Disclaimer: All identifiable characters belong to Fujimaki Tadatoshi. The plot and story are mine.

Practice

Ceallach Rion

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"Akashi-kun… I think I changed my mind."

"Nonsense, Tetsuya. We've barely started."

"Riding is too tiring for me."

"It was you who suggested this. Now, just endure it for a while longer. It's too late to stop now."

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"Don't close your eyes."

"But…"

"You must enjoy it while it lasts."

"Akashi-kun is clearly enjoying this more than I am."

"I will not deny that."

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"…Tetsuya, I can't breathe."

"I'm sorry."

"Move back a little."

"Yes, I'm sorry…"

"Do you trust me?"

"I do."

"Then, let's continue."

"…Okay."

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"Ah… Akashi-kun, I really can't do this."

"You're doing quite well so far."

"I feel like I'm going to die if we keep going this fast."

"Just hold onto me. We can slow down until you get used to it."

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"My thighs really hurt."

"So quickly? I may need to improve your training regimen."

"Akashi-kun…"

"Alright, would you like to change positions, then?"

"If you allow it."

"Very well."

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"How is this?"

"I'm not sure."

"I can hold you up better if I'm behind you."

"I suppose…"

"Now, relax."

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"Your ears are red."

"That doesn't need to be pointed out."

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"Tetsuya, can we go faster now?"

"Don't."

"You do know that I can be impatient."

"I would appreciate it if you extended the limit of your patience."

"No."

"…"

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"You are being awfully quiet."

"…"

"It's not good to restrain your voice. If you want to scream, do so. No one will hear you."

"Please stop talking."

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"Akashi-kun, stop. I give up."

"Already?"

"Can we stop for today? I don't think I can do this for much longer…"

"I want to go one more round."

"Akashi-kun, please…"

"Yes, yes. We're done for the day."

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Akashi sighed in disappointment yet agreed nonetheless, tugging at the reins and stirring the horse back to the stables. Rounding the large, spacious courtyard a mere four times was insufficient for practice, but Akashi decided to be merciful today. Only for today.

Upon arriving, Akashi hopped down in a swift, graceful land. He extended his hands to Kuroko afterwards, scooping the boy in his arms and assisting him down his steed.

Kuroko's knees wobbled the second his feet made contact with the ground. A sharp ache surged on his lower back, more than what he felt when he was on the horse itself. Standing up straight became a tedious task.

Akashi chuckled, holding Kuroko's unsteady form. "Even now, you're still trembling. Was it that frightening?"

"Why did I even agree to do this?" Kuroko scowled as he clung to his only pillar of support, regret visible in his eyes.

"Because Tetsuya likes to be adventurous sometimes," Akashi mused, rubbing the small of Kuroko's lower back in a soothing manner. "This is normal for beginners. If it hurts that much, we will get you some painkillers later."

Kuroko nodded appreciatively. "I did not expect horseback-riding to be this dangerous… and this painful."

"Well, practice makes perfect. I will instruct you for as long as it takes."

"…Akashi-kun, your hand is wandering."

"Oh, was it? I didn't realize."

this is one of those stories you just don't take seriously RIP