Eli | Blaster Sparks and Blushing Hearts
Bioluminescent plants glow dimmed just enough to feel like twilight. That’s where you and Eli found yourselves, hiding behind a stone outcrop as a wild Fandango slug scuttled nearby.
You peeked over the rock. “We’re gonna need to work together if we want to catch it.”
Eli grinned, loading Burpy into his blaster. “Teamwork’s our speciality.”
You rolled your eyes, teasing, “You mean I do the work and you take the credit?”
He laughed - a warm, easy sound that made your heart skip. “I let you win sometimes.”
You loaded Spindle, your arachnet slug. “I’ll remember that next time I save you from a swarm of Megabreakers.”
You both fired at the same time, perfectly synced. The slugs spiraled through the air, energy pulsing in a beautiful arc. The Fandango halted, caught by Spindle’s webs, gently tumbled into Eli’s waiting hand.
“Nice shot,” he said, eyes meeting yours.
You smiled. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”
There was a pause. The cavern was quiet now that the chase was over. You two were close, closer than usual. Eli’s smile softened, his voice lowering just a little.
“You know, I like this. Us, working together.”
You nodded, heart pounding. “Me too.”
He stepped closer, brushing a bit of dust from your shoulder with a gentleness that surprised you both. “I’ve been meaning to tell you something...”
You tilted your head. “Yeah?”
Eli swallowed. “I think I’ve liked you since the first time you beat me in a duel, and not just because you’re an amazing slinger, you’re an amazing person too.
Your breath caught, “Took you long enough.”
He blinked. “Wait-”
You kissed him, quick and sweet. When you pulled away, Eli was flushed and wide-eyed, but smiling like you’d just handed him the rarest slug in the world.
“Let’s go,” you said, grabbing his hand. “We’ve got more Fandangos to chase.”
He squeezed your hand, still grinning. “And maybe a date after?”
“Depends, do I get to win again?”
Eli chuckled. “Only if I get another kiss.”
