Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

The First Kiss Stealer (Part I)

(Alternate reality.)

Sinbad was still in the dungeon in Imuchakk. In that time, Layla's friendship with Shujae was growing. In fact, their feelings for each other was growing, too. It didn't help that they were spending most of their time together. Layla had asked him to teach her how to fight. Being in such close proximity created a tension between them and when Shujae managed to pin her down, he kissed her.

It was a quick kiss but she couldn't seem to get her mind off it. They both felt that spark when their lips touched and just thinking of it gave Layla butterflies. After the kiss, she had spent some time with Pipirika because some of the girls who witnessed it had become extremely jealous.

At night she made her way back to the hut that she was staying at and she saw Shujae in the distance. It seemed as though he was just returning to his house but he just so happened to look in her direction. She smiled and waved him over but he waved back thinking she was just waving at him. She laughed softly and beckoned him over with more exaggeration. His eyes widened slightly as he realised what she meant and went over to her.

"Sorry, I thought you were waving at me," he said as he reached her, smiling out of embarrassment.
She laughed and opened the door. "It's alright. I wanted to talk to you, if you're not busy that is."
He nodded. "Sure. Let's go inside."

They walked into the hut and Shujae closed the door behind him. Layla sat on the floor, leaning back against the wall and he sat beside her. She looked down at her hands, suddenly feeling quite nervous.

"Uh... I-I wanted to, you know, talk about..."
"What happened earlier?" he finished as she became too embarrassed to say it.
"Y-yes."
Shujae breathed out softly and rubbed his forehead. "Oh no... Was it bad?"
She looked up at him and shook her head. "No, no! It was good," she said quickly before blushing out of embarrassment. "It was...great, in fact." She turned her gaze down again. "I just, uh... I don't think anything can happen between us..."
He lowered his hand, a little hurt by her words. "Why not? Are... Are you and Sinbad-"
"No!" she answered, already knowing what he was going to ask. "We're just friends. Have been since we were babies."
"Then what's wrong?" he asked softly.
She lifted her head to look up at him. "The thing is Sin and I weren't planning to stay here for long. Once he's done what he needs to do, we'll be leaving. And if things grow between us it will just make things harder when I have to leave."
"Layla..." He took hold of both her hands in his own. "I already knew that would be the case. But regardless of that, I still wanted go get to know you." He smiled. "You're unlike any girl I've ever met and I really like you."
Her blush returned again. "I like you too, Shujae."
"Then let's make the most of the time we do have together. It will be a memory. Then at least we'll have something."
She breathed out softly before smiling. "Well, I know I could never forget you. You are my first kiss after all."
He blushed faintly. "To be honest, you're mine too."
She raised a brow at him. "I seriously doubt that."
"I'm telling you the truth!" he argued back lightheartedly.
"You are such a liar!" she laughed.
He looked at her pointedly. "I swear it's the truth."

They just stared at each other with amused smirks on their faces before they both burst out into laughter. Although Layla knew that they wouldn't be together for long, she was glad that she had met him. Shujae was glad to have met her as well. To him, she was simply amazing. She was beautiful on the inside and the outside. She was kind, respectful, strong and sweet. She was exactly who he envisioned spending the rest of his life with. It was a shame she would have to leave in the near future. If she decided to live in Imuchakk, he would have made her his wife after a few years time.

After a while, they both decided it was time to rest. Layla walked with him to the door.

"Sleep well, Layla," he smiled at her.
"You, too."