Strength and Mercy

Inflamed

His stare remained blank which made Ava wish she let him be. She was surprised to see him and went to confront him but he seemed out of sorts. Her suspicion was confirmed when he was so deep in thought that he spoke out loud and didn't acknowledge her presence.

"Kaden, are you feeling alright?" Ava asked taking a step towards him.

Maybe it was the shadows playing tricks on her eyes but she could have sworn he was stepping back. 

She stopped where she was but reached out to him, "It's OK, you're in a safe space. Do you need anything?"

He was silent as he look at her outstretched hand but when he raised his eyes to meet hers again they were distant. She took her hand back and studied him for a moment.

"I can go get someone or call someone for y---"

"No," was the brusque reply. The sudden boom of his voice made her jump and she stepped away from him.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly. "I'm not myself."

You seem like yourself, Ava thought. The sentiment showed on her face and a hot wave of embarrassment washed over Kaden and he turned from her. Ava internally battling over what to do with him. She owed the man nothing. He's been a thorn in her side for months. She could just walk away and call for help later. However, she felt she couldn't leave him in this state.

"You seem stuck," he huffed.

Ava ignored his tone and responded, "I am but, apparently, not as much as you are. I'm not sure what's up with you but you need to get a grip on it."

Kaden inwardly chuckled at the irony of the situation. The sole reason for his outbursts and actions is now telling him to get a grip. She was right, he did need to get a handle on himself before things spiraled. God damn it if he told her that though.

"Save it," he scoffed.

Ava balled her hands to keep from strangling him, "I'm not pitying you, Kaden. I'm trying to get you to understand that you have the power to change the way you handle things. It's not easy but it can be done with the right help."

Kaden stood straight and peered down at her, "I'm not one of your clients, Ava."

Before Ava realized it the words flew out of her mouth, "No, but you have unchecked issues that will consume you if you keep suppressing them. And I will not stand by and watch you crumble."

Though his face was unreadable what she said struck a chord. It was hard to understand her plea for his well-being. What was she getting out of it? She said it wasn't pity but isn't that what you tell people so they'll feel better? She deals with broken people on a constant basis, it's all the same to her. But the way she looked at him...

Believing that she made a fool of herself, Ava heaved a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. I'm fighting with my best friend and helping the enemy. Good job. She picked her head up and said in a barely audible voice, "I need to go."

As she turned to leave Kaden reached out and grabbed her arm. When Ava twisted around to pull away she locked eyes with him and felt her stomach roll. Usually his eyes were either iced with cruelty or hot with desire but this time they were laden with something else. Even the blue of his eyes took on a softer hue. Ava relaxed under his grip but tried to angle herself away from him. Kaden slid his hand to the small of her back to anchor her position and pull her into his chest. Ava placed her hands on his chest to balance herself and to keep him at a distance.

"I need to leave," she said squirming.

His grip grew tighter, "Why is it when we're like this you want to get away from me?"