crescentview | autumn catch-all

autumn catch-all

WHO: Aether and you!
WHAT: Open prompts
WHEN: Throughout autumn
WHERE: Various
WARNINGS: None for now

A. Arco Lunar
[The date with Steinbeck aside, Aether is curious to explore Arco Lunar on his own. You may see him looking at the sea while leaning against the railing, trying out different dishes in the buffet and peeking inside the spa or massage studio.

It's really rare for him to be surrounded by such luxury. He's just a traveler, after all and the best he can usually get is a comfy, but modest room in an inn... or his current home.]

B. The Dulces Sueños Resort
[Obviously, Aether wouldn't be himself if he wasn't curious about the resort. Perhaps you are the one who invited him to go, perhaps the two of you just bumped into each other and now venture into the resort together.

If you use the open bath together with Aether you will pick up that beneath the optimistic demeanour, there's actually a lot of lingering loneliness and exhaustion.

If the two of you end up spending the night in the same room, you will see one of Aether's memories. Was it a good one of fun festivals? Or was a sad memory of something lost?]

C. Chocolates
[Perhaps you are minding your own business, when suddenly someone hugs you. A sheepish voice quickly says:]

Sorry! I didn't really mean that...

[The traveler laughs softly, if not a bit awkwardly and pulls away. The chocolates he received seem to cause the person who has eaten them to want to hug others. Aether wasn't aware of that, of course, so he tried one in the morning and its effect seems to linger for the time being. It's a bit awkward, but he doesn't mind too much.

He may be giving some away depending if you're fine with such an effect or not. Or maybe he'll just decide that you need all the hugs you can get and will gift you one without an explanation.]

D. Wildcard
[If you'd like your own starter, a completely different prompt, etc feel free to contact me at discord Ashka#4609 or plurk (spiritualwhisper)! Or just go for it. Also if you'd like to do something from his bingo that's also fine! :D ]

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[Aether never saw this coming. The declaration stuns him and makes him widen his eyes as he stares at Vanitas' hand pressing his own to the other's chest.]

...Vanitas, I-I...

[What can he possibly say? The other knows well by now that this is a bad idea, that Aether simply can't stay with him.

And yet...]

You're... sure about this? [His heart trembles in his chest, his voice shakes. He's both moved and afraid that this is a mistake, that Vanitas will only regret it.]

[ He isn't. He isn't sure that his days aren't numbered, that he won't give Aether a reason to leave. It's why he's always felt like putting his feelings towards someone who could never reciprocate was so much easier...that instead of opening up and letting someone else see who he really is, he could just keep his distance safely and never let anyone in ever again.

At the same time, though, he's never felt so sure about anything in his entire life. He looks away for a moment, debating if he should confirm this, but he ends up nodding. Unfortunately, the heart wants what the heart wants.

His eyes look back at Aether's, and he lets Aether's hand fall back to his side. Vanitas reaches up to cup the traveler's cheek, and he leans in close. He waits, like before, to see what Aether will do. ]

[Aether holds his breath, even more surprised by this sudden turn of events.

...No, that's not true. It's not sudden at all. Vanitas has been dear to his heart ever since they started talking more. At first Aether thought he just wanted to make the other happier, drive away whatever was bothering him, but a different feeling was born in his heart.

Now he can't lie to himself anymore.

Vanitas accepts him and Aether's eyes shine a little, feeling wet under his eyelids.]

I... I honestly can't believe this.

[He tries to smile, laugh, but it all sounds so forced.

He takes a deep breath and just leans in, letting their lips touch. It's not the first time, but it feels special somehow, different, better.

Aether wraps his arms around Vanitas. Even if just for a little bit, even if it'll hurt eventually, he wants these feelings to last.]

[ That smile manages to touch Vanitas more than he'd like to admit -- so much that a fond smile of his own appears on his lips. He's surprised at himself, how willing he is to accept Aether like this despite everything, but he can't resist.

He tucks a lock of Aether's hair behind his ear just before their lips touch. Vanitas has a hint of a smile as he kisses the traveler, and his other hand pulls Aether closer. His heart beats steadily in his chest, and he's never felt warmer in his chest than he does now.

Vanitas pulls away, just slightly. ]

How do you think I feel? You...you really are something else.

[ He leans in for another kiss, one that's more certain and far less tentative than the other ones they've shared. ]

Edited 2023-02-12 23:59 (UTC)

[Aether happily melts into the affection, feeling some sort of overwhelming relief. His shoulders relax, his entire being leans into the other. It's surreal, but he's happy for it all. He's so happy he could actually cry.

The kiss continues with more confidence, but still tender affection. His heart beats fast in his chest. And once they part, Aether lets a slow content breath, before smiling again.]

...I want to... always be with you.

[ Oh...

Vanitas lifts a hand and uses it to lightly ruffle Aether's hair. He can't help but let out a little laugh. ]

I thought love was reprehensible, that the idea of anyone caring about me this much was appalling.

[ He grins as color rises to his cheeks, and he lowers his hand to pull Aether close again. The smile he's wearing is shockingly genuine, one that probably even Noé hasn't seen on him before. Affection used to be difficult, but he remembers how a certain someone from his past told him to not close his heart off towards the right person – and Aether's just that. It's a gamble, but it's one he's willing to take, and he can't help but let his feelings slip through the cracks in the barriers he's held up for so long.

Moonlight shines through their bedroom window, and he leans in to brush his lips against Aether's again, chastely. ]

...But being with you doesn't seem so bad, anymore.

[ Which is his way of saying that yes, he wants to be with Aether, too. ]

[The smile on Vanitas' face is truly warming Aether's heart. The traveler presses closer, wrapping his own arms around the other's middle, admiring him with fond eyes. He's so happy that he can see this smile.

The soft, chaste kiss strikes him to the core, making his heart flutter in his chest. If this isn't love, then what is it then? This warm feeling seems to be spreading through his entire being and Aether can only think about how grateful he is.

He hugs Vanitas close.]

I'm glad... I'm really so glad.

[He sounds almost relieved.]

[ Aether feels warm in his arms. It's a feeling he didn't think he'd ever experience. He's too afraid to ask what this means for them going forward, but he thinks he has a pretty good idea.

He takes Aether's hand and gestures towards the bed. ]

If you'd like to get more comfortable.

[Oh.

He actually blushes when Vanitas motions the bed and takes his hand like this.]

...Sure.

[But he doesn't mind. His heart beats faster, his cheeks may be red, but he wants to be by the other's side.]

[ Cute. Vanitas leads Aether to the edge of the bed and sits down. He releases the other's hand and looks at him expectantly. ]

Well? Join me?

[Not cute!

But he joins Vanitas on the bed and lies on his side. His doesn't meet the other's gaze, blush still present on his face.

Why does this feel so different now? He was fine earlier!]

[ Hmmm.

Vanitas joins Aether and rolls onto his side. He places a hand on the small of Aether's back to pull him close, and he's got something that's a mix of a smirk and a smile on his lips. ]

Feeling alright? Or do you need a moment?

[ He's teasing a little. It's in his nature, sorry, Aether! ]

[It's easy to pull him close. Aether breathes a small sigh, but shifts to wrap his own arms around the other.

He notices the teasing, too.]

I'll be fine... [He lets his nose brush against Vanitas' ever so lightly.] My heart just can't seem to calm down.

[He knows perfectly well why.]

[ Oh...

Vanitas isn't expecting the gentle gesture or Aether to say that. His own heart picks up speed, too, but he's still smiling. ]

I wonder why.

[ He leans in to kiss Aether's cheek. ]

Could it be because we're so close?

Hmm...

[He pretends to think about it, before leaning to kiss Vanitas' cheek in return.]

Maybe. Or maybe... it's because we're close in a different way now.

[It feels so good, if he were to be honest.]

[ And that's the perfect way to turn the tables on Vani - say or do something that'll stun him enough, and he'll get flustered. ]

...I...guess so.

[ Which is his way of agreeing.

He looks away as his cheeks turn red again. ]

So that means...no more speeches at the next auction, okay? Unless – unless you're fighting over me, or something.

[ He's so fussy! And embarrassed! ]

Not like it'd be a contest in the first place. I'd have dropped all my coins on you if I knew things would turn out this way.

[Now isn't Vanitas the cutest? Aether smiles softly.]

No more speeches. If there's ever another auction, I'll be sure to throw all my coins on you.

[He really means it!]

But even if the past can't be changed... it doesn't matter. You have me and I have you. What else I could possibly ask for?

[ Aether is so candid about this, and Vanitas starts feeling even more flustered. He closes his eyes, still pouting. ]

Yeah, yeah. You're lucky that I love-

[ ...oh. He catches himself, bites down on his lower lip. ]

...love...bothering you...as much as I do.

[ That is absolutely not what he meant to say. ]

[Look how the tables have turned.

And he knows what the other meant to say.]

And I love when you bother me.

[He laughs softly.]

...I love your smile, too.

[He tries to reach for Vanitas' hand.]

[ ...

He finally looks back at Aether, right after taking his hand. ]

You're so cute. I can't stand it.

[ And just like that, he leans in to press his lips to the traveler's. He squeezes Aether's hand as he kisses him with more certainty.

He's never felt so scared, and yet so sure of someone in his entire life. ]

[He blushes, but at the same time he can't stop a small laugh bubbling inside of him. Aether smiles into the kiss, before returning it, gentle, but firm. He enjoys every second of it.

When they part he's still grinning, before pressing their joined hands to his own chest. His heart is beating hard.]

I'm so glad.

[He presses his forehead to Vanitas'.]

I'm so glad I met you.

[ He can feel Aether's heart beneath their hands. Vanitas can't help but smile, despite himself and how his cheeks are pink. Aether's words start to drown out the fear he has about hurting him one day. He used to think being hated was easier, but nothing is as easy as loving his roommate in this moment. ]

Yeah...me too.

[ Words may still be a struggle, but Vanitas will try to put in the effort. ]

... [ He looks down, and then he pulls away from Aether. Their hands are still joined, but Vanitas leans in and presses a soft kiss to Aether's forehead, then his cheek, and the corner of his mouth. ] If you see another memory of mine tonight...I trust you with it.

[ He looks away. ]

I'm in love with you, after all.

[He breathes out a soft puff of air, enjoying the gentle attention. His cheeks brighten with a blush as the other speaks, telling him how trust he puts in him.

It's touching.]

I... feel the same.

[He smiles, then brings his hands up, to trail his fingers soft against the other's cheek, pushing some strands of hair away.]

I know it'll be okay no matter what you see. I trust you.

[ He closes his eyes at the touch, taking everything in. He relaxes, and gets a little more comfortable before he speaks again. ]

It's been a long night. Get some rest. Tell me about what you see, in the morning.

Goodnight.

[He closes his own eyes, his touch slow, almost lazy.]

And don't worry. I will... I hope you'll rest well.

[And that, if he sees any memory, it'll be a good one.]

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autumn catch-all

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