After spending some time with Mark and Chica on the beach, Lyra began feeling achy and tired she tried not to show it but Mark had already noticed.
"Are you alright?", he asked concern lacing his voice.
"I'll be alright, I'm just a little tired and achy", she said speaking softly as she started standing up, "I should probably start heading home, I'm glad I got to meet and get to know you Mark". Giving him a warm smile she moved to give him a hug which he gladly accepted.
As Lyra began walking home Mark couldn't help but feel worried as he watched Lyra walk back down the beach, the uneven sand Making her wobble and lose her balance slightly. Reacting quickly he jumped up from the bench and went after her.
"Come on Chica let's go"
Mark ran after Lyra with Chica running beside him. "Lyra!, wait up a second".
Lyra turned around and saw Mark and waited for him. "It's everything ok Mark?", concern and confusion radiating in her voice.
"Don't worry everything's fine, I just wanted to ask if it would be alright if I could help you get home". He paused for a moment and spoke again before she could give him an answer. "sorry I'm being too forward aren't I".
Lyra shook her head, "no it's fine, I'd be grateful for some help", she said giving him a reassuring smile.
She watched as his face lit up.
"Great! let's go then".
She giggled at his reaction as they walked towards the steps leading up to the path. But once they began walking up the steps she felt unsteady and had to to stop for a moment.
"You ok?"
"I'm ok, sorry I'm little unsteady at the moment".
"There's no need to apologise it's fine, take all the time you need. Here, you can take my arm", Mark offered his arm to Lyra which she was quick to accept. She couldn't help but smile, in short time they'd known each other Mark had been nothing but helpful and kind towards her which she was very happy and grateful for.
The walk home was full of fun and laughter as Mark told her many funny stories and jokes that had them both in stitches.
Soon Lyra came to a stop outside of her apartment. "Well, this is me, thank you for helping get home".
"Your welcome, I'm glad I could help"
Lyra and Mark began saying goodbye to each other and exchanged another hug before she turned to open her door. But just as she was about to close the door she heard Mark speak up.
"Erm, Lyra?"
"Yeah Mark?", she watched the nervous look creep on to his face and wondered what his question was.
"Could we exchange numbers.. it's just I've had a great time today and getting to know you and I wondered if we could hang out some time"
Mark waited in anticipation for her answer and was relieved at what it was seconds later.
"Of course!, I'd love to hang out with you some time, I've enjoyed my day and getting to know you also you've been a good friend to me Mark, you too Chica"
Chica gave a playful bark which made Mark and Lyra chuckle. They exchanged numbers and bid each other a good rest of the day.
For the rest of the day Lyra still couldn't quite believe she had met and talked to her favourite youtuber, including becoming friends with him.
She could see how he was liked by people as he was kind, gentle, helpful, friendly, polite and caring towards her. Lyra was glad to have a friend like Mark Fischbach and was looking forward to many fun times ahead.
Chapter 2 first published May 14th.