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Rythian may be falling.
It's happened before; that stomach dropping, weightlessness that disorientes his every thought, replaces them with images and musings that he didn't ask for.
First, it was a girl, who, quite literally, fell into his life. He couldn't stop laughter from bubbling up his throat whenever she spilled silly nonsense, or the red on his face from blooming when she teased him. He couldn't stop his mind from wandering to day dreams of small touches, of shoulders brushing and hands holding and forehead kisses upon auburn hair.
Now, it's someone else. Someone he didn't expect. Despite years of resentment, Rythian's head deterred towards a mad scientist – one with unkempt blonde curls and bright teal eyes and a wide grin. Sure, they've grown quite close in recent months, but there’s still a lingering tension, their own pasts hovering above them, difficult to remove. That didn't get in the way of the infatuation growing through his bones.
It's an exhilarating feeling. It's the wind in his face, surrounded by the beauty of vast blue sky and white clouds. It's not knowing if he'll land safely or hit the ground hard. It's the likelihood he'll end up entirely shattered, alone.
“...Rythian? You alright?”
Lalna's voice pulls the mage out of his thoughts. They're sitting on the couch beside each other, Lalna leaning forward, head tilted, likely to be in Rythian's point of view.
Ah. Right. Lalna was rambling, but Rythian got entirely lost thinking about how endearing the scientist was. Great.
Rythian blinks, then nods slowly, “Yeah, yeah. Sorry. Just… My mind’s wandering, that's all.”
“Okay?” Lalna waits, then asks, “Where to?”
“Uh,” Rythian hesitates. He could just avoid the question, but Lalna's the type to poke and prod someone until they spill. Might as well make something up. He taps his fingers against his leg, then spews the first thing that comes to mind, “How do you know you… love… someone?”
Why did he ask that!? He wants to crawl into the deepest crevice possible and never come out.
Lalna just raises an eyebrow, sitting up slightly. “Didn't you have a thing for Zoey before?”
“W-well, yes, but that was years ago! And…” Rythian sighs, slumping, “I don't know. It was… complicated.” That being Zoey ended up a lesbian, and Rythian moved on quicker than he'd like to admit, considering the circumstances. He tries not to think about it too much.
“Mmm,” Lalna looks up, gears visibly turning in his head, “I guess you think of them more often than not, right? Get those ‘butterflies in your stomach’ when you think of made-up scenarios.”
“I suppose that makes sense,” Rythian mutters awkwardly. He expects Lalna to stop there, but he doesn't.
“Yeah, like, uh, exploring the woods together, alone, holding hands along the way. Or, cuddling while chatting nonsense,” Lalna's eyes become distant towards Rythian's direction as he speaks. He casually plays with his hair, fingers combing through it, getting stuck in tangles often. “You think of how their eyes magically shine so many different colors. How their body temperature has a mind of its own. How they hide their smile often when it's probably their best feature…”
Before Rythian can fully process Lalna's words, the scientist is present again, and a small smirk blooms on his lips.
“But it's the more… intimate stuff that gets to you. What would it be like to kiss them? Do they make cute sounds when touched? How big is their d-”
“Okay, okay! Got it! Thanks!” Rythian interjects with a beet red face, unwillingly thinking of every scenario Lalna conjured.
The scientist cackles, throws his head back against the couch and slaps his forehead. “I think that says enough, huh!?”
Rythian crosses his arms and sinks into the seat, avoiding eye contact. “I guess so.”
Lalna's laughter dies down, but his grin doesn't leave. He leans closer and goes, “Sooo?”
“So?”
“So! Who is it?”
Rythian jolts up fast, falters and stammers, “I-I'm not telling you!”
“What!? C'mooon! Why not!?” Lalna whines. He's practically pawing at Rythian's arm like a sad puppy, and it only makes Rythian's blush spread to his pointed ears.
He tries to swat away Lalna's insistent touch, arguing, “Because I don't want to, nor do I have to! Now, stop!”
“But we're best friends! That means you have to tell me everything.”
Rythian freezes with eyes widened. Best friends? He thinks of everything from before now. After everything, after Rythian's constant unfair berating, Lalna saw him as more than an old rival and acquaintance. The past that looms over Rythian thins to almost nothing, replaced with newer ones.
“Did you mean that?”
Lalna stops, anxiety blatant through his laugh and speech. “W-What? Mean what?”
“That we're… best friends?”
“Oh! Um, yeah. I would think so?” Lalna pulls a leg up on the seat, focusing on fidgeting with his pants. “At least, you're my best friend. I don't really…You know, haha.”
Rythian does know, remembers Lalna's first visit where he spoke of Nano's death. He considers holding Lalna close for as long as needed, thinks of petting his hair and kissing his temple with no words needing to be said. He wants to feel Lalna’s heartbeat against his own.
Oh. Wait.
He looks down at his own bandaged hands, mumbling under his breath. “Huh. Guess you were right, afterall.”
“Hmm?” Lalna perks up, curious.
“Nothing, nothing. Just…” Rythian sighs, a small smile behind his mask, “You're right. We've definitely gotten closer. I'm… glad we're friends.”
Glee shines on Lalna's face, a grin blooming wide.
There it is. The drop. That thrilling feeling that was practically an addiction when indulged. Rythian is definitely falling.