Guest: Being the adorable little naive cinnamon roll that he is, Astral's limited knowledge of romantic relationships were discovered only through his relationship with 96. This would normally consist of equal parts fighting and affection. But lately the Number was distant, and the envoy began to fear his love did not want him anymore (cue intense heartbreak depression), so he sadly confronts Dark Mist about it. Imagine the lightbulb's surprise when the latter whips out a ring.

There were many things he had yet to understand when it came to loving someone more than just as "a friend." Companions were always close, holding arms, lifting their chins for one another, and supporting backs so as to avoid having a fallen comrade. However, there was a different concept when it came to being in love with someone, and the idea of it was interesting. Then again, Yuma made it interesting with how often he stuttered and seemed extremely uncertain. At least, in some parts. It seemed all he was familiar with was the meeting the mouth.

Lately, he had decided to take up Number 96's request in having a relationship. From that point onward, Astral merely assumed they had held the same affections towards one another, but as of late… As of late, everything had been chaotic. He raised his voice more often than usual when trying to get a word in, whether it was on dueling or another topic. Though Astral wouldn't admit it, it made him feel weak and extremely meager.

Was something wrong? It was a questioned he asked often, getting a response of, "I'm fine" or "No, nothing's wrong. Quit being anxious."

Thinking of this caused him to stare at the jumble of memories from within the Emperor's Key, feeling a strange shudder in his chest. Even tonight when he tried to speak with him, he barely responded, having simply continued to look around at the floor of Yuma's apartment, or outside the window to the traffic.

If they loved one another, why weren't they with one another? Why weren't they talking, holding hands, kissing, or just simply being together? Was there something that wasn't being addressed? Maybe the relationship hadn't been a good idea at all as Black Mist tired easily of new things.

Astral closed his eyes, trying hard to will away the growing ache in his sternum before the shuffle of movement behind him was audible. Almost limply, he turned around, seeing the familiar face of the Number. He looked rather happy today, but Astral watched it melt right before him. Did he do something wrong again?

The messenger slowly stood up, soon floating delicately off his feet and then standing still. Very quietly, he spoke. "Did I annoy you, today?" The surprised look on Black Mist's face was almost priceless, but it greatly confused Astral for a moment.

"…What? Annoy me? You haven't done anything to annoy me."

Astral didn't miss a beat. "Then why do you lecture me and not tell me good morning? Why are you so distant from me recently? You won't talk to me and even I know that communication is a large part of relationships, no matter if human or not. …Is there something wrong with me?"

Black Mist's face practically contorted into a bunch of shapes, some non-symmetrical before settling back into a soft frown. "I… well, I'll tell you what I think, Astral." His voice gained a growling edge as he moved closer, causing Astral to visibly tense up. Little did the messenger know how much this broke the other's heart, to see him afraid of his own lover. For a moment, it showed up on his face but then disappeared.

"Astral." The single word suddenly became as gentle as a feather's touch as he felt his hand being gently taken. "I'm sorry but, I have something to ask of you."

Almost immediately, he felt a deep pain resonate in him, as he figured they weren't going to stay together. The male breathed in and then sighed through his nose before watching the other. He wasn't sure how to react when he saw him getting on one knee, still holding his hand. Tendrils of black then moved up and around, gently presenting a small black box that flipped open, revealing a sparkling ring. It was bright and polished, glittering with sapphires instead of the usual diamond.

One could say he felt his heart stop as his partner searched for words, looking as though his recited thoughts just flew out the window. "I… Ahem, would you—shit that wasn't what I wanted. You're…you're an elegant person, Astral. I've admired your beauty since the day we met and after a long time of being together, I wanted to celebrate it, eventually. The reason I've been so distant is because I was nervous. I figured you were going to just up and leave after this, but I…I guess I'm sorry. So, if you'd like, you can marry me." The way he said that as if he knew Astral was going to take him on that offer, whether he wanted to or not. As if his charms worked much more than they usually had.

For the first time in what felt like months, Astral softly laughed, feeling joy swell up within him faster than he had anticipated. He heard the uncertain, "W…What?" from Black Mist before he simply kneeled in front of him and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you. I'm…I'm happier now that you asked. I'll accept it." He felt Black Mist jerk in surprise before he let out a boisterous laugh, wrapping his arms around his lighter self, hugging him tightly. They shared several kisses before the ring was put on, shining delicately on his ring finger.

"So," Black Mist began, cradling his lover. "When are plans for the wedding?"

"Plans? Well… I don't know."

"Ah, well, it can wait. For now."

(Due to college circumstances, the requests starting that I get after 8/10/17 will be have to put on hold. I'll try to get them as soon as I can, but it might be until winter break before there's a response. Just to let you know!)