Unlike the two prior chapters following each other, there is a small time skip here from the last chapter. On the morrow, Y'sato and G'raha will brave the World of Darkness, but Y'sato has some misgivings...

The sound of a log splitting in the crackling fireplace has a blond feline ear swivel in its direction, its owner startled out of his thoughts there he sits illuminated by the firelight, warmed by its glow. Keen eyes come back into focus just in time to notice worried mismatched eyes finding his from the other side of the firepit.

"Sato? Is aught amiss?"

"No. Just been a long day is all." Y'sato says, waving G'raha's concern off with a tired smile, his gaze once more finding the flickering flames. Gods, the events unfolding just days prior have made him more jumpy than usual, perceiving enemies in every shadow. That night has fallen doesn't make it any easier to calm his frayed nerves. Especially so since he knows a void gate was opened at the top of the Tower, Doga and Unei being dragged inside it alongside Nero, and the longer they remain trapped beyond the rift, the slimmer the chance they will ever be seen alive again. Y'sato won't lie to himself. Just the thought of entering the void has his stomach turn, tying into tight knots, an icy coil wrapping around his heart in a tight unrelenting grip. His knowledge about the dark gloom awaiting him is limited, but he knows it is a doomed world, a sundered shard of this star long lost to darkness. He has no idea what to expect within those cold shadowy depths, what twisted powerful voidsents he will encounter, or if he will even be able to find his way back, but Rammboes asked him so nicely, and he knows he is their only hope, and yet...

Y'sato's tail thumps into the ground, uncertain. Anxious. That the atmosphere around the camp has grown more tense than usual doesn't help his growing restlessness. Aside from him and G'raha, but few souls remain at the campsite, and the few that remain including Rammboes flit to and fro making preparations for the morrow. Meanwhile, Cid, Wedge, Biggs, and members of the Sons are still working on perfecting the machine that will in theory force the voidgate back open, but even if they are successful so many things can go wrong. He knows if he fails he will die or worse turn into a voidsent. The mere thought has him shudder, but worse yet is the thought of that very same fate happening to G'raha...

His friend laid it all bare to him at The Eight Sentinels bells earlier. Of his inner struggle. Y'sato could tell something was off when he accompanied him to the Throne room at the top of the Tower earlier with Cid to work out some theories. In how a strange mood Y'sato had never seen before had come over G'raha, him raising a hand, cradling his Allagan eye as he spoke about the ancient Allag in a detached way, in how a select few worked tirelessly to overthrow Xande and his dark ambition. The sight had worry grip him, especially so when G'raha claimed he doesn't remember where he learned such great things about the fallen Empire, a faraway look in his eyes as he once more looked up at the throne, as if transfixed.

After that disconcerting event, Y'sato wasn't too surprised to hear him wish to speak to him. Just the two of them. G'raha revealed to him while he has learned the distinct red hue of his eye marks him as one born of Allag, he has yet to learn why. Yet he feels a strong instinctive need to accompany him beyond the rift. In this, his friend is adamant, not willing to remain a mere observer. Not this time, and while Y'sato is genuinely happy for his company and enthusiasm a part of him can't help but worry. Capable he knows his friend is, but he has yet to fully recover from the morbol attack but a fortnight ago. He still catches him coughing now and then, his throat still a bit sore, but he is on the mend and recovering faster than Y'sato anticipated. He has even felt well enough to work hard alongside Rammboes in working out theories in order to save their three errant comrades from the void.

Shadows of exhaustion shifting within his weary eyes, Y'sato lifts his gaze to look at him. G'raha sits cross-legged opposite him around the firepit. His nose is in a hefty tome he rests in his lap, tail softly thumping the ground thoughtfully at his side. His eyes are focused on the words, but his ears are attentive Y'sato can tell from the way they flick in his direction to the sound of the anxious thumping of Y'sato's tail. From that alone he knows G'raha's attention isn't on reading. Not fully at least. He has seen him truly engrossed in his tomes myriad times before, and his eyes lack that laser-sharp focus he has come to associate with him as well as his lips pursing slightly in deep concentration. None of those tells are to be seen in his expression now. Still, he decides to play along, a gentle smile forming on his face.

"What are you reading?"

At this the soft rhythmic tapping of G'raha's tail stutters, and he looks up at him, smile of his own gracing his lips. "Oh, just a thesis on the mysteries of rift travel or to be more precise theories in how to open void gates. Tis no secret such a thing is commonplace. For reasons that yet elude our brightest minds and even the brightest scholars of the mighty Allag, the veil betwixt our world and the next is thin and frightfully so." G'raha pauses, tail flicking in emphasis, his eyes glinting with barely contained eagerness in the firelight. "Planar fissures or rifts so to speak oft open seemingly of their own accord in locations where the walls betwixt our realities are thin or spurred on by unholy rituals of which I am sure you are familiar. One thing that should be noted however is once a planar fissure has formed it will be easier to reopen such a gate in that very same location with the correct surge of aether. This is the key we seek I am all but certain. With the right aether balance Cid and his team should in theory be able to force the gate back open and keep it open for as long as we need."

Y'sato blinks slowly at him, a fond smile on his lips. To be truthful he didn't understand half of what he said, but he doesn't feel a need to ask him to elaborate. He understood well enough what is most important. That the gate can be reopened, and true to his friend's words Y'sato well understands the nature of the unholy rituals. After all, he has seen them being performed himself right in front of his eyes by the crazed cult known as the Lambs of Dalamud. More than once he has been forced to contend with their summoned voidsent and possessed lunatics. He grimaces, ears flicking. Unpleasant memories he would rather forget. So much blood shed for nothing.

"Ah I did it again, didn't I? Spoke too much when you are clearly too tired. I apologize." G'raha smiles sheepishly as he ducks his head. His fringe falls in front of his Allagan eye, obscuring it from view.

Y'sato feels compelled to reach out to brush aside those red soft strands, to put on display that deep vibrant red once more. Something that beautiful should never be hidden. Only their distance from how they are seated at the opposite sides of the fire stops him from doing so. He looks down into his lap, frowning. Why do they have this distance between them in the first place?

"It's alright. Don't apologize. I like listening to you talk you know, to see you being so passionate about any given subject. Even if it's a grim one like the World of Darkness."

Truly G'raha's intellect is surpassingly sharp and frighteningly so, as expected of a scholar of his caliber. No wonder the eager historian before him became an accomplished Archon at such a young age. He throws himself into his studies wholeheartedly, not living by halves, always eager to learn, to prove his worth. No way Y'sato can ever hope to keep up with such a sharp mind, such unbridled passion.

His words have their intended effect. Already G'raha raises his gaze to meet his, and in his eyes he sees it. Something that bespeaks of uncertainty, of an unnamed fear. This look, Y'sato knows it. He has seen it in others, but this is the first time he has seen it in G'raha and to such an extent.

Trying his best to mask his worry Y'sato pushes himself to his feet. Why they have this distance between them becomes clear. Judging by his weird mood earlier at the top of the Tower he thought it best to offer his friend some space. Besides he didn't want to interrupt his reading, but now he thinks better of it. He feels G'raha needs him at his side. Now more than ever.

He has scarcely made it over to his side when G'raha abruptly hisses in pain, hand flying to cover his Allagan eye.

"Raha!" Y'sato is there in an instant, gripping his shoulders. His ears pin back in concern, mirroring G'raha's own, although his start fluttering restlessly. G'raha's tail swishes behind him, the movement tense, filled with agitation. He bows his head, hand still clutching at his offending eye, his breathing strained, being too shallow. The tome in his lap lies forgotten.

"Raha? Is everything alright? Speak to me." He knows it is a stupid question to ask. Of course his friend isn't alright. He can see it in the tense way his ears flutter, the agitated sweep of his tail. Y'sato has seen his eye act up before. Last time at the top of the Tower when they were surrounded by Allagan clones controlled by a dreadful voidsent, but this time the pain seems much more severe, effectively crippling him.

A sharp gasp, loud enough for Y'sato's ears to immediately turn towards it has his worry spike sharp and cold in his chest. He doesn't know what to do, or how to ease his friend's pain. He hates it. Hates to see him suffer so. Wanting to comfort him in any way he can he pulls his ailing friend close, strong arms embracing him, his cheek resting against the side of G'raha's ducked head, lightly squishing one of his drawn-back ears. It's an awkward position, G'raha's hand still cradling his eye and tome still in his lap, but it will do. Of its own accord, his hand finds its way into soft red hair. His fingers tangles into it, massaging G'raha's scalp soothingly.

"I'm here." He whispers, fingers running over one of G'raha's pinned trembling ears as he pulls him closer, G'raha's face now pressed against his shoulder. The fur is silken under his fingertips and he starts to gently massage the base of his ear, hoping to ease some of the coiled-up tension. He can feel it so clearly after all, how G'raha's ear pins firmer against his skull, his breaths leaving him in ragged short huffs, warm and frantic against the bare skin of Y'sato's shoulder, him wearing nothing but a simple white singlet and cotton pants.

His clear struggle to not cry out has Y'sato's ears droop, tail faltering behind him in his kneeled awkward position. Him holding him and massaging his ear clearly isn't of as much help as he hoped. Yet he persists, knowing G'raha is aware of his presence, his touch. It catches in his ears. A low whimper, G'raha pressing his face further into Y'sato's shoulder, instinctively seeking comfort.

The rawness in his voice has his heart nearly break. "I'm here, Raha. You will be alright." He clings to him tighter, unwilling to let go when he suffers so. The silken fur of his ear is so soft as he keeps up his gentle massaging of his ear

Wracked with pain as he still is, G'raha gives no indication he heard him, but he already breathes easier, the air leaving his lungs less strained, less shallow. For every slow exhale Y'sato can tell his efforts are already working. Relief flooding his chest he closes his eyes to time his breathing with G'raha's, much in a bid to calm his own frazzled nerves, his fingers running soothingly through his hair.

At last, G'raha sits up, still encircled in Y'sato's arms, whose hands fall to rest on his shoulders, steadying. G'raha lowers his hand from his eye, blinking. There is a haziness to his eyes, his gaze slightly unfocused and he doesn't look up at him, ears held low. The sight has Y'sato's ears draw back in concern, it glinting in his eyes.

"Raha? Has the pain passed?"

"Yes, I think so." G'raha confirms shakily. He does another blink, slower this time, brows knitting together. "These episodes...They are getting more intense I'm afraid." He sighs, his tail sweeping over the earthen blue crystal behind him in a moment of uncertainty before finally raising his gaze to meet Y'sato's. Within his mismatched eyes burns the same fiery determination he glimpsed bells earlier at the Eight Sentinels. "And this is why I have to accompany you into the void. Tis hard to explain but I can feel it deep in my bones that this is what I must do. Something or rather someone is calling for me from somewhere deep within my blood and I must answer. I need to uncover the whys of it. The truth of my heritage."

On this matter, Y'sato knows better than to argue, even when he wants G'raha to stay behind for his own safety. He almost lost him to the morbol's devastating breath. The thought of seeing him get hurt again, to lose him. It's-

I can't go through all that again. Not so soon.

His tail coils with unreleased tension behind him, ears still downturned. He could try to persuade him, but no. It wouldn't be right of him to hold his friend back. He already promised himself he would help him find the knowledge, the answer he so desperately seeks, and that hasn't changed.

A smile spreading across his lips Y'sato squeezes G'raha's shoulders reassuringly. His smile touches his eyes, the bright green glinting, highlighted by the firelight to his side. "And I will help you in any way I can. Just promise me one thing."

G'raha's eyes widens slightly, one ear quirking to the side in interest, but he sobers quickly, looking more serious than Y'sato has come to expect from him. "In order to accompany you through the rift I will do anything you'll ask of me. On this, you have my word."

Y'sato's ears straightens. "Good." He lowers his hands from his shoulders. He can't keep his anxiety from bleeding into the swish of his tail as he considers his words carefully. His gaze falls to the flickering crackling fire to his side. Knowing he has G'raha's undivided attention he continues. "Promise me you will be careful. Don't engage enemies unless absolutely necessary. Let me take the lead. I have already scouted out a handful of elite adventurers for the job. Leave the heavy lifting to us."

He looks back to G'raha at his final words, knowing he doesn't have to voice it. He knows G'raha can see it so clearly after all in his eyes, could hear it in his voice. The unspoken fear, the immense worry he still carries for him after the incident in the Tangle. The morbol. It had cut it close. Way too close for comfort.

G'raha's reply is simple, his eyes still burning with determination. "I will. I won't be as rash again I assure you."

The weight of his words, his serious expression, the tense set of his ears. From his tells and the look of his eyes alone, Y'sato can tell he means them, each and every word, and that wholeheartedly. Y'sato's lips splits into a fanged bright toothy smile, and with a loose fist he playfully bumps G'raha's shoulder. "Alright, that's enough doom and gloom for one day. Let's save the rest for the morrow, shall we?" He shifts a little, sitting down next to the young historian to his left side.

G'raha smirks, a knowing glint in his eye. "Like you are one to talk."

To that, Y'sato breaks into a hearty laugh, light and rich in his chest. "True. I'm usually the gloomy aloof one aren't I."

A russet tail flicks in thought, its owner gently closing and setting aside the tome resting in his lap to his side. He turns back to Y'sato, smile of his own curving his lips.

"Only when I first started to get to know you, but truthfully it didn't take long before your walls started to crumble in my presence. Not as long as I expected at any rate." G'raha corrects him, his playful smirk shifting into something genuine at the inquiring arch of Y'sato's brow. He places his knuckles to his chin in thought. "How shall I put it? You were aloof at first yes, hardly speaking to me or anyone unless it was absolutely necessary, but after a sennight something changed. Tis difficult to put into words but you opened up. Enough to be willing to share entries of your personal journal with me and that after I made such a fool out of myself."

Y'sato feels his cheeks warm up from the way G'raha talks about him so fondly, it shining in his eyes, evident in the proud set of his ears, the pink tinge creeping over his cheeks. He remembers the incident he speaks of. A week into their expedition he found himself in the Toll and so did G'raha. They had just started to share a tent together. G'raha had been ecstatic upon discovering he the Warrior of Light indeed kept a journal of his own, all but almost reading it aloud over his shoulder without permission in his excitement. An eccentric overeager sort G'raha was back then and in many ways still is, and yet Y'sato felt he could trust him.

He found he enjoyed his company, and very much so.

A feeling that hasn't changed.

His lips curve into a serene knowing smile, eyes on flickering flame. "I felt I could trust you, and there's no one I rather want at my side in this very moment."

He doesn't look at him, but he catches in his peripheral vision the way G'raha's ears twitch, perking in surprise, his mouth falling open. He hadn't expected him to say that so openly.

"And do you still trust me?"

The question is hesitant. The voice voicing it a murmur, as if afraid to be heard. Something uncharacteristic of the young scholar, filled with bravado as he usually is, but Y'sato doesn't fault him. The Warrior of Light he himself may be, but courage sometimes flees even from his steadfast heart. The answer to G'raha's question comes to him easily. In this matter he doesn't beat around the bush.

"With my life."

He hears the hitch of breath and he finally turns to look at him. He sees G'raha sitting with his head bowed. His bangs obscures his eyes so he can't see his expression but from the way he holds his hand at his heart, the way his tail swishes behind him, the motion thrilled, Ysato knows his friend appreciates the sentiment.

"I am glad. So full glad I met you."

His words are words Y'sato has heard before, but they still warm his heart just as brightly. "Likewise."

Y'sato's smile mirrors G'raha's own when he raises his head to look at him, heartfelt, fond, filled with adoration. His Allagan eye shines like firelight, almost aglow, the unearthly red oh so deep and vivid, rivaling Dalamud itself. G'raha is accustomed to hiding it behind his fringe, but he doesn't need to. Not with him. Something Y'sato wordlessly conveys as he reaches out, brushing the soft strands out of his friend's face so he can see him better. It is still a novel thing, this simple gesture, but what he aims to do, what his heart wants him so desperately to do he hasn't managed to scrounge up the courage for.

Until now.

Eyes alight, of vivid ruby and sparkling emerald regard him with such affection in that moment Y'sato feels his heart skip a beat and lodge itself firmly in his throat. Even more so when G'raha leans into his touch still lingering on his temple, eyes closing. The candid openness, the trust, it spurs him on, pulse quickening. He doesn't think really. Merely leans in, his movements slow, uncertain until he stops just shy of their noses touching. His tail flicks, tip curling in indecision. He has never done this. Never felt like this, never been bold enough to try. How does one even start? The fairytales he listened to with rapt attention as a little boy made it sound so easy. Look for the signs and just go for it.

His gaze strays to G'raha's lips, slightly parted as they are. They are so soft-looking, full, and within reach. Gods, it would be so easy, to close the distance, to press his lips against that sublime softness, the expected warmth.

So easy, and yet...

Y'sato's bites into his lower lip. What if he read the signs all wrong? What if G'raha just wants to remain friends? His ear flicks, uncertain. Kissing him then is out of the question, even if he himself wants it. Wants it so badly...

His tail lashes behind him, thumps into the ground in agitation. The unexpected sound has G'raha's eyes open, and Y'sato is quick to pull away, directing his attention back to the fireplace before them.

"Sato?"

He thanks his lucky stars there is no light aside from the fire, myriad stars glittering on the dark veil of the night sky above as he pointedly focuses all of his attention on them, ignoring the heat burning in his cheeks.

"It's nothing. I'm fine." He forces out, his voice more strained than usual.

"You don't sound fine. Did I do something wrong?"

Y'sato's heart stutters in his chest. G'raha, the worried tremble in his voice. It's because of him, moving away too quickly like he was burned. He has to amend it and that quickly. "No." He says, much too forcefully, looking anywhere than at G'raha. "You did nothing wrong."

"Then pray tell me, why are you so tense?"

Damn it.

In this moment Y'sato curses his traitorous tail, how it thumps the crystalline earthen ground behind him, its movements agitated in how it swishes back and forth. Still not looking at G'raha he musters up the strength to speak, managing somehow to keep his voice even.

"I'm just anxious for the morrow. That's all."

Not a lie, but not the full truth either. Again he curses his inability to summon the courage, but the matters of the heart are still so new to him. These errant feelings fluttering in his breast like a swarm of caged butterflies wanting to break free. He doesn't know how to deal. How to even begin to untangle the myriad feelings swirling in a tangle inside him.

Thankfully his explanation seems to be enough for G'raha judging from the way his tail seeks to twine with his. Startled from the sudden contact of downy fur against his Y'sato's eyes flies to meet mismatched ones.

"Don't worry, my friend. You have prevailed against anything daring to cross your path during our expedition. If anything your derring-do ever continues to inspire and having seen you in action in more than one encounter over the summer, it has left no room for any doubt in my mind. Know I have the utmost faith you will do so again. If I was that voidsent I would be the one trembling in my boots."

G'raha's reassuring smile and unwavering faith in him is infectious. Y'sato twines his tail with his in turn, much like they did down by the lakeside in what feels like a lifetime ago. Trying to diffuse any remaining tension he wiggles his ears at him, something his friend mirrors with a wide grin. The sight of him being so carefree brings a laugh out of Y'sato, hearty and warm. G'raha joins him.

"Thanks, I needed that," Y'sato says at last, grateful he got such a trustworthy loyal friend like G'raha at his side.

His reply is a squeeze from G'raha's tail still twined with his and a joyful wiggle of russet ears, eyes sparkling with mirth. He follows up with a slow blink, a sign of deep trust. One Y'sato reciprocates with a slow blink of his own.

This comfort, this deep sense of kinship he has felt with no one else. Y'sato wishes this moment could last forever.

Silence falls between the two with only the crackling of the fire to be heard, their tails still twined. Stray embers rise into the still night and Y'sato follows them idly with his gaze as they flicker, then peter out. The feeble flames could never hope to outshine the celestial ethereal glow of stars, their light eternal. The sight of this disparity is beautiful, hauntingly so but fleeting, much like the moments of happiness he has ever shared with someone, but that is the way it is supposed to go isn't it with his like? For every hard-won moment of tranquillity, of peace, new grueling trials are soon to rear their ugly heads, forcing him to once more draw his daggers, to spill blood, to kill.

This is what awaits him on the morrow. Even though he will be slaying monsters born of a dark sundered world he still wishes it wouldn't come to that. That for once something could be solved peacefully. Without needless bloodshed, without suffering.

But it will never be that easy, will it?

His gaze falls to his lap, lips pressing firmly into a thin line. He hopes once this expedition is over he will still have G'raha at his side at least. That he won't leave for Sharlayan. At least not at first...

His ears perks up into attentiveness when he hears a soft familiar hum break through the still night. He looks to G'raha, and true enough he is humming. The tune isn't familiar to him, but he is intrigued all the same. It's a calming tune, carrying the promise of tranquillity, the soft tenor of his voice helping to solidify what's to come. Closing his eyes G'raha's hum finally breaks into song, and once more Y'sato gives himself over to the glorious sound of his voice. He will never tire of hearing him sing.

"Stars alight, their shine so bright, guides us on our path.

"Whence it leads, only the celestial keeper knows, prophecies foretold."

Oh what mysteries they portend, the very sky trembles, extolled."

This song. Y'sato can't say he has heard before, but he relishes it. How clearly G'raha holds the notes despite him still recovering. In this moment he sounds like he wasn't stricken by a vile morbol's breath at all, lying abed, barely being able to breathe...

"Time has come, time has past. Who am I might you ask?

"Amongst the stars, I seek answers. The truth that silently shows."

"Of who I could have been. Of who I could become."

"I am an eventuality."

His voice swells, crystal clear on the highest notes, his ears falling back. There is a deep longing carried within his voice, and Y'sato realizes with increasing clarity he projects himself into the song. His lifelong loneliness, his struggles.

"Heroes rise, heroes fall. Weep not for the fallen. Rise your spirits in song, hearts beating as one."

G'raha too gives himself over to his song, his tail beating slowly alongside the slow rhythm, eyes still closed. His voice rises, building up to what must be the chorus. Anticipation of what is sure to come grabs hold of Y'sato's heart, its beat quickening. While he was entranced enough by the little he heard G'raha sing of the song from the Carteneau frontlines this is different. Something so deeply personal he scarce remembers how to breathe.

"Heroes rise.

"Heroes fall."

"My time is now. I hear the call."

G'raha's voice rises to a crescendo, vocalizing the harmonious melody of his song using no words. The tremulous, yet angelic sound of his sonorous voice has Y'sato shiver, tail fluffing up behind him from the chills he can feel so clearly run across his skin, ears fluttering from the sound of it all, G'raha's song brimming with such heartfelt emotion and being carried with such ease, such softness.

"Blackest sorrow awaits around the bend, but fear not. We will meet again at journey's end."

"Time has come. Time has passed. Innocence has gone so fast."

"The stars remain silent, their mysteries too vast to comprehend."

"But in their silence, I know."

"I am an eventuality."

"Heroes rise.

"Heroes fall."

"My time is now. I hear the call."

He gives himself over to singing more vocals. His voice so soft, and velvety, almost ethereal. The sheer beauty of it has Y'sato captive, utterly entranced by his song, the serene look on his face, brows drawn together slightly in concentration. G'raha might not know it himself but in this very moment, Y'sato finds him the most beautiful of all.

The final note of the song fades out being carried on the cool night breeze, fleeting like the orange glow of stray embers drifting into the night. Russet ears twitch, a bashful smile curving his lips, but unlike the first time Y'sato found himself honored to be his audience, he looks to him with confidence, tail curling firmer around Y'sato's, his ears perking to match.

"Is it to your liking?"

His bashful smile remains, and there is a slight sheen to his eyes that catches in the firelight. Emotions swirl in their depths, born from his song, poured into his words, his heartfelt melody he ever held close to his heart, until now. G'raha doesn't need to speak. Y'sato already knows. Can feel it so clearly in the tingle still in his skin, the ache settling deep in his heart. Of longing. Of loneliness.

Gods he knows the feeling well. All too well.

"I-I have no words. By the Twelve Raha. That was beautiful. Without compare."

There is a soft sound, a nervous laugh escaping his friend, and he once more ducks his head from the high praise.

Y'sato's hand lands on his shoulder, reassuringly. "Chin up. You already make a fine bard don't you think? You should sing more often."

"In your company, I just might." G'raha says, recovering fast as he reclaims hold of some of his confidence. The sheen is still in his eyes though as he looks back up at him, and it has a pang of worry seize Y'sato's heart.

He leans in, his voice a low murmur. "Hey, you will find your answers. I know you will." He rubs the bare skin of G'raha's shoulder with his thumb, calloused fingertip slightly rough against the smooth unblemished skin. Y'sato hopes G'raha doesn't mind it too much. "And I hope you don't feel quite as lonely anymore."

The widening of G'raha's eyes to his final words is immediate. "In your presence how can I?. You have already given me so much. You see me for who I truly am I-." With a shuddering breath, he leans in, rests his forehead on Y'sato's shoulder, closing his eyes. "Thank you. Truly, thank you."

Y'sato lets him, his hand on his shoulder shifting to run soothing circles into G'raha's back. The fabric of his red and black vest is soft under his fingers. The strange moods plaguing his friend this day still have worry pool deep in his stomach. After all this is not like him. Not like him at all.

Stay calm. There is a lot at stake after all. The truth he so desperately seeks still eludes him, Unei and Doga being trapped, us going into the void on the morrow...

Y'sato closes his eyes. He lets out a weary sigh. He could do with some sleep. Hells they both could judging from the restless flickering of G'raha's ears, but as things currently stand he knows from experience the attempt will be a lost endeavour. Besides, he wants to remain sitting here just a moment longer doing what he can to offer comfort to the man he cares so deeply for held securely in his arms. A precious someone who ever has his heart spark to life in his chest, set aglow.

Looking down at him to where G'raha still presses his forehead into his shoulder, Y'sato knows exactly what to do. Idly he brings his free hand up to one of those downturned russet ears and starts massaging its base just so with practiced fingertips, just the way he knows his friend likes.

The curious flick of a russet tail still twined with his is his first tell. Blond feline ears perk with satisfaction when the familiar sound of purring registers in Y'sato's ears. G'raha leans in closer, the tension slowly draining from his shoulders. Oh how he melts under his touch, the low purring in his throat intensifying as he pushes his ear further up into Y'sato's willing hand. The fur is so silken against his palm he can't help but run his thumb over the length, his strokes feather-light. This is what it means to truly be close to someone he thinks, already knowing deep in his heart the words he struggles to find.

I love you, Raha. One day I hope I can tell you that, if you will have me.

Fire pools low in his stomach from the thought, such pure warmth rising to settle around Y'sato's heart like a blanket. A fluttery affectionate feeling runs through him from the tip of his tail to the very tip of his ears making him shiver. He can't help but join in himself, his own purring joining the chorus. His tail twines firmer with G'raha's, his lips daring to brush ever so faintly against soft red strands. His friend responds in kind twining his tail just as firmly, a low purr in the back of his throat.

Y'sato gives his ear another indulgent long scratch, relishing the way G'raha's ear flickers under his touch, his tail quivering. Mismatched eyes open to meet his as he lifts his head to look at him and the look in them has Y'sato's purr stutter. Half-lidded glazed over eyes peers back at his, pupils blown impossibly wide. G'raha blinks slowly at him, dark depths filled with such adoration and deep affection Y'sato almost forgets how to breathe.

"Raha?" He says, voice uncertain. He has given him ear massages before, but he has never seen him like this before. So open, so affectionate. It fairly pours out of him.

"Mmn." G'raha's answer is nothing but a sleepy drawl, his eyes closing with a content smile on his lips, pure bliss on his face. He bows his head, bunts Y'sato's shoulder as he wraps his arms around him, drawing him closer. His ears flick impatiently, craving more attention.

Y'sato chuckles as he indulges him. "Feels that good huh?"

His answer is another low purr, but it tells him all he needs to know. More eloquent and sharp of mind his friend is without any doubt, but in this moment he knows he has truly stolen the words from him.

For a time only their low purring can be heard amongst the crackling of the fire, until only Y'sato's remains. He keeps it up, even as he feels G'raha relax against him, head resting against his shoulder, his arms loosening their hold around him. He can tell his friend has truly fallen asleep however when his slowed breathing turns even and deep, the fall of them soft against his skin. Warm.. Y'sato's heart swells from the sight. This is the first time his friend has fallen asleep on him like this. He stops gently massaging G'raha's ears, bringing his free arm around him as he smooths his hand down his silken hair to his braid.

"Sleep well, Raha." He murmurs, voice soft against one of G'raha's ears. It twitches faintly, but otherwise there is no response, him slumbering on in his arms none the wiser. Y'sato knows they should probably retire to their tent, but he knows moving him now will surely wake him, and he knows he is exhausted after all the research he has done with Rammboes. No, he simply doesn't have the heart to wake him. Not now. Not when he sleeps against him so soundly. Trusting.

A knowing warm smile graces Y'sato's lips as he holds him close, hand resting at the back of G'raha's head cradling him like he is the most treasured thing in the world. Once more he resumes his purring, bright green eyes shining with such love as he looks down at the man sleeping in his arms. He can already tell he himself won't get much sleep this night.

And right now he can't bring himself to care.

I love you Raha. I love you so very much.

He closes his eyes, presses his lips softly against the base of G'raha's closest ear.

And I know you feel the same.

The song lyrics G'raha sings in this chapter aren't from any specific song so to speak, me writing them myself to fit with the story as well as to sprinkle in some foreshadowing for what awaits on the horizon for this series.

I am not really a deft hand at songwriting, but I wanted to try to do something extra and think up fitting song lyrics to add some more to the story, especially seeing G'raha is a singer. Music is ever an inspiration to me, often needing it to write, and G'raha's voice I'm sure must be such heavenly bliss to listen to. Ah, what I would give to be in Y'sato's shoes in that very moment...

(Also who can resist cuddly G'raha?)