There was no reason for her to approach him. No reason at all. The sand was warm and it wasn't raining. The fire wasn't sparking off hot shards, it was a peaceful beach night. But she laid down next to him, at his back. She gripped the back of his shirt, balled the fabric in her hands and pressed her forehead to the top of his shoulders. She must think I'm asleep. Up didn't dare move, he simply laid quietly on his side, head propped on his left arm, right arm curled around his zapper. He didn't dare speak, lest he scare her away, eventually his exhaustion pushed him into sleep.
She woke him, she was shifting around, trying to get into a more comfortable position. Her knees brushed the back of his legs. Trying to contain himself, Up turned to face her, she was half asleep and blinked murkily at him. He wedged the zapper under his torso, and with his free arm brought her in close. He pulled her in until she had his shirt in her hands again and her forehead against his chest. Stomach in his mouth, Up pressed a kiss to her forehead and slipped his free arm around her back, "Taz?"
"Mm?" She tried opening her eyes and he had to smile at her.
"I know that we're best friends, but I-" his mouth went dry, he pulled her in closer.
Taz lifted her head, suddenly wide-eyed, "I know. Me too." With that, she buried her head into her arm and would not lift her head back up. It's just as well, reasoned Up, Just be glad you have a best friend. No one's luckier. She's your best friend. And though there were a million shrill thoughts bouncing around his head, Up eventually fell back asleep.
In the morning, Taz awoke to find Up already swimming. Grinning, she jumped in after him and tackled him under the surf.
Up swallowed a giant gulp of sea water and resurfaced, clutching Taz and retching. She broke free from his grip and dove under the waves again. They had a giant water fight which Taz won. "I'm glad we got lost, this is perfect." Taz was floating easily, bobbing above the waves, almost seeming to float on the very air. Up agreed quietly. Taz frowned, "Jou okay, hombre?"
Up opened his mouth but then clamped it shut.
Taz swam over to him, "Sin pelos en la lengua. What's eating at jou?"
Up considered his options, I could say nothing or I could say something. He swam near her and lifted her out of the water, he kissed her where her lips ended and soft skin began. But the way he held her, ran his hand along her jaw, Taz knew this kiss had only one interpretation.
He released her and they stood in the chest high water. Up gazed at her miserably and Taz said, "Oh."
Up felt a storm was roiling in his chest, Taz wasn't kicking his ass so that was a good sign, in fact she looked shocked. That was not a good sign.
She kissed him back. Up melted into her embrace, and she clung fiercely to him. Up tipped over, sending them both into the water. Laughing, Taz sputtered water out and Up dragged her to shore.
"You know we can't- not with the war."
"I know," said Taz.
"So what do we do?" Up sprawled out on the sand and Taz sat down next to him.
"We're best friends, Up. That's the beginning and the end of it."