Work Text:
Scent is such a mysterious thing, the way it cradles you in its embrace, bewitches and lures you in until you don’t remember what it was like to live without it.
It probably sounds strange coming from me, someone who never had much interest in perfumes or scent lotions. They existed around me, but I didn’t partake in them, especially not now.
Not when I’m a trainer at the Central Tracen Academy, where the top elites of trainers and Uma Musumes gather. All trainers received strict lectures on Uma musumes' strong sensitivity towards intense smells.
But lately, I’ve noticed it more and more due to my Uma Musume, Dream Journey—a quiet girl who wears a polite smile but hides something deeper. Or so the rumors say. I always thought Dream Journey was a good girl.
Well, yeah, sometimes it feels like an unsettling aura rises behind her, and the corner of her lips feels sharper, but it must be my imagination!
I've been Dream Journey’s trainer for about a year now. Although we had a rocky start, I can confidently say that we have grown closer than before.
Anyway, Journey wears a custom-made perfume that is unique to her. She is one of the few Uma Musumes I know who wears it. It has a strong, smoky, almost alluring scent and gives a sense of luxury.
At first, I thought it was unusual for someone of small stature like Journey to wear something so strong, but now, I don't think anyone is better suited for it than she.
In the trainer room, a place that exists for her and me. Steeped in her presence, her scent wraps around every corner, brushing against me like a memory that refuses to fade. From the sofa where we would discuss tactics, to the counter where she makes exquisite cups of tea, to my desk, where she would stand next to me as we review clips of her recent races.
Even in her absence, the trace of her perfume lingers, wrapping around my neck and caressing my cheek as it envelops me.
It's… comforting. But also frightening how I've grown so dependent on her being.
I’m the adult between the two of us…! I can’t be so unreliable! I grab the Dream Journey plushie and muzzle my face into it. Even this had her scent.
Oh…! Would you look at the time, Journey’s meeting with the council should be ending soon. I should go pick her up.
Tracen Academy is truly a wonderful place, but its hallways, with their many corners, can be intimidating for new visitors.
Speaking of corners… just as I was about to take a left turn, I heard an energetic voice coming closer from behind the left corner.
“Dream Journey-senpai! I need your help-“, her sentence cut off the moment she saw me. Her feet froze in her tracks.
What caught my attention first was her ears—an Uma Musume wearing the tracen uniform, holding some paperwork in her hands.
Did she mistake me for Journey?
I smile warmly, “Yes? Journey is currently at a meeting right now. Is there anything I can do for you?”
She stammered in a flustered manner, “n-no! It’s okay!” She waved her hands in denial and ran off before I could say anything else.
Since she was an uma musume, she was gone in a flash. The way she ran while talking is impressive… maybe I can use that for Journey’s next training.
I continue my path while thinking such thoughts.
What I didn’t know were the fierce whispers under her breath as she ran off.
“Oh geez! I can’t believe I did that! So embarrassing…” the uma musume who just ran off exclaimed.
“I could’ve sworn that it was Journey-senpai’s scent. No mistake about it! Then why…”
“Why does Journey-senpai’s trainer smell so much like her…?”
After some thinking, a lightbulb shone on top of her head before she blushed intensely. She shook her head, as if trying to clear her mind. “Journey-senpai and her trainer…!”
Ba-coom!
The imagination running through her mind overwhelmed her and blew up into smoke from the heat! It'll take some time to cool down…
…
It took a few minutes, but I finally reached the student council doors. Honestly, I was so lost in thought that I almost didn’t realize I was here.
I checked the watch on my wrist, a black watch with red and gold accents that Journey had gifted me for Christmas.
I knock on the door.
Soon after, I heard Symboli Rudolf’s voice telling me to come in.
She cracked the door open and was welcomed by the entire council plus some frequent visitors.
The Bright Star, Symboli Sirius
With her hands behind her head, she takes up the entire sofa. Sirius tilts her head up to look at the trainer. “Oh, speak of the devil.”
The Emperor, Symboli Rudolf.
“Journey’s trainer, welcome.” She sits behind her desk, her hands crossed on the table. Her usual smile was present on her face.
The Empress, Air Groove.
Standing on Rudolf's left side, her arms held a thick binder. Her sharp eyes turned to me as I walked closer after closing the door.
The Wild Beast, Narita Brian.
With her arms crossed in front of her chest, she stands menacingly on Rudolf’s right without a word.
The Chief of the Turf, Mr C.B.
Sitting on the arm of the sofa Sirius is lying on, her legs playfully swinging with a carefree look on her face.
The Supercar, Maruzensky.
“Aha, Journey’s trainer~” she playfully winked at me from the opposite sofa. Why is everyone here? Was there a super serious meeting? Similar thoughts were flying through my head.
Now all eyes were on me, including…
Dream Journey… my trainee, my partner, my guide. Standing in front of Rudolf’s desk with her usual calm smile.
“Ara, has it gotten this late already? Thank you for coming to pick me up, trainer-san.”
Dream Journey approached me and placed her slender hand on my arm.
At that moment, the entire room simultaneously honed into Journey’s hand. I blink slowly, confusion all over my face, while my partner shows no reaction.
The council showed multiple reactions of inquisitiveness.
I looked to Dream Journey, hoping to find some hint on her beautiful face. But nothing. So we just stand there, the centerpiece of everyone else’s eyes.
It wasn’t until C.B. sniffed the room and gave an ‘aha’ expression. Leading the others to do the same, breaking the tension in the room.
I raised my arm and tried to sniff myself. Maybe I stink?
Sirius narrowed her eyes at me, then at Journey. “You… you’re pretty good.”
Journey did a little curtsy bow before taking my hand, “Thank you kindly, now then. We’ll be off.” Then they left.
After we left the room…
Maruzensky was the first to speak, “How cuteeeeee! Did you see that? Did you see that?”
Sirius scoffed, “That musume… she has a tight hold of her puppy, it seems.”
“I’m thankful to Dream Journey; we were able to learn a lot.” Rudolf supplied. “What do you think, Air Groove?”
Air Groove was lost in thought until the emperor called her, “h-huh? Oh… while it wasn’t proper for the council to be having a meeting like this… I indeed learned plenty.”
“Hehe, it was so natural~ I do that with my trainer sometimes too.” C.B. casually remarked.
Brian silently nodded, seemingly lost in thought. “Marking her prey…”
…
“Journey…? What was that all about?” My lashes fluttered hesitantly. Her hand was still holding mine, and we walked side by side down the hall, our fingers interlocking before I realized it.
It was a subconscious action; after all, Journey has held her hand this way for as long as she can remember.
Dream Journey smiled and rubbed her thumb to the corner of my eye. “How was your morning?” Journey had class in the morning and then the council meeting that lasted until noon. We couldn’t see each other as the trainer’s room was in the more isolated areas.
I’ve always been somewhat of a yapper, but Journey always listened patiently without complaints.
Subconsciously, I would swing our intertwined hands gently, my other hand moving widely in animation. Journey didn’t say anything about it; she just let her arm be handled, her eyes not pulling away from me.
“Oh—“ suddenly stopping in our tracks, I remembered the small event that had happened earlier. Something odd happened today. A student mistook me for you as I was turning the corner!” I scratched my cheek.
My confusion is understandable, being at least 15mm taller and having a high ponytail compared to Journey’s long, flowing black hair. There was almost no similarity between her and Journey besides gender. “It seems the student needed your help with something, but she ran off before I could say anything…”
My body drooped visibly. Despite being a bit older and taller than her trainee, Journey tends to be more mature. My eyes furrowed slightly as I glanced at Journey with puppy-like eyes, “Do I look unreliable? You can tell me the truth.”
Journey giggled behind her hand, her eyes curved joyfully like a crescent moon. She reached out her free hand and cupped my face. “Nonsense, trainer-san is very reliable. After all, how many rookies can bring their first Uma Musume to win multiple G1 races?”
I lean in Journey’s hand unconsciously; her palm's warm, soft cushion comforts her greatly. “But.. that’s just because Journey is amazing…”
“Then we can be amazing together.” Journey gently taps her forehead against mine, who is hunched over slightly. “You promise to fulfil my dreams… the end of a journey.”
“Hehe… of course. As long as you run Journey, I will always support you.” I smile back.
Ah… It’s always like this. Being spoiled by Journey’s kind and reassuring words. Even if the rest of the world condemns me, as long as I have her by my side.
We got lost in their little world as if we weren’t in the middle of a hallway…
“Oi.”
A tall uma musume with a golden mane interrupted them from behind, her voice laced with irritation. “What are you doing?”
Before them was Orferve, Dream Journey’s beloved younger sister, her arms were crossed, and her eyebrows were furrowed. Her very being felt demanding as her eyes focused on us.
As expected of Journey’s younger sister, both radiate talent and potential.
“Oh, Oru. Are you back from training?” Journey pulled back her head and turned to Orferve like nothing had happened. Of course, she didn’t pull back her hand.
“I-I’m here too!” A head peeked from behind Orferve.
Oh, there she is. As Orferve’s “staff”, it’s rare to see them apart. Rarely one without the other.
Standing at only 165, Orferve’s trainer was blocked entirely from our view before she peeked out. “Orfe, I want to say hi to senpai too!”
She held on to Orferve’s bicep as she waved at me with a happy look on her face, to which I returned. “Senpai~ I missed you~!”
She and I used to attend the same classes during university days, aiming to become trainers. I once helped her with a project, and she has latched on.
Unnoticeably, both Dream Journey and Orferves’ expressions grew a bit darker.
“Shut up, don’t interrupt this king.” Orferve reached her hand and pushed her trainer’s head behind her.
“Aww…” Orferve’s trainer let herself be manhandled as if it were a usual occurrence, which it probably is. “Meany king…” she pouts.
Orferve’s trainer might be one of the only people to treat her like this, besides her sister and the rest of the Golden family.
She graduated trainer university a year after me, meaning she’s a fellow rookie who somehow managed to sign with Orfeve, a short-tempered king with worldly ambition. She debuted a year after Journey, but her records are already record-breaking.
“What are you two doing, flirting in a place like this?” Orferve’s voice snapped the trainer out of her thoughts. Flirting? Who? Me and Journey?
“Hehe… we were just walking from the council meeting and got caught up in our discussion is all.” Journey responded without missing a beat.
“Hmph.” Orferve turned her head away.
“Sister, flies always swarm towards the fire without knowing the consequences. Your “mark” is too subtle.” She left behind that confusing remark and walked away.
Her trainer, eyes blinking foolishly, had no idea what had just happened and chased after Orferve. As she turned around, I saw a glimpse of her earrings. They were gold earrings with multiple tiny jewels scattered across… they reminded me of Orferve’s racing outfit.
“Orfe, why are we leaving? What does that meannnnnn?” Her voice was gradually drifting further and further away.
I was dumbfounded by the short conversation that just happened and unable to speak. I looked to Journey for any clues, but I only saw her frown.
“Journey?” I call out hesitantly, my hand squeezing hers. Only then did she snap back out of her focus.
“Oh- I’m sorry, trainer-san. I was thinking about Oru’s words. She’s right… flies wouldn’t be flies if they were smart.” She chuckled deeply, a dark aura rising from her.
I blinked, then obliviously smiled, happy that Journey seemed to be having fun.
I swing our arms as we continue to walk back to the trainer’s room.
A week later…
“Trainer-san, please take this.” Journey handed me a small bottle. I held it up to my eyes and squinted to read the words. “This is… perfume?”
“Yes, to show my appreciation.”
Eh? Journey is strict with her preferences and only uses one brand. Does that mean… this is from that really expensive one??
A 120ml bottle is worth 3 months' worth of my salary!
“N-no no no no no… I can’t take this, especially from my trainee. I’m thankful, Journey, but-” Flustered but unsure of what to do, I try to hand it back.
“So you won’t accept my gift…?” she interrupted my ramble, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she looked disappointed.
I clutch my chest at her expression, too cute!
I close my eyes tightly, trying to reason it out. Chibi devil Journey and chibi angel Journey are fighting intensely in my head.
My first and only trainee gave me a present.
But she’s a student and I’m the trainer.
But she customized it for me.
But it’s really expensive.
But-
“Oh, I forgot to mention, the perfume is the same as mine.
Bam! The devil Journey came out victorious!
I’m accepting it because I can’t disappoint Journey! It’s not because the perfume is the same scent as hers, no way!
“I’ll gladly take this! Thank you very much!” I held the perfume bottle with both hands and bowed.
Journey giggled at my dramatic performance.
“Do you know how to use it?” She took the perfume and spritzed it on her left wrist. My eyes followed her every movement.
Before I knew it, we were centimeters apart. Her face was so close to my neck, I bet she could hear my heart pounding. She reached out her wrist and gently tapped it on both sides of my nape.
This is where the scent lingers the strongest, she tells me, my eyes focus on her lips intensely. When I realized my blunder, I shut my eyes tightly.
Since when was teaching someone to use perfume this intimate?!
When she withdrew her hand, I thought it was over, but just before I was able to sigh in relief-
She leans her head towards my chest, her nose dangerously close to my nape. Nevermind perfume, I bet she can smell my sweat! Oh no…
But I don’t push her away, not like I can anyway.
I had my eyes closed for who knows how long—5 minutes? 10 minutes? An hour? Realistically, only a couple of seconds.
When I finally had the bravery to reopen my eyes, I found that Dream Journey was right there! Her face was literally millimeters from mine, and I could feel our breath intertwining.
“Please wear this everyday, trainer-san. ❤️”
She pulled away, her eyes still meeting mine. I can’t imagine what my face looks like right now, but I’m sure it’s completely red.
My knees gave out, and I collapsed onto the sofa nearby.
Journey smiled and walked towards the door. “I’ll see you later for training.” And left.
Left me… dazed, red, and lying sluggishly on the sofa. I covered my face with both my hands and groaned audibly. “You’re so unfair… Journey…”
BONUS:
Because the trainer is now wearing the exact perfume as Journey, compared to before, where her close proximity merely left a hint of her scent, whereas now it's clear that Journey left her mark on her.
The rumor has spread like wildfire throughout the school. Of course, shutting it down would be simple for a certain dark-haired umamusume with glasses, but why should she?
Let the gnats leave on their own.