A LEAP OF FAITH

Chapter 22: Chasing change.

Ari and Maverick walked side by side each other, looking around the forest.

"Why are we looking anyway? I really don't think this kid is even alive," Maverick mumbled with a roll of his eyes.

Ari shrugged, "We should still look, you never know." His eyes flicked back in front of him, he secured his hat atop his head. Maverick threw his head back, groaning dramatically. "Oh, come on, it isn't so bad... at least we get to hang out... alone." He gave a small smile, slipping his hand into Maverick's.

"Yeah, whatever," Maverick mumbled, gripping his hand tightly.

"You're going to break my hand." Ari chuckled, glancing down at him.

"Good." He rolled his eyes and squeezed tighter.

Ari's smile grew wobbly and strained, "Maverick, quit it..." he mumbled sternly.

"Why? Am I just that strong?" Maverick grinned. Ari felt his hand being crushed, he ripped it away from him, taking Maverick by the shoulders. He slammed him up against a nearby tree, pinning him to it. "W-WAIT, I'M SORRY, ARI, I REALLY DIDN'T MEAN IT-!" He screamed, smiling nervously. Ari's lips curled into a smug smirk, he tilted his head to the side, eyeing Maverick. He chuckled anxiously, "Stop looking at me, you weirdo..." he joked.

"I'm the weirdo?" Ari rolled his eyes playfully as he trailed his hand down to Maverick's waist.

He shuddered, his face reddening, "We're supposed to be looking for this stupid kid..." he mumbled shakily.

Ari ignored him, "You get so flustered so easily, it's quite hilarious." His words made Maverick's face flush even further.

"I do not," he said sternly.

"Really?" Ari brushed his other hand over Maverick's bottom lip, inching closer to his face.

He laughed nervously, "R-Really-!" He nodded quickly. Ari pressed his lips up against him, kissing him. Maverick pressed his back up against the tree behind him, his legs growing wobbly beneath him. Ari grabbed him by the waist, keeping him from falling. He pulled away and looked at him for a moment, smiling smugly. Maverick's face heated up; Ari pressed his hand up against the side of his face.

He immediately pulled his hand away, "Goodness me, Maverick, you're burning up. Are you that flustered?" He mumbled, chuckling quietly.

"W-What? Of course not, I just- I'm..." he trailed off, his eyes darting everywhere except Ari.

"So, are we going to go find this girl or..." Ari mumbled.

Maverick scoffed, "YOU'RE THE ONE KEEPING ME HERE, IDI-" Ari cut him off by kissing him again.

"Now, now, there's no need to yell," he said in a quiet tone.

"If I start yelling, will you kiss me again?" Maverick asked. Ari nodded. "Guess I better get to yelling then, huh?" Ari stood there, his dark blue face fading into a dark shade of red.

"...What?" He sputtered out.

"Look who's flustered now." Maverick grinned, snaking his hands to the back of his neck. He pulled him down; they were just a few inches apart. Ari didn't expect his sudden counter, he smiled nervously.

"Maverick..." He laughed anxiously, his eyes flicking every which way.

"Don't 'Maverick' me, you can't just do all of that to me and expect me to do nothing back." He smirked, mocking him a bit. Ari fixed his hat, not knowing how to respond. The position wasn't necessarily comfortable, his knees were bent down to Maverick's height, they were just about to give out on him. Maverick noticed this, he kicked his feet, knocking him off of his balance. He shrieked, falling down on his hands and knees so he didn't fall face-first.