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Miette gazed at the lights below, watching Efteling come alive under the night sky. Twilight had graced the park, and Miette was happy to see the guests laughing and chatting as they went. She basked in the cool air, enjoying the quiet, until…
"I thought I would find you up here." Pardoes spoke from behind, causing Miette to jump a mile.
"Goodness!" She squeaked, turning around.
"Ah, my apologies." The jester laughed. "I did not mean to frighten you. May I sit?"
"Of course."
The two had a rather undefined relationship, all things considered. Sure, they bonded strongly over their love of music and performance. And yes, Miette did admire Pardoes' skills in magic, as he admired her impressive singing voice. But Miette often wondered what would come of the two over time.
How did that jester really feel behind that glowing smile of his?
"Is everything alright?" Pardoes asked, snapping Miette out of her thoughts.
"Oh… Er, yes. Sorry." Miette adjusted herself with a chuckle. "Just… Thinking. How have you been?"
Pardoes' eyebrows raised for a moment, before he smiled once more.
"I've been well. Busy, but well."
Miette nodded along. "Good."
The two sat in silence for a while, watching the park go by.
Miette closed her eyes, listening to the distant roars of rollercoasters and screams of thrill. Sighing gently, she leaned back.
Pardoes observed, dark eyes following every movement. He glanced back over the scenery below before speaking again.
"Do you… Find me unapproachable?"
"Excuse me?" Miette asked, sitting up again.
He looked strangely serious. Almost fragile. A small frown made his features look quite odd, given how rare it was to see him upset.
"It's just… You seem uncomfortable whenever I approach. If there's something I'm doing, I would appreciate if you let me-"
"No! Sorry. You're not doing anything wrong." Miette flustered. "I just…"
Pardoes softened, sadness melting into concern.
"It's complicated." Miette eventually sighed.
"Complicated?"
Miette nodded. Truthfully, she hadn't realised Pardoes had noticed anything odd. But if he found out about everything now…
"How so?" Pardoes spoke carefully. Gently. Like one might a frightened rabbit.
Miette surely felt like one now.
"It isn't anything to do with you. That's all."
Pardoes nodded slowly. "I… See. That is a relief." He laughed. "I do worry about you sometimes."
"Really?"
"Indeed. I… I do care about you. Very much so, in fact."
Miette perked up at this, prompting Pardoes to continue.
"As a matter of fact, I find myself thinking about you more often than not."
"Me- Um- Me too." Miette piped up, quickly covering her mouth afterward. "Sorry. Go on."
Pardoes laughed brightly, the sound bringing a blush to Miette's face.
"I suppose what I am trying to say is that I feel things for you that I can't recall feeling for anyone else. You truly light up my life."
"What does this mean?" She asked, voice gentle.
"Well…" He paused, placing a hand atop Miette's. "I hoped we could figure that out together, if you would let me."
In the distance, Aquanura lit up the darkened sky with its endless colours and sound, almost mimicking the coloratura's heart as it leapt into her throat.
"I… I would love to."
Pardoes lit up, bells jingling as he sat up excitedly.
"Fantastic!" He beamed, before frowning again. "I honestly didn't think I would make it this far."
Now was Miette's turn to take the lead.
"Well…" She smiled, kissing Pardoes on the cheek. "Why don't we spend some time together after my rehearsal tomorrow?"
Pardoes nodded eagerly, watching as Miette climbed back down into the castle. He sighed gently, looking back over the park.
It truly was beautiful up on the rooftop.