building bridges.
@myxzion
Swish and flick. Un, deux, trois. One feet forward, arm stretched out. Like a routine, he repeats the words in his head, even when he’s far from being in the presence of a rapier and his sparring mates. It was only a day or two since he last held it in his hand, breathless and pumping with adrenaline in the middle of the grassy field. He remembers Zion’s warm smile, who encouraged him to make the move. And on a cue, their silver rapiers meet each other’s.
It was a slow day at uni. He doesn’t remember how the day started, but he remembered having to rush to Crisis Management class since he woke up later than usual. Ah, not a good look. He had to apologise thrice to the professor who excused him anyway since he’d never been late. But it felt like that wasn’t the end of the mess the day had in store for the poor young prince, starting with how every step he makes felt wrong. Just wrong. He’d bump onto someone, drop his books, trip on his own feet. It was weird. Something was obviously bothering him.
It was later during recess when he spots Zion again, sitting on one corner of the cafeteria eating his food alone. He doesn’t remember if the dude’s the type to be alone like him or usually has a lot of friends. He’s exceptionally good at everything, much like he is, and that, he’s aware. And it clicked that that’s all he knew about the other male. How come? They could have been spending more time together. As sparring partners, they both know so much about each other’s signature moves and strategies while fencing. They’d lifted up each other so much to the point that Dante felt like it’s incomplete to go on a week without a duel with the latter. Perhaps... he should make a move to change that about them for once.
“Hey,” he greeted, reaching out to tap his shoulder. He took a seat beside him and put his tray of food down, mustering a small smile at the other. “Can I sit down here and eat with you?”