Cuffed By Love

 April 8th, 2000,

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in April, the sun was beaming in London while five-year-old Mira Evans—dressed in her Tinkerbell costume—rode her pink and blue Tinkerbell bicycle, decked out with pretty flowers and pink tassels, up and down her street. Her long, mousy brown hair pulled up into pigtails, swinging as she rode along her road, humming to herself.

A mover’s truck pulling up on the opposite side of the road caught her attention, and her pedalling slowed as she observed the people jumping out and moving boxes into the house opposite her own. Momentarily distracted, she hadn’t realised she was steering into a tree and went crashing into it before toppling off her bike and hitting the floor with a thud.

Mira sits up and looks down at her scraped knee and pouts when she sees the blood seeping through her torn tights. Her large, almond-shaped, meltingly soft amber eyes glisten with tears at the sting of her wound. “Ouchie.” She hisses, blowing on it softly, when a shadow emerges over her, causing her to look up at whoever it was standing over her.

“Are you okay?” Mira blinks when a boy, no older than she was, perches down in front of her and lowers his deep brown eyes to look at her cut and then at her again.

“I fell off my bike,” Mira tells him with a sniffle, and the little boy nods in response.

“I saw.” He leans over and looks at her wound again. “Does it hurt?” He questions and Mira nods slowly. “I’m Devin. That’s our new house over there.” He says, pointing at the house opposite, with all the movers. “What’s your name?”

“Mira. I live over there.” She replies, pointing to the house just behind her. Devin nods and looks at her and then her outfit before he frowns, perplexed.

“Why are you dressed like that? It’s not Halloween.”

Mira shrugs and looks down at her costume. “I like Tinkerbell.” She admits sheepishly, her cheeks turning rosy.

“I like Spiderman, but my mummy doesn’t let me wear my costume all the time.” Devin sighs woefully. “I wish she did. That would be so cool.” Mira giggles and nods.

“My mummy lets me wear what I like. I can wear this every day if I want to.” Mira gushes with a big grin that lit up her eyes even more.

“Mira?”

“Devin?”

Both children turn and look at their mothers walking toward them. “Oh, sweetheart, are you okay? What happened?” Kate Evans, Mira’s mother, asks while she kneels in front of her daughter and brushes the dirt off her outfit.

“I crashed into a tree and hurt my knee,” Mira tells her mother, who looks at her knee with a frown.

“Devin? What are you doing over here, darling?” Nora King, Devin’s mother, queries whilst brushing her son’s soft brown hair out of his face.

“She fell, and I wanted to see if she was okay,” Devin answers, lifting his gaze to his mother, and she smiles warmly at him.

“Are you okay, Tinkerbell?” Nora asks, leaning over and looking at her torn tights. “Looks like you’ve got a cut on your knee, and you’re not even crying. You’re a brave girl, aren’t you? I have some princess plasters. Would you like one?” Mira’s eyes light up, and she looks pleadingly at her mother, who smiles and nods. “Your mummy can come too. I could use a friend to drink coffee with?” Kate smiles and nods, holding her hand out to Nora. “Sounds good to me. I’m Kate Evans. Welcome to the neighbourhood.”

“Nora King. Thank you, I am up to my eyeballs with boxes. I could use a break.” While the adults get acquainted, Mira and Devin smile at one another.

“I think we are friends now…Tinks.”

Mira blinks and then smiles at the nickname. She shrugs, “Okay, Dev.”

Following that day, the Evans and Kings became best friends.

Devin and Mira’s parents got on like a house on fire. Devin had an older brother Levi who was three years older than him. And Mira had an older sister, Ayla, two years older than her. So growing up, they spent quite a bit of time together. They attended the same schools, hung around the same circle of friends, and what Dev and Tinks thought would have been a lifelong friendship quickly changed when they became teenagers and started secondary school.

Gone was the sweet little boy and adorable little girl riding bikes together and playing hide-and-seek. Dev and his Tinks, while still close with one another, now live to annoy the hell out of each other.

Eleven years later…

“MR KING!” Sixteen-year-old Devin’s eyes snap open, and he gapes up at Mr Finch—the math teacher standing over him with his hands on his hips and his nose flared so wide he could practically see his brain from the angle he was sitting in... save for all the hair up there, of course. That image made Devin wince inwardly. “Are we keeping you up?”

Devin clears his throat and sinks back into his chair with a smirk. “Not at all, Mr Finch. I was listening to every word you said.” He retorts and smiles charmingly when his teacher snorts.

“Really? With your eyes closed and snoring?” Devin looks at him, startled for a moment, and shifts in his chair.

“Yes, sir, my eyes were closed so that I could... absorb every word of what you were saying.”

“Uh-huh, and the snoring? I’m intrigued to find out your explanation for that one.” Mr Finch questions, crossing his arms over his chest and glowering expectantly at Devin, who stares up at him, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

“It wasn’t snoring, sir. I was in a meditative state. It was, um, Tibetan throat singing.” Devin looks over to his left when he hears a snort followed by a muffled giggle—he knows that laugh well—Tinks.

Mira covers her laughter with a cough and watches on eagerly.

“Tibetan throat singing?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve been practising, and you know it’s quite soothing….”

Devin explains and waves his finger in a circle near his head. “I can’t stop it. It’s good for my Chakra.”

Mr Finch’s lips twitch, and he nods before glancing around the room. “Well, I think I speak for everyone when I say we would all just love to hear this very soothing throat singing of yours.” Devin’s brown eyes go wide like saucers, and he shoots Mira a beseeching look while she sinks into her chair, hand clasped at her mouth, trying desperately to hold back her laughter.

“Oh, you really wouldn’t...” Devin retorts, shaking his head, but Mr Finch gestures for Devin to stand.

“Come on, Mr King. Let’s hear this throat singing of yours.” The entire class turns in their seats, watching Devin curiously. “Whenever you’re ready, Mr King.”

Devin clears his throat and looks over at Mira, turning red from fighting back her laughter while watching him. Devin starts with a low hum deep in his throat, and gradually gets louder and louder and then makes random throaty sounds mixed with whines, all the while fighting off the urge to laugh after sneaking a look at Mira holding her nose, tears rolling down her cheeks. At the same time, she smothers her laughter and fails miserably. Mr Finch watches Devin and rubs his jaw, smiling whilst the rest of the class burst into fits of laughter.

“Thank you, Mr King. That was…well, that was something.” He chuckles and gestures for him to sit. “I’ll give an A for effort, but it wasn’t good enough to get you off detention after school.” Mr Finch looks over at Mira, still laughing uncontrollably. “Miss Evans will be joining you also.” That sobers her up, and she looks at Mr Finch, then at Devin, who smirks at her. They share a look, and both burst out laughing. “Stop laughing or get out of my class.”

Ten minutes later, they got booted out of class, laughing on their way to the headteacher’s office.

“Psst.”

Mira jumps when a balled-up paper bounces off her head. She looks up from her homework and scowls at a grinning Devin. “What?”

“You got any snacks?”

Mira throws the balled-up paper back at him. “What am I, your vending machine?” Mira utters quietly. Devin smirks, sneaking a look at the teacher, who was too engrossed in his book to acknowledge them, before looking at Mira again, licking his lips. “I get hungry when I’m bored, and you’ve always got goodies in your backpack.” He voices with an adorable smile that melts Mira at once. With a roll of her eyes, she kicks her bag over to him, which he scoops up and digs through till he finds something he likes. Devin pulls out a small silver foil he finds in the pocket of her bag, and his smile falls, quickly turning into a scowl. He turns his attention to Mira, his brows drawn together. “Tinks, why do you have a condom?”

Mira looks over at him, her amber eyes grow wide, and she reaches over to take it from him, but he pulls it out of her reach. “Dev, give it to me.”

“Why do you have a….” Dev stops when the tone of his voice gets louder, and the teacher looks over at them. Mira’s cheeks burn, and she gives Dev a side stare while he glares back at her.

“All right, you two, you’re free to go.” The teacher dismisses them, closing his book and gathering his possessions off the desk. Mira snatches her bag off Devin and reaches for the packet, but he pulls it back from her reach and stands.

“Devin, give it back.” Mira insists, keeping her voice down until the teacher walks out of the classroom.

“Fuck no. First, you explain why you need a rubber?” He questions, towering over her, his brown eyes staring questioningly into hers. “Are you sleeping with someone? It better not be that prick, Calum.”

Mira glares up at him, “Not that it’s any of your business, but no. I’m not sleeping with anyone, nor am I thinking about sleeping with anybody anytime soon.” She snatches the packet off him and stuffs it in her bag. Devin’s shoulders visibly relax as he follows her out of the classroom.

“So why are you carrying a condom in your bag?” Devin inquires while they stroll through the school’s corridor toward the exit. Mira sighs, scratching her temple to hide the blush forming on her cheeks.

“I got it from sex-ed, okay,” Mira admits with a huff. “They were handing them out.” Devin stuffs his hands in his pockets and shoulder bumps Mira while they exit the school. She looks over at him, shoving him away when he smiles at her charmingly.

“You had me worried there for a minute, Tinks,” Devin confesses, poking her side playfully.

Mira slaps his hands away with a frown and peers up at him. “I’m sorry? I didn’t realise you were my vagina’s gatekeeper?” Devin laughs heartily at her remark. “Why do you care who I sleep with and what’s wrong with Calum?”

Devin shakes his head, raking his fingers through his wavy light brown hair, his eyes gleaming under the late afternoon sun. “Tinks, it would be quicker to list what’s right with him. Nothing.”

Mira looks at him, perplexed. “That’s very enlightening, Dev, thanks.” She drawls sardonically. Dev gives her a satisfied smirk and squeezes her cheek.

“He’s not good enough for my Tinks.” He gushes and chuckles when Mira bats his hand away, glowering at him, her brows drawn together.

“You say that about everyone I talk to.”

“Because you attract tools, that’s not my fault. You’re an adorable little tool magnet.” Mira smiles, shaking her head as they walk side by side down the street.

“Would you like me to shine some light on your selection of admirers?”

“Who?” Dev frowns, affronted.

“Sydney Williams.”

Dev snorts, “Syd’s just a friend.”

Mira suddenly stops and pulls Dev into a sweet shop before they walk past. “That’s not what she’s telling people.” Dev looks over the shelf at Mira as they pick out a selection of sweets and drinks.

“What is she telling people?” Mira shrugs while taking out her purse to pay, but Dev drops cash on the counter and pushes her out of the door. Mira flashes him a toothy grin and takes a bite of the long strawberry flavoured liquorice.

“Um,” She hums, stopping to swallow before speaking again.

“That you two have done...stuff.”

Devin throws his head back and laughs with gusto. “Ha! Tinks, I have not laid a finger on that girl, I promise you. Syd’s an attention seeker, and everyone knows it. She’s not even my type.”

Mira stops and dramatically grabs his arm, looking at Dev, her mouth agape. “Wait! You mean she’s got to have more than just boobs and a pulse?” She questions mockingly, and Dev narrows his eyes at her when he detects the sarcasm in her tone.

“Well yeah, you forgot the arse. She’s got to have a fine arse, too.”

He retorts and smacks Mira’s bum, and she squeaks, chases him down the street and hops onto his back. Dev laughs and hooks his arms behind her legs, giving her a piggy bank ride the rest of the way to their house.

“Stop!” She taps his head, and Dev cranes his head to look back at her.

“Oh, I’m sorry? Are you tired? Do you need a rest?” Mira giggles and shakes her head.

“No, look at that tree. Isn’t it beautiful?” Dev’s gaze follows her finger, and he shrugs.

“It’s a tree, Tinks.”

“No shit, wise arse. Why have we never come here before? It’s so pretty and colourful.” Mira slides off of Dev’s back and stares at the tree as though she’s enchanted. Dev looks at her and then at the tree, mystified.

“It’s a shortcut. I figured it out a while back.” Dev tells her with a shrug and sighs when she grabs his arm and pulls him toward the tree. Dev observes Mira while she strolls under the tree and gazes up at it.

"Dev, isn’t it beautiful?”

Dev keeps his eyes on her, unable to look away while she reaches up, brushing her fingers delicately over the hanging blooms of majestic purple and pink flowers. Her amber eyes are wide and wondrous. Her beautiful face alight with admiration while her hair cascades down her back in soft waves. He gulps, “Mhm.”

Mira looks back at him and smiles beautifully. She takes hold of his arm and pulls him closer. “You have to see it from here. Look up.” Dev tears his eyes away from her, slowly lifts his gaze, and smiles.

It was magical. It reminded him of the mystical tree they had in the film Avatar. While they stand side by side gazing up, Dev’s fingers brush against hers, and Mira stills, waiting to see if Dev will move his fingers; he doesn’t. Instead, his finger traces slow circles over her palm, which sends a shiver through Mira, and her heart beats a little faster than usual, and the fluttering deep in her belly leaves her feeling somewhat puzzled. She’s never felt these things before, and that thought scared but also thrilled her at the same time.

Dev looks over at the girl he’s known nearly his whole life and marvels at how he'd never noticed how strikingly gorgeous she was. Mira—his Tinks—has always been very special to him, but lately, he’s been finding himself wanting to touch her more than usual. He’s noticed his heart beats just a little harder whenever she smiles at him in that way that lights up her endless golden eyes and reveals the dimples she’s got just under her left eye. Dev couldn’t think about anything else but kissing her at that very moment. The way she was timidly biting down on her bottom lip. Even when Mira turned to look at him, he couldn't stop staring, catching him watching her intently.

“What?” Mira questions, smiling.

Dev turned, so he was facing her fully. “I’m just wondering if you’ve had your first kiss yet.” Mira’s smile falters, and she looks at him, startled, her cheeks aflame.

“W-why would you wonder that?” She stammers when he takes a step closer to her, and her heart rate spikes instantly.

“Because I’m curious.”

Mira averts her eyes, unable to hold his penetrative gaze, when Dev reaches up, tucking his long fingers under her chin and lifting her head so she can look at him. “Have you?” Mira swallows and slowly shakes her head.

“No,” she murmurs, “I-I haven’t.” An unfathomable warmth spread through Devin’s chest at her admittance.

“Neither have I.” He affirms, staring into her eyes. “But I think I want you to be my first.”

Mira blinks up at him, her eyes searching his. “You do?” Devin nods, his fingers brushing through her hair while they slowly inch closer. “I might be bad.” Mira breathes, her eyes closing while her heart races wildly in her chest.

Devin couldn’t help but smile while his lips hovered over hers, “Me too.” He whispers back just before his lips brush over hers, and he kisses her softly with a sweet peck, letting his lips linger on hers before he pulls back a little to look at her, their lips a breath apart. Mira’s eyes were still closed, her soft, full lips parted, breathing shallow. Dev lowers his lips to hers again, teasing her bottom lip with the tip of his tongue, eliciting a quiet, breathy moan from Mira, which made something deep inside Dev ache.

As far as first kisses go, Dev and Tinks would remember theirs for years to come..