A Valentine's Day story collaboration between myself and Redbat132. :) It was inspired by the picture of the same name that she had created on her Deviantart page. :)
Balan Wonderworld belongs to its respective owners. Ben 10 belongs to Cartoon Network and Man of Action. Green Lantern Animated belongs to DC Comics. Lea, Fro'Gieon, and Little Chill belong to Redbat132. :)
Winter Love In Wonderworld
Ben knocked on Lea's door and smiled when she opened it. "Hey, Lea," he said. "Ready to go?"
"Hi, Ben," she said as she made sure she had her things before turning and picking up Little Chill. "You sure it's okay for Little Chill to tag along?"
"It's fine," he said, smiling.
Lea felt a bit down that she had to bring the child with her on a date, but when Fro'Gieon had shown up suddenly and said he had been called for a meeting and asked if she'd watch Little Chill for a few hours, she agreed and had let Ben know.
But she was a bit glad for a distraction because she hoped it would keep her from acting weird around her boyfriend. She had been thinking about a first real kiss with Ben, but didn't know how to bring it up because she and Ben were still new to their relationship.
She didn't know Ben was thinking about the same thing. He wanted to give Lea a real kiss, but he was worried she'd think badly of him and he'd scare her off, which he didn't want to do. He really liked her, to the point he was certain he was falling in love with her.
They made it to the cafe to grab a bite to eat and Lea looked at Ben. "How's soccer practice going?" She asked.
"It's going good," he said. "How about you? How's work going?"
"It's been good," she replied, knowing he meant her work as a Blue Lantern and she appreciated him keeping that secret.
As they were talking, Little Chill decided to be mischievous and he began to fly. "Little Chill, careful," Lea said, trying to catch him.
Ben chuckled as he saw the little alien manage to avoid the girl catching him. "Come on, you little rascal," he said, trying to catch the alien.
But the little alien took off, making them both chase after him. Lea, being the responsible babysitter, kept an eye on the little guy while Ben followed her, keeping an eye out for anyone. Just then, Little Chill flew into a building at the end of an alley and disappeared inside.
Lea and Ben stopped as they looked up at the lights above the door. "Wonderworld?" Ben read. "I don't think I've heard of this place before."
"Same," Lea said. "And...it's kind of in an odd place, don't you think?"
"End of the alley? Yeah," her boyfriend said.
"It could be someone's home," the blond-haired girl said.
Both went to the doors and Ben tried the handles, finding the doors unlocked. "They're unlocked," he said, opening them.
Lea debated on using her Blue Lantern ring and transforming, but then decided against that. There was already an alien baby on the loose in there. She didn't need to reveal her Blue Lantern secret in front of the people there too.
"I don't see Little Chill anywhere," Lea said worriedly.
"I don't either," Ben agreed. "I think we'll cover more ground if we split up. One of us will be bound to find him then."
"Okay," she said. "Meet back here?"
"Sounds good to me."
Little did they know, they had caught the attention of the two owners of the building they were in. "A boy and a girl," one said, wearing a festive outfit with green, red, and white. "They look familiar."
"Ben and Lea?" His counterpart, who was wearing a blue and white suit asked before blinking. "No, wait. The boy is not wearing the Omnitrix."
"And the girl doesn't have necklaces or a crystal bracelet," the first speaker said thoughtfully. "They must be counterparts to our Ben and Lea then. Still, I wonder what has brought them here. I cannot sense any fear or troubles, aside from the girl being worried about her charge she is babysitting."
"Well, nonetheless, they are guests."
"You are right. You greet the girl and I will greet the boy?"
"Agreed."
Ben moved down one hallway, pausing as he saw a girl that looked familiar. "Lea?" He asked, wondering how she got ahead of him, but he noticed she was wearing a dress that wasn't Lea's normal look before the girl went into a set of doors and closed them. Just as she did, Ben spotted Little Chill flying after the girl, flying behind her head to look like a hair accessory.
The boy opened his mouth to call the alien to come back as he ran towards the doors the girl entered, but before he could take more than a few steps, a tall being emerged from another door, turning to smile at the boy. "Well, hello there, my boy," he said in a deep voice.
A startled shout left Ben and he paused at seeing the strange person in front of him and he started to run, the guy looking similar to a clown. And Ben was still rather terrified of clowns.
Balan was a bit surprised by the reaction and sensed the boy's fear. "Wait!" He called out, moving quickly to catch up to the boy.
Ben ran into a room and paused, taking some deep breaths before hearing a chirp and he looked to see some small creatures that looked like fluffy birds, only some had ears like cats, bears, and bunnies. He turned when he heard footsteps and gulped when he saw the tall being enter the room too before a small alien entered the room as well.
Meanwhile, Lea had found a room filled with the same creatures Ben had found too and she gasped. "Oh, wow," she said, seeing them all look up at her and some chirped, flying closer to her. She caught one gently and blinked. "Wow, your fur is soft."
"Welcome, Lea Thompson," a deep voice said suddenly, making her jump and turn around quickly to see a white-haired man looking at her, his blue eyes as gentle as the gentle smile on his face. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you, my dear."
Lea looked at Lance while calming down, his lack of attacks and lack of hostility helping out for the moment. "Okay, I don't mean to sound rude, but who are you and how do you know my name?" She asked him.
"My name is Lance, young one. Forgive me for causing you alarm. You look very much like someone that I know, one who saved me from unimaginable harm," the being in front of her replied soothingly.
Lea noticed he rhymed and she relaxed a bit more. "Your friend has the same name as me?" She asked.
"Yes, and you look very much like her too. From your hair to your eyes' hue."
Lea was a little surprised by this. "...Is she like one of those other dimension mes? Because I had an experience with one of my boyfriend's evil dimension-hims once."
Lance's eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded. "Yes, she is," he said. "And a bad experience with a doppleganer of your other half? Goodness, I hope it didn't tarnish your feelings for your true love because of that riffraff."
"Oh, no. Not at all. If anything, a partner of mine and I worked together in stopping my boyfriend's bad version from destroying him," Lea explained. "I'm just relieved my Ben is okay."
Lance smiled. "I'm glad to hear that your love for him did not dim," he said. "And it sounds like he loves you and it's not just a whim."
"You like to rhyme a lot, don't you?" She asked, smiling. "When you do that, it's hard to feel blue."
The being's eyes widened before he chuckled in amusement. "Clever, my dear," he said warmly.
"Just lightening the mood here," Lea stated, laughing that she made another rhyme.
Lance laughed now, the sound joyous and make Lea smile as she relaxed more, seeing that he wasn't a bad guy, which she was grateful for. After a moment, the being cleared his throat, still smiling at the girl.
"Now then, since you have deemed me to not be an enemy, may I ask what brings you here to the theater? Perhaps to escape the bitter cold outside and warm up by the heater?" He asked.
At his question, Lea felt her doubts come back full force and she bit her lip, uncertain about opening up to this person, though he was nice.
Lance noticed her hesitation and smiled gently. "If you don't wish to speak of it, I understand, young one. Would you like some hot chocolate instead? It can chase the cold away by the ton."
"Yeah...That sounds nice. Thanks, Lance," Lea said.
He smiled and held out a hand for her to take. "Come then," he said warmly.
She took his hand and allowed him to lead her to another room, one that looked like a lounge room that looked quite comfy. He gestured her to sit and he snapped his fingers, a mug of hot chocolate appearing before her and she jumped in surprise, blinking before looking at him in surprise. "Are you...magical?" She asked as she carefully took the mug.
Lance smiled again. "You catch on fast, my dear," he said. "I'm pleased to see you are more comfortable here."
"Well, I've seen and experienced many things before, but nothing like this," Lea admitted, taking her mug to drink. "Mmmm, that hit the spot."
"Your open mind is refreshing to see," her host said, smiling. "I was a bit worried you'd still be afraid of me."
"Believe it or not...I've faced scarier," Lea admitted, rubbing her neck sheepishly. "Plus, you remind me of someone I know. Although, probably not as tall as you and had less highlights."
Lance smiled before he looked concerned. "I can see you've been through a lot," he said. "For you mind is stressed, something I sensed on the dot."
Taking a deep breath, Lea decided to tell Lance the truth. "The thing is...I'm worried about taking the level of my love relationship. We've been dating for a long while now and have been an inseparable team/couple. And while we have short kissed each other on the cheek and nose...we never actually had a real kiss. I'm worried that there might be no spark between us."
"Ah, you are new to the love between you and your other half," Lance said understandingly. "You feel anxious, wondering if your love is good and true for his behalf?"
"Exactly. Ben's a galactic officer in training who works hard to be like his grandfather and I'm a Blue Lantern of Hope who goes beyond the stars," Lea explained, bringing out her Lantern ring. "We both help others in our own way. Not to mention the number of times we've helped each other out from danger."
Lance smiled. "You both have good hearts, helping those in need when it seems bleak," he said. "Therefore, I believe I know how to help you with what you seek."
"How?" Lea asked, a little curious.
He smiled, getting up to sit beside her and he turned towards her. "Close your eyes and give me your hands," he requested gently.
"Uh...okay?" Lea said, a little unsure yet followed Lance's instructions exactly.
He smiled as his magic began surrounding her in a gentle glow. "Now, tell me more about the one you love, who makes your heart sing so grand," he said.
"Well...I know he's very supportive to me as much as I am to him," Lea started, thinking on that topic. "I like how he isn't fazed by my awkward meets around him when we first met. And even when I'm dealing with something scary, I feel calm whenever telling Ben about it. I enjoy how he understands me and knows what to say."
Lance nodded. "He accepts you fully as you are? Even when you don't feel up to par?" He asked gently.
"Yeah. He does," Lea answered, nodding her head. "There were also moments where Ben thought he wasn't special because he doesn't have superpowers. But I always remind him that he never needed powers to be a hero. He's always creative, smart, focused, and determined to get the mission done. And I relate to him on that because I was the same way before earning my ring."
"You are empathetic towards him as your struggles are somewhat the same. To which your hearts surely sing whenever you both speak each other's name," Lance said with a smile.
"Exactly...I hope he's okay," Lea said, starting to worry a little. "Can I open my eyes now from whatever you're trying to do?"
"In a few moments, my dear, there is still something you must do," he said gently. "Tell me, when you picture Ben in your mind, what does your heart tell you?"
"My heart?" Lea asked, unaware of her violet gem necklace glowing faintly on that thought. "I-I-I don't quite follow the question."
Lance nodded. "Apologies, my dear. Allow me to clarify," he said gently. "What do you feel when you think about your guy?"
Now understanding, Lea blushed from the thought. "Awkward, sometimes. A bit giddy. Along with calm. It's hard to describe."
He smiled. "Like you wish to tell him how much you love him, yet are worried at how to declare your love?" He asked gently.
"...Yeah. I do," Lea admitted, her necklace glowing at the beat of her heart.
He nodded before looking up to see someone had arrived and he smiled. "If you could tell him how you felt, what would you say?" He asked. "Just out of curiosity, if I may?"
"I would tell him...'Through our fearful days or raging nights, you make my heart stronger where our souls ignite. When all seems lost in the war of light, you make my hope burn brighter than ever. While I can look up to the stars for hope, I'd rather think of you because...I love you bigger than the entire Lantern Spectrum universe to be a more hopeful Lantern.'...Is that too cliché?"
Lance smiled before looking up over Lea's head. "I doubt he finds it that way, listening to what his true love would say," he said.
"I agree with the tall white-haired dude," said a voice from behind.
Lea squeaked, opening her eyes to turn around in seeing Ben right there with Balan.
"Ben?!" She exclaimed, only for her face to turn red and covered it with both hands. "Oh, sweet Odym...This is just like in the caves with Fro'Gieon's babies!"
"Hey, hey, Lea, it's okay," Ben said, going over to her and kneeling down, taking her hand. "Hey, take a deep breath for me, okay?"
Lea steadied her breathing and uncovered her other hand to see Ben. Along with trying to calm down the embarrassed blush all over her face.
"Are you...okay? Did you...find...Little Chill?" Lea asked her boyfriend, still breathing.
Ben nodded. "Yeah, I found him," he said. "Or actually, Balan found him."
"Balan?" Lea questioned, looking up to see the other tall being with a hat-like mask and stage presence. "I take it he's related to Lance?"
"In a way, you are correct, my dear," Balan said, his voice deep, but calming. "No need to be afraid. You and Ben are safe here."
"Balan co-owns this theater with me," Lance explained with a smile. "You, Ben, and the little one are safe as can be."
Ben smiled. "Balan kind of startled me a bit at first, but Little Chill seemed relaxed around him and I figured if a little kid felt safe around him, then he had to be on our side," he said.
Balan bowed to them. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lea. You are very much like the Lea Lance and I know, same characteristics down to your eye's glow," he said.
"So, I've heard," Lea admitted, rubbing her arm sheepishly. "Didn't think another me goes to this theater."
"I also happen to have seen a girl from a distance who strikes an uncanny resemblance to Midnight Hope...but a little more elegant and slightly straighter hair," Ben said, recalling the Guardian of Self-Confidence he witnessed.
"You're kidding me," Lea said, having a hard time believing this.
Balan chuckled in amusement. "It's true. He speaks of Viola Heart, another who resides here with us," he said.
"Seems that we all had much to discuss," Lance said.
Ben looked at Lance. "Okay, you both rhyme," he said. "Gotta admit, I haven't met anyone who can rhyme like you two."
"The only rhymes I've ever come across are the different Lantern oaths or songs from my favorite soundtrack," Lea stated. "Not sibling maestros."
Balan and Lance both laughed warmly. "You three visitors are a delight, my dears," Balan said as Little Chill snuggled in his arms. "Now then, I trust that you will not be held back by your fears?"
"New to love you may be, but honesty with each other is a vital key," Lance said encouragingly.
Lea looked at Ben before turning her head away, her cheeks blushing. "I guess..."
Ben looked a bit bashful. "And here I was thinking you might find me too awkward," he admitted.
"You thought I would find you too awkward?! I always thought it was the other way around!" Lea remarked, looking at Ben with red cheeks.
"Speaking of which, where's Little Chill now?" She asked, suddenly noticing the little alien was gone.
"He grew curious about other lands. Don't worry, he's in good hands," Balan said.
"He is in your counterpart's Wonderworld, exploring the place created by the girl," Lance said. "A fellow guardian has been watching him from the start. The Guardian of Self Confidence, Viola Heart."
"Guardian of Self Confidence?" Ben asked curiously, unaware of her title.
"Yes. A girl who was unsure of her own path, until she met a villain and faced his wrath," Balan said. "Viola fought and won the battle on this side, along with the battle that was on the inside."
"The battle of oneself, wondering if being who you are is good enough. With the help of those that cared, she learned that she was and called the villain's bluff," Lance said before chuckling. "Quite a battle it was to see and in the end, all was as it should be."
"Can you take us to her, please?" Lea asked, still feeling her cheeks warm. "The sooner we find Little Chill, the sooner we get out of here."
Balan and Lance smiled at each other and stood up. "Follow us then," Lance said warmly as he led the way and his counterpart followed behind Lea and Ben.
Lea just placed an embarrassed hand on her warm face. I know Lance means well, but I've had enough of my fair shared embarrassing moments. I can't even hum or sing to calm my nerves down. And music always helps me feel less stressed, she thought to herself.
She suddenly felt hands on her shoulders and stopped as she was gently pulled to a stop. Confused, she turned to see Balan was the one who stopped her and he looked concerned. "Lea? Is everything alright?" He asked once Lance and Ben were out of earshot. "You seem to be in a plight."
"I'm fine, Balan. Just...trying to figure out how to get my heart racing down before making a fool of myself again," Lea muttered, looking away in shame. "I get that you and Lance are trying to help, but I've had my own moments of doing something stupid without realizing it. Being a klutz, stuttering, even singing where my own constructs come to life through what I'm feeling in front of Ben for the first time revealed my secret identity unintentionally. And I was only trying to play music for a bunch of alien moth eggs to hatch. Sure, it worked, but I still messed up!"
Balan was quiet for a bit before he smiled and pulled the teen into a warm hug. "My dear, I think you're being too hard on yourself. I understand you being unable to keep your feelings on the shelf, but in doing so, you are hiding who you truly are." He gently brushed a hand over her head. "May I speak and tell you what I see so far?"
"...Okay. Not sure what you'll get from me," Lea shrugged.
Balan looked at her and smiled. "I see someone who is unsure is she is deserving of the power she's been given, yet is humble in what she has. Confidence in you is what you need, yet courage is not what you lack."
This made the blonde teen slowly turn her head on that in surprise. "How did you...?"
"Know of who you really are?" He finished with a smile. "Lance and I are both Maestros, my dear. All plights and troubles are what we hear. We can tell if one has a secret deep, but rest assured, it is one we will keep."
"Right," Lea said, rubbing her neck. "That makes sense. I kind of wish I wasn't too scared in finding the right moment in doing a real kiss with Ben."
Balan looked surprised before smiling and he lifted Lea's chin up gently with two fingers so that she was looking at him. "You wish to kiss the one you are head over heels for?" He asked, his tone gentle.
"Yes," Lea answered, her cheeks turning pink with her violet gem glowing a little.
He kneeled down so that he wasn't towering over her. "Then do so," he said, his tone encouraging. "Let him see the love for him that resides in your being at the core."
"I'll...I'll try, Balan," Lea said, clutching on to her necklace.
Balan could plainly see that Lea was still a bit nervous and he fell into thought before smiling. "Come here, my dear," he said, opening his arms in the gesture of ready to give a hug.
Unable to hide her gentle smile, Lea went to Balan and embraced the hug.
He hugged her warmly before his fingers began gently wiggling into her sides and ribs, a mischievous grin appearing on his face.
"EEEK! No!" Lea squealed, laughter in her voice while pushing off Balan's hold.
But he was quicker and caught her, scooping her up into his arms. "Aha! I knew it!" He cheered, his eyes twinkling as he continued tickling her, now focusing on her stomach. "A smile chases away the gloom. Now, let's see your inner happiness bloom."
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Balan! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, STAHAHAHAP IHIHIHIHIHIT!" Lea begged in laughter, struggling in the Maestro of Positivity's hold. "BEN! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, HELP ME!"
Ben turned in surprise at hearing her laughter and he was about to go help when he felt something grab his arm gently. "My counterpart has the right idea," Lance said, standing behind Ben as his free hand moved towards Ben's side. "Time to get you laughing like Lea."
Ben jumped as he felt fingers wiggle into his side, chuckling and squirming, but when Lance began tickling his underarms, Ben shrieked with laughter. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!" He laughed out.
Balan grinned as he called up a clone, who removed Lea's shoes and began tickling her feet while the real Maestro blew a playful raspberry into Lea's neck. "Listen to that adorable sound," he said teasingly. "It certainly picks a heart up off the ground."
"Indeed," Lance agreed, now tickling Ben's stomach and underarms at the same time. "Listen to these two. I doubt they will again feel blue."
Lea's laughter continued riding, along with her ring glowing. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! CAHAHAHAHAHAN'T FOCAHAHAHAHAHAHAS!"
Balan called up a third clone, who tickled Lea's ribs. "Cootchie, cootchie coo!" Balan cooed at the girl, who was laughing even harder now that her feet, ribs, and stomach were being tickled to pieces.
Ben was still trapped in Lance's gentle hold while the white-haired being continued tickling his stomach and underarms, making the young man laugh. "Ah, I was right. That sadness cannot stay within you, try as it might," he said.
"BALAHAHAHAHAN! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!" Lea begged, still not giving up hope in getting out of this. "STOP IT OR I'LL-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I'LL-AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"You'll what, my dear?" He asked playfully, noticing her ring was glowing. "Ah, you're gaining hope more. That was the goal I was aiming for."
With that, he snapped his fingers and the clones vanished while Balan cradled the girl in his arms gently, holding her like a father would his child. Seeing this, Lance smiled and let Ben up, nodding.
"You're such a sneaky prankster...You know that, right?" Lea remarked, unable to stop smiling.
Balan chuckled. "You say that with a big smile," he said teasingly, playfully pinching the left side of her face. "That means it was worthwhile."
Ben smiled and went up to his girlfriend. "Did I ever tell you how amazing you are, babe?" He asked Lea.
"Firstly, please don't call me babe. Secondly...I think now you just did," Lea admitted, rubbing a hand on her warm cheek.
"Sorry," Ben said softly. "Can I call you Beautiful?"
"I'm okay with that," Lea said, before looking at Balan. "Are we any close to finding Little Chill yet with that other me?"
"Right here," Lance said, gesturing to a pair of doors in front of them. "Lea, would you do the honors?"
"All right, then," Lea said, gently getting off Balan's hold to walk over to the doors and opened them.
A bright light shined before they found themselves in a winter landscape that was beautiful. "Wow," Ben said in awe. "I don't think I've seen a prettier winter landscape than this before." He then noticed the statues nearby. "Who are those?"
"The Guardians of Childhood," Lance replied. "Who guard the beliefs of every child. Myself and Balan are included as well, along with Viola Heart, with who's help a horrible evil was from here exiled."
Lea studied the different statues until coming across one with a shepherd staff and jacket while barefooted. She titled her head in studying him. "Huh...Ben, is it just me...or does he look a little bit like you?"
He came over to look and he paused. "Um, maybe," he said.
"Jack Frost, the Guardian of Fun," Balan supplied. "Before Lance, Viola, and I became part of the group, he was the last one."
"I bet he knew exactly what he was doing as a Guardian long before I could figure out being a Blue Lantern of Hope," Lea replied, looking at her necklace and ring before sighing lightly. "Just the thought of failing makes me feel like there are knots in my stomach."
"I can relate to that," came a new voice and they turned to see a girl who looked like Lea, only with white hair plus light blue highlights. And a gorgeous ballerina outfit. "Hello and welcome to my counterpart's Wonderworld."
Ben's jaw dropped. "Holy cow," he said. "Lea, she is like your twin, only Winter themed."
Viola giggled, her eyes shining. "Balan and Lance have told me about my counterpart having counterparts," she said.
Lance smiled. "Ben, Lea, meet Viola Heart; the Guardian of Self-Confidence," he introduced. "Viola, these two are Ben and Lea. She, too, is a hero much like yourself."
Lea walked closer to Viola, still stunned in looking at her. "No way...it's like I'm looking at myself as Midnight Hope, but as a frost-dancing ballerina."
"Oh, this?" Viola pointed at her ballet outfit. "I don't wear this all the time. I'm just staying in theme with Balan and Lance for this special occasion. Didn't want to be left out of the fun."
"And you look wonderful, my dear," Balan said reassuringly. "By the way, the little one. Is he still here?"
Viola nodded. "He's over there with the Tims by the ice rink," she said. "They're hunting for drops and the little one joined them."
"Hunting for drops?" Ben asked curiously.
"Crystal drops of many colors. Ones the Tims eat," Lance explained. "To them, the drops are quite a feast."
"Oh...Glad they're not choking hazards, then," Lea remarked.
Balan chuckled. "The Tims have strong beaks for sure," he said. "Shall we continue with the tour?"
Ben nodded. "We really do need to find Little Chill," he said.
"Follow me," Viola said, leading the group to the skating rink.
Lea noticed the skating rink and smiled brightly. "Now this is something I can definitely do," she replied, before looking at her boyfriend. "Hey, Ben...ever ice-skated before?"
He shook his head. "No, I haven't," Ben said.
"Well, if you like, I can teach you while we cross this rink," Lea offered, bringing out her ring to create constructs of ice skates. "Just keep your balance, move at your own pace, and keep your eyes forward."
Ben looked a bit nervous but then felt two hands touch his shoulders. He looked to see it was Balan and Lance and they were smiling encouragingly. Their silent encouragement helped and Ben took a deep breath. "Okay," he said.
Viola went up to him. "You can do it, Ben," she said with a smile.
He nodded and went up to his girlfriend.
Lea then created another pair of blue construct ice skates on Ben's feet while holding his hand and moving forward to the rink. "Just find your rhythm and go with the flow. I'll make sure you don't fall."
He tried to mimic her movements while Balan, Viola, and Lance joined them. "Focus on your lady and not your feet, my boy," Balan said telepathically to Ben. "Focus on her, as she brings you joy."
Hearing there, Ben nodded and kept his eyes on Lea...to which he felt a little lost when seeing how hopeful and happy she looked.
Lance smiled. "Ben, don't feel down," he said telepathically to the boy, his voice gentle. "Share in your love's happiness and smile, never frown."
Just then, Ben almost tripped while skating until Lea helped him quickly enough in holding both his hands while skating backward.
"I got you, Ben. Just like you got me," Lea assured, smiling warmly as she continued moving back where he kept skating forward.
He smiled back at her. "Yeah, you do," he said. "You know, I genuinely feel you're the other half of me I've been looking for, Lea."
"Same here, Ben...You bring a whole new hope into my heart I never thought I needed until we first met," Lea admitted, blushing a little where her crystal necklace and ring glowed. "You motivate me in finding the strength to protect others. Understand new things I didn't think existed. I wouldn't be advancing as a better Blue Lantern without your support. As long as we're together...I know in my heart that the future will be full of hope."
Ben smiled at her. "Lea, when we first met, I thought you would think I was weird, but you accepted me for who I am. You've inspired me to be myself and have shown me that I don't need to have superpowers to be amazing. I'm more than happy being your boyfriend, not just because you're a Blue Lantern hero, but because I...," he paused and took a deep breath. "I love you, Lea."
Lea felt emotional tears of joy in her eyes while carefully steering herself and Ben to stop near the edge of the rink. "I'm more than happy in being your girlfriend, too. You're the coolest Plumber in training I have ever met...And I love you so much, as well, Ben Tennyson."
Ben felt his heart beat faster and he took a deep breath, holding Lea's hands and looking into her eyes. "May...May I kiss you, Lea?" He asked hopefully.
"You may," Lea said, without hesitation while her necklace crystal glowed a little brighter than before.
Ben leaned in slowly and closed his eyes while Lea did the same. Ben felt his whole world coming together as he kissed the girl he loved. Lea's crystal and ring glowed very bright from this.
Balan, Lance, and Viola smiled as they saw this before Balan glanced up above the couple and began chuckling. Viola looked at him with a curious, questioning look. "What's so funny, Balan?" She asked in a low voice.
"I wish to know, too," Lance said, his voice also low.
Balan smiled. "Look up, above Lea and Ben," he said softly.
The other two glanced up and the sight they saw made them chuckle too.
Little Chill was above the couple and he was holding up a mistletoe he had found somewhere in the snowy Wonderworld and he looked quite pleased with himself holding up the decoration.
Lea and Ben eventually broke the kiss. They looked into each other's eyes for a few more seconds until seeing Balan, Lance, and Viola cover their mouths to hide their laughter.
"Uh, what's so funny?" Lea asked.
"Look above you," Viola said.
While doing that, Lea and Ben saw a familiar little Necrofriggian baby above their heads and they smiled.
"Little Chill!" Lea and Ben said happily, seeing him lower down to be hugged.
Lance smiled. "The little one must have known to grab the mistletoe," he said. "I do wonder where he found it though."
"Most likely on one of the decorations here," Balan replied. "He wanted to help the two that hold love so dear."
"Not bad for a little moth alien. He's smarter than his age gives him credit," Viola stated.
Ben smiled. "That he is," he said.
Lea cradled the mischievous moth alien in her arms. "Well, now that we found Little Chill and settled our issues, guess that means Ben and I can get back home?"
"Yes," Balan said with a smile. "If you two are ready, we will lead you to the doors back to your world, a love story now in bloom between a boy and a girl."
"With many good wishes from your friends, may your love never end," Lance said warmly.
Viola smiled. "Take care, you three," she said.
Lea looked at Ben while smiling lightly. "Ready to go back home?"
He nodded and held out a hand, which she took.
Balan and Lance led them to the doors of the theater and gave both teens one last hug before the doors opened and the two teens and little alien headed out of the theater.
Soon, the two teens and little moth alien found themselves back in Coast City.
Ben blinked. "Did...we really meet three people that just...helped us confess our love to each other?" He asked.
"I think we did," Lea stated, nodding her head. "Hal is so not gonna believe this."
"Speaking of which, we should get our charge back to his family," he said. "His dad's got to be worried sick."
"I'll say. Not the first time Little Chill did that to Fro'Gieon," Lea stated.
They headed down the road and soon met up with Max and Fro'Gieon, who looked relieved to see his son was safe. "You found him!" He said, accepting his son from Lea. "Oh, thank you both so much. I was so worried."
"No worries, man," Ben said with a smile. "We enjoyed watching over the little tyke."
"He really knows how to make our nights more interesting," Lea assured.
Fro'Gieon thanked them again and was soon on his way back home with Little Chill safely with him and Max smiled at Ben and Lea. "Don't stay out too late, you two," he said.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. I'll have Lea home by her curfew and I'll be home by my curfew," Ben promised.
"You know...I could always fly there," Lea stated, bringing out her ring. "But I don't mind going the long way with Ben."
Max smiled and headed out and the young couple held hands before Ben gently cupped the left side of Lea's face. "You're so beautiful, Lea," he said softly and lovingly.
"Same to you...I mean, handsome!" Lea exclaimed, blushing to realize she ruined the moment. "Ugh, you know what I mean."
He chuckled. "Yes, I do," he said before giving her another kiss on the mouth. Lea wrapped her arms around Ben's neck in a hug as they kissed, feeling her heart fly with love.
Little did the two of them know, three people were watching them with smiles. Balan, Lance, and Viola all smiled. "They make a good couple," the Guardian of Self-Confidence said.
"Indeed," the Guardian of Sadness said. "Their love is strong for each other and will not grow dim."
"True love indeed, not just a simple whim," the Guardian of Happiness agreed as the three went back to Wonderworld while Lea and Ben were lost in their growing love for each other.
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! :)
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GoldGuardian2418