rozenblitz | What a romantic adventure

This terrain isn't exactly the easiest...but accidents happen.

[ He doesn't want to tell Aether to turn back, and he won't unless he knows it's going to be too hard for them. Telling Aether to go back feels disrespectful to the other boy's capabilities, but that wound isn't pretty. He does his best to clean it first before he starts to wrap the bandages around his foot.

Gorou frowns. His gaze lingers on Aether's injury a little too long before he looks back up, ears drooping. ]

We should head back. If it weren't this deep of a wound, I'd give you the option to continue onward, but this doesn't look good. [ He offers Aether a gentle smile. ] I'll help you.

[Aether winces slightly as the wound is cleaned but he's grateful for Gorou's help. The other has always been so good to him. The foot is soon bandaged perfectly and Aether is tempted to give it a try to see if he can walk on his own.

That's when his companion speaks. In the end, the traveler doesn't move from his spot, continuing to sit down as he stares at his foot. It's true that he can't continue on like this. They need to head back.]

Right... I guess, we'll have to try again some other time.

[He sounds somewhat disappointed. He wanted to spent the day with Gorou but instead he caused him trouble.

...Suddenly, an idea pops in his mind.]

Once we go back, do you think you could stay with me? I think I'll be stuck in bed for some time so it would be nice to have some company.

[He smiles.]

[ Gorou doesn't mind. He's been finding that any time he spends with Aether is time well-spent, though he does regret that Aether got injured in the process today. Still, he reaches around to put his arm around his friend's shoulders so Aether can sturdy himself, and he answers the question immediately. ]

Of course. I have some spare time after this, so I can keep you company for a while.

[ His tail wags a little behind him. ]

Ready to go?

[With Gorou's support, Aether manages to stand up and they're up and ready to head back. The quick response for the general makes the traveler happy, but upon noticing the wagging of the other's tail, Aether can't help himself. He grins, saying:]

Once we're back... can I touch your tail? I'm sure that would help me recover.

[It would not, but who can blame him for trying?

His tone is light, showing that he's mostly joking. He doesn't want to force Gorou. At the same time Aether can't help but wonder how soft that tail is.]

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.

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.

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?

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.]

Y-you're...you really want that, don't you?

[ He sounds a little deflated, but seeing Aether's grin -

it's hard to resist. Truly, that smile of his is Gorou's ultimate weakspot. He feels like he should refuse, but in the comfort of his own quarters with no one around, maybe...it wouldn't be so bad.

He shifts around awkwardly before he moves his tail a bit. Perfect for Aether to lie on! ]

Here. I-I'll make an exception.

[He blinks rapidly when Gorou gives in and lies his tail down like a pillow for Aether to use. The traveler puts the cup of tea away, before carefully settling down, head nuzzling into the soft fur.

...It feels so nice.

Aether can't hide a smile from his face, unabashed to show how much he's enjoying this.]

Thanks. You're the best. [His cheek sinks into the softness, as his fingers start brushing the fur. His eyes are completely closed.]

[ The little strokes Aether makes on his fur send chills down his spine. He's doing his best to stay calm and collected, as a general should when faced with danger (though this is certainly a different sort of danger). He's not doing so hot with it, though, because his tail ends up slowly swooshing beneath Aether's touch. His heart picks up speed and he swallows, hard, praying Aether can't see the flush that creeps onto his cheeks. ]

Y-you're comfortable, right?

[ It's the only thing he can say without giving himself away. Aether truly is special. ]

[For now he can't see anything, but he definitely can feel the small reactions to his touch. The tail swooshes, tickling his skin and Aether can't help but run his fingers affectionately against the softness of the other's fur. His own cheeks slowly grow warmer, because it's a new kind of closeness. Gorou trusts him so much and it truly touches the traveller's heart.

...Suddenly the other's voice reaches him. There's some nervousness in it and Aether looks up. He's met with a blush spreading on his companion's cheeks and that causes the traveler to become just as red. His heart picks up in his chest.]

...Yes.

[The answer takes some time, but it's sincere. Another moment passes and this time, Aether reaches up, gently brushing the hair away from Gorou's face. There's admiration in his gaze and his heart beats so loudly that he can't hear his own thoughts.]

Gorou, I... [He trails off, then withdraws his hand. Maybe...

...No, no maybes. He is definitely going too far and the last thing he wants is to make their relationship awkward.]

[ He clears his throat when Aether looks at him -- an attempt to try to will away the blush on his cheeks. It's unsuccessful, and Gorou's about to turn away out of embarrassment. He's too used to trying to maintain some semblance of composure, but Aether is truly bringing out a side of him he's never quite experienced before.

Especially when Aether's hand brushes the hair out of his face. Gorou blinks once, twice, and his eyes widen.

It's unexpected, but it's also not unpleasant. He wants to hear what Aether has to say. Gorou acts without thinking and carefully reaches to grab Aether's hand before he draws it away copmletely. ]

What is it? You can tell me.

[ ... ]

I'd actually like to hear it.

[When his hand is stopped, Aether stares for a moment, before taking a deep breath. It's difficult to say it out loud for many reasons. He really is worried he may be ruining a precious friendship, but he also worries that he'll disappear on Gorou one day and make the other sad.

Aether stays silent another moment.]

I just...

[He's not sure how to voice these feelings either, how to describe them. He's never quite felt this way before about anyone.]

I want to... be with you.

[And yet once he says that, the words feel so right.

He shifts his hand to hold Gorou's gently, firmly. Then he looks up.]

[ His ears twitch a little. He's stunned into silence and questioning if he heard Aether correctly – he wants to be with him. Gorou's never been good at romance but he'd be a fool to not know what that means.

Especially with the way his heart's racing. There's no mistaking how he feels, too, and he doesn't want to make a declaration of his own that won't have the same impact Aether's had on him.

Gorou takes in a deep breath as his fingers close around Aether's palm. ]

I think... I'd really like that.

[ He can't help it – his smile grows fonder when he looks down at Aether. ]

A lot, actually.

[Aether's eyes widen and now he falls completely silent. For a moment he wonders if Gorou understood him, but the way his hand is holding Aether's and the way he smiles feels so very special. The traveler takes a deep breath, then smiles as well, before attempting to pull himself up, face suddenly just inches away from the other's.]

...I'm so glad, but Gorou... Are you sure?

[Pain in his leg doesn't matter, nothing matters. All he wants is to pull the other into his arms and tell him how happy he is right now.]

What a romantic adventure

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