Chain Reaction
Disclaimer: Never owned, never will.
All it took was to see that little piece of shit pawing her. I gave up trying to ignore the fact that I was drawn to her, and it was no surprise that everyone else was too. In her beautiful dress, looking like the spirit of the moon herself, she was glancing around frantically, looking for any means of escape. He dipped her and swung her back into his arms, and I growled, nearly crushing the fragile champagne glass in my hand. Asami shot a glare at me, interrupting one of her petty disputes no doubt.
I turned back to the anger roiling in my stomach- I wanted nothing more than to rip him limb from limb as he whispered in her ear, and her eyes widened in shock, blooms of color appearing on her high cheekbones. Suddenly, she stiffened, and I felt myself react accordingly, tugging myself away from Asami none too gently.
I hastened my pace as I heard gasps, the women shivering and the men attempting not to show how cold they really were in front of their dates. I rolled my eyes, and pushed through them, making my way as cautiously as possible across the web of ice that coated the floor.
Her eyes flashed in fury, and thin tendrils of frost were crawling onto his silk suit, curling around his arms at an alarming rate. I drew her away, folding her into my arms. She was freezing, and I rubbed her arms in an attempt to warm her up. She didn't notice, still glaring at the councilman with those icy blue eyes.
"Councilman Tarrlock," I said with something that was almost illegal to call a smile. I felt more like I was bearing my teeth, staking my claim. "If I could interrupt- I must dance with this exquisite young lady before the ball is over. If you would be so kind…" I trailed off, and his eyes narrowed before he nodded curtly, as I knew he would to save face in front of the crowd.
The goddess in my arms turned, throwing her arms around me and burrowing into my shoulder. I stroked her hair gently, murmuring lowly so only she could hear. "Are you all right?" I surprised even myself. I didn't even know the girl's name and I had shown more concern for her than I ever had for Asami.
"Yes," she whispered quietly, looking anywhere but me, trying to compose herself.
I trailed my hands up and down her back again, trying to give her what little comfort I could offer. I gathered her into my arms, one hand on her waist, the other clutching her dainty hand in my own. Her skin was white as snow, decorated with delicate patterns of frost.
I squeezed her hand gently, heating it with my own. The beauty's lips twitched, not quite a smile. I frowned slightly, trying to get a better look at her face. The action seemed strangely familiar.
I wasn't even aware that I had spoken until she answered. "How so?" she asked rigidly, eyes remaining firmly on the crowd surrounding us.
I swept my eyes up and down her figure once more, as I had when she had entered the hall. Tiny snowflakes sparkled in her hair, an ornament making the simplistic style elegant without seeming snobbish. Her kimono draped off of her perfectly, enunciating her curvy but muscled figure, swishing gently whenever she moved. They reminded me of the tides, rising and falling in perfect harmony with the moon's cycles.
I snapped out of my trance, realizing that she still awaited an answer. "You somehow seem to strike both passion and fear into the hearts of all who are here tonight my Lady. They say that only the best of leaders can do this, and I have never seen one as beautiful." I blushed as the words tripped off my tongue, and I hoped she didn't notice the peculiar shade of pink my face and ears had turned.
She looked pleased by the compliment, and allowed herself a small smile, causing one of my own to drift across my lips. "Well my Lord, you are only one of many who have said that tonight-"My heart dropped a little, and my ego went to go and sulk while I attempted to keep a serene expression. "-but I don't think I have taken it so truly to heart." Her face flushed a lovely contrast to the web of white that crisscrossed over her skin.
Just as she was beginning to gain a little warmth in her hands again, she exhaled, her breath fogging out in front of her as the ice returned, this time creeping onto my shoulders. Her face was once again emotionless, as mine had been so many times over the years, but I longed to see something in those expressive, clear blue eyes.
I rested my forehead against her own, lips brushing her cool cheek. "You shouldn't do that," I said, drawing her even closer to me. "Is your heart truly made of ice my Lady? Can no one melt it?" I was waiting eagerly for an answer, foolishly hoping that she would say yes, that she would ask me to be the one to be there for her.
She began to draw away slowly, shaking her head. Her curls brushed against her cheeks, and I longed to tuck them behind her ears, just to see her cheeks flush and her eyes sparkle. "I'm not the only one who's hiding." The crowd parted as she reached the edge, accepting her before seeming to swallow her whole, not sparing me one last glance.
I took a step forward, eye brows pulling together in confusion. What did she mean by that? She had no idea about what it had been like for me and Bo when we were out on the streets, that I had pushed people away in order to be spared from the hurt of them eventually leaving is. But this time, it wasn't me who was pushing her away. No, she was pushing me, and I was determined to figure out why.
AN: Hey guys, this is kind of Mako's pov from Fire and Ice, but I'll probably add another chapter near the end to show you a little more of their relationship if you really want. Tell me what you think of it so far. Remember, I'll update every ten reviews I get per chapter and, as always, reviews are loved, the people who write them even more so.
SNO.
