:)

Somewhere behind his heroically wired nervous system, a sixth sense exists. Solely for these treacherous little mirrors left behind by the rain.

The puddle could be small enough to be mistaken for a wet footprint, and he'll still puff his chest — teeth glinting with bravery. "Wouldn't wanna ruin those pretty shoes'a yours now?" he advocates.

You huff — fighting to find balance to express the furrow between your brows. "Eijro. I'm literally in sneakers."

His shoulder blades jolt up beneath you. A shrug. Innocent despite his back being carved with enough muscle to withstand a charging rhino. "Still, it isn't manly to let my lady walk into muddy puddles".

To emphasize, his grip delves further into the plush of your thigh. Still gentle- but oozing unwavering chivalry. Even if you ask nicely, you're sure he'd decline.

"Eijiro," you call out. Stern.

"Nuh-uh."

The ground zooms by with his every step as he powers through damp patches even squirrels could step over.

"I can literally walk around-"

Two light taps connect with your ass. "Don't worry your cute butt, yeah?" His pearly whites gleam with victory. "We're almost there.

A gasp escapes you. More out of disbelief than offense.

The audacity.

Meanwhile, he keeps marching forward long after the pavement has dried, boots crunching against perfectly puddle-free concrete.

Your feet barely make a sound from how gently he sets you down. But your vision swirls — the world tilting for a moment after being carried upside down.

"Steady angel," he grins. Palms smoothing over the wrinkles on your clothes.

You clutch your head. "I think you should piggyback me next time."

He doesn't argue. Doesn't even try. Just help you find balance, like he isn't the one who ruined it. "Piggyback, huh?"

If he's going to haul you around anyway, the least he could do is let you see.

His hand finds yours, giving it a fond squeeze "We'll try that next time."

Sketch + reference under the cut!!

Sketch + reference under the cut!!