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Takeshi was standing by his car, fiddling with his lighter.
Spark, spark, spark.
All sparks, no flame. Great. It was empty. He sighed, putting it back in his pocket. Thinking about it, this was most likely the source of his dead lighter issues. He forgets to throw them out, thinks he has a full one. He had a flint wheel one... somewhere. Most likely at home, where he usually forgets it. And dead spares sure won't help.
He looked around the almost empty parking lot. One last car was pulling out of it, an orange 180.
After a night of runs up and down the mountain with the Night Kids left him in need of a smoke. As much as he loved this team, it could be exhausting, especially when trying to keep the hot-headed newbies in line.. and safe.
"I'm not diseased, you know." he called to the figure hiding in the shadows.
"People thinking we're actually friends is worse than any disease." the approaching figure called back, slowly illuminated by the streetlight.
"Shingo, we're alone. And I don't take my car as a snitch." Takeshi chuckled.
Shingo rolled his eyes.
"Do you plan to share?" he asked, pointing to the cigarette Takeshi was now fidgeting with, using the unbandaged arm, the other resting comfortably in his sling.
"I don't know how much you'll get out of an unlit cigarette. My lighter's dead." Takeshi spoke as he pulled his box out.
"I stole one from a gas station a few days ago when I realized I left mine in the car." The car that was now going to be in the shop for some time. Shingo grinned as he pulled it out of his pocket. A small Bic lighter.
Takeshi wanted to say something, but stopped himself. They casually break the law every weekend, so that little lighter really wasn't much. Besides, he wasn't going to complain if it means he can smoke here.
He handed one to Shingo, putting his back in his mouth and expected him to light it when Shingo unexpectedly walked right up to him, the tips of their cigarettes nearly touching. He ignited the lighter and a tall flame shot up, lighting their cigarettes.
Shingo took a long drag. They really were alone here. Takeshi's presence was comforting now that he knew he could rely on the man. Even if he didn't want to show it to the other Night Kids, he really did love the man next to him. Just afraid to show it to others.
He nudged Takeshi in the side, who mistakenly took it as a sign to move away.
"Wait."
"Hm?" Takeshi raised an eyebrow.
Shingo took his cigarette into his hand, then reached for Takeshi's, taking it from his mouth.
Takeshi looked at him in confusion, that was until Shingo leaned in, pressed a swift kiss to his lips, then returned his cigarette.
Takeshi's face immediately flushed red. Wordlessly, he moved closer to his partner, who in turn leaned against him. Comfort. Something they were both sorely lacking on their own.
~~~~~~~
The heat radiating off Takeshi felt like a personal furnace to Shingo. He felt cold, as usual, but the body heat was spreading to him now. His head was leaning against Takeshi's shoulder and their fingers were intertwined. A small black cat was curled up on Takeshi's lap, the sound of purring spreading through the room as it kneaded Takeshi's thigh. Something was playing on the TV, but he wasn't really paying attention. He was too tired for that. And that's not what he was interested in at the moment.
He moved closer, as much as he could, and nuzzled against Takeshi's neck.
"I'm an idiot for not telling you sooner, but.. I really do love you." he mumbled.
That wasn't easy to say. He knew he could trust Takeshi, but he still hated feeling vulnerable. And sharing his feelings certainly made him feel that way.
Takeshi smiled. "I know. I love you too."
He brought his hand up to Shingo's cheek, and their lips met in a gentle kiss.