Small Victories

"Well it's on the list…"

"I guess… but it's weird one…"

"We said we'd do them all, so we're at least going to try it."

Like there was any point arguing with Oz about this (though why he was so insistent when he himself thought the act odd, Gilbert would never know). Such a silly list… As though they could not simply learn the different kinds of kisses on their own without help from a strange book the young Vessalius had found in Sharon's library. Then again… They would have never tried Angel or Freeze kisses without it, and those had been… quite interesting…

"Come on," Oz huffed after a moment, shuffling around on the bed so that he was kneeling next to the man, his hands on his knees and bright, emerald eyes locked on Gilbert's amber irises, flickering with determination. "Let's just get it over with."

"Alright…" Gilbert sighed, sitting up straight and turning his head towards Oz. This was going to look so stupid… Placing his hand on the mattress by the boy's knees, he leaned forward towards the blond, unwilling to let himself think too long about this for fear of getting too flustered over something so simple. His sudden movement must have startled the boy, because Oz flinched a little and then shut his eyes tight, but remained still. Were they supposed to do that? Following suit, he let his eyes slide closed as the distance between them vanished, noses touching gently, just barely, warm breath brushing against his own skin and a shaky exhale as he briefly rubbed their noses together.

It tickled and it was strange, and any enjoyment in the act appeared to be spoiled by embarrassment. Flustered, Gilbert pulled back and opened his eyes, relieved the little task was over, but what he saw made him blink in surprise. Oz's face was scrunched up and his eyes were shut tight as though some sort of distasteful bug was fluttering around his face, his cheeks bright red as a single green eye opened to gauge the elder's response. He looked so awkward and embarrassed it was almost shocking, the boy's confident, unflappable facade momentarily gone. Gilbert scoffed, then laughed, which only caused the blond to blush more and scowl. "So Eskimo kisses are not your thing, then?"

"Shut up…" Oz grumbled, starting a little when the dark haired Nightray leaned forward and touched their noses together again, amusement dancing within his bright yellow eyes as he wrapped his arms around Oz's shoulders to prevent him from moving away, "H-Hey!"

"You know… I think I like them."

"Gil… back off…"

"Why?"

"Because I'm going to fill your room with cats if you don't."

"I'm not used to seeing you like this," Gilbert observed, and the tone in his voice was almost musical. "It's cute."

"Cats, Gilbert."

"You're blushing, Oz~"

"Gil!"

Eskimo kisses became Gilbert's regular form of greeting or farewell following that day… much to Oz's dismay and the Nightray's great delight.

Though it was pretty annoying that Oz adopted a habit of pinching Gilbert's thigh and rear at every available opportunity as a sort of revenge.

"You're such a brat."

"And you're a sap."

And they wouldn't have it any other way.

[End]