Branches of Time.

graceful leaves.

(july 22nd, 2:15pm)

"Man, I hate summertime..." Monkey Hat sighed, as she and Foliage sat down underneath a tree, casting a shadow down onto the two of them. "It's always so hot, and I lose track of time much faster when it's still sunny outside!"

"Yeah... I get that..." Foliage added, shuffling closer to her. "But there's a good part of summer... you."

"What- oh, the birthday thing! Yeah, kinda wish it wasn't, though. I'd prefer if mine was in the winter, that's my favourite season."

"Really? Mine's spring."

"Makes sense, you have a plant theme going on." Monkey Hat laughed, carefully holding onto Foliage with her right arm, pulling them both even closer. "You know... I think spring's special too..."

"Because that's when we first met." Foliage smiled, turning to face her.

"Huh? Foli-" Monkey Hat began, before being stopped by Foliage calmly taking her hands. They pulled her closer, as the cool air softly breezed past them both, as the tree's branches danced above the two of them.

"You've changed everything for me, and in the best way possible... you gave me hope, and you made that hope come true."

They held Monkey Hat's face up using their hands, before continuing on, saying that it was actually reason number one why spring was her favourite season - it reminded them of her.

Monkey Hat laughed, before being quickly stopped by a kiss. It lasted for a few seconds at most, but those few seconds were sensational - and peaceful.

After what felt so long... she finally felt truly connected to someone. For so long, Monkey Hat had felt different from all the other markers, like she couldn't blend in with them... not until now.

Foliage pulled away, smiling at her.

"Say..." Monkey Hat began, before carefully running her fingers through Foliage's leaves, loving how soft they felt. "While everyone else seems to hate it... I'm glad I get so curious."

"Yeah... we never would've met, otherwise." Foliage replied, before hearing the sound of markers walking closer. "Hey... do you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"...Nothing... you alright? You're fidgeting with your hands again..."

"Oh..."

"No, it's fine, I just-"

"Hello." Marker said, as Khaki waved excitedly at the two of them, telling them both to step out into the sunlight, and that it was boring to just be in the shade the entire time.

"Oh, hi Purple... you good?"

Marker nodded in silence, although he looked down at the ground, tensing up. Meanwhile, Monkey Hat silently got up, walking towards Khaki rather reluctantly. Foliage followed her, glaring at Marker whilst doing so.

Khaki laughed to herself, talking about how she must've intruded on some sort of date - but Marker didn't register that... or anything, really. He was just there, standing about a few metres away from the rest.

"Say... you two want ice cream?"

"I- You BET I would!" Monkey Hat exclaimed, shaking her hands in excitement. Foliage laughed, before saying she'd like some too.

"Alright, let's go! Come on Marker, get over here!" Khaki yelled, loudly clapping her hands to snap Marker out of his 'daydream'. All the while, Foliage had been paying rather close attention to him and his body language...