Work Text:
Narita Top Road was well liked during her time at Tracen Academy. As the class president, she had been someone the other umamusume in her class could look up to and rely on. She would always make sure she was able to live up to their expectations no matter what they asked for. She wanted them to know she would always be there for them. And in turn, they supported her during her races. Even when she lost her races, they supported her.
Then came her biggest regret.
After losing again and again, she had grown more and more frustrated. She wished she hadn't done it, but she had. When TM Opera O had come to congratulate her on her effort, she had snapped.
She had yelled at Opera. "Just stop it! I don't need your pity! Why can't you ever see how frustrating it is for everyone around you to lose to you constantly?!"
"Top Road, I-" Opera started.
"Don't. Don't say it. I hate you Opera O. I hate how you always just have to show off whenever you win." Top Road glared at the ground. "It's frustrating for someone who loses to you. You don't see how upset it makes others. You know how frustrated Ayabe is. Doto never says it, but it hurts her too. Just leave us alone!"
Opera simply sighed and turned away. "I understand. I am no fool, Top Road. But... if that is how you all really feel, then I will accept it. I am but a generous overlord after all. I will not bother you again."
Top Road hadn't responded and had only watched as Opera walked away, leaving the track even as reporters entered the stadium. And true to her word, Opera had really stopped bothering any of them. She never showed up to any of their training sessions again. She did not show up to eat with any of them in the cafeteria. When they had classes together, she sat away from all of them.
Seeing Opera anywhere became rare, and Top Road wished she could have changed it. But no matter what she did, she was never able to catch the overlord again. Sometimes she would catch glimpses of her, so she would try to go to her. But once she had reached the spot, Opera was already long gone.
Even after they had all graduated, she hadn't seen Opera again. She wished she could change that.
------------------
Top Road sighs as she looks out the window. She had just finished work, now she was waiting in a café for her lunch. She went there frequently with Ayabe, Curren Chan, Doto, and Urara. But today, they were all busy so she was alone. She decides to message someone while she waits for food. But as she scrolls through her contacts, her finger stops over one with new notifications.
One she hadn't checked in so long. One she wished she could talk to again. Without thinking, she taps it.
Chat with TM Opera O
3 years ago
Narita Top Road Hey Opera, are you there?
Narita Top Road Could we talk again?
Narita Top Road I know you are reading these.
Narita Top Road Say something. Please.
2 years and 10 months ago
Narita Top Road Hello Opera. It's me again.
Narita Top Road I'm sorry. I really am.
Narita Top Road I regret what I said to you.
Narita Top Road I miss you.
2 years ago
Narita Top Road Opera O, it's me again.
Narita Top Road Are you there? Please Respond.
11 months ago
Narita Top Road It's been years since we last talked.
Narita Top Road I should ask, how are you doing?
Narita Top Road I hope you are doing well.
3 months ago
Narita Top Road I'm surprised you never blocked me.
Narita Top Road Are you ignoring me on purpose?
Narita Top Road Are you trying to punish me?
Narita Top Road I really do miss you, Opera.
1 week ago
TM Opera O Hello dearest Top Road. I apologize for not answering sooner. You see, I have been occupied with some matters of my own lately. If I had know you wished to speak, I would have responded to your messages. But I do not think this is something we can discuss over text, it is a complicated matter after all!
TM Opera O So if it is okay with yourself, shall we meet at the shrine?
TM Opera O If not today, then I will return and wait again.
Top Road stares at the screen, wondering if she was dreaming. She rubs her eyes and stares at the screen again. The messages were still there. Her heart races as she scrambles to think of something to say. She had to respond, right? If she didn't say anything, she would regret it more! She quickly scrambles to type a response.
Chat with TM Opera O
Narita Top Road Opera! It's okay! Don't apologize!
Narita Top Road I would love to meet with you!
Narita Top Road I will see you soon! Tonight!
Messages failed to send.
Top Road tucks her phone away and quickly finishes her meal. She leaves maybe a little too much money on the table and rushes out of the café. She checks her phone to make sure she remembered where the shrine was before rushing off.
"Wait for me. I'll be there soon."
------------------
As she ascended the steps to the shrine, she passed various people leaving. Some of them smiled at her and waved, and she waved back. An elderly couple stopped her part way up asking her if she was really going up so late at night. Top Road reassured them that she would be fine before continuing on her way up.
When she reached the top of the steps to the shrine, there was no one else around. She checked the time on her phone: 11:30 PM.
Sure it was late, but she hoped she would really see Opera again. She looks around, trying to find any signs of the uma that always shined so brightly, but she finds no one. As she turns to leave, a flash of orange near the shrine catches her eyes.
"Opera? Is that you?" Top Road calls out.
Purple eyes meet hers and that bright smile she remembers comes into view. "Top Road. It is good to see you."
"You... You're really here." Top Road steps closer. She wants to reach out, but she stops herself. "I... I... I really missed you."
It really seemed to be the TM Opera O she remembered. Opera did not look much different aside from the fact that her hair had grown longer. She no longer wore the crown she had when she raced, instead she had a golden rose hairpin resting in its spot.
"I know." Opera says, staying in her spot. "I apologize for being away for so long."
"It's okay. You're here now." Top Road walks closer.
"You look well, Top Road. I hear that you are working at Tracen Academy now. Are they treating you well there?" Opera asks.
"Yes. It's... it has been great." Top Road says. She reaches out and grabs Opera's too cold hands. "But that isn't what we're here to talk about, remember? We were going to talk about something else. Something we should have done years ago."
"Relax and calm yourself, Top Road. There is no need to rush." Opera says in a gentle voice.
"I'm sorry for everything." Top Road whispers. "I understand why you never responded to any of my messages until recently. What I said was cruel and wrong. I never went a day without regretting it. I'm so sorry. I understand if you hate me for it, I deserve it."
"You needn't apologize. I already forgave you. I never held it against you." Opera hums.
"Then why didn't you talk to me sooner? Or talk to any of us?" Top Road asks.
"I thought you would like some space for awhile, and I needed some time to think as well." Opera answers. She pulls away, walking closer to the shrine. "Your words made me realize I needed to reflect on some things, so I simply chose to take the time to do so."
"You could have said something." Top Road whispers. She steps closer once more.
"I know and I apologize for that." Opera says. She turns to Top Road with an unreadable expression on her face. "Have you been happy?"
"I... I guess you could say that. But it was hard to truly be happy without you around." Top Road says.
"Ah. I see..." Opera looks away.
"But... you're here now." Top Road steps forward, placing a hand against Opera's cool skin. "And that's enough for me. I'm glad you're here now, Opera. I want to be with you."
Opera looks her in the eyes. "Are you sure that is what you wish for?"
"Of course I am! I want to be able to spend more time with you!" Top Road says. She wraps her arms around Opera, burying her nose in that soft orange hair that smelled like roses. "I want to. I want to make up for all the years we spent apart."
"Top Road..." Opera frowns. "I..."
"Please, Opera. I want this. Have you spoken to anyone in the past years? You must be lonely." Top Road asks softly.
"I... I spoke with my former team members, and I reached out to Urara as well." Opera says.
"Good. I'm happy to hear that." Top Road smiles. She pulls back, holding Opera's face in her hands. "Now that you're back, we can all meet up together! Curren Chan, Ayabe, Doto, and Urara would all be happy to have you join us! It would be like when we used to hang out at school!"
"That... does sound lovely..." Opera mutters.
"Right? I'll let them know!" Top Road takes out her phone, starting to text everyone.
"Top Road, wait!" Opera cries out.
"Hm? What is it?" Top Road tilts her head.
"Perhaps that can wait. I... I will tell them all myself." Opera says.
"Hmm..." Top Road taps her chin. "Alright. I'll leave it to you then! Just choose the time and we can all meet!"
Opera sighs, looking away. "I do not think it will be any time soon however..."
"Why not?" Top Road frowns.
"You see, I will be going away for awhile. I have some unfinished business I must take care of." Opera says quietly.
"Oh... I understand. But will you text all of us?" Top Road asks.
"I... I will try to." Opera nods.
"Good." Top Road smiles. She brushes her fingers through Opera's hair. "Hey Opera. Can I make a small request from you?"
"A request?" Opera tilts her head.
"To be honest, I wanted to ask for awhile now. I mean... I did always like you... I never really meant it when I said I hate you. I had just been frustrated that day, and I said something I greatly regret." Top Road says.
"It is alright, I understand. But what is this request of yours?" Opera asks.
"Could I..." Top Road takes a deep breath. "Could I kiss you?"
Opera's expression softens and she smiles. "Of course."
Top Road smiles and leans down. Lucky for her, Opera meets her halfway. She is surprised by how soft Opera's lips are, but she is not disappointed. She never would have thought she would be able to kiss someone like this. It felt as great as she imagined it would.
------------------
"You seem to be in a good mood." Ayabe says.
Top Road turns to her with a smile. "Of course I am! I spoke with Opera yesterday!"
"What?" Ayabe frowns.
Top Road returns her attention to the cake she was decorating. "Opera came back recently and she wanted to talk. I was a little late to respond to her, but-"
"That's not possible." Ayabe says.
"What isn't possible?" Top Road stops.
"It isn't possible for you to have spoken to Opera yesterday." Ayabe says, grabbing Top Road's hands.
"Ayabe, I saw her yesterday. We had a talk at the shrine. Don't joke around." Top Road laughs.
"I'm not joking with you. It isn't possible for you to have spoken to her." Ayabe says.
"Ayabe, what are you trying to say?" Top Road's smile drops.
"It isn't possible for you to have seen or spoken with her. Opera passed away a week ago from a heart attack." Ayabe says quietly.
Her heart stops for a moment and she wonders if she had heard right. Top Road shakes her head. "No... That's not..."
"I'm not lying, Top Road." Ayabe says.
"It's not true! I saw her!" Top Road shouts. "She was here! I... I held her hand! I touched her! Opera isn't dead!"
"I think you need help." Ayabe steps towards her.
"No!" Top Road pushes past her. "You're wrong!"
"Top Road! Wait!" Ayabe calls out.
But she doesn't. Instead, she runs out of the building and speeds away. She doesn't think as she runs, letting her legs carry her away. By the time she stops, she finds herself at the shrine. She staggers to the shrine, collapsing in front of it.
"Why?" She cries. "It's not... it can't be true... You're not gone. I saw you... I saw you yesterday. Opera, are you here?"
But she receives no answer.
"O-Of course you aren't. Yesterday you said you were going away... so you aren't... here..." Top Road sniffles. Some footsteps grow closer to her and she looks back, meeting purple eyes. "Op... Opera?"
"Top Road. You are here again..." Opera says softly.
"Y-You're here!" Top Road scrambles to her feet and rushes to Opera, but she finds her hands slipping past. "W-What...?"
"I am sorry, Top Road." Opera says.
"No... No. Please, Opera. This isn't true! You... you aren't dead. You can't be! Ayabe was lying!" Top Road cries.
"It is as Ayabe told you." Opera shakes her head. "I am sorry for giving you false hope like this. I did not wish to leave with regrets."
"T-Then don't go! You can stay!" Top Road cries.
"I am sorry." Opera sighs, her hand touches Top Road's shoulder. The touch is cold and it makes her shiver.
"Please don't go." Top Road begs.
"I do not think I can stay. I spoke to you yesterday to solve your regrets, but it seems I have only made them worse." Opera frowns.
"No! You didn't do that, you never did anything wrong. Don't blame yourself." Top Road sniffles, trying to hold back her tears.
"I will not. As long as you don't blame yourself as well." Opera whispers. She wraps her arms around her, but Top Road is unable to return the hug as she grasps at air. Still, she feels Opera's gentle touch and the way she nuzzles against her. "But I will not stray too far from you. I will stay near and watch over you, my dearest. I love you."
Just as quickly as she had come, Opera was gone. Then Top Road was alone once more. She sinks to her knees as sobs shake her body, the tears flowing freely now. Within a day, her world had become whole with the return of her sun, but it broke apart just as quickly. Why couldn't it have lasted? Why couldn't she have her happily ever after?
Top Road wipes away her tears, pushing herself to her feet. She couldn't stay here like this, and she should not continue to live with regrets either. It wasn't what Opera wanted for her. She would continue to move forward, not just for herself but for her friends as well.
As she walks down the steps of the shrine, she feels a warmth against her cheek and someone touch her hand. A smile crosses her face and she stops halfway. She holds a hand to her chest and looks to the sky. "I love you too, Opera. Wait for me, okay?"