Work Text:
The breeze flowed gently. Under the moonlit sky, two aspiring horses could be seen walking together hand in hand with smiles on their face. Silence Suzuka, with her long, silky reddish-orange hair; cascading gracefully to her waist as it fluttered by the wind, and Special Week, with her round and cheery light-purple eyes illuminating the night, brighter than any lamppost.
“Good work today, Suzuka,” said the cheery uma. “Mm, same to you, Spe. It went pretty well today, didn’t it?” the prodigy nodded, as the two giggled whilst humming. “It did! We beat our personal best times, so I feel good about it,” the girl grinned. “If I had to be honest? I feel like I can still run another round or two. Or maybe three. Or maybe four,” the orange-haired girl let out a small chuckle. “Now, now, we shouldn’t push ourselves. Resting is just as important as training, remember?”
“You’re right, you’re right. I’m too excited about it,” Suzuka smiled, before squeezing her hand gently. “You always pull me back down whenever I’d need it, Spe. I appreciate it,” she looked into her eyes happily; their gazes locking in. “You do the same to me, Suzuka! I’m just returning the favor,” Special giggled, before the two took a content breath as they walked; their tails intertwining behind them.
“Say, Suzuka… I found a neat café that just opened nearby. It has a bunch of sweets, pastries and desserts, and they look cute! Would you like to go there someday?” asked Spe warmly. “Ah, really? I think I’ve heard about it from my classmates… sounds like it’s a pretty popular spot, so yes, I’d love to. I’m quite curious myself now,” Silence smiled kindly. “It’s settled then! We’ll check it out when you’re free. Me personally, I’m excited to try the carrot donuts, caramel carrot cake cheesecake trifle, caramel carrot cake poke cake, carrot bundt cake…” Special Week went on.
“You really love your carrots, don’t you?” Suzuka giggled. “Mhm! I do, I’m always interested at the various things you can cook with carrots, because I know they’ll always end up tasty!” the cheerful girl nodded. “You should try having them at the finish line, maybe it’ll help you perform better,” the orange-haired girl chuckled. “Ahaha, maybe. But I think you serve as a better motivation than any carrots, Suzuka,” she grinned brightly. “Me? That’s flattering, Spe,” the girl smiled fondly. “I could say the same, you know. I don’t plan to lose to you anytime soon, so I’ll always strive to overcome my limits,” she had a wider smile. “Mhm! Let’s continue to do our best, Suzuka!” the white-banged uma nodded joyfully.
“You know, Spe… I’m really having fun,” the talented uma said, looking up at the sky with a bright smile. “Mm, I know. You always tell me that everyday, Suzuka. I’m glad you’re having fun just as much,” the hardworking uma nodded. “I mean it, Spe. Each session, each step… I feel so free. Seeing the blue sky as I run, the green grass… Feeling the wind blow past me as I run to my heart’s content, it’s such a fulfilling experience that I’d never trade for anything else,” she said with eyes filled with hope.
Listening, the cheerful girl was happy to see her so bright. It was a stark contrast to how aloof and serious Suzuka was at first, and to think a lot of it was because of her… she was grateful. “…Spe?” her name getting called out snapped the uma back. “A-ah! Yes, what is it?” asked Special. “I was thinking, should we get some meals to eat back at our room? Wait, sorry. Are you hungry?” asked Suzuka kindly. “Ah, well, you know I would never refuse a meal, but I was thinking about cooking for us today, if you’re okay with it?” she offered.
“Spe’s cooking, hm? I can’t say I’m not looking forward to it,” the orange-haired girl giggled. “Great! Because I wanted to show you what I’ve practiced for a while,” the brown-purple-haired girl nodded. And so, the two made their way back towards Ritto dormitory, where they changed into their more comfortable outfits.
Sitting on her bed, Suzuka simply watched her roommate hum as she diced some onions. “Can I ask what you’ll be making?” the girl asked. “Ah, I’m making some Salisbury steak with glazed carrots. It’s very hearty! My mom used to cook this for me a lot, so it’s kind of imprinted in my mind,” Special smiled, placing the onions in a microwave-safe bowl, topped with a tablespoon of butter before putting them in the microwave on high heat.
“That sounds lovely. Is there anything I can do to help?” asked the prodigy. “No, no, it’s okay. I want to serve it to you, after all!” the hardworking uma grinned, proceeding to make the glazed carrots. “You’re really kind, Spe. How do you make your carrots?” she asked. “Well, I just peel and slice them and steep slice in water for a few minutes,” the cheerful girl explained, demonstrating it. “Then I place the slices in a sauce pan, add enough water to just cover them, one tablespoon each of butter and sugar, then salt to taste. I then cover and bring it to boil on high heat at first, lowering the heat to low before cooking slices until soft. Finally, I raise the heat to high and cook until most of the moisture is gone and the carrots are glazed!” she went back to humming, finishing up the carrots.
“My, you really do have it memorized. I’m impressed,” Silence smiled. “Aww, thank you. But I’m not done yet! I still need to make the steak itself,” Week nodded, before combining ground meat with panko and an egg, half a teaspoon of salt, kikkoman soy sauce and worcestershire-style sauce, and a pinch of black pepper.
“You look cute in that apron, Spe. Have I told you that?” said the orange-haired uma fondly, admiring her careful yet precise hands as they work. “Aww… thank you, Suzuka. It’s almost done, so hold on a bit longer, please,” the cheerful uma chuckled, before cooking the meat; now formed into patties. After they were done, she moved on to the sauce, adding four tablespoons of tomato ketchup, two tablespoons of red wine and 1 can of mushrooms, along with undrained canned mushrooms to patty drippings in the pan before bringing them to boil.
“Ta-da! What do you think?” Special Week grinned, serving the glazed carrots along with the Salisbury steaks, topping them with the sauce for one hearty dinner. Admiring the neat plating, Suzuka smiled. “It looks very delicious, Spe. I can’t wait to dig in,” she said, before taking a bite for herself.
“Well? What do you think? My mom usually makes it with French fries and spinach saute as sides too, but I don’t really have those here, so…” the hardworking girl nodded in anticipation. “It’s really good!” the prodigy’s eyes widened. “The meat is cooked just enough, it’s not over nor underseasoned, and I love the sauce,” she continued. Hearing the compliments, Special Week had a small blush on her face. “Really!? I’m glad you like it,” she smiled softly.
Suddenly, the orange-haired uma cut a piece and offered it to her roommate. “You should try it yourself, Spe. You did cook it for us, after all,” Suzuka smiled warmly. “If you say so, Suzuka,” the white-banged girl smiled bashfully, before letting the girl feed her. “I know I’ve eaten this a lot in the past, but getting the bites from you… it feels different, in a good way,” she chuckled. “Ah, is that so? Would you like more, then? Spe?”
And with a simple “Mhm!” the two started feeding their dinner to each other, letting out silly little giggles from how simple yet endearing the action is. After their plates were empty, the girl in green took initiative and grabbed them and going to the sink. “I’ll go wash the dishes,” she said, before her roommate stood up. “No, no, it’s okay! I can clean them up,” she objected. “It’s alright, Spe. You already cooked for us. I appreciate it, so just sit back, okay?”
Sitting back down on her bed, Special Week simply watched her roommate hum while washing the dishes. “You’re really kind, Suzuka,” she said with a fond smile; admiring her form and face; how her straight, neatly trimmed bangs frame her forehead. Suddenly, she felt this overwhelming urge that she couldn’t ignore. Her heart full of affection, the girl stood up and walked up to her roommate… before wrapping her arms around, hugging from behind.
Feeling arms wrapped around her waist, Silence Suzuka let out a content breath as she continued washing the dishes. She could feel the girl rubbing her cheek against her silky hair, and it was as if her heart melted at that moment. Turning off the tap, she dried up her hands… before suddenly finding her hair being nibbled. Giggling a little, she spoke gently. “Spe…” she said in a soft tone.
“Spe… you’re nibbling on my hair again,” said Suzuka, finally getting her attention. Realizing she’s been nibbling on her hair, Special Week blushed and pulled away. “A-ah! I’m sorry, Suzuka, I didn’t realize…” her cheeks were adorably red, making the girl giggle. “It’s okay, Spe. It’s okay. I was about to brush my hair after this anyway, so it’s not much of a problem,” she spoke kindly, finding her roommate endearing.
“Then let me help you brush your hair, Suzuka! I want to make up for it,” the hardworking uma nodded with resolute eyes. “…I appreciate it, Spe,” the prodigy smiled, before sitting down on her bed; making room for her roommate to sit behind her. Giving her the brush, she’d let her hair fall into Spe’s care.
Minutes passed, as Special Week took her time to brush Suzuka’s long and silky hair thoroughly. She treated it so carefully and gently, as if it were her own. Silence, simply closing her eyes and relishing in the comfort, enjoyed having her hair handled with such attention; with her ears twitching and tail swishing around in joy several times involuntarily.
“Spe… you’re so gentle. You treat my hair as if it’s something precious, and it makes me feel treasured,” she said fondly. “Well, that’s because you are my treasure, Suzuka. I can’t not treat your hair with the best of my abilities,” the cheerful girl said kindly, her words striking deep in her heart. “Oh, Spe…”
“By the way…” the brown-purple-haired uma smiled to herself. “Yes, Spe?” the girl in green nodded. “Have I told you how pretty your hair is? It’s… beautiful. It’s so long and silky, it’s elegant, even!” she sighed dreamily, admiring the reddish-orange strands in front of her. Hearing her compliment, Suzuka’s cheeks warmed up. “Thank you… I take care of my hair well, so I’m glad you like it,” her words were soft as butter.
“You deserve it, Suzuka. It looks so pretty fluttering in the wind whenever you’d run,” Special Week chuckled in admiration, recalling the number of times she’d seen her run so gracefully. “You tell me that a lot… it’s very flattering,” the girl smiled softly. “Mhm, I do. I’ve always admired you, Suzuka. I feel like everything about you is just so… so, so perfect. Even now, sometimes my mind still can’t believe I get to share a room with someone so pretty, sweet and wonderful!” the shorter girl smiled fondly.
“You’re making me blush, Spe…” Suzuka smiled softly, loving how appreciated and loved she’d always felt with her. “But… I feel the same way about you, you know? You’ve always been such a hard worker. Despite the obstacles in your way, you’d always try to overcome them with such determination,” she smiled warmly, before turning around to face her; their gaze immediately locking into each other.
“When I look into your eyes, I see earnest in its full glory. When I see you run, I see passion in its full splendor. You have a strong and sweet heart… and I hope you never lose it, Spe.” Her voice gentle, Silence took both of her hands and laced their fingers together, feeling the warmth of her skin.
“Suzuka…” Special Week’s expression softened. Suddenly, she felt her cheek getting cupped with love and care. “Spe… thank you. For existing, for being here with me… for everything you do,” Suzuka’s eyes looked deep into hers. Soft blush taking over her face, the hardworking girl placed her hand on top of hers; pressing it against her cheek. “And thank you, Suzuka. For staying with me through everything. You give me strength and motivation whenever I’d need it, and I always want you to know how appreciated you are…” she spoke with a voice softer than pudding. That’s when Spe suddenly let out a yawn. Giggling, Suzuka smiled gently. “I suppose it is getting rather late, isn’t it?”
“Mhm… and I was really enjoying being close to you,” Special Week chuckled sheepishly. “Well, in that case…” Silence took a deep breath; her grip on her hand tightening a bit. “Would you… like to sleep here? Together?” she smiled kindly, though some nerves made their way out. “Suzuka…” the girl looked at her in surprise, before smiling happily. “Of course! I’d love to!”
And so, on Silence Suzuka’s side of the room, the two could be seen lying down; cuddling with one another under the warm blanket. “Are you not going to get your carrot pillow, Spe? You always sleep so well with it,” Suzuka giggled. Nestled deep in her arms, Special Week shook her head. “Mm, I don’t need it. Because…” she said happily, before taking a content breath; her head tucked on the crook of her neck, her arms wrapped around her body. “I already have a much better carrot pillow,” she giggled whilst saying that.
Letting out a soft gasp, Silence’s eyes softened. Stroking the girl’s hair, she admired how peaceful and content she’d looked, and it filled her heart with love and care. “Spe…” she said tenderly, admiring how cute she looked in her arms. Thus, she tightened her hold a bit, ensuring she stayed close and comfortable the entire time. “I suppose we should get some sleep- Spe?” she said, before realizing the girl had already fallen asleep in her arms.
“Already asleep… What are you mumbling about?” she giggled to herself, before taking some time to listen. Special Week was deep in slumber, yet her grip never once faltered. She kept muttering in her sleep, something that sounded like ‘…suzu…’ and ‘…love you…’ followed by a series of small giggles after. Taking note of this, Suzuka’s heart turned into a puddle of affection. “Spe…”
Petting her head a bit more, she then let out a dreamy sigh. As if controlled by impulses, Silence Suzuka let her head lean down… and place a soft, gentle kiss on the top of her head. “Spe… I love you too. Good night, may you be blessed with sweet dreams tonight.”
Subconsciously reacting, Special Week’s lips curved into a smile. She nestled herself deeper in her arms, as the two fell asleep with nothing but each other in their thoughts… Ending the tranquil night on a peaceful and lovely note.