Chapter Nine: Chocolate Covered Stars
A sharp gasp rips from Y/N's throat. A boy crying at a lake under a sea of stars. "Luke?" They tentatively ask, voice carrying on the gentle breeze. "Is that you?"
Finding Luke covered head to toe in chocolate wasn't part of the plan. No, no. The plan was to get a fancy outfit, head to the ball, attend it, and go home. Alas, Y/n backed out last minute. It wasn't too surprising considering that Y/n didn't want to attend in the first place but- Anyways.
Drawn to the muffled wailing of a child, Y/n had snuck around the side of the palace. Ten feet away is someone Y/n is sure they recognize.
The child's sniffling stops. He slowly lifts his head, looking in the direction Y/n is. Like Y/n, a sharp gasp escapes him. Stumbling to his feet, the kid darts for the gazebo.
"Wait!" Y/n calls out, immediately giving chase. "Luke, come back!"
"How do you know who I am?!" Luke replies while he continues to run. His attempts at being intimidating soon fails as his foot catches onto the gazebo's steps. Falling forward, his dirty face makes direct contact with the dark wood flooring.
Y/n finally catches up at that point. Attempting to gather their breath, they tug at their formal wear, trying to make it a tad more comfortable. "Are you. . ." Y/n pants. "Are you okay?"
Luke doesn't bother to move from his awkward position. His eyes glimmer with tears that threaten to fall at any point. Hands curling into fists, Luke begins to shake. "Go away," he hiccups, choking down a sob.
"Sorry, no can do." Y/n rubs Luke's back. "Need help up?"
Sob.
The angel weakly swats away Y/n's hand. He says the phrase 'Go Away' repeatedly. His voice grows softer with each time. Y/n sighs, sitting beside him. They move the angel's head off the steps, deciding to move him into their arms instead. "I'm sorry I scared you," Y/n apologizes quietly. "I'll go away if you want me to. I just want to make sure you're okay first."
Luke holds onto Y/n's clothing, burying his face in their shoulder. His tears (and chocolate) swiftly soak through the fabric. "I can't believe it," comes the angel's muffed voice. "Pushed into the fountain. The prince. . . didn't even. . . help me."
Prince, huh? I doubt that he wouldn't rush to your side- Wait. Y/n looks up. Standing only ten feet away is someone that they didn't expect to see.
"Simeon," Y/n breathes out. "You're here."
Simeon slowly approaches. A hesitant smile tugs at his lips.
. . .
Despite Barbatos' insistence, Simeon had quickly excused himself from the ball. I have to go help Luke, he thought. I can't leave him out there by himself. He'll get hurt.
"Thank you, Lucifer. I'll be on my way now," Simeon thanks the demon. Trying not to seem suspicious, the angel walks out as fast as he dares. The big doors close behind him.
The night sky greets him with cold, albeit open, arms. Stars twinkle down upon him beautifully. However, Simeon couldn't help but feel like they're mocking him. You're not much of an angel, are you? Leaving your friend to be the butt of an awful joke, the stars taunted.
Simeon shook his head. No, I can't think that way. I need to find Luke.
The twigs from the greenery around him crunch underfoot. A bird flies off at the noise, squawking in protest. Squirrels run across his path, clambering up trees. An owl watches him from a distant branch.
All this wildlife and ye. . . his loneliness buried deeper into his heart. Burning shame goes hand in hand with it.
"Luke? Are you out here?" Simeon tentatively calls out. He brushes leaves out of his way. Did they just change from green to brown? Well. This is a dream, after all. Anything can happen. . . Right? Even if it is, leaving 'dream' Luke out here wouldn't sit right with me.
Sobbing answers him. It's not much, but it's all he needs. Without another thought, the angel follows it. "Luke, I'm sorry. Please come out."
". . .you're okay first."
Y/n's voice? What are they doing here? Is Luke with them? Simeon heads further. He stops at the sight before him. Y/n, holding Luke tightly to their chest. They're reassuring him. Wait, are they looking at me?
"Simeon. You're here."
Ah, so they are, Simeon thinks. He slowly approaches, not wanting to scare either of them off. A hesitant smile tugs at his lips. "Even if you two are the dream versions of your original selves, Y/n, you. . . You're still willing to help others, despite what it means for you. In no matter what world we're in, that's why I'll always fall in love with you. Oh, I guess that's pretty cheesy though."
The angel takes a seat on the other side of the steps. Y/n, on the right side. Luke, in the middle. Simeon, on the left side. We almost look like a family, don't we? The thought comes to his head immediately. However, Simeon mentally bats it away.
"Simeo-"
"Your highness?" Luke sniffles. He lifts his head, shifting to face the newcomer. "You- You came."
Simeon brings both Y/n and Luke into his arms. "I'll do better next time, Luke. Why don't we have a small party, something with only a few people? Will you forgive me?"
The angel feels the warmth of them both. It's nice, and comforting. It also feels like filling a emotional hole that's been empty for a long time. Simeon had felt happiness before, but. . . Nothing could quite top this moment.
Luke closes his eyes. "Fine," he agrees. "I guess I will. Now, let go of me already! I'm not a child!"
Simeon and Y/n both laugh at that.
"Aw, but Luke, how could I? You're so adorable," Simeon coos. He holds on even tighter.
. . .
Y/n glances at Simeon, mirroring his smile. Maybe things would be alright, after all. Nonetheless. . . Questions still bounce around Y/n's mind.
What did Simeon mean by what he said? Dream selves? Falling in love in every world?
The pounding of their heart rings in their ears. I need answers.
————
note
*whirls around to face you in my swivel chair*
hi.
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