What Happens On Sesame Street

Chapter Two: Better Together

Ernie woke up on the couch the next morning. He was still physically exhausted from what he got up to last night, although whatever happened he found hard to recall at the moment. He rubbed his eyes gently and took a moment to compose himself. Then his memories started gradually coming back. Ernie gasped.
     "Oh shit! I left Bert tied to the goddamn bed." Ernie sprang up and ran to their room where he thought he would find Bert spread out helplessly. To his surprise he was greeted by someone, but it wasn't Bert.
     "Kermit, what are you doing in my house again?" Ernie was beginning to get frustrated with the frog, as this was not the first time something like this had happened.
     "Oh hi Ernie, I broke in a while ago to see why Bert was screaming for help."
     Ernie really blacked out last night. He couldn't even hear Bert yelling to be released after all his attempts to escape the ropes had failed.
"Sorry, I also broke one of your windows to get in." He added.
"But the door was unlocked..." Ernie replied.
"This was faster." Kermit croaked.
"Anyways, do you know where Bert is?" Ernie tried to redirect the conversation. "Were you the one who untied him?"
"Yeah that was me, the poor bastard said he tried to escape for hours before I came along." Kermit chuckled.
"Where is he now?" Ernie pried. He was getting desperate to see his lover again, and apologize for the way he behaved last night.
"He left for the airport about 2 hours ago, oh and he wanted me to read you this..." Kermit pulled a folded sheet of paper from between his asscheeks and read,
"My dearest Ernie, I am leaving for Afghanistan today as I've decided to serve in the war. I've given it much thought, and I think that we both need time apart. Do not wait for me, as I won't wait for you. Goodbye -Bert." "Sorry bro, sounds like you got dumped LOL."
Ernie couldn't believe what he had just heard. He couldn't allow his lover to risk his life in a war! Ernie understood Bert's desire to go on alone, but he didn't want him to face any harm.
     "Kermit, did Bert mention what time his plane was leaving?" Ernie interrogates Kermit.
     "Yeah, he said around 11:45, gate D69." Kermit answered.
     "Oh crap it's 11:34. I'LL NEVER MAKE IT IN TIME!" Ernie fell to his knees in defeat.
He thought that he would never get to tell Bert that he loved him... but just then he heard swift flapping coming closer to the un-shattered window, and a faint voice getting louder by the second.
     "Mayday... MAYD—" A crash sound filled the room. Ernie and Kermit both turned rapidly to the sight of more broken glass flying across the room. A large, yellow, feathered creature thudded on the ground and slid into the wall ahead of him.
"Big bird?" Both Ernie and Kermit said in disbelief.
"Hey guys, sorry I broke your other window Ernie." Big bird was quick to apologize.
"It's okay Big bird." Ernie said wiping a tear from his face.
"Hey I didn't know you knew how to fly Big Bird." Kermit chimed in.
"Yeah I started learning a few days ago." Big Bird said, sounding quite proud of his achievement, "Say, what's wrong Ernie? Were you just... crying?"
"Yeah Big Bird. Bert left for the airport, and he's going to fight a war in Afghanistan." Ernie sniffled, "I wanted to stop him but I'll never make it in time!"
"Wait. You said you were learning how to fly Big Bird?" Kermit interrupted.
"Well I'm trying but I just seem to get so overzealous—" He was interrupted again by Kermit.
"Big Bird, do you think you could fly Ernie to the airport? You may be able to get him there just in time to stop Bert!" The oversized bird gave it a bit of thought, but was still quick to reply.
"Well, I don't see why not." He answered, "Come on then Ernie! Hop on and we'll be off."
Ernie ran over to Big Bird as fast as his little legs could carry him, and mounted him like a knight mounts his steed. Big Bird spread his wings and lined himself up with the broken window. He gave himself a running start then... lift off!
The two were soaring through the sky steadily.
"See you later Kermit!" Ernie yelled back to the amphibian who was watching them from one of the broken windows.
"Bring him back!" Kermit screamed to Ernie.
The wind blew swiftly through Big Birds feathers. The view of Sesame Street from the sky was so colourful, but Ernie could only see the buildings in grey without Bert by his side.
Big Bird flew as fast as his wings could carry them, and eventually they reached the airport. Big bird landed at the doors to the airport.
Well, crash landed. Big Bird was unfortunately injured, but he reassured Ernie.
"I'll be fine, go get your man Ernie!" The pain in his voice was clear, but Ernie had to trust him or else he may lose Bert.
Ernie was short and usually slow, but something inside him at that moment carried him further than he had ever gone before. He burst through the airport doors and booked it towards gate D69.
"BERT!" He yelled out for his partner.
Ernie pushed through crowds while keeping his eyes peeled. Ahead of him was a line of passengers waiting for their turn to pass through the metal detector. He pushed through them and drew the attention of the guards. Security ran after him, but this man was just too goddamn fast. Suddenly someone caught his eye. A man he knew dressed in full military uniform.
      "BERT!" Ernie cried.
     Bert turned around and met Ernie's loving gaze.
     "Ernie?" Bert squeaked, he honestly didn't think Ernie would come after him.
     The two ran towards each other. Everything seemingly went in slow motion. The moment they embraced everything felt okay again.
     "Bert! I've only been away from you for a day, but H O L Y  S H I T  was that the hardest time in my life so far." Ernie stared longingly into Bert's eyes, "Before you say anything else Bert, please. Don't join the military. I don't want you getting hurt."
     "Ernie, I don't know what to say. I thought this was what I wanted... needed."
     "Don't say anything. Just come home with me. I understand if you want some time apart from me though."
     "Oh, Ernie. I never want to be apart from you again... I love you."
     Bert leaned in and kissed Ernie lovingly like the two had been separated for centuries. They took their time walking out from the airport. They noticed Big Bird being carried into an ambulance by a stretcher. Well fuck. That was their ride home.

            ...I guess they'll have to hitchhike...

            «To be continued»

If you notice anything you want me to edit in this story go ahead and comment.