horizons fic draft!!! during events of ep 104. slight ameliko, could be read either platonically or romantically.
Liko and Amethio have just finished their battle. Everyone's talking about their next steps. Exhilerated, Liko approaches Amethio and grabs his hands.
"Amethio, come stay with us for a few nights. We'll get you some fresh clothes, good food, and your own bed. There's a room nobody's using right now."
Amethio is hesitant. He looks down at their intertwined hands.
"I can't. I'd be better off on my own."
Liko refuses to take no for an answer.
"You know it would be good for you. Please, let us take care of you. Just for a few days." She turns to Zirc and Onia. "You're both welcome to stay on board as well."
"Thank you, Liko, but we're going to return to the Explorers' base and see what we can do from the inside. Amethio, you really should go with Liko. Get back on your feet," Zirc says.
Amethio looks to his comrades, then back at Liko, who looks hopeful. Hopeful and kind. He doesn't deserve her kindness, he thinks.
Reluctantly, he sighs. "Okay," he says, looking down at Liko, who beams brightly.
Zirc and Onia drive Liko and Amethio back to Levincia on the speedboat, where they part ways. Liko calls Murdock to let him know of the plans, while Amethio stands aside awkwardly. To his surprise, the Rising Volt Tacklers no longer have a problem with him after the events that took place at Laqua and are eager to help out an ally in need.
Amethio brings out Corviknight, hoisting Liko up onto its back. He climbs on after her, wrapping an arm around her to steady himself. They take off toward the Brave Olivine. In the cold night air, Liko leans back a bit, relishing in Amethio's warmth. He settles in a bit more as well. In a comfortable silence, they fly through the night.
When they make it back to the ship, Corviknight lands on the deck and Amethio slides off, helping Liko down. The adults of the ship, as well as Roy, Dot, and Ult, walk outside to greet them. Liko explains the events of the day, Amethio standing self-consciously next to her. The crew expresses happiness for his safety, which makes him blush slightly and look down. He quietly thanks them for allowing him to stay on the ship.
Liko takes responsibility for getting Amethio settled in. Once everyone disbands to head off to bed, Liko lightly tugs on his sleeve. "I'll show you to your room and grab you some new clothes. Hopefully it's okay that they're Friede's."
"That's fine, thank you," he replies.
She brings him to Friede's room, where she grabs him some pants and a plain black longsleeve shirt. She hands them to him as they begin their walk down the hall to the unoccupied room.
"And here's your room!" Liko says softly, so as to not disturb anyone given the late hour. She points to a room a couple doors down. "This is my room, I'll leave the door open in case you need anything."
Amethio looks down at her in the dark hallway. "Thank you Liko, for everything."
She blushes faintly. "I'm glad you're here, Amethio. Sleep well." She walks to her room, looks back at him one more time, where he is still standing, watching her, and gives him a soft smile. She steps into her room. As promised, she leaves the door open.
