Chapter Text
You huffed, trying your best to catch your breath as Hunter swung his staff at you once again. You jumped back as quick as you could but to your dismay Hunter teleported behind you and bashed his staff into your side, making you tumble to the ground, and out of bounds. You two were training together. It wasn’t uncommon since you joined the emperors coven and became friends with the infamous Golden Guard. It was a nice bonding experience among friends. When you landed on the ground Hunter pointed his staff at you to keep you down. Sweat poured down your face as you took very deep breathes. You looked up at him with a weak smile. “Again?” You laughed lightly “I can never seem to beat you.” Hunter removed his staff, and reached down to grab your hand, you happily accepted as he heaved you back to your feet. You wobbled a bit from the weight of your own body on your exhausted legs. “What do you expect? I’m the Golden Guard- I was trained from birth” He spoke with a plain expression. “You did good though, A truly Valuable asset” You huffed at his words “You know, you don’t have to be so formal with me. “Right” Was all he mumbled.
You started to head to the lockers to retrieve your uniform, you personally preferred to wear gym clothes when sparing, unlike Hunter, who for some odd reason opted to wear his Golden Guard uniform. Hunter followed you to the lockers, he didn’t have anything to grab though. “Would you like me to escort you to your room?” Ge questioned. You turned your head to look at him as you grabbed the mask from the locker “Sure, we can walk together” You smiled sincerely. He looked at you with a kind look, though you couldn’t tell due to the heavy mask that covered his features. You took a few moments to put your shoes on, opting not to change as you need to shower and would rather not get your sweat on your uniform. Once you were done you looked over at him “I’m ready when you are” you said as you started to head to the Gym exit, he followed after you.
You two walked down the hall in what felt like comfortable silence. It was later in the afternoon, meaning the halls were lit by the bright pink sky from the setting sun. It was truly a beautiful sight, you’d often stop by the windows to just admire scenery like this. Hunter spotted you looking out the window at the sight “It is very pretty outside” He added as you two continued to walk. “Yeah, it is. It’s a shame these skies only last for a few moments” Hunter hummed in response. He wasn’t very talkative tonight. Usually after a training session he’d give you feedback on your technique. “Is something bothering you, Hunter?” His heart sped up at the use of his name “What do you mean?” he asked, turning his head away a bit “Well, usually you’re giving me feedback from the training session, but today you’re rather quiet” You looked over at him, he remained quiet for a moment, “Just had some stuff on my mind recently” You accepted his answer and continued walking
soon, you both arrived at your room. You pulled your key out of your pocket and unlocked the door. “Well, i’ll see you tomorrow” The Golden Guard spoke softly, turning to leave before you stopped him “Ah, Wait- Actually, would you mind coming in for a bit?” he seemed surprised by the sudden invite but obliged. He followed you into the room and quietly closed the door. You began putting things up, quickly changing, and started a load of laundry for your dirty uniforms. “Sorry I invited you in all of a sudden” You let out a breathy weak laugh. “No worries” He just stood in the middle of the room, not sure what to do “You can get comfortable you know” you looked at him with a small smile “Like, you can take of your mask and cloak and sit down” you almost snorted, Hunter agreed and took off his cloak and mask- His eyes were so pretty, you couldn’t get enough of them. You stared for a moment before he realized and sent you a confused look, you quickly looked away as your face turned a light shade if pink.
“I need to shower real quick, if thats alright?” Hunter nodded and moved to the bed to sit. He was a bit shy to be in your room. Sure, he’s been in it before- but this time was different seen as whats been on his mind. He glanced around your room as you went into the connecting bathroom. Your room was filled with posters and random clutter. Your blankets were quite soft, he almost felt bad for sitting on it with his sweaty body. He shook it off, you invited him in. He shouldn’t feel bad. He heard the shower start up, and the curtain open and close. After a moment of sitting in silence he decided to get up and look around. He went over to your nightstand and looked at what was lying on it. The first thing he saw was a book of legends that he had lent you with a bookmark placed in its endless pages. That was a good book, he thought to himself. There were also a ton of smaller sticky notes with little annotations resting in it. He flipped through the pages seeing the notes, it was quite cute that you did that, the thought made him smile a bit. He set the book down and moved to the bookshelf, which had countless other books with the same type of annotation marks.
After a bit longer of exploration he came across a journal, presumably your diary. He picked it up and looked at the cover. He shouldn’t read this. However, he was dying to know what you thought of him. He flipped through a few pages before reading an entry “Today the Golden Guard finally removed his mask and told me his name was Hunter. He’s rather cute, and I think that name fits him very well” He read the page a few times over, particularly the “He’s rather cute” part, reading that made him flush. Sure, recently you’ve been on his mind a lot- and he can’t stop thinking about these ‘feelings’ he has towards you, but you can’t possibly feel these weird feelings too. He flipped to another page, “Hunter gave me a lot of tips on my form today, It was very helpful! He’s so smart and talented. I can’t wait to train with him again next week.” There were a few other entries on him, but most others were about your day, or random things that happened. He kept flipping till he heard the shower shut off.
Hunter panicked, He really did read your diary, without your permission! He quickly closed it and stuck it back where he found it. He couldn’t get caught. After a minute or two you came out of the bathroom with damp hair, and comfortable sleep clothes. When he saw you his face turned red and he looked away. These feelings only got worse when you were around. “You should get a shower too, you smell bad” You giggled jokingly. “I don’t have a change of clothes though.” He stood from where he was sitting. You made your way to your wardrobe, and picked up some clothes that were a but to big for you that Hunter would be able to fit. “Don’t worry, I came prepared” You smiled triumphantly, and handed him the clothes “No no, it’s alright! It’s not like i’m staying the night, I can just shower in my own room” You stayed silent for a moment as a blush crept across your cheeks “Actually” you trailed off, breaking eye contact with Hunter “I was thinking… Maybe you could stay the night?” You asked a bit shyly. Hunter face flushed once again- It never ceased to do so when you were around. “huh?” he stuttered, it’s not often that he stutters- but this seemed an appropriate time for him to suddenly do so.
“Well you said earlier that you had a lot on your mind- so I thought that I could help by distracting you, even if it’s only for a night” You shyly play with your hair, looking away with a blush. “And seen as we both are off tomorrow- I thought it could be a perfect night for that” You smiled slightly, and looked back at Hunter who was promptly a tomato. He thought in it for a moment “Sure” he managed to mumble and finally took the clothes from you. He went to the bathroom and started up the shower. You sat on your bed as you patiently waited. Soon after, he cane out of the bathroom with slicked back hair, and only wearing the bottoms that you supplied. Rightfully so your face turned a bright red. “Sorry” he began “the shirt was a bit to small” he grabbed a spare blanket and wrapped it around himself “no no its alright” your eyes lingered on his chest before quickly shaking your head and looking away. “How about we watch a movie?” you ask, he nodded and sat on the bed next to you as you picked up your crystal ball and picked a random movie.
You shuffled a bit awkwardly, wanting to get closer to him. “So… what’s been on your mind recently?” you asked, completely ignoring the movie that played loudly on the ball. He stayed quiet for a moment. “I’ve been… Thinking about someone” Is what he leaves you with, and it shatters your heart. “Oh” you trail off “Who?” you ask, wanting to at least see if it’s someone good. “I’d rather not say” you just looked back at the ball solemnly. It could be worse you thought. He’s your friend, thats good enough. “I hope, everything works out with them” you give a half fake smile “I hope so too. They’ve just been on my mind a lot recently, and I don’t know what these feelings are. It’s frustrating. I want to tell them these feelings, but I’m not sure what they even mean” He rambled on. “Well, can you describe these feelings?” You ask. He thinks for a moment “Well, when i’m around them, I get this funny feeling in my stomach, and when i see them dressed a certain way” He pauses for a moment, looks at you and then looks away with a slight blush “I also get that feeling and my face feels hot. and their drive to be better is so,,, cool. It makes me want to be near them” He continued to ramble about these feelings and gush about this mystery person. Every time he complimented them, it felt weird. But you listened earnestly anyways, you wanted to hear everything even if it hurts a bit. “I think thats love” you spoke, almost saddened. “oh” is all he said. You two continued to watch the movie, not saying much. You would sometimes exchange glances but nothing else really. You wanted to help him feel better, but it seems like you’re not sure what to say now. You fiddled your fingers. Maybe this person was you? your thoughts wandered to being able to hug, and kiss hunter. It made you feel giddy. “Is there anything else on your mind?” You asked, hoping that it would continue the conversation. “Well, i’m scared of my role in this world. Of course i’m more than eager to take on this role, for emperor belos if course- but, I don’t know” You listened tentatively “Hey hey, you don’t always have to know.” You instinctively set your hand on top of his as a form of comfort. You both flushed a red before you pulled your hand away. “Sorry” you spoke briefly, he just hummed in response. “Everything will be okay, I promise. You’ll always have me, if thats worth anything” you gave the best reassuring smile you could give. He looked back, with a smile “Of course” he moved a bit closer to you. Barely enough for you to notice, but you asked “could I give you a hug?” This caught him off guard, he was never granted physical affection from anyone- and to get a hug from someone dearest to him? Truly a dream. He responded with a simple, shy nod. With that, you reached your arms around his neck and gave him a firm comforting hug. Your face was hot, but you didn’t care. you wanted to hug him. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around your waist. The hug gave him feeling in his stomach. Your hair smelt of slight lavender and honey, such a comforting smell. He nuzzled his face into your neck and pulled you close. He definitely needed this, and he never wanted to let go. Alas, your arms came unwrapped and you two sat facing each other. He stared at you with so much longing, he loved your touch. You just sat there, awkwardly under his gaze, a deep red blush sat across your face. “Do that again” was all he mumbled, you sat surprised for a moment before locking your arms around his neck once again. He was a bit more forceful this time, squeezing you tighter. Tears threatened to fall, but he stopped them. You just held him close. He’s probably so touch starved. You can’t imagine that belos is a loving uncle. After a moment of hugging he pushed a little too hard and you both fell back onto the bed. You blushed madly, though you enjoyed it so you couldn’t complain. The movie sat in the background, loud but definitely not clear. After a while, you two found yourself laying on the bed, cuddling. You had hoped for this to happen, but you never thought it would. The current was opened, allowing the moonlight to seep through, coating you and Hunters face with it’s beautiful dim light. Hunter had his arms around your waist, head nuzzled into your collarbone. His hands roamed all over your back, over your spine, shoulder blades, lower back- anywhere they could reach. The whole time his face was flushed. You returned the favor by doing the same. he was rather thin, and you could feel every bone in his back. He eventually looked up you longingly, you started to think what was on his mind was you, but you didn’t want to jump to conclusions. “Thank you” he spoke softly “I needed this” he looked down. You couldn’t resist the urge to kiss his forehead. He looked up quickly, with a surprised look. You swiped your arms back and backed away “I’m so sorry! I don’t know what came over me! I just” You stuttered and trailed off “I’m sorry!” You apologized profusely. He just stared at you in disbelief, his face was deep red. He moved his hand to his forehead to touch where you had kisses him. “It’s alright” he mumbled, trying to pull you back towards him. He could barely muster a word, or make eye contact. You looked at him confused “The- person whose been on my mind-“ he started “has been you…” he looked away, but he couldn’t resist the urge ti look right back up at you. You made eye contact. “Your eyes are so pretty” you complimented and moved your hand to his face. He already knew you thought he was attractive from reading your diary, but hearing it out of your mouth gave him butterflies. You traced his scar with your thumb. “Can I kiss you?” you asked, flushed. He nodded. You pulled his face closer, closing your eyes and kissing him gently on the lips. Despite knowing it was coming, it really surprised the boy. He couldn’t help but be wide eyed. After a moment though, he leaned into the kiss. It was the sweetest, and kindest kiss- even though he had no others to compare it too. You pulled away and he just looked at you with a loving, yet surprised stare. “I like you, Hunter” You confessed, which he promptly did right after you. You two cuddles up next to each other once again, sharing pecks every once in a while till you fall asleep.