Roller Coaster

6: The Gift of True Love's Kiss?

Tonight was Aidan and Francis' fourth year anniversary—as friends. He had planned a night-long event that included dining, drinking, and a zombie-movie marathon at her house. He took out his semi-formal jacket and white long sleeves. Standing in front of the mirror, he switched from a blue tie, a metallic red tie, and a black one with golden highlights.

"You look handsome already," Aidan grumbled as she leaned on the door frame of his room. She crossed her arms and drummed her fingers on her upper shoulder. 

Mrs. Gou did not consider Aidan as girlfriend material. In fact, she had a struck a deal with her son. His other best friend would only be welcomed if he accepted arranged meetings and dates with potential wives. Those never ran out either. One time, he had dated one of his schoolmates. Her name was Shannon, and she was the prettiest of them all. Aidan, his Yogi Bear, was straightforward, blunt, and shameless. On the other hand, Shannon was nice, reserved, but funny at the same time. Of all the girls he'd met, she stood out the most. Her eyes narrowed into friendly slits when she smiled. Her happy disposition always created a relaxed and positive atmosphere whenever they met.

Of course, Yogi Bear, also known as Aidan the Greedy, just had to make fun of him on his many dates. She would send him messages that had him cracking up in the middle of serious conversations. He hated her for that.

He hated Aidan for being the only person capable of making him smile in the most unlikely moments.

He dated Shannon thrice before they decided that it was no use. A girl like her was too smart for him. Shannon instantly understood that she wouldn't be his number one. And instead of prolonging the agony of awkward meetings, she finally told him that he wasn't her type. He however knew the truth behind her words.

He turned to face her with his trademark grimace. "Geez, who let you in?" He wasn't ready to face her yet. He hasn't even chosen a tie yet. The mustard room had been repainted a bright pink. It was Aidan's third year friendship anniversary present for him. With the blessing of Francis' sister—the original owner of the room, and Mrs. Gou's indifference towards Aidan's opinion, she was free to paint his wall the lively color of lotuses.

"Your cousin—the hot one—told me you were up here. Angkong was at the second floor. He gave me permission to come up." It was quite apparent that only Mrs. Gou antagonized Aidan's presence. Everybody loved her personality, and he loved her, too.

He loved her, too...

So, in order for the Gou's matron to keep the peace at home, she would leave early whenever Aidan was about to visit. It's too bad the two most-loved women in his lives didn't coexist peacefully in his world. Thankfully, they were strong advocates of civil order and diplomacy. Hence, the postponement of World War 3.

"Could you please keep yourself preoccupied with other things and leave me be. I'm still changing, you know." Francis turned his back at her to face the mirror. He felt the room temperature rise a degree. His heart skipped and leapt with excitement. He glanced at her through his mirror and saw her standing in the same place. "Seriously, I need my privacy. Go away, Yogi Bear."

"But Boo," Aidan said in her most whiny tone. "You're putting so much effort on choosing a tie. It's cute." She beamed at him. Her eyes scanned the room before approaching him. His sister's dolls were no longer in the glass cabinets beside the bed. Instead, the shelves had mobile suits and action figures displayed by theme. One shelf was for Francis' favorite superheroes while the other three was for his anti-heroes.

With three long strides, his best friend was in front of him. She took the black tie from his hand and wrapped it around his neck. She slid it in his collar and looped it in a Trinity knot. After tucking the small end of necktie behind the loop, she looked up at him with satisfaction twinkling in her eyes. "I did it."

Aidan had this sparkle in her. He always saw her in a different light. She was strong, decisive, and smart. True, she was no size two, but her physical appearance wasn't a two either. She was probably a six, but her personality made her an eleven in his eyes. "Yes, you did, little loser." Unconsciously, he combed his fingers in her let down hair. Since she started using conditioner, it had been the softest thing to touch. He cupped her head in one hand and held her in place. He felt her shiver when his thumb flicked on her cheek. As he leaned forward to tower over her, her eyes widened.

It wasn't the right time... There will never be a right time... Biting his lower lip, he stopped before stupid tendencies got the best of him. Instead of giving her true love's kiss, he caressed her forehead with his lips. "We better get going, Y-Bear."

She nodded silently and stepped back.

A/N: Missing a little Aidan and Francis action? This one's one the sweetest they've ever been... I do hope you've enjoyed this quick read.

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