If asked about something like love, he would immediately reply with a gesture of complete dislike and then say that it was the most ridiculous and disgusting thing that could possibly exist. Just thinking about couples holding hands, giving each other romantic glances and telling each other how much kitsch they could think of; receive or give flowers or chocolates in a heart-shaped box and, above all, be so sentimental and affectionate to each other. All of this was even capable of making Tommy nauseous.

He wasn't cut out for such a thing as love; at least that was what he kept repeating to himself. They were goblins after all. Magical beings with a thirst for mischief everywhere, lovers of tricks and whose objective is not to compete but to spoil the fun of other toys. They were creatures that preferred to remain isolated from the rest of the inhabitants deep in the Wood and enjoy a miserable and peaceful life. And the fact that there was zero fun was key.

There was no way to accept a pathetic concept like love was. That included happiness and fun after all. How could the goblins afford something so humiliating and unacceptable that it went against what they wanted others to believe?

Love was the worst anywhere in San Bernardino. And nothing would make him change his mind.

The shorter goblin was definitely looking to avoid it at all costs. Luckily for him, they had already built their own tree house located many miles from Noddy and company but not far enough away that they couldn't observe from there what was happening every day. Valentine's Day was the only date of the year that Tommy refused to leave the tree, even if he came up with an idea for a trick. He simply couldn't bear that date and preferred to remain oblivious to everything related to it. It seemed easy but it wasn't; he wished so. There was something that was complicating it.

Well, not something.

Someone.

Annika.

He was a complete challenge to Tommy. Despite being a goblin as well, he seemed to be solely because of his appearance since his personality was the complete opposite of what it should be. He didn't understand how the activities and games of the toys managed to influence Annika and make him enjoy everything that he would have to hate. Not to mention his somewhat childish attitude and clumsiness when carrying out their plans. The two were so polar opposites that anyone who knew that fact would wonder why they were always together. Sometimes even Tommy himself didn't know. But it was a good question.

Why were they always together?

How could a serious and bitter guy like him coexist with someone nice, naive and who was able to find the positive in everything, including a punishment imposed by the annoying Mr. Plod?

This was something that used to go through the mind of the shorter goblin particularly at night, when he was already lying down staring at the poorly placed and maintained ceiling. For a long time the only thing that occurred to him was that they were united by their passion for tricks; because he couldn't think of another reason. Perhaps he could add the fact that he sometimes needed someone else as a distractor when executing his plans.

However, as time went by, Tommy felt that there was something else. Another reason. At first he had no idea which one and didn't care about, but little by little it became more difficult to ignore that feeling and intrigue began to invade him. This would increase considerably a few months ago, when he and Annika were under a tree in the Wood doing nothing like they used to sometimes. While Tommy was going through the goblin gizmos catalog looking for the next instrument that might serve to spoil the fun of the toys, the taller goblin sitting next to him had fallen asleep.

"Aha!" thought the shorter goblin. "This one here looks interesting". Then he turned the page. "And that one is not bad at all, although the one below would also be good for us. I just hope it comes as shown in the catalog because if they do to us the same thing as with the double bicycle from the other time, I swear-". His internal voice was interrupted as he suddenly felt something fall on his shoulder. When he turned his head he saw in amazement that that something had been Annika who fell on him while the latter was still asleep. It wasn't really new, as his partner used to bump into him and occasionally ended up on top of each other as a result. Tommy's reaction, especially when he was the one who ended up under the opponent's body, was the same: get upset, give Annika a strong push to get him away and scold him for being distracted. If there was one thing the shorter goblin hated, it was being very close to the other and having some kind of contact with that alien body, only agreeing to high five. So anyone would think that this was no exception.

But it was. Strangely it was.

For the first time and without understanding how or why, Tommy didn't get the same reaction. While it's true that at first he didn't like it and made him nervous, something inside made him stare at Annika instead of pushing him away. The taller goblin seemed so relaxed, and even dared to say comfortable, in his new position. His face reflected calm, not to mention a small but remarkable smile typical of him. Tommy knew that this was how Annika used to sleep, but he never laid eyes on his face for so long when he slept. As a result, his cheeks began to redden more and more conspicuouAnnika. How was it possible? Why was this happening to him? How is it that he still kept allowing their bodies to have contact with each other?

Why was Annika looking cute in that state?

Wait... WHAT?! Cute?!

Goblins hate cuteness. They hate it!... Right?

With his mind full of questions, the shorter goblin simply moved carefully, something very uncharacteristic of him by the way, the other's head, letting it face the rest of the body and with his chin resting on the chest. That done, he got up and walked rather quickly toward the tree house. But apparently he wasn't very careful because in a few seconds he heard that voice.

- Tommy? Where are you going? Is something wrong? - The aforementioned stopped his walk but didn't turn to see him because he still felt a certain burning in his cheeks. He wasn't going to let Annika see him like that. He never did and hoped he never would.

- No, Annika. Nothing's wrong - he answered and then raised the catalog. - I just saw some good instruments and I'm going to order them, that's all - he added, wanting to end the conversation there. The taller goblin rubbed his eyes and finally got up as well.

- Oh... okay. But what are they? Can I see them? Please, please? - he asked in a more cheerful tone and quickly approaching his partner. Sensing his footsteps, Tommy tried to hide as best he could and not think about what had just happened.

- When we get to the tree house I'll tell you - he said and started walking again. Annika followed him immediately and unsuspectingly.

It was from that event that Tommy began to become more intrigued about that 'mysterious' new reason that made him want to be with his partner; added to other moments where similar things would happen to him. He found the company of the taller goblin less annoying or insignificant and more pleasant. His temper softened a bit compared to before and even though Annika was still somewhat clumsy and distracted. Sometimes instead of sighing annoyed or rolling his eyes indifferently, he couldn't help but smile at some silly comments his partner made, not because of the comment itself but rather because he liked to see and hear him; of course he prevented Annika from seeing that smile.

Could it be that he was under a spell or something? What was happening to him? He was not like that. How is it that something as simple as seeing the taller goblin resting calmly on his shoulder generated all that questioning? It was ridiculous.

But nothing compared to the dream that Tommy had one night, where he had nobody else and nobody less than Annika in front of him. Then he did the unthinkable. He ran one of his hands down his back and waist when before he didn't dare; with the other he caressed that brown hair of which before he only saw boring curls; from there he went to the face he used to make fun of; he focused his gaze on those green eyes that hadn't hypnotized him before because he didn't see them carefully enough; he let Annika put his arms around his neck when previouAnnika any contact he made made his blood boil; and finally he kissed those lips that he once reassured himself would be the last place he wanted his own lips to end.

That dream was the last straw.

- No. It's not possible - thought Tommy when he suddenly woke up. - I-It can't be... -

Was he falling in love with Annika? Was he having a crush on him? Was he showing affection for him? That was bad. Very bad. He wanted to get those thoughts out but he couldn't. Not anymore. He should be grossed out by the whole thing but it was almost impossible. And if Annika found out about it, he ran the risk of him leaving. He wouldn't have cared before.

But now he didn't want to.

Being the taller goblin his only friend, he couldn't imagine the idea of being alone. While it's true that Tommy was surprised that Annika was still by his side and enjoyed his company despite how badly he treated him at times, nothing prevented that at some point the shorter goblin would go too far and what he said or did would break their friendship forever. Whether he wanted to deny it or not, that friendship was very important to him now and he wouldn't stop regretting if he lost it because of him.

Yet his apparent crush on Annika was clear. If he wanted to avoid losing their bond of friendship, he had to forget about that other feeling for the good of both of them. There was no way that goblins would fall in love.

Love was the worst anywhere in San Bernardino. And nothing would make him change his mind.

Because that love, that attraction could take him away from the one who was so important to him in his life.

One night, San Bernardino was going through the worst of the storms added to a strong wind that made each and every one of the branches of the trees creak. Although being honest, inside the goblins' tree house it wasn't much better. The planks of the wood creaked incessantly and due to its mediocre location there were no shortage of leaks and holes that allowed the entry of several chiflets.

Anyone would believe that with a storm like that that hovel would collapse in a matter of minutes. However, it had a protective spell capable of holding its steady. Some time ago, Big Ears gave it to him and Annika as a reward for having collaborated with Noddy and his friends to solve a problem related to the little wooden boy's home, although Tommy only decided to help after knowing that he could get something in return. Money or food would have been good but he couldn't complain, since he was getting tired of reinforcing all those planks only to have them fall over again because of the wind.

Unfortunately the spell served to keep the structures in place and nothing else. It didn't prevent them from seeing the surprising lightning bolts through their windows and it didn't prevent them from hearing the rumbling thunder that made it seem as if the sky was falling apart. That weather should be ideal for the goblins, as it matched their taste for living miserably. As expected Tommy had no problem with it. Sometimes it was difficult for him to fall asleep mainly because of the thunder as it bothered him to be interrupted by sudden noises, but after a while he managed to fall asleep.

However Annika didn't have the same luck.

A particularly loud thunder sounded and he couldn't help screaming in fear. At that the shorter goblin suddenly woke up.

- Annika - he said sleepily. - What's wrong? - He didn't understand the reason of that cry. Tommy had to admit he was a heavy sleeper.

When he turned to see his partner a flash of lightning coincidentally illuminated the interior of the tree house, allowing him to contemplate him even for about three seconds. However, it was enough with that very brief period of time to realize that Annika was sitting on his bed with the blanket covering him up to his nose and with a very scared expression. Immediately Tommy took a flashlight and pointed it towards the taller goblin. Thanks to that he could also see that he was shivering.

- Did you have a nightmare? -

- N-No - replied the other. - I-I-It was a th-thunder. You know that storms scare me -. And as if it were a confirmation, another lightning bolt accompanied by another thunder caused him to hide completely under the blanket while trembled even more. Indeed, Tommy knew of Annika's fear of that weather. But unlike the previous times where he only limited himself to telling him to cover his ears as best he could and let him sleep peacefully, for the first time he had gotten up from his own bed to get closer to his partner, which is why he finally managed to see and understand how truly terrified he felt.

He had even laughed and calling him scaredy cat for a silly storm. In a weather like that they would have to enjoy it instead of being scared. But tonight's was pretty strong; more than the shorter goblin had ever experienced. Even a new but powerful thunder came to unsettle him a little. Now that he thought about it, if he could get rid of the thunder and lightning, leaving only a huge cloud, he would consider it the perfect weather.

Slowly, Tommy uncovered Annika who looked at him with fearful eyes. - It's okay, Annika - he said. - Nothing is going to happen to us. The spell of Big Ears protects us, remember? -

- Yes - he answered in a low voice. - But I wish we had a spell not to hear it too. Are you sure we don't have any? -

- No. Our spells are only for tricks -.

- And what about that vacuum-type machine that sucks up any sound? -

- We got rid of it, Annika - Tommy replied. - A while ago -. The taller goblin sighed somewhat sadly. To top it off, another loud thunder startled him. However, instead of covering himself with his blanket, he unconsciouAnnika hugged Tommy, who blushed quite a bit. When he realized what he was doing, he released him and pulled away as best he could. Annika knew perfectly well that his partner hated it. For his part, the shorter goblin turned around still noticeably flushed. If only he could; if only he dared to tell the other how he felt he would have let Annika hold him a little more. But he stood firm in his decision.

- I'm… I'm sorry, Tommy. I promise is the last time I do that - Annika said, also a bit embarrassed by the situation. Once the former felt his cheeks grow cold, he faced him again.

- Yes yes, nevermind. Just try to relax and think about other things -. Annika nodded and settled into his bed. Then Tommy went to his. As he lay down his thoughts were spinning. That hug, although unplanned, had felt good. That contact between them was pleasant for him.

If he had to choose just one word to describe himself at that moment, it would be hypocritical. So many years making fun of anyone for the simple fact of falling in love and being sentimental; and now he hated to think of others making fun of him if they ever found out. It didn't feel so good to admit that he wasn't the only one who could criticize others.

The worst part however was that he forced Annika to share his contempt for love, regardless of the latter's opinion. Tommy wanted his partner to think and act just like him, as if he was depriving him of having his own personality. It would be understood by the great contrast between their personalities, but the shorter goblin really had no right to do such a thing. Fortunately, Annika's naivety prevented him from becoming a second Tommy. It sounded ironic but it was true. And to be honest, he couldn't imagine the other goblin as serious and grumpy; especially now that he had started to appreciate the way Annika was.

Tommy would never allow anyone to tell him how to behave and what to agree on and what not. Yet he did the same with the taller goblin.

He was definitely a tremendous hypocrite. And being in evidence as such if he revealed the truth, risking also losing his friend, was something that would be extremely difficult to forget.

- Umm, Tommy? - Annika asked, getting the other out of his thoughts.

- What? - he said turning his head towards him.

- It's just... I realized that you told me to relax and think about other things -. The shorter goblin looked somewhat confused.

- Well, yes. Why? -

- I was already used to you telling me to cover my ears and let you sleep in peace. I'm surprised you didn't say any of that this time - Annika said with a slight smile. Tommy was silent. Had that situation really happened so many times that it became a habit for his partner? It could be said then that he also got used to being treated indifferently by him. How come he never even complained about that?

When Tommy had a problem or concern, Annika was there for him. He always tried to cheer him up with everything he could think of, trying to make him feel better. Sometimes he failed and simply let the shorter goblin figure it out on his own, mostly taking a short walk through the Wood to relax. But despite that, there was never a single time when Annika didn't try to help him. He would ask to tell him about his concerns and even gave words of encouragement or some other advice. They weren't always the best but as they say, the intention is what counts.

On the other hand, Tommy never did the same for him, being completely selfish and ungrateful. For the first time in his life, he would like to hear his partner call him that. He would agree instead of being mad. However, he felt that it would never happen, since Annika didn't recriminate him on a single occasion; even looking like he suffered from memory loss.

How was he able to put up with that cold treatment he had been receiving for a long time and continue to be cheerful and understanding with him like it was nothing?

- Why did I allow myself to treat him like that? - he thought sadly. - I don't deserve him. Neither he, nor anyone -. For the second time during that stormy night, Annika brought him back to reality.

- Tommy? Tommy, did you hear me? Or have you already fallen asleep? -

- What? Oh! No no, I'm still awake. Just thinking -. Seconds after saying that and before the taller goblin could ask him about it, another rather unexpected thunder made an appearance and the latter would scream again. Tommy got up, sitting on his bed, and switched on the flashlight.

- I want it to stop at once. I hate you, storm! I HATE YOU! - Annika yelled looking out the window. In response, another thunder; which caused him to hide his head under the pillow. - I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! I just want you to go away PLEASE! - His voice started to sound broken. - P-Please… -

The other goblin, for his part, didn't even know what to say. This wasn't funny; nor was it annoying. Hearing Annika almost sobbing upset him. Not because he considered him a crybaby, but because he thought that this was most likely not the first time that his friend had reached that point while he had not bothered even to check on his condition, knowing that the taller goblin wasn't okay.

Then he remembered what he had done moments before and realized. He tried to calm him down. He didn't raise his voice or scold him. He assured him that everything would be fine. He was close to him and didn't get angry at the unexpected hug he received. In short, he showed concern for his partner.

For the first time he was truly concerned about someone else instead of himself.

It was a change that felt pretty good. After everything he did for him, Tommy understood that it was time to return the favor. And without realizing it he had already started little by little. However, he couldn't leave it there for that night.

He got up from his bed again and went to Annika. Then carefully uncovered the terrified goblin and knelt closer.

- Annika... umm... I... w-well... Do you want... W-Would you want to... umm…? - Damn it! It was more difficult than he thought. And to make things worse the blush came again; although he already anticipated it since he was uncovering him. Plus he wasn't going to let it be an excuse to avoid the situation again.

- Yes yes, I know, Tommy - he replied, wiping away the small tears that were coming from his eyes. - You want me to let you sleep, don't you? Don't worry, I'll get over it. I'll use the pillow as you suggested -. That innocent tone in his voice made the shorter goblin feel more guilty. He no longer wanted the other to feel that it was his obligation to think only of him and not himself as well. Just as Annika was about to cover his ears, Tommy stopped him by grabbing his arm.

- No, Annika. Is not that -. The aforementioned looked at him curiouAnnika. He took a deep breath and made eye contact with him. - If you want... if you want, you can sleep... with me -. Annika was surprised to hear that and stared at him. Tommy's face was redder than ever, but he didn't look away or lower or turn his head. The taller goblin took a few seconds to answer, generating an awkward silence. Besides, he had no idea how fast his friend's heart was beating because of it. Finally he gave him a look full of hope along with a smile.

- Can I? Can I really? -

- Just for tonight! - Tommy clarified quickly. His smile narrowed a bit. Still he accepted gladly.

Once they were both in the shorter goblin's bed, the latter positioned himself on the far right and turned his back on his 'new occupant'. Meanwhile, Annika also lay down turning his back on him but took up much of the mattress. Slowly he approached Tommy without touching their bodies. He didn't want to do anything stupid that would make his partner regret it. Plus the thunder stopped so often, which made him happy. That would mean the storm would soon be over.

Actually no.

A new loud thunder rumbled across the sky causing Annika to stiffen and grip the blanket tightly, uncovering Tommy in the process. He clicked his tongue and turned around so he could see the taller goblin. It was there that he noticed the problem. Offering to sleep with him wasn't enough to help Annika. There was practically no difference with his friend sleeping in his own bed. His thoughts went back to nagging his mind. He knew very well what he could try, but wasn't willing to show too much affection. Nor should he underestimate his friend, as Annika was naive but not stupid. The chances that he would ask him about his sudden actions the next day were extremely high. He couldn't even come up with good lies to get away.

Okay. He was going to try.

- Annika? - he whispered.

- Yes? -

- Listen. You can hug me a little if you are scared. But don't squeeze me. Okay? - This time it was Annika who turned around, the two of them being face to face.

- Really, Tommy? You really mean it? -

- Mhm -. Immediately, the taller goblin passed his arms over the other, also resting his head on his chest. Tommy for his part rested his left arm across Annika's body while brought his right behind his own head. The first two times thunder sounded, the taller goblin clung to his friend a bit but after a while he finally managed to fall asleep. Tommy was busy imagining how he would have kicked Annika out if he found him in his bed before. He couldn't help but laugh a little in his mind before falling asleep as well.

A few hours later, the rays of sunlight slowly entered the tree house. Tommy woke up first. Not feeling any kind of weight on him, he turned his head to see that Annika was turning his back on him. He detached himself from the pillow to confirm he was alright. And indeed, his face reflected calm. The same one from that time under the tree that practically started everything.

What would happen when Annika wakes up, he wondered. After all the pests he had talked about being sentimental and had tried to get into the taller goblin's head, the latter had the perfect opportunity to throw him in the face that he was a hypocrite. Well, he wouldn't use that term because it was one of those 'difficult' words that he didn't know what they meant. Yet laughing at him was likely.

And what about his crush on him? Would he dare to confess it? Would Annika really believe him or would just think he was joking? Not even he could believe what was happening to him.

Hold it. Would Annika really be able to leave him? If he didn't abandon him earlier for being trated like trash, why would he do so because he was in love with him? Annika agreed to sleep next to him and hug him without problems; without any obligation. It was even silly to think that someone like him would never want to see Tommy again.

Also wanting to hide his feelings wasn't very comfortable for him. Annika was within four inches and his heart was begging him to do it. It didn't help that the more he refused, the more insistent his heart was. As much as he hated being wrong, Tommy was no longer sure that love wasn't for goblins. And why couldn't it be? After all, there was no spell or enchantment that could undo feelings. His mischievous personality wasn't going to change either. He would remain the same in the eyes of the inhabitants of Toy Town. What was wrong then?

That Annika didn't reciprocate those feelings.

- Well - he thought. - If you can't, that's fine. At least I know that I won't lose our friendship. I just know it -. Not way was he going to let Annika love him by force. Nothing would be out of obligation anymore. With a smile plastered on his face, he hugged the taller goblin from behind, hiding his head at Annika's neck, falling asleep within minutes. He wanted to be well rested to finally confess to him.

However, he wouldn't get to see that Annika also showed a big smile at that gesture.

For a long time he assumed that Tommy, despite his personality, cared deep, deep down for him. He just had a different way of showing it. But he did, because if he didn't really care, they wouldn't even be together. From the first day he would have left him after seeing his clumsiness. The only thing that saddened Annika was not being able to confess his love to the shorter goblin. He believed that goblins were also capable of feeling and being in love, but if Tommy considered it an outrage there was no point in telling what he felt for him. It was more than likely that he didn't reciprocate his feelings.

However, what happened the night before came as a surprise to Annika. And then he felt Tommy hugging him. A hug that felt so real and also loving. Something the taller goblin never thought would happen but it happened. Could it be that perhaps his partner liked him too? He couldn't assure anything, except that the other goblin was showing his affection for him in a more open way and couldn't feel happier. They would talk about it during the day to answer his questions. Still Annika kept hopeful and his smile, like Tommy's, remained intact even being sound asleep.