[ this isn't even a big deal to athena now that they've kissed, because as far as she's concerned, that's about as close enough as they can get. so whatever shyness she ever felt towards him is mostly gone now. and now that she's let it all out, she feels that she can be utterly comfortable and honest with him.

well. maybe the honesty part needs some work, but she's definitely very at home with him now. ]

It's like waking up on Christmas day because you hear the sound of snow pitter-pattering on your window. And then you can smell the sound of hot chocolate and bread from downstairs, so you immediately put your sweater on and rush down the stairs. Breakfast is ready, and you're going to spend the way with the people you care about. And everything's just right with the world.

But then it's time to open your presents, so you rush to where the tree is and you grab all the gifts that are yours and you start unwrapping them. Paper being torn and crumpled as you throw it away excitedly, and when you open your present, you'll find that it's what you've been wanting all your life.

[ she beams him a grin before she rests half of her face on his chest. his eyes look at him gently, and she finishes. ]

It's like glitter, magic, and sparkles all at the same time.

[ that's an oddly specific story, but he might be able to tell that she's been dreaming of saying something like this for a long time. except nobody ever asks if she can hear her own heart. it kind of blows. ]