I look over at Bane, who's sharpening our knives and swords. Every little movement of his hand brings different muscles, throughout his arm, to attention. All of a sudden, it feels like the temperature of the room rises and sweat runs across my brow. Flustered, I quickly look away before he notices me staring at his arms. I don't know when I became attracted to him, but I'm not going to let it affect our companionship. I'm brought back to reality when an open can of chicken hits my hand, but I don't react to it. I look up, keeping my face blank and not showing how much it really did startle me. Bane is sits across from me, with his mask removed, eating out of his own can. I nod my head instead of wording a thank you. I find unnecessary words annoying. Bane and I have a few, short conversations a day, but they always have a point. I think it makes the few words I do say more meaningful.
I eat my chicken absently and toss the can into the trash without moving from my seat. Bane raises an eyebrow and, after returning his mask to it's appointed spot over his face, flicks his wrist above his left shoulder. I'm confused at first, that is, until I see his empty can fly into the trash. Any vain man would boast, but since he's just Bane, he walks into the bathroom and shuts the door as if nothing happened.
…...
The sun's going down and the room has grown darker while I was showering. The lights are off, but the faint glow from the setting sun gives me just enough light to see Bane already laid across our bed. I climb onto bed and join him under the cover. He doesn't make a move to wrap his arm around me like he normally does, but I subconsciously snuggle against his side anyways.
…...
After eating breakfast the next morning Bane tells me to get dressed. By get dressed he means, in my sira because we're going out. Though, I don't know what we're going out for.
…...
Bane leads me down a street and booths are crowded on both sides. There are people everywhere, buying and negotiating.
"What are we here for?" I ask.
"To occupy time." I don't think browsing a marketplace is the best way for us to occupy time, but I guess it's better than sitting in our room all day. We walk around browsing at all of the presented merchandise. If the vendor isn't engaged in a conversation with a potential customer they try to approach us, but one glare from Bane silences their silver tongues. We leisurely walk a circle back to our home. Before we get there Bane pulls me aside to a food vendor. He points to triangular shaped food and the man places some in a cardboard box and trades them for the money Bane's holding.
…...
I take the first bite once we're seated at the table back in the room. A rush of flavor bombards my tongue. Soon my half is gone. Bane looks at me with amusement.
"What were those?" I ask him.
"Samosas," he replies.
"Well, I think that's the best thing I've ever eaten."
The taste of freedom really is sweet.
Author's Note: I know, I know. It's really short, but I needed it to be to make the transition from chapter 14 to chapter 16 much smoother. I've started on chapter 16 and estimate the fluff/romance will start around the 18th chapter. So not much longer. I hope I haven't bored you to death yet.