Chapter Twenty-Six: A Way with Words
"No, you're doing it all wrong! Here," Malcolm grabbed Hoshi's pistol and showed her the way to aim.
"I give up!" Hoshi said, frustrated.
"What?" Malcolm asked, startled.
"I've been practicing on how to hold this new pistol for half-an-hour. Don't you think this is a bit much?"
"Just a few more minutes."
"No…no…no!" She grabbed the weapon from him and pointed it directly at his heart.
Malcolm froze. "What are you doing?"
"What's the matter, Malcolm? Scared?" she asked, boldly.
"Don't be ridiculous…Hoshi."
"I do know how to use this. Even have the perfect aim."
"You couldn't shoot me," Malcolm said, softly. "You'd be court-martialed for doing so. I am your superior officer."
Hoshi rolled her eyes. "You're so arrogant. But that still doesn't hide the fact that you get scared. Everyone has fears, Malcolm, including you. Tell me, what do you fear the most? Death?"
He stared into her eyes. "No, Hoshi. I don't fear death."
She was caught off guard with his gaze. Instantly, he snatched the pistol out of her hands.
Malcolm cupped Hoshi's cheek with his free hand. "What I fear most is hurting you."
His face inched closer, his eyes never leaving hers. He was about to kiss her.
"Then why aren't you dead, instead of him?" Hoshi whispered, against his lips.
Stunned, Malcolm broke away from her.
Hoshi lightly shivered at the loss of warmth from the bodily contact.
"Your target practice is dismissed for the day," he said.
She quickly exited the armory.
Malcolm sighed and looked around. He was alone, once again. "You have a way with words, Hoshi."