Ever Enough

You were transfixed, you could not look away. Couldn't even bear the thought of that as you take in the sight in front of you. Her eyes were closed, her mouth producing the most beautiful sound you've heard in your life. The way her hips moved to the beat of the music makes you wonder (not for the first time) what she is like in private.

You thank all the gods you can think of that your venue held a monthly karaoke/open mic night. You knew that it was a bad idea egging her on to sing in front of everyone at the bar with her high school friends. You knew. But of course the desire to see her belting her heart out outweighed all the consequences that may possibly occur. One of which is your possible demise from cardiac arrest. Based on fast your heart is beating, you won't last another minute standing up so you sit, trying not to look very gay and in love with your best friend. If she were here beside you, she'd probably drawl in your ear, 'Careful there, Elmo. Your gay for me is beating the shit out of your bisexuality.'

That's how well you know each other. Sometimes, you can predict what her comment will be and how sarcastic or deadpan it will sound in her voice. Of course, knowing each other that well mean you know each other's quirks and mannerisms. Like the way she bites her nails when she's worried and worrying about something. She knows you enough to know when your smile is fake and when you're trying to make it seem like everything's fine. That also includes you knowing that she likes you.

You first noticed it when she leaned in for a hug when you did not see each other for two weeks. You were busy with grad school and she was caught up with her internship. So when you agreed to meet up at some coffee shop, you were excited. You got there first and waited at a table outside to enjoy the last rays of the sun. You turned when you felt a tap at your shoulder and you immediately stood up. She opened her arms and encircled you with them with a whisper 'I missed you, Elmo' in your ear as she tightened her hold on you.

(You don't like thinking about the real reason.)

You were surprised, to say the least. For someone who avoids human contact, she gives the best hugs. (Probably because she reserves them for the special people in her life.) When you lean back to hold her at arms' length and saw her blushing, you had an inkling of what she feeling. You know because that's what you felt when you first heard her sing in the shower.

You're not exactly subtle with these feelings but of course she, despite being cocky little shit that she is, is oblivious to this. She doesn't notice the way your eyes seem to follow the movement of her lips as she rants about incompetent slow walkers, doesn't notice the little smile on your face when she walks into the room. Granted, you didn't know about this until Stacie very enthusiastically pointed it out one night at some party.

***

"Red, I can feel your toner," Stacie whisper-shouted in your ear as she grinded from behind you.

"What? No! Beca and I are just friends," you say, tearing your eyes away from--yep, you guessed it--Beca.

Stacie rolls her eyes. "Okay, first of all, I didn't even mention a name." She smirks at you and you're thankful for the dim lights and she can't see the blush that matches your hair. "You know they've been broken up for a while now, right? You can make your move."

"You think so?" you ask timidly, which is rare for you. Anything regarding the alt girl tend to bring out parts of yourself you didn't know existed.

"Yeah!" she answers happily. "Just ask her out."

"It's really not that simple," you mutter, trying to argue.

"Ugh, no more excuses, Red. Flash her again in the shower if you have to," she says with a grin.