Arle contemplates how much she loves Amitie and Ringo, her closest, dearest friends. Requested by a tumblr anon!

Togetherness

Compared to the friends she had back home, Arle found Amitie and Ringo much more comfortable to be around. They weren't constantly dragging her into shenanigans or dangerous events. They weren't trying to start fights like Rulue snapping that she was constantly trying to steal Satan from her or harm her like when Schezo trapped her in his dungeon in an attempt to steal her power.

All things considered, they were normal. They cared for her wellbeing. Instead of bombarding her with beauty contests or magic battles, they asked how she was doing on days when she looked down. They didn't strike up any reason to fight or jumped to conclusions about her intentions like some other companions she had.

When Ecolo possessed her, they had done everything in their power to save her. Even though Ringo hardly knew she her, she risked her neck to save her. She battled Dark Arle and saved her, ensuring her safety and the protection of her own world. On the other hand, Amitie had been the first person to welcome her to Primp Town when she mistakenly transported herself there in the middle of a Puyo battle with Witch. Her bubbly personality was the light she needed to start feeling comfortable in such a strange, new land. Together, they were an unbeatable trio.

She grew to really love them. Her closest friends, next to Carbuncle of course, treated her with kindness that she hadn't felt in a long time. Even though she liked her friends back home, Amitie and Ringo were something special in how they chose to treat her like a person instead of a rival or love interest.

Under the cool shade of a tree in her world, Arle's head leaned against Ringo's shoulder. The forest, with its pine scents and crying cicadas, had always been a comforting place for her. With her two best friends at her side under the gentle hues of the setting sun, it had finally become paradise.

Amitie rested in Arle's lap, hands neatly tucked underneath her chin and knees pulled closer to her chest. Holding a textbook in one hand, Ringo absentmindedly played with a few of her blonde tresses, commenting that her Puyo hat was really stuck to her head. Chuckling, Amitie gave it a halfhearted yank, proving it was indeed snug on her skull.

"What a conundrum. It should be physically impossible for a hat to always cling to someone's skull like that, but yet, here it is," Ringo said, stroking Amitie's head.

Arle arched her back and straightened. She watched Ringo try and tug off her hat, but as Amitie insisted, it remained perfectly around her head. Her lips spread into her cheeks, the silly sight warming her heart as her friends laughed, which sounded better than even Seriri's harmonious voice.

"Man, I love you guys."

Her words came out as smoothly as silk and sweeter than honey. Ringo and Amitie stopped for a moment, their eyes widening. Amitie looked up at her like a small fawn, innocent and pure. Ringo's cheeks reddened to the color of her hair, her jade eyes filled with inquisitive wonder.

"Ahaha!" Arle leaned back to let Amitie sit up. She tilted her head, her short auburn locks brushing against her cheek. "I mean it. I really love you two."

"Oh, Arle," Amitie crooned, her hands slowly curling into tiny, shaking fists. Her lips trembled as they formed a carefree smile.

"You guys, you've been better to me than anyone else. You're always helping me out, and you're always there for me. No one else has made me feel the way you two do." She felt lukewarm tears tickle her eyelids, and she sucked down a breath, willing them away. "I can't say it enough. I love you. I love, love, love you both."

Ringo let her textbook fall into her lap as Amitie threw her arms around Arle's neck. The smaller magician nestled into the crook of her neck, unabashedly letting tears roll down her round cheeks. Ringo watched them embrace, her mind blank as she let Arle's words flutter around her skull, and she smiled, joining them with her arms wrapping around their backs.

Around them, Arle was protected. She didn't have to worry about someone plotting against her or thrusting her into some undesirable adventure when she wanted peace and quiet. Safe in their arms, Arle felt Amitie rub small, soothing circles on the small of her back while Ringo pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, their affection caressing her very heart and soul.