Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dan Heng stepped into the archives, brushing specks of dust off his sleeves. The mission had been quick but draining, and he longed for the quiet solace of the Express. He expected peace, perhaps to bury himself in his research and rest

What he didn’t expect was Caelus

The moment the door slid shut, Caelus practically tackled him, arms wrapping tightly around his waist. “You’re back!”  

Dan Heng blinked, momentarily stunned “Caelus?”  

Caelus pulled back just enough to beam up at him, his eyes gleaming like the sun. Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed Dan Heng on the cheek—once, then twice, then a third time on his forehead for good measure

Dan Heng’s ears turned an alarming shade of pink “What…. what are you doing?”  

“Welcoming you home,” Caelus said matter-of-factly, as though it were the most obvious thing in the universe, “You’ve been gone for days! This is mandatory!”  

“Mandatory…” Dan Heng echoed, his voice softer now

“Yep. No arguing.” Another kiss landed on the corner of his mouth, lingering just long enough to make Dan Heng’s heart stutter

Dan Heng sighed, “Do you always ambush people with kisses like this?”

Caelus tilted his head, a playful grin tugging at his lips “Only you~ You’re special, after all”

Dan Heng covered his face with his hand just enough to peek at Caelus through his fingers, hiding his flustered expression “You’re impossible.”  

“And you’re stuck with me,” Caelus teased, tugging him closer again

Dan Heng smiled faintly, the corners of his lips tilting up just enough to show how much he didn’t mind.

Chapter Text

Dan Heng wasn’t sure how he ended up here, standing in the middle of the Express corridor with Caelus’s arms wrapped firmly around him. One moment, he was heading to the archives after a long day; the next, Caelus appeared out of nowhere, pulling him into a hug as if it were the most natural thing in the world

“Caelus… what are you doing?” Dan Heng asked, his voice muffled against Caelus’s shoulder

“Hugging you” Caelus replied simply, as if it were obvious. His arms tightened slightly, his warmth radiating like sunlight on a crisp morning. “You looked like you needed one”  

Dan Heng stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden contact. But then he felt it—the steady rhythm of Caelus’s heartbeat, the soft hum of contentment in his chest. Slowly, Dan Heng allowed himself to relax, his arms tentatively wrapping around Caelus in return

“I didn’t ask for a hug,” he mumbled, though his voice lacked any real protest

“You don’t have to,” Caelus said with a grin, his cheek resting against Dan Heng’s shoulder “I’m good at reading these things. Call it a talent”  

Dan Heng couldn’t help but let out a quiet huff of laughter, the tension in his shoulders easing further. He didn’t think he needed this until now—the simple comfort of another person’s warmth

“You’re ridiculous,” he muttered, though there was a faint smile tugging at his lips

“And yet, you’re not pulling away~” Caelus teased, his voice soft and teasing

Dan Heng didn’t reply. Instead, he closed his eyes for a moment, letting the quiet serenity of the hug wash over him. He wasn’t one for grand gestures or overt displays of affection, but this—this was nice

“Thank you,” he murmured after a long pause, his voice barely above a whisper

Caelus only hugged him tighter, his smile evident in his voice “Anytime”  

Chapter Text

It was late. Too late, really. The rest of the crew had long since retreated to their quarters, leaving the ship unusually quiet. Yet, here they were, standing on the observation deck of the Astral Express

Dan Heng leaned against the railing, his gaze lost in the stars that stretched out endlessly before them. The soft hum of the ship was the only sound, comforting and familiar. He hadn’t expected to find Caelus out here, but the other had quietly joined him, standing just a little too close for someone who claimed to prefer space

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Caelus asked, his voice breaking the silence like a gentle breeze

Dan Heng nodded, not trusting his voice. It had been like this lately—his thoughts tangled, always circling back to the same thing: Caelus

The boy was impossible, so effortlessly bright and full of energy. He had a way of making every little thing seem important, from the smallest glances to the way he always seemed to know exactly what Dan Heng needed before he even said a word

Yet, here they were—silent, surrounded by the stars, and nothing was said.

“You know…” Caelus began, his tone uncharacteristically soft. “I’ve been thinking about a lot of things lately—about how you’re always so calm and composed, and how I’m kind of a mess half the time, and I can’t help but wonder if you actually—”  

Dan Heng turned toward him, an eyebrow raised “Caelus?”  

But Caelus didn’t seem to hear. He rambled on, his words tumbling out too quickly “—if you’d even want to—if maybe, you know, we could—”  

Dan Heng blinked, exasperation and affection mixing in his chest. Caelus wasn’t even looking at him anymore, eyes fixed on the stars, his hands gesturing wildly as if to explain something that didn’t need to be explained

“Caelus,” Dan Heng interrupted firmly, stepping closer

Caelus finally stopped, blinking at him as if realizing how much he’d said “Oh… right. I guess I was rambling.. Sorry” He chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck “It’s just… I kind of think I might be—”  

Dan Heng sighed. Without thinking, he closed the gap between them in one smooth movement, cupping Caelus’s face in his hands. Before Caelus could say another word, Dan Heng kissed him—soft but firm, stopping the nervous words from escaping his lips  

Caelus froze for a heartbeat, then melted into the kiss, his hands resting gently on Dan Heng’s arms as he gave in to the warmth between them. When they finally pulled away, both of their faces were flushed, but Caelus had the brightest, most satisfied smile Dan Heng had ever seen

“Well… I guess that’s a yes, then,” Caelus teased, his voice breathless

Dan Heng, still a little stunned, just nodded, his hand gently brushing against Caelus’s cheek “Stop talking so much next time”  

Caelus laughed, eyes sparkling. “I’ll try"

Dan Heng’s lips slightly curled, For now, he was okay with it

Chapter Text

Caelus curled up on the bean bag in the corner of Dan Heng’s room, wrapped in one of his blankets. His usual energy was gone, replaced by a quiet lethargy that tugged at Dan Heng’s heart

Dan Heng watched him for a moment, the omega’s soft scent filling the room with something warm and sweet despite the discomfort he was clearly in “Are you sure you don’t need anything else?” he asked gently, setting a mug of tea on the table beside Caelus

Caelus shook his head, his eyes half-lidded “You’re already doing too much,” he mumbled, his voice soft and hoarse

Dan Heng crouched down beside him, brushing a stray strand of hair from Caelus’s flushed face. “Taking care of you isn’t too much. You’re in your heat, Caelus. You shouldn’t be alone for this”  

Caelus managed a weak smile, leaning slightly into Dan Heng’s touch “Lucky me, huh? Having an alpha who knows how to fuss”  

Dan Heng rolled his eyes but didn’t pull his hand away. Instead, he let his thumb trace soothing circles against Caelus’s temple. “I wouldn’t call it fussing,” he said, his tone softer now

“Feels like fussing,” Caelus teased, though his words lacked their usual sharpness. He sighed, his body instinctively relaxing under Dan Heng’s steady presence. “But… I guess I don’t mind. You’re warm.l”  

Dan Heng felt a faint blush creep up his neck but ignored it “Do you want to move to the bed? You’ll rest better there”  

Caelus hesitated, then nodded. “Only if you’re staying too”  

Dan Heng’s chest tightened at the quiet vulnerability in those words. Without a word, he slipped an arm under Caelus’s knees and another around his back, lifting him effortlessly

“You don’t have to carry me,” Caelus grumbled, though he didn’t protest, resting his head against Dan Heng’s shoulder  

“You say that every time,” Dan Heng replied, his voice calm as he carefully set Caelus down on the bed. “And every time, you let me anyway”  

Caelus huffed but didn’t argue, instead pulling the blanket tighter around himself as Dan Heng settled in beside him. The alpha’s steady presence was a balm to the restless energy coursing through him, and Caelus instinctively pressed closer, seeking more of that grounding warmth 

Dan Heng wrapped an arm around him without hesitation, letting Caelus bury his face against his chest. “Better?” he asked softly

“Much,” Caelus murmured, his voice already tinged with drowsiness. “You’re like… a giant heater"  

Dan Heng chuckled quietly, resting his chin lightly atop Caelus’s head “Then go to sleep. I’ll be here”  

Caelus didn’t respond, but the way his body relaxed fully against Dan Heng’s told him everything he needed to know

Chapter Text

The archives were quiet, save for the faint rustle of pages and the occasional exclamation from Caelus. Dan Heng sat comfortably on the couch, his legs stretched out and a thick book balanced in one hand. In his other arm, Caelus was tucked snugly against him, leaning into his chest as he fiddled with his phone

“Ugh, come on!” Caelus groaned, furiously tapping the screen “How did I miss that? That was right there!”  

Dan Heng glanced down briefly, watching as Caelus’s brows furrowed in concentration “What are you playing now?”  

“Some event boss thing. I almost had it, but…” He let out a dramatic sigh, then perked up almost instantly as something flashed across his screen “Oh! Wait—nice! Got the drop I needed!”  

Dan Heng chuckled softly, shaking his head “You’re very animated when you play”  

“You try grinding for hours and not getting excited when RNG finally blesses you” Caelus replied without looking up. A moment later, his character met an unfortunate end, and he let out a groan of despair. “Nooo, not again!”  

Dan Heng squeezed him gently “You’ll get it next time.”  

Caelus pouted, his head tilting back to glance up at Dan Heng “You’re supposed to say something more inspiring, you know”  

“Like what?”  

“You’re amazing, Caelus. You’ve got this! No one else could beat that boss like you!” he said in an exaggeratedly dramatic tone

Dan Heng smirked, his hand shifting to rub comforting circles on Caelus’s back. “You’re amazing, Caelus. You’ve got this. No one else could beat that boss like you”  

The silver haired man snorted “That was so monotone”  

“It’s the thought that counts”  

After a few more rounds—and a few more groans and cheers—Caelus finally let out a sigh, turning off his phone and setting it aside, “Okay, I’m done. No more boss fights tonight”  

Dan Heng hummed in acknowledgment, lowering his book slightly as Caelus shifted, burrowing closer into his chest. Dan Heng's free hand instinctively moved to comb through Caelus’ soft silver hair, fingers gliding gently across his scalp

Caelus made a soft sound of contentment, his eyes fluttering shut as he took in Dan Heng’s steady warmth and calming scent. After a few moments of quiet, he spoke, his voice muffled against Dan Heng’s chest

“Hey, why do you like me?”  

Dan Heng paused, lowering his book entirely to glance down at the man curled up in his arms “Because of your personality, surprisingly.”  

Caelus froze. He pulled back just enough to gape at Dan Heng, his golden eyes wide, “You like me… because of my personality!?”  

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking up in a faint smile “I know. I’m surprised too”  

Caelus stared at him for a beat, then burst out laughing, his entire body shaking as he buried his face back into Dan Heng’s chest. “You’re unbelievable,” he managed between giggles

Dan Heng’s smile softened as he resumed running his fingers through Caelus’s hair “I mean it, though. You’re honest, kind, and you make people around you feel alive. Even if you are… a bit dramatic sometimes"

“A bit?” Caelus huffed, though his tone was teasing  

Dan Heng leaned down slightly, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Caelus’s head, “Fine. More than a bit. But I like that about you, too"  

Caelus sighed, his laughter fading into a quiet hum of contentment "You’re too good to me, you know”  

“You deserve it,” Dan Heng replied simply, his voice steady and sure.  

Caelus smiled against his chest, closing his eyes as he let himself drift in the quiet comfort of Dan Heng’s embrace. “I think I’ll keep you around a little longer, then"

Dan Heng chuckled softly, his hand still threading through Caelus’s hair. “I wasn’t planning on going anywhere”  

And for a while, they stayed like that, the archives wrapped in silence once more, filled only with the warmth they shared

Chapter Text

“Come on, Dan Heng, pleeease?” Caelus whined, tugging at Dan Heng’s sleeve. His golden eyes sparkled with curiosity, and his tone was bordering on pleading

“For the last time, no.” Dan Heng replied, crossing his arms, standing firm. But the faint blush on his cheeks betrayed his intimidating act “It’s not something I show off for fun"

“But I want to see! I’ve read all the books about Vidyadhara physiology, but it’s not the same. I want to see you,” Caelus insisted, his voice dipping into a tone that could almost be called coaxing 

Dan Heng sighed, his resolve beginning to waver “It’s not that simple, Caelus. Transforming is…” He trailed off, searching for the right words

“Natural? Awe-inspiring? Something your boyfriend very very very much deserves to see?” Caelus supplied helpfully, a cheeky grin tugging at his lips  

Dan Heng gave him a flat look “Annoying”  

“Annoying or not, I’m not giving up!” Caelus poked at Dan Heng’s chest, “You can’t hold out forever. I’m determined to see it! I’m—”  

Dan Heng pinched the bridge of his nose. “Stubborn.”  

“Hey!” Caelus pouted, crossing his arms. “That’s just a fancy word for ‘dedicated.’” He paused, his eyes narrowing, “Wait. Are you… embarrassed about showing me?”  

“I’m not embarrassed,” Dan Heng replied instantly, though the faint pink dusting his cheeks suggested otherwise 

“You totally are,” Caelus teased, his grin widening as he leaned closer, “Big, stoic cold dragon young, shy about showing his fancy dragon form. This is adorable. You’re adorable”  

Dan Heng sighed deeply, closing his eyes as if trying to summon patience, “Caelus, stop.”  

“I can’t stop,” Caelus declared dramatically, throwing his arms wide. “Not when I’ve come this far. Not when I’m so close to seeing something so majestic, so extraordinary, so—”  

“Caelus.”  

“—so completely and utterly you.”  

Dan Heng opened his eyes, fixing Caelus with a tired stare. “You’re relentless.”  

“I’m determined,” Caelus corrected, practically bouncing on his heels now. “And you love me for it”  

Dan Heng’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “That’s debatable”  

“Don’t lie!” Caelus shot back, jabbing a finger at him. “You’re crazy about me, and you know it. Now stop being difficult and just show me already!”  

Dan Heng groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Why do I put up with you?”  

“Because I’m irresistible, handsome, amazing! Strong! Brave, all of the above!” Caelus chirped, stepping closer and giving Dan Heng his most dazzling smile. “And you love making me happy. This will make me very and I mean very happy.”  

Dan Heng stared at him for a long moment, Finally, he let out a resigned breath “Fine. But if you keep on pestering me after this, we’re having a very long discussion about boundaries”  

“Deal!” Caelus beamed, already bouncing with excitement  

Dan Heng stepped back, rolling his shoulders as he prepared for the transformation. “You’d better not regret this,” he warned, his tone sharp despite the faint flush still coloring his cheeks

“Regret? Are you kidding? I’m going to be in awe,” Caelus promised, his voice dropping to a reverent whisper

Dan Heng gave him one last skeptical glance before closing his eyes. A faint shimmer surrounded him as water slowly raise from thin air , his body elongating as his features became more draconic. Elegant horns curved gracefully from his head, His tail swished behind him, the blue matching his physique very well.. all wordly elegant.

Caelus stared, completely speechless for once in his life, “Holy…” He trailed off, his eyes wide and awestruck

Dan Heng shifted awkwardly under the scrutiny, his tail flicking “Well?”  

“You’re…” Caelus’s voice was barely above a whisper. “You’re breathtaking.. Well I already saw it once back at Xianzhou, but seeing it again.. You're so majestic”  

The man blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Caelus’s tone “You really think so?”  

“Dan Heng,” Caelus said, stepping closer, his hands hesitating before settling gently on Dan Heng’s chest. “You’re… incredible. You should never be embarrassed about this. Ever!”  

Dan Heng’s gaze softened as he looked down at Caelus, “I wasn’t embarrassed,” he muttered. “I just didn’t want to deal with your reaction just like back in Xianzhou”  

“Joke’s on you,” Caelus replied with a grin “Because my reaction is total adoration.”  

Dan Heng rolled his eyes, but the small smile tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement, “You’re so unbelievable”  

“Yet, you’re stuck with me,” Caelus said brightly, leaning up on his toes

Dan Heng leaned down, capturing Caelus’ lips in a searing kiss. The silver haired man let out a surprised sound but quickly melted into it, his arms wrapping around Dan Heng’s neck as the kiss deepened

“Since you’re so good at begging,” Dan Heng murmured against Caelus’s lips, his voice low and teasing, “let’s see if you can handle what comes next”  

Caelus’s breath hitched, and a giddy smile spread across his face “Oh, I can handle anything you throw at me”  

Dan Heng smirked, pulling him closer, his tail wrapping lightly around Caelus’s waist. “We’ll see,”  

The archives echoed softly with the sound of laughter and kisses, their playful battle ending in a much sweeter victory for both of them

Chapter Text

Dan Heng sat at the archives desk, flipping through a book as Caelus lounged on his mattress, scrolling through his phone. The room was peaceful—until a sudden sound broke the silence

Caelus looked up, eyebrows raised, “What was that?”

Dan Heng stiffened, trying to suppress a another sound, "What was —what?"

"hic—"

Caelus blinked, then broke into a grin that only widened as he realized what was happening, “Wait a second... are you having the hiccups?”

“No,” Dan Heng replied flatly, but the sharp sound of another hiccup betrayed him 

Caelus burst out laughing, clutching his stomach, “Oh my Aeons, you do! That’s adorable!”

Dan Heng tried to maintain his composure, though the flush creeping up his neck was hard to miss, “It’s—hic—not adorable,” he muttered, his voice tight

Caelus doubled over, tears of laughter forming in his eyes. “You sound like a little squeaky toy every time you try to talk!”

Dan Heng rubbed his temples, “You’re—hic—not helping”

“I’m sorry!” Caelus wheezed between fits of laughter, though his face made it clear he wasn’t sorry at all “It’s just, it’s too funny!”

Dan Heng shot him a sharp look but didn’t respond, knowing any attempt would just set Caelus off again. Unfortunately, it didn’t matter—another hiccup escaped, and Caelus dissolved into hysterics once more

“Keep laughing” Dan Heng muttered under his breath, “You’ll regret it.”

“Oh, I’d love to see that happen,” Caelus replied smugly

The universe, it seemed, was listening

“Hic!”

Caelus froze, his grin dropping as his own hiccup interrupted him

Dan Heng tilted his head, his lips curving into a small, victorious smirk, “What was that?”

“No” Caelus said, horror dawning on his face, “No way. That’s not fair—hic!”

Dan Heng chuckled, a rich and genuine sound, even as his own hiccups continued to interrupt him, “I did warn you”

“Great,” Caelus muttered, flopping back onto the mattress “Now we’re—hic—both doomed”

Dan Heng leaned against the desk, his posture relaxed despite the occasional jolt from his hiccups, “Serves you—hic—right for laughing so much”

“Oh, like you didn’t—hic—find this hilarious,” Caelus shot back, though his grin betrayed his irritation, “What are we—hic—supposed to do now?”

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow, “I hear holding your breath works”

Caelus gave him a dubious look, “Do I—hic—look like I can hold my breath long enough to stop–hic–this?”

Dan Heng smirked, “You could try talking less”

Caelus gasped in mock offense, “Talking—hic—is my best quality!”

“Debatable,” Dan Heng replied with a sly grin, earning a thrown pillow from Caelus

They spent the next several minutes trying every cure they could think of—holding their breath, sipping water, and even scaring each other—though none worked. Eventually, they gave up, both slumped on the bed, hiccupping in unison as laughter overtook them once again

“Guess we’re stuck like this,” Caelus said, hiccupping through his words but still smiling

Dan Heng shook his head, his fond gaze softening, “As long as you're with me, I–hic–can survive"

Chapter Text

The market was alive with energy—vibrant stalls, the hum of chatter, and a sea of people moving in all directions. Caelus craned his neck, trying to spot a clear path, but it was impossible, “Wow, this is worse than I thought” he muttered 

“Dan Heng” he called over his shoulder

Dan Heng, walking a step behind him, met his gaze with a questioning look

"How are we gonna get past this?" Caelus eyed the crowd surrounding them, then turned to Dan Heng with an exasperated look

Dan Heng scanned the sea of people, calculating their best route, “Carefully” he replied, giving Caelus a slight smile

“That’s not very reassuring..” Caelus muttered, watching someone nearly trip over a rogue shopping bag

Dan Heng sighed, then held out his hand, “Here, It’ll be easier if we stick together”

Caelus blinked at the offered hand, a bit surprised, before a playful grin tugged at his lips “Is this an excuse to hold my hand?”

“This is just so we don’t get separated, Do you want to get through the crowd or not?” Dan Heng asked dryly, though the faint pink dusting his ears gave him away

Caelus snickered, sliding his hand into Dan Heng’s. His fingers curled snugly around Dan Heng’s own, and he gave a light squeeze, “Alright, fearless leader. Lead the way!”  

Dan Heng sighed again, though the corner of his lips twitched upward in the faintest hint of a smile, “Stay close,” he murmured, his tone more softer now

The two of them slid through the crowded market together, Dan Heng guiding Caelus with firm but gentle tugs whenever the path narrowed or the crowd thickened. Caelus followed without complaint, his focus shifting between the sights around them and the warmth of Dan Heng’s hand in his

“Look at that stand!” Caelus exclaimed, tugging lightly on Dan Heng’s arm, “They’re selling those dumplings I like!”  

Dan Heng glanced over but didn’t slow down, “We’ll circle back after the crowd dies down ”  

“You’re all business, huh?” Caelus teased, grinnin

“And you’re easily distracted,” Dan Heng countered, his tone amused

Eventually, the crowd thinned as they reached the quieter outskirts of the market. Dan Heng stopped, turning to look back at Caelus, “There. We’re clear”  

Caelus nodded but didn’t release Dan Heng’s hand. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The bustling noise of the main street seemed far away, replaced by a comfortable silence between them

“You can let go now” Dan Heng said after a moment, brushing his thumb lightly against Caelus’ knuckles 

Caelus tilted his head, his golden eyes sparkling with a pout “Do I have to?”  

Dan Heng's gaze dropping briefly to their intertwined hands before meeting Caelus’s eyes again, “Do you want to—?”

“No” Caelus cut in, his cheeks tinged pink, “I mean… it’s fine. We can… keep holding hands. If you want”

Dan Heng blinked at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, “If you insist”

“I didn’t insist,” Caelus muttered, though he tightened his grip just slightly

Dan Heng didn’t reply this time. Instead, he leaned and pressed a light kiss to the top of Caelus’s head. The steady heat of Caelus’s hand in his own was oddly grounding, a sensation Dan Heng found himself reluctant to let go of.

Chapter Text

The sun was warm, the breeze soft, and the pavement stretched before them like a blank canvas. Caelus twirled a piece of bright blue chalk between his fingers, grinning as he crouched down beside Dan Heng

“This is so nostalgic, huh?” Caelus said, already sketching an uneven circle on the sidewalk, “Just like when we were kids”  

Dan Heng, holding a pale green piece of chalk, nodded, “Except now we’re old enough to know our drawings are terrible”  

Caelus gasped dramatically, “Excuse me? My art is a masterpiece!” He gestured at the lopsided sun he’d just drawn, its rays shooting off at odd angles

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow, “If you say so..”  

“Fine!” Caelus huffed, pointing at the empty space next to his drawing. “Then you draw something better, Mr. Critic”  

Dan Heng hesitated for a moment before kneeling down. He carefully began outlining what looked like… a dragon?  

Caelus leaned over to watch, his eyes sparkling, “Wow, you’re really putting effort into this, huh?”  

“You dared me to,”  

“Touché” Caelus replied, sticking out his tongue. He grabbed a pink piece of chalk and started doodling little hearts around Dan Heng’s dragon. “There. Perfect.”  

Dan Heng paused, glancing at the hearts and glancing back at Caelus with a raised brow

“Because your dragon needed some love,” Caelus said simply, flashing a grin

Dan Heng shook his head, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. “That’s so stupid”  

“And yet, here you are, drawing with me on the sidewalk,” Caelus teased, adding a star next to his sun

They worked in companionable silence for a while, their chalk-streaked hands moving across the pavement. By the time they stopped, the sidewalk was a colorful mess of suns, dragons, stars, and even a crudely drawn flower

Caelus sat back, wiping his chalky hands on his jeans. “Not bad, huh? We could start an art business”  

Dan Heng gave him a skeptical look. “Selling this?”  

“Hey, don’t underestimate the power of chalk art!” Caelus shot back, bumping Dan Heng’s shoulder lightly

Dan Heng chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on their creations. “It’s not terrible..”  

Caelus gasped again, dramatically clutching his chest. “High praise from you!”  

Dan Heng rolled his eyes but reached over to ruffle Caelus’s hair, leaving a faint chalk streak in its wake. “Let’s call it a day before you get any more ridiculous ideas”  

Caelus laughed, leaning into the touch. “Fine, but next time, I’m making you draw a unicorn"

“Hm,. Deal” Dan Heng replied, a rare, genuine smile lighting up his face

And as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, the two of them sat there, surrounded by their colorful creations, feeling like kids again

Chapter Text

The soft glow of the fireplace bathed the living room in warmth, there—standing in the middle of the room was Dan Heng and Caelus, side by side, sporting matching Christmas sweaters that could only be described as gloriously hideous

“Are you serious right now?” Dan Heng asked, glaring down at the bright green monstrosity he was wearing. It was adorned with blinking LED lights, a grinning reindeer, and the words SLEIGH MY NAME embroidered across the chest in glittery red letters 

“Oh, come on!” Caelus said, adjusting his own equally atrocious sweater, which featured a winking snowman with a scarf that jingled every time he moved, “We look adorable!”  

“We look ridiculous,” Dan Heng deadpanned, crossing his arms

“That’s the point! It’s Christmas!” Caelus chirped, throwing his arms out dramatically, “Now stop being a Grinch and embrace the holiday spirit!”  

Dan Heng sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Why did I let you talk me into this?”  

“Because you love me~” Caelus replied without missing a beat, beaming up at him

Dan Heng blinked, his ears turning faintly pink, “That’s not—”  

“Don’t even try to deny it,” Caelus teased, stepping closer, “Now, come on! We have to show these off to March before she explodes with curiosity"  

Dan Heng groaned but let himself be dragged to the couch, where March was already armed with her phone. Her grin was nothing short of mischievous 

“Wow...” she said, sarcastically gasping, “This is better than I ever imagined. Stay right there—I’m getting a picture”  

“March” Dan Heng warned, his tone low

“Too late!” she chirped, snapping photo after photo 

Caelus, ever the ham, struck a few goofy poses, leaning into Dan Heng, who stood stiff as a board. “Come on, Heng, at least pretend to have fun,” Caelus said, nudging him

Dan Heng sighed again but finally relented, wrapping an arm around Caelus’s shoulders for the next shot. His expression softened, just enough for March to catch it

“Perfect!” March declared, her fingers flying over her phone. Moments later, she showed them the picture—a candid shot of Caelus grinning like a kid on Christmas morning while Dan Heng gazed at him with a fondness he didn’t even realize was visible

“Don’t you dare post that!” Dan Heng said, narrowing his eyes

March smirked, “Oh, I already did. Merry Christmas, everyone!”  

The caption beneath the photo read: Merry Christmas from the cutest couple in the ugliest sweaters!

Dan Heng groaned. Caelus, meanwhile, laughed so hard he nearly fell over

Chapter Text

The mission had been routine—or so they thought. But something had gone terribly wrong. The client they were supposed to protect, a kind and gentle soul who had done no harm, had died,

It didn’t make sense. It wasn’t fair

Caelus replayed the events over and over in his mind as he sat alone in his room. The memory of her laughter, her trust, and her final moments haunted him. He clenched his fists tightly, nails digging into his palms as his chest ached with guilt

If only I’d been faster. If only I’d seen it coming

A soft knock following by a creak of the door pulled him from his spiraling thoughts. He looked up to see Dan Heng entering, his eyes obviously showing of worry to his friend

“Caelus,” Dan Heng said softly, approaching him with measured steps

Caelus tried to speak, but his throat tightened. The weight of everything—of failure, guilt, and loss—finally broke through. Tears welled up, spilling down his cheeks before he could stop them, “It’s my fault” he whispered, his voice cracking, “She... She trusted us. Trusted me. And now she's—”

He couldn’t finish. The sobs tore through him, and before he knew it, Dan Heng was there, pulling him into a firm embrace

Caelus buried his face in Dan Heng’s chest, his tears soaking into the fabric of his robe, “I should’ve done more. I should’ve—”

Dan Heng’s arms tightened around him, and without a word, his long, scaled tail wrapped gently around Caelus, cocooning him in warmth and security, “It wasn’t your fault,” he said quietly, his voice steady, trying to ground the gray haired man “You did everything you could. Sometimes… things happen beyond our control”

“But they didn’t deserve this,” Caelus choked out, trembling in Dan Heng’s hold

“No.. They didn't..” Dan Heng agreed softly, his hand running soothingly over Caelus’s back, “But blaming yourself won’t change what happened. It’s okay to grieve, Caelus. Let it out”

Caelus clung to him, his sobs muffled against Dan Heng’s chest. The tail wrapped around him squeezed slightly, a silent reminder that he wasn’t alone. Slowly, the exhaustion of the day began to catch up with him. The sobs faded to sniffles, and his breathing evened out as he leaned more heavily into Dan Heng’s embrace

“I’m sorry,” Caelus mumbled, his voice slurred with sleep

“You have nothing to apologize for” Dan Heng murmured, cradling Caelus closer. His tail adjusted, pulling Caelus even more securely against him

As Caelus’s breathing steadied, his weight fully relaxing in Dan Heng’s arms, Dan Heng rested his chin on top of his head, his eyes closing briefly, “I’ve got you” he whispered, his voice barely audible, “Rest now”

Caelus’s breath hitched, but the tension in their body began to melt away, “Stay? they mumbled sleepily, their voice barely audible

Dan Heng hummed as a yes, and slowly enough—the two drifted away in a comfort slumber

Chapter Text

The soft light of dawn filtered through the bedroom curtains, casting warm, golden hues over the room. Caelus lay sprawled across the bed, one arm hugging a pillow while the other draped lazily over the edge. His hair was a tousled mess, and his breaths were slow and steady—completely at ease in the quiet morning

Dan Heng stood by the edge of the bed, already dressed in a crisp shirt and slacks, his bag slung over one shoulder. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight before him. Caelus looked so peaceful, so content, and a pang of reluctance hit Dan Heng. Leaving for work was never easy when mornings started like this

He crouched down, brushing a stray strand of silver hair from Caelus’s face. His touch was featherlight, but it was enough to make Caelus stir slightly, letting out a soft mumble that Dan Heng couldn’t quite make out

“Caelus,” Dan Heng murmured softly, his voice low and warm

Caelus’s golden eyes fluttered open halfway, still hazy with sleep, “Mm? You’re leaving already?” he mumbled, his voice hoarse and barely audible

Dan Heng leaned closer, his hand resting gently on the side of Caelus’s face, “Yeah. I’ve got to head out” he replied quietly

Caelus groaned, pulling the pillow closer as if to bury himself in it. “Five more minutes,” he muttered, though a small pout tugged at his lips

Dan Heng chuckled softly, leaning down until their faces were only inches apart, “I can’t give you five more minutes, but…” He tilted Caelus’s chin up slightly, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It was warm, lingering, and filled with quiet affection

Caelus sighed against his lips, a lazy smile spreading across his face. “That’s a good substitute,” he murmured, his eyes slipping shut again

Dan Heng straightened, smoothing down the edge of Caelus’s blanket. “Try to get up at a decent time today, okay?” he said, though his tone carried more fondness than scolding

“No promises,” Caelus replied with a yawn, already nestling deeper into the bed

Dan Heng shook his head, a small smile still playing on his lips, “I’ll see you tonight” he said softly before stepping out of the room, leaving Caelus to drift back into peaceful slumber

Chapter Text

"One tall black coffee for... Don Hen!," Caelus called out, grinning mischievously as he set the cup on the counter

Dan Heng, standing in line, sighed deeply. He stepped forward, his expression stoic, though his eyes held a flicker of exasperation. "It’s Dan Heng," he corrected, as he had every other time

"Are you sure? I think 'Don Hen' has a nice ring to it," Caelus replied, leaning casually against the counter. His golden eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched Dan Heng pick up the cup

"Positive," Dan Heng replied flatly, though his lips twitched as if suppressing a smile

This wasn’t the first time the barista had gotten his name wrong—far from it. In the past month, Dan Heng had been everything from Dane Hinge to Dawn Hang to the particularly creative Dan Gogh. At first, he thought it was a genuine mistake, but by now, the deliberate mischief in Caelus’ tone was unmistakable

Dan Heng’s fingers brushed against the cup, and he noticed the familiar flourish in the handwriting scrawled on it. Today’s name was accompanied by a little doodle of a rooster next to the word Hen.  

"Very professional," Dan Heng remarked, holding the cup up to show Caelus

"I aim to please" Caelus said, unbothered. His grin widened, and he leaned slightly closer over the counter, "So, are you gonna come back tomorrow, or do I need to get more creative?"  

Dan Heng arched an eyebrow, "Creative? I shudder to think what’s next after Don Hen" 

"You’ll just have to wait and see~" Caelus teased, tilting his head, "But hey, at least I make your mornings interesting!"

Dan Heng huffed softly, shaking his head. "That’s one word for it"  

As he turned to leave, he heard Caelus call out again, "Wait!"  

Dan Heng paused, glancing back. Caelus held up a small piece of paper, sliding it across the counter with a cocky grin, "You know, just in case you want to complain about my naming skills or… suggest something better"  

Dan Heng stared at the paper for a moment, then picked it up. Written in Caelus’ messy handwriting was

Caelus, Best Barista ever! 555–XXXX ;) ~

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow, tucking the paper into his pocket. "We’ll see," he said coolly, though the faintest hint of a smirk played on his lips as he turned and walked away

Caelus watched him go, his grin softening into something warmer. "Got him," he muttered under his breath, already planning tomorrow’s name

Chapter Text

The evening was quiet, with the soft hum of a kettle filling the apartment as Caelus poured two cups of tea. He handed one to Dan Heng before settling into his spot on the couch

“Careful” Caelus warned, glancing up from his phone, “It’s boiling hot”

Dan Heng gave a small nod, but the moment the tea touched his lips, he winced, quickly setting the cup back down

“You didn’t even let it cool,” Caelus said, biting back a laugh as Dan Heng pressed a hand to his mouth

“It’s fine,” Dan Heng replied, though his voice was quieter, clearly trying to hide the sting

“Yeah, no, it’s not fine,” Caelus said, moving closer to him. “Let me see”

“I’m not a kid” Dan Heng muttered, leaning away slightly

“Quit being stubborn and let me check” Caelus said, already reaching out. He cupped Dan Heng’s face, tilting it toward him. “Stick out your tongue”

Dan Heng narrowed his eyes but complied with a soft sigh, sticking his tongue out just enough

“There’s the damage” Caelus murmured with mock gravity. Then, without any warning, he leaned forward and kissed the tip of Dan Heng’s tongue, quick and gentle

Dan Heng blinked, frozen in place, his cheeks warming

“Better?” Caelus asked, sitting back with a triumphant grin

“That was entirely unnecessary,” Dan Heng said, his voice steady but his ears turning pink

“Necessary or not, it worked,” Caelus said, smirking as he grabbed Dan Heng’s tea. He blew on it a few times and handed it back. “There. Now it won’t betray you”

Dan Heng took the cup, his face flushed, “I should start charging you rent”

“Or you could just admit I’m good for you,” Caelus teased, leaning against Dan Heng’s shoulder

Dan Heng sighed but didn’t push him away

Chapter Text

The bedroom was dimly lit, the TV casting a soft glow as Caelus sat cross-legged on the bed, engrossed in the animated show playing on the screen. Dan Heng sat beside him, a book in hand, though he’d long since given up on reading. Caelus had been animatedly commenting on the show for the past twenty minutes, and Dan Heng couldn’t help but listen

“Oh, come on, Shadow!” Caelus exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air, “Just admit you care about Sonic already! You’re always saving him, always there when it counts, and yet you act like you don’t care. It’s so obvious you like him!”

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow, glancing over the edge of his book, “You’re very invested in this”

“Of course I am!” Caelus turned to him, eyes alight with excitement, “They’re like the perfect polar opposites-attract couple! Sonic’s all bright and carefree, and Shadow’s broody and serious, but that’s what makes them so good together! They balance each other out. They complement each other in a way that just works, It’s—ugh, it’s perfect!”

Dan Heng closed his book with a soft thud, his lips twitching into a small smile, “That sounds familiar"

Caelus tilted his head, confused, “What do you mean?”

Dan Heng leaned back against the bed board, his gaze steady on Caelus, “It sounds like you and me right there”

Caelus froze, his mouth slightly open as he processed the comment. A blush crept up his cheeks, and he quickly averted his gaze back to the screen, “I—uh—what? No way. That’s totally different”

“Is it?” Dan Heng teased, his tone light but pointed, “You’re bright, impulsive, and always dragging me into your schemes. I’m the broody, serious one who tries to keep you grounded.. Sounds pretty similar to me”

Caelus fidgeted, his blush deepening, “Okay, maybe… maybe it’s a little similar,” he admitted, his voice softer, “But you’re not as broody as Shadow”

Dan Heng chuckled, his voice low and warm, “And you’re as reckless as Sonic”

“Hey, I’ll take that as a compliment!” Caelus muttered, crossing his arms but unable to hide the small smile tugging at his lips. He risked a glance at Dan Heng, and their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them

Dan Heng reached over, brushing his fingers lightly against Caelus’s hand, “Opposites attract, right?”

Caelus’s smile widened, and he laced his fingers with Dan Heng’s, squeezing gently, “Yeah, and it works”

Chapter Text

Caelus absentmindedly swirled his drink with his straw, watching the ice spin. Across from him, Dan Heng scrolled through something on his phone, seemingly unbothered by the comfortable silence between them

"Hey," Caelus suddenly piped up, nudging his cup toward the center of the table, "Wanna try this? It’s actually really good"

Dan Heng glanced up, his gaze shifting to the drink before flickering back to Caelus, "What is it?"

"Some kinda fancy caramel coffee thing," Caelus shrugged, "I don’t know, but it’s sweet, and I know you like caramel"

Dan Heng hesitated for a moment before nodding, "Alright"

Caelus expected him to take the cup, maybe use the extra straw the café had given them, but instead, Dan Heng simply leaned forward and took a sip—right from the same straw

Caelus felt his brain short-circuit

His eyes widened, his grip tightening around the cup as Dan Heng took an unbothered sip, completely unaware of the absolute crisis happening across the table. The warmth of the café suddenly felt a little suffocating, and Caelus was sure his face was on fire

When Dan Heng finally pulled back, he licked his lips slightly, considering. "It is good"

Caelus stared at him, struggling to form words. "Y-Yeah. Right? Told you"

Dan Heng tilted his head. "You’re acting strange"

"I’m not acting strange," Caelus said quickly, a little too quickly. He picked up the drink, taking a long sip—maybe a little longer than necessary, trying to focus on anything other than the fact that he and Dan Heng just indirectly kissed

Dan Heng, oblivious as ever, simply hummed in response before returning to his phone. Meanwhile, Caelus buried his face in his free hand, groaning softly to himself

He’s going to be thinking about this for the rest of the week!

Chapter Text

The Astral Express was unusually quiet that evening—except for the sounds of frantic button mashing and occasional yells coming from Caelus' bedroom

March and Caelus sat huddled in front of the TV, fully immersed in their latest co-op game. The screen flashed with explosions and enemy attacks as they maneuvered their characters through a chaotic battlefield

"Left, left! Dodge left!" March shouted, gripping her controller so hard her knuckles were turning white

"I am dodging!" Caelus shot back, furiously tapping buttons. "Oh—wait, wait, wait—NO—AH, SHIT!"

A sharp voice cut through the room

"Watch your fucking language"

Caelus and March froze mid-game, their fingers hovering over the buttons. Slowly, they turned to see Dan Heng standing in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes dark with irritation. His usual composed expression was nowhere to be found—he looked tired

March let out an awkward laugh, scratching the back of her head "Uh, you okay there, Dan Heng?"

Dan Heng exhaled slowly through his nose, rubbing his temples, "Long day"

Caelus exchanged a glance with March before setting his controller down. "Dude, you never swear. Like, ever. You good?"

Dan Heng sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don’t know. I just… I have a headache, I’ve been dealing with nonsense all day, and now you’re yelling like someone just set the train on fire"

March pouted. "We were winning, actually"

Dan Heng didn’t look convinced

Caelus, trying to lighten the mood, smirked. "Okay, Mom, we’ll keep it down"

Dan Heng shot him a look but didn’t have the energy to argue. Instead, he just groaned and plopped onto the couch, rubbing his face

March nudged Caelus. "Maybe we should take a break?"

Caelus sighed but nodded. "Fine, fine. But only ‘cause he looks like he’s about to die"

March hopped up. "I’ll make some tea or something!" She dashed off, leaving Caelus and Dan Heng alone

Dan Heng sighed, leaning his head back against the couch. "Sorry. Didn’t mean to snap at you"

Caelus shrugged, nudging Dan Heng’s leg with his foot. "It’s fine. You’re allowed to have bad days too, y’know?"

Dan Heng glanced at him, some of the tension in his shoulders easing. "...Thanks"

Caelus grinned. "Now, if you wanna vent or anything, I charge a small fee"

Dan Heng rolled his eyes, but there was the faintest hint of a smile, "I take it back. Yell as much as you want"

Chapter Text

Caelus lounged on the Astral Express couch, scrolling through his phone with the kind of lazy boredom that only came after a long, uneventful day. March was off doing who-knows-what, and Dan Heng was probably buried in a book somewhere, as usual 

Then he stumbled upon something—a prompt generator

"Insert two names and get random prompts!"

Caelus’ eyes sparkled with mischief. Without thinking twice, he typed: "Caelus" and "Dan Heng"  

"Generating prompts..."

The first one popped up

"Prompt: Caelus is sick, and Dan Heng has to take care of them."

Caelus snorted, “Pfft,, That’d be Dan Heng, for sure. Guy would probably hand me a single glass of water and tell me to ‘sleep it off'" He chuckled to himself, imagining Dan Heng’s deadpan face, “Rest is essential, Caelus” He mimicked, poorly

Another prompt generated

"Prompt: Caelus and Dan Heng get stuck in a small space together—tension rises."

Caelus blinked. Then laughed. “Tension? What tension? The only tension would be me trying not to die of boredom while Dan Heng recites train schedules or some shit”  

But his face felt weirdly warm

"Prompt: Dan Heng confesses their feelings to Caelus in the rain."

Caelus stared, “...What the fuck”  

"Prompt: Accidental kiss."

“Okay, what the actual—” Caelus slapped the phone down, his face burning, "Why is this thing obsessed with romance?!"  

Just then, footsteps echoed behind him. Dan Heng entered, a cup of tea in hand, giving Caelus his usual calm, unreadable look. "What are you yelling about now?"  

Caelus scrambled to flip his phone over, nearly dropping it. "N-Nothing! Just… dumb internet stuff!"  

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow but didn’t pry. He took a seat across from him, sipping his tea in silence

Caelus peeked at his phone again, sneaking one last glance at the prompt:

"Prompt: Caelus and Dan Heng realize they’ve been in love all along."

His heart did a weird little thump

He quickly turned his phone off, “...Yeah. Definitely dumb internet stuff”

Chapter Text

Caelus layed down on the floor, legs stretched out as he lazily chewed the last piece of gum from his favorite pack. He popped a bubble, letting it snap with a loud pop before smirking to himself

Dan Heng, seated on the couch behind him with a book in hand, glanced up briefly at the noise. His eyes flickered from the pages to Caelus’s mouth—lips shiny from the gum, jaw working in slow, rhythmic motions

Annoying

Distracting

Dan Heng tried to focus, flipping a page, but his gaze drifted back. Again. And again

Finally, he closed the book with a soft thud and stood. Caelus barely had time to glance up before Dan Heng leaned down, grabbed him by the collar, and pulled him into a kiss

Caelus’s brain short-circuited

One second, he was chewing gum, and the next—Dan Heng’s mouth was on his, warm and insistent. His breath hitched, fingers twitching against the carpet. His heart raced, not sure if it was from the suddenness of it or the fact that Dan Heng was really good at this

When Dan Heng pulled back, there was a faint pink tint dusting his cheeks—but his expression stayed cool as ever. He casually chewed the gum now in his mouth

Caelus stared, dumbfounded, “Did you—did you just steal my gum?”  

Dan Heng shrugged, “It was the last piece...”  

Before Caelus could form a response—something witty, something clever—a voice cut through the thick, charged silence 

“…Are you guys seriously making out? Right here?”  

They both whipped their heads toward March, who was sitting cross-legged on the other side of the room, a bowl of popcorn in her lap, looking extremely unimpressed

“Oh my Aeons,” she groaned, stuffing a handful of popcorn into her mouth. “Did you forget we’re having a sleepover? I’m right here”  

Dan Heng cleared his throat, suddenly very interested in looking anywhere but at her. Caelus, however, flopped dramatically onto his back, covering his face with both hands

“This is the worst day of my life,” he mumbled into his palms

March just snorted, “Not what it looked like, buddy”

Chapter Text

Caelus stared at the ceiling, eyes burning from exhaustion but refusing to shut. The faint glow of the streetlights leaked through the blinds, casting stripes of dim orange across the room. The clock on his nightstand blinked mockingly—3:47 AM

He groaned, flipping onto his side, then onto his back, then his other side. The sheets felt too hot, then too cold, and his pillow was either too flat or too lumpy. His mind wouldn’t shut up, thoughts spiraling like they always did when it was quiet and dark and lonely

Aeons, fuck this

He sat up, running a hand through his messy hair, frustration prickling at the back of his throat. It wasn’t like this before. He used to be able to sleep just fine—or, well, fine enough. But now? Now, it felt impossible

Because now he knew what it felt like to fall asleep with Dan Heng next to him

Dan Heng’s steady breathing, the warmth radiating from his side of the bed, the subtle shifts when he rolled over in the middle of the night. The quiet comfort of knowing someone was there

Caelus sighed, flopping back down dramatically, staring at the ceiling again 

"This is so fucking stupid," he muttered to himself. "You’re not a baby. You don’t need someone to tuck you in" 

But the ache in his chest said otherwise

Another hour passed—at least, it felt like an hour. Maybe it was less. Maybe more. Time blurred when you couldn’t sleep. His thoughts drifted, scattered, looping around the same empty feeling until—  

Knock. Knock

Caelus blinked, frowning. Was he imagining that?  

Another knock, soft but definitely real. He scrambled out of bed, padding to the door in his sweats, heart racing for no goddamn reason. He swung the door open—  

Dan Heng stood there, looking as tired as Caelus felt. His hair was slightly messy, like he’d just rolled out of bed

“…Hey,” Dan Heng said quietly

Caelus swallowed. His throat felt tight, “Hey”  

Neither of them said anything for a moment. The silence wasn’t awkward. Just heavy

Dan Heng shifted slightly, “Thought you couldn't sleep”  

Caelus let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, stepping aside without a word. Dan Heng walked in, and the door clicked softly shut behind him

They didn’t need to say anything else

Minutes later, they were curled up in bed, the space between them nonexistent. Caelus rested his head against Dan Heng’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His eyes finally grew heavy, the tightness in his chest easing like a knot being gently untangled

“Dan Heng?” he mumbled, already half-asleep

“Yeah?”  

“…Thanks for coming”  

Dan Heng’s fingers brushed softly through his hair. “Always”  

Caelus fell asleep before he could say anything else

Chapter Text

Dan Heng had never thought much about soulmates. The concept of someone being destined for him had always felt more like an inconvenience than a dream. He was a man of logic, of practicality. He didn’t need to rely on fate to tell him who he was meant to be with

That was before the music started

At first, it was just occasional songs stuck in his head, the kind that wormed their way into his thoughts like any other catchy tune. He assumed it was normal, nothing more than a coincidence. But then the patterns emerged

One day, he’d be cleaning his dormroom, and an upbeat rock song would loop in his head out of nowhere—except it wasn’t one he’d ever heard before. The next morning, as he brewed coffee, soft piano melodies played in his mind, lingering even after he’d drowned out the silence with his own music

Then came the lyrics

They weren’t just songs that existed in the world. They were words crafted in real-time, messages written in rhythm, beats that pulsed like heartbeats. Dan Heng realized, someone was speaking to him through music

His soulmate

Caelus had always been a little reckless when it came to destiny. Some people waited patiently to meet their soulmates, believing fate would do all the work. Caelus? He wasn’t that kind of person

Why sit around and wait when you could make fate listen to you?

He had discovered his ability to communicate with his soulmate by accident. He was just messing around on his keyboard one day, humming nonsense lyrics while his twin, Stelle, laughed at his ridiculous rhymes. Then, for fun, he muttered into his mic

"Hey, whoever’s listening… hi"

And the next morning, a reply came

Caelus woke up with a new song in his head. A song he’d never heard before. A song that wasn’t just any song—it was a response. The words were careful, hesitant, but real

"Who are you?"

His heart had nearly leaped out of his chest

So, naturally, he started writing

Dan Heng sat at his desk, fingers pressed against his temples

"You should drink some water, seriously, your headache is my headache too"

The words looped in his mind, the melody soft but insistent, teasing. He exhaled sharply

"Stop bossing me around," he muttered under his breath, knowing full well it was useless to argue

The music changed instantly. A new verse played in his head, smug and lilting,

"I’ll stop when you actually take care of yourself, dumbass"

Dan Heng groaned

He had learned a lot about his soulmate in the past few weeks. They were annoying. But also persistent, playful, and oddly thoughtful. He knew nothing about them except their voice, their music, and the way their words stuck in his head longer than they should

And yet, despite himself, he found a smile creeping onto his lips

"Fine," he muttered, getting up to pour himself a glass of water. "Happy now?"

A beat of silence. Then, a warm, soft tune filled his mind, as if the person on the other end was laughing

"Yeah. Knew you’d listen eventually"

Caelus grinned at his phone screen, the music app still open as he sat cross-legged on his bed, plucking at his guitar

"Gotcha," he murmured, strumming lazily. He might not know his soulmate’s name, might not know where they were, but this was something. This was theirs

And one day, he’d find them

For now, he’d just keep playing

Chapter Text

The waves rolled onto the shore in a slow, rhythmic dance, the ocean stretching endlessly beneath the vast, starlit sky. A cool breeze carried the salty scent of the sea, rustling through Caelus’ silver hair as he leaned into Dan Heng’s touch, his fingers tracing slow, deliberate lines down the nape of Dan Heng’s neck

Dan Heng let out a quiet breath, his lips brushing against Caelus’s before finally pulling him into a deep, lingering kiss. It was unhurried, intoxicating—the kind of kiss that made time feel distant, irrelevant. The world around them faded into the background, reduced to nothing but the warmth of their bodies, the sound of their breathing, and the gentle lull of the waves against the shore

Caelus sighed into the kiss, his hands sliding down to grip Dan Heng’s waist, drawing him closer. His heart pounded in his chest, loud enough that he was sure Dan Heng could hear it. The feeling of Dan Heng’s fingers curling into his hair, the way his breath hitched when Caelus nipped at his lower lip—it was overwhelming in the best way possible

Dan Heng shifted, leaning further over Caelus, their bodies pressed flush against each other in the cool, moonlit sand. He cupped Caelus’s jaw, tilting his head just right, deepening the kiss with a fervor that sent shivers down Caelus’s spine. The moment felt unreal, like something out of a dream

And then—

"AHH, FUCK—!"

Dan Heng suddenly jerked away from Caelus, nearly toppling over as he clutched his ankle. Caelus, startled and dazed from the abrupt loss of contact, blinked up at him in confusion

"What—what happened?!"

Dan Heng gritted his teeth, yanking his foot up as if something had attacked him. In the dim glow of the moonlight, Caelus spotted the culprit—a small, unimpressed-looking hermit crab scuttling away in the sand, its tiny pincers snapping indignantly as if it had been the one rudely interrupted

Caelus stared for a second before he burst out laughing, rolling onto his back as he clutched his stomach. "No way—did a crab just pinch you?" He wheezed between fits of laughter, eyes sparkling with amusement

Dan Heng scowled, rubbing his ankle as he shot the retreating crab a glare. "It ambushed me," he muttered, voice laced with irritation

Caelus wiped at the tears forming in the corners of his eyes, his laughter only growing louder, "Oh my god. Moonlit romance, rudely interrupted by a battle-hardened beach warrior"

Dan Heng exhaled sharply, rolling his eyes as he sat back on the sand, rubbing at his foot. "I'm glad my suffering is amusing to you"

"Listen, listen—" Caelus took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He reached out, tugging Dan Heng back toward him. "I'm sorry, okay? But seriously, what are the odds?" He was still grinning, but his expression softened as he looped his arms around Dan Heng’s shoulders. "Let me make it up to you?"

Dan Heng arched a brow, but his lips twitched, betraying his amusement despite himself. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

Caelus smirked. "Well, I was gonna suggest a kiss, but I don’t wanna risk another ambush. Maybe we should take this somewhere less dangerous"

Dan Heng chuckled, shaking his head as he let Caelus pull him back down into the sand. "Fine. But if another crab shows up, we’re going home"

Caelus laughed again, pressing a quick kiss to Dan Heng’s cheek. "Deal"