hey everyone, sorry that its been forever since i last updated this story. to make up for it, i posted the next two chapters :) im actually working on some more jill x marlin stories but ive been really really busy with college and stuff but ill try and post when i can. anyway, i hope you enjoy the story ;)

The sun was falling fast, my heart drummed as I raced down the path. I was going to be late. He said to be there at 6:00 and here I was still on the wrong side of the river. My feet pounded on the frozen bridge. The farm was finally in view, the cabin lights on. Had they started the party?

I gave a few deep breaths in front of their door. My hand extended. *Knock Knock* I retracted quickly, waiting in the cold twilight. Vesta opened the door greeting me with a friendly grin. "Jill! Come on in!"

The hefty redhead escorted me to their kitchen table. Celia and Marlin were sitting. There were a few familiar faces at the table too. A Brunette in a purple shirt smiled brightly at me. "Jill! I haven't seen you in ages!"

"Karen!" She ran the grocery shop in Mineral Town. The last time I had seen her was at my father's funeral.

Sitting next to Karen, a timid girl with onyx locks and glasses smiled shyly. Her name was Mary. When I lived in town, we were neighbors. I waved. "Hi Mary! How have you been?"

She pushed her glasses back with her index finger. "Good" she squeaked out. She had always been a quiet one.

"JILL! What about me?" A fiery pink haired girl stood up. Her maroon eyes burned causing me to retreat a bit. Popuri always hated being neglected… even for a second. She and I had been friends when I was living in town. She was always complaining about her brother though…

"Hey Popuri!" I looked at the three, smiling politely. "What are you all doing here?"

"We're here for the party, silly!" Popuri giggled excitedly in her high pitch voice.

Celia smiled. "Karen, Mary, and Popuri were my friends when I lived in Mineral Town. Now, I only get to see them once a year or so. I'm glad to see that you all know each other."

Vesta laughed, walking to the kitchen. "Well, everyone's here so let's eat!"

The six of us nodded in unison. A delicious smell was coming from the pots and pans on the stove. I couldn't wait to dig in; Vesta sure is a great cook!

Music played in the background as we all sat around the table. Karen, Mary, and Popuri had some great stories about city life. Each of us laughed; I was having a good time.

Marlin stood looking out the window, while Vesta told stories to the rest of us. My back was turned to him. I felt a nudge on my shoulder blade. "Jill, come on." Marlin motioned for me to follow.

The two of us walked outside the cabin. Only the moon's white light lit the valley. I followed Marlin as best I could. His strides seemed to increase in speed with every second. In no time at all we were at the valley beach. He took a seat on the cool sand.

"Why are we here?" I asked sitting next to him.

He raised his head to the sky. "Well, it's the Starry Night festival…"

I picked my head up. Millions of softly burning orbs painted the blackness above. It was an amazing sight. "Wow… it's so beautiful!" I stared awestruck.

A warm arm wrapped around me, pulling me closer. I blushed tremendously. Marlin smiled as he stared out at the ocean. "I'm really glad you came to the valley, Jill."

My eyes locked on his face. "I guess I'm glad I came too." I rested my head against his warm body.

The night sky was the most beautiful I had ever seen it that night. We sat staring up at the heavens for ages. The only sound was the gentle smashing of ocean waves. Marlin held me protectively as I cuddled up to him for much needed warmth; he blushed, a warm smile on his face. We always seemed to be happy when we were together…

My eyes opened slowly, a chilling ocean breeze rubbed my skin. I was leaning against Marlin. His hand was softly playing with the hair hanging from my ponytail.

"You awake?" He spoke kindly. I rubbed my eyes. How long had I been asleep?

He continued. "I noticed you had fallen asleep. I was going to take you home, but then I got sidetracked…"

I yawned. "With what?"

"Oh, uhh… I was just thinking about stuff… But it's getting late. I can walk you home… that is, if you want."

A weary smile was painted on my face. "Ok."

"Well, here we are." The two of us stood before my cabin door. I gazed at my escort. "Marlin, thanks for inviting me to the party. I had a lot of fun."

Blushing, he shoved his hands in his blue jeans, his eyes studying the frozen ground. "Glad to hear."

I smiled; I could feel my face getting hot. Why did I only feel this way when I was with him? ... He had just invited me to a party and we had just spent the night together at the beach stargazing. I tried to find more words to express my thoughts. My mind was hopelessly blank… I turned to action. I leaned over to him. My lips kissed his cheek. His body instantly became rigid; blue eyes growing large.

"Thanks" I breathed.