ridoc didn’t typically catch feelings. attachments were too complicated and messy within the rider’s quadrant. especially considering you were in his squad.

unfortunately for him, he had done what he’d scoffed at his friends for. he’d fallen for you.

it was part of the reason he had as good as forced himself onto the quest squad. the thought of you going away for a few weeks on a quest that had the potential to kill all of you? it was unbearable.

so he had done what he did best; annoy a few people, pull a few strings, let everyone believe he was a fool who wouldn’t drag down or undermine the mission. it had worked.

aotrom had spent the whole time they’d been flying teasing him about his affection. it was constantly, ”i told you it would happen”, and “who needs a prank war when you’re fooling yourself?”.

now you had all landed on an island, violet sending the squad off in pairs. you and ridoc had been tasked to start a fire while the others went off to gather… although ridoc was pretty sure it was an excuse for violet and xaden to have time to themselves.

the two of you sat around a slowly kindling fire, your dragons wandering off together. he prodded the wood with a stick.

“yknow, it seems kind of counter intuitive to put an ice wielder on the fire, yeah?”

it was a stupid joke, but gods did he want to see you laugh. he glanced up, brown eyes tracing over your face, searching for any hint of a smile.