Shooting Star and Swallow's Song

To be Alone with You

There were a few people out and about on their way, but Alex didn't really notice them. She only had one person on her mind. Steph was being a little quiet, leading her to look for a nail to pick at, but instead Alex focused on something she had to know. She had some idea of the answer, but wanted to hear Steph say it. She asked, "So...why did you choose the skirt anyways?"

Steph turned back with an unreadable look that came and left before she answered, "I was curious how you'd look in it. From what I'd seen, I just didn't expect it, uh, you owning it, you know?" then she faced forward again.

She's so baiting me, but I'm going for it anyways.

"And?"

"And? Oh..."

There was a pause and a slight head tilt that showed Steph was thinking about it, before she spoke. She only turned her head slightly, so Alex mostly only saw the back of her head when she said, "As nice as I thought you'd look," speaking with a soft sincerity.

God, I want to see her face...

"Th-thanks."

"Someone once told me that compliments are better given than kept."

Alex saw Steph look down, as if she wanted to look back at her, but didn't or...couldn't? Steph then looked up again.

After thinking for a moment, Alex asked, "What about you?"

"Skirts?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah, not so much. Same as you maybe? I have some things like that somewhere."

"Oh really?" Alex perked up, now more curious. "Like what?"

"Like...maybe someday you'll get to see, yeah..."

"Hey, no fair," Alex said, crossing her arms.

Looking back, Steph said, "Okay okay, geez girl. Not maybe. For sure sometime."

"I guess that'll do," Alex said uncrossing her arms, but narrowing her eyes playfully at Steph when she looked back.

"So, what are you going to do with this thing when I get all better?"

Steph seemed to stare off and consider the question, then looked back at her and said, "Hmm I dunno. Maybe carry my drums around for shows? As long as it fits through the door. Or we could take turns? No, even better, we have a competition, winner gets pulled to work and home."

Does that mean we'll still be living together then? That she wants that? Not just while I'm healing? Or would one person pick up the other on the way to work? I'm too scared to ask.

So all she said was, "Yeah, that sounds perfect. So, what would be the competition?"

"Hmm...we'd rotate. Each takes turns picking the game once a week. My first one will be the jukebox game, just to warn you."

"What?! Give me a decent chance at least."

"Not a mind reader?"

"Um..." A nerve was hit for Alex, almost paralyzing her mind, but she came back from it and tried to make use of the moment.

Alex said, "And what if I uh...was?"

"Well, from the one game we played, I'd have to say you're not a very good one, sorry," Steph replied with a quick apologetic smile back to her before looking forward again.

Yeah, she has no idea. She'll take anything I say about it as a joke.

"Maybe I didn't want to cheat."