Archive of Our Own

“I…I can’t send this, Flick. She deserves better than that.” AJ sighed closing the book and throwing it on the floor.

Flick cawed as if to say, “told you so.”

“It’s not that easy, Flick! I mean, as easy as it is…I can’t bring myself to do it.”

Flick chirped.

“You’re really no help, you know, Flick?” AJ paused before speaking again, “What am I to do?”

Flick chirped once again.

“We’ve gone to town so many times already, should I take her to the garden? I could write a poem and show it to her…bloody hell, what am I thinking?”

Silence flew overhead, not a sound from AJ, nor a tweet from Flick.

“That’s the best idea you’ve had yet, Flick.”

Flick twisted her head in confusion. She hadn’t squawked a word.

AJ quickly went through her storage to empty her pockets that were full of knick knacks and grabbed her necessities.

“Okay, Flick. I need you to do something for me,” AJ pulled out a paper and wrote on it.

Flick sat and chirped waiting for AJ to give the command.

“Okay, here girl,” AJ folded the paper and held it out for Flick to pinch between her beak. “Go find her for me will you? After that you can go find Zam and Graecie and hang out with them. Sound alright?”

Flick nodded before taking flight. AJ grabbed the last of her things, as well as Nico on her back.

AJ opened the door, looking back for anything she could’ve forgotten. Flick was the first out the door, AJ followed behind and closed the door.”

“I’m counting on you, Flick. See you later okay?”

Flick did a spin before taking off to venture ‘cross the academy.

“Alright, AJ. You can do this.” The tinkerer was about to take a step before she froze in place.

‘What if she doesn’t show up?’
‘She’ll hate you if you leave.’
‘She’ll think this is all a trick and a jest to you.’

In and out with each breath came a different thought. The negative ones at least.

That was before, a somewhat positive thought broke through.

‘Write that letter just in case.’

“Goddamnit.” AJ turned around and went back into her room, straight towards her storage to grab another paper. She could write on the way there.

This is sudden, I know. I’ve only written this letter to be the words I can’t speak aloud.

I’ll be away awhile, and you deserve at least a letter as goodbye. At least I’m thoughtful enough to leave a goodbye.

I promise to not be gone too long, as long as you promise to not miss me too much.

They’re taking me westward to train new recruits. I’m leaving at dawn, don’t follow. As much as I want This is a dangerous trip, and I’ve already pushed you enough.

- your AJ.

p.s.
If my absence is too great for you to handle, you’re more than welcome to stay in my room, don’t get leaves all over my bed.

Oh and don’t drink all my booze.

AJ sighed folding the paper and shoving it down her pocket.

‘It’s just a backup, a script!’

Those words kept repeating themselves over and over.

It’s a backup.
It’s a script.
Backup.
Script.

+++++

Before she knew it, AJ had already instinctively walked herself to the meeting spot. A spot AJ had discovered while venturing with Seamstress.

It was a clearing, atop of a mountain, over looking the town, the ocean, the academy.

A single tree stood tall on the mountain. Branches so large, you could cut them and it’d be a whole ‘nother tree.

The sun was slowly setting, a perfect golden hue. AJ admired the view, some things about the capital weren’t so bad.

The tinkerer fastened her backpack to ensure Nico’s safety before climbing up the tree and settling on the large branch.

“Ain’t this nice, Nico? You and me don’t spend so much time together.” AJ brought a hand over Nico’s head— petting her.

“You reckon she’s even gonna show?” AJ looked away from the dragon and looked at the academy. “Me either. But hey look, someday you’re gonna be just as big as that guy.” AJ pointed at the old professor, flying above the academy.

“Didn’t think he ever comes outside. Let alone believe that terrible scheme I pulled. Rest assured buddy, you will not turn out like that dumbo.” AJ gave a light chuckle before staring up at the moon peeking through the clouds and thick leaves.

“Who knows why she likes it so much. Maybe she likes things that are inconsistent. Reminds you of Romeo and Juliet doesn’t it, Nico?”

AJ stood up on the branch, pacing before stopping on the lower side of the branch; in a deep tone she speaks:

“Lady, by yonder blessed moon, I swear that tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops—”

In a higher tone and moving to the part of the branch that peaks highest,

“O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable.”

Rushing back to her previous spot on the lowest part of the branch her voice lowering with the dip,

“What shall I swear by?”

To the peak of the branch, her voice raising,

“Do not swear at all; or, if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self, which is the god of my idolatry, and I'll believe thee.”

She laughs before dropping herself back down next to Nico. “You forget how easy it is to perform when no one’s watching, I’ll tell you that much, Nico.”

“I was watching.” Said a voice from below the shadows of the tree.

AJ’s body flinched from the startle. “Great Shepardess! Goddamnit!” Recognizing the familiar voice she speaks again, “nice to know you got my letter!”

“Woah! Hey, don’t go falling off the tree now. Don’t want to see you die, again.”

“What, you say that like you weren’t gonna try and save me. Is that it?”

Drift used her earth magic to raise herself up onto the tree branch.

“Ehhh, depends on what you wanted me out here for. Flick threw that paper at me and flew off. Like where was she in such a rush to?”

“I uh, I told her she could go hang out with Zam. Just until I got back though.” AJ scooted over to make room for Drift.

“I see…did Graecie teach you that, or is her Shepardess rubbing off on you?” Drift lowered herself onto the branch; watching the sun drop below the horizon.

“What? What do you mean?” AJ deflected.

“The “Oh Great Shepardess!” Didn’t peg you as a believer in that kinda stuff.”

“Shouldn’t be pegging me in the first place, Drift.”

“You! Oh my g- you know I didn’t mean it like that!” Drift pushed AJ on the shoulder, but not so much as to push her off the tree.

“Hey, you walked into that! Like a doe dazed by the beauty of a butterfly. A butterfly that turned to be a vicious moth.”

AJ dramatically exaggerated her voice through that last sentence.

“I’m not a- I’m not a deer!”

“Can’t deny the truth my dear, Drift.” AJ said smugly.

“Well you’re one to talk about denying the truth.” Drift muttered. Completely brushing off the newest nickname that was given.

“Ohhh, wowww, Drift. Hit the heart where it really hurts! I suppose you only learn from the best.” AJ put a hand to her heart in exaggeration.

“Uh yeah, who would I be if obviously not the best?”

“Way to toot your own horn, Open Book. But I was talking about me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m perfect. But you know since we’re on the topic, your words are really self-contradictable. Ever thought about that?”

“So now you pay attention to the words I say, huh? Isn’t that right, Drift?” AJ nudged Drift with her elbow as a ploy.

“Shut up, you’re so stupid. Why’d I even come out here.”

“You’re blushing again, Princess.” AJ teased.

“You! I told you quit calling me that a-and you know what, if you didn’t call me out here for anything good, I’m leaving. How ‘bout that, huh?” Drift threatened.

“You wouldn’t dare, especially when I have so much to say.” AJ pronounced in the most prim and proper voice she could gather.

Drift lifted herself up soon after that statement and tone. “Seriously, AJ.”

“Wait-” came out of AJ's voice with a sudden stutter.

AJ didn’t even process it before she did it, grabbing Drift’s arm in a grip so tight it felt like she couldn’t let go.

Neither saw it coming, it was an instinct, a feeling, abrupt and impulsive.

Drift could hear the fear and the tremble in AJ's voice.

"Hey, I'm not- I'm not going anywhere."

"uh, sorry." AJ loosened her grip and briefly held on before letting go completely.

“No, don’t apologize. Maybe- maybe I was being a bit harsh there.” Drift sat back down slowly as to not startle either of the two. “Don’t see much of Nico around, nice to see her now. She’s beautiful…why do you keep her in there?”

“No, it’s uhm- she’s just always curious, and y’know, curiosity kills the cat so…learnt that one the hard way.” AJ murmured.

“That’s not always true, curiosity is a good thing too. The feeling of wanting to explore, to find out, to experience.” Drift looked over at AJ, their eyes meeting on coincidence.

“Yeah…explore and experience.” Drift swallowed back her words as she listened to AJ speak, and watched her eyes lower to Drift’s own lips.

Drift shook her head to rid herself of passing thoughts. “W-well what did you want me out here for? Theater topics? Maybe we should get you as Romeo for an R&J play.”

AJ snapped out of her trance as well, her tone not switching much either.

“Y-yeah sure. Wait- no- I can’t.”

“Can’t? Got stage fright, AJ?”

“What? No! I just- I have plans!”

“Plans uh huh, yeah right. Just say you’ve got stage fright and I won’t make you play a part in the show.”

“Threatening me, Open Book? Cause it’s not much of one in the first place.”

“Then what are your oh so important plans that you can’t be in the play?”

“I…uhm.”

“What at a loss for words? Cat finally caught your tongue?” Drift teased.

“No, uhm…okay I’ll start from the beginning.”

“I’m listening.” Drift turned to face AJ completely and gave her—her full undivided attention.

“Okay.” AJ took a deep breath before speaking. “They’re, catching on.”

“Who’s they? Are you safe? Are you good?”

“Wait- it’s, yes I’m safe, I’m good. For now at least. The academy was catching on, and the rebels left me a message saying they wanted to talk.” AJ paused, waiting for a reaction from Drift.

“So…I had this plan, alright? I would come clean and say that I did it, I poisoned the kitchen. But I only did it because I was blackmailed, they threatened to hurt Flick and I just couldn’t let that happen.”

“That’s uh, good plan did it even work?”

“You witnessed my amazing Shakespeare performance earlier, obviously it worked. The professor loves me and somehow believed that stupid act.”

“Oh really! Sure obviously it worked.”

“Besides that, he believed me and I got away scot free.” AJ exaggerated herself and kicked back leaning back against the tree trunk.

“Really? That’s great, that’s amazing. Not sure it would so much as change Scott’s mind about you but now you’ve got somewhat of a target off your back.” Drift sounded excited and a part anxious.

Nico cooed to break the silence of no one speaking.

“So what’s the next plan? Next task?” Drift questioned.

AJ froze.

“That’s, uh, that’s the thing.” She sat back up, fixing her posture. “I uhm.”

The words stuck in her throat, this is what she feared about connections.

The attachment.

The not being able to let go of something she’s let herself get so used to.

“Does the rebellion have something planned for you?” Drift asked.

“Yes…I’ve asked the professor for some time away from-”

“Away from what?”

“Away from- from the academy.”

“What? Wait what for? Do you want me to go with you?”

“I-” thoughts and memories of her and Drift echoed through AJ’s mind. The late night walks and talks, the bickering, the kisses. AJ didn’t want to endanger Drift more than she already has and obtain that risk of losing what they’ve gained together.

you wrote a letter.

The voice crossed in AJ’s head. Reaching down into her pocket to grab the letter from before, to feel nothing.

“What? Did I drop it?” AJ started feeling around different pockets on her clothings, only to feel nothing.

“What? Looking for this?”

AJ looked up at Drift who was grinning while holding up the folded paper and Nico curled in her lap.

“Traitor.” AJ eyed Nico.

“Don’t be mean, she’s just a baby. So what’s in here? Love letter?” Drift unfolded the first fold.

“It’s- it’s not but…it would be easier if you read it instead of me.”

AJ fiddled with her fingers. A habit she developed as a kid when getting scolded by the village elders

“First confession? Don’t worry, I won’t let you down too hard.” Drift continued to unfold the paper till it was laid out as a full sheet of paper in her hands.

“You say that as if you’ve rejected multiple before.” AJ attempted to lighten the mood. Or in this case, her own mood.

“More or less.” Drift looked up from the paper with a grin. “Now, hush so I can read.”

AJ adjusted her sitting position again, visibly uncomfortable and nervous. AJ was never like this, never the AJ growing up, never the AJ she would show to others.

But something about Drift just changes it all.

Night had fallen so quickly that the silence of the earth was the only thing in the air. The smell of the ocean breeze, the green leaves, the sounds of crickets under the glare of the fluorescent moon. And the occasional sound of the townspeople cheering.

“Wow. This is…okay.” Drift held on to the paper, but not with the same grip as before. This was tighter, as to not let go of the paper, but behind it, hiding an emotion.

“Yeah, sure…it’s okay.” AJ held her breath for the next sentence to come out of Drift.

AJ was ready for something, bracing herself for a scolding when it really doesn’t have much affect on her coming from Drift. No…

She was bracing herself for disappointment.

AJ looked down at her hands, shaking. She didn’t want to lift her head and face the woman across from her.

“Do you…want to go?” Drift said softly.

“W-what?” AJ wasn’t expecting that. She’s used to anger, disappointment, not…comfort.

“Are you going on free will? Or are they making you do this?”

“I’m…they want me to go…and I need a distraction from…everything.” AJ sighed, falling back onto the branch and staring up at the leaves.

“You could’ve just…asked me for a distraction. I know some things get hard, and I deny you of a lot of things but I wouldn’t deny you of that.”

“Hah, you mean that?”

“Course I do, AJ. I mean…get up.” Drift held Nico in her arms so she could scoot closer to AJ without dropping the baby dragon or scaring it even.

“What for?”

“Just get up, come on hurry, hurry.”

AJ obliged and sat up, swinging her legs over the branch to sit side by side with Drift.

“Leaving at dawn, huh? How long will you be gone?” Drift asked while playing with Nico in her arms.

AJ watched, slightly envying the small dragon. “I hope not more than a week, but I now it’s longer than three days.”

“Mm, yeah.” Drift mumbled. “Well, if you’re gonna miss me for so long, we might as well make this time worth it, right?”

“Pshh, me? Miss you? In your dreams, Open Book.”

“Oh come on, you can admit it just once, I won’t tell anyone.” Drift laughed.

That same laugh that somehow draws AJ in.

“Well, I could say the same for you.”

“Oh really? Like how your note saying that I’m welcome to stay in your room—isn’t an implication of you thinking of me?”

“Hey, ‘thinking of you’ and ‘missing you’ are two different things! Besides you do that all the time!” AJ tried to make a point but it wasn’t going very far.

“Sureee, keep telling yourself that.”

The two laughed through the evening bickering over things that they normally would.

+++++

As the silence from the town trickles away, the breeze getting colder by the second—Drift, who was watching over the waters, admiring the reflection of natural light—shook with a shiver, Nico following short after.

AJ, who hadn’t taken her eyes off the two since their conversation ended with stillness; took off her scarf, wrapping it around Nico.

“Cute, you actually have empathy for your dragon.” Drift looked down at Nico, petting her head.

“Course I do. I might be terrible, but I’m not a monster.” AJ unwrapped her jacket around her waist, and covered Drift’s shoulders. “See, not a monster.”

With the warmth of the leather jacket engulfing her, Drift looked up at AJ—who was already grinning at her.

“You’re so stupid.” Drift chuckled. “But, thanks.”

AJ looked away, holding back a smile. “All in a days work.” She stretched her arms to accentuate her witty remarks.

“You do this with all the girls you meet?” Drift teased.

“Mmm, depends if I want more from them—than what I already got.”

Drift looked at AJ with a glare.

“I don’t do that actually.” AJ fixed her tone.

Drift then leaned over, resting her head on AJ’s shoulder.

“Good.” Drift relaxed into this position.

AJ didn’t flinch, she didn’t move, she froze.

“Quit acting when you’re with me, AJ.” Drift whispers.

“Who- who said I was acting?” AJ didn’t have the same loud energetic tone, this time it was softer.

“You’re an open book, Open Book.”

AJ could hear the smirk in Drift’s voice. But as quick as she was to listen, she was just as quick to deflect.

“Stealing my nicknames again? Not a very original take there, Drift.” AJ returned the gesture and leaned her head against Drift’s.

“Nickname or not, that’s what you are.” Drift teased in a singing tone.

She playing with the rough edges of the scarf on Nico, before trailing down the bark of the tree, fiddling with things, until she reached AJ’s glove.

AJ watched, not pulling away. “Am I a bad influence on you, Princess? Climbing up a tree, using my nicknames and my vocabulary seeping into yours?”

Drift ignored the princess comment, as if she didn’t hear it. “Mm, if you’re right then that means I should stop hanging around you. You wouldn’t want that now, would you?”

“Oh I’m desperate for it.” AJ taunted.

“Really now? I guess I should just go then.” Drift continued fiddling with AJ’s glove, tracing the pattern, picking at the seams.

“Aww no, I don’t think you need to go that far. Quite like you right there.” AJ didn’t mind it at all.

“Then here is where I’ll stay; when you get back, I’ll be here, waiting for you.” Drift lifted her head, and placed a kiss on AJ’s cheek.

“I’ll make sure you’re the first person I find when I get back.” AJ turned her head, locking her eyes with Drift.

Both waited, for the other to make the first move. They both knew what they wanted. It was just a matter of, who would initiate, or who would turn away.

Drift was the first to lean in; AJ let it happen.

Their lips grazed each others, soft and interlocking with each other.

Fitting together like a puzzle piece.

Pulling away was like a treasure.

AJ was the first to giggle, laughing as they pull away, heads leaning against each other.

Drift turned her head away, resting on AJ’s shoulder once again. “When you really look… Past the point of corruption, the rebellion, the royalty, It’s beautiful isn’t it?”

AJ looked out, the view of the academy, the water, the moon, AJ couldn’t help but be captured and allured by Drifts tendencies to see the good in things.

The risks of letting Drift get close like this, the attachments to come with it—this was a heavy risk that AJ was willing to take.

“Yeah, you are.”