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„You’re handling it well,“ said the lightning elemental with a smile, seeing how his horned friend blinked at xem.
Carlisle saw it all. No matter how Asteroth tried to hide it, it was clear, that he liked Hot Shot. From the almost invisible lip bite, adverting his gaze away to hide his interest in passion, a soft sigh when he was thinking about them to playing with his sleeves or thumbs, mumbling on how to help make their studies easier, and looking for excuses to visit them. He might have been strict with them, but Carlisle sees how Aster always relaxes when he sees the progress and how much fun they have.
Aster would never admit it, though. After all, he is still a guarded demon, he valued his position at A.M.P. as much as Hot Shot as his, and quote: a decent rival, that may deserve a place here.
Carlisle rolled his eyes hearing that, but he was never fooled by Aster's words, he knew what truly mattered.
„Handle what?“
„Your feelings.“
Aster stiffened at xem, „I don’t get you right now,“ Carlisle giggled, xyr eyes finding a laser-focused Hot Shot, scoring at their practice. Their teammates cheer and once again, Aster remains unfocused on the topic. Carlisle chuckled, as Aster realized his obviousness. „Don't say a word.“
„I think it‘s cute.“
„Carlisle…“ he muttered, squinting his eyes as his sparkling friend. He soon sighs, hiding his blushing face in his hands. „What am I gonna do?“
The lightning elemental sat closer to Aster, pulling him even closer to the hug. Aster felt lost.
This was his first time liking someone more than a friend, yet, he couldn’t describe in words how nice it was. It felt messy and confusing and the more days passed, the harder it felt to accept. There was notthing bad about the fact, that he liked Hot Shot or that it was Hot Shot. He didn’t know how to show his appreciation for them. He didn’t know how to properly word his genuine feelings or if he even should.
Would they accept him? Would they believe him?
His chest felt tight. His heart hurt.
Carlisle knew better than to let him think all of that. Xe smiled, having an idea. He took a step forward, picking a few leaves from a tree nearby and trying to tie them together. Confused Aster looked at his friend, skeptical of whatever xe created. Carlisle noticed his surprise but laughed and showed him his art of nature.
„I don’t get it.“ Asteroth admits.
„It’s a mistletoe!“
„I don’t get you.“
„Listen, listen!“ Carlisle encouraged Asteroth to try and talk to Hot Shot, just for a moment. Unsure demon shrugged, seeing as they finished their practice. Convenient. He gave the lightning elemental a side-eye.
Crossing his arms as usual, he walked towards his rival, smiling brightly as their teammates. As they turned around, they met the guarded demon's eyes, inviting Hot Shot to listen to what he had to say. Something about his eyes was mysterious, not just the way they looked, but also how they were for everyone to see. The darkness hides the kindness of this demon, the attraction to look into them and see whatever secrets they might carry or even see.
He was a secret Hot Shot wanted to get to know you deeply.
Witnessing how unusually nervous Aster was, Hot Shot smiled, thinking he was being adorable. They didn’t say that out loud but were told that he is not, by Asteroth himself.
„I just wanted to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Just because it‘s cold, doesn’t mean it’s less dangerous to run and pass out.“ He mumbled, handing them a bottle of fresh water.
Hot Shot nodded, thanking him for being so thoughtful. He sighed, not accepting their thanks but still appreciating it.
Both of them frown, as they hear a weird noise, followed by a waving mistletoe held by a familiar smirk.
„Oooooo! You two should kiss. Sorry, it‘s the mistletoe rules, I didn’t make them.“
„Wh-what?“ Asteroth blushed. Carlisle, pretending xe did nothing, nodded at Aster, giving him clear support, but Aster froze, so Hot Shot decided to melt him. A pair of gloved hands cupped Aster's cheeks, pulled him closer to their lips, and marked his forehead with a lip gloss. Aster's hesitation gave Hot Shot time to smile from ear to ear and run away. The surprised demon couldn’t think properly, everything was just too unbelievable for today.
Aster sighed, looking at Carlisle, still holding the mistletoe above their heads. Carlisle raised xys eyebrow up and down at Aster.
„What now?“ he asked the tease.
„May I?“ Carlisle asked.
With a heavy sigh, Aster leaned closer to Carlisle's cheek and gave xem a peck. „Take it as thank you. I’m not doing this again.“
„Fine by me.“ Carlisle chuckled, putting the mistletoe into Aster's hands and slowly leaving. The guarded demon stared at it for a long second, before hiding it into his pockets, as he ran to catch up with xem.