The group gathered around a table in the common room, a mix of excitement and curiosity on their faces. Tixo, Wei, Ren, Rex, Ryuji, and Onyx had come together with a single purpose: to set up Greyson, the Grim Reaper, and Sterling, the blind archer, on a date. It wasn't an easy task, considering Greyson's solemn nature and Sterling's keen senses, but they were determined.
"We need to be subtle," Ren said, his voice thoughtful. "They can't know it's a date. Otherwise, they might back out."
Tixo's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I've got an idea. We'll make it seem like a mission. Something that requires both of them to work together."
Rex nodded, his mind already whirring with plans. "Good thinking. But first, we need to figure out how they feel about each other."
Wei, who had been listening quietly, pulled out his notebook and wrote a quick note: "I'll talk to Sterling. I know how to get him to open up."
Onyx, leaning against the wall with a relaxed posture, smirked. "I can handle Greyson. He might be a tough nut, but I’ve got a way with words."
Ryuji raised an eyebrow. "You think you can charm the Grim Reaper?"
Onyx shrugged confidently. "Watch me."
With their roles decided, the group split up to gather information.
---
Onyx found Greyson in his usual spot, a shadowy corner of the library where he often retreated to read ancient texts. The Grim Reaper looked up as Onyx approached, his skeletal face impassive.
"Greyson," Onyx greeted, his voice casual. "Got a minute?"
Greyson's eye sockets narrowed slightly. "Onyx. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Onyx leaned against a nearby bookshelf, his demeanor relaxed. "Just wanted to chat. You seem a bit... distracted lately. Anything on your mind?"
Greyson's silence was telling. After a moment, he sighed. "Nothing of consequence. Why do you ask?"
Onyx smirked. "Well, I've noticed you and Sterling seem to spend a lot of time together. Just curious if there's... something more there."
Greyson's gaze turned sharp, but there was no real anger in it. "Sterling is... unique. He has a way of seeing things that others cannot. I find his company... refreshing."
Onyx's smirk widened. "Sounds like you might have a bit of a crush, Greyson."
Greyson's gaze didn't waver. "Even if that were true, it is not something I can afford to dwell on."
Onyx patted his shoulder. "Maybe you should. Just a thought."
---
Meanwhile, Wei found Sterling in the training yard, practicing with his bow. Artemis, his owl, perched nearby, watching intently. Wei approached, waving to get Sterling's attention.
Sterling paused, lowering his bow. "Wei, good to see you. What's up?"
Wei scribbled a note and handed it to Sterling: "Just wanted to talk. How do you feel about Greyson?"
Sterling's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Greyson? Well, he's... he's something else. Strong, wise, kind of mysterious. I guess you could say I admire him."
Wei smiled, jotting down another note: "Just admire, or something more?"
Sterling blushed, a rare sight. "Okay, maybe a bit more. But come on, he's the Grim Reaper. What chance do I have?"
Wei's eyes sparkled with encouragement as he wrote: "You might be surprised."
---
With the group's reconnaissance complete, they reconvened to plan the "mission." Ren took charge, outlining the details. "We'll tell them there's a disturbance in the forest. Something that requires both Greyson's knowledge and Sterling's skills."
Rex added, "We'll set up a nice spot for them to rest once they 'solve' the problem. Some food, a cozy fire. They won't suspect a thing."
---
The next day, Greyson and Sterling were briefed on their mission. Neither seemed to suspect anything, though there was a glimmer of excitement in Sterling's eyes. As they set off into the forest, the group watched from a distance, fingers crossed.
Greyson and Sterling worked seamlessly together, their respective strengths complementing one another. After they dealt with the fabricated disturbance, they stumbled upon the cozy setup the group had prepared.
Sterling looked around, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Well, this is unexpected. Maybe we should take a break."
Greyson nodded, a rare softness in his demeanor. "Yes, perhaps we should."
As they sat by the fire, sharing the meal and talking quietly, the group watched from afar, grinning in satisfaction. Their plan had worked perfectly.
Greyson and Sterling, unaware of the group's machinations, found themselves growing closer, their feelings for one another blossoming in the warm, peaceful setting.
