Caelus lay sprawled on his bed, arms folded beneath his head, staring at the ceiling like it might offer answers to the questions swirling through his mind. Sleep, however, wasn't coming. No matter how many times he closed his eyes, the weight on his chest remained—restless, gnawing, inescapable. His brain refused to quiet down, revolving endlessly around the one thing that had hijacked his thoughts all night.
It was the selfie. Her selfie.
Grumbling, Caelus shifted onto his side and reached for his phone on the nightstand, unlocking it without thinking. The message was still there—waiting for him, taunting him. He stared at it again, as if the contents might have somehow changed in the last few minutes. They hadn't.
The image from earlier filled his screen: a gym selfie, taken with casual ease, yet everything about it felt... calculated.
Feixiao stood at the forefront of the photo, captured mid-workout in a dim, private gym. She wore a sleek black sports bra-style tank top and fitted spandex shorts, her toned midriff glistening with a sheen of sweat. And that tank top... Caelus swallowed, feeling heat creep up the back of his neck for what must have been the hundredth time. The fabric, clinging and semi-sheer, left little to the imagination. Every subtle contour beneath it was unmistakable.
But it wasn't just what she wore that left him tangled in knots—it was her expression. That playful smirk. Not too overt, but confident enough to make him think it was intentional.
A teasing invitation? Or something else?
Caelus groaned quietly and let his phone drop onto his chest, scrubbing his hands over his face. His mind was a mess, and he couldn't figure out if he was overthinking things or not. Why would she send him that? Of all the people she could tease—or flirt with—why him? The Feixiao he knew was composed and direct, with an edge of elegance about her that was hard to define. She wasn't the type to send random selfies for no reason. And yet, here it was, staring back at him on his screen like a silent challenge.
His heart thudded harder against his ribs the more he thought about it.
Sure, Feixiao was beautiful—beyond beautiful. In truth, anyone in the galaxy would probably consider themselves lucky to even hold her attention for more than a moment. But that only made things worse. If she was coming on to him... what did that mean? Was she playing with him? Or did she mean something more by it?
Caelus let out a long, frustrated breath. The whole situation was maddening. He was used to handling things in the moment—charging headfirst into battles, making split-second decisions. But now? Now he was dealing with a different kind of tension altogether. And no amount of combat experience could prepare him for... this.
His phone buzzed against his chest, pulling him from the spiral of his thoughts. Heart skipping a beat, Caelus grabbed the device and unlocked it with a swipe.
Feixiao: Hey, you up?
His breath caught. Of course she would text him now, right when he was desperately trying to make sense of things. He tried to suppress the nervous flutter in his stomach as his thumbs hovered over the keyboard.
Caelus: Yeah, what's up?
A pause. Three small dots flickered on the screen, teasing him with the promise of her reply. He stared at them, anticipation building in his chest like a pressure valve ready to burst.
Feixiao: You wanna meet up? I'm on the Luofu and wanted to chat in person.
Caelus blinked, rereading the message several times just to be sure he wasn't imagining things. She was here? On the Luofu? He hadn't expected that—not tonight, not after everything already swirling through his mind. And "chat"? What kind of chat did she mean?
His thumb tapped the screen, typing before his brain could fully catch up.
Caelus: Sure, where to?
Almost instantly, her response appeared.
Feixiao: Great, here's my location! See you soon!
He tapped the location pin, pulling up a map of the Luofu. It was near Aurum Alley—an odd but intriguing choice. The area was a mix of hidden corners, market stalls, and late-night haunts, a perfect place to avoid prying eyes. A spot for casual encounters, not formal discussions. If she had something urgent to say, surely she would have picked somewhere else.
Caelus sat up, running a hand through his hair as he tried to process what was happening. This didn't feel like an emergency—not even close. This was something else entirely.
His room suddenly felt too warm, too cramped. Staying in bed wasn't going to solve anything. If Feixiao wanted to meet, then meeting her might be the only way to clear the confusion gnawing at him.
He swung his legs off the bed and stood, heading to the small bathroom. A quick splash of cold water did little to cool the heat lingering beneath his skin. Staring at his reflection in the mirror, he tried to shake off the nervous energy twisting inside him. He wasn't sure what awaited him tonight, but sitting here obsessing over it would only make things worse.
Grabbing his coat, he slipped it over his shoulders and checked his phone one last time. The map was still open, the small pin marking her location glowing softly on the screen.
With a sigh, he tucked the phone into his pocket. A short warp would take him to Aurum Alley—close enough to get there quickly, but not so close that it felt casual. Perfect.
The familiar sensation of the warp flickered through him as he landed near Aurum Alley. The streets were quiet but alive in their own way, bathed in the soft glow of paper lanterns that swayed gently in the artificial breeze. The distant hum of conversation mixed with the faint sounds of music drifting from a nearby tavern. Vendors lingered at their stalls, chatting among themselves as the night stretched on.
Caelus took a deep breath, steadying himself as he glanced at his phone again. She wasn't now—just a few more turns through the winding streets. His boots clicked softly against the cobblestones as he made his way toward the pin on the map, each step a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.
He had no idea what to expect from this meeting, but one thing was certain: whatever happened next would change things—whether he was ready for it or not.
Caelus arrived at the address Feixiao had sent him. From the outside, it looked like a studio, the closed windows concealing most of the interior, though soft light glowed from behind the blinds. Hesitating only for a moment, he opened the door and stepped inside.
The warm scent of metal, rubber, and sweat greeted him—typical of a gym. It was a small, private setup, filled with various workout machines and free weights. Caelus glanced around, recognizing the familiar structure of the place, though he didn't spend much time in facilities like these. And there, in the middle of it all, was Feixiao.
She was already mid-workout, pressing an impressive amount of weight on the bench. The moment Caelus stepped inside, she spotted him, setting the barbell back into place on its stand with ease. She sat up, her chest rising and falling with her heavy breaths as she grabbed a towel from beside her. Sweat glistened on her skin, highlighting her lean, sculpted muscles. She wore the exact same outfit from her selfie—the black tank top sports bra and spandex shorts, both clinging to her damp body—and the sight stirred something uneasy in him.
"Hey!" she greeted, flashing a bright smile. "Glad you made it!"
Caelus stood awkwardly near the door, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't think you were inviting me over to work out."
Feixiao chuckled, wiping her neck and shoulders with the towel. "Oops! I should've said. Didn't bring any workout clothes, huh?"
He gave a sheepish shrug. "I don't think I own any, considering most of my time is spent going across the universe fighting something."
Her eyes sparked with interest at that, though Caelus couldn't quite place the expression behind it. Whatever it was, it made his heart skip a beat—and not in a way he found comforting. Before he could question it, she gestured toward the back of the gym, distracting him.
"This place has some spare clean clothes over there." She pointed toward a door tucked into the corner. "Why don't you grab something for now? Don't worry about paying or anything—it's on me. After all, I'm the one who invited you."
Caelus considered it for a moment. He wasn't getting any sleep tonight, and maybe a workout would help clear his head. "Why the heck not," he muttered to himself, giving her a small nod before heading toward the room she mentioned.
Inside, he found a stack of neatly folded spare clothes. He selected a pair of gray sweatpants and a loose-fitting black tank top, changing quickly. His boots would have to stay—there weren't any spare shoes around, and he wasn't about to go barefoot in a gym.
When he stepped back into the workout area, Feixiao gave him an appreciative hum, her sharp eyes sweeping over him. Caelus shifted uncomfortably under her gaze as she took in the lean definition of his muscles, the faint scars tracing his arms.
There was that same flicker in her eyes again, and this time, it sent a subtle shiver down his spine. Something about the way she looked at him felt too deliberate—like she saw more than just his physique. Did she really need to look at him like that?
"Lookin' good there, Caelus," she said, her voice light, though her smile carried a teasing edge. "You must fight a lot, huh?"
He sighed, exasperation creeping into his tone. "I've had to fight something every time I go somewhere. If I could arrive somewhere and not have to fight some giant monster or big bad, I'd be happy."
Feixiao laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "And where would be the fun in that?" she teased, wiping her hands on her towel. "Come on, let's see how much you can bench."
They moved over to the bench press, and after some adjusting and experimenting, Caelus found himself surprised. Despite not making workouts part of his daily routine, he managed to lift 230 pounds with relative ease.
Feixiao gave an approving nod, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. "Arm size and definition don't exactly mean anything," she explained. "I mean, look at me. When you came in, I was doing a solid four hundred."
Caelus huffed a small laugh. "Looks like I've got a long way to go."
"You'll get there." She flashed him an encouraging grin, patting the side of the bench. "Now give it a shot, but take it slow. You don't want to rush and hurt yourself."
He gave her a nod, settling back onto the bench and wrapping his hands around the bar. The cold metal pressed against his palms as he began lifting, each movement slow and controlled.
"One," Feixiao counted softly.
By the time he reached three, she gave him an approving nod. "Good."
At five, Caelus felt the weight starting to strain his muscles. It was just as he adjusted his grip when Feixiao suddenly moved, climbing onto the bench and straddling his hips.
"Feixiao?" His voice came out strained, more from surprise than the weight in his hands.
She gave him that same smirk from her selfie, playful and knowing. "Don't get distracted now," she murmured, leaning in just slightly. "Focus up."
He swallowed hard, the weight in his hands suddenly feeling twice as heavy. The thin layers of fabric between them did little to mask the warmth of her body pressed against his, and every slight shift of her hips sent a shiver racing through him. But he clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay focused on the task in front of him.
At seven, Feixiao's hips shifted—just enough for him to feel it. She ground against him softly, a slow, deliberate motion that made his breath hitch. Caelus bit down on his lip, his concentration unraveling by the second. He could feel every subtle movement, every brush of contact, and it was driving him insane.
At nine, her hands slipped beneath his tank top, fingertips tracing over the hard lines of his abs with a deliberate slowness.
"Just one more," she whispered huskily, her breath warm against his ear. "Think you can do it?"
He swallowed again, his throat dry. His arms trembled under the weight, but with great effort—and no small amount of willpower—he managed to complete the final rep, carefully setting the barbell back onto its stand.
"Very good," Feixiao purred out.
The barbell clinked quietly into place as Caelus let out a shaky breath, his heart racing from more than just the workout. Feixiao's hips still straddled him, her body warm against his, the thin fabric between them offering little to shield the growing tension. She leaned in, her hands lingering on his abs, her fingers tracing patterns over his skin like she was committing him to memory.
"Ready for your prize?" she whispered, her voice soft but laced with playful intent.
Caelus's breath hitched, his mind struggling to keep up with what was happening. His hands hovered uncertainly at her waist, not quite daring to touch her fully. "Why…?" he asked, his voice low, a mix of curiosity and disbelief. "Why me?"
Feixiao's expression shifted—not just playful, but something deeper, something that glimmered with recognition and understanding. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes holding his in a way that made him feel seen, like she'd already unraveled him completely.
"I've seen your records," she said softly, her fingers still tracing the ridges of his stomach. "What you've done. What you've survived." She leaned closer, her lips almost brushing against his ear. "You're more than just someone who gets by, Caelus. You're a survivor. Just like me."
Her words settled over him like a weight—and yet, they weren't a burden. They felt like a thread pulling him closer to her, binding them with an unspoken connection neither of them had needed to explain until now.
Caelus exhaled slowly, the tension in his chest shifting into something warmer, deeper. His hands drifted upward, finally resting on her hips. Feixiao smiled—soft, genuine—before sliding off him with a graceful ease.
She knelt beside the bench, her hand trailing down his chest in a languid caress, her fingers teasing along the waistband of his sweatpants. Caelus swallowed hard, his heart thudding in his chest as she shot him a wicked little smile, one that promised more than just playfulness.
"Relax," she whispered, her voice low and sultry, filled with a tenderness that somehow made the moment even more overwhelming. "Let me take care of you."
Caelus's breath stuttered, but he leaned back on the bench, propping himself on his elbows as Feixiao moved closer. The warmth of her breath ghosted over his skin, and when her lips pressed gently along his lower abdomen, every thought in his mind scattered like leaves in the wind.
Her hands tugged at the waistband of his pants, sliding them down just enough to expose him to the cool air. Caelus's jaw tightened, his pulse a steady drumbeat in his ears as Feixiao's hand curled around him with a deliberate slowness that sent shivers down his spine.
Her eyes flicked up to meet his, and in that moment, he saw not just desire but intent—the kind of certainty that left no room for doubt. And then, with the same slow deliberation, she leaned in, her lips brushing over him in a kiss that was both gentle and devastating.
Caelus's head tipped back, a quiet groan escaping him as Feixiao's mouth moved with a rhythm that was unhurried but deliberate, like she was savoring every moment. Her tongue traced teasing circles, and every subtle shift, every soft sound she made, sent sparks racing through his body.
He gripped the edge of the bench, his knuckles turning white, his breath coming in uneven bursts. Feixiao's hands steadied him, her touch grounding him even as she worked him closer to the edge with infuriating precision.
"Feixiao…" Caelus breathed her name like a prayer, half-plea and half-wonder.
She only hummed softly in response, the vibration making him shudder.
And just when he thought he couldn't take any more, Feixiao pulled away, her lips leaving him with a final, lingering kiss. Caelus exhaled shakily, his body still trembling from the aftershocks of her touch.
She rose gracefully to her feet, wiping the corner of her mouth with a satisfied smirk. "Don't look so surprised," she teased, her tone warm but teasing. "I told you, this is your prize."
Caelus shook his head, still catching his breath, but the smile tugging at the corner of his lips was undeniable.
Feixiao climbed onto the bench once more, straddling him again, her body pressing close against his. This time, there was no hesitation in the way his hands found her waist, his fingers digging into the fabric of her top.
"You sure about this?" he asked, his voice husky, his eyes searching hers.
Feixiao's smile softened, the playfulness giving way to something more intimate, more vulnerable. "Yeah," she whispered, cupping his face with one hand. "I'm sure."
And with that, the last of Caelus's doubts melted away.
Their lips met in a kiss that was slow and deep, each movement deliberate and full of meaning. It wasn't rushed—there was no need to hurry. Feixiao kissed like she fought: with precision, with passion, and with an intensity that left Caelus breathless.
His hands roamed over her back, feeling the smooth curve of her spine through the damp fabric of her top. Feixiao shifted in his lap, and the friction between them drew a low, involuntary groan from his throat.
She pulled away just enough to tug off her tank top, tossing it carelessly to the floor. Caelus followed suit, pulling his own shirt over his head and letting it join hers in a tangled heap. Feixiao pressed herself against him, skin to skin, her warmth searing against him in the best way possible.
Every touch felt electric—each brush of her fingers, each press of her body, every shared breath between them. Feixiao guided his hands to her hips, her gaze locking onto his with a hunger that made his pulse race.
"Don't hold back," she whispered, her lips brushing against his ear. "I want you—all of you."
Caelus swallowed hard, his hands tightening on her waist as she shifted again, lining herself up with him. The moment stretched out between them, suspended in the quiet hum of anticipation.
And then, with a slow, deliberate motion, she sank down onto him.
Caelus's breath left him in a sharp gasp, his head falling back as Feixiao's body enveloped his. The sensation was overwhelming—hot, intense, and perfect in ways that made his head spin.
Feixiao exhaled softly, her breath a warm sigh against his neck. She gave herself a moment to adjust, her hands braced against his shoulders, before she began to move.
Their rhythm started slow, a gentle push and pull, each movement filled with the kind of intimacy that words couldn't capture. Feixiao's hands roamed over his chest, her touch light and reverent, as if she were mapping out every inch of him. Caelus's hands mirrored hers, tracing the curve of her back, the dip of her waist, grounding himself in the reality of her presence.
Each shift, each roll of her hips, sent sparks of pleasure racing through them both. Their breath mingled in the air between them, soft gasps and quiet moans filling the space with a rhythm all their own.
Caelus held her tighter, his fingers digging into her skin as the tension between them built higher and higher, like a wave rising toward its inevitable crest.
Feixiao's movements grew more urgent, her nails scraping lightly down his arms, her breath coming in quick bursts against his skin. Caelus met her pace, his hips lifting to meet hers, their bodies moving in perfect sync.
The world narrowed down to this moment—just them, wrapped up in each other, their connection deeper than anything Caelus had ever known.
"I'm close," Feixiao whispered, her voice breathless, her lips brushing against his.
"Me too," Caelus managed, his voice hoarse with effort.
Feixiao cupped his face, her forehead resting against his as their movements became more frantic, more desperate. The tension built to a fever pitch, their bodies trembling with the effort to hold on just a little longer.
And then, together, they shattered.
The wave crested and crashed, pulling them both under in a rush of heat and light. Their bodies tensed, shuddering in unison as pleasure swept through them, overwhelming and all-consuming.
Feixiao gasped, her fingers digging into Caelus's shoulders as her body clenched around him. Caelus's hands tightened on her hips, his own release following hers, his head falling back as a deep groan escaped him.
For a moment, the world was nothing but warmth and shared breath, their hearts pounding in perfect harmony.
Feixiao slumped against him, her body still trembling slightly, her breath coming in soft, uneven bursts. Caelus wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, neither of them in any rush to move.
They stayed like that for a long moment, tangled in each other, the quiet hum of the gym the only sound in the background.
And in the stillness, Caelus let his hand drift slowly up Feixiao's back, his fingers tracing lazy patterns along her damp skin. Their breathing began to sync, the rapid, frantic pace of before settling into something calmer—more intimate. Feixiao's weight was warm against him, her head tucked against the crook of his neck, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Caelus allowed himself to just be.
Feixiao exhaled a small, contented sigh, her fingers tracing featherlight circles on his chest. She didn't seem in any hurry to move, and Caelus found that he didn't want her to. Every part of her felt like a quiet reassurance, grounding him after the storm they'd just weathered together.
After a few moments, Caelus stirred beneath her, breaking the silence between them with a quiet, lingering question that had been tugging at the edges of his mind all night.
"Why?" His voice was soft but serious, the word carrying the weight of all his confusion, disbelief, and curiosity. He tilted his head just enough to look at her, brushing a damp lock of hair from her forehead. "Why me?"
Feixiao lifted her head slowly, meeting his gaze with a look that was unexpectedly tender—deeper than the teasing glances from before. Her fingers trailed from his chest to the side of his face, her thumb brushing along his jawline in a gesture that felt startlingly gentle.
"I told you," she murmured, her voice low and velvety. "I've seen your records. I know what you've done."
Caelus blinked, taken aback for a moment. "You've... read my file?"
Feixiao gave a small, knowing smile, her thumb brushing once more along his cheek before she leaned in just slightly, her lips hovering close to his. "I don't just look at records to measure skill," she whispered. "I look for survivors. People who've lived through things that should've broken them but didn't."
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle between them. "And that's you, Caelus. You keep going—through everything. You survive."
The sincerity in her voice hit him harder than he'd expected. She wasn't just impressed by his actions—she saw him. Not as a fighter, not as someone who was always called into battles across the universe, but as someone who'd lived through it all and kept moving forward. Just like her.
"You're like me," she said softly, her forehead resting against his. "And that's rare, Caelus. When I find that kind of person..." She trailed off, smiling faintly. "I don't let them slip away."
The vulnerability in her words sent a strange warmth blooming in Caelus's chest, something that felt too big to name. For a moment, all he could do was look at her, struck silent by the realization that someone had seen not just the battles he fought, but the person who fought them.
He didn't know what to say. But maybe words weren't necessary.
Instead, Caelus cupped her face in his hands and kissed her again—slow and deep, like he was pouring every unspoken thought into the moment. Feixiao melted into him, her lips soft and sure against his, as if she already knew.
They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, until the world outside felt distant and irrelevant—until there was only the warmth of their bodies, the quiet intimacy of shared breath, and the unspoken understanding between two survivors who had finally found each other.
And for once, Caelus wasn't thinking about battles or missions or what came next. For once, he was here—with her—and that was more than enough.
The studio door clicked shut with a satisfying finality as Caelus stepped into the fresh morning air. The faint hum of activity from Aurum Alley buzzed in the distance, but out here, the streets were still mostly quiet. Dressed back in his original clothes—his coat draped loosely over his shoulders—Caelus rolled his neck, feeling the pleasant ache of muscles well used the night before. His mind was still hazy with the memory of Feixiao's touch, her voice, the warmth of her skin.
Behind him, Feixiao followed, her presence lingering like a comforting shadow. She gave him one last playful look as she locked the gym door with a soft click, turning the key smoothly and pocketing it.
Caelus watched her for a moment, a subtle smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "This is your private gym, isn't it?"
Feixiao's laugh was low and melodic, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Guilty!" she admitted with a shameless grin. "I have one on every Xianzhou ship. It's like... a home away from home for me."
Caelus nodded, understanding more than he expected. "I can understand that," he murmured thoughtfully. "Having a place that's familiar. Somewhere that's yours."
Feixiao's smile softened. "You get it."
Before he could say anything more, Feixiao stepped closer, closing the distance between them in one fluid motion.
"So, what now—"
He barely finished the sentence before she pulled him into a kiss, her hands gripping the front of his coat to tug him toward her. Caelus responded without hesitation, his arms circling her waist as he deepened the kiss, savoring the softness of her lips and the quiet promise wrapped within the gesture.
The kiss was slow but deliberate, carrying none of the urgency from the night before. This was something different—gentler, a reaffirmation of the connection they had forged between them. He kissed her back with the same intensity, losing himself in the moment, in the feeling of her warmth and the quiet love that swelled inside him.
When Feixiao finally broke the kiss, she stayed close, her lips brushing his as she whispered, "You're mine." Her gaze locked onto his, unwavering. "I don't normally do what we did, but... you, Cae... you've drawn me to you." She smiled, soft but filled with intent. "And I don't plan to let go."
Caelus's heart pounded in his chest, his hands still resting on her waist. "I don't plan to let go either," he said, his voice quiet but certain. "You're mine, Fei. And I'll fight the universe to prove that."
Feixiao giggled softly, her breath still warm against his lips. "Good... See you, lover."
She pulled away, her fingers sliding from his coat with a playful little tug. As she turned and walked off, her hips swayed naturally, with a confidence that Caelus found hypnotic. He couldn't help but watch her leave, completely captivated by her presence.
So mesmerized was he by the sight, he didn't even notice someone approach until a familiar voice broke the spell.
"Damn, she's got an ass."
Caelus blinked, startled. "Yeah, she does..." He trailed off, realizing too late who was speaking. "Guinaifen?!"
Standing beside him with an impish grin was Guinaifen, her red streaks of hair catching the morning light. Her arms were folded casually over her chest, and her mischievous expression told him she was enjoying this far too much.
"'Bout time you noticed me," she teased, nudging him with her elbow. "I saw you making out with the general but didn't want to interrupt your moment."
Caelus's stomach dropped, a sense of dread curling in his gut. "Oh no," he muttered, shooting her a wary glance. "Please don't tell me you took pictures."
Guinaifen's grin widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Maaaybe I did," she sing-songed. "What are you gonna do about it?"
Caelus narrowed his eyes, already calculating his next move. "I'll tell Sushang that you were the one who set up that scene in the haunted house—the one where her clothes got shredded."
Guinaifen gasped dramatically, her playful demeanor faltering for just a second. "You wouldn't!" she hissed, eyes wide with mock horror. "You promised me you wouldn't tell!"
"Don't spread those pictures, Little Gui," Caelus warned, folding his arms across his chest. His voice was firm but not unkind. "If not for me, then for Feixiao."
Guinaifen let out a dramatic sigh, her shoulders slumping in exaggerated defeat. "Fiiiiine. But you owe me for this one."
Caelus smirked, sensing an opportunity. "How about we take our ghost hunting abroad?" he offered casually, watching her eyes light up with interest. "I know some abandoned places on Jarilo-VI that might be haunted."
Guinaifen tilted her head, intrigued. "How haunted are we talking?"
A sly grin spread across Caelus's face. "I think even Mr. Tail might be afraid."
Guinaifen's laughter echoed through the quiet street, bright and full of excitement. "DEAL!" she declared, slapping him on the back. "You better not back out on me, Cae. We're going, and it's gonna be epic!"
Caelus chuckled, shaking his head as she bounced on her heels, already buzzing with energy. As Guinaifen continued chattering about their future ghost-hunting adventure, Caelus glanced once more in the direction Feixiao had gone, a small, contented smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Whatever the future held—whether it was ghosts on Jarilo-VI or battles across the cosmos—he knew one thing for certain: he wasn't alone. And for the first time in a long time, that was more than enough.
