CHAPTER 4

"It's certainly been an eventful day, and I thought we'd be the only ones to surprise everyone."

With slender fingers working to unravel the thin braids of red Anaya leisurely went about her task as she looked out at the world before her. Perched on the window seat Anaya was bewitched by the view that she saw, the shimmering surface of the lake a moon kissed mirror as it reflected the sky above. Feeling her artistic side kicking in Anaya had to resist the urge to capture the scene before her as common sense made her realise it was far too late to be painting. However, that didn't stop her from printing it to memory for later reference, giving a contented sigh Anaya enjoyed the moment of ease she had.

"It's so beautiful."

"That it is, but it still doesn't match up to you."

Becoming lost in her thoughts Anaya, in one of her rare moments, had failed to notice the approach of her red haired fiancé, yet hearing his voice soon reminded her of his presence. Taking her gaze away from the window Anaya turned to the one beside her, a smile gracing her face as she did.

Taking in her fiancé Anaya still found it hard to believe that she was lucky enough to gain him as her companion, someone who knew her better than she did at times, that and he had body to die for was an added bonus. Still wet from his shower Tala's red strands hung in a straight curtain past his shoulders, thin rivers of water making their way down his chest. With his tinted glasses now resting on his nose, Tala was dressed in nothing more than his pyjama bottoms as he stood before her.

"If you're trying to score points, I have to say its working."

Even as she voiced her reply Anaya watched as Tala's grinning form joined her on her perch, taking a moment to glance at the world she was so captured with. Letting Tala have his moment Anaya silently looked on, only to find her smile falter as Tala finally turned to look at her. Meeting the hidden blue gaze that settles on her Anaya was for the first time in months reminded of past events as she remembered just why she was prevented from seeing the eyes she had come to love, even if it was just during the day.

Although he didn't need them at night, it was force of habit that Tala continued to wear them even though he didn't have to. After the cybernetic enhancements he was given during the World Championships in Russia, compliments of Boris and Biovolt, they'd been no initial problems it was only later than any started to show.

For the last two years Tala had been having trouble with his sight, although he hid it well those who really knew him could see the pain he was going through. Although it only occurred every now and again it didn't take long for this team mates to realise that their captain was finding it difficult to see in bright light. It was only a year ago after the events in the last Championships that things had really taken a turn for the worse, when the attacks became more frequent and a particular bad occurrence almost left him blind that they found out just why Tala was having trouble. Seeking Mr Dickinson and Judy's help it came to light that the enhancements had worked a little to well in some aspects and there was no way to reserve the process; Tala's eyes had become that sensitive to light that in order to protect them he had to constantly wear the glasses designed for him during the day.

Although it was a reminder that never popped up nearly as much as it did, Anaya still found that when it did it hit her like a sledge hammer because in the end it was her fault. She was the reason Tala had even agreed to Boris's experiment, if she hadn't been so foolish Tala would never have handed himself over. Seeing the concern directed at her Anaya lifted her hands up before carefully removing the dark glasses, smiling as she saw the sapphire orbs beneath them.

Lowering her gaze as folded the glasses to her lap Anaya had a mere moment to dwell on the past before a hand gently lifted her head upwards.

"You shouldn't keep blaming yourself, it wasn't your fault. I choose to let them do this not you, I could just have easily said no."

"But Tala…."

Feeling the finger which placed its self over her lips Anaya found herself suddenly silenced as she looked with puzzlement towards the one before her. Taking the hint he gave Anaya closed the small distance between them, resting her back against his chest she soon found his arms placed around her in an embrace. Feeling the steady beating of his heart Anaya found herself running her fingers lightly over the arms which held her, content with where she was. After a moments silence Anaya finally heard Tala's reply to her protest.

"No buts. I've never nor will I never blame you for what happened to me. You know better than anyone that I will do anything to protect those I care about, especially you. I love you Anaya and I will go through what ever means necessary to protect you."

Hearing the truth in Tala's voice Anaya was unable to reply, momentarily lost for words as she pondered his information. Understanding where Tala was coming from Anaya knew that she returned the feelings whole heartily, knowing that with out a doubt for her they could be no other.

"So would I, no matter what happens I will always love you."

"I'm glad to hear it; otherwise I'd be worrying why you ever agreed to marry me."

"Tala!"

Giving a playful slap to her fiancé's arm Anaya could only join in his laughter as the mood between them lightened, old memories quickly forgotten as she pondered their future. There were so many uncertainties for them, yet despites the fears it provoked in her Anaya knew that with Tala and the others she'd willing take on any challenge that came her way.

"So did you ask him yet?"

"Not exactly."

"Tala, you can't keep putting it off. You need to ask him, he wouldn't refuse you know he'll be happy to be your bestman."

"Don't worry I'll ask him, speaking of asking have you asked Mariah yet?"

Hearing the silence that greeted him Tala quickly turned the tables on the girl he held as he remembered all the hassle she'd been placing on him about picking a best man.

"And you've been telling me to ask, do you know the grief I've been going through over this and you haven't even asked Mariah."

"Tala, there's no need to get mad."

"I don't tend to get mad; I'm planning on getting even."

Having a moment to ponder what he had said Anaya soon found herself vainly trying to escape Tala's grasp as she broke out in laughter. If there was ever one weakness she had it was being tickles and it was something Tala used to his advantage, especially when he wanted payback.

Realising she had a lot to answer for Anaya knew she would be getting no sleep any time soon, after all she had been making Tala's life a nightmare in regards to the fore coming wedding. Managing to wiggle free from Tala grasp Anaya could only offer an apologetic smile to the red head, knowing to well it wouldn't work as she once again tried to avoid his revenge.

To Be Continued.