[The idea of parting, so clear at first, is curtained behind layers of haze, barely perceptible. Fingertips brush his neck and Komui's throat betrays a small hum, breath given sound, a hint of the contentment he'd failed to find here for so long. In so many ways this kiss changes nothing; no single spark of peace could possibly. And yet it dilutes the grief and helplessness -- makes them bearable.]
[Bak pushes forward and Komui almost lets him before responding with just the slightest hint more than equal measure, a tiny edge that would make him smile if his lips weren't happily occupied. He's beginning to regret not removing his glasses, they're fogging along the bottom rim and soon enough he'll be blind.]
[The confetti pops above them, Komui barely notices. More to the point is how far to that couch they keep in the lab, maybe twelve Purposeful Scientist steps which translates into... what, twenty or so, call it two dozen to account for staggering to keep the kiss whole, another five perhaps if Bak fights him for the lead...]
[As soon as he starts moving, he forgets to count.]