[fox is wearing pajamas with a loose haori over them, and when mars opens the door he immediately reaches in to cup his face with both hands, looking him over intently]
[. . . maybe it's the usage of his real name. maybe it's because Fox is so close, his forehead pressed against Mars's, skin warm]
[but something breaks]
[Mars takes a deep breath in and, somewhat reluctantly, he pulls away. but his grip on Fox's hand remains as he steps back, tugging him fully into Heart]
[there doesn't seem to be anyone else around (BECAUSE IT'D BE AWKWARD OTHERWISE), but when Fox enters Heart he'll be able to see a nice pile of mattresses with blankets and pillows in the common room. Mars guides him past the pile, carefully stepping over it as he does so, towards. . . his room]
[fox has been to HSS several times so the pillow pile is not exactly new, but he is surprised by the route they're taking. still, he doesn't let go of ren's hand, and he swallows against the lump in his throat]
[once they both slip into Mars's room, Mars releases Fox's hand only so he can close the door. he rests his back against it and studies Fox carefully, almost-- conflicted? uncertain? like he's on the verge of making a choice, and he isn't completely sure going over the edge is the best thing for him to do]
[his breath hitches in his throat as one hand fists into the front of Fox's shirt. he tilts his chin up, lips scant centimeters from the other phantom thief's]
. . . just tonight. I can only give you tonight.
[no future promises. he still can't make any. but. . . he wants to make sure before anything else happens--]
[that's what Mars thinks, but the words don't make it to his lips. because instead? he slides one arm around the back of Fox's neck and drags him forward until their mouths meet]
Day 167
Fox: Are you awake?
Fox: I want to see you.
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[. . . PLAY IT COOL, PLAY IT CALM]
Mars: yeah
Mars: what's up?
Mars: you can come over or i can go over there
Mars: either-or
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Fox: I just want a few minutes to see you.
Fox: I will come over.
[and indeed there's a knocking on hss door shortly after]
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[he is there when Fox knocks on the door, opening it up to reveal him dressed in his still-too-big-for-him pajamas. he's stifling a yawn]
Mmm. . . what's up?
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H--
[but somehow, he manages]
. . . h-hi.
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Good evening.
[fox's face is... very close, but all he's doing is looking mars over, especially his face and his body language and his posture]
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[lifts his hand, pressing it against the back of Fox's knuckles, his touch soft]
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... ah. So this is real.
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Y-- yeah. It is.
[a pause]
Why. . .?
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[gently runs his thumb over mars's cheekbone]
I won't ask for anything else than this. So... forgive me, please.
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. . . you're fine.
'S nothing to apologize for.
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Ren...
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[but something breaks]
[Mars takes a deep breath in and, somewhat reluctantly, he pulls away. but his grip on Fox's hand remains as he steps back, tugging him fully into Heart]
C'mere.
Close the door behind you.
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Yes?
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[he doesn't answer that question]
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[. . .]
[eventually, he breathes out--]
Stay with me tonight?
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fox's breath catches in his throat and he just stares at ren for a moment, wide-eyed]
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Of course. I shall be yours, tonight.
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. . . just tonight. I can only give you tonight.
[no future promises. he still can't make any. but. . . he wants to make sure before anything else happens--]
Is that okay?
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... is that what you want?
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[there's no hesitation, even though the response is given in a low, breathless voice]
. . . but only if you're okay with it. I don't want to lead you on.
[if Fox can't handle it without a promise for more, then. . . Mars would understand]
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You aren't. But... you know I do not do things halfway, either. Especially not when it comes to those I cherish.
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[that's what Mars thinks, but the words don't make it to his lips. because instead? he slides one arm around the back of Fox's neck and drags him forward until their mouths meet]
[that's as good of an answer as any, isn't it?]
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