petitecreme:Clattering of pans, the thunk of the knives hitting...

petitecreme:

Clattering of pans, the thunk of the knives hitting the chopping block. Muffled cries of “いらっしゃいませ!” (“Irasshaimase/ welcome welcome!”) above the hissing and spitting of oil.
76 stared out of the staff exit. Warm steam on his back, fresh metalic coolness of night and rain on his front. Lazily watching the droplets fall from the ivy crawling the pipes and ventalation.“What are you doing out here?” 76 asked, voice feeling hoarse with the smoke in his throat. “You’re getting soaked.”
“It’s not so bad,” Reyes shrugged, taking a drag and flicking the ash into the soaked tray. “It’s nice out here, nice night.”
“You should come in, you’ll catch your death.” 76 exhaled, watching the vapours caught by the cutting water.

Feeling colder by the second, he looked so content. He could just step outside, sit across from him. reach out and hold his hand.
Something told him he had to stay put.
Don’t ruin the moment.

“I’m already dead Jack, you know that. I don’t want any shit getting in the kitchen there.” hood dripping, “It’s good they’ve let you back here.”
He shrugged against the door, glancing at the skyline; a ship humming over. “I owe a favour, I’m just laying low for an hour. Waiting for my food.”
Gabriel laughed, stubbing his smoke. “You always did love the tempura here.”
“You loved the beef bowls here.”
“Best in the city.”

….

“Gabe-”
“Jack, no.”
76 almost keened, pressing hard against the doorframe. “Gabe, please.” It took every ounce to not step outside onto that balcony.
“I know Jack.”
“I’m so close, Gabe. I swear.”
“Are you?”
“I’m sure.”
Reyes tucked his hands into his coat, almost content despite drenched (not that it mattered), making himself comfortable. “You always were a hard stickler for getting everything done.”
“Just doing what you taught me, putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Starting from the outside, working my way in.”
“Atta boy.”
76 took along long drag, eyes crinkling when the water hit his pale lashes. “I miss you.”
“I know you do, Jackie.”
He wiped his eyes, and flicked the last of his smoke away. “I’ll get to the bottom of this Gabe.” He re-entered the kitchen gripping the handle to look back to the empty patio.

The cigarette long put out.

Neon Noir Overwatch AU.
[PATREON | STORENVY | ETSY | WEBCOMIC | REDBUBBLE | BUY HER A COFFEE]

Steam from the kitchen, from the vents, from the street below. Wet concrete and plants growing in the cracks. He rather be warm and dry and in his arms.