Caelus is new to this life and a little too good to people, doing anything for them and making several friends everywhere he goes. A certain Dan Heng is getting a little tired of Caelus constantly being busy. Maybe he just wants to spend some time with him, is all. Though it doesn't help that his recently awoken dragon is making things a little difficult and he's desperate to find any reason to drag the younger to his room and allow his dragonic instincts to take over.
Notes: I hope you guys enjoy! I uploaded this from ao3, so apologies if the formatting is rubbish. If you'd prefer to check it out from there then my user is archonadeptus. Please be kind and thank you!
Warnings: Possible suggestive themes. Caelus has uncontrolled daydreams. Posessive Dan Heng.
Chapter One - … Are my concerns.
"Caelus…" His golden eyes remained glazed over and unfocused, thousands of thoughts behind those empty eyes. "Caelus?" Dan hengs hand gently gripped his shoulder, attempting to jostle the younger out of his thoughts. Silence still followed, it felt heavy in the air. His hand gripped a little harder, worry now being etched onto his features. How was it so difficult to wake somebody from what appeared to be a momentary space out?
Shaking him a little, he moved to stand in front of him and ended up cupping his cheeks to try and get his eyes to focus on him. "Caelus, please. Wake up now." Dan Heng held his breath for a moment, worried that anything could stop him from waking up and out of whatever this is. It took a few moments more, but his golden eyes soon began to flutter shut and open again. His pupils contracted, returning to normal as he gathered his surroundings back in and exhaled.
"Oh. Dan Heng?" The older took a sigh of relief, exhaling and letting go of his face despite deep down something in him longing to stay. "When did you get here?" Did he not just realise that he was completely zoned out?
"I've been here for a bit. I came to get you, Pom-pom asked for your assistance." Caelus seemed visibly confused when he said he had been here for a little already; so he truly was out of it then. "But you seemed to be… daydreaming? Are you okay? Do you feel unwell perhaps?" His hand soon found itself back on Caeluses forehead checking his temperature. His eyes narrowed a little when he saw his cheeks heat up, a gentle shade of pink dusting his cheeks suddenly. Hm, funny. Could this be the start of a fever?
"Ah, no. I'm okay, sorry." He took a step back causing Dan Heng to lower his hand a little hesitantly. "It just happens sometimes. I-ill go see Pom-pom. Thank you for letting me know!" With that, he made his exit into the Parlor Car leaving Dan Heng within the hallway. Maybe he was a little stressed, after all a lot had happened to him lately. Caelus is a kind soul, a little too kind really. Running around for people non stop, working hard on other people's requests, protecting everyone and once dying for them only to be revived stronger. The memory still causes him to shake, throat going dry along with the sudden inability to swallow. No, we won't think of that today. Not when he is fine and well and right in there. Taking a breath in, he followed the previous steps that Caelus took to the parlour car, a little curious on what Pom-pom needed him for.
"So I'll just ensure the supplies arrive?" The trailblazers voice reached his ears as he stepped through, deciding to sit comfortably whilst waiting. It wasn't that he was eavesdropping per say, it was just that he wanted to ensure Caelus wasn't pushing himself especially with his suspicion that he may be getting a fever.
"Mhm yup! Thanks Caelus!!! This is why you're Pom-Pom's favourite!" A light chuckle came from the younger as he reached down to pat Pom-Pom's head. They only really allowed Caelus to get away with that, despite a pout occasionally.
"That's okay. I'll always be here if you need me." A light pause came before he stood back up straight and stretched. "Well I'll be off then! Better to do it now." Dan Heng immediately stood, going toward Caelus. "Oh hey! Are you coming too?" The little tilt of his head could have made his static expression melt then and there. He reminded him of Peppy, the little pup of Astas whenever he did that.
"If you'll have me then of course." Dan Heng kept his arms firmly folded over his chest, eyes staying upon his golden ones as Pom-pom rolled their eyes and moved away.
"Always! But are you sure you want to come? It's just a basic supply run kinda thing." Caelus shoved his hands into his pockets, mindlessly moving his foot around, eyes cast downward as if he were shy. Pom-Pom rather dramatically sighed before turning back around to face them both a little further away.
"Both of you go! Please! For the love of-"
"Now now, that's enough Pom-Pom~" Himeko from the far sofa spoke, grinning as she read through her book. Caelus jolts, focused back on the task and nodding quickly.
"Right Pom-pom! Sorry!" Dan Heng also utters a light apology, coughing a little into his fist as a blush dusts his cheeks.
"Right then, shall we go?"
Both stay quiet until they leave the Astral Express, Caelus immediately stretching and beginning to walk the way. He hadn't really been alive… Or would the word be conscious? Regardless, he hadn't been either for long. What has it been? A matter of months now? Despite the connection between them all being strong like a family already. And somehow, despite the few months he had known Caelus - the dragon within him knew that he was the one. That Caelus was his and his alone. Though that feeling of possessiveness was something Dan Heng tried to push down, he didn't want to frighten him; he decided a while ago that he would pursue the 'normal' courting method that humans tend to lean toward and not the dragonic instincts that claw at his throat.
"Dan Heng?" That gentle honey coated voice he had grown to adore pulled him out of his thoughts, gaze immediately returning to him rather than the floor.
"Ah, my apologies, Caelus. Were you saying something?" Caelus began to fiddle with his sleeves a little and shook his head, continuing to lead the way through the larger halls of the space station.
"No, I just got worried. You seemed… Uhm-" Dan Heng chuckled a little bit, amused by Caelus trying to think of the correct word.
"Spaced out? Dazed? Stuck in my thoughts? Yes. You're right, I apologise." He drew in a breath as Caelus registered the terms. "I was just thinking about a few things."
"Is that what it's called?" Caelus ignored his curiosity to what Dan Heng was thinking about, his desperacy to discover the right term seemed to outweigh that.
"Hm? Spacing out?"
"Yes… I think. When you're suddenly not like where you were anymore? You're somewhere completely different and you can think of anything you want and you'll be there. You know like uhm-"
"Ah. Daydreaming." The younger's eyes lit up, the word finally feeling right. "Is that what happened earlier? When you seemed unresponsive to my calls of your name?" He simply nodded, gazing away and tugging at his own sleeve a little more. "Does it happen often?" Caelus nodded once more, eyes meeting him finally. Dan Heng found it difficult not to melt right there and then at such an innocent gaze.
"Yeah… I- ever since I woke up I keep… Daydreaming. It happens when I don't want to, and it's making things difficult sometimes I just go on auto pilot and-" Dan Heng soon grew worried at the rambling, the younger now borderline panicking. Dan Heng took his hand, gently bringing him into a quiet storage space and crouching down with him."Breathe, Caelus." He began to rub soothing circles onto his hand, trying not to overwhelm him. "I'm here, I promise it's okay. It's understandable you've been daydreaming like that - a lot has happened to you in such a short amount of time." Tears were now brimming at his golden eyes threatening to fall. Dan Hengs mind was screaming at him to comfort what was his - but he shoved the intense sensation away as much as he could. "Look at me, Caelus, focus on me. I will keep you safe okay? It's okay to have these daydreams, we will all keep an eye on them for you, yes?" Caelus nodded, sniffling and rubbing his eyes a little harshly. At this, Dan Heng moved his hands away from his eyes and instead gently wiped away the tears that had fallen. "Be gentle with yourself, okay? After this task for Pom-Pom, I want you to relax until our next destination, okay?"
"I can't, I'll be useless. I- you've all already taken me in, I need to show that I'm capable and-" A finger was now against his lips.
"Caelus you make this very difficult." He gave him a light glare, though he could tell it was playful and not at all very threatening but it was enough to keep him quiet for now. "You do so much for us all, you saved March don't you remember? You've saved so many people and helped Jarilo-VI so much. Not to mention the recent events in Xianzhou Luofu. Please give yourself a break. I assure you that you need it and deserve it and the express will be so over the moon to see you taking that break and finally relaxing." The tears had slowed, now a light smile was playing on his lips.
"Will it really make them happy?" Dan Heng sighed, crossing his arms back over his chest but his gaze remained gentle.
"Yes, it will. But I want you to do this for yourself too Caelus. Now come, let's get this over with yes?" Reaching his hand out, Caelus didn't hesitate to take it. Once stood, Dan Heng gently wiped away the rest of the tears if any remained and once ready - they both left and continued the task at hand which shockingly was a lot more tiresome than he first thought. Everyone seemed to want Caelus to do something for him, even his phone had a few notifications of a few requests. "Do they ever leave you alone and allow you to rest?" Dan Hengs voice cut through his focus as he hummed a little in thought. "If you're asking if every day is like this then yes. But it's okay, I promised I'd help." There he goes again, his mate- ahem, friend being more than kind to anybody he crossed paths with. Though it was adorable to see, it angered him that people weren't giving him even a moment to breathe. I mean, it had to be a joke of Some sort? Yes, Pom-Poms request was fine, but somehow it got them both wrapped up in a love story of some sort? Honestly, why can't people communicate? And then that turned into another thing before they reached their current predicament which was finding Peppy. Somehow, Asta got preoccupied and Peppy wandered off. Now Caelus is beneath a table crawling around trying to coax her out whilst Dan Heng watches in between his own search despite looking around a little less than eager. Caelus however continues to Crawl across the room, peeking under tables and the chairs. Once his eyes zoned in on the modern looking trash can and he began to stand to go and rummage through it, Dan Heng decided to step in no matter how he almost swayed to let him because of that happy shine within his eyes.
"No, Caelus." The words were simple, but the way Caelus immediately dropped back down to his knees with a pout was enough to shake the recently woken dragon within him.
'Our mate. Look how well he responds to our command. Look how he listens so prettily...' Dan Heng shook his head immediately trying to rid of those thoughts, that voice - the urge that was barely being held at bay. Caelus blinked up at Dan Heng, a pout still evident upon his face. "We already spoke about this, didn't we?"
"Yeah... It's dirty. Sorry, Dan Heng." A slight smile fell on his lips at how sheepish the younger's behaviour was.
"Don't apologise. Let's keep looking, yes?" A while later, they had finally found Peppy who had found a rather nice corner to sleep in undisturbed only for its rest to be disturbed by an overly affectionate trailblazer. Soft words were continuously being spilled from his lips as his fingertips fluffed the soft fur, gliding through to hear the cute barks from the small puppy. Dan Heng waited awhile, not wishing to rush him either as he was truly smiling and for once free of any concerns. Though, with time seemed to grow jealousy to Dan Hengs shock. The dragon within him seemed to growl a little as after all that attention should be on him and him only. 'Look at that gorgeous smile and those sweet words. That should be for us.'
"Uhm, Dan Heng? Are you okay?" His eyes snapped upward, meeting the golden ones that held so much concern for him. Wait, did he growl outwardly? The low sound confused that as he gasped and cleared his throat.
"I- uhm, sorry. Ignore that." Turning his face away, heat rose to his cheeks and he missed the way that Caelus knowingly laughed a little.
"Come on, Peppy, I'm sure Asta is waiting for you. Right Dan Heng?" Caelus was about to scoop Peppy up, but instead they decided to lead the way with Caelus chasing after it, gripping Dan Hengs sleeve in a last second decision. He couldn't help but laugh at Dan Hengs confused face as they continued to run through Hertas space station trying to avoid any of her puppets as neither of them are exactly in the mood to get scolded for running and being a little reckless.
"You found Peppy!" After a bit of running, they finally arrived back with a very eager Peppy nuzzling against Asta who didn't hesitate to lift them up and snuggle them. "Thanks you two! Oh where did you go my lovely?" Asta proceeded to melt over Peppy as Caelus filled her in.
"Peppy was taking a nap actually! You were all snuggled up weren't you bud?" Dan Heng was subconsciously biting his lip in irritation, he was reaching the limit on how much of Caeluses time he could share. In all honesty though he had reached that limit a long while ago.
"Awh you were huh? Well thank you both again. Here! Take this as well." As Asta shoved over a handful of credits they heard ArIan call out from a bit away who appeared to be rapidly approaching at the sight of her passing a ton of Credits away.
"Miss Asta!" The warning tone didn't go unnoticed by her as she panicked a little.
"Ah, quick take them and go! Believe me I have much more and you deserve it!" Dan Heng didn't hesitate to nod and bid a quick farewell to her and reach for his hand. Human courting be damned for the day! He swears he could no longer share Caelus with anybody else. Once he felt the familiar warmth of his hand within his own, he began to walk with him back toward the express with a newfound determination. Dan Heng hadn't forgotten about the earlier concern over the possibility of his Caelus having a fever either, so that was all the more reason to get him home and in his nest safe. No other motive at all - he just wanted him safe and under his protection. Caelus had given a gentle squeeze to his hand which was immediately comforting, though that was soon shattered by the call of his mates name.
"Caelus! Caelus!" The voice was already beyond irritating, everything was just so bothersome. "I'm sorry to bother you but can I please ask for a favour!" Caelus gave that sweet apologetic smile to him before taking a breath about to utter his response which Dan Heng presumed would be the usual ' Yes' followed by 'what do you need?'.
"Ye-" Callus began before Dan Heng gave a light squeeze to his hand and took the responsibility of responding for him.
"No. We must take our leave now." They soon began their rather rushed walk back to the express with Dan Heng ignoring the person's pleas to assist them on another basic and meaningless task that could easily be handled alone. He paid no mind as Caelus threw an apologetic glance over his shoulder as they finally made it back to the express. The familiar sound of the door shutting behind them shouldn't have been as comforting as it was.
"Ah, Dan Heng-'' It was quiet apart from his gentle voice, that was the only sound that truly soothed him besides complete silence. "I'm sorry I dragged you around all day doing all of that work I wasn't thinking. I promise you didn't have to stick with me! I'm really sorry for bothering you so much." That soft tone in his voice tore at his heart, he didn't upset him once. It was only the idiots asking too much of his mate and not once giving him a moment's rest.
"You didn't upset me, I promise. If anything, I prefer your company no matter what it is we're doing." That all too familiar shade of red creeped up his beloved's cheeks at his words. "Please do not apologise. I am only angry at people who continue to get you to do all of their work. You're too kind hearted." Dan Heng didn't once let go of his hand, noting that the express was thankfully quiet meaning everybody had gone out.
"I don't mind. It makes them happy! Besides, it means you guys won't be bothered either." Dan Heng couldn't help but chuckle at his response, glad to be finally reaching the archives that was still dubbed as Dan Hengs room.
"Again, you're too kind, Caelus. Now come and relax with me, you won't be disturbed here." Any protests the younger had rapidly died in his throat as he was pulled into the room. Dan Heng went over to where the singular blanket and pillow were kept and began to mumble under his breath.
"This won't do. Wait for me here okay? Get comfortable." Caelus could only dumbly nod as Dan Heng rushed out of the room. Now he was alone, he could finally feel his heart starting to calm down. He couldn't help but always feel his cheeks heat up and heart rapidly speed up in his presence. He did go to Himeko about it once, fearing he may be unwell but she was quick to reassure him and comfort him whilst explaining that what he described sounded a lot like love. He loved Dan Heng. Upon the realisation, or epiphany as March would have worded it if she knew, he grew embarrassed and left the room at the time. Now though… Now maybe it was okay to indulge in this feeling more.
Gazing back at the blankets, he noticed how heavily the room smelled of Dan Heng, it made him feel so warm and safe. Nothing could get him here, he was protected. Crouching down, he allowed himself to wrap the blanket around himself and breathe the scent in while settling on cuddling the pillow rather protectively against his chest. He felt his eyes flutter shut and the feeling of all of the stress accumulated from his journey thus far melt away. Being too busy breathing in the comforting scent of Dan Heng, he didn't hear the door once again open and this time lock behind the other. Blankets, pillows and spare clothes belonging to Dan Heng were bundled in the olders arms. Caelus also missed the low sound of what resembled a purr coming from his chest at the sight of his mate wrapped in what was his and no longer smelling of anyone else's scent.
"Oh my mate, how perfect you look wrapped in what's mine." The trailblazers eyes blinked open, tilting his head to the side like a puppy would.
"Hm? Mate?" His voice was heavy with sleep, something Dan Heng seemed to adore despite all rationality leaving his head upon seeing Caelus so safe and warm in what belonged to the dragon. Ah yes, he forgot Caelus wouldn't realise what that term meant. What a perfect teaching moment.
"Yes, mate." He paused, making his way over and beginning to delicately position the materials he obtained from his other room. "You know I'm a Vidyadhara, yes? In your terms, a 'dragon'?" Another cute nod followed, ashen toned strands of hair falling over those golden orbs. Dan Heng didn't hesitate to reach out and brush them away as he continued to speak. "You are my mate, my beloved, my treasure, and I intend to keep you here safe and sound where I can completely dote upon you and only you. My dragon has chosen you, Caelus. You are mine." The silence would be worrying to some, but Dan Heng saw Caelus was thinking like before. "Come back to me, my love. What's going on behind those eyes of yours?" A blush and three words confirmed what they were.
