Chapter Text
Daniel wondered around the mansion, bored. Today was a free-day, in which everyone can do whatever they wanted to, but Daniel here was simply bored. He had no one to talk to, and he wasn't in the mood to gamble. It was also night, around 8PM or so, he didn't keep track of time. His velvet-rose shaded eyes dully gazed here and there, trying to find anything that will pique his interest but, sadly, there was nothing. He just wanted to do something, his precious beautiful grey coloured feline tailing behind. He softly grazed his fingers against the rough surface of the antique walls of the mansion. A soft sigh escaped his lips, his pace sluggish and lazy, hands shoved in his pants' pockets.
Not really paying attention to where he was heading, he turned to some room with huge doors and gently pushed it open. He looked around, the place completely almost dark, except for one place. He realized soon where he was ㅡ The Library. His eyes instinctively darted towards the very faint source of light from not so far, humming quietly as he noticed a familiar face. The lit candle gave out the man's face from the surrounding darkness, as Daniel walked over to approached. He looked over to the book they read, hands gently grazing over the small bumps imprinted on the pages, and then he eyed the quiet man.
" N'doul. " He called out in a rather hushed tone as the man stopped on his reading, turning his head to face the gambler. " Daniel. " He spoke and the gambler smiled. " I see you're busying yourself with reading. " He stated, shifting his way around N'doul before taking down a seat beside him. N'doul felt something brush up against his leg, something soft and.. something purring. He soon realized what it was a chuckled, picking it up with care. " I see you've brought company. " Daniel returned the laugh, " Why yes. Do you mind her? " N'doul shook his head. " Not really. In fact, I think she'd be happy to stay. " He kindly smiled at Daniel, and the gambler felt his heart skip a beat.
N'doul hummed shortly with a subtle smile before continuing to read again. " What is it about? " Daniel curiously asked and rested his cheek on a palm, lazily gazing at the silent blind man. It was quiet for a few seconds before N'doul offered, " Would you like me to read the part where I am now? " " Feel free to do so. " And so the blind man read as he began to read, his voice would sometimes dip or rise for the characters' speeches. He watched with a gentle gaze upon him, a goofy smile subconsciously spread across his face, as he listened with intent. N'doul gentle combed the feline's fur who had rested on his lap and purred against his warm touch. He felt Daniel's intent gaze on him, pausing and asking, " Is there something on my face? " Daniel's face quickly grew red. " N- no.. keep going. "
This continued for about an hour or two, there were moments Daniel would offer to get water for the man's throat if he wanted to keep going. N'doul would decline his offer but Daniel was somewhat a step ahead, smiling fondly at the gambler's kindness and taking his drink before reading once again. In the midst of it, he had let out a quiet yawn, but he kept reading. Daniel's brows furrowed in concern. Again, N'doul had opened his mouth and another yawn had escaped, immediately apologizing, " Sorry, Daniel.. " " It's alright, " the gambler was quick to reassure him, closing the book after sliding in a bookmark. It was silent again, not until Daniel broke the ice, " N'doul.. " He called out and shook the man's shoulders who was startled and jumped a little from where he sat. " Yes..? "
The gambler pursed him lips as he stared at the other, sighing before he pulled the man close to him, letting his head rest on his shoulder as the feline hopped off the man's lap. " It's nothing. Rest if you like, " N'doul's lips curved into a smile, chuckling as he made himself comfortable. " Thank you, Daniel.. " his voice was a mere whisper and it silenced soon. Daniel gazed upon him warmly, can't helping to smile like some lovestruck idiot a the sight of him looking so peaceful. It took a while, until he heard the man softly snore. " Oh. Has he fallen asleep..? " he whispered to himself, gently shaking N'doul to wake him up, but he didn't want to. Not knowing what to do, he carefully slid an arm by N'doul's back of his shoulders, the other beneath his legs. He picked up his cane with his stand, sliding it under his arm, and put out the fire.
He made his way to the exit with the help of the full moon's shining moonlight, down the halls, to N'doul's room. He had the man softly held in his arms and Daniel couldn't help but glance everytime. The feline followed after them, meowing weakly in worry as Daniel reassured her, There were times N'doul would shift a little, and now he's facing his chest, his body huddled up as Daniel just wanted to hug him so badly. He soon got to his room, guiding N'doul to his bed and carefully put him down there. He tucked him in just like how a mother takes care of their child, despite him being younger. The cat hopped onto the mattress and curled herself at the man's foot, as Daniel stared dumbstuck. " Kitty! We have to go! " he whisper-yelled but the cat ignored him, making his groan and roll his eyes. He forced her as well but she wouldn't budge and just return to where his legs were.
" Fine, be like that then. " He turned away but then something tugged his pants. He looked down and saw the cat pulling him back in. " A- are you saying me that I should stay!? " the cat meowed a rather happily, pressing her head on the space beside N'doul. She was suggesting he should sleep beside N'doul, and the idea made the gambler red-faced. " Are you nuts!? " The cat just stared at him and he sighed, shaking his head. It took a lot of convincing before Daniel gave up, the cat threatened to wake up N'doul, that's why. Cautiously, he slipped in under the sheets, on the empty space beside the sleeping man. He laid there still, nervous as the cat came up next to his face and purred her head againsts his, telling him to relax in which he attempted. He did relax a little after a while, smiling a little as he stared at the ceiling. He faced the other side, towards the edge, so he didn't have to face N'doul.
But then, he felt a pair of arms wrap around him. Daniel mentally freaked out and froze again. He felt his face go hot again as the other scooted closer to him. N'doul buried his face on Daniel's back. 'Oh God, oh God, oh God, ohGod, ohGodohGodoHGODOHGODOHGOD.' Daniel wasn't mentally prepared for this. His lips were tightly pursed, eyes shut tight. The feline didn't help at all as she took N'doul's side now. Great, now they were stuck like this. Time went so slow for Daniel but he found himself slowly succumbing under N'doul's warm embrace. Soon, he relaxed as he had completely lost himself in his warmth. He smiled softly, and held the other's arms with his, and pressed his back closer to him. He had his eyes gently shut, his heart calm, and his breathing restful. He had to admit..
This wasn't too bad at all..