Randel sighed as he took another bite out of his apple, Ringo staring out at the horizon all the while.
The sun was setting now, and the strangely beautiful sight of the sun's light reflecting off of the ocean of black was making it almost impossible for Ringo to focus on anything else.
Max was sitting on the ground a few feet away, gaze also focused on the setting sun.
The sound of small waves crashing down was the only other thing that anyone could focus on.
Closing his eyes as he swallowed another piece of the apple, Randel could easily mistake the sound's source as water.
It was so calm and quiet.
Randel opened his eyes to stare at John and Paul, both of whom were currently snacking on their own apples.
He turned his head to stare at the sun lowering below the horizon, focusing on the light that was being reflected by the black liquid.
Something about the sight mesmerized Randel, and he couldn't turn his head away even if he wanted to.
Everything about it seemed calm, almost as if it was calling out to them.
Shaking his head, Randel turned his gaze to Ringo, only to see that he too was captured by the sight.
Seeing Ringo at this moment brought back the memory of what had happened at the bandstand back in full force, making a light blush appearing on Randel's cheeks.
He tilted his head down slightly, bringing a hand up to his dark green collar and pulling it down just enough to see...
The hickeys were still there.
Randel bit his lip as he quickly pulled his collar back up, not wanting anyone else to notice them.
He stared at the partially eaten apple in front of him for a moment, trying to think about what to do.
"Ay... Ringo?"
Randel's question made Ringo's eyes widen a little in surprise. Keeping his gaze on the setting sun, the Beatle opened his mouth.
"What?"
"I..."
Randel paused, looking away in embarrassment.
He couldn't even think about what to say.
"I just... I'm not really sure what to say, but..."
Standing up, Randel walked over to Ringo and sat down, noticing how Ringo kept his gaze on the sunset.
"Can we just... Talk?"
Ringo sighed heavily, finally turning his head to look at Randel, who only stared back at him.
"Sure. Um..."
An uncomfortable silence followed.
"I'd like to... Say that... I r-really appreciate what you did earlier..." Randel said quietly, breaking his gaze away from Ringo and focusing it on the green grass below.
Ringo raised an eyebrow.
"Well... To be honest, I didn't think a-about doing that beforehand. It just felt ri-"
"N-not that... But I still appreciate it."
Randel blushed lightly again, keeping his gaze on the ground.
"I mean about... How you agree that it's for the best that I stay here. And..."
Ringo stared at Randel as his head rose up.
"You... I understand that this is the better choice, but... You're okay with having your life at risk?"
Ringo took in a breath.
"To be honest, I'm not sure... But, I'll take that over you having to... Hurt me against your will. I know that you wouldn't want to hurt me or anyone again."
The drummer sighed, putting an arm around Randel and turning his head to stare at the sunset.
"Even though it's a huge risk that we're all taking here... It'll be worth it in the end, even if we don't survive."
Randel leaned into Ringo, nuzzling his head on the Beatle's shoulder as he tried to not think about the implications of Ringo's words.
"Thanks... It's just that... I-"
"Shh. I already know, Randel."
Sighing, Randel closed his eyes, listening to the sounds of the small waves crashing down in the distance.
Ringo kept his grip on Randel tight as he stared out at the horizon, watching as the sun finally disappeared under the horizon.
It was all silence once again.
Nothing but the waves made sound.
After a minute, Ringo closed his eyes, clearing his mind.
However, just a few short seconds later, a scream came from several dozen feet away, making both Ringo and Randel open their eyes instantly.
John nearly choked on the piece of apple in his mouth, and Paul took in a sharp breath, tearing his gaz away from his own apple, which he had only taken a few bites out of.
The Chief's voice echoed throughout the area.
"EVERYONE! STOP EATING THE APPLES!"
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A Tragic Creation 3: At Pepperland's End
FanfictionJust a month after Pepperland was saved from the creature that had attached itself to him, Randel feels like nothing could go wrong now. With Ringo by his side, he feels like his life is finally back to normal. However, the very creature that had al...
