Fragile Fire

Chapter 6

"Archer, where the hell are we?"

"Downtown," he states.

"No shit sherlock," I say and he laughs.

"We're meeting an old friend of mine."

"Who? Why?"

"God, I missed your questions," he laughs.

"Shut up asshole," I say hiding my smirk.

"Reid. He owes me a favor." I pause.

"Reid?" I question, beginning to shake. He notices and reaches for my hand.

"Hey, I promised that I would never let you get hurt I'm not stopping now." He promises, holding my hand a little tighter. "Reid," Archer yells, "let us in!" His thumb, once again, rubbing my wrist lovingly. The door swings open and standing there is Kaiden.

"Archer, what are you doing here with Nes?" He demands.

"Helping me," I say stepping slightly in front of Archer. He looks over us and down to our intertwined hands.

"Fine. Come in," he states gesturing for us to come in. "I'll go get Reid" Archer wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me against his side. I look up at him and for the first time I finally look at him. I notice the green and brown specks in his eyes. I notice how his lips turn up when he says my name and how his eyes lighten. I notice how his pupils expand when he looks at me. Almost like he's trying to absorb any goodness that eminates from me. 

"Archer," Reid says, "how are you, man?" Archer's arm tightens around me and Reid notices smirking. "I see."

"Shut the hell up. I'[m here for business. Nothing else." Archer says angrily. He must still be pissed about when we were kids.

"Understood. Hey pea," he says looking me up and down. His eyes rake over me like hes a hungry animal and I'm his prey. I wrap my hands around Archers arm and he pulls me into his side protectively. 

"Reid!" He yells causing him to startle.

"Yeah, yeah. Here's the info you wanted." Handing the folders to Archer I feel his gaze on me again.

"Come on V," Archer says pulling me with him, "focus on me. He can't hurt you." I just nod.

~ later ~

Looking over the files with my family and I's information I have a hard time believing the information. Our life sounds perfect on paper. 

"V" I turn to see Archer holding a mug of coffee.

"Thank you," I mumble taking the mug from him and putting it right by my face. Basking in the heat it reminds me why I'm here.

"Yeah," he answers, "have you found anything?"

"Nothing. Nada. Zelch." I mutter angrily.

"Hey, it's okay. We'll figure something out."

"No we won't! The first court showing is in two months Archer! Two months! We don't have time! I don't have time!" I scream.

"I'm trying to help!"

"Well stop! I don't want your help! I didn't need it when we were kids and I don't need it now!" I yell walking away.

"You're such a brat," He snarks.

"Excuse me," I whip around and glare at him.

"I said 'you're a brat'. You always have been." 

"I'm not dealing with you," I state angrily.

"Hey!" He yells and swings me around to face him. "Leave then," I feel his hands on my waist tightening and his breath on my face.

"Make me," I whisper and his grip tightens.

"What did you say?" He demands.

"I said..." and within two seconds I'm against the wall and my hands are in his hair. 

There's a story I was told as I kid. It was about how when a child was created the soul was split in two and put into two different bodies. Thus creating soul mates. The story goes on to talk about how when the two halves meet again they are drawn to one another. Even if it makes no sense and everyone else is against it. They always find their way back to each other. The story never mentions the effects on your body from meeting them; however, my mom told me that when she met her soulmate it felt like every nerve in her body was on fire. I understand her now.

Fireworks. Every nerve in my body is set ablaze by his touch. I know he feels it too, for he pulls me in closer. 

"Wait," I say pushing him away and putting my forehead on his shoulder. I can't do this.

"What's wrong?" He asks kissing my neck and face. Against every impulse in my bones I push him away. I can't hurt him. I won't.

"I can't," I whisper and his grip on me tightens.

"V. Don't" His voice breaks and I feel my defenses start to crumble.

"I'm sorry," I whisper and break out of his hold.

"V. I lov..."

"Don't." I shake my head, putting my fingers on his swollen lips. His once bright eyes darken.

"Get out," he snaps.

"What?" I whisper on the verge of tears.

"Get the hell out!" He yells pointing to the door. My lip trembles and I walk out the door. As soon as it shuts I fall down and weep. 

"I'm so sorry Archer," I cry, "I can't let you get hurt."