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The first time her mother told her the story of the soulmates, Coco was only 7 years old. Her mother sat at their dining table, head down and in thought.
“Mama?” she called out.
Her mother looked up, her melancholic expression changing to one of love, letting out a sweet, “Yes, my dear?”
Coco stepped closer, allowing herself to be picked up and placed gently in the woman's lap. “Why do you write on your arm?” she questioned, curiousity sparking her eyes.
She felt hands comb through her hair, followed by the voice she so dearly loved, “I suppose you are old enough to hear the story.”
▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
Long ago, there was a witch who wanted one thing: to know if their love was returned. They yearned for another, one who could express all they wished, in every form imaginable. But the witch themselves? They could not utter a word.
One sunset, in the central square of their village, the witch saw their love dancing. Their hair glowing a deep orange, as if belonging to the sky. It was a sight so captivating, they stood there even after the sun laid to rest. It was this very moment that brought them the motivation to cast a spell on the village. One that allowed them to converse to their true love. A spell that only required one to write on their body, for it to be received by the other.
Nights had passed, along with countless sentences the witch had written on their arm. They expressed each feeling their muse had helped them realise. And finally, a reply was received. To meet at the town square on the next sunset.
And so they waited. They waited with such anticipation, their whole body visibly shook. So much so that no more words were written until the very day.
The town square was emptier than it was during the dazzling dance. But there stood two people, unmoving even after the shadows left. Their expressions became deeply broken as time passed. The witch no longer trembled. They took out their ink and pen, which they kept in worry that they could still not let out a sound, and wrote on their arm. They expressed the pain of the inexistence of other's presence. It was then, the other who stood in the square stepped closer.
It wasn't their muse. It was some stranger. Once the witch realised this fact, they ran and locked themselves in their home. They decided the spell was a curse. That it was because of it, that their love was never meant to be. And so with all of the anger and heartbreak fueling their heart, they came up with a spell that affected not just the village, but much much further. One that spread the land and time like a never-ending plague. One that has brought both joy and sadness to those who experience it.
▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
Coco was noticeably saddened, but her mother did not end her words, “But Coco, it isn't all sadness. Love is a beautiful thing, and the witch was blinded by it. What I haven't told you is how this story ended. The witch and that person on the town square, it took many, many years, but they united together. The muse became a nobody to the witch.” She felt the girl in her lap straighten up, relieved at the happy ending.
“So, you're writing to papa? Even though he's not here?” the little girl asked.
“Yes...” The word lingered for a moment. “He may not be here anymore, but to see the ink still fade brings me to the thought that he can still see it. No matter where he is.”
Coco's legs began to swing, some swings accidentally landing on her mother, but she was willing to take her daughter's excitement.
“Coco, once you become 10 years old, you'll be able to write to your soulmate as well. And it may be unexpected, and sometimes they may not be a romantic soulmate either,” the mother said, taking Coco's legs and twisting her around to lie on her arms. “You should think of what you would like to say to them.”
On her 10th birthday, Coco's mother gifted her a pen and ink. A soft reminder of the milestone and its meaning. According to her mother, telling the other person your own name or identifying features does not work. Fate is a wondrous thing, and refuses to be controlled by those under it. She also mentioned that her messages may not be seen at all if the other is not of age.
That very night, she looked at her arm with thought. Before dipping the pen in ink and lowering it to her arm.
Hi. Are you there?
She watched as the ink disappeared into her, almost as if her skin acted as a sponge.
It took a month and a half of Coco's regular attempts to converse until she received a response. Compared to her first attempts, her handwriting had improved greatly over this short period of time.
That morning, she woke up with an itch. It almost felt like liquid was flowing over her arm. And yet, what greeted her was a simple:
Hello
She flailed out of her bed excitedly, making her way to her desk. Yes, it was a short reply. But it was a reply!
You're here! Mama always told me the soulmate story. How about you?
She buzzed down the stairs, greeting her mother and not sparing a second to mention it as they shared breakfast. Her mother smiled, listening to the rambling.
Her day was spent impatiently, helping the shop during the day, and returning to her room at night. Some part of her ached at the empty arm before her, but inside she knew that some people took longer with these sorts of things. Like some of the shop's customers, and some of the villagers.
Once again, it took until morning for a response:
I read it.
Their writing was much more elegant than hers, it's hard to believe it was done by someone around her age. She wondered what the person behind it was like. What they'd be. How they'd meet. How they'd meet again and again.
Fast forward a couple years, and the other person's writing habits hadn't changed. Simple, short, elegantly written, and no questions asked. Coco would tell them many things about her day, memories, and occasionally mention magic. In comparison, she didn't know much of her soulmate, most of her questions being ignored entirely. It was demotivating to read the disinterested replies, but it didn't stop Coco from making an effort. Until the incident.
On Agott's workstation, books open to specific glyphs laid scattered, alongside a multitude of papers scribbled out, crumpled, and untouched. She slumped over, resting her head on her non-dominant hand, taking a moment to pause her review. Her eyes shifted to her forearm, it had been oddly quiet since she last heard from her apparent soulmate.
Even now, the thought slightly disturbed her, she was not too fond of the existence of soulmates. What makes a relationship differ so greatly to consider abandoning existing ones? Why does it have to attach to her for life? And it's clear that this soulmate of hers was an outsider, with how they talk of magic.
Agott clenched her pen. Even if she became enough for them, this connection of hers could never allow for her acceptance. The Arklaums, for generations, seemed as if they could control fate itself with how they tiptoed around this soulmate fiasco. This fact of hers was a declaration of her failure.
Furthermore, Agott had noticed the feminine tone and handwriting of her soulmate. It was, of course, not guaranteed. However, until this realisation, she had never questioned her… preferences… Despite the wide acceptance of such love or lack of, the great families are deeply traditional. She had learned to accept it during her time at the atelier, but she supposed such acceptance was only natural when you have two masters dancing around each other endlessly. The times they share in the kitchen are unbearably domestic, that each time she can't help but react to them with an embarrassed groan before heading back to her room. She will NOT get that soft.
The girl couldn't help but feel deeply frustrated that fate, too, acted as a barrier to her goals, and could only hope their relationship would remain platonic. But even still, she wished not to hurt the feelings of the other by ignoring them. She knew fate could not be altered, and so, although minimal, she retained communication.
All that aside, why was she becoming so antsy at the lack of anything at all from the one that writes to her?
She let out a flustered sigh at the care she would much rather not admit she has, leaning back up and grasping the ordinary ink at her desk. While it isn't a practice that's against the pact to use conjuring ink, she felt much too uncomfortable with the idea of using the ink on her own body.
She took the back of her non-dominant hand and began to write her very first question to the other.
Are you okay?
As if it were nothing, she returned to her study. After an hour, Agott heard the door click open. Her head did not move, but she did watch with her eyes, as much as it did strain them more than studying for hours on end could. Coco shuffled in, in her hands stacked books and on top sat the bowl containing her stationery. She noticed Agott's stare, and gave her a small (and clearly fake) smile before moving to her desk and placing the items down. Agott looked back to her papers, dinner will be in approximately an hour if Coco has returned from studying with Qifrey. It wasn't long before she fell back into her studying.
Once again, her focus was interrupted, this time from the uncomfortable feeling of a message pushing its way out of her skin. What was with this soulmate and writing on the forearm? She thought with a grumble before unbuttoning her sleeve and taking a look.
I'm fine.
That's all? She huffed, returning the sleeve to its closed state, they're just like a certain someone. There's no way they are just ‘fine’.
She was now much too distracted, and chose to leave the session there. Her limbs stretched and she stepped away from her workstation. Agott took one glance at the door to the rest of the house, even if dinner was soon, she dreaded the possibility of seeing another scene in the kitchen while she waited. Her glance moved to Coco, who laid tiredly on her arms.
Coco was quiet, but Agott still picked up on her mumbled, “I can feel you staring, Agott. I'm fine. I'll see you down for dinner.”
Agott creased her eyebrows, they really were alike but to say the exact same thing... Is today a sadness festival for both witches and outsiders that she's unaware of?
That night, after everyone had returned to their rooms, Agott felt a familiar discomfort on her arm. It's fortunate her night robes don't make viewing the message a royal pain, unlike her uniform. She brought the lamp on her desk closer and began reading.
Sorry, I've just been in thought, and overwhelmed lately.
It disappeared, and a new line took its place.
Everything's very new to me. But I promise I'll talk more from now on.
Agott had no context on the matter, but as long as it gave the writer relief, she's satisfied.
I understand. Goodnight. She wrote.
Night.
It was the night after the Draconic Labyrinth. Agott was still restless, though to a significant degree less than yesterday night. Her hands grew numb at the what if's that circled her mind. What if Coco never succeeded in the pyreball? Would Agott have even figured the answer out? Agott turned over, eyes opening and staring at the wall. Rather than anxiety, her mind's gaps had now filled with a sense of incompetency. Why was she thinking of Coco again? Yes, her idea was ingenious (and a shock), and yes Agott couldn't help but be captivated. But something in her changed after that experience. Was it that she accepted her now? Or was it something deeper?
Before her mind could consider the possibilities, she felt an ache. Agott almost gasped at the sudden sensation. Instead letting out the breath she didn't realise she was holding.
Can you sleep?
She pushed her way to her pen and ink.
Not at all.
Me neither
Clearly. What's stopping you?
Thoughts again. I'm a burden to others.
Another line appeared.
I want to learn, but it just keeps happening.
How do you know if you're a burden? Have you asked?
I don't need to. I know
Then act on it, rather than dwell on it.
Yeah… Why are you awake?
Agott stared at the words until they became unintelligible. She'd much rather lie than tell feelings.
I just prefer this time of night.
Your handwriting is messier. Don't lie, I want to learn about you.
They've learnt her handwriting that well? That's an achievement.
It's similar to your reason. I simply need to work harder to avoid it.
Don't overwork yourself
Agott knew this would be the end of their exchange. Her soulmate doesn't press. Some part of her wanted it to continue, and so she asked a question.
What do you think of us? Being soulmates.
The pause between her message disappearing and a reply was much longer than that of any of the other messages.
You're mysterious
But
I guess it's not a bad thing
I just wonder what's even in store for us, or if we've even met
I'm curious too.
Mama mentioned she only met papa in her 20's
Perhaps we'll be 50.
I hope not!
At that age, surely you'd find someone…
Maybe. Would you leave that someone if you knew they weren't me?
I don't know, I don't think I'd want to. Soulmates can be friends too.
It's sad to think of leaving someone for someone you barely know.
I suppose so.
Agott wrote those words with a hint of awkwardness. It's an odd, and perhaps bitter feeling to be on the receiving end of that sentiment. But on the other hand, she's glad her soulmate shares her view, and that she can be unrestricted in that sense.
I hope that doesn't happen to me
Me neither.
That will be all from me. Goodnight.
Night
Agott had noticed a shift between Coco and Tartah. It's hard to ignore those silver eyes following Coco, or the sudden joy and motivation of the girl as she rushes outside.
In fact, noticing Tartah's obvious feelings had brought her to the realisation that her own feelings for Coco were more than just friendly. She knew this as there was a clear distinction between her heartbeat when experiencing affection from the other girls, and that of Coco's. She looks forward to the times Coco comes to her side of the room to ask for help. Even if her focus easily drifts away from the glyphs to the girl. Like Coco's strands of hair following the bobbing of her head or her hands splaying out. She was cute, like an Owlcat. She had grown fond of the girl, embarrassingly so. Coco treated her kindly, even after her own outbursts. To have someone push through their way to her like this, affection growing with each vine cut, it was much too charming.
That aside, lately she felt restless. She was itching to know the relationship between Coco and that boy. Was it just their collaboration, did they like each other, or worse: were they soulmates? It would be very fate-like to push someone further from her, again. Ignoring the existence of her own soulmate.
That evening, Coco returned to the atelier. Her robes were noticeably dirty, and hair ruffled. It's an odd sight to see such straight hair become a mess. It almost seemed like an achievement, as she knew all too well how bad it could get with Tetia.
Coco noticed her stare and trotted up to her. “Hi, Agott!”
“You're in quite the state,” she mused.
Coco giggled. “Me and Tartah both.” Agott flinched at the name. “It's so exciting to think of solutions.” Her smile faded. “Though, to think those solutions don't exist, don't you think it's weird?”
Agott paused, and looked down, processing the sentence. So she had been inventing, perhaps she was worrying too hard. “I'm unsure what solutions you speak of, but your creations are certainly aberrant. It likely won't be long until you turn fate permanently for many.”
Her eyes raised, and were greeted by Coco's ever-so-wide eyes. Agott quickly averted her own. Did she say something strange?
“Ah! Coco, and Agott. Both of you come to the kitchen for a moment.” Qifrey called out.
It was only then that Coco realised the smell that permeated the air, whiffing at it. “It smells so good!” Coco practically squealed, a bounce to her step as she followed the scent. Agott followed closely behind, it does smell good.
“I suggest you try it. Do tell me if there is anything it lacks or has too much of. You know how the girls are,” he shared, ignoring the huff by Agott, and passing Coco a spoon of the stew.
Coco blew on it, before popping the spoon in her mouth, spinning around in a reminiscent way to her first meeting with the magic cookpot. “The aroma wasn't lying, it's perfect!” After eyeing the other spoon and noticing Qifrey's nod, her hand took the other spoon from Qifrey and she rapidly spun to Agott. Somehow not spilling a drop.
“What is it?” she scrutinised, seeing the other girl's excitement.
“Try it!” Coco chirped, moving the spoon closer to Agott's mouth.
Agott flushed with embarrassment. “I can feed myself, Coco.”
Coco looked down at the spoon and back at Agott, her eyes apologetic and ears tinted slightly red. She quickly shifted her hold on the spoon, allowing Agott to take it and give the stew a try.
The girl hummed, taking the spoon out from her mouth. Coco and Qifrey looked at her expectantly. “It's good. The husk potato absorbed the flavour well. It isn't strong, nor spicy. I don't believe the vegetable size will be a problem for Richeh either.”
Qifrey smiled. “I believe it's time we eat then, could you both get the other girls?”
“Yes, Master Qifrey.”
“Okay!”
Dinner passed nicely, though one conversation in particular had taken Agott's attention fully.
“Sooo. Coco! You and Tartah, eh?”
Coco, still chewing her food, looked at Tetia with a tilt of her head. Making a confused sound.
Richeh stared at her food and, without much care to the conversation, added, “She's asking if you and Tartah are in a relationship.”
Agott could hear a choke from Master Olruggio. Such a reaction was understandable, it can be a shock to hear such talk from apprentices. Especially at their age.
All eyes curiously moved to Coco's, who now blushed profusely. “No. No, no, no! I d-don't see him in that way!”
Agott felt relieved at that.
“He clearly likes you~” Tetia teased.
Coco groaned into her hands, even redder. Agott noticed the girl spread her fingers slightly to look at her. Her heart betrayed her, and she internally hoped her expression wasn't obvious.
The fingers returned to cover Coco's face. “I don't think I want to talk about this. Please?”
Agott, hearing Coco's discomfort, chose that moment to start a new topic. She faced Qifrey, asking him about the plans for the next day. It was a simple solution, and fortunately the remaining time around the dinner table was much more peaceful. As they left for their rooms she could see Coco give her a grateful smile.
Agott now sat in her room, pen slightly trembling with nervousness. She wanted to confess her crush to her soulmate. They shared similar views, but even then, she knew that delaying it could lead to trouble. But even if it was anonymous at this stage, she had yet to tell anyone of this matter. She wasn't one to tell such feelings at all, and the vulnerability flowing in her chest was frustratingly sickening. She sucked it up, and pressed forward, beginning to write.
I like someone. Romantically. It's short, but it does the trick, she thought.
She felt a reply, What are they like?
They're kind, stubbornly so. And cute, adorable even.
Awwww
The reply made Agott blush furiously.
Stop that.
Why? It's sweet!
It's embarrassing.
And you want to be with them?
I hope I can. I might be getting ahead of myself.
But I struggle to imagine a world without her. I learn a lot by her side.
Then don't think about me. Focus on her. I hope she returns your feelings.
Do you have someone, as well?
Maybe… I think. I need some time to know, it's new to me.
It's new to me as well. I never would have imagined feeling this way. Good luck to you as well.
Thank you for telling me. Night.
Goodnight.
Following the exchange, if one were to eavesdrop at Coco's door, they would hear pacing and squeals.
That exchange was the most her soulmate had ever told her about themselves! Even if it was about liking a different girl, she giggled at the thought of soulmates confiding in romance like this. Their relationship was very strange, but freeing. They may not be as close as she was to Agott or the others, but talking with them still brought her so much joy.
Speaking of Agott, it wasn't long ago before she realised her feelings. It might have hit her a little hard, and it was as simple as watching her eat. Her thoughts evolved much too far, much too suddenly, imagining a future of them sharing a meal alone. She remembers Tetia asking her why she was so red, luckily she figured out an excuse that hot foods affect her. But just when she thought she would calm down, Agott glanced at her, not halting her movements, and Coco couldn't help but combust again.
Agott had such a caring side to her, that before Coco knew it, she wanted to see more.
Ever since the Silver Eve, Coco seemed off. Her excitement seemed to dim, and Master Qifrey's teachings occasionally seemed to pass right through her. After only a day of this, Agott took action, knocking on her bedroom door.
“Who is it?” she heard a call.
“It's me. May I enter?”
Agott felt the door open, Coco looking at her confusedly, a hint of tiredness visible on her face. Agott frowned, voice painfully soft as she asked, “Can we talk?”
Coco nodded and led her in, sitting on her bed and patting the empty spot beside her. Agott followed, bed shifting under her weight. “I know you're one to hide things. I don't expect you to answer everything… but can I still know what's eating away at you?” Her eyes looked to Coco's own, which laid at her hands. “I want to help you,” she added.
“I don't need help.”
“Then I want to cheer you up. Whatever happened at the Silver Eve has been affecting you, Coco.”
They both went silent, Agott listening to the wind outside as she waited.
“I don't know if I can ever love magic the same,” she started. “It hurts everyone. It hurt Tartah, it hurt Custas, it hurt ordinary people. It even hurt the Brimmed caps… and Mom... I don't know what to do, Agott.” Her voice trembled the last sentence.
“You've already done more than anyone.”
“It's not enough.”
“In your eyes, it may never feel like enough,” Agott stated, words reflecting herself. She berated herself internally, this was about Coco. “You can keep going, you've already changed so much in the small time you've been a witch. But don't overwork yourself. Take it as it comes. Don't look back,” she kept adding on. “And for your love of magic, don't let this whole mess dim your love for it. Everything has its bad side, but you've been pushed into the deep end much too suddenly.” Agott looked over to Coco's desk. “May I borrow your ink and paper?”
Coco was still, processing each word. Her anxiety still remained, but Agott was finding her way in and making an opening for happiness. She looked up at Agott, who still looked at her desk in thought, and nodded. It wasn't long until she felt the bed dip again.
“Keep an eye out, Coco. I'll be scattering these around for you. I want you to finish them for me,” she shared, passing Coco an unfinished glyph.
She analysed it for a moment, “It's the sparks.” It was different to the one she did that night, the keystones differed slightly and she expected it to be at a much larger scale.
“It's not much of a surprise this way Coco," Agott muttered, placing her finger on the glyph, motioning a pen closing the seal, "don't analyse them so hard and close them without hesitation.”
Coco looked at her, eyes softening with a hint of teasing. “That's a hard request, telling me to not enjoy your magic before and after.”
It may have been dark in the room, but she noticed the other girl reddening. “J-Just close it, will you?”
A hand reached out with the pen and ink, and Coco gratefully took the contents. “Okay.”
Her pen glided down, closing the glyph. The room felt warmer, and lit up in an instant. The entire bedroom became speckled with bright sparks. Agott looked around briefly at her handiwork, then moved to lay her eyes on the other girl who sat and glanced around rapidly. “Some even have shapes!” she exclaimed and her eyes widening at each discovery.
Coco moved her eyes to Agott, the other girl averting hers at being caught. After a moment, Coco curiously shifted closer, leaning her head on Agott's shoulder. She felt no movement from the tensed girl at first; a breath, and her shoulders fell comfortably. Coco's eyes returned to the sparks, not without bravely brushing their pinkies. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Their fingers connected properly, and Agott felt grateful that the sparks filled the air with sizzles and pops. She knew her heart would fill a quiet room with ease.
Even after the sparks fizzled out, the two fingers remained curled together. Each girl not wanting the moment to end.
After what seemed to be 5 minutes, Agott acted first. “It's getting late. I'll be going now,” she whispered, waiting for Coco to move her head. She felt the weight on her shoulder leave, knowing it was her sign to stand up, and move to the door. “Goodnight, Coco.”
“Night.”
The next few days were eventful, and as Agott said to Coco, there were unfinished glyphs everywhere she went. At the other side of her bedroom door, a spell that blasted Coco with a gust of wind. She laughed, knowing it was Agott's way of waking her up properly. On her desk, a spell that formed bookmarks of light in one of the books that laid on Coco's desk. On the workstation doorknob, was one that expelled a wonderful scent. In the living room, she saw Agott sitting with the other girls. Once she noticed Coco, she moved to pass her a paper. One that created a familiar Owlcat, splitting into more and more until the room was covered in miniature Owlcats. Tetia cooed. Agott flushed. Richeh sat, looking up. And Coco took her seat, next to Agott.
Even more glyph-filled days followed, with a noticeably smaller number of glyphs compared to the first day. Coco looked forward to them, enjoying the pranks or the sweet gestures. At one stage, she even created her own spell to get back at Agott. For that entire day, Agott's hair had stood up as if about to be struck by lightning. To see her in such a state, she and the other inhabitants of the atelier couldn't help but stifle a laugh (or fail entirely).
Agott grumbled. “Is this a declaration of war of yours, Coco?”
Coco giggled, knowing what was in store for the coming days.
Agott was glad she was happier.
What's it like, to not be a witch? Agott wrote. Her original idea was to use the word ‘outsider’, but it felt wrong. The thought came to her suddenly, after the Silver Eve and her meetings with so many of such individuals, she was curious to know of their life. Her soulmate was one, so it seemed beneficial to learn more.
It was nice. The villagers are very connected.
Even without the feats of magic, there was always a solution.
Was nice? Agott stopped in her tracks. That didn't seem like an accidental grammar choice. But one also can't just become a witch.
Unless it was Coco.
“No, no, no. That can't be,” Agott croaked, her eyes widening. Yes, on one hand it makes sense, she does wish to spend her life with Coco. But to think this was how fate had played, could she really accept the joy of receiving that life?
Her thoughts were interrupted. Are you okay? You're being silent.
Agott fumbled for her pen, hoping her handwriting wasn't obviously affected by her sudden emotion.
Yes. I was just shocked.
Did I say something weird?
You used past tense.
Oh. Well… I'm sure it's fine if it's with you? You're a witch too, aren't you?
Agott grumbled, that wasn't the point, Coco.
I am. But do realise how identifying that was.
Oh. Right.
Another 'Oh'? Agott scrutinised.
It's fine. If the spell allowed it to go through, I'm sure you wouldn't abuse that knowledge.
There is truth to those words. Goodnight
Night.
The apprentices laid about the living room floor. Around them were papers with glyphs, books, stationary and snacks (with Richeh holding on to Brushbuddy to avoid it from nibbling a meal's worth).
After a long silence that resulted from their deep focus, Tetia spoke up, “Let's talk about soulmates! We haven't talked about it a single time.”
Everyone looked up at her, unsure what to say or how to start, so Tetia decided to point. Starting with Richeh.
“Richeh hates it and doesn't want to be controlled by forbidden magic, let alone anything. Richeh don't know how anyone could like it.” Her tone was laced with anger.
Coco appeared shocked, having never processed the fact of it being forbidden.
“I do believe that feeling is universal, Richeh. I have heard rumours, that those who despised it so much have even resorted to casting spells on their body, for their soulmate to become a victim of. And yet, in each case, not even those attempts could control fate. It is true that you seem to be much more against it than any of us.”
Tetia perked up, looking at Agott knowingly.
“That means nothing, Tetia. I do converse with them, as one does, but there is nothing more to it.” Agott hoped her half-lie was convincing enough, lest Tetia pried deeper.
The other girl pouted at her dismissal. “Boring,” she muttered.
Her gaze finally locked to Coco. Agott followed it. She was likely alone in her realisation but she held a curiousity to hear the girl's opinion of her.
“I may not know them very well but, uhm. They're very sweet, and have the most beautiful writing I've ever seen.” Agott hoped her blush wasn't visible. “I think they know who I am. I don't. But right now, neither of us feel any rush to meet. She… Well, I assume they're a she, likes someone. Like you, Richeh, she doesn't want the whole soulmates thing to control her, and I agree with that sentiment. She can love who she loves for however long.” Coco fidgeted with her hands, face bashful, as she shared.
Agott couldn't help but wonder what her reaction would be to learn it was her behind that handwriting. Should she tell her?
Before she could think further, Tetia squealed, jumping up to hug Coco. “I'm so happy for you all!”
Coco returned the hug with an adorable smile and laugh, before asking, “Enough from us. How about you?”
“Me? I don't have it…”
“You don't?!” Coco and Agott looked visibly shaken. The former never knew anyone without it, the latter knew the rarity of it.
Richeh's eyes were wide as well, but they quickly returned. “That sounds nice,” she mumbled.
“You've tried writing?” Agott probed curiously. To which Tetia nodded, now separated from the embrace.
Agott spoke again, “You've always wanted to know everything about romance. But even then it's shocking that you have no platonic life partner either. I did read of secluded villages untouched by soulmates, but outside of them, are individuals who weigh their relationships equally. Whichever you are, thank you for sharing this, Tetia.”
Coco entered their shared workspace, noticing Agott's presence. On closer inspection, the pen in her hand dipped into the ink and returned as if natural. She was writing, not drawing this time, ever the model apprentice. Despite how much Coco knew of Agott's style of glyphs, Agott's handwriting was something she never laid her eyes on with full attention. She only knew of the elegance, making letters flow to one another as if part of a waltz.
Coco neared closer, curiousity winning against the lack of it. As she looked over Agott's shoulder, the girl stopped and turned around. Having been caught, Coco's attention moved to Agott's eyes.
“Are you not going to sit?” Agott queried with a glance to Coco's hands, expecting her to be holding a pen and ink. “You're not here for my input.”
“No…” Coco paused, fiddling her hands, “but I can still sit with you, right?”
“I'm not against it,” she heard the girl say, noticing her shuffle to the side slightly.
As she sat down, she finally took a closer look at the pages that laid open. It only took a moment until the room echoed a resounding choke from Coco.
Agott was her soulmate.
“Coco?!”
Coco's mind raced as if putting a million puzzle pieces together of their exchanges. The handwriting was obvious, but for her to only realise now… Was she this inattentive to Agott's handwriting?!
It wasn't only her mind, it felt as if she was being sprayed by emotions. Relief that Agott was her soulmate. Happiness. Shock. Fascination at fate's play. And sadness and hope: if she was Agott's soulmate, then Agott liked someone.
“Coco, are you okay?” She heard Agott say, it sounded impatient as if she had asked it before.
Coco only whispered in response, “Your handwriting.”
“My handwriting?” She repeated, looking down at the incriminating paper. “Ah.”
“Ah? You really did know it was me from that one exchange?”
“Yes.”
“And you didn't tell me?” Coco's voice began to crack.
A sense of guilt pervaded her body. “I didn't know how.”
Coco stared at the other girl, her throat tightening up. “How long would you have waited for me to realise?”
“I thought of it the other day. After the soulmate talk. I wouldn't have waited long. But, I remembered you telling me that you like someone.” Coco's expression did not appear betrayed, instead it seemed to express a soft revelation. Agott continued, “It's selfish of me to just spring it up, I'd prefer you to be happy with them.” A pause. “Even now.” Agott breathed those words shakily, before gaining the courage for her next words, “But if I knew you would be this hurt, I would have told you. Instead of this. I'm sorry, Coco.” Her final words became muffled as she hugged Coco, burying herself in her shoulder and hand caressing the back of the girl's head.
It was a bitter-sweet hug, tears falling down, and caressing Coco's smile. “You're the one I like, silly.”
She heard Agott whisper the words, as if trying to process it. Before she could respond, or move away, Coco held her tighter and nervously spoke again, “You mentioned that you liked someone too. That you wanted to be with them. That you learn a lot by her side. Is it greedy to be hopeful by those words?”
She finally allowed Agott to move out of the hug. She was red. Coco probably mirrored that redness too. Two hands found their place on Coco's shoulders. The dark-haired girl looked at her sweetly. “No. You really did change me, Coco. I like you too. I try to catch up to you, but instead you slow down and take me by the hand.” Both hands slipped down Coco's arms, and took hold of her hands, gently squeezing them. “So I want to take you by the hand too. I think we need some fresh air. Fly with me?”
Coco nodded, and the two separated temporarily to put on their sylph shoes, reconvening outside. Agott once again positioned both of her hands to grasp Coco's, and both girls lined their shoes up, shooting upwards in tune.
The breeze felt wonderful. When Coco first gave her the shoes, Agott had fallen countless times, but dedication brought her back to her feet and back into the sky. At the time, it was just another thing to master. She had refused to become wingless once again. Her fear from the new speeds was just another one to conquer. She knew she had to lose fear, entirely. But now, these moments became much more, especially with Coco's hands in hers.
“I truly do adore these shoes,” Agott began. “They're my connection to you, I could never be more at your side without them.”
She proceeded to spin them around, the trail of light under them becoming helical. “If the glyph ever wipes off again, will you redraw it for me?”
Coco smiled so brightly, Agott could hardly differentiate her from the sun. “However many times it takes,” she beamed, pressing her nose against Agott's.
Their spinning stopped, and Agott grinned mischievously. Coco leaned back after catching the expression, her own face reflecting a confused one. She felt her arms be moved to wrap around Agott's neck, Agott's own arms then encircling her waist. Before she could process the intimacy, Coco lost balance. Agott had separated her sylph shoes. And hers did too.
They were falling.
Agott's embrace grew tighter, and if Coco's heart didn't stop from being at the hands of gravity, it certainly did now. Even while they fell, Agott's eyes didn't waver from her own. As much as Coco wished to scream, she couldn't, her throat tightened and fearful expression morphed into one of trust for Agott.
It was a brief fall, only lasting a few seconds. Agott knew that any longer would not be taken kindly by Coco. The tightened embrace allowed Agott, who now looked down in focus, to orient the two vertically and rebalance Coco, pressing her shoes back together of which Coco followed suit.
“Agott! What was that!” Coco exclaimed, heart slowly coming to terms of their safety.
“A little courting gesture. I took inspiration from griffins, and eagles in general I suppose,” Agott returned breathlessly, locking her eyes on Coco. “It can't be done alone, and they are much more risk-taking in their manoeuvres… but I wanted to try it. Was it too much?”
Coco giggled. “No. But give me a warning next time. Yeah?”
Agott smiled at the ‘next time’. “I will.”
Her eyes noticed Coco's own had strayed downwards, for the second time. The first time, watching the grin form, and now watching the smile. She knew not to delay her action further, but Coco took the first move.
Coco's embrace around Agott's neck tightened, bringing the two closer. She could feel Agott's breath hitch, and Coco's eyes flicked up with confidence. Their looks had swapped, Agott's eyes now laid on her lips, with an adorable amount of focus.
After what seemed to be a tortuously long time, the two connected. Agott let out a hum at the soft sensation, the sound motivating Coco to will another reaction by pressing deeper into the kiss.
It wasn't long before they separated for a breath, to the dismay of Coco. The girl had a whole other level of affection, and she quickly chased Agott's lips again.
Agott laughed through the kiss, so it was a quicker one. When they separated, Coco looked at her, unsatisfied. Agott noticed this reaction and finding it adorably Coco. “Needy, much?”
“You love it.”
“Agotta love it.” She quipped, leaving one last kiss to her cheek.
“Did the sun just blink?”
Richeh looked at Tetia incredulously. “It was probably a bird.”
It had been 10 years since their confession. Agott laid on their sofa, Coco beside her and head resting on her shoulder. The now-greener-haired woman indulging in the sensation of Agott's fingers caressing and gently tickling her back.
“You really suggested we'd be 50 meeting,” Coco sighed comfortably, moving her hand to Agott's cheek.
She felt the woman take the hand and move it to her mouth, kissing her palm and holding it there. “I'm grateful it didn't take that long,” she replied, words muffled and vibrations sending butterflies.
Agott really did get soft, didn't she.