PERHAPS HE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN, deep down. that, no matter how it as, a reaction like this would happen. despite the contrary signals he received that it would wind up with him being shoved away, logically so. after all, who would ever find interest in the great transgressor in such a capacity? regardless of their body language, knowing aegisâ own reactions that he would outright tell him otherwiseâhe was the bossy sort, that much he knew, and never once held his tongue when he was against something. yet maybe in this moment he had misread the silver-haired knight, a misstep on his own part that he wouldnât deny or cover up by far, getting a bad taste in his mouth even thinking of doing so.
     â Donât know what the Hell Iâm doinâ, I guess. â words are fired back without hesitation, laden with slight frustration. not at aegis, no, but at the situation and himself, more than anything. watching the otherâs expression, however, only made him take note of the anxiety his decision caused. â Oi, donât go gettinâ yourself in a twist. That call was on me and it was a bad one, got it? â for what it was worth, the least he could do was own up to his own part of it all, even if there were mixed messages involved.
     leaning in, heâs careful not to skirt too close to aegis again, lest anything more was assumed about his current intentions. instead, he takes hold of the jacket now partially dried upon the wall, as well as his gloves, before working to slip them back on. â Gonna skedaddle, alright? Placeâs all yours from here on. Iâll send the little pyro your way if I stumble across her, too, while Iâm out, â he finally speaks when his clothing is fitted into place, his tone implying more than enough that the other didnât have to worry of some unexpectant return on his part.
     droplets have already begun to soak through, dripping from mattered strands of hair as he turns, slinging both arms behind his head. only one glance back was made toward aegis, not exactly curious on any sort of response, but rather to make certain he wasnât going to try to come after him. before long he turns back forward, making his way without so much of another peep, having already said his peace on it all.
He could curse himself for being so high strung. Of course he knew what was coming - someone standing that close, he had been looking between Viciousâ eyes and his lips and he knew even if he had asked his dumb question. And he had kissed him back - even if he was a coward at least he could admit that to himself. But a coward he was, and Aegis sat there, stunned silent as Vicious grabbed his things and left the shelter. His frustration was clear on his features, and he opened his mouth to protest, and clamping it shut.
Maybe itâd...Be best right? Heâd rejected Vicious for al intents and purposes, right after accepting his kiss. In the middle, if anything, of the kiss. They should both take some time to cool off, and then they can discuss this like adults - or maybe they could have if he hadnât reacted so poorly.
But there was still this...Part of him. Icy fear holding him back, and all he could do was watch Vicious leave. Red eyes turned back to see him, and a brief moment of hope as he opened his mouth, âVicio-â
But then the other was gone, rainsoaked and gone. Aegis stood in their makeshift shelter on his own. Reaching up, he touched his lips, feeling his flush return as he thought back to it again.
He had wanted to kiss him. Heâd been checking him out the entire time.
So why had he reacted so poorly when it actually happened? Wait-
No, even if he wanted to kiss him then, surely it was a result of them having been in close proximity like this for days. Working together side by side, and the heat was searing, and they were both a bit hungry and thirsty. And he had been thinking of ways to produce alcohol, getting nostalgic for home and...
And, he couldnât really deny how attractive Vicious was, right? He was only human, and there was nothing wrong with being attracted to men. But surely he didnât want to be with Vicious. They were allies, and it was clearly just spur of the moment for the both of them.
âTch...Why does it feel so bad that he left?â What a truly terrible time to have a wavering heart.