and they've become strangers again (espresseleine)

Part Two (E)

The two sat in a field just outside the kingdom; sharing food from eachothers houses and having friendly discussion. After a short while they laid down in the grassy meadows. "I just want to stay like this forever." It was a minute before the other responded "Me too." "But you have your studies in the morning." Another pause "I do."

Espresso sat in confusion for a few minutes before uttering an "Excuse me?" He had hundreds of thoughts in just under a few seconds it seemed, only moments ago was he reading silently, now his house is filled with noise. It humored him a bit, as his surroundings reflected his mind.

He listened to his friend vent to him, putting in a few responses but for the most part he had sat in silence aswell as shock.

"Nobody even cares about us Ess, let's leave. It's not like anybody will notice." Madeleine exclaimed at one point. It was very obvious to Espresso from the start that alot of what his friend was saying was raw; nothing to be taken seriously. That a lot of what Madeleine said would be in the moment; yet that statement made his mind wander. Just leave his studies to go live a new life? The thought seemed impossible but endearing.

He also sat on the phrase "nobody even cares about us" but he pushed it aside

When Espresso was done pondering he started paying attention just as Madeleine finished his rant.

"Let the thought marinate for a few days. I know you're itching to go but this kind of.. situation requires planning. Stay here in the meantime; I'll keep you hidden from your family so we can gather all the materials we need." Espresso told him firmly. Madeleine, though he was reluctant at first, agreed.

The next few days consisted of friendly banter and planning. Throughout the days he let the thought of going with Madeleine sit. This was a free chance to be a completely different person with a dear friend of his; though ecstatic he kept his regular "chill" act up so he could accept Madeleine's invitation on the last day.

He had stayed up a bit longer during the night to plan and pack for himself; awaiting the moment they were both ready to leave. The days had flown by it seemed, like only a few hours had gone by but here he was, watching Madeleine pack his things and set out the door. After he had started walking out; Espresso had grabbed a bag of his own and dashed out the door after him. "Madeleine! Wait for me!" He shouted loud enough for Madeleine to hear; in response turned around he smiled warmly at Ess, making his chest ache for a few seconds.

Espresso, as this happened was filled with racing thoughts at the action. The ache. He kept trying to understand why Madeleines smile garnered the reaction, it wasnt like it did that before.

He pushed the thoughts away. He didnt have time to ponder about romantic feelings, especially at a time where he needed to be there for his friend; not swoon for him. They pushed on their journey, the romantic thoughts of course creeping into Espressos mind every few hours. Thoughts of being intimate with Madeleine following soon after. Thoughts of waking up in the warm afternoons with him by his side, thoughts of sharing eachothers warmth.. he tried his hardest to think about other things.

But the thoughts couldn't be stopped and set his face on fire everytime, they made his heart ache, and they made his legs feel like jelly. It seemed like everytime one of these thoughts arose in his mind he would get distracted and not look where he was going, tripping over roots and the like.

"Madeleine, could you slow down please?" Espresso was pretty far behind him, of course he blamed the thoughts he was struggling with as the cause.

"Sure! Do you want to take a break?"

"That would be nice."

The two had been walking for a few hours, soreness threatening their journey. Alas; they took a break to sit down and eat some of the meals they had packed; making short conversation every few minutes as their attention was on eating and getting back in their feet as soon as possible.