Smoking cats - shinsero

Healing Hands

The rain had finally stopped, and the skies cleared just as the school day came to an end. Shinsou had spent most of the day keeping a close eye on Sero, making sure he wasn't withdrawing further into himself after everything that had happened. Sero had been quiet but didn't seem as tense. Still, he could tell that Sero needed something to take his mind off things.

"Hey," Shinsou said, leaning against Sero's desk after the final bell rang. "How about we do something after school? Just the two of us."

The black haired boy looked up, his expression softening slightly. "Like what?"

"I don't know," Shinsou shrugged. "We could get something to eat, or go for a walk, or just hang out somewhere. Whatever you want."

The boy smiled faintly, appreciating the gesture. He knew the other was trying to cheer him up, and honestly, he wanted that too. "A walk sounds nice. Somewhere quiet."

"Quiet it is," he agreed, his lips curving into a small smile. "Let's drop off our stuff at your dorm and head out."

———

The air was cool but not too cold, and the light breeze felt refreshing as they walked side by side through a small park not far from Shinsou's apartment. The trees were still dripping with the remnants of the earlier rain, and the ground was slightly damp, but the sun peeking through the clouds gave the whole scene a peaceful glow.

Shinsou glanced over at his boyfriend, noticing how his shoulders seemed more relaxed now, his usual easy-going demeanor slowly returning.

"You doin' okay? He asked, his tone casual but laced with concern.

Sero nodded, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. "Yeah, better than I was this morning." He glanced at the other with a small smile. "Thanks for this. I think I really needed it."

"You needed a walk?"

"I needed you," Sero corrected, his voice soft. "I don't think I would've made it through this week without you."

Shinsou felt warmth spread through his chest at the words. He reached out, taking Sero's hand in his own as they continued to walk. "I'm glad I could help."

They strolled quietly for a while longer, just enjoying the moment. Tipi had even decided to join them, trailing behind and occasionally darting off to chase a butterfly or inspect something interesting. The simplicity of it all - the walk, the calm atmosphere, being together - was exactly what Sero needed.

As they rounded a bend in the park, they found a bench near a small pond, and Sero tugged Shinsou toward it. They sat down, Tipi settling at their feet, and Sero leaned his head against Shinsou's shoulder.

"This is nice," he murmured, his voice relaxed.

"Yeah it is," the purple haired boy agreed, shifting slightly so that their hands remained intertwined. He leaned his head against Sero's in return, letting the quiet settle around them.

For a few minutes, neither of them said anything. They just sat there, taking in the peaceful surroundings, the soft rustle of the leaves, and the occasional splash of water from the pond.

Then the black haired boy spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared sometimes, you know?"

Shinsou didn't move, just squeezed his hand gently. "Of what?"

"Of messing everything up," he admitted, his thumb brushing over Shinsou's knuckles. "I don't want to lose you... or mess up what we have."

The other shifted so he could look at Sero directly, his eyes serious. "You're not going to lose me, Sero. No matter what happens, I'm here."

The boy smiled, a bit of the tension easing out of his expression. "I believe you."

Shinsou leaned in, brushing his lips softly against Sero's. It wasn't rushed or intense, just a gentle, reassuring kiss that spoke volumes about how much he cared. When they pulled back, Sero's eyes were brighter, the weight he had been carrying seeming just a little lighter.

"Let's grab something to eat," the violet eyed boy suggested, standing up and offering his hand to Sero. "I'm starving."

Sero chuckled, taking his hand and standing up. "You and your bottomless stomach."

They began walking again, heading toward a nearby food stand, their hands still intertwined. It wasn't a grand, extravagant date, but it didn't need to be. It was exactly what Sero needed - quiet, comforting, and filled with warmth.

As they walked through the fading light of the evening, Sero felt a little bit stronger, a little more himself. And it wasn't rushed or all thanks to the person walking beside him.

———