As Todd adjusted his position behind Olive, she leaned back into him and sighed happily. From a distance it would look as though the two were dating, but nothing could be more wrong. Not once had the two been beyond this. For all their hugs, flirting, and general closeness, this was as far as it went. Todd... Todd hated that. While he loved how close he was with Olive, and that their friendship was so strong, he hated that friendship was all it was. Their relationship something that neither could properly explain. Todd cared for Olive quite a lot, and the reverse was also inescapably true. That being said, Olive was so... frustrating. She doesn't say anything that ever meant anything to him. She continues to flirt with him, call him different pet names, and remain physically close to him, yet all the while there were never any clues to how she really felt about him. Every time Todd gets remotely close to the subject of just what their relationship is, she changes the subject, or skips over it like it's nothing. Even worse, when people ask if they are together, Todd doesn't know how to respond and never says anything, for fear of being wrong. Olive, on the other hand, usually diverts those questions with a simple, "
it's complicated." What does that even mean? Todd sighed quietly to himself. He knew the more he tried to figure it out, the more closely he would become wrapped around her little finger. Instead, Todd let himself relax and take in everything. The gentle crash of the waves on the shore, the whispering breeze through the reeds, and her smell, like rain, washed over his mind. Why would he need to be on edge with her? She was his best friend, until she was comfortable enough to put the ball in his court, she could just keep it. It wasn't like they were going anywhere anytime soon. Todd would never let Olive just slip out of his life, and if he even tried... there would be serious hell to pay. Todd shuddered at the thought. Relieved, and less tense than before, Todd let his head come down to rest on shoulder, and closed his eyes, listening to her speak.
As Todd sat, listening, Olive let herself lean into his warm embrace. Her hands rested on her arms as she watched the water. Smirking in response to Todd's question, the blonde spoke. "
The trip was long and very boring. For obvious reason I couldn't entertain myself with my abilities so I sat on the plane listening to idiots talk about nonsense. I thought I was going to die." She said sullenly, obviously, dwelling on the miserable plane ride. "
I did get to see my mom. She is doing very well. She missed me a lot, and when I mentioned your name once, she wouldn't shut up about you." A giggle escaped her lips. "
She kept wondering when I would bring you to see her. Why I don't talk about you all the time? Then she started talking about grand-kids and I tuned her out." She added dismissively, as if it were no big deal. Todd sighed. This was exactly what he was talking about. What did that mean? She giggled a bit more, which only served to make Todd more confused. Did she think it was funny that her mom wanted them to be together? Was she laughing out of nervousness because she didn't want to sound clingy? There was just no winning with her. At a loss for what to say, Todd laughed, and offered, "
Next thing you know, she'll be planning our... a wedding for us." He stuttered as he said, 'our,' and quickly tried to correct it. He didn't want to sound like he had already planned the whole thing out. Olive was his best friend. Maybe he was just reading into the situation too far? Either way, he couldn't say nothing.
"
What about you? How was your trip? How is you mom, brother, and sister? I bet they missed you." The blond said, a bit excited. She must have been anxious to change the topic. Todd, however, didn't like this subject. "
I didn't get to go home this time. I only did last year because I had, technically, graduated from High School. This year, I had to stay here over the summer again. I still video chat with them about three times a week, but... It's not the same, you know? Sorry, that's pretty blue, let's change the subject, yeah? Do you have your phone on you sweetie? What time is it? As much as I'd love to stay here until morning, I've got early class during the week, Superlatives and all..." Todd sighed as he said the last part. Most students would have jumped at the bit to be as strong and as in control as Todd was of his powers, for Todd, it just meant more work. After all, with great power, comes great responsible...ness. Todd was powerful, so he had an equal share of responsible...ness to go along with it. Though Todd was never one to put off hard work, he hated getting stuck with some of the more troublesome duties, like night patrol or grocery runs.
Olive frowned a bit when he said that he couldn't go home again. It was sad him staying up here and she spends all her free time away from him. Next time she was going to take him with her. If he would agree, would be left up to him. It would be kind of forward just inviting him to meet her mother. She didn't want to freak him out. It would ruin their already questionable friendship. Quickly in her mind she decided to invite him home with her when she was sure about what they were, besides best friends.
The blonde looked around in search of her phone and saw in to the left on the grass. She put it there after texting Todd. "
It's around 10:30 pm" she had read to him. Olive was happy that Todd was a superlative, he deserved it. But he would always have to end their time together and it was really annoying at times. She just wanted to stay up the whole night talking about whatever comes to mind. Usually Olive is the one to fall asleep between the two, but Todd never minded. It was small things like that, why the young woman cared for him so much. Why were things so complicated between them? It was giving her a headache. A yawn escaped her lips and she closed her eyes.
It had been a long day, from the plane ride to the taxi, to the walk. The young woman needed a good nights rest, especially because classes start up tomorrow. But Olive didn't want to go to sleep. She wanted to stay in Todd's arms and just pretend tomorrow doesn't exist. Right now was better than any future that was in store. "
Before you ask. I'm not asleep. I'm just resting" the blonde said, but it was a lie. If Todd knew her at all, he would know that.
Todd smiled softly. Here she was, with a day like hers, possibly even longer and harder than Todd's, and all Olive wanted to do was ignore her responsibilities and share the night with him. Sighing, Todd wrapped his arms around her tighter. Resigning himself to the extra work of it all, Todd spoke. "
Mhmm, and the yawning from earlier, how do you explain that? Hungry for flies perhaps? Come on sweetheart. Up we go." Effortlessly, Todd lifted Olive into the air. He shifted his arms to carry her princess-style, but did so as he was picking her up. "
Sit tight Olly, I'll have you back in your room in two shakes of a Jinouga's tail." At that, Todd began to grin his mad, wolfish grin. It was the kind he only ever wore when he was planning on doing something devious, dangerous, and just the littlest bit stupid. At that, Todd began to shift. He channeled his power into his body, taking on his Hybrid form once again. It was getting late, and Todd had already used this form once already today, but he had more than enough energy for what he was planning on doing. It should be fine. After all, Todd would never consent to carry just anyone. Olive was special. Olive demanded that he show off, even if just a little.
Though his body sprouted claws, scales, a tail, and horns, Todd made sure to shift Olive within his grasp such that his hold on her body wasn't too loose or too tight, but just right. Further, her bare skin was only touching his soft fur, or smooth scales, so as to not cause unnecessary discomfort. The wild grin still on his face, Todd turned his head to face Olive. "
Thank you for choosing Air Todd." He began, slowly beginning to walk in the direction of the Institute. "
We know your choices in travel are limited, and we thank you for your patronage. Please note that, in the event of an emergency, exits can be accessed by pulling on one of my ears, causing me to drop you. In the mean time, do hold on, as we will be beginning our ascent shortly." As Todd spoke, his grin grew wider and wider, and he began to walk faster and faster. By the time he was finished, Todd was running just short of a full sprint, while carrying Olive. In his Hybrid Jinouga form, this meant, roughly, seventy miles per hour. As Todd ran, he made sure to do so as smoothly as possible, so as not to disturb the resting Olive. He ran as if he were gliding, and Olive's body barely moved within his grasp. He cradled her gently, as if she were made of porcelain, and would shatter at the slightest touch. Though the Jinouga was not meant to nurture, or love something other than itself, through Todd, the beast appeared gentle, caring, and even loving.
As Todd shifted into his bestial form, Olive didn't move. She allowed Todd to move her around as he changed into his, "other half," as she referred to it. His change was slow, yet fast. Watching him change into his Jinouga form, is like watching him in slow motion. You see each part shift as if it was acting on its own. With one eye she would watch, and she knew it only took mere seconds for him to shift the way he does. As for his running speed, it didn't bother her at all. As the cool air hit her skin, it forced her to cuddle more into his soft fur. It was warm and inviting. She didn't want to let him go. Her eyes closed and she embraced the feeling of nature as she rested in Todd's arms.
Approaching the school's walls, Todd only increased his speed, reaching seventy-five, eighty, eighty-five miles per hour. Blazing down the trail, Todd bent ever lower to the ground, preparing himself for the hard part. He was only a few short meters from the wall when he jumped, tightening his grip on Olive, but not so much as to be painful. Firing all the muscles in his back, legs, and core, Todd rocketed himself into the air, still holding Olive within his arms. Having measured the required speed just right, Todd landed gently on the roof beside Olive's windowsill and ducked inside the open window. "
Well aren't we lucky. Someone left their window open." Todd smirked at the sleepy Olive. Ever so gently, as if she might break from any uneven movements, Todd set Olive down on her bed. "
Sleep tight, Princess. We've got class tomorrow. I'll see you first thing, ok?[/b]" Smiling, Todd turned to leave out of the window, preferring not to be seen coming out of a door in the girl's wing of the dormitories at this late at night. Walk of shame be damned, if he were seen coming out of Olive's door at nearly eleven o'clock at night, he would never live it down. His reputation would fall into shambles overnight. It wasn't that Todd was particularly popular and Olive wasn't. Quite the opposite. Olive was... rather popular amongst all the boys at school, and even some of the girls. Ever the gentleman, Todd wouldn't dare sully her reputation, and chose the window so as to preserve his best friend's honor.
It wasn't until the blonde was placed in her bed that she realized that they had reached the school building. She had missed the part where he practically flew up the side of the building to get her in here. She was grateful to have a room by the window, or Todd wouldn't be able do the things he did for her. There were many times where her best friend had to use the window to walk in and out of her room. Leaving through the front door raised suspicion, but no one could see him leaving through the window. It was to save their relationship, to keep rumors from spreading, or at least that is why Olive believed he did it. The young woman pulled her silk pillow closer to her and opened her eyes when she heard the creak from the window. "
No Toddy. Don't go." The blonde said childishly. She pushed herself up in the sitting position, rubbing her tired eyes. "
Stay here tonight and keep me company while I sleep." Olive begged, holding out her arms to him. The young blonde wanted Todd to stay with her forever, but she only had tonight.
Olive's voice stopped Todd in his tracks; frozen, hesitant. He knew that, if he looked now, he wouldn't be leaving anytime soon, and he wouldn't be able to slip out once she fell asleep. Even worse, he would have to wake her up when he left. Slowly, Todd turned back around. His icy blue eyes glinted in the lowlight. There she was. Holding her arms out to him, and pouting like his little sister did when she was younger. Todd fondly recalled the way she begged to sleep with him after a particularly bad nightmare. The same feeling of resignation was there, and love, but more than that, Todd felt pain in his heart. As much as Todd knew that he should be going, he just couldn't refuse her. Releasing his transformation, Todd returned to his human form and walked back over to Olive's bedside. Gently, Todd wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close to him. "
Alright, Olly Pop, just this once." Todd had said those words dozens of times. Each time he always promised himself that he wouldn't say them again. Todd never kept that promise. Todd quickly took off his shoes and his hoodie, and sat back against the headboard. "
Come here." Todd said, smiling gently. Once Olive had gotten herself comfortable, Todd took his phone out of his pocket and set his alarm to wake him up at five in the morning. As soon as he set his phone down, his head hit the pillow and he fell asleep.
Olive was beyond happy that Todd agreed to stay the night with her. This isn't the first time, there have been many other nights where Todd would sleep in her bed. Every time Olive asked, Todd came through. It was one of the things she enjoyed and adored about him. She wrapped her arms Todd while he set the alarm. The blonde was drifting in and out of consciousness, but she was able to watch Todd fall asleep. "
Good Night Toddy" she mumbled before falling into a deep sleep within her best friends arms.
Written by both me and XShishioX