Hermitcraft Oneshots

Etho x Tango - Fighting for Your Love

Warning: Mentions of blood.

Etho POV

The screech of metal echoed through the room as my sword clashed with Tango's. He narrowed his crimson eyes, that seemed to burn with a fierce fire. I'd always admired his competitive spirit; even if this was training, it wouldn't be an easy fight. I braced myself as he stepped back, raising his sword.

You sure you don't want to back down now?" Tango smirked.

I narrowed my eyes, meeting his gaze. A smirk of my own crossed my face, although hidden to anyone else because of my mask. "I don't back down from a challenge," I replied. "Come at me."

Tango charged. I pulled up my sword to block him. I pushed his sword out of the way and tried to stab at him, but he dodged. I sidestepped as he lunged for me. He hissed as he almost fell, but steadied himself and turned to face me. Neither one of us moved for a moment, then instinctively my sword came up in time to block his next attack.

This process of blocking, jabbing, and dodging continued. I don't know how long it was, but pretty soon we were both panting. Sweat dripped down our red faces, and I could feel my clothes becoming sticky under my armor. I was exhausted--but I wanted to win.

"One more round," I muttered.

"You...sure?" Tango panted. "One of us...could get hurt. We're more uncontrolled...out of breath and exhausted..."

"One more round. It'll be fine," I insisted.

I didn't know why I was so determined to win. There was something about Tango...I wanted to beat him. To show him I was strong.

Tango nodded. Though he appeared reluctant, I could see the fire returning to his narrowed eyes. A part of me wondered what I was thinking as I got into a fighting stance once more. Tango still looked fierce, even while exhausted. I hoped he hadn't been correct about someone getting hurt.

Swords clashed. I dodged Tango's lunge and jabbed at him in return. He jumped back, only to run forward again. I brought my sword up to block him. He pressed his sword against mine. My arms began trembling from the force. I tried moving my sword, and his sword slipped. Pain shot through my arm, the scent of blood reaching my nose, and I gasped. Tango stepped back, his eyes wide.

"Oh my God...I'm sorry! I didn't mean to actually hit you! Are you okay?" Tango asked.

"Yeah. And it's okay." I replied, trying to hide my annoyance. I'd asked for another round to try and win, and had lost. And my arm was bleeding now...

Tango moved to grasp my injured arm. "Here, let me-"

I stepped out of his reach, feeling reluctant to allow him help. "No, I'm okay."

"Etho? Is something wrong? Besides your arm..." Tango mumbled.

"No, I just...I don't know." I sighed, clutching my wounded arm.

What was I supposed to say? I hadn't wanted to lose? I didn't want to seem like a sore loser. I forced a smile instead. "Nothing. Good battle, Tango. Maybe..we can have a rematch another time?"

"Maybe so." Tango nodded, though I could tell he was still worried about me. This was only confirmed when he added, "Not until you're healed, though."

"I'm fine, Tango. It's not that deep," I insisted.

"I don't know...it's bleeding pretty badly," Tango murmured.

I sighed. "Look, Tango, it's not your fault. I'm the one who asked to fight again. Stop looking so guilty."

"Just...go bandage it properly at least, if you won't let me help," Tango said.

"Okay, okay..." I muttered, turning around and walking out.

I headed to the equipment room. I pulled off my armor and grabbed a roll of bandages. I began wrapping my arm up, reflecting on the battle. I sighed a bit. Why was I so irritated? It was one loss.

I began thinking about Tango. He was so awesome...so much better than me, I felt like. Was that it? I wanted to be better than him? Or...even more, prove myself to him? That sounded right. But why? I'd never felt the need to prove myself to him before...

"Etho?"

I froze a little at Tango's voice, then relaxed and sighed. "What is it?"

"I wanted to apologize..." Tango started.

"Tango, I told you, you don't need to." I muttered. "It's fine."

"I don't think it is. Something is clearly wrong." Tango sighed. "You're not acting like yourself."

"I ...I wanted to win." I grumbled. "I wanted to prove I was as good as you..."

"Oh, Etho...you are as good as me. Better, even. What makes you think you're not?"

"I...I don't know," I mumbled. "You're just...amazing. You're an incredible fighter, an amazing friend, hot-" I stopped, realizing what I'd just said.

Tango chuckled. "So...what you're saying is you like me?"

I blushed a little. That realization hadn't dawned on me until he said it, but as soon as he did, I knew it was true. "Y-yeah..."

Tango smirked a bit. "That's good...'cause I like you too."

I blinked, taking a moment to register what he'd said. "Wait...really?"

"Really." Tango smiled. He moved closer to me, and this time I didn't move away. He wrapped his arms around me. I smiled and returned the hug. This wasn't so bad...

"Hey, can I try something?" Tango asked.

Even though he didn't give any sign about what, I trusted him. I nodded. Tango moved a hand to my face. He paused, then pulled down my mask. Before I knew it, his lips were on mine.

Almost unconsciously, I returned the kiss. We stayed like that for a while, before breaking apart.

"Well..." Tango grinned, "that felt even better than I thought it would."

I smiled back, and this time Tango was able to see it, causing his grin to widen even more.

"I love you, Tango."

"I love you too, Etho."

How was this one? I'm not sure why I wrote it in Etho's POV, I just kinda wanted to try it out XD 

Let me know if you liked it, if not I can just do third person. 

Thanks for reading!