Chapter 4: So it begun
"Caira." Hyde said, staring at the wall in front of him. "Why'a you even here? You 'ate me. I bully you. I'm an arse 'ole to you, and now, you're bloody laying in my bloody bed. -Why- are you 'ere?".
Caira swallowed, rubbing her temples. "I uh, actually I don't really know, Hyde. I guess I wanted to get to know you better? Or something, I uh-"
"I melt faces, served in war, and work alongside you lot now. I also melt faces, if I didn't say. What more do you need to know?" Hyde said, interrupting her. He seemed to want to avoid contact now, shuffling forth a little more. Caira could feel how awkward the air was now, she turned silent, staring up at the ceiling. She unzipped and removed her lab jacket, throwing it on the floor revealing her dark teal tank top. "It's too warm in here." Caira complained, in an attempt to keep a conversation going. Hyde sighed, he really didn't want to talk, but gave her a response anyway. "It's not.". Caira turned on her side and held Hyde around his waist again, pushing her head against his back. Hyde's eye rolled to look behind him, his bottom lip pushed out. "Caira, I'm practically off the bed, fuckin' 'ell, women and their bed space. 'Was true what they said about that." He leaned his head over his shoulder briefly to find a warm-faced Caira nuzzling up against him. His facial expression went from grouchy to sheer terror.
"What the fuck are you doing..?" He dared ask. "Ah- ew, nah forget that! I'm not a bloody cuddle bear, fuck that!" Hyde shuffled back away from Caira, narrowing his eye at her. Caira looked back in surprise, she'd never seen Hyde act this way before, but then again, he probably never really had been cuddled much, which was understandable.
"What? What's the problem? Got an allergy to kindness? Boy, I guess that's why you're such an ass, Hyde." She sighed, snatching herself away. "I would have thought in a situation like this- where at any given time, we could die down there on the battlefield- that you'd want to spend a moment like this with a friend, someone who cares. Everyone avoids you Hyde, I thought I'd give you a damn chance. I thought you were lonely...". Hyde turned to stare at her- he immediately pinned her down on his bed, one hand around her neck the other with a grip on her left arm, he placed himself atop her, leaning his face into hers, glaring.
"What's your problem, eh?!" He hissed. "What the fuck are ya trying to-". Hyde paused, taking a look at where they were right now- he relinquished his grip on her neck and arm, and pulled his face from hers. He sighed. "You're makin' me feel like a soft-arse, Caira. I don't -do- friendly. I ain't friendly.". The two stared at each other, Caira's expression was blank, her eyes wide and glistening- Hyde's screaming guilt and uncomfort, his eye slightly narrowed. Caira shakily lifted a hand, putting it atop Hyde's. She gently squeezed at his hand, her other atop his thigh, her fingers twiddling and dancing.
"I've seen enough to know that you can be a good guy, Hyde." Caira uttered, quietly. She pushed her fingers to lock with his, looking up at him, she shook still, but put on a smile. Hyde groaned, reluctantly leaning into her, pressing his forehead against hers, the two eyed each other. Caira's hand that was once placed on his thigh found it's way to toying with his beard.
"Don't do that." Hyde grumbled.
"Oh, uh.. Okay."
She took her hand away from his beard, letting it flop over the edge of the bed. The two continued to stare at each other awkwardly. Hyde cleared his throat and sniffled a little. "So- eh, what exactly are we bloody doing?". Caira ran her fingers up the back of Hyde's head, pushing her lips towards his.
"..Oh. Uh, no-"
Before he could object, Caira interrupted Hyde, pressing her lips against his, her fingertips rubbing the back of his head, eyes closed. Hyde's good eye stared at Caira as she continued her embrace. The bitter taste of the beer slipped from her lips to his, Hyde found himself no longer sitting and taking the kiss, but also participating. His body tingled, a small shock of adrenaline flowing, his blood rushing. "What the fuck?" Hyde thought to himself, his face turned warm and red, he inhaled deeply. He'd never experienced such passion from someone who supposedly strongly disliked him. Behind the taste of booze, she tasted so sweet to him... Before his head could wander off into a trance, one of his hands reached behind his head, taking Caira's away from his head, he broke away from her kiss, clearing his throat and retreating to the edge of his bed. Caira looked at him with concern.
"Oh, was that bad? I'm sorry, I'm really no good at-"
"No, ah... It was fine." He interrupted her, clearing his throat. "I weren't ready. Not f'that, that were just weird." Hyde grunted, placing himself beside her. He gently planted a finger and thumb either side of her chin, hesitantly pulling her toward him to try again. Their lips pressed against each other, what Hyde had just thought was unnerving and uncomfortable was now somewhat soothing and pleasant to him. The sweet taste of her lips returned to his, he indulged in the mixed flavour, chewing her bottom lip slightly. He placed a hand around the back of her head, holding her still. Caira mimicked his actions, her other hand on his cheek, her thumb rubbing softly across his scarred face. The pair's faces beamed red with embarrassment and excitement, Hyde rolled onto his back, with Caira laid on top of him.