Chapter Text
Samurai Heart already had the tracksuit, one of the spares from one of many supply closets around the school. A sudden urge to run was an issue so common for umamusume that there really was no way Tracen wouldn’t have contingencies like that. This umamusume certainly appreciated it.
…hehehehe!
Keep it together, Heart. Groove is watching. No matter how hard it is not to jump with joy at just… getting to be herself. Everything felt so much more, and she was sure that was in large part because of her new eyes and ears, but… even in her chest, the things she felt came so much easier. She couldn’t go back to being just the meek Japanese man she was before, not now that she was Samurai Heart.
And if she chose to instead be a little bit silly and play deeply into her character, then that was between her and the Goddesses.
“I admit, I had nearly forgotten the proper equipment to be brought into battle.” Which is to say, Heart almost took off straight for the track, forgetting that her shoes would almost certainly have perished in the attempt. They were probably getting tossed soon, since they didn’t fit right anymore, but there was no need to be wasteful.
Groove huffed, only annoyance showing in her face. Of course, Heart knew well that it was her ears that spoke loudest; she could read the bits of fondness in the flicking of her ears like it was nothing! “Calm yourself before your excitement gets the best of you, Trainer.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” Groove’s tail gave a single, strong swish. Heart might never get tired of getting that reaction.
The maintenance workshop was thankfully empty at this hour. Heart… wasn’t entirely sure how ready she was to meet other people as herself, just yet. She was glad they could just get the shoes and cleats they needed and go.
Or so she thought.
“Sit.” Groove all but pushed her down onto a seat, despite being shorter.
“...your Majesty?”
“There are many favors you have done for me that I intend to return.” Groove was already selecting a pair of more suitable footwear for Heart, from the many spares used for fitting purposes. Not ideal, but it would do for now.
“Groove…” Heart didn’t pout, that would be unseemly of her. “That is to say, your Majesty, I hope I am not overstepping, but… you realize my vow was to serve you, yes? And not, um… t-the other way around?”
Groove’s responding glare might have been described as cold or withering by anyone else, but it was nothing Heart hadn’t seen countless times before. “And you will. I would expect no less. But… when we are alone, then perhaps, I find myself wanting to help you in return.” She kneels before Heart, gently removing her old shoes to be replaced.
Heart is transported back to a night in a quiet shrine, with fireworks blossoming above them as Heart kneels to help fix Groove’s broken heel. The first time she well and truly asked for help, with no pretenses.
The first time Heart realized how beautiful Groove was. And yet, she looked even more gorgeous now, helping her in turn.
“...thanks, Groove.” The heat in her cheeks was a bit embarrassing, but… she could get used to it. Especially with Groove’s faintest hint of a matching blush.
…
Feet pounded into turf, Heart’s new cleats digging into the ground to allow her legs the purchase to push. The wind blasted past her, parting before her as she ran. The distant sounds of clashing swords and flying arrows playing in the back of her mind, like every other time she truly committed herself to running.
It was still just as fun as the first time, to feel her legs sing, her blood pumping. Standing on the sidelines like she had all her life could never compare; it’d be hard to do it for Groove’s upcoming race, honestly. Maybe that was why umamusume trainers were so rare. Not that Samurai Heart would let that stop her from serving her Majesty.
They’d agreed; she was still going to finish Air Groove’s Twinkle Series career alongside her, and only then would Heart start to consider her own racing debut. It meant it’d be some years before the two raced together officially in the Dream League, but… Air Groove was nothing if not patient, as long as people didn’t step out of line. Heart could be too. Especially since she wasn’t even race-ready.
Which was just one of many reasons why Air Groove dominated this impromptu mock race of theirs; even before the final spurt, she was many lengths ahead. Over the occasional tests and practice races done after Groove’s training, Heart had settled into something of a closing strategy, so the view from the back was something she was used to and even enjoyed… it felt right, after all, to have her Empress in sight at all times, to be ready to protect her.
But Heart couldn’t do that from so far away. So she better catch up.
Since Groove was effectively setting the pace, with just the two of them, she wasn’t running quite as well as she would in a real race, which was the only explanation for why Heart managed to close the gap between them, bit by bit. Just before the finish line, she could see Groove… no, her Empress turn back, a challenging look in her eyes and a rare smile on her lips.
Heart urged her legs to move faster.
The two ran past the finish line, Groove still a length or two ahead, but they kept running. Heart wanted to catch up; winning was secondary. Soon enough, and only because Groove relented and slowed down, they were jogging around the track again, now side by side.
…
It had been a long and stressful day. Not because of training, or even Student Council business… no, it was because Air Groove had finally managed to drag Heart into one of her many dance lessons.
It’s not that Heart didn’t want to dance, necessarily… her yearning for it wasn’t as big as her need to run and race, but it was there, back when she was the other guy. It was just… she was pretty terrible at it. And her Empress was quite the taskmaster, who would not rest until that issue was fixed. What’s worse, the dance lessons were public, including many of the younger students that Air Groove mentored, so the softer, kinder side of Groove that came out when the two were alone was nowhere to be seen.
The end result was that Heart’s feet and legs hurt in places she didn’t even know she had muscles to stretch, her skin felt sweaty and gross, and her hair, already stubbornly wild at the best of times, was even more of a mess.
Why Groove insisted on going out now of all times, Heart couldn’t possibly guess, but she trusted her Empress implicitly.
This trust was rewarded in a… strange way, though judging by the way her own tail was wagging, Heart couldn’t call it an unpleasant one. She’d been getting better about controlling her ears and tail, but they still seemed to know how she was feeling before she did…
Groove pulled Heart into the spa, probably all too aware of what was going through her head, but having more important things to worry about.
“...your Majesty, is this not perhaps an… overgenerous use of your winnings? I entirely understand that this treatment is one befitting your station, but…” But those prices were ridiculous, even with Heart’s own salary being fairly generous now – she was pretty sure that Director Akikawa had found some excuse to give her a raise just because she was an uma now. Her stomach appreciated it with how much she ate now, but still…
Groove scoffed, the special kind reserved for when Heart was actually being an idiot, and not just the ones she gave out due to her queenly disposition. “The money is mine to spend as I wish. And I wish to have my most loyal knight look presentable if she is to stand by my side.” She sniffed, ears swivelling to either side as she listened for others around. Then, she went for the kill. “Allow me to spoil you some, my Heart.”
It was a direct hit, and Groove knew it. Heart could feel her face burning, ears locked to an upright position. She clamped down as best as she could on her tail, but the damn thing kept wagging…! She whined, deflating like a balloon. “That is… a most unfair blow, my Empress.”
Groove just smiled, satisfied, and the matter was settled. What followed was… bliss, in a word.
In truth, Heart only remembers some of it; the pedicure and tail care were wonderful, but it was nothing compared to having her hair washed and her scalp massaged and her ears… even just recalling it made Heart blush. There were some… rather embarrassing noises in that room, and Heart feared that if she probed her memory past the blissed out haze it was coated in, she’d find they were coming from her mouth.
Groove did not comment on it, which was yet another reason to bless her Empress’ name, but… w-well, she definitely seemed to look differently at her for some time.
(Though even with all that, the expensive treatment and the way her shoulders felt loose, the way her hair was silky and smooth and didn’t fight the brush like it was a deadly foe for once… the best part of the day came at night.
Groove followed Heart to her office and made her sit. A tail brush came out, a new one that was not Groove’s own, made for coarser fur. And then, the two sat in silence as her Empress… well, got to work. It was wonderful, not in the way that having her ears touched was, but simply… because of who it was. How close they were. How much trust she could show to her trainee, her best friend, her… well, her something. Hopefully. Maybe.
Heart looked back over her shoulder and smiled. “You are aware, your Majesty, that the artisans already cared for our tails?”
Groove sniffed, affecting disinterest. “Sometimes, one ought to do a job themselves, to ensure it is done well.”
It was Heart’s turn to strike a killing blow. “Then you must allow me to return the favor, to ensure you are cared for properly.”
She was treated to the lovely sight of Air Groove being truly caught off-guard, too focused on selling the lie to cover up her jealousy to guard herself from counter-attack. Heat crept up her neck, and while she didn’t look away in embarrassment, her eyes remained stubbornly locked onto Heart's tail. “...very well. If you insist.”
“I’m afraid I must, your Majesty.”
Truly, the most wonderful part of the day.)
…
Shopping for clothes was… an odd experience, at first. Like everything else after Heart’s transformation, Groove had done her best to try and guide her through it, taking her to all sorts of shops catering to all kinds of clientele and price ranges. Heart was happy to try it all out, hardly being an expert in matters of fashion. And it was… fun, in the abstract sense.
She was athletic, like almost any given uma at Tracen, but she looked the part, which was somewhat unique. She liked short sleeves rather than long, to show off her arms, and while skirts were… not quite right, she did like showing off her legs, too.
The problem was finding a style, because nothing fit quite right. The first time Heart tried on a dress, it just felt wrong, which honestly surprised her, given how much she’d craved being a woman. She didn’t look bad, either, it was just… a costume, more than anything. So, those were out.
Frills and bows and soft pastels were a no in general – don’t get her started on the harrowing half-hour she and Groove had trying gothic lolita; Groove was committed to being thorough, at least…
Softer, more comfortable fashion like sweaters and warm jackets also weren’t it. The somewhat professional blazers, close to Groove’s own ‘business casual’ style outside the academy, were closer… but not quite right, either. They’d even tried to go for somewhat bolder aesthetics that showed more skin, but while she didn’t have much of a chest to show off, the first time Groove looked at Heart in a crop top, she had scowled and deemed it ‘too dangerous’.
(Heart bought the crop top. She had to have a little leverage to use against her Majesty~)
Embarrassingly for Groove, it took asking the Emperor herself for help. Thankfully, Rudolf had become another of Heart’s closest friends, ever since the walls of professionalism had come down between them.
The President had listened to their frustrations in trying to find the right aesthetic for Heart, considered the issue for all of a few moments, and then said she had an idea. She insisted that she take Heart alone, citing that someone ought to stay behind for Student Council matters… though really, that was just an excuse to get Groove to agree easily, and all three of them knew it. Even if Narita Brian could handle things for the time it took Rudolf and Groove to go on one shopping trip, it didn’t mean her Empress was good at leaving well enough alone in cases like this.
Heart had to admit though, getting to knock on the door to Ritto Dorm in a tailored vest and professional shoes, only to see Air Groove pause in awe at her appearance was… she could get used to that.
(A few moments later, Air Groove frowned. “...you look like a bouncer. A security guard.”
Heart shrugged. This answer demanded some sincerity, not a character. “I think that’s why I like it. It makes me feel… good, to know I can protect people. Not just you, but obviously you as well. Just… everyone. I want people to feel safe around me.”)
Still, even once that was solved, there was still one issue left hanging. Her ears. Or… her right ear, specifically. It just felt… naked, somehow.
She knew that ear accessories were almost universal among umamusume, but she always assumed it was a cultural matter, not… well, it wasn’t a need, per se, but certainly an oddity. The same way she could live a life without ever wearing shoes, but would probably feel quite strange doing so.
The main issue with that was… well, ear accessories did have a culture surrounding them. Namely, they were meant to be gifts from family. And Heart’s family…
Her father tried. He didn’t understand, not really, but he tried. If that was all, then things would be fine eventually, Heart was sure. But… her mother… didn’t try. Her number was still blocked on Heart’s phone. And while the two stayed together, it was a sure thing that her family wouldn’t be helping with this issue.
…well, not that family.
Heart found the box on her desk about a week after things came to a head with her mother. She hadn’t been inconsolable over it or anything, but… it got to her. She couldn’t help it. Of course Groove knew the gist of it.
Heart opened the box to find a hair ornament shaped like a large, gold-petaled flower. It was simple, angular, eye-catching. She knew many umamusume who had subtler accessories that wouldn’t clash with their outfits. But this? For Heart, this was perfect. She put it on immediately, because she knew Groove had a reason behind her choice.
She didn’t ask right away, but while Groove was taking a break during training, her curiosity spilled over. “What do sunflowers mean?”
Groove was turned away from her, but she could hear the smirk. “Above all? Loyalty.”
And there was nothing Heart could be prouder to wear on display at all times.
…
Summer Camp came a lot quicker than Heart realized it would. The whole year had passed in something of a rush… not that her first year as herself was even over yet, but Summer Camp felt like a milestone unto itself. It was the first time Air Groove had really started to trust her as… a friend, more than just a coworker.
And now…
“...your Majesty, while this humble servant is quite flattered to be showered with your attention, I’d loathe to keep you from seeing to your subjects as well.” Heart couldn’t help the satisfied little grin on her lips as she said it, because… well, it felt good to look good in a swimsuit! She wasn’t entirely sure if Groove would like it, but…
Well, the eyes glued to her abs were a good confirmation. Seeing Air Groove stunned was such a rare sight… but still, like she said, the Student Council would be plenty busy for the next while. She didn’t want to keep her Empress from doing what she loved.
Air Groove coughed. “...yes, well… a reminder is appreciated. That said…” She took a breath. Was she… nervous? Worry slid down Heart’s spine like cold oil. What could make Air Groove nervous? “...would you– ahem. I will require an escort to a certain shrine, once the day’s activities are through. I will count on your assistance as always.”
…oh.
…oh!
Heart grinned. All the training she’d done to keep her tail under control went directly out the window, as it wagged enough to feel the wind at the back of her legs. If Groove was leaning into their roleplay like that… Heart went down to one knee and bowed her head. “As is your will, my Empress.”
Groove turned around and left without a sound… but when Heart looked back up, her tail was swishing too.
The walk up to the shrine was peaceful… well, peaceful enough, once they’d dealt with the usual Tracen shenanigans that having so many girls together inevitably brought. Heart hoped Taiki Shuttle’s beach barbecue went well, and that whatever had Matikanefukukitaru wailing about ghosts was just superstition.
Walking just beside and behind Groove also gave her the best view she could ask for, seeing the woman in the waning light of not-quite-sundown.
They made it to the top of the hill in silence, to the quiet and unoccupied shrine. Getting to see it in the light of day was a bit strange, so familiar and yet not… but then, she herself was very different from the last time she’d been here. Maybe it fit.
She offered a prayer to the Goddesses, thankful for what they’d done.
And then, she and Groove just stood by the railing overlooking the beach and the town below, watching the sun slowly dip toward the horizon. Heart… well, she had a lot she wanted to say, but it wasn’t a servant’s place to speak before her Empress. And besides, she wanted to hear this in Groove’s own words.
It was when the sun started to finally disappear that she spoke up. Had she set herself a time limit? That sounded like her. “...Samurai Heart.”
“My Empress.” An annoyed look drew a chuckle from Heart. No characters, then. “...Air Groove.”
“It has been… a wonderful experience to see you be so comfortable in your skin. I am honored to have met you, the real you, and…” She huffed. “I know you often say it’s all in thanks to me–”
“Because it is”, she can’t help but add.
“–but it’s thanks to you as well. I never could have done what I did, charged forward and taken the Triple Tiara for myself without… without you. My Trainer, my Heart. You… changed me, for the better. Awful as you are at actual gardening…” Another glare, and Heart has to put her hands up and laugh, as if caught in a lie. “...you helped me bloom into something that I’ve always wanted to be. And into something I never realized I should strive to be, either.”
“Groove, I–” A hand grabbed Heart’s and squeezed. The beating in her chest staggered.
“I’m not finished. All that and more, you did even before… before I met this truly wonderful, dedicated woman before me. A loyal retainer, yes, but also someone with such joy hidden inside her that I never got to see, such a wonder at the things I’d come to see as… burdens. Mere necessities of being a woman in the modern world. You’ve taken such good care of me, and I… in taking care of you in my own way, I see now the joy in that. Thank you.” The light of the sunset sparked off of Air Groove’s eyes, glinted off the gold chains that hung from her ear.
Heart smiled, and squeezed her hand back. “Anything for you. Air Groove, I–”
“Do not attempt to steal this from me, my Heart.” She huffed sternly, and as much as Heart can’t help but chuckle, the hammering against her ribcage is becoming too much to ignore. “You… the day we met, after the Shuka Sho. I told you… that there’s nobody I’d rather have at my side. I said that as your friend and companion then, but since, I… oh come now, you’re better than this…” The last part was quiet, clearly aimed at herself.
That wouldn’t do.
Heart took Groove’s other hand in her own. The woman faltered in her speech, and the two just… stood there, gazing into each other’s eyes. Burning blue and cool grey. And then, slowly, not quite asking for permission, but leaving enough room for Groove to pull away… Heart leaned in.
The summer festival wouldn’t be for another few weeks. Later, Heart would learn that Groove planned to confess that night, but… plans changed. And that was fine.
That evening, standing there in that shrine, they made their own fireworks.
Heart pulled away, feeling like her namesake would beat out from her chest. “I love you, my Empress.”
Air Groove looked at her, lips half-parted, before she let out a sigh. She leaned in and put her head on Heart’s shoulder, and the two stood there as the sun went down.
“...and I love you, my Heart.”