Title: Crimson Smile
Genre: Romance/General/Shounen-ai
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Jakotsu/Bankotsu
Summary: Many have been captured by his smile, but this time- it's different.
I see his painted smile across the room, blood stained lips twisting upward into the most diminutive of gestures. This smile, this alluring spell, has brought many a soldier to his death.
As he approaches, I try to hide my naïve fears behind the surface of my blue eyes; a silent hope he'll think my trembling is from the cold.
Gently, almost reverently, his hands press against my skin.
I keep my eyes on his smile, a crimson beacon in this dark night. And that's when I notice the change.
So many times have I seen him, toying with men until their last breath. All he wants is an affirmation, a sign of affection, a lover. And when they won't commit, he kills them; painted smile fading into frown.
But this time, the smile I see is gentle. Never forcing or demanding, never vicious or vindictive. This smile is a gift, something I alone have been a witness to.
He stops when he notices my stare, words tumbling from his lips.
"I've never been in love… before now."
Tentatively, I reach out to touch his pale face; offering him a smile of my own.
"Neither," I pause, taking a nervous breath before continuing, "…Neither have I."