Work Text:
~★
It has been exactly 365 days since Caelus's appearance. Dan Heng remembers the exact moment his pearly eyes met golden once they opened for the first time. It made his heart skip a beat. He'd make a mental image of that for whatever reason that had to be made.
Throughout that singular year, Dan Heng has observed lots of traits and interests the trailblazer possesses. Alongside that, he oddly remembered the exact day and month Caelus was found unconscious. He could not bring himself to question it, to be precise.
No matter the chance, Caelus has always found the time to be sarcastic, and slightly odd. It added differences to The Astral Express. Dan Heng craved it. He would never admit it, but the room would brighten up whenever Caelus would play some unsuspecting joke. Then it would explode once March steps in. He didn't mind, however.
♥︎
The first month of his arrival Dan Heng found him to be quite the figure. Always having that charming smirk on his face along with those sleepy eyes. Oh, those sleepy golden eyes. Dan Heng took some chances to view his posture during Belobog -- their first assigned expedition together. They may not speak all that much, but Dan Heng found their eyes to be connected whenever his own pearly eyes decide to glance on their own. He may of caught on Caelus's odd likings to trash cans as well. He decides to not question about it.
♥︎
The second and third month of Caelus's arrival they found themselves to be separated more. It was his choice not to head on a few expeditions, after all. He took this chance to use his mobile phone handed over to him by Himeko. He would check up on Caelus (and March, of course.) using the mobile device whenever he got the chance. Spending time alone in the archives without March babbling in his left ear does get quite lonely.
To his surprise, Caelus would reply in an instant and would apologize when he was sleeping. Dan Heng thought to himself that the other boy didn't have to apologize, it was already a blessing to know the sleepy-eyed boy got some sleep and wasn't running on Himeko's coffee -- that would be bad and ironic. The messages would make Dan Heng stupidly "excited" over something as small as a text message. It wasn't like him.
What was more out of place was a singular conversation they had over messages. Caelus straightforwardly saying he'd like to observe Dan Heng in the water. (he agreed. it never ended up happening, not yet at least.)
♥︎
The fourth month of Caelus's arrival Dan Heng overheard a conversation between that boy and Pom-Pom as he was unusually sitting in the seat beside whilst reading a book.
"Pom-Pom has finally gotten some spicy and salty food in stock!" The small conductor said as Caelus walked over to it.
"Wouldn't it be a shame if all of it was eaten in a day? What if I throw it into space?" Caelus teased.
"What?!" Pom-Pom stomped it's feet. "Has no one told you not to litter? And the moment Pom-Pom decides to offer some kindness for Pom-Pom's favorite trailblazer, you decide to throw it away." March would've been mad hearing that from Pom-Pom.
"Only just kidding. I thank you for your kindness and sincerity, Pom-Pom." The conductor found that sentence to be mocking and took small offense that would be gone in two minutes. Dan Heng unknowingly let out a small grin that faded sooner or later.
Dan Heng may or may not offered Caelus his own home-cooked bento, neatly packed into a Dan-Heng colored cloth. Fully packed with a variety of spicy and salty food hoping to be acceptable to the other boy's taste buds. The recipe was found by searching in the archive's shelves willingly. He cooked it out of kindness and nothing more, of course. (Spoiler: Caelus loved it.)
♥︎
The fifth month he found himself dragging Caelus out of a trash bin in one of the worlds they travelled to. The strength he had to princess carry Caelus back was also a great polaroid for March. No matter how much begging or asking he will never get that image out of March's cork board or her camera. Caelus teases him about it, asking Dan Heng to princess carry him again every now and then. He politely declines with an embarrassed look on his face. He doesn't show it often.
♥︎
The sixth month since Caelus's arrival he found himself interested in Caelus's phone addiction. Throughout the course of these previous months, Dan Heng observed the golden eyed boy to always be on this certain game whenever there was a chance to bring up his phone. He wonders what could be so rewarding about it. Caelus seems to catch on and invites him to watch him play.
The gameplay wasn't too interesting to Dan Heng, the only thing interesting was how passionate the other seemed to be. Caelus's expressions, the quiet sounds of defeat and love for the game made Dan Heng have a sudden change of heat on his cheeks. He tried his best to focus with the topic he's meant to focus on, but couldn't help but notice every detail on Caelus's face by accident.
♥︎
The seventh month Caelus wouldn't stop teasing him about certain topics on a daily brim. Dan Heng doesn't know how to feel -- whether it being flustered or outwardly confused.
He couldn't keep his composure for long before pinning Caelus against the wall after ten minutes or so of teasing against his ears non-stop in the archives. Pearly eyes meet golden once more. Caelus had no right to have such long, delicate, yet pure glowing eyelashes. Not to mention those lips. The dark haired boy breathed heavily as he left the other with a mere lighthearted threat before dashing into a more populated area. Perhaps Dan Heng had been reading way too many books for whatever instinct to kick in, but it made Caelus shut up for at least two days. March managed to barge into their private business and find out the truth on why they were so pouty.
♥︎
The eighth month came since Caelus's arrival. The month was filled a countless amount of saves from the stellaron boy himself. Dan Heng thought about scenarios if Caelus didn't dash in to bring his wounded dragon-form self to safety. His few first tears since boarding the express dropped into Caelus's plain white tee. He never liked showing vulnerability, yet here he is -- inhaling the boy with a wet tee's scent in their warm embrace. He couldn't stop gripping his hands beside the savior's torso.
"Saving my life? Only to risk yours?!" Dan Heng yelped. It was the loudest Caelus has heard him ever and his shocked expression remained.
"I can't just leave you there! You've done too much for me." Caelus tried to calm him down. The dragon boy was wounded, the least he'd wanted was Dan Heng to get even more hurt. However, it doesn't change the fact that the savior was also injured.
"Your arm is bleeding, Caelus!" Dan Hang held the other tighter. "You could of died!"
"And you wouldn't?!"
Dan Heng dropped to the ground. He coughed up blood, and the rest remained to be the unspoken past.
♥︎
The ninth month. Nothing eventful. Nothing worth noting. Dan Heng spent most of his time in the archives, still somewhat injured. March and Welt were still recovering. Caelus spent most of the time in the space station, helping out Herta with her "Simulated Universe" here and there. He's heard that Caelus has been great help.
He missed Caelus. He didn't have to. They weren't anything at all, but he did miss him -- way too much.
♥︎
The tenth month since Caelus's arrival. They made up, thanks purely to March's help. Dan Heng couldn't help but notice the atmosphere changing between him and Caelus, yet those feelings whenever they were in a radius together remained the same. Eventually, he'd lose track of time in the archives before The Astral Express continued it's service to travel between planets.
On the next planet, they took a photo-booth framed image together upon their arrival. March was in the middle, posing in a "buff guy" stance as the two other boys were left awkwardly along the sides with their hands making a heart together. They would never agree to this, but March menacingly forced them to by guilt tripping them and puppy-dog eyes. Dan Heng was not fond with the idea, yet he still keeps a copy of the printed image hidden in the archives. Don't let anyone search it.
♥︎
The eleventh month came, and he needed to realize his feelings quick and fast as if it hasn't been eleven months since he'd felt these emotions. Who would be a great candidate to talk to other than the one that usually does the talking? March 7th.
"March." Dan Heng looked around trying to locate the archer and to avoid the swordsman in a quiet tone. The pink haired girl would eventually appear in his vision as she got up from the object blocking her.
"Yes?" She'd asked, extending the es's. Dan Heng saw some bows on the ground and the conductor's hat. He knew what was going on, and wouldn't like to barge in on whatever make-over they were having.
"I wanna talk to you about something." He coughed into his elbow.
"Is it about Caelus?" Dan Heng's eyes widened at the name. Pom-Pom peaked out from the object blocking it and looked shocked.
"Caelus?" Pom-Pom asked. March innocently giggled. "What about Caelus?"
"It seems like you haven't caught up to the latest news!" March picked up a panicking Pom-Pom covered in ribbons up and winked at Dan Heng. "Dan Heng has a huge crush on your second favorite Trailblazer."
Dan Heng felt himself heating up ever so slightly at the mention of the words in that sentence -- one being a lie and the other being a undeniable fact. "March.. I'm asking you for advice here." He turned away from March, not wanting to look at her right now.
"Fine." She puts the mad Pom-Pom down and ran over to Dan Heng. "I owe you some details, Pom-Pom!" She cheerly waved to the struggling creature. "Let's head over to my room. We'll talk about it now that Caelus is on a short expedition."
She'd run fast enough with Dan Heng's hand in her palm to her own room -- placing him down on a bean bag to talk about whatever he's been piling up. "I've been waiting for you to open up about your lover boy."
"Quiet, March.." He'd mumble. "It's not like that," March remained to have a cheeky expression on her.
"Then, what is it?" She'd tilt her head.
"I don't know." Dan Heng immediately answered whilst crossing his arms. "He makes me feel different."
"So, basically nothing?" Dan Heng blinked at her ignorance. "You never feel anything." The archer claims. He could agree to this, but ever since the last few days he's been having more than one emotion.
"I don't want to be disrespectful to you March, but I'd like to speak." Dan Heng said with a clear look in his eyes. The girl with pink hair catches on and nods.
"Whenever I feel his presence, I suddenly get this feeling in my chest alongside a sense of comfort." Dan Heng thinks for a moment. "He can turn a bad day into a tolerable one." He unknowingly grins a tiny amount as he says that.
"For a guy who's personality is being knowledgeable, you seem pretty dumb about this stuff.." March sighed. Dan Heng could only let the smile drop and raise an eyebrow.
"What?"
"It's love, Dan Heng." March sat up. Dan Heng was left speechless, as the both of them let the silence consume their thoughts before he'd eventually speak up again.
"Is it possible for a guy like me to be loved? I don't have much to me other than knowledge that will never be handy to a man like Caelus." March seemed like she was about to punch something, so Dan Heng offers her a stuffed animal sitting beside her window. She mouthed a thanks before squeezing onto it,
"Are you stupid?!" She growled. "Have you seen how that idiotic man looks at you?" Dan Heng pierced a glare at the nickname. "He needs you, Dan Heng!" She placed the stuffed animal besides her before inhaling and exhaling hard. "What more signs do you need?" Dan Heng was silenced.
"If that's the case, what's the next thing to do?" The dark haired boy asked to the girl that was on the verge of screaming.
"I've been trapped in ice for probably a decade and I'd know what to do." The archer blankly said with a sarcastic tone. "Ask him out, dumbass." Dan Heng chose to ignore that first sentence.
"How?"
"You read books on it right? That's why you pinned Caelus against a wall in the archives back then?" Dan Heng flushed into a deep shade of red before shushing March up.
"That did not ever happen." He coughed to clear his allegations. "Yes, I do read books on it," March clicked her tongue playfully. "Would it apply here as well?"
"Well, I guess?" She thinks. "Don't know what you read, but I think it's accurate." Dan Heng fixed his discomforting posture. "Hand him a bouquet of flowers to ask him out, or something."
"Do people do that? You think he'd appreciate some flowers that will eventually die out?"
"I think. If there's meaning behind the flowers, but I don't actually know if Cae' would like it." March laughed a bit, now hugging the stuffed animal.
"Okay. Thank you for your help." March winked playfully as a response. (she does not know what she's saying!)
♥︎
The twelfth month of the two men knowing eachother. Romantic or not, he's come into terms and acceptance that he does feel some sort of feeling for Caelus and is willing to share a more meaningful bond. The only thing that makes his heart race is the thought of Caelus not feeling the same way.
Soon enough it will be Caelus's unofficial birthday that Dan Heng has memorized in his head for once again, whatever reason he had. His plan was to ask the other out on his birthday to not make it awkward. It was pure luck for him to realize and understand his emotions right before the upcoming birthday.
He'd inform March and the rest of the crew about Caelus's birthday. They didn't ask how or why the wind boy memorized the exact day and month, but here they were preparing decorations and a variety of appetizing food.
~★
It's the day. The birthday boy was completely unaware.
Welt put some balloon in letters up in the main room. March helped placing down the food and beverages, Pom-Pom was figuring out how to play happy birthday tunes on the radio. Himeko and a few of the allies they've made throughout their trailblazing journey were giggling to find a suitable hiding spot, along with testing out the light switch.
Lastly, Dan Heng would be the one to bring the birthday boy to their desired location. He'd managed to keep Caelus out for a long period of time without the boy realizing the event that was about to happen. The dragon has only realized this would be considered a "date" with the activities they were doing.
He wished to always see Caelus with his pure and honest smile. He truly craved for it.
After a long tiring "date", he'd lead Caelus to the express. The moment they stepped foot into the express, there were no lights on. The light haired boy became wary, putting himself before Dan Heng until bright lights were turned back on. They were both greeted by warm smiles and loud birthday music.
"Happy Birthday, Caelus!"
~★
Eventually, the event must come to an end. The music has been stopped and there were no longer signs of volume in the hallway. Only a worn out crew. However, something new must commence.
March tapped on Caelus's shoulder, who was now was lying on the couch tiredly with both his eyes closed.
"What is it?" The boy in the iconic black hoodie groaned, bringing a hand to wipe his right eye revealing his golden pupils that were previously sealed shut.
"A birthday note for the birthday boy from your tiny crush." March tried her best to stay energized despite drinking a little bit too much juice. "Don't know what's in there, give it a read." She'd extend the read with a playful tone.
Caelus's eyes widened. "Ah.. thank you." He'd take it before opening the note. He'd rightfully ignore the "tiny crush" comment. It was true, however. He's been pining over Dan Heng for a long period of time. He'd wish his actions would finally be recognized, yet Dan Heng would never show a sign of interest behind his emotionless expressions. The constant fear of rejection filled him regularly.
March would waddle away to a polar opposite pair of women from Belobog as Caelus's hand would inspect the letter slowly.
He'd scan it thoroughly, noticing Dan Heng's messy yet somehow eligible handwriting. The sentences were pasted in perfectly in a straight line -- in a similar length. Yet the letters were written messily in black ink.
It reads, "Hello, Caelus. Happy Birthday. I'd like to apologize for not telling you the contents of this letter straight to your face, but I am simply too embarrassed by the idea of it. May I talk to you privately in the archives? I'd be there by the time you get this letter from March. Thank you. -Dan Heng." He found himself to have his eyebrows raised.
"Alright.." He thought. As Caelus got up, he swore seeing a glimpse of March and the two other women giggling insufferably.
For whatever reason, he felt his heart pound rapidly and his body getting sweaty as the sounds of his shoes clicking through the hallway to meet up with Dan Heng during that short duration.
Soon enough, he'd open the archive's sliding door and catch Dan Heng's eyes. He was far away enough, yet the eye contact seemed so loud.
"Hello."
"Hey."
Caelus's voice got stuck in his throat. It was just the two of them, once again. But they both knew something felt different in the atmosphere. Dan Heng would slowly walk towards Caelus.
"Caelus." Dan Heng softly spoke with the same attitude as 365 days ago. "Happy Birthday." The light haired trailblazer's face expression would change as a neatly boxed-shaped wrapped present in black was handed to him. The hue of his cheeks drastically brightened.
"I know we as the Astral Express haven't decided on a birthday for you, but I figured it'll be similar to March." Dan Heng gulped. "It has been 365 days since your arrival, and I believe that you deserve a gift." The boy with dark hair scratched his neck. "I'm sure this isn't enough for how much our crew has been through together, and especially how much we've been through together, but I still hope you appreciate the small gift."
Caelus was left speechless at the presence of a flustered Dan Heng and a well-packaged present. He was hoping his heartbeat wasn't loud enough for the giver to hear. He might be doomed if that was the case.
"Ah," Dan Heng scoffed. "Could you please just take it?" The sight of the wind boy showing a sign of embarrassment was enough to send more heat towards his cheeks. He accepted the gift and slowly started to unwrap the present. Dan Heng avoided eye contact at all costs, until Caelus felt like his heart was about to explode.
Inside the present that was box-shaped, there were objects that stood out to him. A miniature yet delicate sculpture of Caelus's preferred character in the mobile game he played, a tiny adorable raccoon phone charm, Caelus's own cologne, a neatly packaged black hoodie, two packs of spicy instant noodles and much more content that were of value.
"Dan Heng.." Caelus quietly said.
"No--," Dan Heng interrupted. "I'm sorry if you didn't like it." The sentence made the other boy miserable for a short time. "But each gift has a meaning. I hand picked an object that reminds me of you from every planet we've explored together." The wind boy was panicking.
"Dang Heng--" Caelus felt a lump in his throat. Not now, Caelus! He thought. "I love them." Dan Heng directed his vision to anywhere but the boy in context, not knowing how to respond. "Continue with whatever you were saying. I love hearing your voice."
Dan Heng went numb. "Right." He coughed, "I hand sculpted that videogame character you liked, and about the cologne.." The dragon went off. Their vision met once more, now they were both craving each other's desires. Their eyes would reflect like a mirror. Caelus figured that Dan Heng would continue his meaningful words.
"I remember hugging you back then. The moment I smelt this scent, it instantly reminded me of you." Dan Heng quietly explained. "Please keep using it." They felt each individual's scent and breath under their skin as they would eventually share a small corner. "I think I'm addicted to it."
Caelus would lean in towards Dan Heng who fidgeted towards a wall, as he placed the present below him gently. They inhaled each other's breaths once more before Caelus attacks the other's mouth with a passionate kiss, putting on some pressure to the wall infront of them.
Dan Heng pulled apart to catch his breath. They look at the one and another with pure desire and need. Their eyes glowed like the sun reflecting light towards the moon. It was only a matter of time before Dan Heng's held his hands under Caelus's waist and goes for another hot, needy and lustful kiss. Caelus moaned into the kiss before attempting to take of the other boy's belt.
"Not yet," Dan Heng smirked as he broke the kiss. "I think." His tone was enough to turn Caelus on even more, yet he was getting slightly impatient.
"I don't know if I like it this way," Dan Heng truthfully said before flipping them over in a fast manner. If he was capable of princess carrying, he's capable of this.
Caelus whimpers in shock from the sudden motion. His eyes widened at how Dan Heng's pearly eyes would pierce through his menacingly. He prefers it this way.
"Hm, now I do." The dark haired boy smirked. "What do you think?" Caelus could only nod as he feels his black hoodie being taken off, then his tee soon after. A gasp came out of him when cold fingers brushed against his skin purely for Dan Heng's curiosity. He's always been quite the curious one, afterall.
It doesn't take long before all layers of his clothing were now a messed up pile on the ground. He's been needing this. They've been wanting this. Nothing can stop them now.
♥︎
"Are we.. together now?"
"Yes, my love."