A kiss won't fix them but it'll certainly do something!

by cyberramble

Summary:

Made my own writing challenge called Kisscember, all kiss prompts for a day of December. Of course it's all centered around vLegundo because I believe they should have it.

Chapter 1: Day 1, First Kiss – Sausage

Despite knowing Sausage is no longer on their side and him looking rather different, Legundo had rushed to his side initially after seeing him injured. It was instinct, of course, since vampires heal themselves quickly, but they were concerned nonetheless.

After they had already started unzipping their bag is when the realisation kicked in. Sausage was the first to laugh. It wasn't mean-spirited or mocking. It was light-hearted, betting on them joining in. Which, to their own surprise, they did.

It had been such a long time since they had laughed or allowed themself to that doing it felt like letting air out of their bones, untensing muscles they didn't know they even had tensed in the first place. Initially, they had crouched down since the vampire was sat against a tree when they saw him, so their body was reacting as best it could to the new position but it couldn't hold it for long.

Before they collapsed over him, Sausage pressed a gentle hand to their chest, guiding the doctor to sit down on the grass floor properly.

"I don't need a doctor anymore but I appreciate the thought. Hey, I'd still let you give me a check up, though." He finally says after calming down from his bout of laughter, making a show of patting their shoulder.

"Unless there's some sort of medical problem that still affects vampires, which would be really interesting, I don't think check ups are necessary." As they talk, he notices that they're subconsciously leaning into his touch. And maybe for a second, it feels as though his heart never stopped.

Silence falls between them, not uncomfortable like most silences the doctor shares with people. Their smile falters, and they start to stand up.

"I should probably get back to Oakhurst, actually..." He understood, but he couldn't find it in himself to let go of their shoulder.

"Stay for a bit? It's still light out!" He insists, pulling them back down to the ground with him.

"I should really..." They trail off. Neither of them want to leave despite both having reasons to, the cold yet comforting hand on their shoulder, the warm presence they provide, a rare moment of peace between two sides.

Despite their words, Legundo finds themself sitting back down on the grass. Maybe they could excuse it as being stopped midway getting up too much on their knees. Or their bones protesting movement. They settle back down beside the vampire who wraps an arm around their shoulders with an awfully sweet smile.

The touch is nice, half of them wants to lean into it and half wants to get up and run. They don't deserve this, at all, soft affection and warm smiles is not what a monster like them–

They're pulled out of the start of a spiral that's always there, at the back of their mind, by Sausage pulling them in close. The other's presence putting their thoughts on pause, even without the physical warmth, it was still there. A hand on their face lifts them to face him properly.

"Did you know how expressive you are?" There's no hint of teasing in his voice, just a tinge of genuine awe. The way his eyes scan over their face is utterly intimate, in a way they haven't experienced in years. Romance, love, intimacy, affection and everything else that falls under a similar category hasn't been on the forefront of their mind since the war. For obvious reasons.

Then, once they even considered it to be an option, they were a bit too old for anyone available.

Now they're under the attention of a vampire who looks like he is mentally committing every single detail of their features to memory, so it isn't much of a surprise that they can feel heat rushing to their cheeks. Legundo squints and looks away, pushing down the urge to squirm under the other's gaze.

"This feels unnecessary." The doctor comments quietly, afraid of ruining the peace but unable to stop themself from speaking up. He doesn't respond, leaning in slightly closer.

"I wonder..." Sausage mumbles to himself aloud before reaching his other hand up, resting it on their shoulder. Both his hands would be easy to push away if they wish, a conscious decision on his part, before he connects their lips.

It's odd, he's cold and holds no physical warmth, but the same can't be said about his actions.

Push away is all they can think of for a second. After all, they've said they don't mix pleasure with business.

But... Sausage isn't a patient, does that really matter?

Before they can mentally talk themself out of it, they find themself leaning into it and kissing back. Their hands go to his upper arms, searching for stability. Warmth flutters through them and they shuffle closer, partially hoping he doesn't notice, but he certainly does with the way his hand leaves their face and wraps that arm around their waist, pulling them comfortably closer.

For a second, they separate before Legundo is chasing after his lips again. They let their eyes full shut when they connect once again, but not before last second noticing last second that Sausage's eyes were still partially open, scanning their face.

Eventually, the vampire pulls back, his hand leaving their shoulder just to cup their face, rubbing a thumb against their cheek.

"You flush a pretty red. Quite heavily, as well!" He comments casually, only to make their face heat up even more. They pushed away rather weakly, but the other let go of them nonetheless.

"I– This was.. definitely unnecessary and so was that comment." Is all they manage to get out before he leans in again, pressing a kiss to the side of their lips with an exaggerated 'mwah'.

"Can't help it, you just react so cutely!" He stands up after noticing the sun low on the horizon, and the doctor almost falls with how they had grabbed onto him. They swallow down the tinge of humiliation they felt at how desperately they had been holding onto him, brushing invisible dust off their legs before standing up themself, pulling their cane up with them.

Legundo leans more heavily on it as they watch him slowly back away.

"Come see me again some time soon, okay, Legundo?" By the time they gather up their words to respond, he has turned into a swarm of bats and flew off.

They reach up and press their hand against their cheek. He had been so soft with them. Their cheeks are so warm, they haven't blushed this hard in a while. In fact, they can't even remember when they last reacted like that.

Chapter 2: Day 2, Goodnight Kiss – Pyro

Summary:

The only reason Pyro wants to take a trip back to Oakhurst is because he needs his things! That's the ONLY reason!

Notes:

A bit of a content warning, Pyro uses hypnosis without realising it

Getting used to not living in Oakhurst wasn't a transition Pyro expected to find difficult. Yet he did. Living in the castle wasn't bad, not at all! Quite the opposite actually. But there was someone something that was mentally pulling him back there.

Warm, strong arms. A soothing voice. Somehow warm and cold at the same time.

All they needed was to grab something from their old house. That was it. That was why they were back in town in the middle of the night. Only that.

It was useless for him to try and convince himself that's why he was back in Oakhurst, quite literally nothing in his previous chest was of any use or importance. He also kept looking over at the doctor's place. That was difficult to lie to himself about.

Should they indulge themself? Just a simple peak in wouldn't hurt. And if anyone asked, they were just looking at potential next meals...

Pyro's boots make a sound against the ground that he finds himself cringing at, he really thought the grace most vampires held were automatic and not just learnt. After all, most reported vampires were people who held at least a hundred years of life, so of course they all learnt some grace there.

The doctor is asleep, they know this because their heartbeat is rather inconsistent. A person of their background was certainly plagued with night terrors, so it wasn't too hard to identify among the few others in the town.

A window was left open. A decision that he thinks is stupid, but at the same time, could be quite sweet. But it's not like one can't exist without the other.

A simple peak in, that's all it would be. They're not wrong for wanting to observe the other, hell they would consider it to be a tactical advantage!

Climbing in wasn't as hard of a decision as it should've been, what if he just said he wanted to see Legundo closer. No other reason. At all. Initially Pyro thought he was going to get blocked out because of the whole being unable to come in without invitation thing, but it turns out that them saying that their clinic – aka their house – was open to everyone still stood. It counted. Should he tell them that? Were they already aware of that?

The vampire is only getting so close to their bed because it made their face easier to read. Only because their eyes were struggling in adjustment to the night. If they just ignored the fact they've got night vision.

What he hadn't planned for as if this trip was planned at all was them waking up. They hadn't even stirred, in his defense, the only sign that they had woken up was their eyes cracking open, heartbeat smoothing out after doing a bit of a skip.

Neither of them moved. Or spoke, for a second.

"Pyro...?" Legundo eventually broke the silence, their own voice cracking a little, rough with sleep. They sat up on their elbows and slowly starting sitting up.

Pyro panicked after a split second, placing their hand on the other's chest awfully gently and pushing them back down. "Shh... I'm not doing anything. I'm just checking up on you. It'll be alright, doc." They didn't know what they were doing themself, all they know was that they looked into their eyes and the doctor's pupils expanded unnaturally wide and they started to lay back down.

"Huh... Okay." They hum, pupils shrinking back down to a normal size after a moment when their head hit the pillow again.

Admittedly, he doesn't know what he's doing when his hand slides from their chest to their cheek, leaning in close. Too close. He can smell and hear the blood rushing through their veins, and it's tempting. But it's not a smart move and he didn't want to, so he doesn't.

Then they're pressing a kiss to Legundo's temple, the closest part of their head that they can reach, without thinking about it. Maybe it'll be a decision that comes back to bite them in the ass, maybe something will come of it, or maybe nothing will change.

Subconsciously, the doctor is leaning into the cold touch, a sigh escaping them as they feel the sleepiness start taking them again. Five nights straight not sleeping isn't the greatest on the body, so now their own body was taking revenge on them for that.

"Goodnight, Legs." Calling them by their profession would've felt wrong, so he didn't. He ignores the weak attempt his body makes at recreating the sensations of butterflies as they smile up at him.

"Goodnight, Pyro."

Just like that, the doctor was asleep again, with a supposed beast's claws cupping their face like nothing was wrong in the world. A sort of peace etched onto their face that the vampire hadn't seen on them before. It's a precious sight, one they'll have to treasure. That expression they'll likely never see again, whether it be because Legundo won't experience that sort of peace ever again or merely just around them.

Snapping himself out of it, Pyro stands up and yanks his hand away from them like they had burnt him, brushing nothing off of himself. He won't let himself do this again. So he climbs out of the doctor's house, barely stopping himself from looking back at the sleeping figure, before starting off in the direction of the castle.

That certainly wasn't weird at all...

Chapter 3: Day 3, Long Kiss – Abolish

Summary:

Abolish finds Legundo sat on the edge of a cliff, the sunset may not be the most beautiful thing there in his eyes.

Amongst the chaos that was Oakhurst and the castle, Legundo hadn't had the chance to have a moment of undeserved peace. They should be working on the cure, or helping another member of Oakhurst, or anyone. But they aren't.

Obviously, the doctor had heard the other approaching, but it wasn't like he was trying to hide it either. The person approaching sat down to the left of them without a word, wrapping an arm around their shoulders with a hand on their right. Simple, soft touch. They weren't particularly used to it.

The sun was setting, and they were taking in the view before they'd have to go back, before the undead rose once again. Maybe they could be selfish, just this one day. Maybe. 

"What are you doing here?" They eventually ask, not having to face the other to know it's Abolish. His hand has become oddly familiar over the past few days, passing touches as a way of comforting them, casual touches such as holding onto their hand whenever the two of them are heading in similar directions.

So it isn't much of a surprise when the other shuffles up to them, pulling them into his side.

"I saw you leave." And wanted to make sure you wouldn't do anything stupid went unsaid. Nothing more is needed to be said between them, a thumb pressing into their shoulder and rubbing being enough words for the two of them. 

It's difficult to ignore the fact he isn't staring at the sunset and is instead looking at them. He shuffles closer, pressing his leg to theirs.

"Look at me?" It's a heavily loaded request, one they both knew the meaning of and why it's as loaded as it is. They oblige, almost reluctantly but they oblige nonetheless, turning their head towards him and properly seeing him for the first time that night.

He leans in close, hand on their shoulder loosening, giving them an out if they wish.

"Can I kiss you?" They almost didn't hear him with how quiet he got, but they just barely do over the ringing in their ears, and the way his eyes keep darting to their lips partially gives away what he wants. Him asking first warms their heart, they find themself nodding before thinking about it.

"Yeah."

Legundo twists themself to face Abolish a bit more as he leans in further, his lips brushing against theirs momentarily before properly connecting them. He tilts his head a little, pulling them in by the shoulder as they reach out and grab onto his. They let their eyes fall shut, even before his.

He is warm, contrasting the cold air that surrounds them. He places his free hand on their leg, gently as to avoid putting pressure on the wrong places and flaring up their pain. Evidently he noticed that they walked around with a cane for a reason, even though most assume it's for decoration. 

The hands on them are nice, any other time they've kissed someone, it's always been them holding the other and initiating the kiss. It being the other way around is a good change of pace.

They separate for a second before he leans back in quickly, his hand slides down from their shoulder to gently grab onto their waist, pulling once again to try and get them even closer. They slide their hands up to the back of his neck and head, grasping his hair softly.

Legundo leans further in, unwittingly putting more weight on Abolish than intended. Though, they're surprised to find he holds up quite well. His suit certainly hides his strength.

For a second, he uses his thumb to caress their thigh, which they appreciate even if they can't fully feel his touch through their slacks, before he raises it to their face. He cups their face again. They're not sure how long the two of them sit there for, on the edge of the cliff with the sun steadily setting, painting them in hues of red and orange. A constant blood moon means the sunset is no longer a mix of colours with pinks and yellows and purples, only reds and oranges.

It's arguably supposed to be the most beautiful thing there, but he's looking at them like they are. He smoothes his hand over the side of their face in a motion similar to how one would brush the hair out of someone's face with their lips still connected. It's cheesy, but it's sweet. His touch is warm and soothing, their heart thrums.

He pulls back and their hands slide down, one to his shoulder, one landing on his chest – right in the middle. At that, Abolish practically scoffs despite the small, almost imperceptible smile on his face.

Neither of them comment on how they should probably head back by now.

Legundo figures maybe they can afford to be a bit selfish. Just for tonight.

Chapter 4: Day 4, Goodbye Kiss – Martyn

Summary:

Things go a little differently with Martyn and Legundo's moment together, as he loses himself to them. Perhaps in their arms this time.

Notes:

Okay this one has actual warnings; CW for MAJOR death for obvious reasons and a small description of blood.

Such a simple plan. All it needed was for everyone remaining alive to agree. So simple that something had to go wrong, they didn't trust it.

"It's alright specs– go ahead– I'll see you in a second." There's something in Martyn's tone that Legundo just can't place, acceptance? Weakness? Grief? A mix? They'd never been good at placing emotions.

Despite the emotions, they gently grab the man's hand as Pearl walks Ren away, to give him a moment to himself. They lift his hand up, pushing his sleeve up to bare his wrist. The way their mouth waters at the sound of pumping blood disgusts them. An inconsolable thirst makes itself known even after the sheer amount of animal blood they consumed beforehand, even after the taste of Abolish's blood still lingers.

The doctor vampire shoves down the internal battle as they bare their fangs. Fittingly monstrous ones, canines weirdly sharp despite their status as a fledgling, the surrounding teeth also sharp. They try their best to sink only their canines in, unsuccessfully at that.

Take just enough to kill but not slaughter Martyn, use focus to pump venom in. That should be that.

He is, frankly, delicious and they hate that thought. All blood so far had tasted good, they think the brain rewires itself as to not get physically sick at the ingestion of blood. There was a slight tinge of what could be best described as honey to his blood.

On instinct, they tug him closer to them as soon as their fangs leave his skin after making sure to make a deep enough wound. Martyn makes a noise of pain that makes them cringe internally.

Something starts to go wrong.

Martyn starts to slacken in their hands. He's about to fall.

Instantly, Legundo pulls back from his wrist, wrapping a hand around it to try and put pressure on the wound. Their heart may be dead and stopped, but they can almost feel the echo of what would be their racing heartbeat. Jumping into action hadn't stopped the ice cold fear and frustration – solely at themself – dousing them.

Another cannot die in their arms! Not again.

There's a fuss around the two of them as they lower themself to the floor with him in their grasp. He reaches up and wraps his arms around their shoulders for balance, all too weak.

"I– I didn't mean to–" Words are tumbling out of their mouth before they can stop it, excuses. It's all just excuses isn't it? They over-indulged without realising it didn't they, they must've.

Blood is leaking down his arm, soaking his white sleeve and their already bloodied surgical robes. Martyn weakly grabs onto their shoulder with desperation.

"I don't want to go."
"I'm sorry."

Their voices overlap for a second, and Legundo pulls him in closer, pulling him into a hug. Pretty much all the soldiers they had interacted with on their deathbed had wanted needed a warm hand at best, and if they couldn't provide anything else, they could provide warmth. But they couldn't warmth now. And he wasn't a soldier.

He was swiftly dying, a mix of bleeding out and his organs are shutting down wrong, and no one can do anything. Martyn is panting, body trying to get in as much air as it can unsuccessfully. Their eyes connect for what feels like the first time.

Martyn's eyes soften in a way Legundo's only seen when they caught that moment between Cleo and Pearl. Tears prick his eyes despite that, and he weakly tugs them closer.

"Ah man, I'm so pissed I didn't get to do this when I was alive." His voice is getting quieter by the second, and they let themself get pulled down. He uses as much strength as he can when he pulls himself up for a second. Their faces smash together as he seems to be unable to try and kiss them properly.

So they do the work for him, pressing their lips to his, and a mix of emotions flashes through them that just settles as a sickening pit in their stomach. He likes them? He was doing this willingly? They never knew?

Those are questions and emotions to figure out at a later time. Not with a dying man in their arms.

"I'm so sorry– I didn't mean to.. to..." They stumble over their words, unsure what to say or do, and it's such a helpless feeling. He tugs on them again.

"Shut up." His tone is light and playful, and they reconnect their lips upon the wordless request of another tug. He sobs against them, but when they pull back another time, he's looking at them like they're the angel coming to take him away, not the monster holding him who caused his demise in the first place.

He sighs, and they fear it may be the last breath that leaves him. It's not. Pain prolonged by the small wheeze of his lungs working overtime, they wanted to take all of it on themself.

Legundo's hand slides down awfully easily, slicked by blood, to take Martyn's in theirs.

The burn of their eyes as their body tries to cry barely registers as he smiles at them, the only thing signifying he tried squeezing back.

They can't even say anything, tell him to stop, to shut up and save energy, as he opens his mouth once again.

"In another lifetime." Hopefully not, you don't deserve a monster. In hopes of making him stop talking, they reconnect their lips once again. Hand on his back squeezing tightly as if they can merely hold his life in. He doesn't even close his eyes this time, simply staring up at the other.

They reluctantly pull back in fear of smothering him. He's too pale. There's an awful amount of fear and acceptance in his eyes that makes them want to scream.

For a second, there's a multitude of different soldiers people dying in their arms. Then there's none as the weight goes limp.

Chapter 5: Day 5, Neck Kiss – Scott

Summary:

Legundo is a fair person, everyone deserves to be fed and hydrated in their eyes. Scott uses this against them.

Notes:

Shorter chapt today because of college getting in the way lmao

also cw for dubious consent blood drinking, the drinking was consented to but not the area

Let it be known, they did not want to go to the castle. It was merely meant to be strategic, if there weren't any hostile vampires then they could see if they could map out the area. Of course, that wasn't how it was going to go.

Upon arriving, Scott had made his presence known to Legundo with style, sat on the ledge of an open window. But they couldn't go back now, couldn't back down. Maybe a conversation with the elder would do them some good anyway, even if they dislike him. They dislike him.

Admittedly, they didn't expect to end up in this position, offering blood to him of all people.

---

"Well... Doctor, I'm definitely not complaining, but this is a bad idea don't you think?" Scott hums as he approaches them, who has their wrist held out with their for him. His grasp is weirdly gently as he takes their wrist, leaning in and pulling them closer to inspect them.

"I.. only worry that you may turn me, no one deserves to go hungry." Legundo says quietly, pushing back the thoughts of that well.

Oddly enough, he leans in a little more and sniffs at their wrist. They react on instinct, pulling their wrist to pry their wrist from his grasp but he doesn't let go, their heartbeat spiking up.

"Actually–" They cut themself off with a pained noise as he sinks his fangs in. He fangs aren't in them for even a second, he pulls back and laps over the wound to seal it up.

"No, no... This is wrong." Surely he can't have had a change of heart that fast.

Legundo can't stop the sound that is almost a yelp when Scott yanks them in close as they go to ask what's wrong. He reaches up, pulling their collar to the side, and before they know it, his fangs are neatly slotted into their skin in the crook of their neck.

"Scott! This was not what–" They reach up, hands scrambling at the vampire's back to try and shove him off, but it just feels like a boulder pitched to the ground. Then they try the next best thing and pull away, but all that happens is Scott grabbing onto their waist tightly, pulling them in close.

The other man is taking deep gulps of their blood. They attempt yanking him away by the hair, only for it to fail which they had expected.

There's something similar yet different to Owen in the way Scott drinks from them; he's holding onto them tightly, drinking somewhat gently, but he's awfully closer than necessary unlike the lumberjack. He makes a deeply satisfied noise that should disturb the doctor, and it does but not as much as it should.

It feels like the other drinks from them for too long, yet it feels like he's done too fast. He licks at the wound, for more time than necessary.

"Scott, I told you to drink from the wrist–" Legundo protests despite him being done. The vampire pulls his head away but doesn't pull away fully, instead his tilts his head up and then there's lips right where their jugular is. It's not a bite like they instantly braced themself for, hands trying to shove him away as their cane clatters to the floor.

Instead the noble is smattering kisses up and down the doctor's jugular, both sides of their neck, their head being knocked upwards slightly whenever he travelled high. Heat swiftly rises to their face, heart thudding in their chest and he can certainly hear it – even if they didn't know vampires could hear heartbeats, the smile against their skin gives it away. His lips are cold, which is an odd sensation, but it still doesn't stop their gut fluttering with nerves and excitement which they hate.

His fangs scrape against their skin, it feels like the world spins for a second and he pulls back, patting their cheek.

"Calm down, calm down–" Scott stretches down to pick up their cane, handing it to them, a smug smirk on his face.

"I'm leaving." Legundo blurts out, cutting him off. They swivel around, walking off to try and not hear his response, yet they still do. Their heart is still beating stupidly fast, and their face is definitely still warm, regrettably.

Were those... kisses a threat? They can't figure it out, because he certainly wasn't flirting with them! Well, he could've been, but he definitely wasn't being serious about it, it probably was to try and gain an upper hand on them. Why had they stilled so easily in his arms? It had to be survival instincts! No other reason...

This train of thought wasn't helping them at all.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Scott calls out after Legundo, when had they agreed to that?

Chapter 6: Day 6, Sunset Kiss – Clown

Summary:

That spot on the roof isn't as unpopular as Ivory and Serapter think, but they hadn't exactly expected to catch their boss up there, nor did they think they'd see the resident doctor there either.

Notes:

CW for briefly insinuated period-typical homophobia

Everyone was settling down the for the day, a good chunk of the workers were assisting the Hemlockes and the rest were finishing up.

"We're not teenagers, Clown." Legundo grumbles as the other helps pull them out the window.

"Doesn't mean we can't have a break." He retorts back, almost playfully.

"This isn't a– I'm way too old to be up on a roof." They start before immediately changing the aim of their sentence. Almost as if to prove their point, he places a hand on their upper back to gently pull them along.

"C'mon, you're only a few years older than me." He huffs with a sort of chuckle.

Their knees and legs were protesting and aching as they shuffle about on the roof, leaning back with a groan. Clown settles down beside them, sat upright with his hands clasped in his lap.

In front of them, the sun is setting, a chill settling around them as the sky fades from a grey to a deep orange and pink. The chill makes him shuffle closer, trying to act as if it isn't a big deal as neither of them exchange words. He lays down beside them, and they slide a hand up to unbuckle his mask from the back, pulling it off for him.

"How'd you even find this place?" Legundo eventually asks as he tilts his head, pressing it into the crook of their neck, which they happily give him room to.

"Two of the workers come up here sometimes late at night. They're mostly sneaky about it but I can hear them sometimes." He slides an arm underneath their back, hand grasping them awfully tightly.

The sun is dipping behind the horizon, the grey starting to fully disappear from the sky. He lifts his head from their shoulder to watch it properly.

"You never give them grief for it?" While they were partially happy he didn't, because the two weren't causing any apparent trouble for it, but he usually follows the rules to the T.

"No. I used to do it in one of my previous workplaces. It helped a lot so... I understand." As he explains, his voice gets quieter, more tired.

"We should go back." He needs rest, they need to get him to rest.

"The sun isn't set yet." He says it as though it's an end all argument. And maybe it is, because it definitely shuts them up.

Reluctantly, Legundo sits up, leaning back on their hands despite their body's protest, and Clown follows along.

"It's really pretty. Would you ever think about going back into painting?" They ask hesitantly, turning their head to look at him. For a while, the other took up painting as a hobby and made some, in their opinion, marvelous paintings, but one day he stopped. They don't think he's picked up any creative hobbies since, but the again, neither had they.

"...Maybe." They both know it's a lie. At least, for now. Clown will not talk about the multitudes of paintings he's made of the doctor in his free time from memory that he neatly stashes away so Zombie can't find them. He will not talk about how he wishes to live with the other and paint them whenever he wanted.

For a few seconds, neither notice the fact they're staring at each other without saying anything. Then, he snaps back into reality.

"Yeah, really pretty." Despite this, he pointedly isn't looking at the sunset while saying this.

Before either can think any further, Clown is reaching out and up, gently grabbing Legundo by the back of the neck and pulling them in. Their lips press together, and even though it's chilly, it feels like the sun is warming them as it descends, half way missing already.

The doctor reaches out, placing a hand on his knee for balance as they lean in, letting their eyes fall shut. Their other hand is placed on the roof beneath them. His breath is warm against their face as he separates their lips, tilting his head so their foreheads rest together before going in for another kiss. They can barely kiss back with the way they're smiling but they still try.

It's been a while since they smiled. Properly smiled, and not the smile they push on themself to be more welcoming for patients. It seems only Clown can drag that out of them.

They feel like a teenager again, sneaking onto a roof with a boy, avoiding people seeing them. Albeit, there was less... risk when they were a teen, when their relationships were deemed normal by society. But the thought still makes them giggle nonetheless, which then makes them bury their face against his shoulder, heat rising to their face out of sheer embarrassment.

At least that makes him chuckle. Patting their back in a playfully condescending way.

Legundo pulls back, and this time they're the one leaning in, shutting him up from making a light-hearted mocking comment at the giggle. It's a nice feeling, to be able to kiss Clown. To be able to love him.

Neither of them had confessed initially, just that whenever they met up, their interactions became more and more romantic each time before they were basically in a relationship without naming it that. They happily would, if given the chance. Because when Clown is about to speak again, their foreheads still pushed together, Ivory's voice interrupts them.

"Mr Pierce?" The two of them basically jolt away from each other, Legundo whipping their head around and Clown leaning forward to see Ivory and Serapter stood where they had climbed out from. Something told them that the two had been there longer before she had said anything.

Chapter 7: Day 7, Forehead Kiss – Ren

Summary:

The cold of Oakhurst has Legundo catching an illness. Ren knocks on their door only to leave their place forgetting what he had gone there for in the first place.

When Legundo woke up, they instantly knew something was wrong. Their body ached moreso than usual, turning their head made them dizzy, and they were awfully warm despite how cold Oakhurst and their poorly insulated house was. With a groan, they shove their blankets down, ignoring the shiver that racks their body from the chill that they weren't fully feeling.

There was a knock at the door that made them realise it was bright out.

"Doctor?" A voice calls through the door, one they easily recognise by the accent as Renhardt. They push themself up with a wince.

"Give me a minute!" They call back, hoping they don't sound too unwell or tired, reaching out and grabbing their cane. They still need to help. With much more effort than they would like, they manage to shuffle down the bed to grab their trousers.

They were almost fully done wrapping their chest when there was another knock on the door.

Before the door is pushed open. Their brain lags behind for a moment, staring at Ren stood in the doorway.

"I apologise for barging in like this, Legs, but yee didn't sound well. Nor do yee look it." He closes the door but not fully, ready to leave the moment he gets told to.

"Will yee let me help?" His voice is soft, almost too soft for them to handle. They shake their head.

"No– I don't need... help." They retorts rather snappily. They aren't weak or helpless, they don't need help.

"Yes yee do." He insists, shutting the door behind himself properly as he walks over to the doctor. There's hands adjusting the fabric before they register it, they reach out and grab onto Ren's wrists but they make no attempt at pushing him away. He is warm against their weirdly cold hands. Why are their hands so cold?

"What are your plans today? Yee can't be doin' anything in this condition." He pats his hands over their shoulders and face.

"Cure..." They eventually mumble out, grabbing onto the other's shoulders to try and stand up, only for him to push them down again.

"No, no." He tuts at them, "You're going to rest, because yee can barely look around, yee won't be able to work on a cure."

"I need to..." Legundo tries to stand up again, partially succeeds before wobbling and falling back down onto their bed.

"Yee can't even stand, doctor." He says with disbelief as he pulls on them to lay them down manually, "The consequences will be worse if I let yee do that."

Their bed is nice and soft, so easy to sink into... But they can't, they need to work. The doctor sits themself up despite Ren's disgruntled noise.

"Doc."

"I'm not.. even that warm." They protest.

"Yee shouldn't even be warm." He places the back of his hand on their forehead, "Yee could roast somethin' on your head!"

"Lay down, Legs." There was no way they were getting out of it, was there? With a sigh, they let themself get pushed back down.

So soft. Both the bed and Ren's touch, who is smiling down at them. His hand brushes over their forehead.

"I'll be back with some food, 'kay? You're vegetarian right?" They actually hadn't voiced that to many townsfolk yet, they're surprised he noticed. They nod in response.

Pulling back, Legundo almost immediately misses his touch. They watch him leave, perhaps because he doesn't know where they store anything, which is fair on his part, they were unintentionally secretive about it.

As they fade in and out of consciousness, somewhere there getting awfully cold and pulling the blanket over themself before getting hot again and pushing it off, it feels like hours pass before the other man is back. Though it was likely on ten minutes at best. He returns back with a bowl in his hands.

They feel hands adjusting them to be sat up before they're as back to reality as they can be with a bowl being sat on their lap.

"I want to..." They mumble as they reach out to grab the food. Legundo ignores how Ren clasps a hand over theirs to help them, at least he's not trying to feed them himself like some people have previously.

They manage to scoop a few handfuls of food into their mouth before getting sick of it and verbalising that. To which, he takes the bowl and sets it to the side. In reach for them to grab if they want.

His hand reaches up to their forehead again, they don't know why because they wouldn't have changed, "Is this somethin' we just let run its course?" He asks quietly, not having much experiences with the common colds or fevers meant he didn't exactly know what to do. They just nod their head slowly.

"Yee can't be that warm..." He mumbles mainly to himself, before leaning in and pressing his lips to their forehead. They feel their face flush hotter, definitely counterproductive, and their heart beat faster. The way he lingers makes them think that he wasn't just checking their temperature. He pulls back but not after giving them a shorter second kiss on the forehead.

"I can be that warm.." Legundo retorts back with an attempt to be playful. Luckily, it seems to read because he offers them a smile and small chuckle.

Ren stands up, reluctantly pulling away from them, "I should be off now. Need to help Cleo with somethin'." He pats their shoulder lightly before starting to walk to the door.

They can't stop themself from watching the man leave, the disappointment practically burning their eyes. They don't want him to leave, but they can't get him sick.

He turns back to them, as if reading their mind. "I'll check on yee periodically, yeah? Make sure you're still alive." He gives them another small smile at the way they sink back into bed at that.

As he leaves, they're comforted with the fact that he'll be back.

Chapter 8: Day 8, Hello Kiss – Louis

Summary:

Legundo feels like an insane man, seeing a person who disappears the moment he's out of their eye sight. Even more insane about the fact he kisses them and they never refuse.

Upon arriving at Oakhurst, Legundo hadn't expected there to be so little other people and the fact it was so run down. They stuck around for the day, maybe a few of the group would need help some time soon, then none of them were allowed out.

They weren't a builder. Building themself a house had been a struggle. It had hurt physically – and mentally – and overall tiring, so they settled in once it was decent enough to be considered a shelter. Keep the cold out and the warmth in, keep away creatures of the night. That last point didn't seem to stand for long though.

At the moment, Legundo found themself staring at an unfamiliar person stood inside their house. At first they thought someone new had wandered into Oakhurst and somehow their house, he looked injured which concerned them the most. Then the person looked utterly shocked that they were talking to him.

He quickly settled himself down, as if figuring the situation out mentally without having to open his mouth.

"Ah. Sorry, I didn't mean to give you a fright." He politely excuses, a hand on his chest, where they can see what looks like scars from burns are.

"Sir, are you okay?" They eye the singed edges of his clothes warily.

"Yes, yes, I am fine. Thank you though." An appreciative smile settles on his face and it makes their heart skip a beat for reasons unknown to them. He hold his hand out.

"I'm Louis, you are?" Something tells them he knows already and is just asking to be polite. They reach out anyway and take his hand – awfully cold hand – and shake it.

"Legundo. You don't... seem fine."

Louis just shake his head with a lighthearted sigh, slowly approaching them, almost like they're a scared animal.

"I appreciate the concern, I do think I'd be reacting differently if I truly was on fire." Something flickers across his face before he quickly wipes it off, gently grabbing them by the shoulders which incidentally sets them alert. They don't know this man.

He leans in and tilts his head a little, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of their lips. Huh?

Heat rushes to their face, their heart shuddering in their ribcage at the action. They don't even consider pulling back when he lingers for a moment longer than necessary.

"It's nice meeting you, Legs, but I should be going by now." For a second, Legundo lags, stock still when Louis starts to move again. He walks around them, to where the door would be but when they bring themself to move, he's completely gone. The door hadn't opened or closed or anything. He's just gone.

Okay! They need sleep. That's settled.

---

It had been a couple days since Legundo saw Louis the hallucination, and they hadn't seen him it since. It seemed like sleeping had taken care of the issue.

Then they saw him again in the woods, after going out to see if they can find a useful book in a crypt.

"Louis?" They call out without thinking, and he almost doesn't respond before turning to them.

He doesn't say anything as he approaches, and they think for a second they're being a little stupid as they stay still. He grabs them by the shoulders, just like last time, and leans in, just like last time.

Though, this time he pauses before pressing his lips to the corner of theirs. The smile his face wears makes them want to rip their own heart apart in the best way possible. His hand makes an aborted motion to cup their face, before he pulls back fully.

"You know you probably look insane, right?" Louis asks with a glint of mischief in his eyes despite the fact he's evidently gone out of his way to only approach when the doctor was alone.

"Yes. I frankly feel insane." They retort, fighting off a small smile at the sensation of his lips lingering.

"You should keep an ear out, some of these townsfolk can be a bit... sneaky." He warns calmly, yet the undertone of his voice makes it feel like he's warning them more about something serious than someone catching them talking to the air.

"I could probably just tell them I talk to myself. I'll sound no more insane than Avid." Something flashes across Louis's face and he reluctantly nods.

"Yeah. Insane." Before Legundo has time to question it, the figure has walked behind them again, doing the same trick as last time where when they turn around, he's missing.

They'd ask someone about him, certainly someone has seen him before right? But something is telling them it's a bad idea. They listen to their gut about that. If they are insane, then maybe a hallucination that kisses them everytime he see's them isn't the worst.

Chapter 9: Day 9, Cheek Kiss – Owen

Summary:

Their head is swimming.

The world spins around them, and Legundo has to lean backwards, attempting to stabilise themself on the tree that they cannot reach. Seeing this struggle, Owen's arm darts out almost instantly helping them to the tree.

"You're fine." He practically scoffs, but the slight concern just barely scratches through the cracks of his tone. It's a bit hard to pretend you don't care for someone as you sit down with them. There's no reason for him to be sitting down after getting the doctor sat down. But he is.

He pretends to not notice how they lean against him, how it makes his body yearn to make long stopped blood rush to his face, how it makes his body shake the coffin of the butterflies in his gut. The other's breathing is uneven and slightly raspy, but Owen already knows this is normal for them but he doesn't focus on it.

Even the forest is silent, listening in on their every action, watching on as though it were some show.

They feel like they're fading in and out for a moment, they can register the hard soil underneath them and the rough tree against their back, but there's a warm presence to their side? It's nice. It makes the cold feel a little less harsh, even if they aren't feeling physical warmth.

Legundo can't stop the sigh that leaves them, the presence beside them shifts and moves a bit before stopping. He's facing them. Should they lean away? Lean in?

Owen is leaning in before they have time to contemplate it further, an argument going on inside his own head as his lips press to the doctor's cheek. It's a simple action, that makes way too much blood rush to their face, only heightening the dizziness.

There's a hand on their back, oddly soft as it guides them to stand up again as the black spots in their vision clears.

"When you get tired and realise that its fruitless," The cure, "My offer still stands."

They muster up a small nod.

"You should get going before they get suspicious."

"What do you mean. I just got lost in the storm."

Their head is still bleary as they stumble their way back to Oakhurst. They can't tell if the heat in their face is from their body working overtime to keep them standing or from the ghost of the lips on their cheek. Does it really matter why at the end of the day?

Chapter 10: Day 10, Hand Kiss – Avid

Summary:

Legundo needs some fresh air during an event at the castle because they feel like they're suffocating. Someone comes and joins them for a moment.

The atmosphere was absolutely smothering, their clothes even moreso. No offense to Pearl whatsoever, her stitchwork was utterly amazing and they could never do anything close to as good, but it was squeezing their gut and they just really wanted to be back in their old clothes. What they were used to.

Legundo couldn't be in the castle for much longer, it felt like there was constant eyes on them and they needed to escape it. There had been multiple places to escape to and outs of the castle, courtesy of the vampires so the townsfolk didn't feel trapped animals, yet none of them registered as safe to them, part of them was convinced that the exits were all trapped.

They knew logically that they weren't, that it would be more strategic on the vampires' side to not trap them now. But their brain didn't believe that.

Pushing through this ever-present fear, the doctor made their way outside. Outside was no more warmer than inside, but despite that, they undid their vest – the main perpetrator of the squeezing. They can almost breathe now. They carefully lay the fabric on a nearby stump, before leaning against a tree with a grunt. Now that they're away from the eyes, the ache in their legs was at the forefront of their mind.

They let out a sigh, heavier than necessary but that didn't really matter because no one was around. Or at least, so they thought. They were quickly proven wrong by the sound of someone approaching.

"Doc?" It was Avid, surprisingly calm for the fact he's actively near the castle where vampires were hanging out. Though the way his eyes kept darting about broke the mask of calmness.

"Yes, Avid?" Legundo can barely suppress what feels like another sigh. The man had been right after all, but they didn't exactly want to deal with his.. blabbering to put it lightly. Even if it was nice most of the time. His voice is nice– No. Stopping that train of thought there. Absolutely not.

"What are you doing out here?" Concern tints his tone, and they almost feel flattered, because he's certainly only concerned because they could get injured out here by one of the vampires. No other reason. At all. They're certain of it.

"Too much." They respond simply, choosing for less words over the multitude of things they could say, "Inside." They add after a second of thinking.

Avid nods in understanding with a small 'ah'. "Yeah, there's.. a lot of people in there." He scuffs his shoe against the dirt as he lightly kicks the floor, his hands behind his back. He looks like he wants to say something and is building up the courage.

Silence stretches out between them before he just blurts it out.

"You look really handsome." A flush rises on his face, matching the one on their face that's also steadily rising, "I'd– uh– ask for a dance but I don't think either of us are up for that." He chuckles nervously as he joins them on floor, in front of them.

"But, I mean it." He grabs their hands, gently, "You're really handsome tonight– You always are! Just... especially tonight, in the new outfit, it suits you." He was obviously struggling to say this, but it's sweet he's going through the effort. Even if they don't particularly believe him that glint of affection in his eyes that basically drowns his pupils is the only reason they believe he actually feels this way. Even if they aren't wearing anything particularly different.

He brings Legundo's hands up to his face.

"Thank you, I think?" That successfully gets a small laugh from him, which they're glad about.

"Why are you unable to take a compliment?" As they're about to retort something, Avid presses his lips to the back of their right hand. It makes their brain feel like it just short-circuited. Then he places another. And another. Before he switches over to the left to repeat the same.

He's kissing their bloodied hands so sweetly. It's undeserving. Their heart stutters at the feeling of his smile against their skin.

He lowers their hands but doesn't stop caressing the backs of them with his thumbs like they're the most precious thing in the world.

"I..." They go to carry on with their previous train of thought but they can't collect it fully. He just offers them a warm smile before standing up and brushing himself off.

"I'm going back inside, just in case something happens." Avid says, nodding to himself as he walks off, giving Legundo a wave. They totally remember to wave back and it cannot be proved otherwise. What just happened.

Chapter 11: Day 11, "I love you" – Cleo

Summary:

Legundo doesn't take care of their needs well enough. Cleo does something about that while finally getting them to realise something.

Notes:

Set in AU where Legundo doesn't kill themself after getting turned.

A hand on their shoulder made Legundo flinch around, breathing a sigh of relief at it just being Cleo. She seemed to be the only one who could sneak up on them, even Owen they can hear half the time. Even with their amplified hearing.

The older vampire looks tired, the doctor can see it in their eyes. They would be surprised if they didn't.

"How recently have you had a drink?" She blurts out, no greeting, no 'how are you'. They appreciate that. They appreciate the question itself less but they like that she doesn't beat around the bush. Even if she knows they're not going to answer properly.

"...It's been.. a minute." Legundo eventually answers, albeit a little hesitantly, which makes Cleo narrow their eyes.

"How long?" She demands, but they don't respond. In a move they know that's childish, they awkwardly cross their arms and turn away from her, which gets an exaggerated sigh.

"Legundo. How. Long." When they get no response after a solid second, they reach out and grab the doctor by the shoulder, forcefully spinning them around. Reaching into their bag, Cleo pulls out a bottle of crimson, uncorking it and shoving it in Legundo's face, against their lips.

"Drink." Part of them wants to feel offended at her doing this, but they mostly feel gratitude, even if they weren't going to take it. They hope they don't look too disgruntled because if they open their mouth to thank her, she'll probably just force it down their throat.

They stare at each other for a second before the older scoffs and barely suppresses an eye roll, then they chug back a few gulps of the crimson before grabbing the back of the doctor's head, yanking them in close. Their lips connect; if blood was still running through them it would be rushing to their face. On instinct, they gasped a little and that was all the other needed, blood was flooding their mouth.

Part of them wants to lash out. To scratch and hiss at her. To bite and claw for daring to make a decision for them. A bigger part of them is already happily accepting the blood. Drinking it down to try and satiate the endless thirst inside of them. Her hand is placed on the back of their head, holding them in place, her other hand grabbing onto their waist.

It goes on longer than it should. Cleo's lips on Legundo's, blood passing between them. The older takes some for themself but pushes for the other to take the majority.

Eventually, she pulls back. There's blood smeared on their mouth and much less on her.

"That was..." Legundo almost cringes at the feeling of blood leftover in their mouth, if it weren't so delicious, "A bit extra." They chuckle weakly, a little forced.

"Oh you are a... weirdly daft man." Cleo hums, affection coating their voice like a sweet. They swear they see a smile twitch onto their face, "I'm being extra on purpose. For a reason..." They trail off, as if trying to prompt the doctor to fill in the gaps themself.

But they don't understand, admittedly. And it was supposedly very evident on their face.

Her hand on their head and waist tighten slightly, "Legs. I love you, you fool." Is all she says before pulling them in again, connecting their lips once again. This time softer than before. This time with all the affection missing from the previous one.

Arms wrap around their waist when they start kissing back. On instinct, their hands go up to Cleo's shoulders for stability.

"Do you understand what I've been trying to tell you now?" Huh. They're not that oblivious, right? They thought Cleo was just being friendly. Maybe not.

Chapter 12: Day 12, Private Kiss – Clown

Summary:

Clown's always been a strict, on schedule man, but some things are worth breaking said schedule.

It may be the middle of the work day, but maybe Clown is willing to risk going off schedule for a moment. It had been so long since he's had a moment alone with Legundo, a few minutes off schedule will be fine. He's sure of it.

So when he notices the opportunity of a storage closet, he takes it by the wrist. Literally. He had been passing by a storage closet at the same time as Legundo, seeing the opportunity, he grabbed them by the wrist and pulled them into it with him. It's a cliché, but the other's presence in a small, dark room is nice.

His hands are on their shoulders, and theirs are on his chest.

"What are we doi–?" They're cut off with his lips on theirs, so they merely wrap their arms around his shoulders, pulling him in closer. He pushes them forward, against the wall and narrowly missing a nearby broom. His hands slip down to wrap around their waist.

It feels like he is breathing the other in. As weird as it may sound, he wants to be able to melt into them as they do the same, to become the same person so the two of them aren't separated ever again. But internal thoughts will stay internal.

Chapter 13: Day 13, Angry Kiss – Sausage

Summary:

Guilt and hunger.

To an extent, Legundo can understand Sausage's actions. His insistence to get turned even if he didn't want to hurt anyone. So, offering him their blood came as naturally as it did with Owen.

They had accidentally stumbled upon him staring at a pig rather hungrily in the middle of a forest, they had wondered why he wasn't attacking initially. Then there was the guilt they were all too familiar with on his face. Awfully readable.

They hadn't expected him to feel so guilty about drinking from an animal. And they couldn't just stand there and let him feel like that. So they had offered him their wrist or neck. The fangs sinking into their neck eased them.

The arms around their waist was unnecessary but personal preferences, they guess. They wouldn't admit the touch felt nice.

What Legundo hadn't expected was for Sausage to start telling them off when he noticed they were dizzy. He seemed... angry that they let him take 'that much'. When opening their mouth to retort something he basically slammed their lips together to shut them up. It was certainly affective at shutting them up but it had also made them dizzier with the blood rushing to their face. Which had only made him start spewing apologies.

Chapter 14: Day 14, Bittersweet Kiss – Avid

Summary:

Not all goodbyes are forever, Avid and Legundo hope this one isn't.

"We may never see each other alone again." Avid's words had hit them like a truck, even if Legundo had known it the moment the newly made vampire had stolen the holy water bottles. Neither of them would have a moment alone again, other vampires would hover around Avid for too long, and the same with Oakhurst and Legundo.

They won't have another few hours together, where Avid is running his hand over their head repeatedly because he likes the texture of their buzzed hair. They won't have another few hours together where he has to pull the doctor away from their desk, making them lay their head in his lap and sleep.

They won't be able to lay in each others arms again. A face buried in the crook of the other's neck, arms wrapped around waists or shoulders. Blankets tightly covering them to fight off the chill that body warmth wouldn't be able to stop.

The kiss they share tastes of hope. Hope that they'll meet again sometime after they're released. Hope that the vampires won't be as interested in keeping their claws on the ex-hunter as they currently are. It's not a goodbye they certainly hope not, it's the kiss you'd share with someone that's going on vacation for a month or longer.

Legundo ignores the tears. Neither of them are sure who's they are.

Chapter 15: Day 15, Sad Kiss – Ren

Summary:

A moment before Legundo goes to Owen at the lake. Ren doesn't want them to leave.

They knew it was over the moment Owen took more blood from them. They should go and talk with Owen. But first, they need to talk to someone.

---

There's a hand on their neck, fingers rubbing over a bandaged wound.

"What did he do to ya, doc?" Ren was never the sort to try and keep his emotions out of his voice, having never needed to, but Legundo has noticed he's been trying to keep the hostility towards vampires faint. Even if only for them. But this time he didn't try to, concern and anger and frustration bleeding together.

"Just.. took some blood, that's all. He didn't turn me or anything. He's still holding up on that promise." The other hums in acknowledgement.

"I can't stay for long, I need to... talk to him, still." They grit out the last bit, trying to force down the rage boiling inside them, a rage they haven't felt in years and would rather not show to the man in front of them. At some point, they look down. They don't want him seeing the negativity inside them.

The hand on their neck moves to cup their face, pulling it up to look at him.

"Be safe, okay?" His thumb brushes over their cheekbone, there's a look of reluctant acceptance in his eyes.

"This isn't a goodbye, Ren." Legundo forces a chuckle, neither of them can know for sure so it's more hope than anything.

"It feels like it, don'tcha know. And I bet yee won't even let me come and help defend yee, would ya?" He knew them too well. They don't even have to nod for him to sigh and look away for a moment before turning back to them.

"Will yee at least give me a kiss like it is a goodbye?" It really isn't a good idea. A kiss would just reinforce the fact the idea that it's a goodbye. Would it be so bad?

A dip of their head is all he needs.

His hand slides from their face to the back of their head, and he's so gentle as he pulls them in. It's an undeserved affection. Their lips slot together, there's a small spark of energy that is quickly snuffed out. Doused in reality.

Neither of them close their eyes. Afraid that if they do, the other will disappear.

Ren pulls back for a second, just to press his lips to their left cheek, using his hand to pull their head to the side a little. His other arm comes up, and around their shoulders. He pulls his head back, only to bury his face into the crook of their neck. The side that was bitten.

He wraps his arms around their shoulders properly, hold tight. To him, letting go of them is losing them. To him, letting go of them is letting them wander into their doom. He believes they're a strong fighter, but he knows what vampires are capable of, worrying isn't unreasonable in his opinion.

Legundo lets themself sigh, not out of annoyance but out of affection for the man fawning over them, gently patting his back in response.

"I need to go."

...

"Let go, Ren." Neither can tell whether that was said to get him to let go of them physically, or emotionally in advance.

Chapter 16: Day 16, Goodmorning Kiss – Scott

Summary:

Legundo wakes up to another body in their bed, whoever it is, is awfully cold. And shouldn't be there.

It's bright outside, to the point it almost hurts. Midday, likely. It's cold and their blanket is warm. They should get up. Help the town. Continue working on the cure. Yet their body is refusing.

A good nights sleep wasn't something Legundo's gotten in probably years, and they weren't getting it now, even as their body forces them to go to sleep after almost collapsing at their desk. They had woken up tired, but what bothered them most was the arms around their waist. They had gone to sleep alone.

It was less alarming than it should've been, because they assumed it was Martyn. The young noble had a tendency to get nightmares and they found out a physical presence helped him, so they made a deal that the other could just join the doctor in bed when he wanted. But they couldn't feel breathing on their neck, or a faint heartbeat against their back.

Whoever it was smelt like rich leather and expensive scents. Scott.

Anger boiled inside of them, how dare he?, alongside another emotion they don't really want to confront. A warm flutter just barely stuffed under the anger.

A voice broke through their thoughts.

"Goodmorning, Legs." They should get up, shove him away – he isn't even holding them tightly! But something was stopping them. Something mentally. There was a certain warmth to the arms wrapped around them, even if the other wasn't physically warm. Then there's lips against their head.

"Tell me to leave." Scott mumbles against theur head, and Legundo realises - as much as they hate it and him - they didn't want to. They didn't want him to leave, if only to provide a body against theirs. Something they haven't felt that sort of touch in years. Maybe it's fitting that it's Scott if all people, if they deserved affection from anyone, it's him.

"No?" His voice is awful. Mocking and quiet, yet with an undercurrent of something close to affection. They stay silent. They're not sure whether speaking up is letting him win, or not. They'd rather risk not saying anything not because they wanted him to stay.

"I'll leave if you tell me to." He would, that's the thing. He would because he knows Legundo won't tell him to. He knows.

Another kiss is pressed to the back of their head, and another. And another. His hand is slowly rubbing up and down their stomach.

"This doesn't feel like a morning kiss..." They eventually say, not an answer they would've liked to say after the challenge Scott had given them.

"What's your ideal morning kiss then, Legs?" They refuse to acknowledge how he is purposefully using their name instead of the usual honorific like everyone else, "A cheek kiss?" Without waiting for an answer, he leans over and presses his lips to their cheek.

Without their buzzed hair being in the way, they can properly feel his soft lips. There isn't a flutter inside of them. They aren't glaring at the wall in front of them as if to try and get rid of the twist in their gut, they're just mad at the wall.

This feels like a mockery of love in such a perfect and gentle way. They love hate it.