Gradence | White Lilies

"Autumn" | Chapter 12

Warm days of late summer passed filled with stealing kisses and secretly-exchanged notes.

Rays of evening sun shone through thick treetops of surrounding trees, casting dancing beams of warm light on two figures, one bigger and one smaller, gently leaning against each other by the lake; the sound of their chatter getting mixed with joyful chirping of birds, that playfully flew from one tree to the other, and calming sounds of the lake.

"So. . What now?"  Credence gently tightened the grip on Percival's hand which was lovingly wrapped around Credence's.

"What do you mean?" the older asked as he turned to the boy, warm smile upon his face.

"U-Us.. I mean. What do we do now?" younger's cheeks stained in soft pink.

Percival locked eyes with Credence, taking a deep look into them, "What would you like us to do?"

That action made Credence lose his cool and blush madly, breaking away the eye-contact.

Credence's innocent reaction made Percival chuckle, "Let's get you back home before your parents think somebody kidnapped you".

Credence nodded, although wanting to stay a bit longer in this ethereal bliss, and the two of them left, leaving the sun-kissed forest and golden meadows to rest.

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Smell of freshly baked pastries was spreading through crisp autumn air and getting mixed with the smell of boiled wine.

"Come on Credence! I want to go see the show!"  Modesty chuckled happily as she tugged onto her brother's hand, dragging him around the busy square that was filled with all sorts of autumn-related attractions.

"Okay, okay", Credence smiled happily as he followed his sister, trying to keep up with her energetic pace.

He couldn't believe he got to hang out with just Modesty and dad, without Mary Lou and her mean glares and sharp words. Dad even let them roam around the festival freely as he talked to a few of his co-workers, and it felt really good.

The two siblings arrived to a larger group of people that were gathered around a little stage on which the show was going to be performed, their eyes looking up as they munched on warm cinnamon pastry which they found being sold on a stand near the stage.

Suddenly, Credence felt a light tap on his shoulder and when he looked up his eyes met with a familiar handsome face.

"Hello Credence, Modesty", Percival greeted with a smile.

"Hello Mr.Percival!" Modesty waved at the older man with a smug smile on her face, on which Percival chuckled and patted the younger girl's head.

"H-Hi-", Credence replied with a shy smile and before he could say anything else Alexander joined in, standing by the three of them.

"Oh I see you've found Mr.Percival!" Alexander exclaimed with a smile as he shook his friend's hand, and the two of them exchanged a few words.

They then continued watching the play and after it had ended, Modesty managed to drag Alexander away to buy her things, leaving Credence and Percival alone.

The two looked at each other and smiled, Credence being the first to look away.

"Want to take a walk?" Percival asked with a twinkle of mischief sparkling in his eyes.

"Yes," Credence replied, smile not leaving his face.

They were making their way through the crowd, randomly stopping at a few stands and checking them out, when suddenly Percival got off the route, leading Credence away from the festival.

"Where are we going?", Credence asked the older man curiously.

"Somewhere more private", Percival said as they made their way to a quiet alley.

Surprising him with a kiss, Percival stopped Credence in his tracks.

"Somebody will see us-", Credence started but was cut off by another kiss on his lips.

"Nobody comes here," he smiled, "don't worry".

Those words reassured Credence and helped him relax leading to the two exchanging even more secret kisses until it was time to go back to the festival.

Not wanting to be suspicious, the two started to make their way back, smiling and giggling to each other like two kids in love, being happier than they were when they came.

"Where did you two disappear?", they heard Alexander's voice from behind themselves, as the father and the daughter joined the two in their walk.

"Oh we were just checking out the pumpkins they have here. We found some rather lovely ones!" Percival replied, thinking quickly.

Modesty looked over at her brother, instantly knowing her plan worked she shot a smirk in her brother's direction causing his cheeks to redden.

He returned her a smile and a mouthed "thank you" as happiness overflowed him with taste of his love still residing on his lips.