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The Duel had only lasted a few minutes at best but to AJ it felt like it had been going on for hours. The pain that simmered in her bones felt all too quiet— like the Decay rooted in her bones was soothed by the damage done from rough hands. To others it probably felt as if AJ was just simply goading Juniper into fighting, wanting a reaction like she always did when they spoke; in truth, AJ viewed it as a means to an end, to stop the thoughts and pain and the guilt, to stop the pain gnawing at her life force, to sacrifice that part of her sanity to keep her afloat above it all, above the needless death of being a dragon rider for a kingdom that only viewed them as pawns on a chest board and not actual people.
The others had already left, the enthusiasm and excitement of a duel having warn off the appeal of seeing the aftermath. Ghostie had given one look towards AJ, a show of concern in those sparkling blue eyes that upon AJ seeing them, gave a small shake of her head— A clear no, a refusal of the subject and a refusal to talk about it. Maybe in her own time AJ would speak on it.
Perched on one of the stone pillars surround the duelling arena, Flick watched their maker with vague amusement, the feeling of such mirth was stuck, an anchor that held it down in the depths of their being. It was fun to watch AJ deal and see the consequences of her actions, finally seeing the difference between sarcastic cockiness and pure genuine focus. However seeing AJ not fight back properly had settled a deep worry in them; the pain their maker felt must’ve been pounding on her doorstep akin to what the Flicks felt but not nearly as powerful.
Flick spread it’s wings, flying over towards the table AJ rested against, blood still pouring from her mouth and nose, clearly broken by the crooked look it had to it. They let out a small caw, a question in their tone.
Are you alright?
AJ tensed, body pulling taught at the concern in her familiars tone which she waved away with a wry grin, “I’m fantastic Flick, it felt good to get under Tree’s skin, y’know? See what they’re really made of.”
She brought up her hand, clutching a rag that was damp in a vice grip, putting it under her nose to at least lessen the blood dripping from her broken nose but hissed as a sharp pain shot through her body, a snarl almost breaking free from her lips— her hand had slammed against the table, the bowl full of water sloshing from side to side and a few stray drops dripping over the rim. The water, AJ realised, made her finally realise she looked like absolute shit. The Tree had really done a number on her... definitely a good shot though.
A disbelieving laugh echoed in the chamber, making AJ swivel on her feet to the noise; a grunt escaping and a wave of dizziness hitting her all at once until her eyes focused on who she was seeing. Brown hair, dark blue eyes that pierced through her soul, it made her grin despite the bloody nose and pale expression, “Tree! Back for another round? I’m not surprised, really, the ladies love to go for multiple but don’t you worry, there’s enough of me to go around.” AJ continued to talk, hoping to fill the silence with sarcasm and the casual flirtatious remark because who wouldn’t want to get under all that bark— although it was becoming increasingly disturbing when AJ trailed off in her words to find Juniper just staring at her, no expression other then a raised eyebrow and crossed arms betraying the distaste the other person had for her. It made a feeling in her gut come to light but she had no time to think on it before Juniper suddenly started to walk towards her.
A flash of nervousness bristled in AJs spine, her mouth opening to question what Juniper was doing but before her composure cracked, a hand clasped her wrist, rough to the touch but so incredibly warm that AJ felt her magic sooth from it, the coldness melting away slowly but steadily. Her breath hitched, surprised by the force of Juniper pulling her out of the Dueling room and down the hallway. She could hear Flick trailing behind the duo, the flapping of wings a steady reminder that yes, she was being tugged to god knows where. Actually it was quite funny in the minds eye but AJ, for some unknown reason (it was definitely curiosity) let herself be dragged by the other magic user.
The twists and turns as they both walked down the hallway made AJ acutely aware that she’d never fully stopped to appreciate the beauty of the academy, a thought that made her almost snort to herself but stopped in fear of the woman in front doing something or ceasing this little walk immediately. Focusing back on the figure in front, AJ couldn’t help but let her eyes trail over Juniper, appreciating how the clothes hugged the woman just right, how they looked strong, how their muscles tensed with each stride...it made AJ clear her throat and look back up, hoping that her staring wasn’t noticed but by how fast Juniper looked back in front, a flush to their cheeks, AJ knew she’d been easily spotted.
It was a few more minutes of walking until AJ realised where they were going. The Vulpes dorm. AJ had forgotten that this was also Junipers dorm, having come here often enough to see a certain open book— though the thought of Drift made a frown beseech her lips, remembering words that had been said but also the words not said between each sentence. When she was tugged a little bit harder, her eyes snapped to the back of Juniper’s head; the smirk broadcasting the words she was about to say, “Well, well, well, Tree, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re taking me to your dorm for something scandalous.” The Growth mage blissfully said nothing, though their tense jaw gave them away to how they really felt about AJs words.
Opening the door to their room, Juniper allowed Flick to fly in first to perch somewhere before pulling AJ forward with a terse, “Sit down.”
The Decay mage took in the dorm, never having looked at the room from when she had suddenly decided to steal something from the other mage. It was beautiful she had to admit.
Sitting down on the bed, AJ let her eyes fall upon Juniper, allowing herself the moment to take in the view with a relaxed manner. “Oh Tree...if I had known you felt this way I would’ve come sooner. No one can resist the charm for long, hm?” Her tone was full of smugness, sensing that her words were digging even deeper and deeper into Juniper’s brain— she was hoping for a reaction in truth but it seemed like the other mage had no interest in what she was saying, only standing straight and walking towards AJ with their left hand full of bandages and while the other held a bowl and cloth.
“Don’t you ever shut up?” Juniper muttered, tone indifferent to the current situation they had found themselves in willingly. The bowl was set on the table, pouring water into it from a jug they had stationed nearby. They dipped the cloth in the water, enough to dampen it but not soak it. Juniper then straightened and turned to AJ, whom was leaning back on her hands leisurely; she opened her mouth to talk but hissed again when a thumb and forefinger gripped her chin, tilting her head up and a wet cloth brushed over the blood that had now dried over her face.
AJ...was stunned, not only did Juniper drag her to their dorm room but the growth mage was helping her?
Embarrassment flared to life under her skin, hating how she was being tended to with quiet intensity. “So, is this something you do for all your friends or do I just get special treatment because you beat me? If so I wouldn’t mind losing to you more often Tree— Fuck!” AJ groaned, her hand flying up to her nose as a fresh wave of blood splurged out, she willed her eyes not to well up with tears because of the pain but fuck did it hurt; because AJ had been ranting, Juniper decided to take the opportunity to set AJs nose back into place.
Wringing out the wet cloth stained with blood, Juniper remained silent for a second until it was too hard to keep quiet, “It wasn’t really a duel if you never fought back—” They sighed and turned suddenly, “I mean— What was that AJ? Do you have no sense of care or self respect for yourself that you goad and force others to deal with your bullshit. We are here to become dragon riders and stop the—.”
“Oh who cares about the war, Tree! I mean honestly—” AJ stood up, a grin on her mouth, “Why should we have to die for the kingdoms mistakes. Most of the riders here are young, they shouldn’t have to deal with this— deal with mistakes of their own curiosities.” She could see how tense Juniper was getting, it almost made her stop... almost being the keyword because it was so good to get under the others skin. “But I’m sure you know better then me Tree, you hang around Teachers pet constantly, it almost makes me sad because while she’s ranting about the war, you couldn’t give two fucks, but come on, Tree! Isn’t it exhausting, hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness when I see you for what you are.”
They were face to face now, Juniper staring down AJ with eyes full of anger and malice...but also something simmering beneath them, “And what is that AJ.” The question almost made the Decay mage laugh but she beckoned her own words forth, “You’re a coward Tree. Just like most of the people in this academy. You all come here to run from something when we both know it’s a lost cause, it’s hilarious really because no one can see it, no one can see the problems this academy has but god forbid I say anything but you know what, you’re all cowards, you’ve all made your beds now you can lie in it because I won’t—"
Hands fisted into the cuff of her shirt and lips smashed into her own, it made AJ gasp because of the pain in her nose but also because of how intense the kiss was. It took a few seconds for AJ to realise that Juniper was kissing her, was kissing AJ like their life depended on it. AJ quickly responded, calloused hands finding Juniper’s waist and grasping it to pull the other mage closer, she put her all into her kiss, feeling it grow heavy and hot with each second. The taste of copper on both their tongues melted away to the feeling of the kiss, weeks of pent up frustration being poured into this one action.
The kiss continued, hands racking through hair— brushing over clothes in an effort to get closer but none of that mattered other then the sighs and soft sounds they pulled from each others mouth. It was almost a shame a need for air became too great and they both reluctantly pulled away.
Junipers face was flushed whereas Ajs was full of a stunned quality that nearly had Juniper laughing, “I will repeat this again but gods do you ever shut up.” The Growth mage whispered, their hands still in AJs hair, thumbs brushing the baby strands they feel underneath; the Decay mage simply grinned, “Not particularly but if you kiss me like that again I just might Juniper.” That did make Juniper huff out a laugh, shaking their head but pulling AJ back in for a second kiss.
All AJ could think though? The broken nose wasn’t so bad after all.