New Beginnings

Old Scars

She didn't hear him. Maybe it was because she was too caught up in her own thoughts. Maybe she did hear him, but subconsciously ignored it. The point is, he was there now, staring at her back with wide eyes.

The ice mirror Fire had created cracked, her fingers stopping. She'd been brushing her fur with her claws and hadn't noticed Danny walk in. He didn't say anything, but he didn't need to. Her expression made it very clear that she didn't want him to.

The raven haired teen simply walked up to her, still staring at her back, and traced the scars. Even under the thick fur, it was obvious there were a bunch of criss-crossing ones, like lashes from a whip. There were a few lines here and there that looked like they'd been pretty deep. Burn marks disappeared under her fur as they curled over her shoulders. On the small of her back, mostly covered by her leggings was an ugly brand that read, "Project Wolf." It looked like it had taken some serious fighting to put it there.

Fire saw his fist clench as his eyes glowed gold, but still said nothing. What was there to say? What could she say? Nothing, that's what.

Danny just kept tracing each one, his hand going so far as to find the point of entry of a few bullet wounds and scars that matched that of a sword or dagger. The wolf girl didn't bother stopping him. Not until he reached down to take her wrist. The one that her Danny had cut and the same one she always rubbed when nervous.

Fire's hand shot up, gripping his wrist so hard she knew it would bruise later, "Get out," she said simply, but couldn't find it in herself to let go. The little flashbacks had already started and now there was nothing left to do except wait for his reaction.

Danny just stood there, looking at her through the mirror. The words she'd muttered when they'd first met after showing him the scars on her torso ringing in his ears. 'Didn't even see the ones on my back.' His eyes faded back to blue. Blue filled with pain and sorrow and she didn't want to see it anymore, damn it!
"Did you burn yourself?" He asked quietly.

Her free hand clenched into a fist, "Get out," she said again, but they both knew she didn't mean it. That was answer enough for him. Tears stung her eyes as her ears went down so far they disappeared into her hair.

Danny stayed silent for a long moment, resting his head on the back of her left shoulder, "Let me help."

Fire grit her teeth, eyes flashing red, "Leave," she snarled, letting go of his wrist, and for once, he obeyed. Danny turned around and walked out. She stood there for another minute, just staring at her reflection. Then, the wolf girl bared her teeth and shattered the ice with more effort and force than was necessary.

Tears slowly slid down her face and when the wolf turned to her bed, there was a familiar yellow bear sitting there, staring up at her expectantly. She laughed at that, wiping her eyes as she crawled into bed and under the covers, cuddling that damned thing to her chest.

The hybrid smiled, but had anyone seen it they would've been able to tell there was something broken about it, "Thanks Goldy." She whispered, hugging the bear closer. "I know it's not real, but thank you anyway." It was a small gesture, but it was enough. It had to be.

From outside the door, Danny smiled, his bangs shadowing his eyes, "You're welcome Fire." 'I just wish I could put a face to everyone that made you suffer, sis.'