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Silent hiccups, slight whines and sniffles were heard from Shinichi and Rei’s shared bedroom.
Unknowingly, Shinichi stepped in the room — he came to ask Rei what the man wanted for breakfast. It was rare for Shinichi to make meals, but it was a day-off for them both. He wanted to let Rei get some rest every once in a while. Shinichi acknowledged that Rei said he was only going to be looking at a few files, so he knew where to find him.
Once he heard Shinichi’s footsteps, Rei turned to Shinichi for a mere second to acknowledge his lover’s presence, but then quickly turned away; for Rei did not want to show such an unbecoming mask. “Rei-san?” Shinichi sat down next to him and tapped Rei’s back, the older slouched and sat on the floor. Near where he was placed was a photo album, displayed in which were pictures of Rei and his friends from the police academy.
It took only a mere few moments for Shinichi to realize the situation.
Rei was crying.
T’was not a new sight, for Shinichi had already seen Rei’s tears. Rei must’ve thought at the time that he hid it well, but during Plamya’s terrorization — he was crying when he remembered his past with his cohorts. At the time, Shinichi was not only Conan, but also not that close with Rei, so he didn’t dare take up the topic. But now…
“Rei-san, can you look at me?” Lightly pleaded Shinichi as he gently wrapped his arms around his older partner’s neck, a soft embrace. Unlike Shinichi, Rei’s love language was physical touch. Rei loved the feeling of his loved ones’ warm touch.
Unable to refuse his lover’s request, especially in a rare moment where Shinichi tried to be empathetic for once, Rei gave in. He turned around and faced Shinichi as he placed the other’s hands down, pouting. Behold the glory of a teary-eyed, weak and miserable Furuya Rei. Shinichi could not have even held back his smile as he saw such a face. The usually prideful and all-too-perfect Rei in this weak state.
“Are you going to laugh—” Rei started a petty complaint, interrupted when Shinichi suddenly rose up and licked his tears. Rei’s eyes went wide and he let out a small yell as Shinichi licked up Rei’s tears ‘til even Rei’s mouth went dry.
Rei shouted, “Shinichi-kun?!” He hadn’t expected that of all things. Shinichi never seemed the type to care for petty feelings, but it seemed love changed people in various ways. Shinichi giggled, rubbed his mouth as Rei continued to wordlessly exclaim more.
“Your tears are salty,” complained Shinichi with a big smile. Shinichi let out his tongue and leaned his head on his shoulder as he watched Rei’s expression contort into disgust.
“Why’d you drink them, then?!” Rei inquired with a heavy voice, he sounded as if more tears would come out soon.
“I wanted to know the taste of Rei-san’s memories as well, I guess they’re bitter.” A little bit of a joke mixed in, but it was true. Memories of his friends truly were bitter, they frustrated Rei for being alive. Whenever he looked at the photos of his once lively and outgoing friends, Rei used to wish everyday that he was to be next to join his now-gone allies.
“Also, it’s fluid from Rei’s body… I didn’t wanna waste them.” Shinichi muttered, leaning his head down with a flushed face.
“That’s gross!” Rei cackled, clutching his stomach.
“Not as gross as you! You were the one that first told me that I shouldn’t sweat when you’re not around! Perverted old man!” Shinichi raised his head as he shot back.
The pair continued to banter, arguing about who was more desperate for the other.
Ahh… it was moments like this. This was why Furuya Rei was still raring to look forward on his path and live on. For every person he’d lost, another he gained. Humans live for each other, after all.