#cenilla

A smile, brief it may be while a grunt of approval for the lightkeeper.

“Be... careful... out there.”

“It's not my first time, but you know...”

A quick glance. The hallways were empty, no cameras on sight or anyone who might try to pry out of curiosity. Ceto leaned closer and placed a tentative, small kiss just at the edge of Vanilla's lips. The mechanic stiffened.

What an awkward thing to do. Both of them were still getting used to this affection, both willing to try until they found something that could call it as their own way of showing love to one another.

“Happy?” Ceto looked away, a blush creeping out from her bandages, up to her cheeks. Red like her eyes.

The mechanic nodded, hands intertwined with the other. They stood there in silence. Her hand traced the scars then fingers pressed against Ceto's wrist for her pulse.

thump. thump. thump. thump.

The thrumming heart beat—oh, it became a bit faster. Vanilla's hand continued to wander. The brand new bandages that she wrapped this afternoon, caressing the scars on Ceto's shoulder and finally two fingers pressed gently on Ceto's neck.

The lighthouse keeper leaned against the touch. Eyes fluttered shut. Vanilla's hand was cold, her heart beat always at a constant rhythm like a ticking clock even if she became flustered, angry or not. Steadfast and unwavering.

Ceto's hand wandered, feeling where the skin and metal meets on her neck. It was cold, smooth and electrifying if she poked at specific edges. No words needed, they don't need to or rather, both knew that's where they always failed at with all the experiments they did together.

They soaked up each other's presence, warmth and heartbeat. Silence wasn't suffocating anymore for Ceto; warmth wasn't just a fire anymore for Vanilla. Finally, a person—not an illusion from the past or future nor a tide crawler anymore.

Ceto was the first one to pull away, coughing to keep her heartbeat in check. Vanilla stopped herself from chasing after her. They still have work to do and the time they have, their break was almost up.

“I'll see you in the early morning, as usual. Don't wait for me.” Ceto huffed, wearing back her jacket, smoothing out any creases and folds.

“I'll... always... wait... for you.” Vanilla affirmed and placed a small hedgehog made of scrap metal on Ceto's palm. “For... company... think... of me?”

Ceto held up the hedgehog close to her face. How could someone bend a metal for such a small little figurine? A thought she always had, but this was Vanilla.

“I always do.” And placed the hedgehog in her breast pocket. Its presence felt heavy, but comforting. “I'll be leaving now...”

Vanilla cupped Ceto's cheeks and pressed a quick kiss on her lips. Eyes wide in surprise, blinking rapidly to process it all. It was soft, slightly chapped, and a taste of oil but it wasn't that bad.

“My turn... to try... it.” The mechanic chuckled.

Oh there goes Ceto's heart leaping and doing a somersault. Face hardened to keep her emotions in check, but Vanilla's smile seemed to grow. Of course she can hear it, just as she can hear her heartbeat.

“Hmph, we shall do it again... later.” She quickly turned away, almost stopping and heading towards the exit.

“I'll... see you...” Vanilla waved goodbye, and placed her hand where her heart lies.

Rendezvous done.

Time Check: 10:45 PM

Wait for the sunrise. Wait for Ceto.