TBATE: My One and Only

Chapter 11: No Longer Dyed in Grey Pt. 1

"This concludes our meeting," Tessia said coolly as she neatly piled her documents, getting up as she turned to the DC students. "I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we're looking forward to working more with you all." 

Elijah and the rest of the DC nodded and offered smiles, sharing the same sentiment. 

Tessia bit her inner cheek a tad at her own words. Of course, she knew all too well that there was one person who didn't feel as enthusiastic about cooperating with the DC as the others, though he was probably just against cooperating with her childhood friend. 

Regardless, if he wasn't going to openly protest about working with Art, then she had no say in the matter. She will, however, glare at her vice president for giving her childhood friend the stinkeye the whole time. 

Speaking of her childhood friend...

The elven princess glanced at the auburn-haired boy, who had his eyes locked on the document in front of him. It might look like Arthur was focused on analyzing their patrol routes, but it was apparent to Tessia that he was in a daze. 

Her assumption was strengthened when she noticed the glint of concern in Sylvie's eyes. Could it be connected to why Art was staring at her the whole time during the meeting? 

Luckily for the elven princess, the others already left the room. No one was going to spot the blush on her cheeks.

Tessia cleared her throat in an attempt to gain his attention. 

"..."

No response.

She cleared her throat once more.

"..."

No response...

Her right eye twitched. That's it, she needs to know what's going on with him. Allowing a sigh to part with her lips, Tessia grabbed the boy's shoulder and lightly shook it. Sylvie aided the elven princes by tapping her Papa's lap as well.

"Art." 

"Hmm? O-Oh, do you need something, Tess?" 

She sent him a half-lidded look as she sighed. "Actually, yes. Is something  bothering you?" 

Her features softened for a moment, gazing at the boy with concern. 

"E-Eh? No...?"

"Don't lie to me, Arthur. You looked like you were in a daze earlier." He flinched at being addressed by his given name, averting his eyes when her gaze turned stern. 

The gunmetal-haired elf frowned. There was clearly something bothering him. She wished to lend him an ear to vent his troubles, yet he refused to open up. Hurt pricked her chest, but she didn't allow it to overpower her rational side. 

If it's something Art couldn't talk about, then she'll stop persisting until he talks about it himself. That doesn't mean she wouldn't try to find out what was wrong though.

Tessia sat back down and wrapped her hand around his, squeezing it gently. 

"Art... You're my best friend. I'm always here to listen to your troubles. I hope you're aware of that." Another squeeze. Tessia gave the boy a gentle smile. "No matter how trivial you might think your problem is, I'll willing to listen." 

"Tess..." 

Arthur stared at his childhood friend, wide-eyed. Her comforting squeeze to his hand and that sweet and soft smile were too much for the reincarnated boy. His beating heart fluttered as his lips subconsciously formed a smile. 

"Kyuu!" Sylvie agreed, nodding her head with crossed arms, eliciting a chuckle from the two. 

Arthur petted his bond before facing the elven princess.