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The day didn't go nearly bad as Eli could expect. Well, other than the fact, that the coffee machine Eli uses to make Aesop's daily dose of coffee, suddenly broke as his tired boyfriend had to go through the match without his energy booster. Other than that, everything seems standard as it is. But, before they knew it, everybody was gathered to hear an announcement that the party has to be canceled due to financial issues by the Manor Owner. The vibe in the room turned gloomy, everyone was anticipating this party, but unfortunately got canceled the last minute.
However, the day went rather quickly as Eli went in a few matches with Aesop. Aesop was rewarded with a kiss on the forehead and cuddles on the living room couch by Eli. They didn't mind the others seeing them all lovey-dovey, as long as they can have time to themselves to do some loving, everything is at ease. Eli loves to reward Aesop with something wholesome, especially today since everything seems to go in shambles one after another. It was like a daily ritual between them both, but Aesop doesn't mind, he just accepts it.
"There you both are! We've been searching for you." Eli turns his head to see Tracy and Martha with their heads poking out from the living room entrance. "It's dinner time! We ask Naib and Norton to look for you both in your respective rooms, but they told us you weren't there. So, the last place we 'ought to think is the roof. But, somehow, you are here, so there's that." Eli chuckles, nodding at them. "Alright, we'll be there in a minute." Tracy gave him a thumbs-up as she left with Martha, giving the couple some time to get themselves ready.
"Shall we?" Eli looks at the door then back at Aesop. Aesop nods as he walks beside Eli to the dining room. "There you both are!" William cheered, seeing the two of them, making an appearance in the crowded dining room. "We're going to have a banquet with the hunters!" Emma chirped as Eli poked Naib on the shoulder, "What's the occasion?" Naib looks at Eli, and back at the crowd, "Well, I may have overheard them trying to set up a party, don't know for who though." Naib shrugs. "Oh, alright, thanks for the information, then." Eli smiles as he goes back to Aesop. "They're like making a feast for someone." Aesop nods, looking at the rest who had occupied most of the seats.
The hunters came in looking all worn out, but when they all saw the food, their mouths immediately watered. Even Wu'Jiu, who always seems stoic and rude, looks like a hungry pup looking for a bone. Nevertheless, they had their feast even with the party canceled last minute. The room was once more filled with laughter by everyone, seeing the vibes changed, made Eli satisfied. He was also delighted to see the delicious food spread out from one end of the table to the other end. The girls must have worked hard to bring everyone's spirits back. He turned to Aesop, smiling at him. "It looks delicious, doesn't it?" Aesop only returned the answer with a nod.
"La nourriture est délicieuse, ma chère." Joseph spoke in his mother tongue, looking at Vera, who just giggles. "Yeah, it's delicious, Vera." Eli smiles at her while Vera just waves her hands, gesturing to dismiss Eli politely. "Ah, Merci, ma chérie." Vera points at Martha, making her blush. "Martha also helped out, the other girls too." She explained. Everyone was enjoying their chats with each other while Eli ate in peace as he looks at Aesop, who seems lost in his thoughts.
He knows too well that Aesop didn't enjoy the presence of living people, but can see how hard he's trying to. All because of Eli being kind to him, giving a chance to those who are living, Aesop always said. Eli never tried asking why does he dislike living people but chose to date him, but he never wanted to pry anyways. Deciding to have the courage to ask him later, Eli finishes his food and sweeps Aesop away from the crowd, leaving a flustered Aesop who seemed surprised by this sudden escort, and a bunch of people.
It was at nighttime in the Manor. Eli brought Aesop to the roof to get their time alone. After all the mess everyone went through, the night went surprisingly alright, which was unusual for the residents as they tend to get hectic by the time night struck. They thought the hunters would get moody, especially Joseph, who tends to get stringent, whenever bad news storm in, but this time he didn't give the slightest care at all. It was weird, really, but the two of them didn't mind it, at least. Eli didn't get that much of a match either, not that he would complain.
The scenery is beautiful, and he is happy that he can watch the night sky with Aesop right by his side. The night sky was a special kind of blackness with tranquility seeping in within, with glittering stars overlapping it. Night came as a reward of sorts, a restfulness above to calm the soul, Aesop would say. A cool breeze blew through both of them as they were sitting on the roof of the building. Moments like this always feel intoxicating, wanting more, but Eli knows he respects Aesop's boundaries. But, tonight, it felt so surreal, like its too perfect to be true.
Aesop was sitting in between Eli's legs. His feet were thrown over Eli's as they both swayed their legs to a matched rhythm. Aesop's head was laying on Eli's chest, as their arms were intertwined. It feels comforting and peaceful. They don't get much time to do this kind of stuff with each other, so they treasure every second they could have for each other. The matches can get very harsh sometimes, making them hope for luck and patience to go through it.
The two of them were talking about today's matches. Talking about their near-chaired encounters, the panic that seeped in when the hunter chased them, and the day they went through all at the same time. It's a feeling neither of them wants to let go, knowing they don't get many enjoyable moments like this. It reminded Aesop of the early days where they both were longing for someone to be in their life forever. They were so in love with each other that everyone had to involve themselves in getting the two lovebirds together.
The Embalmer was captivated by the Seer, Eli Clark. His smile and caring personality was just a contrast to his dull and monotonous demeanor. That was the spark of the Embalmer's feelings toward him and, that feeling made him more alive than he has ever been, with more reason to look forward to a new day. Everybody might have thought that a dull and boring person like Aesop would never have a chance of experiencing the lovely, euphoric feeling of love. But, look at how the tables have turned, Eli proved that wrong as he confessed the man one day in the garden.
But, what Aesop was more confused about is the fact that how can someone as kind and energetic like Eli fall in love with someone quiet and unsociable like Aesop. It will most likely remain as the Manor's biggest mystery. But, right now, Aesop's main focus now is trying his best to make Eli smile and become better. Eli shaped him from a secretive quiet man to a bit more open and accepting person than he was. Nevertheless, he felt like Eli had some kind of power to change one's feelings, knowing he did the same magic on Aesop himself.
Eventually, they both stopped talking, deciding to take in the beautiful view spread out in front of them. "You stopped chattering, Eli." Aesop brings his head back to lock eyes with Eli, making Eli chuckle. "Is there something through your mind at the moment?" Eli went quiet for a moment, wanting to admire the view further, but maybe it's time to tell Aesop what he has been thinking about him. Aesop felt anxious when Eli chuckled, but it couldn't be something serious, can it?
"I was just thinking about you actually," He glides his hand through Aesop's cheek, "What exactly about me?" Aesop tilts his head in confusion. "Your beauty," Eli answered, with a sweet smile on his face. Aesop squints at him, the look of confusion plastered on his face. Although he was wearing a surgical mask to cover his lower face, Eli can still see his facial expression. Secretly, Eli loves seeing Aesop's face flushed with emotions. It just nulled the talk people like to say about Aesop being an emotionless and not expressive person.
"Why my beauty?" Aesop bashfully lowered his head to turn away from Eli's gaze. Eli holds Aesop's chin and turns his head to look at him, "Because you are lovely." Aesop playfully hit Eli, but, deep inside, he knows every time Eli comments about something, it would never be a lie. Aesop felt weird as he is overwhelmed with this unknown feeling growing in his heart. He calmed himself down first before answering back to Eli.
"D-Do you want to tell me about it." Aesop stuttered.
"I was planning to actually. You just cut me in." Eli says with a smile.
"I apologize, then. Do tell I'm all ears." Aesop answered back.
"Your eyes. One of my favorite thing about you, in all honesty. They may be dull and sophisticated, but to me, they remind me of the cool mist that covers the mountain." Eli ran a thumb over Aesop's cheek, caressing the soft skin. "Your soft skin is just so delicate, that it makes me want to hold you close to me, forever." Eli slides his surgical mask off of him, earning a soft gasp from Aesop, who seemed pretty shy about this. "Your lips, God, I love them so much," leaning in to kiss the grey-haired man's lips before continuing, "They're so warm and gentle, I would kiss them at every moment we meet. They hold a certain gentleness that I'm addicted to." Aesop wanted to look away, but, this time he knows he can't evade moments like this.
"I love your soft and fluffy hair. The feeling of just running my hands through it is just relaxing after a day full of matches. Your neck, I love giving kisses to them every morning we wake up together. I can't say much about your body in general, but don't get too self-conscious because, in my eyes, you look wonderful the way you are. Have you ever wondered about how beautiful your posture is? It's like professional, but like you seem cool and composed. And, I never have seen anyone with that type of body posture before, so it intrigues me, honestly."
"Eli, I-"
"I'm not just into your appearance. You have an intelligent mind. And, you went through so much, and you still push forward from the demons of your past. Now, I might not know the full story, but that doesn't mean I can't be a supportive boyfriend to you. I'll be here once you're ready to talk about it. Your knowledge of death never fails to amaze me as always. I love you too much you have no idea how badly I'm head over heels for you." At this point, Eli can see Aesop was almost in tears from hearing Eli throwing compliment by compliment. He never expected Eli loved him this deeply and the fact that his thoughts were that in-depth.
"Eli... I love you so much," he said softly, looking up at Eli, who was lovestruck at the moment. "I love you too, Aesop." For the first time in his life, maybe Aesop will give another chance to the living ones. And, for the first time, the flowers were blooming very lovely around them.