Plagued Love

2

The next morning, Carneilian wakes up to the sound of rain. He checks the clock on the wall and notices that it's 9am already. He quickly gets up and puts on a dressing gown, heading downstairs. As soon as he sees the sketch Zeltron made of him, his eyes widen in excitement. "W-Wow!" He gasps, staring at the piece of art with a look of awe on his face. He takes a closer look, noticing every detail was drawn flawlessly "This is amazing!" He says, his voice softer than normal.

Zeltron, however, continues to sleep seeming quite content and comfortable on the couch. Carnelian smiles when he sees his sleeping face, but continues to stare at the masterpiece Zeltron made of him. His cheeks turn a soft pink again, as if he had just blushed. "This really... this is perfect." He whispers, holding the page gently with both hands. "You're incredibly skilled, you know that?" He gives him a soft nudge "Hello? Are you awake?" He says in a whisper.

Zeltron groans in his sleep rolling over and ends up falling to the floor. He sits up rubbing his head and laughing. 

"Well that's one way to wake up!"

"You scared me!" He laughs, reaching his hand out to help Zeltron up 

"Sorry. I saw the sketch and I couldn't help but admire it. You're really talented." He stares at him for a moment, then suddenly he looks away "So, did you sleep well?" He asks awkwardly.

"I did thank you for asking Carne." 

Zeltron answered with a sweet smile. His pale green eyes looked like two jades and his dark brown hair shone in the morning light his caramel skin-tone shaded by the fluffiness of his hair.

Carne smiles back, looking into his beautiful green eyes. He clears his throat, trying to focus on the conversation and not fall into a day dream by staring at his face. 

"No problem..." He pauses for a moment, before speaking up again "So, I'll take it you must get home now?" His voice softens, as if he was hoping Zeltron would answer 'no'.

"I probably should" Zeltron said sadly as he stood "It was nice meeting you Carne. If you ever want to visit, my village is near the forest, my place is at the edge of town." 

The two got changed and hugged goodbye. Zeltron walked to his place of work and sat in his office fiddling with his quill as he waited for patients.

The day was slow and boring at Zeltron's place of work. Of course a few patients came in to keep him busy but that did cure his boredom. Carnelian filled his mind. He wanted to be near his friend again, to feel the warmth of his hugs, draw, read, do anything they could. Zeltron continued to play with the quill looking at it as if it were something important, but not to him, even if he owned the quill. 

The next day there's a knock on Zeltron's door, so he goes to open it, finding Carneilian there a smile comes to his masked face and he wraps his arms around his friend happily.

Carnelian wraps his arms around Zeltron, smiling as he pulls him closer to hug him tighter. He presses his face into Zeltron's shoulder, taking in the smell of his shampoo and the feeling of his soft skin. He sighs, not wanting to let go. 

"I missed you." He whispers, not sure if Zeltron could hear his muffled voice. His breath trembles and his cheeks turn a light shade of pink, his amber eyes sparkling with delight.

"I did too". Zeltron said as he let go gesturing for Carneilian to come inside and have a tea. Carnelian walks in, closing the door behind him. He looks around, taking in the interior of his home. 

"Did you make all these decorations?" His eyes light up as he examines each picture frame, each small vase, and each cup.

"Do you like decorating?" He asks Zeltron, still admiring his handiwork. His cheeks turn a soft pink again.

"Yeah" 

Zeltron poured the tea stirring it with a spoon with honey in it watching the water change colour before he put the teabag in 

"Otherwise the place looks empty to me."

Carne's cheeks turn a warm shade of pink as he watches him stir the honey into the hot tea. 

"Do you mind if I take a sip? This smells delicious." 

He asks softly, as his eyes trail Zeltron's movements and watch every step he makes, even though he feels like a creep for doing so. He clears his throat, still waiting for an answer to his question.

Zeltron looks over his shoulder chuckling sweetly. Carneilian didn't know it but Zeltron was pink under his mask, surprising himself when he realises that he was blushing slightly. 

"It's almost done you can wait Carne" 

Zeltron teased. Carne's cheeks turn completely pink by the time he finished his sentence, his attention focused on Zeltron instead of the tea. 

"Oh... right... sorry." 

He chuckles softly, not entirely sure why he feels like this when he's around Zeltron. He clears his throat again, looking down nervously as he waits for the tea to be ready to drink. 

Zeltron sets the tea down in front of them and sits across from Carneilian. 

"So. How's your day been thus far?"

Carnelian  reaches over, taking the cup of tea with two hands. His eyes never leave Zeltron's masked face, causing his cheeks to continue turning pink. 

"It's been... alright." He glances out the window, then at his hands as they tremble slightly. He takes a deep breath and looks back up at him. 

"What about yours? It must be exhausting to be a doctor all the time." He asks, his voice soft and dreamy.

"It is but, hey, you get to meet new people in your village that you had no clue of."

He said smiling under his mask as he took it off to drink his tea. Zeltron shut his eyes and he drank it carefully, savouring the taste of it.

Carnelian stares at his face, almost glued to it. His eyes wander to Zeltron's mouth as he sips the tea, his cheeks turning a slightly darker shade of pink. He clears his throat, attempting to hide the fact he's staring. 

"A-Ah yes, that's true. Being a doctor requires a very... people-oriented position. I assume you enjoy helping others?" He says softly, his voice full of fascination.

"I do"

Zeltron said as a sweet smile and a faint pink dotted his face. Carnelian's heart skips a beat, noticing his expression change. His cheeks turn a bright shade of crimson and he covers his mouth momentarily to try and catch his breath. He coughs, hoping Zeltron didn't notice how he stared at his lips. He puts the tea down and looks away, embarrassed by his thoughts. 

"I... Um... That's good. Being a good doctor must make you feel very satisfied. " His voice turns slightly formal as he regains his composure.