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Laughter and cheers echoed throughout the town of Sanctuary. Banners and streamers crowded every street corner and alleyway. People ducked into and out of sight, chattering about, completely relaxed for the first time in years. Some had pizzas from Moxxxi’s—the pungent grease could be smelled for miles; others had pure booze. Claptrap was running around beatboxing. From his perch atop the Crimson Raiders’ HQ, Mordecai could make out individual voices from those who’d helped the vault hunters defeat Jack and the Warrior—some of whom also helped him and his amigos defeat Steele and the Destroyer those years ago. He sighed softly before slurping from the can he nabbed at the party. There’d be more to do tomorrow, but tonight? Tonight was a celebration. Thudding footsteps came from below him, the kind he could identify in an instant. A moment later, a walking mass of muscles joined him on the rooftop.
“I knew I’d find ya up here, Mordy.”
He didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. “Brick. Take a seat, man.”
The silver moonlight gave Brick’s skin a soft glow. The stars were reflected in his lightly tinted eyes. “What’re you doin’ up here? You aren’t gonna join everybody?” He asked, plopping onto the firm concrete beside him.
“Nah. I got everything I need here.” Mordecai lifted his can towards Brick in a toasting motion. “Here’s to us, huh? Nothing can keep us down!”
“I’ll drink to that!” Brick chuckled, holding up his own can that he snuck out with him. He downed it in one quick swig, wiping his mouth sloppily with the back of his hand before flashing Mordecai a toothy grin—which he returned in full.
A chill breeze brushed against Mordecai’s skin; he leaned into Brick without much thought, humming contentedly at the warmth the subtle movement provided as Brick rested his chin atop his head. “The vault hunters really did it.” He mumbled into Brick’s chest. The cotton of his tank top brushed delicately against his skin.
“You’re thinking about them, aren’t ya?” Brick responded, voice as soft as his own.
A silence sat between them for a moment before words finally left Mordecai’s mouth again. “If only they could see it.”
Brick’s hand landed gently on his back, as though the thinner man were a fragile piece of artwork—as he’d always been so careful to do. “I think they can.” He spoke. “At least,” he added, voice barely above a whisper, “I hope they do.” A moment of stillness passed between the two of them; the parties throughout Sanctuary continued buzzing below them, even in their silence. “Roland! Bloodwing! We did it!” He called out in celebration, raising his empty can to the starry sky. Mordecai lifted his head to follow suit, as though it were the most familiar thing in the world.
“We killed that bastard!” He cheered in response before leaning back into Brick’s chest.
A second passed. Then another. Brick caressed Mordecai’s shoulder gently before abruptly stopping. Then, softly, almost tentatively, a pair of lips brushed against his scalp. He froze. His body caught on before his mind, and before even registering what happened, their lips brushed together. Mordecai exhaled, a grin coating his face as their lips met again. There wasn’t some magical fireworks moment or even an ounce of nerves. It just felt normal—natural, as though they should’ve been doing this all along.
After a pause, Brick spoke, clearing his throat. “We should probably go back in.” He rubbed Mordecai’s shoulder, a smile forming. “Tina and Lil’re prolly looking for us.”
Mordecai groaned, unwilling to move. “I know…” Brick shuffled to his feet, pulling Mordecai up with him.
As they were about to exit the rooftop, a loud crack shot through the air, followed by gorgeous streams of sparkles originating from the same point. Another crack and a boom, more lights, more sparkles. It’s in moments like these that Mordecai wishes he weren’t colorblind. His mouth sat agape as he watched the display. The unknown colors washed over him, casting harsh shadows on both his and Brick's faces. Voices drifted up from the streets below: Claptrap shouted something regarding the fanfare they apparently rolled out just for him, Zer0 said some Haiku that Mordecai didn't care to pay attention to, Krieg yelled about the fireworks being unicorn farts or something, even Lilith—
"Didn't expect the show to start so soon." She spoke, approaching them from behind. "Figured you guys'd be up here." Did she phasewalk? She must've, how else'd she get up here? She leaned against the wall next to him, eyes flicking towards the two of them. "You're missing the best part."
Eyes drifting back towards the sky, Mordecai and Brick locked hands, Mordecai's thumb rubbing small circles over the calluses that coated his knuckles. Whatever might come next, the three of them could handle it as a team.