princess project AU, teenagers, charlie gets stolen by shiki
Charlie stares at Thandi as she studies. The focus on her face, the expressions she makes as something clicks, the slight nod to herself as she jots down a note.
He knows her, but she doesn’t know him. Not well, anyway. He takes pains to remain… distanced. Just so he could watch as she did this. They sit next to each other in their Magical Theory class. It’s a level five course, and she specializes in white magic. So, properly, her title is the Princess Alabaster. She’s one of the few white magic users in the country, and she’s so… Charlie sighs. Gorgeous.
And definitely not needing a distraction from him. Princess Moss was his title, and he scarcely needed the distraction himself. It couldn’t really be helped anymore, though.
Is it even possible to distract her?
She’s been influenced by his magic, and if she’s noticed, she hasn’t said anything. Granted, he was projecting around him, working on his own projects, trying to deduce the effects of green magic on exhaustion and healing and familiar intelligence. It’s a multi-pronged project and it keeps him busy.
But not so busy where he can’t spare a moment to silently give her tea in class from his thermos, or where he can’t spare a moment to watch her perk up just from being near him. They give nods to each other.
He’s… content. He thinks.
There he goes again. This awkward boy next to her, staring at her while writing notes. He’s so openly admiring her that she had been worried at first that he would disrupt her routine. Just because he’s a fellow Princess doesn’t mean anything.
He didn’t try to bother her. He pours her some tea during the classes they shared. She can feel the tendrils of his magic mesh with hers, the nature of his aura giving her a boost as good as a few hours rest.
Princess Moss, she’s certain, is some sort of fan of hers. She’s had many by this time, but when they see that she doesn’t have the time to spare for idleness, they disappear to admire from afar. Or. Ridicule.
But Moss not only balances his studies and his watching of her, he stays. They have never exchanged words. He seems content in his fascination.
The both of them sit side by side every day. They study, they work, they eat together. There’s a companionable silence that they’ve grown used to. At least, until the new Princess Coal arrives, dropping next to Moss.
Thandi tries not to notice as Coal scoots close. Breaks the silence. And gives her a sly, catlike grin as they lay the compliments thickly on Moss.
Every.
Single.
Day.
Until he’s not sitting with her anymore. He’s smiling and laughing with Coal. But, Thandi’s been paying more attention than she thought. She sees Moss flinch when Coal touches him. The moments where Coal says something and the happiness ebbs from his face, despite the mask of a smile.
The day where she overhears them speaking.
“Oh, Char. I love you so much.”
“I…” She sees Coal’s grip on his arm. “…love you, too.”