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Rice shower had ruined peoples dreams again. She knew that winning, ending McQueen’s winning streak, it would just brand her the heel once more. Sure, the other umamusume had applauded, but she saw how displeased the crowd was. She just had to hood her tears back until she made it back to her waiting room.
“Rice, congratulations on your win.”
She couldn’t make it back, because standing in the tunnel was the only person who had ever called her a hero.
“I- I did it again” Rice said, no longer able to contain her the tears that had been slowly dampening her eyes. “I ruined so many peoples dreams.”
Bourbon’s eyes were uncharacteristically soft, and her smile unusually warm. “Thats just what victory means. One person loses, and their dreams is lost too.”
Rice nodded. She knew that, but the tears were flowing nonetheless. “Being called a heel still hurts though. It really, really hurts.”
“It’s an honor to be booed if you’re the challenger. You don’t need to be upset by it. Besides,” Bourbon stepped closer to the crying girl. “One day, it will all change to words of encouragement, I’m certain.”
“Your name Rice Shower after all” Bourbon reached out, placing her hand on Rice’s cheek. She brushed aside a tear, then for the first time, saw her second eye.
Rice was shocked, but not for long, and not displeased. “You’re right.” She said, reaching up to feel Bourbons hand. “I’ll keep going.”
“Id expect nothing less from my hero.”
“Thank you, Bourbon.” Rice said. Her head moved forward a little, then once more. Pulling Bourbon a little bit closer, Rice reached up and kissed her. She didn’t know what spurred her, but she was sure it was right.
Bourbon’s eyes widened just a little, but stopping Rice she didn’t try. It was an unspoken confession for both sides. For a second they kept like that, close together. When Rice did finally pull back, she wasn’t flustered in the slightest. Bourbon knew just from that fact, everything that Rice had just conveyed.
Rice stepped back one time, tentatively. She wasn’t stressed, she wasn’t flushed, and her heartbeat wasn’t past her average. Thats how she knew it was right. Only one tear stayed in her eye.
“I guess… you can be more than just my hero” Bourbon said. She was smiling, and she felt warm everywhere. They kissed one more time. It was an ephemeral thing, but what it committed them too would last a lot longer.
“I love you Bourbon.”