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Saying that Suzuka hated the cold would be a lie. She fondly remembers her younger self running at full speed where the cold penetrated her bones. It is a unique experience to feel the cold on her face while running, even today, especially as January and February approach at the Tracen Academy.
And while she could have positive feelings about the cold, that was one thing and this was another.
The cold was creeping into her body like a parasite, and the worst part was that she couldn't do anything to prevent it, as she had to watch and pay attention to the classes in front of her.
Her body was trembling like an icicle. Even with her winter uniform, coat, scarf, and trusty green earmuffs, she felt the icy cold running through her entire body. Many would wonder, doesn't Tracen Academy have a heating system or something similar?
And the answer would be an obvious yes, but there was a subtle problem. It was broken.
She didn't know how, but somehow, from the rumors that somehow reached her ears, it involved Gold Ship, Agnes Tachyon, and a coffee and tea fight.
Both Taiki Shuttle and Matikanefukukitaru were shivering from the cold. She could almost hear the one who always carried a crystal ball saying that this was a bad omen, and although she wasn't superstitious, this time she had to agree.
Even the teacher who was giving the class was trying to warm herself up by hugging her body in an attempt to stay warm, which was very annoying.
With her body numb, she headed to the cafeteria after class. She needed any food in a state of near boiling to restore her natural temperature.
As she was through the hallways, she saw a crowd of Umas around a white-haired girl, Oguri Cup, known as the beast. She was surrounded, so surrounded that she was dragging people along to get to the cafeteria and eat, her greatest ambition after racing.
Like a bulletproof shield, Tamamo Cross tried to keep the harassing Umas away. On the other side, it seemed that Super Creek was also trying, although she seemed to be more of a victim than anything else.
—PLEASE OGURI, HUG ME,— shouted one of the girls nearby.
—Don't you understand that Oguri needs her space too!?— Tamamo barked like an angry Chihuahua, keeping the crazy Umas away from her friend. —And you, Creek, don't indulge them!!—
—Well, well?— Super Creek was being hugged from all sides when Suzuka got closer to the problem, because that was the way to the cafeteria, she noticed. A pleasant warmth radiated from the two tall Umas. It was almost as if they were, umamified radiators? If such a word existed, although perhaps Rudolf would have put it in one of her beloved puns.
Not wanting to join the umas begging for warmth, she decided to run at least so that her body could get some warmth on its own. She didn't like running through the hallways, Air Groove is usually strict about those things, but there were risks she was going to take.
The smell of food inundated Suzuka's fluttering nostrils, with the cold in her mouth so intense that even the steam emanating from it was visible.
With a quick glance, she saw many girls lining up for the hot drinks area, offering tea, coffee, and even plain hot water. Others opted for food, fortunately including soup and stew, two pleasant meals for this temperature problem.
With almost the same desperation as the girls she saw above, she approached the food line, until she saw her. Her girlfriend, wearing her winter uniform and coat, but without a scarf. At her side, her friends were completely bundled up, so unusual that even Seiun Sky, who usually wore only one earmuff, was wearing both, and almost like Oguri and Creek, they were huddled together and almost on top of his girlfriend.
She didn't know whether to approach them, not wanting to demand anything, even though her selfish instincts told her to. The good thing was that she didn't have to do much, because when the purple gaze found her while she was talking to a very attached Grass Wonder, it was as if all the cold disappeared and was replaced by the pleasant warmth of Special Week's eyes.
As she liked to compare her girlfriend, Special was like a puppy to her master. Leaving the group behind, although she could almost hear the negative responses, advantageously, it seemed that Cóndor had the same ability as Spe, as they all joined her like moths to a flame.
Unexpectedly, she felt arms wrap around her, and all the cold she had felt melted away like snow in the sun. Special's warm body enveloped her, and without fear, she let herself be absorbed, enjoying every second. A sigh of pure pleasure escaped Suzuka's lips as she openly hid her face in her girlfriend's neck, which made her laugh softly.
—Problems with the cold?— Special asked, cradling the taller girl and stroking the tips of her hair. Reluctant to leave her hiding place, Suzuka nodded, speechless at how comforting it was to be in her arms.
—I remember you telling me you liked the cold.—
—The cold is one thing, but this freezing is quite different.— She rubbed her cold nose against Special's neck, seeking some kind of revenge for teasing her about the temperature.
—Would you like to eat something to warm up?— asked Special, kissing her orange head.
—In a little while.— Still not wanting to leave her warm nest, she felt the slight vibration of Special's laughter, letting her tail move comfortably with a gentle sway.
Although it was unusual for Suzuka to join Special for lunch with her group of friends, this time she decided to do so for other reasons.
It wasn't because she didn't like them, not at all, but rather out of respect for Spe, who also had her own groups of friends and moments alone, something she appreciated when she ran.
The mood of the group seemed to improve considerably. The hot food helped regulate their frozen bodies, or at least those who were bundled up to their eyebrows.
—I hate that you can handle this cold so easily.— Seiun slurped her broth with some passion, wanting to savor the warmth on her lips.
Both Special and Cóndor looked at each other with superior smiles.
—Spicy food has helped me keep my body warm, even if my dear Grass doesn't like it.— Speaking of her, she was quite close to Cóndor, trying to absorb every drop of warmth if possible. Her gaze fixed on the girl with the mask, feeling a different kind of cold.
—Grass, don't give her the cold shoulder! We'll be left without a stove if you keep this up!— King Halo, who was nearby, lectured her, causing Grass to growl.
—Okay, okay,— Spe calmed the frosty group. —Calm down, everyone, and eat your hot food.— As usual, Special had already finished her meal. Although she was the one who usually ate the most, she was also the one who ate the fastest. —Besides, think about it, we'll be able to go train and warm up our bodies.—
—Going out in this cold is really not in my best plans,— Seiun replied. It wasn't that there was a blizzard or anything, but when it was cold from the morning and without the warmth of the heater, it really didn't make you want to go out. —Maybe I'll wrap myself in a blanket and not go out until dawn.— She rubbed her arms, trying to keep her body warm.
—Now that I think about it,— Suzuka finally spoke up. —I understand that spicy food keeps you warm.— She looked at Cóndor. —But how are you keeping warm, Spe-chan?— She looked into her happy violet eyes.
—Hehe~— Special's tail wagged happily. —It's partly because of how much I eat and how I was raised, I'd say.—
—Because of your calorie mass?— Grass asked, now calmer.
—It seems so. Tachyon mentioned that to me, as she also seemed to regret the cold.— She glanced around the cafeteria. —It also seems to be somewhat related to size. Although it's not an exact rule.— She watched as McQueen was being persistently hugged by Teio, who was shivering from the cold even with the hot food in her system. For once, McQueen seemed proud of her sweet tooth.
—Now that you mention it, I saw a lot of Umas wanting to cling to Oguri and Creek coming this way...— Suzuka murmured.
—Well, if I give off heat, Oguri must be like a fireplace.— Special laughed at the mental image of so many Umas fighting for Oguri's closeness as if he were the last lifeline on the ship.
—Well, I hope the scientist lady fixes the cold already!— King Halo snorted in anger.
In the end, most of the girls went to train just to warm up. The interesting thing is that the whole school had more or less the same idea, so the trainer organized an urban training session to avoid having too many people in one place. In short, it was about getting from point A to point B.
They all ended up on the hill doing hill sprints on those stairs, which for many seemed endless. The best adapted were Special, McQueen, and Suzuka, perhaps because of their previous experience.
The good thing was that at least the team seemed warmer and therefore happier.
—Haaa haaa...— Special had finished the hill, panting. Perhaps, as she had said, her body was warmer than normal, creating the illusion that if you squinted your eyes, you could see steam coming out of her body. The girls in the background seemed to be talking, although to Spe's eyes, Suzuka still seemed to be shivering.
Her blue-green eyes stared at her hot drink from the vending machine as she sipped her canned tea. It was true that the exercise had warmed her up, but it felt strange, as if it weren't enough, so much that her body was still cold and shivering. Ironically, she noticed that it was colder inside the building than outside, feeling somewhat foolish because her body had betrayed her like that.
Closing her eyes, she tried to focus on her teammates' conversations, and like a blanket, she felt arms wrap around her from behind. Her girlfriend's affectionate laughter sounded like a bell, playful and satisfied.
—Did I surprise you?~ —
Suzuka placed the can not hot enough to burn, but hot enough to feel like a shock on her girlfriend's cheek.
—A little.— The revenge was effective, eliciting a little scream. —Shouldn't you have something to drink? You could get dehydrated.—
—I will in a bit.— She puffed out her cheeks, loving how red and nice they looked when stretched. —Don't even think about it.— Well, it seemed like Special was able to read her mind.
Special rested her head on Suzuka's shoulder, and the more time passed, the more she noticed her tremors fading away.
—Are you feeling better?— The younger girl curled up and rubbed herself like a kitten. Not wanting to admit it out loud, Suzuka simply nodded. Mimicking some of her girlfriend's gestures, she also rubbed herself and drank more eagerly during the breaks.
Having fulfilled her mission of warming up her girlfriend, Special walked away to find her own drink. Leaving behind a sad Suzuka who still didn't want their affection to end, letting her express herself with her tail without realizing it.
—Oh, love~ — Vodka sang. Laughing affectionately. —Since you've been a couple, it's nice to see you expressing your emotions more.— Scarlett continued with the affectionate teasing.
—Girls...— she wanted to complain, but she knew they were right. She loved running almost as much as she loved Special, and sometimes she was afraid to admit it, almost as if it were a sin to her psyche. Would she be able to stop running for Special? Or would she continue her career without looking back? It was something that scared her inside.
Her gaze fell on the one who tormented her, sticking out her tongue with innocent silliness, like a little girl choosing candy, wagging her tail as she talked to the trainer standing next to her, so that her ears moved and looked in her direction, like someone who knows they are being watched, and with a smile that would melt all the snow, she greeted her and turned her attention back to the conversation with the adult.
Perhaps she didn't have the answers to her own questions right now, but she knew that with her, she could find them without any trouble. Warming not only her body, but also her heart.
When the can fell, Special approached again. Suzuka's kind and affectionate eyes made Special a little nervous. —Did I miss something?— Suzuka laughed softly. She approached slowly, not wanting to scare the confused Spe. She buried her head in her neck, enjoying the comforting warmth. Both tails moved in unison, like someone who had found their other half.
—You know I don't care about displays of affection, but...—
—Shhh — Suzuka said, moving closer. —Drink your hot chocolate.—
—Okay.— She opened the can, stroked Suzuka's tips with one hand, and prepared to drink with the other. It may not have been the most nutritious drink, but it was what her body craved.
The good news was that the temperature control would be fixed, but the bad news was that it wouldn't be tonight. At least the academy was providing extra blankets for those who needed them. And at least the water heaters weren't damaged, so everyone tried to take a nice hot bath.
But unlike many, Suzuka didn't need those blankets; she had something much better than that.
—Mmm~ Mm~— A cheerful hum filled the room with a melody she recognized well. The same ones they sang at concerts and fan festivals. The scratching sound of the pen added percussion to the melody, and its tail was the metronome that guided the music.
Leaving the bathroom was a paradox, feeling the cold warmth of her body, Suzuka, like a magnet, rested her head on top of the singing Special, kissing right between her two ears.
—Writing to your mother?—
—Yep!— She stopped writing to attend to her girlfriend. —She asks about you often, but mostly just telling me things here and there.—
—I've always wondered why you write her letters.— Suzuka touched the back of each ear. —You always communicated with me by phone.—
—It's... different, I guess. When I write, I don't just write to my mother, I also write to my mom, so I think she can read it too.— She got chills from the kisses. —At least I hope so, and well...— She caressed Suzuka's cheeks with her ears and squeezed them, though not too hard. —I loved hearing your voice, it made me feel less distant from you.— The last words were almost a whisper, as soft as they were melancholic.
—Hey, honey,— Suzuka whispered. —Can I ask you something?—
Special's purple eyes turned to her, clear and bright like two polished amethyst gems.
—Sure. Anything you want.—
—Can we take it to bed?— Suzuka looked at Special's bed, made but not perfect, with small wrinkles and her legendary carrot stuffed plushie. When she looked back at her girlfriend, her cheeks were slightly flushed.
—W-well, I wouldn't say no if you want to...—
—I! No! Sorry! I meant talking, but lying on it!—
—Oooooooh! Okay, that makes sense too. Hehe~.— she picked Suzuka up like a sack of carrots, carried her to her bed, and dropped them both onto it with a thud. —Spe! Give us a heads up!— Special laughed out loud, now both lying on the bed, the red-haired girl snuggled up.
There was silence, the cold she had felt that morning had completely vanished. Even with Special's smaller body, she felt every muscle relax, as if she had found a home.
Her nose rested on her chin, then hid in her neck. Now it was her who had Special between her ears, receiving the same affection, feeling little kisses and caresses.
—Well... what do you want to ask me?— Spe began to play with Suzuka's locks, twirling them around her finger, creating curls in her straight hair.
—I just want to confirm something.— Letting the caresses give her the necessary determination, she inhaled. —Can I know why you like me so much?—
For Suzuka, having her face hidden in Special's warm neck right now was an advantage, since being the older one, she should be the one to calm these kinds of insecurities. However, the thoughts from that afternoon still fluctuated in her mind, childishly wanting words of comfort from her girlfriend and perhaps finding a better answer to her concerns.
—Um...— Special looked at Suzuka's bed, neatly made and without a single stain. —I honestly don't know.—
—You don't know?— Suzuka repeated.
—There are so many things I like about you that I couldn't name just one.— Spe buried her nose in her girlfriend's orange hair, breathing in its distinctive scent.
—Oh.— Sometimes she forgot how simple Special Week could be. But that also relaxed her. She was sincere and, at times, a little blunt, but in her own simplicity she found the path to love. —So... could you tell me when it was the first time? How did you know?—
—Oh! Um...— She stopped playing with her hair, not because she didn't want to talk about how wonderful Suzuka was, but because she was embarrassed to admit it out loud. —Aren't those too many questions?— She laughed to try to calm her embarrassment.
Suzuka's blue, almost green eyes emerged from their hiding place. Two large, shining spheres looked directly into Special's soul, even worse than when the calves on her farm in Hokkaidō looked at her that way. Every little detail, from her slightly flushed cheeks to her bright eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation, curiosity, and fear, killed and revived her soul. Swallowing hard, she tried to look away, just a little, to compose herself, but they were so intense, just like when she ran, that she simply had to swallow her pride and talk about how stupidly easy it was to fall in love with her.
—I don't think it was just once,— Special began. —I just remember that, at one point, every time I saw you, you were slowly fulfilling your dream.— She swallowed again. —It's just that... well, I wanted to help you and be there to make it come true.—
—But couldn't you have done that... as a friend?— Suzuka had lowered the sugar level in her eyes to continue watching Special's face turn more and more red.
—It's true that I could have done it! Really! Now it seems sad to admit it... but I would have been happy to be your friend forever if you had said no.— She closed her eyes so she wouldn't have to look at Suzuka's radiant face. —But...— She paused. — Gradually, I felt myself becoming more and more selfish.—
They both fell silent, their eyes closed, and Special's flushed face was so endearing that she wanted to hear more, to curl up more in those words.
—Then...— Suzuka hid in her neck again, enjoying the warmth. —How much more selfish did you feel the more you knew you loved me?— Her tail sought out Special's.
—That sounds so bad! I sound like a stalker!— She hugged Suzuka tighter, burying her face in her orange hair.
—Then explain it to me. I'm all ears.— Finally, the brown and orange blended together, like a little two-colored drill.
—Me– I just...! Ahg! Every time you came back, I felt needy! I wanted your attention, because I knew you were going to leave again and...—
—And?— She kissed her neck, trying to calm her down.
—And I didn't want to be the one to stop you from your dream, so I held back and didn't confess it to you back then.— Special's breathing stabilized again, cradling Suzuka's head with that rhythmic motion. —I told you at the time, I want to conquer you, I don't want you to run away from me because sometimes I feel like you're escaping, that you're fading away in front of me, and I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up with you.—
Suzuka's words stuck in her mouth. They were her own fears reversed: she didn't want to leave Special behind, and Special didn't want to be left behind. In that loop of thoughts, she heard Special's voice in her ear.
—What about you? When did it happen?— Now it was Special who was asking tentatively.
Suzuka closed her eyes, thinking carefully about the question. Although it took Special a long time to come to terms with it, for her the relationship had moved quickly, but in a good way? Every time she returned, Special was there, not judging her dream of wanting to run in those green fields, of running all over the world if necessary. But something as simple as Special waiting at the airport with open arms and a simple, beautiful phrase of “welcome home” made her not feel anxious to return every time she left. Contrary to all expectations, she slowly began to want to return to Special's warm embrace.
When she closed her eyes, Suzuka had a very clear mental image: the endless road, the sunrise, the swaying grass, and at the end of the road, purple eyes, a kind smile, and open arms.
—I think it was when I started traveling.—
Special's ears perked up, moving them in a way that helped tune in to the sound.
—They say proximity makes affection, but I remember when you were far away, even though we talked despite the strange time differences, I wanted you so much. Maybe...— She slid her hands down her girlfriend's back, caressing her. —Distance creates yearning.—
A little mischief crossed Suzuka's mind and body, her cold hands sliding down, the same ones that caressed her back, reaching the edge to delve into her skin. Special's scream must have been heard even in the other rooms, but it was worth it. And she knew it, she knew that Spe could push her away, and yet she embraced her, perhaps out of laziness or perhaps because she didn't want to let her go. Her slender fingers felt the aftershocks. While her belly used to be an adorable mass, her back was another story. It wasn't hard or extremely muscular, but it was firm, rising up to her shoulder blades.
It was funny to think that even though they had kissed so many times before, they still felt shy about this type of contact. Although Spe usually initiated it, when she did, it was almost like expressing a love letter without words. And what's even more ironic is that they hadn't really gone any further than that. After Pour Moi, they simply tried to take off their tops, but they couldn't continue any further because of embarrassment and nerves, even though they both knew they wanted to try. She didn't think this was one of those times. There was something in the air, like something that didn't ignite like oil but like something softer, more comforting.
When they separated, between intertwined legs, tails, and soft breathing, Suzuka kissed more parts of Special's face. With one hand warmed by the contact of her skin, she rested on her flushed cheek, caressing that cheek.
—I admit I'm scared too. I love running and I'm afraid I'll make a mistake someday.— Special's hand rested on hers, kissing her palm.
—I'll do everything in my power to support you.—
—Then I'll do my best to make you the most important Umamusume in all of Japan.—
Her purple eyes sparkled. —Maybe I'll change that to being the strongest Uma in the world.—
—Are you feeling ambitious?—
Special brought her lips close again. —Well, it's easy when I already have the love of my whole world. Right?—
Suzuka blushed intensely, surprised by the words, such a cliché phrase. She laughed, little by little, as if her lungs were gasping for air, her heart beating a thousand miles an hour. How silly, how stupid, how endearing with that playful smile! She kissed Special until she was breathless.
And in the cold night, amid the soft laughter and conversations floating in the air, something became clear in her heart. And that was how easy it was to find the warmth she had been missing.