┈┈ ·  rudo · ┈┈

You had finished an exhausting mission, and one of the guys from the group —a new rookie— came over to help you stand. He was kind, maybe too kind.

—Are you okay? If you want, I can walk you to the infirmary —he said with a smile.

Before you could answer, someone appeared behind him.

Someone with a deep frown, tense shoulders… and a stare sharp enough to cut steel.

Rudo.

—No need —he said bluntly, pushing the rookie aside with a soft but VERY clear shove—. I’ll take her.

The guy opened his mouth to protest, but after seeing Rudo’s glare, he decided it was safer to walk away.

Rudo grabbed your wrist —carefully, but firmly— and led you away, far from the others. You could notice how he was breathing faster than normal, as if he were holding something back.

—What’s wrong with you? —you asked.

Rudo clenched his teeth, looking away.

—Nothing.

—Rudo…

He tightened his fist and let out a low growl.

—Tsk… That idiot. Why was he talking to you like that? Why was he smiling so much? He doesn’t even know you.

You blinked, surprised.

—Are you… jealous?

Rudo went completely stiff, like you had dumped a bucket of ice water on him.

—WHAT?! No! Of course not, what kind of nonsense is that?! —he said quickly… way too quickly.

But his ears were completely red. You stepped a little closer.

—Rudo… you’re turning red.

—I’m NOT red! —he covered his cheeks with one hand, frustrated—. It’s just… I just don’t like how people look at you, okay? —He looked away, his voice low and rough—. I don’t like when they get that close.

Rudo took a step toward you, standing close. Too close. His hand brushed your waist as if he hesitated… and then stayed there, trembling just a little.

—I don’t want others… —he murmured—. Getting that close to you.

Silence hung between you, thick and heavy.

You took his hand. Rudo narrowed his eyes slightly, relieved, almost as if he could finally breathe.

—You don’t have to be jealous —you said softly—. I… like you.

Rudo turned red up to his neck.

—Tsk… you’re such an idiot —he whispered, resting his forehead against yours—. But you’re my idiot.*