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The question almost made me spit out my drink. The last person I’d think would consider that kind of lasting commitment was definitely Enjin himself. Granted, he was enough of a yapper to ask whatever interests him at the moment. I answered without looking at him, fixated on my drink.
“I don’t know, Enjin, what made you ask?”
Already more than a couple drinks in, he had his head in his arms on the bar counter, playing with the glass of whiskey in front of him and staring into it like a crystal ball.
“Well, not that I met many happy couples, but it’s like, romantic and shit, ya know? Pledging yourself for life to only love one person,” he smiles. “Though you know you wouldn’t catch me getting hitched.”
I roll my eyes and take a sip of my drink. Typical, but that’s Enjin.
“It’s not something I think about, considering the Ground is the least ideal place to spend the rest of your life in, much less with someone else. Don’t married couples start families too?” I said.
“God, don’t get me started,” Enjin groans, his face scrunching up. “Already have enough little shits to deal with, but more of my own? No way. Although, the Ground could use more of my good looks, don’t you think?”
I scoff. “You give yourself too much credit. But yeah, I can’t really imagine you having kids, Enjin.”
“Was dat supposed to mean?” he slurs, giving me a mock glare. “I’ll have you know I’d make an incredible dad.”
“Heh, yeah, what with the strays you adopt. But have you thought about it before, having your own kids?”
“Yeah, but it’s not like I’d find anyone else to settle with to raise ‘em” he said, leaning into his arms. “Might change my mind about it later, who knows, age does things to a man.”
The bar had the right atmosphere for this kind of talk, few patrons and it was dimly lit. I’ve joined Enjin for drinks before, and sometimes it does get this introspective. Most times I’ve let Enjin flirt with the women in the bar, while I gambled with the other patrons. And when the night is old, I sit together with him to gather our thoughts.
“...I might get married,” I declared, which caused Enjin to side-eye me.
“Really? Anyone in mind?” He asked, suddenly interested.
“Heh, I’m not really close with anyone in the Cleaners.”
‘Besides you’ I thought to myself.
“Outside of that, maybe I’ll start looking,” I said, downing the last of my drink.
“Huh, well look at you,” Enjin said, slapping a hand on my shoulder. “Well, make sure to have me as your best man! Or, maid of honor? Hell, I can rock a dress.”
I bursted out laughing at the thought of Enjin in a dress.
Enjin grinned. “I’m sure you’ll find someone, as much as the Ground makes the worst of us.”
“Tell me about it,” I rolled my eyes. I tap on my empty glass of whiskey idly. “It’d be nice to attend a wedding, never been to one before.”
“Me neither,” Enjin said, taking a big sip of his whiskey. “How does it go? Lady walks down the aisle in a pretty white dress…hey August could fix that up for ya if you don’t mind him messing it up.”
“Yeah, I don’t think he’s the ‘formal white gown’ kind of guy,” I chuckled.
“What else…they exchange vows, say their I do’s and share a kiss,” he frowned. “Like you said, I’m not much for the formality of it all.”
“I think it’s pretty sweet,” I smiled. “But the best part is the big celebration right after.”
“There’s a celebration?” Enjin asked, intrigued.
“Well yeah, food, alcohol, dancing and music. Speeches too, heartfelt and all. I’d expect one from you if I ever do,” I bump his shoulder.
“Damn, if I knew about that I’d be more receptive to the idea,” he grinned. “Celebrating your love with your friends and family? Now that’s what I can get behind,” he raises his glass in agreement.
“I thought you would,” I smirked. I continue to tap on my glass, though a little more agitated.
“Who would you marry, Enjin?”
Enjin gave it some thought. “Well, Semiu’s out of the question.”
“I doubt she’d be into you otherwise,” I chuckled.
“Had a crush on that woman before I knew,” he said. “And Tomme’s nice, but she made her rejection very clear,”
“Mhm,” I nodded.
“Which leaves…” His eyes trail off to me, and he gives me an enigmatic smile.
“What?”
“Nothing,” Enjin said, looking away. “Suppose Karin would take me?”
I scoffed. “The owner of that fashion store? Please, didn’t she done kicked your ass before?” I laughed.
“Yeah, you’re right, I’m a lost cause,” he sighed, dramatically flailing himself on the counter. He turns his head to me and smirks. “Don’t suppose you would, right?”
I blushed, turning my head away. “Don’t be ridiculous Enjin, you’re my best friend.”
“All the more reason to get married, eh?” Enjin said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and pulling me close. “Best friends make the best couples, don’t you think?”
I was more than flushed now. “Get off me, you jerk,” I pushed him away, laughing.
“I’m serious,” he said, his smile never fading. “Well, half-serious, I mean, you mean a lot to me, ya know? If I’d spend the rest of my life with anyone…”
I pushed my hand against his face. “Yeah, yeah, you big softie. I get it,” I said. “Let’s just get home before you spout out more cheesy shit at me.”
Enjin sighed. “Well, I suppose you're right, it is getting late.”
When Enjin and I left the bar, I felt giddy at the notion of him even considering marrying me. I felt like getting my hopes up, but knowing him, he probably wouldn’t follow through with such a thing. I resigned myself to even just imagining him choosing me.
“Hey,” Enjin said suddenly.
“Yeah?” I said, the smile on my face apparent. But even by his tone, he sounded serious, though I chose to ignore it.
“You…” He started, before he backtracks. “Look, if you do get married, remember to invite me, okay?”
I chuckled. “Of course, Enjin. Wouldn’t dream of not having you there.”