anonymous love letters

Poppy

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Mar 18, 2015
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This was... going so well!

Astor was surprised himself. Aside from the funny tingling blushing on his face, Astor found the flow of the conversation easy, and Jericho easy to talk to. He wasn't really expecting that this would end like how he imagined it, and he was still pretty nervous that Jericho would find out that he was the creeper that left love letters in his locker, but at the same time, he wished they would have an amicable relationship. Maybe even become... friends?

Ahh. He was getting ahead of himself. He nodded at Jericho's sympathy, glad that the difficulty of the concept wasn't lost on him. His father made him feel like it should be so easy sometimes. "It... is kind of rough. Yes. I come from a long line of reapers. The pressure is really high."

When the cup was put down, Astor muttered a soft 'thank you' as he raised it to take a sip of his tea. He listened to Jericho's story with his full attention. Jericho and death were two things that he never associated together. Jericho felt like the opposite of death: Bright and bursting, young, full of responsibilities. Apparently that was why. The hypothetical situation of Jericho dying made him sad. Jericho made so many people happy, Astor included. At this time, it was so difficult to imagine that he wouldn't be here to do it anymore.

He wanted to offer a kind word, some sort of reassurance.

But what Jericho said next made his face pale.

This was the absolute worst case scenario he could think of. He knew he should've walked away. He knew he should've turned him down. It was so easy to feel nice around him and it was so easy to get blown away with how he felt for him that Astor didn't realize he was being led into a trap. The first thing he did was pull on his hood again and cover his mouth, trying to push his bad feelings down so they wouldn't spill into the surface, but they did anyway in the way his shoulders trembled and his eyes were glossy with tears.

"You knew..." he said, voice so soft it was almost ghostly. The edges of him started to blur into shadows but he couldn't melt into the shadows himself because there weren't any nearby. "I'msosorry. I hope you don't think I'm creepy, I just wanted to t-tell you t-that t-the t-things you d-do me-meant a l-lot to me and I did it once and I realized I could d-do it again and I got carried away. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
 

Batty

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"No kidding… But hey, you’re your own person too. I bet you’ll be the best reaper yet."

So far, things were beginning to go really well. Astor seemed less introverted, less scared of him. This was excellent! He wanted to show the boy that there was nothing to be afraid of. It wasn’t like he was anything but human. Maybe not a person, but he was still human. Too many of his customers it seemed forgot about that. Some just saw him as a figure, capable of his occupation. Granted, sometimes he let it go to his head. He had a massive ego at times and saw himself just as others did. An angel.

But he was anything but.

He was just as flawed as any other 18 year old frat/pretty boy wannabe. He got so lost in his composure that he sometimes forgot others weren't like him. Even now.

He looked back to see a much different boy than seconds prior once he confessed his plan. This boy was practically fading away, trembling from the apparent horror. "...Astor…?" Jericho then whispered out to the reaper practically hiding in his hoodie. He may have been hiding, but the trickling sunlight revealed one major catastrophe in his rushed plan- His admirer was now on the brink of tears.

"Wait Astor I really didn’t mean-" He cut himself off as the boy spoke more. Soon enough, the negativity cast ricocheted off of the smaller boy and onto what was previously his sun. The doubts Jericho often guised bubbled in his head, clouding his usually clear-cut mentality.

Dumbass, of course the kid didn’t want to get caught! Why else would he do this all anonymously?

Jericho approached softly, this idea seeming much less like negativity and more like the cold truth. He… Hadn’t really thought of that. He wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed and it shined through here. He raised a hand through his rusty colored hair. Oh boy, what a mess he had made.

"Hey hey hey… It’s alright… Please, I really don’t think you’re creepy..." His voice immediately flipped on itself. Going from confidently gentle to humblingly soft, almost a whisper. "I’m… Really sorry. I should have known that you’re shy and that there was absolutely nothing wrong with that. I just… I got ahead of myself. I got so wrapped up in the mystery that I got a bit carried away..." He sighed. Both his shoulders and wings withered in shame. "You can leave if you want. I just… I just wanted to know why you said those things..." His arms folded across his chest. The rare blush touched his lightly tanned cheeks. The heat refused to leave his face. "Because they were incredibly sweet."
 

Poppy

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Astor met his eyes. He wanted, deep in his heart, to stop crying and trust Jericho — his happiness, his secret crush, his angel — but having a school life defined by people shoving you or outright ignoring you didn't help. Astor was overwhelmed with fear at that very moment. He didn't want to be humiliated by Jericho of all people.

It was a good thing he was secretly an optimist. He wanted to believe Jericho's tone and kind words were real, that maybe he would be as kind as he imagined him. He studied the blush in his face and went oh. Usually, that meant people were being sincere unless Jericho was actually a really, really good actor.

His shoulders stopped trembling after a moment. Slowly, he lowered the hand covering his mouth, wiped off his incoming tears, and placed it back on his lap. His fingers fidgeted, and he let out a long, trembling exhale before gathering his courage.

Here went absolutely everything.

"Half a year ago, the Host Club threw an event here and... one of my classmates dragged me along because she didn't have money and I wanted to make some friends so I volunteered to pay." Forced, more like. But he did it so he supposed he was partly to blame. "W-we came in a group, I was wearing the school outfit, I don't think you would've remembered me... I'm... easy to forget. But you offered me tea and smiled at me and. It was so overwhelming so I left early, but after that, I-I-I... c-couldn't help myself, I grew to like you... Sometimes I'd. Come here. Watch you from the shadows. Every time it was like looking at the sun, and when I get stressed, I think of you and I feel better... you make me feel better..." He hugged his arms close to his chest and looked away. "Sending you letters made me feel like I had a connection with you. You probably got a lot. I didn't think you'd even read them! So I... thought I was safe. So I kept sending more. I'm sorry."
 

Batty

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With baited breath, Jericho watched Astor and how he would respond to this. Despite the bubbling uncertainty crackling under his surface, he still did his best to regain that cool composure. If he didn't, bad things would happen. Not on the sense of his reputation or something petty like that, but when he grew emotionally unstable, his psychokinesis went haywire. And he didn't want to have to replace a window again.

But that wasn't his priority at the moment. He just... Didn't want Astor to get hurt. Physically or emotionally. Or leave him. Because of his own damn stupidity. He watched, his grey-green eyes soft as his wings pulled up tightly against his back. His hand tracing the top of the sofa parallel to the reaper. Himself taking a seat as he sat with his legs folded and his hands on his knee. Giving his full attention as he could tell he was about to admit to something. Jericho just wanted to be there. To tell him it was okay. That it was no shame in admitting his emotions.

So he listened. About the boy who came to the club a half year ago. Though Jericho's memory was a bit shoddy at times, he had to admit that there was a hint of him in it before. He felt guilty for not remembering his face initially. But then he recalled that day. He was there, in the midst of dozens of pretty boys and girls in dresses and suits. He wore black. A shadow in the sunlight, but in a sense radiant on his own. "Hey... I think I remember that day..." He muttered to himself, but beyond that, he kept silent. He tried to scrape up the faint memories the best he could. He had bits and pieces, but they were enough to estimate a whole picture. Which was... Odd, because usually the man could remember what he did two days ago, let alone months prior. So why did it stick out so much...?

When he finished up his tale, Jericho tried his best to digest it all. Mulling over everything in his head. Just thinking about how much the other really did care for him... In a way none of his customers could. It made him take some things into consideration. After a bit, he finally spoke. "Is that so...?" He reached out for his mug. Softly taking a sip before continuing. "I... Well, like I said... You really don't need to apologize. You're the one that caught my eye, after all." Well, it was true. While Jericho really did like to flirt and cater to the equally confident people, he even more so liked to spend time with introverts and people who really did want companionship and not just someone to giggle over. "You know... I did save all of them. The letters that is. I have them in a drawer in the dressing room. And sometimes when I come up here alone... I read them again. And no matter the mood I'm in... They always end up making me smile. So... Thank you Astor for the letters. And thank you for not running away when I kinda freaked you out there." Jericho himself smiled. Almost sheepishly, as he continued to speak. What he said next would be a bold move, even for him.

"So um... Astor?" He put his mug down, folding his hands over his crossed knee. His head tilted a bit, as his soft smile turned into a bit of an eased grin. "Are you doing anything this Friday?"
 

Poppy

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Jericho... kept all of them.

So he was right? He liked them? He liked him... and he was so gentle. This whole exchange made him realize how utterly broken he was. His brother hounded his waking hours, luring him in with promises of being better and turning around on the same day with yet another thing to hurt him and make him cry, laugh at his tears. He thought Jericho would be the same, since they were cut from the same charming, popular cardboard. But he couldn't be. Jericho was so kind, as radiant as he imagined him to be.

He wouldn't hurt him.

Astor's lips trembled for a bit. He was crying and blushing all at the same time, but it was because he was overwhelmed and relieved, not because of fear or sadness this time. It was such a good, bright, bursting feeling that he couldn't help but laugh. He only realized how seldom he laughed because when he heard it, it sounded odd to his ears. He wiped his tears away and covered his mouth with his hands to keep his grin, but he looked at Jericho with large, glossy, hopeful eyes.

Because if Astor was ever anything, it was hopeful, and he hoped everyday things would get better for him. It looked like this time, they finally were.

"You're... you're welcome." He didn't really know how to follow that up, but he hoped Jericho got the idea. Apology accepted, gratitude filed neatly in his heart, heartbeat threatening to soar into the heavens. He wiped the hair out his eyes since they began to prickle his eyes uncomfortably and rubbed his eyes again for good measure.

Was he... going to ask him to hang out? (Was he going to ask him out???)

He couldn't really figure out what his thoughts were, right then. He was at least pretty sure there was a lot of inward screaming with a steady 'aaaaaaaaaaaaaa', though. A blush crept up to his face as he slowly shook his head. "I'm... not doing anything this Friday. Why do you ask?"
 

Batty

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The moment Astor came to laugh, Jericho cracked a grin. Then a chuckle, before sold you laughing back. He didn't know what was funny, or why either of them were laughing. All that he knew was this sheepish boy, who seemed would be impossible to get a smile from, was contagious. This whole outcome was so unexpected and yet so satisfying.And now that he had him hooked, it was time to reel him in.

The Nephilim’s wings ruffled as he felt the room warm up. Was that just all in his head? Probably not. It felt… Nice. His security in the fact that his mission had been a success so far had really perked up Jericho’s perspective. Even if he ran a club where people paid to talk to him, at times it felt… Empty. He sparsely talked to people outside club hours, and even they seemed to come sometimes for pretty superficial things, as expected. But Astor… He was the first to genuinely pursue him because of the host club.

And because of that, this next offer was the least he could do.

"You’re free? Awesome." Jericho started as his grin turned a bit more sheepish. He placed a hand on the back of his neck as he looked a bit away. "Well.. I was thinking.."

Go on man, say it!

The voice at the back of his head filled him with a brand of determination. He straightened himself up and cleared his throat. "How does dinner sound? Or a movie? You pick. I mean, just something to say thank you..." But what if he didn’t like eating? Or he was allergic to movies? Think, Jericho, think! "I-I mean… It;s up to you. I guess I just wanted to like… Ask you out maybe?"
 

Poppy

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"Yes!" Astor said, and in the back of his head, it astounded him how easily he said it. He was usually the type of person that overthought everything, feeling things more intensely than other people, and he braced himself for the inevitable tidal wave of anxious, guilty feelings.

And he found that there was none.

There was only the warm glow of the sun, and the wonderful, wonderful way Jericho was looking at him. There was only the near maddening thumping of his heart, so fast he could feel the beats at the back of his throat, stomach churning and head light in the best of ways. Astor only felt a bit silly for his excitement, looking down at his mug of tea, and offered his phone to Jericho with his number on the screen. The pumpkin keychain swung a bit with the movement.

"I-I'm... I want to, yes!" He nodded. "We can do whatever you want, er. I'm fine with whatever."

He usually wasn't, but he was this time. He was fine with trying things with Jericho, so warm and sweet and bright. He made him feel... better. About everything.
 

Batty

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[BCOLOR=transparent]
[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Yes![/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Jericho almost jumped. He didn’t expect the quiet young man to accept his offer so eagerly. But when he did… Well, Jericho couldn’t be happier.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]His own feelings were a bit… In a fluster, for once. Of course, Jericho wasn’t a stranger to people fawning over him. It was apart of his trade. Who he was. But the way Astor lit up was something he hadn’t seen in awhile. It was.. Nice, having a guy that just really wanted to get to know him. In a way club visitors just didn’t. So he wanted to give this guy a chance. After all, Jericho couldn’t imagine the courage it took to do this. Stepping out of one’s shell was no easy task, which is why he almost admired this guy for doing so. Even if Jericho felt he failed his expectations. He was no angel, after all.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]”Dinner good then?" Jericho asked as he took out his own phone to make a note of his number, before doing the same with Astor’s. Gently, he gave it back. "There ya go. I think I know a place too, unless you had something in mind." He smiled. Jericho was naturally a man with a plan. Granted, his decision making skills weren’t exactly up to snuff like they should be. But hey, it was the effort that counted. Even if his ideas have ended with his wing stapled to curtains, or his hair nearly set ablaze. This was a simple date though, and he had a nice place in mind with plenty of surprises in store. What could possibly go wrong?[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Well, I don’t wanna take up too much of your time. Especially if you got classes. After all, the way you worded those letters makes me think you’re the super smart type. Last thing you need is a bad influence like me." He laughed then, for he knew there was nothing more far from the truth. Jericho wouldn’t harm a fly. "I’ll see ya then?" He smiled warmly. At this point, he was excited. He really felt… Like this was going somewhere.
[/BCOLOR]
 

Poppy

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Mar 18, 2015
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Astor considered his mother's restaurant for a bit, but flushed thinking about how she would probably... fuss around him in front of Jericho. Ahh, no. Maybe the second date, if there was a second that is. Oh dear. Thinking about a second date already was making him dizzy. He was practically vibrating from excitement.

"I-I don't think you're a bad influence, um." He cleared his throat and stood up, trembling knees and all, oh dear. "I... I'll see you later. Jericho. Um. Please text me?"

It took a few moments for Astor to turn around to leave into the hallway. He stared at Jericho for a bit, just basking, until his backtracking bumped against a table and he mumbled a, "oops, sorry, ahh."

As soon as his foot stepped into a shadow, his physical form broke down into a shadow itself and became one with the hallway corridor.

He had a date. He had a date!

This was the best day ever!
 
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