Classy, Controlled Chaos - The STEAM Team Adventures

⭐️ The Past [2/5] ⭐️

Marshall's POV:

I watched as the Horizon Library's double doors swung open, followed by a quiet, frustrated sigh.

After five years of living with Addison, I knew that this meant that she needed someone to talk to.

"Addi?" I called to her, approaching the librarian.

She had her hood up, and her sleeves were soaked. "I zoned out and fell into the creek."

I chuckled, laying a hand on her shoulder and guiding her inside. "Heh, you look like a wet cat. Don't worry, I'll dry you off."

After leading her through the bookshelves, we eventually arrived beside the entrance to my personal forge.

"Here, I know something's on your mind." I began, extending a fiery wing around her. "Talk to me; Tell me what's wrong."

Addison went silent for a brief moment, staring down at the ground. "It's nothing too big, Marsh."

I frowned at her, flapping my free wing. "Oh, come on. Don't say that, I can tell something's up. Either you spit it out right now or I'm gonna have to resort to some... Different measures."

She gave me a skeptical look, crossing her arms and cocking her head to the side. Elaborate on different measures."

Without a second thought, I offered her my hand,  making sure my leather glove was tight enough. "If you don't tell me, I'm taking you out for boba so you'll open up."

After a moment of contemplating, she let out a defeated sigh and took my hand. "You come up with the most outrageous offers..."

I smiled at her, guiding her toward the grand stairway. "Anything to get you in a better mood."

We climbed up the stairs, making sure the librarian wouldn't stumble or fall.

My left wing was hovering just behind her, warming her up and evaporating any water that kept her cloak wet.

"Oh, and, I forgot to tell you," I began, stopping for a moment and holding onto the marble guard railing. "Tia sent you a postcard."

Addison's pupils dilated in the dim light of the library. "Wait, really?"

I snorted. "No, silly, the king of Northwynd wrote to you to say hi, obviously."

She chuckled at my sarcastic comment. "No, but seriously, though. She actually sent me one?"

I led her through the candlelit halls of the library, passing through several marble-pillared corridors by her side. "Yep. I didn't open it, though. She told me to reserve it just for you."

We eventually made our way to the viewing balcony, an open space where we could see the eternal night sky from the safety of the library.

This specific area used to be where weddings were hosted; Both of us were standing where the bride and groom would exchange their vows.

Addison leaned over the guard railing, staring down at the clouds beneath her. "It's so peaceful out here tonight."

I nodded, brushing back a tuft of my chestnut brown hair. "Always has been."

We took a few moments to enjoy the scenery.

A gentle breeze swept through the crisp, nighttime air, with stars twinkling in the sky above us.

The crescent moon rose to its highest point, casting ourselves in a luminescent glow.

I turned to face Addison, and for the first time in years, she seemed to be at peace.

I couldn't help but smile.

"You sure you want me to tell you what I've been thinking of?" She asked, still admiring the clouds beneath the floating island.

"You don't have to if you're not comfortable with doing so." I replied, resting my arms on the guard railing. "I'll always be here to listen, though."

Her eyes lit up at the mention of my words. "I'm so glad I have you as a friend, Marshall."

"Likewise," I chuckled, patting her on the back. "Whenever you're ready."

Addison took in a deep breath, her voice tinged with hesitation. "Promise me you won't be weirded out."

I put my right hand on my heart. "I swear on my wings."

She let out a heavy sigh, turning to face me. "I'm worried about us."

I tilted my head to the side. "Us? You mean like, our friendship?"

She shook her head, adjusting her hood so it shielded more of her face. "Sorta... It's the five of us, really. You, me, Tia, Edward, and Sophii."

I blinked at her, retracting my wing from her side. "Why's that so?"

"Well," Addison began, shaking her head. "We're all so distant from each other. Physically. What if one of us goes out and never comes back, like my mentor? Take Tia, for example. What if the next time we see her, she's belly up in the middle of the ocean?"

I felt a pang of sympathy at her words. "Don't think that way, Addi. You know very well that we're all going to be safe on our own adventures. Besides, who would mess with us?"

"I know, but... I'm concerned for our safety." The librarian sighed, pulling her sleeves back down her arms. "It's not concern anymore... It's worry. I'm worried for our safety, Marsh."

A look of visible distress was clearly displayed across her face, even though she was shadowed under her cloak.

There were words I wanted to say, but they refused to come out.

It hurt me to see Addison in pain.

Optimistic, bright, bubbly Addison forced to hide her true self behind a facade of solemnity.

"I know you're hurting inside." I managed to get out, keeping my tone as calm as possible. "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

She hesitated for a moment before gingerly pulling down her hood.

Her eyes were welling up with tears, her gaze wavering as she met mine.

"You're already doing a lot," She whispered, closing her eyes. "I just needed you to listen, that was all..."

Before I could react, she pulled me into a tight hug, catching me off guard.

I hesitantly wrapped my arms around her, tucking my wings back so I wouldn't burn her cloak.

We stood there for a few minutes before she broke the silence. "Thank you, Marsh..."

I nodded, dipping my head. "Of course, Addi."

She pulled away from me, facing the moon above us. "Pretend none of this ever happened... I can't let anyone know I almost cried in your arms."

I pretended to zip my lips shut. "Lips are sealed, don't worry."

Addison chuckled, wiping a stray tear from the corner of her eye. "I'm glad to know that I can trust you."

"Speaking of trust," I began, reaching into the pocket of my khaki shorts. "Tia's postcard, I have it."

Her eyes lightened up as I handed her the card. "Oh wow, the envelope smells like saltwater."

"Is that good or bad?" I asked, watching her open the paper package.

"Depends," Addison smiled, opening the card. "I'll read this to you so we both know what she said."

After a brief moment of silence, she began to speak.