2D fell back as if a coconut from the palm tree he was leaning on hit him on the head. Even he could tell, by the finality and firm intention in Noodle's voice, that she was expressing more than platonic love.
Noodle's gaze was toward the sea again, and 2D could see a reddened cheek behind her mask.
"You're serious, aren't you love...?" said 2D gently. Noodle nodded, still rigidly staring out at the sea, taken over by a sudden shyness.
2D rattled his brain. More than anything he wanted to tell her how precious she was to him, how he needed her, how he missed her so much for 5 years and how his feelings for her evolved when he saw her striking adult form, how he yearned to kiss her in the broom cupboard.
But with Noodle? His guitarist, his friend he had known for almost a decade? He bit his lip in desperate thought, feeling the ocean air flow through the gap were his 2 front teeth once were. Then it came to him.
"Noodle," he said suddenly, making her jump. "Look at me."
Noodle felt like burying herself in the sand like a crab. She had just confessed her love to someone 13 years older than herself, and a bandmate at that. In so many different ways, she felt childish.
"Look at me, Noodle"
She squeezed her eyes shut and mentally scolded herself. If she decided to proclaim something that would change their relationship forever, she would have to be brave, commit to her decision, and face the consequences. She finally turned her head to look over at 2D.
He walked over to her and knelt down to her level. "D'you see this fing?" said 2D, pointing at the space between his teeth, "It's a gap. You and me, we've got a gap as well. Age gap."
Noodle's heart sunk and tears stung her eyes. "I'm sorry, I never should have..." Her voice trailed off into a choked whisper.
"I aint done yet," said 2D. "This gap I've got, it's empty even though it's got room for 2 teef. What's the good in that, yeah?"
Noodle's eyes widened behind her mask, realizing what he was getting at.
"You and me Noods, we're like 2 teef, and the only reason we're not together is cos of a stupid gap. We're bof adults, so I'm not ashamed to say it. You're precious to me Noodle. I love you. An' if you want to be wif this ol' codger, I don't fink I have the strength to stop you."
Noodle took of her mask, letting it fall into her lap, and stared at him in elated shock. Tears of happiness were streaming down her flushed face. "You're serious, aren't you, love...?" she smiled, mirroring 2D's previous statement.
2D parted her bangs like a curtain, revealing her emerald green eyes shining with tears. "Don't eva leave me again," he murmured. Their lips met, and the gap between them was finally filled.
