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The moment Wise returned to his bedroom, he released a groan and sagged against the wooden door, unafraid to finally show how exhausted he truly was. He knew what he was getting into when he agreed to the Mayor's request — to learn from and work with Yixuan and Yunkui summit in exchange for some work on his and Belle's part. But he never thought it'd get this hectic, from having the airship ambushed en route to Failume Heights, to getting involved with Porcelumex and their scandal, to uncovering a secret ploy by The Exaltists and stopping them. Not to mention, he also had to carry out various commissions under Yum Cha Sin, as well as help Ju Fufu with rebuilding Suibian Temple.
So to say Wise was exhausted would be an understatement. Not to say he wasn't used to his kind of rigour (he was just as busy back in New Eridu), but once the adrenaline left his body, he could truly feel the fatigue in his bones.
Wise had to drag himself over to his wardrobe to change into his sleep clothes before pulling himself over to his bed. The moment his knee met the mattress, he flopped forward and landed face first onto the sheets, taking in the scent of sandalwood as he rubbed his cheek against the soft fabric. He considered going to sleep then and there in that position, but changed his mind last minute and settled against the pillows, throwing the blanket haphazardly over himself as he curled into a ball and closed his eyes.
With how tired he was, he suspected he'd fall asleep in a matter of mere seconds. But seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned to an hour. All the while, Wise tried resting in different positions, so much so that he ended up entangling himself with the sheets and turning himself into a human burrito.
"Why now?!" he complained, dragging his fingers down the length of his face as he glared at the ceiling, as if it were responsible for his insomnia.
In the quiet of his room, Wise spent a few moments basking in the ambience — crickets chirping, the soft sound of the fan blowing towards the bed, the coolness of night from outside the window, the crisp smell of night, and the distant sounds of late night chatter in the marketplace.
It was pleasant, soothing, and calming, yet it failed to ease Wise's frayed nerves. With each second that ticked past, he felt more awake despite the sleep that clung to his eyelids, and the limpness that settled along the length of his limbs, forcing him to remain on the mattress.
With nothing else to do but submit to his fate, Wise's mind wandered, touching upon mundane things like what tasks he had to do tomorrow, or what flavour milk tea he'd get with Belle. But as his mind continued to traverse, his thoughts finally settled back on the video store he and Belle built from scratch. Now that he thought about it more, this was the first time they've ever been away from their home for so long — and they didn't even know when they'd return.
I wonder how Eighteen and Six are doing, Wise wondered, thinking about the bangboos they left to manage Random Play. Maybe it was a little silly to ponder about such a thing. After all, he had full faith in their little bangboos and their ability to keep their video store running; they've always been more than capable. But he couldn't help but worry the more he thought about them.
Along the same thread, his mind latched onto the rest of Sixth Street, and Wise thought about the other residents and storeowners. Was General Chop still working at this time? Did Tin Master get around to experimenting with another recipe? How did Asha find the new game Godfinger received? Did Enzo finally get the parts he was waiting for? And what kind of music was Elfy composing?
The more he ruminated over Sixth Street, the more his chest ached. The black hole within his torso grew bigger with each new thought about his home, as if carving itself into his very flesh and bones. It was a strange phenomenon, one Wise knew he had experienced before, but couldn't place a finger on when — at least, not now. He turned on his side as his mind continued to travel, his brain flitting from New Eridu, to Scott Outpost, to Lumina Square, Reverb Arena, Port Elpis, and the Outer Ring. Places he knew like the veins on the back of his hand, and the crevices etched deep into his palms, yet wouldn't be able to visit for who knows how long.
He really should've gone around to visiting SanZ's studio and seeing what other trinkets he could buy. Maybe even return to Box Galaxy and try his luck with another set of blind boxes (without Belle knowing). Or perhaps going to Gravity Cinema to see what other movies they could rent out in the video store. Thinking about it, he did promise to help Orchidea with her flower store, and he definitely missed—
"Ah," Wise whispered, the lightbulb in his head illuminating brightly when he finally touched upon that word. "I get it now..."
Wise was homesick. He missed life back in New Eridu.
With everything that had been going on, Wise was so busy that he didn't even have the time to think about anything else that wasn't related to The Exaltists. But this small break was enough for the discarded thoughts to finally break free from the back of his mind, polluting his head and suffocating him; he could taste them on the tip of his tongue, charred and bitter.
He missed the mundanity of living on Sixth Street. He missed casual conversations with the other store owners. He missed going to Lumina Square, even to run errands.
Like a cracked dam, thoughts of what he missed trickled through the fissures, slowly building enough pressure to worsen the damage. The trickles turned to rivers, and before he knew it, the dam crumbled, forcing his thoughts to overflow like a tsunami and crash against the confines of his skull.
He hadn't felt this way since the fall of the Old Capital.
Eventually, his thoughts circled back to the video store, and when he did, Wise didn't hide the sigh that formed behind his lips.
I miss my room the most, Wise admitted in his mind, remembering the familiarity of his own space.
Don't get him wrong. The room provided by Yunkui Summit was more than enough, and Wise would forever be grateful how they scrambled to provide him this space despite how shabby a state Suibian Temple was when they returned. But no matter where you were, or how nice a room you had, it would never hold the same comfort and ease as your own bedroom.
After all, he had his books, his bike, his desk and computer setup, his shelf full of knick knacks and gifts, his couch and small television, his favourite vinyls displayed on a shelf, and his bed.
"To think I'd miss my bed when I can't actually sleep," he mused derisively, the irony not lost on him.
He closed his eyes and imagined himself on his warm bed, and one of the first things he would see just by sitting on the mattress was the memory board, full of items and photos he had collected from over the past year. He smiled, thinking about the first item he saw whenever he was propped against his pillows, pinned in clear sight. It was the sunflint Kasa and Caesar gave him during Tour de Inferno. Whenever he gazed at it, he felt a blazing sun bearing down on the square of his back, and the texture of sand as it clung to his skin and clothes. His mind immediately snapped to the item next to the sunflint, a small little thing; perhaps unnoticeable if you were to gloss over the memory board — a button from a leather jacket that had been through many fights and challenges.
Where was said jacket?
In his wardrobe, hung on the furthest right corner. The moment Wise visualised the jacket in his mind, he smelled sunlight, smoke, leather, and lemon. He saw the burned ends of a red scarf flutter in his periphery. He reached out to a handsome face, his fingers grazing over firm and smiling lips as he gently grabbed the shades that rested on their nose bridge and took it off, revealing verdant green eyes and red pupils that would always find his gaze.
Lighter Lorenz.
Wise's heart ached at the mere thought of his boyfriend, and he couldn't help but clasp a hand over his chest, feeling his heart thrum beneath his fingertips as he tasted the yearning on his tongue, and heard the melancholic hum of longing.
How long had it been since they last spoke? Perhaps it had been before Wise departed for Waifei Peninsula with Yixuan. Lighter had dropped by the video store, and the two conversed for an hour before work pulled Lighter away.
Wise's eyes fluttered open and he raised a hand to his lips, feeling the residual warmth on his fingertips as he recalled the sweet kiss Lighter planted on his lips before he rode off on his bike, his red scarf waving him farewell as he finally disappeared around the corner. He reached out for his phone on his bedside table and tapped on his chat with Lighter, reading the last thing they sent each other — the last message was four days ago.
Long lengths of time between messages wasn't uncommon between the two of them; it was something they both understood. After all, they couldn't speak as regularly as they wanted to since they had vastly different responsibilities that required all their time and effort. Wise had a video store to run, commissions to complete, and many missions to undertake now that he and Belle had established contact with the Mayor. Lighter still had to assist Ceasar with her duties as Overlord, as well as uphold his title of Champion while doing the occasional undercover mission here and there.
But just because Wise understood didn't mean he completely accepted it. If anything, he wished for a different outcome, to see Lighter as often as he wanted.
He missed Lighter's dashing figure, his confident and adorable smile, his bright eyes, the warmth of his scent as it wrapped around Wise, those late night rides where Wise wound his arms around Lighter's toned abdomen, those tender touches that spoke of fondness against Wise's skin, and Lighter's lips that pressed kisses of love to the corners of Wise's mouth.
Wise missed them all, his seafoam green eyes warbling the longer he stared at Lighter's profile picture.
Janus Quarter and the Outer Ring had always been a distance apart, but it wasn't impossible to travel between the two as long as you were willing to travel for a few hours. However, with Wise now in Waifei Peninsula, the travel time had at least doubled, and there was barely any time in their already packed schedules for either Wise or Lighter to drive over and physically meet.
Admittedly, there were a few instances when Wise considered biting the bullet and dialing Lighter, regardless of whether his call went through or not. But every time his thumb hovered over Lighter's contact, he would eventually withdraw the offending finger and slip his phone back into his pocket. He didn't want to unnecessarily bother Lighter when he knew that his boyfriend was busy — he might end up as a distraction that Lighter desperately didn't need.
"...I want to hear your voice," Wise confessed, his voice as quiet and gentle as the breeze as if floated past his lips; a secret only him and the four walls of his room would be privy to.
He thought about the baritone of Lighter's voice, as rich and dark as fine aged whiskey. He recalled easy banter, light jabbing, smoky flirting, and saccharine promises filled with honey as they were whispered into his ear. Just thinking about his name rolling past Lighter's lips filled Wise's tongue with the sting of alcohol, and he swallowed, reveling in the sharp coolness at the back of his throat, and the muddiness of his head as he quickly became intoxicated.
Wise's phone slipped from his hand, his fingers grazing against the screen as he curled against the mattress. He laid on top of his arm as he closed his eyes, trying to hold onto any and all memories of his lover, ignoring the desperation in his actions and the longing in his heart on this quiet, solemn, sleepless night.
"I wished you'd call out my name again," Wise murmured against the length of his arm as he snuggled further into his bed.
"Wise?"
Yeah, like that, Wise thought to himself, imagining Lighter's voice next to his ear.
"Darlin', are you there?" came an increasingly worried voice.
Wise's eyes snapped open and he shot out of bed, blinking owlishly at his surroundings.
"...Am I dreaming?" he asked himself, confusion lacing his tone.
Because he was pretty sure he heard—
A chuckle rumbled from someone's chest before responding. "I don't think you are, Wise."
He snapped his head towards the direction of the sound, and his gaze landed on the trajectory of his phone. Hesitantly, he picked it up, and his eyes bulged from their sockets when he saw Lighter's contact light up his phone, the seconds beneath his name ticking by the longer he remained silent.
"Did you accidentally call me, sweetheart?"
Despite the distance between them, Wise could hear the smugness and laughter that rested beneath Lighter's words.
It would appear, much to Wise's chagrin and Lighter's amusement, that he did, in fact, press his number on accident. It was probably when he let his phone slip from his grasp moments prior. But it wasn't like Wise would admit it. Not so easily anyway. So, like the respectable man he was, to preserve his dignity (or whatever was left of it), Wise chose the right to remain silent.
Lighter chuckled when all he heard was Wise's silence before it slowly died down. "If it was an accident, do you want me to hang up?" he asked, tone softening. "I'm sure you're tired and—"
"No! Don't hang up!" Wise immediately rebuked, and he winced upon hearing how intense he sounded, desperation heavily coating each syllable. "I'm not tired," Wise cleared his throat as he quickly regulated himself, "so don't hang up."
The words "please" rested on his tongue, and he swallowed it. He felt that simple word press against his throat like hot iron, desperate to be smelted and forged into the plea he wanted to convey — but Wise didn't give in, dumping it in cold water, regardless of whatever form it took.
"...Unless you're busy," Wise added, voice softer than intended as he gave Lighter a way out. It was two a.m. in the goddam morning after all, and he was more than confident in knowing that Lighter had another busy day in the morning. Just because Wise was having an insomniac bout didn't mean he had to drag Lighter into this as well.
"No, I'm not," Lighter quickly answered, as if sensing Wise's hesitance. "I'm free, darlin'," he assured. "In fact, I just finished not too long ago."
At that, Wise perked. "Only just? What were you doing?"
He heard some noise in the background as he pressed his phone closer to his ear — the crunching of sand beneath heavy leather boots. "You know, the usual," Lighter mused. Wise heard him grunt as it sounded like he was feeling around for something before a quiet tinkle chimed. "Had to investigate something for Big Daddy. Took a little longer than I thought it would, but at least I found useful intel."
"Did you just arrive back home?" Wise asked incredulously, hearing something slot into a lock before being turned.
Lighter hummed in affirmation, and Wise closed his eyes, letting the soothing timbre of his boyfriend's voice melt into his skin. "As I said, took longer than I thought it would've."
Wise heard Lighter kick the door shut, followed by dull thumps as Lighter probably threw some of his stuff and clothing onto his old, beaten couch.
"Are you sure I'm not the one who should hang up?" Wise teased, the corners of his lips lifting as he listened to Lighter traversing through his tiny flat. "You literally came back from a mission."
"And miss a chance to talk to you?" Lighter smirked. "Never. I missed hearing your voice, angel."
Lighter's easy admission set Wise's face ablaze, and they brightened the more Wise weighed his confession in his mind. Sometimes Wise was jealous at how unafraid and open Lighter was to profess his affection for him; something he still struggled with sometimes. But despite the hint of embarrassment that dusted his cheeks, he couldn't deny the lightness and joy he felt in his heart as it grew wings and soared within the confines of his ribcage.
He missed me, his mind sang as he replayed those words over, and over, and over again.
"I missed you too, Lighter," Wise confessed softly, mildly hoping it was too quiet for Lighter to hear. However, judging from the silence that followed, Lighter definitely heard every word.
"...Don't do that to me, Wise," Lighter groaned, and Wise imagined him tilting his head back, covering his hand with his mouth. "Hearing that just makes me wanna see you even more."
Wise pursed his lips as his eyes shifted over to the video icon on the bottom left of his screen.
"You can," he suggested. "I can turn on my video if you want," he added, nurturing the bud of hope that had taken root in his chest. "That way you can see me."
And I can see you, Wise completed in his mind.
Lighter released a strangled sound. "We can. I'd like that. But...uh...can you gimme thirty minutes?" Lighter murmured, a little embarrassed. "I'm kinda gross right now. So..." he trailed off.
"Just say you need to take a shower," Wise snorted, his shoulder shaking as he laughed under his breath. "But don't worry," he assured, mouth wide with a shit-eating grin. "I'd still love you even if you had fleas and ticks," Wise said with as serious a tone as he could muster. "Or if you rolled around in mud." The corners of Wise's lips twitched.
It was all worth it in the end because he could hear Lighter's confusion from the other end of the line.
"...I'm not sure how I'm supposed to take that...but...thanks?" Lighter eventually replied, the words slow on his tongue. "But still, I'd rather look my best whenever I'm with you."
"Like that time Pulchra gave me a photo of you slipping on a banana—"
"Wise," Lighter stressed.
"Then hurry up and shower!" Wise laughed, shooing him away. "It's okay, I'll wait," he mumbled, tone quieting as he pressed his cheek against his pillow. "I won't be sleeping anytime soon, anyway."
"...Another one of those nights?" Lighter asked, voice just as soft, as if he were caressing Wise's cheeks with one hand while using the other to lightly scratch his scalp.
"Yeah." Wise nodded, feeling the phantom warmth brush against his skin.
"Then give me twenty minutes," Lighter said.
Fifteen minutes later, Wise was absent-mindedly scrolling through posts and potential commissions on the Inter-Knot when his phone pinged, followed by a pop-up of Lighter's icon. He quickly accepted it, and seconds later, he finally saw the verdant green eyes and devilishly handsome smile he missed so much.
"There's my angel," Lighter cooed, his eyes softening when his gaze landed on Wise.
Wise's cheeks flushed upon hearing Lighter's praise, spoken as smooth and silky as syrup. His heart pumped faster and faster within the confines of his chest as his blood grew hot, fueled by the ecstasy that Lighter's words ignited. Despite himself, he couldn't help but curl a little further, almost hiding his face with his pillow as he sank further into the soft surface.
Wise opened his mouth, ready to retort something, but paused when he fully looked at Lighter. A towel was draped lazily over his head as he dried off his hair, droplets of water hanging by the ends of the strands. With the way his phone was positioned, Wise could fully appreciate Lighter's out of shower look. Despite himself, Wise's eyes darted across the bare expanse of damp tanned skin as Lighter walked around his home shirtless, tracing his gaze over the rough edges of Lighter's scars as if they were lines on a map.
"Like what you see, darlin'?" Lighter flirted, his voice rumbling from his chest as he gazed at Wise knowingly, his eyes twinkling with mirth and pride.
"...See what?" Wise asked, playing dumb. "Your camera isn't on," he lied in a futile effort to scramble for some semblance of dignity.
Lighter only chuckled, shaking his head in amusement as he took in Wise's pout. "Whatever you say, Wise." He smiled, his eyes softening as he continued gazing at Wise, as if he were the most precious thing in the entire world; something he wanted to hold close to his chest and protect for the rest of his life. "My pretty angel."
"Stop calling me angel," Wise grumbled, eyes narrowed accusingly, tone stubborn in an effort to hide his embarrassment.
And why are you calling me pretty?!
"I will when you stop looking like one."
"Oh my god, stop!" Wise pleaded, burying his face into the pillow to fully hide himself. At this point, Wise wondered if he should throw himself headfirst into the depths of Lemnian Hollow to escape whatever this was.
Lighter tilted his head back as he laughed, loud, bright, and unrestrained. How Wise loved that sound (even if it was at his own expense). Wise watched begrudgingly while Lighter continued guffawing, even when he fell back-first onto his own bed, holding his phone right above his head. A small, petty part of Wise hoped that Lighter would drop his phone on himself so he'd get a taste of his own medicine.
After what felt like hours, Lighter's laughter slowly reduced to a chuckle and then stopped, much like how the roar of his bike's engine gradually lull once his hands were off the handle.
Now in the quiet space between them, Lighter silently gazed at Wise through the screen. Wise stared into his boyfriend's verdant green depths, letting himself plunge deeper into those clear and expressive waters. However, as he swam, he couldn't clearly make out everything in his periphery, and for once, Wise couldn't tell what Lighter was thinking.
"Lighter?" Wise asked, his previous ire melting away as he regarded his lover with a concerned look.
A few beats of silence passed before Lighter finally spoke. "I missed you a lot, ya know?" Lighter whispered between them, words honest and eyes vulnerable. "We haven't been able to talk for a while, so I was really happy when I saw your name pop up, accident or not."
Wise's heart clenched as he listened to Lighter's confession — honest and raw.
So I wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Despite the sombreness in Lighter's tone, Wise couldn't help but smile to himself, his heart fluttering as he came to that realisation; small yet resoundingly loud as his heart beat a little faster.
"I missed you a lot too, Lighter." Wise repeated. He rolled a few words in his mouth, testing their weight on his tone for a few moments before he sighed, his cheeks flushing. "I was actually thinking about you before I accidentally called you," Wise finally confessed.
Lighter visibly perked when he heard that, and if he were a dog, his tail would be wagging behind him.
"You were?" Lighter asked, a wonky, adorable smile stretching his lips as his eyes sparkled with interest.
Wise nodded. "I just...thought about you," he said vaguely. "And it made me realise that we haven't had the chance to talk like this since I've gone to Waifei Peninsula."
Regret churned in Lighter's eyes and he sighed, running a hand through his hair as he averted his gaze slightly. "I'm sorry, darlin'," he apologised. "Things have been hectic lately, and I didn't wanna disturb you too much—"
He paused when Wise started laughing quietly to himself, his eyes crinkling as light sparkled across the expanse of his seafoam green eyes, like the ocean when the sun was highest in the sky, turning its surface into a veil of jewels.
"Wise?"
"I'm not laughing at you, I promise." Wise held up a hand, his lips curled into a smile as he continued gazing adoringly at his boyfriend. "I'm laughing because of how alike we are."
It took a few seconds for Lighter to process Wise's words before his eyebrows lifted to his hairline. "You also wanted to call me?" he asked softly.
Wise nodded. "Many times," he added. "But I didn't want to be a bother—"
"You'll never be a bother," Lighter interjected quickly, silencing that train of thought immediately. "Hell, getting a call from you would only motivate me more," he confessed, scratching his cheek sheepishly.
"Like when you texted me mid-fight?" Wise teased.
"Hey, I got that fight done for you," Lighter protested.
"And I love that," Wise flirted before he went quiet. "But I get what you mean," he started, redirecting their tangent to the main topic at hand. "It really was a lot easier to meet up back then..." he mumbled between them, his voice fragile as it floated in the atmosphere.
And the only reason why we're even talking is because I made a stupid mistake, Wise sneered inwardly, cursing at nobody in particular.
"You have me now," Lighter said, tone soft and gentle as his eyes turned into little crescents.
Lighter's words, like an arrow of clarity, shot through Wise's spiral, refocusing all of his attention on Lighter; and only on him. Lighter's response could easily be appreciated without a second thought, but to Wise, those four simple words brought a wave of calm that washed over Wise, and his erratic thoughts stilled like a calm lake, his heart rate lulling to a steady pace.
"You have me now, don't you, Wise?" Lighter repeated, urging a response from his boyfriend.
"Yeah," Wise swallowed thickly, nodding his head slowly. "I do."
Lighter's eyes radiated with a softness so tangible, Wise felt it against his fingertips — shaped like clouds and as soft as cotton. How he wished he could dive through the screen and fall into Lighter's arms; his home and safe space. How he wanted to reunite with the very person who, even if the world crumbled beneath their feet and sent Wise tumbling into the depths of the Earth's core, would catch him no matter what.
"Aw man," Lighter suddenly sighed, bringing a hand to cover his eyes. "I really wanna hold you right now."
For the second time that night, Wise laughed at how similar Lighter and he were. Perhaps there was a telepathic link that lied them together; tuning their emotions perfectly.
After his sulking session, Lighter stared at Wise for a few seconds, face full of contemplation. "Darlin'," he started slowly, carefully weighing each word on his tongue. "Why don't we do this? Let's try to call each other every few nights, how about that?" Lighter suggested. "And if we can't do that, then at least once a week."
At that, Wise perked to attention.
"I'll try to make more time for you," Lighter promised. "So don't be afraid to call whenever you want to. Even if I only have five minutes, I'll accept it."
Wise's breath stuttered at Lighter's suggestion. The hidden meaning behind it coated Wise like honey, clinging to his skin like dew as warmth spread throughout his entire body.
"You can be as selfish as you want. Because I'm the same as you."
I love him, Wise thought with pure clarity as a rush of affection bloomed in his chest, creating a field of colourful and lovely flowers that held fondness and ardour within their petals.
How comforting it was to know that no matter how different they were, there were still many similarities that tethered them together — the thread as red and vibrant as their affection for each other.
"...I'd like that," Wise confessed, voice softer than he intended. "Although, it's best if we come up with a schedule. After all," Wise smiled, his lips quirking, "What if I call you in the middle of a fight?" he challenged. "Or if you're on a stealth mission? I'd immediately blow your cover."
Lighter barked out a laugh, tilting his head back; as if Wise said the funniest joke known to man. Wise smiled to himself as he basked in the sound — chesty, hearty, and oh so pleasant to the ear. Wise knew he would never tire of Lighter's voice.
"What do you suggest then, sweetheart?" Lighter murmured, pillowing his head with the crook of his elbow as he turned to his side, positioning his phone for Wise to see his handsome profile.
"Why don't we aim for Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday?" Wise suggested. "In terms of timing, anytime at night would be ideal. But obviously, things will change depending on whatever missions we have. If so, then we'll reschedule accordingly." He paused for a second, momentarily contemplating if everything was within reason. "Does that sound okay?" he asked anyway.
"That sounds good." Lighter nodded. "Sounds more than good actually." He smiled, his eyes crinkling as they softened. "I get you to myself more often now." His grin widened, revealing his canines.
Wise laughed to himself, and for the first time in a long while, relaxed fully against his bed. The remaining tension melted from his bones, as the sleep that clung to his eyelids tightened his grip as he wrapped the blanket around himself.
"So look forward to it," Wise teased, his eyes shimmering like the ocean in the middle of the day, reflecting the sun's light and transforming itself into a veil of diamonds and glitter.
Because I am.
Lighter hummed in agreement, adjusting himself on his bed to rest his head on his pillow.
"You know, when I get less busy, I'll probably make a trip to Waifei Peninsula and visit you."
Wise's eyes widened and his heart fluttered like a baby bird as he imagined such a scenario — he could see it so clearly. He imagined Lighter in his Outer Ring gear, leaning against his bike that he parked next to their car. He imagined his boyfriend lighting up upon seeing him. And most of all, he imagined Lighter opening his arms as Wise crashed into embrace. In the midst of his fantasy, he felt Lighter's warmth against him, followed by his alluring scent of sunlight, smoke, leather, and lemon.
Unaware of himself, Wise airily swiped a thumb across his bottom lip as his eyes warbled with untold affection; an action that did not go unnoticed to Lighter.
"Don't worry, angel," Lighter chuckled, tearing Wise from his thoughts. "I'll give you all the kisses that you want."
Wise harrumphed, his cheeks flushing darker as he glared at his boyfriend. "As if you're not the one who asks for kisses all the time," he shot back, not wanting to admit just how on the dot Lighter was.
Lighter hummed, gliding over Wise's sentence in favour of his next few words. "I hope I'll be able to see you in your nice outfit. A uniform, right?"
Wise paused, eyes wide, momentarily wiping the sleep that had slowly settled over Wise's body. "You've seen it?" he asked. He couldn't recall sending Lighter any recent photos of himself, much less ones of him in his uniform.
Lighter reveled in Wise's confusion before answering his silent question. "Belle sent it to me."
Wise sighed, holding back the urge to slap a hand over his face, because of course Belle did that.
"The leash on the back is interesting."
Wise sputtered, his blush growing darker. Lighter, the (handsome) bastard, was doing his best to hold his laughter; emphasis on 'doing his best'.
"It's not a leash," Wise chastised, fighting the urge to jump through his screen and whack Lighter on the arm. "It's a talisman," he corrected. "For dispelling evil and protection."
"I can do better than any piece of fabric."
Wise snorted. "From how many miles away? Sure you can," he quipped.
"All the more reason to find a time to drive over to see you," Lighter responded easily.
Their rambling eventually moved on to other things, drifting from what sights there were to see in Failume Heights, followed by the food and drink Wise frequented with the others, and derailing to what they would do if Wise himself had the time to travel back to Janus Quarter. The more they talked, the more Wise eventually snuggled, his lashes slowly fluttering as his voice gradually grew softer.
Whenever Wise threatened to fall under the lull of sleep, nodding off here and there, Lighter always suggested that they should end the call. However, Wise refused, resolute on staying awake. The unforged metal he had swallowed would hurtle past his lips whenever he responded to Lighter; unrefined and all too honest, too tired to hammer them away.
"I want to hear your voice," Wise would repeat, voice soft and quiet, almost angelic (at least to Lighter).
And Lighter was nothing but indulgent, giving into his boyfriend's demands — if anything, he was more than happy to spoil Wise rotten.
---
"—and you should have seen Pulchra's reaction to Burnice running at her with a spray bottle," Lighter laughed before breaking into a yawn. "Maybe I should have taken a video while I could," he mused.
When Lighter heard no response, he paused.
"Wise?" he asked.
He looked at his boyfriend, and all concern dissipated like smoke as a fond smile replaced his features.
Wise was fast asleep, his phone positioned to reveal his ethereal face. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting its light onto Wise, turning his hair and lashes into molten silver more brilliant than any mineshaft the Outer Ring could provide. Lighter's gaze flitted to Wise's parted lips, as he pressed a kiss to his two fingers before placing it over Wise's mouth.
"Soon," Lighter whispered, uttering a secret meant only for them, even if one of them wasn't awake to hear it. "I'll clear out my schedule and visit you soon. Until then, these calls will have to do." He smiled to himself, excited about even thinking about their next call. "Goodnight, Wise," Lighter smiled, features softening as he gazed adoringly at his boyfriend. "Sweet dreams, angel. I love you."
Whether Wise heard his words or not, his lips slowly lifted into a smile, and Lighter engrained every part of that to memory.