The sun was scattering it's scorching hot light beams on yet another sweet day in the kingdom of sugar and spice. Esme had taken Lemongrab out of their usual training grounds and proposed that they should go exploring again through the woods. It had been a while since they've gone tree running and the shade given by the trees would be blissful. Once again, Esme lead the way through the dense, blossomed forest. They were leaping from branch to branch like tigers in the jungle. Within moments, they had journeyed near to the centre of candy trees, so decided to drop down to the forest floor and rest for a while before going back. So without hesitation, they regrouped at the bottom of a gigantic candy floss tree, which had small, sweet birds sat singing their subtle songs. "Have you been practising? You've really improved." Her words were parted by deep inhales and exhales. As were Lemongrab's.
"No, just a fast learner I guess." He grinned playfully. "It's nice around here; Quiet and away from the hectic Kingdom." Esme briskly nodded in agreement. She peered round at the wondrous nature surrounding her, like it was protecting her from the sharp blades of heat emitting from the sun.
"It is stunning. I love being surrounded by wildlife and natural things." Lemongrab presented her with a friendly smile. However his attention was expeditiously draw away from Esme and his surroundings when he detected the sound of gallons of water gushing into to a river. "I mean I could..." Esme was quickly shushed by Lemongrab, who was trying to pinpoint the location of the sound. "Don't you shush me!" She exclaimed. He shushed her again.
"Listen. Can you hear that?" Esme concentrated hard. Her ears finally picked up the sound enacting from within the forest. "What's that?" She whispered. Lemongrab was looking around frantically for gaps in the forest where the river could be. He allowed his hearing to guide him further in to the forest to locate the thrashing water. Esme followed on in fear of getting lost on her own.
A couple of minutes later, the incoherent noise was now at its peak volume. It could be heard by all. Lemongrab searched rapidly for the source. He twisted in and out of the branches which tugged on his shirt until he came to an opening covered by a single branch which had bloomed all of its green leaves. There it was. The mystery sound was in fact a medium sized waterfall throwing the clear liquid off of its edge. Lemongrab was speechless. The pure, green grass with random flowers planted in it. The clear waterfall and the formation of the trees that looked like a chuck of forest was stolen. It was an exact replica of the place in his dream. The dream he had with Lemonfriend in it. Their 'first date'. Esme followed closely behind him. He heard her gasp intensely at the natural serenity and sublime organisms that harboured the area. They stepped closer and closer to the waters edge, still scanner the area around them. "I found it." Uttered Lemongrab. He was just loud enough for Esme to hear.
"What do you mean?" She asked curiously.
"It was in one of my dreams. It's so weird, it looks exactly the same." Lemongrab was slightly dumbfounded by the experience. Was he dreaming or did that happen? "Lemonfriend took me here in the dream the first time we were going to meet." Esme raised her eyebrow cheekily.
"Don't tell me you started having sex here." She said sarcastically. Lemongrab whipped his round to glare at her.
"No! ...Just kissed." Lemongrab began to blush furiously causing Esme to giggle at her embarrassed friend.
"Man, next time you meet Lemonfriend you just need to snog him. Your craving for him is painful even for me." Teased Esme. Lemongrab chuckled quietly at her before turning around to stroll back with her.
"Believe me I want to do that, but I think just grabbing him and 'snogging' would leave him a little perplexed." He confessed.
"Or hungry for more." Esme's back-chat amused Lemongrab as they began their discombobulated journey back to the kingdom. Every tree looked the same to Esme, but luckily Lemongrab still possessed a photographic memory and was able to remember the way easily. This gave him an idea. If he could find this place again, he should take Lemonfriend there on Wednesday. It would be their special place of peace. Lemonfriend said that he didn't have anywhere to relax away from the kingdom, apart from his room. But now that Lemongrab has found this paradise, it can be their place to relax with each other. It was a perfect plan. He couldn't wait to reveal it on their next date.
The early morning glow of the sun started another day in the kingdom. It was the day Lemongrab had been eagerly waiting for. He could hardly wait to show Lemonfriend the beauty and serenity of their new special place. Their peaceful haven. He practically shot out of bed, like he was fired from a gun, to the bathroom for a shower and get ready for the day. Not one part of his body was left unwashed or unattended. He brushed every single one of his teeth with precision, using the tiny, stiff fibres to attack any plaque lurking in his mouth. Once again, the room was overflowing with fragrance that was spread over his clean, dry body. Finally he was satisfied with his hygiene, so he strolled over to his wardrobe to take a gander at the fresh clothes hung neatly in storage. It was incredibly hot today. Even though they would be partially in the shade, it was sweltering even through the protection of the tree. As a result he wore black, knee length shorts, a deep ocean blue, short-sleeved shirt which had a black chequered pattern and his usual sneakers with ankle high socks. He was looking pretty good and set for the day. He was peering in to the mirror and adjusting his appearance, when there was an inaudible knock at the door. "Come in." He projected. The door slowly opened and in waddled peppermint butler, doing his daily rounds of delivering a succulent breakfast.
"Good morning your earlness. I have your breakfast as usual." The butler placed the silver platter on his oak wood table and revealed the content. Sat on the plate was 2 slices of seeded bread along with jam, butter and chocolate spreads to bring flavour to the bland bread. As well as that, there were fresh fruits and drinks that accompanied the rest of the breakfast perfectly. A delicious way to start the day,
"Thank you Mr Peppermint." He remembered he needed to ask the butler for a favour; however he feared that he would become suspicious. "Hey, Peppermint butler?" The loyal butler turned and smiled gently at the earl. "Is it possible for me to get in the kitchen this morning? Around quarter past 11." The butler raised his left eyebrow and began to question the earl's intentions.
"Of course you can my lord, but may I ask why?" Lemongrab suddenly felt hot in the face.
"Me and Esme want to take some food and drinks when we explore, you know, to keep our energy leaves up." The butler peered at Lemongrab's outfit. It was not his usual choice of dress for exercise. It was too smart-casual. Pep But began to suspect the earls intensions. Thanks to the earl past, the butler did not trust him fully. Nevertheless, he left the earls interests unquestioned and politely replied to the earl
"I understand your earlness. The kitchen is free. It shouldn't be too crowded at that point I think. You would've just missed the lunch rush." The butler placed his small, pearl white hands behind his back and bowed. "If that is all master Lemongrab, I must get back to my rounds."
"Of course, sorry. Have a good day." Lemongrab gave him an amiable smile.
"You too your earlness." Said the butler as he strolled out of the door and carefully closed it behind him. Lemongrab was left alone again. Alone with his fearful thoughts of people getting suspicious. But at least for now he was in the clear. Whilst tucking into to his breakfast, Lemongrab pictured the scene with just the two of them, in each other's company again. It made his belly feel as light as a feather.
Lemongrab entered the kitchen with caution, as to not startle the staff. Luckily, the only person there was Esme who was filling her drink before practise. He sighed a deep sigh of relief and waltzed in to the kitchen to continue with his plan. "Hey Esme, are you ok?" She turned around briskly to greet her friend.
"Oh hey Lemongrab. I'm fine thanks, what about you? Nervous for your date?" She asked cheekily.
"Not as much, but still a little anxious." Esme screwed on her bottle lid and wandered over to his side. She was curious about what he was doing. He had brought a basket and had lined it with a red and white, chequered cloth. He also had a yellow, cotton blanket rolled up and put to one side of the lightly coloured, wooden basket. Lemongrab turned around from the fridge with 2 apples, some grapes and 2 cold drinks of water in his hand.
"What are you doing?" Asked Esme who was puzzled by Lemongrab.
"Preparing for my date. He said I could choose what to do, so I'm taking him to that place we found and we can eat lunch there." Lemongrab continued to pack the basket with two small cupcakes and small, crunchy nibbles.
"Oh how romantic." Teased Esme. As she examined the content of the basket more thoroughly, she was amused to find a bag of mints and the Chapstick she gave him. "I see you want to be prepared." Lemongrab turned to Esme, who held the Chapstick in her delicate but dangerous hands. He blushed furiously.
"Better to be have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." Said Lemongrab smugly.
"Oh you'll need it, I promise. I'm just surprised you kept it." Lemongrab wandered over to the basket, which was finally packed and ready.
"Well, I would feel bad if i didn't use something you gave me." He stated.
"I'll keep that in mind for in the future." Mocked Esme. Lemongrab retrieved the Chapstick from her and put it in him pocket. Esme started to stroll out of the room, but not before she wished him luck. "Have a good time dude. Hope you get your kiss." Lemongrab glanced round to her with fear in his eyes.
"Shhh, someone will hear you." He whispered.
"No ones around dummy." She rolled her eyes and waved once more the Lemongrab. She disappeared around the door frame leaving Lemongrab on his own. Again.
The massive tower clock struck 12 o'clock. Lemongrab was outside the gates to the Kingdom, eagerly awaiting Lemonfriend's arrival. Thankfully, Lemongrab didn't have to wait anxiously as Lemonfriend arrived dead on the hour; just as the clock bell stopped chiming. Lemonfriend was quick to notice the basket and the rolled-up blanket Lemongrab had tucked under his arm. "I've only just seen you and I'm already intrigued." He said in a teasing manner.
"You should be." Lemongrab chuckled quietly. "I have a surprise for you. Follow me and I will show you." Lemongrab began to lead Lemonfriend through the woods of cotton candy trees and bushes of pure sugar. They twisted in and out between plants of all kinds. Slowly the scenery began to turn green and organic. Trees that grew before the great mushroom war were starting to dominant the forest. Everything was natural and peaceful. Before they reached the exact spot, Lemongrab halted the trek. "Before we go further, do you mind if I put this on you?" Draped across his hand, he held his black tie, acting as a make-shift blindfold.
"Sure, but why?" Asked a curious Lemonfriend.
"You'll soon see, I promise." Lemonfriend happily agreed to wear it and allowed Lemongrab to gentle tie the blindfold on. It all went dark for Lemonfriend. He now had to rely on his trust for Lemongrab to guide him though the puzzling maze of trees and shrubs. "No peaking." Said Lemongrab enthusiastically. They become closer and closer and to the heavenly place within the forest. Lemonfriend could hear the gushing water and tiny, tweeting birds singing their content tunes. The branches brushed against his shirt and shorts, like they were hands with gnarled fingers. Lemongrab guided Lemonfriend to the perfect spot where he would be able to see anything. "Ok we're here. You can take off your blindfold now." In haste, Lemonfriend reached round to the back of his head to undo the knot. When the blindfold was removed, he was first blinded by the shining sun attacking his eyes. However, his eyes soon adjusted meaning he was able to admire the paradise which was presented around of him. He had no words for the tranquil heaven which Lemongrab had brought him to. He had never seen greenery that was natural like this. Nor had he witnessed such a clear, clean waterfall, such as the one pouring in to the river in front of him. "Esme and I found this place a few days back. I remembered you saying you didn't have a special place for relaxing, so I thought you might like this place." Confessed an elated looking Lemongrab. Still perplexed by the natural beauty, Lemonfriend allowed his eyes to wander and take in every ounce of nature surrounding him.
"It's... just... Beautiful." He said softly. Lemongrab had placed the bright yellow blanket delicately on the ground and smoothed it out so it was flat and free from creases. The basket was sat along the edge of the blanket and in the middle so they could both get to it. Lemongrab paced over to Lemonfriend's side to admire the view along side with him.
"It's like heaven on earth, isn't it?" Said Lemongrab contently. Lemonfriend still could speak properly so simple nodding in agreement. They both took a place on the blanket, which allowed them to face the crystal-clear river. Lemonfriend sat to the right of Lemongrab and had his legs crossed, whilst Lemongrab's' were straight out in front of him, with his left knee slightly bent. He used his hand for stability, as he leaned backwards. "Do you like it here?" He asked.
"I...love it. I find it amazing how you just found a place like this." Confessed Lemonfriend.
"You'd be surprised by what you find when you explore." Out of the blue, Lemongrab had a thought. He wondered whether he should about the dream. It could either interest Lemonfriend or make him question Lemongrab's sanity. He decided to push back his negative thoughts and just trust his instincts. "This might sound crazy, but I dreamt about this before we found it. It was exactly like this. It gobsmacked me when we found this place."
"So, you're telling me every detail was like this?" Lemongrab nodded gently to reply. "Was I there?" Lemongrab suddenly felt discouraged.
"Umm... You were but how does that make a difference?" Lemonfriend's face suddenly lit up in front of Lemongrab's eyes. "What?"
"You might have had a premonition dream." He exclaimed. "Was the cosmic owl there?" His level of enthusiasm was as high as a schoolchild.
"Woah woah, slow down. I don't even know what a 'premonition' dream is." He explained.
"Oh yeah, sorry. I forgot that you weren't around for a while." Lemonfriend began to explain the meaning of the dreams to him. "Finn told me about them after he had one. They're basically dreams which will predict future events. If you saw the cosmic owl then you defiantly had a premonition dream." Lemongrab was flustered. If these dreams were predicting the future...then were they going to kiss? Passionately? He suddenly became extremely shy and withdrawn.
"Well, I didn't see the owl so..."
"Well, is it the same so far?" Lemongrab felt his cheeks burn red.
"Yeah pretty much." To avoid embarrassment Lemongrab tried to cover up the truth about what happens in his dream. "But we arrived here and then I woke up so what I saw in the dream is over now." He lied. Lemongrab leaned forward to grab the basket packed to the brim with food and drink. He sat up and crossed his legs, like Lemonfriend, ready to begin feasting. The basket was placed in the middle and slightly in front of them when they started to dig in to the content of the basket. They each pulled off a few grapes, devoured an apple, munched on the small cupcakes and nibbled on the small candies he brought. This was all washed down with fresh, cooling water. It was almost as refreshing as jumping in the flowing river would be.
Soon, only a handful of food was left in the hazel, wooden basket. Whilst Lemonfriend was peering the other way, Lemongrab seized the opportunity to reach for his mints and get his Chapstick out of his pocket. Just in case, because if this was a premonition dream then they were going to kiss. He rummaged in the bag to pick out on of the mints, but as soon he put it on his tongue Lemonfriend turned back and spotted the bag. "What are those?" He asked innocently.
"Mint candies. Would you like one?" Lemongrab passed the bag to Lemonfriend's side to offer him the fresh sweet.
"Oh, yes please." He placed his hand in the bag and rustled it to pick out a sweet. "Thanks." Lemonfriend smiled sweetly as he placed the mint in his mouth and turned his head once more. Yet again, Lemongrab wasted no time and began to apply the Chapstick to his lemon lips. He was as quick as lightening. He hastily hid the Chapstick behind the bag of mints and put them back in to the basket. When he leant back again, he detangled his legs and allowed them to relax in front of him, like he was at the start. His left hand was supporting him while the other rested on his lap. Lemonfriend started to feel his leg go numb, so decided to get in the same position as Lemongrab, however he had both of his soft hands supporting his weight. "Mmm, these are really nice ones." He said whilst finishing the mint. "Really refreshing." Lemongrab swallowed the last of his mint to answer back to Lemonfriend.
"They are. I always have one after I eat, just to get the smell of food out of my mouth." Although this was true, his real intention was so his breathe didn't smell for their 'maybe kiss'.
"Ha, I know a few people who could learn from you."
"Who?" Asked a curious Lemongrab.
"Well, crunchy, the banana guard and..." Lemongrab joined in with the list.
"Cinnamon bun." They said this in unison, which caused them to chuckle joyfully. However, while they were still giggling, Lemongrab placed the hand which was originally in his lap behind him and accidentally put it on top for Lemonfriend's. They both rapidly snapped they hands back and looked down to their hand. They both began to awkwardly giggle before placing their hands down again. Slightly apart from each other. They peer off in to the green, organic distance with their hands near their bodies. Lemongrab couldn't take the tension. He wanted the youthful touch of Lemonfriend again. That split second felt delightful, even if it was only their supple hands. Whilst still looking away, he gingerly edged his hand closer to Lemonfriend's. Lemonfriend was looking down; daydreaming in to his lap so he noticed Lemongrab deliberately moving his manly hand towards his. He decided to oblige Lemongrab's desire as he allowed his hand to journey cautiously towards Lemongrab. He glanced back in to the wilderness. Within moments, their smooth pinkie fingers touched delicately. Lemongrab made his move. He slid his hand fully on top of Lemonfriend's and began to subtly stroke his precious hand with his thumb. They both glimpsed down as their entwined fingers. Both blushing. Lemonfriend peered up and ensnared Lemongrab's gaze. It was like they were trap in the lustful moment. Captivated by a glimmer in their wide eyes. Unable to look away. Held together by their enhancing desire for one another's touch and their yearning for the others subtle movements. Their loving eyes coaxed the couple forward, closer and closer until finally... Their lips touched tenderly for a long awaited kiss. Feelings rush through Lemongrab's head. He can't believe it! He was finally enjoying a loving moment with Lemonfriend. He wanted more, but remembered that he should remain mutual to not discourage Lemonfriend. However, Lemonfriend must have been thinking the same as Lemongrab, as he began to intensify the embrace. The passionate movement of their lips grew and grew as they massaged each other's mouths. Lemonfriend lifted his hand he wasn't using for support to caress Lemongrab's handsome face, like he had seen in movies. Lemongrab saw this as an opportunity to also use his hand, but he put it daintily on Lemonfriend's hip and began to stroke him carefully. These gracious strokes were enough to light up their skin with desire and tingle with pleasure. Their bodies began to close the gap between them as they twisted slowly towards each other. Instantly, the kiss developed and they began to lick at each other's lips. They just nipped at each other to tease the other in to more affectionate touches and making them hungry for more. Lemongrab could taste the zesty, sour flavour of Lemonfriend, but he somehow enjoyed the sensation of the tingling lemon juice. As for Lemonfriend, he was trapped by his desire for more of Lemongrab's touch. The motion of his lips and hand were enough to send Lemonfriend in to a passionate frenzy. Be that as it may, the intimate kiss ended when they both pulled away calmly. Panting slightly, they caught their gaze again and stared longingly in to each other's eyes once more. A beguiled Lemonfriend smiled as he sat up and crossed his legs again. Drawing his knees in to his warm body to sit up next to Lemonfriend. Lemongrab regained his breath and gathered his scattered thoughts.
"For someone who has never been in a relationship, you can kiss." He giggled in his flustered state. Lemongrab grinned dreamily and chuckled incoherently.
"Thanks. Nothing on you though." He purred. "We should get back, before PB tries to find you."
"I suppose." Answered a reluctant Lemonfriend. Picking up everything from the picnic, as to not disrupt or damage the pristine environment. Lemongrab folded and rolled up the bright blanket and place it under his arm. Before he could carry the basket, Lemonfriend already had a firm grasp on the handle; he insisted on carrying it back. Although they would rather spend eternity in the forest with each other, the pair began their extensive journey back to the Kingdom of sugar and spice.
The wooden basket was cleaned out and tidied away. The blanket was placed in the pile of washing, for a refreshing clean. All that was left to do was to go to Lemonfriend's room and say a reluctant goodbye.
As they near his ancient bedroom door, they both felt a twinge of desire and apprehension overflow their minds and bodies. Neither of them wanted this amazing date to end, they would much rather entwine their legs and hands again, for much more sensual smooches. A type of emptiness entered their emotions as they finally arrived at his door. They turn gradually towards each other. "Thanks for another great afternoon, I really enjoyed it." Said a recessive Lemonfriend who was twiddling his thumbs together. He edged ever so slightly closer to Lemongrab.
"You're welcome; I had a great time too." His gaze was bright and welcoming. "When would you like to meet next?" He asked with an arousing tone, whilst gingerly stepping forward.
"I don't know when I'm free but I will tell you as soon as possible." He whispered appealingly. Their eyes met yet again, as they stared deeply into each other's lustful gaze. With moments, they closed the gap between their parted mouths and captured another kiss. This one intensified much quicker as their bodies faced each other. Their chests were pressed together in a loving hug as the embrace deepened. Lemonfriend wrapped his arms up and around Lemongrab's back, whilst Lemongrab slivered with strong arms around Lemonfriend waist. They had never been this close.
Both of them got lost in the drawn-out embrace. Nevertheless, the kiss ended as well as the date as Lemongrab bided his farewells and left with a massive grin on his face.
Before Lemongrab reached his room, Esme spotted him and called him over to gossip with her. "Now that's a face of a happy lemon." She teased.
"Very happy." Replied Lemongrab who was still in a dream-like state. Esme was not one to beat around the bush, so promptly asked him about a certain event.
"Did you kiss?" She asked. Her nosiness made Lemongrab chuckle inaudibly.
"Yes, if you must know." Esme began to make excitable squeaking noises, but before she could thoroughly interrogate him, he butted in and told her. "And I can answer all you questions before you ask. Yes, it was great, no, nothing bad happened and yes... There were tongues." He peered at her smugly. She just jumped hyperactively and praised her friend.
"I knew you could do it! Did Lemonfriend enjoy it?" She raised her eyebrow up and down to joke-around with him.
"Well, he said he did." Esme laughed and patted him on the shoulder in a friendly way.
"Tell me all about it on the way back to our rooms." He described the date to her enthusiastically and was more than happy to tell her about his feelings during the embrace. This marked the end of his eventful day and was the start of many more in the candy Kingdom. He had never been this happy before in his life. Never.