TBATE: My One and Only

Chapter 2: Catching Up

Sylvie smiled brightly seeing her Papa and Mama together once more. Sniffles and joyful sobs filled the crying princess' room as Art stroked his silky locks. The two held each other close, taking in the comforting warmth they radiated.

The comfort and ease the two provided for each other was something wonderful. He was finally here. She only wished their reunion could have been better, but there was no use crying over spilled milk. All that mattered was Art was here beside her once more.

She longed for this day, to be reunited with him after years of separation. Gods, why can't she control her tears? This was supposed to be a happy moment for them!

His fingers that ran through her hair eased her nervousness and calmed her heart. The warmth Tess felt from Art brought back memories of how they frequently hugged each other back when they were kids.

It made her truly realize that the young Leywin was holding her in his arms and that it wasn't a dream.

He was here.

Art was here.

'I missed this...'

The dragon in disguise kyuued in a cheery tone, grabbing the attention of her 'parents' as she hopped into Tess' arms. The young princess giggled softly, holding her close as she rubbed her head.

"I'm happy you reunited with Papa, Mama!"

Arthur felt a smile creeping across his face upon hearing his bond through the link.

"Sylve says she's happy that we reunited." He chuckled as his childhood friend's cheeks darkened in pink before a smile bloomed on her visage.

"Yes, I'm happy too."

The reincarnated boy's heart skipped a beat. He turned away and coughed in his hand, pulling away from her a tad. Her smile was dangerous... If Arthur couldn't compose himself, he might end up being the one blushing.

Sylvie, of course, heard his thoughts as she snickered.

"Are you falling in love with Mama all over again?"

"Shut up, Sylve."

"Papa's in love~!"

His cheeks grew hot at Sylvie's mental teasing. Arthur groaned inwardly before threatening the foxlike dragon about meat again. This quickly shut her up and began to snuggle her Mama.

Tess, who didn't know of their ongoing conversation, tilted her head in confusion.

"Is something wrong?"

"N-No. Nothing is wrong." He chuckled wryly and rubbed his neck. Time to change the topic! "So, how have you been? You've been training with the director, right?"

She hummed in confirmation with a nod of her head before she proceeded to tell what she had been doing during their time apart. Arthur heard bits and pieces of what was going on with her life from their exchange of letters and through Goodsky, but he was glad to listen to her own take on the happenings.

Sylvie did nothing but nuzzle her Mama, smiling at the sight of her parents catching up on things. The white "fox" could feel the happiness radiating from her Papa, and she couldn't help but smile wider.

Now if only Arthur was more enough with his feelings and confess right then and there.

But she knew that won't be happening today. Oh well, she could only hope for the best. Sylvie wouldn't let Arthur brush off his or Tessia's obvious affection for him any longer though. If needed, she'll create opportunities. The little dragon hoped she wouldn't need to...