Chapter Text
✦
Nights on the Express were quiet, only the slow melody playing from the phonograph breaking the silence harmoniously. Each member of the Express in the comfort of their rooms, few already embracing sleep, while others are content to enjoy the moment of tranquility the darkened skies brought.
One could only toss and turn restlessly. Caelus did not dream, he did not dare to do so. A shuddering breath escaped his slightly chapped lips, filling the empty silence that surrounded him. The silence, it did not comfort them like it did others. It was too quiet in a way that made it too loud at the very same time. A sudden thought occurred to him, a wave of relief followed with it. Himeko, she was knowledgeable and kind, she would certainly know how to guide him through this problem he was having.
With careful movements Caelus turned and sat up, letting his legs hang over the edge of his bed, his feet quietly landing against the floor. The other members could very well be sleeping, so he did not wish to disturb them, being as quiet as he could muster. They stood up from their bed and made their way to the door of their room, their feet quietly padding against the floor as they walked. They opened the door in slow movements, sliding it open in a way to not make noise. They stepped through the doorway and into the dark hallway, letting their door stay open as they hopefully wouldn't take too long to be back. His eyes slowly adjusted to the darker room and once he could see clearer than before, he started to make his way to Himeko’s room.
When Caelus reached the door, he faltered. What if he disrupted her? She could already be fast asleep, he wouldn’t want to wake her up for a reason as silly as having a little trouble with something he could solve on his own if he tried hard enough. In the end, they made the decision to not bother her, instead just sitting down on the floor to think. Their back pressed against the wall of Himeko’s room, sat right next to the door. His legs were crossed and his hands were held together, laid in his lap. He was trying to come up with a solution to his small problem, though he was pulled from his mind when he registered the sound of music. It was a slow melody, not quite like the record playing on the phonograph in the parlor car. This piece felt like the stars themself were singing, a tune that would only make sense to be played from within the walls of the Astral Express, with Himeko.
Caelus leaned his head back against the wall quietly and closed his eyes to listen to the music playing from behind the door, relaxing his body finally. His grey messy hair fell slightly into his face, but he paid it no mind. He didn’t even have time to acknowledge the way his eyes felt heavier than before, his body going limp, before he could no longer hear the delicate song of the stars. His sleep would be peaceful tonight, only dreaming of the many stars that shined down upon him and his journey.
✦