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The sun was blistering hot on Etho’s skin. He had already shed his jacket, leaving just his turtleneck but it was still too warm. He looked at the fiery redhead who was actively charging at him from across the beach and remembered what he was supposed to be doing. Right, PVP training. Stay focused. Gem attacked him confidently, striking his arms. Etho was known to use his arms as a shield, despite being taught time and time again that it wasn’t the best move. Etho was able to hit Gem in the jaw with the butt of his sword, a move he had learned years ago. She grinned maniacally after registering the attack. Gem was dedicated to her love of PVP. When Etho would use older moves that weren’t in circulation, he could see the pride swell in her chest.
However, the sword plunged through his ribcage a moment later.
Etho never loved the feeling of respawning. The physical wounds would be gone, but the sensation of being suddenly somewhere else wasn’t pleasant. It was quick though, Etho was getting up from the bed he set his spawn in and was looking at Gem, ready to go again.
“I might need a minute, it's hot out here,” she said, rubbing her already red jaw. “You got me good there with that sword trick! I didn’t expect it!” Gem continued, walking up to sit on the bed next to Etho.
He kept his composure. For all Gem knew, his flush was from the heat and not their proximity. That fact would probably be taken to Etho’s grave. He wasn't keen on letting Gem know he was one well-timed punch away from folding for her like a lawn chair. He and Gem stayed silent for a moment before she broke the silence.
“When we first sparred… I killed you 28 times. Why did you throw in the towel at such a specific number? Why not 10, or 30? It confused me a bit” She said, with a small smile.
Etho would have burnt the world to a crisp if it meant he could see that smile every day. But don't worry, he was being chill about his crush. But right now, he had to make sure Gem knew he was chill too.
“Um- I don't know… I got tired after that last one… I guess?” He muttered out, definitely chill.
Gem laughed at that. Etho thanked whatever beings from above let him hear that. Gem got up from the bed and held a hand out to Etho
“Let's keep going?”
He took it, definitely calmly. And not freaking out. Gem and Etho walked to the death beach again and began to spar. This time he wasn’t even trying to put up a fight. Etho’s mind was elsewhere while they sparred. And it showed. Gem attacked confidently once more. She would stun him and then hit him with flurries of hits. Etho simply took the attacks, getting down to his last heart. Gem stopped for a moment and quirked an eyebrow at him, Etho knew the game was up. Gem knew he wasn’t trying. The sword plunged quickly through his throat this time. And Etho was waking up disoriented in the bed again.
Gem dropped her sword and approached him. Etho was a bit dizzy from all the respawning he’d done in such a short amount of time. He held his hand up to signal he needed a moment and Gem let out an understanding hum. She helped Etho steady himself and while he swayed, he saw an opening and took advantage of her guard being down to sweep Gem's legs out from under her to press a boot to her arm to keep Gem pinned there
“Oh! You’re trying this time!” she laughed, using her free arm to swing for Etho’s knee.
The hit wasn’t hard by any means but took Etho off balance, giving Gem the chance to regain control of the fight and pin his hands above his head.
Etho was keeping his cool. Everyone knew Ethoslab could keep his cool when he was being pinned to the ground by his crush. Why wouldn't Etho be chill? It was just Gem. But even though it was just Gem, Etho was struggling to keep his breath steady. Gem had him restrained on the ground and she looked ethereal. The sun made her fiery hair look as if it were glowing red. She had that confident, but not obnoxious glint in her eyes. Etho was officially done being chill. He might die right here and now from his lack of chill alone. He took a shaky breath before speaking
“Do you want to know why I fought you 28 times?”
Gem looked confused “You just said it was because you got tired? Do we need to get your memory checked?” Gem said with a confused chuckle, taking the weight off of Etho's hands. Now she was straddling him. This was worse.
“It wasn’t because I was tired,” Etho said simply “You said 28 was your favorite number is all…”
He finished sheepishly, an embarrassed flush on the visible half of Etho’s face. Gem laughed. She didn’t believe him.
“That's funny, but I never mentioned that to you” she replied. Of course, she wouldn't believe that. It was absurd that Etho knew her favorite number anyway.
“It’s true. I heard you mention it once… to Impulse.”
He choked out, it was pathetic to even admit this to her. Gem had an unreadable expression on her face. She was probably trying to plot the quickest way to get away from him. Perhaps even mentally drafting a letter to Xsumia to tell him Etho was a creep. He should say goodbye to Hermitcraft while he still had the chance-
“It’s cute you remembered.”
Etho let out a breath. He felt almost lightheaded from how long he had been holding it. Gem, however, looking to give Etho a heart attack put one of her hands on Etho’s face. Her hand rested over his mask, asking for permission to take it off. Etho nodded almost too enthusiastically. When she eventually took it off, Gem rested her hand on his cheek. The two simply stared at each other for a moment, smiling. Etho acted without thinking, placing a gentle kiss on the hand on his cheek. Gem seemed to get the message, she bent herself down to be face-to-face with Etho. Bumping noses with him on accident.
“Hey”
“Hi.”
“I’m going to kiss you now,” Gem said casually as if it was the weather they were talking about.
Etho once again nodded enthusiastically. Gem’s lips weren't soft. She had been sparring with him for an hour and a half now. They were chapped from the dry heat. However, Etho loved every second that passed. Now that he was here, kissing Gem. He was positive he could die right here and have lived a full life. Etho would deny this until the end of time, but some people would say he whimpered when Gem broke off the kiss.
She grinned at him, before giving Etho a quick peck on the lips. Gem had a knowing look in her eyes. Etho wasn’t sure what she knew. But Gem was quick to speak.
“You’ve liked me for a while now, Haven't you?”
Etho wasn’t sure how, but he blushed harder. “Was it obvious?”
Gem laughed at that. She laughed hard. Etho was confused about why she would laugh so hard at that. All Gem could say was, “It was super obvious”