A Path Through the Woods(A RiaEgg Story)

CHAPTER 14: "The Best is Yet to Come."

"TheGentleman?" Ria addressed as she, him and MrCheese made their way down the hallway towards MrEgg's room. "Are you skipping?"

"Oh! Why, ah, yes! It appears as though I am!" he answered, looking back at them from up ahead. "Do pardon me; I'm just a bit giddy that the whole nightmare concerning MrEgg's survival is over with."

"Oh, we don't have a problem with it, TheGentleman," MrCheese smiled. "In fact, I really like seein' you all peppy like this! Heh heh..."

"Do you?" the black crewmate blushed. "Well, ah...I suppose it's alright, then. Ha!"

They stopped at MrEgg's door, then Ria slowly turned the handle and opened it a crack, letting all three of them take a peek inside...MrEgg was sitting up in bed, reading an old issue of "Crewmate's Digest," and looking rather bored.

But when TheGentleman cleared his throat and got his attention, his eyes lit right up.

"Ria! TheGentleman, MrCheese!" he greeted them warmly, his voice full of vigor and enthusiasm. "Do come in! I was hoping I'd see you soon!"

They all piled in and gathered around his bed, glad to see MrEgg with so much more energy.

"How's your head? Not so hazy anymore, I'm hopin'?" MrCheese asked him.

"Oh, no, I can think rather clearly now...I must say, I'm rather embarrassed with myself for having not recognized you and TheGentleman in my slight delirium."

"Nah, don't worry 'bout it. You remember us now, right?"

"Oh, I couldn't possibly forget either of you," he smiled. "...Nor could I ever forget you, my dear Ria."

He gently took her hand with his unbandaged one, brought it in close and kissed the back of it, both of them turning slightly pink as they looked into each other's twinkling gazes.

"I remember every word you said to me before I went under...I'm not sure how I managed to pull this off, but...I did. And I'll thank the heavens for the rest of my life for keeping me here on this earth so that I might stay by your side."

Ria smiled back at him, leaning her head in again to nuzzle her visor against his. He generously returned the favor, squeezing her hand a bit tighter and kissing her cheek as he did so.

"...I love you so much, Eggy."

"I love you too, dearest...You know, I need to think of a cute nickname like that for you. It's only fair, isn't it?"

Ria giggled in response, waving her hand at him playfully.

"Cheese Louise," MrCheese remarked, raising his eyebrows. "You two, uh, want us to give you some privacy?"

"Maybe for just a minute or so," the egg-headed crewmate replied to him. "You can come right back in when we've finished our moment, though; I don't want you and TheGentleman to leave so soon. You all just got here, after all."

"Not a problem at all, old chap. We'll leave you and Ria to discuss your thoughts," TheGentleman told him. "Come along, MrCheese!"

Once both of them had left the room and shut the door, MrEgg continued to speak.

"...Ria?" he asked. "When I finally get out of this bed and back onto my feet, w-would you like to go through with...us getting married?"

"Of course I would, MrEgg," she replied, cupping his cheek with her free hand. "...Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to have the ceremony at?"

"Well...Remember what I described to you? An outdoor venue, surrounded by grassy hills and red and gold trees?"

"Of course I do...It sounds beautiful."