Hey all, I'm back with yet another story. I don't mean for this to happen, especially when I have others to finish first but this one came to me on a night I was feeling particularly vulnerable. Due to some recent personal events, my anxiety has been on the rise a lot lately. On this particular night I had a really bad nightmare and couldn't sleep, so I was desperate for a distraction. I tried working on my current projects but just wasn't in the right mindset. So I decided to write down a story that's been in my head for a while now. Recently I got into The Royal Tutor and found myself shipping Viktor and Heine, especially after the events of episode 11. On a whim I jotted down some things and before I knew it, this came to be. I'm debating whether to leave it a one-shot or continue it, depending on the reception. If I do continue, it'd be infrequently as like I said, I have other projects that take priority. With that being the case, enjoy this little story of fluff I put together on a sleepless night.
Also for context, this takes place during Viktor and Heine's past, between the scenes shown during the episode 11 backstory. If I were to continue, future chapters would take place throughout their past, the present story line and possible beyond that. As usual, let me all know what you think.
More Than a Promise
It was another clear night when Prince Viktor of Glanzreich once again snuck out through his bedroom window. Climbing down into the shrubbery below, he carefully crept toward the palace gates while making sure to stay hidden. Taking out his pocket watch, Viktor timed the guards as they walked their usual patrol routes and used a small window of opportunity to sneak out through the servant's entrance. Once past the gates, he ran down the dark road, using only the light of the moon to guide him into town.
Viktor glanced at his watch and smiled. He had timed that perfectly and should arrive at his destination promptly. As of late, Viktor had been making more and more secret visits into town. Whereas he used to make an occasional monthly visit, Victor was now sneaking off into town every other night, to the point where he had gotten his escape routine down to an exact science. While he had to skip his last visit in order to catch up on sleep, having nearly nodded off during lessons, Viktor had made sure to take a long nap in the afternoon in order to guarantee his presence that evening. Tonight was too important and the thought of what was waiting for him made Viktor quicken his pace even more.
Soon Viktor was running down a familiar alleyway and emerged behind a set of buildings that stood beside a small dock on the nearby river. He descended the stone stairway and moved toward a large open sewer pipe that ran underground. Quickly he entered and after walking for a bit, soon heard the loud voices of children. Sure enough, Viktor spotted a large group of street orphans who were being lectured at by a stern looking red head not much taller than the rest of them.
"For the last time, none of you are coming and that's final." He said to the group of protesting children. "We need to stay low key for this and the guards are starting to recognize some of you."
"Heine look! Viktor's here!" One of the smaller children yelled out, tugging on Heine's shirt as they pointed in Viktor's direction. Heine looked up towards the blonde haired teen, his serious expression softened to a relieved one.
"Finally! Now we can get some grub!" shouted one of the children, much to the cheers of the rest.
"Are you gonna go get the food now Heine? Are you, are you?" Asked a small girl as the other children began to loudly shout for food as well.
"Settle down now, all of you." Heine commanded as he made his way toward the front of the crowd. "We'll be heading out to the market shortly, just give us time to talk first."
All the kids groaned in disappointment as Viktor walked forward, smiling at them sympathetically. "Don't worry kids, we won't be long I promise." The kids then dispersed allowing the two friends to be alone.
Viktor's face lit up instantly as he laid eyes on his friend and the number one reason why he snuck out so frequently. Upon first glance, Heine Wittgenstein looked like another lowly street urchin who at most could've been twelve years old. However Viktor knew that despite his height and youthful appearance, Heine was just as old as he was, though he never did disclose his exact age. As the red haired teen approached him, Viktor noticed his large amber red eyes became much less intense as the smallest of smiles appeared on his face. This delighted Victor immensely given how stone faced Heine usually was. The fact that he was the only one able to break the teen's mask of stoicism, made the blonde haired royal feel lighter then air.
"Nice of you to show up." Heine said offering his hand which Viktor readily took.
"Sorry I couldn't make it yesterday, I really wanted to. I was just…preoccupied." Viktor said regrettably.
"Ah yes, the busy life of an aristocrat. How ever do you find the time?" Heine said in a somewhat sarcastic tone as he released Viktor's hand.
Viktor knew it was supposed to be a mild insult but couldn't help but smirk at the young man's subtle humor.
"A shame though." Heine continued. "I really wanted to get the rations yesterday and take advantage of some sales. I would've asked the children to accompany me but I didn't want to attract any unwanted attention."
"Well I'm here now so we can get as much as you need. In fact, we can get even more so." Viktor said optimistically as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a couple of copper pieces.
"Viktor, I told you before. I don't want your handouts." Heine said firmly.
"But I actually earned these pieces." Viktor protested as he counted the pieces in his hand. "These I got helping an old lady recover her laundry during a wind storm, and these I got helping a man to recapture his runaway dog. I didn't want the payments but they insisted, probably because they didn't know of my status. I figured the least I can do is offer them to you so there will be enough rations to go around."
Heine glanced at the coins, then at Viktor and couldn't help but be touched at blonde's generosity. "Very well then, if you must insist." He then took the coins and pocketed them along with the other coins he had collected. "Now, let's go get these children something to eat."
By the time Viktor and Heine finished paying for the last of the groceries at a nearby food cart, they were carrying four large bags between them, all filled to the brim with food.
"It seems your calculations were correct." Heine nodded towards Viktor. "Once we get these into storage, we shouldn't have to worry about rations for a while."
"That's good to hear." Viktor nodded, feeling really pleased with himself for being able to help.
As they walked down the main street through the marketplace, Viktor heard loud giggling and turned to see a girl sitting at the nearby fountain, smiling at a boy who held a rose out to her. She took it and then leaned over and kissed the boys cheek, causing him to blush. Viktor couldn't help but smile and stole a sideways glance at Heine, who was looking straight ahead not paying attention. Viktor couldn't help but feel a little playful at the moment and looked at Heine coyly.
"There sure is a lot of romance in the air tonight." Viktor pondered out loud. "Just look at those two lovebirds over there. Cute aren't they? I'm a little envious."
Heine snapped out of thought and looked over where Viktor's gaze was. Seeing the giggling couple share in a kiss, he merely shrugged with indifference. "I suppose, if you're into that sort of thing."
"Kind of reminds me of my first kiss." Viktor said thoughtfully. "A girl visited my home once when I was younger and lost her handkerchief in the garden. I found it for her and she, in gratitude, kissed me on the lips. Was quite an experience."
Heine's eyes narrowed as his tone suddenly turned cold. "I'll bet it was."
When Heine didn't talk further, Viktor pressed on. "So, what was your first kiss like? Was she pretty?"
Heine clenched his jaw and looked away, almost as if he were put off by the question. "I'd rather not say."
"Aw come on Heine, I told you my story." Viktor prodded. "What did it not go well or something? Did her breath smell bad?"
"I really don't want to talk about it." Heine repeated.
"Because it was embarrassing?" Viktor pressed on. "It's okay, I won't laugh. You know you can tell me anything."
Heine paused, keeping his gaze averted and his tone somewhat icy. "If you must know…I've never actually been kissed before."
Viktor's face fell in shock. "Wait, really? Not even once?"
"I have more important things to worry about, like having mouths to feed and finding enough money to do so. Focusing on something as silly and pointless as romance doesn't appeal to me. So I'd appreciate if you drop the subject."
With that, Heine sped up his pace, walking ahead of Viktor who stood in place looking stunned. It was clear Heine didn't want to continue the conversation further so Viktor hung behind him, looking at the red haired teen with curiosity. Clearly there was something Heine didn't want him to know, something Viktor was eager enough to try and find out about.
After getting back to the orphans, Heine divided the rations evenly till all the children were sitting down with a piece of food in hand, eating happily. After he and Viktor stored away the remaining food, they walked toward the opening of the sewer pipe and sat down within view of the moon, which shone brightly overhead bathing them in light.
"Good thing there's a full moon tonight. Makes sewing much easier." Heine said as he sat with a bundle of blankets in his lap that were riddled with holes and tears, along with a pile of clothing scraps.
"Perhaps we should've used some of the coins to get some new blankets or clothes?" Viktor asked as he gazed upon the pile of tattered old fabric. "Those worn old thing wouldn't keep a dog warm, especially once winter comes."
"Getting enough food for everyone was our first priority." Heine said as he threaded a string through a needle eye. "These should hold up for now until I can think of a way to get money for new fabric."
Viktor said nothing and merely watched Heine work in silence, wishing the stubborn red head would allow him to use his money to buy new things for the orphans like food and clothes. Heine refused however, not wanting to live off charity or handouts, and instead relied on his cunning and wits to get the resources they needed. Despite being a thief, Heine had a surprisingly strict moral code and work ethic. It was one of the big reasons Viktor had been drawn to him in the first place.
Viktor then took a small bread loaf out of his pocket and started eating it as he waited. After two bites, he suddenly realized Heine hadn't partaken in any of their rations and looked at him curiously. "Don't you want to eat something before starting such a big workload?"
"I ate earlier." Heine said simply as he finished sewing up one blanket and immediately moved onto the next.
Viktor looked at Heine with concern, not buying his excuse for a minute as he knew how Heine got when he became too preoccupied with work.
"You don't have to starve yourself you know." Viktor said. "We have more than enough rations for everyone. Besides you'll need your strength if you're to get through all those blankets in one night."
"I won't get to all of them tonight. But I will get to even less if you keep interrupting me." Heine said as he continued sewing another patch on a blanket.
Viktor ignored his retort and put a hand over Heine's wrist, causing the teen's hand to still and drop the needle which fell onto the ground. Heine looked at the blonde haired teen as if we're going to slap him.
Viktor however remained calm and simply smiled back as he picked up the needle, holding it away from Heine and shoving his bread load toward him instead. "You won't be of use to anyone if you pass out from malnutrition. Please Heine. For me?"
"I told you I'm fine. Now stop staring at me like that and let me continue my work." Heine said as he attempted to reach around Viktor, who only leaned forward till their faces were less than a few inches apart.
"Please Heine?" Viktor asked again, his wide pleading eyes blinking at the red head.
"Stop it." Heine warned as he tried desperately not to look Viktor in the eye. Viktor however continued to smile innocently, his large blue eyes now practically sparkling.
Heine let out a frustrated grunt. For some reason he just couldn't say no whenever Viktor gave him that puppy dog look. Something about those dazzling baby blues of his always caught Heine off guard and at times, though he wouldn't admit it, they even make him feel a little weak in the knees.
"Fine. I'll have a few bites. But I intend to finish my work." Heine said, taking the loaf out of Viktor's hand and tearing it in half before he started eating. Viktor smiled triumphantly as Heine threw him a dirty look in between bites.
"Sorry to be a pain. I'm just looking out for you is all." Viktor explained, setting the sewing needle down on the fabric. "For someone who claims not to be a child, you sure do act like one sometimes."
"I am not a child." Heine replied firmly as he took another bite of bread, chewing aggressively. "And I don't need anyone looking out for me. I'm perfectly capable of caring for myself."
"And I greatly admire you for that. But it doesn't really count if you're not actively taking care of yourself. I really do worry about you sometimes." Viktor said sincerely.
Heine didn't respond and continued to eat with a scowl on his face. Viktor let out a sigh. "Honestly Heine, I really do wish you'd put your needs first once in a while. You know there's nothing wrong with a little self-indulgence now and then, especially when it comes to your well-being."
"Heh, self-indulgence. As if I could afford such luxury." Heine snorted in amusement as he swallowed the bread. "I know this is hard for you to understand, but I can't simply take time out for myself. I have many who depend and rely on me for instruction and survival."
"I do understand that. But you're still human Heine. Humans need certain things to be happy and healthy. Surely there's more you want out of life then meager survival?" Viktor asked.
"Of course I do." Heine sighed. "It's not like I don't think about it. I wish I could live like a normal person, sleeping in a warm bed while eating three square meals a day. But I can't afford to do that, much less indulge in frivolous things like education or socializing or-"
"Love?" Viktor asked.
Heine stopped talking and shot Viktor a warning glare. "Yes…that too."
Viktor continued to look at Heine, who went back to eating his bread in silence while trying to avoid eye contact. Viktor's interest didn't wane however as sat closer to Heine.
"It's a real shame you know. If I were able to be around more often, I'd make sure you'd have time for all those things. You'd have plenty to eat and a warm place to sleep, and if you asked nicely…" Viktor glanced at him coyly. "I'd even consider finding you a nice girl. What's your type anyways?"
Heine grunted, finally put down the bread and turned to Viktor, glaring at him in agitation. "I thought I told you I didn't want to talk about that subject. It doesn't interest me."
"Come on Heine, you mean to tell me no one has ever caught your eye?" Viktor pressed on. "You never once fantasized about having someone attractive come up to you and proclaim their eternal love?"
"Pff. Definitely not." Heine scoffed grumpily. "Whirlwind romances are something rich socialites focus on to quench their boredom or to make connections. The whole concept to someone of my social status is meaningless and dumb."
Viktor smirked mischievously. "Is that right?"
"I am right. And besides, fairy tales like that only happen to rich people like you or chambermaids with fairy god parents. To someone like me well, just look around us Victor. It's not like I have a line of prince charming's waiting to come sweep me off my feet."
Viktor's smile grew as he looked at Heine in amusement. "Well when you put it that way, I guess I should count myself lucky."
As Heine turned to look questioningly at him, Viktor stood up to his fullest height and walked in front of Heine. He extended his hand to the teen, who took it hesitantly as Viktor pulled him to his feet. The way the blonde was acting and staring at him started to make Heine feel suspicious.
"Alright, just what are you planning exactly Viktor?" Heine asked as Viktor took hold of both his hands.
"No plans. It's just …well…may I make an innocent request of you Heine?" Viktor asked, gazing back at him hopefully.
Heine looked oddly up at Viktor, noting the strange twinkle in his eye. "I'm almost afraid to ask."
"Since you view the subject of romance as something 'silly and pointless', I would guess if you ever did encounter someone who wanted to share a kiss with you, it'd be unceremonious and devoid of any real attachment. By that logic, it shouldn't matter to you how it comes about…or with whom."
Heine arched an eyebrow in confusion as an uneasy feeling began to twist and grow in his gut. "Where are you going with this?"
"I was wondering, since I don't currently see any wanting princes lining up for your attention, that maybe perhaps…I could do the honor?" Viktor asked somewhat enthusiastically.
Heine's face fell slightly in realization. "What?"
Viktor released one of Heine's hands and placed his own over his heart, kneeling down and bowing respectively as a noble of his pedigree would. Heine seemed to have frozen in place while Viktor merely looked up at him with a charming smile.
"Heine Wittgenstein, would you allow me the privilege of being your first kiss?"
Heine's mouth fell open in a silent shock as a deep blush quickly spread across his face. "I…uh…um…"
Viktor let out a small amused laugh which he quickly tried to stifle. "Sorry it's just, your face right now. I've never seen you turn such an intense shade of red before. You're almost the same color as your hair. It's kind of cute."
Heine's look of shock was quickly replaced by anger. He then jerked his hand away from Viktor's and did a spin kick to his head, knocking the prince backwards.
"Ouch! Hey! What was that for?" Viktor exclaimed holding his face, his eyes tearing up in pain.
"You're a real piece of work you know that!" Heine responded angrily.
Viktor looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"This is exactly why I didn't want to tell you in the first place!" Heine snapped. "I don't need some pampered rich boy like you making fun of me or treating me like a charity case. Why don't you do me a favor and give your false affections to one of the many rich girls you probably have waiting for you back home!"
"Heine!" Viktor exclaimed getting worriedly to his feet. "You…you've got it all wrong! I didn't mean-"
"Save it!" Heine let out a disdainful scoff and turned to leave in a huff. However he felt a hand grab his shoulder, stopping him in place before he could continue further.
"Heine, wait!" Viktor said, holding him tight and turning him back around. "Please, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to laugh at you. I honestly wasn't thinking of any of those things when I was asking you that question. Rest assured, I didn't mean to sound like I was mocking or pitying you in any way."
"Then why did you ask such a ridiculous request?" Heine asked suspiciously.
Viktor hesitated for a moment before responding. "I just…wanted to do something special for you. Something I thought you wanted."
Heine stopped trying to resist and looked at Viktor curiously. "I already told you numerous times I'm not interested. What would make you think that I secretly want a kiss?"
"Because I know you Heine. I can see it in your eyes. And besides, even if you may not necessarily want it…you certainly deserve it." Viktor explained as he raised a hand from Heine's shoulder to his cheek. Heine felt his face burn again but made no effort to remove Viktor's hand.
"You do so much for so many others Heine, yet don't take the time for yourself. Honestly it breaks my heart to see you struggling like that. If I had my way, I'd see to it that you had all the help you needed and everything your heart desired. But since I can't do that at the moment, I thought this would be the next best thing."
Heine felt the brief gentle caress of Viktor's thumb against his cheek. It caused an odd flutter in his chest and it took all of Heine's willpower to pull Viktor's hand down and look away. "Well sorry to break it to you, but you thought wrong."
A disappointed look appeared on Viktor's face as he withdrew his hand and bowed respectively. "I…I'm sorry if I crossed a line with my request. I hope you'll forgive my inconsideration and tactlessness."
Heine recognized that Viktor was being sincere and seeing the despairing look on his face, felt his anger disappear. He then hesitantly reached out and placed it on Viktor's shoulder, giving it a small squeeze.
"I…forgive you Viktor. And I appreciate the gesture. But you don't need to go the extra mile to make me feel special. If I'm being honest, having your friendship is more than enough for me. The fact that you choose to leave your life of privilege to spend time helping me and the orphans…it means more then you know." A small smile tugged at his lips. "In a way…just having you here in and of itself makes me feel special."
Viktor smiled and gently grasped Heine's hand with both of his, holding it close to his chest. "I feel the same way. I couldn't imagine not having you as a friend. You've taught me so much, shown me a world that exist outside the sheltered one I grew up in. I can really be myself around you Heine …you've changed both my mind and my heart in so many ways."
Once again Heine felt a burning sensation in his cheeks and glanced toward the ground smiling bashfully.
Viktor gazed down as well, suddenly feeling guilty. "I'm sorry again to have made such a ridiculous request of you. Guess you were right about romance being a frivolous pastime of the wealthy."
Heine stared back at Viktor and suddenly frowned, looking as if he too were guilty. "Well…maybe it's not completely frivolous…but it can be hurtful."
Viktor looked at the shorter teen in surprise. "What do you mean? Have you…"
Heine sighed and pulled his hand away before continuing. "To answer your question from earlier… there was someone who caught my eye once. A fellow orphan and thief. I guess you could consider them pretty in a sense. We spent a lot of time together and he taught me a lot about surviving on the street. I liked him a lot. A whole lot. I thought perhaps… if I could show him how much I liked him, it was possible that he could like me back."
"What did you do exactly?" Viktor asked curiously.
"I…attempted to kiss him." Heine said with much regret. "It didn't go well. He rejected my advances and then laughed at my confession. He said he could never love someone like me, and that the only reason he kept me around was because I was small and could help him steal things more easily. He abandoned me immediately after that and I never saw him again."
Viktor's heart ached for his friend. "Heine…"
"Ultimately it was for the best. Once he was gone, I was able to perfect my survival skills, learning how to do things on my own in a much more crafty and honest way then he did. I later shared these skills with the other orphans, hoping to install in them a sense of honor and self-reliance. I never wanted them to feel used or let down. That guy may have turned out to be a jerk, but at least I used the skills he taught me to help benefit others."
Viktor silently listened to Heine as he continued.
"So yes, I do know what it's like to fall in love, as well as to be rejected by it. It's why I never bothered pursuing it since. Though admittedly, I have fantasized about it from time to time. The idea of having someone rescuing me from this place to take me to a better life, at times seems rather appealing. At the very least, I'd know what it's like to have someone genuinely care about me."
Viktor gazed at Heine in shock. "No wonder you didn't want to talk about it. Sorry I pushed the matter."
Seeing the sad look on the red head's face, he then put a comforting hand on Heine's shoulder and looked at him sympathetically. "For what it's worth…I do genuinely care about you. And I think that thief was a fool to reject you. Anyone in their right mind should count themselves lucky to have your affections."
Heine looked up at Viktor as he gave him one of his most sincere smiles and pulled him into a hug. Heine's breath stilled for a moment and his heart seemed to skip several beats before he awkwardly returned the hug. After a few moments, Viktor released him from the hug, keeping his hands on the teen's shoulders. He couldn't help grin amusedly at the adorably conflicted look on Heine's face.
"You look like there's something on your mind dear friend." Viktor noticed. "Care to share?"
Heine felt his face began to blush again and quickly looked away, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. He was silent for a few moments before finally speaking again.
"I was just thinking…about your request from earlier…" Heine stuttered nervously. "You did make a decent point. Since I don't have any real plans for any sort of romantic dealings or relationships in the near future, nor do I have any preference for that matter…perhaps maybe… sharing a kiss with you wouldn't be such a big deal after all."
It took Viktor a moment to register what Heine was trying to say but once he did, a huge smile appeared on his face. "Really? You mean it?"
"Yes. But…just a quick five second kiss, no strings attached." Heine added quickly.
Viktor nodded a little too enthusiastically, making Heine think that he hadn't been fully been listening. Like before, Viktor once again took Heine's hands in his and knelt before him. He made sure they were completely at eye level, his blue eyes locked with Heine's amber ones, before he began speaking.
"I'll do my best to make this a pleasant experience for you Heine. I may not be a knight in shining armor per say, but that doesn't mean I still can't treat you like a prince." He then winked and bowed to him. "What say you my liege?"
Heine smirked in amusement. "You have an odd yet charming way of putting people at ease. I suppose if I'm never to meet any legitimate royalty in my lifetime, I can consider you a close second." He then bowed back. "Your highness."
Viktor perked up at this comment and went to lean forward. Heine stopped him though as he looked at him seriously.
"However, there is one condition I want to impose before we do this."
Viktor's smile vanished. "Um, okay. What is it?"
"You are not to tell anyone about this. Ever. Once it's over, we never speak of it again and move on like everything is normal." Heine said. "Got it?"
Viktor looked a little crestfallen and went silent for a moment. Heine waited for his response, which eventually came in the form of a firm nod.
"Alright then. Now, how shall we do this?" Heine asked. "Do I make the first move or do you? I don't want any funny business now-"
"Relax Heine." Viktor said as he pulled him onto the ground before him, his charming smile having returned to his face as he gazed admirably at the red head. "Leave everything to me."
Once again a blush spread across red haired teen's face as Viktor leaned in, using his other hand to gently cup Heine's chin and tilt his head upward. Heine could feel his heart pounding like a jackhammer, both out of fear and anticipation. As Viktor got within an inch of his face, Heine closed his eyes tight, as if bracing for a horrible impact.
Instead, what he was met with was a pair of soft lips gently pressing against his. Heine opened his eyes briefly at the sensation, gazing back at a closed-eyed Viktor and as they shared a chaste kiss. He could detect a sweetness on the blonde man's lips and felt a growing heat spread across his face. Before Heine could give into it, Viktor quickly broke the kiss and merely smirked back at him, a satisfied looking on his face.
"There. That wasn't so bad was it?"
Heine blinked twice and stared blankly back at Viktor, almost at a loss for words. "That…was…umm…short."
"You did say five seconds. Plus you seemed nervous so I decided to keep it simple."
"I see…" Heine said, almost in a tone of disappointment.
"Hmm, you look a little unsatisfied." Viktor noted. "Perhaps you're wanting another-"
"No! I mean, that's okay." Heine said quickly. "I'm plenty satisfied, thank you."
Viktor looked at him oddly and shrugged. "If you say so."
Before Heine could respond, Viktor turned around and grabbed some of the blankets from the pile and held them toward the red head. "Well now that that's out of the way, you should probably get back to fixing those blankets. I'll take a couple as well. My sewing's not as good as yours but I can at least fix some of the holes."
"Uh yes, right. We should continue then." Heine said clearing his throat as he quickly grabbed the blankets and sat back down, focusing intently on fixing them.
Some time had passed and soon the two each had a small pile of mended blankets between them. Although they sat in silence, the unspoken awkwardness of what transpired between them earlier hung heavily in the air. Admittedly Heine was having more trouble concentrating on his work then his blonde counterpart, who seemed to be tolerating the casual silence unusually well. Every now and then Heine would glance over in Viktor's direction, as if he wanted to say something but always refrained from doing so. Eventually it started causing him to either mess up his sewing or half-hazardly prick himself with the needle. After pricking himself for the third time, this time rather harshly, Viktor finally took notice.
"You know, I doubt the orphans will want blankets that are stained in your blood." Viktor said, looking over at Heine as he nursed his bleeding index finger.
"It's just a minor mishap. I'll wash the blanket later." Heine said as he sucked on his finger to stop the bleeding.
"That's not what I meant." Viktor sighed and took a long piece of cloth from the scrap pile. He then pulled Heine's finger out of his mouth and began wrapping it up with the cloth. While Heine normally would've pulled away and chastised Viktor for imposing, he found himself strangely relishing the physical contact and admiring the delicate way Viktor dressed up his bandage.
Once he finished wrapping it, Viktor tied the loose bandages into a small little bow. "There. Now you won't bleed to death from your stubbornness."
"Very funny." Heine said, clearly not amused. "I suppose I should thank you then."
"You may. Although just so you know…" Viktor gazed playfully at Heine as he gently caressed his finger against the bandaged one. "There are better ways of getting my attention."
Heine felt his heart skip a beat and quickly pulled his hand away, throwing Viktor a dirty look. "Watch it."
Viktor smirked in amusement before briefly checked his pocket watch. "Well I should be getting back. Same time tomorrow?"
"Um, sure." Heine nodded.
As the blonde teen got up to leave, Heine suddenly stood up as well. "Viktor?"
Viktor turned curiously. Heine felt his face grow warm and averted his gaze as he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck again. "I was wondering if…perhaps you'd like to meet me at the park tomorrow instead? There's a nice spot on the hill top where you can see the whole city. We can use it to…scout out potential stores and other places to visit…"
Viktor paused, and then smiled as he walked back toward Heine, whose breathing stilled as Viktor's face came close to his.
"It's a date." He winked at him. Heine blushed profusely as Viktor ran back toward the entrance and called back. "See you tomorrow at the park!"
Heine nodded and watched as Viktor ran out of the sewer entrance, pausing to wave back at his friend before he ascended the stairwell. The red haired teen slowly waved back and stared vacantly at the spot where Viktor had been. For a while, Heine didn't move. It was as if everything around him ceased to exist and all he could hear was the harsh pounding of his chest.
Finally Heine scowled and shook his head to clear it. "Ugh, what is wrong with me!? Why would I suggest the park? We wouldn't be able to see the shopping district from there! I'm such an idiot…what would make me suggest-"
And as Heine looked down at his bandaged finger, the memory of their kiss combined with the thought of getting to see Viktor again caused a pleasant sort of queasiness in his stomach. Heine quickly shook his head again, trying to banish the thoughts from his mind.
"Viktor's my friend. Friends shouldn't be feeling that way. Let last time be a lesson to me." Heine said determinedly as he picked up the blankets and headed back into the sewer.
Needless to say, Heine's didn't get any sleep that night. Here he thought Viktor would be the one to falter on their silent arrangement. If only he knew how wrong he was.