Work Text:
It has been several weeks since the defeat of Irontomb and the Astral Express finally has some time to themselves. After the traumatic events of Amphoreus, the tense war meetings with the IPC and the Xianzhou Alliance led to the near-impossible battle against a newborn Emanator. Finally, after the long, hard battle, the quiet sigh of relief of the aftermath with exhaustion lingered in the air. Himeko was occupied dealing with the IPC, Mr Yang was with Sunday working with the Genius Society and March was in her room working through her own woes of trying to accept her identity and Evernight.
Caelus, too, was dealing with something of his own and wrestling with turmoil. At times, he would either not leave his room as he held ‘As I’ve Written’ in the palm of his hands. Staring at it with blank, dull eyes, alone and silently in the dark. Some nights, he would sit alone in the Parlour Car, hugging his knees to his chest and leaning against the cold window. He wordlessly gazes at the new Amphoreus they had penned into the script of the universe.
Needless to say, they had not emerged from Amphoreus unscathed and much still remained to be done.
Dan Heng was worried about him. After everything they had endured, he had hoped Caelus would realise that Dan Heng would be there for him for anything. The nature of their friendship changed. Whether it was through the thousand years of searching or the time being submerged in the deep waters of memoria, they had grown closer. Something more than companions, beyond friends or confidants. Neither of them had given a label yet, but both of them knew that something was different between them.
At least, Dan Heng hoped Caelus realised.
Dan Heng sighed as he pushed back his chair and pinched his nose bridge to alleviate the building pressure behind his eyes. He had been staring at the screen too long, finally finishing the final footnotes in the Data Bank regarding the Chrysos Heirs. He slumped in his seat in an uncharacteristic tiredness as his teal eyes opened slightly and drifted towards the calendar on his desk.
Oh. It was that time of year again.
Where the streets of Xianzhou would be bustling with vendors. Crowds of families and groups of children weaved beneath the rows of red lanterns that lined the streets, illuminating Luofu with a beautiful, warm glow. The people busied themselves decorating the stalls with lights and hung lanterns of all shapes and sizes, swaying gently overhead. Shops would sell festive foods, fragrant teas and limited edition plushies. A time where faraway travellers return to their homes from distant galaxies, visit their families and reunite with their loved ones. Enjoying reunion dinners, receiving red envelopes, spending time with old friends and catching up with the most recent gossip. Then, finally, at midnight, everyone watches the fireworks lighting up the sky, welcoming the new year.
Last year, he hadn’t had the opportunity to introduce the newest Nameless member to the way the Xianzhou celebrated New Year. To show him the sights of the Luofu, to let him taste the different desserts that he would surely enjoy, to watch the dragon and lion dances, to hear the tales of old, and so much more.
Maybe this year, Dan Heng could try again. And maybe he could ask him to spend the New Year with him.
Caelus would rush into the crowded market and the first thing he would try to do was to dive into a trash can. Dan Heng’s hand would shoot out and snatch those yellow ribbons fluttering from Caelus’ jacket and pulling him back, to lecture him sternly. Caelus would pout in dejection, but it would not last long. His spirits would lift, and he would quickly perk up again at the scent of food, the sights of toys and trinkets on display and the cheering of children celebrating small victories. Maybe he could work up his courage to gently hold his hand in the crowded streets just so they would lose each other in the sea of people. Maybe, if he were brave enough, he would intertwine their finger and savour the warmth of his palm. Maybe if he was daring enough, Dan Heng would lower his walls and let a sliver of himself indulge in this rare moment. Or maybe Caelus would grab his instead and pull him through the crowds towards whatever captured his attention.
Caelus would first head straight towards the food stalls. Savoury or sweet, fried or steamed, he would try them all. Each hand would hold something different, even in the crook of his elbows, he could cradle a drink or a snack. Whatever he could not carry, he would just shove them into Dan Heng’s hands, urging him to try everything while using him as extra storage. Dan Heng would groan and complain, and yet would helplessly comply nonetheless. He would watch as Caelus sprinted towards the next stall and spend a ridiculous amount of credits on mini-games that were designed to scam him. Still, Dan Heng would just stand there, watching with quiet content as Caelus tried and tried again to win his favourite raccoon plushie. He would watch with fond eyes as Caelus’ wallet runs dry, and listen to his dramatic cries while reaching towards the unreachable prize perched on the highest shelf he oh so desired. Dan Heng would sigh in exasperation as he pats Caelus’ shoulder in comfort before taking up the toy gun himself and easily winning the plushie for him. He would watch as Caelus’ face brightened with pure joy and wonder. He would jump with widened eyes, with excitement buzzing from his body. Perhaps, if Dan Heng were lucky, he would receive a brief hug before he hands over the plushie and quietly admire the way those golden orbs sparkle brighter than any star he has ever seen in the universe.
Whenever Caelus pointed at the decoration and asked him about their stories and the meanings behind the celebrations, something in Dan Heng’s chest would swell. Patiently, he would explain those traditions to him. His voice was soft as he murmured in his ear about the different New Year customs on the Luofu. He would recount each and every meaning behind each decoration and recite countless stories from his memory.
And maybe when the midnight gong sounded, and the fireworks bloomed in the dark sky, Dan Heng would lean his head against Caelus’ shoulder. That feeling in his chest swells again and bubbles over, overwhelming and almost consuming him, but he would welcome it with wide open arms. He would mutter beneath his breath those words he hid inside the deepest crevices of his heart, and it would be drowned out by the loud, thunderous fireworks above them. His teal eyes would glance upwards, away from the colourful, dazzling fireworks in the sky and would instead steal glances at his companion beside him. Whose golden eyes would shine, reflecting the stars. They would be so bright that it was almost blinding, but Dan Heng finds himself unable to look away. Then his gaze would linger and drift towards the gentle curve of Caelus’ lips that quirked in a gentle smile, which would occasionally widen in quiet awe of the spectacle before him.
Dan Heng broke out of his daydream as his phone lit up with a notification from Jing Yuan, asking him if he was joining them for the New Year. Dan Heng hesitated as his eyes fixed on the message.
Jing Yuan:
Dan Heng, the New Year's celebration is upon us. Pardon me, but if you are free, I would be very glad if you could attend.
Dan Heng:
Thank you for the invitation, General, but I want to spend some time with the Astral Express. There are still some matters to attend to.
Dan Heng’s thumbs hesitated for a moment before he typed again.
Dan Heng:
… I would also like to make sure that they are alright after what they’ve been through.
Jing Yuan:
Is that so…
I understand, but it would be a great opportunity for Astral Express to unwind after these stressful past several months. Perhaps Caelus might enjoy it and find some respite from his thoughts.
Also, Bailu wishes to see you, too.
Dan Heng blinked at those words before rubbing his temples. How did he know that it was specifically Caelus that he was worried about the most? The General really knows how to use his knowledge and words to persuade people.
Dan Heng:
I will think about it.
Jing Yuan:
Haha, I shall see you then.
Dan Heng’s eye twitched. How could he be so confident that the Astral Express would arrive on the Luofu to celebrate the New Year? Jing Yuan really lived up to his infamous title, the ‘Divine Foresight’.
His eyes closed briefly, willing away the oncoming migraine before his head tilted and his teal eyes landed on the small closet built into the Data Bank’s walls. Pushing himself from his chair, he stretched his arms over his head to relax his tense shoulders and back muscles. With a few strides, he stood in front of the closet door. His arm lifted slightly, pausing mid-way in hesitation before he decided to grasp the cool plain handle. With a surprisingly amount of gentleness, he slowly opened the closet and sifted through the few clothes he owned. At last, his gaze finally fell on a set of clothing hidden away in the back, concealed behind layers of his own garments.
He parted the fabrics before it and took out a set of clothing he was looking for. His eyes traced from the collar to the crimson lining before finally settling on the embroidered golden dragon.
It was a piece of clothing he found when he was visiting the Luofu a year ago. He was walking through the streets, gathering some supplies for the Express (as well as some refills for March’s camera and snacks for Caelus). His eyes caught a flash of crimson when he walked past a clothing store. Unable to resist, he took a closer look. It was a simple white shirt fastened with Xianzhou-style buttons with an overlaying dark coat that fades into a warm light grey at the hems, imprinted with a pattern of drifting clouds. The interior was lined with a rich scarlet fabric, with the coat’s lapels decorated with an intricate red and golden design. Across the back, it was adorned with the intricate embroidery of a golden dragon swirling and coiling in mid-air, bestowing the wearer with strength, prosperity and fortune.
Drawn by something he could not name, Dan Heng entered the shop and purchased the coat, and he requested if he could add a small personal addition of his own. It was a short poem inspired by one of the great poets he had studied in the Data Bank. It was short and simple, yet its words carried profound wisdom.
‘To keep striving forward with heads held high, unshaken by the obstacles that bar your path from your dreams.’
Dan Heng felt these words described Caelus perfectly. He hoped he would continue to be himself despite the numerous trials, struggles, and hardships that accompanied their Trailblaze journey across the stars. That he would still be the same Caelus who loved sweets, played games with children, laughed at dumb jokes and gave the warmest hugs to anyone who needed comfort. And if he needed to take a break, no matter what, Dan Heng would always remain by his side. Gathering the broken pieces and cradling them in his arms until Caelus felt ready to put them back together once more.
At the time, March and Caelus had wondered where he had disappeared off to, and after the seamstress finished his request, he had to smuggle it on board. He had intended to gift it to Caelus during the last New Year, but he never got the chance to, as their trailblazing journey spiralled out of control from the events of Penacony and Amphoreus.
Perhaps this year would be different.
Dan Heng lingered over the coat, gazing it longingly as his thumb traced the scales woven from golden thread. A sharp knock stunned him out of his wandering thoughts. He flinched before hastily returning the coat to his closet, minding not to crease the fabric.
“Come in,” Dan Heng called out, trying to steady his tone. From the knock, he already knew who it was. It was slightly quieter than usual, but the rhythm was still the same.
The door hissed slightly as it slid open, revealing a familiar grey-haired Nameless with his hand still raised as if he was about to knock again.
Caelus scratched the back of his neck, a habit of his nervousness, “Hey, Dan Heng… Can I come in?”
How could Dan Heng ever deny him? “Of course, my doors are always open,” -to you. The last two words remained unspoken.
Caelus stepped inside, and the doors hissed again when they closed behind him. Beneath the dim light in the Data Bank, Dan Heng noticed the dark bruises under Caelus’ eyes, the unhealthy pallor of his skin and his dishevelled hair. His shoulders were slumped, his fingers fidgeted as his eyes focused on anything and everything other than Dan Heng.
The Archivist waited patiently, allowing Caelus to gather his thoughts.
The grey-haired man cleared his throat and began, “Umm… I… These past few weeks, I know I haven’t been myself. I worried everyone, including you.” Caelus took a deep breath to steady his heart, “I know that after Amphoreus, we all have our demons to face, and we are all super busy. But… I really miss the Astral Express. I miss you, and I miss spending time with you.”
Dan Heng’s chest tightened, swelling until it was about to burst. The surge was so intense that he felt it in the back of his throat, stealing his breath. He could barely breath but at the same time, he could not care less. The boy in front of him was the source of all his grievances, his deepest worries and the brightest moments of his life.
Caelus took a moment to collect himself, steeling his nerves and gathering what courage he could. With determined eyes and a trembling voice, he continued, “I know that the Luofu is a place you preferred to avoid because of the memories there. But I heard that they’re celebrating New Year and I wondered if… if…”
Oh, he recognised this feeling. Was this what he felt all this time?
Dan Heng had felt many things for Caelus. Fondness, worry, adoration, anger, reverence, heartbreak, devotion. These fluctuated over the course of knowing him as they stemmed from something. Then gradually, they merged and coalesced into something new. Something that occasionally fluttered from his stomach to his chest, clouded his mind and narrowed his world until only Caelus remained in focus. These feelings towards Caelus grew so vast that they were overwhelming. He nearly toppled from the weight of them. He had not realised when they first began. Perhaps they started from the very moment he first saw those golden orbs at the space station that reminded him of golden wheat fields. Ever since then, they just kept accumulating, piling higher and higher, filling every corner of his being until they overflowed. He felt as though he was in a perpetual free fall. One that he began himself, plunging so fast and hard with no way to stop.
It was intoxicating. It was addictive. It terrified him, and yet he did not want it to end.
Loving Caelus was as natural as breathing. It was effortless.
And Caelus gave love freely and easily as well.
Through his smiles, his touches, his words. The way he spoke, the way he fought, the way he listened. The smallest of gestures and even his mere presence alone, he radiated a caring and tender warmth.
The way he helps people without a moment of hesitation. Even though his eyes glitter at the mention of credits, rewards and stellar jades, if a person needed help, he would extend out a hand in aid and would see it to the end. Sometimes he gets rejected and sometimes he gets hurt, but no matter what, he would always try again and again until the other’s needs are fulfilled. He would set his burdens aside for others’ needs first and then worry about himself later.
Or sometimes he couldn’t, and Dan Heng would worry for him.
From searching for lost Wubbaboos, fixing Cycranes, delivering unsent letters, adopting orphan cake cats, helping scientists with their research, aiding Silvermane Guards in defeating the Fragmentum, saving civilians from the Borisins, offering himself to reclaim the Coreflame of Time, saving an entire world without hesitation and many more.
He would do all these good deeds, sometimes without a word of gratitude.
He just does them because he can.
He was just so kind.
Dan Heng watched as the tremor in Caelus’s hands slowly stilled as resolve settled in his bones and he came to a decision.
“Will you come to the Luofu with me to celebrate the New Year?”
Dan Heng’s eyes widened. He could see how wide those golden eyes were as Caelus stared at him with devastatingly hopeful eyes. Fragile, bright and vulnerable.
And how could Dan Heng ever refuse?
“Of course.”
“Really!?” Caelus exclaimed excitedly, “You will?”
Dan Heng’s lips lifted in a minuscule, almost imperceptible smile and he gave a small nod. His eyes followed Caelus as he practically skipped with happiness.
Happiness. That’s a good look on him.
“Thank you, Dan Heng! You’re the best!”
“Yeah?” Dan Heng breathed out softly.
“Yeah! I get to spend time with you during a festival! It’s going to be so fun. All of us will be there and we’ll meet some of our friends too.”
“Mmm-hmm,” Dan Heng hummed absentmindedly as he discreetly reached for his closet door.
“And I can’t wait to try all the food, the games and watch the performances!”
“Hey, Caelus.”
“Yeah?”
“I have something to give you.”
Extra:
Dan Heng watched from the edge of the main square as Caelus joined the lively crowd of people filled with men, women, and children, all dancing in a wide circle beneath the lantern-lit skies. Twirling, laughing and jumping to the upbeat rhythm of the festive music.
He and Caelus broke away from the rest of the Astral Express after Caelus decided to run off, and Dan Heng decided to be his designated babysitter and chased after him. Now, he simply watched as Caelus joined hands with those beside him, spinning, dancing and laughing with others around him. He was wearing the new crimson jacket that Dan Heng gave him. The golden dragon embroidered across his back gleamed under the warm lantern glow.
Seeing Caelus wear something chosen by him stirred something deep within Dan Heng’s chest. The dragon inside him purred in satisfaction as he barely managed to suppress a low rumble that threatened to escape from his throat.
Suddenly, Caelus appeared in front of him and grasped his hand with warm fingers, pulling him forward into the circle. Dan Heng was not a dancer and would usually prefer not to dance at all. But, see the infectious and radiant smile adorned on Caelus’ face and the crinkle of his eyes. So bright, pure and unguarded, it left Dan Heng no strength to resist except to follow Caelus in the crowd. They held each other’s hands as they swayed to the music, soaking in such a festive and fun moment of their lives.
It wasn’t elegant or refined. It was simple and happy.
Each time they drew closer, Dan Heng caught a faint scent of himself lingering on Caelus. The coat, the warmth, the closeness.
A pure, unadulterated and unrestrained emotion struck deep in his heart as he finally found the courage to release those words that plagued his mind for so long to escape his lips.
Dan Heng watched as a beautiful rosy flush tinted Caelus’ cheeks and those molten eyes shimmered as he tried to stammer out a response.
The dragon only chuckled and drew him into a warm, encompassing embrace.
At last, that restless feeling within him grew still, settling gently into his soul.
Extra extra:
“Caelus, what made you suddenly come up with the idea to celebrate New Year on the Luofu?” Dan Heng questioned.
They were back in the Data Bank. Caelus sat in front of him with his back resting comfortably against Dan Heng’s chest, completely absorbed in the game on his phone. His thumbs busied themselves across the screen while Dan Heng’s arms circled loosely around his waist.
Caelus hummed, eyes still glued to the screen. Victory was in reach!
“Oh, it was Jing Yuan.” He gave a small shrug and continued to concentrate on his game, unaware of the brief flicker in Dan Heng’s eyes as they flashed for a second before darkening. His strong arms tightened around Caelus’ waist.
“He texted me about this year’s New Year celebration on the Luofu and asked if the Astral Express could come. He wanted me to ask you specifically. Oh and also Bailu missed you.”
Dan Heng let out a tired, weary groan in exasperation and buried his head into Caelus’ shoulder.
‘That goddamn scheming General!’
Extra extra extra:
Somewhere on the Luofu, a certain languid general sat leisurely in his garden, sipping his fragrant tea and playing with his birds.
Suddenly, a violent ominous shudder ran down his spine.
‘Ehe, I wonder who I annoyed this time?’