[one]

“You and Dan Heng are a lovely pair.” 

The conspicuous glint behind Natasha’s purple eyes, the distant sounds of clings and clatters.  Caught up in her pent up fatigue and the sluggishness of her aching muscles, Stelle could only stare back at the doctor before mustering a light shrug. 

“Thank you.” 

The Trailblazer adjusted sitting position and lifted her arm. For some reason, Natasha looked far too excited for someone who is about to measure her pulse. 

“How long have you two been together?” Natasha asked, lightly pressing her wrist. 

“How long …” Stelle recalls her first memory upon opening her eyes in Herta Space Station.  “About a month? Or two? Uh … I’m not even sure if the Astral Express time system can be applied to Belobog so …” 

Natasha releases her wrist and smiles encouragingly at her. Stelle, unsure of why such a mundane topic of how she met one of her companions was so interesting, shrugs. 

“It's been a while.” 

Natasha hums, reaching for her clipboard and begins to scribble the results of Stelle’s health check-up on a piece of paper. 

“It's really sweet to see you both so protective over each other. It must’ve been a bit annoying for you to see him surrounded by all his fans in the Fight Club.” 

“I guess.” Stelle scratched her cheek, recalling the slight annoyance she felt upon discovering that the cold Archivist of the Astral Express had hogged all the attention in the Fight Club. “I don’t mind it though.”

The conspicuous glint behind Natasha’s purple eyes makes its reprise. “You must trust him a lot.” 

Though she didn’t know the meaning of the conspicuous glint behind Natasha’s eyes, Stelle does know one thing for sure; 

“I do.” She smiles gently. “I trust him with my life.” 

Joyful glee briefly flashes onto Natasha’s usually composed expression. Stelle didn’t really understand it. Was the knowledge that she trusted her companion with her life something that brought joy to others? 

Natasha begins scribbling her notes, leaving Stelle alone with her thoughts. Placing a hand above her chest, where Cocolia’s lance had pierced through her flesh, she imagined a scene where her body plummeted to the earth. 

Dying on her first trailblazer mission without ever knowing the truth about herself. Would the Astral Express grieve for her? Would March and Dan Heng blame themselves? She knew March would most likely cry, but what of Dan Heng? 

Silly, ridiculous thoughts. Undeserving of even a millisecond of her limited time. 

The cubicle curtains of her private space in the clinic slides open. Stelle turns and she is greeted by that pair of jaded blue. 

“Dan Heng.” She greets, voice slightly breathless from the breath she had unknowingly held back. “You’re back.” 

“I’m back.” Dan Heng replies curtly. “We’ll be meeting March in the Overworld once you’re done with your check up.”

He eyes her from head to toe, an indecipherable look on his face. Then, he turns to Natasha who was eyeing the two of them with much intrigue. 

“Stelle’s result came out all good and well.” Natasha smiles, getting up from her seat and taking a few steps back to make room for Dan Heng to approach. “Make sure not to overexert yourself, alright?” 

“Thanks, Nat.” Stelle gets up from the bed. “I’ll be sure to — ah!” 

The sudden weakness of her knees, Stelle shuts her eyes and braces herself for the inevitable impact. And yet, it did not come. 

A steadying force around her form, a familiar warmth wrapped around her. Stelle slowly opens her eyes and looks up. Brilliant citrine meets light blue jade. A foreign gaze of both surprise and protectiveness behind his eyes.

Badump, badump. The beat of their hearts. Stelle inhales sharply upon the realization that she is now in Dan Heng’s arms. 

“Are you alright?” Dan Heng asks, his hand gently squeezing hers. 

“Yes.” Stelle musters, her face growing hot upon feeling his hand that was casted protectively behind her back.  “I’m … fine.” 

“Are you sure?” His brows furrowed. “If you’re still feeling tired, we can stay here for a while longer.” He pauses for a brief second before making a decision. “You should stay here for a while and get your bearings together. Got it?”  

“But —” He shoots her a look. Stelle sighed. “... Fine.” 

Upon her resignation, Dan Heng guides her to take a seat on the edge of the clinic’s bed once more. He says something about making a call to March and Stelle, who was only listening half-heartedly, nods lazily and tells him to take his time. 

“Don’t hold it against him.” Natasha says once he has gone, handing her a glass of water. “He’s just worried for you.” 

Stelle accepts the glass, staring at her own reflection on the water’s surface.  “I know.”

Natasha chuckles. “You two really do make such a good couple.” 

Stelle blinks, once and then twice before slowly turns to look at the doctor, a look of befuddled bewilderment plastered on her face. 

“Did I … say something wrong?” Natasha frowns. 

“... No.” Stelle gulps down her water. “Don’t worry about it, Nat.” 

 [two]

Stelle wakes with a gasp. 

The race of her heart, the sweat that trickles down her forehead. Stelle places a hand over her heart in an attempt to find a semblance of calm. Solemn darkness, empty solitude. They haunt her even in sleep — the Stellaron’s presence within the depths of her soul; a cold embrace. 

Sliding the room of her door close, Stelle glances around the empty hallways of the Passenger Cabin. She considers going to the Parlor Car to fetch a drink or to simply lurk around and stare out the window until her heart calms down. But then, she noticed a dim light at the end of the dimly lit hallway. 

A beat, and then another. The next thing she knew, Stelle was knocking on the door of the Archives.

“ You can come in, Stelle. ” 

So he was actually awake. Now she kind of wants to run away. 

Inhale, exhale. Stelle composes herself before reaching to push the door open. Dan Heng, seated on his desk, likely scribbling some notes about their latest trailblazing expedition, turns to her with his usual calm and impassive expression. It soothes the storm in her heart, somehow. His constant familiarity. 

“How did you know it was me?” She asks teasingly, closing the door behind her. 

“The sound of your footsteps and the way you knocked on the door.” He answers casually, putting down his pen. “Do you need something?” 

“Just wanted to check out some books if that’s okay.” 

“Feel free.” 

She approaches the shelves and pretends she doesn’t feel his pair of jaded blue staring right through her soul. She pulls out a random book, but then it slips from her hold and falls to the cold floor with a quiet thud. 

Silence. Stelle cringes and kneels to collect the fallen book. 

“Would you like to talk about it?” Came Dan Heng’s voice, calm and soothing if not for the fact that he used it to ask her a particularly sensitive question. “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” 

Brushing off the dust from the book’s cover, Stelle mulls for a second. 

“Do you get nightmares, Dan Heng?” 

“Everyone does.” He turns away from her. “It’s normal.” 

“I don’t like them.” She mutters under her breath.

Dan Heng snorts. “I don’t think anyone does.” 

She turns to him and he merely shrugs. Then, she chuckles; the heaviness in her heart is replaced with warmth. 

“Can I stay here? I don’t … really want to be alone right now.” Stelle asks, her voice uncharacteristically subdued as she fidgets with the ends of hair. “I promise I won’t disturb you.” 

“I don’t mind. You can stay here for as long as you like.” Dan Heng replies, before playfully adding; “As long as you don’t start making a mess of the room.” 

“You make it sound like I’m some kind of wild animal.” Stelle huffs, a smile on her lips. “Oh but actually, would you mind if I bring a cup of warm milk in? My throat is kinda dry.” 

“Sure. As long as you’re careful not to spill it on the books.” He gives her a pointed look. “I do hope you won’t make a habit of bringing food and drinks to the Archives, though.” 

“Roger that.” Stelle grins, placing the book back on the shelf and turning to the door. “I’ll be back soon! Do you want anything —” 

Sliding the door open, Stelle froze upon making eye contact with a familiar pair of pink-blue eyes. March, still dressed in her pajamas while holding a cup of warm milk, stares blankly at her as though she didn’t believe what she is seeing right now. 

“... Stelle?” 

“March.” Stelle blinked before eyeing the cup in March’s hand. “Were you out to get a drink?” 

“Yeah. I was just — wait. What are you doing in the Archives at this…” 

March stops. She blinks, once and then twice before her eyes shoot open and her face flushes into a dark shade of red. 

“S-Sorry for disturbing! I’m gonna go back to sleep now!” 

“Huh? Okay. Have a nice  — She’s gone.” 

“... Was that March?” Dan Heng asked from the background. 

“Yeah. I was just about to ask her to join us but she already left. It looked like she was in a hurry.” Stelle scratched her cheek, before turning to Dan Heng with a smile. “Anyway. Want anything from the Omni Synthesizer?” 

March was avoiding her. 

Ever since, and even the few hours before, the Astral Express arrived at Herta Space Station to do some restocking, March has been actively avoiding her. Most people could consider this normal. People did need space from time to time. Stelle, host of a Stellaron, wasn’t like most people though. 

Pacing back and forth in a secluded corner of the Space Station, Stelle tries to rationalize her thoughts.

Maybe March was just tired and needed some alone time. 

March was tired of her and wanted to be as far away from her as possible. 

It made sense, people needed space. 

Stelle has been abandoned once, it could happen twice.

Inhale, exhale. Everything is going to be alright. With a newfound resolve to confront March about their situation, Stelle steps stops her pacing and steps out of the corner and — 

“Oof!” 

A familiar, steadying force around her form, Stelle turns to the person she had crashed onto and is met with Dan Heng’s familiar pair of jaded blue. 

His arms around her — Stelle nearly forgot how to breathe. 

“Stelle?” He calls, snapping her awake from her thoughts. “Are you alright?” 

“Yeah. Sorry about that.” She clears her throat, freeing herself from his hold. “I was a bit … distracted.” 

“It's unlike you to be so distracted.” Dan Heng, now a respectable distance from her,  crosses his arms. “Well. To this degree at least.” 

“... What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“It means that you can be slightly absent-minded and air-headed at times. Now, Is everything okay?” 

Stelle opens her mouth, but then closes it. Placing a hand above her heart, she sighs. 

“I think March is mad at me.” 

“Mad at you?” 

“I don’t know. Whenever I try approaching her, she always comes up with an excuse to avoid spending time with me.” She shuts her eyes. “I … I think I made her mad, but I don’t even know what I did wrong a-and I’m scared that I —” 

“Stelle.”

A hand over her own, Stelle opens her eyes and is met with the brilliance of his eyes. Her heart — it aches. 

“Breathe.” He says, giving her hand, the one dangling absently by her side, a light squeeze. “Everything will be alright.”  

Though it was difficult, Stelle inhales and exhales, slowly attempting to calm the storm in her heart. She focuses on Dan Heng; of the warmth of his hand, of the close proximity between them. She looks at him and he looks back. 

He lets go of her hand and takes a step back. 

“... This is just my own opinion but I don’t think March is mad at you.” Dan Heng clears his throat. “Even if she is, it shouldn’t last long. She’s not the type to hold grudges. She’ll come around eventually.” 

“... Will she?” 

“I’m sure she will.” He smiles at her. “But if she doesn’t, I’ll help you two in whatever way I can.” 

Oh. Is this the first time she’s seen him smile like this? 

“... Thank you, Dan Heng.” She smiles back at him, sincere and true. 

He stares at her before eventually replying; “Don’t mention it.” 

The subtle race of her heart, the warmth that reaches her cheeks. Just as Stelle was about to divert the conversation, she felt her phone buzz.

March: Could you help me out with restocking the raw-materials for the Express? 

It was unnerving to see March so quiet. 

Placing the final box in the inventory of the Astral Express, Stelle awkwardly turns to her pink-haired friend who was leaning against the wall with a contemplative look. 

Inhale, exhale. Stelle dares herself to make the first step. 

“March, did I do something wrong?” 

“No.”

She flinches at the sharp reply. Seeing her reaction, March frowns; guilt-stricken. 

 “No, you didn’t. I’m just … a bit upset. At both you and Dan Heng.” 

Stelle lowers her head. “I’m sorry.” 

“It’s fine! You don’t have to apologize for it! You didn’t do anything wrong!” 

March detaches herself from the wall and walks towards her. Standing face-to-face, Stelle prepares herself for the worst. 

“It’s just … Why didn’t either you or Dan Heng tell me?” March asked, hurt laced in her tone. 

Stelle, despite knowing it was probably the wrong reply, asked; “Tell you what?” 

“That the two of you are dating!” 

Silence. Stelle, unable to comprehend what she had just heard, stared incredulously at her friend. 

“... What?” 

“Did you think I’d be upset about it? That I’d feel left out? I mean, I know I’m acting this way right now, but it’s less because of what I said before and more of the fact that neither of you thought I could be trusted enough to know that two of my closest friends are dating — !” 

“Wait! Pause, pause!” Stelle shouts, gesturing for a time-out. “... Dating? As in, like a couple?”

“Yes, dating, as in like a couple! Gosh, Stelle! Do you think I’m stupid —” 

“But we’re not!” 

Silence. This time, it was March who was staring incredulously at the flustered looking Stelle. 

“You’re … not?” March echoed dumbfoundedly. “What do you mean? Natasha told me that you told her that you’re a couple. A-And yesterday night … you walked out of the Archives looking all messy like you two just —” 

“That was a misunderstanding!” Stelle shouts, before clearing her throat and calming herself down. “I misunderstood Natasha’s question and she assumed we’re a couple and since I was so tired, I just didn’t correct her and —” 

“Stelle, how could you not correct her —” 

“And nothing happened between me and Dan Heng last night.” She cuts firmly. “I went to the Archives to find a book to read. And the reason I was all messy is because —” She had a nightmare and barely had time to groom herself. But she wasn’t ready for that conversation yet. “... I always look messy.” 

March raised her brow, not buying the last part of her statement but also unwilling to push. 

“The point is, Dan Heng and I aren’t a couple. We’re just …” Stelle paused. “Friends.” 

March looked at her. “Friends?” 

“Yes.” She breathes. “Friends.” 

“... Okay.” March places her hands on her hips, a serious look on her face. “Just for your information, I’m not actually against the idea of the two of you dating. I’m just against the two of you dating without telling me that you are.” 

Huffing in annoyance, Stelle crosses her arms. “I told you. Dan Heng and I aren’t dating.” 

“Mhm, noted.” March grins, as though she didn’t spend half of the day ignoring her. “But if you two do end up dating, let me know, ‘kay?” 

Tired and exhausted from the ordeal, Stelle could only shake her head before changing the topic into something else. Feeling bad for the emotional crisis she had burned her friend with, March offered to treat her for lunch. 

As she waited for March to emerge from her room, Stelle felt her phone buzz. 

Dan Heng: Did everything go okay with March? 

She stared at her screen for a few seconds before typing a response. 

Stelle: March thought we were a couple 

Stelle: Yeah, we made up. 

Stelle: Thanks for the pep talk. 

Stelle: [Happy Pom-Pom sticker] 

Dan Heng: I’m glad I could help.

Dan Heng: If anything else comes up, let me know. 

The memory of Dan Heng’s smile, the quiet thump of her heart. March calls for her and Stelle puts away her phone. 

[three]

Dan Heng. 

That is him, is it not? 

Rolling waves, the brilliant blue of the ocean. Piercing, pale-blue eyes, long black hair. The unfamiliarity of his sharp ears, two protruding horns like a crown adorning his head. He steps out of General Jing Yuan’s shadow. March lets out a gasp, Stelle remains silent. 

Too many things were happening at once. Stelle wanted to linger, but destiny is ever cruel. Jing Yuan requested the Astral Express’ strength and Mr. Yang pushed for a vote. Both she and March held out their hand, but Dan Heng remained still, expression downcast. At that very moment, Stelle wondered if she should have been selfish instead. 

They gather around the Statue of the Imbibitor Lunae, the High Elder of the Vidyadhara. In his long winded speech, Jing Yuan spouts words that Stelle has little to no concern over. March asks if the statue is depicting Dan Heng’s brother. The General found it humorous, while Stelle selfishly wished that would be the truth. 

That stranger depicted in the statue is Dan Heng — a past version of him, but Dan Heng all the same. 

Her heart ached. Why? 

“Is there nothing you’d like to ask?” 

Rays of sunlight reflected on the ocean’s surface, Stelle turns her head towards Dan Heng and finds him wearing that familiar flat and unperturbed expression that was both so familiar yet foreign at the same time. 

She considered saying something, anything, but her throat felt dry; mouth parched. Instead, Stelle continued to stare into his eyes and eventually found herself missing its previous shade of jaded blue.  

Stelle lowered her gaze and softly shook her head. Dan Heng’s eyes remained on her figure. The subtle twitch of his hand, the tightness of his expression. The wind blew, the long strands of his black hair danced along the breeze. 

They stayed that way for a moment longer, before he turned and walked towards the statue – his statue. 

Stelle’s eyes remained on his back before she turned to the ocean once more. 

“If you’re tired, you should get some rest.” 

The wind on her face, the moon and stars shining in the sky above. Stelle turns from the sight of the vast, dark blue ocean and is met with a familiar pair of jaded blue eyes. 

“Dan Heng. How did you know I was here?” 

“I took a guess.” He replied, crossing his arms. “The others are worried.” 

She tilts her head, lips quirking into a mischievous smile. “The others?” 

“March and Mr. Yang.” He averts his gaze. “And I, as well.” 

A beat, the slight jump of her heart. Dan Heng turns to her, the pale glow of the moon on his short, raven colored hair like a halo-shaped crown adorning his head. He looks pretty under the moonlight. The full moon — it suits him. 

 Stelle inhales sharply, before shakily breathing out.

“I’m alright. I just wanted some time for myself.”  She musters a weak chuckle, turning her attention back to the ocean that he had split into two with his innate power just a few hours ago. “The sea. I think it's the first time I’ve seen one with my own two eyes since I woke up with no memories a while back. I can hardly believe that we’re still in a floating ship instead of an actual planet.” 

Rolling waves, the silence of the night. The sound of footsteps against the wooden surface, Dan Heng is just a single step closer to her. 

“Stelle.” He calls. “Have I done something wrong?” 

“I don’t know. Have you?” 

Though it was subtle, Stelle saw how Dan Heng had flinched at her response. It was strange, she thought. How her words were able to bring forth such an unexpected reaction from the usually calm and composed Archivist of the Astral Express — the incarnation of the Vidhyadharan High Elder, the Imbibitor Lunae. 

Bitterly, Stelle musters a chuckle. 

“I’m just joking, Dan Heng. There’s no need to look so serious.” She smiles, already turning around to make her way back to the main area of the Alchemy Commission. “Anyway, we should get going now. It’s been a long day and —” 

A hand around her wrist. Gentle, yet firm. Familiar, yet so different. Dan Heng, but not. 

Citrine meets jaded blue. For a brief second, Stelle found herself unable to speak upon seeing the depths of the ocean swirl like a storm in the open sea behind his eyes. 

“... Dan Heng?” 

Dan Heng, hand still holding her wrist, opens his mouth before closing it. He keeps his gaze on her, before slowly averting his eyes. He releases her hand, and Stelle refuses to acknowledge the way her heart longed to stay in that moment for even a second longer. 

Then, after what felt like an eternity of silence, he inquires; 

“Will you accompany me to the coast?” 

He takes her to the coast by Scalegorge Waterscape. 

They disembarked from the boat and he led her to the center of the platform where the statue of the High Elder points to the home of the Vidyadhara. Neither spoke, lost in their own thoughts. 

“From the moment of my rebirth, all that ever laid before me was but a lightless dungeon.” 

Tender winds, the scent of the sea. Slowly, Stelle turns to Dan Heng, the man who she first met not so long ago back in Herta Space Station; the very same man who had appeared before her in a completely different form just a few hours ago. 

“In that dim abyss devoid of light, I would be consumed in tumultuous waves and elusive dreams, recalling vague memories that do not belong to me. I Spent most of my formative years in the Shackling Prison, being judged for a sin that my predecessor committed.” Dan Heng shuts his eyes. “I was seen as a shadow and I too, still sometimes wonder if that is all that I am.” 

The tremor of his voice, the waves of grief apparent on his usually composed expression. It hurts her to see him hurt. Stelle wanted to take a step closer to him, to reach for his hand and tell him that everything will be — 

A flash of light, a turquoise glow wraps itself around Dan Heng’s figure. 

“This is my original appearance, that of the Vidyadhara.” 

His voice — a tad deeper, but still the same tender softness that belongs to him. 

“But at the end of the day, I’m still Dan Heng. A descendant of the Vidyadhara and also a member of the Nameless.” 

The uncertainty behind his eyes, the way he meets her gaze in a hopeful, yet almost fearful manner. 

“So … I hope that you …” His gaze falters. “... Sorry. Just forget it.” He shakes his head, a rare look of vulnerability in full display for her to see. “It’s not my place to tell you how to feel.” 

“... And how would you want me to feel?” Stelle asks, voice quiet. 

“I don’t know.” He answers truthfully. “But in the least I would not want you to feel uncomfortable around me. Much less … fear me.” 

Ah. Is that what he thinks is happening? 

She takes a step towards him and Dan Heng tenses ever so slightly. Long, raven-colored hair, piercing pale blue eyes; a pair of protruding horns like a crown adorning his head. Now that she is observing his new appearance up close, she finally took notice of how his ears are much more pointed than regular humans. Strange how she missed that. Was that not one of the obvious traits of the Vidhyadharan race? 

Stelle raised her hand but then paused mid-way. Dan Heng tilts his head, but Stelle could only offer a wry smile. 

“Sorry.” She tucks a few strands of hair to the back of her ear. “It’s not that I’m uncomfortable with your appearance or the fact that you’re actually a Vidyadhara or that your predecessor committed some kind of sin that I keep hearing about but don’t actually know what or —” 

“Stelle. You’re rambling.” 

“I know, I know … It’s just …” She bites her lips. “You won’t … leave right?” 

His eyes widened ever so slightly. “Leave?” 

“You’ll still … come back to the Express with us after this, right? You won’t … be forced to stay here, right?” She curses the way her voice breaks. “I mean, if you do want to stay, then go ahead! I won’t try to stop you — which is ironic with what I just said before, but all I want is for you to be —” 

“Stelle.”

A hand above her own. Just like that, cold uncertainty is replaced with reassuring warmth. 

“I told you before, didn’t I?” Dan Heng takes her hand and gives it a light squeeze. “I’m still Dan Heng. A descendant of the Vidyadhara as well as a member of the Astral Express.” 

“... So does that mean you’ll be staying?” 

“Yes.” He smiles at her. “I won’t be going anywhere. I promise.” 

 The lightness of her feet, the traitorous glee brewing in her heart. Unable to contain her joy, Stelle grins at him. Dan Heng blinks, no doubt confused by her reaction. How silly. To think she was able to bring out such a reaction from him.  

The tender night breeze, his fingers grazing the strands of her ashen hair.

The beat of her heart, the way Dan Heng's finger moves to tuck the remaining stray strands of hair to the back of her ear. Stelle stares at him, and Dan Heng stares back; a light blush dusting both their cheeks. 

She opens her mouth and tries to find something, anything , to say. Words elude her and Stelle couldn't do anything other than stare at her own image reflected behind his jaded, ice-blue eyes. 

The warmth of his fingers, the twitch of the corners of his lips. 

He takes a step towards her and  — 

Buzz! 

They froze and Dan Heng hastily takes a step back, turning away from her and reaching for his phone. Stelle, who also felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, did the same, her back facing him. 

“... It's the Astral Express group chat. March and Mr. Yang are asking where we are.” Dan Heng says, clearing his throat. “We ought to hurry back. We have a long day ahead.” 

“Right." She replies stiffly, despite having yet to open her phone.  Let’s hurry back to the boat and — Eek!” 

A pair of arms sweep her off her feet, Stelle instinctively wraps her arms around Dan Heng's neck.  

“D-Dan Heng?!" She practically screams, her face red as he carries her bridal-style to the coast. "What are you  — ?!” 

“It’ll be faster this way.” He replies curtly, facing away from her. “Hold on. And don’t let go.” 

With that, the dragon leaps. 

The morning wind, the rays of the rising sun reflected on the ocean's surface. The way the strands of Dan Heng's raven hair dances along the wind, those pairs of piercing blue staring ahead as he leaps through this great distance with her in his arms.   

Stelle tightens her hold around him. Dan Heng gives her back a light squeeze. 

“Did you and Dan Heng make up?” 

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business, General.” 

Even as a patient supposedly confined to bedrest in the Alchemy Commission, General Jing Yuan is as infuriating as always. He smiles pleasantly, and Stelle could only scoff before focusing on her task at hand; peeling apples for him. 

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Jing Yuan leans his back against the wall behind his mattress, munching on the apple slice.  "That’s good. I hope you will find the heart to forgive me for dragging the two of you into our mess.” 

“Just the two of us?” 

“The Astral Express as a whole, but mainly the two of you. It was not my intention to cause a rift between two adoring lovers.” 

Stelle froze, the peeling knife dangerously close to accidentally cutting her finger. Stelle glares, but he merely tilts his head in response. 

"... We aren't lovers, though." Stelle says dryly, going back to peeling the final apple.

“So I was wrong then? Strange. My intuition is usually correct when it comes to these things.” 

“Well too bad, because it is wrong now.” 

“Is it?” 

Jing Yuan shoots her an all-knowing look, one that made Stelle felt impossibly seen. Not trusting her own voice, the trailblazer merely huffed in response before cutting the final piece of the apple. 

After exchanging a few more short pleasantries with the general, Stelle left the room. Surprisingly, she was greeted by the sight of Dan Heng standing just by the door. 

“What were you talking about with the General?” He asks once they are on their way back to their accommodation. 

“Stuff.” 

“Stuff?” 

“Yeah. Stuff. Nothing important, don’t worry.” 

There was a strange swirl of emotions making landfall on the features of his handsome face. Stelle bit her lip, trying to rid Jing Yuan's words from her memory. 

“I’m serious, Dan Heng. It’s nothing.” She huffs. Then, in an attempt to lighten the situation, she playfully adds; “You know, if I didn’t know any better, I would think that you’re jealous of the General right now,"

“And if I am?” 

She stops. 

Slowly, Stelle turns her head to face him. 

“And if I am jealous of the General,” Dan Heng averts his gaze before meeting hers once more. “What then?” 

Oh. 

They never did speak about that again. 

 [four] 

“Is it too late to back down?” 

“Are you really asking that when you’re already dressed in the Luofu’s finest silk dresses specifically tailored for you for this one particular event that you were invited to?” 

Dabbing the final touches of powder on Stelle's smooth skin, March offers her a tilted smile that she assumed was meant to be reassuring. Done with her handiwork, March puts away the powder and skips to behind Stelle's seat. She places both her hands on her shoulder, the image of her cheerful smile reflected on the mirror's surface. 

"So. What do you think? Not bad, hm?"

Not bad, she says. Stelle could hardly recognize her own reflection. 

Her unruly and unkempt hair had been styled into a low bun, held together by a lotus-shaped hairpin. Gone was her casual trailblazing garments. Now, she is adorned in the most luxurious traditional dress that the Luofu had to offer, dominated by the color of imperial gold; a similar shade of her citrine eyes. The make-up on her face, the subtle blush, the way her lashes appeared much more curled than they usually are. 

Stelle felt different — an unfamiliar kind of different that she has yet to make sense of. 

"I guess." Stelle replies flatly. "Thanks, March." 

"Wow. Couldn't you have sounded even a bit more enthusiastic about it?"

 Stelle chuckles and March stares before eventually following along. March excuses herself and tells her to let her know how the event went. Now left alone, Stelle lets out a long sigh. 

After aiding Lady Bailu from the previous assassination attempt, the Vidyadharan Preceptors found it fit to reward both her and Dan Heng's efforts by inviting them to a banquet. While it was an obvious attempt for them to somehow convince the current incarnation of Imbibitor Lunae into returning to his post, a post Dan Heng had expressed no interest in, he had reservations on leaving Bailu alone to deal with them. Stelle, being Stelle, wouldn't let him go alone. 

Thus, her current predicament. 

Letting out another long sigh, Stelle rose from her seat and stared at her own reflection once more. March was right, she supposed. Stelle didn't look bad. She looks … 

"Stelle." 

Jolting, Stelle turns towards the source of that voice and finds Dan Heng in his Vidyadharan form standing by the door. He does that a lot, standing by the door she means. Stelle recently just came to notice. Just as she came to realize her growing fondness of his handsome appearance. 

As he walked towards her, Stelle took in the sight of him. He was dressed in a manner befitting of his noble status, wearing a form of traditional garments woven from the same, luxurious materials that compromised her own dress. Imperial gold, mingled with shades of royal azure. 

Standing face-to-face, Stelle could hardly find the air to breathe. Those pairs of jaded, blue eyes; they too, gaze deep into her eyes. For a while, they do not speak.  

“Dan Heng," Stelle stops, her brain ceasing to function. “You look … Shiny?” 

“... You know what, I won’t ask.” Dan Heng sighs softly, sounding more amused than exasperated. Then, lines of tension return to his features. "Stelle. It isn't too late for you to back down from this." 

Her heart skips a beat. "Me? Refuse free food? Can’t even bear the thought of it.” Stelle huffs indignantly, crossing her arms and looking away from him. 

“Stelle, I’m being serious.” He scolds lightly, his frown growing deeper. “You’ve seen first hand how complicated Vidyadharan politics can be. Political struggles, assassination attempts, and long grudges that exceed one’s lifespan. I don’t … want you to drown in them.” 

"... I won't drown." Stelle takes a step closer to him, a small yet sincere smile on her lips. "You'll be there right beside me, won't you?" 

 The fading twilight, the way the final rays of the sun bring out the earthly colors of his skin. Dan Heng looks at her, a swirl of emotions all becoming one in those pair of piercing, jaded blue. 

He lifts his hand, fingers gently grazing the stray strands of her bangs. She looks at him, and he looks back. 

Then, he turns away from her. Red dusting the corners of his pointed ears. 

“... Let’s go.” He says, voice low. 

Stelle inhales sharply. "... Okay."   

The banquet went just the way she had imagined. 

The atmosphere is stiff and stuffy, tension thick in the air. The food, though was made with the finest ingredients by the best chefs the Luofu had to offer, tasted bland and unappetizing. Any food tastes great when eaten with the right company, they say. Stelle certainly learned the reverse of that quote today. 

Throughout the banquet, Stelle kept stealing glances at the man seated beside her. Though it was hard to tell given how perfectly he schooled his expression, Dan Heng did not look any more comfortable than she did. Though he shared the same features with all the Vidyadharan figures in the room, he still looked like fish out of water, so out of his element when conversing with the preceptors about needless things that Stelle lacked sufficient knowledge about. 

She knew it was selfish of her to think that way. She shouldn't be happy about how foreign he looked in a space that was meant to be familiar to him. 

But still. She felt a twinge of happiness, a degree of reassurance.  

Maybe she is a horrible person after all. 

March: How's the party going? 

Stelle: [Crying Pom-Pom emoji]

March: That bad, huh? 

March: Stay strong! Just a few more hours! 

Stelle smiles at March's reply. The trailblazer places her phone in her purse before staring at her reflection on the bathroom's mirror. Still good. Time to get back out there. 

Closing the door behind her, Stelle makes her way through the hallways. Then, she hears an echo;  

“Do you truly have no intention to return to us, Imbibitor Lunae?” 

Pausing, Stelle tiptoes and takes a peek to the otherside of the hallways. It was Dan Heng, conversing with a Preceptor. 

“I have told you before and I shall tell you again and again until you let this matter rest. No. I shall not be returning to the Vidyadhara." Dan Heng crosses his arms. "The title of Imbibitor Lunae belongs to Lady Bailu.” 

“Not quite. The title of Lunae shall be conferred to Lady Bailu upon her coming-of-Age Ceremony. There is still a long time until then.” The Elder turns to him, wearing a mask of a wise sage. “With that current state of affairs, for many, many eons, the seat of the High Elder of the Xianzhou Luofu shall remain vacant. Do you not think it is a travesty, Master Dan Heng?” 

“Respectfully, Lord Preceptor; what would I, an outsider, know about the state of Vidyadharan affairs?” Dan Heng is dismissive, though his gaze remains sharp. “Though I bear his face and a fraction of his powers and memories, I shall remind you that we are two separate entities.” 

“That is true. At the present, at least. Who is to say that shall not change in the future?”

Stelle's hand twitches, she leans her back against the wall. 

“You have said that the reason why you cannot return home yet is because you are still needed in the Astral Express. Yet, this old soul cannot help but wonder if there is something … more than that.” 

“... What are you implying?” There is an edge to Dan Heng's voice.

“That woman you brought tonight. She is your lover, is she not?” 

Stelle tenses. 

“I have seen the way you gaze at her. It is different from the way you gaze at your other companions.” The Elder sighs, and Stelle could only imagine the expression Dan Heng is wearing at this very moment. “You love her, do you not, Imbibitor Lunae?”  

The silence, the darkness of the halls. The beat of her heart, the loudness of her thoughts. In the shadows, Stelle waits for Dan Heng's reply — a reply that is not meant for her ears.

“Do not be ridiculous,” 

Shattering glass, breaking without making a sound. 

“Stelle is my friend. Nothing more, nothing less.”  

Dan Heng's voice, cold and distant. 

Oh. 

So this is what it feels like. 

The walk back to their accommodation was a quiet one. Stelle, exhausted from the events of tonight, was more than happy to leave it that way. 

He walks her back to her room in, but instead of saying goodnight like he normally would, he asks;

"Are you okay?" 

His barely concealed worry, the way his gaze seems to indicate that he knew more than what he is supposed to. Stelle didn't like it, but she played the part of the fool. 

  “I’m a bit full. The food was really good.” She jests. “I’m really tired though. So, I think I’ll go to bed now. G’night!”

A hand on her wrist. Really, just how many times have they swung back and forth like this? 

Held in place, Stelle does not make an attempt to open the conversation, nor does she dare to turn and take a peek of whatever expression is present on Dan Heng's face. She waits, because that is all she could do. 

“Stelle.” He calls, voice as soft as gentle waves. “... I’m sorry.” 

Her breath hitches, Stelle musters a weak chuckle. "What for?" 

She pries her hand away from his hold and musters the courage to face him. Jaded ice-cold blue meets radiant citrine, Dan Heng's lips form a thin, flat line and Stelle pretends she doesn't feel a twinge of disappointment from the lack of emotions apparent on his face. 

Dan Heng opens his mouth and then closes it. Stelle waits. For a second, and then another. When it becomes apparent that words elude him, she musters a weak smile. 

“Nevermind.” She says with a smile. “Good night, Dan Heng. See you tomorrow.” 

“... Good night, Stelle.” 

With that, she escapes into her room. Back against the door, Stelle begins counting. Ten, twelve, thirteen. It is only until she reaches counting to thirty that she hears Dan Heng finally walk away. 

Stupid. 

[five]

Dan Heng knows he’s being cruel.

Cruelty is not a trait he would often prescribe himself, nor anyone for that fact. Though there are those who are cruel for the sake of it, most are just simply victims of their circumstances. There are reasons for cruelty. But maybe, this is just his attempt at justifying his cruel means to protect his most beloved person. 

Stelle is like the sun. Like the moon and stars, a ray of light that guides him through the darkness of the universe.

The sight of her smile, the sound of her laughter, the warmth of her hand. 

Dan Heng isn’t stupid. He knows the name of the feeling that blooms in his heart whenever he sees her.  

Which is why he lied about his feelings for her to the Preceptor who wanted to take him back. 

That time, Dan Heng knew Stelle was listening. He knew she heard him say that she was no different from his other companions, that she was just a friend, nothing more nothing less. 

He knew it hurt her, just as much as it hurted him to see her pretend that everything was okay. 

He thought it was better that way. To hurt her himself than let her get hurt by getting involved in the messiness of his life. It was the only way to protect her from him, to protect her precious smile, that although could never be his, could still shine brightly even in the darkest corners of the universe. 

It was fine. Everything was fine. 

But deep down, he knew it wasn’t. 

Dan Heng: Are you not coming back to the Express Today? 

Left on read. Three days  — That’s how long he hasn't even seen a strand of her ashen locks. 

March, who most likely heard about what happened, gave him the cold shoulder. Still, she was kind enough to tell him that Stelle was ‘fine’ and just needed some space. Mr. Yang, ever perceptive without needing to know the full story, just told him to give it time. 

Rationally, Dan Heng knew they were right. And besides, who was he to come begging to her when he’s the one who hurt her? But that didn’t change the fact that he was worried. 

He couldn’t sit still. Not when they were still in the Luofu. 

Dan Heng: Stelle. 

Dan Heng: About what I said before … 

Dan Heng: Can we talk? 

Delivered. Not even sent. Just delivered. 

He’s overthinking it. Maybe her battery just died, maybe her phone was just off, maybe she blocked him after getting sick of his incessant fussing. But maybe … 

“She is your lover, is she not?” 

Dan Heng clicks his tongue and hastily gets up from his seat. 

Please let his intuition be wrong. 

The last thing Stelle expected when she went out today was to be approached by a Vidyadharan assassin.

Back facing the wall of a narrow alleyway, Stelle stares down at the singular assassin who had stepped out of the shadows. His eyes narrow, looking at her with disdain and hostility. 

“Miss Stelle.” He addressed with a flat tone. “Host of a Stellaron, member of the Astral Express and … Imbibitor Lunae’s lover. Will you heed our request?” 

Lover. Again with these misunderstandings. 

"Convince Master Dan Heng to return to the Vidyadhara. If you comply, we shall reward both you and the Astral Express a great sum. Given your status as his lover, we have sufficient faith that you will be able to sway his heart." The assassin prattles on without giving her a single consideration. "Who knows. Perhaps if you succeed, the Vidyadhara shall consider accepting you as his mate.” 

Tempting offer. If only. 

“... Sorry.” Stelle crosses her arms, glaring them down. “But I don’t take requests from assholes like you.” 

“Is that so? Then … you leave us with no choice.” 

The assassin snapped his fingers and more figures emerged from the shadows. Stelle brings forth the Lance of Flames and readies for battle. 

A brilliant light, a burst of flames. As the battle carried on, Stelle found it increasingly difficult to stay on her feet. 

They were swift and precise, weakening her without dealing the decisive blow. She was out-numbered, losing both blood and zeal. This is bad. Has she truly become weak? 

"Why won't you people just stop?!” Stelle found herself screaming. “Dan Heng already said he's not coming back! He belongs with the Express! I won't let anyone take him away from us!"

Her shouts falling to deaf ears, Stelle grits her teeth. Parrying the blade of one of the assassins, she was able to successfully incapacitate them before getting kicked in the stomach and thrown to the hard wall behind her. Panting, she glares at the assassin approaching her and concentrates her power to create a burst of flames. Having created an opening and a distress signal, Stelle attempts to flee and —

“Where do you think you’re going?” 

“Ah!” 

Back slammed against the wall, her hold on the lance of flames falters. Head spinning, vision blurry, the trailblazer could barely make sense of the world around her. Hushed chatters, patronizing words.

What’s wrong with her? Why is she so weak? How did she even end up in this situation? 

Dan Heng. Of course it was his face that came to her mind. 

But this wasn’t his fault. It wasn’t his fault that the Preceptors misunderstood their relationship. It wasn’t his fault that they thought that they could get him back by harming her. 

Dan Heng. Would he be disappointed in her? Would he be disgusted at her weakness and abandon her too? 

“... Haha …” She laughed bitterly. “So … stupid …” 

 Stelle shuts her eyes — 

"Awaken, dormant scales." 

Long, raven colored hair; azure colored horns like a crown adorning his head. 

Standing between her and the assassins is none other than Dan Heng in his true form, that of the mighty Vidyadhara with destructive power that none could ever shackle. He turns to her, their eyes meeting for a brief second. 

Then, he snarls. 

“For daring to lay a hand on her,” He clenches his hand into a fish. “You shall pay the price by drowning in your own blood!” 

A surge of stream, the sound of divine water drowning the sinners’ scream. Eyes shut close, Stelle slowly reopens them and still sees Dan Heng’s back facing her. He turns and walks towards her, expression unreadable. 

"Dan Heng … I — !” 

Arms wrapped around her form, Dan Heng lifts her up and carries her away from the scene; a pool of blood by his feet. He does not speak, eyes casted away from her. Stelle stares at him before wrapping her arms around his neck. 

He tenses, but eventually gives her back a gentle squeeze. 

[+ one] 

“Are you mad at me?” 

Flickering lights, Dan Heng, still in his Vidyadharan form, looks up from her arm that he was bandaging before averting his eyes once more. Stelle waits for his answer. A second passes and then five. The corners of her lips twitched. 

“No.” He replies, voice quiet and low. “I’m mad at myself.”

Fragile peace, one wrong move and it will all come crashing down. There were so many things she wanted to say — to scream at his handsome face that she can never bring herself to hate. 

“Don’t be.” She sighed. “It's not your fault I got hurt.” 

Dan Heng stares at her. “... Is it really?” 

Stelle clenches her hand. Dan Heng stops his movement and releases her arm from his hold. 

“Well what do you want me to say then?” She snaps. “Yeah, it's totally your fault that I feel like absolute shit after you said that we're just friends?" Her voice broke. "Well my bad for being a good friend and not guilt tripping you about how you broke my damned heart ."  

"Stelle." His brows furrowed, a frown on his lips. "Stelle, I —"  

Already knowing what he was about to say, Stelle cuts, "Stop. If you're just going to say you're sorry, just stop —"

"I love you." 

The world stops. 

The race of her heart, the traitorous sense of hope that steadily grows in her chest. Stelle looked at him and immediately thought she was delirious upon catching a hint of pink in the corners of his cheek — the ends of his pointed ears crimson. 

“No.” She spoke on impulse. “No — You’re just saying that —” 

"I'm not." He takes her hand, his voice shaking; fear flashing through his pair of jaded ice-blue. “I love you, Stelle. I love you more than words could ever convey — I love you more than the universe. I …” 

Her hand in his, Stelle felt every shake, every tremor — every single anxiety coursing through his veins. He held her hands, squeezing them tightly. 

“... I’m sorry.” He lowers his head. “That night — I lied. To the Preceptors, to you. Because I thought the only way to protect you from them was to push you away. But in the end — in the end they still … !”

Dan Heng inhales sharply and Stelle feels her heart tearing with every gasp that escapes his lips. 

“Stelle.” He calls her name with such gentle tenderness that it hurts her. “Nothing good ever comes from being with me. All I do … is hurt you.” A dry chuckle escaped his lips. “Even now … I’m hurting you, aren’t I?” 

“... You are.” Stelle pries her hands away from his hold. Dan Heng shakily exhales. “But that doesn’t change the fact that I love you too.” 

She cups his cheek and gently thumbs the corner of his eye, wiping away the stray tear that refused to fall. Dan Heng gasped, a familiar look of hope reflected behind his eyes. Really, the two of them are just too clumsy with these things. 

“Besides, who ever said all you do is hurt me, hm? Remember that time in the clinic? Or that time I thought March was mad at me? Oh, and that time you reassured me that you won’t be going anywhere?” She grins. “Sure you’ve hurt me, but you’ve also made me happy — a special kind of happiness that I’ve only ever felt with you.” 

His eyes narrow. Ah, she wishes she could just drown in those pairs of blue. 

“I … love you, Dan Heng.” She whispers. “So please … don’t leave —” 

“I won't.” He places his hand above her own. “I won’t leave you, Stelle. Not now, not ever. I will never let you go.” 

“... Pfft. Possessive, much?” 

His face turns red.  “That’s —” 

“I don’t mind.” She bites her lips. “I kinda like it.” 

“You …” He practically growls, face flushed red. “... Really shouldn't be saying that so easily, Stelle.” 

Chuckling, Stelle gives his cheek a light pinch. Dan Heng grumbles, pouting slightly. His lips — Stelle wonders what it would feel like when pressed against her own. 

Then, as though reading her thoughts, Dan Heng leaned towards her. She froze and he lightly bumps his forehead against hers. Stelle blinks and scoffs in response to his teasing. Dan Heng laughs before finally pressing his lips against hers. 

Soft and gentle. Careful, like she would shatter from the slightest of pressure. Though she loves his tenderness just as much as she loves everything about him, Stelle found herself growing impatient. She slung her arms around him, deepening the kiss and breathing in the air they desperately sought. 

Lip to lip, breath to breath. They part for air and Stelle drowns herself in him once more. Dan Heng groans, returning her kiss with just as much fervor. The growing heat in their core, Stelle shivers upon feeling his hand sliding downwards from her waist. 

“... We shouldn’t.” He whispers, face flushed, eyes dazed with desire. “You’re still — hurt.” 

“We should.” She retorts, arms still around his neck. “I know you’ll be good to me.” 

“How can you be sure?” 

“It’s you, Dan Heng.” She smiles. “How could I not be?” 

Emotions flash before his eyes. Dan Heng claims her lips once more. 

Stelle once read that dragons had the habit of marking their possessions. Makes sense. It was in their nature to be possessive and territorial. 

But maybe, she underestimated just how much they liked to bite. 

“Dan Heng — Mhm!” 

He sinks his teeth into the nape of her neck, greedily sucking her smooth flesh before licking it with his tongue. Stelle shudders underneath him, her hips bucking as he bites into her skin once more, leaving yet another mark on her body. 

“Sorry.” He whispers, hot breath ticklish against her ear, clawed hand pressed against her thigh to stop them from shaking. “Does that hurt?” 

“Kinda.” She bites her lower lip, her hand feeling the firmness of his bare chest. “It's hot though.” 

“It’s always that with you, isn’t it?” He groans, his free hand taking her wrist and pinning  them to the side. “Do you enjoy having me mark every single part as you as mine? Mine and no one else’s.” He nibbles the ends of her ear. “Do you, Stelle?” 

“I — Ngh, I do …” She whimpered, pressing her thighs together. “I wanted this — wanted you for so long.” She turns away. “Dan Heng … won’t you …” 

He releases her hold on her wrist, thumbing her chin and tilting her head to look at him once more. He trails the hand on her thigh upwards to the mound between her legs. 

“Won’t I what, Stelle?” He asks, voice husky with desire.  

“... Touch me.” She gasped. “Please — touch me, Dan Heng.“

Touch her, he does. 

He trails his fingers against the skin of her labis, index finger teasingly parting her lips without pushing them in. Stelle mewls and lets out gasp when he trails his tongue on the valley between her breasts, his other hand cupping one of her mounds, thumbing her nipple. He presses her left nipple with her thumb, his tongue lapping her right breast. He bites into her flesh, sinking his teeth around the area of her areola, leaving yet another mark on her body. 

Stelle shudders, body trashing as he slips a finger into her folds. He sucks on her breasts, lightly biting her nipple before lapping it with his tongue to soothe the pain. As though one breast was not enough for him, Dan Heng shifted his attention to her left breast, repeating the same pattern from before, all the while as his fingers explored the inside of her slick heat. 

Dan Heng once said he wasn’t much of a multitasker, but with how well he’s balancing his attention between both her breasts as well as her pussy, she’s seriously having her doubts. 

“Dan Heng — Oh — !” She cries, hands reaching to cover her mouth to prevent such embarrassing sounds from escaping her lips. “Dan —” 

He pries her hands away, pinning them above her head. “Don’t hide from me.” He commands, his tongue licking her lips. “Let me hear your cries.” 

“But, it’s so — !” She gasps upon receiving a kiss on her jaw. “— Embarrassing!” 

“I think we’ve passed the point of embarrassment, don’t you think?” He presses his thumb against her clit. “Let me hear you, Stelle. Let me eat every single gasp, every single cry, every single moan that escapes your lips.”

She whimpers at the pressure, eyes fluttering as she musters a weak nod. Dan Heng clicks his tongue, thumbing her chin to look at him once more. 

“Use your voice,” His eyes glint, authoritative, yet kind and gentle. “I want to hear your voice, Stelle. Won’t you let me?” 

“... Okay.” She nods, citrine eyes meeting his pair of jades. “Dan Heng — Please … Touch me more.” 

 “That wasn’t so difficult was it?” He smiles. “Good girl.” 

Stelle gasped, her body tensing upon hearing those words of praise. Dan Heng seemed to have noticed her reaction, causing her to flush even more than before. He is kind enough not to say anything and instead, obliges her wishes and presses his finger deeper inside her slick heat. 

He takes his time in feeling her insides, giving her body the time to get used to his fingers. He presses his thumb against the hood of her clit, carefully applying pressure before experimentally rolling it. Stelle shudders, her back arching slightly in an attempt to feel more of his touch. Dan Heng uses his free hand to claw on her thigh, keeping her in place as he curls his fingers inside of her, reaching the spot that made her see stars. 

“ Oh. ” Stelle gasped. “There — Right … there — !” 

“Here?” He pressed against that spot once more.  

“Yes.” She breathes. “Dan Heng, Dan Heng, there — !” 

In slow, languid movements, Dan Heng presses against her G-spot, all the while thumbing her clit. Then, as though it was not enough, he leaned forward to claim her breast; sucking hungrily in a way that made her toes curl. 

A familiar pressure builds up in her groin and she cries out his name. Dan Heng continues his ministrations, his fingers deftly massaging her insides, his teeth sinking into the flesh of her breasts. 

“Oh, oh, Dan Heng, I’m going to — — !” 

And just like that, the tight coil snaps. 

Stelle cums with a long moan, her eyes fluttering close as she rides her orgasm against his fingers. Dan Heng keeps his fingers inside of her, reveling in the erotic sensation of her walls clamping around his digits. Only when her voice grows quiet does he pull out, retracting himself from her breast to give her forehead a kiss. 

Thighs trembling, stars in the corner of her eyes. Stelle reaches to cup his cheek and pull him into a kiss. 

“Stelle.” He calls once they’ve parted for air, his azure eyes soft as he gazes into her eyes. “Would you like to stop here?” 

“... Do you?” She asks back, thumbing the corner of his eye. 

“You’re still injured,” He carefully reaches for her bandaged arm. “The last thing I want to do is hurt you.”

“Well,” Her lips quirk mischievously. “All you have to do is make sure that you hurt me in the right way then.” 

“.... That’s not funny.” He pouts, bumping their foreheads together. 

“Sorry.” She chuckles, smiling tenderly at him. “I want you, Dan Heng. But only if you want me too.” 

“I want you, Stelle.” He kisses her. “There hasn’t been a day where I didn’t want you.” 

“O-Oh?” Her heart skips a beat. “Now that I think about it … when did you start liking me, hm?” 

“Let’s —” He clears his throat. “— Save that conversation for another day, shall we?” 

Stelle pouts at his unabashed attempt at steering away from the topic, but nods along. Dan Heng snorts, leaning forward to claim her lips once more. Stelle eagerly returns his kiss, savoring every single taste of him. 

Hardened member aligned with her entrance, Dan Heng shoots her one last look that was meant to convey one final request for confirmation. Stelle smiles at him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze; their fingers intertwined with one another. Then, he pushes in. 

A strangled cry escaped her lips and Dan Heng leaned forward to press a kiss against her forehead. He moves slowly, sinking his cock inch-by-inch into her slick heat. Stelle whimpers, but keeps her legs around him, locking him in her hold. Her walls stretched over his inhumanly thick girth and Dan Heng let out a low groan as he hilted her. 

“Are you okay?” He asked. 

Stelle nodded slowly. “Mhm.” 

“Good girl.” He praises. “Just a bit more, okay?” 

Stelle whimpers in response, her walls clenching around him. Dan Heng groaned, and slowly began pulling out. Nails digging into the flesh of her thighs, he pulls out of her completely, before hilting her once more. Dan Heng is gentle and slow with his thrusts, giving her the time to adjust — as well as making her crave for more. 

She feels so full and Stelle suddenly forgot everything save for the warmth of his large cock carving its shape in her wanton walls. Strange and unfamiliar pain slowly turned into pleasure and Stelle began to grind back against his hips, moaning needily each time he thrusts into her; the sound of squelching flesh and the erotic smell of their juices driving her insane. 

Reading her body language, Dan Heng picks up the pace, his breathing ragged as he pushes deeper inside of her, daring himself to search for that sweet spot that made her cry out before. He slings her leg over his shoulder, his cock diving into her, massaging her walls before finally hitting that spot once more. 

“— Oh!” Stelle gasped, her back arching. “Oh, oh, oh! There  — Dan Heng — There!” 

“Stelle — Fuck, Stelle you’re so —  good. So good —  for me.” He grunts, jaded eyes watching the way her breast bounced with every thrust. “You’re beautiful — So beautiful.” 

“O-Oh …? D-Dan Heng …  Ah!” 

“Mine.” He groans, taking her hand and biting into her palm. “You’re mine. Mine and only mine.” 

“Yours,” She echoes, her free hand fisting the sheets. “Fuck  — Dan Heng  — Fuck me more!” 

He obliged her wishes, pounding harder into her to the point the pain mixes with pleasure. 

Hair sprawled over his sheets, the erotic smell of their lovemaking permeating the archives. In the haze of her desire, Stelle wondered how long this scent would remain in the room and whether that would be enough to keep him thinking of her even when she’s not there. But maybe, that wasn’t even necessary. He did say there hasn’t been a day where he didn’t want her, after all. 

Faster, harder, Dan Heng’s thrust grows uneven and sloppy by the second, a telltale sign of what is about to come. And yet, that didn’t stop him from hitting all the right spots, sending her back and forth from pure pleasure and ecstasy time and time again. The familiar coil begins to form in her groin, and Stelle trashes uncontrollably underneath him. 

“Dan Heng, right  — there!” She cries. “Don’t stop! Oh, Dan Heng  — Dan Heng!” 

“Stelle,” He calls, panting and out of breath.  “Stelle, where —” 

“Inside.” She whimpers. “Inside of me — Dan Heng! Please, please, please — Oh!” 

The coil snaps and Stelle cums with a loud moan. Her walls clamp around him, and Dan Heng sinks his nails so hard into her flesh to the point she wouldn’t be surprised to see it leave a mark that’ll last for weeks. He continues pounding her as she came, whimpering as his thrusts grow desperate in a chase for his high. Then, not soon after, he comes from his high, his seed exploding and painting her walls white. 

Stelle, mind blank from desire, could only moan softly upon the feeling of his hot seed coating her walls. She shuts her eyes close, savoring the foreign yet so welcoming sensation of his cock twitching inside of her as she milks him dry. It was nice — it felt like coming home. 

They remain that way for a few seconds, panting heavily as they catch their breaths. Then, he pulls out of her, leaving behind a trail of cum that drips and further stains his already dirty sheets.

Stelle looks at him and found herself snorting upon finding an awkward expression on Dan Heng’s handsome face. She extends her arms and reaches to cup his cheek. She pulls her closer to her and Dan Heng instinctively plants a kiss on her lips. 

He rests on the space beside her, his arms protectively wrapped around hers. 

“I love you.” He whispers, pulling her closer against his chest. 

Stelle closes her eyes, running her fingers along the strands of his long, raven hair. 

“I love you too.” 

[epilogue]  

“You and Mister Dan Heng are a lovely pair.” 

The cling and clatter of the marketplace, the innocent smile of the shopkeeper that the Astral Express crew had the pleasure of conducting business with before. Scratching her cheek, Stelle chuckles at the feeling of deja vu. 

“Thank you.” 

“How long have you been together?” 

“Around … Two weeks?” She shrugs. “We’re still … a bit new to this.” 

“Ah, I see, I see!” The shopkeeper brightens. “That explains the lovey-dovey aura between the two of you.” 

“Stelle.” 

A familiar voice, Stelle’s heart soars upon feeling his hand rest itself upon her shoulder. Jaded blue meets citrine. Dan Heng looked at her with his usual calm and unperturbed expression, but she was able to see the traces of gentleness that was reserved for her and only her. 

“Dan Heng.” She greets with a smile. “Is it time to go already?” 

“We can stay a moment longer if you’d like.” He glances at the shopkeeper. 

“Ah, please don’t let me hold you back, dearie.” The elderly woman chuckles. “I’m sure you two newlyweds have places to be, no?” 

The two of them tenses, face growing red. 

“N-Newlyweds …?” Stelle choked out. 

“Hm? Is he not your husband? Are you two not married?” The shopkeeper asked, a look of pure bewilderment on her face. 

“N-No! We just …” Stelle cleared her throat. “Started dating.” 

“It's as she said.” Dan Heng confirms, giving her shoulder a squeeze.  

“Oh, I see. Haha, could’ve fooled me! You two look and act just like a married couple would! Ah … the beauty of young love!” 

The shopkeeper keeps them engaged for a few more seconds before finally bidding them goodbye and to have a safe journey ahead. Hand-in-hand, the two trailblazers made their way through the crowded markets. Then, after they were quite far from the crowd, Stelle laughed. 

“What’s so funny?” Dan Heng asked, intrigued. 

“Nothing.” She grins. “It's just amusing that we always somehow make other people misunderstand our relationship status.” 

Knowing what she was hinting at, Dan Heng scoffed, a fond smile on his lips. No matter how many times she’s seen it, Stelle doesn’t think she’ll ever tire of it. 

A quiet thump, a moment of hesitancy. Stelle purses her lips before summoning some courage. 

“Uh, Dan Heng?” She calls. 

He turns to her. “Hm?” 

“You’re not … upset at what the old lady said, right?” 

It was a silly question, born from a moment of insecurity. Dan Heng does not reply immediately and instead, brings her hand to his lips; planting a soft kiss on the back of her hand. 

“Why would I be?” 

The blush the corner of his ears. She would’ve teased him about it if her face wasn’t also flushed red because of him. 

He intertwines their fingers, and Stelle was more than happy to indulge him. Dan Heng tugs her onwards and they make their way back home together.