Chapter 38
The later into the night it got the colder it felt for Noel who's body was not as use to such conditions. Huddling up on the cave floor as he tried to sleep Jade could see the man shivering uncomfortably at the chill in the air. His clothing had dried from the breeze when he was carrying him earlier but it looked as though he could still not handle the cold air.
Moving over to the side of the cave that Noel was sleeping on he slowly placed his back against the wall and slid down it until he was sitting down just above Noel's head. Closing his eyes as if to sleep while he sat there his hand slowly moved over onto Noel's side. Pulling his body over Noel started to slowly wake up and realize that he was being moved.
Face flushing red at the feeling of Jade's hand pulling at him his head landed on Jade's lap. It was obvious at a glance that Jade was wide awake and pretending to be asleep. Noel wanted to say something or ask him what he was doing but the words were caught in his throat. The warmth radiating from Jade's body to him felt comfortable so he just remained quiet and laid there with his head resting on his lap.
Jade's hand slowly slid onto Noel's chest and relaxed there. His breathing softening at the comforting feeling of holding the barkeep on his lap. Caressing Noel's chest with his thumb he could feel his consciousness fading quick as his body relaxed. He was completely unaware of how he was making Noel's face blush bright red because his conscious was already fading out.
Noel was not sure what had drove the man to come over and hold him as they slept but he was too tired to protest and he rather enjoyed being close to Jade. The only thing that bothered him was that he still had yet to realize his feelings for Noel and Noel only wanted the man to admit to his feelings. As he tilted his head to look up at Jade's sleeping face he could hear his soft breathing. Those long eye lashes gave him the urge to reach up and softly place his finger under them to feel that soft tickling sensation they gave as Jade dreamed. He could not help but wonder what the man dreamed about.
"You two look more comfortable with each other." Capricorn teased Noel as he walked into the cave after checking the vicinity for precaution. The fact that the barkeep's face would flush red at such words was amusing to him. "I see he's out cold again."
"Yes.. I was too til he came over and moved me." Noel said as he knew he was uncomfortable because of the cold before and could only wonder if Jade had moved for his sake.
"You should get some sleep because tomorrow we should be reaching the Void." Capricorn debated on warning Noel ahead of time that he could not follow Jade into the Void but when he considered his options he felt like it was best for now to let the man dream. If he made the man panic right now it would only worsen their situation and he could not endanger the safety of his prince. When he spoke again his voice was firm. "Tomorrow you'll want all the strength you can get."
"Is the Void that dangerous?" Noel asked as he could see that Capricorn was holding back from telling him everything. He had long gotten use to Jade hiding things from him so he had adapted to people hiding things from him.
"It's not the Void I'm worried about.." Capricorn said as his mind wandered in several directions. He could not help but feel they were not out of the woods yet from Silvester and Logan. Looking over at Jade and Noel he pondered how to handle things in the future between those two as well. It was clear that separating them from each other would not be an easy task when the time came but as much as he wanted to admit it things felt to him that Noel would not be the difficult one to get to let go.
The crackling sound of the fire pit filled the cave as Capricorn watched the two of them falling asleep huddled up together at the side of the cave. Jade's body shifted slightly in his sleep as his grip on Noel's body tightened. Noel's face was nuzzled up against the man's stomach as they both breathed calmly as if they were sleeping on a regular bed at home. A small calico cat was curled around Jade's neck with it's tail curled around him. Purring could be heard as it nestled him closely.
It did not take long for them both to fall deep into their slumber as Capricorn kept watch over them. If they had known he would stay up all night to keep watch they both probably would had protested and requested to help keep watch but neither of them were aware at the time. The man that had been guiding them safely throughout their escape from the city that night did not allow himself to doze off for even a minute. Throughout the night he remained fully awake making occasional trips out of the cave to check their vicinity and ensure that nothing was able to sneak up on them. He was not willing to take risks with the life of Jade and only wanted to ensure that the prince made it safely back to the Void where he belonged.
That night Capricorn did not allow himself to take rest like the others. By the time morning rolled around he was still wide awake and without asking for a moment to catch up on his own rest they would resume their traveling. His eyes slitting like that of a leopard he pushed all his senses to the max as best as he could to retain his awareness without the others becoming aware that he had not slept in forty eight hours.