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A trip down memory lane at astron
The garden was quiet under the fading light, lanterns flickering along the stone paths. Earis moved alone, spinning and leaping with the precision of someone who had practiced this dance hundreds of times. Every step was controlled, every movement calculated, yet there was a fire in their eyes - frustration, pride, and determination all rolled into one.
Zaros, wandering the paths after a long day in the library, caught sight of them through the hedges. He paused, leaning against a stone pillar, arms crossed, observing carefully. Something in their rhythm falteredĀ it was small but he caught it, a misstep, a small grunt that they immediately tried to swallow.
They forced themselves to keep moving, expression calm, regal, untouchable. But Zaros noticed.
Earis,ā he called softly, stepping into the open space between them and the fountain.
They froze mid-spin, quickly recovering their obvious uncomfortable stance. āZaros,ā they said lightly, brushing imaginary dust from their clothes, as if he had interrupted nothing of importance.
āYouāre dancing alone,ā he said, taking a step closer. āAnd limping. Planning a new performance piece called "The Earis Who Trips Over Everythingā?ā
Earisās jaw tightened. āIām fine,ā they said smoothly. āNo one needs toā¦ be bothered by me.ā
Zaros smirked, raising an eyebrow. āAh, of course. The strong, untouchable Earis doesnāt want anyone fussing over them. Got it. Very convincingā¦ though slightly pitiful.ā
āIām notāā they started, then stopped, realizing the futility of arguing. They gave a curt nod and continued moving, faster this time, as if speed could erase the pain.
Zaros stepped closer, arms crossed, tilting his head. āWhy donāt you tell anyone? surely the academy directors can send you something, why are you hiding it?"
Earisās eyes flicked away, toward the fountain, toward the lanterns. āBecause I donāt need anyone seeing me falter,ā they said, voice low but firm. āEspecially not anyone at school. I can handle it.ā
Zaros raised an eyebrow. āHandle it? You just limped across the floor like a wounded cat.ā
The Earis glared but didnāt say anything.
Zaros chuckled softly, a teasing glint in his eyes. āTerrible liar. Sit.ā He gestured toward the stone bench and crouched, retrieving the small wrap he always carried. āBefore you really hurt yourself, and I have to drag you out like some wounded drama tyrant.ā
Earis hesitated, pride warring with the pain. Finally, they allowed themselves to sit, keeping their posture perfect as if he werenāt watching.
Kneeling in front of them, Zaros smirked as he examined their ankle. āStrong, are we? Trying to look unbreakable while clearly limping? Honestlyā¦ youāre going to need a personal trainer too, given the number of injuries you tally up. Who else can keep up with your disaster streak?ā
Earisās cheeks flushed, a mix of irritation and embarrassment. āIām not a disaster,ā they snapped, though their foot throbbed sharply.
āNo?ā Zaros teased, pressing the wrap around their ankle gently, adjusting it with deliberate care. āBecause wincing like that screams āadorable disasterā to me. Really, you should consider that a compliment.ā
They glared but didnāt pull away. Zaros leaned back slightly, pointing at them dramatically. āSee? Even future rulers need help sometimes. Shocking, isnāt it?ā
Earis tried to mask their shiver, lips twitching despite themselves. āYouāre insufferable.ā
āPerhaps,ā Zaros said, standing and offering a hand. āBut youāre lucky Iām here. Otherwise, who else would stop you from collapsing in the garden while still lookingā¦ majestic?ā
Earis hesitated, then accepted his hand, letting him steady them. They exhaled slightly, a rare crack in their strong faƧade.
Zaros brushed a stray lock of hair from their face, smirking. āNext time you practice until youāre half-dead, you tell me. I insist on supervisingā¦ and... I can teasing you mercilessly, of course.ā
Earis rolled their eyes but couldnāt hide a faint, reluctant smile. āYouāre ridiculous.ā
āRidiculousā¦ yes,ā Zaros said softly, crouching again to check the wrap, ābut also perfect for this role: your personal healer. Who knows maybe it can be even be my calling. You can travel the world with your dancing, and Iāll patch every sprain, every bruise, every injury. especially how hard you like to push yourself.ā
Earis laughed softly. āYouād make a terrible healer. Youād fuss too much. And Iā¦ Iād have to get better at dancing first. Canāt very well tour the world if I trip over my own feet, who would want to watch that.ā
Zaros grinned, tilting their chin to meet his gaze. āYou? Perfect. Every spin, every stepā¦ flawless. Though I suppose Iāll have to train the world to your level while Iām at it. Lucky me.ā
Earis rolled their eyes again but let the warmth in his voice settle. "Your so annoying" they whisper
āAnd yet,ā Zaros whispered, brushing their ankle one last time, āI wouldnāt let anyone else do it. Not even you. You push yourself as hard as you likeā¦ Iāll always notice. And Iāll always point every mistake you make, mercilessly.ā Giving a wink.
The lanterns flickered softly, casting shadows over their shoulders. Their laughter, the teasing, the care ā it blended with the quiet night. In that moment, it was impossible not to imagine their futures: Earis dancing across continents, stubborn and brilliant, with Zaros patching them up, teasing endlessly, planning a future that existed just for the two of them ā a life built on laughter, trust, and quiet understanding, layered with teasing love they had learned so young.
This memory would always be close The Earis as they dance in their empty castle careful not to make a misstep. After all no one can patch them up as well as Zaros did, and he no longer can now.
Authorās Note:Ā Hereās a little story to hopefully lighten the mood, guys! AHHHH, I truly love these two so much ā I seriously yearn for their days at Astron. I justĀ needĀ it, like, right now!!!!!!
Alsoā¦ ever since Zaros commented on Earisās dancing skills in Ep. 3, I canāt stop thinking that itās a passion they probably wanted to pursue but never fully did. Hmmmā¦ who knows what couldāve been?
Anyway, thanks so much for reading!!!
