#billylighter

Lighter had a debt to Big Daddy. He said it was his skills, some the Sons of Calydon seemed lacking in. Whether it was strength, the ability to keep getting back up, or being hard for kill, Lighter didn't know.

All he knew was he was keeping a distance. It wasn't for the other members, that's for damn sure. He tried not to be swayed by the charm and optimism of Caesar, or the crazy shit Burnice got up to. Piper was Piper, and Lucy focused on fighting Caesar rather than getting close. Then, there's-

"Where you goin', brother?" Billy stopped as soon as Lighter spoke, not surprised despite the boxer's stealth, uncaring of the box behind him. The cyborg turned around, the sliding metal around his LEDs framing the eyes downward. "Oh, hey Lighter! Thought you were still watching over at Steeltusk."

"The girls were having some fun, thought best I give 'em room." He stared at Billy. He was interesting to Lighter, more tight-lipped than the rest of them. The droid seemed to be an open book, going on about that city drama and Starlight Knights. But anything about the current Red Scarf? Nothing.

The metal man wasn't wearing it, the fabric bundled into his hand, holding it with an emotion Lighter couldn't determine. The action of taking it off, paired with him walking out in the dark, though? He wasn't smart, but he had an idea. "You tell 'em, or are you shit at goodbyes?"

Billy's LEDs glowed brighter at that, voice mods lacking that spark he had. "I did, only Big Daddy knows why." "You gonna keep it that way?" Lighter stepped closer, looking through his tinted lenses. "Wanna fight for it? Loser has to answer." Despite not having a mouth, he could hear Billy smile.

They fought earlier that day, before sundown. Lighter has bested Billy, after sparring and growing close in strength. The victory didn't feel good, not with the idea of the android holding back against him weighing Lighter down like lead. "Mm, I doubt my luck's that good." He stopped in front

of Billy, watching the metal hand hold the scarf to him. "Where you off to?" "Honestly, Lighter, I don't know yet." He sighed, hands slow as they wrapped his Red Scarf, the symbol and reputation of it onto Lighter. "Haven't had the chance to decide for myself before." "You'll come back, right?"

Lighter isn't sure why he asked. It made Billy still, the faintest sound of his fans whirring faster catching his ears on the silent night in Blazewood. "Like I'd just leave everyone behind. I'd be a pretty crummy little bro if I did that." Billy looped the scarf, securing it in place.

‬

Lighter smiled a bit, staring at him intently. He wanted to see the man go, finally in full control of what he wanted to do, wanted to be. His heart stung a bit, he couldn't deny. Lighter wasn't gonna stop him, though, not someone who would still be around. He held out the box he was holding.

"Here, gift for a gift." He cracked a smile as Billy took it, opening it a bit before his LEDs flickered and grew in size. "Woah, woah, woah, for real?!" Billy had excitement back in his voice, pulling out the twin pistols and giving them a look in the moonlight. Lighter nodded. "Yeah, for real."

Billy almost spun around, laughing with joy as he started posing with them, pointing the unloaded guns towards the road. "These are awesome!! Why the gift?" "Well, you lost with your fists today, thought you might be better with another weapon as backup." He joked, watching the yellow LEDs narrow.

"Rude! But-" Billy looked happy in an instant, looking to Lighter. "... Thanks, bro." "No problem." Lighter took a breath, hesitating for only a moment before grabbing Billy by the jacket, and pulling him close. There wasn't a mouth to slot his own with, just a solid piece of metal angled out.

Lighter was sure the point was sent across, seeing glowing lights behind his eyelids. He felt the plate heat up at the contact, segmented hands dropping the guns before settling on Lighter's back, under his jacket. He wondered what Billy felt. Could he sense the wetness from licking his lips?

Could he smell the lemon on his breath? Could he compare this to that Oh~ Sweetie drama? Lighter wasn't no Monica, but he was still a sight for sore and dry eyes. And maybe LEDs too, if Billy's reaction was anything. He pulled back, seeing glowing pink from under the metal plate.

A smile came back to his face, poking a gloved finger onto the golden diamond on Billy's chest. "Go on then. You can give me one when you come back. Hopefully with more power behind ya." Billy was still, as if still processing what happened. "... I've never done that before." "Me neither."

He smiled, squatting down and grabbing the guns off the ground. Lighter held them handle first of Billy, smile not leaving as his chest warmed. "You wanna do it again?" Billy nodded, grabbing the guns. "Of course- first thing I'll do when I come back. Promise." "Looking forward to it, brother."

Lighter watched Billy ride out after that, twin red scarves around his neck making him sweat. He popped another lemon drop, placing it under his tongue as his mouth puckered. He didn't doubt Billy would come back, but now... He had a new goal to work to: