Mortal Kombat: Icy Chains

Chapter Twenty-Four: Don't Think

The next week goes by in a blur, and I still have to be careful about not panicking.
At least bathing in the large washroom helps. I try my best to relax as Hanzo washes my hair gently. He is in the pool as well, it being large enough for the both of us.
"You didn't have to do this," I say, my voice echoing in the large, steam filled room.
"But I insist," he replies, hand over my eyes as he uses the other to pour water over me from a bowl.

The others have been wary about me, knowing I could stress myself out enough to enter a catatonic state.
So now they've all been trying to keep me occupied, but they can only do so much.
Eyes still closed, I feel the water rippling as Hanzo walks over to face me. I feel his forehead connect with mine. "Everything will be okay."

It's hard to tell if he's saying this to reassure me or himself. "I know," I murmur, because I don't know what else to say. I end up kissing him this time, catching him off guard. He relaxes as I open my eyes. There is still soap in his hair. I break the contact and lean against the tiled rim of the pool.

Hanzo looks sleepy, and that's when I know it's time to finish washing up and get out.
To my dismay, I realize the only clothing I have that is clean is my wedding outfit.
I put it on, making a mental note to wash my other clothes when I have the time.
I feel Hanzo's fingers go through my hair.

"It's getting pretty long," he notes.
"Yeah. I've never had it this long before."
"Really? It looks good on you."
I find myself smiling at his compliment.
"Thank you."
He kisses my lips gently, then pulls away.
"Anything to make you feel better," he murmurs with a soft smile.
****
"Any other nicknames you want to give me?" I tease between sips of wine. We're both in bed, trying not to slosh wine onto the sheets.
"Hm.." he hums, head tilted. "Maybe...my snowflake?"
I snort. "How original."
Hanzo laughs, face red with intoxication.

"You are my snowflake now," he declares, all bubbly from being drunk.
I roll my eyes.
But even the alcohol isn't really helping. It did at first, dulling my senses and anxiety.
But now I'm sobering up, and the anxiety is hovering over me like a black cloud.

You're thinking again, I warn myself.
Again, I stop, sitting up in bed with my hands on my lap. Hanzo, who is too drunk to realize I'm slipping into another panic attack, hugs me from behind.
"Love you," his speech is slurred.
"Love you, too," I say, relaxing.

I hadn't even realized I fell asleep until I wake up in bed.
Feeling a headache in my skull, I keep my eyes closed.
Hanzo is already awake, judging by the feeling of his fingers going through my hair again.
I feel his lips kiss my cheek, slightly dry and cracked.
"I'll always be here to help," he whispers, holding me close.

Opening my eyes, I see him blink, not realizing I was awake. Cheeks pink, he looks away. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to wake you." He sounds and looks sober.
I lift my head up and grimace, the headache getting worse.
"No, no, my husband. Lie back down," he croons, gently pushing me back down.

I comply, watching him lay next to me.
"You can leave me alone, you know. You don't have to keep sticking by my side."
Hanzo nods, frowning. "I know, but I want to make sure you're better."
His hands are on my waist.

He smiles and looks at my wedding outfit in closer detail, fingers grazing over the layered skirt.
"Pretty. You put a lot of thought into this."
I shrug, embarrassed.
"I tried to keep it simple."
"Really? I honestly love it. That, and the blue sash in your hair."
"Now you're just trying to embarrass me," I muse.
He laughs softly, then kisses my lips with the same passion like on our wedding day.

I break the kiss after a few seconds, surprised I can still feel flustered. Perhaps that is a good thing.
Smiling, I realize he has the blue scarf nearly folded on his bedside table. Some things never change.
"You still have that scarf," I joke, laughing.
"What? It's warm," Hanzo answers back, nuzzling my neck.
"You lovable jerk," he laughs, pulling away.

Looking out the window, I'm shocked to see it's night.
Then I sigh, wondering how Kuai and Fujin are doing. "Want to go hunting with me tomorrow?" I ask.
Hanzo blinks, looking surprised.
"Sure. Some fresh air should help."
****
We enter the Sky Temple later on in the day after the hunt, shaking snow out of my hair.
"I'll go help Fujin cook dinner. Are you certain you'll be okay?"
I nod.
Hanzo nods back, kisses my cheek, and walks off to the kitchen.

Being outside helped, at least.
I enter the washroom and splash water over my face, then sigh. Glancing at my reflection, I see I'm slowly getting better.
My eyes are brighter.
Hanzo, despite really not having to, says he forgives me. Like that'll make me feel better. I've killed more people than I can even keep track of.
Harumi and her son were just another couple of targets.

After walking back to my room, I open my bedside drawer and pull out a small bundle of herbs wrapped in paper. I've smoked before, but stopped because of breathing difficulties. While raiding villages, I found a packet of mellows made from tobacco.
I didn't even know what tobacco was until I smoked it alone one night in my room.

The taste is terrible, but at least it's helping me calm down. Lighting one of them using the lit fireplace, I breathe in the smoke, then exhale, hating that this makes me feel better.
Well.
It's either smoke or risk icing the whole room in panic.
I lean against the wall, looking out the window, watching the snowfall behind the smoky haze.