The Bodyguard
0ooo0
Fareeha stood next to a rack full of various types of jeans, arms crossed. The afternoon was dragging by painstakingly slow with Angela and her best friend Lena invaded shops after shops, buying a mountain of clothes and cosmetics. Fareeha had tagged along their every step, scanning the areas like a hawk. She knew she might scared people around because of her serious demeanor, and probably annoy one beautiful singer, but it was her job to be cold and intimidated. It was what she did best.
She had done a quick check on Lena, and Fareeha let herself believe that the girl was not a threat to her client. Lena and Angela had been friends since middle school, and even when Angela dropped high school to pursuit her singing career, they remained in touch. Thinking about the Brit, Fareeha concluded that she could like Lena. The girl was boisterous but in a good way. They didn't talk much during the shopping, but Lena was very polite and friendly, and she could subdue an angry Angela in a matter of seconds with her silly jokes. Lena might look young for her age, but she was definitely not a spoiled kid. She made Fareeha's job a bit easier.
"You look absolutely and utterly adorable in this one, love!" exclaimed Lena somewhere behind.
Fareeha turned to see a blushing Angela in a yellow floral dress, and she had to agree with Lena. Angela was very attractive, that fact everybody knew, but it was not just some random beauty Fareeha saw on TV commercials or reality shows, it was full of energy and passion, and sensual in a dangerous way. It was questioningly obvious that Angela could command people just by her good looks.
"You think so?" Angela smiled, twirling in front of the big mirror.
"I know so. You can ask Captain Amari here. I bet she agrees with me."
Fareeha looked at the singer, waiting, but instead of asking her, Angela gave her a fleeting shy look before turning away. The blonde returned to the changing booth and closed the curtain behind her. Fareeha resumed her watch. She believed Angela was still upset about what had happened earlier. The singer had not spoken a single word to Fareeha ever since. She had caught brief staring from the blonde during the afternoon shopping, but when she had stared back, Angela had darted her eyes away. For once Fareeha preferred this quiet Angela. She admitted to herself she felt a bit tense talking to her beautiful client. It was not because she was attracted to her, Fareeha told herself that, but because Angela was so unpredictable. One second she was sweet and friendly, the next moment she would flip unexpectedly.
"I'm bloody thirsty! Gotta go get something to drink. Want anything, love?" asked Lena.
"The usual, please. Thank you, Lena," Angela's voice was heard inside the booth, a bit muffled.
"Alright. Ya want anything, love?" Lena asked Fareeha as she passed by.
Fareeha refused the offer politely. Lena smiled and zipped out of the store in an instance. Fareeha decided to change position. She walked to the left of the store and stood before the big window. With this spot she had a perfect view of the street and still could keep an eye on Angela through the reflection from the mirror on the wall next to her.
Fareeha tried her best to look away from the mirror and focus on the street but failed disappointingly. A small glimpse of Angela's pale skin was enough to distract her, and she silently berated herself for being so unprofessional. She tried to looked away again, but her traitorous eyes kept coming back, searching for more soft-looking skin. For the first time in a long while, Fareeha let her guard down and allowed herself to enjoy the view. The curtain of the changing booth drooped surprisingly low, revealing Angela's naked shoulders to her stare. Fareeha traced her eyes on the curves of those small shoulders to the little hair at the base of her slender neck as Angela had her hair in a ponytail. Angela was the epitome of femininity: soft skin, small frame, lovely face, and perfect curves. Even though the singer looked fragile, Fareeha could detect the lean muscles underneath her flawless skin. Of course Angela had to stay fit for her job. With all that dancing and singing, Fareeha was not surprised to think the blonde had had a very strict work-out schedule.
Fareeha let her mind wonder if Angela loved going to the gym as much as she did. Fareeha had been a fan of the gym back in her younger days, to the point of obsession. She remembered working her body everyday for a long period of time until she felt the pleasant fatigue in her muscles. And she loved being fit and athletic. It was a must in her line of duty, but it also brought her pleasant company. Fareeha Amari had no trouble with attracting women. They came to her involuntarily, yearning to touch her rippling muscles, to test the strength she possessed. Fareeha had dated many women during her time in the army, but none had really been her keeper. It was passionate at first, but then everything just died down eventually.
"Could you get me that green bomber jacket," Angela called, and Fareeha snapped out of her past instantly. She took a breath and composed herself before facing the singer.
"I am your bodyguard, not your personal assistant," she said, as cold and distant as ever.
"Please? I'm not wearing anything. Well, if you count underwear as anything…"
"Okay, where is it?"
"Right there, the rack in front of me," Angela poked an arm out and pointed Fareeha to the jacket.
Fareeha frowned as she went over various of jackets. There were at least three or four green ones, and they all looked the same to her. "Which one is it?" she asked at last, giving up.
"That one, the bomber- No, not that. Do you not know what a bomber jacket is?" giggled Angela.
"I have no idea. They look the same to me."
"You know what, never mind. I'll get it myself, just turn around."
Fareeha looked the blonde dead in the eye, and Angela returned an equally serious look. "Or I can just grab all the green ones and you pick it out yourself," Fareeha countered.
"Or you just need to turn around and promise not to peek. There are many green ones in the rack. It would be a hassle putting them back on," said Angela nonchalantly, staring at Fareeha as if what she had just suggested was the most normal thing in the world.
"Fine," said Fareeha, turning around to face the window again, feeling ridiculously flustered.
"Don't peek."
"I won't," Fareeha sighed, smiling inside at how childish the situation had become. She heard soft footsteps behind her, then came the ruffling sound of clothes, and then the sound of the curtain being drawn again.
"You're safe now," said Angela after a while.
Fareeha chuckled at that. She turned and walked to her previous spot in front of the big window, pretending to watch the street. She had to admit to herself Angela was adorable in her own way. Surely, the blonde had been testing her patient as of late, but Fareeha believed it wasn't intentional. Angela, like any other rich and famous people, had been used to getting what they want. She was an icon, admired by many, and certainly didn't need anyone to tell her what to do, but now suddenly a total stranger appeared out of nowhere, ordering her around, expecting her to change her life style in a matter of days. That, Fareeha sympathized.
"I trust you don't like people like me?" said Angela, pulling Fareeha out of her thoughts. The singer walked to where she stood, regarding her briefly before looking at her own reflection in the mirror, wearing a sparkling green jacket with golden linings.
"People like you?"
"Yeah, celebrities."
"It's not like that," Fareeha shook her head, fixing her gaze to the window again.
"Jack said you wouldn't do celebrities, that I was an exception. Why?" the tone Angela used forced Fareeha to look away from the window and lock eye with her. Curiosity was definitely present in those blue eyes, but there was something else Fareeha couldn't read. It felt a lot like hope.
Fareeha was silent for a long time. She wasn't sure if she wanted to tell Angela the reason why, the real reason. In the end, she decided against it. She barely knew the singer, and she didn't want to reopen old wounds. "More money," she finally said, not hoping Angela would buy it. It was a way to say she didn't want to talk about it.
"I don't believe that, but if you don't want to tell me, that's fine," Angela moved away, jogging to a sweater rack. "You haven't answered my first question. Do you not like celebrities?"
"It's not the person. It's the life that I dislike."
"Why is that?"
"Too complicated. Too much attention. It's just…chaotic."
"Everything in this world is chaotic. It depends on one's perspective," said Angela, pulling a white turtle-neck sweater dress against her body. "What do you think?" she asked Fareeha.
"Like I said, I am not your personal assistant-"
"I wasn't asking about this dress."
Fareeha paused, ambers locking on crystal blues. Angela's stare was heated, full of power and confidence, and Fareeha suddenly recalled her younger self once being challenged by a formidable rival. Fareeha wanted to argue, to prove otherwise, but something inside her told her to hold it back. She didn't know Angela. She didn't trust her. "I don't know what to think. You're too smart for me," she lied in the end, adding a little joke to levitate the mood.
Angela didn't say anything more. She gave Fareeha one lingering gaze before moving back to the changing booth, and they didn't make any conversations after that. Fareeha was left wondering about that final look. Disappointment was prominent, but there was something else in her blue eyes at that moment, something Fareeha didn't dare to acknowledge. It was loneliness.
0ooo0
It turned out the restaurant Angela and Lena wanted to go to wasn't what Fareeha had expected. It was a small and cozy little cot, with fine wine and affordable prices. Also, it was a very secluded place, with only a couple of patrons sitting here and there, minding their own business. Fareeha was surprised to see there was no paparazzi camping outside the restaurant, and for that she was grateful. Dealing with those hounds was the worst.
Fareeha sat in a booth with Zarya, Lucio, and Mei, watching the blonde and her friend sitting and chatting in the opposite booth. She chose this booth because it was the closest to Angela's, and she had a great view of the singer as well as the street. She could detect even the smallest movement that was out of ordinary.
"Angela must be a handful, I assume?" said Zarya, bringing Fareeha's attention back to their table. "She's not a bad person. She's just having trouble with keeping her temper," she continued.
"You're not the first one on her receiving end," Lucio said, gesturing to himself, Zarya, and Mei, telling Fareeha they had once been in the same situation. "She doesn't trust strangers," he smiled.
"Mei here has it worst, being her personal assistant," Zarya elbowed Mei, laughing. "Hey, that was a joke," she quickly raised her hands in defense when Mei threw her an annoyed look.
"I don't have any problems with Angela," said Fareeha, jaw set, "She's my duty. I signed the contract, I'll keep her safe."
"Okay, soldier..." said Zarya, defeated. Fareeha believed the woman had somehow expected her to be more friendly, but she wasn't here to make friends.
"Oh yeah! Here comes our food," exclaimed Lucio, clearly appearing grateful for the interruption. He excitedly grabbed his fork and started digging in right away.
Fareeha also grabbed her spoon, and as she was about to scoop a dumpling on her spoon, a hand cupped her neck from behind. Barely in a tick, Fareeha turned around and grabbed the offending hand, yanking it forward, hands ready to break bones if necessary.
"Whoa there! It's me!" Genji exclaimed, clearly in panic and pain. His hand was paralyzed in Fareeha's grip.
Fareeha slowly let go of the man. Ignoring the staring from other patrons in the restaurant at the sudden out-bust, she said curtly, "Sorry. Reflex."
"You scared me to death, captain. I thought I was going to lose my arm a moment there," said Genji nervously, rubbing his wrist. "Guess I deserved that, touching without permission," he laughed.
"Yo! What are you doing here, mister Shimada?" Lucio greeted cheerfully and laughed out loud at the look Genji gave him. "Alright, alright. I won't call you that anymore."
"Oh, I'm just here to hang out with you guys," Genji smiled, "Is that not okay?"
"Of course it is okay! It's been a while since we could all be together like this. Grab a chair!" Lucio smiled a toothy smile, pointing to an empty chair not far away.
Genji pulled the chair to the booth they were sitting in, sitting backward. Placing his arms on the back of the wooden chair, he regarded the four of them, grinning, "I hope y'all have a wonderful afternoon?"
"Oh, it was great! Fareeha showed me a few tricks with the limo!" exclaimed Lucio excitedly, looking over at Fareeha. "To be honest, I have no idea how on earth you know all that. It's amazing!"
"I used to race when I was in college. It was an amateur activity though. A hobby," Fareeha said, chewing on the dumpling.
"You're full of surprises, aren't you, Captain Amari?" said Genji. He picked up a toothpick and used it to pick on a baby tomato in Zarya's salad, popping it into his mouth.
"Order you own food, Genji," Zarya grumbled good-naturedly, using her arms to shield her salad from another attack.
"Nah, it tastes better this way."
Zarya and Lucio laughed along with the man while Mei only smiled gently. Fareeha observed them silently. They seemed to be nice people, nice enough to talk and laugh with, she thought, but to trust was another issue.
"Now, if you excuse me, I have something to inform the princess," Genji said, standing up. He put the chair back where it was, winking at them before walking to where Angela and Lena were.
Fareeha's eyes followed the man as he sneaked behind the singer. She watched Angela jump slightly at the sudden proximity. The blonde swatted Genji on his arm, laughing along with her friend. She returned her gaze to her food when Genji sat down next to Angela, whispering something in her ear. Fareeha poked another dumpling, hoping that Genji and Angela wouldn't have any changes to the schedule they had informed her earlier.
0ooo0
Fareeha nodded to Lucio, who was standing next to their limo on the other side of the street, before returning inside the restaurant. She walked to Angela, who was sitting uncomfortably in her seat, clearly upset. "Zarya, you walked out first and try to keep the paps away as Angela will walk behind you. Angela, you will walk out when I say so, okay?" she said, looking at Angela's eyes. The blonde only nodded at her, arms crossed. "Okay, let's move."
As Zarya opened the door, dozens of paparazzi crowded around her, flashing their cameras. Zarya's muscular arms swung back and forth, pushing at people. She used her height and weight as her advantages to become the wall shielding Angela.
Fareeha nodded to Angela as she saw a small path Zarya had created, and she followed closely to the blonde as she walked out of the restaurant at last. She kept an arm around Angela's shoulders, pushing at the paps herself. Some even rude enough to crouch down under her hovering arms to get a picture of Angela. Fareeha gritted her teeth, offended by the thought of Angela's privates might be displaced since the blonde was wearing a dress. She couldn't let that happen. She used her leg to push the rude paparazzo away; the guy let out a cry and fell flat on his back.
Lucky for them, Lucio had had the limo right in front of the pathway lead to the restaurant, and all they had to do was walking a few steps to the vehicle. Fareeha was impressed by Zarya's performance. The woman had managed to keep the relentless paparazzi at arm reach, making Fareeha's job a little easier to walk Angela to safety.
Just when Angela was about to get inside the car, a girl ran up to the blonde, her hands was in her backpack, pulling out something. Fareeha acted on impulse, placing her palm against the girl's front, stopping the child midway.
"It's okay," Angela touched her arm, silently ordering her to let the child pass.
Fareeha reigned a war within herself. They were still practically being surrounded by paparazzi yelling and calling for Angela. If they didn't get in the car right now, the paps might overpower her and Zarya and could block the only escape. But one look at the little girl's hopeful expression and she couldn't resist it. "Make it quick, kid," she sighed.
The girl beamed and quickly pulled out a small teddy bear, but instead of letting Angela take it, Fareeha took the stuffed animal. She quickly pushed the singer into the car and closed the door. She ran back up the path and cleared the paps away for Lena, Mei, and Genji to pass. It wasn't as difficult as earlier because the paparazzi only wanted Angela. Once Fareeha made sure everyone got in safely, she opened the passenger door and got in herself. With one look and Lucio drove them away from the crowd of disappointed-looking people.
"Can I have the teddy now?" Angela asked after a while.
"Not yet," Fareeha replied curtly. She glanced at the rear mirror and saw a frowning Angela in the back seat, crossing her arms again, and Lena was rubbing her arms to calm her.
"It's just a toy!" Angela retorted, clearly angry now.
"It was a toy last time, too, and I almost lost my arm, Angie," said Lucio.
"What are you saying? You told me you were bitten by a pit bull," Angela looked shocked, then after a moment of processing the information, she turned to glare at the green-haired man. "Genji!"
"I was going to tell you, sweetie. I didn't want to worry you," said Genji.
"I don't know you people anymore!" exclaimed Angela angrily.
"Sorry, Angie…" Lucio lowered his voice. He looked rather sad and ashamed, and Fareeha felt sympathy for the guy. He was probably just following Genji's order.
Fareeha's eyes met Angela's for a brief moment before the blonde darted her gaze to the window. If she were Angela, she would be furious, too. She'd rather know what she was dealing with than being kept ignorant of the dangers ahead. Fareeha turned the stuffed toy in her hands, pressing and probing, and found nothing suspicious. "Here. It's safe," she said, turning around and handing the blonde her gift.
"Thank you," mumbled Angela, suddenly looking shy.
0ooo0
"What are we looking for?" asked Lucio beside her, holding a flashlight.
"Bombs," was Fareeha's nonchalant answer. They were on their hands and feet, heads bending at awkward angles as they inspected under the limo. Fareeha glanced over to her companion and grinned. The guy had a stunned look plastered on his handsome face, his mouth hanging open. Fareeha adjusted the stick of the mirror upward so she could get a better view. "Shine the light over there. Yeah, stay there," she ordered.
"Is this what you always do?" asked Lucio again.
"Pretty much, yes."
"Wow…"
Fareeha paused her movement when she saw Angela and the team stepping out into the garden through the mirror in her hand. Angela was wearing a long red cloak with a hood over her head. She looked very much like the Red Riding Hood. Standing up and dusted her knees, Fareeha looked to Lucio, "What is going on? I thought it was a private dinner?"
"I don't know anything either."
Fareeha walked to where the crew was, grabbing Genji's arm and dragging him away. "What is this? Why is she dressing like that?"
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry! I forgot to tell you. Plans have been changed. Angela is going to perform her newest single tonight in a club, the biggest club in LA!" Genji grinned, clapping his hands.
"This isn't wise, Genji! Not while there're threats out there!"
"That's why we hired you, captain," said Genji with a smile and walked past her to the limo.
Fareeha groaned audibly, rubbing her forehead. If they had told her sooner, she could have prepared herself, and maybe have made a few phone calls for additional security. She ignored Jack's sorry look and walked to Angela. "Angela…" she called.
"Oh nice suit, Fareeha," Angela smiled, looking at her black suit and tie appreciatively. Fareeha could see Angela was in a good mood tonight, and she didn't want to be on her bad side by convincing her not to go, not that it would budge the blonde anyway.
"Angela, I want you to have this," she said, opening her palm to reveal a silver cross with a deep blue gem in the middle.
"It's beautiful, Fareeha," Angela exclaimed, gently taking it from her palm. The singer looked up at her with gratitude, smiling the impossibly beautiful smile. "Thank you."
Fareeha nodded half-heartedly. She took the cross form the other's palm and held it in front of Angela. "You see this blue stone? Press on it whenever you need help, and it will send me the signal, and I will come for you," she said matter-of-factly, pressing on the blue stone as she had said. A beep sound coming shortly after, and the light on Fareeha's lapel flashed red.
Angela deflated immediately. She took the cross from Fareeha's palm and threw one disappointing look at her before walking to the limo, never once looking back. Fareeha sighed. She had a pretty good idea why Angela suddenly became distant again. She rubbed her face tiredly before following the blonde.
"Fareeha, it's-," Jack began as she was close to him, but Fareeha held up her hand to silent him.
"We'll talk about this later," she said, getting in her seat.
They arrived at the club in a few minutes, and already people had crowded the place, forming a big mob in front of the tall double door. Fareeha was pleased to see the club's staff had already made a path for them, with red carpet lining the way to the club and two rows of guards on either side of the way. Fareeha looked at Zarya, and the woman nodded at her before opening her door and stepping outside. The woman walked to the guards at the door and talked to them. They nodded and opened the thick double door with a flick of their wrist.
Fareeha frowned at the crowd, screaming fans and paparazzi invaded the limo, yelling and slapping at the windows in every direction. She took a deep breath before getting out of her seat. She jogged to Angela's and opened the door for her, taking her hand and leading her out. All at once the crowd let out a deafening shriek, and people becoming wilder when they saw Angela in plain sight. Zarya ran back to them and helped the guards at keeping the fans in place while Fareeha quickly led Angela up the path. Sporting a big smile on her face, Angela turned here and there, waving and blowing kisses at her fans. Fareeha had to inflict violence on some of the wildest fans, who had jumped over the fence to grab Angela's cloak. She cursed in her head. If she had her way, she would scoop the singer in her arms and carry her herself inside the building. She began to doubt her decision of letting Angela greet her crazy fans in the middle of the street.
0ooo0
"Remember what we have discussed?" Fareeha asked the dark-skinned man, receiving a firm nod. They were standing outside of Angela's changing room, where the blonde had disappeared into half an hour ago.
"Yes, boss. I have everything ready," said Lucio.
"Good. Now go."
"Fareeha…"
Fareeha turned as she heard her name being called from behind. "What is it, Jack?"
"The man sent another letter," Jack grimly said. He quickly took Fareeha's arm to get her attention as she walked past him to get to the singer. "She's frightened, Fareeha."
"I know," said Fareeha before opening the door to Angela. At the first sight of her, the singer stood. She almost ran to Fareeha but held herself back. Instead, she reached out her palm holding a letter. Fareeha read the letter carefully. It was the same style, with cut-out letters and bad drawings.
"It's a rape threat," Angela said, burying her face in her hands, head downcast.
Fareeha took one look at Genji and Mei before turning back to Angela. "We need to leave. Now," she commanded.
"Wait a minute! We can't just leave like this. People are waiting for her!" Genji cried, stepping in her personal space. "You've gotta be kidding me!"
Fareeha didn't move. She gave the man a steal look, reminding him that she was talking to Angela and not him.
"Fareeha's right, Genji. It's too dangerous," said Jack.
"Come on, it's only a letter," Genji kept whining. He turned to Angela instead, "Honey, are you okay? Look, we can't just leave now. Can you hear that? They're calling for you. They love you. You want to let them down?"
"Genji, this is serious. This guy is no amateur. He got in the house once, and now this. Who knows what he can do next," Jack interrupted, pulling him away from Angela.
"Wait, someone was in my house?" Angela snapped, clearly confused.
Jack looked hesitant at first, but he nodded in the end.
"Someone was in my house and you didn't tell me? How could you, Jack?"
"Look, no need to get all flustered. Let's just sit down and have you something to drink and-"
"Shut up, Genji!" Angela barked, effectively shutting him up. "Take me home, Fareeha," she turned and walked to Fareeha.
"Okay great! Let me go and tell the crowd you won't be on stage. Let me disappoint them," Genji called after them as Fareeha led the singer out of the changing room.
"Fareeha, you get her out of here. I'll take care of the waiting crowd," said Jack as he walked up the path leading to the stage.
Fareeha nodded before pulling Angela to the backstage. She had calculated this path right after they got in the club. It was the fastest way to the back door, where she and Lucio had agreed to park the limo, and since it was the backstage, there would be no fans or paparazzi to be worried about. As they moved through the narrow and dark path way, Fareeha could hear the rumbling thunder coming from hundreds of fans. They were chanting a name, her client, the woman she was to protect, Angela Zeigler.
Angela stopped short, standing in the back and listening to the sea of people calling to her out there. She turned and looked at Fareeha. There was a fire in those blue eyes, a passionate desire to prove something, and Fareeha knew that look.
"I have to go, Fareeha. They're calling for me," said Angela, loud and clear against the numbing roar.
"Angela!" Fareeha said, holding the blonde's arm, "It's not worth it."
"I'm not going to throw what's supposed to be mine away just because of some sick pervert," said Angela, the fire in her eyes now growing stronger. "And it's worth it every time," she smiled at Fareeha before turning her back at her to walk on stage.
Fareeha cursed loudly, watching her client walk confidently to a very confused Jack. She cringed as the crowd roared up at the presence of their favorite singer.
"Hello everybody! Hello!" said Angela cheerfully, waving at the sea of fans. "I want you to meet the most wonderful man on earth, Jack Morrison!" Angela exclaimed, throwing an arm around Jack and kissing him on the cheek. Fareeha watched the old man saying something to Angela; a question is plastered on his face, but the singer gently shook her head and whispered something back to him. Jack finally got off the stage and walked to where she was standing.
"I have nothing else to say, Fareeha, so don't look at me like that," Jack walked past her to the VIP lounge, looking tired as ever.
Fareeha turned to Angela again and saw the singer still waving and talking to the crowd. She pressed the button on her lapel, turning on her radio in an instance. "Lucio, coming in? We're not leaving yet. Angela decided to stay, so just stay put, okay?" said Fareeha, eyes still on a certain blonde.
"How are you doing tonight? I hope you don't mind me singing a little bit," Angela giggled when the crowd roared an agreement. "Alright then, this is my new single. It's called 'Into You'. I hope you like it."
Fareeha stood far off to the left of the stage, watching Angela shrugging off her crimson cloak with grace as the music started playing. The singer wore a black leather outfit underneath the cloak, with high-heel boots and black satin cat-ear hairband. Fareeha was surprised she was able to let out a chuckle at Angela's outfit despite the situation. She had to admit Angela looked very sexy wearing the cat woman-look-alike suit.
As she watched the singer performing, Fareeha was baffled by a very different Angela. It was as though the usual snappy young woman had disappeared, replaced by a goddess who had the voice, the moves, and the ability to hypnotize not only the crowd under her, but also everyone present in the room, and that including her, Fareeha Amari. And at this exact moment, Fareeha had given up the excuses or the denial her mind had created to quiet the yearning in her heart. Yes, Fareeha Amari was attracted to Angela Ziegler. There, she admitted it.
As Angela was singing, an excited fan suddenly jumped on stage, moving along with her. Fareeha quickly surge forward, opting to kick the guy off stage, but to her surprise, Angela held up her hand and looked at her, telling her not to do anything. Fareeha did stop, but she frowned deeply, watching the guy dance and grind his body against the blonde. As though having one fan on stage was the green light from Angela, few more bolder ones started coming on stage with her, and as Fareeha was about to come to the rescue, Angela held her back again.
"The hell you're doing, Angela?" She growled, hands forming into tight fists. She suddenly felt hot, her face was burning. Watching the fans dance around Angela infuriated her, and Fareeha had to take a moment to turn her gaze away, raising a hand to loosen her black tie.
And that was her mistake. Fareeha heard a sharp yelp, and as she quickly turned back to the blonde, Angela was being dragged to the crowd. The singer lost her balance and fell into the raising arms of people. The crowd cheered even louder, carrying her gradually away from the stage, from Fareeha.
"Fareeha! Help!" screamed Angela, throwing her hands and feet around, hoping to be let down but to no avail.
With admirable speed, Fareeha jumped off the stage, grabbing an extinguisher on her way and striding towards Angela. She opened the vent and release the gas directly to the crowd holding the singer. The fans yelped in surprise and immediately dropped Angela to the ground. Fareeha roughly shoved people away, punching and kicking anyone that was in her way. And when she got to where Angela was crouching on the floor, she silently bent down and scooped her into her arms. Angela whimpered against her chest, burying her face in her neck. With both her arms busied carrying the blonde bridal-style, Fareeha used her legs to kick at everyone and everything in her path. She was sure she left someone with a broken nose.
"Zarya, a little help here!" said Fareeha in her radio, and she breathed a sigh of relief as the woman ran to her, slamming her hard body against the screaming fans. Using Zarya as a distraction, Fareeha easily slipped away from the chaos being the die-hard fans. She quickly called Lucio while still carrying Angela to the back door. A hand out of nowhere placed firmly on her shoulder, and Fareeha wielded her head around to stare at Genji's face.
"Where are you going? Let me take her. I'll take care of her," he demanded.
"She's going home, Genji. That's enough for tonight."
"Wait, you don't understand-"
Fareeha shrugged off his hold with a shake of her shoulder and walked away without another word. She nodded to Lucio who was standing beside the limo, and he got in his seat immediately. Fareeha put the trembling blonde inside the vehicle and got in herself. Lucio started the engines, and soon they were off on the night street, heading to Angela's mansion.
Noticing a quivering Angela, Fareeha dutifully took off her jacket and draped it around the blonde's shoulders. Angela jumped lightly at the contact. She looked at her with terrifying blue eyes, tears brimming in the corners.
Fareeha silently engulfed the smaller girl in her arms, pulling her shaking body to hers. "It's okay. You're safe now," she whispered, smiling as she felt Angela clutched at her shirt, rubbing her face against her chest.
"I've never done something like this before," said Lucio in the driver's seat, looking rather disheveled himself. "That was…intense."
0ooo0
Fareeha pulled the cover up to the blonde's chin, smoothing her palms at the hem. Angela had kept quiet the whole ride home, and even when Fareeha tucked her to bed, she hadn't spoken a word.
"How are you feeling?" asked Fareeha.
A moment of silence before Angela finally spoke up, "I'm okay now. I-I thought I was going to die there."
"I won't let that happen."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
To her surprise, Angela reach out her hand and grabbed hers. She pulled it to her face and snuggled it, and Fareeha let her guard down once again, raising her hand to stroke blonde hair.
"I'm sorry for being a bitch to you," Angela mumbled, hiding her face in Fareeha's large hand.
"It's fine. It doesn't matter."
"Don't you want to know why I behave that way?"
"Maybe some other time? Right now you need to rest. You have just experienced panic attack."
"Okay."
Fareeha smiled. She gave Angela's hair one last stroke before standing up and turning off the light. When the moon shone its silver light on everything in the master bedroom, Angela's hair stood out the most. It was no longer the soft blonde Fareeha was used to. Angela's hair was now a platinum white; a soft glow surrounded her head, deceiving one into believing there was a halo around her. And her blue eyes were suddenly so bright in the dimly lit room, shining like crystals. Fareeha wondered if she was looking at an angel, clad in just a thin white nightgown.
Oh, Fareeha was so tempted to stay, to bent down and place kisses all over her perfect skin. To elicit tiny and sweet moans from the angel, but she held herself back anyway. Years of training in the army and years of working as a secret agent had taught her self-restraint. She couldn't risk it again. She made a mistake last time, and she was still paying for it every day. She had promised Angela to protect her, and protect she would.
Fareeha turned and walked out to be stopped by someone grabbing on her fingers. She looked down and saw smaller hand gingerly hold on to her callous one.
"I'm glad you're here," said Angela, smiling shyly.
"Good night, Angela."
"Good night, Fareeha."
Next chapter they're going on a date!
A/N: Thank you for reading! Feedbacks are always welcomed.