Anthony and Aegir both slumped against a grassy outcrop, they were watching the clear blue sky together; their faces wet with sweat and they also reek of dirt. No matter how much they struggled and tried - they still didn't find the Teleflaur. Aegir held up a peculiar herb, it resembled mint but its color was golden yellow - mirroring the color of Anthony's eyes. That's the same reason why Aegir took it.  
”What's going on with these plants? ” Aegir grumbled. He's becoming more annoyed with each passing second. They were searching for the flower for hours: from the grasses, the bushes, and even atop the trees but still... nothing. 
Anthony could only offer a grunt, he was busy taming his messy hair into his man bun. Aegir pouted, leaning his head on Anthony's shoulder, making Anthony slightly jolt by the sudden contact. Still complaining, Aegir sighed. ”Is that flower even real? I don't want to find it anymore, Master! “ Aegir shook his head, almost throwing a tantrum. 
Anthony took a deep breath, trying to relax himself. ”Let's just rest here, maybe Alucard and Vin already found it. “ There's a hint of blush on his face, Aegir took his hand and held it with his own.  
“It's been so long since we had this peace, Master. After everything, would you take me to places such as these? ” Aegir's voice was soft, his eyes were warm, transfixed with Anthony's orbs. Anthony's eyes widened slightly, his heart fluttering on what he heard. With a smile on his face, Anthony replied with joy, ”Sure, I'd love too! “ His heart was full, it was everything he wished for...to be with Aegir. 
Before, he never thought that he'd want to be with a weird cosplaying man he met but when they stayed with each other through thick and thin... Anthony could say that he could survive anything if this person right in front of him will be his sun. 
Aegir lay on the grass, his hands were still holding Anthony's. He was feeling the soft breeze kissing his face. Anthony followed suit, laying with Aegir, they were now face to face with each other - their cheeks both flushed with a smile on their faces. Laughter rambled on their chests creating a symphony of happiness shared between the two of them. 
”My brother asked me to come back to Cat's Coven but I refused... ” Aegir opened up. It's something Anthony doesn't know and didn't dare to ask. He trusts Aegir to tell him when he's ready. 
He never expected to hear this and the idea of Aegir leaving him doesn't sit well with him. ‘He refused... so, he'll stay... for me? ‘ His thoughts were running wild in his head. It was the only reason he could think of... It's definitely it, right? 
It only took a single glance to confirm it, Aegir's sunshine filled beam aimed directly at him. The same smile that welcomes him at home...his rest and his medicine to make him feel at ease. 
A sense of relief washed over Anthony's heart but he also felt a little cocky to ask, “Is it because of me? “ he playfully smirked.  
Aegir leaned to Anthony's chest, making it a pillow. Aegir was feeling the beat of his master's heart before replying boldly with a chuckle, “I am happier with you, it is the place I belong. “ There was contentment in his voice and for both of them - it was all they could ask for.
And it was the boost Anthony was looking for... to do the first move and to cross the place of no return. 
Anthony's voice was almost a whisper, his heart ramming loudly - all of it for Aegir to hear. “Say, Aegir. Would you listen to me and let me speak my heart out if we survive the raid? “ Aegir hummed peacefully, closing his eyes. 
Aegir had seen this moment once in Vin's comics. He found it silly before but the way butterflies rambled inside of his stomach - proved otherwise. It was a pleasant feeling. He never knew it was possible. 
He'd tell him what he feels by then too, he hopes that he'll accept it.  
They never knew that they have the same thoughts all alone - to be accepted, even though their feelings already made it pass through the borders and now resonate with each other. 
Anthony raised his pinky finger, smiling. ”It's a promise, okay? '' Aegir grinned, mimicking Anthony. Their fingers both clasped each other - sealing a promise. 
-
Saint sauntered over to Anthony and Aegir, who were huddled together, their faces flushed with embarrassment. A mischievous glint flickered in Saint's eyes. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" he teased. He went close to Vin to re-enact what he had seen before. Their faces inched closer, making kissy faces, laughing afterwards in amusement. 
”How bold of you, you did great! ” Ssint tapped Anthony's shoulder, proud of his friend for daring to do it. ”What a man! ” he continued, winking. 
Anthony swatted Saint's hand away, his cheeks burning even brighter. "Nothing! Shut up, Saint!" he hissed. Saint laughed again, louder this time. 
Aegir was sending daggers to Saint as if he wanted to drill multiple holes in his body. Saint raised both of his hands as if he's surrendering. ”Alright, alright! I won't ask! But did you all find what you're looking for? ” He asked, taking a bottle of water from his mat. 
All of the people present were glum. “You didn't? '' Saint continued. Alucard was the one to respond, his hand on his forehead as if he was having a bad headache, ”It's not here! I am starting to doubt Cross' intel. We already searched far and wide but... nothing! “ The calm Alucard was on the verge of losing it. He cannot fail this mission - it's very important! 
He pointed at Vin who has an apologetic expression on his face the moment Alucard did the action. ”See, that bastard? Confident yet he himself couldn't find it! “ Vin whistled awkwardly. ”Alright! I am wrong, okay? So, what will we do now? “ Vin shrugged, his face looked calm but he wanted to kick that flower away the moment he saw it. Alucard ordered him around like crazy like he's sort of a dog. 
Saint took the teapot he brought and fill the cups sprawled in his mat. He offered them to his companion who stared at him like he was a comedian. “What? You need tea to calm your nerves. You're hungry, aren't you? I also have some cookies here, you know? ” On cue, Aegir's stomach rumbled making Saint throw them the, 'I told you so' look.  
”The last time I checked you didn't bring this, “ It was Anthony who raised a question about the tea cup set the idiot had brought. He was having the best time in his life while they were suffering. 
Saint laughed. “I had my butler send these. He knows the location. No need to worry, you need all the strength you need to find the flower. Hours later, it'll be sun down, you can't afford to waste time. ” He offered the cups again and went to get a large paper bag filled with warm cookies.  
Aegir was first to take the cup and sniffed it, investigating the contents of the red liquid inside of it. “What is this? ” It smelled bizzare like the mixture of a floral and woody scent making Aegir find it weird. There was also something in this concoction that felt familiar but he couldn't pinpoint what. 
“It's just tea! In fact, it's one of the flowers you can find in this place. It happened to be my favorite, I've been drinking it for years so it's safe, ” Saint guaranteed, taking a sip of the cup to prove that it's nothing bad. 
“What flower? Aegir asked again, not believing Saint. 
Saint sighed and took the flower from his little pouch. Revealing a crimson flower that resembled blood. In the center of it was silver, looking like the shape of an iris. From it flowed a clear white liquid making it perceived like the flower was shedding tears.  
The calm Alucard screamed and the others were looking at Saint, gaping. ”What are you looking like? Swear, it's safe. I just picked it there. I even have some in my home. ”
'Why would a human have the Teleflaur? And how the heck can he see it? '
That's what they thought that was running through their minds. 
-