Chapter Text
Swift Heart and Tenderheart were very close friends. Tenderheart, being a natural leader, had a fierce spirit. Swift Heart on the other hand was always looking for a challenge. The two friends were competitive, but thick as thieves. Tenderheart always had something to look forward to in his day-to-day life. Although he didn’t just have his blue rabbit friend…
Tenderheart’s gaze wandered over to a certain dark blue bear and quickly snapped back. DayDream Bear must have been playing tricks on him, because he could not focus today. He was picking colorful hearts from trees that would help the bears (and co.) spread joy to humans.
He was with Funshine Bear, Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear, Swift Heart, and a few others. He was engaged in an intense picking contest with Swift Heart, and he was losing rather badly. He nearly jumped out of his fur when he heard a voice behind him.
“Uh Tenderheart? I think you have to do more than just stare at the ground if you want to beat speedy over there-“ Grumpy Bear pointed to Swift Heart, a light blue blur. They currently had five baskets filled. “Do you need a hand or something?” Tenderheart smiled at his offer, as Grumpy was not exactly the most generous Care Bear.
“Sure Grumpy, I could use it!” They both grabbed hearts as quickly as they could, but this contest was a lost cause. When they had filled the goal of ten baskets, Swift Heart was napping against a tree. Tenderheart and Grumpy Bear sat down to take a break after their hard work. Tenderheart couldn’t help but notice how comfortably sleepy he felt. The cloud floor beneath him was as fluffy as ever, and Grumpy’s soft fur brushed against his shoulder. He was struggling to keep his eyes open. Heart picking was hard work. Slowly his head lowered to Grumpy’s shoulder, and by the time he was snuggled in he was softly snoring.
Grumpy’s POV
Grumpy Bear’s anxiety took a wild spike. Tenderheart’s head was resting against his shoulder! His heart beat doubly fast. Most of the other bears seemed so perpetually… calm. But Grumpy always felt nervous to some degree, especially around the others. Yet this was different. Grumpy Bear wasn’t used to physical affection, but he was surprised to realize it felt good.
Many of the other bears and creatures tended to avoid getting too close to him, due to his pessimistic nature. That fact didn’t bother him much. Regardless, this was a new experience. Grumpy liked it. He relaxed his body and leaned into Tenderheart. Carefully he intertwined their paws, closed his eyes, and joined the brown bear in sleep.
Swiftheart’s POV
Swift Heart slowly opened an eye before bouncing onto their feet. They felt energized after their small nap. Suddenly their ears stood straight up. Grumpy Bear and Tenderheart were cuddling under one of the pink trees! They narrowed their eyes. This felt like a competition. Surely Tenderheart knew they had a crush on Grumpy… They would have to bring it up later. The two boys did look awfully cute though. Swift Heart felt a smile on their face.
Swift Heart had been one of the Care Creatures for more than two years now, and they had quickly taken to Care-A-Lot. Swift Heart decided to live there full time, which not all of the Care Creatures had chosen to do. The little rabbit loved the supportive bears. They accepted Swift Heart without judgment, which humans (and some Care Creatures) often failed to do. They liked helping the Care Bears spread morale and love to humans.
They hadn’t led a bad life, but they had definitely had some hard times. Swift Heart had struggled with their image as long as they could remember. When they were younger, they were much chubbier. They hated their body, and they hated being called a boy. They found solace in running. When the wind blew through their fur, everything felt right. They were free from being someone’s “son”. Free from having their eating habits questioned.
Over time they grew out the fur on the top of their head, and styled it in a more feminine curl. One of the best days of their life was when they received their belly badge, which matched their chosen name. Their badge had a heart with wings on either side. It made them so happy.
So Swift Heart had found a home with the Care Bears. But lately they felt they had more than that. The two bears in front of them, for example. Swift Heart found an unexpected friend in Grumpy Bear. He was a nervous wreck of a sweetie, and his flustered nature made Swift Heart laugh. They had Tenderheart as well, someone who always kept them motivated. Their heart soared with content. They skipped away from the two boys, not wanting to wake them from their moment.
…………………………………………… ……….
“Swift Heart! Are you saying we both like the same bear?” Tenderheart held out his arms wide in surprise. Swift Heart rolled their eyes and then smiled.
“Considering all of the long talks we’ve had, I thought you would have noticed.” Their ears twitched. This was a slightly uncomfortable conversation for both of them. “Tenderheart, I saw you two snuggling under the tree the other day. I just wanted to ask if you guys were together, or what the situation was.” He blushed, looking down.
“Well.. I’m not sure. I haven’t talked to Grumpy about it since. But I’ve seen you with him before Swifty. If you really like him, I will not stop you from being with him. If he’s interested in either of us, that is.” The both of them laughed. Grumpy was having a bad day, and he currently sat under a rain cloud he had formed. Swift Heart’s gaze softened.
“That’s really sweet Tenderheart. But I wouldn’t want to do that to you. You’re my best friend. When you guys were cuddling, you looked so at ease. I wouldn’t want to take that away.” So they were at a standstill. Maybe they could flip a coin? Tenderheart thought, a hand resting on his chin. He didn’t see the spark that suddenly lit Swifty’s eyes.
“What if we make it a contest? We can both get closer to Grumpy, then we can determine who he likes the most! Since neither of us wants to take him from the other, there’ll be no hurt feelings. Besides, Grumpy can be rather straightforward. We should find out his answer in no time.” Tenderheart squinted his eyes, a little unsure of the idea. Seeing as he failed to find a flaw in the plan, he put out his paw.
“Good luck!” They said in unison, shaking paws. Tenderheart then threw his arms around Swifty, giving them a big hug. They giggled at the absurdity of their competition.
Far away outside, Grumpy Bear sat on his cloud. Rain sprinkled down on him, but he didn’t move from his spot. He knew his raincloud was bound to follow him, and he didn’t want it to bother anyone else.