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The summer had been unbearable since the floods. As the water quelled its rushing behavior, the rambunctious churning rivers soaked into the ground. Vegetation was growing sparse from the heat, leaving many creatures seeking solace. Fall was arriving on time, leaving everyone relieved that these sweltering days would soon be a memory. As leaves whispered change, most creatures prepared to welcome the change in temperature with joyous acceptance.

Two special nexies, Bahamas and Antigua, already missed those hot days as a breeze playfully jostled their manes. Ever since the floods, they traveled together, curling into one another for warmth and support. Eventually, they had made it back to Bahamas' home only to find they were alone. As he peered into the darkness of the grotto, he realized that his mother, brother, and adoptive father must have been out enjoying the last days of summer. Caribbean, well, he was with his mate pretty much all the time now, as far as his mother, Kasumi & Nassau, his father, who knows where they traveled off to. Bahamas shrugged, turning to Antigua, "I guess it's just us for now".

Antigua smiled, "That's not a bad thing. It just gives you more time with me, right? She laughed softly, looking around the grotto. "You have a wonderful home. Maybe someday we'll have a place of our own". Antigua was more nostalgic than most mares just gazing at all the childhood keepsakes Bahamas and his brother collected. "I've never really been to anyone's home before. Thank you for sharing," she mused before walking over to the doorway, "Huh. I know the cooler days are here, but it's getting really hot out right now".

Bahamas pricked his ears to her comment, "It's fall, I think. But, you are right... It's getting hot out again." He frowned, wondering what they should do.

Antigua chuckled, "Let's go for a swim. Maybe do some treasure hunting". Swaying her tail, she trotted out in the hot weather, "Come on Bahamas, let's not let this perfect day pass us by. Once fall finally settles in, it will start getting colder".

Bahamas chuckled, "Lead the way, Tigua. I just really wanted my family to meet you". He sighed, then followed after her as she headed into the forest to the left of the grotto. Antigua was a bright star in Bahamas life, ever playful and full of ideas. It reminded him of his brother, just not as reckless as Carribbean, thankfully. As he followed her, Bahamas couldn't help but laugh when they reached a calm, flowing river with stones. Moving down, she found the widest part, which was probably the deepest. Then she just jumped in, a huge splash, toward Bahamas, who remained soaked. His hair lay limp, yet still curled like endless waves.

Antigua giggled under the water, her eyes bright as she saw Bahamas standing there, soaked. The heat couldn't get to these two nixies, even if it tried. Closing her eyes, she blew bubbles from her nostrils. As she reopened them, Bahamas had vanished. Blinking, she swam upwards, peering around for him. Ears lowering in confusion, she sighed.

Suddenly, Antigua felt water spray over her face and muzzle. She then realized Bahamas long eel-like tail had caused a surge of water with a strong "thwap" straight at her. She giggled, jumping backward as the two nixes chased one another in the depths of the river. As they both surfaced, she laughed, "I should have known you were planning something," she mused, climbing upon a rock to soak in the heated sun's rays.

Bahamas grinned in a cheeky response as he jumped onto his own rock, shaking the excess from his long, flowing hair. The sun felt amazing as it quickly dried his mane back to normal. Noticing she wasn't too far away, he dived back in the river, till he resurfaced in front of her rock. "Would you object to some company?" he asked, his eyes deeply looking into hers.

Antigua should have also known her fish in the sea was already caught by her net. She wasn't surprised when he appeared, gazing into her bright eyes."Object. Hmm... she spoke with a soft smile, "That's being a little too formal, don't you think?" She then nodded, "You know I'd never say no. I mean, we've been together since you saved my life. I'd be silly not to say yes".

Bahamas smiled, a grin of happiness, "It's always polite to ask permission after all, isn't it?"

Antigua smiled, "Yes," she then stretched her tail out on the rock, "You may join me if you so wish"

Bahamas chuckled as he climbed upon the rock, settling himself beside her. As he let his tail trail in the water behind him, then, like magic, their tails intertwined. Resting his head over Antigua's, Bahamas sighed happily.

Antigua closed her eyes as the river moved calmly past them, a timid splash once in a while. "I wish every day could be like this," she said in happiness.

Bahamas felt so warm, being in the sun, beside her, listening to those soft words that made him feel calm, "Who says they can't be? I see this as our favorite pastime in any season. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter".

"Winter?" she blinked, turning her head, "It would be a bit cold for bathing in the sun, I'd think". Antigua wondered what he was up to, talking about being out in the coldest days of the year.

Bahamas chuckled, "Yes, Winter. I mean, every day with you is my beacon of light, warmth to keep us content".

Antigua smiled, "Ah...that's what you meant," she spoke, snuggling into him, "I mean, the falling leaves will be here soon. Warmth is definitely something we'll need".

Bahamas rested with her as the sun started to sink into the horizon, "We best be getting back to the grotto. These hot days aren't going to last, he spoke, feeling some coolness in the oncoming evening.

Antigua frowned, "Aww, already? she pouted. "I'm sure everyone else is confused and overly cautious today. Those who prepare for he falling leaves, they really get into a fit when the days stay hot. I don't mind really, it was nice just resting on this river island with you." She then paused, turning to him, "But, what of our treasure hunt? It's getting late".

Bahamas waited till she was in the river, letting her lead to the riverbank, "Thank you, Tigua, for making another memory in our time together". He then paused, looking at her, "If you really want to search for treasure... we can save that for another day". Then he chuckled to himself, "But, I've found the most amazing treasure in this land."

Antigia tilted her head curiously, "You have? But..." she paused, looking into his deep eyes that glistened in the setting sun, "Oh... I know I have as well," she beamed happily.

As they headed back to the grotto, their tails intertwined. Bahamas chuckled, seeing movement in the distance. "It's settled then... If tomorrow is this amazing, we'll do it all over again".

Antigua nodded, "of course," and you didn't lose your opportunity to meet your family. We certainly were blessed today.

Bahamas nodded as he walked proudly beside her, "Definitely blessed," he chuckled as they both made their way back to the grotto.

~Fin

WC: 1, 222