rozenblitz | What a romantic adventure

[ Truthfully, it was a lot to take at once, but rather than focusing on the idea of multiple worlds, Noé fixates on something slightly different. When he speaks up again, his embrace around Aether tightens, just like the traveler might disappear at any moment if he lets go of him. ]

Are you... going to leave this world?

[ If his sister isn't here, there might not be any reason for Aether to stay. That thought makes his chest feel heavy. ]

[He breathes in sharply, surprised by the question and surprised by how closely Noé holds onto him. His heart thumbs loudly in his chest and Aether wishes for nothing more but to sink into the other's warmth. His voice is tiny when he speaks.]

I'm sorry...

[Those simple words sound so heavy now. Aether's eyes close.]

I... We don't belong here. [He adds.

No matter the world, the twins will never belong to it, they will never be accepted. Their lives will always be longer than any of those around them, so it's for the best to leave before they grow too close to anyone, before they cause heartbreaks, before they give away anything about themselves.

Gods, it's too late now, Aether realizes.]

I'm sorry.

You must belong somewhere! Even if it's not here!

[ Noé gets worked up, but he doesn't even know what is the root of his agitation. The most obvious answer is that Aether's memories were too overwhelming for him. Saying that these images left him unaffected would be straight out lying. Still, that's not the only thing that has shaken him to the core. ]

I wish your place was here, but... even if it's not, I'm sure there's a place for you and your sister.

[ It's too cruel if that isn't the truth. Everyone deserves a place they feel like they belong, after all. ]

Don't apologize.

Noé...

[He understands the sentiment, but... For a moment he's completely silent, unsure what else to say and how to explain the complicated lives that he and his sisters have.]

One day... one day we will find our "home", I'm sure of it, but Noé...

[It's obvious the other is overwhelmed by things he's seen, so Aether could just make matters worse if he says more. It doesn't help that he feels himself weakened by the blood loss.]

Don't think too much about what you saw. I... I don't want you to worry about me or to... hurt because of me. I'm fine, really.

[He tightens the hug as much as possible, trying to project some comfort.]

T-touch...my...

[ There's a moment in which Gorou doesn't say anything while his cheeks go red. He's usually quick to vehemently say no to such a request, but Aether's an exception. He...usually is, when it comes to a lot of things.

Hm.

Gorou clears his throat. ]

W-well, if...if it would truly help with the recovery process...I...won't say no.

[The mischief sparkles in his eyes and a happy grin brightens his face when Gorou agrees. Aether has no intention of embarrassing his friend (not too much anyway), but at the same time he really wants to know how soft that tail is.]

Thank you!

[He doesn't bother to hide that he's looking forward to it.]

I promise I'll be good and recover fast.

I suggested drinking your blood first.

[ His voice is surprisingly firm compared to his usual soft tone. It just seems like a good moment to remind him that Noé insisted on helping him. The vampire's chest feels tight, even when he's being held close by Aether. His warmth is somewhat comforting, but the looming anxiety about what the future holds is still there.

Noé has so many questions. Is Aether going to leave soon? How many worlds has he visited? Is he going to continue the journey until he finds his sister? What are the chances that this world is...

Without thinking, his grip on Aether tightens even more. He doesn't want to let go, neither now or never, even if he can't really name the feeling that makes it so hard to pull away. ]

I'm... I just don't want to lose you.

Lose... me?

[He's surprised to hear that, especially with how tightly he's held. His heart throbs inside his chest, but something else warms it up from the inside. A feeling so different from anything he's experienced before... or maybe it just grew inside his heart whole this time, while the traveler was trying to ignore it.]

I... don't want to say goodbye either. I really enjoy travelling with you.

[His hands tremble slightly, but he continues to keep the other close.]

But I don't have much choice... My sister means everything to me. Once I find her... we will probably leave again, to search for a place we could call "home".

G...good. I don't really do this for just anyone, but this is in hopes of a speedy recovery.

[ However, his tail is still wagging, his cheeks are still pink – he's clearly at least a little flustered, and he clears his throat before he gestures towards the downward path. ]

Let's head down. I'll take you back to the camp and I'll treat you there.

[The wagging of Gorou's tail doesn't go unnoticed and neither does the pink hue on his cheeks. Aether continues to smile, saying nothing more on the matter.]

Sure.

[The track down is a bit tricky considering that the traveler has to be very careful about his leg, but they manage to get back to the camp in a reasonable amount of time.]

[ Gorou helps out however he can; if it means slinging Aether's arm over his shoulders, he's happy to do so. They manage to make it back in one piece, though, and Gorou takes Aether to his little home, in the heart of the Watatsumi Army's headquarters.

He gently helps Aether over to a cushion, and as soon as Aether is situated, Gorou gets to work on applying first aid to the wound. ]

It'll probably take several days to heal, but it doesn't appear to be infected. Let me know if anything changes, though, okay?

[ He looks up at Aether and gives him a little smile. ]

I can prepare some tea for us once I'm finished.

Several days...

[Aether looks down at his leg, small frown on his face. But he tries to brighten up quickly.]

I'm sure I'll get better in no time in your care. [He grins a little. Gorou made sure that the traveler is comfortable here. What else can he ask for?]

Ah, tea sounds nice. Thanks.

[His expression dims.]

And sorry. I hope I won't keep you away from your duties.

[ Even though Noé manages to find some comfort in Aether's words, his chest still feels tight, and his heart seems like it's about to burst into pieces. ]

Maybe I could... travel with you? I mean... across the different worlds?

[ It sounds like an impossible thing to do for him, even if he's a vampire. But he absolutely has to ask and make sure. ]

Noé...

[His voice dies down, a soft sigh escaping past his lips. As much as he would like for that to happen, as much as he appreciates the sentiment, it's just not possible.]

Even if you were able to leave with me, the travels may take tens or hundreds of years... [He's not sure anyone but them would be able to take this. A vampire doesn't have an enteral lifespan either. Aether squeezes the other tightly.]

I'm sorry...

No, don't apologize.

[ Maybe Noé doesn't understand everything that he has just seen, but it doesn't feel like Aether has to apologize for anything, especially not for who he is. ]

I just don't... I don't want you to be alone through all this.

[ Is that really the truth, however? What Noé doesn't realize is that even though what he has said is partially true, there's one more thing—he wants to be by Aether's side as long as possible. ]

Just... don't leave without a goodbye, alright?

It's... it's okay. I'll be okay. Don't worry about me.

[He keeps on saying that as if words alone could make everything better. Aether knows it's not going to work though and he, too, would like to stay by Noé's side for as long as possible.]

I... I'm not sure when I'll leave - it can be years from now - but I'll do my best to not leave without a word.

[He can't promise it, because he doesn't know for sure. Everything on his journey is an unknown and while it's wonderful to discover what tomorrow brings there are times when he wishes some things would be certain. He doesn't want to suddenly disappear on Noé and never show up again.

Maybe this is why he keeps on holding him tight.]

Is it... is it okay if we stay like this for a while?

[ That's such a selfish request that Noé feels a little bad for asking. Actually, he's a little anxious that he might be clinging to Aether a bit too hard, but at the same time, he doesn't dare to loosen his grip. Not to mention that after having his blood sucked by a vampire, Aether should eat something and get some good rest, especially since it was his first time. ]

You're still here... but I miss you already.

[Those last words stir something inside Aether's heart and the traveler pulls away just a little bit to look Noé in the eye. Without thinking much about it he raises his hand up and touches his companion's cheek, fingers brushing the skin in a hopefully soothing manner.]

We can stay this way for as long as you like... I won't go anywhere, I promise.

[They're so close. It's like something is pulling Aether right towards the other. He leans closer, noses touching, lips a breath away from one another. When he finally realizes that, the traveler pulls away embarrassed, drops his hand and casts his gaze down.]

Ah... s-sorry.

[ Truth be told, Noé didn't expect Aether to lean in so close. Without realizing it, he holds his breath, heart throbbing in his chest. With his eyes fixed on the traveler, he watches the other pull away with a glint of sadness. ]

No, don't apologize.

[ This time around, it's Noé who bends forward so their noses are touching again. ]

You should rest, though...

[The sudden closeness makes his heart skip and Aether waits. Their noses touch, but this is not enough. It's like some kind of invisible force is pulling him towards the other and Aether can guess why. It won't end well, he knows about it, and yet...

He leans in, closing the distance between them. His lips brush the other's lightly, but that's enough to make his heart go crazy in his chest and to make every fibre of his being long for Noé.

He pulls away.]

Do you... still think that I shouldn't apologize?

[Because he thinks he should.]

That won't be an issue for a little while, at least. Today's my day off.

[ He gives Aether a little grin before he stands up and looks towards the kitchen. ]

Alright, that should do it. I'll clean up and get the tea started.

[ His tail wags behind him again, but he heads off to the kitchen as promised. He rinses his hands, and after several minutes, he comes back to Aether with a warm cup of tea.

Gorou sits beside him with a cup of his own. ]

Are you comfortable?

[ Saying that it was unexpected would be a lie. Actually, Noé hoped for a kiss and entertained the thought of doing it himself. When Aether pulls away, he looks almost disappointed. ]

Yes. Unless it's for how short it was.

[ But before the travelet can do that, Noé tilts his head to the side and seals their lips in another kiss, not as fleeting as the previous one. After a little while, he realizes that he might have gotten a bit ahead of himself. ]

Should I apologize, though?

[ The question is murmured against Aether's lips since he can't quite bring himself to pull away any further than just a few inches. ]

[This time it's Aether who is surprised. His eyes widen but he easily relaxes soon afterwards and returns the kiss. His cheeks are bright red when Noé asks him the question.

In response, the traveler shakes his head lightly, still staying close.]

N-no... Not at all.

[He reaches up, fingers softly tracing the shape of the other's face, admiring it, before he initiates yet another kiss. A part of him starts questioning if any of this is even real, but he doesn't dwell on that thought long.

In this very moment, he's grateful for every bit of Noé's warmth and kindness.]

That's good.

[Aether would hate it if he was a problem for Gorou.

Once the tea is done, he accepts the warm cup with a soft "thank you", keeping it in his hands for the time being.]

...I'm quite comfortable... [A small grin makes a comeback to his face.] But I could be more comfortable if I could rest on your tail.

[He's pushing it, he knows.]

[ Even if parting ways is inevitable considering everything that he has seen while drinking Aether's blood, it doesn't mean that Noé wants to distance himself from him. It's the opposite, even if in the end he will become nothing more than just a single memory, among many others. ]

I'm glad I got to know you better. I don't want to stop at it, either.

[ He murmurs between kisses as he caresses Aether's hair gently. ]

Your blood is delicious, but you can tell me about yourself rather than let me read your memories.

What a romantic adventure

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