STABLE BOY ; Trash of the Count's Family

65. WHALE RIDER

The Cliff of Winds.

"South," Choi Han wanted, pulling him back from the edge, "I don't want you to fall asleep there."

"Oh. Okay." South actually didn't think about that. It was really high, and very windy, and the view was breathtaking in the sunset. But the group has been very focused on him recently, so now that Hans didn't come along this trip, they're like helicopter parents.

It looked as if Rosalyn and Choi Han wanted to leave South behind, but it stood to reason that South's powers would come in handy, and Cale was never one to not take advantage of an asset.

"You said you could feel the connection you have with Redika if you're near him?" Cale asked. "Will it affect you if he dies?"

South considered that, "well, I'll feel it, but no, there will be no problems."

"Will it kill you to give me a straight answer?"

South chuckled. It's a complicated matter. Pain is subjective, and it's not as if South didn't kill bonds. It's one of the most useful ways to use his powers, especially in times of battle and survival.

But, well, that didn't matter right now.

"I'll be sure to inform you if I notice him, young master."

Cale sighed. South still didn't answer his question, but he decided he wouldn't address it right now. He blew on the conch shell and called for the whales.

-

South stared, unapologetically, at Paseton and Archie when they came by.

No seriously, he was suffering from humidity muscle pains and a load of other recovery hell when they kind of met last time, so South allowed himself to look at them this time.

What the hell with these beautiful bastards? They could give Cale a run for their money. Especially with those arms— okay, stop, South slapped his own face and covered his eyes. Stop thinking about that.

He peeked out between his fingers anyways. Are those biceps like, legal?

"Mama's boy," Rosalyn began, judgementally.

To which South protested, "you thought it too. That's the only way you know what I'm thinking. Look at those clueless boys," he sneered at Choi han and Cale who were just skeptically staring at the two of them whispering. "They'll never understand."

Rosalyn's face flushed slightly red, "at least hide it better."

South bitterly responded, "try telling me that again after you see Lady Witira."

"What does that mean?" Rosalyn felt scandalised and embarrassed now. "I haven't met her. What are you talking about?"

South didn't answer that.

-

"You sure seem excited."

South dropped onto Paseton's back after Raon let go of telekinesis. While Choi Han and Rosalyn looked apprehensive, and Cale slightly nervous but amused— South descended with full excitement.

"Our bad," Hillsman landed carefully behind South, holding onto the boy's belt, "he just had a really strong dose of painkillers, so he's magic high."

"You humans do weird things."

South didn't care how crazy he looked. He ran his hand gently along Paseton's back, the wet grooves smooth and almost rubbery against creases of scars. They gave and eased like memory foam, slightly slimy from the seawater yet not at all unpleasant.