luneminary | expiation inbox!

[Today starts like any other. Another day, another promised date with Aether. They have all been fun in their own ways, especially with how different their activities are everytime. It makes Ryoji even forget that Aether has no memory of him at all — at least for a little while. But everytime the day ends and his memory has yet to return the reminder is a shallow thorn at his side. It leaves the young man melancholic, albeit undeterred. There is always another day after all!

This time though, it’s different. He waves to Aether in the distance as usual, but immediately notices something off with the blonde. Ryoji doesn’t get to ask what’s wrong before he’s suddenly tackled into a fairly tight hug.

Ah. Tears well up within his eyes. The promised day has finally come. Ryoji can’t help but choke on his words as he says:]

Welcome back, Aether-san.

[He holds on tight, loosening his embrace just a little to make it close but comfortable to his companion. Warm. It's very warm, like coming back from a long, tiresome journey.]

I'm back.

[His voice is almost a whisper as he runs his hands in slow circles against Ryoji's back. He can hear the other's choked words, he can tell there are tears involved. Eventually, Aether pulls back a little more to see his companion's face and touch his cheek gently to wipe away any potential tears that rolled down.]

I'm sorry you had to wait for so long.

[His heart is swollen with affection and Aether soon realizes that his own eyes feel wet as he leans forward, pressing his forehead to Ryoji's.

He still can't believe he forgot about him. How could he, when Ryoji is so dear to him, so important? After all, the stars and the moon belong to the same night sky.]

[The night has always been long and gloomy, especially for the moon to be surrounded constantly in such darkness. But the moon has never been alone, has it? Not really. Not when there are stars to accompany it.]

It’s alright. It was worth all the wait!

[After all, the joy and happiness of this reunion blooms inexplicably within Ryoji’s chest. He would not trade this feeling for the world.]

Sorry for crying — I’m happy to see your memories return. Really!

[He closes his eyes after his tears have been wiped away, so he can focus on the warmth and touch that comes from Aether’s forehead.]

[It's never been alone and never will be. The stars' light will always reach it.]

Don't apologize. I understand. I'm just as happy.

[Aether smiles at Ryoji fondly, feeling his own heart grow. He could cry, too, overjoyed about their reunion. It's almost funny, considering that they've been meeting like this so many times in the past weeks.

Aether stays close, just smiling and letting their foreheads rest against one another, warm and comforting. His one hand catches Ryoji's and brings it up, holding it right to his own chest like a precious treasure.]

No matter what happens, you'll always be dear to me and I will do whatever it takes to come back to you.

[Aether’s touch is gentle and comforting. It’s different, now that he remembers — it’s still him, but now it feels fuller and nicer compared to their prior dates back when he was desperate to get those memories back.

A part of him wants to kiss Aether just like this, with their face being so close to one another and the euphoria of everything sparking it all.]

I know you will. And I’m very thankful for that.

[In truth, Ryoji doesn’t have the most pleasant of experiences when it comes to his memories returning. Learning who he was, the horrors he’s been forced into in order for it to happen…It was suffering unlike any other. Maybe that’s why he’s been a little bit scared, when Aether forgot about him.

But now he’s certain — there’s nothing to be scared about at all.]

[It's hard to pull away, when all he wishes for is to stay in this warm moment.

He smiles as Ryoji expresses his thanks and finally looks at the other again. He hesitates only for a moment, before shifting and letting their noses bump lightly against one another. It's a happy, affectionate gesture.

Ryoji is right. There's nothing to be scared of. They will surely both be fine, no matter what fate throws their way. That's what Aether wants to believe in.

The traveler shifts a little closer, eyes shutting again. He can't read minds, but his heart's desires are just the same as Ryoji's. Without a word, whatever distance is left between them disappears as Aether gently presses his lips to his companion's.]

[It’s soft yet radiant, this gentle kiss of Aether’s. They have done this before, thanks to the hijinks of some toads in the past, but this time this kiss is initiated of their own free will. And with that comes with the surety, the flutter on his chest, and the beauty that comes with all of it.

This must be love, Ryoji thinks in wonderment. The powerful force that drives humans into madness and clarity both. The culmination of human relationships and connections. To think that he would experience such a thing beyond his friendships and destined bonds.

It takes a while before he lets go of Aether, and when he does his cheeks are tickled pink.]

You know, I think that’s even better than last time!

[It's a special kiss, with a lot of affection behind it. His heart only beats faster as it goes on. It's gentle and caring. And warm. He's not quite sure if he's ever allowed himself to fall this deeply for someone, always keeping it to friendships alone.

...But Ryoji is special. He means so much to him and in here... It feels like he can really try and express it. That's what he wants to do anyway.

Once the kiss ends, there's a blush on Aether's cheeks that only grows redder at his companion's words.]

Ah... Oh! R-right! [He's not quite sure why he's stumbling over his own words. The comment surprised him!] It was... so much better.

[Maybe because it was what he truly wanted to do and because he cares about Ryoji dearly.]

[Ryoji can’t help but be giddy at it all. Almost as if those days have made this day even more sweeter.]

We should commemorate today with something special. Something even better than just having another date with you! Not that I mind having those, that is.

[He nods with a smile.]

And what would be better? Do you already have something in mind?

Hmm... Good question!

[Ryoji might be a date expert, but even he would take a while to think of something better than a date. But eventually an idea comes into mind -]

What if we buy each other a gift? So we would remember today everytime we look at it!

A gift... That sounds like a good idea.

[He takes Ryoji's hand and gently tugs to come along.]

Let's see if the stores have anything interesting.

[And Ryoji is all too happy to come along, happily humming all the while.]

Maybe there's a gift shop somewhere!

A gift shop... We should get matching accessories or something.

[Would it be a little silly? He doesn't care.]

[Oh, but Ryoji is very enthusiastic about the idea.]

Do you know those necklaces with half a design that gets completed when you combine them together? We should get one of those!

[That... sounds pretty cute. Aether laughs, watching Ryoji with a lot of fondness in his eyes.]

Sure! Sounds like a good idea.

[That way, maybe he'll never forget Ryoji ever again. He'll always have a reminder that the other half is out there.]

[And to a nearby gift shop they go, one bustling with activity. An array of different trinkets line up their shelves.]

It has to be something yellow, for sure. And something really sparkly!

[Aether looks around, searching for something that would match that description. Then his eyes fall on a certain set. It's a sun and a moon that can be joined together.]

Ryoji... Is this sparkly enough?

[It's more than sparkly - it's perfect! Ryoji's grin grows wider by the second.]

Oh, I love it! Because you're as bright as the sun itself, Aether-san.

[And Ryoji will always be the moon, ever present to guide your way in the dark.]

You're going to make me blush if you keep on talking like that.

[He's already blushing, though.]

Alright! We're going to get these...

[He takes the trinkets and gives them one more look, before giving the sun to Ryoji.]

You should keep this one and I'll keep the moon. That way I will always have you by my side, no matter where I go.

[He's captured many hearts in Gekkoukan during his time, after all! But back then, he just wanted to make those maidens happy. Aether, though - the way he blushes sends a flutter in his heart, too.

The metal of the sun necklace is cold in his hands, but it warms him all the same. It's an appropriate reminder of this love, after all.]

And I, with you. No matter what happens, and no matter what form I take.

[Ryoji is very charming, it's hard to resist!

Aether looks at him for a moment longer, almost like under a spell. Then he steps closer and lines their foreheads together once more.]

Of course. Just like the moon is always accompanied by stars.

[Always.]

[A forehead press, leading to yet another quick kiss. Ryoji can't help it, he's just too giddy today!]

Hehe. Then the moon wouldn't be so lonely, yes?

[He grasps Aether's hand as they make their way out of the shop.]

Let's go to our next destination, then!

expiation inbox!

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boyfriends... I think we can wrap it soon though!

yep, i think this is a good spot to wrap!