#Astral Lounge

[fangbangerghoul]

its SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUUUNDAAY!!!!!

As usual we got your snippets here come and get them! (insert some newsies reference or something)

Tagging: @staticpallour, @bearlytolerant, @silurisanguine, @atonalginger, @eridanidreams, @lisa-and-shadow, @aislingdmdt, @a-cosmic-elf, @toxiclizardwrites, @aro-pancake, @spookyspecterino, @thatsgoodsquishy0, @booburry, @5oh5, @therealgchu, @order-of-the-eye

(if i missed you feel free to yell at me maybe I'll enjoy it) (also tag me so I can see your work and share it)

As usual it's under the cut! This will be a snippet from the future chapter in Ghoul Files! (cause I am dragging my feet on writing chapter 10 lately even though I have all the parts of my Frankenstein waiting to be sewn together and edited with lightning)

(ok maybe not I have been swamped with work, but I like to be hard on myself, okay?)

The Astral Lounge was dimly lit aside from the center of the dance floor that held a level specifically for their hired dancers of the night. Ghoul was already three drinks in and two vials of aurora as she melded herself in with the crowd of bodies to continue dancing throughout the night. Her outfit of choice left very little to the imagination as the deep red dress hugged her body and the mesh that was fused with the straps that laced across her hips and her chest teased the audience around her. Her vibrant green hair was down allowing her curls to bounce as she moved with the base and drums that echoed throughout the molecules of her physical form.

Her golden eyes were dilated and the whites of her eyes faintly red from the level of intoxication she was at within this point of time. Ghoul’s thoughts barely formed coherent sentences but her body was able to maintain clear communication with the others that danced vigorously around her. It had been long months of traveling, doing mercenary work, and getting half cut on a few missions due to her inability to keep the target alive once or twice. She was pent up with aggression and frustration and without having to run further by going on a rampage Ghoul thought dancing and getting extremely intoxicated was the next best thing.

There were a few hands that graced her skin but with her dexterity she was able to always slip away before someone became grabby enough to ensure their arm or hand got broken. Time faded way song after song and her feet and hips never stopped to take a break. She wasn’t sure how long it had been since she joined the cycling crowd of people but she didn’t plan to stop just yet. The aurora was still strong in her veins intensifying the vibrations from the music around and letting her feel every beat of her heart. The rhythm she was dancing to soon switched as the beat became heavier and more industrial she felt large hands come into contact with her hips. Their body pressed upon hers and as if by instinct she felt herself fall back into them without a second thought. Their hot breath was caressing her left ear and a soothing enduring voice spoke to her.

[bearlytolerant]

[dandylion-virtual-adventurer]

Astral Lounge

[starfieldphotos]

Neon earns its name.

[shatinn]

Starfield 86/?

[stymshots]

Not the usual clientele.

[fatedroses]

Many things were used to describe the mad hermit of Amaurot: a drunkard, degenerate, cynical, and even monstrous by those who stirred trouble for the newly appointed Azem. But nothing could prepare Emet-Selch for what he would see for himself, when offered a chance to meet the Sun's Shadow.

[seraaphiel]

Neon Nights🌙

[seranavolkihars]

sarah we have astral lounge at home

[iamlisteningto]

Ruth Mascelli’s The Institute For Astral Health

[trashartgalleries]

Your parents be doing drugs at the Astral Lounge????? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[fangbangerghoul]

Chapter 7: Ghal Time

Valentine edition WC: 1983 Ghoul is at the Astral Lounge looking to ignore her woes. TW: Smut, dance floor funsies, bathroom shenanigans

I had been sitting on this for a while so instead of doing a WIP WEDNESDAY (thank you for the tag @therealgchu) I am posting this finally!

There will be a snippet shared under the cut and the rest will be on Ao3 in the title link!

This chapter features an OC by @bearlytolerant, whom I love with all my heart

The Astral Lounge was dimly lit aside from the center of the dance floor that held a level specifically for their hired dancers of the night. Ghoul was already three drinks in and two vials of aurora as she melded herself in with the crowd of bodies to continue dancing throughout the night. Her outfit of choice left very little to the imagination as the deep red dress hugged her body and the mesh that was fused with the straps that laced across her hips and her chest teased the audience around her. Her vibrant green hair was down allowing her curls to bounce as she moved with the base and drums that echoed throughout the molecules of her physical form. 

Her golden eyes were dilated and the whites of her eyes faintly red from the level of intoxication she was at within this point of time. Ghoul’s thoughts barely formed coherent sentences but her body was able to maintain clear communication with the others that danced vigorously around her. It had been long months of traveling, doing mercenary work, and getting half cut on a few missions due to her inability to keep the target alive once or twice. She was pent up with aggression and frustration and without having to run further by going on a rampage Ghoul thought dancing and getting extremely intoxicated was the next best thing. 

There were a few hands that graced her skin but with her dexterity she was able to always slip away before someone became grabby enough to ensure their arm or hand got broken. Time faded way song after song and her feet and hips never stopped to take a break. She wasn’t sure how long it had been since she joined the cycling crowd of people but she didn’t plan to stop just yet. 

The aurora was still strong in her veins, intensifying the vibrations from the music around and letting her feel every beat of her heart. The rhythm she was dancing to soon switched as the beat became heavier and more industrial she felt large hands come into contact with her hips. Their body pressed upon hers and as if by instinct she felt herself fall back into them without a second thought. Their hot breath was caressing her left ear and a soothing enduring voice spoke to her.

[aventurineswife]

“Drop your reqs yeah 🧍‍♀️plz”

Your wish is my command.

Category: Fluff |

Characters: Sunday, Dan Heng, Aventurine |

Scenario: One night you couldn’t rest, requesting to accompany them if they’re comfortable. You both ultimately share a bed, and they learn you’re extremely clingy during your sleep. Hands slipping beneath their shirts, leg thrown over them, cuddling them like a Koala to a tree. Y’know the deal. |

Could be mutual pinning or already established. anything you wish to write!

“Cling to Me, Dreamer”

Tags: Sunday x Reader , Dan Heng x Reader, Aventurine x Reader, Fluff, Soft moments, Comfort, Co-sleeping, Vulnerability, Gentle intimacy, Quiet affection, Sleepy moments, Relationship development.

A/N: you never disappoint, do you, sweetheart? 🤭💖

Sunday was always awake at odd hours, often seated near the window of his cabin aboard the Astral Express, staring out at the void of stars. When you approached him one sleepless night, your shy request to join him brought a small, amused smile to his lips.

“If it brings you peace,” he murmured, gesturing toward the bed. His voice, soft and airy, was a balm in the stillness.

You hadn’t intended to fall asleep so easily, but exhaustion claimed you once you settled beside him. Sunday remained seated on the edge of the bed, gazing out at the cosmos, until he felt a weight press against his back. Your arms had looped around his waist, and in your sleep, you clung to him as though he were the only anchor in a vast, uncertain world.

Sunday froze, his breath catching. Your touch was warm, grounding in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Carefully, he shifted so he could lie beside you. But even then, you didn’t let go, nuzzling closer with your hands wandering up beneath his tailcoat. Your legs tangled with his, locking him in place.

Sunday’s wings fluttered slightly, his halo tilting as his emotions stirred. Vulnerability wasn’t something he indulged in often, but as he looked at your peaceful face and felt the rhythmic rise and fall of your breath, he allowed himself to relax. His arm draped over you, hesitant at first, before settling securely.

“You’re relentless, even in dreams,” he whispered, a faint smile playing on his lips.

For the first time in a long while, Sunday felt a quiet warmth, and with it, the courage to close his eyes and rest.

Dan Heng valued his solitude, often retreating to the archive room for quiet reflection. When you knocked on his door that sleepless night, he seemed taken aback by your request.

“If you’re sure…” he said softly, stepping aside to let you in. His calm demeanor belied the slight tension in his shoulders.

You assured him it was fine, settling on the corner of his bed while he returned to his reading. But as the hours stretched on, your exhaustion won out. Dan Heng noticed when your breathing evened out, a soft sigh escaping you as you shifted closer in your sleep.

When he tried to move away slightly, your arms instinctively latched onto him. One hand slipped beneath his shirt, your fingers brushing against his skin as if seeking warmth. A leg hooked over his, effectively pinning him in place.

Dan Heng’s face turned crimson, his usual stoicism faltering. He shifted awkwardly, unsure if he should wake you or simply endure. But as the moments passed, he found himself relaxing into your embrace. The warmth of your body and the quiet comfort of your presence began to ease the tension he hadn’t realized he carried.

“You’re troublesome, even when you sleep,” he muttered under his breath, though his tone was fond.

Carefully, he adjusted his position, resting his head against yours. For the first time in what felt like forever, Dan Heng let his guard down, lulled to sleep by your steady breathing and the comforting weight of your embrace.

The house you and Aventurine shared was as extravagant as the man himself, with sleek furnishings and a view of a shimmering cityscape through the tall glass windows. That night, you found him lounging on the oversized sofa in the living room, a glass of wine in hand. He raised a brow when you approached, your sheepish expression catching his attention.

“Couldn’t sleep, huh?” he asked, his voice light, teasing. “And you came to me for company? I’m flattered.”

You rolled your eyes at his dramatics but nodded, mumbling something about how his presence always seemed to ease your nerves. His smirk softened into something gentler.

“Well, the couch is cozy, but I think we both know the bed’s more inviting.” He set down his glass and offered you his hand, guiding you to the bedroom with a theatrical bow. “Just don’t blame me if you end up tangled in the sheets—I’ve been told I’m irresistible.”

You scoffed but followed him, finding solace in his playful banter. Aventurine stretched out on the bed, folding his arms behind his head as he watched you settle beside him. He seemed content to simply observe you for a while, his eyes glinting in the low light.

Sleep came easily for you, but for Aventurine, it didn’t take long to realize you were a clingy sleeper. At first, he chuckled under his breath, the sound low and amused, as your arms wrapped around him. Then your hands slipped beneath his shirt, your touch warm against his skin, and a leg threw itself over his.

“Well, aren’t you full of surprises,” he murmured, his smile twitching at the corners.

Despite his usual bravado, Aventurine found himself oddly affected by your closeness. His smirk faded into something softer as he adjusted himself to accommodate your weight, his hand coming to rest lightly on your back. For all his confidence, moments like this felt rare, and he wasn’t about to ruin it with his usual quips.

“Sleep tight, darling,” he whispered, his voice unusually tender. “Though I think you’re holding onto me tighter than necessary. Not that I’m complaining.”

As the night stretched on, Aventurine lay awake for a while, marveling at the quiet intimacy of the moment. He didn’t mind being your anchor, not tonight. With a soft sigh, he let his eyes close, a sense of peace washing over him that felt as rare and precious as the stars outside.

[areislol]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤa sereande of stars

pairings. sunday x gn! reader

warnings. just fluff

a/n. based off of that one text between the trailblazer and sunday

wc. 574

synopsis. after a long day on the astral express, you struggle to fall asleep. dan heng suggests asking sunday for help. to your surprise, the aloof halovian agrees—and lulls you to sleep with his gentle voice.

the astral express was unusually quiet, the hum of its engines a steady background noise. despite the stillness and the comforting sway of the train, you lay in your cabin, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. the events of the day replayed in your mind like a whirlwind, refusing to let you rest.

a soft knock at your door pulled you from your thoughts. you sat up as the door slid open to reveal dan heng, his usual composed expression betraying a flicker of concern.

“still awake?” he asked.

“yeah,” you admitted, running a hand through your hair. “i’ve tried everything, but i just can’t seem to switch off.”

dan heng considered you for a moment before offering a suggestion. “sunday might be able to help.”

“sunday?” you repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“he’s... surprisingly good at lulling people to sleep. ask him to sing for you,” dan heng said, his tone calm but carrying the faintest hint of amusement.

you blinked. “wait, he sings? sunday sings?”

dan heng only nodded before leaving, clearly done with his part in the conversation.

you hesitated for a moment but eventually gathered the courage to head toward the archives. sunday, ever diligent, was there as expected, seated at his desk, surrounded by a mountain of books and scrolls. the glow of the terminal cast soft light over his pale features.

“sunday?” you called hesitantly.

he looked up, his sharp blue eyes meeting yours. “yes? shouldn’t you be resting by now?”

“that’s the problem,” you said sheepishly, rubbing the back of your neck. “i can’t sleep. dan heng said… well, he said you might be able to help.”

sunday tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. “help how?”

you felt your cheeks warm as you avoided his gaze. “he said you could sing… a lullaby.”

a brief silence followed. you braced yourself for a cold dismissal, but instead, sunday let out a soft sigh, standing gracefully from his chair.

“if it will help, i suppose i can oblige,” he said, his tone casual but his words filled with an unexpected warmth. “come.”

you followed him to a small lounge area, where he gestured for you to sit. feeling a bit self-conscious, you settled onto the plush couch, pulling a blanket over your lap. sunday sat across from you, his hands folded neatly in his lap as he regarded you with quiet intensity.

“what kind of lullaby would you like?” he asked softly.

“anything, really,” you murmured, your eyes already feeling heavier under his calm, soothing presence.

sunday nodded, his gaze softening. when he began to sing, his voice was low and smooth, each note wrapping around you like a gentle embrace.

the melody was unfamiliar, something ancient and serene, with words you couldn’t quite understand. yet, the emotion in his voice was unmistakable—steadiness, comfort, and a quiet strength that seemed to shield you from the worries of the world.

you found yourself closing your eyes, the sound of his voice carrying you away. the tension in your body melted as you sank deeper into the cushions, your breathing slowing to match the rhythm of his song.

“rest,” he murmured softly, his voice like a whisper against your mind. “let the stars guard your dreams.”

the last thing you remembered before sleep claimed you was the warmth of his presence and the faint curve of his lips—an expression so rare, it felt like a secret meant only for you.

note: if you would like to be added to the honkai star rail taglist pls just ask me!! dont be shy

taglist 🏷️:  @tomansimp @one-offmind @miitchiji @dainsleif-when-playable @momoewn @stygianoir @irethepotato @v4an @imetsk @fiannee @sunnyf4lls @yuri-is-silly @khoiyyu @daydreaming-paradies if im missing anyone please tell me because i have an inkling feeling i missed a few..

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[blaydie]

ᥫ᭡ A FOOL’S MISTAKE — “It’s not like him to be so careless.” -> Dan Heng x GN reader.

Word count: 1.2k

Contains: Dan Heng x GN reader, injured Dan Heng, fluff, comfort, affection, reassurance, cuddles, kissing, indirect confession.

Sprawled across your bed, Dan Heng lays there, scrunching his brows when your hand rubs over the wound he received while with the crew. He was sent back to the Astral Express, advised by Himeko to rest for the remainder of this trip. You’ve been here for a while and are accustomed to everyone’s mannerisms, but even an outsider could tell how frustrated he was for letting his guard down so easily. It’s not like him to be so careless.

“I swear I saw you. You were there.” He grunts, his fingers creasing your sheets with the force he grips them. The ointment coats the damaged skin, aiding repair and prevention of infection.

Whatever he experienced out there has led to a set of delusions. He keeps repeating the same words as though he is in denial about the truth.

“I’ve been here with Pom-Pom the entire time. I haven’t stepped foot off of the Express since our last mission.”

“I tried to—”

“Himeko said you ran straight into the enemies. Mr. Yang called you back, but you didn’t listen to him. Whatever hallucination you had wasn’t real, Dan. I’m okay. I never left the Express.” You speak softly, attempting to calm him from his frenzied state.

“…” His eyes fluttered, releasing his clutch on the sheets. His index finger trails down the length of your arm, searching you for any wounds.

“I’m fine, I swear to you. I wouldn’t lie to you, especially not about something like that.”

“It knew how to get to me then.” He mutters, leaving his hand flat on top of yours. “I thought you were going to die.”

“It was a cruel trick. You know the others wouldn’t let that happen so easily though.”

“Hallucination or not, I wouldn’t let you go like that. I couldn’t just watch it happen.”

“In future, please don’t rush into a hoard of creatures for me without double-checking with the others. You’re worried about me dying, but you could’ve been seriously hurt if that fight wasn’t wrapped up quickly.”

“I’m a fool.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I am. I’m the only one who was unable to resist their manipulation. That hallucination. Everyone must have seen a different one.”

“You were just worried for my safety. I’m sure if anyone else witnessed one of us in danger, they would have had a similar reaction. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

A shaky exhale left his lips while his fingers locked with yours. His thumb brushed over the bumps of your knuckles, grounding himself from the extensive shock his body underwent. He remembers that day when he swore he would never let anything harm you, how you will always be the first one he saves. There was never a moment you doubted him, fully aware of how willing he is to throw away his own life if it means you get to live. 

“I got you a change of clothes when I heard you were hurt. I had to search through your closet, I hope you don’t mind.” You sheepishly push a fresh set of clothes towards him—the ones you usually catch him lounging in while working in the archives late at night.

“No, not at all. Thank you. I’m glad that you’re the first person I saw when I woke up.” Discarding his sombre expression, his lips twist up slightly. A subtle twinge of colour spreads across his face, scooting you aside while he sits up.

“Is the bandage too tight? I can loosen it a little if you’d like.” You glance at his bare torso, eyes lingering on his abdomen for longer than you’d like to admit. Something was alluring about him in your perspective, something that others may not see. 

“It’s fine. I appreciate the effort you put in to take care of me.” He stands to his feet, turning his back to you as he changes his attire.

When fully covered, he returns to your bed. Propping a pillow against the headboard, he pulls a blanket over himself, seemingly getting himself comfortable. It appears that he plans to stay here for the remainder of the evening, something he knows you won’t protest. Pulling you into his side, your head collides with his shoulder, a shared spell of laughter illuminating the darkness that was once cast in your room.

“I need to tell the group chat you’re okay. They were worried sick about you when you fell unconscious.” You reach for your phone, snapping a picture of the very alive Dan Heng beside you. 

Within a few seconds, multiple notifications flood your screen, mainly March and Pom-Pom, the usual dramatics when something like this occurs. Himeko sends her best wishes while Mr. Yang writes a small lecture. He doesn’t mean any harm by what he said, it’s the instinct of being a parent—he will always look out for you all, whether you like it or not. 

“I’m sorry if I frightened you,” Dan speaks up when you turn off your phone, capturing your attention.

“Don’t be. All I ask is that you don’t die without me.”

“I’ll try my best.”

Weaving his arms around you, he held you close in an embrace, the only sound filling the room being your mingled breaths completely in sync. It’s no mistake that out of everyone on the Express, Dan’s strongest connection is with you. You’re the one he turns to when he feels no one else would understand his woes, you accepted him and his stoic ways into your life without trying to change him. For that, he’s grateful. You understand that not every issue can be fixed with a smile, a snack, or a nap.

Shifting his hand from the small of your back, he pushes your chin up. You grin at him, eyes crinkling as he stares back at you. The outline of your lips is a shape he learned how to trace, now able to reconstruct it using his memory when not presented in front of him.

“I’m glad you joined the Express. Travelling through the stars together is romantic when you view it the right way. I wouldn’t want to experience that with anybody else.”

Sealing his sweet speech, he presses his lips to yours in a searing kiss. Allowing him more space, you open your mouth slightly. Dan adored every inch of you, being granted permission to be so affectionate was merely a blessing. The heat radiating from his palms made your skin clammy, a stark contrast to his usual cold hands. 

Pulling away, your saliva remains at the corner of his mouth while he beams at you, his eyes half-lidded. His chest heaves, your lips more pronounced from the puffiness. The look in his eyes speaks words that he is not yet ready to admit, and you understand them all. When the time comes, he’ll tell you properly in the way he has planned. 

Developing an attraction to you felt like a mistake at first, he didn’t want to let you down and paint himself to be someone he’s not. However, you proved to him that you can handle all of his issues and emotions. Every flaw he possesses you manage to see the beauty—memories which used to haunt him don’t dare reside in his mind when you’re nearby. You ease the pain placed upon him.

[peonysgreenhouse]

-`♡´- lost signal.

summary: welt finds himself unable to contact you after your departure for amphoreus. (gn!reader x welt yang; astral express found family)

tags: 1.2k words, established relationship, fake texts, astral express family, fluff and longing, spoilers for 3.0's main quest!

“You’re worried.”

Even Himeko’s voice does little to turn his head from the window, watching as the Parlor Car trails off and away through the stars towards Amphoreus. Out of sight, out of Welt’s reach – he was never good at stepping back and letting things be. He has to keep himself from pressing his hand to the glass, from tracing his finger along each and every fleck of light you pass, as if you could somehow feel him there with you.

“Am I that obvious?” Welt asks, adjusting his glasses. He feels Himeko’s dress brush over his shoes, and still he cannot bring himself to tear his gaze away for even a second; even as the car disappears from view as it enters into Amphoreus’s orbit.

“I’m sure everything will go smoothly. You know how capable they all are.” Himeko reassures. 

Welt lets out a weary sigh. Of course knows that. You, Stelle, and Dan Heng made a formidable team. Still, the worry persists, gnawing like moths at an old dressing gown. 

“You are correct.” Welt starts, sighing again as his eyes flick to her momentarily, before looking back out the window. The stillness in the Express is disquieting; it seemed less of a home without all the noise. “But still, I worry anyways.”

Himeko gives him a knowing smile. “I’m sure you’ll hear from them soon.” She says, turning to walk back towards the door. “In the meantime, would you help me make dinner for March? She still isn’t feeling well.”

Welt softens at that, finally forcing himself to look away. He assures himself that you all would be okay, and hopes that is enough. “Of course.”

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Welt has done the math over and over again. He knows this planet is uncharted, but they knew the distance to the landing site, knew how strong the planet’s gravitational pull was... If things went perfectly, you all should have docked three hours ago. 

You had promised that you’d text him once you successfully made it planet-side. He rests on one of the couches in the main car, one hand resting on his cane, the other holding his phone. 

Perhaps he’s acting like a besotted old man… and a hovering parent to Stelle and Dan Heng. But still, he finds his hands itching to type out a message to check in. And so, he does:

He tries to rationalize the response (or, lack thereof) before the tide of worry can wash over him once again. It wouldn’t be surprising if it were just Stelle’s phone that had no connection – but you and Dan Heng? Neither of you would let that happen, especially at the beginning of an Expedition.

Perhaps signal didn’t reach Amphoreus. It would be the most logical answer – it was out of sight to all but the Memokeepers. Besides that, he can't help but think it's possible that you all could’ve crash landed...

Welt stands, and goes to wake Sunday.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

You lean out the balcony of the private baths, your hand stretching upwards to the sky, phone in hand, as if you could reach up far enough to hand the messages to Welt. 

“That’s not how it works.” Dan Heng says, one hand behind his head as he relaxes in one of the lounge chairs. He’s watching you out of the corner of his eye, a quarter of his attention diverted from his book to make sure you don’t lose your balance and fall.

You hate that he’s right. This is all an exercise in futility, but still, it doesn't hurt to try. You hop up on the railing, carefully sitting yourself on the ledge of the balcony, stretching just a few more inches forward. Dan Heng pays a bit more attention to you.

“Dan Heng’s right.” Stelle interjects, her long silvery hair gliding on the surface of the water in the bath, sprawled out as if she had not a care in the world. “You need much longer arms.”

You huff, looking at the ‘No Signal’ message that hasn’t budged from the top of your phone’s screen since you crash landed in Amphoreus. You wish there was something you could do to reassure Welt that you would all be okay.

You imagine he’ll have a few more grey hairs when you see him next.

“You should get down from there.” Comes Dan Heng’s voice, closing the book he was skimming through. “I would prefer not to have to tell Mr. Yang that you fell to your death.”

You hear Stelle snicker, and it’s then you hop down off the railing, realizing you are supposed to be the mature one here. You turn your phone off, then go to sit on one of the empty lounge chairs, listening to the water flow as it pours into the bath. 

Welt would like it here, you think. After everything he’s done for you, for you all, he deserves a nice, warm bath. Perhaps once you've restored contact with the Express, you could convince him to relax, if for a little while.

You let that thought carry you into a fitful sleep.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

In your absence, Welt spends the days with Sunday, exhausting their combined contacts to try and regain communication with you all. Each day seems to drag on, and yet he never finds enough hours to do all that he needs to do to ensure your safety. 

He should’ve just joined the Expedition… Welt hated, more than anything, not knowing; questions with too many variables to act on all at once. Especially when it involved those he cared about. 

Some of your things had been left in his room; he doesn’t have the heart to move them. A half-empty cup of tea that had long gone cold, the shape of your lips outlined in chapstick around the rim. The hotel key from your room in Penacony, sandwiched between one of his books you were borrowing; a makeshift bookmark that would no doubt end up damaging the binding. A picture of you, him, and Himeko taken in the jazz bar at the Reverie. Your hand is slung around their shoulders, and you’re winking at the camera, only slightly tipsy. The memory makes him warm with longing.

He sends another few texts your way, knowing they will not reach you. Still, it is nice to think of what he might say to you if he could.

At night, he sits in March’s room, watching to make sure her condition doesn’t worsen. The cold of the six-phased ice bites even through his overcoat.

Welt folds his hands in his lap, closing his eyes for a momentary rest. Come tomorrow they would go to the Space Station to search for answers; but for now, he would be present for March. It was all he could do.