Jetko Week 2013
A/N: This'll be the dumping grounds for any future Jetko ficlets. The setup is identical to that of the Maiko and Kataang one. Also, I swear I'm still working on Insidious Nights —it's just going painfully slow. As always, thank you for reading, and Happy Jetko Week!
Prompt 1: Instinct
It's common sense —don't play with matches, don't run near the fire, be careful with the spark rocks— things his mother and father harped on and on about.
And he knows; smarting fingers, a village set aflame, and two less people harping have been his teacher. Jet knows all too well that if you play with fire, you're going to get burned.
So why, when every instinct screams at him to smother the flames before he's consumed, why doesn't he strike down the boy with the eyes that so obviously burn? Why doesn't he fight? Why doesn't he run from the flames licking at his heels?
He feels it, growing inside: a threatening spark, ignited by golden eyes and an angry scar. It's a flame he can't extinguish —he doesn't know how. Already, it sears confusion and fear into his heart, his heated skin pleading with him to draw his swords and sever the fire that burn within.
He can't carry on this way. He must rid himself of the flames that eat him from inside, and then of the boy who breaths them, he won't play this sick game. You don't take a certain interest in your enemy, the impulse to run a finger across their jaw shouldn't occur. Their eyes aren't supposed to draw you in this way, and make you never want to let go. You raise your swords. You eliminate the threat. You make your escape. You strike a match with caution, and you take care when using the spark rocks. If you play with fire, you're going to get burned.
And like hell, he'll take that chance.