We’re friends, but we should be more than that.

Ok, I’m done. It’s your turn.

What? You’re declaring war on me? Oh no, you’re going to score so many points! (laughs) I didn’t even see you research those tanks last turn, I should have been paying more attention. I was just so focused on what I was doing. Well, I guess you win then. But I think I can claim a moral victory. I mean, all your civilization is good at is shooting people and running things over with your stupid tanks, while we’re over here doing actual cultural stuff like listening to operas, and films with subtitles, and inventing computers. We’re the best. (laughs)

Well, I still had fun, anyway. I always like spending time with you. No seriously. I’m being sincere. I can be sincere sometimes, ok! And you’re lucky that I put up with all your teasing, you know. If it wasn’t for me, you probably wouldn’t have anyone to hang out with at all. I mean, now that everyone in our group has started dating, or working, or focusing on studying. But I’m glad we can still make time for each other, I think that’s important. You’re a really good friend to me.

(pause, then speaking thoughtfully, deliberately) You know, there’s actually something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. And, um, I’ve been thinking about this for a while but there’s never been a good time, so I’m just going to go ahead and do it now. (hesitant) I think so, anyway. It’s as good a time as any, I suppose. But it’s… a little bit embarrassing, I guess, so maybe we could… each just find somewhere to lie on our backs, with some of those cushions under our heads, like we do sometimes when we’re just chilling out and talking. Near to each other, but not too close.

Ok, good. It feels easier to talk this way, I can just concentrate on exactly what I want to say without worrying about getting embarrassed and having you looking at me. No, nothing’s wrong, don’t worry. I just want you to listen carefully to everything I have to say, and then you can tell me what you think, ok? Can you do that for me? Perfect. Thank you.

So basically, I think we should... Um. Well, I think you and me, you know, we spend so much time together, and I kind of think we should try being something more. Like, um, getting a bit closer. You know, to see if we could maybe be… boyfriend and girlfriend, going on a proper date and stuff. Wait, shhhh, don’t say anything yet. Please. I promise I will make more sense, now that I’ve managed to stammer that out. (laughs nervously)

Look, I came prepared. (sound of unfolding paper) I… I made a list. (laughs). Of reasons. You know me, I like to be thorough. When I do something, I do it right. Maybe I’ll add that to the list: always prepared with documentation. (laughs)

No, I’m not applying for a job. Don’t tease me. (giggles softly) Well, I guess you’re right, it’s a little bit like that. I’ve just been thinking about this a lot and I’m serious about it, so I want to make sure I remember to say all the things I want to say before you tell me what you think.

So the first reason is, kind of simple, I guess. Like… there’s been some boys who have been asking me, you know, if I would go out with them and stuff. And I do want to be going out with someone. But for some reason, even though I like those guys, I always said no. And at first I didn’t know why I was saying no, but when I started thinking about it, *you* were always in my head. Like, it felt wrong to be with somebody else. Like I was cheating on you somehow. I, um, realised that whenever I imagined what I would like to do on a date, it was always you there with me in my mind. And it felt right, it just felt… natural. (thoughtful pause)

Okay. Reason number two. So, since we already know each other really well, we can go out on fun dates and not have to waste time getting to know each other, we can just have a good time. And we don’t have to be afraid that we’ll end up not liking the other person, because I’m pretty sure I like you, and I hope you feel the same way about me. Like, to me, what we have feels like something special that everyone else is missing out on. We’re good together. And I know dating can change things, but I don’t think it will for us. We’d still be friends like we are now, just a little bit… more. (pause) And… well, that concludes reason number two (nervous laugh).

Ok, so for this last one I… I need to sit up and lean in close to your ear, ok? I’m going to whisper in a kind of sexy way – see, it says here, ‘be sexy’. (laughs) Shhh. No. You’re not allowed to laugh at me. That would be mean. Just listen. (pause, next few lines are said slowly, deliberately, and softly/whispering) I’m going to lean in close to you, like this. Close your eyes. My lips are almost touching your ear. Can you feel my breath? Mmmm, I’m so close. I like being near to you. Now listen. Just pay attention to my voice.

(still soft/whisper, slow and deliberate) I… I’ve been thinking about you. Not like a friend. More like, the kind of thoughts I have when I’m… touching myself. Shhhh… No, don’t say anything. This is embarrassing, so it’s easier if you just listen and keep your eyes closed. I just… I want you to be the one who gets to kiss me. Not anyone else. And not just kiss me on my lips, but on my skin. My body. Even, you know, between my legs. Or my breasts, my… my nipples. Maybe it sounds silly but that’s what I want. That’s what makes me feel good when I touch myself – to think about the things I want you to do to me. And the sounds I make when I do – well, I… I think you’d like them. (slow down, start to breath more heavily and shakily) My breathing gets heavy and shaky, a bit like it is now. And I can’t help but moan, and I want you to hear that. I really do. Because those sounds are for you. You’re the one giving that pleasure to me and I want to share it with you.

(still soft/whisper, slow and deliberate) I’d let you do that to me, if you like. You know, to kiss me and touch me and stuff. There’s a lot of things I’d let you do, because I trust you. And I won’t put any pressure on you, you can do things exactly how you want to and I’ll be happy. (pause) Like, I don’t know, maybe you like to take things kinda slow, and sweet and gentle, or maybe you prefer things … exciting, harder, faster. Mmmm. You can try things out with me and I think we’ll have fun. We don’t have to pretend to know everything yet. We can… experiment. Because I think we’re just comfortable with each other, you know? I don’t feel any anxiety or pressure around you. I know you. I… I want you. And, well, that’s it. That’s really all I wanted to say.

There’s something you need to tell me? Um… ok. That doesn’t sound good. Fine, sit up. I’m… I’m listening. Just tell me. (pause) What? (angry, hurt, shaky breathing) Who, her? You… goddamit, you made me go through all that and now you tell me you like someone else? What’s wrong with you? And… and… her? Really? Are you fucking serious? You know, I’m so close to just slapping you right now… Wait, why are you grinning like that? I… (sudden kissing sounds). (sound of confusion leading to enjoyment as she starts to respond to the kiss). Mmmmm. (kissing stops, pause, a few deep breaths). I… I hate you sometimes, you know? Seriously. That was just mean. I still kind of want to slap you, you know, so be careful, mister. But that kiss, well that was pretty good, so I’ll let you off this time.

What? You want to ask *me* something? Okay, I’m listening. (Pause). Well, yes, of course I will go out with you, dummy. I thought that was implied by the way you just kissed me (laughs). Oh god, I feel giddy, I can’t stop smiling even though I’m still a little bit mad at you for playing with my emotions like that. Yes, yes, I can see how funny it was for you, and yes, I probably would have done exactly the same thing to you, but still, you’re the one who did it, so I get to make you feel guilty about it (laughs). Now shut up, and kiss me again. Mmmm. (passionate, excited kissing sounds)

The End (of part 1!)