Work Text:
Dear Stelle,
Never stop entertaining me with your antics.
Vibrations.
Welt is knocked out of thought, staring up from his blank sketchbook.
A text.
He adjusts his glasses, reaching for his phone on the other side of the table.
Perhaps it was a message from someone on The Express. Maybe they found something interesting.
There was another mission for the crew, after all. And once again he was not selected to go. Rather bothersome, if he says so, himself. But at least he can live through snippets of those who keep in touch on their journeys.
Stelle: What is this, Mr. Yang?
Welt smiles as he opens the chat log, tapping on the picture.
He takes a moment to collect his thoughts and then adjusts in his chair. He begins his response, typing details of the phenomenon she had brought up.
It was always fun. Gave him something to do outside of merely being cooped up on The Express.
It gave him a chance to geek out. Connect. Feel more involved in the adventure.
Curses. Why was he forever aging?
And not just physically.
He misses the wonders of everything being new. Fresh.
The feelings of being young.
And that bright-eyed girl in particular reminded him of when he was youthful. Curious. Always pressing for answers.
He sighs as he sits back in his seat, seeming to lose track of what he was doing. He finds himself scrolling back into the conversation.
A small grin spreads.
What is this, Mr. Yang?
That is all the conversations seemed to start with. From pictures of different Calyx sites to a Cavern of Corrosion. Many of their exchanges were simple. Quick. Questions and answers. Nevertheless, he was happy she kept him in the loop.
‘Everyone on the Express, please constantly keep in touch.’
He had typed that in his description so earnestly when they helped him set up his account.
‘Constantly’ being whenever they can, regardless of how much or what time of day.
And the crew seemed to hold him to it, which he enjoyed.
Each member seemed to have a way of conversation through text.
For Dan Heng, it’s detailed conversations about the data bank. Only once in a while, the boy would slip a fact or two that interested Welt. But it was a good way of connecting since he barely spoke a word outside of that.
For March, it was random questions about a planet's social life and interesting phone games. She would lose every single one, causing Welt to go easier on her in some. She would still manage to lose those too.
Himeko was similar to March, jumping on the phone games train. She learned about their matches after March lost her 15th game of chess. It is harder to play against Himeko; Welt didn’t mind a challenge.
But Stelle.
What was Welt’s connection to her? Has he been able to bond with the girl through text?
He supposes he is her quick reference book with all these questions.
But was that all?
Dan Heng, March, and Himeko always seemed to do some type of check-in. But the crew's new addition only seemed to focus on the tasks at hand.
He wanted to learn more about this supposed trash-diving, closet-hunting, tag champion. (Information he had learned through March on their return from Belobog).
Maybe he should send a phone game request.
Perhaps later.
He lays down his phone, opting for his pencil. But as soon as he hovers it over the paper, he pauses.
When is later? This isn’t the first time he debated this. He had set “later” a while ago.
Can he make "later" now?
Let’s see.
Where is the disconnect between Welt Yang and Stelle?
Maybe it’s because they haven't had a lot of time around each other. Dan and March seemed to hog her most of the time. And it wasn't like he never made himself extremely approachable like Himeko and Pom-Pom. He had been able to bond with the other three through countless missions. But with Stelle, she is always pulled left and right. Somewhat like a main character. He would have to have some interesting request or conversation to get her attention.
What has he done so far?
Bonk her in the head with his cane to control the Stellaron. Blabber on about facts of space. He frowns as he recalls her asking him once about his life story. But he had been so preoccupied with his studies that he merely said it would be better to discuss at a later time.
There that word was again. Later.
Welt Yang seems to have an epiphany at this moment, dropping his pencil.
He sighs, picking up his phone once more. He hesitates before typing.
Welt: How are your journeys?
There. That should be enough to start the flow of conversation. At least at some point. He knew she was busy. He supposes he should be too. He attempts to set his phone down but the response is almost immediate.
His chest pings as he raises the phone once more.
He received a picture.
Welt breathes a laugh through his nose when he opens it.
In the corner of the photo, Dan Heng has his arms crossed, looking away from March. Meanwhile, the pink-haired girl appeared to be lecturing him. Aeons know what it was about.
And in the other corner of the picture is Stelle, holding up a peace sign. His eyes linger on her momentarily, noting how happy she looked, before drifting to the rest of the scene.
With further analysis, he looks over their lunches placed on a table.
Had he eaten lunch? Pom-Pom always kept something ready around this time in the Parlor Car but he found himself hauled up in his room today on an artist's block.
Another message pops up.
Stelle: A fun day. Soaking it in
Welt: Looks like you are enjoying yourselves.
Welt: Are you eating lunch now?
Welt: Is the planet's cuisine good?
It takes a moment to answer. Probably she got lost along in the bickering of her fellow trailblazers.
Stelle: It’s delicious!
Stelle: Don’t tell Pom-Pom though
Stelle: It will hurt their feelings
Welt: Your secret is safe with me.
Stelle: What are you up to, Mr. Yang?
Perhaps he should also send a picture. Follow her conversation pattern to maintain her attention. It takes him a while to arrange his papers in order, but as everything is perfected, he raises his phone. The first shot is blurry. So he tries again.
“Good enough,” he murmurs to himself.
This time he hits send.
Stelle: Drawing??
Stelle: What are you drawing?
Welt: Nothing has come to mind yet. But I’ll share the final product with you.
Stelle: Awesome! Make sure to let me know!
Welt: Alright.
He hits send, noticing how much he had began to smile as his eyes catch a nearby mirror.
He clears his throat, closing his phone as he returns to his work.
Well, that’s a good start for now. Anyway-
Buzz.
His eyes shoot back to his phone.
Another picture.
His poor pencil drops once more as he picks up the new message.
They are still around the table. But Stelle’s camera had changed angles, pointing down at an animal that rubbed up against her leg.
Stelle: What is this, Mr. Yang?
Wel chuckles, leaning back against his chair.
Welt: I’m not quite sure actually. I never visited this planet before.
Welt: But it does look quite friendly.
Welt: Perhaps you can ask around and I’ll add it to the data bank for you.
Stelle: I named him Floofy
Welt: Floofy?
The creature looked anything but. Another thing about Stelle. She always seemed to have an interesting way of viewing life. It entertained the older man, who was growing far too wise to be surprised by much these days.
But the creature was still cute.
Like her
…
Cute as in adorable. Yes. That is what he meant. Like a bunny. Or a puppy.
Not the other cute. The other cute would mean-
He stops thinking as she sends another picture of Floofy seeming to climb up her leg. He smiles.
Welt: Floofy seems to like you
Welt: As interesting as their name is.
Stelle: Right?? I think I’m ingenious
Welt: A true mastermind in the works.
He catches himself in the mirror once more. He had been smiling so wide, bits of his teeth reflected to him in the glass.
And after looking at himself, he hesitantly drops the phone, refusing to even think of what that smile inferred.
Buzz.
His hand reaches for his phone but he stops.
Why did he feel different when he picked up the phone for her? Wasn’t he simply happy they had begun a conversation? It had been a long time coming, after all. Or maybe he was that bored and lonely right now.
Regardless, red flags seemed to wave as his heart skipped a beat to every buzz that followed.
So he stays away, for now, switching his phone with a pencil.
He needs to get this work done. Give himself something to do instead of ruining young Stelle’s day off with her friends…and Floofy.
Welt squeezes his pencil between his fingers.
Floofy.
His fingers begin tracing the patterns of the animal. Something he hasn’t seen before. It had scaly skin and big eyes. Like a gecko. But his body was fairly disproportionate to its head. And it was a lot larger. Scaling to around the height of Stelle’s leg.
…
How tall was Stelle again?
He stops the motions of his pencil to think.
Let’s see.
When she talked to him the other day he had to look down. But how far?
She was at least as tall as his shoulders.
Yes.
As tall as someone he can rest his chin on-
Aeons.
He squeezes his eyes shut, his leg beginning to shake under the table.
What was he doing again?
Floofy.
Yes. Floofy.
More buzzes.
He shoots his head in the direction of his phone. His first thoughts are more messages from her.
But the reality was it probably was spam that his phone was picking up from a nearby satellite. Spam messages. Which seemed to be a common occurrence on their journeys.
He readjusts his posture, trying his hardest to not pick up the phone.
“You are going senile, old man,” he murmurs to himself,” Enough of this.”
But it didn’t feel like enough.
He tilts his head. No.
He’s seen people converse on their phones for much longer. Enjoy their conversations. Maybe that’s all it was. A friend he can enjoy conversing with.
Plus. Didn’t he have a drawing to send her once he was finished?
He is quick to finish the sketch after this thought. And though each marking he made with his pencil seemed to be faster and faster, he ensured it looked good. He was used to deadlines in the past for his drawings, after all.
He finally sets down his pencil.
There.
A little too eagerly, he lifts his phone.
Stelle: Now this mastermind is going to go on a walk in a park
Stelle: The weather hear is really nice
Stelle: Nothing like how cold Belebog was
Stelle: March and Dan say hi by the way
Welt lights up. It really was just her texting him. No spam in sight.
He takes a picture of his drawing and sends it.
Welt: Tell March and Dan I said hi as well.
Welt: I hope you are enjoying your walk.
Welt: Oh. And I finished that sketch. I think you’ll like it.
Stelle: Aw!! You made them look so adorable!
Stelle: You are an amazing artist, Mr. Yang!
It’s followed by a smiling Pom-Pom sticker with starry eyes.
He knew she was being nice. But it made his ears burn and his heart flutter.
When had a compliment from someone done this much to him before? And why did he suddenly want to draw more to please her again?
He wants to respond. Wants to say thank you. But he finds himself throwing the phone across the room, it landing softly on his bed. He can't get too lost in his thoughts now. That would be a very bad place to be.
He stares down at Floofy.
Buzz.
He pretends to ignore it. He needs to.
Let’s get started on a new drawing.
He picks up his pencil, attempting to flip the page. But then he realized something was missing in the portrait with Floofy.
It wasn’t as adorable as he envisioned. He needed to add to it. Enhance it.
His mind drifts off into a void as he begins absentmindedly sketching.
More vibrations cause him to halt every now and again. Each one left a flutter in his chest. But he finds himself focusing heavily on the task at hand.
From his memory, he begins to form a figure next to the animal.
A pretty girl, admiring the gecko-like creature. Her hair was long, circling back to her neck. And he shades it with his pencil to mark it as gray. He is careful to sketch the eyes. They needed to be perfect. They were wide. Bright. Stunning. Something that could take his breath away. He begins to hum softly as he continues, drawing every detail of this girl. Down to the particular straps on her clothing. The way she seemed to throw on an outfit that was comfortable enough to fight in but also held a sense of style. Two birds with one stone. And it worked very well on her.
He finishes his sketch, staring back at those wide eyes.
Those beautiful, starry eyes.
He feels a rush through his body he hasn’t felt in a long time. Something that causes the pads of his fingers to slightly grip his desk.
The young trailblazer was now smiling up to him from the page.
What was going on? Why was he suddenly acting so…
There is a knock on his door, startling him in his seat.
He shoves the newest addition to his art book aside, clearing his throat.
“Come in.”
The door opens, revealing Himeko.
“Welt. Have you eaten?”
He pathetically laughs, raising himself from his seat.
“I was just about to. Thank you.”
“It’s still warm. Pom-Pom made sure of it.”
“I’ll have to thank them.”
Welt was hiding something. Himeko can tell. His shoulders were tense and he was giving her an awkward smile. Neither of which was normal for the man. Like he had been caught red-handed doing something he wasn’t supposed to.
Himeko’s nosiness gets the best of her as she stares passed him and into his room. Nothing is notable at first. Until her eyes shift to the desk he was seated at, the corner of a familiar trailblazer sticking out from under a pile of books.
Oh.
Interesting.
A smile crosses her face.
“What is it? Is something humorous?”
He suddenly says, reaching the door.
“Just thinking to myself,” Himeko says,” Anyway. I’m disappointed, Welt. You have years of eating experience. But I have to beckon you to lunch as if you were a child.”
She watches as his ears tint slightly, bowing his head.
"And I apologize. Got too caught up in work."
Too caught up in drawing their newest crew member.
“Well. Just because you can’t go on every journey doesn’t give you the excuse to remain cooped up in your room.”
“Yes. I know...I worry about them, out there.”
She chuckles,” Don’t worry. There will soon be life back on the Express. It won't take long until they stabilize the planet from the Stellaron. Dan Heng texted me."
He hums in acknowledgment. He wonders if Stelle had told him that after he had tossed his phone.
“I hope they make it back safe.”
“They will,” Himeko ensures, stepping out of his room to let him through,” We have quite the powerful team, no?”
“...Indeed,” he says, sealing the door closed as he steps out, leaving his phone behind.
It’s quiet for a moment, Himeko watching as Welt seems to get lost in his thoughts. It wasn’t rare for the man to space out in front of her. He did so often. But the furrow that spread across his brow showed there was something much more serious being tossed around in his head.
And though she had an idea, she didn’t want to press.
Himeko eventually sighs as the man continues to think, turning to walk down the hall.
“Have faith,” she says before the click of her heels begins to echo” You worry too much. And if you are still not sure, ask them yourself. It might settle your worries.”
And with that, she was gone, Welt watching as she disappears into her room.
Ask her himself.
He sighs, staying in the hall a moment more before heading to grab food.
It was late when Welt returned to his room. After getting lost in conversation with Pom-Pom, hours ticked by. And though the cuddly company was nice, Welt decided that today was one where he preferred to be alone.
And when he means alone…
He closes the door to his room, turning his attention to his bed.
He picks up his phone that still lay in its spot. And he takes a moment before turning on the screen.
To his surprise, opening it didn’t just reveal one message but several from Stelle.
He seats himself at the edge of his bed, immediately surfing through them.
Stelle: We spotted a little festival in the park!
Stelle: We also got more food!
Stelle: Mr. Yang, what is this?Stelle: Nevermind, the locals told me.
Stelle: You’ll have to try it someday. It’s really good
Welt taps on the picture, smiling as he sees the crew huddled in the photo. The food in question was in the front, Stelle holding it proudly on its stick. It did look good. He wished he could relish in its taste too.
His eyes shift to her lips.
He wasn't a picky man. He was sure he would enjoy giving it a try. The food.
After realizing he was spacing out, he adjusts his glasses, reading the times they were sent. All spaced out. She really intended to talk to him throughout today. Was this really all it took to get her attention? Why hadn't he thought of doing something like this before?
Part of him regretted he didn’t message her back earlier.
He keeps scrolling, bringing him to texts she sent 20 minutes ago. It is currently nighttime on the planet. She should be preparing for bed soon. But here she is, texting him instead.
Stelle: I know you are probably busy Mr. Yang but now that the day is ending, I’m pretty bored. Are you around?
Stelle: March says hi again
Stelle: Dan decided to take a walk but I’m sure he’d say hi too if he was here
Welt smiles, readying his fingers to type as he finally scrolls to the bottom. He can’t believe he opted to miss all of this. He can’t believe he waited this long to open this line of communication. Of course, she wouldn’t be the first to. She had so many obligations. She had no time for him. Well, at least that’s what she thought until he read her texts from every hour.
He is about to type, but Stelle is faster. Another picture appears on his screen.
Stelle: What is this, Mr. Yang?
His breath hitches.
Stelle…
He knew it wasn’t her intention. There was no sign that she had done this on purpose. But as she points her camera to a different piece of technology, her figure is reflected in the mirror. She was in a bathroom, covered only with a black, silky bathrobe. Aeons. He felt as if a curse had taken over, eyes fixated on the small bits of exposed skin.
She must have just taken a shower, her hair still wet.
Aeons.
She was barely even in the picture, too. Not even half her body. And here he was, trying to zoom in to get a better look.
His heart begins to beat faster as his eyes run down her neck…and to her chest.
He stops, closing the picture.
Filthy old man.
He should be ashamed.
He sighs and begins typing his response for her.
Welt: Stelle I’m sorry I didn’t respond earlier I got caught up in other matters.
Welt: It’s great you are enjoying yourself.
Welt: Treasure it.
Welt: As for being bored I’m not sure if I would be the best person to help with that.
Welt: And. Based on my deduction, that is a blow dryer. At least a model similar to one I’ve seen on another planet.
He hesitates before typing a final text. But he should let her know. Save herself from future embarrassment. Besides, it’s a good thing to do from a friend's standpoint. To look out for her. He already felt ashamed for staring as long as he did.
Welt: You also might want to consider your surroundings before you take more pictures.
The response is immediate.
Stelle: What? Check my surroundings? But I’m fine. No one is hiding in my room to fight
Stelle: At least I think
Stelle: Maybe I'll check again
Stelle: Anyway, before you told me that was a hair dryer, I tried to use it as a body dryer
Stelle: Almost burned some skin but that’s ok
Welt’s face flushes. He couldn’t help but picture her stepping out of the shower, her body dripping wet. And with the little dryer in the corner, she begins to dry herself off instead of opting for a towel.
An amazing trailblazer and problem solver. But when matters were not pressing, she seemed to resort to foolishness. Well, at least that is better than the opposite. Perhaps she feels so fatigued from all the efforts she puts in throughout the day, that the small things don't matter.
Stelle: Also
Stelle: You aren’t boring Mr. Yang
Stelle: It was nice getting to talk to you a little bit today
Stelle: It’s been so long since we’ve been on the express
Stelle: Are you free to talk a little more?
He should feel guilty. Set down his phone and sleep off whatever was taking over him. But he doesn’t. He doesn’t and he curses himself for it.
Welt: I suppose I am.
Welt: What do you want to talk about?
Stelle: Yay!
Stelle: Well first off. You might want to add more to Fluffy's data entry
Stelle: I learned he is an invasive species to this planet, sent over by a merchant ship a century ago
Stelle: But after taming them, this planet had begun utilizing them as pets. They call them Komodeckos
Stelle: Or something close to that spelling
Welt: Interesting. That sounds very familiar to a species of lizard from my home planet.
Welt: I’ll have to add Fluffy and his species tomorrow morning.
Stelle: Yay! But you better use the picture I sent you as its profile
Welt smiles, absentmindedly laying back in bed and letting his head hit the pillow.
Welt: Of course.
Welt: Thank you for contributing to the archives.
Stelle sends a proud Pom-Pom sticker and Welt finds himself smiling wider.
Stelle: What is your planet like Mr. Yang?
Welt smile falters then.
Welt: Well, unlike most the planets we visit, it incorporates many biomes
Welt: There are multiple cultures
Welt: Rich with history
Welt: And we have animals similar to Floofy. Much smaller though. Different shapes and sizes.
Stelle: It sounds beautiful, Mr. Yang!
Stelle: You’re going to have to give me a history lesson on it one day!
Stelle: Show me Floofy's twins!
Welt laughs to himself briefly before he spaces out.
Teach her about his planet. Can he even bring himself to do that?
As much as he liked hearing about others and their journeys, he never could manage to talk about himself. He probably should change that. Allow himself to get closer to others again. But then again, he was afraid.
Afraid that if he vocalized his past, it would come and haunt him. And his nightmares will no longer remain as such.
He hesitates, trying to find a way to respond.
Until.
Stelle: What is this, Mr. Yang?
His phone slips from his hands, almost hitting his face. But he stops it with his powers in midair. Staying still for a moment. His eyes were wide, staring back at the picture.
He needed to catch his breath, so he squeezes his eyes shut.
But it was too late. The image had already engrained itself in his mind.
She was still in the bathroom, it seems. She must have been so bored she had begun fidgeting with items in her hotel room.
It appeared she didn’t understand the meaning of his warning, after all. For she was now on clear display in the mirror. Her bathrobe was in full view. And so was most of her torso up.
She holds something out in front of her. A facial cleanser of some sort based on the ingredients.
But that wasn’t something he took the time to read.
Her chest was highlighted now. He could see part of her collarbone as one side of the large bathrobe slid down her shoulder. Her skin was so smooth. Unmarked.
He takes a deep breath, trying his hardest to not acknowledge the fact his pants began to feel uncomfortable.
Welt: Facial cleaner. Similar ingredients to that on Herta Space Station
Stelle: Ooo. I’ll have to use it!
Stelle: Thank you, Mr. Yang!
Welt: Your welcome
It’s quiet for a moment.
Should he remind her again? Perhaps more clearly this time? He wants her to be safe from weirdos. But by the way, he was feeling right now…would that classify him as a weirdo too?
Most likely. Because he wanted to open the picture again. Take it in once more.
But he resists. And, Aeons, is it hard.
Stelle: Mr. Yang!
Stelle: It feels so good!
He blinks at the message, almost forgetting the context of what they had been discussing.
Stelle: My skin has never felt this soft!
Oh, please don’t say that.
That’s the last thing he needed to hear. Her skin already looked tempting enough.
He hums, readjusting himself in his bed before deciding it no longer felt comfortable to lie down. So he stands, beginning to pace.
Welt: I’m glad it’s a viable product.
Welt: Maybe you can buy some for the ship.
Stelle: I’ll give you some too! You can be just as smooth as me
He inhales sharply.
Welt: Maybe I can have the pleasure to feel the results when you get back
He deletes that text entirely. No. What the hell was wrong with him? He needs to end this conversation. Now.
Welt: Alright, Stelle. It’s getting late.
Stelle: Aw :( Do you have to go already?
Welt stares at the frowny face, feeling guilty. Very guilty.
Welt: It’s good to get sleep for yourself too. You have a big day tomorrow, no?
Stelle: Yeah but I’m not tired!
Stelle: Had too many energy drinks
Welt: Why are you drinking energy drinks all day if you aren’t putting them to use?
Stelle: Doesn’t matter
Another message. Another picture.
And this time, Welt squeezes his eyes shut to prevent himself from going animalistic.
Ok. Let's not creep this time. Be a good friend. Be reasonable.
He opens his eyes slowly to reintroduce himself to the scene.
Nope. Not going to happen. All reason flew from his body the second he laid eyes on her.
She was no longer in the bathroom but on her bed. The picture was pointed toward her ceiling which mirrors lined. Her bathrobe was still on, but it was loose. Falling. He could see her cleavage. Her thighs.
Oh…Oh no.
Why did this hotel have mirror’s on the ceiling? Well. He can think of why. But who chose to go to a hotel like that?
Stelle: See. Wide awake.
Welt: …Interesting ceiling
Stelle: It’s cool! I can watch myself fall asleep
Another picture.
And Welt melts in his spot.
It was yet another picture of her staring up at the mirror.
Her body was sprawled out, grappling a piece of her bathrobe. Did she even realize how suggestive that pose was?
That’s it.
He prepares to type a response. Talk about how she really should stop these pictures. But he stops as another text appears.
Stelle: It's a really cute bathrobe. Don't you think, Mr. Yang?
Welt swallows hard, not even knowing how to respond.
No. He needs to stop this. Nip this spark and extinguish it forever. Welt was her mentor. A friend. An old man. Nobody special.
Welt: I think it’s a good idea to stop sending pictures for tonight
Stelle: What? Did I do something wrong?
Welt: No.
Welt: Just.
Welt: Be careful what you send online. It can be interpreted as more than a “cute selfie.”
It was a lame excuse. He knew. But how else was he going to say it? He was too flustered to think clearly. He knew he should have put his phone down earlier.
Stelle: But it’s just to you, Mr. Yang
Stelle: Do I make you uncomfortable?
His heart began to race.
Stelle: If I do, I’ll stop
Welt: I don’t consider being uncomfortable, Stelle.
Stelle: Oh?
Stelle: Then how am I making you feel?
Welt: I’m afraid I can’t answer that.
Stelle: Oh
Silence.
Did he just destroy the conversation because his mind slipped in the gutter so easily? Shame on him.
He sets aside his phone, staring towards the floor.
Her last message played through his head. She’ll go to sleep now, right? She’ll go to sleep and he’ll go to sleep and this bitter taste in his mouth will go away.
He didn’t sour their relations.
He didn’t destroy the small connection they made.
And everything will all be ok tomorrow.
He lays back on his bed once more.
Buzz.
He looks over to his phone, preparing himself.
Stelle: Did I turn you on, Mr. Yang?
He inhales deeply, biting his lip.
Now that he was faced with it, he should admit to it. Honesty is the best policy, right?
His logic was unfolding very rapidly when it came to her.
Welt: Now that is quite the conclusion, Stelle
Stelle: But you aren't denying it
Welt: I wouldn't be so inappropriate as to admitting that.
Stelle: ...So I did turn you on
Welt: Did I say that?
Stelle: Indirectly
Another Pom-Pom sticker. A smirking one. Meanwhile, Welt was beyond flustered at the shift in the conversation.
Stelle: If it helps any I wouldn't mind if you are
Stelle: I actually like that thought
Stelle: For you being so sincere all the time and professional
Stelle: It would be a nice change of pace
Stelle: Don't worry. I won't tell the others
Welt: Stelle...
Stelle: Let me know if you want more pictures
Stelle: I'm still buzzing with energy
Stelle: And wouldn't mind if you talked to me longer, Mr. Yang
His heart was beating in his ears. He licks his lips. What his brain was telling him was different than his heart. And for some reason, in that debate, his morals were losing. He hesitates as he hovers his fingers over the letters.
Welt: If you can keep a secret
Welt: We can talk longer
He felt his body rush with adrenaline. Flirting felt so foreign to him. He forgot how exhilarating it was.
Stelle: I would like that :)
Stelle: I bet you are curious what I look like without my bathrobe
Just like that, huh?
Welt swallows, any questioning he had about his actions being drowned out by his sudden desires.
Welt: I am a curious about everything, Stelle
Stelle: Then maybe I can satiate your curosity
Stelle: Let you store it in your personal data bank
Stelle: But first you must tell me...
Another picture.
Stelle: What is this, Mr. Yang?
She holds an object in her hand, innocently looking up at the mirror. There was a slight smirk on her face. She knew exactly what it was. Was she going to...No. Welt would be a goner.
His heart can’t take this.
Welt: You are playing a dangerous game, Stelle
Stelle: How is it dangerous?
Welt: You don’t want to progress this conversation. Trust me.
Stelle: But what if I do, Mr. Yang?
Stelle: What if I’ve been fantasizing a situation just like this
Stelle: For a long time now
Stelle: About you
That was all it took. Reading those words, over and over, Welt feels his cock push against his pants.
This wasn’t how he planned to end tonight. But he can’t say he didn’t like it. He already passed the line. He already made that choice.
He wanted to take this adventure. No matter how perilous it might leave him.
Welt: What have you fantasized?
Stelle: First answer my question
Fiesty. Welt lets out a light laugh, biting his lip.
Welt: It's a toy. One used to please themselves.
Welt: But I'm wondering, dear.
Welt: How has your innocent hands got a hold of that?
Stelle: Innocent? You really think of me that way
Welt: I do.
Stelle: I'm offended, Mr. Yang
Stelle: I might not remember much from my past
Stelle: But I am still privy to the pleasures of oneself
Welt: Enough to fantasize about me?
Stelle: Mmm. Yes
Welt's thoughts get the best of him as he pictures her calling out his name while using the object.
Welt: When you fantasize
Welt: Do you use it?
Stelle: I do
Stelle: But I don't dare to compare it to the real deal
Stelle: If I ever did get a chance one day
Welt: So you were set on seducing me?
Stelle: It was in my long list of To Do. Yes
So Welt wasn't the only one putting off his "later" list. Given it might have been much more innocent than hers.
Welt: Then maybe we will have to tick that off of your To Do.
Stelle: I like this side of you Mr. Yang
Welt: Please. Call me Welt.
Stelle: What if liked calling you Mr. Yang
His heart swells and deflates at once. He said the words as a sentiment to be more relaxed. Less formal. But perhaps that was part of his appeal to her. It made sense. He had experienced similar situations in his youth. Though, it's weird to be on the other side of it now.
Welt: Alright then, Miss Stelle.
Welt: You can call me whatever you like.
Welt: You also still owe me an answer for your fantasies.
No answer. Oh no. Did he go too far? Perhaps she no longer wanted this. Was he coming off too harsh? He was rusty on this whole flirting thing and talking dirty. Perhaps he should apologize.
Stelle sent an attachment.
Welt vocally groans, watching as her top half gets revealed. It was fairly dark in her room, but the lights from the outside city were enough to show him everything.
Her breasts were perky. Beautiful. He enters a daze as he stares at them. He always had been a man who tended to prefer breasts. He wondered if he could slide himself between them and pleasure himself. His cock liked that thought, twitching.
Speaking of which. It was getting too tight in his pants. He lowers his zipper hoping for some relief.
Another picture.
More revealing.
The robe was full off now. Her naked body stared back at him. She sure liked to cut corners. Maybe she was eager to hear what he had to say.
He still hadn't texted her from the last picture.
Welt: You are a beautiful woman, no doubt.
Stelle: Beautiful? That's all, Mr. Yang?
Welt: I would say much more.
Welt: But do you want to be caught in the web of words I can say?
Stelle: I would gladly tangle myself within them
Stelle: It's a shame I can't hear them in person
Welt was stumped. He wanted to tell her all of his thoughts. Tell him what those pictures were doing to him. But every thought came up short. No word was enough. And everything he began to type didn't feel right. His eyes drift down to his pants. He watches as the tent under his briefs shifts.
A sudden idea comes to mind.
Welt: What is this, Stelle?
He bites his lip, sending off a picture of himself. The tent is clear in view.
Two can play that game.
Stelle: It’s something I wish I could touch
Stelle: Taste
Stelle: Look at
Stelle: It's a shame you haven't shown more
Welt licks his lips, looking around his room. He was suddenly very conscious of his surroundings, reaching down to take his cock out of its confines.
This was so wrong. But why did it feel so right?
His cock pushes through the hole, standing tall. It begged to be stroked. Odd. He didn't get hard often. In fact, he doesn't seem to at all these days.
He wraps his fingers around himself, beginning to slowly stroke himself. He decides to snap another picture, proud of how with the times he's being.
Welt: He would very much like your attention, Stelle.
He doesn't get a response immediately. And with every pacing minute, he feels his chest compress. What was she doing? Was his length not satisfactory? Was he too old to look flattering?
He began to grow more self-conscious as the seconds tick by.
But a response is given. In the form of a picture.
Stelle had her toy held to her mouth, simulating what she would be doing if she was with him.
"Fuck," he breathes out, stroking himself.
Welt: Oh? You'd do that for me?
Stelle: That's only the beginning, Sir
Stelle: My fantasies of you involve so much more
Welt: Demonstrate
Another picture.
Now the toy was between her thighs, teasing her entrance. Welt clenches his jaw as another picture is sent, the toy slowly getting inserted. He wished he could feel her instead of the toy. He had never been so jealous about another object.
He finds himself rubbing himself faster. And faster. His breath hitches as he feels a knot form in his stomach. It felt so good. So damn good. His cock was heavy in his hand, the man performing a hefty workout on his arm.
Welt: Yeah, Stelle?
Welt: You wish that was me?
Welt: You better get that mission done soon
Welt: I have a surprise for you when you get back
Stelle: Please, sir. I'd love to see your surprise
He was close. All he can picture is being on top of her. Fucking her raw. Feeling every part of her. Holding her tight. She said she has smooth skin. He'll put that to the test as he digs his nails into her.
"Oh fuck," he says, squeezing his teeth together.
He lurches, feeling the heat of his cock boiling over. This was too much for him. He couldn't handle the thoughts anymore. Ribbons shoot out, causing him to lightly moan.
He tries to stop himself from making a mess but it was already too late.
Had he already gotten carried away already?
He licks his lips. And before he cleans up he snaps a picture.
Welt: This is your mess, Stelle
Stelle: I'd be glad to clean it, Mr. Yang
Stelle: You made a mess of me too
He didn't seem to be alone. She had already seemed to come undone as she sends another picture. Her cheeks were tinted red and her legs were stretched out. Her thighs glistened as well at the toy that now lay on the mattress.
He felt satisfied staring at her. She looked like she had experienced so much pleasure. He wondered what the sounds she made were. Did she call out his name? Loud? Or quiet? He sure hopes that, regardless, his name left her lips somehow.
Oh, what was she doing to him?
Stelle: I think I can sleep well now, Mr. Yang
Welt: You can?
Welt: That's good
Welt: You need your rest to focus tomorrow
Stelle: Yes, Sir
Stelle: I'll do an amazing job
Stelle: I have a new mission after this I am looking forward to
Welt: Oh? A new mission?
Stelle: Yes. It starts in your bedroom the second I get out of here
Welt chuckles.
Welt: Pay attention to the mission at hand for now
Welt: Take life one bit at a time
Stelle: But I'd like to take you all at once
Another Pom-Pom sticker. And it was a cute face. As if she didn't just send several nude photos to him.
Welt: We'll see about that
Stelle: Good night, Mr. Yang ^-^
Welt: Good night, Stelle
He lowers his phone. He didn't have the heart to tell her that it might not even be a mission they can endure. With so much company on The Express, someone would be bound to find out. But if it motivated her for tomorrow.
It would be nice if they did have the time.
He was suddenly obsessed with this feeling, wanting more and more of it. He can already feel himself twitching again. But he cleans himself instead, putting it away for now.
And making his way to the garbage can, he stops in his tracks, looking at a drawing from earlier today.
His heart grows all warm and his chest compresses.
That's right.
Not long ago today he was blushing over simply drawing the girl. Oh, how the night changes.
He blushes once more, avoiding her eyes on the canvas.
Maybe when she gets back...He can truly talk to her. Have a heart-to-heart.
Now that his sense was coming back. Now that he can think clearly once more. He didn't regret a single thing that happened tonight. He thought he would. He thought he would be rampantly apologizing. But he had a good time. And he saw she was too.
Life is too short. He's known that as a truth from the hell he has lived.
So, maybe when she gets back he can tell her what he really feels.
Not just admit to lust. But to admit to something much more sincere. He still wanted to learn more about this supposed trash-diving, closet-hunting, tag champion.
What is this, Mr. Yang?
Her voice seems to ghost his mind.
"It's a crush, Stelle," he answers the echoing voice in his head," Mr. Yang has a crush on you."