PAIRING: Arcobaleno/Arcobaleno

TAGS: Pre-Canon, The Chosen Seven Era, POV Third Person

Fluff and Humor, Kisses, Making Out, Bonding, Arcobaleno As Family

Adult Arcobaleno, Nonbinary Mammon | Viper

WARNING: Not Beta Read

"… and then we go here," Luce says, pointing at the map.

"And then what?" Reborn asks, still scowling, because they've been stuck on that part of the plan for days now.

Luce and him sit next to each other at the low table, the others scattered around the family room except for Verde, in a rare happenstance of them all being together in the same room at the same time. Unsurprisingly it's because this is an unofficial meeting for the upcoming mission, but they're not really listening, leaving it to Luce and Reborn, the TV on, snacks and drinks in their hands.

"I know, but hear me out. What if instead of doing this, we go there instead?" Whatever Luce points at on the map, Reborn's face lightens up, smirking like the cat who got the cream. A not so subtle wave of relief washes over the others, accompanied by a roll of their eyes, because Reborn's been unbearable over this the past few days in his typical control freak and perfectionist fashion.

"Oh, mia signora," Reborn purrs. He gently holds Luce's chin to lift her head, and plants a quick, though full kiss on her mouth. "How did I not think of that?"

"Wow!" Skull shouts, scrambling off his armchair, cutting Luce's giggles short. "Wow, wow, wow!" He backs blindly to the door, looking at Luce and Reborn with wide eyes. "Wow." He holds onto the doorway, effectively blocking the path. "Wow." The others exchange looks between themselves before settling their gazes on Skull, and the silence settles over them. "Well?" Skull presses the room at large. "Someone says something about what just happened!"

"Congratulations?" Fon says, tilting his head and looking at Luce and Reborn.

Reborn rolls his eyes. "There's nothing to congratulate us for. It was just a kiss, don't be a baby, Lackey. Not that it's any of your business either way."

"It really didn't mean anything, Skull," Luce says, trying for reassuring but still sounding amused. "Look." She cups Reborn's face, and plants a kiss on his mouth the same way Reborn did with her. She pulls back, catches Reborn's eye longer than necessary, then leans in again.

Their kiss lasts a little longer this time, Reborn resting his hand on the small of her back to nudge her closer.

"Wow!" Skull shouts again.

Luce giggles again, bringing a hand to her mouth, her eyes shining in delight. "Oh my."

"Is this supposed to be you keeping us stuck in here, Skull?" Lal asks.

"Yes! I didn't come here to—to… to go all kissy-kissy with you guys, okay? No one leaves before we talked about boundaries or some ground rules or something!"

"Oh no," Lal deadpans. "How am I to leave this room giving to the patio and to two different rooms if you block the door like that?"

The others snort, some chuckling.

"Skull, I'm sure no one here will kiss you if you don't want to," Fon says.

"I sure hope so," Viper is the one to answer. "As funny as this is."

"Unless you do want to?" Reborn asks, mischievous.

Skull gaps. "Excuse me?"

"Are you jealous, Lackey?"

"I am not—"

"You're blocking the way."

Skull startles, whipping around. "Verde! Nice timing! You won't believe what just happened."

"Yes, Verde, nice timing," Reborn says, in that distinct tone of voice that makes it clear he's up to something. "Why don't you give Skull a little kiss before he starts crying on us?"

Skull turns back around, or tries to anyway. "First of all—"

Verde grabs his face between his hands and kisses him. He keeps his eyes open, and so does Skull, entirely too dumbstruck to think of closing them.

It's a kiss, kiss, Verde being slow and methodical with it. He presses his lips flushed against Skull's, and coaxes him into moving his lips alongside his until they're both out of breath.

Verde takes his face in with critical eyes when they break apart, then looks past him just as critically. He raises his eyebrow. "Well?"

"Well?" Reborn echoes, sounding impossibly pleased with himself.

"I assume this was an experiment of some sort? What is supposed to happen now that I already missed?"

"Skull's hilarious reaction to you kissing him?"

Verde looks back at Skull, taking in his face again, still holding it between his hands. He huffs, but he's smirking. "Fine," he says, walking past him. "Acceptable, I suppose."

"You look even more tired than usual today, Viper," Fon says. Across from them Lal and Skull exchange a look, but decide to hope for the best as they get back to their breakfast. "It's because you spend all your time in your room, I keep telling you that, am I not? You should go out more, feel the sun on your skin, exercise your body more. Martial arts, for example…" Next to him Viper is clearly trying their best to tune him out, looking more and more tensed as the seconds pass. Fon keeps serenely drinking his tea, either ignoring them or being completely oblivious to it. "… was it about money again?" He sighs. "Really, Viper—"

"Shut up!" Viper shouts, standing and slamming their hand against the table, their chair clattering against the floor. Lal swiftly stands too, taking her breakfast with her, then backs away from the table. Skull hurries to do the same. "Shut up, shut up, shut up! Will you just fucking shut up?"

Fon frowns, tilting his head. "I'm only saying this for your own good—"

Viper grabs Fon by his shirt, hauls him up to his feet, and crashes their lips together.

"Holy shit," Lal says, a laugh in her voice, while Skull's jaw drops.

Viper's like possessed, pushing against Fon until they back him against the counter, never pulling away from the kiss even an inch. It's clearly one with a lot of tongue and teeth, which Fon looks and sounds like he's all for it, his hands tight on Viper's waist.

Viper pulls back only when their lungs burn from lack of air, but then of course Fon makes it into a competition. He grabs Viper's face and dives right back in for another fierce kiss, pushing them back near the table again.

Not one to let themself outdone, Viper tangles their fingers in Fon's hair, holding onto them like a lifeline. And whether they're the one to jump in his arms or Fon lifts them, they end up in his arms, their legs wrapped around his waist, Fon's arms wrapped around theirs.

Not one to let himself outdone either, Fon blindly and swiftly sweeps his arm across the table, clearing the way to lie Viper down on it.

"Oh my God," Skull says, halfway between horrified and turned on. "Listen here you guys, I do not consent to see anyone in the act—"

Lal bursts out laughing, and both of them go ignored as Fon and Viper keep kissing each other like their lives depend on it.

Lal walks to the others waiting at the door, all dressed up and dolled up, scowling. Ugh. She doesn't necessarily hate being the bait, nor does she hate high heels and sexy dresses, but both of these things coming together just has a way to irk her.

Luce gasps, clapping her hands, and walks the last few steps separating them. "Oh my God, Lal! Why the face, gorgeous? When you look absolutely…" she gives her a thorough once over "… swoon-worthy." She dramatically brings the back of her hand to her forehead, sighing deeply and dreamily before letting herself fall in her arms.

Lal catches her easily, rolling her eyes, wrapping her arm around her back. "Careful, will you?"

Luce grins. "Doesn't she look beautiful, guys?" A blush rises to Lal's cheeks at the following chorus of agreement, their eyes on her. "See? So what about giving us a smile? We'll get this done over with, and then we can enjoy the party in peace too."

Lal softens, her irritation seeping away from her. She hums, smiling, and leans down to peck her lips. "Thanks."

Luce frowns. "Your lipstick."

Lal rolls her eyes before kissing her again, firmer and longer this time, Luce laughing in the kiss before melting into it. To hell with her lipstick.

Verde worked on his last researches all through the night and well into the morning, and is now passed out on his chair. His head dangles past the edge of the chair, an open book in a precarious balance covering his face. Verde's not sure how or why he ended up working in the living room, just knows that his neck feels about to fall off any second now.

Assured footsteps walk closer, bringing with them the smell of coffee. "You still alive?" Reborn asks. Verde grunts. "Pity." Reborn moves his book higher up his face to better kiss him on the lips before putting it back the way it was. "You could use some chapstick, you know."

He leaves the coffee behind.

"Oh my God, Verde," Luce says, before hurrying to his side. She lifts the book to assess him, worry creasing her brows.

Verde closes his eyes again. "I'm fine."

Luce huffs. "Sure you are. Just go to bed already, will you?" She puts the book on the table, then removes his glasses from his face too.

"In a minute."

Luce huffs again. "Sure you will." She tangles her fingers in his fringe, pulling it back from his face, and briefly massages his scalp before kissing his forehead, the bridge of his nose, and the tip of his nose.

She brings him hot and fresh coffee, and puts his book back on his face before leaving.

The footsteps stop dead in their tracks for a moment before Lal speaks up, "Just looking at you is making my neck hurt like a bitch."

"It does hurt like a bitch," Verde says, making her snort.

"Then move your ass into a better position at the very least, will you?"

Verde hums noncommittally, and doesn't have to see it to know she rolls her eyes.

Lal puts the book away, then rests her hands on his shoulder and the back of his head before slowly resting his head against the table, Verde's bones cracking. "Honestly," she says, rubbing the back of his neck, and Verde breathes out a deep and contented sigh. "Just go to bed."

"In a minute."

Lal clicks her tongue, but still rubs his neck some more, and kisses the back of his head before leaving.

Viper snorts. "You're still wasting away in here?"

"Just trying to remember how to human again before I do something about it."

Viper snickers. "Your coffee's cold." Verde hums. He's left alone for a bit, and when Viper comes back, the room smells like hot and fresh coffee again. "Well, drink it at least. I don't work for nothing."

A smile pulls at Verde lips, and he peels his cheek away from the table. He leans his head against his hand, his elbow propped on the table, and sips his coffee with his other hand. "Thanks."

"You're hopeless."

"Just once in a while, when I'm on a verge of an important breakthrough. Never mind that, you're so blurry right now. Where are my glasses?"

Viper laughs again. They stand, and kiss his shoulder as they walk past him. "Just finish your coffee and go the hell to bed before I mist you there myself."

Verde wakes up to gentle fingers running through his hair and massaging his scalp, his head resting on his crossed arms. He turns it to the side, the wrong one, making Skull snort. He turns it the other way.

"Hey there," Skull says, his head also resting on the table on his folded arm. "You are still alive, that's good. You missed lunch too though, that's less good."

Verde frowns. "I am hungry."

"Yeah, I bet. We left some for you, so want to get your ass moving to go eat it?"

"In a minute."

Skull rolls his eyes. "Isn't that what you've been saying to us all morning?" He swiftly pecks his lips, then his cheek before standing. "I'll go bring it to you, so you better eat everything, alright?"

"Verde?" Fon calls out, a smile in his voice. "I've been sent to the rescue."

"Thank God," Verde sighs in his arms. He straightens in his chair, and stretches his arms above his head, his back cracking.

"Awful."

Verde breathes out a laugh. "Worse things happen in the world." He squints at the table. "Where are my researches?"

"One of the others must have put them away." Verde still squints at the table, but Fon's faster, holding his glasses to him. "Ready?"

Verde doesn't put up a fight when Fon lifts him in a bridal carry.

"Wait, I still had some coffee left. Is it cold?"

"I'm pretty sure it is, yeah. I'll bring you some again, don't worry."

Verde's already half-asleep when Fon tucks him in his bed. He kisses his forehead before leaving, and when Verde wakes up hours later, there's a brand-new cup of cold coffee on his bedside table.

Colonnello awkwardly stands aside as the others prepare to leave for a mission. He looks at them curiously, but bites in his apple sulkily. He came to see Lal, but clearly he got the timing wrong.

"Who the hell is that?" Viper asked when he showed up.

"Just a student of mine, don't mind him," Lal said.

"Small world," Reborn said, Colonnello smiling back at him as they looked at each other for too long, and neither of them bothered to explain anything despite the eyes on them.

"Nice to meet you!" Luce was the only one to greet him properly, and that was that before they promptly ignored him.

Well, Skull chose to stand next to him as he waits for the others to be ready too, and Colonnello decides it counts as something.

"Fuck," Lal says, patting herself, frowning. "Has anyone seen…?"

Fon steps next to her, smiling, handing her her pocket knife. "Here."

"Thank you," Lal says, taking it, then rises on her tiptoes to peck his lips.

Colonnello widens his eyes, his jaw dropping, his latest bite of apple falling from his mouth.

"Oh my God, I know right?" Skull blurts out, vindicated, grabbing him by his jacket and shaking him, making him let go of his apple. "Thank you. See that, guys?" he says, pointing at Colonnello, still holding onto his jacket. "This is the normal reaction to… to this." He furiously gestures at all of them. "And—"

Luce shuts him up with a long and sweet kiss, her hands at either side of his face. "We're all set," she says, smiling at him. "So let's just go, hm?" She pats his chest before walking past him.

Skull shuts up, blushing. He glances at Colonnello, catching his eye, looks at his hand that's still holding onto his jacket, then back at Colonnello again, frozen in surprise still, and what the hell, the guy's gorgeous and maybe it'll make him feel less embarrassed.

He steps closer to him, but then a hand on his face shoves him back, and he splutters. "Reborn!" he shouts in indignation, because who the hell else?

Reborn grabs Colonnello by the back of his head, and kisses him. Really kisses him, Colonnello stumbling against him, his surprised noise muffled in Reborn's mouth.

Before long they're both caught in their heated kiss though, chasing each other for more whenever the other pulls back even slightly. Reborn curls his fingers in his hair, pulling, and Colonnello groans in his mouth, holding him tighter and closer, shamelessly moving his hands all over him.

They're panting when they finally break apart, and Reborn entirely ignores Colonnello to instead look at Skull with a smug look on his face. "My childhood friend."

Skull's speechless, watching him walk away. "Are you—I can do whatever the hell I want!" he shouts after him, and to prove his point, grabs Colonnello by his jacket to pull him into another kiss.

Colonnello doesn't resist it, wrapping his arms around his waist as Skull wraps his arms around his neck. He kisses him back with just as much enthusiasm, letting Skull be rough with the kiss, moaning when he bites his lip. Skull slips his tongue in his mouth, but Colonnello takes the lead then, twirling their tongues together and sucking on his tongue, and Skull goes a little weak in the knees.

When they pull apart Skull's not sure where to go from there, though the lust in Colonnello's eyes opens up options. Skull yelps in surprise when a tentacle wraps around his waist, hauling him off his feet and pulling him away.

"Alright, you horny fucks," Viper says. "Let's just go before you strip that poor guy naked."

"Amen to that," Verde says, but not without amusement in his voice.

Fon chuckles. "That's that then." He pats Colonnello's shoulder as he walks past him. "Welcome to the group."

Colonnello's still dumbstruck when Lal steps in front of him, her hands on her hips. She smirks. "That was hot."

"Thanks," Colonnello croaks out, blushing.

"You look hot too right now."

Colonnello blushes harder. "Thanks." He clears his throat. "So, um. What's… going on here?"

Lal snorts. "Beats me. What was that with you and Reborn?"

Colonnello opens his mouth, closes it without saying anything, then shrugs. "Catching up on lost time?"

"Whatever you say." She steps even closer to him, her eyes intent on him.

"Wait!" Colonnello shouts, slapping his hands against her mouth. "Wait wait wait, just hold on a second, okay? I mean, both you and I know I would love nothing more but that, but I'm not ready for this right now." Lal raises her eyebrow. "No, listen—I mean, what the hell's going on in this house and between you guys? This is a lot to process okay, so just have some mercy on me for a goddamn second here."

Lal huffs a laugh against his hands, then swats them away. "Fine, your loss. Then get your ass moving, we're going."

A/N: This is just a silly, feel good, good timeline Arco story, but it was fun to write! Also turns out I'm still all about kisses a little huh lol.

Also I know the POV is kind of... wonky here, but I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to make of it for this story lol.

I hope you enjoyed the story! Any and all reviews are appreciated.

Thank you for reading!

- Hope