"Did you get into another fight?" James arched a brow while taking a long and exaggerated step towards the taller man, hands folded behind his back. His fingertips, unseen by Kane, drummed almost mischievously against one another as if twitching to grab hold of something. His small smile did nothing to hide the vibrant glint to his beautiful red gaze.

Kane took a very slight step back, and glanced aside with a grunt in response. His trunk-like arms almost instinctively crossed over his chest in a defensive gesture, but then he consciously stopped the motion. It was James closing the distance, after all, and he never could resist his wiles no matter how hard he tried. The fact that he was so powerless before another being that he was also so deeply engaged with on a personal level made it both frustrating and... oddly arousing.

"My, you do look ever so serious..." James let his voice descend into an innocent whisper as he leant up on his tiptoes. He snaked one hand under the front of Kane's shirt and very slowly slid his slender fingers up the incredibly chiseled, mouth-watering physique of his beloved. Tapping the flesh rippling with the muscle underneath caused him to blush despite himself. To his credit, it was soft and barely showed given his pale skin.

Kane, however, noticed the difference immediately and gently placed a giant palm over his forehead. James blinked in surprise at the sudden touch, and looked up at him with big eyes and a curious expression. "What is it?" He swallowed audibly as the target of his affections leaned over until their faces were about an inch apart. He was drawn, then, to the unpierced ear he could easily caress with his lips.

"Are you sick?" Kane's rough, concern-laden voice broke him from his erotic stupor, and he couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Why are you laughing?" Kane narrowed his eyes and gave a frown cutely - to James at least - reminiscent of how one would pout.

"Oh, it's just..." James closed his eyes while taking the large hand in both of his. Holding it affectionately to his cheek, he offered Kane a broad smile which admittedly took him off guard. "Every time you show me the kindness others have no chance to see, I fall in love with you" he kissed his hand "all over again."

To say that Kane was a bit taken aback would be considered a vast understatement. "James," he shook his head as if flabbergasted by the intoxicating words he had heard before. "How you can just... openly say such things is... gah!" He went to force his hand away from the tender caress, but instead grabbed one of James' hands with a softness that belied his monstrous exterior.

"Ah?!" James let out a gasp and felt his legs turn to jello. "We have to go," Kane huffed out while beginning to pull his partner along. "It would... suck to be late, after all." James nodded enthusiastically while willing his gait to catch up. He didn't have to try too hard because Kane slowed his own by a caring amount. When they were finally walking side-by-side, James coiled his arms around one of Kane's own thick limbs and pressed his body against it as if seeking warmth... or just a reaction out of his beloved.

Seeing that James was having some difficulties because of the height difference, Kane cleared his throat while nonchalantly adjusting his arm lower. James happily extended his grip up to the bicep and looked up at Kane with an expression of utter content. Kane reluctantly glanced away, but not before noticing the red hue across James' face. Was it really a blush?

* * *

The unlikely duo had some time before the movie began later in the evening. The occasion was perfect for some window shopping, and maybe grabbing a snack or two along the way. There were a few stands that Kane knew of that James was excited to try since he rarely got the chance to enjoy street food.

In their city travels, they passed the entrance to what appeared to be a small event or festival of some sort. James squirmed slightly at the prospect of attending a festival with Kane in tow, but his other half seemed uninterested to say the least. While stealing glances up at his stoic face, James found no eye contact at all swaying to the festival in question. He just snuggled against Kane's arm which he had not yet relinquished control of, and was happy to be by his side.

"You want to go in," Kane suddenly stared down at him with a furrowed brow. It was more a statement than a question, and it caused James to almost trip over his own feet. "Yes, but don't get me wrong! I only want to go now because I'm with you, Kane, and festivals are a lot of fun for couples! Or so I've been led to believe," he added while swiftly tracing a finger down Kane's cheek to the corner of his lip. "Wouldn't it be absolutely delightful to share a single takoyaki? Then I could partake in that taste you so greedily hog all to yourself."

Kane swallowed at the light touch and exhaled through his nose, lest steam rise from his ears. "But we just shared an ice cream yesterday."

* * *

Despite Kane's minor grumblings, the two paid their way into the festival and stumbled across multiple food stalls to start with.

Kane had just, upon James' insistence, took a bite out of a piping hot takoyaki. James watched his expression for any change, and there was the slightest twitch of one eye as he swallowed the bite. "This is good," Kane nodded and went for another bite, but James pulled the takoyaki away by the stick it was impaled upon.

James wagged a finger with a soft 'nuh-uh.' "I'm glad you like it, but it's my turn now!" He stuck his tongue out, and then quickly bit into where Kane had taken his bite. The takoyaki was good, yes, but the fact that they were eating from the same ball was what made it special for James. Kane narrowed his black eyes, and his lumbering form sagged a bit on the bench near the stand they purchased the takoyaki. There was a line forming up, and occasionally a few heads would turn at the odd couple.

"You..." Kane grew closer to the stick as if mesmerized, but the contents were gone. James was happily chewing the remainder of the ball with closed eyes, and a satisfied grin on his face. "You finished it." Kane clenched a fist with a heavy frown, "It was tastier than anything I had before."

James opened one eye and glanced at Kane with a smirk. "Don't fret, my beloved. We can always order more, and I won't even insist on sharing them!" He leaned close and wrapped an arm around Kane's thick torso. His fingers instinctively traced the muscle definition penetrating through the tight shirt that clung to the man's form.

He knew that every time he touched him, Kane would physically react... however slight. He might have felt it only under his fingertips, but it was delicious nonetheless. Kane didn't have to visibly shudder or express the love for him that he knew lingered deep within. The subconscious response was all he needed, and the flabbergasted one when he pushed his beloved far but not over the edge was icing on the proverbial cake.

"The line is so long now," Kane exhaled in annoyance, and to expel the tremble inwardly boiling at James' touch. "Should I scare them?" It was a serious question, and he went to stand, but was very quickly denied as James still had his arm around his frame. His other hand reached up and tugged gently on Kane's ear. He knew how uncomfortable it was for his beloved, but it was a surefire way to send the message that what he was thinking was wrong. "That... that hurt, James! You know I despise that!" His boisterous words lost their strength rapidly as the two locked eyes.

"Yes, I know very well how much it bothers you," James' voice was sweet as sugar and his tone was borderline a song, and his smile, though pleasant to outsiders, was viewed by Kane as nothing short of menacing. But it was also just the demeanor that James took on that made Kane feel rotten for what he said. "But you must remember that aggression isn't the answer... unless it's in regards to a certain activity involving me." He winked, then, and the sinister presence had faded, "With me, I welcome your power. Think of it as me claiming one of your best assets for myself, and not letting anyone else get to enjoy that aspect of you."

A bead of sweat formed on Kane's brow as he clenched his teeth. "Did you really have to phrase it that way?!"

* * *

"This will have to do for venting," Kane growled as he stepped up to the high striker, mallet in hand. A middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair regarded him with sweat forming on his brow, and an outstretched arm as if to gesture him onwards. "Y-yes," he stuttered out. "You look like a strongman indeed! W-why, I'm sure this fowl contraption shan't stand a hare's hair of a chance against you, my big-boned Herculean friend! Why, the monstrosity of your mere s-shadow strikes FEAR into the mechanics behind it-"

The operator would have continued, but Kane gave him a narrowed glare that would cut the tongue of even the most voluminous jester. Silence fell, then, and Kane stepped up to the machine while spinning his right arm in a clockwise fashion. The sound of wind resistance against the mallet created a loud whooshing effect that caused the operator to back up instinctually. When he was but a few steps away from the high striker, Kane grabbed the mallet with his other hand and leapt forward. He gave no cry as he fell, and there was no sound until the mallet struck the lever with all the force of a thousand men.

The puck crashed into the bell with a loud ring and a subsequent resounding screech as it shot through the metal entirely. The surrounding crowd followed the puck with their collective gaze as it flew high into the horizon and finally disappeared from sight with a twinkling of the sun's light reflecting off of it.

Kane stood upright from the enormous swing, and hoisted the mallet over his shoulder with a small 'hmph.' James was standing a few feet behind him and clapping in approval. The operator of the high striker stared at Kane as if he was a man possessed, jaw agape in both awe and shock. The crowd that had gathered to watch had fallen silent at the display of sheer strength. Few had ever hit the bell, and none had ever shattered it. None had let loose in such a way that the puck itself was made a victim.

The operator opened his mouth to speak, but it took a few tries before he could formulate any words. "C-congratulations!" He shouted with both arms outstretched in a victorious motion. The crowd erupted into applause as if broken from their trance, and the operator continued: "You are most certainly and absolutely indubitably the strongest man I have ever seen! Your unparalleled strength shall be the foundation of legends spread for centuries to come, and the puck that you slew today with such magnificent force shall fly forever into a future unknown-"

"The prize," Kane cut him off while swinging the mallet forward until the blunt end of the tip was mere inches away from the operator's face. His black eyes scanned the contents of a prize stand for a brief moment, and then focused solely on the operator. "I will take the stuffed fox," he spun the mallet and slammed it into the ground to leave the handle upright for any who would approach the high striker... once it was repaired, of course.

Whether Kane noticed James squirming in delight from behind him was uncertain, but the ever-present blush on the pale young man's face grew darker.

* * *

The festival and its many attractions was a fun detour, but the actual highlight of their day was to be the theater. James was the one who insisted they go to see the movie that evening, but in actuality the movie playing was one he felt would interest Kane far more than him. He knew the big lug would never go out of his way to watch anything, and so he did some research. He found a gay film that incorporated romance and action elements, but moreso violence.

The two made it on time and, with James' guidance, found some perfect seats in the back to allow for exemplary viewing pleasure. When they were seated, James left Kane for a few minutes to collect their drinks and snacks. He made sure to go alone so he could surprise his beloved with an assortment of chocolate treats. When he returned, Kane's eyes blinked twice and widened in surprise.

"A thank you of sorts," James commented with a bright smile, and put the stuffed animal in front of his face. He wiggled the ears of the fox and raised its hand to paw at Kane. "Though... I would have gotten it all for you anyway..." He squished the fox in both hands while looking sidelong at Kane, who exhaled deeply through his nostrils. He said nothing, but wrapped one bulging arm around James' slender form and gently pulled him as close as he could. James blinked rapidly and his body, stiff as a board, just melted against Kane's side so their bodies conformed.

"I... appreciate it, James." Kane slowly breathed out in a low, husky tone.

"Huh?" James looked up.

Kane cleared his throat. "Must have been the movie."

* * *

Night descended and darkness enveloped the city. Street lights flickered on as people flocked home, or filtered to more nightly activities. Clubs were bustling, of course, and karaoke was always an option. Kane and James passed one such establishment on their way home from the movie, and James had to stifle a laugh at how bad the singing was as it bellowed out through the main doors.

It seemed that with fewer people around, Kane was more willing to put his arm around his partner, or perhaps it was a mere coincidence. Whatever the reason for his interest in affection, James was happy to respond in kind by resting his head on Kane's muscular chest. His lanky arms embraced the entirety of Kane's waist, and also held the stuffed fox to his stomach. Kane would steal glances down at his partner while hesitantly rubbing his back in a gentle manner... or as gentle as the powerhouse could muster for his partn- no, his lover.

But all good things did come to an end.

A high-pitched voice rang out: "Eh, lookie what we got 'ere boys! Coupla fags."

Another joined in: "Takin' a stroll, are ya? How fuckin' precious!" Maniacal giggling followed.

"H-hey, hey!" A new voice stuttered out. It was more feminine. "W-what if... we b-break their legs? See 'em w-walk after t-that, hahaha!"

Figures emerged from a side alley in front of the two, and from the street behind them. The unsightly crowd was adorned in various black apparel, and most of it was torn. Some were armed with bats and knives, and others just had their fists raised. They all appeared to be young individuals, but their expressions bordered on psychotic. The madness of bigotry and greed had already turned their hearts black like their attire.

When the gang first surrounded them, Kane angled his body in front of James to cover him entirely. The pale young man rested a hand on Kane's shoulder from behind and gave a squeeze, smiling despite the situation. "Out of our way," Kane snarled with a clenched fist.

James peeked his head out from Kane's side, and offered a wave. "I understand that you all may have some dislike for us, but I'm sure we can be of more value to you alive than... beat up, or whatever you intend on doing," he made eye contact with a few of them as he attempted to reason with the gang. His voice was calm in an effort to persuade as opposed to egg on any sort of conflict. "I can pay you for any inconveniences we have caused," he nodded to add a degree of self-assurance to his words.

Kane glanced to his lover with a stern expression, "James, what are you-"

One of the gang interrupted the brute of a man. "Now there's a queer who knows whassup, ay?" He laughed hard and the others followed suit in a roaring chorus.

"Prolly lyin' though," another interjected, and the street fell silent for a moment.

A young man in a black hood separated himself from the group and stood before the duo with a baseball bat casually in hand. "Your offer sounds too good to be true, and ya know what that means? It prolly is," he narrowed icy gray eyes - the only facial feature visible through a slit in the hood - and squeezed the bat in both hands. "Can't trust your kind anyway, ay-?!"

Kane dashed forward impossibly fast for a man of his size, and covered the hooded figure's face with one colossal hand. "Shut the fuck up," he roared while shoving the figure off his feet by just the force applied to his head. The figure hit the back of his head on the pavement with a loud crack and fell unconscious.

His fall caused a flurry of events to occur simultaneously.

James, who shook his head with a sigh, ducked under a small blade that sliced off some ends of his hair. He spun quickly to Kane's back and pressed against it while eyeing four or five of them on his side, clutching the fox to his chest. Kane, who felt his lover's presence, closed his eyes in remorse for a moment. He knew James hated to see him fight, but he had to this time. Their thoughts and actions were unacceptable, and they were a danger not just to them but to anyone else they hoped to prey upon.

"You're gonna pay for that!" One of the punks on Kane's side charged forward with a wild right hook, but Kane merely snatched his fist out of the air and closed his hand around it to cause the punk to cry out. He then yanked him forward and broke his nose with a massive headbutt. Kane released his fist and watched him stagger back until tripping over himself, unconscious.

"We really can talk this out like mature ad-aaa!" James waved his hands frantically as a punk with a knife ran towards him. He elbowed Kane lightly and the two shared a look for a moment with a nod before they spun in unison to reverse their positioning. Kane had dropped low and in a fluid motion, rose in a swift uppercut to the punk's forearm with an open palm. He screamed in pain and dropped the knife as his arm bent at a severe angle, and he had no time to think before a fist slammed into his gut. The force lifted him off the ground by a few inches before launching him away and into the fog of the night.

It wasn't Kane and James' first rodeo together. While it was true James could usually disarm a situation before it spiralled into violence, there had been moments where a fight proved impossible to avoid. James had to learn very quickly how to move with Kane and act as a part of him rather than be a hindrance. He wasn't physically strong, but he could twist his body in evasive ways, and the two could communicate through a battle. Whether it be through simple looks or physical gestures, their combined combat style was akin to a passionate dance.

"This fucker ain't human!" Cried a boyish voice as another of his comrades went down.

"Y-ya kiddin'? He'll b-bleed red j-just like the r-rest of us!" The stuttering girl, who had stayed in the back until now, revealed her weapon of choice was a chainsaw. Revving it up, she let out an increasingly shrill laugh before heaving it upwards and running at James with erratic steps.

James' eyes darted around as Kane just downed another with an elbow to the sternum. "Kane, the bat!" Panting for breath from the ongoing struggle, James separated from Kane to dive towards the bat lying near the unconscious ringleader. Dropping the fox, he grabbed the bat in both hands and swung it towards Kane who caught the handle. He pushed it towards the incoming chainsaw with a hand on the back to support it, and the result was an agonizing shriek akin to sharp brakes on a speeding car.

The alloy bat held against the churning saw, but just barely. Kane grit his teeth as he was pushed back a bit, and there were still others remaining who could attack him. James knew he had to do something and found a knife. He grabbed it, hesitated for only a moment, and lobbed it at the girl's chest. It wasn't a perfect throw, of course, and he was hoping it wouldn't strike her there but lower. It pierced her leg and her eyes widened in surprise.

Seeing the opening his lover created, Kane struck the leg that was hit with his foot, and she reeled back in pain. He bunt the bat against her chest to knock her backwards, and the chainsaw went flying out of her hands. He then spun on his heel at James' warning and swung the bat in a wild arc that struck three of them across the abdomen as they were closing in.

One of them dropped his weapon and backed away, "W-we can't do this shit! He even took out Isabelle!"

"Fuck it, man! I'm out," one just started running away as fast as he could.

The remaining conscious members dispersed, and Kane rushed to James' side immediately. "Are you hurt?" He wrapped his arms around James and pulled him in close, hand cradling the back of his head. "Of course not, silly..." James happily returned the embrace while closing his eyes. He was breathing hard, and Kane eventually reared back to look at his face. His skin was paler than usual, his eyes were half-open, and his cheeks were red. "I... I had you to protect me, Kane. I wasn't afraid, and... I didn't get hurt because... you were here..." He smiled big but his eyes were shut and his head, if it weren't held in Kane's hands, would have wobbled.

Kane felt his forehead and suddenly his expression changed to one of worry. "You are burning up, James! When did this fever start?!" He scooped him up in his strong arms, and James stretched out a hand until he could feel the side of Kane's face. "It's... j-just a little cold... is all. It's... okay, Kane. I'll... I'll b-be okay..." Sweat ran from his brow as the adrenaline from the fight started draining out of him. Exhaustion was kicking in, and consciousness was quickly fading. "Just... hold me. I... like this. It... feels... so nice... to be... in your arms..."

"James?" Kane glanced down while running as fast as he could towards the hospital. "Just hang on, James! Please."

* * *

Warmth.

Another's hand. His hand.

He could tell by the size, the feel, and the overwhelming warmth.

His eyes fluttered open and the first thing he saw was Kane's concerned face.

"I'm alright," he rasped, and realized his throat was terribly dry. His red eyes darted to the IV on his left and then back to Kane's face. "Good stuff," he tried to muster a smile, and he didn't know if it worked or not.

"Stupid," Kane grunted out while caressing James' smaller hand in both of his. "Why did you not say you were sick? The doctor said you were running a high fever! We could have gone another time."

"Hey," James sat up as best he could and used his other hand to caress his beloved's cheek. "You're scolding me for once," he chuckled but it came out as a cough. He then looked at Kane with all the seriousness in the world, and an apologetic frown. "I'm sorry, Kane. I just wanted us to have a good day away from all the usual shit, and... I started feeling unwell this morning. I didn't know it was this serious, though. I took medicine and I was going to fight through it... for you. For us." Tears started to fall out of his control and he went to wipe them, but Kane beat him to it with an incredibly hesitant, tentative touch.

"Shh," Kane glanced around for a moment and then, with a sigh, leaned up and forward to plant a tender kiss on his lover's forehead. "I enjoy every day we share, James. You... are the one I love," he admitted in a quiet, rumbling tone. "I picked you over... that shit," he referenced the fight. "I am not much better than when we first met, but I promise... to always hold you first."

"Kane, that's..." James was at a loss.

They shared a simple kiss.