AN: I haven't written anything in a while, so I wrote this short story to refresh my writing skills. I also wrote this to refine the personality of one of my OC's, Lelaka (who I'm trying NOT to be a self-insert, thank you very much). I learned from writing this that she is bold and very persistent – perhaps to a fault. She'd be the kind of friend who would force you, the "shy one," to go on that "epic" 90mph roller coaster—much to your stomach's chagrin—and say "What did I tell you? Didn't you like that?"
Anyway, enough author talk. On to the story!
"My… take off my mask?"
Lelaka cocked her head to the side, a playful shine in her eyes. "What, nervous?"
"No," Ekimu said a little too quickly. Seeing Lelaka's unconvinced expression, he sighed. "Well, yes. I mean, you're being very—what's the word—straightforward with this."
"Come on, 'Kimu. It's not like I asked to take off your armor or anything."
"I know, but still… you know how I'm weak without my mask."
Lelaka openly laughed. "You're just making up excuses at this point—everyone's weak without it. And even then," she said in a softer voice, "the weakness is gone when you're close to someone else."
Now it was Ekimu's turn to look dubious.
"No, really," Lelaka urged. "I've done it before—though admittedly not with someone unrelated. First time for everything, I guess?" She smiled, turning to Ekimu, who in turn turned to her.
"I… suppose so." Ekimu closed his eyes, took a deep breath and sighed, forcing himself to relax. "Alright, I'm ready. Just…" He paused. "Please make it quick."
Lelaka smiled, fitting her hands to the edge of his mask. "Won't last a minute."
Makuta has learned not to return home early anymore, as he had received an unexpected and rather unpleasant surprise the last time he did so.
"...WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?"