Chapter 4

Glancing up at the darkness above him Tala found the pin pricks of light a sharp contrast to the inky blackness that held them, easily picking out familiar patterns within the scattering of jewelled lights. Resting against the arched doorway Tala could still feel its stony texture even through the layers of his jacket, the ancient stone emitting a steady stream of icy coldness. Yet, surprising enough it wasn't this that caused the chill within him; fear plain and simple was the reason behind the core of ice which dwelled within in his heart.

Never in his life could he remember such fear, through out all the years nothing Boris had ever done had provoked such a rare emotion from him. It was almost laughable that after ever torture, ever punishment he'd gone through it was the simple idea of confronting someone he'd known all his life that scared him more than anything. Yet, even as this thought hit him Tala knew it wasn't as simple as it sounded, even though he knew what Bryan had told him was true it didn't make it any easier.

To exactly confess your feelings to someone was a lot harder than people said it was it left you wide open, left you vulnerable for those few moments as you waited for an answer. The wait seeming to stretch out for years as you waited for your answer, would you rejoin or would your heart break. It was that idea which scared him, which had prevented him from confessing his feelings towards the icy eyed female, as long as she didn't know he could always hope. Yet, as soon as your feelings were laid out in the open you had no where to turn, the friendship you once had changed forever because of one confession.

Yet, sometimes that risk just had to be taken otherwise the constant wondering of what could be would just keep eating at you. Feeling all these thoughts running through his head Tala sudden realized that Bryan had been right; although he was afraid he knew this was a risk he had to take. If he didn't it would be a decision he would always regret, after all Bryan was right none of them knew what tomorrow would bring.

Feeling the creak which came from used hinges Tala felt his whole body tense as he realized those he had been waiting for that arrived, leaving him no choice but to go ahead. Hearing the quiet closure of the towers door Tala was at least thankfully that prying eyes wouldn't be on them, apart from the roof this was the only place that was free of the Abbeys cameras. Thankfully Boris had never shown any interest in the old watch tower, that and they were especially carefully not to be caught coming here.

Taking in a calming breath Tala let the tension which filled go as he gave a quiet sigh, ready to face the music as they say Tala turned to face those behind him, only to stop short as he gazed upon them. Although he spared a quick look with the lavender haired elder it was the two toned female he held that caught all his attention.

Besides from the split lip that graced her face Anaya showed no signs of the ordeal that she'd suffered at the hands of the Abbeys director, though Tala knew from personal experience that didn't mean she didn't have anything to show for it. Boris had a knack for leaving marks were they couldn't be seen, after all the team were in the public eye and it wouldn't do well if the team were seeing sporting cuts and bruises. It was mainly this reason that they each wore clothing which covered most of their body, it was something Boris had insisted on that way he had he own back covered. After all what people couldn't see wouldn't hurt him, he himself was still sporting marks from the last beating he received from the man he hated.

Looking at the duo haired blader before him Tala could see the pain buried deep within pale orbs as she and Bryan made their way to the bed which rested against the towers wall. Seeing the steadying arm Bryan had around her waist it was only now that Tala became to realize just right Bryan had been about things, the extent of Anaya's injuries proved that. For whatever reason Boris was hiding something, something he didn't want them to know about the phoenix welding blader.

Remaining silent as Bryan helped settle the female down upon the beds mattress, Tala wasn't surprised to see the elder teen taking on the role of protective brother. It was moments like this that really brought out the Falcon's softer side, if people just could the time to know they'd realized there was more to him than meet the eye. Despites the cold and ruthless side many saw Tala knew with the façade there dwelled a complex individual. Surprisingly enough just like himself and Anaya the Falcon had a hidden artistic side, where as Anaya painted and he drew, Bryan was more of the composure a talent musician.

Watching the brief discussion that Bryan and Anaya had Tala a moment to gather himself together before coming face to face with a steely lavender gaze. Reading the silent message that Bryan was sending him Tala gave a slight nod to indicate he understood, seeing the youth understood his message Tala watched Bryan give a final goodbye before leaving them alone.

Realizing they were now alone Tala felt himself lost for words, unsure of how to proceed as he glanced at the one before him. No longer confined in its usual ponytail Anaya's white strands fell in a snowy curtain that hid her face from view, yet despites that Tala didn't need to see her face to know she was afraid to. Although she might not know what was happening she was no fool, just like him she knew something about this night would change how they saw each other be it for better or worse.

Doing the best to calm his frantic heart Tala silently made his way past the clutter that filled the ancient tower, praying to whatever power was there to help him through this. Going to a halt before her Tala couldn't help but smile at the shy tilt Anaya had to her head as she avoided his gaze, seeing her shyness Tala realized just why it was that he loved this person before him. As much as he loved the fighting spirit that made her what she was, it was also this more vulnerable side which he loved the side of her that brought out his softer side.

Crouching down before her Tala used the advantage to catch Anaya's pale gaze, using one hand Tala gently turned her face towards him so that he could meet that gaze. Glancing at the one before him Tala used the back of his hand to move the navy strands away from her face, slowly working his way from navy to snowy white as his hand made its way from her face to her neck. Keeping his gaze upon Anaya's face Tala remained silent as eyes shut at his touch, leaning in the light touch he played against her. Only to see his peace of mind turn to concern at the winch Anaya gave as his fingers brushed against her neck, seeing pale orbs flutter open Tala could see the spark of pain that filled them.

Giving a silent request Tala accepted the nod given to him, gently undoing the top three buttons of Anaya's jacket Tala carefully pushed the high collar aside only to feel his previous rage come back as he noticed the deep purple buries that decorated her neck.

"Please let it go."

"He had no right to do this, one day he's going to pay for this, for everything."

"One day he will, they all will, until then there's nothing we can do but wait. Please Tala, I've seen many sides to you, but I don't want to see this one."

Pushing his rage aside Tala quickly became aware of the hand which held his, the soft pleading tone Anaya was using on him. Turning his sapphire gaze to meet Anaya's pale one Tala was surprised to see the soft, calming shine which rested in them, in all his years Tala had never seen such a look. For a moment upon meeting that gaze Tala felt his breath catch, seeing for the first time not the friend and team mate he knew, but the woman that lay beneath the surface.

Keeping the hand which rested in his Tala slowly rested his other hand on the back of her neck, seeing the flutter of eyelids as he did Tala couldn't help the smile which graced him. Taking courage from her reaction Tala closed the distance between them, with mere inches separating their faces Tala could easily pick up on the ragged breathing Anaya was giving. Placing a delicate kiss to the back of the hand he held Tala was glad to see Anaya's eyes open for him, keeping their gaze Tala finally took that last step.

"Anaya, no matter what comes of this; I need you to know something. I love you, I have for a long time and I always will."

Closing that last bit of distance between them Tala brushed those lips before him with his own, meaning to give only a brief kiss Tala found it was something he couldn't do. Being able to kiss the woman he had spend years loving over whelmed him; if this was to be the only time he would be given such a grace he wanted to remember it. Giving the slightest increase of pressure Tala felt his passion grow as he heard the sound which echoed in Anaya's throat, running his tongue against the lips before him Tala felt his own growl as Anaya opened to him.

Feeling the fight for dominance Tala didn't expect any less from the Lioness, after all female she might be, but to earn her grace you had to prove it. Matching her fighting spirit Tala became lost in the tastes that were her, a mixture of cool mint and spice everything he pictured yet more. Feeling the hand which clenched in his jacket Tala allowed himself to be pulled upwards from his crouching position as Anaya moved back against the bed which held her.

Coming to stand before her Tala felt the strain within Anaya's frame as she kept her contact with him, feeling the need for fresh air come upon him Tala brought the kiss to an end. Taking in fresh breaths Tala looked with a contained passion at the one before him, waiting for whatever response she would give. Almost feeling the silence which settled between them Tala for a moment began to doubt his actions before he felt the hands which trailed up his sides. Meeting Anaya's gaze Tala saw the same emotions he felt reflected within her eyes.

"So do I, I don't know what will happen, but I do know I love you and that's all I want."

Seeing the truth in her eyes Tala couldn't prevent the joy which filled his heart at her statement, pressing his lips to hers Tala laid his whole soul before her as he did. Caught up in the kiss he shared with her it took a minute for Tala to feel the delicate hands that worked at the buttons of his jacket, breaking apart Tala looked questioningly towards her.

"Until today I always believe there was a boundary that would protect me, I lost that image today."

"Anaya…"

"I know you'd never hurt me, and in the end I want to do this. I want my first time to be with you, I choose for it to be with you, I don't want it to be with someone I hate."

Seeing the certainty with her Anaya's Tala was unsure of how to reply, being allowed to have such a treasure was something he never expected. Knowing he wanted her to be sure Tala remained quietly looking at her, a little unsure of where to go from here. Feeling the last of his buttons become undone Tala gave a slight gulp as he allowed his jacket to be pushed from his frame, only vaguely aware of it as it fell into a heap behind him. Left with only a plain vest beneath it Tala found his breath quicken as he felt delicate hands settle beneath the simple cloth, a light touch whispering against his lower torso. Trying to calm his breathing Tala found any control he had go out the window as he felt the slight tug upon his vest, as gently as he could Tala swiftly pulled Anaya up from her position on the bed.

Seeing the cattish grin Anaya send him Tala quickly welcomed the kiss she began, a slave to her presence Tala offered no resistance as his vest rode over him. Feeling the chill which hit his bare chest Tala soon found himself forgetting the cold around him as he felt the hands which played against his chest. Deciding fair play was fair play Tala went about finishing his task of undoing Anaya's own jacket before pushing it off slender shoulders.

Despites the scrapes and bruises that cover her upper frame Tala still found her body breathtaking, a pale flare of skin under the fluttering light. Running his hands slowly down Anaya's form, beginning from her neck to her waist, Tala finally settled his hands on her hips. Nothing hiding the love he felt for the one before him Tala carefully lowered her form to the bed behind them, resting above her Tala found himself lost for words as he realized she felt the same for him. Years of hidden emotion shown in one single gaze, revealing to him the depth of her feeling.

Meeting once again in a soul searing kiss the two young lovers, although uncertain at first, soon began to show the other the depth of their feelings for each other. Against all the horrors that might come, at least this was one moment, one memory that Boris or anyone could take from them.

To Be Continued.