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The President was running late.
It wasn't her fault, truly. Symboli Rudolf was a busy woman. With all her countless media responsibilities, her diligent nature she took to her studies, her even more strenuous exercise regiment, the many pupils of Tracen Academy who come to her for advice, and her duties as the head of the Tracen Academy student council, she was pulled every which way constantly. And while Air Groove stood in the Emperor's office, she was stewing over a bad mood that was not helped by the president’s tardiness. What would it be this time? A surprise interview about this year's classic racers from Etsuko Otonashi? Was Tokai Teio holding her up again for advice, or just to chat? It was something, something that the president clearly saw was more important than their evening rendezvous. School was done for the day, and when Air Groove had entered the office to speak to her, like they had planned for today, she found it empty. Taking a glance at the school motto at the wall, she walked behind the president's desk, glancing out of the large window with the heavy curtains that flanked the chair. How long had it been since they had some alone time together? Certainly long enough where Air Groove had to point it out, and somehow fit some private time with her partner into their packed schedules. Now was the only time they could find free time overlapping. And yet Symboli Rudolf was not here. It hurt to admit but times like this made Air Groove question this whole relationship.
She could still remember the president’s confession. The two of them had finished their senior year in the twinkle series. Symboli Rudolf had torn up the classic races as the first ever undefeated triple crown winner, as well as a Japan Cup victory and an Arima Kenin. She was crowned Emperor, she was chosen for student body president, and was riding a high of a career that changed the sport they loved forever. Air Groove was no slacker either, she took a tiara, the tenno sho and the Osaki Hai. Rudolf invited her out to a cafe, and then a stroll through the local nature park. Under the shade of a tree she confessed to having grown fond of her. Too fond to just be friends, or student council members. Symboli Rudolf wanted Air Groove, and who was she to deny the emperor. But Goddesses how their relationship had stalled. They were always busy, and dates ended up feeling more like meetings and planning sessions for the academy then a meetup of lovers. And as time passed, the gap between their accomplishments felt like it was growing. Air Groove had an amazing career to be proud of. But since her time in the classics, the tiara series had grown a number of stars. Daiwa Scarlet picked up two tiaras, then Almond Eye completed all three. And even more recently a racer matched the president, the first undefeated triple tiara winner. Had she really earned the title of empress? She was the stand out of that generation's tiara circuit, but now it felt like she was more of an accessory to Symboli Rudolf. The Emperor, the undefeated triple crown winner, needed an Empress, and Air Groove had to do.
That could explain why she felt ignored by her partner. The two never directly competed with each other, but she saw how fierce and passionate the president’s rivalries were. Narita Brian’s challenge, deep and personal and one that caught the president’s eye. Sirius Symboli grew up alongside her and their complex and tense bond was clear to anyone. Katsuragi Ace, who ended her run of undefeated races, and Mr. C.B who faced off against her with both of them being triple crown winners. Symboli Rudolf had a close confidant in Maruzensky, and saw herself in the young Tokai Teio. She was surrounded by people who had had such passionate feelings about her, and sometimes Air Groove felt like there could be, one of them could be the other woman. But surely the president had enough sense to not cheat on her. That's what she told herself, trying to push back against the insecurities that clawed at her. Surely the president wouldn't humiliate the two of them in a scandal like that, surely she did care about Air Grooves feelings. Should they break up? She had considered it, it wasn't fair on her to be so unhappy. But… she did love the president. She was so happy to be asked by her to be the vice president, even if Narita Brian was also given the same role. Working with Symboli Rudolf to watch over the new generations of runners was truly a dream come true. Which is why it was so hard to face how her feelings were changing. She was becoming frustrated with the lack of intimacy, to the late nights working alone and knowing that Rudolf was off entertaining important figures, or training on her own. Their different schedules made just being partners difficult, and if the president had taken note of this Air Groove couldn't tell.
Perhaps they had made a mistake. They had always been good friends throughout their careers, and working together they made a great team. Tracen Academy was a shining beacon to all Uma Musume and racers flocked to their gates every year. The twinkle series was internationally recognised, their representatives went to America, France and others and won there. Their hard work paid off, but perhaps that's why Rudolf thought they'd make a good couple. Working together, planning events around the campus, and upholding the reputation of the school, they excelled together. But that didn't mean they were romantically compatible. Rudolf clearly took a lax approach to their relationship, that it was enough to be lovers in name alone.
The office door opened, and to her relief it at least was Symboli Rudolf. If it had been someone else, especially Teio, Air Groove wasn't sure she could be so kind. She tilted her head to the side, an acknowledgement that she heard her come in, but did not turn to greet her partner. She was giving her the cold shoulder. “Air Groove, I'm sorry I was held up. The director ambushed me, talking about plans for a URA Finale. It’s quite fascinating- …I'll tell you later” Air Groove had not tried to hide her irritation, and Symboli Rudolf picked up on it. She heard the president put her bag on the couch and walked over to her. The air felt heavy, tension in the silence that Air Groove was happy to leave open. She stared blankly out of the window. She wanted Rudolf to know she was mad, to know why she was mad. To just fix the issues they were having. But she didn't want to tell her. She wanted her to just know. If Symboli Rudolf couldn't see what was wrong, perhaps it really was hopeless for them. They had planned to chat over tea, but Air Groove had not put on the kettle, or set out teacups for them. She would have usually, especially if the president was not there on time. She was trying to make a statement. That she was sick of waiting, sick of playing second fiddle to Rudolf's other priorities.
“Darling…?” Symboli Rudolf only called her that in private, but she hadn't said it when she walked in. Like she just now remembered they were supposed to be a couple. She never asked why Rudolf wouldn't call her that in front of others. Their relationship was not a secret, they were the biggest power couple of the academy. The Emperor and her Empress, ruling over Tracen together. And yet the Emperor referred to her only by name, or even worse, Vice President, when in public. Was she embarrassed by her? Ashamed that she, the indomitable emperor, had a soft spot? But she clearly had an affection for certain racers, her bias towards Tokai Teio was clear. Was this any different? Why couldn't she be open about how she felt about Air Groove in public? Why didn't she hold her hand in the halls or sneak a kiss goodbye on campus? This pity nickname in private only made Air Grooves nerves crack. She did like it…she liked the pet names and the compliments and she so wanted to be more… physical with her. But Rudolf always held back, never willing to make the first move. Like she was scared to, or more likely she had no interest in. At least she hasn't made a pun. Air Groove hated those god awful corny jokes Symboli Rudolf seemed to love so much. It drove Air Groove mad, she spent more time thinking of new ones than spending time with her, she had a whole journal for them.
“President, I understand tonight is when you have a nightly swim and sauna session, so we might as well just skip tea altogether. I wasn't sure if you'd come, but I understand. The director can be impulsive.” She was going to turn and walk out, cause a big fuss and hopefully that would wake the president up to what was wrong. She had it planned that way when the president was late. Because she knew she would be. But before she could even turn, Rudolf had walked over and embraced her from behind. Air Groove tensed up, the two of them hadn't been physically affectionate in a long time, since the beginning of their relationship almost. They had at most kissed at Christmas time, or the odd hug or hand holding otherwise. This was out of the ordinary, and caught her off guard. Rudolf had also seemed apprehensive about intimacy. She only would hold out her hand for Air Groove, and not take her hand otherwise. She was slow to hug her, or kiss her cheek unless Air Groove initiated it. And yet here, the president had wrapped her arms around Air Groove waist, holding her close so she couldn't run away. “President…?”
“I understand what you're trying to say….I'm sorry” Her voice was close, muffled under Air Groove’s hair. She blinked, she hadn't expected the president to get it so quickly, quick enough that she couldn't get away. Air Groove hadn't planned for this “It's fine, just-”
“If it was, you wouldn't be acting like this”
Like what, like a child? That was the first thing that flashed into Air Groove’s mind. This was childish of her, she had to admit. She didn't want to say how she really felt, and wanted to hide behind a vague meeting that hinted at the main problem. The problem wasn't that Rudolf was late. The problem was they barely had any time for each other. “I'm not sure this was a good idea…”
Rudolf tensed up, and the vice president could feel the emperor’s grip freeze “Are you sure?” Air Groove realised now that the president had misunderstood her. She wasn't sure if this meeting, where she planned to give her partner the cold shoulder and leave in a huff, was a good idea. What was the solution? Maybe an apology later, or a date to make up for it? That wouldn't solve the core issue. That they needed to talk about their feelings and take this relationship seriously. Air Groove thought she was, because she was taking this action. But she was essentially having a tantrum in the hopes of catching the attention of her partner who would read her mind and see what was wrong.
But the president thought she meant their relationship was a bad idea. That she had driven Air Groove away. But hadn't she? When she first confessed, Air Groove already harboured feelings for her that she couldn't put into words. She wishfully clocked the invitation to a new cafe together as a date, and made herself look all prepared for their luncheon. She had resigned herself to never trying to get too close to the president, she was a busy woman who had more important things to deal with than listening to a confession from her vice president. She'd turn her down anyway, at Tracen it was more likely for a girl to fall in love with a rival of hers than just a girl she's friends with. But Rudolf ended up taking her aside and admitting her feelings to her, and everything changed. She thought this meant nights alone, dinners at fancy restaurants, and a secret intimacy only privy to them. How greedy she had grown, to go from not willing to confess herself because she didn't think she was worth the president's time, to getting so bent out of shape over being denied exactly that. But what to say now? Did she want them to end it? Had she already reached the breaking point? She hoped silence would answer the question.
“Air Groove? Please talk to me…” That sounded so unlike the president. Her voice wavering, worry and begging for an answer. Air Groove shifted a little, Rudolf letting go as if she was trying to break out of the embrace. The vice president loitered in place, then quickly turned and swerved around the president, briskly walking across the room “Forget it. Don't let me hold you up, I'm sorry…see you tomorrow” She stammered out before slipping out the door, half running back to her dorm so she couldn't be followed. Air Groove sat on her bed, careful not to wake her sleeping roommate. She made a big mistake, she had gotten greedy. And now she risked losing her partner because she couldn't handle an adult relationship. Of course someone like Rudolf had little spare time, she was being completely unreasonable. She had said too much, let her frustrations out when she shouldn't have. Her stoic mask fracturing when she needed it the most. It was an uneasy sleep that finally came to her.
~~~~~
Symboli Rudolf watched the Empress run from her, leaving her in the dim office that was darkening as the sun set behind her. The door was slightly ajar, and so she closed it before heading back to her desk, sinking into the chair with her hand at her brow. Her responsibilities were a balancing act, all the more dangerous when one domino fell. The others would rush to do the same. She'd have to go to her training before long, the director had eaten into her time with her partner and it had caused this. No, that wasn't true. She could see it now. Air Groove’s tone had been particularly sharp when she had instructed Rudolf to meet with her. She saw her so much, thought about her so much, Rudolf hadn't realised it really had been a lengthy time since they last were together in any sort of romantic context. Air Groove was angry at her, and likely wanted to no longer be tied down to a partner who hadn't the time for her. She picked herself back off her feet, she wouldn't let the dominos fall, she couldn't take a break to wallow in sorrow and figure out what to do next. She had a strict schedule, especially now that she was back from her brief stay in America. She declared for a single race to test the waters, went over and came back as quickly as she could. But it had disrupted her other duties, her training she had to catch up on all on her own. The council duties were handed off to her vices, but it was clear now that Brian took a lax approach to her role, so no doubt Air Groove bore the brunt of it. No wonder she had grown to hate her. Rudolf had done all this to herself. If it hadn't been the director holding her up, it would have been something else.
What was the Emperor to do now? Air Groove was just shy of dumping her right there, but clearly had gotten cold feet from Rudolf's out of character act. She had scared her off for now, but she'd be back to end things soon enough. And then the entire school would eventually find out. The Emperor couldn't keep a partner, the image she attempted to curate would be shattered beyond repair. A frigid woman so far removed from all that not even an Empress could stand by her side. The title of Emperor was a lonely performance at the best of times, it involved being the ideal, the image of power and perfection. It meant being less of a person, and more of a symbol. Every move, breath and word was calculated to ensure the image of strength. But not just strength. She had to nurture, to lead, to represent. She was Japan’s golden child, the Uma Musume that stood above all in the nation's history. Holding the world on her shoulders every waking moment. Only Air Groove had ever come close to the truth, that behind all her masks and performances, she was just a girl.
Rudolf arose early the next morning, her body still mildly tired from the night training. But she had to have a quick run before breakfast. The sun was rising slowly, clouds washing a grey light over the track as she ran. She took to the track, but her mind was occupied elsewhere. On Air Groove. She loved her, truly she did. She was extremely capable, intelligent and wise. She was shockingly beautiful, as well as kind and compassionate to their juniors. She shared her love for guiding the new generation, and they had talked about one day becoming teachers or trainers, perhaps even co-directors of the academy together. Rudolf was ready to live the rest of her life with the Empress. But Air Groove was impossible to read. The president felt like she could usually get a good view of what a person was like within a few minutes of speaking to them. Even just a look could tell her all she needed to know sometimes. It made her an incredibly gifted racer, acting on others instincts before even themselves did. It also made her gifted in social situations, able to play with complex negotiations like it was merely a game. But her skills faltered on Air Groove. At first it bothered her. Why was this the only person she couldn't understand? She tried to get into her head, spent time with her, and brought her along to the student council. But nothing worked. She wanted to know what exactly it was about the empress that drew her in so much, and why she was so focused on understanding her. It finally clicked one day. Rudolf was walking around the campus, and she spotted Air Groove tending to a garden.
“Vice President, you seem busy. What have we here?” She stood at the edge of the grass, where fresh dirt and fertilizer had been packed down around a flower bed that had not been here the last time she had seen it.
“Ah, President. The director gave me permission to use this space to plant a new community garden. It was being used as a mere shortcut across the grass, but now with the introduction of a bench and a fountain it'll make for a nice space for recreation.” Air Groove stood up, her tracksuit was slightly dirty. She must have been out here for a while. Her hair was slightly dishevelled, not quite the usual bob that suited her so well. Rudolf wasn't sure why, but she put her hand forward and brushed the hair out of her face behind her ear, so she could see those sparkling blue eyes. Air Groove locked eyes with her. Her stoic expression had slightly lifted, her flush skin from the work looking almost like a blush. It made Rudolf's heart ache slightly. Her vice president was so pretty. Her heart stalled instead her chest, skipping a beat as she tried to play it off as nothing had happened in that moment. “Excellent news. Can you tell me more about the flowers?” Air Groove obliged with a passion the president rarely saw from her. She didn't know that she loved gardening this much. She wanted to know more about her, to be around her more, and now she knew why. She was falling in love. It was soon after that she confided in the Empress of her feelings towards her, she wasn't one to dawdle over how she felt. She could have accepted rejection, it would have hurt but she could move on. But she was grateful that Air Groove reciprocated her feelings, and the two became a couple.
Air Groove’s stoic nature deemed far more a roadblock that she initially anticipated. Rudolf wanted them to be close, she wanted to hold her partner's hand, hug and embrace her. She wanted her hand to linger on her hip or waist. But Air Groove tensed up with any slight interaction. She repeatedly asked her if it was ok to, which she would reply that it was fine. But it rarely seemed like it was something she actively wanted. That she was happy to accommodate her partner's need for physical intimacy, but she never seeked it out. Rudolf refused to put a burden like that onto her, and soon resigned herself to only act if Air Groove conveyed it was what she desired. She held her hand out to her to take, and would edge closer when they parted ways in case Air Groove wanted to part like lovers: a hug or a kiss. But she rarely did. She always seemed stiff when she did take Rudolf's hand, and never made the first move. Rudolf had put the ball in Air Groove’s court in order to make sure she wasn't crossing any boundaries, but now found herself incredibly lonely once again. She had hoped a relationship would ease her hardship, a shoulder to lean on when the weight of her responsibilities felt like they were ready to crush her. After her senior year, and each of her seven crowns, the country descended on her as its hope for the future. Would she try to take on the Arc next? Oh how that particular race had eluded the nation for years. Would she attempt to run in America, and prove that Japan was a serious nation to consider on the world stages? While she had missed races at home, it felt like the country that adored her didn't want her there, and would prefer if she left.
So she did. She declared for a race in America, and it went shockingly. She couldn't rest the entire time she was away, not sleeping a wink on the flight and was horribly jet lagged after landing. She spent days she should have been training catching up on sleep and feeling generally a bit queasy. Not to mention the isolation. Her trainer had assured her that she would be fine without her, as she had new juniors to train for their debuts. But it had just made Rudolf so terribly lonely. Air Groove hadn't seen her off, and she had taken a taxi to the airport all on her own. She spent the few days at her hotel or at the training field she had been provided. American turf was a lot different than she expected, and she only realised this after only scheduling her a brief period of time before her race. So she ran, full of jumbled feelings and a sore foot that she had gotten right on the warm up during race day. She pace chased, but allowed herself to lag in the group, her focus scattered causing her to be poorly positioned coming into the final turn. Her attempts to rectify this and break through the pack in the final burst was half hearted, and she crossed the line not even at top speed, with an odd wonky feeling in her foot and her head staring straight down. Sixth. She had never placed below third in her entire career. The race made headlines back home, tabloids filled with vitriol about how Japan had crumbled in the face of American turf. She informed her trainer of her foot, and they brought her back from abroad. She had been injured before, she had to undergo harsh training right before the Satsuki Sho because she took time off to recover from an injury she suffered in the Yayoi Sho. After her monstrous win in the Derby she had hurt her leg, and then her shoulder during rehabilitation, but had recovered before the autumn in time to complete her triple crown. She had injured that same shoulder which scratched her from the Takarazuka Kinen. And now it was an inflammation of a ligament in her leg, that made it painful to bend. She was taking anti inflammatories, and her injury made headlines once again, tabloids attempting to spin it as the turf being so unsuitable for her that it hurt to run on. The very implication that she was weak made her blood boil, she worked harder than anyone, and trained just as hard while on the medication. It would pass, and she'd go back to winning. She'd be the Emperor who was worthy of her Empress.
Right, the Empress. She really has meant to confide in her more. They were supposed to be a couple, who could tell each other how they felt, their sorrows and biggest fears. But Rudolf was too weak. She was afraid to admit her own fears and insecurities to Air Groove, to shatter the illusion of perfection to her. Would she still want to be partners if Rudolf was clearly so faulted? What did Air Groove even like about the president? Perhaps she had felt pressured by her, she feared that most of all. Rudolf had appointed her vice president before she attempted to court her, they had been named as Emperor and Empress together. Perhaps Air Groove didn't speak her true feelings that day in the park. The thought froze Rudolf, and suddenly she wished she never put that stress onto her at all. She should have kept her feelings secret, she finally understood why people hesitated to confess. Her run slowed to a walk, and she retired to the cafeteria for breakfast far earlier than usual. Her leg was beginning to hurt, it would soon be time to take her medication. Normally she had her breakfast by herself in her private room, as student council president she had a large enough suite apartment to herself, with a private kitchen and pantry. She kept a strict diet and planned out her meals in advance. But right now she wanted a sweet pastry and an even sweeter coffee. Her guilty pleasure.
“President”
This was not the time she wanted to be dragged into another conversation. She turned around with a weak smile on her face to the speaker “..Yes?” Narita Brian stood in front of her, at least it was a close friend. If it had been a young Uma looking at her with eyes of admiration she didn't know if she could keep a mask up.
“Where's Air Groove. She wanted me to talk about the floorboards poster” She seemed irritated. That was common, Brian hated work on the student council, but she was brilliant so Rudolf urged her to take up the position. In return for a challenge between them one day. “Well…I haven't her since last night. She's probably still sleeping. It is very early” The cafeteria was almost dead, the staff still prepping for the morning rush.
“Was there a meeting yesterday? Damn…I forgot”
“No…it was just… me and her” Rudolf didn't want to drag up what happened last night again, her mind was still weighted down by what happened.
“...oh” A look of realization went across Brian's face “I forgot you two were a thing”
That comment hit Rudolf like a punch to the gut. Her vacant smile hardened “Is that so, we aren't the typical couple huh”
“How should I know…” Brian grumbled, exactly what Rudolf was attempting to point out, but she noticed the president's sharpness in her tone “what, something happen?”
She wasn't sure if she wanted to discuss this with Brian of all people. Infamously aloof and only interested in racing. She was half surprised she asked “Something like that…she's mad at me” She forced a chuckle, attempting to play it off as a joke. “No more trips abroad for me.”
“Time apart huh. I saw that once in a TV show. The solution was they just needed to bone”
Now that hit Rudolf like she had been sucker punched. “Brian.” She said it sternly, a warning. The smile dropped from her face, her purple eyes driving a stake through her, the aloof girl's expression was getting under her skin. She hadn't even been to second base with Air Groove, and in the state they were in she never thought she would. Of course she wanted to…do that with her partner, but she couldn't ask for it and honestly go through with it if Air Grooves response was a shrug and a simple “fine”. She couldn't force such a special moment if her partner wasn't just as enthusiastic as she was. It would feel wrong. That's not where she wanted her mind to go right now. But if Brian cared about the president's glare she couldn't tell.
“Anyway, if you see her tell her I'm looking for her. She's the one that gave me this stupid job. Also tell her she's not in a charge of me. I'm a vice too” Brain huffed, crossed her arms. She did have potential to lead, maybe even be student council president, but for now it seemed she was still too focused on just the next time she ran. Rudolf wanted to snap at her, for the rude comment, for the way she was still not taking her role as a triple crown Uma Musume seriously. But she couldn't lose her cool here in a public place. She'd let her rage burn through later. Rudolf drifted away and finally made a run for it back to her living quarters. She snacked quietly on the couch, glancing at the time on her phone. She had really cut her training short this morning. She'd have to make it up later that day.
~~~~~
Air Groove woke up from a restless sleep. She groaned and turned over in the bed, hoping that for some miracle her alarm would stop on its own. But it persisted, and she shut it off with a quick slap before tucking her arm back under the covers.
“My my, Air Groove. I never thought I'd see you lying about” Fine Motion was already dressed, the princess standing in their shared dorm brushing her tail. She was a kind girl, elegant and respectful like any royal should be. But she was a tad nosy in Air Groove's opinion, she chalked that up to her isolated upbringing giving her a deep curiosity about the world, especially in a new country. Air Groove picked up her phone, realising that she had not set an alarm for her usual morning run, but had clicked a different one that was about to make her tardy. She hopped out of bed “I had a long night with the president” Only awake for a few moments and she was thinking about Rudolf, and the night before. She hesitated in place as it came back into her mind for a moment.
“Oh, how romantic! What did ye get up to?”
“Nothing really. I'll see you in class” Air Groove snapped at her rather briskly and barged into their shared en suite. She had a quick shower, and was out the door after pulling on her uniform and making herself presentable. She had a full day of classes today, plus she had to wrangle Narita Brian to see if she actually had completed a few tasks she gave her the day before. A leak in one of the dorms had caused some floorboards to become damaged, they needed printed signs around the damage so that the students wouldn't further the issue. Rudolf should have already hired a contractor to come in the next few days. Rudolf…she was sitting in class and still thinking about her, and what happened. It was a stupid idea, when did she let herself think that her partner had to make time for her. She was lucky enough that Rudolf wanted to date her in the first place, and if this is what that contained, well it would have to be enough for her. If she had to, she'd accommodate her tardiness and absence. They did see each other a lot, council work kept them busy together. Perhaps that would do for now. Eventually, in the future when they graduated, they could talk about a proper relationship. But she would not take time away from her now. She realised how close she came to ending their entire relationship, and how quick Rudolf was to let that happen. No matter how frustrated she was, or how useless she felt in this relationship, she couldn't bare to leave it. Rudolf could get another girl, but she'd be left pining for what was once hers. All while the whole school would look to her to explain what she did wrong. She couldn't do that, she couldn't bare to see Rudolf move on from her. They had discussed their futures together, but Air Groove knew that it was easy for her to be swapped out. Rudolf was someone special, a one in a million, the undefeated triple crown winner. Anyone could fill the Empress's shoes.
“Air Groove?”
Her attention snapped to the front of the classroom. It was her teacher, looking at her expectedly. As well as the entire classroom. Air Groove's eyes glanced to the board. Race times, records maybe? “Symboli Rudolf?”
The teacher paused “Yes…that's the answer to the second one, but this one here” She pointed to the first time.
“Oh. Maruzensky. The Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, my apologies”
“It's alright. And yes that's correct” She turned back to the rest of the class “And yes, the second time here is Symboli Rudolf at the Satsuki Sho. How about the third one, anyone?”
Air Groove sighed, and tried to go back to focus on her studies, in all her classes she sat near the front and had no space to hide from questions. She had to be alert. The day crawled by, with no sign of Brian. Was she avoiding her? Probably, but as annoyed as that would make her, she just didn't have the energy today. After classes she skipped heading straight for the cafeteria and headed back to her dorm room. She tossed her bag on her desk and began to get ready to head to the gym. She should make up for missing that morning. But a knock on her door made her stop in her tracks. Fine Motion was likely eating ramen down in the cafeteria with everyone else, so no one would be looking for her. She paused and then went over to open the door.
“Air Groove!” Her mother basically dived over the threshold and pulled her into a tight hug.
“Mother?!” She yelped, stumbling back, but embracing her back as the door slowly closed behind them. “What are you doing here?” She was shocked, she hadn't expected to see her mother until Christmas. She saw her several times a year, both their birthdays, Christmas and a few other occasions. Especially festivals.
“Well, there's this festival just outside Tokyo that I heard has a massive fireworks show, and it's just been ages since I've seen one with you! Let's go! It's just a train ride away! Pleaseeeee! I know you're busy but it's just one evening!” The woman beamed down at her daughter, almost vibrating with excitement. Sure, festivals were Air Groove’s thing, besides gardening. They were the only occasions when she let herself relax. Her mother enjoyed them too, mainly because it gave her a reason to see her daughter. Air Groove paused, considering it got a moment. Her mother must have spotted that weakness, the crack in her resolve to work hard. “Come on! I know you'll love it, it'll be great and you deserve some time off”
Air Groove was working hard in Rudolf’s absence until her recent return. The sign could wait just a little bit longer. Or perhaps she could… “Give me a moment.” Hearing that her mother cheered as she fired a quick text to Brian to just put the sign up without her. Surely she would have made a good enough one anyway. She pushed her mother out of the room “I'll get dressed…”
“Yay!-” Air Groove shut the door in her face, and changed out of her school uniform. They left the school with no reply from Brian, and Air Groove put everything work related out of her mind on the train out of Tokyo. She booked a ticket back for them both, and so she wouldn't have anything else to worry about while she was there. The festival was beautiful, music and dancing, with great food at the various stalls. She ate lightly, but still enjoyed the delicious food on offer, and while unhappy, danced a bit with her mother. They finally sat down on the sloped bank of a river as the fireworks were meant to take place there.
“So tell me, how's Tracen?”
“It's good…my studies are going well. The campus is looking forward to the new set of racers next year. Student council work is always busy, but I enjoy it”
“Speaking of, how's that handsome little sidepiece you have?” Her mother giggled and elbowed her lightly. Great, possibly the one thing she didn't want to talk about
“Rudolf is…fine I guess. She came back from America, ran a race there”
“Oh wow, yeah I saw that in the papers. She didn't win, no?”
“No…sixth actually. I think it upset her. I retired after my senior year but she was intent to keep going. She didn't seem like she wanted to talk about it”
“Defeat can sting but she's a strong girl, she'll be back to her best in no time” Her mother waved a finger at her “But how's the love life with her, seeing her again after she returned must have been nice”
Air Groove sighed and glanced at the river “I… I don't know.” She didn't want to talk about this, but she couldn't lie to her mother
“What do you mean?”
“It's just…she's always so busy… we kinda had a fight over it. Well…not really”
“Well tell me about this not really fight and I'll decide if I need to teach her a lesson” She grabbed her bicep and huffed, light-heartedly.
Air Groove hesitated, but she did spill the beans. The lonely nights, the work, the training. She missed her partner even when she was in the same room as her.
“So you threw a pity fit, and didn't try to talk to her? Honey I know you're shy but come on. Talk. To. Her.”
“I know I should…I just…. I'm not good at this stuff. I don't know how…” Air Groove sighed, it was exhausting, to let down her mask. Even with her mother who she loved and trusted, speaking the sensitive truth was embarrassing. Being vulnerable made her feel weak, exposed. She didn't want to be judged for her shortcomings.
“You aren't going to get anywhere if you just huff at her and wait… Rudolf is a kind girl, she'll listen”
“She is, I'm afraid that I'm just overreacting to nothing and that she'll think I'm not worth the trouble”
“Oh don't get me wrong, she's to blame too. Not making time for my baby, the nerve! But I doubt it was on purpose. You're both busy people, but that's not an excuse. You need to sit down and tell her that you want to be a bigger part of her life, to see her more, not in just a school setting. Make a date night, that kinda thing. When you both graduate and get to college you'll have to start living as adults, you'll both surely get snatched up by the URA to work there even before you get a degree. So work-school-life balance is something you need for your future. It'll do her good just as it will do you if you talk.”
“I'm just afraid that she'll dump me… especially now that I caused such a fuss. She thought I was dumping her, and was totally fine with it. She's just…. amazing in every way I feel like I'm weighing her down”
“Honey, you are amazing, and any normal person would be upset if their partner wasn't making time for them. You're not crazy, something is wrong with your relationship. But that's ok! It can be fixed without issue. You just have to talk to her.”
“Ok…I will…. Thank you Mother” Air Groove gave her a small smile as the first firework shot into the air, exploding into a bright green.
~~~~~
After breakfast, sorting out the floorboards mess with the contractor, and her day of classes, Symboli Rudolf got to work at her desk. She was looking over the invoice for the new boards, as well as the removal and fitting for the contractor. She had room in the budget set aside for things like this, and so the bill wasn't going to disrupt the finances of Tracen Academy. The funding for the school was very generous, and she wasted none of it. Whenever the costs for maintenance weren't as high as what was budgeted for it that year, she'd always use the remainder to update something on campus that wasn't failing but could use replacing. A new printer in the teachers office, updated software on school computers, etc. It made the academy run much smoother when they kept on top of wear and tear, addressing it before it became an issue. Unfortunately she is not psychic, and can't predict things like a leak or a rotten floorboard. She filed the invoice away as finished as she paid for the work, and sat back in her chair. Her mind was still on her early finish of training that day. She couldn't ignore the facts in front of her, her trip to America was still fresh on her mind. Plus now, her attention has been shifted to Air Groove. She came so close to losing her, how had she not noticed that. That she was unhappy with her. That had to change, she had to understand what Air Groove wanted, and give it to her so that she wouldn't leave. But how? She was nigh unreadable. It was only as there were two knocks on the door when it broke her concentration.
Maruzensky, her close friend, walked in. She gave a small wave “Are you busy?”
“Just finished actually. It's good to see you, I don't think we've spoken since I returned” Rudolf smiled, although in that line she realised her other relationships also suffered. She had to stay strong, any sign of weakness had to be snubbed out and hidden from the world. Even from those closest to her, she couldn't let them in.
“It's fine. I wasn't sure how you'd be after America, but it seems like you're alright. How have you been?” Maruzensky smiled, and Rudolf got up as she sat on the couch to make them some tea.
“I'm alright… America was tough, but I learnt a lot there. I'm glad I went”
“That’s good. Any plans for when you're running next? Abroad or here?”
“I'm…still debating that one.” She brought two teacups as well as the pot down to the coffee table and sat across from her “There's a lot to think about”
“I'm sure. I almost miss it, racing. Although I'm understanding why you love looking over the students. Little Sakura Chiyono O is such a cutie. I hadn't expected a junior to get so attached to me but I see myself watching her train and so I'm urging her to do her best. It'll surely be a thrill when she runs in the classics.”
“Yes. Watching Teio getting ready for debut reminded me of all the good times I had. You'll love it.”
“Look at us, with our favourites.” Maruzensky giggled “Does the Empress have a personal bias as well?”
“She's got a whole gaggle of them. Duramente is a childhood friend of hers, and Mejiro Dober looks up to her. She even dotes on Admire Groove like she was her little sister. She can't help collecting them, I suppose.” Air Groove always set aside time to assist the juniors. She was like that from the beginning, Rudolf was fearful she would overwork herself and her racing would suffer, but she performed beautifully on the turf despite it. It was something she admired in Air Groove. Her passion for teaching the Umas without trainers, and her selflessness to help others grow. She couldn't help but worry constantly about her health, if she was getting enough sleep. But she valued the same things Air Groove did, she understood how much of a labour of love it was.
“Are you any different? I'd include dear Oguri in your troop as well, Rudolf.” Maruzensky smiled and slipped her tea.
“Perhaps you're right…” Rudolf sighed “Tell me… Brian said the most curious thing to me lately. She said she forgot we were in a relationship”
“Really?” The supercar cocked her head to the side. “I suppose she can be a bit air-headed when racing is not involved. I wonder when she will get a little junior of her own”
“Yeah… I suppose it just caught my attention. Air Groove and I don't seem very close do we…” She spoke light heartedly, like this was nothing more than a little tease at Brian for being so rough and anti-social.
“I wouldn't say that… besides you're so busy and she has her own duties as well”
“I know.” This is what she wanted to hear, reassurance that she hadn't made a mistake, that it had just been a mutual slip up.
“Anyway, how is the leg? Still sore?”
“Not really. The anti inflammatories I'm taking let me train on it, and I haven't been having any issues with it” That was a lie. It hurt. But she wanted to power through it. She wanted everything to be ok and for her to continue running. But even now, her leg felt like dead weight, a lump of lead she couldn't move while she was sitting at her desk. Her pace, even on her short run that morning, was strained and jumbled. She could hardly run straight. Rudolf so desperately wanted to unload these feelings. But, she was scared. She was scared of shattering that perfect image in everyone's minds. She was a coward. It was the same reason why she brought up Brian's comment. She was weak, and wanted consolation where she truly deserved none. How much longer could she lie to herself?
~~~~~
It was dark by the time Air Groove returned to Tracen. She was about to miss curfew, she couldn't make a shame of herself as vice president by being seen breaking it. She was just going to quickly nip into the president’s office to sign off on the invoice the president surely had ready so it could be filed tomorrow morning. She opened the door without knocking, and was met with Symboli Rudolf, in full racewear. She was staring out of the window into the pitch black. The green military style uniform, the golden sash and red cape. She looked like an Emperor. She was magnificent. But Air Groove was stunned by the fact she was here right now, wearing it. Rudolf had heard her come up, spinning quickly before realising it was just her. “Oh, Air Groove…”
“I'm sorry, I just came in to sign off the invoice…why are you in your racewear?” Air Groove stood in place, not knowing if she should leave the president to whatever this was, or if now was the opportune moment to discuss what needed to be spoken aloud.
Rudolf looked down and smiled, like she had only just realised again she was wearing it “Well…I suppose we should have a talk”
“Yes, we should” We should? About what? What has that got to do with her racewear? Air Groove was nervous but ready to discuss… that problem. But this was throwing her for a loop.
“I'm retiring” Rudolf was smiling, but it was clear on her face that stating it brought her no joy. It looked like she was about to cry. The polished emperor looked like she was made of paper, about to blow over with the weight of that decision. Like she wasn't herself anymore.
“Y…what?” Air Groove stared at her. She had only come back from America recently. She was set to announce her race schedule for the new year soon. Wasn't she planning a come back to the Japanese circuit? Rudolf had pulled out of the Takarazuka Kinen because of injury in her senior year, and surely she wanted to try her hand again at the Fall Tenno Sho after coming so close. Wasn't she planning for Europe as well? Rudolf's plans were never consistent until they were concrete and announced, but Air Groove had listened to her wonder aloud for her races after America. This was such a shock.
“I know it's a bit of a surprise but…” Rudolf hugged her arms a little “I think it's time to let the new generation we seem to enjoy stoking the flames up to catch the spotlight. I think I made a mistake, running abroad. I didn't give myself the time to get used to the turf, and I hurt myself before the race. I thought I didn't need to do the same as everyone else, and get used to the difference in turf before running. I suppose I've grown arrogant.” The way she said it, it sounded like she didn't believe it herself.
It was odd to see her so vulnerable. Air Groove stepped forward, no longer able to linger in the back of the room as Rudolf looked so fragile. She knew she was injured, she read it in the newspaper. But Rudolf had refused to speak on it in length. She wouldn't talk about her injury to the press, and when Air Groove tried to ask how she was she laughed it off, and assured her she was ok and on medication to fix it. Air Groove’s retirement felt like it had widened the gap between them. She quit right after senior year, feeling that she had done everything she was capable of and had no regrets, while Rudolf recommitted herself to training. She wasn't satisfied yet, she wanted more glory. Seven crowns was a historic number but she wanted more, she felt like she had to. That she owned it to Japan to become such a star, that she could drag them into a new era all on her own. She spoke of it like it was this great honour, but Air Groove had seen the great stress it put her under.
Rudolf worked through injuries and setbacks her entire career, and refused to back down from any challenge in front of her. Air Groove saw her run herself ragged and reprimanded her for it countless times. She nearly ran herself off the turf before the Satsuki Sho, guilty of being injured previously when she should have been training for it. Rudolf didn't take Air Groove’s concerns seriously, and let her anger bounce off her. But when it came time for Air Groove to lose her own nerves and come close to burning herself out from stress and overwork, she suddenly decided then to understand the need for rest. How awful the two of them were, so content to hurt each other with their other self neglect. It was that intimate closeness that made Air Groove fall for her. The president has been so distant to everyone else. Runners of her generation barely gave her trouble in the classics, no one worked as hard as her. As such no one got to see Rudolf at her lowest, moping after receiving word from the doctor that she couldn't run in the Takarazuka Kinen. Or pushing herself to the breaking point before the Satsuki Sho. But Air Groove was there. She blew up on her after having to restrain her in the dead of night when she tried to go for one more lap. She begged her to look after herself, to think about how much people wanted to see her run and that she had to rest if she wanted to make that happen. If she so desperately wanted to win the classics she had to make sure she was fit to run them first. She had been there to console her through every injury, to help her through her road of recovery. She never allowed her to go back to the self flagellation that she did to punish herself for getting injured between the Yayoi and the Satsuki Sho. Sure, Rudolf was strong, and in everyone's eyes she was the very embodiment of perfection. But Air Groove knew the truth, that she was just as nervous and desperate to win as anyone else. But Rudolf never vocalised it. She let Air Groove shout at her, help her recover, and be by her side. And when Air Groove repeated the same destructive behaviours, especially when she lost the Shuka Sho, Rudolf's own quiet fury came out to her then. She had never seen her so angry as when she turned up to Air Groove's hospital room after she broke her ankle training. She ended up on a hiatus until the Mermaid Stakes the following June. But she almost refused to acknowledge her own weakness. To hear her speak it plainly was totally new.
“I… I prefer being here. In Japan, at Tracen. I was so terribly homesick, and I missed you most of all. I haven't been fair to you though, I'm sorry. I fear if I continue I'll only be prolonging the inevitable, and lose you completely along the way. I couldn't bear the thought” Rudolf's gaze lowered to the floor, her original plans of taking the crowns she narrowly missed before, and then making a charge to take the Arc for Japan, lay in ruins. Her old injuries were catching up with her, that shoulder of hers always reared its head every few months, and she kept finding new ways to hurt each of her legs. She never had a fracture, no long term issues, but every little knock was building up on her. This was her last year at Tracen, six years since she entered middle school here and began training. No one ran every year, some waited until their second year to debut, others made sure to retire before their final year to focus on exams. Most ran for three. Rudolf was starting her final year in the college and her first race of the fifth racing year of hers was America. But she was putting a stop to it. She had run herself to the end. She just was not as fast as she was. She's rather end on the high notes of her fourth year, calling her brief stunt in America a bucket list dream before retirement. She wouldn't suffer the embarrassment of being defeated at home.
“It's ok… I… I missed you too” Air Groove could feel her monotonous nature slipping, she had to be up front here. She had to be honest about her feelings, in order to keep what she wanted. She couldn't dare hide any longer as she watched her love force her own truth out. “I suppose I only felt the distance between us when I retired and had more time for you, but we kept missing each other. I'm sorry I was so cold yesterday…. I was frustrated, and I'm not good with words” Air Groove had never thought any less of Rudolf when she had seen her so utterly defeated, and Rudolf pretended like those moment never happened. She always wanted to preserve the perfect image in everyone's mind, not realising that what made Air Groove love her was her unshakable humanity. How much she accomplished after struggling through so much. She had never bought into Rudolf's mask.
“It's alright, you have every right to be. I'll admit…I thought just being around you with others, or centered on council work was enough. I enjoy spending time with you… but I understand that's not enough.” Rudolf went to reach out to her, then hesitated. Air Groove locked eyes with her arm, and then looked up back at her. It was this again, Rudolf waiting to give her the okay to touch her. What did it mean? Did she not want to? Why was she still withdrawing away from her?
“I know, I want that too. I'm sorry if I don't make it clear sometimes. I…just felt a little…insecure being with you” Air Groove’s ears flattened, it was embarrassing to admit how inadequate she felt sometimes “I feel like someone else would be a better fit for you, one more impressive…or-”
Rudolf's tender eyes focused quickly, and she quickly took both hands and held Air Grooves face softly “No, Darling…I…absolutely not. You are my sun. You shine like gold to me, there can be no one else. I… I'm so sorry you felt like that” The words torrented out of her in a panic, as if hearing her partner speak so lowly of herself was too painful to hear, especially if she was the cause of her strife.
Air Groove’s face heated up under the soft touch of her partner's white velvet gloves. Rudolf called her the sun before, when she described how both of them wished to nurture the next generation of races. Rudolf desired to be the earth, and truly she meant the world to Air Groove as well. She wished for the Emperor to see her as the sun, and be the earth that so desperately wanted to meet her at the horizon. “I…” She leaned her head into Rudolf's hand, placing her own over it, a warm feeling building in her chest, filling her with needed courage to continue. Pouring her heart out to her partner. I'm sorry. It's just me. I feared when you stopped being so close to me…it was because you'd lost interest”
Rudolf froze for a moment, studying her face “...I was under the impression you…disliked this” Her hands wavered, unsure if they should leave the side of Air Groove’s face. They didn't, but their hold was noticeablely weaker. Like she had reached out to her out of instinct and wished to remove them.
“What?” Air Groove blinked, how was that possible? She felt the Emperor's hands weakened, ready to lift off of her if she moved an inch. It made her panic as she risked slipping through Rudolf's fingers once again. She couldn't repeat her mistake.
“You… you're always so tense, or you were. I felt you freezing up whenever I tried to be more intimate. Whenever I asked, you just said it was fine. I…I got nervous that you were just humouring me, that you disliked it. So I tried to let you take the reins when it came to us being physical…” Rudolf looked down bashfully “Maybe we should of had a proper talk back then as well”
“I…” Air Groove sighed, at herself. She remembered now. She was so nervous and jumpy at the beginning, Rudolf's touch did overwhelm her, and despite her wanting more she refused to acknowledge it was happening or ask for it to continue. She could remember exactly her saying it was fine for Rudolf to hold her, and then it happened less and less. She had caused that all on her own. “Oh dear…that's…no I do like it. I want it more. I…I just didn't know how to say it…I guess” She stammered slightly, her nerves fully frayed from this sincere heart to heart. The truth was such a difficult and scary thing to say aloud. “I'll tell you if I don't like something I promise…so don't stop on my behalf…I want it to”
Rudolf’s hands slipped from her face to Air Groove's slender neck, and she then moved a step closer to kiss her. That startled her, of course, but she found her hands wrapping around the president's forearms, and they locked themselves into a passionate kiss. Rudolf broke away, only to pull Air Groove in and to wrap her hands around her waist, reconnecting their mouths and pushing her tongue in to meet Air Groove’s own. The Emperor was strong, holding her tight, and warm, especially her mouth. Her hot breath tickled against Air Groove's face as they gasped for air in between. She weaved her hands around Rudolf's neck, her skin flush and hot. They broke with heavy pants, Air Groove’s face buried in her partner's neck. She felt a kiss on her own, words had poured out of them all night so action was taking the reins. Rudolf felt so full and strong in her arms, the larger than life figure she was currently attached to. But they each felt like glass, stiff and completely transparent. It was a fragile moment of clarity between them, the feeling was so refreshing it seemed to energetise the both of them. A sharp nip to her neck that made Air Groove squeak. Her face was burning up, but as she glanced up she could see the clock. “Rudolf…the time”
There was a pause, before Air Groove’s body shuddered as she felt the Emperor’s hand slip southward of her waist “You….could come to my dorm…”
They walked arm in arm through the dark corridor. The dorm leaders rarely patrolled the seniors rooms, and Rudolf's private dorm was not even in the same building as the other students. Yet Air Groove was trying to hurry her partner along. “I don't want to get caught” She hissed.
“You have nothing to worry about, what's suspicious about the president and vice president being seen entering the presidents dorm at a late hour?” Rudolf smiled, and was content to stroll quietly. Although with what awaited she allowed Air Groove to quicken their pace.
“You know what I mean…” They finally got to the room, and Rudolf unlocked the door. The lights were out, but she flicked the switch and two glass lamps lit up the entrance. The front door entered out into a modern kitchen, with the living room attached. Air Groove stood out in front of her as she closed the door. “Wow, I never realised you were living in such luxury here…” Air Groove mumbled, before she yelped in surprise as Rudolf was suddenly pressed up behind her. She kissed her neck, her hands grabbing her by the hips and moving her hands for her front, attempting to unbutton her white pants. She moved with hunger, but froze in place as Air Groove let out a small whine “President…”
“...too much?”
“No…just…we should go to the bedroom…” Air Groove unbuckled the thin belt that kept her blue cardigan closed. She was eager to shed her clothes, but also didn't want to walk through the entire apartment the next morning to get dressed. By the time they had passed through the bedroom door, she had pulled the dark cardigan off, and Rudolf had helped pull the shirt underneath over her head. Her hands felt hot on Air Grooves skin, as they caressed her before returning to her core and helped wriggle her out of her pants. She turned back to Rudolf, who while happy to strip her vice president hadn't removed a single article of clothing. Racewear could be tricky, and Air Groove helped remove the cape and epaulette, and undid her zipper at the back so then Rudolf could remove the whole dress in one. Air Groove sat on the bed, watching Rudolf carefully put away the racewear in her closet, necessary for such a special garment. Her partner returned to her with kisses, gently laying her down on the bed and getting on top. Soft against her skin, Rudolf's lips peppered her chest as her hands snaked behind to undo her bra. Air Groove sighed with relief, her hands rubbing Rudolf's strong shoulders, before going back and unhooking her bra as well. The Emperor sat upright, tossing both to the ground below, and took in the sight of her Empress. Rudolf's heart throbbed, the tip of her cock peeking out of her underwear as she stared down at her topless partner “Goddesses…you're beautiful darling”
Air Groove’s face was flush red, seeing Rudolf almost nude awoke something carnal in her that she always knew was there but never fully thought about. She had always admired her good looks, her handsome face and strong build. And to see her leaking, see her face with an expression of lust for the Empress, it was enough to make her melt. Rudolf came down once again, meeting Air Groove's lips with her own as her hand slipped underneath her underwear. She pulled them away, clasping her hand on Air Groove's core, and pressing a finger down on her clit. She moaned with surprise into Rudolf's mouth, opening her legs to give access to her partner. Rudolf was gentle, but intent on sending unimaginable waves of pleasure right through Air Groove's core. Her fingers were soon slick as the empress squirmed under her touch, relenting to the pulsing hot needs of her body. Rudolf's mouth found her neck, her tongue dragging along it before she suctioned her mouth to it, releasing with a small wet pop and a red welt left behind as she softly bit Air Groove tender skin as she was undone. Air Groove could only hug the back of her head, begging for more as her core burst with the pleasure of her climax. She panted heavily, her jaw dully stinging from the aggressive marks left by her partner. She looked up to see Rudolf shift to lay in-between her legs. Rudolf's lips brushed against her ear, her hot breath spreading goosebumps all over, the fuzzy feeling rising in her chest. Something hard pressed at the inside of her thigh. She…wanted this to go there. Maybe it felt like they had moved from barely talking to here so fast. But it felt like it was overdue, and for the first time she felt like this was something key that had been missing all this time. Rudolf's skin was hot, her muscles just underneath them and so nice to the touch. She liked the assertiveness she took with her. She was ready to give Rudolf her first. But…
“Do…do you have protection?”
Rudolf paused, struck from a daze almost. Air Groove knew it, she didn't. How would she? They didn't prepare for this, they were pouring each of their hearts out, the conversation swerved to this part of their relationship, and not couldn't just keep going with their difficult talk. Rudolf kissed her, and then suddenly the only thought in their minds was how much they needed this closeness. They hadn't worked out everything yet. But… if they stopped now-
“ I'll…take responsibility”
Air Groove thought her heart would burst from her chest. She was really intent on continuing? Even… she swallowed nervously, leaning her head against Rudolf's “Ok…” She leaned back her head, watching Rudolf rise slightly to reorient herself. “I…love you” she whispered softly, wrapping her arms around her neck and bringing her in close, neatly putting her legs around her partner's waist. If she is willing to take that risk, and accept what would need to come next, she must have truly been serious about planning their lives together back then. Air Groove couldn't help but giggle.
“I love you too…what's so funny” Rudolf kissed her softly, putting her hands through her partner's soft hair
“Nothing…just be gentle…I've never…”
“Me neither…” Rudolf kissed her deeply, savouring that intimate and admittedly awkward moment, before pushing inside of her. Air Groove gasped within the kiss, before melting into the Emperor's arms. Rudolf was clumsy, but intentionally light on her, settling into a rhythm as her partner clung to her. Air Groove moaned softly, the initial pain from her first time dissipating rather quickly. Slowly, but with clear intent, Rudolf's slow deep thrusts ramped up, her own desperation for pleasure taking hold as she sped up. She kept an eye on her partner, who only squirmed under her, whispering sweet encouragement to her to continue. The empress begged for more, pleasure pooling in her core as her tail thumped against the mattress. She could see Rudolf unravelling on top of her, her breath hot and ragged on her skin, the bitter taste of her sweat as Air Groove licked her neck to savour her. Release finally came from them both, Rudolf burying her face into Air Groove’s shoulder as she finished inside her, all while her body shook with the power of her own climax. Exhaustion followed so after, and the last thing Air Groove remembered was feeling the heavy weight of the Emperor on top of her.
Air Groove awoke late into the morning of the next day. The sun had pooled into the room via a crack in the curtains, illuminating the mess of her clothes on the floor. Groaning softly, she turned over to face away from the light and found Rudolf, still asleep. She was stirring however. Air Groove quietly rose from the bed and fished her phone out of the pants pocket. It was 10:47am, long after Rudolf should have been at training. But that no longer mattered, did it? She was retiring. Air Groove knew Rudolf would have to spin the announcement to have nothing to do with her injury and loss in America. Her pride wouldn't let her. Huffing slightly to herself, she went to turn back around to go back to the bed before she caught a look of herself in Rudolf's dresser’s mirror. She had to take a few steps closer for a better look. Bruising. A constellation of hickeys and marks from her shoulders right up below her jaw. There must have been over half a dozen. Air Groove was horrified. She'd have to cover those up with heavy make up, less everyone that saw her would know what Rudolf had done with her. But there was a small hot feeling rushing to her face. She was marked by the Emperor. A possessive display that the Empress was hers. Her neck felt tender, but she felt claimed, which was oddly satisfying.
“It appears I went a tad overboard….I apologise” Rudolf had risen at last, watching her through the mirror as she admired Rudolf's handiwork. She didn't sound like she had yesterday, her voice reverting back to the calm and collected president of Tracen Academy. Air Groove turned around, they were both still naked. Forgoing her clothes, she hopped right back into bed.
“It's late…I don't think we should delay any longer” Rudolf edged her way towards the end of the bed.
“Could I make a request?”
“What is it, my love? Breakfast in bed? I'll have it taken care of myself” Rudolf was about to slip out before Air Groove grabbed her hand “Air Groove…?”
“I think it's good you're retiring, being able to admit you're done takes a lot of courage. So…I just want you to know you don't have to act like you're perfect around me like you always do. In return…. I'll try to be more open about how I feel… so we can do…. This… more often” Air Groove felt her face burn red.
Rudolf stared at her, the idea that her hard shell had never been effective to keep our Air Groove should have been obvious, but it was still a blow to her. She was ready to act like the tough conversation they had last night never happened, and that they were always a happy healthy couple with no issues. But Air Groove wanted to reflect on their mistakes, and to have their walls permanently down to each other. It was a big ask for two people who hid between lofty images of themselves and stoic masks. But their relationship would not survive without honesty, that had been made clean. Rudolf took off the mask she had already put on for that day “I don't understand why you'd want me to be worse than something I could be”
“I prefer you when you're you…I always have.”