Hunter

XXIV

Jade went wild, screaming and leaning over the edge.
"ARIC! ARIC! YOU- ARIC!!!"
Tears welled in her eyes, and she felt a sudden rush of air pass by her face.
"I'm glad to know you care."
Jade hissed, pouncing on Aric. She looped her legs around his waist, pounding her fists against his chest." You idiot! What the hell?! What even- Do you know- "
Then she noticed something. They were flying.
Metal wings sprouted from Aric's back, and when she squinted, she could see thin straps of metal around his shoulders.
"How- How are you even- What?"
He smiled widely, the moonlight bouncing off his teeth. "I asked for wings. And it delivered."
"Ok, how does this even work? You just ask for anything? Where does everything come from anyway?"
Aric shrugged. "Dunno. I wasn't paying attention when my dad explained it. I should have."
He straightened himself, wrapping his arms around Jade's waist. "Well, since we're all in position, we should make the most of this, don't you think?"
Jade felt her face heat up. "What do you mean exactly?"
He grinned, the dimple appearing in his cheek. "I mean, we should fly."
He tightened his grip around her, tucking his wings in.
They fell like stones, their hair flying around them like shot birds.
Jade wrapped her arms around him tightly, praying for a painless death.
Then, just before they hit the ground, Aric's wings re-opened, sending powerful blasts of air down to the ground.
They shot into the sky, tumbling up and down.
Jade managed to say a few words, bracing herself against the buffeting air. "I thought you didn't like heights!"
She felt him shrug. "Eh. I like it when I'm in control."
His wings flapped, and they flew up, then falling back down into a barrel roll.
Jade grit her teeth, her chest tightening. She held onto Aric tightly, her legs squeezing around his hips.
He laughed, falling back into a loop-the-loop. "You're not scared?"
Jade scoffed. "Don't be an idiot. I just.... Like.... Holding mucsle-y guys.....?"
His eyebrows shot up and Jade cringed.
You did not just say that.  You did not just say that.
She laughed nervously, and Aric smirked. "You might wanna hold me a little tighter then."
He flapped his wings, flying way above the city. The cars on the streets looked like models, the street lights looking like lightening bugs.
Jade gasped softly, looking back at Aric. The moonlight bounced off his face, lighting him up like a beacon. His eyes glittered like diamonds.
She leaned in close, cupping a hand on his cheek.
Her chest burned strangely and her heart pounded as she stared at Aric's lips.
She leaned in closer, planting a kiss on his mouth.
She felt him smile, and Jade felt like her chest was warming up even more.
Aric let his wings tuck in, and they landed.
Jade pulled away, lifting her legs off of him. They sat down on the edge, their legs dangling over the edge.
They gripped each other's hands, staring at the city below them.
"Aric."
"Yeah?"
"What were your parents like?"
He laughed softly. "They were awesome. My mom made some of the best food I've ever tasted, and my dad could barbecue like nobody's business. They, they were great. Amazing. Awesome. They- my mom and dad- they were the best." His voice broke at the last word.
She smiled, squeezing his hand. "My mom really likes Chinese food, and we always got it Saturday nights. I have a thing for fortune cookies, so she always specially asked for extras. I had a whole collection, but I lost it somehow."
They stayed silent for a few minutes, both thinking of their lost parents.
Jade leaned back, lying down on her back. "Should we just stay here and rest? Cuz I am loving this view."
"Stay here? On the edge of a building? Sounds dangerous."
Jade smirked, tucking her hands behind her head. "I'm a dangerous girl."
Aric chuckled, lying down next to her. "No kidding."
They stared up at the sky, still thinking about their parents and drifting off in their own thoughts.