#livis

While the wind in Dirtmouth wasn’t the most ideal temperature. It was certainly calming for a number of reasons. The wind never hurt, it only cooled. And Livis has never experienced a day where the wind has been too harmful to him or any bug that he knew in Dirtmouth. It was just a nice little presence to have while he sat on the bench. The freezing bench. Okay, maybe he should’ve brought something to protect himself against the cold with. But he just wanted a place to rest. His house is nice and all, (well more like Breeze’s house) but it is nice to get out every once in a while. Even if he’s not too keen on meeting the other bugs here. After all, who knows what they could do to him?

The mantis hears some footsteps and he opens up his eyes. Looking to the right, and then to the left. He noticed the shinning bee approaching him. Even if he can’t see the color of the creature right beside him, he could tell who they were simply by their face. That’s how close he has gotten close to them. Or how much he would like to say he’s gotten close to them. The bee smiled and sat on the railing beside Livis, she took a hand and rubbed it between his horns. Causing the mantis to let out a small “coo” as he leans into her rubbings. Never in his entire life would he have expected to enjoy being rubbed on his head. It’s such a strange feeling, but one he welcomes greatly.

“You know Livis, I… Uh…” The bee looked off. She stopped the rubbing and placed another hand on her chin. The young mantis looked up and watched as her eyes locked on to one rock right in front of her. Of course, she was thinking of what to say next. This kind of stuff was normal for her, and Livis didn’t think too oddly about it. “I’ve been meaning to… Tell or. Uh. Show you something.”

Now, this got the mantis interested. Livis looked at the bee in front of him. She seemed to be a bit distracted, as she didn’t respond right away. She scratched the back of her head. “Well. I’m sure you know what day it is. And uh…” Livis shook his head.

He. In fact. Doesn’t know what day it is. “Wh- what are you talking about Breeze?”

“Wait you don’t know?”

“No…? Am… I supposed to?”

“Perfect! No, you aren’t! Amazing!” And within a flash, she grabbed Livis’ arm and dragged him with her. The two zoomed past the graveyard by Dirtmouth and ended up taking the lift up to the Crystal Peaks. But Breeze did something peculiar. They made it halfway up the ride until Breeze stopped the contraption. Leaving the two to suspend mid-air. Livis was simply confused on the whole matter. First, he was sitting by a bench minding his own business, second Breeze shows up, and third, he’s being dragged to a lift!

He turned to face her. “What’s… Happening?”

“Well. Today is a very special day. For numerous reasons… And… Well… I thought I would like to commemorate this day with you!”

“B- Breeze I don’t e- even know what day it is.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll find out.” She says with a wink. Then she turns to face Dirtmouth, and Livis did as well.

Despite his color blindness, even he could see the beauty that Dirtmouth had. All the twinkling little lights, the small bugs moving, if he was able to really peer into the distance. Livis could see the cliff that leads up and out of Hallownest. Breeze sighed. “You know… I’m honestly surprised you’re still here, Livis. I thought you would run away the second you got the chance. I thought a big, scary, aggressive bee like me would’ve had you turn tail and run. But… You didn’t. You stayed here and… Was just there for me.”

“Scary?” Livis cocked his head to the side. “Why would you be scary?”

“It’s… Uh…” She rubbed her hair tuff. “A long story. The point is… I’m… Really glad to have you Livis.”

“Wh- where else would I have gone too?” Livis commented. A bright smile formed on his normally cautious face. “Y- you came to m- me when I al- almost died. I- if it weren’t for you, I- I wouldn’t be here right now. I- I owe a lot to you, Breeze. You taught me how to l- live in Hallownest. H- how to live as a normal bug, n- not like the other mantises down at the village. Y- you gave me shelter, and food, and… Joy. A- a feeling I haven’t felt in so long. I- If anything, I should be thanking you!”

Before Livis could say anymore, he suddenly felt something cold, but wet pressed against his cheek. And then a small wet noise right afterward. Turning his face towards Breeze, her eyes were half-lidded and her mouth was a small smile. Livis raised a hand-claw towards his cheek to feel… Whatever she pressed on him. Only to feel the small wet spot simmer onto his fingers. Breeze couldn’t help but giggle at his expression. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

“Wh… What did…”

Breeze’s face went a bit red as she tucked both of her hands behind her back. She glanced off to the side, and then went back to staring at her lovely mantis. “I kissed you~”

And just like that. Livis’ entire face was flushed in a bright red. He quickly straightened up his entire body and took a step back. “I- I- I- I-”

“What? ‘Never been kissed before?”

“N- no- no…”

“Then how about you feel it again?” With his eyes locking straight at hers, Breeze moved her hands up to wrap around Livis’ body. Then she brought him in for a hug, matching her lips on his. She engulfed him into a warm, wet, soft kiss. The second they touched the mantis's own mouth, he could feel just how soft they were. Her own mouth pressed deeply, yet kindly into his. And her tongue was the most angelic thing he’s felt up until that point. She moved it a bit into his own mouth, but just gently scraped it against the top of his. As if inviting him to move his own tongue to touch hers. All the while, her eyes were closed gently. And the grip on her hug was tight but comfortable.

For a moment. Livis saw color.

He saw what Breeze looked like. In all her yellow, black, and brown glory. He saw the color of the lift, Dirtmouth, the cliff they were next to. He was sure he could even see the glow the crystals gave. But most of all, he saw exactly what Breeze looked like.

And just like that. It was gone.

She released him from the hug and backed a little away. Giggling some more as she apparently couldn’t get enough of his expression. “You mean… A lot. To me, Livis. More, than I think you could imagine.” With a gentle brush against his own arm, she bid him farewell as she had some errands to run. And quickly hopped out of the lift. Flying off to Dirtmouth to go ride a stag somewhere.

And there sat Livis. Confused. Curious. A little scared. But most of all…

…

He… He didn’t know. He’s never felt this way before. He’s never had this feeling in his entire life. He had no idea how to describe it. A need? A burning dread? A force? He couldn’t find the words. But he did know one thing, he wanted to be close to Breeze. He wanted to be even closer. It was almost as if his mind was demanding to spend some more time with her.