The Love Hug (The Devereaux Story)/Chapter 7

Eska turned around to see what Grouchy had to say.

"You know, I hate hugs", He stated,"...but I also hate seeing my friends hurt even more."

"So," Eska cocked her head, "What do you mean by that?"

The village wondered what he was about to say. Grouchy looked at the sun, which was about to set below the trees.

Grouchy slightly smiled, "An annoying Smurf told me that this Oxytocin gland can help with sadness. You look sad to me."

Eska's face lightened up, "Are you..!"

Grouchy nodded and, surprisingly, gave Eska the bear hug he could muster. Eska was shocked and hesitant, but then returned the hug. All the Smurfs were surprised too, but applauded.

"I'm not about to let you loose that bet against that diva of a Smurf," Grouchy smirked at Mona, who was having a meltdown about losing the bet.

"Thanks, Grouchy," Eska smiled, which made the Smurfs around them sigh.

"Don't you people have jobs?!" Grouchy returned to his old self.

"Glad to see you in the spirit, Grouchy!" Papa patted his back.

"I guess it felt good," Grouchy admitted, "Maybe, from now on, I'll accept one hug from one Smurf. Then that's it!"

"Sounds good to me," Papa agreed, and the others went back to their lives. Eska felt accomplished that she was able to open up Grouchy's soft side. Guess he, like Glacia, was also a Tsundere. Before she could go on, someone touched her shoulder. She turned around and saw Benny himself behind her. Eska tried to speak, but she babbled her words.

"Um...Eska?" Benny's eyes sparkled, "I was actually wondering...well...you haven't gotten a hug from me, yet, right?"

Eska's eyes widened, "Um, I, uh, n-no. I was looking all over for you. I wanted to hug you before Mona did. Did Mona?"

Benny smiled warmly, "She didn't. I actually wanted to hug you first too."

"So, uh, shall we? Uh, maybe?" Eska asked him, "I mean, you don't have to...b-but maybe we can...I mean-"

Before Eska could finish, Benny came up and embraced her. Eska's face grew red. She returned the hug, feeling comfort through the warmth of Benny's. When they both released, they both blushed. Eska's glasses fogged up while she giggled uncontrollably.

"I guess the Hug-A-Smurf spirit isn't going anywhere," Eska smiled at Benny, "It's definitely here to stay."

The End

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