Snippets and Stories: (WtI) Dog Day Shorts - Gone With the Wind

Silas stared at the redheaded girl, sitting by herself on the bench.

Her eyes were closed and head nestled against the back and armrest. In his chest he felt the telltale tightness and an emotion he refused to acknowledge having felt. Somewhat irate at himself, he purposely leaned back in his own seat, wrenching his eyes away from the brilliant scarlet of her hair, even as the zephyr curled her sleek tresses, sunbeams gleaming and dancing across each strand with a dazzling glint.

The scholar closed his eyes. It was unbecoming to, though he would deny it should anyone found fit to note, ogle someone so.

A mere week earlier he would have addressed her with masculine pronouns, given the guise she had taken when she had first introduced herself, it was only fitting. Yet it didn't stop the quickening pace of his heart when in her presence, nor the sidelong glances he would sneak as she hurried past in a flurry of notes and instruments.

Many a times he had questioned himself for the unnatural attraction he had felt for the other, drawn by the large maroon eyes that spoke of a gentility and grace much withdrawn and withheld.

The wistful look that would sometimes show in her eyes as her gaze lingered on the gorgeous gowns and accessories, trinkets and such that were openly enjoyed by many of the female gender.

It was with stark clarity now that he realized what those forlorn stares entailed.

She had suppressed those urges and more, denied herself the pleasures and joys that females so often partook in. The dainty nimble crafts, the soft and plush material comfort.

He glanced back at the dozing redhead before again wrenching his gaze away, irritated at his flustered state of mind.

It had been his intention to seek her out. They both were regulars at the solarium, and in the case of himself, sought solace for a bit of peace and quiet. 

The scholar had, at length, decided that should he just so happen to see her on this particular day, would maybe extend an offer to go out for a warming mug of cocoa.

It was something he knew her to be fond of, for Neiro would often go with her and the two always ordered a cocoa to share. She seemed to have a penchant for the creamy hot drink as did his flatmate.

It was a memory he remembered particularly well.

The delight on his face as he took that first sip, the red on his cheeks from the cold only accentuating his merry look as he gave a jovial laugh at something or another that Neiro said before the two would delve back into their notes and results.

Silas shook his head, hand at his temple. She, not he.

With another sigh, he straightened up and nonchalantly walked down the path, slowing as he passed Esti.

Clearing his throat lightly, he addressed the other, "You should seek sleep in your bed. Your back will thank you."

Though her eyes had yet to open, a smile crept onto her face and she sang back, copying his polite speech in a teasing voice, "How sweet of you Silas, to worry for me so. Rest assured I will."

Esti lifted her head and he fell breathless as her eyes opened slowly. 

They were a beautiful blood red flecked with gold that seemed to catch the sun, glowing with a rivaling radiance and warmth of its own.

Her smile was of the same teasing nature, and her voice an entrancing melodic tune. 

Of which was currently speaking to him. He quietly chastised himself but schooled his expression of any bewilderment or flustering

"... need today? I take it you didn't just stop by to say 'hi'."

She was waiting expectantly for his answer.

"Would you like to come by The Lounge?" When one of her brows raised in mild surprise he added in, "Neiro and I will be meeting up there for an order of cocoa before we hole up back in our room."

She seemed at a loss for words before laughing, to his chagrin. He couldn't see why. 

Esti hid her smile behind her hand and stood up, "I would like that, thank you."

A gentle touch that lingered on his shoulder sent his heart aflutter. But as quickly as it was there did she retract her hand, and he was left with a ghost of a touch.

He found himself liking it, and on impulse, not wanting it to end so soon, offered her his arm.

This time he really did surprise her, and she glanced up at him, uncertain just how serious a gesture it was.

When he didn't take back his arm, she managed out a "thank you" and hesitantly reached out to rest her arm in his, giving him an uncertain smile as he led her towards the stairs down to the lounge.

Esti stared at him out of the corner of her eye. She had thought it an offer extended from Neiro through his flatmate, but now she wasn't so sure.

Though her temporary guardian remained stoic as ever, a light pink dusted his cheeks, and it made her smile.

With a small laugh, she pulled closer to him and nuzzled her body against his side.

This broke his mask, and a vivid green eye peeked at her from behind thick obsidian shades, surprise evident in their depths.

She smiled up at him and he coughed, turning back to stare ahead of them.

But she didn't miss the small hint of a smile that he suppressed.