Work Text:
The docks of Ritou are still and silent, except for the quiet creak of ropes swaying in the breeze every now and then. The lanterns sway faintly on their hooks, their golden light barely touching the dark water below.
It feels like the whole world went to sleep, and they're the only ones awake to enjoy the night.
Kazuha’s bare feet barely make a sound on the worn planks, moving like he weighs nothing at all. Behind him, Heizou follows quietly, his steps light but not as silent, yet the grin on his face is clear even in the dim light.
“You know…” Heizou whispers, leaning in just close enough for his voice to tickle Kazuha’s ear. “Most people wouldn’t risk sneaking out just for something like this.
Kazuha glances over his shoulder, a faint smile adorning his lips. “Well, most people don’t have you.”
“Man alive, you're so cheeky.” Heizou teases, though there was a note of amusement in his voice alongside a faint blush on his cheeks.
They pass within arm’s reach of a watchman slumped against a post, chin tucked to his chest, breathing slow. It's a relief for both of them that he's asleep, so they don't have to come up with a distraction to be able to get in.
Kazuha slows down, studying the guard for a moment to make sure he doesn't wake up, and then glances at Heizou. Without a word, his fingers brush Heizou’s wrist, guiding him toward the darkest stretch of dock.
Heizou’s eyes shine brightly at that, trying to mask how flustered the small gesture makes him feel. “If you wanted to hold my hand, you could've just said so.”
“And ruin the subtlety of the moment?” Kazuha laughs under his breath, the corner of his mouth quirking up into a smile.
They step onto the gangplank, its wooden boards groaning softly under their weight. The sound fades into the hush of water lapping against the hull. On deck, the air is cooler, carrying the smell of the salt of the sea.
“This feels like trespassing.” Heizou says softly, though there is no trace of guilt in his tone.
“It would be if I were not welcome here.” Kazuha replies, shrugging his shoulders as if dismissing it. “Though I suppose you might be a different case.”
“Hm, I'm accompanying you, so it should be fine.” Heizou teases, his smile crooked with smugness.
They take their time crossing the main deck, moving under the moonlight and the shadows until the bow opens before them. The sea spreads out in endless silver, and the stars above mirror themselves on the dark surface below.
Kazuha rests his hands lightly on the railing, eyes on the horizon. “Do you see it?”
Heizou tilts his head curiously, trying to follow Kazuha's gaze. “See what?”
“This is the part of the night when the sea doesn’t look like water.” Kazuha explains, his voice barely above a whisper. “It looks like the sky. Like if you fell, you’d never hit the bottom.”
For a while, neither of them speaks, the air between them feeling comfortable because being in each other's presence is all they need. Heizou leans his elbows on the railing beside Kazuha, gaze fixed on the same horizon, though his eyes keep flicking to Kazuha’s profile almost impatiently.
“You brought me out here for the view?” Heizou asks at last, his tone teasing but soft, betraying how much he’s hoping for something more.
“Not really.”
Kazuha’s words settle between them, calm and certain like he has all the time in the world. Then, he turns slowly until they are facing each other properly. The moonlight catches in Heizou’s eyes, making them look even more beautiful, and for once, Kazuha doesn't have anything to say.
He steps closer, his hand brushing over Heizou’s with a feather-light touch as if testing the waters. Then, without warning, he intertwines their fingers together, which sends a warm feeling through his body.
When Heizou doesn't pull back, he takes it as a sign to continue and leans in, close enough that Heizou can feel the faint warmth of his breath against his lips. It’s not hurried—nothing about Kazuha ever is—but there’s an unspoken question in the way his gaze lingers on Heizou's, waiting for confirmation before making any other movements.
Heizou tilts his head, pretending to consider it for a moment before his lips curl into a shy smile and meets him halfway, their lips meeting eagerly.
The kiss is slow and steady, magical like the night around them. It's something they both knew was coming since they set foot on the docks, which is the reason they even snuck in the first place.
The Alcor sways gently beneath them, the waves crashing softly below, matching the rhythm of their hearts.
When they pull apart, Heizou smiles faintly, almost dazed. “It was worth the risk.”
Kazuha’s lips curve into the smallest of smiles, enamored by the expression on Heizou's face that he can't get enough of seeing. “I told you it would be.”