Sparkle With You!

In the undead gardens behind Atlas’ house was a fluffle of buns. The host, Atlas, wandered from bun to bun with sparklers in hand, nodding courteously at his companions before handing them their individual sparklers. Mochi Moon was a time of gathering, of ringing in the New Year, and to celebrate until they passed out from overindulgence, of course. His imps trailed behind him, some fresh on his heels, others rested in the crook of his neck for safety. His pink loafki, Chantilly, found the large crowds to be a bit overwhelming and continued to nestle itself closer to Atlas’ neck, wary of strangers. Sensing their unease, Atlas gives them a gentle scritch before continuing through the garden.

“Thank you for the invite Atlas!” Rumi laughed brightly, half way through their third—no, fourth?—cocktail. “It was nice of ya to invite us all out here…”

“Mm, thank you.” Arsene agreed from beside the bright yellow bun, carefully taking a sparkler. He would rather not accidentally set one off before everyone else with his hellfire being a potential trigger. “I’ll help clean up later, if you need it.” The teal bun offered, noticing Atlas’ mamoo, Velour, then leaned down to offer a kind hand for them to nuzzle into.

“No, no, noooo! Arsene, you promised to come home with me later tonight…!” A voice cries out from nearby before joining them. Nia appears soon enough, clinging to the hellfire bun with an annoyed pout. “You said you’d take me home and that we’d—”

“Right!” Arsene cuts them off quickly, a flush rising to his cheeks. “Right, no, Nia, you’re right. I didn’t forget.”

“Good! Oh, thanks for the sparkler, Atlas.” Nia giggled and plucked one from Atlas’ little basket. “And if you all don’t mind, I will be taking this big ol’ guy to mingle. Hells knows he needs to get out more!” And before there is any argument to be had, the Neapolitan bun drags Arsene away with both incredible pace and strength.

Atlas watches them go before continuing his path, handing sparkler after sparkler until the contents of his basket dwindle to just two. By the end of his journey, he arrives to a little worn down, octagonal gazebo and within, a dainty doll-like bun. Atlas’ usually stoic expression shifts to something warm, his tail swaying slowly behind him. He joins the bun’s side, noticing their Cygnette, Dolly, curled right into their arms. The bun notices him and smiles in gentle affection, turning to face him fully now.

“What a nice idea to get everyone to come together here for Mochi Moon, Atlas.” Comes Powder’s dulcet voice, their gaze loving at the zombbun before them. “And thank you for inviting me too.”

The monochrome bun motions closer until he’s merely half a step away. He hands the other a sparkler before shaking his head. “…will always invite you…” He offers in response, a tinge embarrassed but genuine all the same.

Pleased by this, Powder giggles and takes the sparkler with one hand, careful not to jostle Dolly too much. The moment they do, others throughout the gardens begin lighting their own, filling the usually still and lifeless garden with sparkles of all sorts of colors. One by one, the air is filled with the hissing of the sparklers, along with laughter and rancorous discussions. Atlas follows suit, taking a small match before lighting both of their sparklers up, waiting for it to catch alight before pulling away.

Atlas’ glowed a dazzling green and Powder’s a vibrant ruby. The lights delighted their imp companions, all jumping around the embers that danced in the night sky. It seemed to Atlas it was a wonderful night to gather with friends and he prayed the new year would bring them all together like this more often.