Sending you "Trying to hide their smile" from the smiles prompt list!
belated realization I should be linking the prompt lists
14. trying to hide their smile
Suo stands frozen as Nirei grins, still vibrating with nerves but proud of having taken down an opponent—an opponent that Suo hadn't noticed. He would have been taken by surprise if not for Nirei.
There's an odd feeling spreading through his chest and stomach. Part of it is pride, yes, but not just that. It's a similar feeling one might get from looking down at a tall height or when falling through the air, a sort of tingly suspense, a hitch in the throat; and he finds himself turning his head away and pressing his hand to the bottom of his face. He feels hot. It's not adrenaline.
Suo's master calls him a protector.
It's too kind a word for someone like him in his opinion, but it's true that he enjoys defense more than offense. His skills feel more meaningful in that way. That's why Bofurin appealed to him in the first place, and why it has always been so easy to slot himself between Nirei and danger. He enjoys it, guarding the things he holds dear.
Being protected by Nirei, though, is… not unpleasant. It means his training has truly been paying off—not that he had any doubts about that. But he knows this feeling isn't really about that. It's…
Suo quickly wipes away whatever unsightly expression he must have been wearing and meets Nirei's concerned gaze with his usual even smile. He sets a hand on top of Nirei's head, ruffles his curly hair, and says, "Thank you, Nire-kun. Well done."
Nirei beams and Suo suddenly finds himself struggling to keep his smile from growing out of his control.
"Of course!" Nirei says, cheeks flushed red. "I can't believe I just protected Suo-san, that's… Hey, maybe I'll be able to fight beside you soon! Like, like a partner!"
Attempting to wrangle his racing heart into submission, Suo chuckles. "You still have quite a long way to go. For one thing, your form just now—"
"Ahhh wait let me get my notebook!"
Suo takes his hand back as Nirei scrambles for his pockets, clasping both arms behind his back. He is controlled, poised, just like always. (And Sakura isn't here to tell him otherwise.)
