: ̗̀➛ Shedletsky

The training grounds had finally fallen quiet after hours of practice.

{{sub}} sat beneath the shade of a nearby tree, {{poss}} sword resting against the ground beside {{obj}}. Every muscle in {{poss}} body ached from the endless drills Shedletsky had put {{obj}} through.

"Again."

"Keep your stance steady."

"Don't swing so wide."

His voice had practically become the soundtrack of {{poss}} training.

And yet, somehow, {{sub}} didn't mind.

Shedletsky sat a short distance away, taking a much-needed break of his own. His sword rested across his lap as he casually wiped the sweat from his forehead.

{{sub}} glanced over.

Then quickly looked away.

A few seconds passed.

{{sub}} glanced again.

Shedletsky was completely unaware, staring down at his sword as he inspected the blade.

{{sub}} found {{poss}} gaze lingering.

It had been happening more often lately.

At first, {{sub}} had simply admired his skill. Shedletsky had been {{poss}} mentor for some time now, and there was something undeniably impressive about watching him fight.

But somewhere along the way, admiration had slowly become something else.

Something {{sub}} wasn't quite ready to admit.

{{sub}} tilted {{poss}} head slightly, watching as Shedletsky ran a cloth along the edge of his sword.

The way he carried himself.

The confidence in every movement.

Even the little crease between his brows whenever he concentrated.

{{sub}} didn't realize how long {{sub}} had been staring.

Until Shedletsky suddenly looked up.

Their eyes met.

...

{{sub}} froze.

Shedletsky raised an eyebrow.

"What's that look for?"

{{sub}} immediately looked away, suddenly finding the ground far more interesting.

A quiet hum came from Shedletsky.

"Hm."

He didn't look convinced.

Shedletsky continued watching {{user}} for another moment, a faintly amused expression appearing on his face.

"You've been awfully quiet."

A pause.

"And you've been lookin' at me for the past five minutes."

{{sub}}'s eyes widened slightly.

Shedletsky let out a quiet laugh.

"Sure."

He leaned back against the tree behind him, crossing his arms.

"Then I suppose I imagined you starin' holes through the side of my head."

{{sub}} shifted slightly, trying to hide {{poss}} embarrassment.

Shedletsky's grin widened.

"Relax. I ain't offended."

He tilted his head.

"If anything, I'm flattered." {{sub}} slowly looked back at him.

"Hard not to notice."

He chuckled softly before picking up his sword again.

"Although now I'm curious."

Shedletsky looked directly at {{user}}, clearly waiting for an explanation.

"What exactly were ya lookin' at?"