Spy School Middle School AU

1 - The Emperor of the Seas

That kiss Erica gave me was startling. She hasn't kissed me since our mission in Vail. I was utterly confused, but I relaxed when Erica's lips pressed against mine. She slowly pulled away, smirking when she saw my red face.

"I think you deserved that." Erica laughed.

"Umm... Uh..." I couldn't find the right words.

"Just say something!" Erica demanded playfully.

"Do you like me?" I asked.

"Is this going to be similar to what happened with the Secret Service?" Erica rolled her eyes, annoyed. But something else caught in her voice. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, so I ignored the thought.

"I guess. I mean, you know I clearly like you, but the thing is, do you like me? More than a friend? My love for you doesn't mean squat if I can't get you to like me back." I blurted.

"Fine, I like you. More than a friend." Erica admitted, and I visually saw her relax as if all the weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

I smiled, wanting to run around the Emperor of the Seas, screaming, "YESSS!!!! FINALLY!!!!" But at the same time, I didn't want to look like an idiot.

Erica smirked once again, and then spoke up, "Let's take a walk," she said, then thought to add, "together."

"Okay." I replied, my cheeks flushing red, "Let me just go talk to Mike for a few minutes. I'll be right back."

Erica nodded and smiled the biggest smile I have ever seen her shone. I jogged off in the direction Erica and I had come from, smiling broadly as I opened the door to our room. Alexander and Mike were still playing their foosball game, and my appearance made them both jump.

When Mike noticed my smile, he said, "Well, it looks like someone's happy."

"Uh, yeah." I replied.

"This involves Erica, doesn't it?" Mike said, his well-known wolfish grin played across his face.

"How do you know?" I asked, caught off guard.

"I know that smile of yours. You did that when Erica and you came back from the Vail mission." Mike said proudly.

"HOW?" I exclaimed, taken by Mike's memory.

"A magician never reveals his secrets. Anyways, what's up?" Mike asked.

"Erica." I sighed.

"I knew it!!!!" Mike exclaimed so loudly that I thought Zoe could hear him yell from where she was. And this thought reminded me about how much Zoe, my best friend, was missing out. You see, Zoe works for DADD, which finds double agents. I called Zoe a few times before, and she always told me that her job was boring.

I took my mind off this topic as I walked back outside and found Erica right where I left her. She gave me a big smile, and I laced my fingers through hers.

"So, do you think we're a thing now?" I asked.

"No." Erica replied coldly.

"Oh." I said, unable to hide my sadness and disappointment.

"I know so." Erica said, grinning.

"Yes!" I exclaimed, kissing her cheek.

We walked around the ship, checking out the pool, which was non-surprisingly crowded, and the wait for the water slides was around an hour long. Erica placed her head on my shoulder, and I could help but put my head on hers. I smiled, and we walked around the ship in silence.

"Do you think Mike could get together with Zoe?" I asked, imagining all the great things we could do together. My mind wandered in different directions. Maybe we could have a double date, just me, you, Zoe, and Mike!

"Hmmm... Seems like that's a possibility, but I'm not sure. Mike obviously shows affection to Zoe, but Zoe, on the other hand, is, well, attracted to you." Erica replied, her beautiful eyes melting into mine. Everyone called her the Ice Queen, but I think otherwise. Her eyes were light blue, just like the sky. I loved her not just because she was beautiful, but because she worries about me and protects me.

"We have arrived in Nicaragua! Departure will begin in 5 minutes!" The loudspeaker announced, making me jump.

"Looks like we're heading home." Erica reported, slowly walking back to our suite. I scurried after her, and wrapped my arms around her body. She smirked, but hugged back, the smell of lilacs and gunpowder filling the air, making me smile once more.