Whenever I was interested in something, I would do everything I could to find out about it. It would take days or even weeks of research most of the time, but I would eventually figure something out. However, for the first time I found myself face-to-face with something I couldn't hope to research, something even more mysterious than the Abyss. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed since it was something I should've known about well at my age, yet it had eluded me until now. How I felt about Llyr.

For the next couple of weeks, I tried to dismiss the thoughts. While my usual work dulled them, they were of course refreshed whenever I saw Llyr on my days off. Llyr, with his delicate features, adorable smile and laugh, and ability to make me smile... Even those thoughts were odd to me. Despite my attempts to dismiss the idea of love, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I could only blame my obsession with delving and nothing else for my lack of knowledge on the subject, but I couldn't dwell on what could have been. I unfortunately had to deal with what the situation currently was.

More than anything, I couldn't ask Llyr outright. I was almost downright terrified that he would be upset with me or something similar, an irrational fear, but one I couldn't ignore. Because of that, I had to take my research elsewhere. That word didn't seem appropriate to use here, but I didn't know what other word to use.

I found myself hitting more roadblocks I considered my other options. It wasn't like Aedia knew anything, and while I could've asked Melva, I wasn't sure if she would be the most... helpful. Gwynden was out of the question since I still didn't know him that well, but there was one person I could ask: Vio. He'd helped me more times than I could count now, and he would surely know about this since he was married. That was how I found myself standing at the front door of the Faite home one afternoon. I'd come straight here after my delve for the day to give myself more time.

"Oh, Len! What a surprise!" Syele said with one of her usual warm smiles. "Is Lissy staying late at your home again?"

I shook my head. "As far as I know, she isn't. I haven't been back home yet today."

She nodded. "I can see that, and I'm sure you want to set your backpack down." She waved me in, and I obliged, stepping into the front hall. "You can just leave it there." As I rid myself of my supplies, grateful to do so, Syele asked, "So is there something I could help you with?"

"I was actually wondering if Vio is home?" I asked. "I'd like to talk to him about something."

Syele's brows darted up. "You're in luck. He just got home a few minutes ago." She turned and called down the hall, "Vio, Len's here to talk to you!" From the dining room, I heard a chair scraping across the floor, and Vio entered the hall soon after. He smiled when he saw me, even though he clearly looked confused as well.

"Len? I didn't expect to see you today," he said.

I smiled awkwardly. "I know, I sort of invited myself over, haven't I? My apologies."

"You don't need to apologize," Syele said, shaking her head. "It's always a delight to see you. Though, if I knew you were coming over, I would have prepared a larger meal so you could take some home for yourself and Aedia."

"That wouldn't have been necessary anyways!" I reassured her. "I hope to only take a few minutes. I... just want to ask a few questions."

Vio arched a brow and leaned back on his heels. "You have my attention," he said.

My throat went dry. "Ah, w-well..." How could I even hope to start explaining this? I wanted to talk to just Vio, but I didn't want to chase Syele away in her own house!

Syele smiled wryly. "Am I the issue here? You don't have to explain. It's a conversation between men, isn't it?" That just made me feel even worse, but it was true. Syele laughed and turned around, heading into the kitchen. "I'll leave you two men alone to talk about your manly things, then," she stated as Vio snickered into his hand.

"I guess it's something serious," Vio said, and all I could do was nod. We ended up in the dining room at the far end of the table. I was hoping I wouldn't have to start talking immediately, and thankfully Vio spoke up first. "Even though I don't know what this is about, I'm glad you came to me to ask."

"Well, you're the first and only person I thought of that could answer my questions," I said.

"Then tell me," he said, looking at me expectantly.

Why was I surprised by the abruptness of his statement? But there was no going back now. "How did you know you loved Syele?" I asked.

Vio looked confused for a moment. "Excuse me?"

"I don't know how else to say it!" I almost exclaimed, though I had a mind to keep my voice down. I took a short, sharp breath before repeating myself. "How did you know you loved Syele? What were you feeling?"

Vio leaned back in his chair, folding his arms as his brow furrowed. I could imagine what he was already thinking. "Can I ask why you're asking this?"

My face must have been horribly flushed then, because it certainly felt like it. I didn't know why I was hesitating so much. I was an adult, I shouldn't have been acting so childish! "There has been somebody I've known for a while now, and I'm feeling... something for them. I want to believe I'm just thinking into it too much, and I'm not used to being so close to somebody my age, but even then it doesn't feel like what I experience around you or Melva. It's different."

"Why don't you just say it's Llyr?"

My heart jolted into my throat. "Why would you assume it's him? I could be talking about somebody else for all you know, and I just haven't told you or anybody else about them!"

Vio looked slightly alarmed, then apologetic. "Then I apologize for assuming. I've just noticed you've become very close with Llyr over the past couple of years. Even Mel commented on it the last time we had drinks together." I didn't say anything. Why was I lying to him? It really was obvious, wasn't it? "Len?" Vio questioned.

I sighed. "Fine, I'll admit it. It's Llyr. Except... I don't know if it's him." I hesitated, frowning. "Like I said, I don't know if what I'm feeling is actually love or not. I've known you and Melva since I was young, and Aedia is my sister. I thought since I met Llyr when I was older, it made things different."

"Well, how exactly do you feel about him?" Vio asked.

I was hoping to get his side of this first, but I had a feeling he wouldn't tell until I did, so I swallowed what little pride I had left and explained. "Also, I think he's... cute," I added, my face burning hot by now. "The way he smiles when he's embarrassed or when he smiles in general is something I can't get enough of." At that, Vio grinned.

"Physical attraction does love not make, but I won't disagree with the rest," he said, to my surprise. "Admittedly, when I first started falling for Syele, I was feeling more of those stereotypical feelings you mentioned. In fact, the day I'd finally worked up the courage to confess to her, I'd made myself so sick with worry that Bell made me stay home because he'd actually thought I'd come down with something."

"When did you confess to her, then?" I asked.

Vio's grin turned sheepish. "That day still... from my bedside. She insisted on seeing me to make sure for herself I was okay," he said, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image that conjured. "Still, she reciprocated, and here we are. You don't need to have butterflies or suddenly lose the ability to speak to know you're in love. Love is based on happiness and wanting it for another person, being willing to stick by them no matter what happens. And even if there are disagreements, you can both still respect each other afterwards. There's a reason why so many people say they married their best friends."

I sat back in my chair, processing what I'd learned for a few moments. After hearing Vio say that, it felt like an enormous weight had been lifted from my shoulders. So I actually did have feelings for Llyr, they just manifested themselves in a different manner. But then it truly hit me , and the weight came crashing down again. I had feelings for Llyr. Somehow, my face grew hotter than it already was. What was I supposed to do with this information? And then came another weight. "Wait, so by that you're saying..." I trailed off, my eyes widening. I felt like an idiot for not realizing this sooner. "I should confess to him?"

Vio arched a brow. "Of course I am. Do you want to just live with those feelings forever and not tell him? I mean, you can, but that's something I believe you should admit aloud. Besides, if thinking about it turns you as red as you are now, you probably should tell him." I buried my face in my hands, groaning. Vio patted me on the shoulder comfortingly. "The longer you stew in those feelings, the worse they become, I can tell you that's a feeling every person in love shares."

"B-but what if he doesn't feel the same way?" I burst out. "What if this ruins our friendship?"

"I... have a feeling you'll get a different answer than what you expect," he said. I dared to lift my hopes with those words, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Then how do I go about doing it?" Obviously I'd never confessed to somebody before. In all the stories I'd read with romantic subplots, the two lovers always confessed to each other on a moonlit balcony, or in a meadow just as the sun was setting. I certainly had the ability to confess to Llyr in a picturesque place considering the Abyss, but it still all seemed needlessly specific and overcomplicated. I now knew better than to take full stock in what I'd read, which simply confused me more.

"You should do it where and whenever you feel is the best time," Vio said before smirking. "But if you do want some pointers, I suggest you do it someplace that's significant to the two of you, or someplace that has some sort of sentimental value in one way or another. And you don't have to give him something like flowers, though it's Llyr, so he might like that." I was able to smile at that remark. While we didn't have a particular place that was significant to us, I could find us somewhere ideal. "It seems like you're already coming up with ideas," Vio noted. "I suppose my advice helped?"

I snapped out of my rambling thoughts and nodded. "Thank you so much. Really, thank you." It was honestly difficult for me to properly put into words how grateful I was for everything Vio had done for me over the years.

"Of course. As a father, and as your friend, I feel that's what my job entails," he said, and I couldn't help but nod. "Though, I do think you should save your thanks until after you tell Llyr how you feel." I didn't think so, quelling my worries was more than enough.

I devoted the rest of that week to searching. Whenever I went off on my own in the Abyss, I scoured the First Layer for the perfect spot. I already knew what I was looking for, it was just a matter of finding it. I remained tight-lipped about what I was feeling to everyone else, though it made me feel guilty to be faced with the occasional questioning look from Aedia or Melva. I just didn't want to give myself any reason to back down.

A couple of days later, I found a place: a little hollow hidden amongst some cliffs about five-hundred yards down. It was perfect. Now it was just a matter of getting Llyr down there, just the two of us. While I always appreciated Melva's and Vio's company on delves, I felt it would... ruin the mood if they were there, to put it bluntly. At least Vio understood. I still couldn't believe I was doing this.

The evening before my usual day off, I stopped by Morgan's. Llyr was tending to a few browsing customers, so he didn't see me come in. In the meantime, I grabbed up a couple spices that I hadn't seen in the shop before, positive Aedia could make something with them. Ironically these new spices were blends made with Eternal Fortunes.

Eventually, the customers left the front counter. I made my way to it and set down the spices, catching Llyr's attention as he'd busied himself with the register. The moment he noticed me, he smiled. "Len! I thought you would be coming by tomorrow."

"I am, don't worry. Though, I'd like to suggest a change of plans." He gave me a curious look, and I elaborated. "I was actually thinking we could make a delve tomorrow? Addy wants me to find her a certain type of Abyssal herb, and I found it, but I trust you more to help me collect viable samples." I hated lying to him, but it wasn't like this was hurting him. I told myself it wouldn't before any doubt had a chance to well up. To my relief, Llyr didn't appear averse to my proposal.

"That sounds nice. I've only gone delving twice this week, so I'd definitely like to get out there again, especially since sample-collecting is involved. We can meet here like always, and then we can head out together."

"Perfect!" I exclaimed, a bit louder than I intended to. My ears burned as I felt a customer look my way, and I quickly paid after that. "See you tomorrow, then," I said, leaving before I could hear Llyr respond. So far, mostly good...

Later that evening, I was helping Aedia clean up after dinner. I found myself completely focused on my tasks, not saying a word as my thoughts raced. Why was I starting to get nervous again? I took a deep breath, careful not to be too loud. Thankfully, the water gushing from the faucet muffled the slight hitch of my breath. Unfortunately, as observant as she was, that didn't stop Aedia from picking up on something.

"You seem a bit antsy. Is everything okay?" she asked.

Casually, I nodded. "Well, I'm going delving with Llyr tomorrow. Not serious delving, though. We're going to do some drawing out in the Abyss." It was something we'd done in the past, so I could say it with confidence here.

Aedia didn't seem satisfied with my answer. Still, she shrugged. "I don't really get how that'd make you nervous, but okay. Just don't push yourself too hard. You're supposed to be resting on your days off."

"I know, I know," I said. "And I can promise you I won't be doing anything too strenuous. Believe me, I've long since learned my lesson."

The next morning, I was both in a rush to get ready to go while also wishing I could take as long as possible. I was caught between wanting to get this over with and not wanting to do it at all. Even with Vio's reassurances, I was still worried. But thankfully I didn't suffer the same fate he had and was able to leave the house.

To my surprise, I found Llyr outside Morgan's, already waiting for me. We exchanged greetings, and he said, "I've noticed you come here at almost the same time every week, so I tried to anticipate when you'd come today." His cheeks lightly flushed. "I'm just excited to head out to the Abyss. I've missed it."

"More than understandable," I said, turning to face the Abyss as it loomed at us a half-dozen streets ahead. "I can't help but miss it as well."

Since we hadn't headed out as early as I usually did, there were more Delvers than usual aboard the five-hundred yard gondola. Llyr was practically pressed up against me the entire time, and in spite of the nervousness churning within me, I had to fight the urge to lean into his touch. I was able to keep my wits about me until the gondola came to a stop, and we all disembarked.

"So you know where you're going?" Llyr asked, and I nodded. It didn't take long for us to leave the trail, and for a few minutes, we chatted idly as we walked. Each step we took made my heart beat a bit faster and harder, and soon I was shocked Llyr couldn't hear it.

I eventually led him to the start of a series of small ravines nestled within the cliffs along the east side of the First Layer. Llyr was so focused on talking to me that he didn't realize where we were going, only stopping when I did. He gave me a puzzled look before looking ahead, only for his eyes to widen.

"Len, this is incredible!" he gasped, gaze locked on the scene before us.

We had stepped into a hollow of open grass about twenty feet in radius that dropped off ahead at a sheer cliff, giving a grand view of the First Layer. But what made me choose this spot in particular were the Eternal Fortunes. They covered the ground like a shroud, the last bits of morning dew sparkling off their pure white petals as they lightly danced about in the breeze. Llyr took a few steps into the flower patch, kneeling down to observe a bloom. A few insects scattered in his wake, disappearing into the open air beyond the cliff.

"I can't believe I never found this spot before! These are absolutely beautiful," he gushed. "Not to mention quite healthy too. I might have to collect a few of these to compare what I've harvested from other sites." I nervously waited as he became engrossed with the flowers, continuing to talk about them. But soon he stopped and looked back at me. "Wait, didn't you say you were looking for an herb? I don't see anything resembling an herb among these Eternal Fortunes."

"That's because there aren't any herbs here," I replied. I took a few steps into the flowers as well, plucking a large bloom from the ground before kneeling beside Llyr. "I... wasn't intending to look for an herb at all."

Llyr frowned, absentmindedly wiping his hands off on his jacket as he eyed the Eternal Fortune I held. "Then why did you bring me here?"

"Because I want to tell you something, and I thought this would be the best place to do it. I spent half the week looking for it, after all."

Utter silence from Llyr. He was still staring at the Eternal Fortune I was holding, eyes growing wider by the second. My heart was in my throat now, my insides tying themselves into complicated knots. I could only imagine what Llyr was thinking, and I wanted to just spit out what I wanted to say. But I again restrained myself, making myself go through what Vio suggested I say beforehand.

"In the years since we've met, you've become one of my most treasured friends. You helped me gain the courage to delve again, you try to cheer me up even when it's not like you to do so, you even helped me develop what's now one of my favorite hobbies. I know I'll never meet anybody like you again for those reasons alone, but I believe there's another reason why." I took a breath, trying to quell my squirming stomach. "For so long, I'd never even considered the idea of caring for somebody beyond friendship, but in the past couple of years, that's changed." I held out the Eternal Fortune to him. "Y-you're the reason that's changed, Llyr. I don't know if you feel the same way, but I just wanted to tell you."

"Len..." He looked up at me, the widest smile I'd ever seen on his face as his eyes welled up with tears. With a lightly trembling hand, he took the Eternal Fortune from me. "I-I never thought I'd hear you say that." He hurriedly wiped his eyes, still smiling. "For years, I've wanted to tell you, but I was worried about what you might say. But hearing that... I-I can't believe it!"

"So was I, I was worried about what you would say," I said. My heart leapt with joy, a lightheaded happiness spreading out from my chest and filling me to the brim. A weak laugh escaped me, then another, and another before I was fully laughing. I didn't know why I was. It might have been the mixture of sheer relief and joy that came crashing down on me, or perhaps it had been the reaffirmation that my worries had all been for nothing. For the first time, I embraced Llyr, holding him close as I continued to laugh. He hugged me back, and for a moment I felt nothing but bliss.

As my laughter died away, Llyr shifted in my arms. "Len?" I released him and looked at him, puzzled. Pink colored his cheeks as his gaze fell away. "C-can I..?" He trailed off, hesitating. He then met my gaze again, and in that moment I saw a glint of confidence and self-assurance I'd never seen from him before. Before I could ask, he leaned forwards and firmly pressed his lips against mine.

I was completely and utterly shocked by this, so much so that my balance gave way, and I collapsed back into the flowers with Llyr falling on top of me. Llyr instantly pulled away from me, eyes going wide with alarm as his face flushed.

"I'm sorry! I-I'm so sorry, that was far too bold of me!" He tried to push himself off me, but I grabbed him and hugged him close to me again.

"There is absolutely nothing to apologize for," I told him. "Please, never apologize for anything ever again. I understand, I'll always understand." He looked at me as I smiled sheepishly. "Please continue." There was no hesitance from Llyr after that, and he kissed me again.

This time, I was able to comprehend what was happening. His lips were soft, and I caught the faintest scent of cinnamon over the intense aroma of Eternal Fortunes. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced, a warmth more gentle and calming than the earliest morning light that completely engulfed me. I couldn't get enough of it. My eyes closed, and I leaned in as well, wanting to take in as much of that warmth as possible. If this was love, then I loved it, adored it with every fiber of my being.

I didn't know how long we remained like that until Llyr pulled away, but I was disappointed when he did. It was like surfacing after being submerged underwater, though I'd wanted to keep drowning. I released Llyr, and he rolled off into the flowers next to me. "What do we do now?" I asked, turning my head to look at him. Although I felt moronic for asking, I was genuinely curious.

Llyr shrugged, smiling. "We just... keep going, keep living," he said. "We can see each other more if you want to, do more things like this. I certainly want to. But honestly, things haven't changed that dramatically." He looked away from me and up at the cliffs and sky, and I did the same. That answer sounded so anticlimactic, but I didn't mind. In fact, I preferred it more to anything else that could have happened.

"We're just a little less confused about each other," I said, and I saw Llyr nod out of the corner of my eye. While I wanted to keep laying there in the flowers, there was the fact that I'd dragged Llyr all the way down here while keeping my true intentions a secret. "Do you want to head back to Orth? I don't think we'll be doing any sort of delving or even drawing today."

Llyr seemed to think for responding. "Actually, c-can we stay like this for a little longer?" His hand found mine, and our fingers entwined as we continued to stare skywards. "I've imagined this happening for so long. Now that it has, I don't want it to end."

My shoulders shook with a stifled laugh. "I don't want it to, either." I squeezed his hand a little, closing my eyes. I could sense Llyr's gaze on me, but I didn't mind now. "So it won't. It will last as long as it's able to."

—~*~—

By the time we returned to Orth, the sky had begun to dim into a faint yellow, and the sun was almost about to vanish over the western cliff rim. I walked back to Morgan's with Llyr, the trip seeming to go by much more quickly than I wanted it to.

"I hope you have a good evening, Len," Llyr said as he fished the shop key from his pocket. When I didn't answer, he looked at me expectantly.

"My apologies, this still feels so strange," I said with a laugh.

"You're not the only one who's thinking that," Llyr said. "But... How are we going to tell the others? My parents and aunt already knew how I felt about you, but Vio and the others certainly don't."

My heart jolted into my throat. I hadn't even thought of that until then. "Your guess is as good as mine," I said. I could already imagine Melva's reaction. If she had been suspecting this for an even longer time than Vio, then she would probably beg to take me out drinking to celebrate. But Vio... "I do want to tell Vio as soon as possible, though," I said.

Llyr arched a brow. "Vio? I thought you would have said Aedia or Melva before him."

"It's thanks to him that I knew what to say to you, or even that I was feeling something for you in the first place," I said. "Not only would it not be right to not tell him first, but I want to."

"So long as he doesn't tell Melva right away. I'm afraid of how she would react, just because she's Melva," Llyr said with a nervous laugh. "But until we see each other next..." He gestured for me to come closer. When I leaned down, he stood on his toes to kiss me. "Have a good night, Len. A-and thank you."

"No, thank you," I said, ensnaring him in a brief hug before letting him go so he could head inside. I waited until he was inside before taking my leave, heading to Vio's.

When I knocked on the door of the Faite home again, thankfully Vio was the one who answered this time. He looked surprised to see me but greeted me with a smile, though before he could say something he was cut off.

"Who is it, Papa?" Lissy asked as she leaned into the hallway. Her long hair, worn similarly like Vio's before he cut it, hung parallel to the door frame as she seemed on the urge of falling. She grinned when she saw me. "Hi, Mr. Len!" she chirped. "I don't need to tell you Aedia was wondering where you were when I left, do I?" Before I could respond, she said, "Just wanted to tell you!" before ducking out of sight into the kitchen again. She was as peppy as ever...

"I suppose that's a sign you should hurry back, so make it quick!" Vio said jokingly. "But really, it's nice to see you, Len. What do you need?"

A nervous chuckle escaped me before I could stop it, but I managed to get my words out. "I-I told Llyr," I said. That was all I needed to say for a wide grin to spread across Vio's face.

"And?" he asked with emphasis. I told him, and he let out a loud, sharp laugh. That was such an oddly Melva-like response from him that I couldn't help but grin myself, albeit sheepishly. "Congratulations, Len! I'd pat you on the back, but I can't reach that high!" He calmed down some, though his smile didn't fade. "I told you things would turn out well," he said warmly.

They actually had, and that made me feel even better. "And it's all thanks to you. Thank you so much, just... for everything you've done. Thank you," I said as sincerely as I could, because I truly was.

"Now I'll accept your thanks," Vio said. "But you're very welcome. I'll make sure to not tell Mel until you do so yourself." I appreciated that immensely. "Of course, if you have any more questions, you know who to ask. Though, I believe you should try to figure things out on your own for a bit. Just enjoy each other for a little while."

"I definitely will," I said before realizing how that sounded, and I felt my face flush a little. Vio just laughed again.

"Don't worry, I know what you mean," he said, and I felt slightly better.

"I just wanted to say that, though," I said. "Thank you again." We exchanged goodbyes, and I was soon back out on the street again. The setting sun cast long shadows on the ground, and I joyfully basked in the remainder of the warm light. I hadn't felt so happy in so long, and I wanted to cling to that feeling. The thought of telling Aedia and Melva made me nervous but excited, and the thought of seeing Llyr again chased away that nervousness. Things finally seemed to be falling into place then, and I couldn't have been happier.

——————————~*~——————————
The incredible artwork of Llyr featured in this chapter was done by Quaone on the Made in Abyss Amino. She's done a few commissions for me, but the artwork I got here was through an art trade. I'm both overjoyed and sad because everyone can draw my characters better than I can! Lol but thank you again so much, Quaone!