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Eli knew exactly where he’d find himself that night. Staring up at the stars on the manor’s upper balcony. Starling stood beside his arm, cooing lightly as she fluffed her feathers. Eli reached out absently, stroking her head gently and smiling as she nuzzled his fingers. He glanced over at her, smiling to himself.
“Such a good girl,” he praised, listening to her soft noises and smiling to himself. Night was where the seer prospered. Where his thoughts and obligations slid away to let his true self be revealed. He gave a content little sigh, content to stay there before Starling puffed up. He straightened, turning as the little owl scrambled onto his shoulder.
“It’s a bit late to be out, don’t you think?” Eli looked the ancient hunter over, considering him. Hastur looked back, his many eyes inspecting every aspect of him at once.
“Not at all,” he said calmly, “aren’t you out as well?”
“Can’t argue with you there.” Eli waved a hand, inviting the hunter to join him before turning to settle against the railing once more. Hastur settled beside him, looming in the darkness.
“The night is beautiful is it not?” Eli asked, reaching a hand to calm Starling, “The stars. The fullness of the moon. The peaceful, undisturbed silence.”
“You have a strange sense of beauty," Hastur mused, "but yes. I suppose it can be rather calming."
"My favorite time of day." Starling squawked loudly only moments before Eli felt a tentacle slip around his calf, holding onto the limb gently. Eli soothed the owl on his shoulder, smirking to himself. “If you’d wanted to hold hands all you had to do was ask.”
"Ah, yes. That is how you humans show affection, is it not?" Eli chuckled, reaching a hand down the pat the tentacle gradually climbing his leg.
"I was teasing. But I don't mind this way of showing affection either," he said, "assuming that's what you're doing." Hastur gave a low rumble, reaching to take Eli's hand in his own. The skin was cold, chilled and pale against his own skin.
“You’re awfully cheeky today,” Hastur noted, shifting closer and bump their shoulders together. The tentacle on Eli’s leg crawled higher, gripping him firmly but still holding back from being too forward. Eli laughed, smiling to himself.
“I’m in a good mood,” he said simply, resting against the hunter.
“Apologies. Should I leave you be?” Eli shook his head with a content sigh. Starling grumbled on his shoulder, spreading her wings and fluttering off to perch in a nearby tree.
“No,” he said firmly, “You’ve made it better actually.” Hastur made an unconvinced noise, shifting his many eyes to watch him.
“I fail to understand how,” he said, one hand reaching for Eli’s face. The Seer rested his cheek against the chilled, ashy skin, smiling softly. “However, I seem unable to understand most of what you do.”
“I like to stay mysterious,” he replied, “keeps the nosy people guessing.” Hastur grunted, thumbing over his cheek.
“Is that why you tell me so little?” the hunter asked thoughtfully, “am I simply another ‘nosy person’ to you?”
“Absolutely not,” Eli said, frowning deeply, “I say so little because I’m not used to sharing with someone. Anything you want to know, just ask.”
“I would like to see your face,” Hastur said after a long moment, smoothing a thumb over the fabric over his eyes. Eli flushed pink, not quite sure how to react to such a request. He’d expected a question of some sort, maybe something about his life or personal opinions. But the actual request caught him off guard. “You aren’t required to oblige. But I am rather curious as to what you’re hiding under there.”
“Nothing special I assure you.”
“If it’s you, then it is special.” He sighed, pouting at him.
“You’re unfair,” he said, “using such charming words.” Hastur chuckled, many eyes warming with amusement.
“Charming...not a word I’ve ever had used for me before I must admit.” Eli smiled fondly, pulling away and reaching a hand up to slide his hood down. He shook his head, settling his hair and smoothing it down with his hand. Hastur straightened, watching with rapt attention.
“Don’t get too excited there,” he mused, shifting his leg where the tentacle had tightened, “I need blood flow still.” The appendage loosened, resting limply around his ankle. The seer nodded, taking a breath before reaching to undo his blindfold. Hastur studied him, taking in the pale, icy blue eyes that looked nearly white under the moonlight. The markings under his eyes were more prominent now, easier to make out on the pale skin. Eli blinked, letting his sight readjust without the added barrier. “See? I’m just-”
“Beautiful.” He blinked, staring at the hunter. Hastur took his face in hand, tender with his touches as if the Seer might break. “You, Eli, are simply beautiful.”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” Eli quipped with a laugh.
“Well my many eyes all think so,” Hastur replied, “A shame you hide away so much, but I suppose as long as you let me see you again I don’t mind. It makes it all the more special.”
“I’ll choose to believe you,” he joked, “now then, was there anything else you wanted from me?” The hunter hummed in thought before releasing him entirely. Before Eli could reply he found himself scooped up into Hastur’s arms, being carried back inside. He whistled, bringing Starling fluttering back to his side.
“Stay with me tonight,” Hastur requested, “I would like to learn more of you if you’ll allow it.”
“Well, well aren’t you a forward one,” he teased with a laugh, pulling his hood up. The hunter made a displeased noise, eyes seeking his face under the fabric. “I’ll remove it again once we’re out of the open.”
“You never answered me,” the hunter noted.
“Guilty as charged,” he said, “but sure. I don’t mind spending the night with you. And I’ll answer whatever I can.”
“Thank you,” he purred, nudging against him affectionately, “you’ve given me a gift, my beautiful little bird.” Eli chuckled, kissing the side of his head region.
“For you, I’ll give it all.”