for @deanogarbage!! Hippy Bathday!!!
They’re standing at the edge of the pier, sharing a cigarette as they stare out at the lapping waves framed by the light of the moon.
Comfortable, unimportant conversations pass between them, soft as if they’re afraid of others hearing them.
That is, until one of them coughs.
“You can’t possibly tell me shagging's the most fun you’ve ever had when Bragi was a part of you.”
“Well, excuse me, Dracula.” The tone is affectionate, but warning. “What’s your idea of fun then?”
With a bright grin, a sparkle in his eye, Mitchell grabs hold of Anders’ wrist and drags him off the pier.
Mitchell insists on Anders closing his eyes, an action he does so with reluctance.
Anders thinks he can already tell where Mitchell is dragging him, wasting no time in opening his eyes when Mitchell allows him to.
“Really, an arcade?” Anders raises his eyebrow, but makes no move to take his wrist from Mitchell’s grip.
Mitchell only smiles in return, his dark shadow fading amongst the whirling lights and tinny music.
Game after game is played and by the time they’re finished, Anders has to fight his smile away.
It doesn’t help that Mitchell’s joy is infectious, almost beautiful with each laugh and cheer.
Back on the street, Mitchell seems to have another destination in mind, leading Anders until they’re overlooking the city, the night breeze the only sound to be heard.
“This is a change,” Anders comments as Mitchell lights up another cigarette.
Mitchell shrugs, blowing the smoke from his mouth. “There’s multiple sides to everything. This can be just as much fun as the arcade.”
“You don’t say.”
It’s as if Mitchell expected this answer and Anders stumbles backwards when Mitchell’s lips capture his own.
The familiar taste of bittersweet memories fill Anders’ senses, a hand firm on the back of his head.
If only, if only, if only echoes in Anders’ mind
When the kiss is broken, it’s much too soon for Anders’ liking and his usual quips, the remnants of Bragi, staying away for just a moment.
“Having fun yet?” Mitchell murmurs, his face hovering close to Anders.
“Mm, I’m not sure, you might have to try it again,” Anders teases, smiling when Mitchell does.
It’s times like these where Anders’ regrets don’t invade his every thought and he lets himself be carried away into Mitchell’s world where, for now, things are perfect.
