The Taisho fire

The pub

That woman didn't walk, she danced. He'd overheard her former unit leader – Mark - say Gwen had stopped classical dancing years ago, but everything in her still thrummed with the art. For the moment, though, her catlike grace was turning into tension as she waited at the bar for her friend's drinks. A young man was brushing elbows with her, talking her ear off, unable to see that his attention was making her very uncomfortable.

Tōga took a sip of his scotch – the third of the night - finding himself slightly buzzed. And hesitating; a strange feeling. Gwen could take care of herself, but she was one of his youngest recruits, and his instincts screamed at him to stride to the young man that couldn't take no for an answer and shove his face hard on the bar counter.

"Hey, Tōga, what do you think ?"

Stephen was the only one that called him by his name. Ten years he'd worked with the resident doctor and, albeit he had remarked that he always healed quickly, Stephen only shrugged it off. It wasn't lack of curiosity but respect that stalled his questions, and Tōga was grateful for the unassuming friendship.

Pulling his attention away from Gwen, the station commander – Captain, as they called him – joined the latest gossip about the new Chief. The reprieve didn't last long. Erik – 2nd unit lead - banged his hand on the table. Jolyne barely had time to tug at his arm to pull him down before he rushed to the bar.

"You know she'll bite your head off if you play the dominant male", she scolded.

Intrigued, Tōga lifted an eyebrow to his lead officers, earning a huff from Jolyne.

"Erik wants to break the guy's arm", she translated, her round chin pointing to Gwen at the bar. The Captain frowned; she was still stuck between that young man and another one's back. Light brown eyes narrowed in annoyance. Yes, Gwen would definitely bite Erik's head off, or anyone that might come to her aid, arguing she could take care of herself. But she wouldn't dare rising her voice to him, and the tension in her shoulders was enough to for him to growl. That young man had no right to touch what wasn't his !

Tōga downed his whiskey in one go and stood, oblivious to the shocked look Jolyne sent him.

"Wait !", she tried.

To no avail; Tōga was a man on a mission. To protect his own. People skittered out of his way naturally; no one wanted to face a pissed off, slightly buzzed Captain.

Gwen almost jumped out of her skin when a warm hand slid around her waist, tugging her against an insanely tall frame. She had been so focused on the young man by her side – to ensure he didn't touch her again – that she had failed at checking her surroundings.

Ready to retaliate, she twisted aside brusquely, only to find the warm amber eyes gazing down at her with a clear warning.

Don't.

And despite the fact that she could catch the ploy easily, Gwen allowed her body to melt against the tall frame of her protector, taking in his fragrance discreetly. He was warm, vibrant, so full of life beside her. Struggling with the sensation, she took in his clenched jaw when he turned to the youth by her side.

"Get lost", he growled. "She's not interested."

Blue eyes spread wide, and the guy nodded once or twice nervously before taking off, terrified to death. Gwen sniggered; who, in their right mind, would dare crossing the mighty Captain when he was in such a destructive mood ? His aura danced in twirling thread of anger around him; she could almost see it. Yet, she was immune, for the contact of his flank against hers was welcoming.

Feeling sheepish for enjoying his proximity so much, Gwen waited for him to move away, only to realise his state of inebriation. His hand landed around her shoulders, his weight partially resting on top of her and she braced herself in case he toppled over. Strangely, he seemed perfectly in control of his balance.