My first experiment of making a Final Fantasy VI fanfic.

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VI is not mine.

Pairing: Celes x Locke.

Synopsis: When Celes met Locke in Albrook, she was unsure about her feeling.

Word count: 644 words.

If stare could burn, she would have burn her glass— or her table— or even the whole pub!

Celes Chere wasn't a sentimental person. She didn't dwell on the past. Once she'd made up her mind, she'd not look back. That's what had kept her alive until now. Feelings were only for weaklings.

But now, she was confused and unsure. She knew she could do it. She's the Ice Queen anyway. A mere thief like him wouldn't ruin her perfect façade…right?

Keeping her cool, she drank and sat quietly in the noisy pub which was filled with Emperor Soldiers who worked under General Leo's command. To other people, she looked as cold as usual. Deep inside, she was agitated. She was trying to calm an unknown feeling inside of her.

Years of training and experiences as a soldier had taught her to be extra alert with her surroundings. And now, amidst the uncomfortable air of drunken people, she could tell that he was staring. Scratch that. She could feel his eyes piercing into her. She could hear his mental scream; asking her to look at him.

It's not that she didn't want to. She couldn't. She's afraid that she might not be able to control herself. God, she couldn't even tell what she really felt right now!

That thief had saved her.

That thief had defended her.

That thief had fought alongside with her.

But the same man had questioned her loyalty.

Locke Cole had broken her heart.

And it hurts.

Her heart ached whenever she recalled that day— the day when they had called her a traitor. The day when they called her an Emperor's spy. It hurts a lot, especially when the person she trusted the most harbored doubts on her.

Please look at me!

She could still hear the desperate call from the man in front of her. Though they're sitting meters apart, his plea was clear; as if he was shouting right next to her. Her cold, emotionless blue eyes stared back at the pleading brown eyes. They stared for seconds, minutes or maybe hours. She wasn't sure. Sometimes the time seemed to stop for the two. But why should she bother? She's now back with the Empire. Didn't that just proved that she's a spy? A traitor? It didn't matter that the Empire had tortured her for saving her allies— no, her friends in Vector. It was nothing compared with being doubted by the man that changed her— that made her human.

Locke Cole doubted her.

Finishing the last drops of her drink, she left the crowded pub silently; ignoring the prying eyes of the self-proclaimed treasure hunter. The silent scream was now pleading.

Please talk to me, Celes…

She left.

~oOo~

Hearing the sound of waves from the sea in the middle of the night seemed to ease her. Meeting Terra and Locke wasn't as easy as she thought. Even the comfortable bed in the inn couldn't help her tired body to get a sleep. She considered the idea of jumping into the water, letting it wash away these unknown feelings.

"Hey…"

She looked up instantly. When did he stand beside her? Wasn't he was asleep? And why couldn't she sense his presence?

Her heart beats faster, and she couldn't breathe. Her eyes became blurred with tears. No, she couldn't let this guy see her crying. She couldn't let him know that this Ice Queen was capable to feel. She couldn't look at him— not now. She couldn't let him see the pain she felt in her chest.

And she left, leaving the thief to feel guiltier than he already had.

She's the General Celes Chere; the Ice Queen of Vector.

She's cold, emotionless.

She hated this man for hurting her.

But she also knew that deep inside, she cared for this man.

Celes Chere loved Locke Cole.

-End-

Um…Comments? ^^;