𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐞 - ᴛᴏᴅᴏʀᴏᴋɪ ꜱʜᴏᴛᴏ

We call them 'knights in shining armour' perhaps because in the night we need "armour" or "love" to shine for us. Or perhaps it is that only love can find its way through the armour we all wear and polish, hiding the self that is so vulnerable and soft. Either way, when everything began, there was only ever going to be one boy for Ayla Alvarez. They could polish the metal and strut all they wanted, but her heart had been taken...or perhaps she already gave it away one evening under aurora lights.

* * *

Shoto pulled back to look at Ayla again, his alert gaze raking over her tearful face. Somehow the solid reality of his presence eased her panic. He folded her in his arms, anchoring her against his chest. Sniffling, Ayla reached inside his jacket until her palm rested over the steady beat of his heart. The sensation of his warm breath sinking down to her scalp made her quiver. Quieting, she inhaled his familiar scent and let out a shaky sigh. He kisses her forehead lightly, and she feels a warmth. His lips alight on her skin like a dew freckled petal caught in a breeze, so soft and with the smallest hint of coolness. Yet everywhere he touches is fire. Her whole body is burning up, the two of them becoming twin points of the same bright white flame. The heat is warming her body, calming her nerves, and emptying her mind of worries.

* * *

Warning: contains mature/vulgar language