Frozen Heart

Chapter 3 - Soft and Squishy

Gem and Dabi called a truce even though he tried to convince her it didn't count since she used Ayla to her advantage.

"Oh don't be a sore loser Hellstrom" Ayla giggled.

"What did you call me?" Dabi didn't know if he wanted to laugh or be insulted.

Ayla froze for a second, she probably shouldn't have called him by a mutant name, "oh umm Hallstrom, it's a character from a comic. I'm kinda into them." She looked away and finished sweeping up the mess. "Sorry, you just had this similar vibe."

He stared at her for a bit, he was about to say something when Gem interrupted "ok guys, looks like you have the rest. Ayla I added my number to the phone he got you, call or text me anytime. Well maybe text first" she laughed.

"I'm better at texting so that works" Ayla grinned back.

"Why are you running off? Thought you'd might want to stay for dinner." Dabi thought she was looking for an excuse to get out of helping cleanup.

"Why? Are you scared to be alone with Ayla? Think she might put your flame out?" Gem grabbed her things and headed for the door "I have plans, BIG date tonight. So I have to freshen up and change into some pretty lingerie and ..."

"OK, OK! Enough, we had this talk before about over sharing." He gave her a scowl.

"Whatever prude. Ayla we'll get together in a few days. Don't let that grump force you into just being lazy and binge watching movies." She saw Ayla's eyes widen at this, "oh no, dont tell me you're a secret couch potato too? Thats going to change, see you in a few days. And remember, I'm here if you need me." She blew a kiss in the air and left.

Now it was just them two. Neither one of them knew what to say since they actually hadn't had a conversation yet.

Dabi had to keep reminding himself that he was a mob boss and dealt with tougher situations than this. Why did she make him feel the need to second guess himself. He was about to say something when she beat him to the punch.

"So what did you pick up for dinner? I'm starving." She put the last of the trash away and turned to look at him. There was this strange energy she felt when she looked at him. It was stronger when she looked him directly in the eyes. Almost magnetic. She quickly turned towards the kitchen and shook off the feeling. She made a promise to herself long ago to never fully give herself to anyone. Brooke had been the only person that got close and it made her sad just thinking about her. Wondering if she was alright, if she would be able to let go. Deep down Ayla felt guilty and knew she should have told Brooke long ago that she gave her that decision. Ayla stopped and put her face in her hands, trying to stop herself from crying. All of the sudden she felt big warm arms surrounding her and pulling her into an equally warm chest. She couldn't hold it back any longer and grabbed his shirt and buried her face in chest. Dabi gently caressed her hair with one hand and softly rubbed circles on her back with the other.

For Dabi it felt as if time stopped. He had only meant to comfort her because he knew exactly how she felt. Lost. There was a time when his father almost broke him, he could hear his mother yelling to go to her son and hold him. His father refused but he wished he could have been in her arms. She always made him feel safe. Just knowing she was trying to stand up to him made him feel safe and loved. So it was on instinct that he reached for Ayla and pulled her close in a tight embrace. No matter how strong she is he knew this is what she needed even if she wouldn't admit it.

Ayla started to calm down and didn't realize she was softly rubbing his chest. She felt the staples under his shirt and wondered if they hurt him. She concentrated on one specifically and all of the sudden felt him exhale. Had he been holding his breath? She stopped and gently pushed back from him.