Project Sekai ficlets/drabbles

Down by the pond, something resides - Nenekasa

I wrote this in an hour last night but I have become obsessed with Nenekasa oh no
—
Tsukasa walked down to the pond just like he always did. The water was quite clear this time of day, which was perfect for picking the water lilies fresh as they bloomed. He was known as the lord of the water lilies for a reason, of course.

But he never liked the nickname in question, it felt a little like he was being looked down on by his fellow townspeople for appreciating the flowers and general wildlife that grew around the pond.

However, there was one person he'd allow to call him that.

"That one is diseased under the surface, I wouldn't touch it."

Tsukasa jumped back, but laughed.

"Oh thank you Nene, but you did startle me there."

The girl emerged from the water, somehow dry and bearing her glittery wings. "You should know me by now, Tsukasa. When have I ever not scared you?"

"Well...I'll give that one to you, I do need to be more wary of my surroundings." Saying that, Tsukasa looked around the area, scanning for anyone else that would be this far out from the town. When his search indicated it was clear, he took off his boots and rolled up his trousers to step into the water. "But I don't mind. I miss you Nene."

"I'm standing right here dimwit." She said, but her voice didn't seem to carry any ill-intent. She took Tsukasa's hands in hers. "I miss you too."

Tsukasa had his usual grin on his face, which long ago would have driven Nene away from him, off to search for another pond to lurk in. But something had tempted the water fairy, as she had grown to have a strong adoration for this lonely human. "The water is lovely today. Just like you." Tsukasa said, shifting around in place.

"Oh stop it. I can always tell when the water is 'lovely' or not...but you are right I will admit. It's nice and warm today." Nene returned. She already felt the blood rushing to her face from the compliment. Her wings fluttered, which gave away how giddy that made her feel.

Tsukasa lifted one of his hands from Nene's hold, and brushed her hair out of her face. "I know." He said softly. Nene looked down for a second then back up at Tsukasa. His warm, genuine expression just strengthened her adoration for him even more.

Tsukasa leaned down to get closer to her face. "What are you-"

"May I give you a kiss?" He asked.

Nene's wings fluttered faster, but she couldn't speak, and only nodded with an audible hum. So he kissed her.

It was short. But Nene could pick up some of the emotions Tsukasa was feeling from it. She could tell that he felt like he was starved of affection. That he needed this to feel better about something. That second part gave Nene a little comfort, knowing he turned to her when she's not even supposed to exist to him.

"Are you..doing alright Tsukasa?" Nene asked after they broke apart. Her wings had calmed down, and she led him out of the water while she flew and sat on a lily pad.

"Oh I'm doing great Nene! It was just a few instances of name calling directed towards me today, but I know I can move past this. If I don't, how can I expect to become anything?"

Nene sighed, closing her eyes to connect with Tsukasa's voice. "You don't need to worry about it. Besides, You're my water lily Prince aren't you?" She said calmly. She felt Tsukasa's eyes on her.

"Ah, I've been upgraded to a Prince, have I? I shall take that in stride." Tsukasa replied. There was a sense of calmness lacing his voice. "I know I am much better than this. You, my elegant lady of the water, taught me that."

Nene giggled. She opened her eyes to a surprised look. "You really have a way of calling me the oddest pet names possible. But...I'm glad."

Tsukasa burst into laughter just then. He was his loud usual self. "Oh Nene, I love you." He said.

And Nene nodded, acknowledging it.