Author's Note: Welcome back! Chapter two is finally available for reading. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, finally got to meet my favorite character, but I won't spoil it ;)
Disclaimer: Loosely based off a true story with characters being based on real people in my life.
Chapter Two: Personal Space
It was like this morning all over again. I awoke with a jolt, eyes wide as I inhaled sharply. However, instead of being among my sheets on the comfort of my own floor I felt something warmer holding me close, something much more human. My body felt paralyzed. I didn't dare move, I simply shifted my eyes towards a face that looked forward with a blank expression. I hadn't the faintest idea of how this situation evolved around me. One moment I was atop a building, magic roaring inside me daring me to let loose. The next minute I'm out cold and now I'm here,
"You're safe now, I took care of it." The man who appeared to holding me said in a deep but appealing voice. His words were sincere, his tone told me everything. You could say I'm also pretty good at reading people. I nodded at his response, slightly afraid but also too confused to understand the situation. All I could do was take in his features. His once blank expression began to soften. His features were stern but comforting in an indescribable sense. He appeared to have a mustache growing in along with a slight beard making an appearance. His hair was dark and as was his eyes. However, as we continued to walk I noticed in a different light they appeared this warm amber brown. It reminded me of a gorgeous fall evening with a large blanket and a hot cup of tea. His hands gripped me roughly, holding me close as if he was afraid I'd get away. Though, it made me relax. I felt comfort in this mysterious strangers arms. I was so fixed on his features I hadn't bothered to take note of our location or even why he was carrying me in the first place, "The bandit got away, but I had to make sure you were alright." he continued while moving his eyes so they were fixed on me for a single moment. I felt it, that feeling again,
"The bandit.." I mumbled in a hushed tone. How could I have forgotten so easily? I had to snap out of it, it was like every train of thought crashed and I was at a loss for words,
"You can call me Emerson." He stated firmly while giving me another quick glance. I took a deep breath while giving another nod,
"Victoria, but Vicky works." I replied much too quick. My brain was working much faster than my mouth could comprehend at the moment. Suddenly, Emerson paused and halted his movements before bending forward to let me down. It felt like the warmth he provided suddenly slipped away. I already missed it. Helplessly I stood there, a shiver running up and down my spine while my tail swished and ears flattened,
"Cold?" he teased with a raise of his brow. His voice displayed evident cockiness. He knew he was the warmth I craved. It like like he was almost daring me to move closer. I did. He didn't flinch, in fact he appeared to embrace it before swiftly moving away towards a park bench. His hand patted the spot next to him as he cocked his head. Who is this guy? I hadn't even noticed we were near a park till he made the effort in pointing it out. I felt my breath hitch in my throat. This was some random stranger we were talking to. I wouldn't have even thought to accept such an offer yesterday. However, I felt this pull. Like he had me on an invisible string and was pulling me closer with every word and every motion. So, I didn't bother to fight it and I gave in. Softly I sat at a reasonable distance with the warm air practically radiating off of him,
"Not cold." I finally replied with a playful roll of my eyes. I just met this guy and he already appeared like he had wrapped me around his finger,
"Are too." Emerson said before moving closer. With a large stretch he raised his arms above his head and rested them there; his eyes meeting mine and not daring to break the eye contact we now held, "It's only natural, you're not capable of fire magic like me anyways." He said with a sly smirk forming on his lips, still managing to hold the eye contact. At this point he was much too cocky. But, nonetheless it kept me on my toes and I enjoyed the company. It wasn't often I had enjoyable company. Also, it didn't seem to faze him how close we were now in proximity. His face was inches away from mine as our legs brushed against each other and our bodies touched. Personal space certainty wasn't an interest of his. Though, I didn't mind it. His warm made me settle, finally let my guard down and relax. Plus, it was quite cold considering it was winter,
"Why'd you save me anyways?" I finally blurted out in order to break the sudden tension forming between us. He gazed at me with a confused look that began to take the form of the friendly one I honestly preferred much more,
"Was I supposed to let you get hurt for a bit of pocket change?" He said raising his brows as if the answer was right in front of my nose. Suddenly he began to let out a light laugh, it was slightly irritating. I suppose his intention wasn't to mock me or anything so I forced myself to take a deep breath and ease up, "Want me to take you home?" He said while peering around at the darkening sky. Time had flown by much too quick for my liking,
"As long as I can see you again, I can't thank you enough." I giggled as my ears twitched in the sudden burst of excitement. He swiftly nodded with a large grin before we both stood up. My first few steps were difficult, I practically tripped over my own two feet. Though, kindly enough Emerson was there to give me a bit of a push and we were on our way. I guided him through town, he almost looked lost. Perhaps he was new and was simply passing through either way it was nothing short of a breeze for me. We were met with my apartment door in moments. As I waved my hand over the handle, opening it with some simple magic I noticed him standing there with a confused look, "Would you like to come in?" I said softly, tilting my head. That was all it took, the grin remade an appearance, practically taking over his features as he entered behind me,
"Of course, if that's not a problem" Emerson said while rubbing the back of his head nervously. I smiled and nodded. However, the moment was sliced in half by the glaring eyes of my furry companion,
"Victoria! Are you crazy?! I was so worried, where were you?! I thought you got hurt and-" Mini rambled before I lifted her up and embraced her in a warm hug while my body swayed from side to side,
"I'm totally fine, sorry for worrying you." I said while pressing our noses together. Mini was almost like my conscience, she kept me safe and aided me in thinking rationally. Though, I was quick to notice the sharing of eye contact between both Emerson and Mini, "Right! This is Emerson, he saved me, I might have gotten into a bit of trouble earlier.. But I'm fine now!" I said quickly, "And Emerson! This is Mini, she's my roommate, pet, whatever you'd prefer to call her." I finished with a friendly smile and nervous laugh, "I'm gonna go get us some drinks!" I continued while already halfway into the small kitchen. Emerson just managed to stand there awkwardly before taking more notice of Mini and instantly fawning over her cuteness. By the time I appeared back into the living room both Emerson was embracing Mini and cooing her on how soft and cute she was. I almost dropped the two glasses in shock at how quick they began to get along. Slowly I approached and placed two wine glasses on the glass coffee table lined with oak wood,
"She's so adorable, good Mini!" He cooed some more before setting her down and pacing over towards the couch where I already sat comfortably, half of my drink downed. He peered over at me and tilted his head,
"Should you be drinking it that fast?" He questioned with a concerned look. The drink was obviously infused with some type of magic as I had already begun to feel loopy and giggle for no reason. My face flushed a bright red, I was drunk. Though, I could honestly say it was totally accidental. Guess you could say I'm very much a light-weight. Swiftly Emerson grabbed both glasses and headed into the kitchen, "No more." He said firmly. Being who I was I began to pout, crossing my arms over my busty chest that was just barely staying put in the tight shirt I had decided to wear. When Emerson returned he lifted me up with no questions asked and began searching for the bedroom. Due to the apartment lacking in size it wasn't difficult to find. Once inside he placed me on the bed, "Sleep, you need it." He said before patting me on the head and shifting his body so he could begin walking out. However, it wouldn't be that easy. I quickly grabbed his arm and giggled before mumbling,
"C-come shleep with mee." He shook his head and attempted to free from my grasp. In response I raised my arms and removed my shirt, "Pleasee." I said with a flushed face as I continued to undress before getting into the bed,
"I'll sleep in the chair." Emerson finally said with a sigh, obviously focusing his eyes away from the girl he just met who was already in little to no clothing,
"If you say soo" I said back with another high-pitched giggle before pulling Emerson closer towards my body. Our faces now rest inches away. I suddenly felt his breath slow as he peered down at me with a look I'd never seen. Before we had realized the moment had happened, it happened. We kissed.
A/N: Hmm, more drunk Victoria in the next chapterrr but it's gettingg kinda heated already ;))
