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Stars were fascinating.
Vast possibilities, phenomena and complex systems all wrapped up into one beautiful display in the clear night sky. It would be impossible for anyone to explore all of outer space, yet people still continue to study it - answering some questions and asking even more. With every little discovery made, humanity is reminded of the incredibleness of space.
Paris always loved stargazing. Their mother did too. When they were little, their mother would take them out into the park to stargaze. However, their father didn’t approve, and used to express his disapproval in harsh ways. They didn’t go out as much after that.
You couldn’t see nearly as many stars in the city, though. Living with Mason was a breath of fresh air, but Paris still wished they could sit on the back porch and stay there every once and a while. They still wished they could stare up at the galaxy far into the night, and only be called in when their mother insisted. They still wished for those moments of bliss, where all of Earth’s problems seemed so miniscule compared to the beautiful abyss of the night sky.
Mason knew this. Their friends knew this.
That’s why every month, on the night of the full moon, Brooke, Ryder, Gabriel, Yosef, Shane, Mason and Paris would travel far away from Taine City and settle in the grassy clearing of Namojin Forest. There was a little hill in the centre of the clearing, just enough of a slope to lie down or sit up as you pleased. This area had the least amount of light pollution of anywhere in the country, and frankly Paris was surprised there weren’t more people enjoying the perfect spot.
The fresh, musty smell of the undergrowth surrounded the clearing while the moon shone down onto the grass, bathing the area in silver light. A dusting of stars winked and glinted against the jet black background, illuminating in various shades of pink, blue, yellow and red.
The group was spread out across the hill - Ryder and Shane lay down together, Mason sitting in front of them. Yosef sat upright to the left of Ryder, while Brooke lay her head on Yosef’s lap. Gabriel and Paris sat side-by-side on the ridge of the hill, behind all the others.
It was a cold night. The wind had a chill to it that made everyone shiver and layer on their coats - which all the others had remembered to bring.
With only a waistcoat and an undershirt, Paris was freezing. They’d forgotten that summer nights weren’t always warm, especially in the open forest.
The group was resting on all the blankets they brought, and setting a campfire would make it harder to view the stars. Paris didn’t dare ask for any help - it’d ruin the moment.
Just then, a face with an emerald gaze leaned in front of their vision. Gabriel flashed a smile toward Paris as short dye-green locks fell around his face.
‘You doing okay?’ he asked. His voice was musical and flute-like - no, clarinet-like. There was a certain clarity to Gabriel’s voice that Paris always appreciated.
‘Yeah, I’m fine,’ they replied - their voice flowed low and smooth, like a stream. There was also a slight British undertone that gave the words a small tick.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
‘You sure?’
‘Yeah, d-don’t worry ab-bout me.’
Paris winced. Another chill had run through them mid-sentence, making their teeth chatter.
Gabriel paused, seemingly having an inner debate. Eventually, a side won, and he tugged off his hoodie. He was only wearing a t-shirt underneath, which would surely be freezing.
‘Here,’ he held out the clothing in front of Paris. The person in question was staring at Gabriel in surprise.
‘N-no, I can’t take this - you’ll be cold.’ they tried to push it away, but he shook his head, forcing the hoodie into their hands.
‘I’ll be fine,’ he smiled reassuringly.
Paris hesitated, but eventually took it and tugged it on. It was already warm, the second layer of cotton pressing snugly against their skin. It was a bit oversized, but if anything that was better.
What caught Paris off guard? The hoodie smelt like Gabriel. Paris didn’t even notice Gabriel had a distinct smell, but it was certainly noticeable in his hoodie. It was familiar and inviting, like a fluffy bed on a cold Saturday morning, or like fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies with hints of cinnamon and honey. They unconsciously hugged closer into the fabric, welcoming the comfort.
Gabriel watched this, smiling. Paris realised he was looking and met his gaze, face heating from embarrassment.
‘Thanks,’ they mumbled.
Gabriel blinked and looked away. He gazed at the sky, the stars reflecting into his eyes and sparkling.
‘No problem.’
The others were watching the sky in awe. They came here every month, and every month it was a wonder. Shane let out an exclamation, pointing towards a shooting star trailing along in the night. Brooke grinned and pointed out another one. Yosef was skimming through a booklet on constellations, and eventually he and Mason were working together to tell stories of heroes, animals, kings and mythical creatures from the ancient times.
‘Wait, so Orion was friends with Artemis?’
‘Yep. Apparently, he was punished by Zeus and made into the constellation.’
‘What for?’
‘No one knows.’
‘That’s boring!’
‘No, it’s mysterious-’
‘-and boring.’
‘Oh, shut up, Gabriel!’
Everyone laughed, and Yosef huffed, closing the booklet and crossing his arms. Shane placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling. He sighed and lightly smiled back.
It was time to go home. Some of them were getting tired, and both Ryder and Paris had passed out.
‘I’ll carry Ryder…’ Brooke mumbled. She attempted to lift him via her arms, but stumbled and would’ve dropped him if Mason hadn’t intervened. Eventually, she opted to carry Ryder on her back.
‘My biceps are like twigs, but I got a good core,’ she assured Yosef as he fussed over her. Shane snorted.
‘Lmao - imagine,’ Gabriel drawled, grinning. He’d been able to carry Paris bridal-style, and strutted around for a bit before actually making his way toward the forest.
Brooke rolled her eyes and punched his shoulder with her free hand, readjusting Ryder on her back. Gabriel laughed.
‘Drop them, I drop you into the void.’ Mason warned Gabriel, his tone half-joking. Gabriel grinned and nodded, while Shane added from ahead,
‘Please do!’
This was met by an offended scoff, and followed by laughter.
Paris remained limp as they were carried. They’d woken up soon after being picked up, but didn’t dare let anyone know. Why? Well, they’d pretended to be asleep for too long to suddenly “wake up” now.
Plus - oh,
no
! They’d have to be carried to the car instead of walking through a forest for a solid fifteen minutes - what a
nightmare
!
Gabriel held them bridal-style, their face buried in his chest. Their body was caked with warmth from inside his hoodie, and Paris came to terms with just how cold Gabriel was after giving it to them.
His skin was chilled - especially his fingers. Apparently his body was deciding to sacrifice the extremities in favour of keeping the core warm.
Oh, shit, they felt guilty now. They shouldn’t have accepted it - it was their fault for not bringing a coat.
‘Hey, Gabriel!’ Shane called from ahead, ducking through some ferns. ‘Want me to carry them for a bit?’
Gabriel shook his head, trudging along the uneven ground.
‘Nah, ‘s not far, anyway,’ he replied.
‘You sure?’ Yosef asked. He’d started carrying Ryder after insisting to Brooke that she shouldn’t be too tired, since she’d be driving them all back. She’d protested, but eventually gave in and was now way ahead of the group.
Gabriel hummed an affirmation just as Brooke exclaimed to the others - from admittedly around 50 metres in front - that she’d reached the car. Shane and Mason sped up, while Gabriel and Yosef were slowed by the added weight.
Gabriel subconsciously tightened his grip on Paris, and their face pressed more into his chest. Paris involuntarily blushed as his muscles flexed. Of course, they knew that the whole gang - including themself - were pretty strong due to their constant fighting practice, but Gods…
He was jacked . The others must be too.
Their blush intensified, but they didn’t move to hide it since that’d let Gabriel know they were awake. They just hoped and prayed he wouldn’t look down at their face.
Everyone was packed into the van while Yosef and Gabriel set down Paris and Ryder in the backseat.
Paris tensed and blinked their eyes open warily as they touched the car seat, putting all of their acting skill into pretending they’d just woken up.
‘Oh, hey - Paris is awake,’ Yosef exclaimed to the others. He shut the car door on Ryder’s side and made his way into his own seat behind Brooke, who was starting up the engine.
Gabriel smiled as Paris glanced at him.
‘Welcome back to the conscious world,’ he stated teasingly, unwrapping his arms from around them.
Paris grumbled and nodded.
‘I wish I wasn’t.’
Everyone chuckled as Paris reluctantly sat upright. They blinked.
‘Wait - did you carry me that whole way?’ they asked Gabriel, feigning surprise.
‘He did, yeah - was way too cocky about it.’ Brooke answered for him, rolling her eyes as she listened to Mason’s tips on driving during the night.
Gabriel stuck his tongue out at Brooke, and the others chuckled.
Paris ruffled Gabriel’s hair, smirking.
‘Thanks, muscle man ,’ they teased, using a condescending tone.
Gabriel scoffed, attempting to swat their hand away as he spoke.
‘Shut it. You’re just light.’
He rose out from the doorway and closed it, making his way to his own seat. He sat down and buckled his seatbelt, while Paris did the same for Ryder.
Brooke started the car, while Shane and Gabriel began a fascinating conversation about fishing. Paris immediately tuned out, leaning to the side and looking out the window.
The engine droned on in the background as flashes of trees and street lights zoomed past the window. Mason had joined in on their conversation, with Brooke butting in occasionally with a one-liner. Laughter filled the car at those times. Ryder snored soundly in the seat next to Paris, the sound oddly comforting.
A soft smile tugged on their lips. Stars still shone overhead, and Paris sighed contentedly as they watched them sparkle.
‘ Until next month, old friends. ’