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Are you ready for tomorrow? Our big day?
As ready as I'll ever be.
Those words played in loop in Vanders head as he greeted another guest of the union potluck with an absent smile and gestured to the buffet table on the far end of the courtyard. Silco thought it better of them to forgo the function altogether. They could use this time to prepare for more important matters, he had explained. As far as Vander was concerned, there was never too much good morale to go around, and they had to maintain the image of community oriented, law abiding citizens instead of the vigilantes and radicals that made up a majority of their circles. The duo had even gone so far as to dress for success, adorning their usual attire with nicer jackets and polished boots, tidying their hair, masterfully masking yet another hangover. The food was good, the weather was fair, the sun was shining through the smog, and the turn out couldn't have been any better. Despite this, Vander’s focus still lies elsewhere. Was everything in place for tonight? Would they really go through with it?
He was nearly consumed by his thoughts by the time he seated himself for lunch at the long table, only to take a couple bites and push the rest around the plate. Silco had to call his name three times from the podium before Vander realized. He gasped quietly and stood so suddenly from his chair that he nearly knocked over his plate. Silco's gave him a look that says ‘Have you gone deaf?’ but his mouth says “Please, forgive the big lug, you know working the mines will have you hard at hearing.”
A bout of laughter from the audience broke the tension in the air and settled Vanders nerves as he approached the podium, and they settled even more so when Silco took the time to pick lint from his shoulder and pull a wrinkle free from his tucked shirt. Vander smiled genuinely at the kind gesture, (He imagined Silco could sense his unease, thank goodness for that) but there was something vaguely flustering about having eyes on them as it happened.
“Thank you, Silco. Uh-”
Vander met eyes with a few of the audience members and froze. He wasn't sure why Silco insisted on his public speaking today. Sure, Vander knew how to turn on the charm in a more casual setting, but his friend was so much better with words than him, so much more enticing and coordinated. Another moment of silence and suddenly Silco was in his ear, telling him to speak from the heart. His racing, pounding heart, that he was sure had picked up pace tenfold in that moment. Fluttering in his big cage of ribs like the wings of the courtyard butterflies. Silco had that effect on him from time to time. So... exhilarating! Motivating! Vander closed his eyes, sucked in a deep breath, and placed his hands firmly on the podium. When he opened his eyes again, he was ready.
“Good afternoon, folks.”
“Good afternoon!” The Zaunites call back in unison. The sound of their voices filling the outdoor venue put a grin on his face and a fire in his chest.
“I'm so glad you all could make it. Really, seeing all of your faces and support here today makes the fight that much easier. We've grown such a community since the start of it all and I couldn't be more grateful.”
Dramatic pause for a pitter patter of clapping, but also a moment to stall.
“Now, I'm sure we're all aware as a people of the many forces outside of our control that cause us great disparities...which is why we work so diligently to take the reins of our city and make changes where we can. Wherever it is due, however big or small. Even if it's just...a lunch. Or helping a neighbor. Your brother. These are the building blocks to the foundation of our city. Camaraderie. Action. Not against each other, but against those with self proclaimed power.”
The crowd offered an applause to Vander's encouraging words, giving him a moment to think on his next move. His gaze fell to Silco on his right who was smiling softly, but confused by his sudden hesitance. After a second he turned his attention back to the Zaunites situated at their tables, waiting for his next words.
“But a solid foundation is only a start, right? Just the surface. So, uhm...what else does a home need?”
“Uh, doors?”
Vander snapped his fingers with enthusiasm and pointed to the skinny redheaded youngster with his augmented hand raised high.
“Yes! Operotinity. What else?
“A roof!” Shouted a rugged, checkerboard toothed older woman.
“Yes.” Vander replied with a smile. “Glass ceilings. Heights to reach. All of that-”
“Needs walls.” Replied a man with dark skin and locked hair. His enthusiasm is reserved, but Vander can see the gleam in his eyes and the corner of a smile.
“Yes...A real means of protection and regulation. Not the disgrace and tyranny that is the enforcers.”
“What about a nice garden?” Silco chimed in. He sounded sarcastic as he stood there pleasedly with crossed arms, but he was rather impressed by Vanders words and was curious of his reply.
“Yes, Silco...A Garden. The fruits of our labor. Clean air and sustenance.” He said with conviction, and then looked at the crowd again.
“All great examples. Sounds simple enough. But it's not simple, and we're going to have to take much bigger steps to obtain these goals. Going to have to take much bigger risks to prove our determination. And that's exactly where we're headed today. Soon, we will begin a new era of ways!”
With that being said, Vander returned to his seat with a standing ovation and allowed Silco his closing words. His grin stayed put for the duration of Silco's goodbyes and then the lunch was dismissed. A good portion of the attendees took their leave, but the others stuck around to mix and mingle and drink. There was a couple that took it upon themselves to get music flowing with the wine. One with an old fiddle, the other seated in the soft grass, playing a wood crate like a snare drum. Vander got his hands on a bottle of fine strawberry wine and found himself a brick wall to lean against, slowly sinking back into his thoughts. Silco found him there moments later with a lit cigarette between his fingers.
“Easy on the wine, there. We have a job tonight.”
“I know we have a job, that's why I have the wine.”
Silco blew smoke from his nose, amused by his defensive tone.
“A few of our comrades are here. If they see you all wound up they'll think they have a reason to worry.”
“I mean, don't we? It's not like you're one to talk. I thought you were quitting.”
Silco held his smoke for a breath longer and then exhaled another thin cloud.
“Ah...no worse than the grey.” He rebutted.
Vander smiled at that and took a little side step as if welcoming the smaller man into his space. “You're nervous, too. Aren't you?”
“Of course I am. It's just that only you have the eye for it...” He leaned back against the wall next to Vander and held out the cigarette to him. He accepted it with a sigh and took a long drag. Then, he placed the unopened bottle of wine on the ground next to him and slung his heavy arm over Silco’s shoulder, pulling him in. Silco is startled and embarrassed, but he can't find it in himself to fight the heat of the bigger man's body and the feel of his supple chest muscle pressed against his cheek bone.
“This time tomorrow...” Vander began. “We'll be celebrating at the bar... Or behind bars. But we will be celebrating. And we’ll be together. Do you hear me?”
Silco heard him just fine. He could feel his words, too; raspy and rumbling in his ribs with his big beating heart, overflowing with his passions and sympathy. It was as if he could feel this transfer of devotions and love through his embrace, and it was overwhelming. Mortifying in its intensity. Silco stared wide eyed off into the distance as he raised a hand to Vander's forearm and held it.
“I hear you.”
_______________________________
At 8:49 that evening a young, Zaunite woman named Sophie is positioned on a clifftop a couple dozen yards from the property and estate of one of the many crooked business tycoons that had their pockets in the mines, Chem Baron Baxter. Sophie is well hidden by the shadows of the night and the tall, swaying grasses she lay in as she watched over the land. That was her duty for the night, and she was well equipped for the job. Her eye augmentation came with three specially tinted monocle lenses suspended one in front of the other over her eye with the support of elegantly twisted copper. She could see in the dark with this special monocle and far too.
Even from high ground and yards away, Sophie could perceive the characteristics of Baxter’s home; the stone detailing of the cobble walkway, the stained glass panelling on the door, the maintained shrubbery and beds of moonflower, the rippling water of the softly flowing tributary that he was so adamant on being apart of his property despite the water quality being too poor for any worthwhile fishing or even a decent swim. Its proximity to his home only fed his ever growing ego and displayed the pretentious nature that garnered the hatred of the union and those who were like-minded.
Tonight, Chem Baron Baxter was running fashionably late for an evening council meeting, and it was testing the patients of all those against him. According to Vander's sources, and the chauffeur that had already arrived for Baxter, he should have left his home over half an hour ago. Sophie had just begun to question the validity of Vanders' sources, but then she witnessed the handle of the Chem Baron's front door rattle and dip. She gasped silently as the front door opened and revealed who she’d been waiting hours to see. Her hand trembled as she retrieved the walkie talkie nestled deep inside one of her many pants pockets and pressed the button.
“The Chicken has left the coop. Repeat, the Chicken has left the coop. Over!”
Vander's heart slammed against his ribs as he turned his gaze to Silco in the dark.
“You hear that, Silco?”
“Oh, I heard it.” He murmured with resolve.
The boys were dressed in all black and positioned a quarter of a mile upstream from the estate with their canoe pulled ashore. The stream was less narrow here (wide enough and fast enough for their little boat) and far enough from Baxter or any other residence to take notice of them.
As soon as the duo heard their que, they snatched their big backpacks from the parked canoe and marched with urgency through the tall grasses until they were only a few yards from his cobblestone walkway. Vander hesitated there before reaching for his walkie talkie.
“You're sure he's gone?” He whispered into the device. Sophie replied back with an affirmative yes, and communicated that the barron had left down the back road in shiney, black vehicle just minutes ago.
“Don't you worry, Capn’. It's all clear.” She was muffled by the freshly lit cigarette between her plump lips, but Vander heard her loud and clear. In the distance he could see other union comrades approaching out of the hills beyond and suddenly the reality of their situation was rattling him with full body chills.
It was now, or never.
The boys looked to each other in unison, knowing they shared the same exhilaration, and pulled their masks over their faces. They were hand carved from wood by a local and made especially for them; Vander's being designed after a grey wolf, and Silco's being designed after a crow. There was something so mesmerizing to Vander about the single lock of dark hair from Silco's bangs that accented the bird mask like a silken feather in the moonlight.
The brief spell he was under was broken when Eddie announced he had picked the lock. He was a stalky, dark-haired teenage boy with glasses so thick that the lenses magnified his deep green eyes to a near comical level. He flopped onto his butt in relief, trying to catch his breath. He was easily winded (the adrenaline of the moment certainly wasn't helping), and walked with a leg brace, so he agreed to keep watch right where he had planted his behind. Silco gave the boy a heartening pat on the head before passing the threshold of the Chem Baron's front door with Vander and several other determined Zaunites. They all seemed a little dumbstruck by the open foyer and the penetrating quiet, but Silco and Vander snapped them out of it.
“Alright. Don't just stand around.” Silco encouraged.
“That's right.” Vander rebutted. “Does everyone remember their part?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Affirmative!”
“This place is huge...”
“Let's get started, then...” Silco said with a growing smile. He removed his backpack at once, quickly unzipped it, and pulled out a purple suede sack tied shut with a black bow. He pulled the bow loose and promptly held his breath before the pungent smell could reach his nose. One day soon he'd have to ask Lest what exactly these things were made out of, but for the time being, ignorance was bliss and the clock was ticking. He handed out bundle after bundle of mystery stench incense to his followers, instructing them to light a few in every room in approximately half an hour, only after nailing every widow shut. The remainder would be burned in Baxter's fireplace so whatever fumes left his chimney would stink up every acre he owned.
Once the bag was nearly empty, Silco discovered a note at the bottom of the sack and plucked it free.
Good luck, boys.
You're doing amazing things, I'm sure you'll make good use of my gift!
I'm sorry I couldn't be there.
Still grounded for the rest of forever, but one day I will break free! >:(
Until then, xoxo.
-Lest
Silco admired the letter fondly in his hands. Vander caught a glimpse of him standing stationary in the middle of the floor and got curious. He snuck up behind the smaller man and peaked over his shoulder just in time to read the letter himself. He smiled under his wolf mask and held Silco's shoulder in support.
“No time to get misty eyed, Silco. Let's go.”
Silco scoffed and put the letter back in his bag, swallowing a lump in his throat.
“Don't be ridiculous. Was just collecting myself.”
“Yeah, right...”
“Don't test me!” Silco argued, following after his accuser.
Now it was time to set their part of the plan into motion; collecting valuables to fund the Union and community donations. Of course, some of the spending would go towards the duo. Silco figured they deserved it after a job like this.
Initially, the boys had split ways to save time. Silco got his hands on a decorative vase with emerald accents that had been collecting dust on a mantle, while Vander scored a few elegantly crafted wood pipes (one of which he would surely be sprucing up and keeping for himself), but eventually they meet on the same hallway with their backpacks softly clattering and jingling with their new found treasures. There was only one room left on this hallway that the duo hadn't checked.
The master bedroom.
The boys exchanged a knowing look through their masks before Silco reached for the door knob and casually walked inside. For whatever reason, Vander had to take a moment to summon his courage, but soon enough he followed after him.
Chem Baron Baxter's room, albeit messy, was well furnished and stylized with green hues and shiny things. The tall bed frame was polished wood, and so was the vanity dresser with gold trimming around the mirror. Vander spotted more wood pipes that had been recently used on a messy desk, and a few plaques on the back wall. On the right side was a sliding door that Silco revealed to be a big walk-in closet. He had starry eyes as he gazed into it and then disappeared inside. Vander swallowed anxiously and followed behind him. Once he passed the threshold, he was just as wonderstruck. There were rows and rows of fine suits, shoes, and belts, mantels and shelves on the walls adorned with glittering rings and watches and chains.
“...Wow.” Vander murmured dreamily. He plucked a classy silver watch from its place and watched it glitter in his hand under the dim light. When he raised his gaze, Silco was slipping out of his leather jacket and lifting his black cotton t-shirt. Vander gasped and watched him with the most dumbfounded expression. Silco was cracking a joke the next moment, saying something about Baxter being a ‘well dressed son of a bitch’, but in that moment he could hardly hear over the sound of his heart.
“What are you doing??” Vander hissed.
“Combing through my options.” He cooed, snatching a silver studded leather belt from a hanger and miraculously buckling it around his chest like an expensive measuring tape. The width of the accessory made it so that the only thing covered was his nipples, and the allusion of Silco's barely concealed nudity gave Vander the strangest bout of butterflies and pinpricks. The sensation nearly pulls a giddy, nervous laugh out of him. Instead, his lips floundered for any excuse to leave as Silco draped a black suit jacket with red accented threading and insides onto his shoulders like a cloak. He lifted his mask the next moment, revealing perfectly flirty eyes and pouty lips.
“Why don't you try something on?” Silco says over his shoulder.
“You've lost it.” Vander murmured, looking behind himself as if he expected someone to come home at any moment.
“Come on, no one’s coming.”
“Seriously, we have to leave soon.” Vander said gently, averting his eyes. He hadn't lifted his mask, but Silco could see a familiar pink blush on the exposed skin of his neck and jaw. He reveled internally at this tiny spectacle and lowered his mask again.
“Fine...grab whatever's left, my bag is full.” He mumbled begrudgingly.
“You're wearing that out of here?”
“Of course I am.” Silco said flatly, collecting his favorite rings and placing them on every finger.
Vander shook his head and plucked Silco's discarded clothes from the floor so his foolishness didn't accumulate evidence in their wake. He was vaguely aware of the scent of the smaller man's cologne as he pushed the garments into his backpack.
“I wasn't going to leave them.” Silco said plainly, patting the big man's chest with his newly bedazzled hand as he squeezed by. Vander exhaled a steadying breath and followed his friend out of the closet. When had he become so breathless?
As they made their way back to the foyer, a racket amongst the others could be heard. Silco and Vander turned the corner to see two young ladies trying to break open a big wood crate in the middle of the living room. Vander furrowed his brows and watched for some time before stepping in.
“Is that uhm...is that what I think it is in there?”
The two ladies that had been battling with the wood box looked to Vander and backed away from it.
“Oh,Vander! Yeahhh, we can't get it open...Cool outfit, Silco!”
Silco thanked them with a small smile and a bow before turning his attention to Vander, who was inquisitively circling the wood box. He curiously tapped one side with his knuckles, then lightly kicked the opposite end with his boot. After a light inspection, Vander removed his backpack and casually retrieved his mining gauntlet from the depths of it. He made a show of dusting it clean, sank his fist inside, and gradually wound back his fist to strike.
This should be interesting. Silco thought, watching from afar with his hands in his back pockets.
“Here we go!” Vander declared, and then smashed his gauntlet into the side of the crate. There was a symphony of squeaks coming from inside the box after the surprise attack, and the next moment there were dozens of mice rushing out of the new exit, some of which decided to climb Vanders arm in their escape. Vander belted a fearful shout and snatched his arm free so suddenly that he lost his footing and fell butt first onto the cold tile floor. The two ladies present burst into laughter at the events that unfolded, and Silco could hardly contain himself either. Vander swiftly stood from the ground once the mice had scurried away elsewhere and dusted himself off. He couldn't even hide his shame behind his mask with it skewed to the side of his head from the commotion.
“Alright, alright...Let's get those incense lit. The fireplace, too. C’mon.”
The two women apologized through their giggles and did as they were told. It seemed as if their grand plan was coming to a close as everyone packed their things and gathered in the foyer. Silco sat crossed leg on the bottom steps of the staircase, writing in his journal. Vander approached him after some time and leaned back against the wall, looking down at him. He gently lifted the man's mask to get his attention, but even then he didn't look up from his paper.
“...Is that the note?”
“Mhm.”
“Can I read it?”
“You’ll see it when it's done. Now skram, you're blocking my light.” He mumbled lightheartedly, and shooed him away with his hand. Once the wall-sized shadow Vander created was lifted Silco found his train of thought and continued his writing. He read over his words several times to be sure it was what he wanted and then ripped it from the notebook. Slowly, he approached the front door and taped his note to the frame. A few gathered behind him to read what it said, but Vander was the first.
Dear Beastly Baron Baxter.
I’m sure you are curious of the current state of your once lovely home. I imagine you'll enter through the front door, whiteness the disarray, and wonder to yourself ‘What have they done?’ or ‘Who is responsible for this?’
One of these questions I may answer.
To put it quite simply, you are an awfully greedy man. A pretentious, undeserving specimen; one not worthy of rest in his ivory, waterfront tower in the hills, while the Zaunites you send to work long days in the caves have to lay their heads in the nearly unlivable conditions you set into place for them.
I could be the devil's advocate and presume perhaps you are unaware of their suffering, that perhaps the only evil present is your blissful ignorance and gluttony.
Well, Baxter, how about a fair trade? A learning experience?
We present to you the suffering of these men. Experience their hell, while the people experience the luxuries their hard work permits you. They thank you greatly.
With all the hatred in our hearts
-Zaun <3
It was a strangely serene moment as they gathered round to admire Silco’s words. That was until a growing commotion could be heard from outside. They all seemed to look to the front door in unison, and then suddenly Eddie could be heard yelling Vanders name from his spot just outside. Vander didn't hesitate to snatch open the front door and look onto the yard. His jaw dropped at the sight before him as he stood at the start of the cobblestone walkway.
While things had been winding down inside, they had only escalated in the yard. Several patches of grass had been burned to ash along with the bed of moonflowers. Luckily, the fire hadn't spread, or else the entire field this estate resided on would have been completely engulfed in flames. There was a sign by the river bank that read PLEASE DROWN HERE and another that read BIG FAT TRAITOR, something that Vander likely would have been tickled by if it weren't for the rest of the chaos. Eddie called his name once again and pulled at his pant leg, snatching him out of his horrified transe.
“Vander! You listenin’? Those two knuckleheads over there are goin’ at it, I don't even know why they're here!”
Vander didn't recognize them either. He figured there could be the possibility of unwanted looters if they attracted too much attention, but he had a feeling this was more likely the result of word of mouth traveling a little too far. The two strange men were fighting fiercely over found valuables, and the situation was only getting worse as he stood by. Vander quickly approached them and attempted pulling one off of the other by the collar of his red jacket.
“Enough! You're going to attract attention, we have to get out of here-”
“Let go ah’ me!”
“This is exactly why the valuables were left to Silco and I. You people don't know how to act!”
“Psh, left to you? Why? So you can keep it for yourself?” The miscreant responded, in all his growing anger and embarrassment. “You're just as bad as the shareholders!”
The rascal's opponent gasped and shoved him as hard as he could. “You watch you're fuckin’ mouth about Vander!”
“You're such a kiss ass...He's no better than us, y’know!” He growled, and then suddenly the two of them were brawling again. Vander swore under his breath and attempted pulling them apart a second time, but before it happened the brute in red reached into his pocket and tossed his throwing knives into the equation. Fortunately for the intended target, the man in red was a bad shot and only slightly nicked his shoulder through his shirt, but because Vander was situated just behind him, he received the brunt of the attack.
One knife had completely embedded itself deep into Vander's thigh, and the other cut his tricep even through his jacket sleeve. In all his shock, he can't even find the breath to scream. He simply winced and fell to his knees, holding his right leg for dear life as blood drained around the sharp mettle wedge into his flesh. The man in red couldn't believe his eyes. He neared Vander with unsteady steps, wailing apology after apology, but the rest of the pack kept him at bay, threatening them with blades and weapons of their own. Silco was at Vander's side once the initial shock subsided and was granted control of his fear-stricken legs. He was sick to his stomach with rage knowing these events unfolded right at the end of their job, but he held it together for his friend.
“Vander? Can you stand?”
“Ah, I think so.” He groaned.
“Good. Let's get to the escape raft, shall we?” He grunted, using all of his strength to get Vander to his feet. Sophie had come down from her spot on the hill when she noticed all of the ruckus and volunteered to help Vander to his raft as well. Thankfully she was almost as tall as Vander, and fairly strong, too.
Together, the three of them gathered in the raft and unanchored it before gently floating down stream. Vander had lost quite a bit of blood at this point, but even in his half conscious state, he was thankful to be alive and doing his best to thank the two of them as he babbled into the sky, stopping occasionally only to wince and hold his leg. Sophie seemed rather distraught to see Vander in this state, but Silco knew he would be okay. Tomorrow they'd be celebrating just like he’d said, and everything would be back to business.
Soon, the stream would lead the three of them to the caves their hideout resided in. Silco did his best to comfort Sophie in the meantime.
Vander vision fades to black just before they arrive.
__________________________________
Vander blinked open his eyes. His vision is spotty and blurred, and the orbs of blinking lights around him are soothing, but too bright. This is a familiar place. He is aware he is not stationary (moving forward?), but can't figure out if he's being moved, or moving himself.
Before he can obtain any further understanding, his vision fades to black.
__________________________________
Vander’s consciousness is yanked back to the surface when the pain in his leg reaches an intensity so jarring that he's convinced it's brought him back from the dead. He realized he was yelling when Silco put his hand over his mouth.
“Shit. I was hoping you would be out for this...”
The blade that had been previously embedded in his thigh was now held tightly in Silco's grasp, caked in his own blood. Had he removed it just now? And when had they gotten back to the hideout? Vander swallowed hard to fight a sudden onset of nausea and sat up straighter on the wooden wall bench.
“Where...where is Sophie?”
“She went home. Here, take this.”
Vander groaned in anguish and reached for the flask of liquor, taking a big gulp. Silco took it from him the next moment and then handed him a wood spoon to bite down on instead.
“I have to...take down your pants to bandage you. Bite down. Hard.”
“God-just kill me.” Vander cried.
“Seriously...after I wheeled you all the way down here?”
“By yourself??”
“Well, most of the way. I wasn't going to show that girl where our hideout was.”
“You're crazy.” Vander says with an incredulous laugh. He can feel tears welling in his eyes.
“The wheelbarrow helped quite a bit, actually. Now bite down.”
Vander sighed, closed his eyes, and bit down on his spoon. He just barely contained another scream as Silco pulled his trousers down his legs. The motion tugged at the open wound and made him wish for another fainting spell. Unfortunately it never comes, but Silco rewarded him with another shot of whiskey and a pat on the back to assuage his sorrows.
Vander did his best to rest his eyes while Silco searched for the first aid kit. Eventually he found it tucked away in some little nook and brought it to Vander. His eyes fluttered open when he sensed Silco’s proximity and looked down at the man on his knees as he wiped blood from his skin. His touch was feather light and so precise. He couldn't remember the last time someone handled him with such care. He smiled when he noticed for the first time that Silco had removed his rings and the belt around his chest. The only new article of clothing remaining was the suit jacket that was two sizes too big. Vander thought he looked rather passive when the flashiness was gone and all that remained was a bare upper body swimming in luxurious fabric.
“Aw...don't tell me you lost your outfit, Silco.” He joked. His words were beginning to slur, from both exhaustion and the liquor replacing his lost blood. The man in question blew air from his nose, amused by his genuine inquiry.
“Oh, don't you worry. I've got it all tucked away.”
“Good.”
“Ah, I'll likely pawn it all. It was silly of me to try it on...”
Vander furrowed his brow, perplexed by the shift in his tone. Had he been too harsh on him back then? He couldn't recall.
“No, it's a good look. You should keep it. Silco...?”
“You could've died tonight.”
“I didn't.”
“But you could've. And I was playing dress up in that scumbag's closet-”
“Well, it was sort of funny.” Most things were, in hindsight.
“Ugh, I'm being serious, Vander.”
“I'm not quite sure how to be serious about that...” He cooed with worry. Silco's distress was troubling. He could tell it was all hitting him at once, like things of this nature often did, and he would only spiral deeper if his woes were not contained. Vander took a deep breath and laid a heavy hand on his friend's shoulder in solitude.
“You're...an inspiration, Silco. Tonight was incredible.”
Silco raised his gaze as he said this, and knew that he meant it when he saw genuine adoration swimming in his sleepy eyes. Silco parted his lips to thank him, but it's all caught in his throat when his eyes begin to well with tears. The stiffening anxiety in his body fell away at that moment and left him feeling weak and shaky; vulnerable under Vander's weighted touch. A stuttering breath shook the smaller man's chest when this welling of emotion reached its peak. Vander could sense the cracking of his emotional reservoir and tenderly cradled his partner's head in his hand just before his wall of composure crumbled away. Silco leaned into his touch like second nature and let the tears fall into the comfort of his big, warm palm. Vander was deeply honored to be the one Silco leaned on, but to see him in such a pitiful state after the night they had was devastating. He was blinking away tears of his own as he dragged his thumb over Silco's damp cheekbone, then gently raised his head.
“I couldn't have asked for a better partner.” Vander's usually strong, raspy voice had deteriorated to something watery with emotion. He was pleased to see the sparkle return to Silco's eyes after hearing such tender praise from his friend. He turned his head and whispered something into his hand, holding their eye contact all the while. Vander couldn't quite make out what he was saying, but he could feel the heat of his breath and the graze of his soft lips like the tease of a kiss. The brief instance of intimacy planted a seed of yearning in his gut that threatened to blossom with every respiration.
“W-What was that?” Vander whispered, with his heart pounding so hard it shook his words.
“That boy was wrong about you...”
His lips gathered in the center of Vanders palm once again, and this time he's sure it's a kiss. Silco, his bedrock, his closest companion and partner in crime, was kissing his skin, and although it is unfamiliar territory, it feels perfectly safe as it happened; perfectly enthralling.
“You're the most selfless man I've ever met...a shame considering you deserve the world and more. Do you hear me, Vander?”
“I hear you...” Vander breathed, staring at Silco With an intensity that warmed his insides like a hot spring.
Another needy breath against Vanders palm and suddenly Silco is thoughtlessly rising from his knees with the help of mountain-man’s supporting hold. Time froze around them as their faces hesitated a breath away, procrastinating the inevitable with bitter-sweet laughter and roaming eyes that always returned to parted lips. The air was buzzing with their collective anticipation, rivaling the thrill of their big day. It was overwhelming, invigorating, and new. All caution fell away once the suspens became too much for Silco to bear. He pressed his hand against the wall to find his balance and slowly closed the space between them. Vander whimpered just before their lips met and hummed blissfully into the kiss as Silco's soft lips worked against his.
Vander was a messy kisser, Silco realized, and to think that he knew this fact first hand was strangely rewording. How many times had he sat at the bar with his journal and wondered what these lips were like? How many times had he recognised the fire in his stomach whenever he witnessed his gorgeous smile and hot tongue working against the mouth of some other lucky bastard that Felicia or the liquor had encouraged him to approach? Thinking of the thrill and curiosity he harbored even back then deepened their lip lock into something hungry and passionate. It wasn't long before Silco took it a step further and offered his tongue, and Vander welcomed the intrusion with a soft grunt and a shudder. He glided his hand up Silco's back to cradle the nape of his slender neck, and then kissed him with so much power and longing that Silco’s knees nearly buckled under the weight of it all. He groaned into his greedy mouth and attempted crawling into his open lap, but as soon as he put his weight down on Vander's right thigh, he pulled away from the kiss and hissed in pain. Silco gasped and quickly stepped away.
“Shit...what am I doing?”
“It's okay...” Vander murmured, reaching for his partner's waist as he slipped away. Silco shook his head no and slowly sank to his knees next to the first aid kit.
“Got... distracted.” He whispered absently, unrolling a length of bandage for Vanders thigh. He could see the gears turning behind Silco's eyes as he wrapped his wound and feared he was second guessing whatever it was that just happened between them. It was a dreadful experience to feel his walls rising after such an intimate moment. Vander swallowed a lump in his throat and caressed Silco's arm as he worked.
“It's okay. Really.” He says once again. Silco looked up at Vander, trying to decipher what exactly it was that he was forgiving him for. After some consideration, he figured it foolish to assume Vander was referring to his sore leg when his soft, glossy eyes still bore into him like that. Silco scoffed and lowered his head, amazed by his own delusions.
“What's funny?” Vander cooed, watching as Silco spread his bloodied fingers over his newly bandaged wound. Was he admiring his handy work or the muscle underneath? Vander couldn't tell.
“Oh, nothing... Let's just get you to bed. And into some clean clothes, yeah?”
Vander dreaded the idea of moving from one place to the other in this state, but he'd done braver things tonight. However, after a grave moment of realization, he recognised that he needed some time to gather his bearings before the treacherous bedtime transfer. Bearing the pain was one thing, but concealing the evidence of his previous excitement was another. It was a shame that the whiskey had decided not to burden the function of his flesh tonight. His shirt concealed him for now, but if he stood...
“Vander?”
“Oh, uhm...Yeah. Yeah, it's just...”
“Well, spit it out.” He teased, all in good nature.
“...This is embarrassing.”
Silco furrowed his brows as his eyes scanned over the man in front of him. Surely, he wasn't blushing like a school boy over half exposed legs and an inflicted injury.
“Don't be silly. Come now, I'll be quick.”
Vander didn't seem to have a choice in the matter as his companion sat at his side and looped an arm around his waist for leverage. Slowly but surely they rose from the bench and safely migrated to the bed. He fell back onto it with a relieved grunt and slowly went lax against the mattress. He can feel the draft of the room on his thighs as Silco slipped his pants the rest of the way down, but after a few tugs Vander noticed everything came to a stand still. He fluttered open his eyes only to discover Silco’s hands clutching the waistband of his black jeans while his gaze focused just inches above. Vander parted his lips to speak, but the awestruck look in Silco's eyes left his lips parted in silence. Now, the room was too quiet.
“Oh. Wow.” Silco whispered, finally breaking the penetrating silence.
“Sorry.” is all Vander can think to say.
“No, it's fine. Guess we're both sorry.” He said lightly. Vander could see the way Silco's hands trembled as he returned to his task and wished so desperately to know what he was thinking behind the nonchalant facade. He'd be happy to know that his friend’s mind held nothing of coherence in that moment; that Silco was feeling just as scrambled as he was. Normally there was no amount of shame that came with these curious thoughts, but Silco feared their moment had passed soon after their kiss, and it was clear to him now why Vander had hesitated to stand. He did his best to keep his eyes and mind in the right place as he helped Vander into his clean pajamas.
“Thank you...”
“Of course.” Silco gently patted Vander's treated thigh and chuckled when he winced. Was it wrong to think Vander was sort of cute like this?
“How about one last shot?” Silco inquired. Hopefully, this one would feel more like a toast to them and less like second option anesthesia.
“I'd like that.” Vander said with a growing smile. Silco was pleased to fill two glasses of whiskey and hand one to his friend in bed.
“To us?” He asked, holding out his glass. There was a hint of uncertainty invading Vanders smile as he raised his shot and clicked it with Silco's.
“To us.”