The Blind Prince

Chapter 25

Amir's Pov

I bite my lip, nervously chewing on it as I stare towards the spot I know Aladdin's door sits. I told Qamar I would talk to him but after all this time it seems nearly impossible. I sigh softly before taking a deep breath, readying myself. I hesitantly make my way towards the door and knock on it.

"Hello?" Aladdin answers softly, opening the door. His eyes widen slightly when he sees me. "Amir?"

"H-Hey Aladdin," I smile nervously at him.

"What are you doing here? It's pretty late."

"I needed to see you, to talk to you," I whisper, looking away in embarrassment. When did I become like this? I never used to get embarrassed like this.

"Yeah. Okay," He smiles faintly as he shuts the door behind him. "Where to?" I look at him in shock. I honestly didn't think he would want to talk.

"Umm. We can go to the old court yard. No one ever goes there anymore."

"Okay, lead the way," He nods, and so I did. "So, what did you want to talk about?" He asks once we sit down in the grass of the court yard. This would be just like old times if it wasn't so awkward.

"I-I wanted to talk about us," I mumble, unable to look at him. "About how we never talk anymore."

"Oh," He says, sounding slightly sad. "It has been awhile, hasn't it?" I just nod in agreement, "I'm sorry."

"Huh?" I look at him, confused.

"I'm sorry I stopped showing up to meet you. I just... I got wrapped up in this new life," He tries to explain.

"I'm sorry too," I smile faintly at him. "I shouldn't have given up on us hanging out like I did."

"Does this mean we're still friends?" He asks hopefully.

"Aladdin you will always be my friend, my dearest friend," I grin at him. He is quick to grin back and launch himself forward to hug me. I yelp slightly at the sudden action, falling back into the grass with him wrapped around me. I chuckle, hugging him back tightly. I missed this. I missed my Aladdin.

"You're too forgiving," He giggles softly, hugging me even tighter. "But thank you for not completely giving up on being friends."

"Aladdin," I speak up after a minute of silence. He releases me from his hug, sitting back onto the grass. I also sit up, looking at him nervously. "There was something else I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago." He tilts his head slightly.

"What is it?" He asks, sounding worried. I quickly look down, hoping to hide my face when I feel it begin to heat up.

"I-I don't really know how to say this," I mumble. I jump when he places his hand over mine.

"Just say it Amir," He smiles at me. "You'll always be my friend, no matter what it is you need to tell me." I slowly look at him, calming down when I look at his rukh. It's amazing how it still affects me, how it can still make me feel so calm and relaxed.

"Aladdin, I really like you," I whisper softly, never looking away from his rukh. He chuckles softly at me.

"I like you too, Amir. You know this." I shake my head slightly.

"I don't like you as a friend. Aladdin, you are so much more than just a friend to me. You have always been more than a friend." My cheeks quickly grow hot again, but this time I don't hide my face from him. He stares at me wide eyed, lips slightly parted in shock.