#kleinstar 𓆩⟡𓆪 15

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 During a lull between the many, many dances, Aurelius steps out into the gardens. It's cooler here as well as quiet; his eyes drift to the bright moon in the skies above before he picks his way among the garden paths.

He had thought to find a place to sit—maybe somewhere by a fountain, or next to a parterre. Instead he turns and nearly runs into someone standing by a trellis, dressed in green with a full, all-white face mask.

"My apologies," the angel is quick to take a step back. He doesn't recognize this man, but it's odd to see someone alone out at night.

"...are you lost? The party's over there, back on the path I came from."

@kleinstar ໒꒱

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 Mixed feelings flit through Aurelius' mind at the obvious anticipation on Eiden's face as he wordlessly moves the vine back to its proper place on the trellis. The floating orbs of holy fire remain, however, illuminating the night around them as Eiden taps on his phone.

"It isn't bad to show your partner weaknesses," he finally says.

"Accepting them is part of accepting you."

It wasn't something he liked, but perhaps it was necessary to move forward. More importantly, Aurelius picks up on the crucial point of Eiden's words.

"He's not coming to you, then?" the angel pauses, then breaks into a chuckle. "Fine. Don't keep him waiting."

Abruptly he turns his back and walks deeper into the gardens, leaving the three motes of flame floating by Eiden's head. As a...light, perhaps?

" But that beats the whole purpose---"

He doesn't want to look uncool!!! Despite the very small success of this whole ordeal Eiden is still kind of proud of himself, he doesn't need to see him fall down twice!!!

Feeling his phone buzz Eiden now lets himself fall - positioned like this he falls to his feet anyway. Face under the masks lights up.

" It's him!! Let me respond to this... "

He informs his location and asks for Veoc's.

" I should get to him though... "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 What kind of name was Vock?

"I don't know how to cut videos," Aurelius says cheerfully as he tabs through the list of contacts for the mystery man. "You can ask him to trim it yourself."

Finding the person in question, he promptly opens up the message interface and sends him the clip with no fanfare.

The vine isn't very high (only above head height), so Aurelius isn't in a rush to help Eiden down as he hangs on from his tightrope. Instead he watches with his hands in his pockets as the human deals with the new development himself.

Meanwhile, a buzzing noise comes from the depths of Eiden's own pocket, followed quickly by another—someone's sent him a text message.

" Haha!! I'm doing great huh? Would you look at that? "

" You filming?! That's great!! You can send it to 069--- oh wait no .. whoa!! "

And once more he stumbles in his steps, dropping the fireballs and falling backwards towards the his side - this time though he also manages to grab the vine he's been walking on. He kind of wants to preserve the moment but giving his own number-- yeah, that won't do .. So maybe he ought to someone else... But wait, who's the least likely to make fun of him for that hmm...

" Uhh, you should send them to a guy called Veoc-- ...can you cut this last bit though maybe...? "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 "I always enjoy watching people overcome their challenges," Aurelius smiles back without even denying it. So what if they struggled and suffered along the way? It was all buildup to the climax where the conflict was resolved.

Even this man himself had to face the situation sooner or later, as he shuffled forward while doing his amateur acrobat act. For what he was capable of, it was improvement.

"Bravo." Oh look, he was filming. "I knew you could do it."

"What's your number? I'll send you a copy of the video."

Even an angel could be a little tech-savvy after living in the city for so long.

Eiden wonders what kind of elaborate nightmare has he put himself in this time. He curses himself and Aurelius alike as he's lifted back - silently within his mind of course.

" ....you're quite enjoying this aren't you? " he judgementally adds.

Eiden glances at the angel and then sighs. Time to take and suffer the indignities then. Not like he can use the reveal card without taking even harder hit.

Once again Eiden extends his foot ahead, at first testing waters without juggling. He tries to keep his eyes from the ground this time and even further away from his singular audience. Then he starts tossing the balls, one by one as he very slowly inches ahead. You can't quite call it walking at this point but sort of sliding along.

One would say it's fairly unimpressive but as for Eiden...

" Oh look! "

" I'm kinda killing it here!!! "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 "Not yet."

Aurelius does nothing but lift a finger, but with it an invisible force stops Eiden and eases him back upright onto the vine.

"It's all right to make mistakes," he coaxed.

"Try again."

" But that's---!!! "

He'd been in a similar situation before - during the youkai banquet when he had to prove himself 'youkai' somehow. Back then he'd however Garu and Karu for help - here he was on his own. It's a wonder he manages to somehow grab the fireballs at all.

Standing an awkward balance he begins slowly tossing the fireballs. That alone takes quite a bit focus but doing it while trying not to fall ... His shoulders sway as much as his feet just by standing there.

Eiden starts on left leg, slowly extending it forward, already beginning to lose control of the balls. His center loses it's focus and as one of them falls so does Eiden.

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 Aurelius claps for him, genuinely pleased. "It's a very good start," he encourages with a smile.

"But you were juggling before, weren't you?"

"I'd like to see you complete the act."

With a flick of his fingers, three tiny fireballs float up into the air and before Eiden's chest, waiting expectantly.

"Try it," the angel urged.

" Kyah?! "

He's always been sensitive to touch. A highpitched squeak leaves Eiden as soon as he feels fingers grabbing his sides up like the lion cub in that one movie for all the animals scene. His only audience though remains one unpleasant angel though. Eiden would say something about grass hardly guarding from a fall but frankly speaking he's too baffled now. This really does remember the sort of nonsense Kuya would put him through sometimes. He doesn't know if that kind of practice gives him advantage or has him reconsider his life choices.

Too late now though - he's too stubborn to lose.

It takes quite the effort just to stand up. His knees are still wobbly and the outstretches hands finding balance also lack plenty of it still. He hasn't had that much alcohol today but at this point it feels like it's not enough - regardless of how it'd make things work.

" So ... is this maybe enough....? " he tries.

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 "Don't hesitate."

The next moment, strong fingers wrapped around Eiden's waist before Aurelius lifted him with him. Airborne, they stopped floating just above the vine so the angel could set him neatly on the roof of the arbor that marked the tightrope's starting point, though he's still holding on to Eiden to steady him—and keep him from fleeing.

"I think you underestimate your abilities."

"Even if you fall, it's just grass underneath. You wouldn't really get injured."

Uwaahhh, that is high though... Anyone would get nervous on the thought of walking on damn tightrope, what is this guy even saying!!! Eiden's already regretting on agreeing.

" That's.... you're for real? "

He did say he'd soften the landing but from former experience Eiden didn't know if he could trust in that.

" ....I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't after all--- "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 "I ran into a performer here yesterday," Aurelius went on conversationally. "And he was doing all kinds of tricks, but it was obvious he'd had training."

"I think having someone with no experience attempt it would be more exciting."

He raises his hand, and a vine from the trellis nearby suddenly extends into the air to form a makeshift tightrope above their heads.

"There's your stage," he tells Eiden cheerfully. "Are you afraid of heights?"

This asshole...

Everytime Eiden second-guesses it Aurelius proves himself the asshole he is. Like a clockwork really. There's a level where Eiden feels it's nice finding that he's right on it but alas in simultaneously exists Aurelius in his frustrating brand of ...well, Aurelius.

What did he think he was?! His personal circus?! To think he was making suggestions such as this to what he thought to be a stranger!!!

" Dud... I mean, coughs, my man... "

Can't let his usual speech pattern leak.

" I have no experience on tightrope I am afraid..... "

A reward he says... It might not be smart but Eiden's admittedly a little curious there.

" I suppose I could attempt though... "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 It's true that Aurelius has no idea it's Eiden he's talking to, but his urge to push humans beyond their limits is never far behind.

"I thought I'd make you a real acrobat," he says conversationally. "Have you ever tried tight-rope walking?"

"Wouldn't it be more impressive to juggle on a line? I have ways to ensure you don't fall." Hmm, and maybe something extra to sweeten the deal.

"If you do well, I'll reward you."

" Eh... Well, I mean, I don't know how many I can juggle or anything... "

He grows suspicious instantly, it's Aurelius that is making the suggestion here after all. The first thought Eiden's got he's planning something. Then again... the guy shouldn't know it's him. Nothing suggests he's found him out after all.... He did almost drop Klaus' name there but ended up not.

Eiden gulps but decides to jump in.

" Ooookay! Sure thing! Sounds like fun!!!!! "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 Aurelius snorts, but lets him have his win.

"Fine then," he gives in.

"But if you're so capable, I daresay you have the potential to do more." He looks around at their darkened surroundings, then back at the white mask.

"Do you want to play a game?"

" ..... "

Eiden does pause on juggle there making a small huff before he gathers the flames on his hands, interrupting the show.

" Finding out you've still got something you used to be able to do is pretty amazing feeling, I'd dare to claim!! " he smugly continues, more sulky than actually angry.

" I'd hardly say it's got anything to do with ignorance. "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 Aurelius stares absently as the masked man beside him fiddles around with the fireballs before getting it right, sending a colorful circle of flame cycling in the air. Even through his mask, those sparkling eyes are unmistakable, and the angel finally chortles out loud.

"Are you always so amused by simple things?"

"...it's not a bad trait to have. Stay uncomplicated—ignorance is bliss."

" ...right. "

Striking down the actors of malice, demons and such would make this guy tick. That checks out alright. Eiden doesn't really know enough to cast judgement on him there so he won't but he'll still say it feels tacky for him, personally.

" ..oh! Um, so how did this work again... "

He gathers on them on his palms and sends one up, then another... After few almost fumbles, he manages to get onto the pace and rhythm.

" Ah! There! "

" Hah! I've still got it after all!!! How's that for juggling huh?! "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 The light from the dancing flame jumps from one hand to the other, and Aurelius' golden eyes follow it until they seemed to be glowing as well.

"Perhaps," he agrees. "but judging you with my divinity would've given you a sight to remember before you expired."

"It's been a while since I've done a proper exorcism. I might just miss the experience."

He has to secretly scoff at Eiden's attempts at playing acrobat before summoning two more flames on his fingertips. It's a little irreverent, but these were hardly proper fires of Heaven in any case.

"Here, at least do it properly."

The two tiny fireballs jump straight into Eiden's palm, one after the other.

If only this guy knew who he was talking to... Eiden holds a bit breath soon finding the flame won't hurt him. Aurelius sounds almost disappointed there. Sadistic bastard.... or just on bad mood?

For all Eiden knew it could be both.

" My bad, I guess... I think only you'd be entertained by that though? "

" ...juggling couple of these at once would make a neat party trick... "

He passes the flame from his other hand to other watching it flicker as he does.

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 "No need to be polite," Aurelius said generously and held his hand forward. The tiny ball of flame in his hand danced up into the air before transferring harmlessly to Eiden's fingertips, soon slipping down to nestle in his hand like its brand new nest.

The heat it provides is minimal, the illumination only average. But there's a curious weight to the fires as they burn, and staring at it for long periods of time was apt to send one into a daze.

"You see?" Aurelius' voice carried the faintest hint of smug. "You're unharmed."

"I suppose your soul isn't altogether irredeemable," he half-jokes as an afterthought. "Pity—I would've given you a good show."

" Hold it? "

Eiden leans towards the flame just enough to give it a little better look. As long as he lives he says... That's pretty cool, he's got to say that.

" Demon...? Haha, of course not... "

He's been called 'little devil' before and although the flame can't detect he's a little worried it'd detect... something. Who knows what exactly.

" But fine, I suppose I'll take it off of you ... " he starts confidently but then slows down to the rest of the sentence, " if you do not mind that is? "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 "Hm?" Aurelius catches the fascination in Eiden's voice and transfers the flame to his other palm, before holding it out for the man to peek. "With what the Stars have given me back, I can keep this flame going for as long as I still live."

"Although it's far less resistant to water than it should be, all other parts of it constitute a holy flame."

He's not sure what to make of the man describing his sense for Klaus as a "ping"—that made him sound like a text message, of all things. But it was true that it helped pin his partner down.

"Would you like to hold it?" he offered bemusedly. "As long as you're not a demon in disguise, the flame won't hurt you."

In his palm, the little fire dances in the dark like a lively child.

" Ah I see the K ---err, a ping. Sort of a ping. "

Ah, it's the Klaus radar.... How lucky is it that there's no radar for Eiden. He'd be screwed otherwise. Either way he just hums and visibly nods at the fact.

" Oh... "

He's not used to Aurelius being this considerate so the light definitely catches him off guard. He watches the little flame flickering there.

" ...thanks, that's very thoughtful of you. "

" Err... it stay like that? Even if you leave? I mean, you don't have to go anywhere. I'm only curious... "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 "I don't need to see him to know he's here."

"Our connection goes deeper than that."

Implied was the answer that since he hadn't sensed him, Klaus wasn't present. He turns his body to face Eiden, also mindful of the distance between them, and twinkles gently with his smile.

"Seeing the halls without him in it would only emphasize his absence. So it's better to come over here, where there's hardly anything to see at all."

It's even a little too dark. Aurelius summons a tiny mote of holy flame in his palm, the better to illuminate their corner.

"...that's a little better. It should help your partner find you quicker later as well."

" Oh no, of course not. "

" I only asked for the sake of conversation... "

So he's hoping Klaus to find Klaus. Whether Klaus hope to be found or is in the ball in the first place is another matter but Eiden wonders if he should shoot a text about having seen Aurelius here. He doesn't want to put pressure on him either.

" Wouldn't it be better to see the halls first...? Ah, not to intrude on your matters too much of course. I'm sure you already did but they'd arrive there would they not...? "

Eiden assumes so anyway. With some hesitation he takes a seat next to Aurelius, keeping some distance in between of course. He's trying to keep somewhat more dignified mannerisms. Not his favourite thing to do everything to not blow his cover.

" ...it is beautiful in here too. "

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 The evening invites anonymity, while the shadows seep with silence. The louder Eiden acts, the more Aurelius is content to stay quiet, his thoughts a still pool. The last question, while a reasonable shot in the dark, still hits him in a place that hurts. Suppressing a grimace, Aurelius manages to smile at his odd companion again.

"I don't recall that being a requirement on the invitations."

"While it's true I came alone, I am looking for someone. But whether or not they come is out of my control."

His eyes flicker briefly—a flare of frustration, barely hidden—before he pats the space on the bench beside him.

"Why don't you sit if you're waiting? Only if you don't mind. I'd like to hear more about you and your companion—" Taking in the combination of greens costume, exposed chest, bone details, and mask, Aurelius settles on a temporary nickname.

"—Mr. Hollow."

" Err, that's... I mean, I suppose, for tonight at least--- "

Eiden clears his throat, glad his awkwardly heated cheeks won't show from behind the mask.

" Bwahaha!! Ah, nay nay, I'm mighty fine, better than ever! " he starts, fully playing into whatever character he'll make up.

The somber tone though, it catches him off guard. Had he not been donning the mask he'd likely gotten very different sort of treatment. All the more reason not to reveal himself now, who knew what the man would do if he knew he'd found him vulnerable.

Eiden doesn't want trouble. Not today. And nor does he want to pick up a fight with a man already down enough as he was.

" .... "

" We got separated in the rush it of all... Er-- ahem! You came without company...? "