on [a] and the hunter.

synopsis: [A]'s relationship with the hunter, from Rylan's pov.

If there's anyone who would understand that things aren't always what they seem like on the outside, it's Rylan. That said, when they look at your relationship with [A] they wonder if, for once, it really is just as easy as it looks.

They first met the two of you on the battlefield. While it was not the most ideal situation, it gave them a first-hand look at how well you worked together. If you were lacking in one area, [A] would pick it up. Likewise, if [A] was weaker in a certain skill, you made up for it with your strength.

You were a perfect match.

That night, Rylan understood why you were on the top of the leaderboard. Everyone in the supernatural world knew that if you and [A] were assigned to their case, there would be no escaping. They'd always thought it was a bluff, but even they barely escaped by the skin of their teeth. It's only pure luck that it ended the way it did.

… and magic, of course. K would never let them hear the end of it if Rylan discounted their help.

But that was only the first instance. Since working with the two of you, Rylan's gotten to know you both better. You see, they're used to cataloguing things. Especially since their time as a bounty, they've begun noting every small detail, honing in on little things that most people wouldn't catch. It's mostly for safety reasons, but with you and [A], they find it has become something of curiosity instead.

It fascinates them, how your relationship works. They want something like it of their own.

If [A] doesn't like something in their salad, they'll pass it off to you to finish. At a bubble tea place, you'll both order different things and try each other's drinks. You usually keep your original orders, but occasionally, Rylan's seen you switch. The same goes for ice cream.

[A] is loud. They're energetic and bubbly and jump around when they get excited. It's part of the reason Rylan likes them so much. They have an infectious energy that is inescapable. Sometimes, you match that energy. Other times, you're more mellow. Regardless, it doesn't affect how well you work with [A].

You both understand each other to an extent that no one else can. Rylan thought about the possibility of reading minds once, but even for someone who needs to drink blood to stay alive, they knew they were being ridiculous.

Still, if anyone knows telepathy, it's you two.

Take this, for example. As happy as [A] can be sometimes, they too, can be affected by bad moods. Sometimes, they're so bad that no one can pull them out of it. No one except you, of course. It's baffling. Some encouragement from you and suddenly, the light is back in their eyes.

Rylan once waved an ice latte in front of [A]'s face, hoping to coax them out of their funk, but nothing. When you showed up a couple of minutes later, you sat with them under the table in silence and boom, [A] was talking again.

It didn't bother Rylan as much as it did interest them. Why you? Why did [A] respond in this manner to only you?

The answer was both simple and complicated. Simple because it was glaringly obvious. Complicated because it wasn't their place to comment on such things. Rylan may be nosy, but they also know when to let two people figure things out themselves. Even if those two people are the most oblivious people on the planet.

Seriously.

There have been plenty of instances with Rylan present where they've thought the lines between you crossed platonic territory, but neither of you acknowledged it. They used to think maybe [A] was ignoring it on purpose, trying not to get their hopes up, but they've come to learn that no, [A] is just that dumb.

The same goes for you. They know touching each other happens regularly with your jobs, especially when fighting, but for the love of God, it's not platonic to have your heart beat that fast when it happens.

It makes Rylan want to rip their hair out.

They're this close to doing it right now, staring at the two of you napping on [A]'s couch. [A] is practically sleeping on your shoulder and is dangerously close to falling on top of you. You're breathing softly, puffs of air tickling the hair by [A]'s ear.

The sight is amusing enough that Rylan took a picture and sent it to [N], who fondly replies: "They're actually stupid."

They bet when you wake up, [A] will jump and apologize, while you'll tell them not to worry about it. The both of you will be flushed with heat, butterflies in your stomachs and hearts racing like you're trying to beat Usain Bolt. And all Rylan will do is sit there and crack a joke, hoping that they'll be relieved from this torture one day.

They're rooting for you guys though. Truly.