Hey, cuties. Thanks for reading my story and making it to this chapter. :)

This is mainly set from season 2 and a bit after season 3.

Before I let you go, the song is Touch It by Ariana Grande and I 100% recommend you listen to it.


Riven can easily recall the first time he met Musa.

The swamp was hot and muddy. Well, to be fair, it was called the Black-Mud Swamp. The vegetation was overgrown to the point where you could hardly see the dirt path created by people in the past. The sun seemed ridiculously bright that day, practically blinding the poor sophomores. Luckily, there were only a few spots where the sun could escape between the thick leaves and vines. Though, that did not stop the temperature from steadily rising. To add to that, the swamp had eroded an odour that burned his nostrils and forced Riven to breathe through his mouth. Plants, animals -really any organism- was alive and moving. Every step the Specialist made in the marsh triggered vines to slither and crawl up his legs. Black mud and soil stained the boots and uniform he wore; fortunately, the only things left untouched were his purple phantoblade and hair. The only two things the swordsman truly cared about, not that he would ever tell anyone.

He got to the swamp accidentally; the Trix attacked his team when the group was transporting the troll. The hostage would have helped convict the descendants of the Ancestral Witches. But, of course, nothing went to plan. It wasn't Riven's fault. Just because he was the one steering, it did not mean that he was the cause of the accident. If anything, the aircraft was too outdated to detect the Trix and their dark magic.

Once he got off the aircraft, he was met with five confused Fairies. Each one wore khaki jumpsuits tailored to their sizes. A thick brown belt cinched the middle that served no real purpose, and every Winx Club member customized their outfit with undershirts and accessories. The violet-eyed boy was sure they had planned it so that no member was wearing the same colour. Though, the thing he noticed the most was Musa. Her short, navy blue hair was tied in pigtails that sprung from her head like sprouts. The pale Fairy had deep sapphire eyes that burned into his skin. It didn't take long for him to notice Musa swooning and how flushed her cheeks were. The difference between the rest of her friends and her is what made Musa attractive. She didn't seem like the person who followed what everyone else did. He respects that.

But then, after the dark-haired fairy called him dumb, Riven was almost positive that she was already annoyed after mere moments.

~o~

The sound of native insects to Magix poured into Musa's ear. The peaceful noise was the exact opposite of what the Alfea student felt like. Hot, unforgiving rage seared from her chest to the palm of her hands; embarrassment, its partner in crime, flushed her pale cheeks and damned the Fairy with painful and humiliating recollections. At least she wasn't crying.

A warm puff of air left her mouth and escaped through the open balcony door. Grey clouds flooded the night sky while dimming the glow from the moon. Despite the minimal amount of light making its way between the mist, moonlight pierced through the glass doors and windows. From the door to her mandatory twin bed, a sliver of faint light catches the objects Musa had carelessly thrown on the floor previously. Clothes, music sheets, books and some of her other belongings crowded the pink carpet. The Fairy of Music was known to be a bit messy, unlike her roommate. If Tecna took the time to cross the room and go down a few steps, the musician was sure she would either have a heart attack or scream. Maybe both. Definitely both.

The thought of her roommate, team member and friend caused a distraction which, unfortunately, lasted only a few fleeting moments. The singer huffs once again after being reminded of her circumstance.

"Musa, can you stop huffing and puffing? It is 2:58 in the morning and you've been doing this all night. Some of us are trying to sleep." The less mathematically intelligent of the two froze once she heard the programmer snap. Was she awake the whole time? Sitting up slowly, the artist glanced warily towards the direction of the neon-haired Fairy. Her eyes eventually adjusted to the dark room and saw Tecna sitting up in her green bed. The songwriter had to sit up slightly higher to be able to see the Fairy of Technology's face.

"Oh shit, Tec. Don't scare me like that," The student retaliated, "And you didn't have to be so rude about it. Geez."

Even in the darkness, the singer could see her peer roll her eyes. "Sorry. What's up with you?"

The singer twiddled with her thumbs. Her nails were newly painted with a shiny coat of rose, courtesy of Stella and Bloom. "Riven."

The technology Fairy's demeanour immediately shifted. A frown formed on her face. "Oh, Muse. I'm sorry to hear that; I know how much you like him."

Musa shrugged in acknowledgment. She had been so forward with him, putting aside her pride and fear. Christ, she had even taken his phone and put in her number. From her perspective, the Fairy had been very direct and was expecting at least a text. However, even after being ignored, she could feel Riven's calloused hands around hers- his presence undeniable.

With the last huff of the night, the blue-eyed girl slumps back into her bed, ending the conversation. "'Night Tec."

o~o

Inside a boarding school made to create tomorrow's heroes, Riven sits on the edge of his untidy bed. His thumb glazes over a certain navy-haired fairy's contact. The Red Fountain student had been pondering his choices and the outcomes that would arise from each decision, but by the time he lifted his head and peered out the window, the evening had passed and the night was beginning. The hero looked to his right to see a hue of blue light from Timmy's computer. At least he wasn't the only one up late at night; his roommate was working on Dragon-knows-what by the way he was furiously typing. Tossing the phone to the other side of his bed, Riven dresses himself in proper training gear and makes his way to the fitness centre.

The empty hallways spring alive with fluorescent light activated by the burgundy-haired boy's presence. His boots click against the white concrete while he makes his way toward the elevator to get to the second floor. Outside the sliding doors that separate the corridor from the fitness area, the swordsman raises his bare hand to the panel and prompts the doors to open. Accompanied by a hiss, Riven steps inside and is greeted with the smell of sweat and wet clothes. Wrinkling his nose, he walks to the far left where the individual lockers are and grab his bolas. The neon purple weapon was a favourite of his, though it was hidden away for a while because of lack of need for them.

Distraction- something that prevents someone from giving their full attention to a person, situation or object. Something being training, that someone equaling Riven, and the person happening to be Musa. Missing from the definition though, was that it was needed.

Pushing the grey button attached to one of the many walls in the room, the soldier took his stance in the middle. Practice targets flew up from the position they were in previously; dummies slid forward, rotated and entered the stage from below. In timed intervals, the plastic dolls changed stations as did the lights that focused on different parts of the floor. His right hand was tangled in the strings that kept the bolas together and in his grasp amidst training. Thanks to experience, Riven succeeded in hitting the moving targets with accuracy and speed. The glowing spheres wrapped around the dummies to pull them out from their stands, later thrown against the soundproof walls. So, he practiced.

Again.

And Again.

And Again.

By the time he stopped, his clothing was damp with sweat and his strangely shaped hair had started to become flat. The weapon was thick with perspiration; his hands rough and blotchy with red patches. His colourful eyes raised to read the digital clock. 2:13. A curse left his mouth at the realization that it was too late to get in contact with Musa now. The Fairy was likely asleep and had forgotten about him. He paces to his locker to return the bolas and leaves the fitness centre.

Riven ends up falling asleep from the steady rhythm Timmy's typing provides.

~o~

"-And remember girls, safety first. Right, Stella?" Professor Palladium questions, hinting at the past explosion caused by none other than the Princess of Solaria. Musa joins in with the rest of the class, save Stella, and their giggling. "Now, goggles on please."

The Fairies put on the chunky eyewear and begin proceeding with the lab they were assigned. Adjacent to the Fairy of Music was Flora. At the following tables were Bloom and Tecna, then Layla and Stella. The project required partners and the Winx Club had created a rotation every week to stop a member from exploiting Tecna. If you had Tecna, then you were guaranteed a high grade. (It's happened before.) Luckily for Bloom, it was her turn with the tech-savvy Fairy. It wasn't that the rest of the group was incompetent, it was the sole reason that no cared as much as Tecna.

"Musa, do you mind gathering the supplies?" Flora asked. The nature Fairy was possibly the most sympathetic and understanding person she's ever met. Although, it could be a bit patronizing.

"'Course, Flo." She makes her way to the front of the class, following the rest of her classmates. At the table already, Musa spots Layla and runs ahead to talk to her. "Hey, Layla! What are we supposed to get?"

The Princess turns to look at her with an incredulous face. "Musa, do you ever pay attention in class?"

The singer shrugged.

"Green squid ink, dragon hair, troll snot and pixie dust," Layla replied, rolling her turquoise eyes.

"Yes! Thanks, Layla."

The water Fairy grunted and stepped away, mumbling something about how she knew more despite enrolling at Alfea a year later.

As Musa arrived back at her designated table with her basket full of ingredients, the singer overheard Bloom teasing Flora. "So you and Helia, huh?"

The Fairy of Music quietly arranged the materials. She would be lying if she said she didn't eavesdrop using her sonar ears every once and a while. Shifting her eyes slightly to the right, she watches Flora's cheeks tint scarlet before responding, "I don't know yet; Brandon only introduced us a few days ago. But, he did draw something for me." The nature enthusiast tugged at her green choker. "Anyways, we'll talk about it later."

The girl with the Dragon's Fire offered her a warm smile. "For sure."

Like Flora, Bloom returned to her workstation to begin the procedure.

"Thank you for getting the supplies, Musa," The environmentalist said. The Melody-born Fairy hummed in response, her mind wandering anew. The stubborn boy with a sharp jawline had mentioned a goal of his was to travel to different realms. He had lived in Magix his whole life and had never had the time to be there. Sure, Red Fountain had taken him to various areas, yet they never had the chance to enjoy it as they only left Magix for missions. A small part of the artist pitied him. Another part of Musa wants to join him.

Disappointment grew inside her for them both. Musa wondered what it would be like to be any of the other girls as they never had to worry about their relationships. An even better situation would be Layla- a headstrong woman that had no need or want for a partner.

o~o

The monthly period that Riven had grown to dread came around again. There was no positive outcome for him or any of his peers; the event never failed to result in a bitter mood and wasted time. He dramatically groaned to the curved ceiling in the aircraft.

"Fuck, Riven. You act like we're about to go the Omega Dimension for eternity," Brandon remarked, clearly irritated by his teammate's lack of enthusiasm. The hero with the violet eyes simply glared back.

"Cheer up, dude. It's not even that bad," Sky added, casually observing the digital map in front of him. "We barely get to see the Fairies, mind you."

The look on Riven's face was dubious. Was the Prince of Eraklyon living in a different dimension than him? The odd-haired boy would swear on his dragon that their squad met with the Jinx Club every other week. He shook his head and turned to the pilot. "When are we landing?"

"Right..." The stocky glasses Timmy wore slipped down the bridge of his nose until his index fingered pushed them back. He was seated at the front and flying solo as requested- a 'challenge' he had said. A pale finger held down a grey switch. "-now."

An obnoxious pink overtook the ship's front window, signalling they had indeed arrived at the school for Fairies. A low hiss sounded once the door had uncovered Alfea's courtyard and a class of sophomore Fairies. Helia was the first to step out and greet the peppy students and Griselda. The old hag had problems; she was always yelling and looked prepared to expel anyone at any certain moment. Don't get him started on why he had to train with little girls that were a year younger. His team were the lone juniors assigned to this arrangement for a reason he could never find justifiable.

"Chemistry and a sense of team are more important than skill in many areas," Saladin had stated. He scoffed at the memory. Even the most powerful and wisest of people could be wrong.

Riven followed the rest of his peers outside, raising a hand to cover his face from the blinding sun. The star was temporarily blocked by another Red Fountain aircraft landing. Unfortunately for him, his hearing was not hindered to protect himself from the screech of Griselda's voice. He cringed at the sound.

"Excuse me, girls? Our guests have arrived. Please," the disciplinary head instructed, "tidy yourselves and get in your arranged placements. And- Mirta? What in the name of the Great Dragon are you doing?"

The most stubborn of the Specialists rolled his eyes as the ancient brunette went around criticizing the Alfea students. He was about to do it again before a sharp jab hit his dominant arm. "What the hell was that for?"

"Do that again and Professor Griselda will beat you herself," The squire warned without looking away from the crowd of Fairies that were slowly making their way to their positions. Riven followed his gaze and took notice that Brandon had been staring at a specific girl. Stella- the Crown Princess of Solaria partnered with a narcissistic personality that only a limited amount of people could enjoy, which did not include Riven. Brushing off the sting on his forearm, the red-haired Specialist bit his tongue and waited for training to start. The sooner it began, the faster he got to leave.

In a short amount of time, the students from the two partnered schools were paired and in place. Unsurprisingly, his team was matched to the Jinx Club- a group of girls that bled trouble, hence the nickname. Brandon/Stella, Sky/Bloom, Timmy/Tecna, Helia/Flora and, predictably, Riven/Musa. The water Fairy was stuck with someone else. Riven was relieved it wasn't him; he'd take Musa over Layla any day. Thus, he stood meters away across the aspiring singer, aligning with the rest of his peers from Red Fountain. The magical beings had transformed into their Winx and appeared timid, regardless of the fact they had the upper hand. They had magic whilst the Specialists simply had their instincts and enchanted weapons that were restricted.

A shrill travelled across the court, signalling the pairs to commence. Most Fairies took to the sky and initiated their attacks through various orbs, rays and swarms. His opponent, on the other hand, made the decision to remain on the ground and play defence. She waited for him to make an attack. Unsheathing his phantoblade, the fuchsia weapon glowed vividly against the sun and gleamed at the cut edge. In the midst of disorganized fights surrounding him, he focused on the musical Fairy in front and made his move. The maroon-haired swordsman charged and smartly aimed for the vulnerable area between her ribcage and diaphragm. The first day he attended his Protection of Magical Abilities class during freshman year, they were taught the weak points possessed by Witches and Fairies alike. It was well-known that they housed their power source there. Musa had intuitively brought up a transparent shield that she struggled to hold onto against Riven's weight. He locked eyes with her and challenged the hostility that the Fairy expressed, though her eyes had caused a distraction that left the well-trained hero exposed.

She must be mad about the night before.

In a flash, the musician dropped her shield and manipulated the sound from around them and directed it towards the unsuspecting soldier. Scarlet rings encased him and produced an overwhelming, high-pitched sound that engulfed him in a way that forced him to cover his ears. Not stopping at that, boomboxes appear out of thin air and created a rumble in the ground to keep the Specialist off balance. Musa shoots up to join her companions.

"Better luck next time, huh?" The pig-tailed Fairy mocks.

He snarls in annoyance and compels himself to push his way out of the vortex. One hand still over his left ear, his right-hand reaches for the long-ranged weapon behind him. The stringed weapon secures itself around Riven's hand and his arm moves as if he were throwing something. The bolas fastens around Musa's slim waist, her small heave indicating he took her by surprise. The sounds stop abruptly and allow him to fight back. He pulls the navy-haired girl to him, not thinking clearly about the possible consequences.

Her body is firm against him and his mind grows foggy. Her blue, blue eyes are swimming pools that he wouldn't mind drowning in; her porcelain skin is a blank canvas painted with fairy dust from her Winx form. His fingers twitch at the thought of tracing her rosy lips. Mere centimetres away are their faces, breathing in the sweet fragrance coming from both parties. He fights the urge to lean closer and brush the loose hair from her pigtails off her face. She is impossibly close- her sequin clothing shifting from the friction between them. Her bare skin is intoxicating and frustrating simultaneously. Neither of them moves, too afraid to break the trance. He watches Musa's eyes wander across his face and land on his mouth. The temptation is unbearable.

Abruptly, her blue, blue eyes divert behind him and prompt her to rip away from the daze. The Fairy resumes her original task and strikes Riven with a ray of lilac and white. The Specialist is caught unprepared, sliding against the hot pavement. If getting blasted every now and then was the price of being near Musa, he'd be more than willing to pay.

~o~

Despite Musa's confidence on stage, she has always struggled with her communication skills during uncomfortable situations. Today would be no exception for the Fairy as she followed the rest of the Winx Club and Specialists toward Dragon-knows-where. Leading the pack were Stella and Brandon, followed by Bloom and Sky, Flora and Helia, then Musa and Tecna and finally, Riven and Timmy. As expected, Stella directed the group conversation that quite frankly, only included the four students at the front. The nature Fairy and pacifist were discussing quietly to keep themselves occupied, while Tecna and the musician remained mostly silent, bar the few odd looks they shared when an odd remark entered the discussion.

After moments of unamused walking and being the meddlesome person Musa is, she focuses her sonar hearing to the conversation ahead of her.

"Yes, I've heard Linphea is the realm to travel to if you have a passion for nature," Helia noted. The singer swore she listened to podcasts similar to this exchange to fall asleep.

Flora, on the contrary, seemed to be even more interested in the topic. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, "Absolutely, my realm has the largest nature conservation in the whole dimension. The Black Willow, the Water Stairway and the Flower Village are breathtaking this time of year. Maybe one day I can show you." The brunette pinkens at her bold suggestion as opposed to Musa's raised eyebrows. Huh.

The long-haired hero grins and glances at the nature Fairy's timid expression. "I'd enjoy that a lot, Flora."

The musician smirks and lowers her sonar hearing in the midst of raising her eyes from the cracked sidewalk. Her smug look falls in an instance when she realizes her cyan-eyed friend has disappeared. As opposed to her usual companion, Riven peered down at the confused Fairy in mock amusement. She locks eyes with him briefly before snapping her neck to the pair behind them. Much to Musa's surprise, her roommate was in the middle of an intense discussion. She didn't even try to eavesdrop; the blue-eyed girl knew she wouldn't be able to follow along. She returns her confused gaze to the boy next to her, craning her neck to able to see him. The performer's mind finally clicks and her face mimicks Flora's previous apprehension. Her mouth becomes ajar as the memories of last weeks training session pour in. "I..."

His raised eyebrow is enough to shut her up.

The dark-haired girl suddenly grows self-conscious and shifts her eyes to the many vehicles that rush past the group. Her bare arms cross and cover her chest all the while her breathing comes to a halt. The burgundy-haired boy's presence rings alarms that prompt Musa's pulse to race.

"Breath, pixie. You're turning red," Riven teases.

The Fairy exhales deeply, glaring at the taller of the set. "Screw off, Riven." Her pacing increases in speed while she attempts to remove herself from another awkward circumstance. She is thrown in a different direction when a rough hand encases hers, tugging her into a secluded alleyway. "What...?"

Musa catches Tecna's wary look moments before being dragged to another sharp turn. Ahead of her, Riven guides them behind an old apartment building and stops to lean against the cracked, red brick. His navy, sleeveless top hugged his toned stomach and exposed his athletic arms. The muscle shirt seemed to be motivated by a flag with an Earth origin as Bloom had mentioned, and slim jeans embraced the contours in his legs. Underneath the veil of shadows caused by the adjacent buildings, his awfully attractive face was well-defined and sharp. The short-haired girl wouldn't mind studying each ridge with her fingertips.

Their hands were still laced together as she subconsciously decreased the gap separating the two. Her breathing synced in time with Riven's while the pair gazed intently at each other. Please say something.

Musa's eyes fluttered shut, sensing the stubborn boy move closer; their bodies were centimetres apart and her long bangs that framed her petite face stirred on account of his warm breath that travelled along her profile. She imagines what it would be like to check off another one of her firsts- a sweet, never-ending melody that paused only for fleeting moments to resume again. The Fairy created a tune in her mind that she would associate with this memory forever as she waited for the feeling. Dejectedly, it never happened once she felt the Specialist lean back. Her blue, blue eyes snapped open to set on a dimple that rested above Riven's knowing smirk. Musa flushed rose.

"Come on," He stated, turning around again to another alley.

This time, she didn't utter a word.

o~o

Even with the magically charmed helmets, it is not unusual to have the screaming wind against one's ears. At the average speed, Levi bikes flew at an incredible velocity that would usually terrify passengers. Though, anything but this situation was usual; Musa's arms were wrapped tightly around his torso and shifted every so often when he would go faster, squeezing tighter at every movement. It was difficult for him to breathe freely, even without the Fairy clutching onto him. Her loud humming overpowered the wind and caused an already troubled Riven to become further distracted.

He tensed at the added weight of her head laying on his broad shoulder, his teeth clenched from the heat of her breath dancing on his exposed neck and forced his mind to stray from his imagination. If his focus left the road ahead of them anew, it was likely they would both be in vulnerable positions- and not the kind that Riven preferred. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, he firmly grips the rubber handles and races ahead. The faster they get there, the easier whatever this is for him.

However, Riven wasn't sure what he was expecting if he thought Musa would sit silently throughout the ride. At the edge of his vision, he notices a swirl of red and pink dust behind him; the magic surged to form a music player of some sort, landing on the Fairy's palm. Her right arm left his stomach. Alerts raised as Musa recklessly leaned against him for support. The foolish girl would get herself killed just for a meaningless song. He relieved the pressure on the pedal and decelerated provided that the navy-haired girl would fall off. The Specialist jumped when the tiny machine began blaring an unfamiliar song; the loud sound created a ringing noise in his ears causing the bike to swerve.

"What are you doing?" Riven growled. The narrow vehicle would have tipped had he lacked knowledge and experience.

The Winx member's head jerked up. "Playing music. What else did you think?"

He rolls his violet eyes and retorts without missing a beat, "Well, choose a different one. For someone who's supposed to be the Fairy of Music, your taste isn't very impressive."

She sharply gasps at the insult, forcing him to withhold a grin. "You can't say that."

"Why not? I just did."

For the third time, Musa seems to be at a loss for words. Call him sadistic, but he enjoyed seeing the Fairy furrow her brows in deep thought. "I- you... Like you just said, I'm the Fairy of Music."

Riven merely snorts and follows the curve of the road. The twisted dirt path ahead is darker in comparison to the ones under the forest due to frequent use. The bike rattles over the bumps and dips as it continues to reveal the location. A modern structure built by glass and steel pillars resided in between the middle of the serene forest to provide privacy that the windows did not. A paved area was purposely intended for Levi bikes, air crafts and other types of transportation. He stops in the empty parking lot and presses the brake to turn the engine off. Musa mimics his actions by removing the colourful helmets and lifting one leg to dismount the bike. With the burgundy-haired boy taking the lead, he walks along the tiled pathway to the front door; the housing unit is single-levelled but wide enough so that it expands across the field with broad windows that allow light to refract and travel. Similar to many of the other Red Fountain structures, the entryway requires hand identification. Thus, he raises his hand to press against the cold panel causing the transparent doors to open.

"Where are we?" The singer questions, breaking the silence. He turns to face her and watches Musa observe the interior- the school's colours, red and white, were plastered throughout the living room. Photos of students and teachers hang on grey walls that leave no empty spaces; a red, modern u-shaped sectional sits in the middle of the area, surrounding a holographic screen. Short steps enter into a colourless kitchen that Riven had climbed to replenish his thirst.

"An extension of Red Fountains- we only use it when missions are far from the main building." Water splashed against his glass from the weight of the tap.

"Wait, your school has other places like these? How can Red Fountain pay for all of this?"

The bottom of his boots begins clicking on the drab tile while he makes his way back to the center room. As opposed to sitting down, the swordsman leans against a curved wall to examine the navy-haired girl. One hand in his pocket, the other holding his cup. "It's not unusual for training academies to have more than one building considering we do a lot of off-campus activities," He takes another sip of the clear liquid, "Don't act like you aren't aware that half the school population are from nobility. Plus, education comes with a price."

She turns to look directly at him, fingers clutching to an old frame. Her eyes buzz from confusion. "Then how did you-" Musa's mouth drops at her candour, "Nevermind. Ignore me."

"My dad might be a piece of shit, but he must have done something worthy for Saladin to owe him," He responds.

"Oh."

His glass is empty along with this conversation. He places the cup on the glass table and shrugs off his jacket, throwing it onto the back of the sofa. "I'll be back," Riven says midst walking into a separate room.

~o~

Last month. Mission 428. Magix Underground World. Sky of Eraklyon, Brandon of Eraklyon, Helia of Espero, Timmy of Magix and Riven of Magix. 7-day duration. Completed.

Musa's finger swipes up to continue discovering information about her friends and people she had never heard of before. She wasn't sure what she expected for a paramilitary institute, but it was not this. The Fairy nearly taps the screen for Mission 503, yet impulsively decides to go back to 428. She clicks twice to reveal additional details about the groups' expedition.

Foreseeably, the only Prince of the team was dubbed the leader, Brandon and Riven were in charge of close combat, Helia long-distance and Timmy was named the strategist. Their weapons were the norm, though it was odd for a squad of juniors to carry out this task. A bold, red lock appears in front of her to stop her from continuing without a password. Cursing, she makes several attempts that lead to the tablet forcibly shutting down. She stares at her reflection on the black surface with a frown. What am I supposed to do now? The singer sits up from the couch and returns the device onto its stand where the rest of the documents and photos lay. Once again, Musa kneels to dig through old papers. A particular image is worn and colourless; folded edges and small tears distort the objects in the photo that hinder her from recognizing most people. Nonetheless, she can spot the headmaster standing in front of other students and staff.

"Hey, Riven!" The Fairy shouts into the empty room. No reply. "Hello?"

She huffs in annoyance and flattens the picture before returning the item. Her mind races with questions that ponder why she was here in the first place. Musa closes the open drawers and swiftly turns around, freezing when her vision is made up entirely of the tall, temperamental boy. He changed his shirt from the bright coloured tank to a grey sweater that caused her mouth to go dry. What made boys so attractive when they wore lounge clothing? She blinks twice and bites her lip to avoid eye contact, focusing on the ajar door that he had escaped behind previously.

"What?" Riven questions, running a hand through his hair.

Her hands press upon the table to support her body as she leans back and swallows the rock in her throat. "I was just wondering 'bout an old picture."

He gives her a strange look. "How would I know anything about that?"

"You go to Red Fountain, no?" The dark-haired girl defends. The junior rolls his eyes and shoves his hands in his kangaroo pocket while he takes a small step forward to close the distance. Musa's grip on the edge of the table tightens and subsequently tilts her head to meet his cloudy eyes. A loose strand of hair blows away from her face from an exaggerated exhale. "What are you doing?"

Riven's stony stature doesn't shift for a second at the blunt query. Instead, his left-hand travel up to her right cheek and thumbs her cheekbone; she closes her eyes to savour the feeling and hums against his rough skin. Moments pass by in accordance to the faint beat of her heart when the musician decides she was never one with patience. Her eyes flicker open to take in his rugged face, hooded eyes and puffy mouth. Forcing off the flat surface, Musa raises onto her toes and tastes the warmth of his lips. Riven pushes back and breathes hotly on her neck all the while a tune buzzes at her fingertips.

She thinks he can hear it too.

o~o

They had decided to stay longer, away from their meddlesome friends and teammates who would undoubtedly inquire about where the pair went. Hence, Musa was asleep on the couch beside Riven; her head rested on the armrest while her feet were mere centimetres away from the Specialists thigh. He fiddles with the drawstrings on his hoodie, adjusting the size of the hood as he watched the sleeping body next to him. Her eyebrows scrunched together, forming thin lines across her forehead making him wonder if he had ever been a root of a problem that caused the Fairy to be distressed. Riven snorts- there wasn't a doubt in his mind that he was and probably will continue to be an ongoing issue. Regardless of the different circumstances and people he has been surrounded by throughout his troubled life, the tall boy perpetually became a detriment to others around him. He breathes profoundly at the insignificant thought of his past; the people he has hurt will haunt him forever.

Rubbing his hands on his wrinkled jeans, Riven stands from his position on the seat to the far window. The second sun has set, forging shadows over objects and have ensured secrecy in the dark. Insects that range from various sizes flee from their resting places and escape into the night along with vegetation which thrives in the dusk. His warm fingers raise to his swollen lip; guilt swells at the bottom of his stomach, convincing him adding that he was- is undeserving of the unconscious girl behind him. He had nothing to his name. Even when his father passes, there will be nothing of value left for him.

Then, there was Musa. A Princess who was born with royal blood and the birthright to wealth, luxury and a title. Not only that, but she was from Melody. The realm was incredibly influential in economic, social and environmental aspects due to the link the planet shared with music. The form of art bonded to all people of the Magical Dimension, but particularly citizens of Melody. If Musa were to rise to the throne, there was a slim chance of her staying with anyone less than noble.

So, Riven gives thanks to whoever may be in the universe for the amount of time he has. It may be limited, but perhaps it'll be enough for him to sort his life out and do whatever he needs to do. His hands have found their way back in his pockets as he turns to look at the dark-haired girl. It was common knowledge that she wanted to pursue a profession in the music industry; albums, tours, writing, performances and everything else that came with being a singer. It won't be long until she decides to move on and seek a singing career. He hopes that she'll stay with him longer, even though she never really was his.

~o~

A heavy bass echoes into the Fairy's ears that makes her head nod and fingers to twitch. Her footsteps copy the rhythm of the drum that takes her through empty corridors which belong to one of the most prestigious institutions in Magix.

329. 330. 331.

Her deep eyes graze the tops of the wooden doors, looking at each nameplate. Her hands held a small quill that she had borrowed from Helia before the summer began. At the time, her dark hair rested at her shoulders. Now, it reached past her hips with ease. Though, there were many moments where she doubted if she even likes it. Musa scoffs- since when did hair become so important to her?

340. 341. 342.

Her sneakers screech against the tile from her sudden stop. The Fairy turns to room 341 and knocks twice. "Hello?" No answer.

Musa's hand raises again but decides against it. Instead, she turns the cold, steel doorknob and to her surprise, the door is open. The sound of emptiness greets her and an interior similar to the Red Fountain housing units; a long couch pushed to a wall stands directly ahead of her. Assuming the doors along the side walls lead to bedrooms, she unfastens each door to search for the pacifist's dorm. The rooms look identical, save for the few items left by each boy. It was easy enough to figure out who roomed with who; Brandon and Sky, Helia and Riven, and Timmy. Hmm. Helia and Timmy must have switched. The long-haired girl returns to the second door and walks toward the tucked bed instead of the messy one across from it. She sets the writing tool on the black nightstand and examines the area. Shockingly, the smell is quite fragrant from the burning incense that was unquestionably Helia's.

The invisible line separating the room is comical- Riven's half is messy, unorganized and cluttered. Meanwhile, the other side is the exact opposite. Warnings go off in her head, yet she proceeds to make her way to the pile of papers on Helia's nightstand. Odd letters, report cards, old assignments, unfinished drawings and poems. The left side of her mouth twitches in amusement while she reads the verses to one of the many poems he had completed; it didn't take long for the Fairy to realize what this was about and who this was intended to. Perhaps Musa would ask him to suggest improvements regarding her writing. He is a poet, after all.

She kisses her teeth unconsciously, seconds ahead of hearing heavy footsteps that stop at the front door. Dropping the pages, the dark-haired girl rushes out of the bedroom hastily and stands next to the couch. The shock she feels is concealed by her breathlessness when she sees Riven enter. Her slim finger tucks loose hair behind her ear. "Hey."

More than ever, he looks annoyed rather than surprised. His bare hand is still holding the doorknob as he narrows his eyes and studies the intruder in front of him. Musa's attempt to steady her breathing makes her look guilty of something she hadn't done. He tentatively speaks, "What are you doing here?"

She stutters and says, "I was returning something Helia let me use," The Specialist doesn't look convinced. "So, why are you here? The buses don't come in until later today."

"I stayed here over the summer."

"Why?"

He finally steps inside and closes the door with a click, followed by a shrug. "Didn't feel the need to go home." A book Riven was holding that she hadn't noticed was tossed aside and fell upon a growing pile of clutter.

It was no secret that the tall boy had an estranged family and deeply suffered from his mother's abrupt departure at a young age. Contrary to popular belief, Riven wasn't homeless; his father was once a well-known soldier throughout Magix. That was until his wife left him with a small child and ultimately brought the downfall of his career, along with his reputation. The repercussions would subsequently affect his son and determine the prejudice he would face for the following years.

"Oh." Musa was never someone who knew what to say during times like these.

The back of his shirt welcomes her when she watches him open the door for the second time and escape behind it. The blue-eyed girl stays stagnant. Alright, then.

Sooner than she moves, the entrance reopens to reveal an impatient Riven. "Well? Are you coming?"

"I... I guess."

The Fairy makes her way out of the dorm and follows the swordsman. They travel through cold, empty areas with the only sound coming from the patter of their unsynchronized feet. The destination results in many twists and turns, not excluding an exhausting flight of stairs. After several, 'are we there yet's, the two finally reach the place that Riven had in mind. Two great, wooden doors towered over Musa while she waited for him to shuffle through the keys on his belt.

Unlike the rest of Red Fountain, this floor was dated and lacked the technology the rest of the school required. A rusted key entered the lock and turned, unfastening the gates to unveil an area consisting of wooden structures and floors laid with straw. Her footsteps echo Riven's while setting foot in the barn; dark stables were placed side by side across the opposing wall that made the singer question what this room was. A putrid stench caused her face to scrunch together and the slight chill to rub her hands over her arms. The only visible light sources are the old, hanging lightbulbs and the open entry at the end of the room. The crunch beneath her feet is quiet compared to the sound made by the burgundy-haired boy who continues down his path without hesitation.

Instead of accompanying the Specialist once again, she takes a turn to the left. Possibly against her better judgement, Musa grows curious and moves closer to the inside of a stable. Her eyes adjust to the unlit pen and graze the top of the wood with her index finger. Her sonic hearing instinctively raises when she detects a strange presence; uneven breathing becomes overwhelming for her and prompts the musician to generate magic, ready to strike at any second.

Abruptly, a vibrant emerald creature screams and throws itself against the front of the stable. She is driven against the wall by the sheer force of the dragon but intuitively throws up a hastily made shield. To anyone other than the vocalist, their ears would be in a state beyond repair. Luckily for her, being the Fairy of Music has some perks.

"Riven!" She cries.

The animal persists in screeching at the unfamiliar visitor that happened to be Musa until the Specialist came and took hold of the leather rein. The dragon seems to have calmed at the accustomed boy as it finally stops screaming. It is lead back into it's contained space by Riven all the while it changes it's attitude entirely. The creature nuzzles against his left hand which stroked across its face. A low purr escaped its throat happily.

She's still in shock when the violet-eyed boy turns with a smug face.

"Next time, don't stick your head into a pen."

"As if you gave me any warnings," She retaliates and rolls her eyes. The transparent shield slowly withers away.

His eyebrow raises, pointing at her disappearing magic. "A bit dramatic, no?"

The boy lends his hand to help her get back up; Musa scoffs and stands on her own. "You try having a dragon surprise attack you and not do anything about it."

"You try caring for over 15 dragons for the whole summer."

"You seriously did that?" Her eyes widened.

Being one of few words, Riven merely shrugs. The odd-haired boy opens the wooden gate to exhibit the large, green animal. Walking in to comfort the creature, he urges her to follow.

"Since you woke her up, the least you can do is help me put her back to sleep."

Dramatically, she sighs and sits on a pile of hay. "Fine."

The usual flurry of scarlet, purple and pink particles weave through her hands to form a simple flute. While she raises the instrument to her lips, she makes eye contact with Riven. His eyes swim with confusion and interest as she makes her first sound.

A calming rhythm is produced and tempts the dragon to fall into a deep slumber, her eyes closing shut and her breathing regulating. From practice and magic, Musa's fingers easily play the magically infused tune to aid the once disturbed animal into a content state. Her music nearly hesitates when her mouth twitches at the sight of the stubborn boy attempting to stay awake. His rough features have softened, creating a stir in her stomach.

At that moment, Musa knows she wouldn't want to be anywhere else, with anyone else.

o~o

The cold wind breaks across his helmet, soothing his red, patchy skin. His gloved hands turned to crank the handles on his Levi bike to increase the already dangerous speed he was travelling. The only thing on his mind is Musa- half naked and in the arms of a stranger. Then, there was that damned wizard who was playing hero when it should be Riven. Gritting his teeth, the Specialist can feel his tense jaw and fury flare anew. The base of his throat forges a suppressed growl as he ponders the situation for the hundredth time.

He's pulled from his reverie the moment he hears a loud squeak. His frustration increases when he's remembers the pink cotton ball clinging to his gear. Breathing aggressively, he reaches the destination the pixie was directing him to. "Where's Musa?"

Piff, puff or whatever flys ahead and uncovers the pony-tailed girl in the arms of a dark-skinned boy with braided hair. Past anger, there is fear. The Fairy is comatose and in her Winx form that would typically leave his tongue tied and mind wandering. Now, Riven is terrified. The person he's come to care for is hurt because he wasn't there to help her when she needed him.

"Put her down," Riven demands. Who does this guy think he is? He was here to help Musa now.

The cloaked newcomer tightens his grip on her and insists, "Look, she needs help."

The maddened boy becomes more irritated and prepares to use his sabre.

"I won't tell you again. Put my girlfriend down, now," The swordsman growls, "Get your hands off my girlfriend."

The light breeze blows past Riven's figure as he stands tall, fists clenched. The pair competes in silence until the grape-haired wizard lays Musa down onto the grass. His panic has disappeared along with the Specialist's logic; he charges ahead while the stranger tosses his silk, ruby robe to the side. Riven lunges onto him and grabs him by the collar, throwing them both down a steep hill. Adrenaline pulses through him and protects the violet-eyed boy from feeling the pain from the hard surface of the dirt and edged rocks. His cape and the deep blue-eyed boy's loose clothing intertwine together while they roll. Both parties struggle to make a solid hit and grunt in resentment. Unluckily for the wizard, Riven's hands are tightly on his purple top.

When they reach flat ground, Riven propels himself off of him and lands on his feet. Refusing to stop, he charges and kicks his left leg toward the strangers head, launching him back. Feeling victorious, he unsheaths his sword and boldly declares, "Nobody takes down my buddies. And, nobody hits on my girlfriend."

His sabre thrusts into the solid ground where his opponent previously laid. The burgundy-haired boy shouts in frustration and attacks with his projectiles instead. Impressively, his competitor dodges them all.

"You've got it all wrong, man."

This time, the mysterious newcomer storms to him. Riven jumps to avoid him but it is useless- the wizard transports under him to grab hold of his legs and drives him to the earth. He is trapped under the magic wielder until Timmy and Sky appear. His ears only catch the end of the Prince's statement.

"-Riven, Ophir's a good guy!"

His darting thoughts pause, deciphering the blondes' words. Phrases he can barely muster come out of his mouth to continue the conversation that would clarify his muzzled assumptions. Soon, the Winx Club gather around the four, though the only person he notices is Musa. The red Riven sees fade when he discerns that there was nothing between the man with the braided hair and his partner. Shame and embarrassment flood him. The tall boy braces himself for a lecture by the Fairy of Music while she removes the distance.

To his relief, she fondly speaks, "Nice to see you go to bat for me, Riven."

A sheepish smile creeps on his face as he gently holds her porcelain wrists in his hands.

"Really?" He asks, releasing her arms and brushing a hand through his tousled hair.

Her glossed lips break into a grin; Riven doesn't think anyone has ever been more beautiful than Musa.

"Yea," The navy-eyed girl looks at her feet, "I'm glad you could join us."

There wasn't someone he deserved less than her. Through all his troubles, Musa was always alongside him and welcomed him back after each mistake. They walk in a different direction to join the rest of the group.

"Me too."

~o~

"Whose is this?"

"Whose is what?" Riven mocks.

The Fairy's temper rises, glaring at her boyfriend who was currently repairing his wind rider. They were on the side of the road due to a malfunction in the bike and forced to stop before they could continue. To her right, a protected forest that was the habitat to many of the creatures she had studied. On her left, a busy road that connected the school district to downtown Magix. Regrettably, the overflowing amount of vehicles prevented her from separating herself from Riven, much to her dismay.

Musa holds up a raven coloured crop top. She blinks twice, feigning ignorance; unmistakably, the shirt belonged to Darcy, yet somehow remained in the trunk of her partner's bike. Impatiently, she waits for him to look up from under the vehicle.

A harsh exhale leaves Riven's parched mouth. "Has anyone ever told you how petty you are? Besides, I probably forgot it was even there- it's been two years."

The singer snorts. Everyone in their friend circle knew the Specialist remained on and off with the witch until he became determined to focus on Musa.

"What will it take for you to realize that you can be honest with me?" She exasperated.

He stands straight, looking directly into her eyes. "What is there to be honest with?"

They challenge each other in silence, testing who would crack first. It kills Musa to be quiet, though her competitive nature prevails, much like the dark-eyed boy across from her. The teal, cotton arm muffs covering her forearms scrunch from crossing her arms. She's so frustrated and tired she can barely keep her face from wavering into a puddle of tears. She breaks eye contact, watching the blurred faces pass by behind tinted windows and whispers, "Nothing. Nothing at all."

She can't see his expression, but she knows Riven is as drained as her. "Is being together not enough for you?"

Musa pauses.

"Honestly? I don't know," Her voice cracks and it's like they've started at the beginning again.

~o~

16 days before graduation, summer and freedom. And, coincidently, 16 days since Musa and Riven have broken up.

"Musa? Hello? Are you alright?"

The singer lifts her head from her cold desk to search for the person calling for her. Startlingly, all six pixies have circled her as if causing an intervention. She should have recognized the call- it was her bonded pixie's voice.

Tune puts her hands on her hips and curtly reminds the Fairy, "Make sure you watch your posture. Good posture is key for proper mannerism."

"How long have you been laying like that? Is this what you've been doing for the whole weekend? Woah, did you sleep like that? Why-" Chatta inquires, ignoring Tune.

An exaggerated gasp comes from the Pixie of Love. "Chatta! Oh, ignore them. You'll find love again, I promise!"

Love. A feeling that she witnesses and experiences every day with her friends and music. Maybe she felt it with Riven too.

Musa opens her mouth to speak and is interrupted by the blonde pixie. "Are you okay? Did you and Riven break up?"

"Shh," Lockette says, a finger over her lips.

"What? I'm not the Pixie of Gossip for nothing."

The victorian-like Pixie doesn't miss a beat. "Shame on you three- how improper of you!"

The four, tiny magical beings snapped into a high-pitched argument. The other two who had stayed silent offer sympathetic smiles; Piff cuddles against her index finger and babbles on.

"She says she hopes that you feel better, with or without Riven," Digit translates, speaking clearly despite the squeaky quarrel beside them.

Weakly turning her mouth upwards, Musa stands from her chair as she utters, "Thanks, Piff."

Leaving the Pixies in her shared dorm, she grabs the vintage guitar that was hanging on the wall. Her old, blue sneakers skid on the polished tile as she makes her way down the grand staircase and around the back. Birds chirping and falling tree leaves enter her vision on this Sunday evening; the empty area allowed for a safe place to practice. She wants to laugh- since when did the Fairy of Music need practice? Shaking her head slightly, she sits on the hard pavement and leans on one of Flora's planters made of recycled brick. Musa can feel them shift under her back.

Closing her eyes, she tips her head onto the bumpy surface, absorbing the sun's fading warmth. Her fingers trace and pull at the strings to recreate the melody that she had formed days ago. Her mind pictures the music sheet, including the different notes and bars. The calculated tapping of her foot produces the beat that keeps her on track. She can finally feel at peace, even for a few fleeting moments.

Unexpectedly, hard footsteps enter the garden that interrupts her playing. With one eye open, she turns to the right to attempt to see who the visitor is. Musa can't seem to figure out who the stranger is and prepares herself; you can't be too careful after being exposed to Valtor. She leaves the guitar on the brick ledge and stands up, shoulders back.

"Who's there?" The Fairy shouts.

Riven enters her sight with his hands raised. "It's just me."

A relieved breath omits from her chapped lips.

Now that her worries have passed, Musa becomes aware of the bizarre situation. Why is he here?

It's as though he's read her mind when he explains, "I need to talk to you."

Oh, no.

Suddenly, she feels nauseous and needs the stinging from her nails pushing on her skin to maintain steadily on her feet. Her heart hasn't felt this heavy following the disagreement they had that caused them to split.

"Okay."

The Specialist shoves his hands in his jean pockets and tilts his head to the side, inclining for them to move to the bench a couple of meters away. Hesitantly, she carries the instrument and heads to the sitting area with Riven behind her. The two sit side by side with an awkward space separating them. The silence between them grows tense, forcing her to look down at the guitar in her lap. She bites her lip to stop herself from rambling.

"So, I..." He starts, "I've missed you."

Her heart freezes. Her mouth opens, though she can't find the right words to reply.

"There's a lot that we have to talk about after everything that we've gone through, plus I'm still not sure about a lot of things. But, I do know that being without you is seriously worse than being with you," He diffidently continues.

A pleased laugh pierces the air. Musa's pulse calms down, giving her the confidence to lift her head and meet his burning gaze. She hasn't seen him in two weeks, hence the pull at her heart and the shiver that racks through her body. His eyes are exempt from any light; the furrow of his brows tell her that the Specialist has been more affected by this than she thought. The Fairy bites the inside of her cheeks to keep silent, permitting him to finish.

Determination and uneasiness flash across his face. "A few days ago, I was walking around in downtown and this reminded me of you."

A reflective, magenta guitar chip was in the palm of Riven's hand with her initial and a treble clef engraved in black. Musa's eyes go glossy; a surge of adrenaline rushes from her head to toes. Something as small and meaningless wouldn't be symbolic in the slightest to a majority of people. Still, here she was, her lip quivering and palms shaking over a tiny, plastic object. It wasn't the physical item that tugged at her chest, but the thought that came from the boy next to her. Or maybe, it was the build-up of emotions over the last weeks or the fact that he was here. Right, next to her.

Neglecting the stammered protests spurring from Riven after she didn't take it, Musa slides her right hand into his open palm. Her fingers intertwine with his, immediately shutting him up. For the first time in a while, the pressure on her torso evaporates. "I missed you, too."

~o~

I can't believe we went here for our trip," He scoffs, unimpressed as they follow the rest of the group.

The dark-haired Fairy elbows her boyfriend in the arm, silently telling him to be quiet. From the corner of her eye, she sees him flinch.

Expectedly, she wasn't the only one who overheard Riven. Knowingly, Sky sarcastically asks, "What was that, Riv?"

Musa glares at the two with a finger on her lips, attempting to save her purple-haired friend's feelings. As though she needed a reminder of how cold it was, a cloud of fog appears in front of her. Their boots can be heard shuffling on the snowy concrete.

"Well, I-" He reiterates, though is cut short by a long whine.

The three bring their attention to the blonde who was dramatically leaning on Brandon with a gloved hand on her forehead. "Are we there yet? Walking has to have been your worst decision yet, Tecna. I mean, besides coming here. My face is freezing! This can't be good for my skin."

Seemingly scripted, Layla sharply turns to Musa and rolls her eyes before spinning around. The singer has to stifle her laugh by lowering her chin into her wool coat.

"Why is it so cold anyway?" Bloom questions, genuinely curious.

Unfazed by her two friends' complaints, Tecna informs them at the front, "Zenith maintains the temperature this way because the cold helps all the techno droids and technology to work at its best."

During her statement, a drone flew by the group as if on cue. In front of her, Flora jumps at the sudden appearance the droid makes. Out of everyone, the nature enthusiast was the least exposed to technology. Musa couldn't judge her- the cloudy sky, towering skyscrapers, freezing temperature, barren landscape and the number of androids to people was quite intimidating. She had only witnessed a handful of civilians outside their homes, bar the ten people in front of her. Odd how it always ended up with Musa and Riven at the back.

The Zenith-born Fairy was acting as a tour guide, as she was the one who suggested them visit this realm after graduation. Next to her was Timmy, then behind them the pairings that went in accordance to their romantic partners.

Brandon wraps his arm around the Solarian Princess, a sweet effort to cheer her up. "How much longer do you think we have until we reach the mall?"

"I'd estimate about 8 minutes," Tecna responded. Regardless of her usual stony facade, Musa could tell she was beginning to regret showing them the city on feet.

"C'mon guys, we wouldn't be experiencing the realm of technology at its full brilliance if we weren't walking," The musician defends.

"You say that like it's a good thing."

Her ears perk at the mumbled protest, snapping her head to the perpetrator. "Riven- shut up."

The violet-eyed boy gently pushes her with a crooked smirk; Musa stumbles to her left, risking the possibility of slipping on ice. Instinctively, her mittened hand grasps onto his jacket for balance and causes them to stay behind from the rest of their friends. She screams in surprise and shoves him back, yelling, "Riven, for Dragon's sake!"

A rare laugh echoes from his chest that tempts a playful smile to break out. His hand slips into hers when the Fairy returns to his side; their rosy, frostbitten cheeks ache from grinning. For some unknown reason, Musa grows numb to the frost with her hand in his.

o~o

His icy fingers struggle to unlock the door, the key card slipping from his grip. Sky grunts in annoyance, his patience wearing thin. As he leans down to reach for it, Riven strolls by, snickering at the troubled Specialist. His pace is uninterrupted while he goes a few doors down to the hotel room he shares with Musa. Dropping the shopping bags next to him, he taps the lock with his card; he enters and lays the bags in a pile with their suitcases.

The modern simplicity was a familiarity to the sentry after years of living at Red Fountain. The opposing wall consisted of a curved, floor-to-ceiling window that flaunted the hidden beauty of Zenith; dim stars cast a faint light on the metropolis, not that it needed it. Luminescent light shone from the interior of each tower, reassuring him that this wasn't a ghost town like how it seemed it was on the streets. He doffs his winter apparel onto an armchair and browses through the bags for the leftovers from dinner. Riven picks at the food, lounging on the grey sofa that stood at the end of the bed and in front of the holographic television. He flips through the channels and settles on the news, aimlessly.

A dark-skinned woman appears on the network. She has a buzzed cut and wears a matte, ginger uniform that came together with a zipper on the front. The burgundy-haired boy has to squint to see the pin on her right chest; the logo was famous throughout the Magical Dimension. Made of bronze material, the letter 'D' was prominent underneath a mass of structured vines. The Distinguished.

A blare from the moving holographs caught his attention.

"-We are actively searching for new members to attend our universe-class academy. Not only do we teach new tactics, but we provide experiences that go beyond what a high school can give."

The interviewer next to her questions, "And how to eligible students enroll?"

"If they are eligible" The mysterious woman smirks, "we will find them. Do now search for us, because if we want you, we will find you."

As they continue, Riven ponders the possibility. Like every person in the Magical Dimension, deep down, he knows that he wants to make a change in the universe. Would remaining stagnant within his comfort zone offer that? Knowing the Fairies, it wasn't entirely out of the question.

He jumps at the sudden knock at the door and the call of his name. Swiftly walking to the entrance, he reveals Musa trembling, a hot beverage in each hand. She brushes past him and sets the drinks on the end table, removing her outerwear.

"Can you turn up the heat? I was freezing standing outside," She briskly explains.

He leans on a wall, observing her as she turns to undress quickly. Her sweater drops onto the carpet floor, recalling the story of the girls' short trip to a nearby coffee shop. Impulsively, the Specialist struts behind her and pulls her hair from its tie. Musa shivers against his body and shifts her head to look at him. Her pointed nose and dry cheeks are crimson from the chilly weather and falling snow. The Fairy's ocean-like eyes peer into his for a while, then brushing her mouth over his jaw.

"I told you not go there," He croaks, leaning back to allow her more access.

She hums in response.

The singer turns around to press her front against his; her warm hands slip under his tucked shirt. Riven breathes hotly on her neck, his hands caressing her exposed skin. He finally takes the initiative to press his lips on hers. A quiet whimper leaves her mouth all the while his hand begins tracing lazy circles on her back and bites her bottom lip. Dipping down, he separates him from her for a brief moment, a string of saliva between the two before he purposefully splatters wet kisses under her ear, continuing along her jawline.

A satisfied gasp enters his ears. His name rolls off her tongue, encouraging the burning pit in his lower stomach. The tall boy urges her on the hard bed and follows after her, once he removed his top. Musa breathlessly lays on the pillows and looks at him through hooded eyes; similar to his, he'd imagine, her blue eyes hungrily search for a release. Moving languidly towards her, Riven hovers above her and bites at the dip in her collarbone. Her back arches, restricted by the firm body over her. He feels her delicate hands on the side of his face that bring his mouth to hers, savouring the taste of hot chocolate and cherries. Without departing from each other, they switch positions. The dark-haired girl straddles his hips with the only thing separating them being a few pieces of clothing.

His breathy moans disappear into the night as she returns the mark on his skin as he did to her. Riven interlocks their hands as an attempt to restrain her wandering hands, wanting to enjoy this moment longer. With puffy lips and dilated pupils, he pulls her up to his mouth anew.

~o~

The slight sound of scratching disturbs the music Fairy to stir awake. Blinking away the haziness of waking up, Musa squints and focuses on the sapphire creature running across the expansive window. She catches the lightning marks on its body, identifying the animal- a techsquirrel. Relaxing back into the arms around her, she takes in her surroundings.

Zenith. Right.

The sun has hardly risen and emitted opaque shadows of the towers in her view which penetrates through the glass. Harsh lines run over the greyscale furniture, including the duvet that protected Riven and her from the cold. She brushes her hair away from her face and slants her head to gaze at the stubborn boy beside her. His sharp features are intense in this lighting, adding to the attractiveness of the Red Fountain alumnus. The customary hard appearance of Riven's face has transformed to a soft expression that only a limited amount of people have witnessed. The timid, compassionate side of him were traits that he didn't often use, saving it for the people closest to him because of the experiences in his past.

The shared heat from their naked bodies causes Musa to forget about the freezing temperature in the realm, allowing her to be there- prospering, breathing and living in the moment. Her heart is heavy with love from the Winx, the Specialists, her father, music and Riven.

Musa fondly traces his eyebrow with her thumb, careful not to disrupt his sleep.

Sleep begins to pull at her again, but not before she whispers, "I love you."


YEET. OVER 12 000 WORDS. (how is this chapter basically the length of the past three lmao)

If you made it down here thank you so, so, so much. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter because this literally took me more than a month. I actually had to watch some of the episodes 'cause it's been so long and btw, Riven is one dramatic bitch. Also, please forgive me for the perspective mess-up that happened. Instead of it being Musa's perspective during the part where the make up, it was supposed to be Riven. AND I genuinely searched it up- the colour that matched Nabu's hair is called 'grape'.

THANK YOU TO MY ABSOLUTE DOLLS WHO REVIEWED:

bydreamsandnightmares (chapter 1) - I am so sorry for not replying after a whole year and a half. You inspired me to continue and I hope you're still here reading. Thank you :)

adanethel (chapter 3) - Thank you for the encouragement, b. I appreciate you more than you'll ever know.

Guest (chapter 3) - I hope my story has provided as much positivity and love that you've shown through a couple sentences. Thank you.

Guest (chapter 4/deleted sneak peak) - Absolutely! This one's for you, babe.

Finally, I would like to clarify that Musa is Asian, Layla is black and Flora is Indigenous. This is my story and this is how I perceive the characters even though it's basically confirmed for Musa and Layla.

Until next time...