Work Text:
Kazuma walks Ryunosuke down to the docks with the others. Before they can join the group, Kazuma pulls Ryunosuke aside.
"I'm...staying here."
"Oh. Good."
"Good? That's all you can say?"
"What do you want me to say?"
"Anything. Anything other than that."
Ryunosuke looks away. "When did I allow your life to overtake my own? How much have I really lived? I care deeply about you, Kazuma, but I can no longer live in your shadow."
In contrast, Kazuma can't look away. He sighs softly. "When did your life become mine?"
"A long time ago."
"Then it is for the better that you are leaving. I must defeat the ugly thing inside me. I can't stand the thought of you not being able to look me in the eye."
Ryunosuke, hearing this, meets Kazuma's eyes for the first time since they walked down to the dock. He steps closer and gently tilts Kazuma's chin up.
"One day I will be," he whispers.
Ryunosuke places his own lips on Kazuma's. They are soft, and Kazuma takes a minute to marvel at how perfectly they fit against his. He places his hands on Ryunosuke's waist, pulling him closer, and savoring the moment.
They both pull back at the same time.
"Why did you make it so much harder for us to part now?"
Ryunosuke laughs softly and presses their foreheads together. "It's a promise. A promise that I will be waiting for you, partner." He places another kiss on Kazuma's forehead.
Kazuma smiles and takes Ryunosuke's hand. "Come on, let's join the others."
They walk back to the group, hands clasped together the whole way.