Shaxx's lips were featherlight on her own, just a tantalizing whisper of a kiss. He slowly leaned back and met her eyes, their noses only a few inches apart. He was testing her, gauging her reaction. It was a chaste kiss, but nonetheless lit a fire inside the huntress.
Frea took hold of the fur decorating the Titan's shoulder armor and yanked it hard, forcing him to bend down for her to reach. She returned the kiss, though this one was much hungrier than the last. Shaxx didn't hesitate as he grasped the back of her head, his free hand hooking around her waist to eliminate the remaining distance between their bodies.
"Open your mouth," he growled. Frea's knees nearly buckled when he slipped his tongue past her lips. The sensation was unlike anything she ever felt before, and she matched his passion with the same vigor. When he finally pulled away, they were both breathing heavily. "Frea..." Shaxx began, reaching for another kiss. A sudden resounding knock from the office entrance made them jump out of each other's arms.
"Sir?" A tiny voice sounded from behind the door.
Shaxx let out a weary sigh and ran a hand over his face. He shot the huntress a meaningful glance before crossing the room to open the door.
"What is it?" He asked louder than necessary, the annoyance clear in his tone.
Frea peeked from behind his shoulder into the hallway. It was one of the Crucible aids, a small Awoken girl who looked visibly shaken to be greeted by the Titan's bad attitude. The girl caught Frea's eye for just a second, long enough for the huntress to feel a sudden wave of guilt crash over her. She just kissed a leader of the Tower, one of the people she's supposed to protect and serve. What is she doing?
"S-sorry to bother you, Sir. But you wanted me to remind you of the training match with the new Guardians starting in five minutes." The Awoken girl bowed ever so slightly.
"Ah, yes of course." Shaxx rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll be down momentarily, give me a second."
The girl bowed again and turned away, disappearing into the hallway.
Shaxx ensured his aid was gone before returning his attention to the huntress next to him. Frea's head was tilted down, hiding her expression from his view. So instead his gaze traveled to her hands as they fidgeted with the handle of the knife strapped to her belt. Something was bothering her.
"I should probably get out of here," she whispered, breaking the tension. She wouldn't look up at him at all. Did he cross a line?
"Wait. Frea," he said but she slipped past him toward the door. He reached out and grabbed hold of her slender wrist. Freezing in place, she slowly turned around to meet his eyes at last. Her usual unwavering gaze seemed unfocused, this wasn't the spunky huntress he grew to know so well.
"I'm sorry." Her voice cracked and she adverted her eyes. An ached formed in Shaxx's chest as he gently let her hand slide out of his. The Titan watched her long white cape flutter down the hall until it disappeared against the glare of the morning sunlight.
Oh hell.
Frea walked at a brisk pace into the plaza, the sun felt blinding and the usual bustle of the Tower seemed too deafening today. Or maybe it was just her thoughts being loud, she wasn't sure. Her mind kept going back to Shaxx and what just happened in his office. It wasn't uncommon for Guardians to have relationships, some have families and even kids. But normally the leaders of the Tower were untouchable. They were the pillars that held up the community, the ones that have been around the longest. Legends. And she just made out with one.
With a sigh she plopped herself down on the stairs overlooking the City and ran her fingers through her hair. Her skin burned hot from Shaxx's touch and the tingling sensation still lingered on her lips. Frea couldn't remember the last time she was kissed like that, not in this life or the one before. She peered up at the Traveler floating in the sky as she tried to calm her throbbing heart. Nothing but pain will come from falling for the Crucible handler, he was far beyond her rank and out of her league. She can't get excited, not about this. The huntress buried her face into her hands with a huff.
"Hey, Frea." A familiar voice called to her from behind.
Slowly, she turned around, putting on her best fake smile. "Dex. What's up?"
The Warlock didn't immediately reply as he studied her with a curious look. "You ok? Your face is all red."
"Uh." Frea snapped her head away from his intrusive gaze, her mind scrambled for a quick excuse. "Oh, you know. Went out drinking last night and woke up with a bit of a hangover." She dryly laughed.
Dex's brow furrowed slightly. "Uh-huh," he said flatly and took a seat next to her. He obviously didn't buy that excuse one bit, Guardians never get hangovers. Frea cursed their superhuman recovery time.
The two sat in silence for some time, both looking up at the Traveler. Frea watched the lights from the City dance across its orbed surface. Occasionally a jumpship would zoom by, dropping off Guardians into the plaza. It didn't seem like Dex wasn't going to press her any farther, which she couldn't help but feel relieved by the quiet moment shared between them.
"So," the Warlock said, carefully choosing his words. "What are you up to today?"
"Planning to hit up Mars to farm some relic iron," the huntress replied. "You?"
"Got patrols all week on Saturn," he groaned. "I hate that damn Dreadnaught."
Frea chuckled. "Why? It's so charming with the-uh-bones and constant flood of Taken. Like a true paradise."
"Oh yeah? Then maybe I should plan my next vacation there." He joined in on the joke, not missing a beat.
They cast a glance at each other and shared a laugh. The hearty feeling was enough to chase away Frea's worries for now. Dex was always good at doing that.
The Warlock stood and lightly bumped her on the shoulder with his fist. "Be careful out there. I'll see you later, okay?" He smiled down to her.
"Same to you." She returned the gesture.
A satisfied look crossed Dex's features for just a moment, then he pulled out his Ghost and vanished into nothing. And once again Frea was left alone to her thoughts.