It was incredible how much and yet how little a relationship could change, just from a few exchanged words in the dim light of a hotel room. Grimmer was awkward, more so than Tenma at first, alternating between urgency and timidness. A mis-aimed kiss that landed near Tenma's cheek rather than lips, Grimmer's nose bumping his cheekbone in a way that Tenma knew must have been a bit more painful than Grimmer's sheepish laughter let on.
Even so, Tenma's heart swelled. He tangled their fingers together and held tight once the man punching train tickets left their car, their hands tucked safely in the shadow between seats.
Tenma wasn't sure when he'd fallen asleep--wasn't sure the last time he'd fallen asleep anywhere but a locked room. When he woke up, Grimmer had let go of his hand, but covered him with a jacket. He glanced out the window, not immediately recognizing the scenery.
"Good morning," Grimmer murmured, a note of joking in his voice when Tenma met his eyes. Tenma stared for a moment, his heart doing something boyish and fluttery in his chest, smile reaching his eyes with warmth and vigor.
"It is a good morning, isn't it," Tenma sighed, tilting his head back to rest for a bit longer. The last dregs of illness were stubborn, but easing away steadily. He would miss that little town. Perhaps they'd go back one day...