Chapter Text
Overhead the sky was a dark indigo canvas, glittering with stars. It was a beautiful night and you couldn’t help but admire the way the stars reflected on the water. The air was warm; the soft breeze carrying the various scents from the food stalls. This would be the first time you’d attended any sort of festival since arriving in this fascinating world. Over the course of the week, the village had been buzzing with excitement. Everyone you talked to seemed to be looking forward to the festivities of the Maji Market for the Lunar New Year.
You had been excited too, it seemed the thrill from the villagers and humans alike had been contagious. The market didn’t disappoint either. There were all sorts of splendors to find in the various stalls and booths, and you most certainly had checked out each one more than once. It’d been interesting to learn more about the majiri culture too and the traditions they held dear.
Now you found yourself standing in front of the large tree, the drying dyed paper between your fingers. You blinked at it a moment in contemplation. What were you supposed to wish for? There was a gentle hand on your shoulder and your gaze flickered up to the taller majiri next to you. Jel was watching you, amusement flickering in those blue eyes behind his rosy glasses. A patient smile quirked his lips, his gaze reassuring.
“I don’t know what to wish for,” you admitted.
“Take your time, my muse,” he hummed in response. “There’s really no rush.”
His voice was as gentle and soothing as always. A smile found its way onto your lips. The nearby lanterns provided gentle lighting in the area. There was a soft glow framing Jel, illuminating his features. He was quite handsome and you couldn’t help but admire the ethereal quality of the warm lighting behind him like a halo.
“I know, but,” You paused before adding, “Anything I could want I already have.”
With those words, you nestled against his side. Your arm curled around his while moving to nuzzle your face against his shoulder. There was a blush dusting his face as you peered up at him affectionately.
“Oh you,” he murmured. His tone was almost shy, clearly a bit flustered. You adored it when he got this way; it was endearing. “Always knowing what to say to have my heart fluttering.”
You giggled in response as Jel continued, “It might as well grow wings and I fear it might fly away when in your presence.”
“I hope not,” you teased, unable to stop from grinning. “I’d have to go after it and I don’t know if my glider would be quick enough.”
Jel chuckled and you pulled away to write something on the slip of paper finally. Leaning over the table you scribbled your hopes and wishes down on the parchment. A glance over to make sure you were satisfied you looked up at the large tree. There were already so many wish ribbons affixed to the bark, maybe you should try one of the other trees. With a glance at your boyfriend, you motioned for him to follow. Jel trailed close behind as you made your way towards a tree a little bit away from the dirt path.
Upon reaching up to tie the paper onto one of the lower hanging branches, you realized you were too short. Your fingertips barely brushed against the leaves, leaving you to let out a quiet huff of frustration.
“Here, let me help,” the Majiri tailor offered.
You smiled in appreciation as you handed the wish paper to him. “Thank you.”
If he were curious what you wrote he didn’t let it show. Jel, polite as ever, didn’t try to glance at the ribbon as his fingers worked to attach the parchment onto the branch with a string. Once he was done you stared up at the newly placed wish with a content sigh.
It was true when you mentioned earlier not having anything to wish for. Anything you desired you already had. You felt blessed as it was to have two amazing majiri in your life that you cared deeply for. They in return cherished you just as much. Your wish had been for their continued happiness and well-being. Absently your fingers trailed over the two pins situated on your jacket. It felt like you’d known both of your partners for an eternity already, despite only exchanging pins a month prior.
You recalled the late afternoon you had given both Jel and Reth their pins at the same time. At first, you had been anxious, but thinking back on it now that had been silly. The chemistry between the three of you was amazing through your initial courtship. Upon realizing you had feelings for both of the men at first, it had been confusing. When you confessed, however, things had gone almost seamlessly. Neither minded sharing; in reality, it gave Jel and Reth a bit of a push to admit their feelings for one another as well.
“May I ask what thoughts have you smiling so sweetly?” Jel spoke up, pulling you from your thoughts. “You’re practically beaming.”
“Just thinking of you and Reth,” you replied, tone genuine and warm. His face once again lit up with a soft blush that had you smiling. When you spoke your tone was lilted, drawing out the next words playfully. “Especially on how cute you look when you blush.”
His smile matched his eyes which seemed to swirl with depths of affectionate warmth. Your hand met his that had been reaching out to your own. Your fingers intertwine with his as he gave your hand a soft squeeze.
Behind you, there was a bit of a commotion. It seemed people were gathering around in preparation for the Chappa Chase. You hadn’t done it before but had wanted to try. Truthfully you weren’t interested in competition of any kind. You just wanted the chance to pet and cuddle some of those cute little chappas. Their fur looked so soft after all, who wouldn’t want to fuss over them? Gently you gave a tug on Jel’s hand in the direction of the pen of chappas. There was quite a crowd growing there now; it must be starting soon.
“Do you want to do the Chappa Chase with me?”
The pale lavender majiri gave a soft shake of his head. “I think I’ll pass, but enjoy yourself, dearest.” He lifted your joined hands to his mouth and ghosted his lips over your knuckles. Now he had you blushing, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. “I’ll take the time to enjoy the festive ambiance. All the lights and colors are truly inspiring.”
Reluctantly you slid your hand from his, already missing the warmth. You glanced from your boyfriend then to the pen of chappas mentally debating if you wanted to leave his presence, even if briefly. It was an awfully large gathering of people; it made you a bit nervous.
“None of that,” he murmured while placing a kiss on the top of your head. His vocals were reassuring and filled you with a sense of warmth swelling in your chest. “Go enjoy yourself. I’ll still be here when it’s over.”
“Alright, alright. I’m going,” you giggled before heading towards the gathering.
Just as you arrived the game started. People darted around in a frenzy, scooping up the cute critters in their arms before dropping them back into the enclosure. A few looked just as clueless as you, but others seemed like professionals. They worked with such ease, having little to no trouble. You on the other hand didn’t have it so easy. The chappas were surprisingly fast and sneaky. On more than a few occasions you nearly stumbled, tripping over a chappa as it darted under and between your legs to escape.
By the time the competition was at the halfway point you were drained. Maybe you weren’t cut out for this at all. You’d only managed to snag and return three of the fuzzy creatures. As you were about to call it quits something caught your attention. There was a lone chappa hiding quite a distance away from where the game was taking place. Its eyes were wide as it cowered near some boxes.
Glancing around you slowly approached, crouching down low. “Hey there little guy,” you cooed, hoping your voice was quiet enough not to spook it. Instead of grabbing it up, you held out your palm towards it. The creature’s hat was tattered looking compared to the ones the others wore. Maybe it got snagged on something as it had been skittering to hide.
You reassured, voice remaining hushed, “I’m not going to hurt you.”
Gingerly the chappa sniffed at your hand. It eyed you suspiciously for a moment before pressing its muzzle to your hand. With slow movements, you gently stroked the critter on the top of the head, which chittered in response. You had to resist the urge to squeal giddily in response. The little thing was so cute and the fur was surprisingly soft. Once more you peered around to see if anyone had noticed you; no one did. By now the Chappa Chase had concluded. You weren’t entirely sure who was in charge of the game, but whoever it was didn’t notice this one missing. Would they be mad if you didn’t bring this one back right away?
This chappa clearly wasn’t cut out for the daily run game. A frown found its way on your face at the idea of it being frightened as people fussed and tried to corral it with the others. No, whoever was in charge surely wouldn’t mind. That’s what you set your mind on. You were going to help soothe the critter for now and keep it safe.
Being careful you tentatively picked the russet-furred critter up. You held it in your arms, drawing it close to your chest. The chappa nestled against your armpit, burying itself partially into your unzipped jacket. The torn hat upon its head almost fell off, but you tried to adjust it back in place. Your palm soothingly patted it on the back as if it were an infant. To anyone that noticed you probably looked comical, but you were on a mission.
“Maybe you need a snack…”
Keeping your pace even you made your way to the one booth you had visited plenty already. If anyone could make a snack for your newfound friend it was Reth. As you rounded the path you watched him tending to a customer. As the human paid and wandered off with their food you sauntered over.
“Reth,” you piped up in greeting. “I need your help with something.”
“Hey, sweet tooth, what can I-” His words trailed off as your boyfriend turned and finally took notice of the creature tucked safely in your arms. Reth quirked a brow, seemingly dumbfounded for a moment.
“What are you doing with a chappa?” he laughed.
“This lil’ guy was super scared,” you explained while shuffling further under the canopy. “I couldn’t just let him be chased around.”
“So you stole it?” Reth gave a tilt of his head as he grinned in disbelief. His vocals were full of mirthful teasing. “Aren’t you the rebel?”
You huffed incredulously, “I didn’t steal it.” An amused smile curved your lips as you sat down on a chair near the back of his setup. “I’ll take him back… eventually.”
“Whatever you say,” he teased.
The chappa pulled back from where it had been nestled; its yellow eyes peered up at Reth curiously. You patted it on the top of its head before reaching around to gently scratch along its cheek. The creature chittered softly in response as it leaned its face into your palm.
“Look how cute it is, though.”
By now Reth had pulled a chair over for himself to sit in front of you. His soft blue eyes watched you in amusement while interacting with the chappa. He was quiet, seemingly smitten by the sight of you fawning over the skittish creature.
“It is pretty cute,” your boyfriend hummed in response.
The chappa shifted as you held it on your lap while speaking, “Anyways I think it needs a snack.”
Reth seemed thoughtful for a moment as his gaze flickered from the chappa to you. It didn’t take long for his eyes to crinkle as he grinned at you. His expression was warm and mirthful. You loved when he looked like that, truly happy; it was endearing. You much preferred this expression over the occasions his brows would furrow or the subtle self-doubt you’d catch in his eyes. Times like that you wished to ease his woes with a multitude of kisses. If only it were that simple, but it didn’t mean you’d stop trying.
“Well we can’t have the lil’ guy hungry,” he spoke up while standing to move toward one of the counters. On the way, he pulled out a few carrots from a basket on the table.
“He needs all the energy he can get,” you replied, tone lilted and playful as you fussed over the chappa. “Isn’t that right? So you can be the fastest one in the Chappa Chase.”
“How do you know it’s a guy?” Reth inquired jokingly while chopping up some carrots.
“What?”
“Well,” he replied, vocals sing-song. “You said ‘he’ sooo-”
You huffed in amusement while letting your fingers run through the creature's soft fur along its back. “I dunno. I’m not a chappa expert.”
Reth chuckled while turning to you as he spoke, “I think he needs a name. Something that’ll make him seem like a badass.”
“Like you, Mr. Bad Boy Chef?” you snorted in amusement. A mischievous grin tugged at your lips. After that time your boyfriend had referred to himself as a ‘bad boy’ it was something you’d never let him live down. It had become an inside joke between you two.
“Exactly.” Reth sat down the knife he’d been using to prepare the vegetables as he sauntered over. You giggled in anticipation as he leaned down. His fingers curled under your chin, his thumb brushing briefly over your lower lip. “You know you like the bad boy act, though.”
Heat rushed to your face, no doubt you were blushing. Leaning forward to press your lips to his you felt Reth exhale a warm breath from his nose. The kiss was brief but left a lingering tingle behind. His cheeks were hued a lovely shade of deep pink as he smiled, affection sparkling in his gaze.
“Yeah, you’re right,” came your murmured reply.
With a satisfied hum, he shifted back and started working on the snack once more for the chappa. You weren’t sure what he was making but assumed it wouldn’t be anything fancy. What did chappas eat anyway? They had a penchant for digging up garden beds and even harassed the Daiya family’s farm. On more than one occasion you’d heard Badruu complain about the pesky critters.
If what everyone said was true the furry creatures were quite a nuisance for many of the villagers. Hassian in particular seemed to hate them. You recalled a conversation with him about how they were invasive and detrimental to the ecosystem. He’d even put together an event of sorts for hunting them. You had participated and now peering down at the chappa curled up on your lap you felt a bit guilty.
“One grand meal for the chappa.”
Reth’s airy voice pulled you from your musings. He sat a plate on the floor near your feet full of finely diced vegetables. There were carrots, some cabbage, bits of corn and potato too. Immediately the chappa stirred and it squirmed from your arms. Not wanting to fight against its struggling you gently placed it near the plate.
“He likes it,” you spoke up with a grin as you watched the chappa chow down with content chitters and squeals.
“Of course, what sort of cook would I be if I couldn’t ensure my customer's satisfaction?”
With that, Reth turned his focus to a group of humans approaching. He offered you a bright smile before moving to tend to the new customers. One of the women noticed the chappa and you watched her point it out to one of her companions. They didn’t comment directly, but you could hear them talking about how adorable it was. Reth handed them each their food and sent them off with a friendly wave.
“So this is where you’ve been,” a familiar, soothing voice spoke from behind.
Tilting your head back you were met with Jel’s pleasant visage. Smiling at your boyfriend you replied, “Yup. Needed a snack for my new friend.”
“I can see that,” he chuckled while letting his hand rest on your shoulder as his eyes flitted to the chappa briefly.
“You going to distract me too, fancy pants?” Reth chimed while wiping at the counter with a rag.
There was a mischievous glint in Jel’s eyes as his gaze roamed over your mutual boyfriend. “I could think of a few things if you feel so inclined.”
That left the pink-skinned majiri to blush, ducking his head a bit with a nervous grin. He opened his mouth as if he were about to say something, but didn’t. Instead, he busied himself with cleaning up.
“I think he looks like a Peanut to me,” you mused while turning your focus back to the chappa.
Jel inquired, “Peanut? Are you going to name it?”
“Yeah, I think he deserves a name. A cute name.”
“I thought we were going with a badass name,” Reth interjected while looking at both of you.
You huffed, “Peanut could be a badass name.”
“I’d tell you not to because you’ll get attached but,” the tailor spoke up. His tone was gently chiding as he seemed to be with you at times. It only made you grin in response. “I think it’s already too late.”
As the chappa finished eating you leaned to scoop it up in your arms once more. It squirmed in your hold before getting into a comfortable position. In the process its hat fell off, falling to the ground.
“I’ll give it back, I swear,” you protested.
Reth replied cheekily, “liar. You’re a total thief.”
“Hush.” Your reply was hissed out but was more playful than anything serious. The chappa was held up, supported in the crook of your arm with its face sniffling against your neck. Biting back a giggle you pat Peanut on the back.
The taller majiri picked up the discarded hat and handed it to you. You fumbled with the fabric and leather material of the hat between your fingers. It really was in terrible shape. Peanut really should have a better hat. Maybe a cute little top hat? Biting at the inside of your cheek in thought you glanced from the tattered hat and then to your boyfriend. Jel met your gaze seeming to understand the direction your thoughts were heading.
“My muse, you don’t expect-”
“How is Peanut going to participate in the Chappa Chase if he doesn’t look cool?”
Jel crossed his arms and sighed incredulously. “Surely you jest.”
“I’m sure you have some spare fabric,” you reasoned, giving him the best pleading expression you could muster. “Please?”
“Come on, Jel. He needs to look dapper,” Reth joined in while finishing up his task at hand. He was nearly done putting everything away now. The market was nearing the end for the night and no doubt he was ready to close up his booth.
There was a minute of silence, Jel remained unmoving. You could see the gears turning as he contemplated. Try as he might to remain stoic he finally relented with a dramatic huff. “Fine. Fine. I’m sure I can come up with… something.”
