Heartbreak | BEN Drowned X Reader

05| Annual Festival

That's when Amber remembers; the annual festival where they celebrate that they don't have to live running anymore. Running from society trying to quiet down their voices and force them to believe someone else's false promises.

"Of course! All I need is a little rest," Amber replies with a reassuring smile.

"If you say so," Ash ruffles Amber's hair, earning back a playful whine.

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Days have passed and the headache is still permanent, punching at the walls of her head, kicking at her nerves. Amber tried everything; getting more hours of sleep, medicine, even going as far as to letting the boys do some kind of dance ritual around her as she tries to sleep. It seems like the headache has just come to stay.

The boys haven't let Amber out of their watch. They're always checking up on her, making sure she is alright at all times. As a result, they have gotten a 'hello' from Amber's middle finger plenty of times.

The festival is tomorrow, which means every single villager is decorating the main plaza and practicing their performances.

The gang help carry boxes containing decorations, hang up signs, etc. Smiles shine brightly in each and everyone's faces as they work together to adorn the plaza. They feel at ease, content, and just overall excited for tomorrow.

Children race around the plaza, looking for ways to help to feel like grown-ups. Alaya runs to her older brother, tugging at his leather jacket to get his attention. Daniel looks down at her and smiles.

"What is it?" He asks warmly.

"I want to help!" Alaya beams, her tiny fingers curled up in fists in front of her chest as she bounces on her small feet.

Daniel chuckles at her enthusiasm. "Bring those banners over to Amber," He points at a box that's sitting next to some tools. Alaya nods and runs to the box, crouching down to pick it up.
She holds the box tightly against her chest as she rushes to Amber who's holding the ladder to prevent Zayne from falling as he hangs some lights.

"Amber!" Alaya squeaks out, setting the box down with a small grunt.

Amber lowers her gaze from Zayne to Alaya, lips stretching into a smile. "Thank you, sweetheart!"

Alaya's eyes flare up with happiness, feeling helpful. "Of course!"

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After hours of hard work, the plaza is lit up and adorned. Everyone steps back to look at what they've done, proud looks on all of their faces. The adults start to put away the tools and boxes while the children giggle and sit on the wooden seats to say goodbye to the disappearing sun.

The group release content sighs as they look at the decorated area. Zayne puts an arm around a tired Ash and Amber leans against Daniel. The four smile with the thought of tomorrow, already tasting the delicious food that will be served and dancing to the music that will be played.

Ash sighs, "I'm tired."

"We all are. We all worked so hard and it really payed off," Zayne smiles.

Amber nods in agreement. "I can't wait to crash onto my bed, though."

"Same," Ash sighs once again, rubbing a hand over his face. "I need my beauty sleep," He adds.

Zayne nods, "Let's all go home. See ya guys tomorrow!"

They say their goodbyes before parting ways to their respective homes.

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Music can be heard from deep in the woods and the mouthwatering smell of food leads people into the plaza. Finally, it's the day of the festival and everyone is celebrating.

Amber gets ready, putting on her most beautiful dress and adorning her hair with flowers. After she's done, she helps Miss Grandma get dressed.

"You look beautiful," Amber tells her, smiling warmly at her grandmother.

"I know," Miss Grandma cracks a smile, making Amber laugh.

"Of course," She takes her hand helps her to the door.

The boys are waiting on the other side of the door, wanting to make sure that Miss Grandma gets to the plaza safely. Zayne and Ash grab onto her arms while Daniel checks that there aren't any obstacles in the way.

"I can walk, you know?" Miss Grandma huffs but lets them do their thing and help her.

Eventually, they make it safely to the plaza and they're immediately greeted by familiar faces. Everyone is overjoyed to see the eldest of the village finally out of bed and walking. Children come racing to her, hugging her legs and waist. Miss Grandma lets out a motherly laugh and ruffles their hair lovingly.

"What should we do first-" Amber cuts herself off when she notices that Daniel has left and is already feasting upon the homemade food that the villagers have brought.

"I still can't figure out where all that food he eats goes," Miss Grandma sighs, making the rest laugh and nod in agreement.

They make their way to where Daniel is having the time of his life, also being hungry themselves. Amber's eyes scan over the sweets and her mouth waters at the sight and smell. They serve themselves and help Miss Grandma sit down on a chair that they have brought for her.

The younger ones are still at Miss Grandma's side, feeling euphoric that she's here. It made her feel as if she was taking care of her young child all over again—something that she missed dearly.

Miss Grandma instructs the kids to sit around her, which they quickly do without questions. Miss Grandma readjusts herself on her seat to be more comfortable as she tells them her favorite stories, the ones that make the feeling of being a youth come back to her.

Stars shine bright in the night sky, dancing along with the music being played by the villagers. The lights tinkle in their eyes, making them a galaxy of stars so beautiful that you can't help but look into.

Soon enough, they're finished eating and the music finally catches up to them, booming through their bodies and reaching their hearts, making it impossible to not give in and dance. And that's what Amber does. She grabs Zayne's hand drags him a bit farther from the group, beginning to dance with him.

Zayne laughs and lets his body be controlled by the music, the two of them bouncing on their feet and spinning from time to time.

"I want to dance too," Miss Grandma declares, standing up from her seat with a boost of strength. The kids make way for her to walk freely and Daniel and Ash stay alert in case they need to help her.

Miss Grandma joins her granddaughter, grabbing her hand and dancing with her while Zayne steps back and claps along with the beat of the song, a smile clear on his face.

The rest of the night is spent this way; everyone dancing to their heart's content, eating, and enjoying the warm feeling in their chests. There are no worries whatsoever, that was all forgotten with the cheerful atmosphere and bright smiles of everyone. Even Amber was able to completely forget the pain in her head and the weakness in her body.

The night is perfect and exactly what everyone needed to relax and let go of reality.

But reality will always come back to remind us all about the cruel truth.