009 » fading for the break of dawn

[receptacles]

PSL.

for aventurine at naturallylucky.

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[naturallylucky]

[ As he once had said to this very same young man, he didn't throw his chips in on the side that he didn't think had a chance of winning. For him to give in, to allow this kindness and realize that the other meant every word he said in contrast to the bitter poison the IPC had to offer him all these years?

It had a LOT of significance and perhaps it came down to how truthful and earnest Caelus was. Someone who didn't hide behind lies and pretty words like he typically did. Someone who most certainly was indeed shaking but from what? He kept a mental note of such information for later, feeling an unknown warmth in his chest that he didn't entirely know what he should be doing with.

Aventurine was wholly logical on a good day and a realist, so he did still have his doubts but this sweet young trailblazer wouldn't lie to him about this. Caelus no doubt would fight tooth and nail to keep him here, if he had to guess. ]

You really are too good for this sad little world.

[ He meant it as quite the compliment, wondering what was all going through the other's mind while trying to not think too much on his own situation.

Diamond likely wouldn't take this well. Neither would Jade.

They would have much to say about the fact the cornerstone was shattered into pieces and he had no doubt that the IPC was already making their move. Several puzzle pieces remained as well, but the only thing that mattered in this little room was the almost awkward way Caelus now was acting.

Pressing his face into the pillow a bit, which had him laughing softly before shaking his head at those words. If this was how things were going to be? Couldn't say he minded a whole lot, feeling now like his life was given a whole other meaning and purpose as compared to before. ]

Come now. I don't think you're crazy, but I must admit it's new to hear someone truly feels that way when it comes to me being around.

[ Aventurine had a fleeting thought that if he was to be anybody's in this world, it would have to be the one sharing the bed with him. One good thing in this wretched world that had previously never given him anything of his own, and a new reason for existing in this vast universe that needed much more exploration. ]

I at least know you mean it. There's no deception or lies here. You're too earnest for that.

[receptacles]

[ Compared to Aventurine, Caelus knows much less about the IPC and how it operates, but he's thinking along the same lines right about now. They surely won't make it easy to claim Aventurine, even if he's outlived his usefulness on this particular "project." What's more, even though he talked a big game about it, he still needs to actually update the other Astral Express crewmembers of the new situation.

This... isn't going to be easy. But: it's true. Caelus is going to fight tooth and nail to keep Aventurine here. To keep him safe.

The Trailblazer peeks back out from the pillow after his momentary bout of embarrassment fades away. It's... nice, honestly. It's nice to hear that Aventurine trusts him. It's also very sensible — Caelus is self-aware enough to know that he doesn't give anyone much reason to think that he would lie to them. But still. He's happy to hear it. He smiles. ]

...Mm.

[ Lazing in bed with Aventurine has been nice, but they probably can't do this forever. Caelus's hand finds the blond's again; he squeezes their fingers together, and then he smiles. ]

Well... what next? Do you want to get up and get something to eat? [ Abruptly, he remembers that Aventurine did technically take a hit from Acheron's sword. ] Oh, er — actually, if you're not feeling well, I can bring something back for you instead —

[naturallylucky]

[ It was so strange.

Realizing that he now had more of a purpose to keep living. A new lease on life and a path opened to him that he himself had taken instead of letting another guide him onto. He wasn't stupid. The IPC were a scarily large organization and the ten stonehearts had impressive power at their behest, so it was going to be one hell of a fight to make this work.

Not that he was going to think much more on that, Caelus' hand quite warm when it found his own. It was fleeting, brief but enough to have him laughing softly. A warm, happy sound as he gave his companion's hand a small squeeze in turn. ]

You've already done so much for me. It's fine.

[ Aventurine's tone was as smooth as ever, and he made to go and sit up when a stabbing pain lanced through his chest and stomach. A low hiss escaped him and he looked down to see bandages wrapped about him, a reminder that he sure had taken quite the hit from that emanator.

If he hadn't been on the path of preservation, he knew he wouldn't be alive right this moment. Especially if the injury was still this bad. Damn. Maybe things were a bit worse than he'd originally anticipated. ]

...On second thought... perhaps it would be wiser to not move much at the moment.

[ Ow. He was not a fan of pain one bit. So it appeared as if his lovely little trailblazer would have to go and get something to eat. ]

[receptacles]

[ It's not as though Caelus likes seeing Aventurine wince in pain, but he sort of can't help but laugh at the predicament that the former IPC member finds himself in. Smiling apologetically, though it's not like Caelus gave him the injuries personally (well, maybe he contributed?), the Traliblazer leans down and kisses Aventurine briefly on the cheek.

Wait. They haven't done that before? But — well, it just felt so natural in the moment. Caelus will think about it later. ]

Silly goose. Don't move, okay? Just stay here. I'll get you something.

[ It's a shame. He's so nice and comfortable, in bed with the most beautiful man he thinks he's ever seen, but he has to get up now, because the most beautiful man in the universe should get something to eat. Calmly, Caelus extricates himself from the bed, leaving his tantalizing warmth behind. He pulls on his jacket and his shoes, then shuffles over toward the door.

Aventurine won't be able to see the man outside, but apparently someone's been standing there.

Caelus blinks. "Dan Heng? You're here?"

It's funny; Aventurine may have actually never seen Dan Heng before, though he's probably at least been briefed on the young man as one of the members of the Express. He still won't be able to see Dan Heng from his vantage point on the bed, though he'll be able to hear the archivist's voice. "Himeko told me to stand guard while you two recovered. I see you're already up and out of bed."

"Yeah, but he's not." Caelus pauses awkwardly, then continues: "Um, we're both kinda hungry, and he can't get up. I was gonna get something to eat..."

"Stay here." The young man's tone leaves no room for argument. "I'll make you a meal."

"I can make it myself —"

"I'm sure you can. Whether or not it would be nutritionally balanced is another story. Stay here."

The door closes.

Feeling faintly embarrassed, like he's been upstaged by an older brother in front of the guy he likes, Caelus shuffles back to the bed where Aventurine's resting and coughs to clear his throat. ]

Er... well, you heard him. He's getting us food... I guess.

[ He looks embarrassed, too. Well, having a family to rely on is not a bad thing... ]