#Early birthday wishes | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

chaosduckies · 4 months ago

Text

Rising Tides (Chapter 3)

Whatttt resurrecting an old mer may fic from three months ago I totally didn’t forget about? Couldn’t be me haha-

But, this is for a very important reason…

Part 1 of 2 of my bday present for @da3dm!!! Happy early birthday 3D!!! :3 I hope you enjoy this because Idk- this was entirely driven by a single scene and I just had to somehow make it lead up to that… But I hope you enjoy it and to everyone who read :3

Word Count: 4.1k

CW: Talk about being a monster, uhhh I think that’s it (if it isn’t please let me know)

3- Nico

It’s been three days. Three days of not being able to swim. Three days of being taken care of like some pet. Three days of not speaking a single word.

Three days since I’ve been away from home.

I was beyond homesick. I missed my parents, I missed my little shell collection I had along some makeshift shelves. I missed exploring the small coral reef right by my house. Why did I have to travel all the way out here in the first place? Just because I wanted to get away from town for a while? This was so much longer than a while. The worst part about it was that my tail wasn’t any closer to being all healed up. I actually think it was getting worse.

I wasn’t able to get off the little area he had me in. The prison basically. I was scared that if I complained he would just keep me in a worse place. Like his mouth-don’t think about that now. There was also the problem that I wouldn’t be able to swim anywhere if I decided to swim off the mini platform. Maybe just glide over to somewhere, but that’s really it unless I was willing to crawl along the floor. I really want to get off of here though.

The thought stayed in the back of my mind. Honestly it would be worth it just to be outside. Since the giant mer didn’t seem to notice that I was getting tired of being in the same place doing nothing the entire time. Every time he was in the same room as me, I would hide myself in the tall seaweed or under that rock. Did I know he could very easily see me? Yes. Yes I did. Did I fear that he would and could just grab me and eat me at any moment? Only all the time. But he hasn’t. Yet. Which I was grateful for.

Even if there was nothing to do, I still kept myself busy. I looked around the many, many rocky places, seeing if I could fit in all of the tiny caves. There was only one I couldn’t. Sometimes I’d mess with the big coral pieces and find a place comfortable to lay myself on and just fall asleep. I preferably liked the yellow brain coral since it had so many little branches for me to hang on to. What? I couldn’t swim so I had to figure out a way to entertain myself.

At the moment, I was wrapped around some of the corals’ branches and laying down, trying to fall asleep. It was midday but I had nothing to do. I could go look for some more of those colorful rocks, but I didn’t really feel like it. At least not right now. I had a pile of them by that rock that I’ve made like a temporary home. I had wondered if I should try and make like a pathway with them, but that was stupid.

I still had yet to learn the giant mers name. He’s never bothered to tell me, and he hasn’t bothered to ask me either. I didn’t really care though. This would all be over soon. My tail would heal itself up and then I can go back home, tell my parents what happened, and never, ever come out here again. Scratch the plan of living outside the community. Now I know why people stayed inside.

The giant mer swam into the room, making me immediately try to scramble myself out of the coral I managed to tangle myself up in, only to find that I couldn’t get loose. I was stuck. Upside down, watching as the mer slowly turned my way, squinting. Right. I was hidden behind some of the seaweed. Was that a good thing in this case? I would think so since I didn’t really want him to see me so pathetic.

I struggled to lift myself back up in the same position, rushing to get out before he sees me, but it was no use. If I tried to move my tail it would only sting me, leaving it burning for a couple seconds. I didn’t want to make my wound worse than it already was. I stole another glance to the mer, who was still trying to find me. I was guessing he used my tail as an indicator, but currently I was in a huge tangled up mess (Thank you me). I doubt he would see me unless he actually tried looking, which he would b doing pretty soon if I don’t get out.

I already know how he does things. The other day, I was hidden pretty well. My tail behind my back and hidden in one of those tiny cracks in the cave walls. He was just supposed to pass by, but he took a quick glance over at where I was supposed to be, and when he couldn’t find me after searching for a while, he came really, really close and started digging through the place. The only reason he stopped was because I had finally stuck my tail out of the hole, hoping he’d stop digging around everywhere. He did, not saying a single word as he swam off.

This was a different case though. I knew he’d find me after some searching, but I didn’t want him to laugh at how ridiculous I probably looked right now. I mean, even I thought it was crazy how I even managed to get myself in this situation. He might help after he’s had his share of laughing, and that was something I wasn’t ready for. He might hurt me, or he might just take me somewhere and finish me off. He might see me as weak and incapable of surviving on my own, so he’d just have mercy on me. Please don’t think about that right now…

Just as I had said before, if he couldn’t find me after a while, he’d check. Which was exactly what he was doing right now. I clasped a hand over my mouth when his hand hovered above, lightly pushing some seaweed away and looking closely at the tiny cracks in the wall. What do I do. What do I do. What do I-

I let out a tiny squeak when his gaze flicked over right to me. My body instinctively started trembling as I tried my hardest to hide my face. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his large digits move away from the overgrown seaweed, which only made me assume the worst.

“You’re stuck?” His voice was calmer than usual. I still didn’t give an answer. Even if it meant he’d just be angry at me for it later, I couldn’t answer him. I tried one more time to move my tail to get free on my own before he tried anything, but I winced and jumped when the stinging ran up my spine. Great. This was just great.

“Stay still for a second.” He had ordered, and I listened. Not moving a single inch except for my entire body trembling as I saw those huge digits reach for me. I would have tried to swim off if I could. Sadly, my tail was not up for the task. I bit the side of my cheek as hard as I could to take my mind off the fact that he was just pinching me, not very lightly, against only two of his fingers and untangling my tail. Not very gently either. The stinging pain ran up my spine again, twice as bad, making me taste blood on the side of my cheek as I bit down even harder to hinder the pain. My arms were pinned to my sides at the moment, not making this any easier.

As soon as he let go of me, I pushed myself up against the rocky wall, trying to calm my breathing down. Just two fingers and I can die-I shook my head, covering my face again and studying my now-free tail and how nothing that wasn’t already gone was there.

“You’re welcome.” Was all he said before swimming off outside, leaving me alone. I grabbed a fistful of the sand below me, biting my lower lip, “Thank you…” I muttered, but he didn’t hear.

———Callum———

I swam fast towards the ship yards, where there were tons of human ships. Some were larger than others, but otherwise they were just a little bigger than one of my hands. The two things they had in common? They were all broken, and they also happened to be homes to some sharks and large fish. The ones I usually proffered to eat. It was okay when I couldn’t find any, since they usually hide in the daytime, but they tasted so good. Since I was one of the bigger mers, I didn’t really need to eat much. Maybe once or twice a week. So, it’s not like these fish are rare or anything.

Of course it was funny to find the tiny mer tangled up because of his tail, but I wasn’t about to laugh in front of him. I’d bet he was already scared of me finding him like that, and if I laughed that would have made things worse than they already were. He might think I’m some sadistic being. A part of me also felt sorry. It probably hurt him a lot being like that when he was… handicapped. He even tried getting himself out before I could help. Was he really that terrified of me that he’d rather hurt himself than let me offer some kind of help?

Then again, I haven’t really been all that welcoming.

It’s been a while since I’ve been around other mers. A couple years. The only one I’ve been around had been Archer but that was only because he kind of took me in as a pup. Otherwise, mers were usually too scared to approach me, and when they do by accident they leave just as soon as they come. It’s not like I don’t want to be around people, it’s just that it’s hard for me to make friends when no one can even stand being anywhere near you.

I looked around for the fish, but there was no sign. Sighing, I headed back to my cave home. I was surprised the little mer hasn’t tried to escape yet. Sometimes I’d catch him collecting some of the rocks and placing them in a pile, or he’d be crawling around, barely ever moving his tail to push him forward. I didn’t know what he was doing when he was just crawling around. I do remember finding him in one of the tiny cracks in the wall, so maybe he was just messing with those?

Did I feel bad? Yes. He couldn’t swim. At least not yet. For a human, that’s like not being able to walk. I felt so bad. Even worse because I was just keeping him in that same spot. I would offer to take him outside the cave, but I was afraid something might happen. I couldn’t live with that guilt! Not to mention he was deadly afraid of me. It’s not like I try to be scary. I’m just really… big. Probably intimidating to the little mer. I cared a little bit for the mer, partly because I could have definitely helped him out before his tail was mangled by a shark, but also because I felt incredibly bad. Again, he can’t swim for a while and that’s basically like a human losing their legs. But also because I’m pretty sure his tail will never heal.

Why I think that? Because it’s been a while, and I’m pretty sure there should’ve been some kind of attempt at swimming, but the little mer still jolts and flinches every time they move their tail awkwardly or something brushes up against it. Which meant they might never be able to swim ever again. I would never wish that upon someone no matter how many times they’ve called me a monster or threatened me. Not being able to do the one thing you were capable of must be heartbreaking. I have no idea if the mer was getting better or not, but I guess all I could keep doing was trying to keep them alive.

So no matter what this mer thinks of me, I would just have to hope that I was wrong and they can eventually start swimming on their own soon enough. It hurt to see them trying to swim everyday, not getting anywhere and too afraid to leave the little place they were in. I really wouldn’t care if I were being honest. Just as long as they don’t go outside without me they would be fine. I jus offered the rock as a place for him to sleep and stuff. Though, I guess he couldn’t even swim around the place, possibly only glide to one place and crawl along the sand and rocks the rest of the way.

My eyes turned to the mer, currently hiding in the small patches of seaweed and lying on his back. Maybe I should take him outside for a while? But wouldn’t he be scared of me? I mean, based off of what happened earlier it didn’t look like he wanted to be touched. Well maybe because he’s like an inch tall compared to you. That might be it, but something kept telling me that it wasn’t just that. I guess there was no harm in trying, I mean the worst he could do was just deny my offer. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if I were being honest, but for some reason some part of me really wanted this mer to trust me.

I didn’t know if that was because I knew what would happen if his tail doesn’t heal up, or because I’ve just been lonely for so long.

I slowly swam up to his little spot, watching his bright purple tail go underneath the rock he always hides himself in. Again, I wouldn’t just rip it out of the ground, its obvious he doesn’t feel safe without it. I bit the side of my cheek, letting out a sigh.

“Hey, uh, would you like to go outside? Like, just to see something different?” I reminded myself to keep my voice quiet, watching as he curiously peaked his head out. My eyes widened, but that was quickly replaced with my usual tired look. The mer wiggled himself out of the tight hiding spot. I have no idea how he fits himself in there, but it amazes me. A part of me was shocked that he even willingly swam out.

He laid on the soft sand, debating his answer, or maybe figuring out how to find his voice, before he finally spoke, “Y-you won’t… hurt me, right?” My normal response would have been to growl since that’s what everyone asks me when they first see me. Just because I’m big and look scary doesn’t mean I’m going to murder you in cold blood. Instead, I shook my head, slowly lowering my hand because I doubt he’d like it if I just grabbed him. No matter how much faster it would’ve been…

The mer eyed my hand, clutching sand in their fists before crawling cautiously closer. I kept still, just watching carefully as they tried to hoist themselves up but couldn’t. Everytime they tried they winced, looking back at their tail but kept on trying. I was growing impatient, but I also felt sympathy. I mean, this is just another bit of proof that the little guy might never swim again. I sighed, moving my hand away and scaring them. Maybe I should learn their name? Since now they would have to stay longer than we had both initially thought.

“What’s your name anyways?” I had asked, coming out a little too harsh than I meant it to be. They had moved back away a little bit, though it didn’t really make a difference to me.

“N-Nico.” He whispered. I barely caught it before smiling in accomplishment, quickly replaced by by usual resting face, “Callum,” I watched him mutter my name under his breath and nod to himself like he was trying to remember it, “I think it’d be faster if I just… grabbed you.” A slight warning that caught Nico off guard.

I wanted to do this quickly, but sadly I don’t think Nico was up for going fast. So instead, I reached down slowly, hearing a little squeak that almost made me laugh. My finger slipped underneath, raising him up a little and pinching him between my thumb and pointer. He squirmed a bit, trying to push himself out and looked panicked. Was I doing something wrong? Too tight? I loosened my grip, watching him slump and take long, deep breaths. Right I should probably get better at that.

“Sorry…” I apologized, fixing him in my hand so his arms slumped over my pointer and thumb gently securing him so he wouldn’t slip out while I was swimming. Would this mean I have to swim slower? Probably. I might be a little… strange for Nico though. I mean it was for me all together. I’ve never been around such a small mer, and I was just surprised that he hasn’t screamed out of fear yet. It was obvious that he was having a hard time to bury that fear though. Of me. I winced to myself, giving the little mer time to adjust himself.

I felt weird. To be near such a small being besides fish and the occasional sharks that pass by the area. I wasn’t at all used to this. I remember when I was a pup I was afraid of Archer since I was incredibly small to him, but I grew used to it pretty fast. If Archer didn’t have someone to help him it might’ve taken me so much more longer. And now I was a lot bigger than him and still growing. There was something wrong with me.

The sad truth was that I didn’t have someone to help me. I was alone in this, and I have basically zero experience with people, let alone someone so small. I waited a while before Nico squirmed around to make himself comfortable, looking up at me, then immediately turning away. Again, scared. A part of me wished that he wasn’t, but I couldn’t let myself get attached. He’d eventually leave. Whether his tail was healed or not. It’s not like I can just keep him prisoner here, I just wanted to make sure that his tail would be fine enough to let him go back to wherever he lived. Probably a little community somewhere in the coral reef? I had no idea.

“Is that good?” I looked down so I could see if he nods or not, not expecting a verbal answer, “Y-yeah.” He slumped. Kind of like he just… gave up? I didn’t know how to describe it. I was never good at these kinds of things.

I slowly swam out, keeping the mer close to my chest and watching as he grew used to the fast currents. It’s been a while since he’s swam huh? I kept swimming out, finally reaching a secluded little spot where a few corals grew and fish swam around. A few swam away at the sight of me, but I didn’t pay attention since I’m sure I screamed “Big, hungry, predator.” I guess they were all true right now, but it’s not like I can’t go hunt for myself. There were a few fish I could go find, but I didn’t want to leave Nico by himself.

“I didn’t know what you wanted to see. But if you have an idea I can take you there.” I offered, earning a shocked, yet ecstatic face from the smaller mer. I laid myself along a large rock, resting my head on my arms and opening up my hand for the mer to do whatever he was so excited about. I’m pretty sure they knew better to go off on their own after what happened with the sharks couple of days ago.

Nico started pushing himself off with his tail, wincing every time he moved it but kept on going, his excitement driving him and very slowly and weakly swimming around in the water. I don’t think I should be letting him use his tail since he might make his condition worse, but I told myself that he needed this. He looked so happy. Almost like he had completely forgotten that I was there. But why would I care so much? It’s not like he’d be any different than any of the other mers that meet me. I save them, they call me a monster and run away. Sometimes plead me not to eat them. It left a disgusting taste in my mouth how they had always thought that I would eat another mer. I was one too. I frowned, a little sad but dug my head into my arms, resting my eyes.

I didn’t know how long Nico kept himself occupied. Every once in a while I would look up and find him looking in small nooks and crannies for something. I didn’t particularly care though, as long as he didn’t feel trapped like he probably has been- I haven’t really been the best caretaker, but hey, he’s alive isn’t he?

I knew the sun was setting, but every single time I looked up to make sure that the tiny mer was fine, he just looked all giggly and happy. Like he was before this huge mess happened. If it weren’t for that shark. I noticed a small pile of different colored shells where Nico was. So did he just like collecting shells? I mean it would explain why he was even way out here in the first place. Why didn’t he just look around the community he lived in? It seemed like a waste of time. But I guess he just wanted to attempt to find something new.

I dug my head back into my arms, slightly groaning from not having eaten anything today, and partly because I was extremely exhausted. From what? I had no idea. Right now I wanted nothing more than to just go back to my cave and sleep. But of course I couldn’t just bring myself to grab Nico and force him back right where he was. I sighed, resting my eyes once again before my ears pricked up at a very quiet and small voice.

Slightly turning my head, I saw the little more struggle to push himself closer to me, dragging something that was about as big as he was behind him. My eyed widened as he stopped for a split second, either scared, or just taking a break from moving such a large thing to him. Or both. I didn’t say a word as I noticed him shudder, trembling but kept moving closer to me and eventually stopping, dragging whatever he was carrying in front of him. I squinted my eyes to see what it was without getting too close since Nico seemed to have a set distance away from me.

“U-Um… th-thank you.” He held up the bright blue shell that was almost as big as he was up. My eyes widened in shock. Was he… giving something to me? Thanking me too? I was confused of course, no one’s ever given me anything before besides Archer, so this was definitely new. My heart fell at the gesture, noticing how they struggled to keep the bright blue shell up. I smiled, slowly bringing my hand closer and helping him hold it up. I will say he was startled, but let out a sigh of relief. He probably thought that I was going to hurt him, but that was already expected if I were being honest. But… still. It felt nice to be given a gift. Or to even hear the words ��thank you.”

I laughed, seeing a small and shy smile appear on Nico’s face before grabbing two shells that were about the size of his tiny palms. “We… we can go now. I-I know you only stayed f-f-or me.” He stuttered, seeming a little embarrassed at the fact. I lifted my body up, pinching the shell he had given me and my free hand wrapping two fingers around his tiny and minuscule frame.

I started swimming back, making sure he couldn’t see me smile as I held the tiny shell he had given me close. Such a strange little mer…

——————

Hope you enjoyed part 1 of your gift 3D!! :D Happy early birthday again :3

Thank you all for reading this very forgotten fic- I will try my best to keep up with it if ya’ll really want me to. But thank you all again!

#G/t #g/t writing #g/t community #sfw g/t #giant/tiny #Oc: Nico #Oc: Callum #I might make a drawing from this… idk #BUT HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY 3D #YEAHHH #I wish you the best always :3 #hope you enjoyed!#again #this was entirely driven by a single scene I thought of lol #Not my best but I hope you enjoyed either way #love you guys ❤️

22 notes · View notes

pink-tk-a-latte · 5 months ago

Text

HAPPY (late TT) BIRTHDAY KAI @emiefluff !!!!!!

Thank you for being my first moot, friend, and collab on this app!! You inspired me to start playing HSR and I’m so glad I had someone to share the Project Sekai experience with!!!!!! Your writing is so soft and fluffy and your hurt/comfort fills me with yearning 💕💕 You’re always so silly and it’s been a joy to meet you <3 /p And now you’re 16!!!!! Crazy 🤯

I know I'm late I’m so so sorry, I couldn't finish it before your bday bc I got sick and I was high on NyQuil, and then I wanted to change like everything that I wrote, but here we are!!

ALSO I LITERALLY could not decide between MizuKana or RuiNene. I went with RuiNene (you may recognize this draft. Or you may not) and this is so sappy and cringe, they're troubled middle schoolers here what can I say 😭 Hope you like your awfully belated gift!! (I have the MizuKana one in my drafts, might post it later)

♡ ♡ ♡

Nene stared at the side of Rui’s head, listening to his fingers tap on the green wooden table. The smell of ash seared her nostrils from the kitchen adjacent. Slowly, he turned to face her with a sideways expression.

“Sorry, Nene.” He pulled his fingers through matted purple hair, snagging on tangles. A smile crept guiltily onto his face. “I think I burned the rice.”

Nene just sighed and pushed her laptop out of the way. “It’s okay, Rui.” She really shouldn’t have trusted him with such a complicated meal. Especially after seeing his attempts to modify the rice cooker.

“Ah, at least we still have lots of soda candy!” He threw a handful at her as if they were rose petals.

Nene managed to catch one, which was impressive enough. “We must be doomed to never eat healthy.” Fidgeting with the wrapper, she freed the candy and touched it to her tongue, letting it fizz on her taste buds.

Rui laughed, rather pathetically, and his eyes trailed down to his lap. Nene glanced at him, then down at her homework, worrying her lip.

Rui was… well, Rui was as usual, these days. He used to be the only person Nene could talk to comfortably, now the air was cold and heavy, even with him.

She knew Rui had a hard time feeling normal. Even now, in middle school, his classmates still thought he was eccentric, dangerous even, and it was getting to him. Nene could feel he was slowly fading. Or maybe it was she who was drifting away.

Either way, what they were had changed since she joined her troupe, and she was lost on how to help him.

Nene stood to throw the candy wrapper away, passing behind Rui’s chair. She’d never been so conscious of the space around her in his house; it had always felt like an extension of her home.

The tension must have affected Rui too, as he fussed with the strands of hair that had escaped his short half-up ponytail. He pushed them behind his ear, only for them to fall into his eyes again. After watching him struggle for a few beats, Nene huffed and pulled his hand away.

“You’re getting it messy.” Combing through knots that had coiled around the hair tie, Nene gently loosened his ponytail. She put the tie around her fingers and started to gather his hair in the back.

Rui stilled at her touch, and his hands settled in his lap. “Thanks, Nene.” His leg bounced against the weirdly colored tiles that Nene had always made fun of.

You should take better care of your hair. The remark stuck on her tongue. Of course. I care about you. Nene’s mouth felt dry. All she could manage was a weak hum.

The silence dragged on. Nene began to question what she was even doing, clammy hands only mussing up Rui’s hair more.

As she pulled some of the wispy hairs on his nape into the bundle, Nene’s nails skated across his neck unintentionally. A yip and a shiver from Rui alerted her.

“Sorry, did I scratch you?” Nene shifted to look at Rui’s face. His eyes were squeezed shut and his mouth crooked. When Nene dragged a finger over his ear to tuck a hair behind it, he made the same squeaky noise.

As though a door had opened and a fresh breeze swept into the room, a smile pulled at Nene’s lips. “Aw, you’re still ticklish?”

Rui’s eyes popped open with a look of mild fear. “Uh… no?” he said, like a liar.

“Uh huh. Sure.” Nene flicked her nails up and down his neck. Rui jolted like he’d been shocked.

“EEHehey! Neneheaha!” he shrieked. He hiked his shoulder up to his cheek and tried to reach for Nene’s quick fingers.

Nene chuckled by his ear; Rui’s real laugh was far more boyish than his personality would make it seem. “I forgot how much you sound like a fox.” She wormed her fingers under the collar of his shirt, making him yip again and proving her point.

“I dohohon’t! Ahaha Neneehee! Nahat the eheahahears!” He shook his head, melting against the back of the chair.

Nene sighed fondly. “I’m just talking, Rui,” she breathed while she leaned in closer to his ear, now red and warm. “Your ears are too sensitive.” He wailed and rubbed his ear on his shoulder.

Nene’s hands scaled down his spine and crawled between his shoulder blades. Rui barked and jumped, scrabbling for her assailing digits and pleading for a timeout. Nene ceased only when he threw his head back over the top of the chair, and she was exposed to the full display of his broad smile and rosy cheeks.

Becoming aware of the smile that had grown on her own face, Nene quickly wiped it away.

Once Nene unhanded him, Rui slouched forward until his head landed on the desk. “Ha… Nene, you’re crueler than you look.”

“Sorry.” She rested her hands on the back of Rui’s chair. “I guess I just haven’t heard you laugh in a while… I missed it. A little.”

Rui hummed, surprised, and Nene felt her face grow warm. “Is that so?” He sat up and turned around to grin at her. “Hehe, the same goes for you!”

“Huh?” Nene tilted her head.

Rui wiggled his fingers, so childish but somehow… “I haven’t heard you laugh in quite some time either.” Rui dug into her sides, squeezing and squishing. Electricity that fizzed from his rough fingers like soda candy shocked a squeak out of Nene. She curled into herself and dissolved into bubbling giggles.

“N-Nohoho! Ruhuhihihi!” Nene lightly gripped Rui’s wrists, trying to squirrel away from the hands scribbling up her sides. A fuzzy feeling flooded her nerves as she squealed and laughed more heartily than she had in a long time.

“There it is, the laugh of a little mermaid.” A cat-like smirk lifted Rui’s face. “Are you still ticklish here, Nene? Here too? Oh wow, I’m barely moving my fingers and you’re laughing!”

“AHAhaha! Ruhuhihi you suhuhahahuck!” Nene shoved at his face and kicked at his knees. She managed to hit him once, and he winced as though really in pain.

“Ow ow ow, that hurt!” He pouted ridiculously. “You’re such a meanie, Nene.” Evilly, he kneaded his fingers into her ribs, and Nene squalled and tightened her grip on his wrists.

Her face was warm with joy, and her ribs were starting to hurt from her laughter. “You’rehahaha the mehehehean one! PffftaHA hypocrihite!” Her knees buckled and she fell to the ground, finally escaping Rui’s evil fingers.

Heaving in air, Nene clutched at her ribs. Rui laughed at her from above.

“You’re winded already?” Rui smiled. Nene whacked at his leg.

“You’re, hah, no athlete either.” As she shifted to glare up at him, she found Rui kneeling in front of her, wearing a candid smile and a glimmer in his canary-yellow eyes that spoke of nostalgia.

“Nene,” called Rui, suddenly solemn. “Did I tell you how happy I was for you when you joined that theatre troupe?” He glanced down and bumped their knees together. “You made your dream come true.”

Nene inhaled. She counted the clover patches on her cardigan sleeve and picked at a loose thread. Breathing out, she faced Rui directly. “It’s thanks to you. If… If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t have fallen in love with theatre.” I’m sorry I left you alone. Rui looked up at her. Nene found herself staring into the same eyes she’d known since childhood. “It’s our dream.” You’re not alone.

Then their eyes broke apart. Eye contact was too much for either of them.

Rui laughed. “Well, when you put it like that...” He brushed back his loose hair, which Nene realized she had forgotten to fix.

She giggled. “Your hair. You need to cut it.” She reached for a lock and tucked it behind his ear. Instantly, Rui stiffened then melted into the ground, squeaking and giggling at the simple touch.

“Neneheheehee! You’re beheing a buhuhully ahahagainaha!”

“I’m not even doing anything,” she said, fluttering her nails against the shell of his ear.

As she laughed in tune with Rui’s cadence, Nene forgot to worry about how small the space they shared was. All she cared about was this pocket of time that belonged only to them.

26 notes · View notes