Drafty draft
The air outside was warm and pleasant, even gentle at some extent. Eva breathed deeply, swinging her legs in the air rather childishly. From the very top of Wei Company’s building the glimmering city of her teenage years looked almost pitiful. It couldn’t compare to the beauty of Oban, nor was it as breathtaking as the Holy City of Dol Eva had had the luck to visit. Just a regular human city, like any other on Earth. Skyscrapers, shinning lights, cars and a few lone, scrappy buildings. Eva laughed to herself, taking some more sips of the beer that rested in her right hand. Somehow, such sentimental thoughts always seemed to fill her mind whenever she found time to come here. This rooftop was very similar to the one she had spent time on at Stern. Not as if Eva wanted to remember the place, but the habit of sitting on roofs and just enjoying the view was something she no longer could get rid of. In fact, initially Eva had planned to hang out with some co-workers at the bar, but soon found herself bored of their company. Mostly because the majority of them had chosen to talk about some love troubles, which only made Eva roll her eyes. It felt like the only topic men could discuss under the influence of alcohol. Eva couldn’t blame them, though. They lived simple lives, following the common, habitual path. She, on the other hand, had been flying across the whole galaxy and kicking Crogs out of the invaded planets. Of course, not by herself. Her long-known, close friends had been helping her. Aikka was one of them.
Eva’s lips curled into a wide grin. She used to be literally crazy about him. There were many reasons any woman would. Aikka’s sole manners was something. Not to mention, that affectionate smile of his could really make one’s head spin. Lastly, Aikka was undeniably handsome. Possibly even more handsome than all the males she had seen in the life. Nevertheless, it didn’t change the fact Aikka was engaged to a Nourasian princess from a wealthy family. It had been arranged marriage, sure, but back in the day it had crushed all of her teenage dreams and hopes for something more than a good friendship with him. Eva let herself muse about the delicate topic a bit, before focusing on the drink. There was really no use pondering about what could have been. She was glad they had at least stayed in touch and remained great pals. (Eva could even call Aikka her best friend at this point). Suddenly the door behind her cracked and a familiar figure of the prince appeared in her sight. The famous saying worked just fine. Eva had to think about him, and here he was.
“Do you mind if I join you?” Aikka enquired, having approached the spot where Eva was currently sitting all by herself. He had been seeking her company for a while since they returned. As polite and courteous as ever. Eva moved to the side, slapping her hand against the cold surface as an invitation. There was more than enough space for the two of them. “Nah, I don’t mind, make yourself comfortable,” she flashed him a friendly smile. While Eva honestly wondered how in the world he had managed to figure out her whereabouts, his company didn’t bother her in the slightest. She felt fully comfortable around Aikka (despite formerly being in love with him) and it was a mutual feeling. “It had been quite a tiresome day I must say. Although looking at you one wouldn’t say you just returned from a dangerous mission,” he teased, taking notice of the empty beer cane next to her. In fact, there was a whole package behind her, but Aikka couldn’t see it.
He tended to refrain from drinking any alcohol, so, unlike Eva, his hands were almost completely empty (not counting the little bottle of water he had taken from the space ship). “I’ll take it as a compliment, my dear prince,” Eva winked, giving his shoulder a nudge, “C’mon, wash that serious expression off your face and drink with me.” Having said that, Eva threw him one of the canes in a smooth movement. Aikka caught it. “You know more than anyone that I don’t drink Eva...” Aikka hesitated, observing the colorful design. “But if you wish for it so much, I will be glad to comply with your request.” He opened the cane with a characteristic ‘whoosh’ sound and let himself try it. A grimace of dislike touched the royal features. The taste was quite bitter and not something Aikka was used to drinking. He preferred far sweeter beverages, mostly made from specific fruits that grew on Nourasia during the sunny months. Nevertheless, Aikka made another sip, hoping it would get better. Eva was watching the whole process with fascination. “Oh, that’s my Aikka! Taking challenges and being a real man,” Eva teased him back, curling one arm around his neck in a friendly manner a moment later. To think that she was too shy to even hold his hand at Oban. Funny, how the things have changed since then.
Aikka didn’t move, used to such physical contact from her side. Yes, he was officially a married man, but he felt absolutely nothing towards the Nourasian princess chosen by the Court. He even refrained from touching her in their private time. With Eva, on the other hand, he himself desired to be near her as much as possible, even if their interaction never went beyond the friendship line. (At least he believed so). The brief moment of silence didn’t last long though, broken by a sonorous laughter. Blinking in confusion, Aikka looked at Eva. His hand with a cane stopped a few centimeters away from the mouth (He had actually decided to drink it to the very end not to offend her.) “Pardon me. Have I said something funny?” Aikka was a bit taken aback by the sudden change. “No, I mean- Just before you came I was thinking about how I used to have this huge crush on you,” she laughed, waving her hand in the air. The light blush touched Eva’s cheeks, “Like I was this fifteen-year-old teenager, you know, and then you appeared out of nowhere so dashing and handsome like a prince charming, well, yes, you are a prince, I mean I was bewitched by you and all this. Typical teenager behavior I still feel a bit ashamed of…”
Aikka’s brows knitted, he wasn’t quite getting what exactly she meant by ‘crush’. Nor was he realizing the reason for Eva’s loud laughter. Having noticed the incomprehension of her companion, Eva only laughed more, scratching the back of her neck. “Ahah, sorry, sometimes I forget you don’t know the slang- I mean, how you say that, I was in love with you, like romantic attraction of sorts. Teenagers, they are so sentimental. I had to tell you sooner, but yeah, ha-ha, kind of how it is,” she attempted to explain, feeling slightly embarrassed. A dreadful silence established between them for a few seconds. And then Aikka choked, coughing loudly. Eva froze, observing how the prince’s dark skin turned almost purple. The great amount of beer got spit on the blue spacesuit, dirtying it with large brown stains. Dashing and handsome, huh? Eva almost regretted blurting such a thing out. “Hey, Aikka, are you okay?” Eva asked, crooking the head to the side in slight bewilderment. Aikka didn’t respond, attempting to cover up his embarrassment. The realization hit him so hard that the whole world seemed to stop for a while. She used to find him romantically attractive. Memories of Oban and Alwas flashed in front of his eyes. Everything fell into place - her red face, the worry and those sincere smiles. It wasn’t just simple friendliness as Aikka had thought. Eva, the woman he had and still viewed as a strong, fierce and extremely attractive one had actually harbored such feelings for him. It wasn’t a dream was it?
“Hey, don’t get worked up because of it, it’s not like you liked me this way, so...” Eva gave him another light nudge, trying to ease the mood (Oh dear, had she just made it awkward?). “And what if I did?” Aikka’s voice was quiet, almost inaudible, as he rubbed his face with hands. The large blush hadn’t disappeared at all, however. “You mean...” Eva said, stunned. ”You mean that you liked me too? Like you viewed me as a possible girlfriend?” Aikka gave a short, hesitant nod instead of an answer. “Oh wow, I feel flattered- What a funny coincidence,” Eva laughed again, taking a handkerchief from the pocket and handling it to him. “Here, wipe your face, you have beer everywhere.” Truly, Eva didn’t know what to do with this information. It felt pleasant to know that her feelings hadn’t been one-sided in the end, but still it barely changed a thing. She merely hoped that her little unintended confession wouldn’t put an end to their friendship. (Especially to this special feeling of comfort she had around Aikka). Although…maybe teasing him a bit isn’t that much of a bad idea, after all? It could be fun. “I am sorry, I just- I was sure you have never viewed me this way,” Aikka breathed out huskily, cleaning his suit and face from the sticky liquid. Having finished the procedure, he hesitatingly turned around to give the handkerchief back. “Thank you.”
Suddenly Eva’s phone rang, strident sound making both of them flinch. Not without a grumble, Eva flipped it open to see Don Wei’s face on the flashy screen. She didn’t even have to answer to know that her father required her immediate presence. “Seems like I have to go, there is some urgent stuff needing my help,” Eva sighed, then leaned closer to Aikka and, much to his shock, gave him a soft, yet long peck on the lips. “See you later tonight, my prince,” she smirked, mischief sparkling in the eyes for a brief moment. (His face was priceless. It was worth giving him her first kiss). Aikka’s face turned even redder, as Eva was walking away. His fingers touched the lips in some daze. Did she just kiss me? Aikka groaned, feelings as if his head was about to burst. He was confused with this sudden romantic affection. Was she just joking around? “Eva, please, don’t do such confusing things. Otherwise, I may fall for you all over again…” Yet those quiet murmurs didn’t reach her and merely dissolved in the evening air.
