First Secret - By The Candle Light

Link rubbed his temples sighing silently, the candlelight flickering from his exhale. He squinted his eyes behind his spectacles, checking his report for any sort of mistakes. He inwardly cringed at the crossed words, ink splatters and overall sloppy writing; it couldn't be helped though, he lost two hours because of Lenalee Lee occupying his shared room with Allen Walker in that position. And more importantly… His hesitance over how to write his report.

What happened in the Hearst Orphanage to Walker was terribly unsettling. That bloodcurling scream of pain still echoed in his ear. It was another proof, another reminder what Walker was. What he was becoming.

One one hand, he wanted to represent authentically what happened as his duty demanded. To make sure that no innocent would be harmed.

On the other hand… Link found himself paying extra attention to word his testimony carefully. He knew what happened. But he also knew what that would mean to his superiors. Walker could be compromised. Hence the numerous torn drafts, crossed words and splatters of ink. If Walker got into trouble because of him-

Cramped muscles tenses further when a hand came into contact with his shoulders. Without a second thought, Link whipped his head back to see the perpetrator and defend himself. He didn't expect his lips collide into someone else's.

Link froze, eyes wide, just like Walker's ones staring back at him. Electricity cracked under his skin, rushing through his nerves, up his spine, sending his brain on haywire then spread through his body with a pounding heart and sense of heat. His thoughts muted and his thinking became fuzzy. There were words in his throat but they all quieted from the feel of Walker. Neither dared to breathe under the soft feel of each other's lips just barely touching each other.

Allen was the first to regain sensibility, but not enough to realise just what sort of position they were in. However slow, but his brain thankfully supplied him with the words he needed. "I… I just… Wanted to tell you… That it was really late…. A-and you should come to bed… As well…"

Link was too drunk on savouring the feel of Walker's heat and the feel of his lips brushing against his to think the only thing on his mind was that he was kissing Walker, he was kissing Walker, he was-

Dear Lord, he was kissing Walker.

Link bolted away from Walker, who appeared to have snapped out of this odd spell as well. The Inspector could feel blush creeping up on his face, mirroring Walker's reaction.

"N-no, I, uh," he said stuttering, what was he doing again? Oh, reports, right. "I n-need to finish this report first."

White eyelashes bounced in the air, and Link swore he could feel them caressing his flushed cheek. "But Link, you must be exhausted. I'm pretty sure I'm going to oversleep tomorrow so you'll have plenty of time to finish it… So please… Come to bed."

Link let out a shaky exhale, readying himself for a long verbal argument, but he forgot everything when he glanced into those silver pools that bled concern. Worry for him.

His heart throbbed painfully all of sudden. Walker look such a mess. He had dark circles under his eyes, contrasting sharply against the deathly pale skin along with his countless bruises and his newest set of scarring injuries. Walker was beyond exhausted. Still, he knew that the boy was stubborn enough that he'd stay awake until he gave in. My conscience won't let me, he could almost hear his explanation. He was such an idiot to make him worry. It was painfully obvious that Walker wouldn't get rest until Link called it a night.

"Alright," he muttered, moving to remove his spectacles. Allen let out a relieved sigh and gave a small, but still dazzling smile.

Link quickly blew out the candle, fearing that if he kept looking he'd find himself kissing Walker again. That wouldn't be so accidental however.

In the darkness he could still make out Walker's silhouette, though these irrational feelings of warmth and longing quietened.

He heard the mattress of Walker's bed creak under the boys weight and after some shuffling the boy buried himself in the sheets.

Link changed into his pajamas as well and slipped in his own bed. Listening to Walker's rhythmic breaths he concluded that the boy fell asleep. He could feel the edge of his still so delightfully tingling lips curl upwards. A ghost of a genuine smile.

He was truly blessed to be cared for. He felt a bit bad that he kissed Walker without his consent (even if it was unintentional) but he was relieved that he wasn't repulsed. He would let Link stay by his side. For him, that was more than enough.

Here's my first entry. Writing this was fun. They're super fluffy with just a pinch of angst. Lovely. Thank you for reading. Please review and see you next time!