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Madeline and Espresso are good friends.
They help each other with advice, saving one another and hanging out together most of the time! You know, the standard of a long lasting relationship.
But Madeline didn't feel like their friendship was "friendship" anymore, somehow connecting the dots, he felt like him and Espresso were more than that... even more than best friends.
So he decided to talk to his most trusted cookie in his life, his mother!
Madeline convinced Espresso to make a quick trip back to the Republic, the mage didn't like the idea at fist but the paladin suggested that he should visit Sea Weed, so he agrees.
He wanted Espresso to come along because after his conversation with his family, he should talk to Espresso again...not confessing though, that will be to early.
More like 'Have you thought of dating someone?', you know, to see his opinion too.
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The next day, the two arrived in the Republic. Said goodbye and promised to see each other later.
Madeline sprinted to his house, and when he arrived it was awful quiet. He went to the backyard garden, he saw his mother planting some roses.
-"Mother! I'm back!!"
-"If it isn't my dear son, Madeline... how many times do I have to tell you to write me before arriving? you know it's inappropriate to visit someone without announcing it."
-"So sorry mom, but this is urgent! I have... a problem."
-"Oh? well come on inside, I will prepare some tea, your favorite."
-"Actually... can I get a cup of coffee instead?"
They went inside, the mansion was empty, just some maids cleaning around there and there.
-"Where are my aunties? It's awful quiet here..."
-"Didn't they tell you? they started playing bingo, but don't worry, they will be back soon."
-"No, they didn't.. haha! I never thought they will pick up such thing."
-"It is good for socializing!"
After preparing coffee, Madeline and his mother were in the living room, sitting on the couch next to each other.
-"So, what do you need advice with my dear?"
-"Umm...I'm a bit confused- and I don't want you to be angry with me or disappointed."
-"Madeline, my dear son, why would I be disappointed in you? On the day you were born, I swore I will love you no matter what! you don't need to think like that, I'm here for you."
-*sighs* "Well...um, oh Divines this is so complicated- Mom, I like someone!"
-"Thats very good! I'll be glad to meet them."
-"Thats the thing! you already meet...him."
-"Is it Espresso?"
-"H-how did you know!? ah, wait-"
-"Mhm! you think I didn't hear you talking about him in your room?"
Madeline was playing with his hair and scratching the back of his neck, totally red in the face!
-"S-so you aren't mad?..."
-"Of course not my dear! I'm very glad actually, Espresso is a very kind and intelligent guy, better than someone who would use you or whatever else.
Will you be telling him this?"
-"Not yet... I want his opinion on this too."
-"Well...whatever you are ready, just don't do it to late, alright?"
-"Yeah, thanks mom, I feel much better now! but please don't tell my aunties yet.
-"My mouth its shut."
They hugged and finished the drinks. Soon after Madeline's aunts came back too, they were very excited to see him.
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On the other side of the Republic, Espresso finally arrived in the Choco Mud Town, where Sea Weed was working the fields as always.
-"Its nice to see you again Sea Weed!"
-"Ah! well well well, if it isn't Espresso, what a surprise. I'm glad you listened about visiting some time to time.
-"Well if it wasn't for Madeline visiting his family, I don't think I would have come."
-"Madeline?... the blonde dude who saved you from getting arrested?"
-"Yeah, him-"
-"Why are you so red in the face? wait a minute-"
-"Oh! uh... it's not what you think it is!!"
-"Hmm... are you sure? Doing him a favor even if you didn't want to come here, being more relaxed and opened minded yet so nervous... You like him don't you?"
-"...I- I don't know. Yes, he is helping me being more healthy, and I do think he is pretty, I like being in his presence and talking to him. But I'm not sure yet..."
-"Oh my stars, you gotta be kidding me."
-"What?.."
-"Did you hear yourself a moment ago? talking about him like he was your boyfriend. Jeez you are so gay, I should've seen it sooner."
-"What!? I- I'm not like that!.... I think-"
-"Just admitt it Espresso, you're gay and you like that knight. It's totally okay by the way."
-"What if he doesn't like me back?..."
-"Dude- no way. Long hair, tall, charismatic and loud... totally gay, if you're asking me."
-"So what should I do?"
-"Just say 'I'm gay and so are you, let's kiss.' easy!"
-"I'm not saying that. And please be more serious..."
-"Okay, okay... well, you can say what you told me. Be honest with yourself and he will like you! But hey, if you're not ready yet- I'm not forcing you to confess now."
-"You're right, I need to think about it. Thanks Sea Weed."
-"Yeah don't worry, just make sure you invite me to the wedding,haha!"
-"So funny- I'll get going, see you next time."
-"Good luck Espresso!"
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It was night time by now, Madeline was laying in his bed, looking at the ceiling with deep thoughts. 'Should I really confess? What if he rejects me?...What will I do after that? I mean we could still be friends right?- No, it wouldn't be the same... I'm so scared to lose him, he's my best friend... he helped me so much, he's so amazing and beautiful.'
The thoughts stopped once he heard something hit this balcony window. Went to check but he was hit in the face!
'Ow! what the-' He looked at the floor, shocked . 'Coffee beans?...!!'
He was right! Espresso was down in front of his balcony, waving.
Oh snap! he totally forgot they had to meet- how could he forget such important thing!?
He grabbed a sweater and ran down stairs.
Opened the door and saw the mage...smiling!
-"Sorry I'm late, I chatted with Sea Weed a bit to much."
-"Its fine! don't worry, I talked with my family too. Hey...um do you wanna go somewhere else?"
-"Sure, why not! I know a spot, follow me."
They found themselves on top of a building, fronting the moon and the sea, a very good spot indeed! It was quiet, the stars were shining bright. None of them said anything, but it wasn't awkward, they were relaxed but still pretty nervous.
It was Madeline who broke the silence.
-"Espresso... um, can I ask you something?"
-"Of course, what happened?"
-"Its- um..uh pretty complicated-"
-"I'm sure I can help! just tell me what bothers you?"
-"Do you...like somebody? I- I'm just asking by the way!!"
Espresso was getting more flustered... should he do it?
-"I do actually. How about you? Does the knight commander have any crushes?"
-"Oh! haha- that's... very funny! I do have someone in mind, but I don't think they like me back-"
-"Why would you say that? You can't be sure if you don't confess, you know?"
-"Yeah I know, I'm scared of rejection too, what happens after?"
-"Madeline... you are handsome, kind, amazing in every way and have an interesting personality! no one will reject you!"
Madeline was a buring tomato, Espresso never complimented him like that, he hidden his face in his palms, whispering
'Its you Espresso, I love you!"
-"Sorry- what did you say? I couldn't hear it..."
He got closer to the knight. His mind was screaming at him to confess already.
Well...change of plans-
-*sighs* "Es- I think, we should stop being friends-"
-"What!?"
-"-and be more that that."
-"Oh, my stars! Madeline,you scared me so bad!"
-"Sorry- I really don't know how to do this.
Espresso I- I just really like you! you are amazing in every way possible!"
Both of them looked like fresh tomatoes, their hearts were racing, their body burning hot like the sun itself, they couldn't stop looking at each other.
-"Its fine if you don't reciprocate, I hope we can still be fri-"
He couldn't finish that sentence, Espresso kissed him, and how much he loved that slip of a second. The mage pulled away.
-"I'm so sorry, I should've asked! I'm such an idiot-"
-"What!? No,no! I- I loved it! believe me, it felt amazing."
-"Really? it was my first time."
He chuckled nervously
-"It was mine first time too- does that mean you like me back?"
-"Yes, I can't believe it either but I do! you are amazing and I appreciate it a lot every time you put me to sleep. You're the only one who would do that... you are special."
-"Oh Espresso, I love you so much...May I-?"
-"Of course."
And they locked lips again, under the light of the moon and the sound of the calm waves. Dancing stars surrounding them from above.
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The next morning, they were drinking coffee in the kitchen.
-*yawns* "Good morning Madeline- Oh! Espresso you are here too, morning to you too sweet pie!"
One of the aunts said
-"Good morning ma'am."
-"Ah,come on I'm not that old yet! haha. Just call me by my name dear!"
-*whispering* "When are you going to tell them?"
-"Um..soon? haha..."
Madeline laughed nervously.
-"Tell us what?! come on spill the tea!"
-"Nothing!!"
They both said quickly. Until then, they shall be happy together from now on!
♡♡~The end~♡♡