To Ten Million Fireflies

[Momo]

She turned slightly to look back at him, smiling softly. "Yeah." she said, turning her eyes back out to them. "Emily loved them...and they're so beautiful...The fireflies could never make me sad." she said.

[Fox]

He smiled more, leaning back on his arms. He seemed less frightened now, and less in pain. He watched her carefully, nipping on his bottom lip.

[Momo]

She caught a few in her hands, smiling as she watch them settle on her palm before taking flight again. She couldn't help small giggles as she enjoyed the feel of the small insects crawling on her arms. "Arn't they just delightful?" She said.

[Fox]

He nodded, agreeing with her. "Maria..." He spoke. "Did you love Emily?" He asked, obviously not realizing quite the strength of the word love, and obviously knowing nothing about human sexuality, straight, bi, gay, or lesbian.

[Momo]

She turned to look at him, blinking and staring wide eyed. "Love? Well...I loved her like a friend if that is what you mean." She said. "I don't like girls in that kind of way..." She said, shaking her head with a uncomfortable smile.

[Fox]

He blinked at her. "Oh..." He spoke lightly. He was obviously a little confused. "Uhm... Do you love anybody in... That way?" He emphasized on the last two words.

[Momo]

She seemed to think about that question for a moment and then shook her head. "No." She said. She caught another firefly, smiling as she peeked in at it. "I don't think i've ever loved someone...i've loved someone as a friend...but never more." She said.

[Fox]

"Oh..." He said again, almost saddened this time. "Do you think..." He began, but stopped, staring down at the ground and his feet.

[Momo]

She looked around at him and tilted her head. "Hmmm?" she asked, wondering why he looked so sad.

[Fox]

He looked back up her, apearing to be blushing. "Nevermind." He spoke softly.

[Momo]

She watched him for a moment before nodding, turning back to watch the fireflies. She played around for a while longer before coming back. "I should go." She said. "It's been a while and everyone will probably be wondering where I am...and I want to leave before any couples get here." she said.

[Fox]

He stood up at this point and watched her. "Oh, I understand, Maria." He said camly. He wondered if he should follow her. But he knew that would probably be bad. "Uhm... May I walk you home..?" He asked. He usally didn't leave the firefly tree, but he was willing to take his chances.

[Momo]

She smiled lightly as he asked. "If you like." she told him. "It would be nice if you don't mind." she added, brushing a hand though her hair. She looked around and then back at him, waiting.

[Fox]

He smiled again, nodding. "Yes, I would like it." He told her. He stepped a little closer, carefully reaching out to her hand with his own, wrapping two fingers around one of hers.

[Momo]

She smiled lightly and looked down as his hand touched hers. She moved to twin their fingers together with a shy smile. "Come on then, let's go." She said, staring off.