rozenblitz | Open Post

[Aether blinks, then laughs a little.]

Hm? Are you jealous?

[More teasing, but he will answer the question.]

You shouldn't be. This kind of treatment is for you only.

Jealous is a strong word.

[Yes. Yes, he is. He's not a man that likes to share. And ... He knows very well how much Aether gives to others. How easily it is for people to adore him.

He leans in closer and offers his mouth to feed, his wings flickering slightly.]

I'll take your word for it.

[Aether is very much amused by this entire thing.]

Of course. Not jealous then.

[He is though. Aether can see it clearly, but he's glad the other takes his word for it and even agrees to be fed. It's endearing.

The traveler gently brings the fork with the piece of cake closer to Sunday's mouth, letting him taste it.]

Well, how is it?

[He can't help, but still grin a little.]

[He delicately takes the bit. Sunday is a very neat eater, always savouring each small bite to its fullest. He licks his bottom lip clean of sugar and enjoys the bite slowly. And then he nods.]

It's delightful. Much like a cake that Robin brought back from one of her tours once before.

[Seal of approval!!]

[Oh.

Suddenly seeing him lean all that close, then lick his lip makes Aether breathe in and out as his cheeks warm up and his heart beats faster. There's this urge in him to get closer to Sunday.

He tries to discard any thoughts like that.]

T-that's good.

[He wants to act normal, but his gaze can't quite meet Sunday's.]

[Sunday watches Aether and his expression softens somewhat. He leans in and gently puts a finger under Aether's chin.]

Much better than... only good.

[With that, Sunday leans back and takes his hand back and then nods quietly. He'll continue to enjoy the cake and stories.]

After we're done here, I still wanted to show you what Golden Hour looks at this time of year. Would you still care to go?

[So, that winter date...]

[That finger right under his chin feels like an invitation and he falls for it, leaning slightly closer as his heart beats loudly in his chest.

But nothing happens. Aether's face burns bright red in shame as he leans back as well and tries to focus on stories and the cake. It takes his face a moment to return to a fairly normal colour.

And then there's that question.]

Sure... let's go.

[He'll make sure to get his kiss on that date!]

[Sunday smiles quietly and then stands to hold his hand out to Aether.]

Very well, follow me.

[...]

Golden Hour tends to be chilly during the winter months. I hope you don't mind that I might purchase you a winter coat.

[That crop top just isn't going to cut it.]

[He takes that hand outstretched to him.]

You're even going to get a coat for me? I'll have to get something for you in return if you do.

[The cake was an apology, after all! It doesn't count!]

There's nothing that I need in return.

[Sunday smiles softly and off they go. When they arrive on the bustling streets of Golden Hour, they will see just how bright and festive it really is. Bright holiday lights, huge plastic decorations, garland and holly everywhere and upbeat music in the air.]

Here we are. Have you seen anything as grand as this in your travels?

[Sunday may say that, but Aether wants to give him something in return!

Maybe an opportunity for that will come by later. For now he follows the other and he smiles bright when he sees the festive streets. Everything feels so magical, but considering they're in a dream, it's probably only to be expected.]

I've seen many celebrations. [He says.] But this one is certainly special.

[Maybe it's because of the scale, maybe it's because it's inside a dream... or maybe it's because of the company he has now.

Aether grins and grabs Sunday's hand.]

There's someone singing over there! Let's check it out!

[The way that Sunday feels his chest ache pleasantly when Aether takes his hand surprises Sunday. But he follows, at a slower pace so that Aether might not rush them.]

There are often carollers this time of year. It's a brilliant showcase every time.

[And lo and behold they come across a choir of brightly dressed singers!!]

[Aether slows down the pace and they both walk up together to the singers. Aether never lets go of Sunday's hand, even when they stop to listen.]

They're really good.

[He peers at the other with curiosity.]

Can you sing, Sunday?

[Sunday gets the smallest smile on his lips.]

I've been taught. It wasn't only my sister that learned how to carry a tune when we were young.

[He knows what Aether is asking...!!]

But I'm afraid that's not in the plan for today.

[He's not singing right now!]

It's not?

[He pouts ever so slightly.]

But what if I want to hear you sing?

[Surely, there has to be something he can do to make Sunday agree!]

[He gives a small sigh.]

It's not something I do often in public.

[Sunday glances away, almost shyly.]

[Aether gives him a soft, reassuring smile.]

It's okay, I understand.

[Aether would be hesitant to sing in public, too. His smile brightens.]

...How about singing for me when we're alone?

[If it were anyone other than Aether or his sister...]

I can consider it.

[His wings twitch softly. Maybe he's already decided that he will.]

Until then, allow me to take you for a tour through the garden of lights.

[Aether is taking it as a shy "yes". And he smiles only more at that response.]

Alright.

[He then takes Sunday's hand and leads him away from the musicians.]

Let's continue on, then!

[Even though Sunday was supposes to be the one showing him around, it really feels like their roles are reversed.]

[It's honestly a bit cute that Aether takes his hand so earnestly. There are signs that will lead them to the garden of lights easily enough but still. It is nice to see Aether so eager. And so happy to be ... with him.

The garden is what the name implies. A grand walkthrough-garden with thousands of flowers, plants and sculptures. All decorated with bright winter-themed lights.]

Here we are, the garden of lights. As the name implies, it's one of Penacony's prized attractions. Even during a festival such as this one.

[Aether follows the signs to the garden and looks amazed by the many lights once they reach their destinations.]

It's almost like in a fairy tale.

[He laughs to himself, then looks towards his companion.]

You said it's Penacony's prized attraction, but... is this also your favourite place?

[He wants to know what kind of places Sunday likes.]

[Sunday glances at Aether and a small smile tugs his lips. He takes Aether's hand and walks with him through the first archway.]

It is one of them, yes. If I were to pick a single place in Penacony as my favourite... I would not know which one to settle on. There are quite a few that I am fond of.

[He does like the quieter areas. And the ones where music can be heard.]

[He grins went his hand is taken and he lets Sunday lead him. When they walk through the archway, it feels so... official.]

You need to show me all those places, then. I want to know what you enjoy the most.

[And yet, Aether's attention is on Sunday alone.]

That would mean you may have to spend some prolonged time here, Aether. Are you willing to take time out of your journey for such things?

[Because there is a lot that Sunday would enjoy showing him.]

[He laughs.]

I have a lot of time.

[He really does, more than anyone else would expect.]

I would be happy to stay here for as long as you'd want me to.

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