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“Hey Kaichou, can I come over tonight?”
Symboli Rudolf was at her desk in the student council room, reviewing documents needed for the upcoming school cultural festival. Seated between her legs was Tokai Teio, looking at her expectantly.
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”
Teio gently took the stack of papers from the president’s hands and placed them on the table. She tilted her head and shoulders slightly to face Rudolf with a cheeky smile.
“I said, can we have a sleepover tonight? At your place.”
The president placed her hand at her chin in deep thought."Sleepover, huh. The dorm rules don't allow us to stay overnight in another room though…" She inched forward to arrange the messy files. "I wouldn't set a very good example if I allowed this, would I, Teio?"
The smaller girl frowned in disappointment. "Y'know, it's just a small request. From your girlfriend. Girlfriend."
"I can't-"
"Kaichou, if we both stay silent, and Mayano-chan doesn't spill any beans, no one will possibly find out!"
"You may be right, but-"
"Yes I'm totally right! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to train! See you later, Kaichou!" Teio got down from her seat and rushed out of the student council room in a flash.
Fear of breaking the school rules lingered in Rudolf’s mind for a while, but the matter was soon thrown to the back of her mind due to the immense amount of work. Keeping oneself busy was a way to cope with worry, after all.
It wasn’t until when she returned to her dorms, feeling exhausted and ready for a hot shower, and seeing her girlfriend waiting impatiently in front of her room that realization hit her. Teio, arms crossed, was leaning against the wall. She had a small backpack lying on the floor.
“Took you long enough!”
Rudolf fished out her keys and unlocked the wooden door. “You didn’t specify the time though,” she smirked at the infuriated girl. “Well, come in, I guess…” She hesitantly stepped aside for the younger girl to enter the room first, before closing the door.
She has been living on her own for months since Rudolf’s last roommate moved away. She definitely enjoyed the peace and quiet though. Being as popular as ever, there was never a day she wouldn’t get surrounded by crowds. The little solitary time she had to herself at night put her mind at ease.
“Kaichou, your room is so neat!”
The amber haired girl skipped around the room with glee, before sitting down on a bed. The empty bed was at the right side of the room, and it was clean and looked unlived in. Rudolf sat on her own bed on the left, which had a green comforter instead of a normal white one.
She noticed Teio was still in her uniform. “Teio, did you not shower before you came over?”
“I ran here as soon as I could! But a certain someone kept her girlfriend waiting for three whole hours! ”
“Sorry…” Rudolf got up and turned on the water heater. “Do you want to go in first then?”
The shorter girl had a mischievous glint in her eyes. Not good.
“Why don’t we enter together, Kaichou?”
Rudolf’s face turned slightly red at the thought of bathing together with Teio. “Don’t joke around, Teio.”
“I’m serious! That way you can help save water and electricity bills for the school!” Teio tried to convince her. The president furrowed her eyebrows. That is true, she thought, her responsibility haunting her.
She began removing her ribbon and uniform. “Alright, alright. We’ll get in together.” When she heard no response, she glanced over to see Teio slowly removing her own clothes with her back facing Rudolf.
The president scoffed. So much for the enthusiasm.
After dumping the worn clothes into a small basket, Rudolf entered the bathroom. Teio was standing at the door, frozen with embarrassment. Whose genius idea was it to suggest bathing together? None other than the biggest clown- no, circus, Tokai Teio.
She thought of something Gold Ship had once said. "You are not a clown, you are the entire circus."
Thanks a lot, random Gold Ship quotes.
She instantly regretted even mentioning this in the first place, using her fingers to shield the view of Rudolf’s naked body.
“Getting embarrassed now?”
“I…” Teio felt herself get pulled into the bathroom. “W-wait, Kaichou…”
Rudolf took the shower and quickly rinsed the shorter girl’s hair. “Too late, no escape for you~”
Her playful tone gave Teio quite a shock. She hasn’t heard anything of the sort escape the president’s lips before. There were still so many things she hadn't learnt about Rudolf. The taller girl moved on to apply some shampoo on Teio’s hair. The younger girl sniffed at the familiar lavender scent. It’s the shampoo Kaichou uses!
“The shampoo smells like you, Kaichou.”
This earned a chuckle from the president as she washed Teio’s hair in a proficient way. They finished up at the shower area when Teio saw the bathtub at the other side of the bathroom.
“This bathtub looks brand new! Can we try this?” asked Teio excitedly, like a young child.
Rudolf nodded. She hasn’t used the new bathtub at all ever since the old one was replaced. It wouldn’t hurt to try to relax once in a while. The two hopped in after filling it to the brim with warm water. There was hardly enough space for two people. Teio had no choice but to seat herself in front of the president. The younger girl stayed still in an uncomfortable position, trying her best not to lean onto Rudolf too much.
“M-maybe this wasn’t a good idea…” muttered Teio, her face red like a tomato.
“Hm, why not?” The oblivious president placed her hands on Teio’s waist and pulled her close, out of pity that the girl had to use her elbows on the sides of the bathtub to support herself. Teio jolted at the sudden body contact, but was unable to free herself from the president’s grip on her stomach.
“Do you know why Rice never uses the bathtub?” Rudolf’s strange question popped out of the blue.
“Er, why?”
“Because she’s Rice Shower!” The president burst out laughing from her newly created pun. The girl in her arms cracked up too, any weird emotions from earlier gone in an instant. “That was a good one, Kaichou!” Laughters of the couple rang within the bathroom walls.
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Controller in hand, Teio skimmed through the local TV channels, switching channels with speed. She was wearing one of Rudolf's spare shirts. The oversized cloth made it look like a dress on her small stature.
“What show are you looking for?” The president had just completed her hair care routine and unplugged the hairdryer from the wall socket. “They don’t have much variety other than horse girl racing programmes,” she mused.
“It’s gotta be here somewhere… Ah found it!” Teio leaned back on the spare bed she was sitting on, satisfied with her search. The programme introduced triple crown horse girls and their achievements. Footage of Rudolf racing in her second Arima Kinen was being shown alongside with a commentary of a horse racing specialist. Teio’s eyes never left the screen, watching the programme attentively.
Being the first Triple Crown horse girl, Rudolf had always been the center of attention wherever she went. She had long grown accustomed to the eyes of admiration, or even envy of others. Somehow, she still hasn’t gotten used to her girlfriend watching footage of her on the TV.
“That turn…! Yes! It’s amazing no matter how many times you watch this,” cheered Teio, bouncing around on her bed.
“How many times have you watched this… race video?” Rudolf asked sheepishly, getting more and more bashful at the moment.
The younger girl held up her fingers, attempting to count. “Ten, eleven… Actually, I’ve rewatched all of your race videos so many times,” she giggled. “I’ve lost track!” Upon hearing this, the president froze, stunned.
“Race… track…”
“Kaichou?”
“Was.. was that intentional? Race and track?”
Teio gave her a victory sign with her fingers. “You betcha! How was my pun?” She turned back to face the TV. A hand wrapped around her waist, nudging her away from the device. “Eep!?”
“Why are you still watching a video when you have the real person here?” Rudolf grabbed the controller and turned off the television while inching closer to her girlfriend until their noses touched.
“K-kaichou? What are you- mmf!” She was cut off with a kiss. The president’s fingers brushed her cheek, murmuring between kisses. “You’re so cute.” Teio frantically mustered her strength and pushed her girlfriend away, blushing intensely.
“L-let’s just go to sleep…” She whispered. Teio still wasn’t used to this kind of romantic skin ship.
Rudolf let out a lighthearted scoff and got up from the bed, heading towards her own. “Well then, lights out,” she announced.
“Yeah, goodnight Kaichou.”
Teio tossed and turned restlessly underneath her blanket, unable to fall asleep. She stole glances towards Rudolf’s bed, whose figure was motionless, save the steady breathing. Deciding that the president had indeed fallen into deep slumber, Teio left her bed slowly and made her way to the open window.
The night was still young. One could listen closely and hear the crickets chirping, the rustle of nearby trees. The young girl closed her eyes, taking in the night ambience of mother nature. It was not unusual for Teio to do this in the middle of the night; it helped calm her nerves, especially during nights before important races.
Her thoughts drifted to the night after she confessed, when Rudolf returned her feelings and they officially started dating. In private, of course, even though Rudolf was against this decision. As much as she wished to publicise their relationship, she knew it would affect the president’s reputation in a negative way. There were so many wonderful horse girls in Tracen Academy, and Teio was leagues behind them. Rudolf on the other hand stood at the very top of the food chain.
Sometimes she wondered -- why did Rudolf accept her confession?
Was it out of pity? Maybe she couldn’t turn her down because she was the president. She had to treat everyone with compassion, with the same amount of kindness and love-
“Hey,” a voice called out softly to her, the fingers interlocking with her own had cut off the pessimistic thoughts.
Rudolf’s gaze was kind with a tint of worry. “Can’t sleep?”
“Mhm.” Teio couldn’t bring herself to make eye contact with the older girl.
The president said nothing. She squeezed Teio’s hand, moving closer until their shoulders touched. They just stood there hand in hand, appreciating the night view.
After a while, Teio spoke up. “Weren’t you asleep already?” The president certainly looked like she was fast asleep.
“I heard you shuffling in bed,” she responded. “Never knew you would have trouble sleeping.”
Teio raised her eyebrow at the implied insult. “What was that supposed to mean??” This earned a chuckle from her girlfriend.
“What’s wrong?” Rudolf felt Teio’s hand tremble when she asked, so she quickly added, “I-I don’t mean to pry, you don’t have to if you’re not feeling up to it.” She sounded so sincere, it made Teio feel guilty about keeping this a secret.
“I…” Teio’s words trailed off. She instead inched closer and hugged the president’s arm with her other hand. “Can we sleep together tonight…” She needed some form of reassurance. The older girl’s eyes widened for a second, before nodding. She knew Teio longed for support, no matter what she was dealing with.
The single bed was a bit cramped for two people, Rudolf thought. As they both laid down, she noticed that their legs were brushing against each other, bodies touching with no gaps in between. Teio tried to distance herself from the president, still not willing to meet her eyes.
Hesitantly, Rudolf threw her arm around the smaller girl’s frail body, pulling her in an embrace. She ran her fingers through Teio’s silky hair, enjoying its softness without the usual ponytail in the way. Carefully, as if handling a precious object - she softly stroked her amber locks in a steady rhythm. An action of comfort perhaps.
Teio was forced to bury her face into the president’s chest, blushing harder when Rudolf suddenly pulled her even closer.
“Whatever difficulties you face,” Rudolf murmured, “I will always be by your side.”
“Mm.”
“So don’t think lowly of yourself, alright?”
“Mm…”
“My love for you is genuine, Teio.”
“Mm.. eh?” Teio mustered her strength to leave the comfort of Rudolf’s chest, leaning back, startled. “H-how did you know?” It was as if the president read her mind.
Rudolf blinked twice. “Teio, I know you like the back of my hand. I’ve heard from your teammates that you often degrade yourself and have low self esteem in our relationship.” Her magenta eyes softened. “When did the charming Teio we all know and love become so self-doubting?”
“I mean… you’re an undefeated triple crown champion and also the freaking student council president! Kaichou is literally the best of the best in our school, if not the whole country!”
The older girl chuckled and ruffled Teio’s hair. “I’m not as great as they say. When it comes to love… I’m as amateur as it gets. I’m sorry for neglecting you all this while.” She felt her girlfriend’s hug tighten. “Though, like one lung says to another, we ‘be-lung’ together! At least that’s how I feel,” Rudolf grinned ear to ear proudly after creating her recent masterpiece.
‘How can she still look so dashing even after such a bad joke?’ Teio thought. Rudolf’s amethyst eyes gazed lovingly at her, a look that was only reserved for no one but Teio. She was once again pulled closer toward her partner. “Do you remember the times we spent together during your first year?”
Teio put on a half smile. “Of course I do, those were some of my most treasured memories. Though it was super dumb of me to have always tricked you into spending time with me. I shouldn’t have made you change your busy work schedule just for someone like myself,” her ears drooped as she spoke.
“Hey,” Rudolf lowered her head and gently kissed her ear, causing a little gasp from the younger girl. “Did you really think I wouldn’t notice after a few times? I genuinely enjoyed your company from time to time, amidst the busy student council work.” She paused, carefully choosing her words. “At that time, did you already…” Her face gradually reddened, unable to bring herself to continue the question.
Teio’s fingers found a button on Rudolf’s pyjamas and fiddled around with it. “Yeah, but I didn’t expect you to return my feelings. Being by your side as… whatever I was,” she spoke in a self-doubting manner, “Was already good enough for me. At least that’s what I thought of it, just a silly crush on someone out of my league. What about you, Kaichou? What did you think of me back then?” She bounced the question back to the president.
Looking up towards the ceiling, Rudolf sighed. It was a time when she was still unsure of her own feelings, trapped between duty and desire. She had made it her mission to guide all Umamusume towards their dreams; to stand at the zenith as the goal for others to reach, or even surpass. As the memory of young Teio pushing past the horde of reporters to greet her surfaced, Rudolf knew she had to do the same for the girl. She thought of when Teio appeared at the student council room doorstep one day in her new uniform, sheepishly asking if she remembered her from a few years ago. Symboli Rudolf was one to never forget a face. She could have never forgotten how the girl’s eyes lit up when she uttered her name for the first time back then, how incredibly infectious her smile was. That was when Rudolf found a new purpose for herself - to stay by the young girl’s side and see that her dreams came true.
So what was Teio to her? To others, her biggest fan. But to Rudolf, Teio was the light of her life. Her heart would skip a beat hearing the distinct pattern of the younger girl’s footsteps as she entered the student council room. She would secretly look forward to their little hangouts during classtime, much to Air Groove’s disapproval. Skipping classes break school rules, after all. Maruzensky had teased her about their increasing time spent together, but Rudolf brushed it off.
“You were… you were Teio.” Her usual public speaking abilities have vanished into thin air at this very moment, vocabulary devolving to preschool level.
There was an awkward pause in the room, so much that Rudolf began regretting her terribly chosen words.
“What the… are you even serious about this Kaichou!? What does that even mean??” Teio whined, pouting adorably. Deep down, Rudolf loved it when her girlfriend did that.
Flustered, the president couldn’t think of a retort. She resorted to sitting up hastily, while still holding Teio in her arms. Teio instinctively wrapped her arms around her neck for support, surprised by the sudden movement. Mouthing an apology, Rudolf’s hands combed through Teio’s soft locks, calming her down. “Teio, you’re so precious to me that words just could not form properly.” She whispered, letting a breath tickle her ears, “You are my everything, my most precious and beloved Teio.” They stared into each other’s eyes, unable to break eye contact. Teio could feel her face heating up.
Rudolf gently positioned Teio’s legs to either side of her own thighs, making sure the younger girl was directly facing her. Her thumb brushed Teio’s nose, caressing her cheek. Ocean blue eyes widened at her actions, but soon became half-shut, enjoying the touches. She placed her left hand on the girl’s hip, earning a blush from Teio. Rudolf lightly traced her fingers on her jaw, to her chin, and finally paused on her lips. She applied a little pressure on Teio’s lower lip with her thumb, slightly parting her lips.
All Teio could hear was the thumping of her own heart, threatening to burst out any second. She angled her face as Rudolf leaned closer, magenta eyes mesmerizing as ever. She hovered over Teio’s face, nuzzling with her nose. As their lips met, it was as if all her worries had vanished. Teio closed her eyes, melting into Rudolf’s embrace. Her heart skipped a beat as the president broke from the kiss, and shifted to place kisses on her neck, moving fluidly along her collarbone.
“W-wait, Kaichou-” Rudolf's hand found its way to Teio’s tail, and started to stroke it softly. “That… tickles…” She’s only managed to get a few words out before Rudolf crashed her lips onto hers again, this time with a bit more force. Rudolf’s grip on her hip tightened as the kiss got more passionate, feeling Teio’s hands tangle in her hair, her body shivering whenever she caressed her tail.
Teio’s constant squirming eventually caused both of them to lose balance, falling onto her back on the bed with Rudolf landing right on top of her. She gasped for air upon feeling the weight of the older girl on her.
“Sorry, it seems I got carried away,” Rudolf propped herself up with her elbows. “Are you hurt anywhere?” She added, face full of guilt. She brushed Teio’s messy white hair with her fingers, brows furrowed, “I just wanted to make you feel better.”
Teio gave her girlfriend a shy peck on the nose, mind still reeling from the kiss. “I know, and I really appreciate it, Kaichou. But…” She stifled a yawn. “ I’m feeling a bit sleepy now,” she smiled giddily, both hands cupping Rudolf’s cheeks tenderly.
The older girl glanced at the wall clock and smiled. “It is pretty late. Let’s put you to bed, shall we?” She scooped Teio’s small stature up in a princess carry and laid her in their original spot. Before she could pull the covers, she had already noticed the girl’s soft breathing, fast asleep. Rudolf stared at her fondly and caressed her face. “I promise to show the world how much I love you,” she whispered and kissed her forehead.
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The yearly URA award ceremony was one of the most anticipated events each year. People loved to vote and hoped that their favourite horse girl would win Umamusume of the year. It also included various other events, namely the Dream Series trophy awards and interviews with top names of the racing world. Teio fidgeted uncomfortably in her navy gown, shivering slightly as the cold air hit her exposed shoulders. Rudolf had picked out this dress personally for her.
The interview for senior horse girls was still ongoing on stage, as she spotted Rudolf sitting with her usual poise and elegance, words carrying wisdom as she answered the reporter’s questions. Each interviewee was allowed to bring one partner to the event, and Rudolf insisted on bringing Teio along, despite her numerous protests. Most of the seniors just brought their trainers or family. What happened to keeping their relationship private when they could be seen wearing matching gowns, and matching jewelry on top of it? Her fingers traced the smooth edges of her emerald crystal necklace, a color alien to her usual outfits. It was Symboli Rudolf’s signature colour.
From afar, a glint of blue flashed on Rudolf’s neck. It was a sapphire gem necklace, with a gleam so bright it stood out among the president’s various adornments. The thought that Rudolf was wearing her colour, in public, created butterflies in her stomach.
Her heart skipped a beat as her attention was pulled back to the interview, upon hearing an interesting question.
“As the leader of Tracen Academy’s horse girls, is there anyone you fancy, Symboli-san? I think everyone is curious to hear more about the private life of the legendary Symboli Rudolf,” A male reporter eagerly asked, with the audience all turning toward the stage at the same time. Teio knew what Rudolf was going to say, pushing her disappointment to the back of her mind. ‘It’ll be the same answer that we’ve rehearsed plenty of times.’
Rudolf took her time to grab a microphone and scanned the room with her ever sharp eyes. “I’m sorry to break it to you, but my private life is not at all ‘interesting’,” she chuckled, eyes softening. “But there is one particular highlight that has, perhaps, been the best thing that happened to me.” She took a deep breath before continuing.
“That person… is the light of my life. A partner whom I wish to run beside forever, a symbol of hope, a creator of miracles.” Her eyes locked with Teio’s in that instant. The crowd gasped at the word, joining the dots as they followed Rudolf’s gaze towards the girl clad in blue. Teio grabbed fistfuls of her dress tightly, lips quivering. Her eyes glistened with tears, threatening to fall any moment.
This was totally not what they rehearsed at all.
She was busy trying to look away from the stares of the crowd when a hand was offered in front of her. Teio raised her head to see Rudolf grinning at her. Her auburn locks cascaded perfectly down her shoulders, framing her charming face. Her eyes held a tint of softness that was only reserved for her loved one. Slipping her hand into Rudolf’s, Teio was led toward the stage.
“Though I’m sure there are plenty of rumors already circulating at the academy, I still wanted to properly announce this. Tokai Teio is my girlfriend!” Rudolf’s words brimmed with pride. Teio felt her insecurities wash away in this instant. She smiled at her girlfriend, tears flowing uncontrollably down her cheeks. Rudolf inched closer to her and caught her in a surprise kiss, earning thunderous applause and cheering from the audience.
Teio knew that she was going to get teased to hell and back by her friends. But this moment alone was more than worth it.
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Omake
“Heeeyyy Ms. President’s girlfriend, off on a date with your beloved Kaichou~?”
Okay, maybe not worth the relentless teasing after all.
“I swear to the three goddesses, if you call me that one more time I’ll…!” Teio raised a fist in embarrassment at Gold Ship.
The tall trickster snickered mockingly, scooping up Mejiro Mcqueen in her arms and planted a kiss on her lips. With comedic effect, she swiped a water bottle from Kitasan Black and yelled: “Mejiro Mcqueen is my girlfriend- OW!” She held her head in pain, muttering gibberish after getting smacked in the back of her head by Mcqueen. “Stop that, we’re not a celebrity couple.”
Teio rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. “Not you too, Mcqueen… it’s been weeks, when are you guys going to stop teasing me?" Gold Ship stuck out her tongue, mouthing a 'Never'. "And don’t act like you hadn’t known beforehand! You told me to confess, didn’t you?!” She dramatically pointed a finger at Mcqueen.
“My my, but none of us knew the outcome of that,” McQueen teased, despite clearly knowing the truth. “It’s all on you for keeping this a secret from your closest friends. You were the first one to know that Gold Ship and I officially started dating!”
The brunette huffed. “I hate to admit it but you’re kinda right…” She trotted over to Kitasan, returning her water bottle. “Only Kita-chan wouldn’t do me like that~ Right Kita-chan?” She looked expectantly at the black haired girl.
“Of course Teio-san! But that moment was just so legendary! Did you know that the video has garnered over ten million views in just a few weeks?! It’s truly the greatest horse girl love declaration in Japan!” Her eyes glimmered with admiration, off in her own world. Teio covered her face, blushing profusely.
“Aaaargh! Kaichou, this is all your fault!!!” No one noticed the hint of a smile tugging at her lips as she shouted.