grass that are being pushed to the ground by the harsh hits of rain.

And then, suddenly, the pressure of the rain stops. Arisu blinks a couple of times in surprise and looks up. His gaze immediately locks on a red colored umbrella covering him. "What are you doing out here?" A familiar voice asks.

"Chishiya..." Arisu croaks. He turns to look at his college classmate who waves at him as their eyes meet. The med student is partially dry, but quickly becoming drenched as the rain doesn't let up. His expression is slightly pinched, clearly not happy to get wet, but he doesn't move the umbrella. He keeps it over Arisu, shielding him from the rain. "I don't like repeating myself, Arisu," Chishiya sighs.

"I...I don't know," Arisu murmurs, "I just...I'm fine...you don't need to..." He gestures towards the umbrella. Chishiya glances at it before looking back at Arisu and shaking his head. "You'll catch a cold," The med student states.

"So will you," Arisu says.

"Hm," Chishiya tilts his head to the side, "Well, there's only one way to prevent that." He moves closer to Arisu. He grabs his collar and tugs at it. Arisu frowns at the action but understands what his classmate is asking. He doesn't know why he decides to abide by his request, but he slowly rises to his feet. Chishiya nods his head in satisfaction and brings himself close to Arisu. He grips onto his arm and tugs him towards the library. Arisu follows behind, his head cloudy from all the crying he's done and in somewhat of a daze as the shock of seeing Chishiya has yet to wear off.

Arisu met Chishiya at the beginning of the semester. They had a class together and somehow ended up seated side by side. Arisu wasn't sure how to act, but decided to make small talk with the blonde haired man. Chishiya didn't respond to any of his questions and for the longest time ignored him. It wasn't until Arisu corrected the professor about a mistake in her lesson did Chishiya finally take notice of him. From there, the two became friends of sorts. An understanding developed between them. Chishiya being able to pick up on the times Arisu got in over his head, while Arisu was the only able to interpret Chishiya's sarcastic and blunt comments. There was this banter between them. And it is one of the only things Arisu found himself missing when he stopped going to class.

"Arisu," Chishiya calls, snapping him from his thoughts. Arisu blinks as he looks at the blonde haired man with wide eyes. They stand in the foyer of the library. Puddles forming where they stand. Chishiya holds his hand out, passing him some napkins that Arisu can't help but wonder where he got. Regardless, he takes them from him and begins to run them over his face. As he does this, Chishiya studies him with an even expression on his face. He does this for a few moments before taking a couple of steps forward. Arisu looks down at the shorter man with a confused expression. Chishiya proceeds to confuse him even further as he throws his arms around him and brings their bodies close. Arisu stiffens for a second as he feels the med student's head press lightly against his chest and his hand lightly pat his back. It's something out of character for the man, who Arisu has long since likened to the Cheshire Cat. And yet it feels like something he has done a billion times before. His hold is light, but there. Comforting but not overbearing. It says more words than Arisu has been given since he has lost his mother. Arisu relaxes as he feels the weight in his body lessen. He wraps his own arms around Chishiya and lets his cheek press into slightly damp hair. He lets out a breath and his eyes close serenely. "I don't know if I'm doing this right," Chishiya mutters suddenly.

A soft smile appears on Arisu's face. He squeezes the shorter man gently and hums underneath his breath, "You are."

———————

Chishiya shivers as a gust of air passes. His frown deepens as he pulls his jacket even closer around him. He stands on the rooftop of the hospital that he is doing his residency for. The sky is a beautiful mix of orange and purple hues. A sight that makes Chishiya's situation so much more disgusting. Just then, another wave of wind whips through. Chishiya makes an annoyed face as his skin prickles with goosebumps. He shakes his head, refusing to move from his position. He likes it up here. Even though he hates the feeling of being cold just as much.

It's better than being down there. Shouts and yells wherever he turns. Threats and harassment thrown his way. Dirty looks as he refuses again to follow through with his boss's orders. He can't say he's surprised that this is the way the medical world is. He's grown up in it after all, but it didn't make it any less revolting.

He sighs as he adjusts his position. He leans against the ledge of the roof and peeks over the edge. The symmetric windows of the hospital building reflect the setting sun all the way down to the ground. People exit and enter with various emotions written on their faces. Some are happy after a successful surgery while others appear frantic as they try to find money to handle the fees they've accrued. Chishiya watches them with a blank look and hands nonchalantly tucked into his pockets.

His expression quickly changes as another gust of wind passes his way. The sharp bite of the cold doesn't last long though as he is quickly enveloped in a thick jacket. Its dark blue sleeves hang low on Chishiya's short stature, making it easy for the med student to identify who it belongs to. "Ryohei," Chishiya hums under his breath.

"Hi, Shun," Arisu murmurs as he slides behind him. His arms curl around Chishiya's shoulders and he tugs him close to his chest. Chishiya leans into his hold without any hesitation. Arisu softly pecks the side of his head before tucking it neatly underneath his chin. "How did you know I was here?" Chishiya questions.

"I know you, Shiya," Arisu responds simply. Chishiya lets out a scoff, but slowly nods his head. It's not like this is the first time he's run away like this. Arisu is the only one that knows about Chishiya's affinity for high places. He's the only one that is able to find him and bring him back down. He reaches his hands up to grab at Arisu's arm and lets his finger make circles along his skin. "Hm, maybe I should use the fact that the hospital just allowed a random stranger onto the rooftop as an excuse to quit," Chishiya muses, "Say that the lack of security worries me..."

"Nurse Suzuki let me up," Arisu says before questioning in a worried tone, "And did something happen? You only ever go to rooftops when you're stressed. Why do you want to quit?"

"My boss is an asshole," Chishiya answers, "He's been pressuring me to sign off on pushing back one of my patient's surgeries to make room for some rich person..."

"That's horrible," Arisu frowns.

"Yeah, I told him no, but he isn't willing to take that for an answer," Chishiya sighs.

"Is he bothering you?" Arisu questions

"Why? Are you going to fight him?" Chishiya's eyebrow lifts. Arisu stiffens slightly at those words. His mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. His eyes dart back and forth nervously. A smile begins to grow on Chishiya's face as he sees his boyfriend's nervous expression. "I...uh...do you want me to?" Arisu stutters before asking in a high pitched tone.

"No, Arisu," Chishiya chuckles, "It's fine. I can handle him..." Arisu relaxes after that, especially as he starts to notice that his boyfriend is teasing him. He takes a deep breath in before squeezing the shorter. "You shouldn't have to handle any of this," Arisu states, "Just quit."

"Really?" Chishiya questions.

"Yeah, I mean that guy is being a douchebag and the medical practices here aren't up to your standard," Arisu says, "Go to another hospital. I'm sure there are other places who would love to have Chishiya Shuntaro as a resident."

"Would you be okay with that?" Chishiya asks, "I know you just started your job at the school."

"Of course, I'm okay with it," Arisu says, "I'm doing fine in my new position. And I want you to be happy, so go to a different hospital. We'll be fine..."

"Okay," Chishiya nods, "Thank you..." Arisu smiles at the soft way his boyfriend says those words. He bends so that he can press a soft kiss to Chishiya's cheek. The blonde hums happily at the show of affection. He tilts his head to the side and moves slightly towards Arisu as if to ask for more kisses. Arisu is quick to notice the action and is more than happy to comply with the request.

———————

Arisu fiddles nervously with the chain hanging around his neck. He wonders for the nth time how Chishiya is doing. He hopes that he's safe somewhere. He prays that he isn't here. He prays that he is. He misses him. Even though it hasn't been long since they last saw one another. It has only been a little over a day since everyone disappeared and Arisu ended up stuck in this world full of death games. He and his friends still don't entirely understand it, but for now they can only play along and hope to get more answers. "Arisu, quit daydreaming and hurry up," Karube shouts, "We need to get to the game area before it closes!"

"Coming!" Arisu calls out as he breaks into a jog. They are headed towards their second game in hopes of finding a doctor to help Chota. They don't know what lies before them, but they know that they need to do this if all three of them want to continue to survive in this world.

Arisu keeps running until he sees a large apartment complex with all of the lights on. About ten people stand in the lobby around a table with phones on them. Arisu scans the group. His eyes pass over unfamiliar faces. Students in their school uniforms. A muscular man with his arms crossed over his chest. A young woman in workout clothes. A short man leaning against the wall wearing a very familiar white jacket.

Arisu's eyes widen. His heart thumps loudly in his chest. The entire world slows as he locks onto the man whose face is partially obscured by his hood. Even though he can't see him clearly, Arisu knows immediately who it is. He's seen that face for years. He's held it in his hands. He's kissed it. Arisu lets out a shaky breath as he staggers forward. His body sings with longing and disbelief. Everything else seems to fade away as he rushes towards the man. The rest of the people stare at him as he darts into the lobby, but he pays them no attention. His eyes are locked solely on the man he has loved for many years. "Shiya..." Arisu breathes quietly as he approaches the blonde. His boyfriend's eyes flick up to meet him. He stills. His expression contorts with shock. Arisu's lips curl into a shaky smile and he reaches a hand up to pull back Chishiya's hood. His hand lingers near his head fondly as he scans over his boyfriend. He looks just as he remembers. His blonde hair is neat and tidy. His skin is warm and his eyes shine with that unique mischievous glint. It's like he hasn't played a single death game yet, and for all Arisu knew, he hadn't. He can't believe he's here. A part of him over the moon to see him again, and another stricken with fear at the thought of possibly losing him in this messed up world.

Arisu pushes those worries aside for a moment as he focuses on this moment. On Chishiya. He takes a step closer and starts to wrap his arms around his boyfriend. Before he can though, Chishiya grabs onto both of his arms and pushes him slightly away. Arisu blinks in surprise and stares at the blonde man with confusion. "I've told you before, sir, that I am your doctor," Chishiya states, "Actions like this are highly inappropriate."

Those words are like whiplash. They stun Arisu whose limbs lock and his words get caught in his throat. He doesn't know why Chishiya is acting like this. Why would he pretend like he's one of his patients? Why would he act like they're strangers? A million questions flood his brain, but that's when he feels it. The soft tracing of a finger against his skin. It is a discreet motion. A small circle being looped again and again. A signal that the two made to communicate words that couldn't be said. A way to let the other know something wasn't right without the rest of the room finding out. Arisu presses his lips together as his eyes dart to the side. He sees that the rest of the lobby are staring at the two. He looks back at Chishiya, whose own eyes are directed to the left and filled with annoyance. He follows his boyfriend's gaze and locks onto the muscular man. His chest stirs with an uncomfortable feeling. That person is involved with Chishiya somehow. It's why his boyfriend is on edge. "Sorry about that doctor..." Arisu murmurs quickly, "I was just excited to see a familiar face. I won't do this again. Promise..." He steps away from Chishiya who nods his head before pulling his hood back on. Arisu does his best to maintain an indifferent expression on his face as he goes to stand where Karube is. His friend flashes him a questioning look, having seen the interaction with his boyfriend. "Too many people," Arisu answers quietly. Karube nods his head as he passes Arisu a phone. He takes it and as he does chimes ring, "Registration has closed."

Arisu half pays attention as the rules of the games are announced. They aren't too complicated and Arisu is able to make sense of them even by barely listening. His focus lingers on Chishiya. A worried feeling stirring in his gut and dread filling up his stomach. The fact that his boyfriend is concerned about that muscular guy means that he is dangerous. How Chishiya got involved with him is beyond him. The fact that Chishiya has already met someone else in this world means that he's been here longer than him. Similar to Shibuki. That thought makes him even more worried and adds to an ever growing list of questions that he has. He hopes that he'll get a chance to speak to Chishiya alone.

"Five minutes until the game starts," The voice echoes. The group in the lobby all disperse and make their way further into the apartment complex. Arisu trails after Karube who is speaking to a rambling man wearing a fedora. He looks around for his boyfriend before it strikes him. He knows exactly where he's going to be. "Karube," Arisu calls out, "I'm going to go find Chishiya."

"Okay, you two stay safe," Karube responds with a nod.

"You too," Arisu says before rushing up the stairs. His breath is heavy as he moves as quickly as possible. His heart racing because of the sudden workout and due to the anticipation of seeing his boyfriend again. A soft smile appears on his face that he can't help but find highly inappropriate for a world of death games, but he can't help himself. Chishiya, even just the thought of him, makes him giddy.

"Two minutes until the game starts," The voice chimes again just as Arisu steps onto the very top level of the apartment building. He pants heavily as he turns to the left and then the right. He sees him instantly. His hands tucked neatly into his pockets and the whisper of a grin on his face. "Ryohei," Chishiya mouths in a way that says so much. Arisu doesn't hesitate to rush forward. He slams into his boyfriend's body like a battering ram. Chishiya's eyes widen as he grabs onto his shirt to steady himself, but it only forces Arisu to tip over with him. Arisu quickly cups his hand around Chishiya's head and back as they tumble to the ground. "Sorry," Arisu murmurs, "I got excited..."

"I can see that, you big puppy," Chishiya smirks as he looks up at his boyfriend. The two are now sprawled out on the ground of the apartment complex. The ledge hiding them completely from view. Chishiya's body is pressed against the cold ground while Arisu looms over him with a slight pink color to his cheeks. "You know I thought these games would be the death of me, but I'm starting to think it might be you who does me in," Chishiya teases.

"Shut up..." Arisu mutters.

"Make me," Chishiya dares. Arisu knows exactly what his boyfriend is asking for at that moment. And he has no problem giving it to him. He brings himself lower. His eyes focused on the expanse of skin shown in the partially unzipped jacket that Chishiya wears. He presses his lips against his boyfriend's smooth skin. A sigh escapes from the blonde's mouth. Arisu then trails upward. Biting and kissing Chishiya's upper chest until he gets to his neck and then finally his lips. It's like fireworks explode as their lips collide. Sweet honey and heavy breaths mingle. A yearning tugging deep inside of each of them. Chishiya's fists clench tighter to his boyfriend's shirt while Arisu's hands card through the blonde locks of his hair. The world around them seems to completely melt away. Soft hums filter into the air as they retrace the ever so familiar shape of one another. The taste is the same as always, but addicting and something neither is either willing to give up. Until the sounds of a gun destroy their peace.

They begrudgingly pull apart. Arisu leaning his back against the ledge of the apartment complex. A pout appears on his face as he smoothes out his wrinkled shirt. Chishiya sighs as he also rises. His hood slipping off as he does. His lips, which are slightly swollen, curve into an unamused frown. "Who knew that gunfire could be such a cockblock?" Chishya huffs.

"Really, Shun?" Arisu shakes his head.

"Hey, don't act like you weren't enjoying yourself," Chishiya states, "You completely forgot we were in the middle of a game." Arisu doesn't say anything to that. He can't exactly deny his words. Nonetheless, he wasn't going to give his boyfriend the satisfaction of knowing that. "A little over a week," Chishiya says suddenly.

"Huh?" Arisu echoes.

"I've been here for a little over a week," Chishiya elaborates.

"Oh...are you..." Arisu murmurs.

"I'm still alive, aren't I?" Chishiya says dryly. Arisu slowly nods his head. He sighs as he presses his head against the wall. "I've only been here for about a day now," Arisu admits, "This is my second game."

"I assume your first went well," Chishiya states.

Arisu frowns, "I don't think any of these games can go well, but I'm still breathing and so is Karube and Chota. Although, Chota did get a pretty nasty burn on his leg...we came here hoping to find more answers about all of this and a doctor..."

"And you found me," Chishiya muses, "I can give you some answers. You're not going to like them. As for a doctor...I would like to help Segawa, but I don't think that Aguni is going to let me go off on my own..."

"Is Aguni the big guy in the lobby?" Arisu asks.

Chishiya nods, "He's ex-military and not to be messed with."

"How did you get involved with him?" Arisu asks. Chishiya launches into an explanation of how he first arrived in the Borderlands. He tells him about his first game and how it ended with everyone else dying. He informs him about the Beach actively seeking him out after finding his lost hospital ID. He describes the Beach's goal and their convoluted utopia. He informs him about the parts of these games that the Beach has right. The suit's meaning. The numbers. The idea of the visa. The gathering of cards. And then, in a stiff tone, he admits that he is a prisoner with no hopes of escaping. "Death to all traitors," Chishiya states.

"They can't do that," Arisu exclaims.

"Who's going to stop them?" Chishiya questions. His face is blank and emotionless, but Arisu knows that deep down his boyfriend is scared. He is lost and doesn't know what to do. He usually has answers to everything, but not this and that has struck a chord deep inside of him. Arisu reaches for Chishiya's hand and squeezes it gently, "I'll figure a way to get you out of there." Chishiya stiffens for a moment before whipping his head to the side. He stares at Arisu with a serious expression on his face. "No," He states, "You need to avoid the Beach no matter what. You can't come for me. Imagine like you never saw me here. Pretend that I'm not here."

"I can't do that, Shun," Arisu frowns.

"You have to," Chishiya states, "It's not safe and I don't think I could bear you getting stuck there too."

"How do you think I feel knowing that you're trapped there?" Arisu asks in a shaky tone.

"Ryohei, I know it isn't going to be easy, but I will be okay," Chishiya says, "I'm just going to keep following the Beach's rules until I find a way out. You know I'm clever...I can do it..."

Arisu shakes his head, "I don't like this, Chishiya. I don't want to be separated from you. Not here."

"I know," Chishiya says, before leaning his head against Arisu's shoulder, "I don't want to either."

"Then, let me come with you," Arisu pleads, "We can figure this out together." A soft sorrowful smile plays on Chishiya's face. He doesn't say anything, but Arisu knows what he is trying to say. He lets out a shaky breath before slowly nodding his head. He promises to stay away. He will do his best to pretend. Even though it tears him apart inside to do so. "I just found you again," Arisu whispers, "And now I have to walk away from you."

"We'll find each other again," Chishiya says, burying his face into Arisu's side and taking in a deep breath, "We always seem to." They sit there for a moment. Not moving or doing anything. Just enjoying being in each other's presence. Savoring it. Cause who knows when the next time they will get to be together. Who knows if there even will be a next time.

Just like before, it is the sounds of gunshots and screams that pull them out of their own little world. Chishiya and Arisu slowly push themselves to their feet. They share one last look before moving in separate directions.

Ack, I just love this idea of Chishiya and Arisu being lost souls that only seem to find comfort in one another. It was really fun to play with this idea and sort of see what I could make it. I had lots of fun with this one-shot and as I said in the author's note at the beginning of the story, I really want to write more Chirisu, so if you could give me some feedback on what you think of this fic, please let me know. I really appreciate it! While you're at it, please also vote, follow me, add this story to your library, and check out my Kpop One-Shots book. I will see you next time! Bye!