*Disclaimer* - I don't own Honkai Star Rail
*A/N* - Greetings! I hope you're all doing well wherever you are. As we continue to get updates regarding Amphoreus and new characters given the spotlight, I wanted to add to the pairing group of Caelus and Aglaea. So far there doesn't appear to be a lot of stories involving the two. I hope that'll change over time. I see potential between the two. Nevertheless, I hope you'll enjoy this growing idea I had for a story involving the two. Hopefully, we get more interactions with her as we delve deeper into Amphoreus' story and secrets among the discovered heroes. This story was also started right before 3.1 and now involves a brief mention of what transpired throughout the Trailblaze Quest. Thanks, and enjoy the story!
With a direct line of sight at his target, Caelus flopped down right on the chair where he lazily rolled his body over so that he could get comfy.
Following behind him into their gifted room was Dan Heng who simply stared at the gray-haired boy with a deadpan expression.
"Man… I am beat."
"You're always tired. What do you even do?"
"Hey! I didn't see you running around and helping people with their problems."
"The problems that you caused."
A look of confusion covered the Trailblazer's face.
"What do you mean?"
Sitting himself down on the other chair in the room, Dan Heng held an expression that simply conveyed that he was stating the obvious.
"Let's see… first, you went rummaging through all the trash cans… again."
"I was just curious what kind of things people across Amphoreus throw away. Things can change. Trash can change."
"*sigh* If March were here, she'd have some things to say" Dan Heng commented as he rubbed his eyes. "Let alone Himeko or Mr. Yang."
A hint of somberness hit the Trailblazer as he could just imagine their pink-haired friend and her bubbly personality. She would have loved exploring Amphoreus and taking countless photos. March also would have gotten a kick out of there being so many pools of water.
"If you're going to complain about my way of doing surveying, then you're one to talk- "
"The second set of problems you've caused is drawing too much attention to yourself."
"What are you talking about now? I can blend in anywhere I go" Caelus replied with a dumb grin.
Dan Heng's response to this statement was to simply stare at him while not saying anything for a solid minute. The sounds of people chatting outside the room along with the running water in their room were the only sounds registering through the silence.
"…I trust you won't cause another situation to arise. We already tested the waters with Aglaea and kept mention of the outside world a secret."
"Ha… don't remind me. I'm still a bit iffy on the whole ordeal."
"Really? You do know the Path- "
"Yes, yes. I know. Making sure to keep knowledge of the outside world a secret is a priority. And we promised Aglaea that we wouldn't mess up again. But…"
"But?"
Rubbing the back of his neck, Caelus couldn't help but speak his mind on this matter.
"What if… we aren't the only ones to come to Amphoreus?"
Realizing what he was getting at, Dan Heng nodded his head slowly.
"So, you've thought about that possibility too."
"How could I not? After we managed to get Aglaea to believe us and not do anything drastic, I got to thinking… we haven't had contact with the Express for a bit now. What if they try to come here?"
Folding his arms across his chest, Dan Heng let out a stressed sigh.
"I've also thought about that possibility. However, we took the Express's working pod. Unless Pom Pom is holding onto another pod, then we won't have to worry about anyone on the Express coming down here."
"You don't think Himeko or Welt or even Black Swan will try coming here?"
"Himeko and Mr. Yang are more than likely to believe in us and wait till we make solid communication. Black Swan however… who knows what she might do."
"She's something else…"
It was at this moment the usual calm and collected Dan Heng broke into a small smirk. He saw an opening and would gladly take it.
"Oh really? I wouldn't thought you'd be saying that about Aglaea."
Feeling his breath pause for the briefest moment, Caelus tilted his head while trying to remain suave.
"What do you mean?"
"We've been through enough, Caelus, I think I can read you better than March. And she's got an eye for when you're about to make a stupid joke or when something catches your eye" Dan Heng said before openly smirking at the gray-haired boy. "A certain blonde seamstress with the ability to end your life in a flash has caught your attention, huh?"
Feeling his face warm up and knowing that he was terrible at hiding what he was feeling, Caelus grabbed a pillow and covered his face with it. He had effortlessly proven Dan Heng's guess to be true.
"…No comment."
"While I won't talk your ear off about it like March would, I do have to point out the obvious."
"…Again, no comment."
Scrunching his eyebrows, Dan Heng continued.
"You do realize that Aglaea was seconds away from killing us, right?"
"Yep."
"Doesn't that ring any alarm bells in your head?"
"Dan Heng. Do you know how many girls have tried to kill me? More than you'd think. On top of that, do you know how many times we've managed to become friends with the people who try to kill us?" the Trailblazer retorted with a smug grin.
Letting out an annoyed sigh, he could not argue with that logic. The number of times that they encountered a dangerous individual only to eventually befriend them was starting to become ridiculous.
One minute the Express Crew would be caught up in some sort of situation, next they'd be forced to fight like their lives depended on it, then lastly, they'd be friends with the person that just tried to kill them. It made no sense at all yet always happened to them.
"*sigh* You have me beat. Somehow that tends to be how things happen to us. Still, though, you're not the least bit worried about getting on her bad side again?"
"What's the point in even working with her then? She's got a full plate of problems on her back. If we let one mishap ruin our understanding of her morals and decisions, then we'll never get to know her for who she really is" Caelus reasoned with a tone of sensibility. "Besides, if we were in her shoes, then how would you react to everything happening?"
Taking a second to process the question closely, Dan Heng could only close his eyes and shake his head. The problems surrounding Amphoreus were complex and raised many more questions and concerns the longer they remained here. It didn't help that they were cut off from the rest of the crew.
They were in quite a conundrum.
"You've got me beat. I don't think my methods would be too different from Aglaea's. Besides, with how things have turned out… I think we all need a break..."
With just these few words, the mood in the room had dipped down to a level of uncertainty as well as sadness. Everything that had transpired in several days that they had been in Amphoreus… things were anything but okay.
Coming to terms with Mydei and his circumstances and Trianne's… well… things had been rather strange for the past day. It was truly a wonder how so many things could change over a day.
One minute everything was alright and in the next… it wasn't.
The events of Amphoreus were truly stark and different compared to what happened in Penacony, the Xianzhou Luofu, and Belobog. During those events, they were supported by their friends and could work together to solve whatever crisis was in their way.
However, this time around, things were vastly different. There was no support from the Astral Express or their friends across the cosmos. The situation was unexpected entirely.
"Yeah… Castorice has been spending a great deal of time with both Trinnon and Tribbie. Either she's with one or with the other. She hasn't left their side at all…" Dan Heng softly replied. "It's been hard for her."
"I… still don't know how to feel. A lot has happened."
"Yeah…"
Not needing to say another word, the two Express members simply relished the quiet, yet heavy tone settled in the room. That is until Dan Heng decided to be the one to dispel the sad mood.
"So, do you have a plan to spend some time with Aglaea?"
Letting a dry chuckle escape his lips, Caelus had to thank his friend for changing the topic.
"Well, we've been texting one another when we're not dealing with life-or-death moments. She talked with me about a new fashion trend taking Okhema by storm. Basically, she is encountering cosplay for the first time."
A dumbfounded expression could be seen all over Dan Heng's face. His face spoke volumes.
"Cosplay? That's…"
"Ah, right. I forgot. You're not in the know for the latest trends in fashion and whatnot. March would be the better person to talk about- "
"I know what cosplay is."
"You do!?"
Expressing a deadpan look on his face, Dan Heng could only shake his head.
"You make me sound like I'm a monk headfirst into books and not aware of current trends."
"Haha! Well, it's not like you talk about these things. Even Himeko and Welt know about it. Surprisingly Pom Pom is also aware of it" Caelus said while sporting a cheeky grin.
"The topic has never been one that's gotten me to jump to my feet. Not like you or March."
"Hmm. That will change now. Once we get back to the Express, I'm telling March to bug you even more!"
"Terrific."
Chucking to himself, Caelus' attention returned to a certain blonde-haired woman. The one that was making his heart swell and beat twice as fast.
"So… back to what we were talking about."
"Right. Aglaea. Cosplay."
"Mm. We've also been talking about plays and that a new batch of shows has been released. She even got some seats for me to enjoy the show."
"There's a good start. She is already wanting to accompany you to things. Why not join her?"
"We haven't exactly had a moment to relax and kick our feet up. The moment we did, something happened immediately afterward.
"True. Well, I'd daresay now would be as good of time as ever."
A small smirk began climbing onto the Trailblazer's face as he ruffled the back of his head.
"She also asked if I was interested in trying some unique baths."
"…"
"Huh? Dan Heng?"
"…"
"You're being weirdly quiet."
"…"
"…Hello?"
"…Please tell me you hit your head or Mem's appearance has caused you to not use your head as much because you're thinking about other things."
"Rude."
Unable to hide the disappointed look on his face, Dan Heng facepalmed himself as he tried to find the right words for this oblivious fool.
"You do realize that she's making the first move, right?"
"Is she? It just seems like something friendly that she would do for an esteemed guest. I'm not that oblivious to things!"
Shaking his head, the dark-haired boy continued.
"I beg to differ. However, in this case, while you may be right on some things… You should probably take the next step in this romantic ordeal you're facing. Accept her on one of her offers or make your own."
"Huh… this is a bit weird."
"What's weird?"
"Getting helpful romantic advice from you. I would have never thought that you'd do that."
"You seriously make me sound like a robot."
"No, no. I know quite a few robots. You don't fit the mold for that. Even those robots show quite a bit of emotion. Maybe a bit too much- "
"Are you going to keep blabbering or are you going to make your move?" Dan Heng asked, growing annoyed and tired of the Galactic Baseballer's antics.
"Fine, fine! I'm making a move!"
Pulling his phone out, Caelus set forth to send a message to Aglaea in the hopes that he could get a solid response to his attempt at getting close to her.
The message went as follows:
"Hey, Aglaea, you busy?"
Not a moment later a response was sent his way.
"Currently? I seem to have found myself sparse of time. Tribbie and Trinnon are with Castorice as she is helping Phainon with something. I wasn't made privy to what their intentions are, but such is the case that I've found myself free for the moment."
Perking up at this opening, the baseball bunter made his move.
"Great! Since we're both free why don't we do something together? We could go to see those plays you mentioned. I don't know how well I'd do at remembering everything that happened… or anything in general. Or we can get something to eat, and I'll tell you more about cosplay. Maybe even give you some ideas on new styles of clothing to make? Or we could go to those baths you mentioned? I'm game for anything."
Having sent this lengthy response, Caelus couldn't help but stare worriedly at Dan Heng who stared blankly at him. This was no longer his problem. He gave the baseballer the push, now it would be up to him.
*PING*
Snapped out of his momentary daze, he looked back at his phone and could see Aglaea's clear response. It was more than he could have expected.
"Why not all three? I'd enjoy nothing more than to experience all these suggestions together. That way, we may focus on a whole new list of things to accomplish. Where shall I meet you, dearest Caelus?"
Breaking into a cheeky grin, the Trailblazer replied with just meeting near the bathhouse. That way, it'd be faster for them to meet up and go on this exciting date.
"You're sporting a goofy smile. I take it she said yes?"
"Hehehe. Yep!"
Truly happy for his friend, Dan Heng nodded before leaning back and getting comfy.
"Well then, best not keep her waiting. Get going!"
Taking his friend's words to heart, Caelus dashed with a pep in his step out of the room and toward his date with the Dressmaster of Okhema.
A few minutes later
Standing next to a pillar and keeping his head on a swivel, Caelus was growing anxious by the minute. Walking out of his private room, he felt confident and excited about his date with Aglaea.
Now, however, he was feeling all kinds of nervousness. Would he be good enough? Would he make the right kinds of jokes? Would he unknowingly offend her? Would he make a fool of himself… well, that one tended to happen automatically.
But with Aglaea merely moments away from reaching him, he couldn't help but want this date to go along very well. As much as he wanted to make a good impression on her, he strove to do things right.
"Ah, there you are."
Shifting his eyes up, he could see the elegant blonde woman striding over to him with a gentle smile on her face. It was hard to keep his eyes concentrated on one part of her. Everything about her was… exquisite.
"Aglaea!"
"Forgive my tardiness, I happened to get stopped by a few of the children wishing to show me something."
"Nonsense! You're not late. I'm just a bit early" Caelus replied, offering a giant smile. "I'm excited we get to do the things we mentioned."
"As am I. I know for sure that you'll find one of the three suggestions to be your favorite."
Tilting his head, Caelus reassured her what his inner thoughts were.
"Why just one? I'm looking forward to chatting more about cosplay with you. Knowing that your skills as a seamstress are some of the best as I've been told countless times, you're bound to make something amazing!"
"My, such strong words" Aglaea replied with a sweet tone. "Is flattery one of your hidden talents?"
"Haha. I'm afraid not. I just say what I honestly feel… as well as the first thing that pops into my head."
Letting a melancholy bit of laughter escape her lips, Aglaea's attention was focused solely on him. He had managed to get her to actually laugh.
"Is it safe to assume that this tendency has gotten you into bouts of trouble before?"
"You have no idea."
"Truly? Care to tell me about such an encounter?"
"Hmm. Where to start… I've gotten into so many situations. I don't know where to start?"
"Don't think too hard, Caelus. Any story will suit. Come, tell me your story while we walk to the theater. We should have plenty of time to hear one or two stories."
Racking his brain for an encounter where he got into trouble thanks to his big mouth, the gray-haired boy thought about one such encounter back in Penacony. Now the real trick was to explain it in a way that would make sense to her given that she knew nothing about worlds beyond Amphoreus.
"Well, let's see… I was exploring…" Turning his head around to make sure no one was close enough to hear him.
Aglaea noticed this action and simply smiled. It would seem her past actions had caused quite a stir in the young man. She would need to remedy this if they were to have a fruitful day together.
Moreover, she wanted to make amends for her critical decision-making. Making critical threats to the two otherworldly visitors and continuing to ask for their aid was quite the hypocritical extension of comradery and friendship. Even though she would not truly harm them, the threat was still in the air.
She may be a Chrysos Heir and demigod in the face of many, but deep down she still had a heart.
"Caelus, I respect your concern for being aware of your surroundings, but there's no need. I trust your words more than ever. You have helped Amphoreus and us Chrysos Heirs in ways we never expected. Were it not for you, we would not be standing here and enjoying this lovely date. My debt to you is ever increasing and I am once again sorry for my actions taken against you and Dan Heng."
"You don't have to say all that. Helping those in need is part of the Trailblaze. Besides, I know Dan Heng feels the same, but there's no way I could let the people of Amphoreus suffer without doing anything."
Appreciation was felt through the demigod's chest. Knowing that help would still be given to this world through the kindness felt in one's heart.
"Your words mean more than you can ever fathom, Caelus."
Pressing her hand above her heart, Aglaea held a smile that he had never seen before. Granted, he had seen her smile and smirk before, but this smile was different. It was hard to put into words.
However, he knew just from a glance that this was a one-of-a-kind smile.
One that he wanted to see more of.
"Mm. Besides, we've been threatened before by people who are now considered acquaintances of ours. So, while your actions were a bit… intense. It's alright by me. Dan Heng might think otherwise, but desperate times call for desperate measures."
"Thank you for your kind words. Now then, may I suggest we switch the direction of the conversation? I'm quite eager to hear about your escapades with you running your mouth."
Caelus couldn't help but feel his face warm up with how she worded things. He also chuckled to himself as he could distinctly remember one random circumstance of him getting pulled into a scramble.
"Well, this happened in another world. Penacony is the name of the world. I was minding my business doing a little bit of exploring when I ended up walking onto a quiet street and encountering a group of weird people who… "
Sometime later
Leaving the theater and walking toward an open area, Caelus and Aglaea were right next to one another as they both had pleasant smiles on their faces.
Normally, things like plays would bore the Trailblazer within minutes. However, being accompanied by a beautiful date, things can change.
Besides, Caelus had to admit it, but the play was truly interesting. The play tells a fictional story of a wandering traveler who ventured across large bodies of water and discovered new lands and cultures. The main character used stars to navigate and plot a course forward. While some parts seem heavily inspired by established myths known in Amphoreus, Caelus couldn't help but think that some parts seemed vaguely familiar. That part he found super interesting.
"Mm. There's a smile if I've ever seen one" Aglaea commented with a cherry tone. "I take it you found the play to your liking?"
"Yeah! I have to admit, it was better than I thought. And I meant that by a long shot."
"Excellent. I am pleased to hear you enjoyed it. Now then, I have to ask a rather insightful question."
Surprised by this take, Caelus turned his attention directly toward her.
"Sure. What's your question?"
Giving the boy a thoughtful look, Aglaea's lips curled into a dazzling smile as well as a smug look encapsulating her gorgeous face.
"Are your feelings toward the play valid in the case of the story being something that truly piqued your interest? Or… was it due to the company you were with~?"
"Heh… can I say both and still be truthful?"
Sneaking her hand right into his, the blonde demigod smiled elegantly at her wonderful date.
"Honestly, I'll take that answer wholeheartedly."
Feeling her hand resting comfortably in his, Caelus squeezed it gently as they both enjoyed this moment.
"Hmm. Tell me, what aspects caught your attention throughout the play? And before you reply, I don't mean my presence. I'm quite interested in your thoughts."
Nodding his head, Caelus began to say what he thought.
"Well, the whole idea of the main character exploring new lands and sailing the sea sounds like the start of most stories."
"Indeed."
"But the part where things started getting interesting was when the protagonist started focusing on the stars above and using them as tools to traverse the sea. Each star followed led to a whole new adventure. That part reminded me a great deal of my own journey. Albeit in a more simplified way."
"Mm. As I've ascertained from everything you two have said, you utilize a way of transportation called the Astral Express and traverse the cosmos. Arriving at all new worlds filled with perils and triumphs to be found. I can see where you did a bit of self-reflecting" Aglaea reasoned with sincerity.
"Yep. I wish I had a picture of the Express. You would think I'd have a picture of it by now, but it never occurred to me to take one before."
"Such are all things in life. We don't fully realize how lucky we are until things change on a dime."
"I'd say I'm lucky now."
"Cheeky."
"You got me."
Beginning to walk away from their spot, the duo walked peacefully down the corridors and toward the baths. The smell of pleasant waters was passing through their noses now.
"Say, speaking of being lucky, why don't we snap a photo together?"
Raising her eyes, Aglaea soon sported a refined smile along her lips. This idea sat nicely with her.
"I would not mind that at all. However, I expect to be sent the photo as well."
"Of course. Now then, shall we go with a professional pic?"
"Nay. I'd prefer something the opposite of professional. You do realize that I am not entirely stiff or cold, right?"
"I-I know! I just figured you'd want- "
"Hmm. That face right there. Now that's one I wish I had snapped a photo of. You are quite cute when flushed."
"I…"
A melody of giggles escaped the demigod's lips as she could not stop herself from enjoying the boy's company and reactions. This was going to be a talking point for sure.
"Come now, Caelus, you'll catch a bug in your mouth if you keep it open for so long."
Shutting his trap, he then grabbed his phone and took a quick picture of Aglaea and her smug expression. This ultimately resulted in her looking partially stunned yet having no real distinct reaction to the sudden snapshot.
"That's going to my favorites list."
"Is that so? Then perhaps I need to take my own photos…"
"Well, before you do that, shall we?"
Giving a positive nod, Aglaea shifted herself to stand right next to the Trailblazer while also realizing that he was a bit taller than her. She found this to be something… she might grow to like a great deal.
"Ready? I'll take a selfie of us."
"A selfie? Do tell what that is?"
"Heh. I forget that you aren't familiar with- Wait a minute."
"Hm? Is something amiss?"
Staring at Aglaea with his eyes scanning her face closely, Caelus had one thought lingering in his head at her response. Given that she and others in Amphoreus used a phone but called it something else puzzled him.
"A selfie. You don't know what that is?"
"I can't say I'm familiar with that term. Care to explain?"
"It's when you take a picture of yourself."
"Ah! Yes, I'm aware of the action. Granted, I don't find myself doing that much, but I have seen others around the baths do such a thing. I wasn't aware of there being a term for that. You learn something new every day" Aglaea said while letting genuine intrigue appear in her voice.
"Sounds like I have a lot to teach you."
"Oh, is that so? One is never too young or old to learn new concepts. My ears are yours."
Smirking at her response, Caelus pulled out his phone and adjusted it so that he and Aglaea were centered in the photo's lens. Once they were focused on, he chanted out the countdown.
"Ready?"
"As always."
"One…two… three… cheese!"
*SNAP*
Inside the baths
Closing his eyes and feeling his sore body relax, Caelus let out a soothing sigh. The warm water surrounding him was doing wonders for him. He did not want to move at all.
*SPLASH*
Opening his eyes, he soon felt someone pressed next to him. Upon closer look, he could see blonde hair resting along his shoulder.
"You're the definition of relaxed."
"Tell me about it. Ah~, I could turn into a rock and float to the bottom of this bath and stay there forever."
"If that happened, then you wouldn't be here right now… with me no less."
"Ha. I guess not. On second thought, I take back what I sound. I prefer this."
"As do I."
Not saying another word, the duo continued to stay peaceful while next to one another and bask in the gentle aura exuded by the two. Such a feeling like this was nearly impossible to find. It would not be taken for granted.
"We've achieved quite a lot on this day, haven't we?"
"No kidding. We met up… "
"You taught me the concept of cosplay."
"We went to a play…"
"You ended up enjoying it."
"We took a pic together."
"One that I'll also cherish."
"And now we're in the baths…"
"Enjoying every single moment of it."
"Yep. And… this is only the beginning" Caelus said, hoping that he didn't shoot himself in the foot.
Rubbing her thumb over the top of his hand, Aglaea let out a harmonic hum.
"On that note, it's an absolute."
"Mm. Things are also going to get a lot tougher. That much is a guarantee. Experience is to thank for that."
"Likewise. It always seems as though something good is followed by something bad. And vice versa."
"I'm also willing to bet that we'll not agree on everything."
"That statement might as well be engraved onto stone for it will certainly become fact."
"But… I'm willing to find compromise and work to make things better. After all, strings can come together to weave something beautiful."
Letting what he said settle into her heart, Aglaea couldn't help but let out a giggle.
"My dearest, Caelus, I did not know you were suave with your words."
"Pfft. I came up with that on the spot."
The demigod's expression morphed from impressed to amused instantly.
"Cheeky."
Squeezing her hand gently, the Trailblazer leaned his head back while relishing in this amazing moment. The Chrysos Heir did the same as she could feel herself becoming happier by the minute.
This had been an amazing date. And by the sounds of things, this was only just the beginning.
*A/N* - Hello! Thanks for reaching the bottom of the story. I wanted to do something special for Aglaea seeing that she doesn't have much fanfiction interaction with Caelus. Hopefully, that changes over time, and given where the story is going, anything is possible. This story started right before the latest Amphoreus Trailblaze Quest and soon involved a mention of what happened to Trianne. There's a lot to say about Amphoreus and where the story/characters are going, but that's for another time. I'm a sucker for Aglaea and hope to see her story fleshed out especially as things are playing out and evolving. I also wanted to include a leadway for the messages shared by her and the Trailblazer such as the mention of plays, baths, and cosplay. I hope the story was enjoyable and something to add to the Caelus x Aglaea collection. Thanks again for checking this story out and until next time. Take care!