Archive of Our Own ^beta

The day started, like any other that had started in the past four years, an alarm going off, a quiet groan, and the soft chuckle of the woman in the doorway who had already been awake for multiple hours, holding a steaming mug. As they sat up and stirred, they groaned again, stretching as a small symphony of pops came from their back. With a quiet elegance Symboli Rudolf sat next to them, handing them the mug, which they drank from deeply, an appreciative hum leaving them. Holding it in their lap, they kissed her gently, a blush rising to Rudolf’s cheeks as her tail flicked in a pleased manner. 

“You’re affectionate this morning. Sleep well?” Rudolf smiled as they wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into a loose hug, balancing the tea on their thigh with a yawn.

“Always, next to you darling. How’d you sleep though? My snoring keep you up?” The two laughed softly as Rudolf rested her head on the shoulder of her trainer turned lover.

“Don’t worry, I was more than tired enough to sleep deeply. Late nights at the academy simply don’t work as well for me anymore. I’m just glad that Teio and Kitasan were both more than willing to mostly take over for me, my time with you is far nicer.” Rudolf kissed their cheek, smiling as she stood again. “Now, hurry up, or we’re going to be late! I made you something you can eat on the walk over.” Nodding they got up, stretching again, and stumbled towards the bathroom. 

“I’m serious, if we’re late, Groove will have both of our heads!” Rudolf warned, an edge entering her voice that left just as quickly, warmth and fondness flooding over her words, a smile crossing her face.

“I know! That woman scares me enough, you don’t have to use her as a threat!” The laugh in their voice made Rudolf roll her eyes, shaking her head as she looked around the slightly darkened bedroom, pulling the curtains open to allow more light in, and opening the window, the smell of summer on the gentle breeze that played with the curtains. Coming out of the bathroom, the trainer smiled, putting on a t-shirt that earned a well meaning eye roll from Rudolf, before putting a collared button down over it, leaving it open, the faded band logo still visible.

“You’re lucky you’re handsome.” The playfulness heavy in her words betrayed the otherwise severe look Rudolf had pinned them with.

“And I’m lucky you’re willing to put up with me. I am but a ship at sea, and you, the lighthouse that acts as my Symbol.” The pair shared a small smile as they left the apartment, a quiet song filling the empty rooms. Kiss me once, then kiss me twice…