Skyler knew him well. [break][break]

Angelo is quick to join her in accepting the frozen reins, fingers clenching tight even when numbing pain assaults his flesh.[break][break]

When they’re not throwing themselves into chaos side by side, lunging forward like they’re ensnared by the same fishing hook, he’s only ever one step behind. Never far. His competitiveness and hunger for their adventures, always burning furiously when encouraged by an intoxicatingly wild smile, refusing to let the captain get too much of a head start.[break][break]

Although, sometimes, that single step is intentional. A footfall hesitated to indulge in a low simmering heat in his veins, to let his gaze linger and drag low in a burning trail as she pushes forward. [break][break]

Like today…[break][break]

“Just admiring the view!” He retaliates to Skyler’s taunt over the thundering of hooves slamming against ice, utterly shameless in his admission as an exhilarated laugh grips cold lungs. [break][break]

Taking advantage of its rider’s distracted gaze, the Glastrier snaps chilly, blunt teeth towards its counterpart’s rear with a harsh click. Neck snatching out to risk a bite, pulling Angelo’s attention away from tempting curves and tensing thigh muscles with a jolt, frozen reins slicing deeper as he yanks the unruly steed’s head away. “Shit, c'mon!”[break][break]

Whether its bold advance was one of appreciation for the other’s ass or just that this Glastrier is one itself, is up for debate.[break][break]

“Save the flirting for when we win, alright?” [break][break]

If the Glastrier huffs loudly from Angelo’s hypocrisy, he ignores it. Far too drunk from the flush of adrenaline and the sweet, tempting taste of victory - of the thought of a first place prize to claim - on his tongue. [break][break]

Strong thigh muscles squeeze the frozen sides of the untamed force beneath him, encouraging ice to bite fiercer against his skin and the mystical equine to surge forward into a sprinting stride. Glastrier taking heed of the silent message, running with a wide gait to push ahead, approaching the second obstacle before its counterpart with a determined, cold exhale through its nostrils. [break][break]

“What’s your excuse, slowpoke?” Angelo calls as he passes, peering over his shoulder with frigid wind in his hair and a polarising heat in his roguish grin. Fanning the flames.
[break][break]

JM3jsQOm

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+ skyler dross [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He does take another look. Not like he needs the invitation. [break][break]

An indulgent glance is cast over his shoulder, stubbornly maintaining his sights on her even as the Glastrier surges beneath him with heavy, body lurching strides. From his cold lips, a shaky plume of mist furls; Angelo exhaling a breath of exhilaration and quiet, drunken laughter at the sight that surges closer. [break][break]

Skyler Dross is on the warpath. [break][break]

With her golden curls icy and windswept like a hoisted flag in a storm, exposed teeth insatiable for victory, she near looks the part of a Viking warrior; stalking towards him with threatening intent to plunder his lead. Greedy, unrelenting and seducing him with the promise of a challenge… [break][break]

Yet, for him, her eyes are the most dangerous feature – the prized axe. [break][break]

And their sharp, alluring edges have already been driven right into his chest, a hairsbreadth from striking him down. [break][break]

He turns his attention back to the race with a fierceness to his grip, lest he slip off the lumbering Glastrier’s back or have Skyler’s damnable smile deal the final blow on his stumbling heart. Somehow the latter feels more perilous… [break][break]

Thankfully, it’s the captain herself that drags Angelo’s focus back to what presides in importance down in the Shoal Caves. Winning this carrot saga, once and for all. [break][break]

Although she jumps first, he’s but an inch behind. His Glastrier doesn’t hesitate to take the jump and neither does he. Even though it doesn’t live up to flying through the clouds – this is a far more awkward and uncomfortable experience – Angelo momentarily gives himself to the freefall when ice vanishes beneath hooves. Trusting the strange creature to carry them the whole way over the chasm. [break][break]

Glastrier seems to appreciate this, for when it lands, its competitive nature increases tenfold. Not missing a beat as it lurches past Skyler with a feisty whinny and explosion of cold mist from its nose, right at them. [break][break]

Turns out it is an asshole. And Angelo’s grin isn’t any less modest as they clear the final hurdle first, adrenaline playing a crescendo through his pulse when he shoots a look at his loser lover. [break][break]

“Okay. Now this is a view I can appreciate.” [break][break]

Heavy hooves of ice stomp against the ground as the Glastrier slows, before turning to bump its flank against the other, bringing Angelo close enough for him to risk stretching over the narrow space between them. Uncaring for the drop should the creatures beneath them opt to move. [break][break]

Frozen fingertips dig into warm flesh at the back of Skyler’s neck, entangling in a wild, golden mane adorned with jewels of ice. Blue eyes flashing with the intention of melting more than the frost on her skin, before it’s hidden behind their close proximity…[break][break]

“Come on then,” he breathes against her lips, tension suspended on a fragile string as Angelo withholds a kiss from her; a slow curl of sharp white, revealed like bait on a fishing line. “I'm waiting. How're you going to argue that you actually won, this time?” [break][break]

His smirk bets that Skyler can’t… Only to swallow whatever claim or rebuttal she may have tried to utter beneath a warming, breath stealing kiss.

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c|3byr|j

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+ skyler [break][break]

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