Even with the memories still so vivid in his mind, his body feels like nothing ever happened. His hair and eyes are back to their normal two-toned selves, but there's no doubt in his mind that he's the true Divine One now. And once he's had enough time to rest up, he's curious to see what his new self is capable of.

But most important of all, he saved his sister. Veyle is still timid around the rest of the party, sticking close to Mauvier's side, but he wants to believe she'll get more comfortable. Maybe even make some new friends, after she's been alone all this time.

A knock comes at his door, and Alear sighs a little. It's not that he doesn't appreciate their concern, but everyone's been asking if he's okay. Are you able to walk? You don't feel faint, do you? Are you hungry? Are you sure your body can hold that much power? Granted, most of it's come from Vander and the twins, but still.

"I'm all right, honest. Surely you've got better things to do with your time," he teases.

"I'm sorry! I just..." Oh. Alear instantly feels guilty, he hadn't had much time to speak to Alcryst since they returned from Lythos. But he remembers exactly what the prince said, the fear and grief still etched on his face. Without a word, he stands up and opens the door.

"Come in."

As soon as the door closes and they're seated on the luxurious bed, Alcryst flings himself against his chest, sobbing hysterically. Alear's arms instinctively catch him, holding him fast in a firm embrace, closing his eyes as the prince's relief and sorrow seep into his tunic and vest.

"You're here," Alcryst manages between gasps and hiccups, "you're really here, it's really you, I was so afraid...! I thought I'd never see you again!" One hand clumsily reaches for Alear's face, palming his cheek. "It's really you..."

"It's really me." Alear takes his hand, gently squeezing. "I'm sorry I worried you." Alcryst pulls closer, as if trying to reassure himself that the body he clings to is flesh and bone. Little by little, his sobs die down, his shoulders only giving the occasional hitch as his tears still flow.

Alcryst's body is warm against his own, and despite knowing beyond the shadow of the doubt that his own body is real, it's reassuring to be able to feel. He won't pretend it wasn't a terrifying couple of hours; dying, his corruption, dying again, wondering if he'd ever return before the Emblems showed him their true power. But he can only imagine what it was like for them.

For Alcryst.

Finally, Alcryst's tears come to a stop and he relaxes, taking several deep breaths. Alear rests his cheek against his silky blue locks.

"Better now?" Alcryst nods against his chest, sniffling.

"I'm sorry for falling apart like that." He slowly lifts his gaze, his cheeks damp and his eyes puffy, and Alear reaches up to stroke his face. Alcryst leans into his hand, sighing a little. "I'm glad you're back. I-I don't know what I'd have done if..." He shakes his head. "I'm sorry, you're here, I know this isn't a dream, but-"

"Alcryst." He brushes the other's remaining tears away with his thumb. "It's okay." He rests his forehead against Alcryst's, offering a gentle smile. "I'm here for good this time, I'm not going anywhere. I promise," he whispers. Alcryst nods, sniffling a little, curling more into him.

They sit in silence for some time, simply savoring each other's warmth. This isn't the first time Alcryst has been to his room, Alear has invited him to sit and chat or play the piano together. But that was usually during the daytime, and Alcryst was always so stiff and nervous. There's a certain intimacy in the late hour, the moonlight peeking through the curtains, and Alcryst's vulnerability.

He could get used to this. Scratch that, he feels like he already is. Alear cherishes all of his allies, but he can't deny that Alcryst ensnared his heart fairly quickly. What started as him wanting to give the prince the praise he denied himself quickly deepened into stronger affections.

Love, perhaps.

"Hey, Alcryst?" Alcryst looks up, he's much calmer now and the tearstains have almost faded. The moonlight catches the silky softness of his hair, making it almost glow, and he looks almost achingly beautiful.

"Yes?"

"Would you stay here with me tonight?" The prince's cheeks flush, his eyes shining, and he smiles. Alcryst looks even more beautiful when he smiles, rare as it is.

"I'd like that." He breathes deeply, moving a little closer, their faces less than an inch apart. "Divine One? I mean...Alear?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I...kiss you?"

Alear closes the distance between them in response, soft and gentle. Alcryst melts into it, against him, they fit so perfectly together and Alear has never felt more alive.