We meet again [Elisop]

Chapter 5

The sun rose again to illuminate a new day. It was the perfect weather for a shopping day to refresh the diviner's wardrobe, accompanied by his faithful friend the embalmer, or florist. More than anything, Aesop couldn't bear the thought of wearing rags and always made sure that every detail was perfect. They spent several hours taking measurements of the man with the blindfold, seeing what colors look best on him, what kinds of fabric... Finally, they finally managed to choose an outfit that both seemed to like.

"W-what do you think...?"

The seer's voice was slightly shaky as his escort watched him carefully from every angle. Eli was dressed in a black outfit with gold trimmings, a necktie with a large knot of the same green as the clothes Aesop was wearing. The piece of cloth that served as a hood had been replaced by a veil in the same tones and even his blindfold had been changed to a black one with a white cross on it. It was the first time the diviner was dressed like this, it was a bit flashy for him but it wasn't so unpleasant either.

"It suits you like a charm."

The silver head smiled behind his mask and as if to approve his choice, the seer returned his smile. Aesop insisted on paying despite Eli's objections, it was apparently his way of thanking him for all the times he had come to his aid at the manor. So after a long debate, the seer finally gave in and let him do it. He didn't really have the energy to fight him anymore after all the adjustments he had to undergo. They had lunch in a café and then spent the rest of the day walking around. Several days passed and this new life together was quite pleasant. Unfortunately, the good things are always the ones that last the least.

"How long do you plan to stay...?"

These words spoken by the embalmer who was sitting on the sofa with the seer had the same effect as a vase shattering on the floor. After all, the purpose of the seer's journey was initially to explore the wide world and see his old comrades again. But the thought of leaving his friend also tore his heart apart. He didn't know if he really wanted to leave, just as he didn't know what this strange feeling that was growing in his chest was. No, deep inside he already knew the answer. He wanted to stay with Aesop, to spend hours laughing together and enjoying each other's presence. What he felt was... love. One second. He loved... Aesop ? Loved like, as in, in love ?

"Are you okay ? Your face looks a little red..."

As the embalmer had just said, the diviner's face was completely scarlet from the revelation that was presented to him. Since when ? Was it during their stay at the manor ? That would explain the fact that he was not really in pain after his breakup with Gertrude. His gaze then shifted to the face of the boy with the silver hair. The line that traced along his delicate face, his lashes falling lightly over his eyelids to reveal his crystal-clear gray eyes, the lock of hair covering his forehead... How had he not noticed it earlier ? Aesop was divinely beautiful. He would be even more so if it weren't for that piece of cloth that hid half his face. 

"Eli ?"

If it were up to him, he would have snatched it away long ago to show everyone how beautiful he was. Although, maybe it was also for the best because it would mean that only he could enjoy it like when they were having tea together. Maybe his gaze was too insistent as the tips of his best friend's ears were slightly red and his eyes seemed to avoid meeting his. Ah, really... If he could just... The next moment, Eli grabbed Aesop's face by the chin, causing the latter to flinch, then... gently, his lips landed on his, the fabric of his mask being the only barrier that prevented him from feeling his skin. Ha. What had he just done ? Did he just give in to his desires and act without thinking ? After a few seconds, the diviner broke away to see that his friend's face was completely red. How was he going to explain what had just happened now ? If he was avoiding eye contact just yet, this time he was looking straight in the opposite direction. 

"W-Why...?"

"Would you let me stay if I told you why ?"

Their faces were still quite close despite the distance. Eli was leaning over Aesop a little, lowering his blindfold to reveal his sparkling blue eyes. He gently ran his hand over the ashen-haired boy's cheek to force him to look at him. Their eyes met and for a second it was as if everything around them disappeared. The diviner's gaze fell once more on his mask and then, with his other free hand, he lowered the cloth to reveal his face. There, he could finally see them, his delicate crimson lips.

"You are beautiful Aesop... I don't think I can resist this beauty of yours... I... love you more than just a friend."

The embalmer's eyes widened at this declaration, did he hear correctly ? The seer loved him more than a friend, so like... a lover ? It was impossible, right ? He felt joy running through his body and at the same time fear. Wasn't he in love with his fiancée just a short time ago ? Could he have said that if she didn't reject him ? Was this supposed love... real ? Aesop wasn't exactly an expert when it came to relationships, this was all new to him and he didn't know what to say at the time.

"Can you... give me some time to think ?"