introduction

The warmth of midday descended over the forest as Roo dozed off in some trees above a collection of heated pools. The rising steam curled and tightened around their body like a swaddle, making them feel heavier with the temptation of sleep. Perhaps they would have given in if not for the distant sound of footfalls getting closer and closer. At this point, Roo could no longer ignore it. 

"Maybe they're just passing by." They thought absentmindedly, forcing back the wave of irritation that bubbled in their chest as the steps continued closer. They remained sprawled out along their thick tree branch and fought hard to retain the warm fuzziness of sleep despite the incoming interruption. But as soon as a loud splash was heard from below, it instantly somersaulted away.

While the hot springs were technically a public space, they were almost always empty, a fact in which Roo took full advantage of. After all, there was a much nicer bunch of springs not too far from here. So what could have brought this stranger here?

Roo finally rose from their cozy position on the branch and sat up, looking down at the pools. They rubbed their eyes, full of sleepiness and annoyance, as they located their intruder.

"There's a spot with larger and nicer pools nearby." Roo mumbled, though undoubtedly loud enough for the individual below them to hear. 

After taking a closer look, they recognized this Xero... barely. They stood out at festivals due to the odd lack of fur around their face and tail. X-105, was it? The hairless Xero's ribbed ears swiveled around and they gazed up, eyes wide with surprise. 

"Oh, my, a fellow climber. I didn't even notice you! I'll be here for a little while, so don't mind me." X-105 said politely, purposely disregarding the rude tone that the other forest-dweller held with them. They waded through the water to a spot just underneath Roo and the branch they were on, sitting and very clearly getting comfortable. Roo's long, tufted ears flattened backward against their head. This one was stubborn!

Roo crossed their arms, their long tail twitching impatiently. "The other hot springs aren't far... plus it has a lovely view with glowing plants all around." They tried to make eye contact with X-105 as they spoke, their intentions best held in their strangely inverted gaze, currently aflame with unfriendliness. However, the other Xero's eyes were shut as they relaxed in the water, although they were very clearly listening.

"Oh, this one is closer to my home. Plus, the views are only worth it at night, and as you can probably tell I'm not very suited for the cold." 

X-105 propped one of their arms onto a rock next to them as they spoke, a soundless sigh of relaxation escaping their mouth. Their eyes remained closed.

Roo squinted. They looked so comfortable and relaxed... How annoying! They lifted from their seated position and descended from the branch they were on like a reptile. Soon, they were hanging directly in front of the other Xero, albeit upside down and probably much less threatening-looking.

Though as they dangled from their unstable branch, they were able to get a good look at X-105. They stared shamelessly while the other's eyes were closed, finding themselves to be lost in the strange features of this odd individual. The way their bright orange fur looked against the muted blue of their bare skin was strangely attractive. Weird... but Roo certainly didn't hate it. Suddenly, X-105's eyes opened. The edges of their lips tipped upward slightly, amusement clouding their striking amber gaze. Roo froze in shock, blood rushing to their cheeks. They scrambled backward, nearly losing their footing in their rush to get away. "I-I thought I saw something on your face." They mumbled, stumbling over their words a bit.

X-105 let out a small laugh. "You know, you look nicer up close. Why don't you join me here?" They called up. The fur along Roo's spine rose, both flustered and annoyed by this irritatingly calm, though oddly charming Xero. 

"They're the worst." They thought, sneaking a peek down at them. X-105 gazed up at them expectantly, their expression warm and brazen. Roo could hardly believe the way their heart skipped a beat. "But I wouldn't mind if they stuck around a little longer."