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Hums. The engine of the Astral Express became a whisper against the backdrop of the infinite cosmos. Stars twinkled like diamonds on a velvet canvas, guiding the train through the celestial expanse. Each carriage, illuminated with a soft glow, reflected the mysteries of the universe. A week had passed since the Luminary Wardance concluded, an event brimming with competitors eager to prove their strength and triumph against all odds. Luka emerged as the victor, receiving accolades, while praise was also directed towards Caelus for his unwavering resolve and faith in his trainee. However, his reward turned out to be quite unusual, to say the least.
Caelus had anticipated, quite understandably, at least a stack of credits or perhaps a trinket to commemorate the true significance of the Luminary Wardance to the natives of Xianzhou. Instead, he found himself sitting in the middle of the Data Banks with his “reward” nestled in his lap. It was a tuskpir, pink in color with curled shells around its midsection, resembling some sort of belt. He had heard of tuskpirs before, but the talk was always about their edible origins. How awful! An adorable creature such as this being slaughtered for Vidyadhara and Foxian consumption, even humans! A sudden wave of guilt washed over him, a heavy pit forming in his stomach as he swallowed thickly, a frown creasing his lips.
The trailblazer gazed into the sleepy eyes of the tuskpir, soft purr-like clicks emanating from the creature, indicating its contentment in Caelus’s lap. Suddenly, the guilt blossomed into a gentle warmth spreading throughout his chest. Thanks to Lingsha, he was well-informed about the tuskpir’s purpose: they feast upon the dreams of the living, treating psychological ailments such as anxiety and weariness. They are also wonderful aids for sleeping problems—just a quick hug or squeeze of the little creature, and all conscious awareness slips away like sand through fingers.
Already, Caelus could feel his eyelids growing heavy. He had been so busy helping Luka achieve his goals that he had completely neglected his own needs. Of course, who was surprised? On numerous occasions, he had overheard Mr. Yang and Himeko murmuring among themselves, undoubtedly about him and his unhealthy habits. There was even one occasion when Pom-Pom approached him, questioning him about the scars engraved on his skin like ribbons. Consequently, he was promptly prescribed a special ointment to soothe the ache in his hands and the constriction he’d often feel in his chest.
Despite being so new to this world, so many things had been thrown at him. From the Stellaron nearly detonating inside him to being brutally impaled by Cocolia, as well as witnessing the looping deaths of his companions replaying in his mind like a broken record player repeating the same scratchy tune. Yet, his waking life had not always been filled with such grief. There were many lovely times he still reminisced about: performing mindless tasks for strangers on the streets just to see a smile on their faces, coming together with the Astral Express, spending hushed nights with Dan Heng... Dan Heng. Ever since their time in the Shackling Prison, they had been closer than ever before. Their talks about everything and nothing dragged on a little longer, their touches lingered, and their gazes held until a distraction inevitably came between them.
Caelus liked to think they were more than acquaintances—hell, perhaps even good friends. He didn’t suppose that only acquaintances would confide in each other’s company when there was no one else, not that there could be anyone else for them. It felt as if the boy born from the stars was made for the dragon residing beneath the endless abysmal ocean and dread. It had only been about a year and a few months since his arrival on the Astral Express, and since then, there had never been a dull moment. Though sometimes, he wished for a day filled with endless nothingness; where no tasks needed to be completed, where no one needed the Nameless’s help, where the boy adorned in black and gold could simply laze at ease wherever and whenever he wanted with no consequences. Maybe, that day could be today. The soft phonograph reverberated through the thrumming walls of the Archives, playing a song he was particularly attached to, “The City in the Sea,” a vinyl disc he had coveted in the Dreamflux Reef ever since he first heard its melancholic yet comforting melody emanating from a shop window.
A nap sounded heavenly at this very moment. Although it was not the most comfortable position—sitting cross-legged in the Data Banks with papers and books scattered around and a gentle creature nestled between his legs—he could make do, and so he did. In little to no time, his head dipped forward, his eyes fluttering shut as he felt the weight of past events melt away from his shoulders. Was it the little tuskpir’s doing? Or perhaps his own mind finally succumbing to the need to rest and recharge. That, he would never know.
Soft hums buzzed throughout the Data Banks, mingling with Caelus’s even breathing and the little trills of the tuskpir napping in his arms. The boy hadn’t even noticed the sound of the automated sliding door opening and the gentle footsteps clicking against the tiled ground. Vaguely, Caelus felt nimble yet cool fingers card through his ashen hair, tucking stray locks behind his ear. Slowly, Caelus opened and closed his eyes once, twice, multiple times to regain his bearings. A soft hum escaped his lips as he tilted his head up, golden eyes meeting dull jade, and the gears clicked together as he realized the owner of those jade eyes.
“Dan Heng,” Caelus murmured, his voice croaky from disuse as he instinctively tilted his head into the palm of his friend’s hand.
“Ah, Caelus... Napping here again, are you?” Dan Heng mused, pulling his hand away with evident hesitation; his fingers lingered a little longer, and his hand hovered just over Caelus’s jaw, as if regretting pulling away. When the golden male slowly nods, a smile perks at Dan Heng’s lips, a fondness radiating in those eyes. His gaze drifts down to the tuskpir peering right back at him, it’s little trunk extended out as if willing to grab him. “What’s this? A tuskpir in your possession?” Dan Heng says, lowering down to a crouch as he holds his hand right out to the creature, its trunk clumsily wrapping around one of his fingers, sniffing in his scent of sandalwood and maple leaves all the same.
“Lingsha let me have her,” Caelus explains, raising a fist to rub the sleep from his eyes. “She said she’d be of some use to us.” He states, shifting his position to get more comfortable whilst the tuskpir purrs and nuzzles into Dan Heng’s offered hand.
“Well it isn’t unheard of to keep tuskpirs as pets, they are commonly used for medicinal reasons anyhow.” Dan Heng said, situating himself to sit in front of the creature and Caelus, his hand still being thoroughly sniffed out and cradled by her trunk. “Although I’m rather pleased to know a wondrous creature like herself fell into hands like yours.” He concludes, flicking his gaze back to meet Caelus’s somewhat frazzled expression.
“What do you mean?” Caelus asked, rather confused now as his hand subconsciously caressed the tuskpir’s sleek fur. A breathless laugh bounced in the room and Caelus found himself stiffening, feeling warmth bloom into his cheeks.
“What I mean is that I’ve always thought of you as having a motherly nature side. Do not get me wrong nor feel offended by my words, but during our time in Scalegorge Waterscape I’ve witnessed you also lingering around the Viyadhara eggs, even touching them—Am I correct? I’d hardly assume it was something out of curiosity.” Dan Heng asks, feeling his amusement rise as he spots the soft glow of gold that was ever so pronounced on delicate cheeks. When he was met with silence and avoidant glances, he continued.
“Now, by no means am I saying that’s a bad thing; I’m only just saying that I’m glad it’s you taking care of her. It truly shows how much you care for another’s life… Like if she were your own flesh and blood.” He coos, his eyes trailing back down to the tuskpir letting out gentle babbling.
Caelus nearly chokes back on his own breath and he huffs out a nervous laugh.
“Huh—what? I-I dunno—I never really thought too hard about it.” He punctually glances down to the tuskpir. “I’ve kinda always just had this instinct around kids—like the feeling to protect them in a sense. Even towards animals…” Caelus stated, locking eyes with Dan Heng once more yet he’s unsure why the contact feels almost intimate, why this seems like this conversation is dragging on to something else.
“I see,” Dan Heng says, his gaze falling back to the small animal, his thumb rubbing against the side of the creature’s trunk. Words were left unsaid, yet Caelus has a pretty good idea what the other man was trying to say.
“Dan Heng,” Caelus starts, “have you ever thought about wanting kids?”
“No, the thought barely crosses my mind.” Dan Heng answered. “As Vidyadhara we’re unable to reproduce, rendering ourselves infertile—why are you laughing? This is serious.” Dan Heng cuts himself off, staring straight ahead at Caelus stifling a laugh. “You are so immature… We’re both adults who can talk about intercourse.” Dan Heng nearly pouted, breaking his gaze off Caelus, who waves his hand dismissively and reaches over, placing it over Dan Heng’s knee, who jolts at the contact.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh—I’m taking you seriously, I promise.” Caelus said, rubbing his palm into the knob of Dan Heng’s knee…And he finds it hard to stay mad at the Stellaron boy. “Well, if that’s the case though… Have you ever had sex?” He inquires, blunt as ever. Dan Heng is immediately taken aback, drawing his hand away from the tuskpir as if he’d been burned. He sputters, brows pinched together, and a dark flush swarming his face.
“Pft, what!? ” Caelus exclaims, raising his fist up to swallow down his laughs. “You said we can talk about intercourse, what’s the problem?” He sneers, cocking his head innocently to the bump of his shoulder.
“...I—no, I’ve never… had sexual relations like that.” Dan Heng admits wryly, wringing his hands together. “I’ve never had those desires before—and I was too caught up trying to live a new life.”
“Oh.” Caelus blinks, his hand faltering on the tuskpir. “Yeah, actually, that makes sense…” He mused, studying the Archivist’s face.
“Well, what about yourself? You are always out and about, it’s bound someone like yourself catches eyes.” Dan Heng says and Caelus deflates rather quickly.
“Ah? What? Is that what you think of me?” Caelus asks hesitantly, a frown crossing his face, and Dan Heng swears he feels his heart drop. “But, um, no not at all—I was just going to say I’ve never done something like that either. Plus, I never even thought of doing that before.” Caelus states, his eyes dropping down to the tuskpir who trills softly beneath his touch.
“Wait—I apologize, Caelus… I worded that terribly. I wasn’t taking you as someone who just simply sleeps around.” Dan Heng tries to reason, panic rising and constricting him like a vice. “I just meant—y-you’re… You’re charming.” He struggles out, feeling embarrassment boil under his skin and the golden eyes boring holes into him did him no favors. “And… If you were to do such a thing—I wouldn’t doubt you could do it easily.” He breathes out, his heart pounding in his pointed ears. Ever since he stepped down from being the former High Elder Vidyadhara, he had grown more comfortable in revealing parts of his draconic features. Preferring to keep it onboard the Express however.
Dan Heng lets out a shaky breath, opening his mouth to continue before feeling calloused fingers graze lightly over his knuckles, delicate and tender. His gaze snaps to Caelus’s face, where a golden flush blooms on his cheeks and a lopsided smile graces his features.
“You think I’m charming?” Caelus asks, his voice barely more than a breath.
“Y-Yes. Very much so,” Dan Heng admits, swallowing down the sensation of cotton tickling the back of his throat. The silence is deafening, and Dan Heng is certain that Caelus can hear his heart pounding in his chest. The Viyadhara watches as Caelus gently scoops the tuskpir out of his lap, carefully setting her aside next to them. Dan Heng's breath catches in his throat, his ribs tightening with anticipation.
“How so?” Caelus asks, leaning forward and propping his head up with the palm of his hand, his elbow settled on his thigh. Dan Heng knew this little tactic all too well. The trailblazer was fishing for compliments. With a conceding groan, he peers away, feeling all too warm for his liking.
“You do things on a whim; while they’re terribly reckless, they’re also very...admirable,” Dan Heng begins, flicking his gaze away as he speaks. “You’re not afraid to blurt out whatever is on your mind, and you present yourself so confidently. Yet, you’re also soft-spoken at times and gentle. I see how you handle others with care and—” he turns his head, his eyes widening at just how much space Caelus had closed between them, “—a-and...” His voice falters, nervous anxiety bubbling inside his gut, and the Guard finds himself struggling to find a breath.
“And?” Caelus trails off, reaching over to rest his palms over Dan Heng’s legs, not only balancing himself but further sending Dan Heng down a spiral.
“A-And—and I find myself gravitating towards you each and every time,” Dan Heng admits, his chest rising and falling with every uneven breath he takes. His eyes flick down to the trailblazer’s lips, his throat bobbing with a dry swallow.
“Dan Heng,” Caelus begins, hesitantly placing his palm upon Dan Heng’s cheek, as if his blood still ran with Destruction and his hands laced with Harmony, he dared not make a wrong move in fear of shattering the man.
“Caelus,” Dan Heng replies, raising his hand to place it over Caelus’s hand that cupped his face.
“I like you,” Caelus confesses.
All at once, a cascade of emotions pours down Dan Heng’s back like a bottle of fine champagne or molten liquid gold imbuing itself into his skin. As the words of the confession spill from the trailblazer’s lips, he feels an unexpected surge of realization flood his senses. It's as if time has suddenly slowed, allowing each moment to stretch into an eternity of hushed promises and telltale hopes. His heart pounds with an intensity that sends a warm, scarlet flush across his skin, each beat resonating like the striking of a bell in a silent hall.
“You like me,” Dan Heng replies breathlessly, not so much a inquiry, but rather a statement, because he dared not question Caelus’s innermost declarations, not when he knew very well just how unyielding the trailblazer could be.
The weight of Caelus’s words presses down on him, each syllable a gentle caress against the fragile surface of his heart. It’s as if a golden light has pierced through the clouds of uncertainty, casting everything in a warm, radiant glow. Dan Heng’s mind races, each thought of a fleeting glimpse of a future he never dared to dream of. The air around them feels electric, charged with the intensity of emotions too profound to be spoken.
Caelus’s touch is a grounding force, his hand on Dan Heng’s cheek both an anchor and a spark. Dan Heng feels as if he is standing on the precipice of something vast and uncharted, his heart a compass pointing unwaveringly toward Caelus. The world around them fades into the background, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment that feels both infinite and fleeting.
“Caelus,” Dan Heng breathes, his voice trembling with the weight of everything he feels but cannot say. “I… I’ve felt this way for so long. You’re like a beacon of light in my life, a constant source of warmth and strength. I can’t imagine my world without you in it.” Caelus’s eyes soften, the golden glow reflecting in their depths like molten metal.
“Dan Heng, you have no idea how much those words mean to me. You were always in my heart—from the moment I opened my eyes and saw you try, and fail, CPR—” he huffs a laugh before continuing, “—I just needed to do everything I could to know you truly.” Their breaths mingle, the space between them charged with a magnetic pull that feels as inevitable as the sunrise. Dan Heng’s heart swells, a golden warmth spreading through him, filling every corner of his being with a sense of belonging and peace. In this moment, everything is clear, and all the fears and doubts that once clouded his mind dissolve into the radiant light of Caelus’s love.
“Can I kiss you?” Caelus asks and Dan Heng finds his heart soaring, lodging itself in his throat akin to a dove flapping wildly in a cage.
"Yes,” Dan Heng replies, his voice a murmur of a whisper. Caelus closes the distance between them, under the soft glow of the evening stars, the air is charged with a delicate tension, a palpable energy that crackles between them. Caelus’s fingers brush gently against Dan Heng’s cheek, his touch tender and tentative. Dan Heng’s breath catches, his eyes locked onto Caelus’s, where he sees a glimmer of something he’s yearned for but dared not name. As Caelus leans in, their faces inch closer, the space between them fizzling with unspoken admissions. The moment feels suspended in time, a perfect blend of anticipation and desire.
When their lips finally meet, it’s a soft, hesitant brush that quickly deepens into a more fervent embrace. The kiss is a melding of warmth and yearning, as if each touch of their lips is a declaration of all the feelings they’ve kept hidden. The sensation is both electrifying and soothing, like the first rays of dawn breaking through a long night.
Caelus’s hand cradles Dan Heng’s face, pulling him closer, while Dan Heng’s arms encircle Caelus, drawing him into a tender, intimate space. As they finally pull away, their foreheads rest against each other, both breathless and overwhelmed, their hearts beating in synchrony. Seconds felt like minutes that dragged into hours of gold gazing into jade, calloused skin against fair almost looks too right when clasped together, whereas a soft palm against a rough one brings warmth to their faces. Caelus parts his lips to speak before a, ‘mehr’ resounds from right next to the two.
The two break contact, untangling each other and gazing at the tuskpir lying on her side, snoring away and mumbling babbling noises in her sleep. Dan Heng couldn’t help the smile that tugs on his lips. After several beats of silence, he reaches over and drags his fingers along the tuskpir’s sleek fur.
“She’s cute,” he says, ignoring the way his mouth tingled with the lingering feeling of Caelus’s lips. “are you going to name her?” He asks, turning towards Caelus who was looking right back at him, and seeing those gleaming golden eyes gazing right at him sends a shiver up his back.
“How about…” Caelus punctually peers down to the tuskpir, feeling a fluttering feeling swell inside him. “Haomeng?” He suggests, tilting his head back towards Dan Heng who seemed content by the idea.
“A fitting name, I like it.” Dan Heng states, despite their lack of words he knew by actions alone that their friendship had morphed into something else; something more, something that needed not be said.
“Let’s take care of her together then.” Caelus declares, reaching a hand over to clasp it over Dan Heng’s, his eyes practically sparkling, and the way Dan Heng’s eyes almost lit up in a vibrant teal has Caelus’s heart clenching.
“Together? Like… Like if we were parents?” He asks, uncharacteristically bashful and almost hopeful as he leans somewhat closer to Caelus, who seemed rather ecstatic about the idea.
“Dan Heng, will you do me the honor of being my boyfriend and co-parent our Haomeng?” Caelus proudly asks, holding his hands out to Dan Heng as if he were only expecting a yes!
Dan Heng was taken aback, his heart hammering against his ribs and his hands shaking from nerves alighting beneath his skin. This was something only found in films he’s watched, this was a dream he hadn’t known been reachable…Dan Heng is quick to cross the space between them, shifting his body to lean across over to him, his words lace with longing emotion as he presses a kiss to Caelus’s jawline.
“Yes… I would love nothing more.”