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A small clatter of ceramic breaking came from the kitchen.
Dante recoiled as fast as he could, but it was too late. The boiling hot water from his early morning tea burned thoroughly across his hand and palm.
Dante did not take pain well, in fact he avoided pain as much as he could. The king knew his body, and he knew his tolerance was extremely low.
Seething, Dante cradled his injured hand to his chest, and cursed as quietly as he could through gritted teeth. He didn't enjoy swearing, but it hurt. Badly.
A voice called out from behind him; “Dante? Are you alright?” and he turned to see Romeo who was eyeing his damaged hand. “I thought I heard something break…”
"This world is full of broken things: broken hearts, broken promises, broken people." he quoted, although strained. And foolishly, he lifted a finger to add to his wisdom, and of course it had to be the hand he had hurt. Romeo obviously noticed his flinch.
The pink clone grabbed his wrist with much more strength than he would've expected from someone as docile as he was. “Oh my god, did you burn yourself?!” he gasped, “What on earth are you doing, go to the sink, go, go!” Romeo shouted as he pushed him along. Dante, confused, went along with it.
The faucet ran on close to frigid, while the King of Hearts held Dantes’ hand under the cold stream. His thumbs brushed gently against the tender skin on his palm making Dante flinch again. “Sorry, love,” Romeo whispered softly. Only then did the red king realize how close their faces were. He wasn't sure why being so close made him feel a sort of nervousness in his stomach. Romeo thankfully, didn't notice the staring. He was too busy trying to massage the pain out. Without anywhere else to look, Dante was quite content at looking at the man beside him. He looked very pretty today, but he looked nice everyday…
“Hold your hand under just a bit more, I'm going to get some bandaids” Romeo smiled before walking away. Dante blinked, bewildered. Had he really just been staring…?
—
“Necessity never made a good bargain…” Dante mumbled as he watched Romeo delicately wrap his hand in white bandages. He handled it so gently and with care, one could mistake him for a nurse. And honestly, being taken care of by Romeo didn't sound too bad. But he'd rather be on his comfortable bean bag while that happened, then on the family room floor
“Oh, but this is absolutely necessary my dear, it's to keep germs away, and reassure me that you're alright! You don't want me worried, do you?” he said it as a tease, but Dante shook his head as honestly as he could. Because of course he wouldn't want to worry him, or anyone in the apartment.
Once he finished, Dante held up his hand to admire the craftsmanship, which made him wonder where Romeo had even learned to wrap bandages in a way. An internal conflict whipped inside, just for a moment. On one hand, Dante had a feel this was all being done for dramatics. Romeo had rummaged through the mediocre first aid kit they shared, and tried a multitude of different items on him. Dante finally refused when Romeo had offered to take his temperature.
But on the burnt hand, Dante didn't mind the attention in the slightest. He sat there calmly, with a small smile, letting Romeo do this and that, and let him show his affection freely. He clearly cared about his well being, and there was nothing wrong with being pampered once in a while. It was a bit strange to admit that he enjoyed the fussing. Besides, he never really…hung out with Romeo, so this was a nice way to spend some time together. He made fine company.
“Did I wrap it too tight?” Romeo asked, the smallest drop of worry quivered through his voice. Dante just shook his head and smiled warmly at him. "Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.” he replied. Romeo smiled back at him, and the butterflies returned to his stomach.
“Good, because there's one more thing I'd like to do…just to make sure it heals properly,” his look became coy, as he extended his own hand to gently take the injured one. Confused, Dante gave it to him, wondering what more he could do to help.
Romeo slowly turned it upright, before he stamped a tender kiss on the red king's palm.
Dante only looked at him wide-eyed, and blinked multiple times. That was the last thing he was expecting, and the simple action made his face warm and forget all his quotes for a second. Surely it meant nothing right? Romeo kissed and hugged everyone, it was a totally platonic thing right? It wasn't like Romeo liked him like THAT, right? The more Dante thought about it, the redder his face got.
But the knowing look Romeo gave, made Dante question what the intention behind it was. Not to mention, that he was tracing tiny circles against his wrist…
“Are you sure you don't want me to take your temperature? You look quite red, dearest…well, redder than usual I mean.” the pink clone pouted sympathetically, but there was a mischievous glint in his eye.
“F-Fine!” Dante sputtered before standing up and quickly walking out of the room, and out the front door. He definitely needed some fresh air…
Once outside, the cold wind evened out his burning body. Dante knew that he was a hard person to get a rise out of, so he wasn't used to the feeling of being flustered. Not to mention, Romeo has never flirted with him like that before. Although it was difficult to know if he was flirting or not. Dante had no experiences with romance, and he wasn't sure if he even wanted someone like that, let alone someone so…scandalous like Romeo. The red king didn’t mind when those kinds of topics were private, but with Romeo, they almost never were. They didn’t have much in common either, and the pink king might not even like him like that…he was always talking about the women that he dreamed of dating one day.
But did Dante even like him like that? Was it…a crush?
Dante glanced at his kissed hand, before shoving it in his overall pocket. He had forgotten his jacket in his rush out the door, and now faced the consequences as he shivered.
It would be best to take a lap and clear his head.
—
After about ten laps, Dante came to the simple conclusion: It was a crush. The more the red king thought about, the more he was sure of it. He didn’t mind having a crush though, as it was just something that a few go through. ‘The core of man's spirit comes from new experiences,’ after all.
That didn’t stop it from being a bit terrifying though. There was always that strange question in the back of his mind that said ‘What if he doesn't like me back?’
As he climbed back up the stairwell to the apartment, he thought about this question a lot.
The front door peeped open, and Dante slipped inside without issue, but still a bit wary. He wasn’t used to outbursts. He scanned the family room, making sure the coast is clear from any pink–haired romantics. He spotted his bean bag and smiled. Maybe he could still relax today after all.
Dante practically threw himself on the cushion, carefully put his arms up over his head, and sank into the plush. After so much drama, he deserved a good nap.
But the undeniable sound of footsteps stopped that belief. Dante opened his eyes to find Romeo standing to the right of him, holding a steaming cup of tea in his hand. He had a soft look on his face, as he set the tea down on the floor.
“You never got your tea this morning, so I made you some while you were out,” he smiled. “Let it cool a bit before drinking it, I wouldn't want you to burn your other hand.” he playfully winked at him. Dante swallowed the small lump in his throat, and nodded while hoping his smile didn't show any nervousness.
“Oh, one more thing!” he gasped. “Felix and I are watching a movie together later, and I was wondering if you'd like to join us. It's not risqué, I can assure you that.” Romeo tutted.
Dante only blinked. The two hearts get the TV for themselves for the night, and Dante was getting a personal invitation? Maybe the others missed him more than he originally thought. He was content with just sitting there and offering a quote or emotional guidance, but perhaps he should involve himself a bit more. Romeo wanted–er, Romeo and Felix both wanted to spend time with him after all, so why not?
Dante just kept his usual calm smile and gave a lazy thumbs up. Romeo's face lit up. “That's a ‘yes’ then?” the red king shrugged, still feeling some butterflies. “Happiness can exist only in acceptance.” he replied, and hoped the king of hearts wouldn’t realize the double meaning. Dante knew that he had feelings, and was content with it. But he had no idea how Romeo would react to such a confession.
Romeo smiled widely, almost dazzling. “Delightful,” he purred “See’ya around then!” he waved, before turning on his heels, and pulling out his phone. Dante carefully picked up the mug of tea, and blew a bit of steam off the top, before taking a sip. It was green, his usual, but there was a second flavor that tasted fruitier. He must've added another tea bag.
Dante watched as the pink clone swung a coat on his back and casually walked out the door. The flavorful tea warmed his stomach.
—
Dinner was good, although Dante didn't eat as much as he normally would. Fëdor even asked him if he was feeling alright, which he had to play off with a cough and a quote about good bodies and minds, despite having neither at the moment. Thankfully he didn’t ask about the bandages, which Dante hid quite well. While the others were clearing dishes, and finishing conversations with their creator, Felix happily clasped Dante's hands, and frowned when he found the wounded hand.
“Aw, what happened? When did you get hurt?” The blonde murmured, squinting at it with a troubled look on his face, almost like he was offended at the thought of something ever hurting his idol. Dante only shifted, a bit uncomfortable by the sudden attention.
Before Dante could answer though, a coy voice perked from over his shoulder. “It was this morning,” Romeo offered. “Don’t mess with it too much, the skin is probably still sensitive.” At that mention, Felix let go, with a small apologetic smile on his face, before turning to his king. “Did you kiss it?” he asked, and glanced at Dante who was trying his best to not make a face. “Kisses make injuries heal faster,” The yellow clone smiled confidently, and put his hands on his hips with a sharp nod. “It was proven by science!” Romeo gave an affectionate eyeroll at this.
“No, it's not! Stop spreading misinformation, kissing has no relation to how fast wounds heal.” Kuromaku snapped from the kitchen as he scrubbed away at dishes. Felix playfully stuck his tongue out at him, as a taunt. “Yuh-huh it works! Works on me every time, so there!” Kuromaku only scowled and scrubbed harder, clearly peeved. Dante looked away so nobody would see him giggle. But now he understood why Romeo had kissed him—his palm earlier. It must be something Felix asks his king to do, whenever he gets into quarrels with the others, and requires some…treatment.
His theory was confirmed when the two kings flopped on the couch, while the jack fiddled with the DVD player and grumbled to himself a bit. Romeo suddenly leaned his head onto Dante's shoulder and made a sulky sigh sound. Dante only froze, but he could feel his face heat.
“So now you know my terrible, terrible secret,” the pink king whispered, and his tone sounded jokey. “To be honest, I'm not sure if he actually believes in the whole kiss thing, but either way, I think it helps, no?” he looked up at Dante now, his dark eyes searching for something that the diamond king could not give. He wanted to look away, but opened his mouth to respond instead.
Romeo beat him to it though, as he crossed his arms and sank deeper against his shoulder. “I just felt bad for making you uncomfortable earlier, that's all.” he shrugged. Dante didn't know what to say, and even if he did, he wouldn't get to say it anyways, as Felix excitedly flopped down on Dante's left and made it his personal mission to be cuddled throughout the entire movie. Two hearts clung to either side of him, and with his chance gone, the only thing he could do is sigh and relax as the movie began.
—
Credits were rolling, when Felix stood up and stretched his arms over his head with a groan. It was late now, so it was expected that the clone with the worst schedule would want to go to bed immediately. “I'm done…” Felix yawned and gave the two a small but genuine smile. “Goodnight you two.”
“Come here Felya,” Romeo—who had been scrolling on his phone for the last ten minutes of the movie—said while opening his arms for a hug. The two hearts embraced like they did every night, and Romeo cupped his jacks face and planted a kiss on his forehead. Watching this made something strange stir in Dante's stomach, and for a second, he was scared at the thought of ever feeling jealousy! But the more he thought, he knew that wasn't the case. He was sad, because Romeo would never kiss him like that, even if it was purely platonic like he did with Felix. Dante rested his chin on his good hand, and leaned on the armrest.
It took a moment before he realized that he was now alone next to the king of hearts, now that the jack had gone to sleep. Romeo was back to his phone, his pretty face lit by his screen.
It was now or never…
“You didn't make me uncomfortable,” a pause. “The kiss, I mean.”
Romeo's head snapped up, a look of shock on his face.
Dante was sweating now, but pushed through anyway. He was never this forward, but there wasn't a quote for this kind of situation. “I didn’t mind it…” he mumbled while fidgeting with his wrapped hand. That was all he could manage to say. The once calm and collected king of diamonds was struggling and stumbling over his words!
Romeo put his phone done, and slowly nodded. “I see,” he started. “Natrually, I became worried when you ran out like that so I assumed…” he shook his head and trailed off. “Perhaps I'm just tired. I think I'll head to bed now.” the clone whispered, and offered Dante a comforting smile. Dante couldn't help but smile back. “Sleep is the best meditation.” He agreed, “It is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”
Romeo leaned a tiny bit closer, and gave a lazy expression. “I couldn’t have said it better myself,” he whispered before kissing Dante's cheek. The king didn’t wish to know how red his face had become at the small gesture. He placed his hand on the kissed spot, and the rough texture of his bandaid brushed against it.
“G’night dear,” Romeo yawned before standing up. One could argue that it was just another friendly kiss, like he gave everyone, but the knowing glint in the king's eye shattered that thought. Dante placed his other hand over his racing heart. He wasn’t going to be able to sleep tonight.