Archive of Our Own ^beta

Artie walks down the path to Fisherman's Lagoon, like hundreds of times before. Now however, they have a different goal in mind than simply fishing and speaking with their dear friend.

As the dock comes into view, they steel themself. Pausing to take a deep breath before marching forward again, holding tightly yet carefully onto the gift they've gotten for Einar.

'Okay, Artie. You can do this. Give him the lily and see what he thinks. Simple as that.' They think to themself.

At the sound of footsteps on the dock, Einar turns his head. His human friend has come to visit him, as is expected. They spent most of the day doing chores, and stopped by in the evening to fish and converse. It had become routine to him, like tending to his stall and fishing in the lagoon. Like those two things, he found it delightful that Artie always made time to visit him.

"Salutations!"

"Hi, Einar.. Are you busy?"

"If you mean to ask whether I am available to converse, then yes. I am more than capable of speaking while I engage in my Oneness." As if to make a point, he reels in his latest catch and takes it off the hook, dropping the fish into a bucket at his feet. All without looking away from his dear companion.

"That's, that's good. I actually have something I want to give you."

"Oh? Well, that is different," He sets down his rod and turns to them fully. "I await your gift eagerly."

Artie looks up at him, smiling sheepishly. They pull a flower out from behind their back, and start to speak.

"Einar, ever since I came to the valley all those months ago, you have been the best friend I could've ever asked for. Everyone in the village has made me feel welcome here in Kilima in their own way, but you've given me a place where I belong, and it's right here, at your side. And, I.. I hope it isn't too forward, but I'd really like to stay here for as long as you'll have me."

If he could, Einar is certain he'd be smiling right now. It certainly shows in his eyes. "Thank you, Artemis. I would like that very much."

They grin, their face growing warm. They reach for his hand and place the lily in it carefully, as if he or the flower could break. "Here."

Einar takes the lily, inspecting it closely. It's beautiful, with striking red petals and glossy green leaves. He hums, "This flower is not of flow.. But I do appreciate its vibrant colors."

"Do you like it?"

"Yes. It is beautiful, like every other flower you have given me."

That doesn't seem to be the reaction Artie was hoping for. They look crestfallen. "Oh.. So, you don't recognize it?"

"I cannot recall you gifting me a flower exactly like this. Is it rare?"

They rub the back of their neck. "Yeah.. It's a heartdrop lily, they're pretty special."

"I see. It's very nice."

Unfortunately, Einar's gratitude seems to only worsen Artie's mood. They shrink in on themself, now avoiding his gaze.

"Um, well- anyways, I think I'm gonna go. I uh, I've got some stuff to do at the farm-" Artie says, stepping backwards.

Einar tilts his head. "Have I said something wrong? You seem unhappy."

"I-it's nothing, Einar," They say, turning away from him quickly.

"It does not seem like nothing-"

"I'll see you tomorrow!"

"Wait- Artemis!" He reaches out a hand- to stop them, to let his desire for their company be known, he isn't sure. The human ignores his plea, quickly making their exit from the lagoon. They scrub at their face, trying to cover up the tears as they run home.

The front door slams shut as soon as Artie is inside. They lean back against it and slides down onto the floor. The hand previously covering their mouth falls away as they allow themself to cry uninhibited now that they're home. Alone.

They should've known better than to ask Einar out. Nothing about their dear friend suggests he'd be interested in dating. They should've expected this- They did expect this, but still, they can't stop the tears from running down their face.

They knew this might be the case before they asked, but it still hurts. Now all they can do is hope they can pull themself together before they see him again...

-

Einar is left in disbelief. Somehow, what should have been a touching moment has been ruined, and it appears to be his fault.

He blinks and lifts up his hand, still holding the lily that Artie gave him. Scanning it closely, as if the flower could explain what just occurred.

With a sigh, he tucks it in his hat and turns to face the lake. Rod in hand, he casts his line out into the water. There is satisfaction in engaging in his Oneness, but he can't help but miss Artie's presence.

One bite. Two bites. Three. All ignored as the Galdur is lost in thought. He wishes that fishing could distract him from his feelings, as it did for his creator millennia ago. But unfortunately that always hinged on having a conversation partner.

He decides to reach out his mind, scanning for the presence of the only other Galdur in range.

Correction: there were three of them now, but he suspects that the Gardener wouldn't be keen on listening to his woes. Einar doesn't want to confide in him regardless.

'Hekla? Are you preoccupied?'

A moment of silence. Then, Hekla's voice reaches him through the Flow Network. 'I am waiting for my Jina outside the library. Is there something you need?'

'Just your counsel. I seem to have struck a nerve with Artie and I am unsure of how to proceed.'

'..I see. Well, what happened?'

'Nothing unusual. Artemis visited me here at the lagoon and gave me a gift. A flower. When I expressed gratitude for the kind gesture, they became disheartened. When I pointed it out to them, they fled. Again, I do not know what I did to offend them.'

'What kind of flower was it? Did they say?'

They did, although he has to look back through his memories to repeat the name. 'It was a heartdrop lily.'

'Oh.. Did Artie explain anything to you about its meaning?'

'It is a flower. They are commonly exchanged as a sign of affection or goodwill. Artie has gifted me flowers on numerous occasions. I fail to see how this one is much different.'

Hekla thinks about it a moment, having to recall what she's learned from her time spent around Majiri. 'The Heartdrop Lily is a rare flower. For the Majiri, presenting one is a romantic gesture. Your human may not be fully integrated with Majiri culture, but I am certain if they asked, almost anyone would have told them so.'

The word "romantic" goes straight over Einar's head. An impressive feat, given his stature. He asks,
'I am unfamiliar with the term.'

'It's like a friendship, but different. I do not understand it very well, but humans and majiri alike seem to place a high value in romantic relationships.'

'I see.. Do you suppose they were attempting to instigate a "romantic" relationship with me?'

'I do. I think they interpreted your usual pleasantries as turning them down.'

"Oh."

Einar says aloud, to no one in particular.

So that's what Artie desires? A special form of friendship? He would happily accept such a proposal, if only he had understood sooner!

'I.. I have made an error. One that has upset my companion very dearly.'

'Yes, it seems that you have.'

'How can I make amends with them? I don't want to cause them any more undue stress.'

'An apology is always a good place to start.'

'Yes.. but what else? I fear saying sorry isn't enough for the emotional turmoil I put them through.'

'Well.. A gift given deserves one in kind. I think there's something in particular Artie would want to receive from you after today.'

'Whatever it is, I will do anything in my power to procure it.'

Hekla smiles internally. Say what you will about Einar, when something is amiss, he'll do anything to make it right.
'Humans and Majiri alike enjoy a confection called chocolate. You can buy a box of it at Zeki's store.'

'I see.. and this "chocolate" will make up for my social blunder?'

'I think so.'

'Very well. I will endeavor to get one of these "chocolates" and make sure my feelings are known. Thank you, Hekla.'

'Any time.'

Einar reels in his line and stashes his rod in his basket. With the sun beginning its descent over the horizon, he makes his way into the village proper.

-

Hours later, Artie is still at home. They haven't managed to get a single chore done, too distracted by their failed courting attempt.

Their moping is interrupted by a knock on the door. They try to make themself presentable before opening it- only to find Einar standing there.

He seems.. tenser than usual.
"Good evening, Artie. I hope it isn't too late in the night. I would not want to interrupt your required resting period."

"It's fine- I'm fine,"
They say, their voice a little hoarse.
"What are you doing here?"

He fidgets a moment.
"Upon reflecting on our interaction earlier this evening, I realized I had made an error. I stand before you now to apologize for this oversight, as well as offer you a gift in turn."

"Oversight? What do you mean?"

"It appears my knowledge on Majiri customs is incomplete. When you presented that lily to me, I did not comprehend its significance."

"Oh.. Einar, it's fine, really. I shouldn't expect you to know stuff I'm barely learning about myself."

"I disagree, although I will not argue with you."

Einar takes something from the basket on his back, presenting it to Artie. "I offer you my sincerest of apologies, as well as this token meant to represent my affection for you."

Artie's eyes widen as they're presented with a red, heart shaped box. They take it in both hands. "A box of chocolates..?"

"I am glad you recognize its shape! I was told it is meant to represent a heart, although I find that it's quite inaccurate."

They look up at him in disbelief. Though they dare not hope, they still ask, "You do know what this means, right?"

"Yes, I do. It is customary to present 'chocolates' to someone when you wish to engage in 'romantic' conversation with them."

"And.. that's really okay with you?"

"Of course, Artemis. I find that engaging in conversation with you fulfills my Oneness. Whether the context of that conversation is romantic or otherwise does not make a difference to me."

"Oh..." Artie looks up at him with a smile, their eyes shining in the light of the setting sun. They sniffle, and for a moment, Einar fears he has hurt them all over again. Then they rush forwards and wrap their arms around his legs in a hug.

"Thank you!" They laugh,
"I- You have no idea how much this means to me!"

Einar's expression goes soft- as soft as a construct made of metal can be. He places a hand on their back, rubbing gently. "I'm glad. I was worried that I had hurt your feelings."

"That's not your fault.. I should've been more direct when I gave you my gift."

"Even so. I don't like making you upset."

They laugh, "Well, I'm definitely not upset anymore."

Artie unwraps themself from around Einar's legs, looking up at him with a grin. "Say, it's not too late in the night. We could still go fishing together."

Einar hums, beaming down at his dear friend.
"I'd like that very much, Artie."

They grab their fishing rod from its place of honor besides the door. With both their hearts feeling lighter, Einar and Artie make their way back to Fisherman's Lagoon. Eager to engage in their shared Oneness together.