I don't need no light to see you SHINE

39

TWs: Secrets revealed, Earth Alone mention, implied past torture. Stay safe :)

Heterochromic eyes peered open, adjusting to the light. He huffed, raising a hand to cover his vision, "Ugh, too bright..."

He felt something move against his side, a voice crying out as arms wrapped around him, "Earth! You're awake!"

"Luna...!" Earth grinned, returning the embrace. He placed a kiss on the Celestite's forehead before rifling a hand through his hair.

"Heyyy! Quit it!" Luna whined, trying to push away while the other pulled him closer, "I just did this braid!"

Earth chuckled, finally letting him go. Luna raised his hands, feeling the damage done.

"My hair... now I have to do it all over again." Luna pulled the hairband out, running his fingers through the braid to get it undone.

"I don't know," Mercury spoke, observing the unkempt and lightly curled hair, "I think you look prettier with it down."

Luna blinked, looking at Mercury with a surprised gaze, "What was that?"

Mercury jolted, realizing what he said. Quickly, he waved his hands around, "Wh-What? I said nothing- n-nothing at all, hahah! If you'll excuse me...!"

Mercury backed away to stand beside Venus, who shook his head in disappointment, "You're hopeless, pipsqueak."

The smallest Celestial groaned, covering his face with his hands, "You don't have to tell me, Venus..."

Mars shifted past Venus, eyes concentrated on the Earth as he stopped before him, "Earth... oh, I'm glad to see you're okay. You made me- us worried."

"How are you feeling, mate?" Uranus asked, coming up from behind them.

Earth glanced between the two, mouth open as he contemplated.

"Y'know... I can think of a few Celestials who would like to get to know you better~..."

Earth's eyes widened as a blush spread across his face. He shook his head harshly, getting rid of the thought, 'Nope, nope, nope... never gonna happen!'

Mars was his best friend, and he'd only known Uranus for a few months. Not to mention that they were both way out of his league and two Celestials.

That was a disaster waiting to happen.

"Earth?" Mars asked, spooking the Celestial in question out of his thoughts, "Are you okay?"

"Do you need to lie down some more?" Uranus tilted his head, "Maybe something cold to wake you up?"

"I'm fine!" Earth yelped, wincing as his voice cracked. He cleared his throat, "I'm, uh... I'm alright, guys."

"Okay..." Uranus didn't look fully convinced, "If you're so sure, mate."

Mars frowned, squinting at the other for a bit before sighing, "Alright, just tell us if something's wrong."

Earth nodded, feeling the flush die down as soon as he looked away. His gaze stopped on the navy Celestial a few units away, eyes flashing in apprehension.

Nine bit his lip, "I'm-"

"I know." Earth spoke, "And I won't forgive you for it..."

Nine nodded, expecting the answer.

"However," Earth raised a finger, "I'll give you a second chance."

Everyone appeared shocked at the lively Celestial's words, turning to stare at him.