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"what's this?" ringo asked, eyebrows furrowed at the treat in george's hands.

"only the best candy in pepperland." george replied, smiling when ringo popped one in his mouth. "well?"

ringo swallowed. "it's good!" he grinned, taking another one in his mouth. "what's it called?"

george took a piece. "jelly babies." he replied, chewing on it at the same time.

ringo swallowed. "jelly babies? are they... alive?"

george laughed. "no! that's just how it's called, silly."

ringo giggled. "says the one who failed at saying nautilus."

a comfortable silence fell upon the two. nothing but the crashing waves and the occasional tweet of birds was heard. george's gloved hand reached out and touched ringo's. the latter smiled and folded their fingers together.

"we could stay like this."

ringo looked up, a sad smile gracing his lips.

"i wish our kingdoms didn't hate each other so much," ringo mumbled.

"i wish i could touch you, you know? without getting hurt." george confessed, looking at him.

"we don't always get what we want, do we?" ringo whispered.

he laid his head on george's lap. george's gloved fingers played with his hair. ringo closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of george's fingers in his hair.

"george?" he spoke up, brilliant blue eyes opening. even after all this time, george still couldn't get over at how beautiful his eyes were.

"hmm?"

"it's getting late," ringo sighed. "c-could you help me get to the w-water?"

"don't touch me, alright?" he immediately regretted his choice of words when he saw hurt flashed in his blue eyes. "y-you'll get hurt..."

"yeah, i know." ringo managed a smile. "carry me?" he asked in a teeny tiny voice.

george chuckled, lifting him up with ease and walking towards the water.

"same time?" he asked, his breathe tickling ringo's cheek.

he blushed at how close they were. "o-of course, georgie." ringo slowly went down the water until george could only see his head.

"see you tomorrow then." george smiled.

ringo nodded and with one last look he dove into the water.

george watched him swim away, a wistful look in those brown eyes of his. he bit his lip and turned away, feeling the sand underneath his toes as he walked towards the palace. he took of his gloves and tucked them in his pocket.

paul might ask questions.

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