Work Text:
Breathing has never been the easy part for him.
He is good at focusing, so good he tends to forget about everything that is not his current obsession. Like, catching Kira. It is not a dangerous habit, most of the time and mostly because the people around him know the routine: Halle coughs, Rester is off to buy some food shortly after, and Stephen literally brings a spoonful of pad thai to his mouth.
So, really, it’s not a big deal if Near often forgets the basics of human survival.
And yet, breathing.
That’s an entirely different matter. He is fairly sure that it is a compulsory physical function, but they ended up in that position again , staring into each other’s eyes, Near feeling as defenseless and safe as he could ever be under the warmth of Stephen’s body. Near is too busy, now, mapping the curve of Stephen’s collarbone or memorising the exact shape of his dimples when he is half smiling - which is different from smiling and unique and for Near only.
« Is it just me » Stephen’s smile widens and suddenly it’s all a completely new pattern around his lips « or this is a great time for pizza? »
Near pokes at his cheek. Stephen, that sneaky bastard, twists his neck and manages to plant a kiss on Near’s palm.
« No sweetcorn. » Near blushes a little.
« You’re the boss. »
« …and no olives. »
The man bursts into laughter and kisses him hard on the mouth.
« Oh, Nate . You know you don’t pay me enough for that, right? »
« Insubordination, blackmail, attempted murder through food poisoning. Fascinating , Agent Loud. »
Near presses both thumbs against Stephen’s cheeks, humming happily when his fingertips perfectly match Stephen’s dimples in shape and size, his all-time favourite puzzle.
« That would look lovely on your CV. »
« Look at you, so bossy. » Stephen kisses him again, slow and teasing. « So hot . »
And Near wants to turn his face away, he really means to look at least annoyed; but all he manages to do is catching his breath, filling his lungs with all the oxygen he can gather, and kissing Stephen back.
-fin