.
They walk down a paved road, shoulders minimum distance apart, without speaking.
To a bystander, all is quiet at the surface, but she is faring a raging war in her mind. He - simply pleasantly uncomfortable. The otherwise unpopulated area sparks the caution and eeriness of such habit. He's unconsciously watchful for a movement or sound that foreshadows trouble.
She reasons and chides, but nervousness and self-consciousness consumes all, until finally the unusual sharp yearning overcomes sense and emotion.
Her small hand reaches out tentatively, attempting a steady climb down his forearm to a large, pale hand.
He flinches lightly, something only the person touching him could feel.
A touch in his private reverie of dreams makes him immediately jump to the conclusion of failure. He is caught and has been sloppy because he has become too comfortable. That makes him remember the source of the comfort.
That comfort owns the warm, soft and small hand of which its touch is constantly speculated and longed for. Yes, he had once restrained her arms to an uncomfortable lawn chair so she wouldn't hit anything around her, including herself. They had also shared a kiss in the hotel lobby on the job, but those moments were mixed with dreams, and dreams left room for speculation and a lack of specificity.
On the other hand, this moment that is almost its complete opposite, seems so ordinary it can't be real. This must be some dream, surely? He halfheartedly attempts to assure himself.
The brutal 'kick' hits him seconds later.
Her hand suddenly comes to life, forced to retreat by a pain like a fog inside her. A pain that pushes a sourceless weight on her chest and threatens to force closed her airways.
The feeling is alien to her. She quickly tilts her head away to conceal how deeply she is hurt by such rejection and tries to cover the burnt hand at her side. She is retreating back into her shell.
She doesn't see his eyes, normally controlled and emotionless, come to life with intense regret and a singe of self berating. She also doesn't see the sudden righteousness that sets in his stare as he realizes with a jolt as he, the point man, remediates the situation immediately. However, what she does see is the soft companionship and affection in his gaze for the second their eyes meet. He sends her a sly, sideways glance that meets her surprised stare when he snatches her hand from her timid stance.
She gives a small, nervous smile and feels her body gain warmth once more. The implied 'yes' makes his heart squeeze.
Hands intertwined, content smiles on their faces, they walk on.
A/N Thank You once again to my Beta Rompien.
Don't forget to R&R! They are very much appreciated.