Life without the Promare has been tough on the young blonde. Even months later, he was still struggling to lead a more normal life with his newly-made friends by his side. Since he could no longer conjure up those beautiful flames, he had to find a new profession- One that he never expected to take on. With the help of mainly Galo himself, he was able to join the fire force. It shouldn't be a surprise that everyone accepted the former Mad Burnish leader with open arms. Although, he wasn't the only one who was blessed with so much help from them. The rest of his people all found homes here in the city. Unfortunately for the children, they were put into an orphanage. They can only hope that someday, each and every one of them will be adopted into a wonderful home, so that they can get the family they deserve.
Meis and Gueira both found an apartment not too far away, so that if anything happens to their boss, they can be over there in an instant. They are still very protective of him, as they should be. Having been stripped of their powers hasn't changed how they feel towards each other, and that just goes to show how strong their bond is. The Burnish have lived a life on the run, and so now they can finally relax and take it easy. If only everyone felt the same way. There are still people out there who do not trust them, but that is fine. As long as no one harms or threatens them, then all is good. As for Kray? Well, he was forced to step down from his position. No one really knows what happened to him after that. There is now a new governor who has happily taken his place.
With the fire force, and the Burnish all coming together as one, it didn't take very long for the town to get all fixed up. Things are finally back to normal like how they should be! The Promare may be gone for good, but that doesn't mean the fires have stopped completely. Whether they are done accidentally, or on purpose, they still needed to be extinguished. Lio Fotia may be a small guy, but don't let appearances fool you. He caught onto things very quickly, and has even worked his way up to work on par with his roommate. To be honest, they work the best as a team. No one else can compare! And now when people see them working hard to put out the flames, they also chant his name.
That's right, both him and Galo are roommates. It was hard to turn the offer down, when that big oaf practically begged for him to move in. Not only did he provide a roof over his head, but he also took him out shopping for some new clothes. When you're always on the run, you don't have a home to return to. That means you have to carry everything with you wherever you go. Because of this, he really didn't have a spare change of clothes. His shirt and jacket had been destroyed during their fight against Kray, and so all he had left were his pants and boots. That just wasn't nearly enough. No, he needed some other clothes to wear. His taste in things were definitely unique, but there was nothing wrong with that. That is just who he is.
Some men choose to be more feminine, just like how some women choose to be more manly. To be honest, Galo loves everything that the blonde wears. It suits his personality, and that is something he also enjoys. He wouldn't change a thing about him. Although lately, he has found himself watching his every move. It was like he couldn't keep his eyes off of him. The way he eats so elegantly, or the way he writes with this small, delicate hands- To the way he sits. His legs are so long and thin, that when he crosses them, it about drives the poor guy crazy! Oh how light he must be to pick up, and hold in his arms- His strong, toned arms.
Even his voice was soothing to listen to! Just by looking at him, one would never know just how deep it actually is. Never has he met someone like this before, and so he couldn't help but feel oddly fascinated by everything about the former Burnish leader. He may not be able to turn into a dragon, or ride a motorcycle engulfed in flames anymore, but that didn't matter. It didn't change the fact that he is Lio Fotia, an adorable blonde-headed firefighter, who gives his all to prove just how good of a person he actually is. It is so easy to fall in love with him, or to become attached. His fan base has grown tremendously since joining the crew, and he didn't know how to handle it.
There was only one person that has ever caught his eye, though.
"Galo, must you eat like a pig all the time?" There was cheese hanging from his lips, and sauce all over his chin. The mere sight of it all was starting to drive him crazy. Once again they were having pizza for dinner, since they both got off of work late. This left them no time to actually cook something. With both of them pitching in now, things weren't so tight anymore. They each make a decent amount of money by firefighting. Well, it wouldn't be worth risking your life over if that wasn't the case.
"Mmf?" Having pizza all the time has never been an issue for Galo. If it were up to him, he would eat it every single day. That is how much he loves the stuff! It was just so tasty. And when you're in a pinch, you really couldn't ask for anything better. It helps that he knows the owner so well. He reached for a napkin, and began wiping away the remnants of cheese and sauce from his face. Being referred to as a 'pig' didn't really bother him either, but he didn't want to irritate the blonde. For now he just wanted to have a nice dinner with him. Usually their friends tag along, but not this time. The apartment was quiet, but in a good way. It was more of a comfortable silence, if anything. The television wasn't blaring in the background, nor were their neighbors being noisy.
Could the setting get any better?
Lio was also enjoying the atmosphere between them. As he sat there and watched him try to wipe the mess from his face, he set his own slice of pizza down to clean off his hands. "Honestly, how did you manage before I moved in?" Part of him was being serious, even though it was meant to be a joke. He grabbed a clean napkin from the center of the table, and stood up from his seat. Since the table itself isn't very big, he was able to walk over to the other side in no time. Once there, he grabbed a hold of his chin with his thumb and index finger, and tilted his head back a bit.
"Sit still," the blonde instructed in his deep, soft voice. It felt like his heart was about to leap right out of his chest. This happens whenever they are close like this. It doesn't matter what the situation is, he jus can't help it. Being able to gaze at Galo from such a short distance like this felt like a privilege. Oh how many people would kill to be in his position right now! To be fair, he was the very first person who wasn't a Burnish to accept him as he was. He was able to look past that, and befriend him.
Galo did just that, and sat perfectly still in his seat. His gaze locked onto the blonde's, admiring the stunning color. There was this fluttery feeling deep within his stomach, and he immediately recognized what it was. This isn't the first time he has experienced such a feeling, and it only occurs when he is around one specific person. 'His gentle caress feels so nice...' Since when did he get sauce on his cheek? Maybe he really wasn't paying attention, and some got flung up there? It confused him even more, when he felt it go over to the other side. Just how much of his face was dirty? Still, he didn't move a muscle. Instead he concentrated on his breathing.
His eyes traveled down to the blonde's lips then. "..." They were so soft, and full. Now that he thinks about it, they felt absolutely fantastic against his own. When he saved Lio's life that day, it was actually hard to pull away after doing CPR on him. His features have always appeared very doll-like, and that is one of the many things he loved about him. It was even more badass that someone like him lead the Mad Burnish gang! Now he is an incredible firefighter. No one else can be his partner. It just wouldn't feel the same. They really are a perfect team, aren't they?
This man means the world to him, and he never wanted to lose him.
Being careful as to not hurt him, Galo wrapped his fingers around his roommate's slim wrist, and leaned forward a bit in his seat. His lips parted slightly, and his eyes became half-lidded. "Lio," he whispered. Can he hear how rough his heart was beating against his ribcage? Did he feel the slight tremble in his hand as he held onto him? When they are alone like this, he finds it very hard to control himself. What he would give to be able to ravish him! Neither one of them have ever made their feelings clear, so that is why things between them haven't progressed very far.
Lio looked down at their hands, and then back at the firefighter's face. They were so close, that he could feel his breath against his face. It amazed him how gentle someone so strong like this could be. 'I'm not made out of glass, you idiot.' It was clear what he wanted, and that is why he didn't pull away. Since he was unconscious during the last time their lips touched, he didn't know how it felt- How Galo tasted! Was he even a good kisser? What if he is terrible at it? Well, it's not like he is a professional himself. He didn't have any experience with that sort of thing whatsoever. However, they could always improve on that together.
Galo interlaced their fingers together, and closed his eyes completely. 'I have never kissed anyone before. What if I'm terrible at it, and he laughs? Or worse, never wants to kiss me again?! I was only breathing fire into him. It's not like I shoved my tongue down his throat!' His eyebrow twitched, and his hold on the former Burnish leader tightened slightly. Why was he being such a coward about something like this? Sometimes in life you just have to take risks, and this should count as one of them. And yet here he was, hesitating at the very last second. What does that say about him as a person? This was so embarrassing.
What kind of a man is he?
He opened his eyes, and turned his head to the side. "I-.. I'm sorry..." That was all he could say for the time being. Was an apology even good enough? As much as he wanted to do this, it was easier said than done. Making the first move can be a very stressful thing for someone to do. Maybe he really is an idiot after all.
"..." Lio observed him carefully. This is something they both wanted, so why was it so hard? What exactly is he afraid of? He too, was feeling very frustrated. They were so close! A huge wave of disappointment washed over him, and he narrowed his eyes. If this continues, then nothing between them will ever improve. Instead they will be stuck dancing around like this forever.
"What, are you scared to kiss me while I'm conscious this time?" He teased, yanking at Galo's hand to grab his attention. It felt nice to be holding hands like this. If they walked around the city like this, would they receive judgmental, or even hateful glares from people? Not everyone is so accepting of same-sex relationships, even though when it comes down to it, it is none of their business.
Galo's eyes widened, and his cheeks grew warm. "Hahh?! I don't think that counted as a kiss, since I was trying to save your life at the time. You were literally falling apart before me..." It was such a scary, and heartbreaking thing to witness. If he had been any later, then he too, would have turned to ash just like that other Burnish victim.
Hearing that almost made Lio flinch. Having seen so many of his people perish in that exact same way, he understood where the firefighter was coming from. It must have been even harder for someone like him, since he wasn't used to it. "Then.. show me what a real kiss is," Lio murmured in that honeyed voice of his. He brought a hand up to touch the side of his face, and leaned in just a hair closer. 'Soft...'
He leaned into the blonde's touch, and closed his eyes once more. So this is it? They both wanted to take their relationship to the next level by doing this? It made him feel nervous, yet excited- Nervous that he will find a way to mess this all up, and excited because this is what he has been wanting for a while now. 'I should pinch myself to see if this is really happening.' It was a silly thought to have, but he couldn't help it. The warmth from his hand was enough to make him realize that this was in fact reality, and it would be pointless to question it further. There was also a lovely scent radiating from him, and he couldn't seem to get enough of it.
It was now or never.
Galo rose from his seat, and allowed one of his arms to snake its way around the blonde's waist. Once he got a good enough hold on him, he pulled his much smaller body in so that it was pressed against his own. "I'm glad the first flame I lit was for you, Lio." And he would do it all over again too!
Just as Lio was in the process of responding, he was quickly silenced by the firefighter's lips being crushed into his. It was a bit rough at first, but he didn't mind. What mattered to him, was the fact that it was finally happening! You can't just be perfect at something you have never done before. That is why you have to keep practicing in order to get better. Despite this being their first actual kiss, it wasn't half bad. As a matter of fact, he actually wanted more! Being in Galo's arms like this felt absolutely amazing. This is exactly what he has been missing in life, and he never wanted to let it go.
"Galo," he murmured against his lips. This just felt so right! 'I'm not as strong as I used to be. Without the Promare.. I am weak. I wish I was still the leader of Mad Burnish. Instead I have been reduced to this.. And yet even though this has happened, you still want me. Your feelings have never changed. Galo.. Galo, you really.. truly.. care for me so deeply, don't you?' His small hands gripped tightly at the firefighter's black t-shirt, just hoping that they could stay together like this for a little bit longer. All he wanted in life, was to be accepted for who he was. That, and to be able to settle down in one place. It felt like he had everything in life now. For once, he felt complete.
He no longer needed anything else.
Galo rubbed at his back in a soothing matter, hoping that it would help relax him. And when it was time to pull away from the kiss, he kept the short distance between them. "Now will you take the bed? Of course I will be an added bonus," he winked. This whole time Lio has been sleeping on the couch in the living room. There was only one room, and he refused to take the better option. They talked about getting a two-bedroom apartment in the near future, but maybe that will no longer be necessary. This place is perfect for just the two of them. A lot of their memories have already been made here, and so it would be a shame to leave it all behind for something new.
He ran his fingers through the soft blonde locks. This is something he has always wanted to do! It was everything he thought it would be, too, so he was thoroughly satisfied. "So what do you say? I can keep you warm at night. I'm not hot like the Promare was, but.. I think I'd make a pretty good substitute. Don't you think so, Lio?"
Lio practically melted at the back massage, and the way his hair was being caressed. "Eh? You want me to.. share a bed with you?" His heart fluttered, and he leaned in to bury his face into Galo's chest. This was to hide just how red his cheeks had gotten. He never complained about having to sleep on the couch, since that is the most he has had in a very long time. It was a luxury for him to sleep in a bed.
"If you really don't mind, then.. yes." Waking up with Galo at his side will be a real treat. It will take a while for him to get used to, but that is fine. He has been nothing but patient with him, and he appreciated that so much. Seriously though, what would he do without him?
Galo responded by scooping the blonde up into his arms. He just couldn't contain himself any longer. When he did this, a wide smile spread across his face. "We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow, so we should hit the sack. You're gonna love the bed!" It felt like he was barely carrying anything at all. Just how much did he weigh? It's crazy how small he is sometimes.
Lio gasped when this happened. No one has ever picked him up like this before. "G-Galo! I can walk just fine-" If one could die from embarrassment, then this would be the end for him. It is a good thing that his friends are not here to see this. Will they be happy for him? Or will they go into protective mode, and lash out at his- What are they even? Does this mean they are together now?
"Pfffft! Oh come on no Lio. Don't be such a party-pooper! I'm having fun, and so should you. Being with you makes me feel so happy. Ah, sometimes I really do feel like the luckiest guy on earth. I get the former Mad Burnish leader all to myself!" Galo kicked his chair in, and spun around so that he could make his way over to the bedroom.
With his cheeks all puffed up from everything that was going on, Lio reached up to flick his nose. "Must you always be so embarrassing?" He mumbled. As they made their way into the bedroom, his gaze fell. 'I'm glad I get you all to myself too, Galo. I have never felt so happy before, so.. thank you. I hope we will always be together. That is all I want in life. The Promare may have disappeared, but I am still having a lot of fun.' Whatever comes their way, they will deal with it together.
They changed each other's lives for the better.