#maridetta

my brother INSISTED i upload the sketch as well

"And, promise sealed with their love, they lived in the forest together, happily ever after." Bernie closes her book with a rushed breath. Okay! That couldn't have been so bad, right? Marianne hasn't said anything yet, which is probably bad, but she also hasn't said how much she hates it and how she should've never come here to this beautiful meadow with dumb-ol' Bernie. And Marianne shouldn't have ever, ever fallen in love with Bernie-

Her thoughts come to a rushing halt when a peach-soft hand encapsulates hers, bringing her fingertips to silken lips. Marianne smiles as she lays a shy kiss to Bernadetta's hands. Bernadetta holds back the weird urge to trace those lovely lips.

"That was a beautiful story, Bear," Marianne says. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

"M-m-my pleasure!" Bernadetta stammers out, unlike Marianne who always speaks so gently, so carefully. "I based the princess off you!" Oh, why did she go and say that?

Marianne flushes red. "Me? But she was so... wonderful."

"And so are you! You're so sweet, and kind, and great with animals! You're... I mean, you're so beautiful, Mari." Bernadetta wraps her hand around Marianne's, intertwining their fingers together like knitted yarn. They weave together perfectly. "I love you. A lot. I'm not a good enough writer to describe just how lovely you are. I don't think there are words for that!"

"O-oh?"

Bernadetta swallows hard. "Did I say too much?"

Marianne hums thoughtfully, staying quiet for a beat. She smiles, and Bernadetta's racing heart skips a beat.

Her heart comes to a full stop when, smiling contentedly, Marianne leans in, kissing first Bernadetta's cheek, then the tip of her nose, then chastely, her lips. Bernadetta melts into it, chasing when Marianne pulls away.

"I think if it's you, I believe it. Thank you, Bernadetta."

Bernadetta chuckles two nervous laughs. "And, if it's you, I think I can believe that my story is... good."

Marianne nods. "That's right. That's enough panic from us for now, I think. It's a beautiful day."

She lies back, inviting Bernadetta into her arms. The sky is blue, filled with puffy clouds, and the air is full of birdsong. They don't need to exchange any more words.