[The Beginning]

Enchanted Garden. He passed the sign that marked the entrance of the housing development. It was an odd name, but he never paid attention to it. It was just another fancy name for another pricy development complex. Once he left the gated area the grass suddenly grew longer and untame. The houses declined in neatness until he got to the end of the street. Bellis waited for the light to change before he crossed the street to the game store. As he pushed the door open, he was welcomed by the sound of a jingling bell. He stopped and stared at the display that had been set up for the release of the new game. Luckily the game was in stock, but this was unsurprising because it was released a week ago. Bellis tried very hard not to look at spoilers. He had failed only because Helian accidentally told him about the unlockable character.

As he stared at the display a voice called from behind him. "Hey? Is that you, Bellis?" They asked. Bellis smiled to himself and picked up a copy of the game. He walked up to the register and leaned over the counter.

"Hey, Helian." Bellis said in a smooth tone. "I didn't know you were working now?"

"I told you like an hour ago that I had to work. Then on the way to your place, I was going to pick Lily up." Helian said bluntly.

Bellis blushed with embarrassment. "That information seems to have slipped my mind." He stuttered and moved his weight off the counter.

"Is this for later?" Helian asked as he scanned the barcode. It made a beeping noise and he placed the game in a small plastic bag. Bellis paid, and Helian handed back his change.

"Yea. Daisy and I were going to test it out before everybody came." He leaned over the counter with half lidded eyes and got in Helian's face. The other leaned away and gave Bellis a playful smile.

"Bellis. You know we can't do any of that when I'm working." Helian passed the bag over the counter with a wink. The two had been together for almost a years, however Bellis never told his parents. He knew what they would say. For now, they thought that they were good friends. "Later."

"When are you getting out?" Another customer shuffled through the door causing the bell to ring.

"I'm getting out at six. So I should be at your place at like six thirty. But knowing Lily, it might be closer to seven." Helian told him. He gave a wave and a curt nod. "Enjoy the game."

"I will! And we can enjoy it together later." Bellis winked and returned the wave as he left. The bell clang behind him. Helian covered his red face as soon as the door closed.

The store was only a few blocks away from where the Perrennis' lived, so after the light changed, Bellis darted home as fast as he could. He made it down to the corner of the first block before he got tired and stopped. "I need to exercise more." He panted to himself before he walked slowly the rest of the way.