A Night by the Sea...

The waves whispered against the shore, the only sound accompanying the distant glimmer of the stars above. Astro stood motionless at the water’s edge, his dark purple eyes reflecting the moonlight (idk if thats possible) as he admired the endless horizon. The sky stretched far beyond, vast and unknown, yet tonight, it felt oddly close - almost as if it could embrace him.

A soft rustle behind him made him turn his head slightly. A familiar presence, one he had longed for.

"Sprout, hello," Astro greeted, his voice calm and gentle, barely above a whisper. "Wanna join me here?"

For a moment, Sprout hesitated. The offer lingered in the cool night air, delicate yet comforting. "They want me to join them?" The thought sent a warmth through his chest, forming a soft, involuntary smile on his lips. He took slow steps toward Astro at first, then without warning, he broke into a run - throwing himself into a tight embrace.

He clung to them as if afraid they would disappear. And just like that... he felt them slipping away. Not physically, but in a way that made his heart ache with an unbearable longing.

Tears welled in his eyes as he whispered through quiet sobs, "I miss you... 'name of a someone I lost'..."

His legs gave out beneath him, his knees hitting the damp sand. Tears slipped silently into the sea, vanishing into its endless depths. Looking up, he found solace in the moon, its glow watching over him like a familiar presence. He let out a shaky breath, his sorrow easing into a bittersweet smile.

"They’re up there, aren’t they?" he murmured. "Happy now... free."

A wave crashed gently against the shore, as if in response. Sprout shut his eyes for a moment, feeling the night air wrap around him like an old friend. He placed a hand over his heart and whispered,

"We'll meet again, 'name of a someone I lost'..."

And under the endless stars, he let himself believe it.

(Idea by a3k1o. / Astrid on Discord!)