Seems as if the other didn’t get the hint as to why he brought up savings. He wasn’t a bragger and the other should know that. Snickering a little at the sarcasm, he shrugged a shoulder, using the longer chopsticks to turn the meat and place it onto each of their bowls of rice as it finished, ‘sneaking’ his brother some extra here and there.
“I like guns, that’s about all the hobbies I need,” he mused, trying to think of something he could do for his brother…that would end up in an argument between them. Even if he never took arguments as actual arguments, he didn’t want to upset Chiwoo either. Taking a bite of rice and beef, he listened to the younger hybrid, focused but allowing his mind to wander slightly as he explained what he wanted. Glancing to the side to see his expression, Aster smiled at the blush and took another sip of his drink, leaning back onto one of his palms just behind the two of them, leaving them closer than before.
“Let me spoil you,” he had a hint of a whine in his voice, not using the word help because he knew that’d get his little brother up in arms and defensive. Another pause from the eldest and he sighed into his cup, knowing the answer before it was given, of course. “I know. I don’t really, either,” he admitted, missing his mother and Chiwoo, but their father…well. He saw him on missions and training, but he’d hoped the man would lighten up over time. Never happened.
“I think you’d be a good roommate, I don’t see why not,” even if he was grumpy, when Chiwoo got comfortable around someone, he was sweet and loyal. But maybe that was just because Aster was…well, Aster.
“I can pay for a place for one year–even just six months, enough time for you to find a good job,” he began carefully, setting his glass down onto the table. “Well–we can talk about it later,” he didn’t want to ruin the mood by upsetting his brother, who had already gotten some shitty looks from people. But as he took another drink of the mixed alcohol, something made him pause, staring forward at the grill as the meat popped and sizzled. Oh–well…
Should he even humor what his future-sight of sorts told him? He hadn’t expected it–maybe it was the alcohol. It was one power he’d been working on honing in on things, finding it useful for his work, of course, and 'checking’ on the family…As he looked back to Chiwoo, he noted his expression and closed eyes, making Aster bite the inside of his cheek slightly. What a weird vision. And even weirder feelings that creeped over him.
“Hey,” Aster started softly, using the chopsticks to push the meat to the edges of the grill so it wouldn’t burn. He set the chopsticks down and straightened up, turning just enough to face the younger a little better. Lifting his hands, he gently caressed his brother’s cheeks, using his thumbs to stroke just beneath his pretty–but sharpened–eyes. Aster probably didn’t know the full amount of hurt the other felt, despite trying to understand…and the more negative tone from Chiwoo had him worried, but again, he didn’t want to push anything too far and upset him.
Taking a stab in the dark, Aster leaned closer so he could press a soft kiss to the corner of his baby brother’s lips, both of his hands still gently holding his cheeks as he did so. Was he drunk? Not really, tipsy maybe, but thinking clearly. Leaning back, the oldest then brushed his thumb over Chiwoo’s lower lip, smiling at him affectionately. “I love you. So much. We’ll talk about that stuff later–let’s just enjoy each other’s company for now, okay?” They both needed breaks from the stressful lives they were living. And Aster wanted Chiwoo to forget as many stressors as possible while they were away from the village.
Now to explain a little– “I saw something,” he offered, not wanting the younger liuxing to panic or something, “I–uh,” now his nervousness kicked in, go figure, his cheeks flushing pink as he smiled reassuringly at the other, “Seeing things makes me sound crazy. But, I–well, I don’t mind–” How to even put this…was he even right? This would make shit really awkward if his future-sight was fucking with him.