electric hearts

just sleepin

Pyrrha and Jaune, in the background, felt themselves slipping, drowning. They were helpless; they didn’t know how to comfort the people they loved more than anyone.

Nora leaned her cheek into Pyrrha’s shoulder and closed her eyes, smiling. “Yeah.”

Nora squealed, flapping her hands. They were covered in a pair of pink gloves her mother had given her, but with half the length of the fingers shoddily cut off, an odd but endearing contrast to her sundress which reminded one of a cloud of strawberry frosting. “Oh my gosh! That is such a cute idea! We could pick flowers together and I could arrange them in her hair...” Her eyes and heart were sparkling. “I had also been thinking of asking her to go to the festival with me once it’s opened... we’ll buy flowers and chocolate and strawberries and rose water and I’ll try on silly clothing to make her laugh.” A cloud shaded her face, and her shoulders dropped slightly. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her laugh. Well, something to work for, I guess.”

“I was practically born into it” Pyrrha answered, eyes sparkling. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a fighter. I’ve been training to be a soldier since I could hold a weapon. I was top of my class, and I graduated early, when I was seventeen. They weren’t sure what to do with me at first; they didn’t think the teenage girl was capable and competent despite having beaten them numerous times.” Her eyes are sad, but not bitter at this recollection. “Then the royal family decided my lady needed a bodyguard, and that was my assignment. I’ve been serving her highness for two years.” Her smile is soft, like sunshine after winter, and it makes you wonder if she’s holding back parts of the story.

Pyrrha looked away, shuddering and lost in memories. “I was terrified. I’ve never heard anything scream and move like that, and every time I looked at Ren and Nora, there was so much sorrow and fear and pain in their eyes. Ren was practically out of control - I was so scared he would hurt himself or even one of us while fighting.” Pyrrha looked down, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, her usually-bright eyes clouded. “I should’ve been able to protect them. I should’ve been able to help kill the Nuckelavee faster. I don’t know how I can look them in the eyes now.”

Nora stopped her skirt-swishing, eyes brightening. “She’s super quiet. But she’s so sweet when she does speak. She’s very pretty too - you can’t really see her under her helmet, but I saw her take it off once. I didn’t know her hair was so long and red, and her eyes were so bright and big and soft, and she has freckles sprinkled like cinnamon all over her skin.” Nora smiled unconsciously as she recalled her memory. “Mother suggested we hire a new one recently - her logic was what kind of bodyguard lets someone into a princess’ room without her permission? But flowers are harmless! I don’t want to see her leave! I can’t stand the thought of having a new bodyguard. I’d have to get used to having a new person around all the time and they would not be as pretty or smart or tough or kind as her!” Nora pouted at the mere thought of Pyrrha’s departure. “I want to get to know her more. It’s too bad she’s so quiet. Ooh, maybe I can convince her to get disguises and we’ll go to the marketplace!” She jumped in the air, clapping her hands. “What do you think of that?”

Nora groaned, about to flop backwards when she realized there was nothing behind her. “Ugh, I don’t know if I want to ask her out. I totally want us to like, date and all, but asking her? I’d just prefer for her to ask me. I‘d disintegrate if she didn’t like me back.” Stumbling, she finally managed to regain her balance. “If I did ask her out I’d want it to be something unforgettable and dramatic, like kissing her in the middle of a battle, or telling her I love her when things are tense.” Her mouth quirked into a crooked smile.

You have been booped.

Nora giggled nervously, rocking back and forth with her hands clasped behind her. “Well, it wasn’t a ‘suddenly’ moment, you know? It was just as I grew to know her more, feelings shifted from platonic to romantic, so smoothly I didn’t even notice at first! We made a great team when fighting the death stalker - I mean, did you see us? We’d be unstoppable together! Once the Vytal tournament rolls around, if JNPR wins the teams round, we’ve agreed Pyrrha and I will be the ones to move forward to the doubles round! Pyrrha for singles of course, invincible girl and all that.” She giggled again. “Whoops, I got really off-topic! What I mean to say is, like, I really can’t pinpoint an exact time. I fell in love with her the day I met her, I suppose, but it was a while before I could really define that as romantic love.”