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The rain of Kanai Ward continued to fall relentlessly. For most people, such would be seen as an annoyance, but that would only be due to such individuals not being accustomed to a constant downpour that took place during every day and night. Many ways in which the residents of this town had managed to adapt could be seen in all the little things, such as artificial plant life due to nonexistent sunlight, or even just the abundant amount of raincoats and umbrellas being sold at many establishments. Indeed, in every corner lies a subtle touch of change made to sustain human life within these stormy districts. Yet for today’s story, our sights are not set on the overall people, but two visitors instead. Atop the roof of a rundown hotel, the elevator doors slowly shifted open, out from it stepping a man who’s height betrayed his proper age. He adjusted the cap atop his head with it and the cloak wrapped around his back both meant to serve as subtle ways to protect himself from the weather of this city that had its own sense of charm. Yuma Kokohead, an amnesiac with a kind heart and cheery attitude that some would even say was infectious. One person in particular could especially attest towards his overwhelming sweetness. Halara Nightmare, an individual who came across as cold and ruthless, couldn’t stop themself from eventually opening up towards the small man. Despite believing that they were done with forming close relations, Halara found themself unable to deny the growing emotions they were beginning to have for the little detective. By the end, a blooming love had properly connected them, with the taller of the two in particular ensuring that one rule was in place: the both of them would follow Halara’s lead, as rushing into affection was the last thing they wanted. Thus, taking their time was what they did. Firstly gained was holding hands, and after that it turned into cuddles. However, now…it was time for the next step, and the one that the silver haired detective was the most anxious for.
Yuma’s expression as he looked around was one of focus, his objective and intentions clear as he looked for the one closest to his heart. Looking over, the visage of Halara with their hood on soon came into view, and instantly bringing a smile to his face. “I had a feeling I’d find you here,” he announced as he stepped closer, the bottom of his boots letting off a glow that was reflected ever slightly in the faint puddles he had to step across in order to stand beside his fellow detective. If you had told him their relationship would turn this deep, he’d no doubt turn flustered in seconds. The truth he hid was that he actually had feelings brewing for them ever since they had worked together to find the truth behind the Nail Man killings. Halara’s voice, their looks, all of it combined to make an individual that the mauve haired lad couldn’t turn away from if he ever had the opportunity to look. Winks they had provided him during their case also didn’t help him let go of these emotions, and so he only saw this as akin to a high school crush, a one time fling, all due to how his partner personally saw humanity. But through time, the closer and closer the two had become, all until it builded into a confession from both parties. Such was how we found our way to this present day occasion. Yuma looked to his side and up at Halara’s face as they stood upon the old rooftop of a vacant hotel, still unable to swipe away that goofy grin that showcased just how joyful even being in his lover’s presence made him. “Are you doing okay?” His question rang out in the air, his hand raising and lightly reaching out, a method the two had conceived in order to better go by how the outwardly cold person wished for it to be. The darkly dressed androgynous one didn’t even need to look over in order to sense just what was being offered, taking it without a second thought. Gentle hands clasping one another as water fell from the sky around them, the taller one in this couple providing the natural response towards their partner. “I am. I’m just thinking.”
“Yeah? What about?” Anxiety arose within the pale man, primarily because of just how serious his soulmate had responded. Possibilities raced through his mind before Halara gave him an answer shortly after. “About us. Or me, specifically. I…believe I’m ready for us to try the next step. You know what it is.” The look in Nightmare’s eyes showed the same emotions that their small bundle of hope were conveying right now: immense nervousness. It was especially bad for the one wearing glasses, their hesitancy to say just what the next step even was by proper name being too much. Yuma’s eyes in particular went wide and his cheeks were quick to gain a light pink hue, seeming to catch the hint of what his beloved was implying. Seconds ticked by as he was left flabbergasted, though that expression and feeling melted away into that smile once again, his acceptance for what they wanted taking shape. Once more, his tender compassion took shape, his entire body turning in the strong individual’s direction as he gazed upward to them with a sparkle in his eyes. “Are you sure,” he simply asked, offering his other hand for them to take. Halara looked to him out of the corner of their eye before shutting their vision away as they internally pondered that question for just a moment, not taking long to form an answer as they followed suit in the actions of their purple pupil partner. “I am.” Both of their hands were connected now, each of them facing directly at one another, their sights set on nothing but the one they cherished forever in their heart. The sounds of rain falling and colliding with the Earth faded away as each of them could only feel each other in this moment. Cutting into the growing sensitive moment was Halara once more, their faint worries and anxieties taking hold as they couldn’t help but speak of a warning they wanted Yuma to take to heart. “If you hold this for any longer than I want, I’m kicking you off this building.” Yet instead of fear in his eyes, the rookie just had his smile grow brighter, a faint chuckle escaping him as he simply told them: “I know.”
That seemed to be the words that solidified the path for this couple. Shortly after the answer was provided, both bodies etched closer and closer to one another, their souls set to be linked and bound together once they sealed the deal. Eyes fluttered shut on each end, faces growing closer and closer as lips slightly puckered in preparation for what was to come. It was then, under the cloudy skies of Kanai Ward, that dreadful and intimidating step both grew anxious over was finally surpassed. A kiss, soft and gentle between them was held, neither party backing away or forcing more passion into the mix. One guided, and the other followed, a delicate dance in which hearts were beating faster than they had ever felt them do before. When the moment came to an end, affection and love were the guiding sensations for the two of them upon this night. Lips parted away, though their heads remained close, as if afraid to leave the other one after such a blissful section in their lives. Silence between them echoed like a constant ring and their eyes remained locked having reopened. Halara was the first to speak, their sudden claim surely sending a shock for the small lad. “Your debt is forgiven.” It had taken a moment for Yuma to even process what was said, still having been caught up in the passion of the event. “W…what do you-,” he stuttered in confusion, his partner unable to let him finish as they explained, their own pale face now a mix of deep pink and red. “The debt I gave you for needing my help. You’ve already paid it in full in your own way, so quit worrying about it.” The response given by the lavender haired boy was nothing short of wide eyed, endearing adoration, that sparkle in his purple eyes glowing brighter, to the point where even Halara couldn’t stop a small chuckle from escaping them from the way he expressed his happiness so giddy like. After a deep breath, the one in the tailcoat had their expression turn serious once more, even if their intense blushing ruined the intent of this act just a bit. “I want another one,” they said, sounding more like a command rather than an explanation on their emotions. No matter how it sounded, though, Yuma found himself unable to deny it one way or the other. So for the rest of the night, they would stay together, gently showing their care for one another in small and subtle ways. Their relationship and how it formed was no doubt strange, but in a world such as this, all was going to be strange no matter how you proceeded. So the best one can do is find what makes them happy, whether that be something living or not. Either way, those happy feelings are what will give you the strength to take the next step. And for Yuma and Halara, they would be taking each and every step of theirs together.