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The dimly lit room greeted Caelus when he opened his eyes.
In his sleepiness, he tried to discern what state he was in. This was his room in the Express, on top of the soft king size bed he owned. He couldn't tell what time it was as the train was currently floating among the stars, but he knew he got enough rest yet to start his daily activities.
All of it seemed normal just like how he woke up every day, except for one thing.
Caelus didn't wake up on his pillow this time, no, the thing he was resting his head on felt warm and solid. He snorted a satisfied laugh and turned over. What presented before him was now the real deal.
In front of him laid the chest of someone dearly, the one he treasured the most among all people he had met during his trailblaze. He looked up, watching how serene the other person's face was. Even with a gaping mouth, this person still managed to serve an excellent face card.
"Dan Heng," he called in a tiny whisper, afraid he would wake him up from the peaceful rest.
Dan Heng didn't answer, nor did he open his eyes. He just let out a little grunt, and furrowed his brows without him even knowing.
Caelus lightly chuckled. His focus was back again to the chest splayed out before him. It moved up and down in a gentle rhythm, following the inhale and exhale of warm breath on the top of his head. He placed one of his fingers on it, lazily traced the bare chest.
Everything rings a bell now. They were both sleeping naked, only covered with a blanket to keep them from freezing as the cold air conditioner was still on. Under the blanket were their intertwined legs and possessive arms wrapped around each other’s waist. It just felt so right, as if their undressed bodies always belong to each other.
Caelus didn't want to talk about how they ended up this way, not when his lower body was still sore and neck still full of bruises.
He put his head closer to Dan Heng's chest, listening to the clear and steady heartbeat. It was something that made him relieved, a solid proof that Dan Heng was here, alive, and safe. Dan Heng was in Caelus' arms, and Caelus was in Dan Heng's arms. They were both here, not separated, and that was all mattered.
Dan Heng wasn't using his usual attire right now, let alone holding his signature spear. The Guard wasn’t in his strongest form, vulnerable even. Yet Caelus felt incredibly safe. Under this blanket with Dan Heng, was where Caelus felt safest.
A warm feeling spread across his face. Dan Heng was known as a strong and reliable man. The one who is capable of bearing even the toughest role and duty to protect. But in front of Caelus, Dan Heng didn’t hesitate to show him his weakness. With Caelus, Dan Heng was just an ordinary man. And Caelus will gladly open his arms to be the one Dan Heng could lean on when he felt susceptible.
Spacing out gradually made him sleepy again. Caelus was about to close his eyes, to catch Dan Heng up in his dream, when he felt the body beside him shifted with a hoarse groan. It seemed like Dan Heng tried to move his arms, but he wasn't aware that it was tucked under Caelus' head. Caelus didn't say anything, he just watched what Dan Heng would do
The Express Guard stared at him half lidded, those who saw him could tell his consciousness was still somewhere in the cosmos.
"Caelus?"
"Yeah?"
There were no words after that, just a simple kiss planted on Caelus' forehead. Then Dan Heng pulled Caelus' waist closer, embracing him tight. There was no protest, Caelus was enjoying it the same way Dan Heng did.
"How long have you been awake?" Dan Heng asked.
"Just now, not long before you woke up."
Dan Heng hummed in acknowledgement. His hand slowly moved to stroke Caelus’ hair, soothing him. A comfortable silence fell over them, allowing the couple to enjoy each other's presence for the moment.
"Want to get up and grab some breakfast?" Caelus breaking the silence.
Dan Heng weakly shook his head, "Not now. We have all the time in the world. Let's get back to sleep."
Caelus laughed, "But March and Pom-Pom will barge inside our room if we don't show up."
"Let them be."
Another peaceful silence followed. Dan Heng had probably closed his eyes again to doze off.
"Dan Heng?"
"Hm?"
"Thank you for being here. I love you."
"I love you too," Dan Heng murmured into Caelus' hair. A soft snore could be heard after that, convincing Caelus that Dan Heng had fallen asleep again this time. Caelus smiled before shifting his body even closer and followed him into his slumber.
As long as he had Dan Heng with him, Caelus didn't need anything else.