Evening stretches

{WC: 597}

{Warning: one swearword} {Created for the Tropetember event: Pining}

The wind could be heard raging outside, making the windows shiver, making some twigs of trees surrounding the base beat on the roof like they wanted to come inside and shelter from the rain. The sun had gone down a while ago. Sanef watched as Navi picked up a book. Her mother had allowed her to stay at base for the night. He made sure to seem as though he was busy stretching as she took her time to settle in the corner of the couch. He gave her some time to get engulfed in her book. He knew that once she was in her own little world, he could observe her without her noticing.

Sanef slowly lifted his head fully and couldn’t help but grin. She had her legs pulled up towards her chest with her book sitting between her hands on her stomach. Occasionally she would smile or frown slightly, sometimes bringing one of her hands to her mouth.

Sanef let out a quiet sigh. He hadn’t fully realised it at first, but when she had fallen asleep on his shoulder the other day, he knew. He liked her. His stomach would turn upside down every time she giggled. You asked me many times, Navi, why I had chosen you of all people. I kept telling you it was because I had observed you and knew you would believe me if I said that gifts, powers, are real. While that is partially true, I have come to realise I like you Navi. Something pulled me towards you the first time I saw you. I didn’t know what it was at first, but now… He stifled a groan as he moved into a straddle stretch. How would he tell her? He was convinced she saw him as a friend. Their conversations were just so normal. Well not exactly normal, but she never hinted at wanting more. He moved into a few more positions before slowly getting up. Navi lifted her head in response to the noise he made. She closed her book and looked at him with her head slightly tilted to one side. Ah, right. I am just standing there staring at her, aren’t I… He almost wanted to facepalm.

“Done stretching?” she asked.

“Yea.” Sanef scratched his head. “I need to do this way more often though. I feel like an old man!”

She smiled. Stop smiling like that. Argh, f*ck it! Sanef called himself stupid in ten different ways as his mouth started moving. “Navi? I uhh have to something to share with you.”

She straightened up and did her little body wiggle – something she did every time she got excited. “Alright!”

Sanef found himself grinning again. “I like you, Navi.” She frowned. “Oh, thank you! I guess that is some way to put it into words, yes, well I like you too.” She got up from the couch and started towards the sink. “Imma make myself ready for bed.”

Did she just.. It was his turn to frown. “Navi? I am not sure if you are understanding correctly. I like like you.”

She paused and turned. Silence fell between them.

“-as in romantically,” he added finally.

Her mouth formed an ‘oh’. She stood there for it bit, picking her skin, before turning back. “I shall think on it. You coming as well or are you staying up late?”

“I suppose I will go make myself ready,” he mumbled. What was that supposed to mean!?