Experienced Hunstman x Phoenix

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It was cold. Where was he? It was dark and yet he could see clearly. The starry midnight sky hung over his head and with every step he took, a circle was drawn on the water. He walked aimlessly, continuously. There was nothing else to do after all, was there even anyone else besides him? He was alone. Maybe that was why the air was freezing, or also the fact that his clothes barely covered his stomach and arms. Something was missing, supposed to bring him warmth.

"Aesop."

He paused. Was that... his name...? He wasn't entirely sure, but that was the impression he got when he heard the familiar voice. He turned around and saw a man dressed in a tattered cloak and a robe that gave a view of the tattoos on his stomach. A mask with a horn covered his eyes and he wore metal rings on his wrist and ankles.

"Eli," he spoke.

He didn't know how but that word had just come out of his mouth on its own. Probably the name of the male in front of him. Did they know each other? The latter said nothing and simply approached him, putting one foot in front of the other until he was in front of him at a few centimeters of his face. Eli said nothing for a moment. They stayed that way, looking at each other until he suddenly took his hand between his and brought it to his heart.

"Do you remember?"

Eli looked to the side, there was nothing. Just water. Aesop raised an eyebrow as he looked in the same direction and was surprised when he saw the clear surface begin to glow and then scroll images. His partner then resumed,

"The first time the Oracle caught us red-handed when we were trying to sneak out of the church..."

"He was furious."

"You ended up having to pray for two whole days after that." he continued, laughing.

"And you had to clean the main hall until it was sparkling."

The dark-haired man choked on his laughter before clearing his throat and watching the image on the surface of the water change again. The scenes kept passing one after another and while this was supposed to be the first time he was seeing them, Aesop felt like they had always been a part of him, that they were just dormant memories in a corner of his mind. And the words escaped his lips by themselves every time a new scene appeared.

"The day I shared my feelings with you..."

"I thought you were making fun of me."

"I would never do such a thing, you mean way too much to me."

The male's cheeks pinkened and he avoided the other's insistent gaze as he sketched a smile.

"You are still true to yourself despite everything from what I see."

"And you're still insufferable."

Everything seemed so natural. It was just him and Eli. Hand in hand. They had just met a few moments ago but it was as if they had known each other forever and it was only a reunion. It was a peaceful moment that lasted only a moment though. The water became murky again, but this time Aesop had a bad feeling. The image seemed darker...

"Phoenix..." whispered Eli.

"I-" he opened his lips but immediately closed them again, a bitter taste in his mouth. "Sorry."

"You don't have to apologize... It was for the greater good. Rather... I should be the one apologizing. Sorry I couldn't change your fate."

"It was my destiny. I knew it from the beginning, you don't have to feel guilty."

"But-!"

"Eli."

He placed a finger against his lips and flashed a sad smile. The brown-haired man bit his lower lip when he saw his expression then let go of his hand to pull him into his arms. He hugged him tightly, as if he was afraid that his being would evaporate, again. The male with the iridescent blue hair said nothing and simply ran his hand against the male's back in a comforting gesture.

"It's over..."

"I won't leave you alone from now on, I've already lost you once and I wouldn't be able to handle it a second time..."

"I trust you."

Eli was relieved to hear that, but it wasn't enough. How could he know that a second time would not occur? There was only one way to find out and that was to move forward into the future. No matter where they ended up this time, he would find him again and protect him at all costs. This time... nothing could keep them apart. He vowed that to him.

"We should go, Eli."

"Right."

He finally let go of him but immediately intertwined his fingers with his afterwards. They exchanged a smile and began to walk once more, this time as a pair. And even at the end of their journey, they would still be together.