Stealing the Stars

Laser Tag

After Zave ran the 5k, we didn't hang out as much. But, I knew he enjoyed my company, and that was all that mattered. On my birthday I turned 13. He wouldn't turn 14 for another 4 months. We went to the bowling ally and did laser tag. Before we went, Eli stopped me in my room.
"Look, I know you like Xavier. But, I think you 2 would be cute! So, I'm prepared to help you!"
"Eli, that is sweet but I don't think I want my 15 year old brother meddling in my love life. And what are you gonna do anyways? Sing,' You've gotta kiss the girl'. No thanks!" I exclaimed. He shook his head.
"I'm helping," he said, and with that, left the room. I rolled my eyes.
<Eli's POV>
When we got to the ally, I pulled Zave aside.
"Dude, I had a dream where you and Beth like made out. Y'all were so cute! So, do you like her!"
"I mean she's cute. I guess,"zave said.
"Well she won't be your girlfriend unless you kiss her on the cheek, bruh"
"Oh, ok. I guess."
So later, when we played laser tag, I went on dad's team. That left Bea and Xavier in that dark maze all alone.
<Bethany's POV>
Of course Eli put Zavey and I on the same team.
"Cover me," I said as I creeped around the corner.
"Wait... I need to talk to you," he said pulling me down to the floor.
"I really like you, your fun and exciting. We've been friends for quite some time."
"Did Eli tell you to say that, cause you don't have to-" I was interrupted by a swift kiss on the cheek. He smiled at me nervously. I returned the favor with a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, I have always sort of liked you all this time!"
"Yeah, well, I recently just realized I missed hanging out with you." He stared into my eyes, and couldn't help blushing! Then he started leaning forward. This was really happening! I leaned in too. So, there we were in Stars n' Strikes, in the laser tag maze, and on the floor, about to kiss... on the lips! Our faces were an inch apart, when my brother shot me and my vest flashes red and blue. We pulled apart, but he grabbed my hand and led me to a wall for protection. We didn't win, but I almost got my first kiss and that was what mattered!
When we came back, Zave slept over and Eli came in my room after he was asleep.
"I saw you too, you know!" I rolled my eyes at him. Of course, who has excited me and Xavier. But, I wondered why.
"So, why do you want us together?"
"Face it Bea. You are a really, really pretty girl. And it is my job to protect you from certain boys who's intentions are bad. Zave told me about how he likes you and he wasn't sure if he like-likes you or if he likes you like I like you as a sister. So, I figure, if he has feelings for you, he can date you. You will be taken. No trouble will be had. It is a win win situation. He gets the girl you get the guy. I get the peace of mind!" Eli explained. I smiled at him.
"Look who's big bro loves her!" I said in a baby voice. He just rolled his eyes and went back downstairs. After awhile of sitting awake in bed, I wanted to talk to someone. I went to Eli's room. He was asleep, but guess who wasn't!
"Hey, I can't sleep. Can we just, you know, talk?" I asked him. He nodded and patted the blanket beside him.
"So, you really do like me. You aren't just doing this because Eli told you to?" I questioned.
"I already had feelings towards you. I just couldn't sort them out. But, I like you and you like me. I know we are so young, but why not?" I blushed he leaned in for the second time ever. I did the same, and our lips were so close. He stopped and pulled away.
"Am I going on to strong? Eli said I should seal the deal with a kiss in the cheek, but you seem to like the idea of your first kiss," he prodded. I lightly punched him in the arm. That made him lean forward quicker than he had, and before I knew it, our lips touch lightly. I smiled and put my hands on his shoulders while he put his on my back. I pulled away after a few seconds.
"Can I stay in here?" I asked. He just nodded. So I grabbed my pillow and a blanket and set it next to Zavey's sleeping bag. Now, I know what you are thinking. But, we were 13 and didn't fully get what this scene would look like. Not the point,though. I fell asleep next to my crush for, like, 5 years. I had never been happier.