Dan Heng + the first smile you share
pairing: dan heng x soldier!reader
context: fluff, dan heng smiles a little, caelus wingman moment
a/n: part of the fics fo gaza open requests!
taglist: @interstellar-inn
There was a part of you that thought this wasn’t a good idea, that you were rushing without thinking everything through. That you were going to regret your decision of leaving your home of Belobog behind.
You were some of the many witnesses of the tyrannical rule of Cocolia, the arrival of the Astral Express, and a helper of them to take care of the Stellaron that had been the reason behind multiple events that led us to now.
Throughout your exchanges with the members of the Astral Express, you never smiled. You were trained to keep your emotions in check during battle and life. You rarely smiled as a kid, and that has continued into adulthood. You joined the Belobog Silvermane Guards, like your parents and grandparents did.
But… you are not satisfied. The career was forced onto you and your path was chosen for you, who would be satisfied with that lose of freedom and exploration?
After the crisis had been dealt with, the realization of the corruption in politics left you unattached. You rarely smiled as a kid, and that has continued into adulthood. You joined the Belobog Silvermane Guards, like your parents and grandparents did.
After meeting the visitors from the sky, you helped them navigate the Underworld. You had not visited this place before because of the divide. Now, you realize that being in the sky is the most important thing to you. And the visitors that you had met, showed you the freedom that you could have, away from the snow-covered planet.
Leaving your home, your family, and the stupid path that everyone was scared to fall off would be worth it.
“You… want to join the Express?” March 7th asked you with shock laced with her voice. Her eyes were filled with curiosity as she repeated your words carefully, making sure she didn’t mishear you.
You nodded slowly, suddenly feeling a bit awkward and distant from the group. You hope you weren’t intruding on them and possibly analyze the close relationship between you and them wrongly. If you did, it would be embarrassing to your training.
When you open your mouth, to apologize for overstepping, March cuts you off with a shriek.
“Yes! Oh my gosh, yes you can!” She quickly exclaims, her hands went high to the sky as she smiles widely at you. March then reaches out and hug you tightly with her cheek rubbing against yours. “I’m so happy, you’ll be joining us!”
“March, back away from them. You are making them uncomfortable.” Caelus says from behind March. You see him place a hand on her shoulder and pull her back from you… which was unexpected. “Plus, we need to ask Ms. Himeko if they could join.”
March detach from you as she moved back. She looked over to Caelus and groaned, shrugging off his hand. “Ugh, fine.” She complied. “You message Ms. Himeko and ask her.”
“I’ll do it.” Dan Heng suddenly spoke up, making you turn your head to him in surprise. He looked into your eyes for a moment. His expression was hard to understand. Then, he nodded and took out his phone to message Ms. Himeko.
You watch his back as he walked away from the group, all three of you standing there in shock and confusion. Out of all the people you have met, Dan Heng was the one that knocked you out. You could never really understand him. Just when you think you do, something happens that makes him seem distant again.
As March and Caelus continue talking, you couldn't help but glance back at Dan Heng again. For some reason, the thought to leave the world is becoming closer than you had forethought and…it made you both excited and anxious.
Soon, Dan Heng came back, causing March and Caelus to stop talking and look at him with anticipation. "Well, what did Ms. Himeko say?" March 7th asked Dan Heng, her eyes almost sparkling with glee and nervousness. Caelus stood expressionless beside her, yet there was also the aura of anticipation as well.
Dan Heng look between them and then to you, nodding. "Himeko says you can join us." He simply spoke, his arms resting at his side and an almost expressionless face. Yet, there was a hint of a smile it seems before it went away as soon as it came.
You almost want to smile as well, but the training you have endured as a kid held you back. Which reminds you, you need to pack and let your officers know you will be leaving.
"That's…" You first spoke, releasing a deep breath you didn't know you were holding in. "That's amazing. I have some things to get done, and…and then I'll pack and meet you all at the Express." You nod to the three, feeling forever grateful for their help and words.
As you were about to walk away, Caelus spoke up. "How about letting Dan Heng go with you?" He says, his eyes moving between Dan Heng and you. Dan Heng almost looks like he wants to strangle Caelus while March 7th had a knowing look in her eyes, looking at you.
"He could help carry your things and guide you to the Express." Caelus continues, as if that was the most normal thing to offer. It is, but there seems to be some different intentions.
You pause in your step and turn back to them, a little surprised before looking to Dan Heng. There was a hint of eagerness, but you quickly shook your head and was about to reject Caelus' offer until Dan Heng spoke up.
"I don't mind." Dan Heng says finally, looking from Caelus to you, turning fully to your direction. "I am usually the one that helps carry heavy items around the Express, so it wouldn't be a problem to help carry your things." Dan Heng simply explains to you. His words are reasonable enough, almost believable, yet…the hint of a smile on his face shows something more.
Your eyes wide slightly, almost caught off-guard which would be laughable for someone that is a guard, well…was one. Eventually, you return Dan Heng's smile, a hint of it on your lips. "That would be helpful. I appreciate it, Dan Heng."
