Author: godsdaisiechain
Title: First or second
Fandoms: Person of Interest
Characters: Carl Elias/ Anthony
Rating: PG
Length: 400 words
Angst-to-hope ratio: Low-medium
Disclaimer: I didn't create these characters, I don't own them, I derive no profit from their use.
Summary: Carl and Anthony's first kiss.  Set right after the first time Carl's father tries to kill him.


The first time, they tried to pretend it was something else, but it wasn’t.  And they both knew it. But Carl had something to do. Something important. Something he might not walk away from, they both knew.

*+*+*

“You okay there, boss?” Anthony asked, the second time they woke, curled up together under one blanket, huddled like puppies or tangled like lovers, he wasn’t prepared to say.  It had been quite a night.  Horrible.  Even with Carl safe in his arms, pressed against his shoulder.  They were on the run, being hunted by dangerous men.

“No,” said Carl, touching Anthony’s face with soft fingers, then pulling back when the grubby bandage got in the way.  “I wouldn’t say ‘okay’ quite covers this.”  Anthony’s smile lit the crumbling brick, the frayed curtains, the shabby mattress, even the two pairs of shoes caked with mud and leaves.   The shoes they’d left on in case they had to run for it again.

“I’m just glad you’re all right,” Anthony said. He took in the bloody marks on Carls' neck. “Alive, at least. You got a plan?”

Carl’s eyes flicked down, then met Anthony’s.  “A college. One with a lot of trees.”  Anthony realized he meant to join Bruce. There was only time for a stab of pain and jealousy before Carl continued.  “You’ll like it.”  Anthony said nothing. “Knowledge is power.”

Anthony’s eye’s clouded. “Boss, I ain’t the college type.”

“You’re my type,” said Carl. Anthony went very still.

“I’m not smart like you,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t listened to you.  Planned another way out.” Anthony’s eyes softened, but he stayed still.  Carl continued. “And I can’t, won’t do this without you.” Anthony blinked.  “Do I offend?”

“No, boss,” said Anthony, his face remaining otherwise motionless.

“I surprised you,” Carl said, rather than asked.

Anthony leaned forward, eyes dancing with affection and amusement, and pressed his lips against Carl’s.  “All right, boss?” Anthony said, when they had done.

Carl smiled. “Doesn’t cover it,” he said, as Anthony helped him up.   Carl rested against his friend, just for a moment, before they made their way to the door.

“I thought it would be me…” Anthony admitted. “That said something first.”

“Let’s get out of here,” said Carl.  “Find something else to do for a while.”

Anthony smiled.  "I have something in mind."