Chapter Text
Day 1: Date - Paths Converged ‘neath the Sun
Stelle’s first instinct was to hug her like they didn’t have a tomorrow to live, repeatedly murmuring the same phrase.
“You’re alive, you’re alive, you’re alive, you’re alive, you’re alive, you’re alive, you’re alive…”
“I’m so sorry for putting you through that again…” Firefly’s voice was shaky as she nodded, attempting to reassure herself that she was alive just as much as Stelle. She didn’t want this to be a hallucination she concocted to cope with dying; judging by how tight of an embrace she was wrapped in, she could believe that this was real.
Eventually, both of them managed to catch their breath. They indulged in the rest they had earned after devoting their energy to what used to seem like a never-ending string of fights. Above the sprawling sea of city buildings made hazy by the clouds, the Radiant Feldspar continued to hover and house an atmosphere of triumph over an extensive disharmony that soured the sweet dream. On the upper deck, Stelle and Firefly sat on opposite ends of a simple table, cushions adorning the seats that they sat on. They poured their drinks, still chuckling over being able to do this with each other.
“Cheers!” Both smiled warmly at each other, clinking wine glasses filled with frothy chocolate milk and marshmallows, before taking a refreshing, relaxing sip.
“You know, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when you brought up the wine glasses and the bottle,” Firefly giggled gently, which Stelle reciprocated.
“Well I wasn’t going to treat you to anything less!”
“Even with how open-minded I am with you, I’m always reminded of just how many ways you can surprise me… especially after those auditions!” At the mention of that, Stelle’s grin was infused with a hint of nerves. “I didn’t think I would have to rein you in as many times as I did.”
“Well… I-I was being experimental with my craft.” She tried to bluff her confident side, putting her hands on her hips.
“You did a great job at ‘being experimental,’ Stelle,” Firefly sighed gently, yet still retained a warm smile.
“See, seeeeeeee? It did work!”
“After yanking you back to the mic twice, yes! It was like you were itching to switch to the fighting routes,” Firefly could vividly remember the spark in her eyes. It was determined and she adored it, but the time wasn’t right for it. On the other side of the table, Stelle could almost swear she could see a pout forming, but she decided not to mention it… yet. Instead, she took a celebratory sip from her glass, exaggerating her smug look. It earned her a deadpan stare in response.
“Well, we did end up having to fight later.”
“True. Oh, that’s what I was meaning to ask! Was that Knight of Beauty feeling a bit ill?” Firefly tilted her head, still perplexed about the entire interaction.
“Probably lost his voice from preaching about the Beauty,” Stelle shook her head. “He’ll be fine.”
‘And so will we.’
Before they knew it, their glasses were empty and they sat shoulder by shoulder, gazing towards a skyscape they continued to adore. The air around them felt as comfy as each other’s embrace. Stelle’s head rested on Firefly’s shoulder, almost as if she wanted to drift into slumber, content with the present. Internally, she knew she was never going to with the uneasy feeling in her stomach. Of course they both knew that the moment they had to part ways was imminent. Even without the threat of death looming over the sky she would soar into, a part of her wanted to wish that for once, the trail of light green did not have to fade away.
Instinctively, Stelle clutched slightly tighter. Once more, she wanted to make sure that this moment was real. Her arm receiving a reassuring rub and feeling a gentle, fleeting press on her head enveloped her in a bubble of comfort.
“We can always message, you know? You have my contact now too, so I don’t have to act all mysterious on Silver Wolf’s phone,” Firefly chuckled, both of them reminiscing on how far they had come; one recounted all of Penacony and one had a memory that indulged just as much in memories long past.
“Good. I have stickers to spam,” Stelle replied with a smirk.
“I’m counting on it,” her smirk was reciprocated, albeit somehow more sly for some reason.
‘It isn’t like Firefly to look this smug… is this what I look like when I have the suggestion of a lifetime?’
“So… when are we planning our next date?”
Widened eyes, an impromptu coughing fit and a blush roasting her target; the signs of a successful operation when it came to catching her ball of fire off guard with mischievous sincerity.