Rising Shards

“If you ask me, the deleted scenes in that episode shouldn’t have been cut,” Zeta said. She tried to do a spinning attack to some advancing void monsters, but it was a bit wobbly. She nervously glanced back at her friends, hoping they didn’t notice.

“Then the episode would have been like fifteen minutes longer and you know networks hate that,” Kalei said.

“Screw the networks! That scene was fifteen minutes of Arlit pining for Gail, and you know how I feel about Arlit pining for Gail.”

“I dunno if it was even pining, I had to speed through it,” Kalei said. “Just Arlit staring like they forgot to tell Raina they were filming her.”

“It was absolutely pining, are you kidding me?” Zeta said. “Oka, back me up.”

“I don’t remember this, what are we talking about? I know Arlit’s in love with Gail, but I don’t remember this…”

“We should watch it right now!” Zeta said. She got her phone out. “Dang, no reception…but maybe…”

Maia yawned, tuning out most of this conversation. Iris scanned the battle arena. It was mostly a wide-open room, but there were some blocks and pillars placed around it, and some hallway like tunnels, all there for tactical advantages against void monsters or something. After Caeda’s speech, a dour mood had come over the group. Iris saw an opportunity.

Iris tugged at Maia’s sleeve. “Let’s go for it, Maia!” She whispered.

“Now?” Maia asked.

“Everyone’s distracted with their stupid debates, and all embarrassed for that Caeda chick. It’s perfect.”

“Where would we even go?” Maia asked.

Iris pointed to one of the tunnels.

“No way,” Maia said. “Someone will catch us.”

“Not if we’re quick,” Iris said. “Don’t you want to?”

Maia thought it over. “If we’re real quick.”

“Yes!” Iris said. “Come hither, my dear Maia.” She made sure no one was looking before taking Maia’s hand and leading her to the nearest tunnel. Up close it looked like it was made of tarp, a thin plastic held up by wiring.

“What are these even for?” Maia asked.

“To hide in, maybe?” Iris said.

“Ohhh, right,” Maia said. “Like that class about void monsters that can’t see in the dark. Lead them in here, when they’re blinded then you get em.”

“You can see in the dark pretty well, right?” Iris asked.

“Uh huh, as long as there’s a little light.” Maia said.

“Awesome,” Iris said. “It looks pretty dark in there, so if I can’t see…” She giggled.

“Got it, I’ll lead the way.” Maia said.

The two headed into the tunnel, making sure no one was around. Iris almost used her bloodsaber like a flashlight, but Maia said it’d draw too much attention. They found a neat little nook and sat down.

“My heart’s pounding,” Iris whispered. “I’m so excited, I’ve been waiting all week for this.”

“Me too,” Maia admitted.

Iris could barely see, but she felt totally safe, especially when Maia cupped her face with her hands.

“Real quick, kay?” Maia said before leaning in.

It felt like nothing else in her life when Maia kissed her, and this time felt even more exciting with them sneaking off halfway through class.

Maia’s intent may have been for a short kiss and then running back to the group, but in the heat of the moment, it was clear that wasn’t gonna happen. Iris wrapped her arms around Maia, deepening the kiss. Iris wasn’t sure how much time had passed already, but she wanted more, so much more from Maia. She’d be happy skipping the rest of finals and risk all of her grades for more time with Maia, more time meeting her lips, more time holding her close. They broke the kiss only for Maia to lean to Iris’ neck, biting her.

“Hello in there!” A familiar voice called out. “Are you in need of assistance!”

In the B.F.S. time, Maia ended up kind of sitting on Iris’ lap, and she zipped to sit on the side as Amara’s voice echoed around.

“Oh my god…” Maia muttered.

The glow of a bloodsaber illuminated the tunnel. Amara was of course joined by KJ and Rain. “We are making sure no one is injured across the perimeter. Are you two alright?”

“We’re fine, we were just taking a breather!” Iris said, trying to sound sweet but she felt like Maia usually did about the love trio at this moment.

“You should probably return to your class. It’s dangerous back here!” Amara said.

“Yeah, we should.” Maia said.

Iris and Maia waited to see if the love trio would pass by, and they could maybe get a few more kisses in, but they simply stared forward, making it clear that their suggestion as more of a command.

“Come on,” Maia said, helping Iris to her feet.

The two sighed deeply once they were out of the cave.

“That was worse than getting caught by a teacher.” Maia said. “Way, way worse.”

“For real,” Iris said. “But…worth it?”

“Yep.” Maia answered immediately.

“Worth trying again?” Iris asked hopefully.

“Oh for sure.” Maia said. "We should maybe be a bit more careful though, because we got lucky that they were calling out before they saw anything."

Iris giggled, holding Maia’s hand, getting in a few more seconds of hand to hand time before they re-joined their group. “I don’t really wanna let go.”

“Then don’t,” Maia said, nodding ahead. The others hadn’t even noticed they’d left, as Zeta was wandering around with her phone in the air trying to get a signal.

“Heh, alright!” Iris said, squeezing Maia’s hand tightly.

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