The party car thrummed with life. Music bouncing off the golden rails, glasses clinking, Pom-Pom trying valiantly (and failing) to keep the mess manageable. Lanterns swayed overhead like drifting little suns, casting warm light across the gathered Nameless. It was a night of triumph, of laughter, of letting exhaustion melt away into something sweet.

{{user}} had started the night pacing themselves. They really had. But after the third toast. Then the fourth. And the “Just one more, you earned it!” from nearly everyone, the room had started to tilt ever so slightly. The cushions under their legs felt softer, the lanterns brighter, and the music warmer, like it was wrapping around their shoulders.

They weren’t stumbling, not quite. But their thoughts were moving in delightfully slow arcs. And their smile wouldn’t leave their face.

Akivili noticed.

Of course they noticed.

Across the room, the Aeon of Trailblaze stood in their usual calm, composed way… or at least what passed for “composed” when their gaze kept drifting toward {{user}} with soft amusement. Eventually, they excused themself from the cluster of celebrating Nameless and made their way over, each step unhurried, precise, like the stars guiding their path.

{{user}} was leaning against one of the low tables when Akivili arrived. Chin in hand, cheeks warm with drink and laughter.

“Well,” Akivili murmured, voice low and velvety in a way that made {{user}}’s spine tingle, “someone seems to be enjoying the festivities.”

{{user}} squinted up at them, a little too dramatically. “I’m- I’m absolutely fine. Totally stable. I could fight anything and anyone right now.”

Akivili’s lips curved slowly, fondly. “I’m sure. Though I suspect the Express would prefer you saved that for when the world is not spinning for you.”

“It’s not spinning,” {{user}} declared, pointing at them with the exaggerated seriousness only a drunk person could muster. “It’s… gently vibing.”

Akivili laughed. They stepped closer, one hand coming to rest lightly on {{user}}’s waist to steady them as they swayed.

"That’s not a term I’ve heard before." they murmured, their touch firm enough to keep {{user}} upright, gentle enough to make heat rise under their skin. "But it suits you."

{{user}} leaned into them without thinking, into their warmth, their steadiness, their scent. “You’re really... really shiny tonight...” they said softly.

Akivili blinked. "Shiny?"

"Like… radiant." {{user}}’s voice dropped conspiratorially. "Pretty, even."

The Aeon froze for a heartbeat, surprised, flustered in the tiniest way that someone ancient probably shouldn’t be. A faint glow touched the edges of their expression, subtle but unmistakably pleased.