Gifts and Sacrifices

Gifts and Sacrifices

Return of the Great Gummies

Part Two: From Across the Sea

Chapter One: Secret's Unveiled

            Sunni's eyes sprung wide as Buddi kissed her. She loved him and now he was saying he felt the same. She felt her stomach churn she suddenly felt nauseous and dizzy. She normally would have seized but this time she liked the sickness. She flung her arms around Buddi's shoulders and pushed back.

            This only lasted a few seconds before Buddi pulled away.

            His cheeks were burning.

            Sunni looked the same. Without a thought, the two began to climb down. Buddi reached the bottom first and then helped lift Sunni down. She smiled and the tow grasped hands and headed into the main castle of the city. They wandered through the halls, up to where the balcony was. About halfway there, Sunni tripped and fell onto her face. Buddi lifted her up and wrapped his arms around her chest. She laughed and caressed his left cheek.

            "Hey!"

            The two turned as Cubbi ran down the hall, most likely in from knight training. He was about to say more when he saw the way Buddi was holding Sunni and rolled his eyes as he walked past,

            "Gum's sake, get a room you two."

            In response, the two cubs said, "Oh shut up."

            Cubbi whirled around, although he was late. He put his hands on his hips.

            "I'm a knight you know."

            Sunni rolled her own eyes. "And knights don't abuse their titles."

            "She's right, Sir Cubbi." Cubbi whirled around and was faced with Sir Plucki's rather amused face. The knight smiled. As well a knight as Cubbi was, Plucki knew he was still a child. Just as Sunni and Buddi were, although of the three, Buddi was the most mature.

            And judging from their behavior, Sunni and Cubbi were surrogate brother and sister. They liked to disquiet one another. And Cubbi was still at that age where he loved to agitate his family members.

            "Come on, lad. The others are waiting." He smiled at the cub's disgusted look at Sunni and Buddi. Sunni had draped Buddi's arms around her chest.  Plucki smiled at Cubbi as he took his hand.

            "They're teenagers, lad. Hard to resist a pretty girl."

            Cubbi rolled his eyes, "I'm eight, I hate girls."

            Buddi and Sunni watched the two vanish and then ran out onto the balcony. The sun was setting and it formed a strip of color at the bottom of the sky. It was very romantic looking and Sunni loved it. She leaned her cheek against Buddi's right shoulder.

            "Your shoulder's strong, Buddi." She stated. Buddi smiled.

            "You can thank Ursa for that. Being strong in the arms isn't enough. Every part of a Barbic's body has to be tough and strong."

            Sunni smiled. "But I love your personality better."

            Buddi looked at her. The girl smiled and said,

            "You're sensitive, sweet. I like that,"

            Buddi blushed. "Ursa says I'm too sensitive."

            Sunni shook her head. "I don't think so."

            The two sat in silence for a while.

            Buddi finally asked,

            "Was I outta my league, kissing you?"

            Sunni smiled, "No, I enjoyed it."

            "Honestly?"

            The girl nodded. She smiled and looked at him. He sighed in relief. He'd wanted to kiss her for a long time but decided to wait until she seemed ready and willing. But that moment had been a spur. His emotions had come out and he was relieved he hadn't lost her over it.

            "Buddi?"

            The cub turned and Sunni pushed her own lips against Buddi's again. Buddi was stunned at first and then returned the kiss, closing his eyes. Sunni wrapped her arms around his neck.

            That small bliss lasted a few minutes.

            "WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?"

            The two broke apart immediately. They turned to the sources.

            Sunni swallowed,

            "Gruffi."

            But Buddi had turned white and was absolutely trembling.

            "Ursa…Gritty."