Introduction
uwu
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X Aang
He awoke to the sound of explosions. His eyes struggled to adjust to the darkroom as the young air bender looked around his room in a panic. "Gyatso!?" Leaping to his feet aided by a gust of bending the small figure ran to the window to take in the horror of all that was around him. Fire and ash filled the air combined with the sounds of heavy feet and shouts. High above them all in the sky above was a burning rock, a comet, lighting the night. The boy ran towards the corner of a room grabbing a long stick. With that in hand, he leapt straight out of the window the air whipping against his face and clothes. It would have been peaceful save the burning light of a blast of flame that was sent straight towards him. Twisting his body just in time he bent in the air to avoid the attack his skin crawling as the flames licked at his side. Ignoring the pain the boy opened his stick to reveal a strange winged contraption. He dove down and past the attacking firebenders searching the crowd for a particular face.
"Gyatso, what is happening here?" He landed to the side of an older man in battle with a firenation soldier. "Aang, please you must leave here, now." "No, not without you. Please, what is all this?" The boy let out a burst of air pushing the firebender against the wall where he landed unconscious. The old man opened his mouth to speak before there was a flash of light from behind him. The boy sprang forward to push his mentor out of the way fire hitting him square in the chest.
He awoke to the sound of explosions. His eyes struggled to adjust to the darkroom as the young air bender looked around his room in a panic. "Gyatso!?" Leaping to his feet aided by a gust of bending the small figure ran to the window to take in the horror of all that was around him. Fire and ash filled the air combined with the sounds of heavy feet and shouts. High above them all in the sky above was a burning rock, a comet, lighting the night. The boy ran towards the corner of a room grabbing a long stick. With that in hand, he leapt straight out of the window the air whipping against his face and clothes. It would have been peaceful save the burning light of a blast of flame that was sent straight towards him. Twisting his body just in time he bent in the air to avoid the attack his skin crawling as the flames licked at his side. Ignoring the pain the boy opened his stick to reveal a strange winged contraption. He dove down and past the attacking firebenders searching the crowd for a particular face.
"Gyatso, what is happening here?" He landed to the side of an older man in battle with a firenation soldier. "Aang, please you must leave here, now." "No, not without you. Please, what is all this?" The boy let out a burst of air pushing the firebender against the wall where he landed unconscious. The old man opened his mouth to speak before there was a flash of light from behind him. The boy sprang forward to push his mentor out of the way fire hitting him square in the chest.
X Eiyo
Eiyo awoke in his bed with a start, the feeling of ghostly fire running up his body. His breathing heavy as he patted along his arms and legs before looking down at his bare arms free of the blue tattoos of his dream. He relaxed back against the mixture of dirt and hay that was his 'bed', hand hovering over his pounding heart. It was that dream again. Always the same. Never ending differently. Eiyo pulled himself together slowly as he sat back up pushing himself to stand on still shakey feet as he started his day. Glancing out of his window to see he had, once again, beaten to the sun to wake up. Dressing into his uniform was easy his scratchy shirt a horrid mixture of blues and reds marked him easily as the lowly slave he was. He glanced up at the mirror the one meagre possession that he was allowed to have, being a palace slave had its benefits he supposed. His plain face looked back at him. His hair as fair as his skin and green eyes unusual for someone of the water tribe was all just another reason as to why he was picked for the 'honour' of serving the crown.
His breakfast consisting of stale bread and thin broth did little to stave the hunger inside him but it'd have to do. He set off towards the stiles the sun may be asleep but the horses weren't going to feed and muck out themselves. A few hours work and blisters to add to his hands went by quickly as he tried to forget his dream. Just who was that boy? Why did everything feel so real? Why did he even care? Shaking his head he patted the flank of the mare he'd been grooming and headed towards the baths. He couldn't stink of horse all day, could he? A quick wash, no time to relax in the water. The water that felt so calming, that helped his aches and pains quicker then tonics. He looked down at his perfect hands and quickly decided to leave.
"Oh! Eiyo! For the prince." "Thank you. I will be sure he gets them." "Eiyo, the prince's bending lessons will be starting half an hour early today." "Yes, I'll be sure to notify him." He couldn't walk through the halls without being stopped for one reason or another. He rushed around the corner bumping into another water tribe slave a girl. "Oh. Eiyo... hi.." She blushed and looked at the floor. Eiyo nodded his head and stepped to the side to let her past. She frowned like she wanted to say something before ducking her head and continued to walk past. Eiyo grabbed the plate of food from the kitchen and headed towards the prince's room. He knocked on the door politely before opening and closing it.
He stepped into the darkroom looking around. Placing the silvered tray on the desk he looked around the room and took a deep breath. He threw the curtains open and ripped the blankets off the bed. "Are you seriously still asleep? Get up, your bending lesson is in 10 minutes."
Eiyo awoke in his bed with a start, the feeling of ghostly fire running up his body. His breathing heavy as he patted along his arms and legs before looking down at his bare arms free of the blue tattoos of his dream. He relaxed back against the mixture of dirt and hay that was his 'bed', hand hovering over his pounding heart. It was that dream again. Always the same. Never ending differently. Eiyo pulled himself together slowly as he sat back up pushing himself to stand on still shakey feet as he started his day. Glancing out of his window to see he had, once again, beaten to the sun to wake up. Dressing into his uniform was easy his scratchy shirt a horrid mixture of blues and reds marked him easily as the lowly slave he was. He glanced up at the mirror the one meagre possession that he was allowed to have, being a palace slave had its benefits he supposed. His plain face looked back at him. His hair as fair as his skin and green eyes unusual for someone of the water tribe was all just another reason as to why he was picked for the 'honour' of serving the crown.
His breakfast consisting of stale bread and thin broth did little to stave the hunger inside him but it'd have to do. He set off towards the stiles the sun may be asleep but the horses weren't going to feed and muck out themselves. A few hours work and blisters to add to his hands went by quickly as he tried to forget his dream. Just who was that boy? Why did everything feel so real? Why did he even care? Shaking his head he patted the flank of the mare he'd been grooming and headed towards the baths. He couldn't stink of horse all day, could he? A quick wash, no time to relax in the water. The water that felt so calming, that helped his aches and pains quicker then tonics. He looked down at his perfect hands and quickly decided to leave.
"Oh! Eiyo! For the prince." "Thank you. I will be sure he gets them." "Eiyo, the prince's bending lessons will be starting half an hour early today." "Yes, I'll be sure to notify him." He couldn't walk through the halls without being stopped for one reason or another. He rushed around the corner bumping into another water tribe slave a girl. "Oh. Eiyo... hi.." She blushed and looked at the floor. Eiyo nodded his head and stepped to the side to let her past. She frowned like she wanted to say something before ducking her head and continued to walk past. Eiyo grabbed the plate of food from the kitchen and headed towards the prince's room. He knocked on the door politely before opening and closing it.
He stepped into the darkroom looking around. Placing the silvered tray on the desk he looked around the room and took a deep breath. He threw the curtains open and ripped the blankets off the bed. "Are you seriously still asleep? Get up, your bending lesson is in 10 minutes."
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XX Yu-Tai
Tai dreams of fountains and trickling streams, of ocean waves lapping on a sandy shore, of wispy winds in his hair and brushing against his face and carry all the sounds of his busy life far away. xx
When he wakes up, he feels cold and alone, a feeling that has been present his entire life. Even in his childhood there was never a time when his mother or father or even one of the nannies cuddled up with him in bed, who tucked him in, or sang him to sleep. Only one person has ever shown him that kind of comfort. Tai blinks open his eyes and looks toward the thick curtains, the ones Eiyo always opens in the morning. They're still closed tight against the sun. He's not around. xx
Most mornings he would simply go right back to sleep until his companion arrives, but today he has other plans, which hinge on him looking like he's still asleep. Unfortunately, Tai's overactive mind refuses to stay still and his body flops around underneath the covers with it. The blankets are thrown every which way but still at least halfway cover him, and his hair is probably tangled all to hell, but finally, Tai hears footsteps in the hallway. He burrows back down. The doors open. xx
Familiar footsteps, a tinkling of metal dishes on a metal tray, and a sudden blast of light against his eyelids. Tai squints against it even with his eyes closed and his face half-buried in his pillows. xx
"Are you seriously still asleep? Get up, your bending lesson is in 10 minutes." Tai has to stifle a smile, because this is the voice he loves to hear. He can picture Eiyo standing over him, arms crossed over his chest, face scrunched up in displeasure. He feels the boy standing close to him and knows that's what he's doing. And then comes his opportunity, as Eiyo steals Tai's blankets. xx
Tai shoots his hands out the second the blankets are gone, grabbing at Eiyo's wrist and pulling him so he trips on the bed frame and topples onto the mattress. In a skillful role he likely can only manage because of the element of surprise, Tai twists them both into the middle of the mattress and wraps around the boy like a starfish, nuzzling into his neck. "Stay here with me instead." xxx
Tai dreams of fountains and trickling streams, of ocean waves lapping on a sandy shore, of wispy winds in his hair and brushing against his face and carry all the sounds of his busy life far away. xx
When he wakes up, he feels cold and alone, a feeling that has been present his entire life. Even in his childhood there was never a time when his mother or father or even one of the nannies cuddled up with him in bed, who tucked him in, or sang him to sleep. Only one person has ever shown him that kind of comfort. Tai blinks open his eyes and looks toward the thick curtains, the ones Eiyo always opens in the morning. They're still closed tight against the sun. He's not around. xx
Most mornings he would simply go right back to sleep until his companion arrives, but today he has other plans, which hinge on him looking like he's still asleep. Unfortunately, Tai's overactive mind refuses to stay still and his body flops around underneath the covers with it. The blankets are thrown every which way but still at least halfway cover him, and his hair is probably tangled all to hell, but finally, Tai hears footsteps in the hallway. He burrows back down. The doors open. xx
Familiar footsteps, a tinkling of metal dishes on a metal tray, and a sudden blast of light against his eyelids. Tai squints against it even with his eyes closed and his face half-buried in his pillows. xx
"Are you seriously still asleep? Get up, your bending lesson is in 10 minutes." Tai has to stifle a smile, because this is the voice he loves to hear. He can picture Eiyo standing over him, arms crossed over his chest, face scrunched up in displeasure. He feels the boy standing close to him and knows that's what he's doing. And then comes his opportunity, as Eiyo steals Tai's blankets. xx
Tai shoots his hands out the second the blankets are gone, grabbing at Eiyo's wrist and pulling him so he trips on the bed frame and topples onto the mattress. In a skillful role he likely can only manage because of the element of surprise, Tai twists them both into the middle of the mattress and wraps around the boy like a starfish, nuzzling into his neck. "Stay here with me instead." xxx
X Eiyo
Eiyo had been caught in a few of Tai's pranks over the years he'd been looking after the older prince. Usually, these pranks got him in trouble but he could never stay mad at his charge. No something always made him return to his side and care for him, he was the only family he knew, the only family who he could rely on. Even if this was a child. Eiyo, however, did not expect the arms to grab him. He didn't foresee the falling into the prince's bed. And he did certainly not predict the cute, heart heating words to escape the baby prince's lips. He couldn't pretend to be mad, he could try. So he pushed his arms underneath himself and crossed them tightly before turning his face to look into the princes. "Oh, I'm sorry. Who was it that upstaged his tutor during a duel and earnt himself extra lessons for 'self-control techniques'?" He wriggled under the grasp of the boy easily able to fight free if he wanted but sighed as he stopped his half-hearted fight and curled into the boy. "My hands are cold Yuuey. Warm them for me?" He shifted easily in the grip moving onto his back to hug the boy back his right-hand unconsciously tracing down the boy's arm. Tracing over the watertribes mark with a sad look in his eye.
Eiyo had been caught in a few of Tai's pranks over the years he'd been looking after the older prince. Usually, these pranks got him in trouble but he could never stay mad at his charge. No something always made him return to his side and care for him, he was the only family he knew, the only family who he could rely on. Even if this was a child. Eiyo, however, did not expect the arms to grab him. He didn't foresee the falling into the prince's bed. And he did certainly not predict the cute, heart heating words to escape the baby prince's lips. He couldn't pretend to be mad, he could try. So he pushed his arms underneath himself and crossed them tightly before turning his face to look into the princes. "Oh, I'm sorry. Who was it that upstaged his tutor during a duel and earnt himself extra lessons for 'self-control techniques'?" He wriggled under the grasp of the boy easily able to fight free if he wanted but sighed as he stopped his half-hearted fight and curled into the boy. "My hands are cold Yuuey. Warm them for me?" He shifted easily in the grip moving onto his back to hug the boy back his right-hand unconsciously tracing down the boy's arm. Tracing over the watertribes mark with a sad look in his eye.
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XX Yu-Tai
"Oh, I'm sorry. Who was it that upstaged his tutor during a duel and earnt himself extra lessons for 'self-control techniques'?" Eiyo chides, and Tai grumbles incomprehensibly into the boy's tunic. He knows he's right. But is it really such a bad thing that he's so good at firebending? After all, it'd be pretty stupid if the heir to the Fire Lord couldn't bend. He'd be a disappointment! xx
(Not that he isn't a disappointment anyways, but being unable to firebend would make it worse.) xx
Tai feels Eiyo struggling in his grasp and he holds tighter, giggling to himself like a child. When Eiyo stops, however, he loosens his grip so he can look him in the eye, see those green eyes that remind him of stained glass and lily pads and dense jungles he's only ever seen in paintings. "My hands are cold Yuuey. Warm them for me?" Tai's heart skips a beat at the nickname, his hair stands on end where Eiyo touches him. But the giddiness fades a bit as he sees Eiyo's expression. xx
The boy looks sad, somber, lost in a memory. Tai sees where Eiyo's gaze falls on the little marks on his arm- particularly the little circle of waves. Tai understands, and takes Eiyo's hands in his. xx
With only a simple flick of his wrist, a tiny yellow flame appears in his palm, warm but not hot. He holds Eiyo's hands close to the flame, a flame that would disappear before it ever burned him. "If I said I could take you to the Northern Water Tribe, would you come?" He asks, tentative.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Who was it that upstaged his tutor during a duel and earnt himself extra lessons for 'self-control techniques'?" Eiyo chides, and Tai grumbles incomprehensibly into the boy's tunic. He knows he's right. But is it really such a bad thing that he's so good at firebending? After all, it'd be pretty stupid if the heir to the Fire Lord couldn't bend. He'd be a disappointment! xx
(Not that he isn't a disappointment anyways, but being unable to firebend would make it worse.) xx
Tai feels Eiyo struggling in his grasp and he holds tighter, giggling to himself like a child. When Eiyo stops, however, he loosens his grip so he can look him in the eye, see those green eyes that remind him of stained glass and lily pads and dense jungles he's only ever seen in paintings. "My hands are cold Yuuey. Warm them for me?" Tai's heart skips a beat at the nickname, his hair stands on end where Eiyo touches him. But the giddiness fades a bit as he sees Eiyo's expression. xx
The boy looks sad, somber, lost in a memory. Tai sees where Eiyo's gaze falls on the little marks on his arm- particularly the little circle of waves. Tai understands, and takes Eiyo's hands in his. xx
With only a simple flick of his wrist, a tiny yellow flame appears in his palm, warm but not hot. He holds Eiyo's hands close to the flame, a flame that would disappear before it ever burned him. "If I said I could take you to the Northern Water Tribe, would you come?" He asks, tentative.
X Eiyo
Eiyo relaxes into the tangle of limbs that was him and Tai and watched his fire bending rather than looking at the water tribe mark. A small proud smile fills his face as he watches the extreme control and precision the little firebender needed to do such a thing. He couldn't help but have his eyes move into Tai's eyes away from the fire trusting the boy completely as he asked the question a quiet and soft voice escaping him. "No. Well if you said...." He put on a voice like he was the poshest man on earth. "Oh, my indentured servant I, the amazing fire prince, heir to the fire throne and fated soulmate of the avatar ask that you come with me in my journey to the Northern Water Tribe." He dropped the voice. "I'd go in a heartbeat. But, if you asked me if I wanted to go. No... all my blood does if prove I'm lesser that I'm less then you just because I was born south. Although, watching their fighting styles would be amazing for your studies." He looked into Tai's eyes and gave him a look the young prince had had many times. "Now. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold and be grateful for it. You have lessons in 5 minutes and unless you plan to do it naked I suggest you get changed."
Eiyo relaxes into the tangle of limbs that was him and Tai and watched his fire bending rather than looking at the water tribe mark. A small proud smile fills his face as he watches the extreme control and precision the little firebender needed to do such a thing. He couldn't help but have his eyes move into Tai's eyes away from the fire trusting the boy completely as he asked the question a quiet and soft voice escaping him. "No. Well if you said...." He put on a voice like he was the poshest man on earth. "Oh, my indentured servant I, the amazing fire prince, heir to the fire throne and fated soulmate of the avatar ask that you come with me in my journey to the Northern Water Tribe." He dropped the voice. "I'd go in a heartbeat. But, if you asked me if I wanted to go. No... all my blood does if prove I'm lesser that I'm less then you just because I was born south. Although, watching their fighting styles would be amazing for your studies." He looked into Tai's eyes and gave him a look the young prince had had many times. "Now. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold and be grateful for it. You have lessons in 5 minutes and unless you plan to do it naked I suggest you get changed."
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XX Yu-Tai
Tai makes a show of pouting when Eiyo turns him down, but it breaks up into giggles at the fake voice and dramatic speech. These are the moments he craves- moments where Eiyo lets his guard down and has fun, where they can just be... them. Without the rest of the palace watching them or forcing Fire Nation propriety on them. He wishes they could stay here, like this, together, forever. xx
But of course, that's not going to happen. "Now. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold and be grateful for it. You have lessons in 5 minutes and unless you plan to do it naked I suggest you get changed." Tai groans miserably and pouts as his arms empty, Eiyo moving across the room to thrust a tray of food in his face and chide him for sleeping in. The little flame disappears in a second and Tai inhales his food within the span of a few short minutes. Etiquette is for fools. xxx
On a normal morning, Tai would try his hardest to get Eiyo to dress him, just for the fun of it. But they don't have time today. That much is evident by the expression on Eiyo's face of growing impatience. So Tai changes into the loose-fitting red uniform at the foot of his bed, all on his own. xx
"I don't understand why I'm being punished because I'm a better bender than the trainer. You'd think they'd want the Prince to be the best- I'm the one people wanna assassinate!" Tai complains, still annoyed by the remedial lessons he knows he doesn't need. It's ridiculous! A punishment for beating the teacher in a duel! It's not his fault the guy's old and rusty, why should he have to practice more because of this? But he knows he can't get out of it. Not of if Eiyo's on the teacher's side he can't. Maybe that's the catch. Everyone knows he'll follow Eiyo's directions. xx
What a strange thing it must be, a Prince following the orders of his servant, but Tai doesn't care. Eiyo's more than a servant, he's a friend, a partner, a companion- whatever you're supposed to call the person who sticks by your side through absolutely everything. Who loves you for being you. xx
Tai looks at Eiyo, so graceful and steady and regal, and thinks that he really isn't a servant at all. He's so much more- Tai doubts the palace would even function properly if Eiyo wasn't around. xxx
Tai makes a show of pouting when Eiyo turns him down, but it breaks up into giggles at the fake voice and dramatic speech. These are the moments he craves- moments where Eiyo lets his guard down and has fun, where they can just be... them. Without the rest of the palace watching them or forcing Fire Nation propriety on them. He wishes they could stay here, like this, together, forever. xx
But of course, that's not going to happen. "Now. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold and be grateful for it. You have lessons in 5 minutes and unless you plan to do it naked I suggest you get changed." Tai groans miserably and pouts as his arms empty, Eiyo moving across the room to thrust a tray of food in his face and chide him for sleeping in. The little flame disappears in a second and Tai inhales his food within the span of a few short minutes. Etiquette is for fools. xxx
On a normal morning, Tai would try his hardest to get Eiyo to dress him, just for the fun of it. But they don't have time today. That much is evident by the expression on Eiyo's face of growing impatience. So Tai changes into the loose-fitting red uniform at the foot of his bed, all on his own. xx
"I don't understand why I'm being punished because I'm a better bender than the trainer. You'd think they'd want the Prince to be the best- I'm the one people wanna assassinate!" Tai complains, still annoyed by the remedial lessons he knows he doesn't need. It's ridiculous! A punishment for beating the teacher in a duel! It's not his fault the guy's old and rusty, why should he have to practice more because of this? But he knows he can't get out of it. Not of if Eiyo's on the teacher's side he can't. Maybe that's the catch. Everyone knows he'll follow Eiyo's directions. xx
What a strange thing it must be, a Prince following the orders of his servant, but Tai doesn't care. Eiyo's more than a servant, he's a friend, a partner, a companion- whatever you're supposed to call the person who sticks by your side through absolutely everything. Who loves you for being you. xx
Tai looks at Eiyo, so graceful and steady and regal, and thinks that he really isn't a servant at all. He's so much more- Tai doubts the palace would even function properly if Eiyo wasn't around. xxx
X Eiyo
Eiyo stands leaning at the door keeping his arms crossed and impatiently waiting for Tai to be done. Every so often he'd impatiently sigh and glare at Yu-Tai. He didn't want to leave this room, he didn't want to go back to being the lesser person but still, he had to. For Yuuey he'd do anything and if it meant treating him like the child he was then fine. "It isn't the point that you are the better bender. Which you are. The point is-" He stopped and took Tai's face into his hands so he'd listen. "-the point is, the method you used. Your movements are too fluid, too much like-" He paused and looked away. "-too much like me. I shouldn't train in front of you anymore. It's affecting your bending. The more you stand out....... the more they will do. Please tell me you understand." He lowered his hands to Tai's shoulders looking worried. "I hear talk, the generals aren't happy with you. Being a prince can't save you from what they talk of. Do you understand?" He stepped back breathing in deeply. Before Tai replied he pushed a familiar blank and stone look on his face, the face of a mindless unimportant servant. It was a mask he wore often. As he opened the door he cleared his throat speaking out. "The lessons will be held in the main training room, my prince." He picked up a long staff that was resting by the door. "The tutor assistant Shing-Lee wished for me to gift this to you. After that, you have required in the library for lessons and after a short lunch your father has 'requested' your attendance to the fire-dance."
Eiyo stands leaning at the door keeping his arms crossed and impatiently waiting for Tai to be done. Every so often he'd impatiently sigh and glare at Yu-Tai. He didn't want to leave this room, he didn't want to go back to being the lesser person but still, he had to. For Yuuey he'd do anything and if it meant treating him like the child he was then fine. "It isn't the point that you are the better bender. Which you are. The point is-" He stopped and took Tai's face into his hands so he'd listen. "-the point is, the method you used. Your movements are too fluid, too much like-" He paused and looked away. "-too much like me. I shouldn't train in front of you anymore. It's affecting your bending. The more you stand out....... the more they will do. Please tell me you understand." He lowered his hands to Tai's shoulders looking worried. "I hear talk, the generals aren't happy with you. Being a prince can't save you from what they talk of. Do you understand?" He stepped back breathing in deeply. Before Tai replied he pushed a familiar blank and stone look on his face, the face of a mindless unimportant servant. It was a mask he wore often. As he opened the door he cleared his throat speaking out. "The lessons will be held in the main training room, my prince." He picked up a long staff that was resting by the door. "The tutor assistant Shing-Lee wished for me to gift this to you. After that, you have required in the library for lessons and after a short lunch your father has 'requested' your attendance to the fire-dance."
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XX Yu-Tai
Tai's assumption that the whole place would crumble without Eiyo is more or less proven (in Tai's mind, at least) by just how observant he is. Never in a million years would Tai think the generals of his father's fleet would have anything interesting to say- he'd only ever eavesdropped on them while orchestrating a prank, and he'd never heard anything of substance. The fact that Eiyo is able to eavesdrop, remember what they said, and not get caught is something to be damn proud of! xxx
It doesn't surprise him what the guards say behind his back, and he isn't really hurt, just annoyed. Why is his bending an issue? Sure, it's unconventional and more like waterbending than like fire, but he's still the best bender in the entire palace, so why does it matter? They should take lessons from him in how to bend better and maybe then they wouldn't be so butthurt when he wins duels. xx
"Do you understand?" Tai frowns, because he really... doesn't. It's all so arbitrary and stupid. But Eiyo is worried, worried for him, worried they'll be split apart again when his parents finally lose their patience. Tai understands his worry. And he nods, leaning into Eiyo's touch. "I get it." xx
And just like that, the Eiyo that Tai knows and loves is gone, replaced with the bland and blank facade of a tired servant tasked with looking after a Prince who often refuses to follow propriety. xx
Tai accepts the staff Eiyo gives him and his face scrunches in confusion. "Why..." He mumbles under his breath, giving the staff a once-over. It's balanced in his hand but otherwise plain. He supposes he'll find out what it's for later. Eiyo continues listing their schedule for the day and upon hearing the words "Fire Dance" Tai scowls, donning the most unpleasant expression he can. xx
"Stupid Fire Dances." Tai doesn't actually think they're stupid- he used to love them, in fact. But he's had a bad taste in his mouth about the Fire Dances ever since his parents forbade him from joining on account of his bending being unfit for such a traditional ceremony. "I'll go if you do." xx
Tai's assumption that the whole place would crumble without Eiyo is more or less proven (in Tai's mind, at least) by just how observant he is. Never in a million years would Tai think the generals of his father's fleet would have anything interesting to say- he'd only ever eavesdropped on them while orchestrating a prank, and he'd never heard anything of substance. The fact that Eiyo is able to eavesdrop, remember what they said, and not get caught is something to be damn proud of! xxx
It doesn't surprise him what the guards say behind his back, and he isn't really hurt, just annoyed. Why is his bending an issue? Sure, it's unconventional and more like waterbending than like fire, but he's still the best bender in the entire palace, so why does it matter? They should take lessons from him in how to bend better and maybe then they wouldn't be so butthurt when he wins duels. xx
"Do you understand?" Tai frowns, because he really... doesn't. It's all so arbitrary and stupid. But Eiyo is worried, worried for him, worried they'll be split apart again when his parents finally lose their patience. Tai understands his worry. And he nods, leaning into Eiyo's touch. "I get it." xx
And just like that, the Eiyo that Tai knows and loves is gone, replaced with the bland and blank facade of a tired servant tasked with looking after a Prince who often refuses to follow propriety. xx
Tai accepts the staff Eiyo gives him and his face scrunches in confusion. "Why..." He mumbles under his breath, giving the staff a once-over. It's balanced in his hand but otherwise plain. He supposes he'll find out what it's for later. Eiyo continues listing their schedule for the day and upon hearing the words "Fire Dance" Tai scowls, donning the most unpleasant expression he can. xx
"Stupid Fire Dances." Tai doesn't actually think they're stupid- he used to love them, in fact. But he's had a bad taste in his mouth about the Fire Dances ever since his parents forbade him from joining on account of his bending being unfit for such a traditional ceremony. "I'll go if you do." xx
X Eiyo
Eiyo's tense shoulders relax as Tai says he understands. He worried for his prince. Worried he'd get himself killed one of these days, the generals being unhappy with you and not being in good favour with the Firelord were a few ways to get him killed. As he and Yuu-Tai walked through the halls Eiyo was occasionally stopped. A servant asking him where something was. A guard giving him orders of things that needed doing and him talking to a different servent to get those done. Eiyo wasn't the head servant of the palace but he'd been working there the longest and when it came to who they turned to it was him. "The fire-dance is a tradition of honour, my prince, although I have been told the entertainment is lacklustre I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the cook somehow managed to get beef-potato stew on the menu. Someone forgot to order turtle-duck- Oh Oiyla can you please make sure that the prince's horse is seen by the vet today she was limping during morning exercise, oh and the fire lords horse needs to be given less feed tomorrow." The girl nodded and rushed away and Eiyo whispered into Tai's ears. "Like it's owner it's getting fat." He cleared his throat. "I will attend the fire dance if you wish my prince." A female servant, young around 12 who was about to approach heard this and looked disappointed. "You're not going?" Eiyo blinked at look at her and blinked. "Aya I know you're new, but duty comes before pleasure." He smiled at her softly and leant in straightening her uniform. "I'll dance with you another time little water drop, now what have you come to tell me?"
When they finally arrived Eiyo bowed to Shing-Lee respectively who nodded her head and she turned to Tai and half-heartedly bowed. Her clothing were simple and loose perfect for fighting and bending whistle her main colours were strangely blue instead of red like Eiyo's "Prince Yuu-Tai. Late as usual. Eiyo must be slipping in his duties of getting you out of bed."
Eiyo's tense shoulders relax as Tai says he understands. He worried for his prince. Worried he'd get himself killed one of these days, the generals being unhappy with you and not being in good favour with the Firelord were a few ways to get him killed. As he and Yuu-Tai walked through the halls Eiyo was occasionally stopped. A servant asking him where something was. A guard giving him orders of things that needed doing and him talking to a different servent to get those done. Eiyo wasn't the head servant of the palace but he'd been working there the longest and when it came to who they turned to it was him. "The fire-dance is a tradition of honour, my prince, although I have been told the entertainment is lacklustre I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the cook somehow managed to get beef-potato stew on the menu. Someone forgot to order turtle-duck- Oh Oiyla can you please make sure that the prince's horse is seen by the vet today she was limping during morning exercise, oh and the fire lords horse needs to be given less feed tomorrow." The girl nodded and rushed away and Eiyo whispered into Tai's ears. "Like it's owner it's getting fat." He cleared his throat. "I will attend the fire dance if you wish my prince." A female servant, young around 12 who was about to approach heard this and looked disappointed. "You're not going?" Eiyo blinked at look at her and blinked. "Aya I know you're new, but duty comes before pleasure." He smiled at her softly and leant in straightening her uniform. "I'll dance with you another time little water drop, now what have you come to tell me?"
When they finally arrived Eiyo bowed to Shing-Lee respectively who nodded her head and she turned to Tai and half-heartedly bowed. Her clothing were simple and loose perfect for fighting and bending whistle her main colours were strangely blue instead of red like Eiyo's "Prince Yuu-Tai. Late as usual. Eiyo must be slipping in his duties of getting you out of bed."
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XX Yu-Tai
Tai watches Eiyo deal with the household and feels proud. As they walk toward the training yard, at least five other people stopped to ask questions or receive instructions from Eiyo, and Yu-Tai smiled at all of them in turn, because even though Eiyo couldn't be public about his fondness for the Prince, Yu-Tai could definitely be public about his fondness for many of the palace servants. He couldn't even pretend it wasn't partially because it consistently pissed off his uppity parents. xx
Eiyo scowls at the idea of attending the Fire Dance, scowls a little less when Eiyo mentions beef potato stew, and positively lights up when Eiyo, as expected, accepts his half order half invitation. xx
However, Aya's disappointment catches Tai's attention and he instantly feels guilty. He'd forgotten that there were separate Fire Dances between the palace court and servants. Was it right to always keep Eiyo all to himself? He doesn't get a a chance to ask before Eiyo's conversation with the girl is over and they're off again down winding halls. He shoves the guilt and curiosities deep down. xx
"Prince Yuu-Tai. Late as usual. Eiyo must be slipping in his duties of getting you out of bed." Shing-Lee says as they enter the training yard, and Tai rolls his eyes as he bows to her."We both know I'm the lazy one, not him." He says in reply, reveling in the slight upturn of her lips. Tai respects her- finds her to be the only person he really trusts. He knows she's just teasing them. xx
Tai holds up the staff he'd been given earlier and raises an eyebrow at Shing-Lee. "What's this for? It's kinda plain for a staff, isn't it?" He turns the staff in his hands and watches the trainer. xx
Tai watches Eiyo deal with the household and feels proud. As they walk toward the training yard, at least five other people stopped to ask questions or receive instructions from Eiyo, and Yu-Tai smiled at all of them in turn, because even though Eiyo couldn't be public about his fondness for the Prince, Yu-Tai could definitely be public about his fondness for many of the palace servants. He couldn't even pretend it wasn't partially because it consistently pissed off his uppity parents. xx
Eiyo scowls at the idea of attending the Fire Dance, scowls a little less when Eiyo mentions beef potato stew, and positively lights up when Eiyo, as expected, accepts his half order half invitation. xx
However, Aya's disappointment catches Tai's attention and he instantly feels guilty. He'd forgotten that there were separate Fire Dances between the palace court and servants. Was it right to always keep Eiyo all to himself? He doesn't get a a chance to ask before Eiyo's conversation with the girl is over and they're off again down winding halls. He shoves the guilt and curiosities deep down. xx
"Prince Yuu-Tai. Late as usual. Eiyo must be slipping in his duties of getting you out of bed." Shing-Lee says as they enter the training yard, and Tai rolls his eyes as he bows to her."We both know I'm the lazy one, not him." He says in reply, reveling in the slight upturn of her lips. Tai respects her- finds her to be the only person he really trusts. He knows she's just teasing them. xx
Tai holds up the staff he'd been given earlier and raises an eyebrow at Shing-Lee. "What's this for? It's kinda plain for a staff, isn't it?" He turns the staff in his hands and watches the trainer. xx
X Eiyo
Eiyo stepped to the side of the room crossing his arms and leaning against the wall to watch. Although he liked to participate more than watching he knew why he wasn't always involved. So with a blank look on his face, he relaxed slightly, he intended to enjoy this session.
Shing-Lee allowed herself an almost sadistic grin as Tai gestured to the staff and she gathered up her own. "Today is a lesson in humility. Whilst you are a good bender your actual fighting skills need work. You cannot rely fully on your bending, there may be times when you are without it. I also think it would be good for you to remember that you are not the best and acting like such can paint a target on your back." She didn't even look as she threw the staff towards Eiyo who although not expecting it caught it with ease. "Who better to fight you then a skilled warrior who does not have bending?"
Eiyo straightened up and spun the staff around in his hand with a grip only practice could give you. As he stepped forward giving himself more space to fight he shifted his shoulders allowing his body to relax. Eiyo was different when he was fighting, his usual blank expression changed to that of concentration and his body seemed more comfortable and relaxed with a weapon in his hand. When he'd moved more into the centre of the room he snapped his grip on the staff sharply as he fluidly bent his legs into a combat position. Shing-Lee gestured to Eiyo. "Yuu-Tai observe Eiyo for a moment, his grip on the staff whilst strong is still loose enough for flexibility. He stands on the balls of his feet ready to move at any moment. His body is relaxed and fluid ready to act. I would like to remind Eiyo." She turned to him. "Whilst his stance is good he should be using firenation stances and not the waternation stance he is using." Eiyo couldn't manage to hold back the frown that formed on his face at the comment before adjusting his stance and pushing on his emotionless mask again, almost like retreating into a ball, Shing-Lee pretended not to notice but she did give Tai a look that he could take for 'help him'. "Now see Eiyo's stance is more solid as he intends to hold his ground rather than dodging and weaving. This, as you know, is more akin to firebending than waterbending. I want you to observe as Eiyo will go through the base attacks and deflects. When you are done with warm-up you will fight Eiyo until you can get a hit in. Which should take a while. Eiyo teach him well." She nodded and turned and left the room.
Eiyo stepped to the side of the room crossing his arms and leaning against the wall to watch. Although he liked to participate more than watching he knew why he wasn't always involved. So with a blank look on his face, he relaxed slightly, he intended to enjoy this session.
Shing-Lee allowed herself an almost sadistic grin as Tai gestured to the staff and she gathered up her own. "Today is a lesson in humility. Whilst you are a good bender your actual fighting skills need work. You cannot rely fully on your bending, there may be times when you are without it. I also think it would be good for you to remember that you are not the best and acting like such can paint a target on your back." She didn't even look as she threw the staff towards Eiyo who although not expecting it caught it with ease. "Who better to fight you then a skilled warrior who does not have bending?"
Eiyo straightened up and spun the staff around in his hand with a grip only practice could give you. As he stepped forward giving himself more space to fight he shifted his shoulders allowing his body to relax. Eiyo was different when he was fighting, his usual blank expression changed to that of concentration and his body seemed more comfortable and relaxed with a weapon in his hand. When he'd moved more into the centre of the room he snapped his grip on the staff sharply as he fluidly bent his legs into a combat position. Shing-Lee gestured to Eiyo. "Yuu-Tai observe Eiyo for a moment, his grip on the staff whilst strong is still loose enough for flexibility. He stands on the balls of his feet ready to move at any moment. His body is relaxed and fluid ready to act. I would like to remind Eiyo." She turned to him. "Whilst his stance is good he should be using firenation stances and not the waternation stance he is using." Eiyo couldn't manage to hold back the frown that formed on his face at the comment before adjusting his stance and pushing on his emotionless mask again, almost like retreating into a ball, Shing-Lee pretended not to notice but she did give Tai a look that he could take for 'help him'. "Now see Eiyo's stance is more solid as he intends to hold his ground rather than dodging and weaving. This, as you know, is more akin to firebending than waterbending. I want you to observe as Eiyo will go through the base attacks and deflects. When you are done with warm-up you will fight Eiyo until you can get a hit in. Which should take a while. Eiyo teach him well." She nodded and turned and left the room.
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XX Yu-Tai
Tai and Eiyo have been a pair long enough for them to be quite used to one another, if the sweet moments that morning weren't indication enough in Tai's mind, but watching his friend fight still left Tai feeling breathless, as if Eiyo were casting a spell on him by being so skilled and elegant. Tai barely hears Shing-Lee's words, his attention focused upon Eiyo's stance and expression, so calm and collected. If only they didn't live in the Fire Nation, where anything foreign was illicit. xx
"I would like to remind Eiyo, whilst his stance is good, he should be using Fire Nation stances and not the Water Tribe stance he is using." Like a spell being broken or hopes being dashed to pieces, everything in Eiyo's posture changes, and Tai forces down his frustration. The calm and peaceful expression on Eiyo's face disappears in an instant, replaced with the stoic mask Tai so hates to see. His stance becomes rigid, uncomfortable, foreign- even Tai can see the harm. xx
"Now see, Eiyo's stance is more solid, as he intends to hold his ground rather than dodge and weave. This, as you know, is more akin to firebending than waterbending. I want you to observe as Eiyo goes through the base attacks and deflections. When you are done with warm-up you will fight Eiyo until you can get a hit in. Which should take a while. Eiyo, teach him well." And with that, Shing-Lee disappears, leaving Yu-Tai to frown in her absence. xxx
Tai frowns until he knows she's gone, then heaves a sigh. He respects her- there's no doubt that he respects her. But it frustrates him to no end how much propriety affects people within the palace, how fake people must be in order to avoid persecution. To see Eiyo's way of life squashed and trodden on and even ignored as if it were somehow lesser than Tai's own is infuriating to no end. xx
He turns to Eiyo, opens his mouth to apologize, then stops himself. What would apologizing do? It's not like he's stood up for Eiyo, not since- no. Apologizing would be redundant and pointless. xx
Instead, Tai copies Eiyo's stance. Puts on a smile that screams confidence even though he knows Eiyo will see right through it. He's actually not looking forward to this. Tai might be the better bender, but there's no contest when it comes to combat- Eiyo can knock him to the ground easily. xx
Well, it's only until he gets a hit in, right? Right? ...yeah, they're going to be out here for a while. xx
Tai and Eiyo have been a pair long enough for them to be quite used to one another, if the sweet moments that morning weren't indication enough in Tai's mind, but watching his friend fight still left Tai feeling breathless, as if Eiyo were casting a spell on him by being so skilled and elegant. Tai barely hears Shing-Lee's words, his attention focused upon Eiyo's stance and expression, so calm and collected. If only they didn't live in the Fire Nation, where anything foreign was illicit. xx
"I would like to remind Eiyo, whilst his stance is good, he should be using Fire Nation stances and not the Water Tribe stance he is using." Like a spell being broken or hopes being dashed to pieces, everything in Eiyo's posture changes, and Tai forces down his frustration. The calm and peaceful expression on Eiyo's face disappears in an instant, replaced with the stoic mask Tai so hates to see. His stance becomes rigid, uncomfortable, foreign- even Tai can see the harm. xx
"Now see, Eiyo's stance is more solid, as he intends to hold his ground rather than dodge and weave. This, as you know, is more akin to firebending than waterbending. I want you to observe as Eiyo goes through the base attacks and deflections. When you are done with warm-up you will fight Eiyo until you can get a hit in. Which should take a while. Eiyo, teach him well." And with that, Shing-Lee disappears, leaving Yu-Tai to frown in her absence. xxx
Tai frowns until he knows she's gone, then heaves a sigh. He respects her- there's no doubt that he respects her. But it frustrates him to no end how much propriety affects people within the palace, how fake people must be in order to avoid persecution. To see Eiyo's way of life squashed and trodden on and even ignored as if it were somehow lesser than Tai's own is infuriating to no end. xx
He turns to Eiyo, opens his mouth to apologize, then stops himself. What would apologizing do? It's not like he's stood up for Eiyo, not since- no. Apologizing would be redundant and pointless. xx
Instead, Tai copies Eiyo's stance. Puts on a smile that screams confidence even though he knows Eiyo will see right through it. He's actually not looking forward to this. Tai might be the better bender, but there's no contest when it comes to combat- Eiyo can knock him to the ground easily. xx
Well, it's only until he gets a hit in, right? Right? ...yeah, they're going to be out here for a while. xx
X Eiyo
Eiyo knows he did not need to express the frustration he felt out loud. As much as he tried to hide his true feelings to everyone else on the outside there was something about Yuuei that always saw through how he felt on the inside. How suffocating and angry playing the good firenation servant made him. He shouldn't of let this feeling affect his outside mask but he just felt so.... full of rage to anything everything that represented this horrid nation. Not even his sweet sweet prince was safe from their grasp.
He didn't react to the confident smile on Tai's face which was of the first things that showed he wasn't thinking straight. He knew it wasn't Tai's fault, knew deep down this sweet man cared for the real him, the water tribesman he should have been. He knew it and that made it feel just slightly better. He gave him a 'we're going to be here for a while' look and moved.
In one quick movement, Eiyo went from standing still to attacking. Whilst he wasn't moving to kill everything about he moved said this was a fight to harm, a fight to win, he never went easy in training and he knew Yu-Tai could take it. He rounded the staff around the very hard end heading right for Yu-Tai's head. It was full of power behind the movement not the quick jabs he liked because whilst it hurt if it hit. It was easy to avoid. He followed up with a quick kick to break the distance and bunkered down for the defensive.
Eiyo knows he did not need to express the frustration he felt out loud. As much as he tried to hide his true feelings to everyone else on the outside there was something about Yuuei that always saw through how he felt on the inside. How suffocating and angry playing the good firenation servant made him. He shouldn't of let this feeling affect his outside mask but he just felt so.... full of rage to anything everything that represented this horrid nation. Not even his sweet sweet prince was safe from their grasp.
He didn't react to the confident smile on Tai's face which was of the first things that showed he wasn't thinking straight. He knew it wasn't Tai's fault, knew deep down this sweet man cared for the real him, the water tribesman he should have been. He knew it and that made it feel just slightly better. He gave him a 'we're going to be here for a while' look and moved.
In one quick movement, Eiyo went from standing still to attacking. Whilst he wasn't moving to kill everything about he moved said this was a fight to harm, a fight to win, he never went easy in training and he knew Yu-Tai could take it. He rounded the staff around the very hard end heading right for Yu-Tai's head. It was full of power behind the movement not the quick jabs he liked because whilst it hurt if it hit. It was easy to avoid. He followed up with a quick kick to break the distance and bunkered down for the defensive.
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XX Yu-Tai
As expected, Eiyo does not pull his punches, and right from the get-go all of Tai's energy funnels into his not-nursed-enough reflexes. He scrambles to block Eiyo's first attack and grits his teeth at the vibrations that run through his staff, hinting at just how hard of a hit it would have been.
Tai dodges Eiyo's kick and lunges low, aiming for his side. Eiyo steps back and easily deflects his advances and it isn't long before he gets the first hit in, a quick jab that has Tai wincing in pain.
Yeah, they're definitely going to be out here a while.
The training hall echoes with the sound of their staffs connecting and as time goes on, Tai starts to lose patience. Or, rather, he starts to get frustrated- he didn't have much patience to begin with.
Their battle stretches on longer and longer and Tai struggles to even get close to Eiyo, much less get a hit in, while Eiyo racks up points without seeming to break a sweat. It occurs to Tai that this isn't quite right, that Eiyo isn't acting quite right- too forward, never pausing long enough for Tai to analyze his attacks or criticize his own or really learn anything from the fight.
Somewhere in the back of his head, Tai realizes Eiyo is pissed, and it makes him blank a little.
Eiyo gets another painful hit in while Tai's thoughts are still scrambled, but all Tai can focus on is Shing-Lee's words. They made him upset, so isn't it reasonable for Eiyo to be upset too? But then, why is he taking it out on him? It's not his fault the Fire Nation has rules. Sure, he's the Prince, but he didn't choose to be born a Prince, would do away with the title in an instant if he could.
The palace, the class system, his parents and their rules, all boil Tai's blood, and he thinks, hey, if Eiyo is pissed off and wants to fight, why bother training? Why not just fucking fight?!
Tai's stance becomes looser and less stable, his attacks more erratic, and he bears down on Eiyo as best he can, because hell, now he's pissed too. He doesn't dodge or defend, just attacks, more than a little desperate to just get the training over with so everything can be peaceful again.
Except even when he's trying his absolute hardest, Eiyo is still the better fighter. Another hit stabs into an existing bruise on Tai's side and he growls low, his anger getting the better of him.
Then he trips, and Eiyo is there above him, coming right at him, and Tai shoots a line of fire. It lights up his vision and blocks Eiyo from view, and Tai's stomach plummets to the floor.
What has he done?!
As expected, Eiyo does not pull his punches, and right from the get-go all of Tai's energy funnels into his not-nursed-enough reflexes. He scrambles to block Eiyo's first attack and grits his teeth at the vibrations that run through his staff, hinting at just how hard of a hit it would have been.
Tai dodges Eiyo's kick and lunges low, aiming for his side. Eiyo steps back and easily deflects his advances and it isn't long before he gets the first hit in, a quick jab that has Tai wincing in pain.
Yeah, they're definitely going to be out here a while.
The training hall echoes with the sound of their staffs connecting and as time goes on, Tai starts to lose patience. Or, rather, he starts to get frustrated- he didn't have much patience to begin with.
Their battle stretches on longer and longer and Tai struggles to even get close to Eiyo, much less get a hit in, while Eiyo racks up points without seeming to break a sweat. It occurs to Tai that this isn't quite right, that Eiyo isn't acting quite right- too forward, never pausing long enough for Tai to analyze his attacks or criticize his own or really learn anything from the fight.
Somewhere in the back of his head, Tai realizes Eiyo is pissed, and it makes him blank a little.
Eiyo gets another painful hit in while Tai's thoughts are still scrambled, but all Tai can focus on is Shing-Lee's words. They made him upset, so isn't it reasonable for Eiyo to be upset too? But then, why is he taking it out on him? It's not his fault the Fire Nation has rules. Sure, he's the Prince, but he didn't choose to be born a Prince, would do away with the title in an instant if he could.
The palace, the class system, his parents and their rules, all boil Tai's blood, and he thinks, hey, if Eiyo is pissed off and wants to fight, why bother training? Why not just fucking fight?!
Tai's stance becomes looser and less stable, his attacks more erratic, and he bears down on Eiyo as best he can, because hell, now he's pissed too. He doesn't dodge or defend, just attacks, more than a little desperate to just get the training over with so everything can be peaceful again.
Except even when he's trying his absolute hardest, Eiyo is still the better fighter. Another hit stabs into an existing bruise on Tai's side and he growls low, his anger getting the better of him.
Then he trips, and Eiyo is there above him, coming right at him, and Tai shoots a line of fire. It lights up his vision and blocks Eiyo from view, and Tai's stomach plummets to the floor.
What has he done?!
X Eiyo
Eiyo was ashamed to say he enjoyed the feeling of blanking out his mind and just fighting. Deep down it occurred to him this wasn't fair, Tai hadn't done anything to add to this anger but still, it felt good to lash out like this to someone. anyone. His heart swelled when he got a good punch in. When he dodged out of the way and left an opening in his enemy.
That word made him mentally pause although his body kept lashing out. Rounding the staff around to his hit a drop in defence. The arm, he noted. Another jab, it was like Tai wasn't even defending at this point, his stance was wrong, too fluid. Too much like a water bender. More anger thrummed through him as he was reminded all over again of what it meant to be him, to be an endless servant so far from his homeland. The thing called snow he'd never even seen but was supposed to be cold and white and all around him.
He lashes out to the side and in his eagerness sweeps his staff under the young prince's feet. His staff clattering to the ground with the boy and as he stands over him fists clenched Eiyo isn't sure what he's going to do. Isn't sure if he'd going to help the boy he loves up or not. He doesn't have the time to question himself as a line of flaming red fire is being pushed towards him.
Flame fills his vision the hair's on his arms singeing them away as his skin blisters from just the proximity to this wave of fire. Eiyo's mind blanks. Anger filled him in waves and the movement he makes drilled into his head from watching Yu-Tai practice. His hands raised, fingers outspread palms facing outward his hands slash through the air as if to split the column of flame in two.
Heat radiates in his hands but not from the fire. He feels his arms throbbing with some sort of energy and for a second Eiyo swears he feels his stomach twist in the effort. The fire inches from his hands get sent to either side of him. A 90-degree angle from whence they came. The follow his hands to the sides pushing against the floor as the dissipate against the stone. Eiyo stands there hands outstretched from the move he just made. Hands red with welts but otherwise okay. His breathing heavy he doesn't move for a second as he stands over Yu-Tai. Then he steps back feeling lightheaded he falls backwards, he's sitting on the floor eyes wide and looking down at his hands that throb with both pain and the feeling it felt to move fire with his mind. To bend. But that wasn't possible. Right?
Eiyo was ashamed to say he enjoyed the feeling of blanking out his mind and just fighting. Deep down it occurred to him this wasn't fair, Tai hadn't done anything to add to this anger but still, it felt good to lash out like this to someone. anyone. His heart swelled when he got a good punch in. When he dodged out of the way and left an opening in his enemy.
That word made him mentally pause although his body kept lashing out. Rounding the staff around to his hit a drop in defence. The arm, he noted. Another jab, it was like Tai wasn't even defending at this point, his stance was wrong, too fluid. Too much like a water bender. More anger thrummed through him as he was reminded all over again of what it meant to be him, to be an endless servant so far from his homeland. The thing called snow he'd never even seen but was supposed to be cold and white and all around him.
He lashes out to the side and in his eagerness sweeps his staff under the young prince's feet. His staff clattering to the ground with the boy and as he stands over him fists clenched Eiyo isn't sure what he's going to do. Isn't sure if he'd going to help the boy he loves up or not. He doesn't have the time to question himself as a line of flaming red fire is being pushed towards him.
Flame fills his vision the hair's on his arms singeing them away as his skin blisters from just the proximity to this wave of fire. Eiyo's mind blanks. Anger filled him in waves and the movement he makes drilled into his head from watching Yu-Tai practice. His hands raised, fingers outspread palms facing outward his hands slash through the air as if to split the column of flame in two.
Heat radiates in his hands but not from the fire. He feels his arms throbbing with some sort of energy and for a second Eiyo swears he feels his stomach twist in the effort. The fire inches from his hands get sent to either side of him. A 90-degree angle from whence they came. The follow his hands to the sides pushing against the floor as the dissipate against the stone. Eiyo stands there hands outstretched from the move he just made. Hands red with welts but otherwise okay. His breathing heavy he doesn't move for a second as he stands over Yu-Tai. Then he steps back feeling lightheaded he falls backwards, he's sitting on the floor eyes wide and looking down at his hands that throb with both pain and the feeling it felt to move fire with his mind. To bend. But that wasn't possible. Right?
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XX Yu-Tai
In a split second, all of Tai's fear is replaced with a feeling of bewilderment.
Tai's column of fire had broken perfectly in two. Tai hadn't done that, hadn't had the time to even think. No, Eiyo had broken that attack. Eiyo had firebended. Eiyo was a firebender.
He snaps back to reality as Eiyo crumbles, and in an instant Tai is there, hovering over him. He's sure the expression of shock and fear on Eiyo's face is mirrored on his own, and he does his best to shake it off as he kneels in front of his friend. Eiyo's hands are shaking. Tai winces at the sight of the burns, the skin blistering and red. It's strange. A firebender shouldn't be burned.
Firebender.
Suddenly on edge, Tai's gaze whips around the training yard. There's not a soul in sight. He takes a breath, still nervous. What will happen if Eiyo is discovered? Tai doesn't want to find out.
He leans close to Eiyo, tries to meet his gaze, to draw the attention of those bright, shining eyes.
"Eiyo?" He whispers, carefully grips the boy's wrists. "We need to find you a healer."
We. Always we. For a split second, Tai recalls how angry he and Eiyo had been at each other just moments ago. But all that is gone now. All Tai can think about is his guilt, throwing fire at Eiyo. These burns, these painful, blistering burns, are all his fault. Everything is his fault.
Almost like a child, Tai whispers to his companion, his voice breaking. "Please. Let's go."
In a split second, all of Tai's fear is replaced with a feeling of bewilderment.
Tai's column of fire had broken perfectly in two. Tai hadn't done that, hadn't had the time to even think. No, Eiyo had broken that attack. Eiyo had firebended. Eiyo was a firebender.
He snaps back to reality as Eiyo crumbles, and in an instant Tai is there, hovering over him. He's sure the expression of shock and fear on Eiyo's face is mirrored on his own, and he does his best to shake it off as he kneels in front of his friend. Eiyo's hands are shaking. Tai winces at the sight of the burns, the skin blistering and red. It's strange. A firebender shouldn't be burned.
Firebender.
Suddenly on edge, Tai's gaze whips around the training yard. There's not a soul in sight. He takes a breath, still nervous. What will happen if Eiyo is discovered? Tai doesn't want to find out.
He leans close to Eiyo, tries to meet his gaze, to draw the attention of those bright, shining eyes.
"Eiyo?" He whispers, carefully grips the boy's wrists. "We need to find you a healer."
We. Always we. For a split second, Tai recalls how angry he and Eiyo had been at each other just moments ago. But all that is gone now. All Tai can think about is his guilt, throwing fire at Eiyo. These burns, these painful, blistering burns, are all his fault. Everything is his fault.
Almost like a child, Tai whispers to his companion, his voice breaking. "Please. Let's go."
- 17 posts here • Page 1 of 1
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Re: Twin Soul
cl.love
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[left][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/415018523882946560/619092573331521546/ezgif-1-1070753221ec.jpg[/img][/left] [center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#DAA520][b]Leo Young[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]"[/color][color=#228C22][b]You're gonna be late if you don't leave- nevermind, you're already late.[/b][/color][color=black]" "[/color][color=#DAA520][b]Yeah, I know, shut up! Jesus.[/b][/color][color=black]"[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Leo sees Keaton's middle finger through his brother's open door and returns the gesture. He [i]knows[/i] he's late. The only reason Keaton's not late is because he chose afternoon classes on account of him working nights and wanting to sleep in. Lucky bastard. Leo grabs his stuff and shoves his feet into the first pair of shoes he sees, shouting out a half-assed "later" to his brother before heading out the door, barely pausing to lock up.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Leo isn't normally late to class. But, of course, the one time he forgets to set an alarm just so happens to be the first day of the new semester and therefore, the first day of Modern Performing Arts and Dance, the only class he's actually somewhat excited for. And why wouldn't he be? It's [i]dance[/i]. He gets to learn about dance, maybe show off a bit bc hey, he's pretty fit. And all the dance majors he's met are lovely, gorgeous, graceful people. If watching beautiful people dance [i]and[/i] getting credits for doing so isn't the best thing ever, what is?[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Unfortunately, he'd been out late last night and passed the fuck out as soon as he got home. He hadn't even drank, but he'd still been tired enough to forget to set an alarm. And now he's late. On the first day of class.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]He walks into the dance studio with the air of someone who believes in being "fashionably late" and luckily for him, no one seems to care, aside from the professor who still only glances his way. Everyone's gathered against a far wall to watch what he assumes are the senior student's example performances, and he sneaks his way over to the horde, settling in to observe.[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]Wow, these guys are pretty damn good.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Leo seems to have arrived toward the end of one performance, and he claps with everyone else while the dancers swap.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Next up is a tall, muscular boy with long hair tucked (mostly) up into a bun, and even from a short distance away, Leo's eyes are instantly drawn to a spattering of scars across his arms and chest. He's stunning. The music starts, and he moves with the beats, starting slouched on the floor and sliding into jumps like his body weighs nothing at all. His movements are smooth but move into dramatic leaps, telling a story of pain even without the song pumping through speakers around him. Leo is mesmerized, and very, very, [i]very[/i] impressed.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]The dance ends with the boy on his knees, and Leo instantly claps as the music fades. He's the only person who does. "[/color][color=#DAA520][b]The fuck?[/b][/color][color=black]" He blurts out, several sets of eyes snapping to him. "[/color][color=#DAA520][b]Why's no one else clapping? He was absolutely amazing.[/b][/color][color=black]" The students standing closest to him shift nervously. "[b]Well, what's the point in clapping? He can't hear us anyway.[/b]" "[/color][color=#DAA520][b]What?[/b][/color][color=black]" "[b]That guy? That's Noah Birch. He's completely deaf.[/b][/color][color=black]"[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Leo gives the girl speaking a disgusted look, and she takes a few steps back. He can't help the reaction. He majors in Interpretation for ASL, has known deaf and mute and HOH people his whole life, and he can't help being sick of this kind of bullshit. "[/color][color=#DAA520][b]Are you serious? He's deaf, not blind, idiot. He knows what clapping means and probably feels singled out when you people clap for everyone else but him.[/b][/color][color=black]" The students around him are taken aback but, one by one, they start to clap, if a bit half-assedly. He grins. "[/color][color=#DAA520][b][i]Thank[/i] you.[/b][/color][color=black]"[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color][/size][/font][/justify]
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[left][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/415018523882946560/619092573331521546/ezgif-1-1070753221ec.jpg[/img][/left] [center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#DAA520][b]Leo Young[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]Leo wants to laugh at how awkward the clapping is, but he settles for a smirk. Honestly though, refusing to clap just because the guy can't hear? So stupid! Not being able to hear doesn't automatically make you immune to social cues. Then again, most of society isn't raised in a mindset of working with people who are different, so he really shouldn't be that surprised. Leo catches Noah looking back, watching the dancers clap with their awkward poses and intimidated expressions. He smiles, and yeah, the intimidation was worth it. Leo would kill to see that smile again, God, he's fucking beautiful![/color] [color=transparent]xxx[/color]
[color=black]Leo smiles when Noah's gaze lands on him, if only briefly, and he watches Noah even when he turns away. Leo's momentary euphoria watching Noah is pretty much instantly shattered as he observes the interaction between Noah and the professor. The lady barely even looks at him when he first walks up, and because the next performance hasn't started yet, there's no music to drown out her blatant discrimination. Leo's blood boils, and he's halfway across the room by the time Noah sits down again. Noah's smiling a different smile.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Leo stops by Noah, tapping him on the shoulder to grab his attention, and smiling bright as can be before turning to the professor and schooling his expression into something far more menacing. He walks over to the desk and towers over the professor in her chair, though he stands angled so Noah can see his hands, and as he speaks, he signs the words with fluid motions. "[/color][color=#DAA520][b]Excuse me, [i]ma'am.[/i][/b][/color][color=black]" The woman looks up at him and smiles sweetly. "[b]Yes, young man?[/b]" Fucking two-faced liars. "[/color][color=#DAA520][b]I'd like to remind you that it's your job as a teacher to accommodate your students and help them learn the best way they can. Your blatant mocking and disrespect of Noah Birch is uncalled for. I [i]can and will[/i] report you for discrimination.[/b][/color][color=black]"[/color] [color=transparent]xxx[/color]
[color=black]The professor looks shocked, and Leo continues before she can speak against him. "[/color][color=#DAA520][b]You're a dancer, I assume? You value the culture of it? Well, I'm here to remind you that some of the best dancers in history have been either deaf or hard of hearing. Simone Botha Welgemoed, Nyle DiMarco, Chris Fonseca, Bailey Anne Vincent, Michele Wiles. Hearing the music is only part of what dance is, and clearly it isn't the important part, because plenty of dancers are excelling without it. I may not have seen any of the other performances today, but Noah? He was [i]amazing[/i], and you didn't even watch.[/b][/color][color=black]"[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]"[/color][color=#DAA520][b]His movements are beautifully smooth and controlled, his jumps are powerful and his transitions are seamless. The amount of strength it takes to move like that is incredible, and you can see a story in the dance without the music even being necessary. He's going off the beats [i]alone[/i]. If you can't see when one of your own students is excelling at what you're supposed to be teaching then frankly, you shouldn't be a teacher at all.[/b][/color][color=black]" Leo swears some of the other students gasp, but he refuses to pull punches.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]"[/color][color=#DAA520][b]So, [i]Madame Bon-Bon[/i], I would suggest you treat all your students equally. Think you can do that?[/b][/color][color=black]"[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color][/size][/font][/justify]
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[left][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/415018523882946560/619092573331521546/ezgif-1-1070753221ec.jpg[/img][/left] [center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#DAA520][b]Leo Young[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]Leo frowns as he listens to the professor's response, frowns deeper when [i]Noah himself[/i] calls it a lost cause. Lost cause?! No way in hell is Leo settling on this shit.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]"[/color][color=#DAA520][b]I understand, but I'm not backing down, because you have a perfect solution right here in front of you. I'm fluent in sign, I can interpret. I'll talk to him and see if he's willing to partner up with me. And I can get my brother in here to help him understand the tempo of the music if there are times when both of us will be dancing at the same time. Solved.[/b][/color][color=black]"[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]The professor doesn't seem particularly pleased, but she doesn't argue with him, so Leo smiles a venomous smile and bows to her, 100% sarcastically, before finding Noah again. The rest of the class goes about their business with hushed whispers while Leo crouches in front of Noah, grabbing his attention to sign.[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]I offered to be your interpreter for this class, if that's alright with you. I'm L-e-o Y-o-u-n-g, Cat. And if you'd be willing to have me on a trial basis, I would love the chance to be your dance partner for the semester.[/i][/b][/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[/size][/font][/justify]
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[left][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/415018523882946560/619092573331521546/ezgif-1-1070753221ec.jpg[/img][/left] [center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#DAA520][b]Leo Young[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=#84A3D9][b][i]You are welcome to try. I can't afford to pay you and I don't make a good partner.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Leo shakes his head.[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]It works out, because I don't want you to pay me. This is to make your life a little easier. And maybe to get back at that teacher for being terrible. Besides, you seem like a wonderful person, I'd like to get to know you. And I may or not like watching you dance.[/i][/b][/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Leo watches Noah stretch and [i]holy shit[/i], this guy is [i]fit[/i]. How does he make stretching like that look so easy?! Their conversation lulls for a bit while Leo admires Noah and then Noah is back, sitting and smiling that oh so beautiful smile, and Leo's pretty sure he'd like to ask him out on a date.[/color] [color=#84A3D9][b][i]Thanks. For what you did. I'm N-O-A-H B-I-R-C-H, smile. So how much dancing have you done before?[/i][/b][/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]Don't apologize, no one deserves that treatment. Especially you.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Leo should have guessed that Noah's sign name is Smile- it fits him perfectly.[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]I've never actually done dance outside of the fun kinds you do in kindergarten. I wanted to try something new and dance seemed interesting enough. I figure I'm fit enough to be... decent.[/i][/b][/color] [color=transparent]xxx[/color]
[color=black]They don't have much time to chat, much to Leo's disappointment, but class begins and Leo has the time of his life anyways. Bitch or not, the professor knows what she's talking about, and Leo gets to watch Noah the whole time while he translates her directions. He ignores the eyes on him- this isn't their business. This is for Noah. Leo's smitten, and Noah keeps [i]smiling at him[/i]- Leo wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world.[/color] [color=transparent]xxx[/color][/size][/font][/justify]
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[left][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/415018523882946560/619092573331521546/ezgif-1-1070753221ec.jpg[/img][/left] [center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#DAA520][b]Leo Young[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]Leo's still in daydream-Nirvana from having Noah up against his back when gasps around the room catch his attention. He turns to see what all the fuss is about and finds Noah [i]bleeding[/i]. How or why Leo has no idea, but he wastes no time pulling off his shirt and gently taking Noah's arm in his hands, wrapping the cloth tight around the wound on his wrist- a long cut straight across the vein. What on Earth? Does he self-harm? Why?! Leo doesn't ask, just focuses on wrapping the wound.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Once he's satisfied, he takes a step back so his hands are fully visible.[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]You should go to the infirmary. That's a lot of blood to lose, and you'll need it to be wrapped up better than that. I can go with you.[/i][/b][/color] [color=transparent]xxx[/color][/size][/font][/justify][center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#228C22][b]Keaton Young[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]Keaton watches the streaks of blood run over his skin, drowns out all other thoughts to fixate on the stinging pain, the warmth of the blood, the way his fingers are trembling. There are drops on the tiled bathroom floor but Keaton doesn't really register the mess, just stares at the cut until the pain isn't as intense and the blood has started to dry. Only then goes he get up to clean the wound. The water brings back the pain, but it fades quickly, leaving him feeling hazy and out of it. The pain, the blood loss, the choices he's making in his life- the haze could be from any one of those, and Keaton really doesn't care either way. It's not like it [i]matters.[/i][/color] [color=transparent]xxx[/color]
[color=black]Unsurprisingly, self-harm isn't all that common in the world Keaton lives in. After all, so many people have another person attached to their pain that the idea of hurting themselves (and therefore, their soulmate) on [i]purpose[/i] is... too much to bear, apparently. Keaton's never had that problem. He's never had any soulmates.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Most people are born with words on their arm: the first words your soulmate ever says to you. Of course, not all people are that fortunate- some are born without those special words, and are generally viewed as great tragedies because of it. Keaton is one of those people. His parents have soulmates, his twin brother Leo has a soulmate. But he does not. And that's fine. Keaton's actually grown quite sick of having the glory of soulmates, romantic [i]and[/i] platonic, shoved down his throat at every turn like it's the only happiness he'll find.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]Keaton scowls at his mental process, fishing a roll of white bandages out of the cupboard and wrapping his arm with practiced ease. Soulmates aren't the only way to find happiness in life. At least Leo believes that. Keaton's at the point where he's not actually sure happiness exists, [i]period[/i]. The world seems a bit too fucked up- the idea that you'll meet the person meant for you and live happily ever after is just an escape from it all.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color][/size][/font][/justify]
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[left][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/415018523882946560/619092573331521546/ezgif-1-1070753221ec.jpg[/img][/left] [center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#DAA520][b]Leo Young[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]Leo doesn't follow Noah right away. He's in shock, a bit, and he also wants to give Noah a few moments of privacy. It doesn't take long for curiosity and concern to overwhelm Leo, though, and he leaves the crowd of not very subtle whispering students and heads for the toilet. If Noah refuses to go to the nurse, well, what other place is there for him to go where he can treat a wound?[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]There are tears in Noah's eyes when Leo walks in, and his heart sinks.[/color] [color=#84A3D9][b][i]You must be wondering what that was.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Yeah, Leo is hella curious. [i]But[/i]...[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]You don't have to tell me about if you don't want to. I just want to make sure you're alright.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Noah smiles sadly and rubs his dog's ears - yeah, only now does Leo notice the dog sitting between them, perfectly behaved - before looking back at Leo and gesturing to the multitude of scars across his front.[/color] [color=#84A3D9][b][i]I only have one soulmate. They are both platonic and romantic. I can't talk, I can't hear. So he doesn't have words. I don't think he knows I'm real. He cuts, I bleed too. These are all his, not mine.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Leo's sadness shows on his face for a short moment, and then he schools his expression.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]He waits until Noah is looking at him again before he signs.[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]This will probably feel out of place, but my brother was born without any soulmates. Not romantic, not platonic, none. People always looked at him like he was some big tragedy or something. But being different isn't tragic. Soulmates are weird, love itself is weird. Not everyone has soulmates and even some people who do still don't believe in it. And nothing is guaranteed.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Leo scratches his head, feeling like he's getting nowhere with his pep talk.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=#DAA520][b][i]I'm really bad at this. But what I'm trying to get across is that it's not weird at all, having a different connection with your soulmate than other people. If you meet him someday, I'm sure things will change. But if you don't, I think you should stop beating yourself up for this. Being deaf is a part of who you are and even if it affects your soulmate in a bad way, you still shouldn't be ashamed of it.[/i][/b][/color] [color=transparent]xsx[/color]
[color=#DAA520][b][i]Besides, people glorify soulmates way too much. Meeting your soulmate isn't the only thing that can make you happy, no matter what society has to say about it.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Leo prays his words are actually helping.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]He wonders what it's been like for Noah all this time, believing he's the cause of all his soulmate's pain. What if there are other things at play?[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]You know, there's no proof they're self harming because of you. My brother couldn't care less about not having a soulmate- maybe your soulmate's the same, and something else in his life is leading him to self harm. After all, some of those scars look like they had to have been done by someone else.[/i][/b][/color] [color=black]Leo gestures toward a few of Noah's more awkwardly placed scars.[/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color]
[color=black]As he gestures, his hands come mighty close to brushing Noah's skin, and Leo realizes how little space there is between them. He pulls his hand back, forcing down the embarrassment.[/color] [color=#DAA520][b][i]Is it alright if I hug you?[/i][/b][/color] [color=transparent]xx[/color][/size][/font][/justify]
Re: Twin Soul
Biglittleorme
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[left][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/612423512224825345/619066142807556097/tumblr_pxcj5fPE7Z1uoffvlo1_400.png[/img][/left] [center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#84A3d9][b]Noah Birch[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]Noah loved dancing. The feeling of weightlessness as he jumped, the heavy pressure of air as he spun. Ballet had always been his favourite. The body of a dancer was their temple, something to keep perfect. Noah's however, was covered in scars. Along his arms and chest were small scars, some older than others, familiar to those who knew how they were placed there. Except in Noah's case, the scars weren't his own. In the world that Noah lived in most people had soulmates. Usually, two though sometimes one or even none at all, soulmates were people who were perfect for you. The lover soulmate who you shared your mind and heart with, the first words you heard from them on your body, anything drawn on yourself appearing on them as well. Then there was your platonic soulmate, usually a different person though sometimes on occasion both. Your platonic soulmate was someone you could share your body with. Your pain became theirs, your scars their scars.
It was this reason why Noah had scars, this reason why he was looked down on as a dancer. Not that anyone knew it wasn't his scars that stood so boldly on his skin. No, his soulmate had done them, and he wore them as evidence that wherever his soulmate was, they were hurting. Noah supposed maybe he had another soulmate, he wondered how they would feel. Like him not possessing a mark of first words, the drawings would come later but Noah didn't bare the words of his soulmate. He'd never hear his soulmates voice, well he never heard anything anyway. Noah didn't hear the sound of the music that he danced to or the sound of his feet hitting the floor after he'd leapt.
Noah ignored all of that going through his mind as he continued his routine. It was a day his dance class welcomed the 'fresh meat'. A performance from the more senior members was supposed to give them an idea of what to expect. Each senior was given a genre to cover. Noah had been given ballet. He finished with set with penché a move where he stands with his right leg en pointe (on his tiptoes) and his second leg well above 90 degrees behind him before quickly dropping his leg and spinning until abruptly stopping and falling to his knees. His breathing heavy and body covered with sweat he focuses on his classmates and tries to hide the disappointment. They aren't clapping, they never clap. He tried so hard, and they never clap. With a small bow, Noah left the area stepping off to the side to grab his water bottle ignoring the feeling of inadequacy at the lack of feedback.[/color][/size][/font][/justify]
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[left][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/612423512224825345/619066142807556097/tumblr_pxcj5fPE7Z1uoffvlo1_400.png[/img][/left] [center][font=arial][size=230][color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color]
[color=#84A3d9][b]Noah Birch[/b][/color]
[color=black][b][i]-[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][/center]
[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]Noah takes a long gulp of water and shifts his shoulders to work out some tension between his blades. Making a mental note to focus on them during stretches he turns to move to the back of the class when out of the corner of his eye he notices the movement. Clapping. People were clapping, for him. He can't help but smile to himself for once being appreciated for what he did when his eyes fully focus on the crowd. Tense body language, eyes shifting from the floor to a figure at the back. Woah, Noah's eyes settle on a guy who seems to be pure muscle. He can appreciate a fine specimen when he sees it. But he has other things to do. It was tradition after they danced to bow directly to the teacher and take on feedback. His teacher whilst strict still appreciated the tradition in dance and eager to comply Noah headed over to the teacher.
He bowed before the woman and stood up straight a smile on his face before it soon faded. She had completely ignored him. A glance yes but no returning head nod like she did with the rest and no note of what he could improve on. He hadn't perfected the art of lip-reading but he considered himself able to understand someone speaking to him. 'Oh,' He thought. Maybe she wanted to write it down? Usually hearing people just assumed he'd offer a way of communication and since this was his first day with a new teacher maybe she didn't want to assume. Used to this Noah rushed over to his bag and took out his communication pad. He approached her again bowing before he typed out a question to present to the teacher he wanted to know if she would consider that performance for the showcase the following week..... Only for her to narrow her eyes at him. [b] "Get that out of my face. You waste my time. I waste my time even saying such. Deaf dancer, hah!" [/b]
Noah was mostly glad that he didn't get all that she was saying but he got the gist of it all. His shoulders slumped as he pulled the pad to his chest as if burnt. He just put on a big smile and bowed at her again before turning to leave and do his stretches. His sign name wasn't Smile for nothing! He supposed.[/color][/size][/font][/justify]
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[color=#84A3d9][b]Noah Birch[/b][/color]
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[justify][font=arial][size=120][color=black]Noah was focusing on trying to hide his disappointment and by the time he feels a tap on his shoulder, he doesn't even notice who it was. Looking up and seeing such an honest smile he suddenly feels miles better. He wasn't sure who this person was but wow he had an amazing smile. Then, the angel that stood before him started to sign, not just sign but [i] sign [/i] and he's unable to look away. He steps closer for a better view and a better view he gets. Watching the teachers face go from confused to angry to curious to angry again in the space of a few seconds and Noah swears he's going to disappear. Did this stranger really say those things about him, for him?! The look on the students around me says he did. The burning Noah feels is his face turning a shade of deep red as he just stares at Leo mouth open. He's so focused he misses what the teacher says unable to follow the words.
[b] "Whilst your backchat is a sin in my studio I understand what you are trying to say. However, young man, in this class I expect my students to be dancing whilst I give instructions. My teaching plan is unsuited for those who cannot understand when I say an order. Not to mention Mr Birch here as a long history of being unable to dance with a partner, communication being one and unable to stay in rhythm without the music being too loud. Whilst I have to try to accommodate all students I cannot allow one special case to bring down the grade of my other dancers. Do you understand me? Mr Birch has refused interpretation services as I have been told and whilst he is a good dancer partnered dance, the ones I focus on here is past his skills. Do I make myself clear?" [/b]
Noah just blinks at her lips having been lost for most of that but still able to understand. He was grateful for Leo's attempt but the woman was right. Signing softly[/color] [color=#84A3d9] [i] Thanks but she's right. I can't afford an interpreter and no one will dance with me. [/color] [/i] He signed a small symbol that was basically ASL slang for lost cause before turning and heading over to the corner starting to stretch before he cooled down fully.[/size][/font][/justify]
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[color=#84A3d9][b]Noah Birch[/b][/color]
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[justify][font=arial][size=120]Noah stays stretching his legs as Leo comes over and glances up at the signing keeping an eye on what he was saying but still stretching. He stands on his left leg pulling his right back and over his head not needing anything to balance. He easily lets go of his leg keeping it in place to reply making the flexibility seem almost effortless. Revealing just how skilled of a dancer he really is. [color=#84A3d9] [i] You are welcome to try. I can't afford to pay you and I don't make a good partner. [/i] [/color] He changed legs and stretched that one before bending backwards into a crab to stretch his shoulders. Unable to sign for a moment or two.
When he was done he sat cross-legged in front of Leo and smiled this time more genuine. [color=#84A3d9] [i] Thanks. For what you did. I'm N-O-A-H B-I-R-C-H, smile. So how much dancing have you done before? [/i] [/color][/size][/font][/justify]
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[color=#84A3d9][b]Noah Birch[/b][/color]
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[justify][font=arial][size=120]Noah grinned at Leo as he signed and couldn't help but blush slightly and the words the guy was saying. He'd never had anyone stand up for him before and it was refreshing to be actually able to understand what was going on. Not have to strain to see what the teacher was saying and he found he could actually focus more on what he was doing. His form, he noted, could use a little work but otherwise, he thought he was covered when it came to the ballet portion of the class. Leo, he noted, Leo could use a bit of guidance. When the teacher asked for a pile he noted that the guy did have potential. He stepped over and stood behind Leo to help. His chest was pressed against the guys back as he tapped on the guy's arm and gestured for him to bring it up over his head. [color=#84A3d9] [i] [b] Almost. Arm up point the toe. Don't worry we don't just do ballet it's just a good warm-up. [/b][/i][/color]
He stepped back and eyed Leo's form before giving a thumbs up to his cute partner. His smile the brightest he'd been in a while and was about to return to what he was supposed to be doing when a familiar burning pain-racked itself across his arm. His face gave off the pain as to the naked eye his arm started to bleed a cut on his arm appearing out of nowhere. The others in the class all stopping and staring at him as he moved and cupped his arm to his chest trying to stop the bleeding. Couldn't his soulmate pick a better time? [/size][/font][/justify]
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[color=#84A3d9][b]Noah Birch[/b][/color]
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[justify][font=arial][size=120]Noah stares down at his arm with a sad look in his eyes. Somewhere, somehow his soulmate was hurting himself. Hurting enough to do this action and whilst he wished he could have chosen a better time still his thoughts fall to the person he wants to protect. He blinks and a shirt is being wrapped around his wrist. He blinks and looks up seeing Leo, his face a mixture of shock and pain before nodding thanks. [b] [i] [color=#DAA520] You should go to the infirmary. That's a lot of blood to lose, and you'll need it to be wrapped up better than that. I can go with you [/b].[/i] [/color][/size][/font]
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Noah just shakes his head at the comment and turns to has bag grabbing it he storms out of the glass and without hesitation crosses the hall and heads straight for the bathroom. He didn't want to go to the nurse. Going to the nurse would offer questions he wasn't comfortable answering. Not to mention his parents, he shudders at the thought of his father, trying to explain that to him. Immediately at his heels is his best friend, his guide dog, Jack.
Noah jumps up to sit on the counter side Jack sitting in front of him looking up with sad puppy eyes. His bag is packed with a first-aid kit and Jack almost seems to nudge it closer to Noah to remind him. Noah smiles slightly and strokes the dogs head before going back to his work. It wasn't the first time it happened during class and it wouldn't be the last. He pulled off the shirt and with practised ease started to clean the wound. Okay, it wouldn't need stitches good. He dressed his arm and paused looking down at it. Sadness filled him and he tried to ignore the blurring in his vision from the tears. Oh, his poor soulmate. He wanted to hate them for what they were doing, for scaring his body but he knew why. His soulmate wouldn't have those words. [color=#84a3d9] I'm sorry, I can't talk to you, you have no words but I'm here. Please know I'm here. [/color] His silent prayer is never answered. He seems almost lost in his thoughts until a familiar weight rests on his leg. Jack resting his head on Noah looking up with his kind eyes knocks Noah out of his slump and he looks up just realising Leo is there.
[color=#84a3d9] [i][b] You must be wondering what that was. [/color][/b] [/i] He pauses for a second before gesturing to the other scars on his body. [color=#84a3d9] [i][b] I only have one soulmate. They are both platonic and romantic. I can't talk, I can't hear. So he doesn't have words. I don't think he knows I'm real. He cuts, I bleed too. These are all his, not mine. [/i][/b] [/color] Noah rested a hand on Jacks head, scratching behind the ears as he realised he'd used a pronoun. That wasn't really socially correct. But he knew deep down. He was gay there was no way his soulmate was a girl. Though regardless he wished they were happier.[/size][/font][/justify]