-Jim's P.O.V

We ended up eating at a decent restaurant a good half hour from the club. Aisha demanded that she pay, saying it was an insult to such a milestone of turning sixteen by having to pay.

The meal was enjoyable, but I didn't know what to talk about. After Aisha doing what she did about two hours ago...I just felt like she was different...why did she do that? For the money? No, she would get a part time job...but that would take longer to earn enough for a place like this. She did get paid about one thousand wong, including a few tips during her show.

I felt so much younger than she was, though in reality, she was only a few years older than myself in either Terran or C'tarl C'tarl time. She did however, age slower than any human, and would easily outlive me by at least a few millenia...kind of scary, but true.

I couldn't help but think about what the bartender had said about Aisha taking someone she really liked out for dinner as a late birthday celebration. That 'guy' matched my description as of the moment.

"You've been pretty quiet Jimmy, what's wrong?" Aisha asked with a concerned look.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing, I'm just tired, that's all." I replied.

"I'm not dumb Jim, talk to me." she said, only the slightest hint of irritation in her voice.

I heaved in a breath of air, then spoke, "I'm not sure..."

"Is it a girl?" Aisha suggested.

"...Maybe...yeah, I think it is..." I answered, hoping she wasn't catching on.

"What's she like?" she asked.

Now was the hard part. Did I like Aisha more than just a close friend? I guess so, maybe a hint of a well, crush, was the word. Did she feel the same for me though? I decided to let these feelings reveal themselves to me, and not jump headfirst into things.

"Well, she's really nice...and she's um...beautiful, I guess. I mean, I don't think I could stand a chance going out with her or such; she's way out of my league. She's not like most girls either, and has a sense of humor." I said, trying to think up a way to describe Aisha without actually telling her that she was the girl I was talking about.

"Really? I wouldn't happen to know this girl, would I?" Aisha asked me, a mischevious smile spreading across her face. Great, now she was making things difficult.

"Well, um...maybe." I stumbled on words, and I could feel my face burning up now.

"Jim, what's her name? Is she smart? Is she strong?" she continued.

"Well of course you're strong Aisha! Come on, I mean you won the Strongest Woman in the Universe competition...I mean, uh..." shoot, now I blew my cover.

"Jimmy, is this girl you're talking about me?" she asked, a surprised look on her face.

"I-I got to go...thanks for the dinner Aisha." I said getting up. Great, I must have made her angry, pretending to be talking about some girl that was actually just a cover up.

"Wait, Jim...talk to me. It's okay, really, I don't-" Aisha started to get up.

"I'm sorry Aisha, but I just remembered I have something that needs to get done," I lied, and turned my head, trying to hide the tears forming in my eyes, "I'll see you later Aisha..."

-Aisha's P.O.V

Before I could say anything to stop him, he ran out the door. I had just been teasing him, I never thought he was referring to me, and not someone else.

"Jimmy..." I sighed.

Truth was, I wasn't angry with Jim at all for lying. In all the years I've known him, he was never one to try and make someone upset. He must have thought that I would be offended with him saying he cared about me. Why though? I found it to be very nice. Despite me being a C'tarl C'tarl and him being a Terran, I had developed an affectionate bond with the teenager. He wasn't aloof, and he was very sensitive of others' feelings. He was Jim Hawking, and I was happy with that.

I looked to the ground and saw a black leather pack on the ground; Jim's computer bag. It was his life, so I was surprised to see it on the ground without him next to it.

"I have to find him." I said, picking up the bag and walking out after paying the bill.

I sniffed the air, and picked up Jim's all too familiar scent, one that carried the smell of well-worn jean jacket. I felt a little wierd tracking down my best friend by his scent, but I needed to talk to him right away.

end of chap.2- yeah, I know...short, and leaves you hanging there...sorry, but I'll get more done soon. Hope you're enjoying this story so far.