It was hard to concentrate on stretching that bright spring morning, he was new, and thus getting used to the other members of the track team. One in particular was the reason for his lack of concentration, a prince, a boyish girl with stunning good looks and an obvious chip on her shoulder. She was talking with other track members, Kisumi was stealing glances, but would quickly look away when the other looked his way.

It didn't take much for Kisumi to get a crush, a handsome face was usually enough to make him weak in the knees and this girl had it. Broad boyish shoulders, modest chest, finely muscled arms and legs. She wasn't sure she could keep coming to practice of someone like this would be watching her. She stole another glance from the corner of her eye, her red hair, those light blue-white eyes that focused with an almost supernatural clarity on anything that had her attention. She must have felt Kisumi's eyes on her as she seemed about to look up. Quickly, Kissy averted his gaze pretending to check his shoelaces.

Of course, he had feelings for Zuko, the Prince that had saved him from bullies several years ago, he briefly wondered if he'd get to see her today too. Maybe she'd even come to watch practice, but Kissy didn't know someone like Haruka was on the team, this was embarrassing.

"Right, Kisumi-san?"

Huh? Someone was talking to her,

"Geez space cadet, I said, you were the fastest sprinter at your old school right? You should race Haruka."

"Huh? Ah no I'm not-" he tried to say, but the other called out and cut him off.

"Hey Haruka! Kisumi says she wants to race you!"

Oh no, here it comes. As soon as the cocky prince focused those white-blue eyes on him, his whole body caught fire. He was red all over and shly lowered his gaze, lifting his hands, fingers spread and waving "N-no I didn't say-ah..." He felt naked under that piercing stare. he couldn't talk anymore, words stolen by those eyes, just state with doe-eyed wonder as his senpai approached.



(Oc, so experimenting with masculine pronouns, hope it's not confusing)

Getting ready was always calming, a moment to take as his own. That was until a moment ago.Haruka could feel eyes on him, he didn't care at the least. Yet someone had called her name. She sighed , but smiled as his crystal eyes fell upon the boyish girl that wanted to race.

Haruka left his knelt stance and headed over. "So your the one who wants to play ? Well.. I was just about to do a relaxing jog , seems rather boring now. So, lets race my little rabbit."

Haruka didn't wait for her new play mate as she unzipped the side of the racing slacks to show off her new uniforms race shorts bending down at the starting lap." How does twice around sound?"





Oc( I attempted to write with male pronoun's. I may have forgot half way through but.. Idk lol I might try it for a bit more .)

Of course, Zuko was there, standing in the shade with her arms crossed over her chest. She wouldn't miss seeing the pinkette any chance she had. Even if it were from afar. It was true that the bullying on the Hill was next to none, but there would always be a few in the crowd and she had someone to look after.

A shiver racked her frame and she lifted her hands to tug the collar of her shirt tighter around her neck and closer to chin to keep out the early spring breeze. Soon her stance returned to its previous state and her gaze swept over the crowd looking for her favored Dreamwalker, as she had come to calling her. Ah, there she was, stretching on the outskirts of the group. It was just then that Kissy's cheeks turned fire engine red.

Zuko frowned a bit as her eyebrows came together, wondering what had caused such a reaction. It didn't seem like anything was really going on.. Her electric hues moved in the direction Kissy was facing and her frown deepened. What she wouldn't give to have the foresight to place herself closer to the group so she could read their lips. Her presence was supposed to be a surprise though. The Prince stuffed her hands into her pockets and decided just to wait it out. If anything seemed fishy later she would break from her hiding position and go from there. It was just practice though.

Really, Zuko? Take it down a notch. The Prince scoffed at herself and hunched her shoulders as she slumped a bit against the tree.

If it was one thing that Makoto always kept her eyes and ears open for, it was opportunity.  And opportunity could come in many shapes and sizes.  Today, it was looking like a certain pink haired runner.  The blue haired first year had been making her usual rounds.  A few clubs were practicing and that was often the best time to scout some of the talent.  When she got to the track field, there were enough other students that she could blend in as one of the spectators.  Some girls wanted to see the newcomer, others seemed to have a personal favorite.

The words that had first caught her ear was "Kisumi says she wants to race you!".  The other member of the track team didn't appear to need much goading to get into the spirit of things.  She was even getting set up, already!  Makoto was quick to pounce.  "Oh yes!  A contest for the newcomer!" she announced, making sure no one was missing out on the beginning of the race.  "Haruka versus Kisumi!"

'Hm...could be a good close one. Haruka is kind of the hot shot of this team. But, Kisumi is new...transfer. Pretty fast, from what I hear. I'd put it at even, but that's not going to work out. Let's give Haruka the big push and see what happens.'

It was easy to whip up a little excitement for a friendly competition. Soon, Makoto had the other girls closing in on the princes, eager to see a race. And as she had been hinting, it certainly seemed like Haruka was the favorite. And Makoto had enough small, friendly wagers to prove it. The bluenette was taking a bit of a chance, but the bets were small enough to be inconsequential in the long run. At best, she could have a little extra cash in the pocket, but it wasn't like she was going to go broke.

Plus, she would have a better understanding of where things stood on the track team, after it was all said and done. And that would certainly come in handy, later.

All seemed well enough at first, the other treated her rather normally, no snide looks or odd expressions, though her comment about being her little rabbit had her blush remaining for several moments. She took off her long track pants to show off the shorter uniform, which Kisumi was already wearing, but still, it made staring at the other even more difficult to avoid.

Suddenly there was shouting, she and the other were a spectacle, about to be watched by more than fellow track members. Were they betting? She couldn't say anything about it, heart beating in her chest like a rabbit's. She looked straight ahead and bent over into the starting position, stealing one last glance at her competitor, nodding to accept her terms of two laps around.

"Ready, set, go!"

Shouted the instigating girl and the two took off. Kissy was a sprinter, best at short, fast bursts. She'd have to pace herself, so she did, she listened to the rhythm of her footfalls, the breath in her lungs, the burn that came from running. The competition fell away until she felt nothing but freedom, speed, pushing her endurance. Only someone who knew her well would be able to see when she reached this place of utter peace and freedom. Someone had told her recently that this feeling of freedom was lonely. She thought to herself that if lonliness was this feeling of sweet elation, then lonely wasn't so bad. Then again, suddenly the thought of a pair of electric blue eyes crossed her mind, she wouldn't have to worry about lonliness much longer if her dreams came true.

As they rounded to begin the second lap, Kisumi was aware of a presence nearby, she stole a glance, her competitor was right beside her! Wow! She was impressed, but she had a hidden trump card, she'd gone easy around the previous lap, but she was still a sprinter, she had a hidden burst of speed for the last moment. AS fast as she was, nothing would compare to the last leg. So as the two rounded the final corner, Kisumi shut her eyes and pushed for it.

Suddenly it was as if she had wings and could fly, she felt everything speeding up, her breath in controlled bursts, fingers slicing through the air, striding with perfect form, she didn't just cross the finish line, she exploded across it, slowing down meant she came to a stop several yards from the group at the starting line (momentum from having gone so fast). She'd pushed herself a little too hard and collapsed on her bum, leaning back on her hands mouth open and breathing hard. She looked up at the sky, the place she felt she'd just been. Running was the best thing...well almost.

Oh, right, this had been a race. She looked over, still panting at the group back at the starting line. Everyone was clamoring about, looking happy or impressed, but not too far away, in fact, closer to her than she thought was Haruka and the handsome femboy didn't look too happy. Had Kisumi beat her? What happened? She'd seen that look before and felt herself grow slightly afraid, but at the same time her face looked cunning and seductive to, making her unsure as to how she should feel exactly. Should she be nervous? Afraid? Entranced? How about all three? Yeah. All she could do was stare, Haruka was coming closer, and Kisumi had no idea what she was going to do, nor was she aware of a protective pair of eyes watching from not too far away.

Each step seemed to fly by as they ran, each breath was gentle not taking up energy as she ran beside the little rabbit. Haruka's eyes stayed glued to the finish, her goal not wavering for a moment as they took each turn her heart beat a bit faster not from exhaustion but from the feel of it all, she was use to running it was the only time she was free from it all her personality finding itself mixed between greed of winning and the joy of the race.

It was only till the final turn her greed won as she saw the sight of the girl that ran next to her for so long pull ahead. She had allowed herself to enjoy the moment too much is she had just acted she could have sprinted as well possibly ending it as a tie. Yet that was not what happened she finished moments behind the other. Losing was tough for her to except it was one side of herself she didn't care for, letting such a silly thing as a race bother, ridiculous. Yet she new it was because of the looks, they knew she had lost and this race was made up to be bigger than needed, the gances some of joy they had won some bet others were still impressed yet there were those looks, the ones of pity. Some could say she was making such things up either way it annoyed Haruka.

Haruka had been beaten and now looked upon the girl that had managed it , Kisumi correct? Walking towards the boyish playmate she thought it was silly to hold a grudge, besides it would be much more fun to keep on paying with this little rabbit.Standing above the runner she held a hand out and with her best charming smile reached down as if to give a helping hand. Yet rather than that her hand gripped the others tank top pulling her close.

" My , that was a fine race, but know one thing my little rabbit you weren't racing a tortoise, if you had i would have won. I'll admit to you you've got my attention and a sly fox never forgets a fine face as yours , id like to do this again sometime, though i do hope to win next time, but please try your best after all teaching you a lesson would be quite a fun thing."

nipping the ear of the girl before her she let go patting Kisumi off giving a award winning smile to the crowd that seemed to have missed the little conversation " Wasn't that a grand little race i would love to do it again, Kiss-umi"

If Zuko were a more loudly spoke girl, she would have cheered for the pinkette, but she kept herself more reserved and silently applauded her in her head. Perhaps if she got the girl alone later she would congratulate her. Her hand reached up to scratch her cheek in contemplation. Zuko was so lost in her thoughts that she almost missed the transaction between the two racers. But her bright hues were always drawn to her Dreamwalker whenever she was near. So, right as her shirt was taken hold of the brooding girl was leaving her hiding place and making her way through the crowd of girls that separated them.

Zuko ignored the protests around her, even though she couldn't hear them. The vibes they gave off were more than enough to tell her they were annoyed. When finally she made it to them the girl had already released Kissy and her gaze locked onto her back as she walked away.

Her eyes narrowed showing her displeasure of this person's actions as well as the flat line of her lips. She kept her sneer contained and turned a worried gaze back to Kissy. The boyish girl didn't know if Kissy even knew she was there and she wasn't sure if she should make herself known. Great thing to be thinking about now that she was standing before a group of grumbling girls. Zuko let out a breath in a soft sigh.

This is why you get yourself in to trouble.. Leaping before you think.

It was all fun and games, till the redhead grabbed her shirt. Cold fear raced down her spine, flashbacks of being bullied, hit, spit on and she shook slightly as the redhead said her line. Teaching her lesson? This wasn't like her old school, she wouldn't be waiting for her to be alone and beat her up would she? She swallowed hard, unable to speak, how could such a handsome face say something with such a cruel edge? It happened all the time, but still, Kisumi couldn't help questioning it. She was let go and the other strolled off.

Her view of the redhead was obstructed by a shadow, violet eyes followed it up to a familiar back. Zuko, now shielding her from the redhead. Kissy wasn't disposed to call the other a bully just yet, but she still felt safer with this one standing between them. She wasn't sure what to do and looked at her knees. She'd been touched and threatened, but no big deal right? She'd had worse.

She jumped up, planting herself against Zuko's chest, "Its okay," she said, eyes pleading. Just like the standard goody-two shoes, Kissy would defend even a bully because her character didn't condone hurting anyone, even if they deserved it. Though the pinkette currently didn't feel the red head deserved any retribution for anything just yet.

"She...didn't do anything." Though Kissy was now a little afraid of the redhead, she was also intrigued. She wanted to talk to her again, get to know her, even if the thought of doing such a thing felt a little toxic.

The girls cheered at the display of athleticism.  Even if many of them lost a little money, it had been kept to a low enough amount that there were plenty who still had fun with the little bets they had made.  Makoto was also rather pleased with herself.  She dolled out money to winners and took in the money from the losers.  After skimming out a little "service fee", she was looking at a rather respectable profit.  Not a big profit, mind you, but certainly one that she could be pleased with.  The bluenette pocketed her winnings and joined the small crowd as they eagerly approached the two competitors, hoping to pass on congratulations to the unexpected winner.  Or to just be close to either of the two handsome athletes.

As she approached she noticed something that most (if not all) of her fellow bystanders did not.  The body language of one Haruka Kumori did not appear nearly as pleased with the results as that winning smile might want to let on.  While she would have loved to have heard whatever might have passed between the two runners, Makoto had that old familiar scent of blood in the water.

The first year approached the redhead and flashed a pleasant smile, "Kumori-sempai!" she said, "That was a terrific effort!  So sorry you lost, though...but, I'm sure you'll get the victory, next time!"

Her voice was bubbly and supportive.  An act, of course, but she didn't want to gloat in front of the older student.  Just poke and prod a little bit, in order to make sure those competitive fires remained stoked.  Having a rematch would certainly prove very interesting.

Each little fan that passed her and met up hoping to get some kind of notice made the loss a tad easier, playing with all the little fans was quite fun until a certain girl found her with in the crowd. The blue haired girl that made a little run into a race of the time had found herself in front of the redhaired runner. The upbeat presence wouldn't have bothered her that is until she spoke. 

Haruka could tell that her fire was being stoked this annoyed her but being the actor she was she stayed hidden behind her smile" Ah yes  Makoto, the tortoise has lost this time but there will always be another race. Besides i enjoy a little competition every once in awhile."

She hoped her message of don't make a thing of this or else would be clear, if not she might have to make it more so later. In truth running was fun for her but her need to be the best and her pride was keeping her from enjoying that side of the hole event. " I See you benefited from this little game my dear friend i hope the nuns don't find out, would be quite a shame, Especially if you'd like to do it next time right? ." 

Her smile only widened at this sentence

Both hands settled on Kissy's waist, fingers curling around her slim waist as she pressed up against her chest. She kept her gaze on the pinkette for a moment then glanced over her shoulder at the lithe girl that had stopped to talk to another. Electric blue hues narrowed a bit, her body language said enough to the fourth year that she instantly felt a dislike for the girl even more than her display provoked. Her head turned back to the girl in her hold and she released her to gently straighten her tank top.

"You are too nice, Kissume."

In the noise of the crowd her voice was barely heard and she kept her gaze down, focused on what she was doing. Once she was satisfied that the article was back where it belonged, she looked up.

"Yet.. Careful." Her hand raised to ruffle those pink locks before giving a smile that was laced with a bit of worry and never reached her eyes. Zuko tilted her head off to the side, directing Kissy's gaze toward the trees she had been lingering under before. It was almost time for their practice and she didn't want to cause trouble for the girl by being around when their coach showed up.

"Wave if you need me."

Makoto gasped and raised a hand to her mouth, "Why, Kumori-senpai...what a thing to accuse me of." she said, barely acting shocked at the statement.  She batted her eyes and gave a light hearted giggle, "You big tease.  But, I'm sure we'd all benefit from getting to see another race.  At some point."

So, the girl had a little bit of brains to her.  Not that Makoto had approached with the greatest of subtleties.  Still, it was too good of an opportunity to resist.  If there was going to be a rematch, she wanted to make sure that both competitors would be eager to go.  And if she could hype the lead up to that event...well, she'd be likely to do what Haruka was expecting her to do.  Make some more money.  The bluenette was hoping to make a lot more, as a matter of fact.

Which shouldn't be too hard, once word got around.  And for that, she wouldn't even have to do that much work.  The girls of St. Spica were sure to help, once the other spectators left the track and went to tell their friends all about it.  She stepped away and gave a wave to the older girl.  "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me!" she said.

And should Makoto pass by Kisumi, she would offer the victor a quick wink and flash a smile.  The afternoon had turned out rather nicely, as far as the Ishii girl was concerned.