Stitched Heart

Chapter 8: Full Name

She couldn't even guess if he was amazed, shocked, or disgusted. She was truly very curious, but she forced herself to get up. She gave a few steps, very clumsy ones. But as she got closer tentacles started covering Crescent and hovered around Gradient. As if threatening her that if she got any closer she'd have consequences.

✩•̩̩*˚ Gradient ˚*•̩̩͙✩

She gulped nervously as Crescent turned around. He held the painting in his hands, luckily it was already dry. So it didn't matter much if he was to drop it or grab it. She made eye contact with Crescent to then look back down at the painting, and then look back up. She breathed in and out, her breath hitching up as she stared at Crescent walk closer. She froze, glaring at him in fear.

"Relax, I don't bite," Crescent said as he rolled his eyes. "You drew this?" he asked a few seconds later.

"I-... well, ye-yes... of course, yeah, I was taught to channel my feelings through art-" Gradient quickly but quietly babbled. "I don't know what they always mean though," she sighed.

"You drew a love-in-a-mist, it symbolises perplexity, especially referencing love" Crescent explained "but its colour normally represents relaxation and calmness"

"I've never heard of this flower before, the only thing that I heard about flowers is that all have a meaning" Gradient said, she looked up at Crescent nervously. He nodded in agreement.

"In our kingdom usually only royalty uses them, loved ones give it to loved ones. Sometimes out of love or feeling confusing feelings about the other, or because of an illness," Crescent explained.

They were silent.

"Have you ever given it to someone?" Gradient asked, she stared at the painting she made. She smiled softly at it, a beautiful painting indeed.

"No, but my parents gave it to me... that flower may have a meaning but since it's the flower that represents this kingdom... we also use it as a gift with only the meaning of 'I love you' or 'be careful'" Crescent said, "either way"

He quickly put the painting away, making sure it wouldn't fall or anything bad would happen to it. He suddenly walked away and started exploring the room, avoiding going close to the closet or bathroom. He stopped in shock though, he stared down at some papers.

They had been written not long ago from the looks of it. But... It had red marks, and they were fresh. He picked up the papers, looking at them curiously. There were quite a few. Gradient immediately noticed this, she got up quickly and rushed toward where Crescent was standing. The other noticed her movements and extended the papers away. She gasped in fear and extended her arm to try and get the papers.

But she was failing miserably. Crescent wasn't shorter than her anymore, both had almost finished adolescence, so that means almost all their body changes had finished. And changes made Crescent a lot taller, still Gradient didn't give up. She extended her arms, trying to grab the papers.

Only to be suddenly lifted by the tentacles, she struggled against them. Trying to escape from their hold, she did not want anyone to read her "plans" for the Claw's Clan. Especially not Crescent. And back again with the rumours... She heard that he normally used his knowledge of others to blackmail them. To either stop them from saying things he did not want anyone to know or to get what he wanted.

Gradient breathed in and out nervously as Crescent scanned the papers. He didn't look annoyed, angry, sad, or anything like that. He looked interested... he looked pensive. The tentacles did tighten up a bit for a second but untightened quickly. And soon enough she was standing on the ground again.