Tension

First Meeting

Tension.

That was the only word for the thickness that suffocated the office. Darna was dismayed to find that Regina was still an inch or so taller than her, even in her warrior's attire. She approaches the caustic lawyer the way a soldier would, or better yet, the way a hero would. Confidence lines her every step, shoulders strong and back straight, chin tilted ever so slightly upward.

Their eyes meet. Darna never realised how much…contempt?...a pair of eyes could hold until she's staring into Regina's eyes. For the briefest of moments, Darna remembers the way Regina looks at Narda - always soft and full of understanding. Regina looked at Narda as if Narda could do no wrong. Narda could stab her through the heart and Regina will still find it in her to ask, "Are you okay?"

But Regina looks at Darna as if she's an executioner passing judgement. Learning every chink in her armor, criticizing her every flaw, and judging her every move. In Regina's eyes, Darna - the invulnerable flying hero - was more flawed than Narda - very much vulnerable human being.  In Regina's eyes, Darna was a pest to society. "Ano nga ulit sabi niya? Clown? I'm nothing more than a clown?"

Her (rather confusing) jealousy of herself combined with the criticisms that Regina had happily given out like free candy made ire rise up in her gut. She could feel her hackles rise, tension now entering her system. A frown settles on her face as she looks Regina over.

The lawyer looked ready to kill. Her dark charcoal blazer was paired with a silk-smooth patterned blouse, a belt hugged and accentuated her waist. The slacks looked practically painted on her legs. To top it off, the lawyer wore her deadly "Do-not-fuck-with-me" stilettos. Regina was always beautiful, but today she is ablaze with a fire that she only showed Narda once and never again.

They meet in the middle, measuring each other up.

"So, you're the one everybody calls Darna." Regina's voice is tightly controlled. The cadence and rhythm chosen with care. Darna stretches out a hand, waiting for a simple handshake. She gets ignored,  “I must admit, I thought you’d be more,” the lawyer tilts her head, looks the hero up and down, “...impressive. Anyways, what can I do for you, Darna?”

Darna bristles at the unspoken insult. She lowers her hand to her side and clenches her jaw, staring deeply into Regina’s eyes in challenge. It’s Regina who folds first. Her eyes flicker over the hero’s left shoulder where Ali stands watching the two. Unspoken conversation passes between boss and guard, then Ali steps out, quietly closing the door behind him and leaving the two (rivals? nemesis?) women on their own.

“Kinakailangan ko lang naman ng tulong mo.” Darna grits out through clenched teeth. “Pero parang namili ata ako ng lapitan.” 

“My help? And what can I do to possibly help Nueva Esperanza’s troublesome Extra.” Regina huffs out a laugh, a smirk bordering on cruel on her lips. “Oh, sorry. I meant hero. Nueva Esperanza’s new hero.”

Darna moves closer, until the two are only about three inches apart. “Tutulong ka ba o hindi?”

Shoulders squaring for a fight, Regina bites back, “Depende. Ano ba kailangan mo? O baka naman sinasabi mo lang kailangan mo ng tulong ko pero gusto mo lang pala mambulabog?” The lawyer then takes a step back, putting distance between the two of them. She walks over to her alcohol cabinet and pours herself a generous helping of wine. She looks over her shoulder at the Extra, “Do you drink? O masyado ka bang ‘heroic’ at ‘good girl’ for alcohol?”

The hero walks over and crowds the lawyer, entering her personal space. She reaches over, bracers glinting under the harsh fluorescence, and practically snatches the wine glass from the attorney. She sips, slowly, letting the alcohol wash over the dryness of her throat. Their staring contest does not break.