#[ANON. I got your ask but uhhh I accidently deleted it :( so I'm posting your request like this]

[wishluc]

HSR made my crush on Himeko worse. Based off a dream I had

Himeko's gentle smile falters. "Go?" Her thumb caresses the back of your hand, "Where to, my darling?"

Your breath hitches; there's something delightful about the way she looks at you, so filled with love—at least, you think it's love. Though these days, her affectionate gaze is accompanied by a dark glint of something you can't quite put your finger on. A tingling sensation erupts wherever her delicate touch strays, and your heart pounds when she whispers the syllables of your name like it is her most treasured secret.

"To Jarilo-VI," you reply, managing to shake yourself out of the trance, "with the others." Her lips curl disapprovingly, and her grasp tightens momentarily, "And why do you want to go?" Her question stills you. Why? Though the words sound as lovely as anything else she says, they're laced with something dangerous, and it feels more like her demanding your answer rather than asking you. "I'm with the Nameless too," you say, "I should be going with them." Himeko's lips quirk up, but instead of filling you with warmth, her beautiful smile sends chills down your spine. Before saying anything, she gestures over to the table she had set up for the two of you, and you sit down in the empty seat. Himeko makes her way to the other, and you can't help but be envious of her. Her every step is purposeful and confident. It's no wonder everyone is so enamoured with her.

But you're the one she smiles at like this, so you should feel lucky, right?

"Coffee?" She doesn't wait for your reply before serving you hot coffee in a dainty cup—from her personal collection, you note—not a ripple breaking the still surface of the dark, aromatic liquid. It'll be too bitter for your tastes, as always, but your complaints will be brushed off with a soft laugh. At the very least, you are now able to finish your cup and stomach the flavor thanks to Himeko's relentless generosity.

"I think three is a good number," You can make out a hint of something unfamiliar in her voice, though she doesn't look bothered at all, nonchalantly pouring herself a cup, "you should relax, and not worry for them. They can take care of themselves."

"I can take care of myself, too."

She puts the pot aside to look at you, "i know."

"And Himeko," your own smile feels weak now, "I've been cooped up in here for ages."

A perfectly poised eyebrow raises, "surely my company isn't that unbearable?"

"No—" Your protest is cut short when you notice how Himeko's eyes twinkle with mirth, as the tension from before almost dissipates, but you can't bring yourself to give up yet, "you know that's not what I meant."

"I know, darling. You seemed a little tense."

You stare into the cup, seeing your own hazy reflection staring back at you, "But you will consider, won't you? About going to Jarilo-VI?"

"Since you're so insistent," she sighs, "I'll arrange something for the the both of us soon. What do you say?" "...Not in Jarilo-VI?" She blinks at you, before chuckling softly, "dear, no. Somewhere else," She tilts her head to the side, as though in silent contemplation, "I don't have anything particular in mind, but I'm sure something will come along."

"So, I'll have to sit this one out?" The bitterness in your voice comes second only to the coffee Himeko drinks, but she doesn't look perturbed at the slightest. "We," she corrects you gently, "will be staying together on the Express."

Himeko reaches over the table to grab your hand before moving it towards her lips, softly kissing it. She looks up at you from underneath her eyelashes, as though gauging your expression.

"You won't be missing out on any fun just because you're staying on board, you know. I'll make sure our time together is just as...exciting."

You take another sip of coffee, ignoring her coy smile.

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