Maddy watched over the half wall that separated her and Light's claimed booth. "Dude, I can't believe you're on practice skin already. It's only been, what, three days since you started drawing up? Shit, I should have shadowed Beyond."

Gio snapped a glare from across the shop. "Fuck you too, Maddog!"

Maddy smiled and blew a kiss towards Gio causing him to blush deeply and busy himself in his booth. Light smirked as he practiced line work and spoke without looking up. "Shouldn't tease him like that."

Emerald eyes fell back onto the brunette as she folded her arms over her chest. "Oh yeah? Why is that?"

Light smiled pleasantly and clicked the tattoo machine off, his eyes departing his current task. "It's obvious he likes you. Flirts with you every chance he gets, blushes at you if you give him any attention. Not to mention when we're all together whenever he laughs, he instinctively looks at you."

Puffing her cheeks out in flustered frustration, Maddy shouted. "Oh! Big talk from someone who hasn't even had an actual kiss with the guy he likes!" Her hands clamped over her own mouth immediately at her realization of Beyond's location.

Golden eyes widened as visual daggers were stared at Maddy while speaking in a monotonous tone. "Why? Why would you do that to me? He's literally only a wall away from you in the storage closet."

Beyond rounded the corner carrying a couple boxes of gloves and other miscellaneous supplies. Maddy watched the raven with wide eyes hoping he didn't overhear what she had just loudly shouted. He threw a box of gloves over his shoulder at Maddy. "Catch, stupid." Maddy grabbed the box out of the air and started to breathe a sigh of relief as Light seemed to visibly relax. Beyond leaned over the half wall and motioned for Light to show him what he had done with his hand. Standing to show him the lines he'd practiced, Light yelped slightly when the collar of his shirt was grabbed and he was pulled towards the raven. Beyond smirked slyly at the brunette. "You should have said so sooner. So, is that what you want?"

Light could feel his face heating up and most likely turning red. "I- I mean, well, yeah."

Leaning a little closer to the brunette, Beyond whispered on Light's lips. "What are you waiting for?" Light shifted a quick glance off to the side before closing the gap between their lips. Light slowly backed up and whipped around the face the other direction while blushing fiercely. "I'm actually a little hurt. That means you never told her about the actual first one."

Maddy gasped and scolded Light. "What!? What does he mean?" Light hung his head in silence, covering his face with his hands, raising his shoulders in a futile attempt to hide.

Beyond chuckled under his breath as he walked towards his booth. "Nah. He's right, it barely counts. I kissed him, not very well, either. And, as far as kissing standards go, Light, that last one also barely counts. A little lackluster in my opinion." Beyond smiled as Maddy threw wads of paper at a couching Light who was attempting to hide in his booth with his face still covered, only showing the bright red tips of his ears.

"Maddog! Stop! Please! I'm one hundred percent sure his first kiss was a pity kiss! Stop throwing paper at me!"

Beyond folded his arms and leaned onto the half wall while smirking devilishly, while mimicking a pouty tone. "Oh, senpai, that hurts my feelings. That wasn't a pity kiss."

Light shot up a glare at Beyond. "Do not use my Japanese lessons against me to be cute!"

Grinning widely the raven chuckled. "No. You're right, I should try again later, but better this time." Glancing at his watch, Beyond sighed. "Hey, since we have the next few days off we should do some work on getting your stuff moved over and painting for when we sign the house over."

"I'd like to just stay right here and expire out of embarrassment." Light hugged his knees and hid his bright red face into his knees.

"Fine. But, then you're really going to be stuck with me if you become a ghost here of all places.. You'll never be rid of me. I'll use an Ouija board just to flirt with you."

Gio smiled at the banter between the two from across the shop. "Hey, Beyond, before you take off, smoke break?" The raven nodded and reached over the half wall to grab his coat from the nearby rack.

The two stepped out of the shop and lit their cigarettes. "Man, you shouldn't tease him like that either, he really likes you."

Beyond exhaled a plume of smoke from his nose. "Who said I didn't like him too?"

Gio nearly dropped his cigarette in surprise. "Wait, you do?"

Beyond smiled quietly. "Yeah. He's clearly over what happened. And I've been spending literally nearly every waking moment with him. Shit, I think if he decided to live anywhere else, I'd be sad." Flicking his ruby eyes up towards the darkening sky as large slow snowflakes started to drift down. "Sure, a little clingy, but I like it." Beyond lifted the hand that wasn't holding his cigarette and smiled nostalgically at it while closing it into a gentle fist. "We've talked about it and talked about it. He needs affection and I need to get over what happened. He isn't her. One time, he got excited and grabbed my hand, after we established he'd ask before just grabbing me. He, literally, audibly gasped, all but threw my hand out of his and then asked if he could hold it. I actually felt disappointed when he released my hand."

Gio nodded and chuckled. "So, it doesn't weird you out at all, him being your brother's ex? Not that I think it should."

"He's dead. I'm not." Beyond's tone was emotionless, teetering on venomous. "Why should he get all the good things life has to offer, why shouldn't I get to be happy too? Does Light have to die with him? Is he never supposed to move on again?" Taking a long drag of his cigarette; the raven exhaled a large plume of smoke. Continuing with a softer tone. "You know… after he died, I wasn't sure how I'd ever find closure with all the bullshit I've been through… but…" Beyond turned to look into the shop to see Light finishing up his end of shift tasks, a subconscious smile forced its way from the raven's lips. "I don't think I need it. My happiness was never my family's to rob me of. I did that to myself. It's my turn to smile and actually mean it."

Light opened the door and smiled at Beyond and Gio. "Okay! Ready!" Beyond shifted a glance at Gio before patting him on the shoulder and flicking his cigarette into the street. Light stared at Beyond's hand for a brief moment. "Can I hold your hand?"

Beyond shook his head childishly and responded in a matching childish tone. "Nope!" Light hung his head in momentary sadness before squealing as he was being lifted from the ground and swung around in a circle. "Later Gio! Ask Maddog out for fuck's sake!" Light giggled as he was set back down and reached for Beyond's outstretched hand before smiling widely and waving goodbye to Gio.

Gio shook his head silently while smiling at the couple before dipping back into the shop. Light smiled up at the sky watching large flakes fall from the cloud covered evening sky. Gasping as he was pushed up against the side of the building, in front of the exterior staircase that led to the apartments. Fluttering his eyelashes in confusion, he blushed when he realized Beyond was right in front of him with an arm on either side of him.

Light smiled as the raven leaned in and set a gentle kiss onto his lips. Feeling a fluttering sensation in his stomach, the brunette wrapped his arms up around the other's neck and deepened the kiss. A giggle threatened the back of his throat when Beyond pulled him into his arms for a tight hug. "Was that one better?"

Tucking his head under the raven's chin, Light sighed happily. "Yeah. But, what exactly provoked it?"

"Mm, that's a bit of a loaded question. I've always thought you were good looking. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being jealous of L when I first saw you. Maybe a bit of vindictiveness towards L? It could even be the fact that outside of Maddy, Gio or Julie, you're the first person to make me smile in a really long time? Or maybe because of your need for constant cuddles every night or you start tossing and turning and I've grown accustomed to them?" Beyond pulled his head back to look at the brunette. "I think you're spoiling me. I'm going to be in a bad way trying to sleep alone at this point."

Light swatted at Beyond's chest playfully. "Okay, okay. I get it."

Biting his own bottom lip, Beyond grinned and whispered into Light's ear huskily. "Oh. I don't think you do." The raven gently bit the tip of the brunette's ear, causing the latter to shiver, unable to tell if it was from the dropping temperatures or becoming increasingly flustered. Chucking at the response, Beyond continued. "You want to, maybe, take this upstairs?"

Grabbing Beyond's hand tightly, Light pulled him up the stairs wordlessly. 'Okay, I'm going to have to thank Maddy.' Clumsily pulling Beyond through the door and down the hall, Light impatiently tapped his foot on the floor waiting for the raven to unlock the door.

Shifting a side glance towards the brunette, Beyond smirked and slowed his own pace down to unlocking the door. Causing the brunette to groan which only provoked a delighted snicker from Beyond. Getting more impatient with the raven's antics, Light pushed the door open and pulled Beyond inside.

Excited, Light quickly pulled his own coat off and kicked his shoes off. The brunette yelped at the feeling of icy fingertips against his skin as his shirt came over his head. Light glanced over his shoulder and started to feel bashful for a moment. 'What is this? Why am I suddenly timid about this? Am I nervous?'

Sensing the hesitation in his partner, Beyond wrapped his arms around Light, just above his hips, from behind and whispered into his ear. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to."

Sighing happily at the gesture, Light stepped towards the bed and pulled his weight forward to land them on the bed. "Are you kidding? No, this is definitely something I want to do. I think it's just the first time I've slept with someone I actually have feelings for. But, this is definitely what I want."

"Good." Beyond grabbed Light and pulled him on top of himself and smiled. "So, where were you a few days ago?" Light blushed brightly and hummed in a curious tone. "Well, you're sober this time. That was the deal. Don't mistake it, you're last attempt was very, very hard to resist."

Smirking at Beyond's causal behavior, Light leaned down to the raven, placing a gentle kiss on the other grazing his bottom lip with his tongue. Light braced himself against the mattress with the palms of his hands as Beyond rested on his hips as the kiss naturally deepened. The brunette shivered with excitement as he felt his pants come loose.

Parting the embrace, Light sat up to continue the efforts of undressing only to have a loud intrusive knock on the door, startling both of them into staring at the door. Beyond shifted his eyes away from the door and to Light and whispered. "Think they'll go away if we stay quiet enough?"

Light huffed a silent laugh out before whispering back. "There's no way we'd be able to stay quiet. Sitting on your hips gave me a pretty good idea of what I'm working with."

Beyond smirked and winked slightly while placing his finger over his lips. The man outside groaned loudly. "Come on Beyond! Quit fucking around! You have a walk in! I know you're in there."

Scarlet eyes rolled as he shut his eyes slowly in annoyance. "Giooooo, Julie said I could leave. Can't they make an appointment? Who the fuck walks in and demands a particular artist. You snooze, you lose, get your shit together and get there sooner."

"They are demanding you. I guess you started something and never scheduled it to finish?"

Beyond mocked Gio with humorous facial expressions causing Light to stifle a giggle behind his hand. "If I started something and didn't book with them to finish they probably fucking suck."

"At least come down and book with them, or at least see who it is? They said they're a close friend?"

"For the love of! Fine! But, I want you to know, you just bought yourself a personal poltergeist!" Beyond rolled out of bed, slipping his shirt and coat back on. "I've killed before damnit, Gio, I'll do it again!" While slipping his shoes back on he sadly looked towards Light and whispered towards him. "I'm sorry," The raven hooked Light's chin and gave him a quick peck and whispered, "to be continued."

Light chuckled and started putting his shirt back on. "I'll just come along, maybe when it's done we can get some food?"

Beyond smiled at Light. "Sounds great. Sitting still is going to be a challenge." He lifted and shook his legs uncomfortably one at a time. Another knock came from the door. "Fuck! I'm coming! I'll be down in a second!"


Reentering into the shop, Beyond immediately froze which caused Light to walk into the back of him. "Huh?" Beyond tucked Light behind him as he stood nearly perfectly still, the raven's movements almost ushering Light out of the front door once again. Light craned his neck around the artist to see a woman cleaning her nails while waiting. "Are you okay?"

Beyond's jaw tightened and glared at the woman. "No. I'm not. Ashlyn. What the actual fuck?"

A busty blonde looked up from her long acrylic nails, her face lit up brilliantly at the sight of the raven. "There you are!" She stood up and immediately walked into Beyond's booth. "I want a piece done by only you. It cannot be anyone else. Trust me, they tried." She shot a wink at the raven.

Beyond shifted an uneasy glance at the other two artists, nodding at Maddy and then a quick glance towards Light. "No."

Ashlyn laughed loudly and started unbuttoning her shirt. "So, I want a sternum."

Taking a sharp breath in from his nose Beyond snapped a glare at her. "I said, no. I'm off for the rest of the day. And, news flash, we aren't dating anymore! You don't get to just show up when it's convenient for you and get a tattoo done. Surprise! You're not dating an artist anymore. So, you need to be processed like everyone else. I cannot do a walk-in appointment for a sternum. That requires an appointment. And, even if you book an appointment, my answer is still no. I have every right to decline services, if you want a sternum tattoo the other artists are just as capable, if not more so."

Ashlyn whipped her shirt open and started yelling at Beyond, near incohesively. He shouted back at her with just as much intensity with his hand over his eyes. Maddy hooked her arm with Light, leading him outside to escape the loud argument. As the door started to close, Beyond screamed. "Jesus Christ put your fucking tits away!"

Maddy just stared straight forward with a haunted expression on her face. "I didn't know that was his ex. Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit. I'd never actually seen her before, she would always come late at night and I usually put my headphones in at that point because the walls are thin… they used to argue so much."

Light sighed deeply and patted Maddy's hand. "It's okay. I'm sure it'll be fine. Oh, and thank you."

Maddy shifted her stare up to Light. "For what?"

"Pushing me. Thanks to you, I did finally get an actual first kiss from him. Although…" His golden eyes drifted back towards the screaming duo. "No thanks to Gio, I got cockblocked by his ex."

Maddy puffed her cheeks out before breaking into a nervous laughter. "Seriously!? That's all it took!?" Her emerald eyes also shifted back to the shop. "She does have nice boobs, too bad I know she's crazy." Light snorted before laughing.

Both Maddy and Light snapped their attention to the incoming figure from inside the shop. A loud shout happened before it went deadly silent. The door flew open and Ashlyn landed on the pavement, her coat flying out after her. "You don't ever come back! None of my artists will be doing any work for you!" Julie shouted at her as she slammed the door shut once again.

Light sighed. "So, I didn't get laid, and she didn't get her way. Almost seems like a waste."

Maddy rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "You aren't bothered?"

"Of course I am. I really like him. But it isn't like we're exclusive. It's not like he's asked me out." Light glanced down to his feet and sighed softly. "It's a nice dream to have him ask me out one day, but if we can be honest, we've only known each other for a little over a week." Light chuckled a little at Maddy's confused stare. "And it isn't like she's any competition, did you see his face?"

Maddy smiled and watched Beyond step out of the shop and light a cigarette. "He seems worked up. You should go talk to him. Can probably get him to calm down a bit. Oh, and, Merry Christmas in case I don't see you before it!" She waved at Light and slipped back into the shop to finish up her end of day tasks.

Timidly, the brunette approached Beyond. "Hey, all good? Did you still want to get dinner? Or maybe grab something cheap and cook at home?"

Scarlet eyes drifted towards Light as a ghost of a smile seemed to rise. "Whatever you want."

"No. No, I think we should focus on getting whatever you want, my psycho ex can't come back to haunt me. Yours just did. Maybe you pick what we do tonight."

Beyond smirked at the brunette and put his arm around Light's shoulders pulling him close to kiss the top of his head. "God, what a mood killer; a worthless one at that."

Julie folded her arms over her chest and smiled at the two outside from the interior of the shop, watching them walk to Beyond's car. Sighing happily as she wrote Ashlyn's information and stuck it to the register with a thick black sharpie - "do not service".

The car started and sat in place while the engine warmed up. Light sat happily in the passenger seat as Beyond raised his hand with his pinky extended. Golden eyes landed on the gesture which was happily returned by clasping his own pinky with the other. Beyond cleared his throat which caused Light to raise his eyebrows in interest. "So, in the spirit of our promise, that was my most recent ex. She and I dated kind of on and off. I'd fuck up, she'd get mad and ignore me, I'd eventually get pissed over it and break up with her. Sometimes she broke up with me. Seeing her today…" The raven chuckled almost manically. "My only thought was to keep her away from you."

Light frowned slightly and set his other hand on top of both of their hands. "I'm not a damsel that needs saving. All I need from you is you. She wants to fight me over you? It's her loss, I practiced kendo when I lived in Japan."

Beyond smirked before laughing and kissing the top of Light's hand. "You're ridiculous. I'm not worth fighting over."

"I think you are." Light pulled his hands back from the other and sighed heavily. "So, sometimes when I watch you tattoo someone I can't help but feel a little jealous. Not in a bad way. But, I want to be touched." Light laughed a little nervously. "Sometimes it feels like... the opposite of being bruised. Like a pressure that's pushing outward on my skin and eventually causes it to ache. It's probably all in my head, but if I go too long without you touching me... It can feel like that."

Beyond snapped loudly. "I got it. What I want to do tonight." Light tilted his head in curiosity. The raven reached over and gently ran the back of his fingers over Light's cheek. "Let's grab some junk food, eat like shit and let me tattoo you."

Light gave a warm smile in response. "I'd like that."