Accomplishments over accomplishments have been achieved.

The election day happened and it was a head-to-head race. After writing out speeches, taking part in charity projects and debates it finally happened. And everybody contributed to make this happen.

Much to the delight of the former Snaxburg residents it was Filbo who won by the end. What followed next was a group photo that Averie had taken, congratulations to the cyan grumpus, and then everyone heading to a lodge outside the town, where a party was taking place.

Not just old friends would mingle and socialize, but new friends came along. Said new friends were Asp and Lin, accompanied by a few others, that turned out to be Asp's little rock band.

So far the evening was fun and everybody enjoyed the party. However, one grumpus was in deep thoughts. Listen to your heart...it will tell you what you feel. Their eyes were directed towards the snowy outdoors, and with a sigh they left the room to think.


So much has happened in these past few months. Can't believe it all started with one video tape...

Several minutes passed before they heard footsteps, and then someone sitting down next to them. In the corner of their turquoise orbs they recognized one light blue silhouette.

Filbo, sporting a new sash now that he's officially promoted as mayor, was looking straight forward to the snowy landscape. Afar there were several houses from the city, a few were still lit up, and others were dark. Clearly New Grump City was celebrating as well and the sounds of fireworks would soon occur.

The orange grumpus stared to their friend. He's a great friend. He...didn't had to stick with me...yet he did... Thoughts jumbled around. It all happened when I found you...almost at the verge of death, weakened from searching...then I helped you... That one fateful night after falling down from a cliff and somehow surviving the impact on a rock.


I helped you bringing the others back...at first just for the interview with Lizbert. But...I couldn't believe to make new friends...growing attached...and...you helped me. Now...you are part of my life...you...

"Buddy?" Averie suddenly twitched by the astonished tone of Filbo, only realizing now that they stared at him for too long while having drifted into thoughts. "Are you...feeling okay? You've been looking at me for quite a while."

Oh grump! Oh no, oh no! Averie grew nervous as they couldn't manage to find the right words. Their paws started to fidget; their face grew more flushed with pink as they tried to come up with words. Matters didn't got any better when they see the light blue grumpus squinting to them, clearly waiting for an answer.

"Listen to your heart..."

Averie sighed. "S-Sorry...I...I didn't wanted to stare..." they muttered, feeling nervous. "There...is however something I...wanted to tell you...I..." The puzzled look on Filbo soon changed into a gentler and Averie could feel a paw over their shoulder.

"What is it what you would like to tell me?" the cyan grumpus asked in a sympathetic tone. Averie cleared their throat, now knowing there was no way to turn back now. “W-Well…” their voice trembled and their face was flushing yet again, not exactly sure what to say. “I…I think you…you…”

They take a deep breathe, trying to calm themselves down. This time they would just speak out what they feel. That is what listening to one’s heart mean…right?

“I think you are a great grumpus.” they began, looking between Filbo and then the snowy landscape. “You may not think yourself like that…but…you managed to bring everyone together…you think about others and you’re always willing to help, no matter how hard the obstacles are…but also…you’re…you’re sweet…and…whenever I am around you…I…just feel so…” Averie started to hesitate as they tried to find the word to describe how they feel around him. “…so happy.”

Taking the moment the orange grumpus peered over to their friend, noticing that he seemed to be taken aback by the words they just said. “B-Buddy…” was all he managed to say, purple eyes widened of being astonished. “Are you…are you trying to…”

It happened all of the sudden when Averie whirled around and their nose pressed against Filbo’s round nose and shutting their eyes close.

“FILBO, I LOVE YOU!”

Silence befell the two grumpuses. Averie could swear hearing their heart pounding fast and loudly. Seconds later they just realize what they have shouted and by the sight of Filbo’s expression it was loud to be heard by him. Both were staring to each other while blushing and not being able to bring out a word.

Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! What have I done?

The orange grumpus started to panic internally. Did they just spontaneously brought out those words? Were they too sudden to confess their feelings?

Oh no…what if I ruined…our friendship. Oh no…I knew this was a bad idea. I…do not deserve a sweet guy like Filbo. Never did…

Their brain was rattling with the idea to just run away, but their legs didn’t want to obey. Averie shivered as they could only observe the light blue grumpus, wh shows signs of recovering from what he just heard, and approached his friend. The next thing what happened amazed them. Their friend stood in front of them…and gently took their paws with his own.

“I…I can’t believe you…want to be with…someone like me…” the cyan grumpus started after having holding Averie’s paw for a little while. “I…always messed up…and ruined things…but…” His eyes rested on Averie’s turquoise orbs softly when he continued, “You were always there for me. I…couldn’t have brought the others back together without your help. I…could always count on you, buddy. And now…”

One of the paws let go of the orange grumpus and instead put it over his chest, his cheeks showing pink spots where he blushed. “Throughout the past months where I got to stay with you…and the time you are with me…I realized that…you mean so much to me…more than…just a friend. You always check on me…and you…make me…happy. I…like to be around you…a-and…” A small moment of hesitation overcame him, but so far Averie was touched by his words, feeling warm around their heart.

“I…feel the same for you, buddy. If you are really sure about this…would you like to…go out with me?”

Words needed to sink in after Averie listened. A gasp escaped their mouth once this realization kicked in as well.

He feels the same…he feels the same for me!

Not too much time passed and Averie approached the cyan grumpus, holding his paw as they stood closer to him with a delighted smile. “I’d like nothing more than that!” before leaning in for a nuzzle, and to Averie’s joy Filbo reciprocated the gesture, both nuzzling their cheeks together, before sitting onto the porch.

Both grumpuses leaned and enjoyed the presence of each other, agreeing to take things slow. They could hear the fireworks going off and showing different beautiful colours. One thing was sure; both wouldn’t have to walk the path of uncertainty on their own. The new couple would have each other’s backs as both would work as a team. And Averie has now another reason looking forward for the future.