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Countless footsteps. A night of lights. A night where no child sleeps. There may be countless feet hitting the ground, but T.M. Opera O was only concerned with the four pairs of them. There was she, the beautiful, wonderful, borderline perfect, centurial overlord. There was the ever determined Narita Top Road. The two of them had managed to get the anti-social Admire Vega to agree to come to this festival. Finally, Meisho Doto. Doto, her very closest friend, her longest admirer, the one by her side. Some would call her Opera’s shadow, but that’s inaccurate by all means. A shadow is behind someone, Doto was never left behind by Opera. They stood together, as a hero of legend and a powerful ruler should. Their footsteps were drowned out by the enormous crowd that surrounded the four, barely discernable from the flood of people. Doto held tight to Opera’s arm as she moved deftly through the chaotic sprawl of umamusume and humans, with Narita Top Road pulling a discontented Admire Vega along behind the front running duo. The city streets seemed to glow orange from the lanterns all around, contrasting the deep blue sky. The four of them were making a mad dash down the festival streets. It was clear that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy themselves as well in the cacophony that was spread throughout the festival, so Opera looked for a place to rest their weary legs. The two in front found a small table with no others, surrounded by trees. No lanterns, it was darker here.
“Worry not Ayabe-san! I have discovered a perfect spot for respite. Despite all odds, the Overlord prevails!” Cried Opera O as she sat at the table, with Doto sitting down soon after, where Opera quickly started laughing loudly. The other two filed into the other side, opposite Doto and Opera O. Though the night was hectic, there was a rhythm to it all. The drums were playing and night grew darker, so the crowd would lessen with time. Opera intended to wait it out, she wished to continue this rare meeting of all four of them.
“Do you guys want some food?” asked a slightly out of breath Narita Top Road, pushing her hair out of her face.
“Sure…” Ayabe said as she laid head on her crossed arms.
“Uh… Yeah,” said Doto as she inspected the nearby area in search of any intriguing food stands. Opera O took one glance at their group and decided.
“Indubitably! So, what does everyone wish to feast upon during this magnificent festival?” asked Opera dramatically, she decided her friends were too tired and overwhelmed, so she shall handle this task. It’s only right for the Overlord to do so. Top Road asks for some yakisoba, and Admire Vega as well. Doto hesitates before asking for the same, but spicier. Opera dashed into the crowd. Weaving in between groups and pushing through everyone, T.M. Opera O made it to the closest possible stand, manned by two. A tall silver haired uma, and a purple-haired one blushing. T.M. Opera O simply walked up and requested the food, four servings of yakisoba. One spicer than the rest. Mejiro McQueen quickly got to work in the back, frying their noodles. While she waited, Opera’s mind wandered back to her group. She looked back at her path, trying to determine the best way to maneuver through the tangerine streets. The crowd was still enormous but she could easily walk back to their secluded hideout, only some weaving required. Some music caught her ear, she turned her head towards the sound as her ear flicked. The stalls lined the festival area, and farther down the line broke into an open area where music was being played, with the orange lanterns lining each side. In between the stalls periodically was some trees and a grassy area, one of which the group had decided to hunker down in.
“Order up Operaaaaaaa!” screamed a working Gold Ship. She threw the four boxes of noodles at her, with Opera catching all of them. Opera laughed in the face of a dejected Gold Ship.
“I shall see you another day, Gold Ship!” cried Opera as she left with her noodles. She balanced two in her right and two and her left as she walked back to her dark picnic table. “Worry not compatriots!” Opera came into the area shouting, interrupting the conversation the three of them were having,”I have secured our meals!”
“Thanks.”
“Thank you!
“Thanks Opera O!” said Ayabe, Top Road, and Doto respectively. Opera spun in a circle and slid the meals onto the table in a fluid motion. They each took their meals after Opera had placed them on the table, and as she began to sit, Top Road continued their previous conversation,”Opera O! We were just talking about you! We were wondering if you had a crush on anyone!” Doto blushed profusely.
“Yo-you don’t have to answer that question Opera!” exclaimed the worried Doto, her tail sticking up straight. Opera O dramatically closed her eyes and placed her pointer finger in between her eyes, other fingers extended out. The hand created a dramatic shadow on her face which is exactly what she aimed for. Doto and Top Road stared intently, Ayabe was uninterested. She suddenly opened her eyes, and put her hand out with her fingers extended with as much flair as possible.
“If by crush you mean love, then the answer is quite clear!” Doto waited with baited breath, and Top Road leaned in slightly as she slurped another noodle down. She put her extended heart against her chest flat, ears pressing down against her head. “I truly love… Me!” Top Road and Doto looked disappointed, while Ayabe just sighed. Doto’s tail drooped, and her ears appeared to get even lower. Opera O felt a pit grow in her stomach, she couldn’t fathom why though. She had answered honestly, but a look to the defeated Doto to her side filled her with dread. “I-uh apologize… I don’t know if I truly have romantic feelings for anyone as of yet, who knows however,” she said quickly, nervously winking and smiling towards Doto. Admire Vega and Top Road were shocked, they’d never heard Opera O talk like that before, not when she lost, or even when she was ridiculed. Doto heard that and perked up a little, making a small smile form on T.M. Opera O’s face, a gentler look than usual. Top Road noticed it and smirked, while Ayabe just stared at the golden-haired umamusume’s face as she ate for a bit. The conversation continued after that, with Opera O pestering Ayabe about a crush while Top Road giggled and Doto tried to prevent Opera O from leaning over the table.
“That was yummy!” Top Road interjected as she finished and stood up, the other three also had finished their fried noodles so she asked,”What do you guys wanna do next?” Opera simply wished to walk around together, and reflect on their own grandeur.
“Could we play some games? Maybe..?” Asked Doto quietly. She brushed some of her short brown hair to the side.
“Wondorous idea Doto!” applauded Opera O, giving her a standing ovation. The blonde head of Top Road shifted to the side as Ayabe stood up to whisper in her ear before sitting back down. Top Road smirked a little, and her ears flicked a little. Doto was a bit flustered by the applause so she didn’t see Top Road quickly pull Admire Vega out of her seat.
“Me and Admire Vega are gonna leave now!” Top Road declared quickly as the duo quickly gathered up all their waste and ran off.
“Bwuh-uh-Huh?” Doto was clearly caught off guard, and reached out slightly as if she could reach them.
“I suppose it shall be us alone for now Doto! Now! What games do you wish to play?” Opera O inquired, quickly brushing over their group splitting. Alone time with Doto would be splendid for Opera O, the ambiance, the crowd, how lively it all is, it would be a beautiful night.
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Admire Vega and Narita Top Road practically sprinted out of there, leaving nothing to chance. As soon as they were sure they were out of sight, they hunched over to catch their breath. Ayabe just asked Top Road if she thought that Opera had a crush on Doto too, that’s what she told Top Road, but she didn’t expect it to escalate so quickly.
“Are we sure it’s ok to leave her with…”
“Doto’s always around Opera,” replied Top Road quickly, finishing Ayabe’s sentence,”It might be the best spot to leave her.”
“I can’t imagine that..”Ayabe said, cringing as she stood back up, Narita Top Road already beaming at her. The people moved around them in the orange glow of the street.
“Besides! Did you see how she looked at Doto? I’ve never heard her apologize either, not without proceeding to praise herself at least.” Admire Vega conceded to that. It was very strange.
“Yes… I recall when she smacked your butt… All she said was to relax…”
Top Road blushed profusely before replying,”Yea-yeah and it’s obvious Doto has a crush on her, so this is the perfect time for Opera to realize that!”
“ I suppose it will be alright .You always find a way to force your way on people…” Ayabe replied with a small smirk. They continued talking and started to walk, enjoying the festival together.
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“The next time for certain! It is unthinkable I could fail once more!” Opera O stood in front of a booth, tossing rings at bottles.
“Maybe… We should move on to the next one…” Doto whispered.
“Do you still yearn for that stuffed animal Doto?”
“Yeah I still want it but it-its not worth it, this is your fifteenth try…”
“Nonsense! If it’s for you it’s beyond worth it! Now watch Doto! I shall complete this sisyphean task with ease.” She then tossed the ring with a flick of her wrist from high up, giving it a spin, causing it to rattle and land on a bottle easily. “HAAAAAAH HAAAH HAAAH HAAH! Doto! The stuffed goat is yours!” Opera O thought to herself as the ring toss owner begrudgingly handed Doto her small stuffed goat. She fought so hard for Doto’s happiness here, and she has for others, like Ayabe , but this time was very different. It might be because it was off of the turf. That had to be it, the butterflies in her stomach were just because she was used to pushing people up by racing. Doto’s voice drew her back in from her thoughts.
“Thank you, Opera O.” She said with a small smile on her face. Opera O could feel warmth spread through her whole body, and she blushed a tiny bit.
“Of course Doto, providing like this is my role as Overlord, it is my destiny.”
“Yea-Yeah!” Doto did a small cheering motion while cradling her goat plush in her left arm. Opera O couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face, much warmer than her usual sharp and cocky smile. She chuckled a little as well.
“Well Doto, what shall we do next?” Doto looked around inquisitively, tail swishing.
“How about uhm… That basketball game? Yeah!” The two of them hurried over, Opera O leading the way as Doto followed close behind, slightly slouching over with her hands together.
“Doto! Gaze upon it!” Opera O excitedly shouted as she turned to see a small stuffed version of T.M. Opera O as a reward in basketball. “They’ve captured my visage in this stuffed doll! A tribute to my glory no doubt! Doto! You shall win it for me!”
“Huh? I don’t know I’m not great at basketball…”
“Nevermind that Doto! Just strive for it, and results will follow!” They had stopped right in front of the basketball booth, and Opera O took a step back, and she couldn’t help but admire how beautiful tonight was. The warm light of the festival hid the darkness from sight, but if you looked up you could still see the stars in the sky. She thought about telling this to Admire Vega when they regrouped inevitably, but was interrupted by Doto yelping at the basketball bouncing back in her face. It left a small red mark, and her eyes were tearing up, but she kept playing. Opera O felt the same warmth from earlier rise up. This was Doto at her best. Despite everything, moving forward. It was a magnificent sight. Opera O stood there, appreciating her drive until Doto turned to her, Opera O plush in hand.
“I-I-I did it!” She cheered, dropping her goat plush from earlier. She quickly picked it up, but then dropped the other plush and she groaned and shook her head before Opera O picked it up for her.
“Wonderful job Doto!” She put the small Opera O next to her face and smiled. “They captured my beauty well, a wonderful trinket celebrating my accolades!” Opera O is undefeated still, small toys and merchandise of her are everywhere. Opera O knows this, but this small toy of herself was vastly different from the rest. Doto had earned it for her after all. “Such a magnificent gift to the Overlord, must be returned at least threefold!” She extends the plush to the sky, now with her hand on her hip. Doto giggles lightly.
“Are you sure? It’s only a small plush…”
“Without doubt! In return for slaying a dragon, a knight is given feasts, love, even fortune. This is the same!” Before Doto could disagree again Opera quickly broke into a dash, one arm pulling Doto along the other pumping with her small plush held tightly. Opera didn’t know where she was running to, she just wanted Doto to be there with her, holding each other’s hands. She’d find something quickly and the night would continue on forevermore
“Opera O….” Doto panted from behind her,”Slow… Down…”
“Ah…” Opera said as she slowed down to a stop, still holding Doto’s hand,”I apologize Doto, I haven’t the faintest clue of what came over me.” Opera O blushed as the small crowd that was left moved around them. There were countless footsteps. Only the two small ones remained out of the original four though. Doto and Opera O continued to hold each other’s hands as they walked around admiring the festival. Doto was clearly very embarrassed, her hands were sweaty, face was bright red, and she couldn’t stop looking at the ground. Despite appearances, T.M Opera O was much the same. Her heart kept fluttering, though there was only a light blush on her cheeks. She didn’t know what happened to her. She’d always enjoyed Doto’s company, even more so than Top Road, Ayabe, or Hiyahide. Doto was always her favorite to train with. Opera had always admired her drive but this was different. When Doto looked at Opera, she looked with awe. When Opera turned to look at Doto as they walked together, it was something else. Not exactly admiration, which was something Opera felt when she gazed into her mirrors. Her beauty inspired hope and joy in herself, but Doto’s was… different… The warm light bounced off of her face as she looked up, striking Opera as her heart skipped a beat. Opera stopped and let go of Doto’s hand, and quickly sat upon a nearby bench. Doto quickly followed after her, blushing still. T.M. Opera O was completely vexed. She crossed her legs over each other, put her elbow down and put her chin on top of her hand. Doto was so beautiful. More than herself. While not as blinding nor as dazzling as the Overlord’s glow, Doto’s had a more powerful effect on her. It caused doubt, her heart to stop, and for the whole world to stop moving. It was remarkable. Doto nervously sat next to her and shifted slightly.
“O-Opera O? Are you… Okay?” Asked her meek ally, Doto. Her head shot up, she quickly moved her hand back.
“Yes! Quite! Never better!” replied the Overlord quickly, too quickly. Doto looked a bit shocked. “I’m fine Doto, worry no longer. I shall retrieve some confections for us to partake in!” She uncrossed her legs and stood up, staring into the crowd.
“Ok Opera… I’ll see you soon,” Doto said quietly. Opera smiled slightly, and walked off into the crowd. Opera O was getting too flustered. This had never happened before. She’d always been so certain. The orange lamps above her rustled as she quickly stepped past, going against the flow. She decided to stop focusing on how gorgeous Doto looked, how magnificent she made her feel and just focus on getting sweets for her and Doto. Ayabe and Top Road aren’t there to distract her either. What a conundrum. She suddenly found herself in front of a cotton candy stand.
“Heyyyyy Operraaa Ooooooo,” spoke Gold Ship from behind the stall. Opera O didn’t question it.
“May I acquire a single cotton candy?” Opera O spoke quickly and seriously, which Gold Ship took as a sign to not lace her cotton candy with peppers. Opera O was quickly given her treat and she walked off, back to her “shadow” as most would call her. The mere thought of seeing her… Opera O through all her confusion couldn’t help but feel happy to see Doto again. She could see her looking around from afar, sitting on the bench, holding her small goat. Opera O smiled. No matter what, Doto was Doto, and Opera was the Overlord. No matter how unnerving it may feel, she must confront her obstacles head on, as the Overlord. As a murderer would confront the court, or a knight confronting their rival. She saw the path in front of her. She took slow steps, her plush in one hand, cotton candy held out in the other. Doto looked up at her as she walked over, smiling gently. She always had a bit of a melancholic beauty to her. The orange glow, with Meisho Doto’s toothless smile and closed eyes made Opera’s heart start to beat out of her chest. “Doto! Hear me! I have procured candy made of clouds for us to feast upon!” She began to pick up her pace and quickly sat next to Doto, smiling at her as she settled into place. Opera placed her plush in her lap, and Doto did the same. Opera O extended the cotton candy to Doto, still smiling her small smile. It was that little smile that lit Opera up more than anything, more than herself.
“Than-Thank you Opera O,” Doto almost whispered before she tore off a piece with her hands. Opera O felt her heart stop beating for a moment, Doto was too adorable for her to handle. They both took turns tearing off pieces of cotton candy. Conversation was difficult due to the amount of noise and how much cotton candy the two were consuming. Night had completely fallen when they had finished, and the crowd had returned for the last moments of the festival. Opera could hear the drums start to play. They matched the beat of her heart in this moment, fast paced and wild.
“Doto. We must dance.”
“W-we?”
“For certain. It’ll be splendid! Come!” She stood up, and grabbed Doto’s right hand with both of hers, helping her up, before turning around, leaving only their right hands connected.
“Okay… Um… Yes!” Doto agreed much too late, but agreed nonetheless. Countless footsteps crowded the plaza where music was being played, but the two found their way to the center as the rest of the band began to play. Opera O turned and grabbed Doto’s left hand and began to dance with her. Swinging their arms to the rhythm together, spinning Doto as she squealed in shyness, doing anything that came to mind. They spun each other around, they faked a waltz before breaking into laughter. They danced and they danced, but they always held onto each other. They spun through the crowd together, with Opera O catching a glance of Ayabe and Top Road dancing together, winking at Admire Vega, who blushed and looked away. All the sounds and lights seemed to cheer them on as they continued on together, holding each other's hand, linking arms, doing any dance that seemed right in the moment. Opera O was constantly laughing while Doto just looked at her in amazement and shyly looked away. The shared sweets and the loud music, the night seemed to give Opera a lifetime’s worth of happiness in this chaotic moment as Doto tried spinning her, before dropping her. “I--I-I’m so sorry Opera O!” She felt a bit dizzy, but Opera O knew she was ok.
“‘Tis nothing dear Doto!” She grabbed Doto’s arms and pulled herself up. “Tonight is so wonderful, come rain, come high water, nothing may ruin it for me.” Doto blushed a little as Opera O smiled at her.
“S-still we-we should get you some water or-or-or a bandage in case you got scraped,” Doto said as she looked away, abashed.
“Hmmmm…. I am content with this… As long as we continue the festivities! We shall dance together, in our lonesome!” Opera O winked at Doto, who looked mortified. She stuttered endlessly, which Opera patiently waited through as she smiled. Doto’s tail went straight.
“Bw- huh- Huh?!” She only grew more flustered after that but ultimately said, “Ye-yes! I nee-need to make sure you’re are okay!” She may have stuttered more than usual but her determination shone through, and Opera O was led off of the plaza by a red-faced Doto. Opera O looked back as Narita Top Road waved with two arms and a huge smile goodbye while Ayabe simply nodded. Opera O gave a small smile and a wave back. Doto held her hand tight as Opera was marched into a place with no lanterns, where you couldn’t hear the music, and with no other people around. It was a small path to a bench next to a tiny, still growing, tree. The only light other than the moon was a small streetlight, whose cool light spread in a near perfect circle around it, bathing the bench in cold, bluish light.
“Uuuh-uh… Sit here…” Doto requested. Despite the whispery voice, she was very stern. Doto was blushing profusely, likely because she noticed she was holding Opera’s hand so tightly. She quickly jumped backwards, releasing Opera and nearly falling over. Doto’s arms flew around in a circle as she steadied herself and as soon as she did she glued them to her side and leaned forward with her fists out, looking determined. Opera just quickly sat down and crossed her legs, sitting straight up. She looked as royal as you could, her orange hair contrasting with the blue hued light, her Tracen uniform matching the light. She put her hands flat to the bench area at her sides and leaned back a little.
“You inspect to check for scrapes, correct? Shall I? Or…” Opera O couldn’t finish. The mere thought of Doto holding her gently, inspecting her made her face flush with embarrassment. She thought, if she really felt this way about Doto, it may be best to act on them, no matter how terrifying the feelings may be, she’s the Overlord, there’s no reason to doubt herself. Doto was paralyzed, it looked like she had been frozen, but her face was far too bright and red for that. Opera O shifted slightly, uncrossing her legs, but keeping them extremely close together. “It’s frankly no trouble for me to do so-”
“No! No…” Doto shouted, before returning to her normal soft voice,”I-I’ll do it… I dragged you out here after all, sorry about that…” She knelt down and slowly put her hands around Opera’s calf, as gently as she could be. To Opera it felt like nothing more than a few blades of grass tickling her leg, but her reaction said otherwise. She said not one word, the Overlord’s booming voice silenced. She was a tomato drying in the sun. Her face was red and hot, despite the cool night that surrounded them. Doto inspected from her ankle to her knee on both legs, not saying a word either. “Uhm. Thi-this one’s good.” she spoke up after fully checking.
“Goo-wonderful Doto!” exclaimed Opera O, trying to maintain face in front of her closest friend. Doto then started on the other one, and Opera had to distract herself. She wondered if she could ever confess these feelings to Doto. It was obviously yes. The Centurial Overlord could overcome any obstacle, but alas it may be better to leave it to Doto to confess. It forced Doto to confront her own feelings, which would make her stronger. Opera O decided then and there, Doto would have to be the first to declare her love, it’d be the best end result for both.
“Okay… You’you’re all good Opera O.” Doto said quickly, bowing low enough to nearly hit the bench and swiftly sitting next to her, sitting straight up, tenser than a coiled spring.
“Relax, Doto, relax.” Opera giggled a little and leaned forward. Doto laughed softly too. Doto didn’t have a chance to respond before the fireworks started, replacing the cold light with all sorts of bright. Doto looked up and her face lit up, gasping slightly at each one. The night sky was a canvas full of colours. Opera stared for a few moments, before shaking her head and looking at Doto. Seeing her normal downcast fast contrasted with this excited and happy one filled Opera with such joy she simply had to stand up and laugh. “Doto! Laugh with me!” Doto quickly followed suit, trying her best to match Opera O’s immense laughter, hers being far breathier and quiet. “Now! Doto!” She turned on her heel and extended her hand. “I believe I was promised a dance.”
“Ahh!” Doto yelped slightly and fell off of the bench towards the back into the small grassy area which elicited a small chuckle from Opera. She suddenly jumped up however and reached out and grabbed her extended left hand, which Opera wrapped her fingers in, and pulled Doto close, with Opera’s right hand cradling Doto’s shoulder blade. Doto nervously rested her hand on her dancing partner’s shoulder. And they began to waltz. Doto reflected Opera’s perfectly despite her nervous mutterings, every step was perfect, and every turn was on time and on point. Two forward with one foot, one forward with the other. She kept this rhythm going as they glided around the small streetlight for what seemed like hours before Opera noticed Doto’s small tired yawn.
“That was wonderful Doto.” The fireworks seemed endless, and Opera wished they were. To see Doto’s and her own face illuminated so spectacularly, she wished it would last forever. Opera O released her gentle grasp on Doto, and simply sat down on the nearby bench. “Are you exhausted, Doto, from all of our festivities?”
“Haha… Yeah…” said Doto softly. She brushed off the bench a small amount before sitting down. “We did a lot tonight… We danced…. And and played games… and danced…” Doto kept saying before yawning.
“Yes. Though I wish we had Ayabe and Top Road with us, it truly was a most splendid night.” Doto was swaying on the bench. With her record of air-headed-ness Opera had to assist her. “Doto. Here. I shall be your steed. Simply take care of the miniature version of myself.” Opera O stood up, and knelt down for Doto to climb on.
“Are-are you sure? I’m not light… or stable… I don’t know…”
“Hahaha! Doto! I am the Centurial Overlord! I can handle your weight!”
“Ok…Ok!” Doto steeled herself before wrapping her arms around Opera’s neck and slipping her legs into her arms. “I’m so sorry…”
“Quite alright Doto! Now please hold onto my treasure for me!” Opera handed her the small toy, and Doto grabbed it with one of her hands, now two small plushes hung around Opera’s neck as she stood up quickly, pushing Doto up so she was more comfortable. “HAAAAAAH HAAA HAAA! Gaze upon my might! My power is unrivaled and shall be until the century’s end! HAAAAH HAA HAA!!” Opera O could feel Doto’s warmth on her back, her breasts pushing into her. Opera O started to walk down the path back to the festival. “Doto I am going to try and find our compatriots, our fellow stars cannot have wandered far!”
“I’m sho shorry….” Doto kept slurring her words as she slowly embraced sleep. Opera O could feel her take her respite, shifting her again so she could move easier. The small air she could feel on her neck coming from the sleeping umamusume was hard not to focus on. Doto’s heart beating could be felt as well, and Opera could hardly handle it. Nevertheless, she continued on her path back, where she could observe two familiar figures walking towards her. The tall Narita Top Road and the ever serious Admire Vega, both holding hands and eating some cotton candy.
“Oh it’s Opera!” suddenly Narita Top Road broke the grip on Ayabe’s hand and waved while taking a bite out of her cotton candy. Admire Vega looked a bit disappointed, but quickly regained her normal, unreadable face, and nodded at Opera. Narita Top Road made a quick jog over, her tail and smile revealing just how happy she was to be reunited, but it wasn’t long before Admire Vega closed in as well.
“Why’re you holding Doto?” asked Ayabe as she got closer.
“The answer is quite clear, Ayabe-san! We had partook in almost all the festival had to offer, the lights and music blessing us as we went, our path illuminated by the golden lanterns, and as Doto joined me in a dance, she simply grew too tired to continue, but alas! I had to rejoin you two! So I decided to carry her.” Top Road nodded, while Ayabe simply looked at the small toys in Doto’s sleepy hands she just said, “huh.” T.M. Opera O began to walk forward as their conversation ended. Narita Top Road and Admire Vega stood for a moment before walking as well.
“Shall we make our grand return to the stage of our slumber, Ritto dorm?” Ayabe rolled her eyes at the grandiosity of Opera’s statement, and Narita Top Road quickly stepped to Opera’s side. Doto’s head rested on Opera’s left shoulder, Top Road leaned in slightly to Opera’s right side.
“Do you… like Doto, Opera O?” she inquired with a small whisper. Opera O could feel her face flush red, and simply replied,” I like all, dear Top Road, and Doto I like more than most.” Top Road giggled slightly,”You know that’s not what I mean. Do you like like her?” Despite her juvenile phrasing, Opera O grew even more embarrassed. It was strange for her to be so embarrassed in front of these two. Usually she was embarrassing them in some way.
“I’ll answer your inquiries another time, when I am no longer having Doto to rest upon me.” She then leaned forward slightly to make sure Doto didn’t fall. Her head only rolled slightly, both arms still around Opera’s neck, hands carrying Opera’s treasure fixed in between the two Umamusume’s bodies.
“I’ll hold you to it!” Top Road replied playfully. Their conversation continued on beneath a rising moon, discussing what they all did at the festival, with Ayabe cutting in to admire the cotton candy. Opera O complemented the other duo’s dancing skills, to which she got only blushes and a meek thank you from Top Road. Ayabe merely glared at Opera, which was retorted with a laugh. Top Road commented on the music choice for the festival, with Opera adding it could’ve been vastly improved with her vocal skills. This jovial conversation continued into the Ritto dorm. The air conditioning matching the cool night outside, just with less humidity, the fluorescent lights illuminating the small entrance area. It felt far less oppressive inside, away from the outdoor’s mugginess. All three footsteps climbed up the stairs in front of them. This was where the group split up once more, Admire Vega went to her room as quickly as possible, while Opera O decided to place Doto in her bed and Top Road agreed to help her. The now duo found their way to Air Shakur’s room, and gently knocked. She opened it, and was squeezed out of the way by Opera O, who made a beeline for Doto’s bed, navigating through a small mess from Air Shakur’s late night study sessions and Doto’s general clumsiness. Air Shakur looked upset, but Narita Top Road quickly calmed her down before going to help get Doto to bed. With Top Road behind her, Opera O released Doto’s legs, allowing her to dangle slightly before she slumped into Top Road’s arms, who strained slightly to keep her upright. The small toys she was cradling close to her fell to the floor, which Opera O picked up and placed on Doto’s less than tidy nightstand. The goat just leaned on the upright Opera plush. Opera kept fiddling with them to ensure they wouldn’t fall over.
Top Road hissed quietly at Opera, “Help me over here!” Opera quickly grabbed onto the other side of Doto, allowing Top Road to relax a little. The two of them rotated her and picked her up before gently placing her in bed. Air Shakur watched as Opera O proceeded to tuck Doto in, taking care to ensure she remained asleep. Top Road waved with two hands close to her chest and smiled as she exited the dorm room while Opera remained over Doto for a few moments, making sure to get her in bed as comfortably as possible.
“Yo. Get out.” Air Shakur whispered into Opera’s ears, which flicked in response. Her regal tail swished as she exited, closing the door behind her.
“Sooooo, Opera….” Her ears went flat to her head as she heard Narita Top Road start. “You got a crush on Doto?”
“She’s as gorgeous as myself, it’s only natural I would! Her beauty matches my own, and she’s just magnificent as well. Though my feelings may have only been recognized by tonight’s festivities, it seems I’ve felt this way a long time,” Opera began to gush, she couldn’t contain her feelings any longer. She only had a slight blush as she spoke on the subject, her tail swishing happily. The duo started for the stairs.
“Yeah, I mean it seemed obvious to everyone. Even Ayabe noticed it.” Top Road said, giggling slightly, “You two are practically inseparable. The only time I see you guys apart is when Doto is helping Matikanfukukitaru.” Top Road kept probing her, asking how pretty Doto was, what Opera thought was magnetic about her, what she admired about her specifically all the way to their rooms.
“Top Roaddd!” cried Jungle Pocket from Top Road’s dorm as she approached,”Where the hell were you? I was gettin’ worried!”
“Where was I?” Top Road seemed taken aback by the question,”I told you I was gonna be at a festival late.”
“Ohhhh yeah.” Opera O let the two continue as she turned towards her own room. She unlocked the door and pushed it open gently. Biwa was already out cold. She placed her crown and earrings on her side table. She went to put her shoes away, and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and smiled. She tucked herself into bed and closed her eyes. The memories from earlier replayed in her head, repeating Doto’s smiling face. The night was dark and quiet, where even adults would be asleep, but Opera remained content through it all, keeping her mind fixated on her newest goal as she was whisked away by the ocean of dreams.