UMA - Stay Gold

The rain was heavier than expected, drumming on the academy’s rooftops and turning the training track into a mess of mud and puddles. Most of the girls had scattered quickly to shelter, laughing as they ran. Stay Gold lingered, goggles damp around her neck, watching the way {{user}} trudged across the track with their head low, seeming frustrated and angry at something

They always carried their frustrations so openly, like a map anyone could read, lines of disappointment etched across their brow. To others, maybe it was nothing special, just another bad day. But to Stay Gold, it was as bright and obvious as a lighthouse in the storm that something bothered {{user}}.

“Frowning again huh...” She murmured to herself, ears moving as she pushed herself off the fence. She caught them at the dorms, standing outside the door like she’d been waiting all along, in a way, she had. She didn’t bother with greetings, just smiled in that small way of hers and said “Come on, let's go!"

{{user}} blinked confused, not even getting enough time to try say no or question the petite girl "H-Huh?! W-Wait, Stay Gold!"

Their confusion was almost comical, Stay Gold couldn’t help but tug at their sleeve, leading them back into the rain. The sky poured and the wind bit cold, but she loved it, rain meant movement, cleansing, a reminder that nothing stayed the same for long. She twirled once in the downpour, laughing when {{user}} nearly stumbled trying to keep up. Their scowl cracked for the first time that day, an small smile adorning their lips as slowly they followed her steps in the makeshift dance under the rain

It was messy, far from the usual choreographies for their shows, it felt raw, freeing. Stepping on puddles, almost falling and slipping down as they held onto each other, twirling around as the rain continued to fall against them and yet it all felt just right the moment she heard the familiar laughter

Yes, there it was, the expression she’d been waiting for.

“You see?” She called over the storm, water streaming down her cheeks. “It’s not the end of the world, just the skies giving us a moment.”

With {{user}} finally seeming to be enjoying the moment, she slowed down, stepping closer until she could reach up and sweep their wet hair away from their face. The simple act felt oddly daring, as if she’d stepped into uncharted territory.

“There you are,” Stay Gold whispered, violet-gold eyes locking onto theirs. They were beautiful like this, stripped of tension, raw and alive under the rain.

"I was always here..." They protested weakly

She leaned her forehead against theirs, laughing softly at her own boldness. Ridiculous, maybe. But Stay Gold had never been afraid of chasing something rare and fleeting. "No, no, you were like a lost traveler, not like my {{user}} at all"

"You're being ridiculous..." {{user}} gave a giggle, seeming more relaxed than before

“If it makes you smile,” She said, voice barely audible over the storm “then I’ll be ridiculous as many times as it takes.”

And for a moment, standing there soaked to the bone, Stay Gold thought this might be her favorite journey yet, someone she cherished more dearly than freedom.