They were kissing. It was something they did rarely, even though they had been dating for several weeks. Ron had his hand on Lance's back, and Lance's hand cupped his neck. Disappointment filled him as Lance drew back, licking his lips and making a face.
"You had one today, didn't you?" Lance groaned. "I can taste it."
Ron sighed, slouching back against the couch. Why had he snuck in that cigarrette? He could have resisted just a little harder, and still be kissing Lance now. "Yeah," he muttered.
Lance sighed too. "Are you sure you won't try the gum?" he suggested.
"I hate gum," Ron complained. "I hate seeing people chewin' in, and I hate chewin' it."
"Well, a piece every now and then wouldn't kill you!" Lance snapped, sighing as he met Ron's affronted gaze. "Sorry. It's just - I wanna get close to you." He trailed his fingers over Ron's cheek affectionately. "But I just can't stand the taste. It really turns me off."
"I know. I can do it, baby." Ron took a deep breath. He took Lance's hand, lacing their fingers together. "You ain't - " he swallowed hard, glancing at the floor, then meeting Lance's eyes, "Ya ain't gettin' tired of waiting, are ya?"
Lance smiled reassuringly, squeezing his boyfriend's hand. "No, I'm not. You're wonderful, baby."
Ron grinned, moving closer to Lance and cuddling into his arms. They enjoyed a moment of peaceful silence, then Ron glanced up at Lance again. "What if I got a really strong breath mint?" he suggested. "You think we could - you know - a little more?"
Lance contemplated that. "It'll probably just cover up the taste," he supposed, "but I guess it's worth a shot. Do you have a really strong one?"
"No, but I know who does." Ron stood, raising Lance's hand to his lips and kissing the back. "I'll be back, baby. Don't you go nowhere."
"I won't." Lance grinned, watching his man's backside with interest
as The Truth sauntered away. It was amazing what a gentleman Ron
Killings actually was. He hoped Ron could find something strong enough
to take the taste away, because he was defnitely ready for more.
"Yo, Rhino!" Ron spotted the burly brunette down the hall, slapping
hands with him in greeting. "Hey, you still got any of them strong
mints on ya?"
"Sure." Rhino pulled a small tin out of his pocket, opening the lid and offering it to Ron. "Careful, they're pretty brutal," he warned, wincing as Ron took a mint and popped it into his mouth as he spoke.
Ron looked fine for a moment, then his eyes went wide. "Shit, that burns!" he choked, his voice slightly muffled from the mint. He clenched his fists, his eyes closing tightly.
"You might want to spit it out," Rhino advised, watching his friend squirm.
Ron shook his head, blinking his eyes as they began to water. "Gotta get the smoke outta my mouth!" he gasped, "Or my boy ain't gonna kiss me!"
"Suit yourself." Rhino watched in amusement as Ron struggled with the harsh mint. "You could just try the patch," he suggested after a moment, watching tears trickle down Ron's cheeks.
Ron shook his head. "Gave me a rash," he hissed, sucking in air through his nose. Finally, he gave up, spitting the mint into his palm. "Damn does that shit burn!" he exclaimed, forwning at the harsh mint. "Better've worked! Can ya taste smoke?" Ron advanced on Rhino, clearly intending to kiss him.
Rhino took a step back, putting out a hand to stop Ron. "I think you should ask Lance," he stated.
"Well…" Ron glanced at the mint. "I guess I'll hang on to it, case he can still taste it." He winced at the idea of going through that again. "Damn, I hope that worked. Thanks!" he called to Rhino as he headed back towards his locker room.
"The things guys do for love," Rhino chuckled.