Carina

Elias beamed. So this was a talent show, huh? "When I was younger, I used to do backflips in return for a hug. Wanna take me up on that?"

Elias laughed, but it came out more of a snort, and it hitched in his throat. "It's okay, I don't know the answer either," he said, flicking her middle finger ...

Math. Well, Elias wasn't good at that, either. Most things, really, but especially not math. "Quick, what's six times seven?" he asked.

Elias let out a little pout that Jerica resisted his weak attempt to topple her, but it didn't surprise him. She was strong. He nodded when she got back on ...

Elias expected some magic trick or something entertaining, and he was not disappointed. He watched within a grin on his face as Jerica started to walk around on her hands, ...

Elias flinched as Jerica suddenly got to her feet, and still sitting down, he looked up at her big, curious eyes. "What?" he asked curiously.

"I guess, for me, it makes me a little less sad," Elias said, rubbing her back with her palm. "And I don't think it's going to poison me."

Even though Jerica said no, she came in close for a hug anyways. It was a bit confusing, but he figured she wouldn't lean in if she didn't want to, ...

Elias patiently waited for her to finish her teary explanation, hand still on her shoulder. "Would you like a hug?" he asked when she finished.

Elias noticed Jerica turning away, seemingly trying to hold back a cry. He sat up straight more alert and then gingerly reached out to put his hand on her shoulder. ...

"Best friend..." Elias repeated softly, letting Jerica's words seep in. He gave one short, subtle nod. "He sounds like a good guy. Do you miss him?"

The words after her apology resonated past the inebriation, and it seemed to pluck an old string he didn't want to be played. Elias's smile faded, and he sat up ...

"Right," Elias said with a smirk of his own. "Princess Jerica. How could I forget." But then his smile faded, his eyes still fixed on the vast sky above him. ...

Elias nodded like he understood. Because, even in this state, he did understand. "Well, Beirania has more freedom than Earth," he said, staring up at the stars. They held different ...

"So you're ordered to kill people," Elias explained like it was obvious. "But do you get anything out of it? Or are you forced to do it?"