#retainre

                    his initial reaction is that of total shock , but is just as quickly replaced with a smile as warmth comes flooding to his heart . the nervousness makes him tremble , for matters of the heart are near foreign to him despite wearing it on his sleeve . he hides his expression from thoma , by turning his face away , but after a moment of heavy silence , his pinky finger finds its way to other’s , interlocks gently in an answer .

Ritou’s chains still hung heavily on ‘outlander’s. A warm welcome of maple leafs cascading across the air as if it were Autumn forevermore. Puddles and leaves married onto the ground, you’d be lucky to sweep it away from your storefront before the rain came in. Archons help you if you had been so much as a little bit forgetful before the first drop fell. In Inazuma, rain did not come without lightning. In the midst of the storm, the outlanders of Ritou usually ‘scattered’ into their usual meeting spot, a small house close to the shore. No leaking roofs, large enough to house a small gathering... Cold drops of rain only served as ambience to the little gathering.

A melting pot of cultures, after a hard month of low sales, drinking dandelion wines that failed to sale from Sailing Breeze. Lyres strummed, drums beaten as booze ridden laughter rang through the room. That which would be uncouth in the eyes of Inazuman people was on full display. Unused perishable foods and drink were strewn across the tables, no talk of failed business prospects nor the hopelessness of the sakoku degree. Just merriment. No more vision hunt decree. That was enough to dance about!

As a child of Natlan, anything could spur a dance. Give a decent drum or strum of a guitar and they were off. Apparently, Monstadt’s lyre was no different. Hands clasped in... Andrew’s? “Andrew!” She could have sworn she said it aloud in realisation, brown eyes glanced over his shoulder. Andrew, from the docks, of course! He was always interested in learning the steps of Natlan cultures many dances– his feet skipped as hers bounced. Clumsy, the both of them, yet they still laughed. Even as Camilla laughed, her eyes fell on the outlander that wasn’t an outlander. The Inazuman that didn’t quite fit in, busying himself with tasks. As if he didn’t just narrowly escape with his life and his vision. 

So this was the man the traveler was boasting about. He doesn’t seem so great? He can do all the things he can and more! He knows how to cook, clean, fight! What’s so special about this guy! Once their gazes met though he finally got it. He’s handsome. That’s why isn’t it? He’s pretty and he’s old news. The traveler will replace him he knows it. Wait no they wouldn’t do that to him- they’re comrades… right?

          ❛         what ? there’s no way that’s true . you’re just making that up     —     right ?         ❜          asuka scoffs into the air , unconvinced .          ❛         there’s no chance ayato got tama to like him that quickly . she doesn’t even like me .          ❜