Artie smiled happily now back at their cottage smiling happily, blissed out from simply making out with Andrew. It was like nothing they'd done. They loved it.

Artie: So... I made out with him.

Rema: Are you okay? I mean that's a big difference from crying but were you ready for that?

Artie: It was actually... just what I needed I think. He was really sweet about it... He spent the whole time kissing me and just holding me. No wandering hands other than to support me.

Sunshine: Talk about a gentle man. ;)

Beamomentssilence: That's actually really sweet? I'm happy that you're not rushing yourself at least! Is he a good kisser?

Artie: He's a very good kisser.

Sunshine: Good to know. For reasons.

They smiled and went to soak in the bathtub sighing happily.

Their phone chimed and they looked over.

S: How's your trip?

Immediately, guilt stirred up. Did they know? Did their friend tell them?

Artie: I'm good. It's going really well!

A small chant was forming in the back of their head, telling them to say that Artie had moved on. That they had someone new to love. But they didn't.

S: Did you see the picture going around with Hozier and some girl? Apparently he's got a girlfriend!

Artie's stomach twisted.

Artie: Yeah I saw it.

Their mind was screaming send the selfie. But they resisted. S had moved on. Artie could too. There was no need to be petty.

S: Well I'm gonna go to work. Have a good day. Maybe we can work on the book tonight? We've been trying to reach you about it. Then again you're on vacation.

Artie: Maybe. I'm getting my inspiration back at least. I should be in good shape to write soon.

The three of them had been working on writing a book for well over a year. Lately, their inspiration for working on it had died out. Coming to Ireland was a way to make it come back to life. And thanks to Andrew and the landscape... it was very much working.

In the warm water they closed their eyes, letting themself relax more as they hummed.

S: We miss you. Don't forget to let us both know you're okay.

Artie: I'll try to remember. Let's just hope I don't get lost in Ireland. I may never want to come back.

Too bad they already didn't want to go back. What they wanted was to stay with Andrew.

But they knew better than to do that. In a little over a week they had to return to Nebraska. They had to. They had family... work... and friends.

They set their phone aside and closed their eyes, wishing just to freeze time a little bit. To spend more time with Andrew. Andrew who would probably never text them again in a little over two weeks. Andrew with the voice of an angel. Andrew who could kiss away all the thoughts and worries.

They opened their eyes staring up at the ceiling, realizing how utterly screwed they were. They were in love with Andrew. And this time it wasn't someone else breaking their heart... it was themself.

And they didn't care. They wanted to enjoy it while they could. And suddenly... they were okay with that.

Artie smiled softly before getting out of the warm water and made some tea, sipping on it casually, as they wrapped up in a fluffy towel, looking out the window at the private landscape, not feeling like they had to hide for once.

As they let themself, they thought about the possibility of getting their own place. Not too big. Just enough for them and maybe someone else. It was possible with their job, and they hummed softly, smiling as they thought of it. It was better than living with their dad. They wouldn't have to own the place. Just rent it.

They smiled and set their mug in the kitchen sink before going to put on sweat pants. They wanted to go on a run finally, feeling like they had slacked off for too long. They didn't want to get back to work in a little over a week and be useless.

-_-_-_-

That night they had ordered a salad from doordash and got comfy in a chair leaning back listening to some music as they ate. Their phone buzzed softly.

[Andrew]

I finished a song. I'd like you to be the first to hear it. I know I've been hogging all your time but I think you're the best one to hear it first.

As they read they smiled.

Andrew. I would be honored.