Chaz opened his mouth slightly and put down his glass. "What's wrong?" He asked. Sly took a deep inhale and pushed the air out through his nose. "Remember that talk on Arpeggio's blimp?" Sly asked back. Chaz took a moment to think of the memory then paused for a moment before speaking. "I believe so…?" Chaz stopped and focused on Sly. "You made me realize so many different things that I never would've grasped."
Chaz felt his heart begin to pick up in pace. "I know I haven't known you as long as the others… but it feels like you've just always been there." Sly let out a nervous laugh. "This is completely out of character for me." He said while he rubbed the back of his head. "Even if you don't feel the same anymore, I just need to get this out." He paused again, the suspense building around every breath. Chaz waited. Waited for the words he's been wanting to hear. Waited for what would change him. But he knew he couldn't.
Chaz stood from his seat and looked down to Sly. "You don't have to say it. Come on." He grabbed his jacket and put it back on before walking past Sly. Sly felt his arms go heavy as the wind left from Chaz blew by him. "Did I…" He asked himself. A mixture of emotions flushed through him. He got up from the table and reached into his jacket to throw down whatever money he stole onto the table. After scanning the room for Chaz, he sighed and started to walk out the way from which they came in. Once outside, he looked around the dark streets and groaned.
Sly felt his legs give up under the devastating feeling. He leaned against the building's wall and planted the back of his head against it. He closed his eyes and groaned loudly. "To think…" He said out loud. "That I hate you?" A voice called out. Sly's eyes darted open then connected to the being standing directly in front of him. "I'm glad you were comfortable enough to tell me." Sly felt the warmth of Chaz's breath hit the fur under his neck. "I'm glad I waited." He continued, getting even closer to his face. He stopped when his face was directly in front of his. "And I'm glad you like me back."
Their shadows emitted from the moonlight stuck together on the ground. "Now, do you want to continue or are we still thinking?" Chaz said in a low voice. Sly examined the smaller figure's body, not knowing where to start. He slowly lifted his hands from his side, putting one around Chaz and one to cup his face.
It was finally happening. What Sly has been wanting to do again for what felt like forever was finally happening. He gently raised Chaz's head to his, taking him into a kiss. He held in a smile as Chaz kissed back. Their lips stayed together for a few short moments before separating. Chaz had a love struck grin on his face when looking back at Sly who stood in astonishment. The world around them grew darker and their vision blocked out the landscape around them.
They just gazed at each other. The two were so taken back at what they just accomplished that even their bodies couldn't react. Through thick and thin, laughs and drama, love and pain, they went through it all as friends. What else could be in store for their future?
They soon focused back onto each other. It didn't take long for them to be all smiles again. Their happiness turned into a loud laugh that echoed throughout the air. Sly stopped and put on a smirk. "I knew you adored me." He said. Chaz crossed his arms and leaned on his hip. "Oh, please. You know how many times I caught you staring?" Chaz responded. Sly put on a smug face and began advancing towards Chaz. "I think I reserve the right to do so now." The two shared another laugh together.
"Wanna head back?" Sly questioned. A night breeze blew between the two, shifting their fur to the direction of it.
"Sure, Sly."
End of chapter 20