I decided to do a 30-day OTP challenge for the month of August! ^.^ These will all be relatively short, depending on available time and inspiration, and will all be set in the same universe as "Kindergarten Princess." I recommend that you read that story first, but it's not necessary. Just remember that Maddie and Gil are in kindergarten, so I'll be changing a few of the more adult themes. uwu

Day One: Holding Hands

Little Madeline clutched timidly at the skirt of her long dress, staring down at her feet. It was only the second day of school , and Gilbert wasn't here yet. Moving carefully and quietly toward one of the tables in the classroom, she hoped that no one would notice her; she was shy, and didn't know any of the other kids in class (except for Francis, but he was icky).

She sat down in a little blue plastic chair, tucking her skirt around her legs and picking a red crayon from the box. Madeline looked around. Gilbert still wasn't here, though more of her classmates were arriving with their parents. She withdrew into herself even more as a tall, chubby boy sat down across from her, selecting a purple crayon for himself. Where was Gilbert? She needed him! She didn't want to be alone with all these strangers anymore!

Sniffling quietly, Madeline drew her arms in tight to her body, coloring on the paper with small, light strokes. He would be here soon, right? She didn't want to think that maybe he wouldn't be here at all today…! She wiped at her eyes, sniffling again.

Suddenly, a loud laugh came from the doorway, and Madeline quickly looked over her shoulder to see the strange silver hair and red eyes of her new friend, Gilbert. She felt relief wash over her, and she sent him a small, sweet smile.

"Princess Madeline!" the boy exclaimed, racing straight over to her. He stopped beside her, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, and gave her a quick once-over, breaking into a wide grin. "How's your kingdom doing? Good?" He laughed again, hopping up into the chair beside her.

Madeline nodded, still smiling, and said in her whisper-quiet voice, "Very well, thank you. …I was scared you weren't coming." She looked back down at her paper, continuing to draw.

"A'course I came!" Gilbert said, reaching over and taking one of her hands in his. "I'm not gonna leave ya 'lone! I promise!" He gave her hand a squeeze.

Giggling quietly, Madeline nodded, squeezing back. Of course he wouldn't leave her alone! Gilbert was nice and helpful. He was her best friend (even though they'd met only yesterday)! Her smile grew wider then, and she continued coloring, now with more vigor, her other hand still captured by his own.

I know it wasn't really about holding hands, but at least they DID hold hands, right? XD

Reviews are appreciated, especially since I'm mainly doing this in an attempt to improve my writing skills. :3