That night was a long one. Glitch was sleeping soundly on the sofa again. He had curled up into a tight ball and had his head hanging over the edge; it was still very sore. He was dreaming a nice dream, while Cain was lying awake in the bed, staring at the ceiling with madness in his bright oceanic eyes. Glitch's relaxed exhale of 'that feels nice' was playing over and over in his mind. What did it mean? Why did he say it? Could he even feel the same way? If he did, Cain would never have believed it. He could see Adora's disapproving frown. He knew he had to stay faithful; he loved her, and only her. But Glitch had such an appealing personality. Sure, he was a little glitchy at times but he was funny, childlike and even though it wasn't obvious, he was smart too. He had a cheeky, mischievous grin and dazzling, dark eyes that resembled the reflection of the two white moons in a pitch black lake. Suddenly, for no reason at all, Cain's mind cast back to the conversation they had that morning. He could hardly believe that Glitch had never felt such a wonderful emotion before. In his own mind, he thought it was rather sad that he had never loved anyone. With this unusual longing that Cain had locked up in his heart for so long, could Glitch be the key? A grunt and a moan rang out as Glitch turned over. A secret smile slithered along the Tin Man's mouth. Just hearing Glitch made him inconceivably happy. Exhaustion hit him. His eyes closed.
" Cain? Cain, wake up!"
" Huh?"
" Wake up!"
Cain was shook awake. His eyes fluttered open and they immediately shut. Not knowing what to do, Glitch panicked. He was usually the one who slept in. He bit his thumb nervously, trying to work out how to wake up his friend. Without any warning, he slapped him. Cain's mouth gaped open in surprise.
" A little payback," Glitch said with a cheeky smirk. " For what you did to me at the lab."
" You remember that, huh?"
" Of course I do. I remember everything you did to me."
" Can you pass me my coat? It's cold."
Glitch picked up the cowboy's coat from the chair and passed it over to him. He would do anything for Cain. He kept a watchful eye on him as he wrapped it around his torso. Even in its warmth, Cain shivered. Glitch caught a glimpse of the open window. Poor Cain. It must be awful to live with such a fear. He then looked down to his own tattered, ripped, fading, musty old orangey-brown coat. It was the very coat he wore when he was advisor to Lavender Eyes. What memories. Usually, he didn't like other people touching it – let alone wearing it – simply because of these memories. Watching Cain shiver beside him was a horrible sight. He wasn't going to let him suffer like that. Slowly, he removed the coat. Containing a wide grin, he wrapped it around Cain. A surprised expression struck his face for a split second, then nodded in thanks. Glitch returned the nod and they smiled in unison.
" Thank you," Cain said.
Glitch blushed and let himself go all shy. " You're welcome."
Suddenly, Cain caught a glimpse of the snow through the window. " Hey!" He hoisted himself up from the bed and glided closer to the window. Those pretty blue orbs widened as they marvelled at the beautiful white snow. Glitch joined him.
" It really is beautiful," he whispered. The bitter cold breeze blew in the branches of the trees, making some resting snow fall to the ground. Together, the two men breathed in the fresh air, enjoying the picturesque scene as well as, each other's company. " I feel so…at peace right now." He rested his elbow on the windowsill and placed his chin in his hand. He gazed dreamily at Cain, the corners of his mouth never erasing that serene grin.
" There's not as much now," Cain said through his grin. " It's only a few more days 'til it's safe to ride."
" Who cares about the coronation now? I'm really enjoying this journey," Glitch revealed. " You've helped me, you know…remember stuff."
Cain rolled his eyes. His grin never vanished. Even in the gloomiest of situations, Glitch seemed to make it all OK. " You've helped me too."
" How?"
Cain sighed. He shouldn't sure on how to handle it. He knew Glitch liked him a lot, but how would he react? He drew away from the window. He pulled Glitch's coat further around waist. Glitch watched him curiously. Finally, Cain smiled. He took Glitch's hand and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. He guided it to his chest. Gently, Glitch drummed his fingers. Feeling Cain's racing heartbeat was an odd sensation, and he began to feel sick. He grinned widely all the same. It was a sick feeling that he never felt before and he loved every moment of it. He closed his own black orbs. He wanted to cherish every moment. Cain observed him. His sapphire orbs glistened. He wanted to cry but he couldn't. He knew what to say though. It had been brewing in his mind ever since he met this unique, quirky, naïve, skinny little person.
Inhaling, the softest whisper passed his lips, " You were wrong. I do have a heart, 'cause it pounds really hard every time I look at you." Glitch gasped in relief and laughed.
The roar of the jet engine broke the silence as Cain kicked the bike into gear. Blue flames blew out of the exhaust pipe. He clasped the handles. It whizzed down the road. The forever faithful Glitch sighed happily. He squeezed the waist of his best friend as tight as he could. He rested his head on that broad, broad shoulder. They beamed in unison as the snow-covered palace came into view. As the bike raced closer, they saw the former queen Lavender Eyes, DG and Raw waving frantically in front of the doors. When they saw the three other people who were important in their lives, they knew that everything was going to be OK, as long as they had each other.
This is my first Tin Man fanfiction ever. It's not great, it's not bad either but the sequel will be much better. (If I ever get 'round to finishing it, that is :P)
