Hsr fic!! Stelle and Welt talk after a long journey.
It was quiet aboard the Astral Express.
The lights were dimmed, making the stars outside seem especially bright and close. A familiar melody played softly from the other end of the carriage.
All the crew members had gone to their cabins.
March 7th was long asleep, having thrown all her animal-shaped pillows onto the floor. Dan Heng, tired from playing numerous board games, had also retired. Himeko and Pom-Pom were discussing their plans in the conductor's cabin.
Only Welt and Stelle remained in the parlor car. The man was reading a brand-new book, frowning in concentration.
The Trailblazer pulled her gaze away from the window and found the most comfortable spot on the sofa, then sat down next to him.
“How are you, Mr. Yang? It's not often we get time to relax.”
She glanced over the man's shoulder at the book's pages, but seeing the dates and obscure scientific terms, she discreetly made a face and turned away.
Welt looked up from his book and smiled politely.
“I'm fine, as always. I think you guys should enjoy a rare moment of peace together. Who knows when we'll be able to take a break next time.”
Welt scanned the book, searching for the line he was looking for, and then returned to his reading.
It seemed that the entire carriage was engulfed in a peaceful slumber. The air was filled with the faint smell of coffee and carrot muffins baked by Pom-Pom and March.
Stelle sighed briefly and rested her head on the man's shoulder.
“Tell me, how are you doing? It feels like we haven't spoken in a while.”
Welt glanced at the girl. A flicker of surprise crossed his face. However, he quickly regained his composure and replied calmly:
“So, how am I doing?... Well, I recently figured out how to use that video app March was talking about. I've already come across some wonderful animators... It's amazing how much information I've missed over the years.”
Welt patted her head and added:
“Thank you for teaching an old man like me. Being around you youngsters always makes me feel like I still have so much to learn.”
Stelle closed her eyes thoughtfully, then said in a relaxed voice, “Right, you like animation. Maybe you could draw something for us? For March and for Dan Heng. For example, about our adventures... And about the Galactic Baseballer. I know you haven't drawn in a while, but it's never too late to start again, right?”
Welt took off his glasses and, out of habit, wiped them with a cloth.
“Yes, I really haven't done that in a while. Perhaps our journey of Trailblaze could have made a pretty good story. Pom-Pom would make a charming mascot, don't you think? I suppose I could give it a try. Although, I'm not sure you'd like my cartoons. Perhaps we have completely different tastes...”
Stelle smiled confidently:
“You'll definitely do great, whatever you do.”
They spent a while in silence, each lost in their own thoughts; however, there was no awkwardness between them. Perhaps this is what they call ‘home.’ No matter how exciting the adventure may be, you can always come back. And when you do, you'll definitely be welcomed back, just like before.
“Anyway, I wanted to say,” Stelle broke the silence, “that I love you, Mr. Yang. You and the entire Astral Express crew. Dan Heng, March, Himeko, Pom-Pom -you're all family to me. We've been through so much, and I'd love to see even more new places. Together. No matter what happens to me or my memories, I'll always know you're my family.”
Welt was completely at a loss. He looked straight at Stelle, trying to find the right words. Welt awkwardly adjusted his glasses, took a deep breath, and hugged her. Gently stroking her head, he replied:
“Thank you, Stelle. Your words... mean a lot to me. I don't know how long it's been since I heard something like that. This crew is my family too, and I will do everything I can to protect you. We can rely on each other, right?” A warm glimmer flickered in his eyes.
Stelle hugged the man back tightly and whispered,
It was the first time anyone had called him that.
He froze, but only for a moment.
Stelle, buried in his sweater, couldn't see his face; she only heard his ragged breathing and the words spoken from somewhere above in a soft voice, “No need to thank me. Everything is fine, dear. You don't have to worry about anything anymore - I'll be here.”
Wherever the Astral Express goes, whatever wondrous places the travelers visit, they will always be able to return to the people who are waiting for them. Yes, that's what they call ‘home.’
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
ellievsbear
gracieabrams
snowghoul
