Archive of Our Own

Wise, for all his introversion and general reclusiveness, is in fact perfectly capable of maintaining a decent—and dare he say it, admirably expansive—social network.

His difference with Belle, however, is that he mainly maintains it for the sake of work. Be it as a Proxy or as a video store manager, he tries his best to be suitably friendly and accommodating to ensure the best possible service and, consequently, more returning customers.

Genuinely making friends, however?

That's more Belle's expertise.

He doesn't know how she does what she does. Her energy is unmatched, and the way she can get along with nearly anyone…it exhausts him just thinking about it. That she could manage to keep up such a boisterous personality both inside and outside of their work is something he'll always admire about her, but not enough to try and follow in her footsteps.

He loves his sister, and he'd much rather that she have all the spotlight because that's where she shines best.

Plus, well.

He's truly more comfortable in the haven of their little shop, watching films, or conducting work as a Proxy.

All that being said, when he does find the time to make friends, he does his best to keep them. He invites them to watch films whenever they're free, and quietly enjoys whatever their reactions are to his recommendations. He treats them to teamilk when he can, takes a walk with them to enjoy the afternoon breeze…

He doesn't really need much, as a friend. Simple companionship is fine.

And Lighter?

He's up and running as Wise's closest—perhaps even best—friend with how often they chat and meet up. Never mind the fact that their friendship is fresh, having only first bloomed from working together during the Tour de Inferno—Lighter gets him, and that's not something Wise would say is easy to accomplish.

Or maybe he's just easily swayed by people who are more than happy to watch movies with him. But, could you blame him? When there's something you love more than anything else, wouldn't it only make sense to feel fond of others who share a similar adoration?

Even if Lighter is no movie aficionado (or so he says), the thing is:

For all his attempts at acting cool, he'd been extremely generous with his thoughts whenever they watched anything. Be it from watching horror films (which, Wise had been embarrassed to know that Lighter kept note of his dislike for them) to romance movies, and even his most beloved arthouse films, his newest friend always had something to say that made him think too.

Call him a simple guy, but someone who can get along with him so well with his interests…he can only be a man after Wise's own heart, and who is Wise to not appreciate his company?

Which leads them to now, with Lighter hanging out with him in his room after they'd finished watching their latest film. Wise is observant enough to have noticed Lighter lingering for longer and longer periods after their first time watching a film together, and honestly? Wise likes him, and he likes his company, so he's definitely not pointing it out if it will potentially embarrass him and make him leave.

Lighter has been surprisingly cuter than expected, he'd found. Even with his usual mien of coolness around anyone else, around Wise, he's just a teensy bit awkward or shy enough that Wise can't help from teasing him a little.

"I can't tell if you're good with cats, or you're just scared of them, Lighter."

Inky gives a little mew as if to agree with Wise's questioning. He's a far cry from the kitten that was wary of Wise back in the day; now, he's a sweet little thing who voluntarily rubs up against Wise on his own, purring his way into getting pets and some treats.

Lighter cocks a brow behind his shades, watching Inky as he's curled up over Wise's lap. He'd be the very image of an intimidating biker from the Outer Rings, if not for the fact that he's slouched and relaxed in Wise's bedroom couch. "Me, scared of these little creatures?"

A pause.

"What if I am?"

Wise smiles, disbelieving. "For real?"

"Nah, I'm just messing with you." Lighter shakes his head with a chuckle. "They're fine. But, he seems perfectly happy with you, so I don't wanna bother."

"Hmm…hold out your hand?"

Lighter doesn't hesitate to place his hand in Wise's own.

Wise bites back the instinctive "cute" that wants to leave his mouth, choosing instead to take Lighter's hand, quietly noting the weight and roughness of his palm, before leading it carefully to Inky's nose.

Inky gives a sniff once, then twice. On the fourth sniff, he gives an experimental nuzzle against Lighter's hand. When Lighter remains still in response to the nudging, Inky promptly decides to rub his whole head against Lighter's hand, purring up a storm as he allows that large palm to curl over his head for petting.

"…cute," Lighter murmurs, rubbing gentle fingers against Inky's ears.

Wise doesn't have to look up to know what Lighter is talking about. Inky really is cute, more so when he's warmed up to you. "Isn't he? It took a while to get him to trust me, so it's nice to see that he could like you so quickly."

"Really? That's surprising—I thought you'd be a natural cat magnet."

"Hmm, usually? But Inky is a special case who needs a bit of space before he'll allow you to get close, which is why it took a while. It's fine though, since he's so cute."

"Mm, true. I guess this is why I took a liking to you so fast, huh? You've got something special to you."

Wise hums, smiling as he continues petting Inky's body while Lighter is petting his head. "I like you too, Lighter."

"…ahem."

Wise laughs. Giving a peek through the corner of his eye grants him the precious view of Lighter looking awkwardly away from him. "Are you feeling shy? You started it, though."

"I'm not shy, you just caught me off guard."

"Whatever you say, Lighter."

"Really."

"Uh-huh, I believe you."

Lighter's hand swiftly rises from Inky's head to settle atop Wise's own, to Inky's noisy dismay. Shamelessly, Lighter pets his head, before settling his hand there like it's some sort of hand rest. "You sure?" Lighter teases.

Wise nudges his head against his hand, the same way Inky would nuzzle his head against Wise's palm for more pets. What, did Lighter think he'd flustered by something like this? "Very sure," he drawls, smiling winsomely, "Master Lighter."

Lighter laughs then, the sound seemingly pulled out of him in surprise. "Hah! Cheeky." He rubs his hand a little more aggressively against Wise's head, which is when he pushes Lighter's hand off. He hadn't minded the petting, but he does have boundaries when it comes to messing with his hair. "But really," Lighter adds, "I'm not shy. Let a man get used to that kind of thing first before springing it on him, will ya?"

"Alright," Wise agrees. "I'll tell you I like you more often so you get used to it."

"…hah." Once again, Lighter avoids his gaze as he nudges his sunglasses higher up the bridge of his nose. "Alright, Manager, whatever you want."

Not shy, huh? Wise doubts it, but…maybe Lighter feels awkward at such open shows of affection? Was Wise being too much? But then again, Lighter isn't exactly the type of person to take any offenses sitting down.

"Meow!"

Just like that, Wise is snapped out of his thoughts about Lighter's sudden shyness. "Speaking of what someone wants," he laughs, gently petting Inky's head. "Looks like this little one wants a bit more attention. I'm sorry for getting carried away, Inky."

He feels Inky's purring more than he hears it, the way the black cat rubs the entirety of his body against his chest. He finds himself thankful all of a sudden, that Inky has black fur—he's sure his black shirt wouldn't be the same had he been otherwise.

"Needy little thing, isn't he?" Lighter muses.

"Only with certain people." Wise strokes his hand over Inky's head, down to his body, before ending with a pat to his backside that earns him a curl of a black tail around his wrist. "And I do give him treats for good behavior, so it only makes sense…ah, actually, could you hand me the pouch of treats near the TV?"

Lighter stands up with a huff of breath, sunglasses low on his nose as he saunters to the TV. He grabs the lone pouch near it, before returning to Wise's side and holding it out as asked.

It's then that Wise gets his wires crossed, distracted as he is by petting Inky while running on low sleep due to his insomnia. Instead of saying "thank you" like a normal person would, when he takes the pouch from Lighter's hand, he ends up saying,

"Good boy."

Lighter freezes.

Wise blinks, eyeing the sudden pause.

Then he thinks.

And—

"Oh," he stammers, flustered. "I didn't mean—sorry, I got distracted petting Inky. I meant 'thank you', not…not that."

Lighter clears his throat, before donning a teasing smile. "No? Does that mean you don't think I'm a good boy, even when I brought you the treats that you asked for?"

Wise makes a garbled little sound in the back of his throat. "No, I—come on…"

"What? I'm a little hurt, Manager."

Lighter leans in then, head lowered so Wise has no choice but to look straight at him and his all-too-pleased face. Even with the sunglasses on, there's no hiding the teasing gleam in those sharp eyes of his. Lighter tells him, "Are you really taking it back?"

Wise opens his mouth, closes it, opens it, then closes it again with a frown when he sees Lighter's widening smile.

Cheeky, huh.

He raises his hand then, Lighter watching all the while, and—

Settles his palm against a warm cheek, cupping Lighter's face like he would with Inky when he's petting him gently.

"Alright, Lighter," he acquiesces, biting back his smile at Lighter's wide eyes and pink-flushed ears, "I won't take it back. You were a good boy for giving me the treats, so thank you."

"…oh. Uh. I'm. Y-yeah…"

Wise chokes back the laugh threatening to spill from his throat. Wow, how quickly Lighter gives in. It's a wonder how anyone thinks he's so intimidating, when he's like this from such a simple counter-attack.

…maybe he can tease him a little more.

He lightly slides his fingers down Lighter's cheek, eliciting an audible gulp, before ending with a light scratch against his trembling chin. "Seeing as you're such a good boy, why not have the honor of giving Inky a treat first?"

"Y-huh? What?"

Wise laughs, pulling his hand away. He doesn't point out the way Lighter almost follows after his hand, before immediately stopping himself. Cute. He says, "Give Inky a treat, Lighter. You can ask him to hold out his paw, or call him to you. If he follows you, give him at least one piece, okay?"

"…right." Lighter clears his throat. "Hah, gotcha."

"Did you want a treat with the praise, Lighter?"

Lighter's entire face scrunches up like he's eaten the sourest lemon in the world. "No, no need for that, Manager."

Wise smirks. "You're sure? I don't have any treats now, but I can come up with something…"

"Really. There's no need, Wise."

Wise snickers under his hand, watching as Lighter beckons Inky over, who hesitates for only a moment before following Lighter to sit on his lap. "Well, if you're really sure."

"Mm."

Lighter doesn't say much more to Wise, busy as he is with asking Inky to do all sorts of things. "Paw," "high-five," among plenty other requests that Inky obediently follows for the sake of a few treats and some petting.

"…this is nice."

Lighter looks up at him. He's a little less flushed now, and certainly less awkward. Maybe he wants to pretend the last few seconds never happened at all. "What is?" he asks.

Wise smiles at him.

"You, being a good boy."

Lighter chokes on, well, nothing.

"Haha! Sorry, sorry," Wise laughs, wiping away the tears in his eyes as Lighter stares wearily at him, "I meant that it's nice, that we get to just hang out like this."

"Yeah, yeah…I guess I asked for it, teasing you like that." Lighter sighs, shaking his head. It's a testament to his soft heart that, when Inky bats at his hand, he doesn't complain as he does obediently return to petting that soft, black head. "Lesson learned: don't push the manager."

"Good to know that you've learned your lesson," Wise teases back. "But really, you are a good person, and…I do like your company, so." He smiles warmly at Lighter, tilting his head so he's in his line of sight. "Please don't take it too hard when I tease you, okay? I'd miss you if you stopped hanging out with me."

"…you're cruel, Manager."

Wise blinks, his entire body leaning back in confusion. Lighter's wry smile is at odds with his words, and, well, Wise doesn't really understand how that could be related to what he'd last said. He'd been cruel for…being honest about appreciating Lighter's company? But why? "Huh? What do you mean?"

Lighter shakes his head. "Ah, nothing. Don't mind me, I'm just saying things because I haven't slept enough."

"You do look tired," he agrees. Still, he can't help the frown that takes over his lips, suspicious as he is with Lighter's sudden evasion of his question. He considers his words, tosses and turns them this way and that, before settling on the realization that: he really, truly, doesn't know what he's done wrong.

"…did I go too far, teasing you? I'm really sorry, Lighter," he says eventually, unsure of his own words. "I didn't mean to be cruel."

"…worse…"

Wise leans in, frustrated that he couldn't catch Lighter's mumbled words clearly enough. "What?"

Lighter sighs. With a clearer voice, he tells Wise, "Do you tell all your friends you like them that often?"

"…um? No, not exactly…what's that got to do with this?"

Lighter raises a brow at him, hand pausing their petting to settle on Inky's head. "You don't. So what, am I special?"

"I mean," Wise looks away, scratching his cheek. "Kind of, yes? You're one of the few people who can enjoy my movies with me like this, without me having to cater to a specific genre so we both enjoy it. You seem to like anything, and…it does make me happy that I can share what I like with you."

"…Wise. You really haven't noticed anything? You're not just pretending you don't know so you won't hurt my feelings?"

Wise stares at him in bewilderment. "What? What are you talking about?"

"You have…absolutely no idea. At all." Lighter laughs, looks at his surprised face, then laughs a bit louder. "Haha! No wonder you're like this—you don't even know what you're doing. Oh, I'm an idiot. I shouldn't have assumed anything."

"What..?"

"Wise."

Inky jumps off of Lighter's lap as Lighter turns to face him, those gloved hands reaching out to take both of his hands in his own. Wise, baffled as he is, lets all of this happen with wide eyes and a confused gaze.

"Uh, Lighter..?"

"Wise, I'm in love with you."

"…?"

"I'm not kidding," Lighter emphasizes, squeezing their hands together. "If you had kept teasing me for a treat earlier, I would have asked for a kiss."

Wise blinks.

Then—

"Oh, you're cute when you blush," Lighter coos, his sulky voice from earlier completely replaced with something teasing, something warm—something affectionate. It's too much, too soon, yet when he tries to avoid Lighter's gaze, Lighter frees one hand up to tip his chin back up. "Wise, come on, look at me. Ain't fair to act shy now when you're the one always teasing me."

"Not entirely similar cases, are they," he mutters. "You're not the one getting confessed to by someone so…"

Lighter grins. "So..?"

"…never mind."

"No, no, continue," Lighter says, a sly purr to his voice as he leans in to catch Wise's gaze completely. "Someone so what, Wise?"

Wise frowns. What, just because Lighter confessed, he thinks he has the upper hand? He thinks he has the right to tease Wise like this?

Sure, he's still confused and very much reeling that his closest friend (who is, admittedly, very handsome) has confessed to him. He doesn't understand where it all came from, doesn't understand how it happened and when, but…

He can't really say he's offended, or that he doesn't like it.

But that's no reason to let Lighter keep teasing him like this.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" he shoots back, leaning even closer—just enough that his nose brushes against Lighter's own. Lighter jerks back at the sudden motion, his own eyes wide as Wise remains exactly where he is in Lighter's personal space. "But then, isn't it common knowledge at this point what people think of you, when they see your face? Does it matter that much when it comes from me?"

"…it does. Matter, I mean," Lighter says, voice soft as he rests his forehead against Wise's own. "Never mind what other people think. I just want to know that I have a chance with you. Please."

He pulls away from the close contact, gaze lowered to his lap. "You're too sly for your own good, Lighter."

"Haha. I have to be, as the Red Scarf of the Sons of Calydon. So?" Lighter backs away just enough that Wise feels like he can finally breathe, his breath having been caught in his chest with the suddenness of their proximity, and Lighter's affection. "Do I have to get on my knees and beg for a chance? Because I'll do it."

Wise chuckles. "You know what? I believe you."

"So, does that mean you want me to beg, or—"

"I'm not really good with romance, Lighter."

Lighter visibly droops at his words. "Oh."

"And I've never been in a relationship. I didn't think I'd ever have one, to be honest, since I'm bad with girls and I never considered the possibility of being with a man. And that isn't because I don't like men, it's just…well. You know who I am."

"A Proxy," Lighter says.

Wise smiles. "Exactly. So, I hadn't considered the possibility of ever being able to settle down at all. I would be happy to let Belle have such a life, but for me…"

"You deserve to be happy too, you know," Lighter mutters, raising Wise's hands in his hold to press a kiss to his knuckles. "And I think I could make you happy. You already said that you like my company, right? So what's a bit more of that, with me?"

Unfortunately for Wise, and fortunately for Lighter, that endearing action and his affectionate words sends his heart aflutter. But, could you blame him? He's not exactly an expert with romantic experiences, and given that this is his first—he can only be flustered in response, unused to it as he is.

"…is that something you'd like to bet on?"

"With my life? Yes," Lighter says, voice deep and unshakable in its certainty. "I promise I'll make you happy, Wise."

"But what if I can't do the same for you?"

"You already do, though."

Wise makes a disbelieving noise at his words. "Alright, charmer. You're really laying it on just so I'll say yes, huh?"

Lighter shakes his head. "I promise, I'm not just saying it because I think it's what you want to hear. Just being with you makes me happy."

"Not enough to be satisfied with friendship, right?"

"…"

Wise pries his hands out of Lighter's hold, then rests his palms on Lighter's clenched fists. "Well? Are you going to refute me or not?"

"…is it wrong of me to be selfish?"

"No."

Lighter blinks at his immediate answer. "What, really? I'd have thought you'd disagree with me there."

"Lighter, of all the people I know," Wise says dryly, "you could stand to be more selfish. You give too much away as is, and it's admirable that you want to protect the people you love, but sometimes…? Sometimes you should let the people who love you help you too."

"…oh."

"I'm included in that list of people, by the way."

"Oh."

"I'm just…" Wise sighs. "I'm not sure what that means, when it comes to romance." Again, he sighs, but a little louder. "How did this conversation become like this? We were just joking around, and then it became this serious. Are you sure I'm the right choice for you? Even when it comes to having enough time, I—"

"Wise."

"…yes?"

"Can I hug you?"

"Oh." Wise blinks at the sudden request, but takes his hands off of Lighter to hold out his open arms. "Um, feel free?"

Lighter chuckles, but takes the invitation as offered. His body is a furnace around Wise, a cozy kind of heat that he feels himself nearly dozing off just from being cuddled close. He blinks back to attention when Lighter says, "You don't have to change, Wise. Not one bit of you. Not knowing anything about romance is your charm, and I fell for you knowing that. If someone has to compensate for anything, it's me, for falling for you without permission."

Wise wraps his own arms around Lighter, and gives him his own version of a comforting squeeze. "It's not like you knew you'd end up liking me. That isn't something you can control, is it?"

"Mm, I wonder." Lighter nuzzles against his temple, making him smile. "Still…if you don't feel the same way, I'd understand. I won't force you. I'm just…grateful, that you didn't immediately push me away."

"I did tell you that I like you."

"…please stop getting my hopes up, though."

Wise stifles a laugh as he buries his face in the crook of Lighter's neck and shoulder. "Oh, are you that easy to shake up, Champion? I'd have thought you'd be made of sturdier stuff than that."

"…"

"Sorry, sorry. You're just cute when you get flustered."

"Oh am I?"

He pokes Lighter in the side. "Don't get too cocky, Lighter. But…"

Lighter leans back, just enough to be able to face him without letting him go. "But..?"

"…I do mean it, when I say that I like you." He smiles at Lighter, chuckling when he sees the innocent hope written all over that handsome face. "So, maybe…could you give me a bit of time to take it in, and digest it all?"

"I've been told I shouldn't let you overthink it, though. By the other Proxy, that is."

Wise pushes at Lighter's chest, wide-eyed in shock and disbelief. "You told Belle?"

"I mean," Lighter murmurs, looking away, "I did have to ask for your family's blessing so…"

"I—what? Are we getting married?" Wise asks, voice weak in his own ears. It was shocking enough that Lighter chose to confess, but Belle knew? All this time? And she even gave Lighter advice! How desperate was she that he start dating, that she'd go this far for him? "You didn't have to—what?"

"…marriage sounds nice."

"Lighter."

"…sorry."

Wise covers his face with one hand, and heaves out a long, tired sigh. It had been one thing to receive a confession, but to know that said confession was blessed with Belle's permission? That she even gave advice?

Did she know that Wise has a soft spot for Lighter?

(Was he that obvious?)

"Wise..? You can't really be mad just because I asked the other Proxy for her blessing, right? Isn't that a thing people do? Or is that too old-fashioned nowadays…I understand stuff changes fast in the city, but I figured this kinda thing wouldn't be too odd."

He raises his pointer finger using his free hand, with his face still covered by his other hand. "Could you give me a moment?"

"Uh, okay."

"Thank you."

They're silent for a moment, allowing Wise the time to process his thoughts as they come and go. He takes mental note of the fact that Lighter hasn't let him go even once, and finds that…well, the close contact isn't really all that bad. In fact, he'd even say that it's nice—comforting, and warm, and a kind of embrace he could fall asleep in.

Well, if even Belle is telling him not to overthink it…

Then maybe…maybe this is something that he could work with. Maybe it doesn't have to be complicated, if even Lighter says that he doesn't have to change. They're both happy as is with each other as friends, so what's a little change, right?

…well, that's probably oversimplifying things. But, he's sure he'll be able to figure it out as he goes along. It shouldn't be as hard as finding a carrot for a new and unknown Hollow. (Right?)

"…alright, Lighter. I'll take you up on your bet."

Lighter's already perked up when Wise uncovers his face to look at him. "Really?" Lighter asks, before clearing his throat. In a much deeper voice, he repeats, "Really? Does that mean..?"

"Your bet is that you can make me happy," Wise says, tapping his index finger against Lighter's chest. "My bet is that I can make you happier. If you win, well, you can have all of me. If I win," he cuts in, stopping Lighter from saying whatever it is he wants to say, "you're going to have to hand over your life to me, no questions asked."

"…if that's a proposal, then shouldn't I just lose?"

Wise laughs in disbelief. "Hey, that's not how a bet works."

"Well, if the terms of losing are favorable to me…"

"The terms for losing means you can't die without me," Wise says, emphasizing the last three words with a pointed jab at Lighter's chest. "No more of you going into Hollows alone. No more of you thinking that your life is something you can freely sacrifice for everyone else. If I win, and you ever have to go into a dangerous situation, you'll have to always take me with you—no ifs, ands, or buts. Those are my conditions, Lighter."

"…that really does sound like a proposal, though."

"Is that a no—"

"It's a yes," Lighter interrupts, prompt and mildly panicked. "Of course it's a yes, Wise."

Wise hums, pleased at his answer. If he'd known it would be this easy to get Lighter to promise to keep himself safe or, at least, accompanied by a Proxy while going into Hollows, then maybe he should've confessed first.

Hm. Maybe it's not so bad to change things up a little?

"Can I, uh…"

Wise blinks back to attention at Lighter's sudden stammering. "Can you what?"

"Can I kiss you? Or is it too soon for that?"

Wise stares at him. Lighter can't even meet his eyes, the way his gaze darts from Wise's lips to his hand on his chest. One would never think this is the same man who's called the Red Scarf of the Sons of Calydon, the undefeated and undisputed Champion, the man who's brought men and whole gangs to their knees with sheer strength and force of will.

Perhaps Wise is biased, but the only thing he can think is:

Oh, so Lighter can get cuter.

"…never mind, it's—"

Wise kisses Lighter as he's speaking, angling his head just enough that he doesn't hit his sunglasses along the way. It's a chaste thing, just a butterfly kiss, yet it seems to be enough fuel for Lighter's fire because he suddenly surges forward, grabbing Wise by the head (gentle, always so gentle with him) and waist to pull him into a deeper, longer kiss.

He should feel embarrassed, the way he caves so easily at the slightest prodding of a tongue against his lips. He should feel some sense of shame, the way he moans when Lighter licks up his palate and against his tongue like he wants to taste every inch of him, memorize every bit of his mouth like it's his to explore.

Yet, he's far too dizzy, he can't feel anything else other than this palpable heat.

"Hah—!"

He's already panting for breath the moment Lighter lets him go, face hot and air burning in his lungs as he grips Lighter's jacket like it's his lifeline.

Wow.

He knew kisses could get intense, but he didn't think his first would be like that.

"You're, hah, wow," Wise stammers, voice weak in his mouth as he knocks his head against Lighter's shoulder. To save himself from another intense kiss? To hide his burning face? Both, maybe? "You, haha, really don't hold back, huh?"

"I'd apologize, but I'd be lying…so I'll keep any apologies to myself." In direct contrast to the intensity of his kiss, Lighter runs a gentle hand through his hair. Wise sighs, eyes fluttering shut as he nuzzles his forehead against Lighter's chest. "I'll accept any punishment if it's from you, though."

"…you truly are something."

"Hopefully a good something?"

Wise laughs. He takes the hand Lighter has on his waist, choosing to have it clasped in his own as he presses their hands to his chest. Maybe Lighter feels just how erratic his heartbeat is, maybe not, but he tucks Wise closer into his chest in what feels like a comforting hug nonetheless.

He raises his head, considers his options for a moment, then goes in for a light kiss against Lighter's jugular.

He smiles when he feels the skip in Lighter's breathing, and the sudden tightness in his one-armed embrace. It'll likely bite him in the ass if he keeps teasing Lighter like this, but for now, he wants to believe in Lighter's patience and self-control.

He says,

"We'll see about that, Lighter."