Chapter Text

Drinking him in

Standing in front of the mirror, Scott inspected himself. He ran a hand through his hair and turned slightly to the right and then the left. Something was missing. With the caplet, the fur, and the coattails, his head felt empty. He glanced around the room, to the different headpieces provided, but none of them were quite him. Even if he did come here without a date, this was a chance to dress up and make a good impression, and if he was lucky, he would get to dance. A small smile formed at the idea; it had been years since Scott had danced. He ran his hand through his hair again, moving the strands into place. Maybe he could just materialize the snowflakes again… But that reminded him of the hurt he had caused.

Magic could be the answer though, but instead of hurting shielding. Focusing on the feeling of being able to protect he let the magic flow out of him, the ice shield as large as normal. Then he focused it closer and up, closed eyes in concentration. Opening his eyes again he saw shards of ice lazily floating around his head, reflecting the warm light of the dressing room. They reminded him of precious gems, icicles and mirrors all in one. He grinned into the mirror, now this would definitely make a statement.

He bumped into the line forming for the dressing rooms, as orderly as every other line made in this academy. He said hi to a few of them, noticing the moment they realised he had changed and their eyes lighting up. He did a slow twirl for them showing off a little too much perhaps and told them he couldn't wait to see what they would wear. Osteon reminded them all that once dressed they should move on, and not wanting to cause Osteon more trouble, he made is way down the stairs towards the outside.

The gardens were beautiful, bathed in the light of flickering lanterns and the moon. Flowers, lilacs specifically, were everywhere, lasing the smooth night breeze with delicate sweetness. Exploring the vast expanse with JoJo was fun. She hadn't been around much and the happy chiming of little bells emanating from her hat brought him back to a simpler time. Well… not that the time at the Academy had every truly been simple, but simpler all the same. JoJo's long pink dress rustled across the brick path as they walked further downwards. The magic of the academy was a real wonder, it being able to conjure up so many spaces within. They pass the gazebo and it's mana veil and slowly make their way onward.

"I'm gonna be sad if we lose all the amenities, cause that kitchen was really helping the dumpling business". Not that it was much of a business when he handed them out to everyone and anyone, including AJ.

"Oh yeah, that would be devastating if we lose those amenities. That is THE best part about the academy." JoJo instantly agreed. JoJo never quite stopped moving, walking from one end to the other to find a good spot and then jumping along the short wall for a bit. They looked out at the garden from a raised platform, admiring it again from a different angle.

"Well done for passing by the way." They left the area, making their way towards the ballroom again the music softly flowing trough the gardens. It must be caused by magic since it was audible this far out, likely to give ambience. How fun.

"Oh thank you yes, my strategy honestly was looking at all the answers and whichever one was the longest I picked that one." JoJo grinned at him, proud of herself that her strategy had worked. And who could blame her, it's not like anyone actually had decided to teach them. Maybe if she had been around more he could have tried. Well at least she passed, that was all that mattered at the end right?

"I got an 82 and that— that's a good day. A good day for me." She sounded a little uncertain, some strain in her voice.

"A good day for everyone. That means we get more JoJoshowlows." Before everything went down at the Lupi party, watching her put on her act had been wonderful. She really knew how to keep a crowd engaged. A natural centre of attention. A wonderful quality to have if you asked Scott, who got anxious far to easily in big crowds, especially recently.

"Exactly!" Happily skipping around, her dress flowing around her, the enthusiasm radiating from her was infectious and Scott could feel a smile form. Unfortunately everyone must be gathered in the ballroom already, so they made their way back, leaving the calming solitude of the gardens behind.

Inside CPK was being asked to dance by a strong woman, Vivia? Maybe? He happily accepted, and soon he was being twirled and dipped on the dance floor and basked in the soft light from the chandeliers. It looked effortless, likely due to the lady's experience, expertly guiding CPK through the steps. It was wonderful to see them twirling around each other, but a small tightness formed in his chest. Memories of late nights spinning around a fire, hand in hand, formed in his mind. Releasing a sigh, he gave the dancefloor one last glance before turning away.

Slowly others started showing up, distracting him from his feelings. Oli complemented his self made headwear, AJ playfully hit him and Drift smiled at him, contently holding AJ's hand. More and more people showed up and he went around admiring the dress chosen by his fellow students. Actually fellow dragon riders, no longer students after today. Everyone had pulled out all the stops, flowers, silks and ornate hairstyles showing how much they all needed this. A moment to let go. Michela in particular looked so wonderful, her hair a shade of lavender that matched the ballroom and cascaded down her back. Truly mesmerising.

So mesmerising he didn't notice the new presence at his side. A presence staring at… his chest? No that couldn't be it, Legundo was probably just lost in thought. No matter what he told himself he could feel his face flush.

"Oh hey!" Legundo seemed to snap out of wherever he had been and looked up at him, a small crocked smile forming. Was he… blushing?

"Ehm hey." He could use some water, voice a little raspy. Scott took a mental note and then went about slowly running his eyes over Legundo's formal outfit, maybe as a little payback for the staring. He sure had change over the months they had been at the Academy together. No longer hunched over and cowering, and his clothes seemed to fit. Fit very well. Quite daringly tight. A dark blue vest sat very snug, accentuating his waist to such a degree that Scott had to force his eyes away.

Under the dangerous vest he wore a dark dress shirt, sleaves rolled up carefully to show of his arm. Scott had noticed a while back that he had started doing this, not hiding his blue spots like he used to. What was new was the hair ribbon, keeping his soft hair in a low ponytail and revealing a simple black band circling his neck. He somehow looked effortless but put together.

“Hi, Legs, I like your waistcoat.” Wrong thing to say for his sanity as Legs hands went to said waistcoat and drew his attention there once more. The iron circlets on his wrist jingled a little against each other as he pulled the fabric down.

"Thanks, I mean, Melinks made it a bit tight around the waist." He might have to find Melinks and thank her, she did wonderful work as usual. He hadn't seen her in a while, he hoped that when she did take the exam she would pass, she was quite skilled and that should be rewarded.

Keeping his eyes resting on his face instead of anywhere else Scott wandered closer into Legs' space, getting a closer look at curious green eyes. "There is nothing wrong with a tight waist sometimes." Seeing the surprise on Legs' face reminded him that saying something like that out loud was probably not the norm and felt his face heat up again. Is that all he did when the iron mage was around? Blush? Ugh…

Seeming oblivious to Scott's inner turmoil he laughed "I guess so-"and pointed then pointed at Scott's head "-The crown, I mean, that's a thing or a half."

A warm feeling came over him at the praise, tilting his head so Legundo could have a closer look if he wished. "Thank you, I thought there was still something missing in the dressing room."

When Legundo looked away Scott followed his gaze. They saw their fellow dragon riders who were laughing, chatting and dancing all around the space. Scott glanced back at Legs when he made a humming noise. "Everyone looks..." He started, but left his thought unfinished. But Scott understood. They looked like the young adults they were meant to be, carefree and lively. Safe. Scott stood up a little more, rolling his shoulders, which didn't feel as heavy anymore and nodded when Legs glanced back his way.

Scott talked to Legs next when he stumbled into a conversation, or well… Gossip session he was having with Ghostie, CPK and Pyro in a side room. Ghostie had just told them that Ros had slapped the random man they had spotted with her before and how then they made up and started dancing together. Scott couldn't help but worry about her. Why was she with that stranger anyway? She should be making memories with her friends… Legs stumbling in pulled him out of his pondering. The others filling him in on the gossip and then talk of booze faded into background noise as he just gazed at the man across from him. They had seemed so different from each other when they had first met, but Scott didn't think that was true anymore.

It wasn't superficial things like the blue hair or scars marring skin. Scott saw how Legs kept an eye on his friends, checking that they were all still there and okay. How he got overwhelmed by crowds and noise during events. How he threw himself in front of people, even when that person was actively freezing him. How he pulled others of the ledge they all balanced on with kind words and shared experiences. Scott had to look away, worried his face would betray him and bit his lip. He had to snap out of it.

"Did you say there was an open bar? We should get dipped." Alcohol would be a great distraction from the blizzard of thoughts and feelings. A chorus of "Yes" and "Dipped" followed them as they headed up toward the open bar. There were already plenty of dragon riders who were probably getting a refill, a rowdy and celebratory air that was gonna get overwhelming quickly.

Scott made eye contact with Guard Guard who seemed to be in charge of the open bar and nodded at them. Getting a nod back Scott placed a hand on Legs arm and gestured to some chairs further in, at the bar. Sitting down side by side Scott couldn't help shifting back and forth on his seat and biting his lip. What if he didn't like it. What if this was creepy… Remembering a conversation long past might be creepy… Thankfully it didn't take long before Guard Guard walked over to them with two coup cocktail glasses. The orange-red liquid glimmered in the dim bar light, the white on top almost resembling snow. A small sword stabbed trough some salmonberries garnished the top, a bridge between the rim.

"I hope this is what you had in mind when you asked me to make something with the salmonberry syrup." Guard Guard signed to Scott.

"This looks great, thanks so much Guard Guard." Guard Guard turned away to go help another group and only then did Scott force himself to look at Legundo. The man seemed to just be staring at the drink in front of him.

"It's a Clover Club, AJ told me about them, said it was good." His stomach was twisting itself into knots the longer Legs said nothing. "It's made with salmonberries. You… you said something about berries from your home being your favourite flavour." Oh no, still nothing. "It was the first time I saw you after you got hurt, we tried my spell and then I gave you an ice cream…"

"Yes, no, of course I remember Scott." Legs swivelled in his chair so he was facing him fully, knees sliding against Scott's thigh. "Did you…plan this? I noticed you signing with Guard Guard. How did you even get your hands on them?"

Scott let out a small breath, Legs didn't seem upset. "I asked Osteon to get some if they were ever in the area, I was planning to bake something with it but felt to awkward and ended up eating everything I made myself…" He ran a hand along his jaw, fidgeting slightly. "When I heard about the ball I asked Guard Guard if there was going to be a bar and if he could make you, well us, something."

Legundo intently picked up his glass from the bar and gave it another stare, before he brought it to his lips and took a sip. His troat bobbed as he swallowed and then a flash of pink as he cleaned off his bottom lip. Scott couldn't help but stare, looking for signs that he liked the drink. Legs eyes meet his, green to purple, and then Scott was blinded by the most sincere smile radiating from his face. He smiled so wide his eyes crinkled and his cheeks flushed. A small smile formed on Scott's face, involuntarily, like his body needed to release some of the energy it absorbed seeing such a display.

"I guess it's good then?" He laughed.

"Good?! Yeah it's good, it's great even. You need to try it, come on!" Legs pushed Scott's drink towards him, his eyes so intense Scott felt them on him even when no longer looking at him. The drink was great, tart, not too sweat and delicately foamy. He closed his eyes to savour it for a moment longer and then picked up the little sword. Three berries, some more orange then others. He pulled one off with his teeth, intent on tasting a fresh one, to better understand why it was someone's favourite. It was sour, but not in the way that made ones eyes water, with a more subtle flowery sweet taste that lingered on the tong. It wasn't quite like anything else Scott had tasted and a flavour he wouldn't soon forget.

"I like it." But Scott liked even more being able to make his… friend happy.

They continued sipping their drink and then another slowly, chatting with their friends and basking in the merriment. Maybe it was the alcohol running trough him but Scott felt a warmth slowly taking over his body. Or maybe he was just happy.

Watching Jibble run circles the dance floor around dancing couples gave Scott the giggles. Legs had fed the small dragon it's favourite, coffee of course, and that resulted in this display. Around him people talked about those twirling, about Ros and her gorgeous (and giant) gown, about her date and who he might be. Then AJ yelled from across Drifts shoulder for everyone to start dancing too. To his surprise Ambear touched him on the elbow.

"Do you… want to dance?" Ambear looked beautiful under the light of the ballroom, her wings fluttering slightly.

"Yes!" Perhaps a bit too eager… But he really did want to! He offered a gloved hand to Ambear, unsure if she would take it, but it was the correct etiquette. Unless the books where wrong… The pressure of a hand in his brought him back to the present, Ambear smiling up at him. They slowly made their way, careful light steps on the gleaming floors towards of a more central position.

"Do you want to lead?" He had prepared himself for both options.

"Oh… I'm not sure if I even know how to dance the proper way. Probably best if you lead Scott." Scott nodded. He bowed and took her hand in his, placed his hand on her upper back and positioned them in the proper form. Hopefully. 1,2,3 slow steps, getting used to the rhythm of dancing with another person instead of alone in his room. 1,2,3 was he spending too much time on his toes? 1,2,3 was Ambear having fun? What if he stepped on her toes?

"This is nice." Ambear's voice made him lift his head, her smile causing him to relax more into the movements.

"I'm really glad I met you." He blurted out while staring at her, her face lit by the chandeliers above, flowers crowning her hair making the air smell sweeter.

"I'm really glad I meet you too." No judgement in her voice as they weaved around each other, Scott slowly dipping her.

"It's been fun, getting to know you. I'm glad we brought you back from the dead." He couldn't imagine his time in the Academy without Ambear around. He still remembered being able to help her learn rituals fondly, standing in the circle of candles together.

"Thank you, I appreciate that. And all of your care and friendship actually." She looked beautiful, slightly flushed from the dancing. Why was she dancing with him? Of course he did appreciate it, he was having a great time but shouldn't she be dancing with Michela, Boa or AJ or maybe even Juniper.

"Of course, I'm here to help." And he was, he was gonna help her even more tonight by conveniently steering her towards the other women in attendance.

"You are really good at this."

"Thank you, I'm used to faster dancing in Tegrith." He didn't mention the days spend practicing, reading books about ball etiquette and the correct way to place his hands. He was glad he got to show off his hard work, feeling the warmth bubbling up even more.

They spun around in graceful arches, reminiscing about their time as friends until the song ended, marking the end of the dance. Scott released Ambear from his hold and bowed.

"Thank you for asking me, I was kind of worried I wouldn't get to dance." His fingers combed trough his hair, trying to put it back into shape while giving Ambear a crooked smile.

"Oh Scott I'm so glad we did! I'm sure someone else will ask you to dance too!" She glanced around as if to find a target. She pocked her elbow into his stomach. "Maybe you can even ask someone, no need to be shy."

"You're right… I should just suck it up." Worrying his lip he was sure he didn't look like the picture of confidence, confirmed when Ambear laughed and gave him a shove. Straight towards the dragon riders still standing and drinking along the edges. He scanned the crowd, shoulders dropping a little when blue hair was no where to be seen. He did however see Ros, looking… Incredible and uncomfortable. Standing besides the man, both the embodiment of prim and proper, stock straight and not drinking. He wasn't a prince and Ros wasn't a princess but she sure did look in need of someone to swoop in to give her a break from prim and proper.

"Would you mind if I had a dance Ros?" He looked between the two of them. Ros looked even more radiant up close.

"Yeah… yeah, go ahead." She stepped back, looking at the man.

"Do you mind?" The man nodded at him. Scott turned his eyes back to Ros. Wait did they misunderstand. Scott had no intentions of dancing with this stranger, he was here to help.

"I meant with you Ros."

"Me?!" Why did she sound so shocked? Was he not the kind of man who asked people to dance?

"Yeah." He started walking towards the centre of the ballroom again, looking over his shoulder to see Ros curtsy to the man before walking after him. When she was close enough to hear him again he bowed and held out his hand.

"Are you okay? You looked like you were trying to get away." She curtsied and took his hand, the other resting on his arm. The music started up and Scott sank into the movements, the dance with Ambear having bolstered his confidence.

"Oh well I.. hmm… I don't know Carl super super well. So hmm…"

"Why is he here, who is he? Where did he come from?" He looked over her shoulder to see the man sitting on the steps of the hall, not so proper anymore.

"I have known him for a while, he sent a letter to the academy asking if I wanted to… he heard about the ball." She paused not making eye contact. "If… if I wanted to go with him."

"And you said yes?" A bit of a silly question but it was such a surprise to see her here with him and not Juniper.

"Yeah, I thought why not."

"It's nice to see you're at least making memories with someone."

"Yeah, yeah… I have been thinking about what you said and I've been trying." She looked far away for a moment, a light creese between the eyebrows and mouth down turned. Scott pulled her a little closer, hoping the weight of his arms would mimic a hug even while dancing.

"I'm glad."

"Thank you, I appreciate all of the help." He smiled down at her, from their dip, happy that something he said had gotten trough to her.

"We can have one night to enjoy ourselves, get some sort of humanity back, before going back to it all."

"Yeah, you are right."

The song was coming to an end soon.

"Well if you ever need an excuse to get away from Carl or if you need him distracted at all you know where to find me." He wanted to make sure she knew that he would always be there to help, even if just to help her escape her date.

"Thank you very much, I really do appreciate it Scott, thank you." She smiled at him, a slight smile that didn't fully erase the heaviness in her face.

"Of course." The music ended, they performed their bows. "Thank you for the dance. You're a wonderful dancer."

"Oh, thank you very much. I really like your outfit and your crown."

"Thank you, your dress is… honestly left me speechless. I don't know how you dance so well, I have not seen anyone with that much volume."

"I don't know either." She giggled "I appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful night Scott."

"You too!"

Dancing made him feel so warm, he wondered how long he would need to keep his caplet and coat on for.