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Four has never really understood Marie’s obsession with soap operas before. She tried to get into it, she really did! Yet no matter how many Marie forced her to watch with her, Four just kinda sat there…bored out of her mind. It was also a little concerning how into them Marie got…bawling her eyes out and clinging onto Four.
However, with the one year anniversary of them getting together being just around the corner, (a couple weeks from now), Four needed a plan. She wanted to do something special for Marie! Something that showed just how much she cared about her. More than flowers, a pre-written card, and a box of processed chocolates could ever say.
So here she stood, in her apartment, with her roommate, Eight and their mutual colleague/friend Three conspiring with her.
The living room was a mess, as usual. But rather than the usual dirty clothes, games, snacks, and weapons lying around, it was tons of papers with scribbled out ideas on them. In front of the couch was a whiteboard, with plenty of ideas written down on it before being promptly stricken out.
“And you’re sure you can’t just get her…flowers?” Three asked, Eight leaning his head against his shoulder, an arm wrapped around his side.
“That is what Three does for me! And I love it every time!” Eight chimed in with a happy trill as Three scratched a spot under his ear.
“Well no offense bud, but you’re easy to please.” Four said, looking at Three while she said it.
He didn’t bite back, simply glaring at the girl.
“Ugh…I’m getting nowhere…” Four said with a disappointed sigh, turning to the whiteboard.
So far, their main ideas consisted of stuff Four liked. Wahoo World, water parks, the mall, turf war, etc etc. But none of it was stuff Marie liked! They were complete opposites basically! She liked running around outside, having fun and hanging out with friends. Marie liked sitting inside reading, drinking tea, watching tv, not talking to people.
What could Four possibly do that they both liked…something fun, bombastic, big! Something that shouted out to the world, “I love Marie Cuttlefish!”
“Hey…just a thought…but maybe you should do something Marie likes.” Three chimed in, “Since you want her to know you like her so much. Show you care about her interests. Show that she’s heard and understood.”
Both Four and Eight looked at Three in surprise at the admittedly very good advice. He was quick to grow embarrassed, looking away with a frown.
“That’s…a good idea.” Four said, picking up her marker, “Three! You’re a romantic genius! Wow. Never thought I’d say that.”
“Yes, you are so smart Three~” Eight hummed, gently turning the squid's head back to face him, an embarrassed blush on his face now as his ears flicked excitedly.
Four quickly wiped away what had been previously written, replacing it with Marie’s interests. Books, tea, chargers, music, Four herself, those cheesy soap operas, napping, cats, etc.
Now she just needed to find a way to piece these things together into something coherent.
“Okay…now what could I do with all this?” Four mumbled, chewing on the tip of the maker as she stared at the board in concentration.
“Oh! Oh!” Eight yelled, raising his hand excitedly, “What if you started a book club!”
“Book clubs need more than two people though.” Three butted in, "Isn't that what you want to do?”
“Maybe…” Eight admitted, his tentacles curling in as an embarrassed blush spread across his face, “I have nowhere to share my poetry…”
“You could always share it with me. I love what you write~” Three said, flashing a casual smile.
“Guys! Focus!” Four yelled, snapping her fingers at the two, “Book clubs are a good idea. But not something I think would fit this.”
“What about those soap operas she watches?” Three said, “She’s really obnoxious about those.”
“Hm maybe…wait. How do you know about that?” Four asked.
Three stood in the Cuttlefish household’s kitchen, trying to make a sandwich. He finished putting the ingredients together, licking his lips as he picked it up and got ready to bite into it.
“NOOOOHOHO! RICARDIO! WHYYYYYY!”
The sudden wails of Marie startled the inkling, causing him to drop the contents of his sandwich all over his front.
“MARIE!”
“…I just do.” He simply said with a shrug.
“Hmm…” Four hummed to herself as she stared in thought at the whiteboard. Maybe she could come up with something…but that would mean she’d actually have to sit through those things. Plus, Three did say she should hear and understand her. And Marie always went along with whatever Four wanted. So maybe it was only fair she did something for her…with her interests…
That’s when the realization hit. Marie cared for her so much, she was willing to do anything Four wanted. No matter how much she may dislike it, or it may annoy her, she did it because Four liked it.
So…it was settled.
“I know what to do.” She said turning around, "I'm gonna need my pajamas, a big comforter and some pillows, and at least a week's worth of snacks.”
“Uh…why?” Three asked.
“Cause…I’ve got binge watching to do.”
The next week was a long one. Thanks to Callie's assistance, Four got a list of Marie's favorite shows. So the week-long binge began. Day and night, she spent it sat on the couch, watching intently. And when one show ended, she started another. And then another, then another. And with each one she watched, she slowly found herself getting…invested. She first thought that they were cheesy, which they were, but they had genuinely good character writing. The relationships were well written, the characters endearing and funny at times, and the drama was captivating.
She even found herself tearing up at moments.
Okay maybe bawling her eyes out.
There was one moment from one of the shows that caught her eye however. The main character, Ricardio, wanted to take his girlfriend to an orchestra playing in their town. One problem they had was that they couldn’t afford the tickets, so Ricardio worked extra hours, put in overtime, desperate to get those tickets. But once he finally had the money, the tickets were all sold out.
Sad and defeated, he laid in bed, until his girlfriend led him outside into the backyard. There, he wasn’t met with an orchestra, a gilded band, theatrical lighting, nor suits and dresses. Just his girlfriend, an old record player playing some classical music and glowflies buzzing around.
And oh the two of them danced, the music from the record player slowly fading into the music from the actual orchestra. And eventually, they embraced, kissing each other. It was a real tear jerker. Even if the characters were just jellyfish in wigs.
But after it was over, she sat there, eyebags under her eyes, staring at her reflection on the tv. Just then, Eight walked in.
“Are you…okay?” He asked, reaching out and poking the squid's cheek.
“I GOT IT!” Four screamed, startling the octoling.
“Why are we here again?” Marina asked, with every reason to do so.
There was a gathering in Four's living room. Pearl, Marina, Three, Eight, and Callie all sat in it, Marina and Pearl on the couch, with Three and Eight sharing one of the love seats, while Callie sat in the other.
“Four said that she has an idea for her and Ms. Marie’s anniversary of getting together!” Eight explained.
“Well what’s that got to do with us?” Pearl asked, head in her hand, “Man this couch is comfy…how much for it Eight?”
“I do not think Four would be willing to part with it…” Eight said.
Just then, Four walked in, wheeling in the same whiteboard she had used just last week. She looked manic, wheeling it in, with a blanket covering its contents.
“Thank you all for coming!” She shouted, “I’ve brought you all here today because I need your help!”
“You finally figured out what you're gonna do?” Callie asked, shooting up with excitement.
“Yes!” Four said, pointing her marker at Callie, “After binge watching soap operas for a week straight, I have come up with the most genius plan ever!”
“Ooo romance!” Marina exclaimed, giddily squealing and clapping her hands together.
“Blech! Lame!” Pearl pretended to gag.
“Pearlie!”
Four ignored the banter, grabbing the blanket and dramatically yanking it off, revealing very intricate drawings and doodles.
“Oh cod.” Three mumbled in horror.
“Behold! My genius plan to show my love for Marie Cuttlefish!” Four exclaimed, doing jazz hands at the board.
“This is so cute.” Callie said.
“Well…care to…explain?” Marina asked, concern lacing her tone for the squid's own wellbeing.
“Okay…so…the plan is this.” Four began as she stepped up to the board and began drawing arrows, “I want an extremely romantic night for Marie. Involving music, a starry sky, and dancing!” She circled what looked to be a mini drawing of an orchestra rather aggressively, then drawing arrows from that to a dress, a lightbulb, “But I need a location, I need some way to get some romantic music playing, good lighting, outfits, blah blah blah.”
She then tossed the marker behind her, to some random part of the room.
“That’s where you all come in!” She then shouted, pointing to the group.
“Ooo! I know where it can take place!” Marina exclaimed, “Mount Nantai! Where me and my Pearlie first met~”
At that, Pearl wrapped an arm around the larger girl, giving a confident smirk.
“Awesome!” Four yelled, “Now we need music…”
“Leave it to me kid.” Pearl said, “I know a guy who owes me a favor. And he can get me an orchestra to play the most lame romance music you’ll ever hear in your life~”
“I can help with outfits!” Callie exclaimed, jumping up from her seat, “I memorized Marie’s sizes for everything a looong time ago. We’ll get some cute dresses for you and her!”
“Yes! Yes!” Four shouted, jumping up and down happily.
“What can I even do?” Three asked, raising his hand.
“Hmm…” Four pondered that, stroking her chin, before getting an idea, “Glowflies!”
“Glow what.”
“Get some glowflies!” Four said, “ Release them where the dance will take place, and bam! Romantic lighting!”
“Uh…okay?”
“Yes! Sounds like a plan!” Four exclaimed, pumping her fist, “Thank you guys so much! I don’t know how I can ever pay you back!”
“Money would be nice.” Three said, getting him a swat by Eight, “Ow! I mean…it’s nothing.”
“Yeah it's all good man! I got nothing going on right now anyways.” Pearl said with a shrug.
So with that, and a little more discussion afterwards, everyone got up to leave. Except Eight, since he lived there.
“Um…what can I do Four?” Eight asked as he approached.
“Oh yeah! Don’t worry, I got a special job for you bestie!” Four said, leaning in close then and whispering into his ear. Whatever was said excited Eight, the octoling gasping, before nodding happily.
“Yes! I will do it!” Eight said.
“Great!” Four said, flashing a thumbs up, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I feel very lightheaded.”
She then proceeded to fall face first onto the floor, snoring rumbling out from her only a few seconds after.
Preparations were long, and stressful. A whole stage had to be constructed in the mountain in under a week, which was as hard as it sounded. But thanks to Pearl's monetary benefits, it was able to be done. Outfits were easy to find, thanks to Callies assistance. It did take a hefty chunk out of Fours own wallet…meh, she was just gonna have to go hungry this week.
Three’s glowfly capturing campaign had gone sorta successful. He nearly perished multiple times when glowflies would swarm him, causing an army of salmon to appear out of seemingly nowhere and chase him down. Thankfully, they shouldn’t be able to reach the mountain though.
Everything seemed to be coming together perfectly! And as the day came…Four found herself outside Marie’s apartment, a bundle of roses in one hand and a box of her favorite chocolates in the other.
Preparations were nearly done, but there was still some last minute set up that needed to be taken care of, plus it had to take place at night. So Four’s plan was to make it seem like the anniversary was just the two of them hanging out at her place. Not that Marie would mind that, in fact, she probably loved that.
Four shifted the box of chocolates to one hand, letting her grab her phone and dial Marina’s number.
“Hey Four!” Marina said as Four placed the phone to her ear.
“Hey Marina, just wanted to know how everything was coming along. Is it all set for tonight?” Four asked as she reached out and knocked on the door.
“Uh…yeah! Yeah totally! No worries! Everything’s good here!” Marina said, giving what sounded like a nervous laugh.
Four didn’t seem to notice it however.
“Great! Oh, and thanks again for doing this for me. You guys are the best friends anyone could ask for!” Four said with a bright smile, despite the fact no one could see.
“Aww! Thank you Four! And don’t you worry at all. Everything is totally fine here!” Marina said.
“Great! Talk later!” Four then said, before promptly hanging up. Just then, the door opened, and there stood Marie in all her casual glory. She had on pajama pants with Judd and Little Judd’s faces plastered all over them, and a lime green tank top, her usual bun had gone undone, leaving her tentacles loose and framing her face.
Four couldn't even mutter a word, so in awe at the woman's beauty. It was a mystery how she ever managed to court her.
“Hello Four~” Marie said, flashing a smirk at the smaller squid.
“For you…pretty lady…” She muttered, holding up the flowers and chocolates, “Happy anniversary!”
“Aw thank you Four~” She said, taking the gifts before leaning down and planting a kiss on the girl's forehead, “You do realize you gave me flowers last week though. Right?”
That was true, as Four did in fact give Marie flowers last week. And the week before that. And the week before that. And the week before that. And so on and so forth.
“I know! But you deserve only the best!” Four said with a dopey smile.
“Come on you dork~” Marie then said, grabbing the girl's hand and beginning to pull her into the apartment.
“Oh boy smooching time!”
“Everything is totally fine here!”
Everything was not fine.
As Marina hung up the phone, she looked behind her to Pearl, who was on her phone, and arguing with someone.
“Dude! You owe me! You can't just bail! I don’t care if you’re sick, just suck it up buttercup!”
The band meant to play that Pearl had called upon ended up not being able to make it. One of the percussion players got sick, and then proceeded to infect the rest of the band. Now they were out of commission. Meaning that they had no band to play for tonight…
“Fine! But if I ever see you again, I will use your face as a drum!” Pearl shouted into the phone before hanging up.
“So…no luck?” Marina asked, approaching the woman.
“Nope. We’re on our own. I doubt we’ll find any bands at the last minute either…” Pearl said with a sigh, her face red from all the yelling she had just done.
Marina was getting worried now, with no band, no music. That meant this whole stage they just had built, as well as all the instruments on it were pretty much useless. Four was going to be so sad…
Looking at the instruments, Marina sighed in disappointment. Only to stop when she saw what looked to be…movement? Coming from inside the bass drum.
“Pearlie? Do you see that?” Marina asked, turning Pearl towards it.
“Yeah…think a smallfry snuck in?” Pearl said, beginning to approach the drum, with Marina following close behind.
The two girls approached the drum, beginning to undo the mechanism in order to open it, and once it was done, they each took a breath, before swinging it open.
What they did not expect was for Judd to come tumbling out.
“What the heck!” Pearl shouted, jumping back in surprise.
“Meow. (Finally, I’ve been trying to get out all day.)” The cat grumbled out as he rose to his feet.
“Judd? What were you doing in our bass drum?” Marina asked, getting down on her knees to be closer to the cat's face.
“Meow. (I was looking for somewhere to take a nap.)” The cat explained, “Meow. (I then got shut inside.)”
“Oh! Sorry about that…” Marina said, looking away guiltily.
“Meow. (All good. What's going on here?)” Judd asked, looking around.
“Well, we were gonna have a band play tonight for our friend's anniversary. But the conductor and the whole band got sick and couldn't make it.” Pearl, explained, annoyance lacing her tone.
“Meow. (Really? Well I don’t know any bands, but if you’re needing a conductor…)”
“You know how to conduct?” Marina asked.
“Meow. (No. Lil Judd does though.)”
At his mention, the small cat popped up from the cats fur, on top of his head.
“Mew! (Who dares disturb me in my slumber?” The tiny cat yelled, his own fur messy in a way that almost looked like bed head.
“Excuse me Little Judd, we need a conductor for an orchestra tonight. Would you mind being that conductor?” Marina asked.
“Mew. (Hmph. And why would I agree to help you pathetic creatures?)” He mewed out.
“Uh…cause we’ll give you a bunch of tuna?” Pearl said.
“Mew! (N-no! My weakness!)” He exclaimed holding up a paw, “Mew. (It's a very tempting offer…)”
“Uh…we’ll throw in some catnip.” Pearl said.
“Mew. (Sold.)” The cat said, “Mew? (Now where is your band that needs leading?)”
“Uh…good question! We’ll get back to you on that.” Marina said with a nervous laugh.
While the group continued to talk on the stage, Three was busy carrying a giant tower of jars filled with glowflies.
“Three!” Eight yelled, running over, “How do I look?”
The inkling craned his head to look past the jars at the octoling. He had on a black suit, a pink undershirt with a matching tie, and his hair was done up in a bun with some ornate gold jewelry, as well as makeup like eyeshadow and mascara.
“You look beautiful…” Three mumbled out, in a trance.
“Hehe, thank you~!” The octoling said, giggling and sticking his tongue out cutely.
The inkling was so distracted, he didn’t notice one of the jars on top of the pile beginning to wobble, nor it beginning to teeter, and eventually fall.
*Crack*
“Ah crap.” Three said with an annoyed sigh, placing the rest of the jars down and bending down to pick up the glass, “Man…that's like half an hour of work gone…”
Eight watched wide eyed as the glowflies from the jar, now free, began to swarm and flutter around Three.
“Woah…” He muttered out, eyes twinkling with awe.
A low rumbling could be heard, the trees slightly shaking.
“So basically, we need a-huh?” Pearl stopped, looking around in confusion as all the instruments began to shake with the stage, the rumbling getting louder.
“Meow? (What's that noise?)” Judd asked, Lil Judd turning from atop Judd’s head and noticing the glowflies swarming Three.
“Mew! (You fool! Swat those flies away!)” The kitten shouted, everyone turning to look as well.
“Wha-we’re nowhere near any water!” Three shouted.
“Mew! (It doesn’t matter! They follow the flies no matter what!)”
The rumbling got louder, bushes began to shake and trembled. The gurgling of salmon becoming louder in the distance.
“Mew. (Dios nos ayude a todos.)”
Hordes of salmon emerged from the forest, heading straight for Three.
“SCATTER!” Pearl shouted.
Everyone ran for their lives, although the salmon were only chasing Three. He climbed up the stage in a panic, dangling from it as the salmon began to swarm the area. They went from chasing Three to running around on the stage, grabbing instruments, pushing each other, and yelling.
“Doo doo doo!”
Callie hummed to herself as she walked down the trail, a takeout bag in one hand.
But as she got closer, she heard the gurgling of…salmon?
Curiously, she approached the area, and was shocked to find an army of salmon parading around the stage.
“What the?!”
Callie then whistled, just loud enough for all the salmon to hear, causing them all to stop and turn to her. She then placed her hands on her hips and looked at them all angrily.
“What do you all think you’re doing?!” She shouted.
One salmon from the crowd gurgled at her.
“Uh huh…does anyone here speak inklish?” She asked.
“Mew! (I speak salmon!)” The kitten yelled, emerging from the crowd.
“Oh! Hi Lil Judd!”
The kitten ignored Callie, climbing up her and onto her head.
“Mew!”
The salmon gurgled at each other, nodding before all collectively gurgling back at him.
“Mew. (They say that they’re terribly sorry for the intrusion, they simply follow the glow of the flies.)” He then said to Callie, “Mew!”
The salmon once again gurgled to each other, meanwhile, Pearl and Marina slowly rose from a bush to watch.
“Mew. (I explained our situation to them, they said they’re willing to assist us.)”
“Wait!” Pearl shouted, pushing through the crowd of salmon now and approaching the two, “Really? Do they even know how to play?”
“Mew. (Salmon are very adept musicians. They have their own subcultures of music where they come from.)” Lil Judd explained.
“Huh…this could work.” Pearl said, her smile beginning to return.
Just then, a gurgle rose from the crowd.
“Mew. (They have one condition. They want payment.)” Lil Judd said.
“Wha-ugh. Fine.” Pearl said with a sigh.
Then another gurgle.
“Mew. (Two conditions, maternity leave as well.)”
“Maternity leave?!” Pearl yelled, looking down before looking back up at the salmon, “You’re all men!”
Four cuddled up to Marie, purring loudly as the other girl wrapped her arms around her, hugging her close.
Four had no clue how long it had been. They just kinda started making out, then cuddling. And they’d been like that for what felt like hours now. Not that she minded at all.
So, curious, she pulled her phone from her pocket and checked the time.
8:34
The squid's eyes nearly popped out of her head, it was almost time to be there! She needed, to get up and get Marie moving quick!
But when Marie pulled her closer against her chest, Four was starting to think that maybe her friends wouldn't mind…
Wait no!
“Hey Marie! I do actually have one more surprise for you on our anniversary!” Four exclaimed, pushing away from the girl despite her body screaming not to.
“Oh really? What is it?” Marie asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.
“Well…it's not here. It's…kinda far.”
“Uh huh…”
“I think it’ll be better if I just show you.”
The crickets chirped as Four guided Marie down the trail.
“Uh…Four. Where are we?” Marie asked.
“Dont worry! We’re almost there!” Four said, slightly louder than normal to hopefully alert the group ahead of time.
“Okay…but what is it?” Marie asked again.
“You’ll see!” Four simply replied with a cheeky smile.
The two then came to a clearing, it was pretty dark and hard to see anything, even with the moon shining down, and the glowflies floating around the area. And the occasional gurgling noise could be heard every now and again.
That’s when Eight approached from the darkness, in his suit, and holding two boxes.
“Agent Eight?” Marie said, more confused than ever.
“Hello Miss Marie!” Eight said as he approached Four and handed her a box, “Good luck friend~” he then whispered to her, before walking over and handing another box to Marie.
“Uh…what's this for?” Marie asked, holding up the box.
“Go behind those bushes and open it!” Four said, excitedly rushing over to a pile of bushes and diving behind them.
Marie simply shrugged and did as told.
Once she emerged, Marie wore a frilly dress, with a large wavy skirt. The whole thing was colored, fading from green to grey as it went down.
“Wow…” Marie said as she looked down at herself, “How did she…”
Just then, Four emerged from the bushes, wearing a similar dress. The only difference being the colors fading from orange to yellow.
The two froze, looking at each other, blushes spreading across their faces. Neither of them could find the words to describe how beautiful they thought the other was.
“You look…” Marie said as she approached, gently reaching out and stroking the girl's cheek, causing her ear to flick reactively.
“You’re incredible…” Four muttered out, eyes wider than eight balls.
Speaking of Eight, and not his balls, he returned, holding a piece of paper. He didn’t say anything, simply handed it to Four before taking his leave.
Four then stepped back, clearing her throat as she opened the letter, with Marie watching, hands held together in front of her.
“Marie…ever since I met you…I knew you were special.” She began, looking up at Marie, “Even if I had no clue who you were.”
Both of them laughed at that.
“You were…are, so smart, beautiful, funny, and…you’re just incredible!”
Marie couldn’t hold back the smile as Four continued.
“Your eyes shine like gold in the blackest of nights…your smile pierces the saddest hearts, your voice a beacon. All this to say, I love you Marie Cuttlefish.”
As she said that last sentence, her voice began to choke up slightly.
“I can’t imagine my life without you in it. So now, a year after we first started dating, I wanted to do something special. Just for you.”
Marie could feel tears starting to form in her eyes, running down her cheeks as her smile trembled.
“And this…is what I have.”
Four then let go of the paper, with it slowly floating and landing in the grass.
“...Eight helped me write it.” Four said, chuckling even as tears started to stream down her own face.
“Yeah I can tell…” Marie said, laughing through her own tears.
The two then quickly ran toward each other, Four jumping into her arms as their lips connected. They closed their eyes, Marie holding Four up as they kissed, and once done, they pulled away, Marie still holding her.
“I love you…you goober~” Marie said, causing both of them to laugh.
“Well you’re gonna love me more after this~” Four said then, turning her head around, “Hit it!”
Lights suddenly thumped on, revealing a large stage filled with salmon wielding instruments, and Marina on the piano, looking like she’d been crying.
“Is…is that…never mind.” Four wanted to question why the heck there was a salmon orchestra on stage currently. But figured it was an inappropriate time.
“You two are so adorable…” Marina choked out.
Marie was in complete awe, eyes wide, jaw dropped.
“So…do you like it?” Four asked.
“SHE BETTER! I DUMPED WAY TOO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS!” Pearl could be heard shouting in the distance.
“I…I…” Marie stuttered out, “Four…I love it.”
“Yes!” Four said, stepping away and pumping her fist.
The girl then cleared her throat, holding her hand out to the girl.
“Now…my Ricardio…may I have this dance?”
Marie’s eyes widened even further, if that was even possible.
“You…you watched it…”
Tears began pooling in the girl's eyes again as she tried to compose herself, clearing her throat.
“...yes. Yes I will~”
Marie then gripped her hand in her own.
Waddling up onto the stage in a tiny tuxedo, Lil Judd used a tiny step stool to climb up onto a podium, before turning to face the girls.
“Oh my cod. I didn’t know Lil Judd was a conductor!” Marie said, pointing up at the cat.
“Uh yeah! Me neither.” Four muttered.
“Mew. (Today’s piece is that of love. Beauty in the finding of one another and sticking together through troubles and tribulations. Ladies, gentleman, salmon, I present…Waltz For The Tide.)” Lil Judd announced, bowing, before turning around.
The two girls prepared for their dance, Marie placing a hand on the girl's waist, and the other on her shoulder, while the other rested her shoulder, with Four copying. The two looked into each other's eyes and smiled.
Lil Judd took a deep breath, before tapping the baton against the podium, making a loud clicking noise. The stage fell silent, the salmon ceasing their noise and turning to face the kitten.
A silence fell over the crowd as Lil Judd raised his baton up, before gently bringing it back down in a waving motion. The violins came to life, accompanied by Marina’s piano, a gentle opening.
Marie and Four began to move, gently stepping in tandem, never breaking eye contact.
The flutes began to chime in, with the brass slowly making itself known. It was slow, methodical, and careful. It was Marie.
The two girls swayed with the music, the violins slowly getting louder, taking control while the wind blew gently, kicking up leaves, the glowflies skittering around the two girls.
From the distance, Pearl, Judd, Three, Eight, and Callie watched. Pearl and Callie fist bumping while Eight leaned against Three, holding his hand.
“Meow…(Beautiful…just beautiful…)” Judd mumbled.
The violins then slowly began to die down, being overtaken by the wind instruments. Loud, energetic, cascading waves of wind and brass swooping, the girls spinning to it, giggling as they did.
Marie, becoming more confident, lifted a hand, taking Four's hand and raising it over her head, spinning her, before pulling her back into her arms. The movements caught Four off guard, who now stared up at Marie in awe.
The music only got louder, the two moving faster, step by step. The world began to fade away, the two dancing in what seemed to be an infinite space, stars glowing all around them, the moon shining down.
Nothing in this moment mattered, nothing except the two of them. They held to each other, staring lovingly at each other, conveying with looks more than words could ever speak. A love so strong, it brought their friends together, created this wonderful environment, this music, this moment. It was one sure to never be forgotten.
And as the music swelled louder and louder, the two spun, holding close to each other, faster and faster. It built and built, and rose, all leading to one cascading finish.
And then, it ceased. Everything stopped. Silence filled the air. The two girls stopped spinning, looking at each other still, chests rising and falling in tandem.
Marina’s piano began to ring out, gentle notes, the calm before the storm, the prelude to the end.
“I love you…” Four muttered.
“I love you too…” Marie whispered, another tear falling from her cheek. She reached a hand up, brushing it against the girl's cheek, before cupping it. Both closed their eyes, leaning in…
And as their lips connected, the music came together, one final time. Each section, bright and booming, the wind blowing, glowflies swirling around the two as they kissed.
And all Four could think…
“…awesome.”