Gabriel - Fluff

There was something strange about the streets when they were empty like this. Frost had crept down from the lanterns to cover the walls, coating the stone with an icy blue hue that cast the world in an eerie sort of silence. Frost cracked beneath booted feet as the Velvet Guard navigated their way through the passageways, helping those who had been trapped during the worst of the bitter wind. The ground was slick and patchy, and the air itself formed crystals before my eyes. It was the terrifying kind of beauty that I had a healthy respect for. It made me want to bow down before it’s presence and weep.

“Are you alright?”

I tipped my chin towards Gabriel, smiling at him. “I was just thinking about how calm the world looks. How it’s hiding so much danger right now. I can’t tell if I think it’s the most beautiful moment of my life, or if I’m terrified.”

Gabriel nodded his head. “I understand what you mean.” Taking my hand in his, he steadied me as we continued our path through the streets. I had been at his office when the frost had hit. The chaos that erupted was a sight to behold as every member of the Velvet Guard suited up into emergency weather clothes and headed out to the streets. I watched in rapt fascination as Gabriel commanded his team, coordinating them in such a way that within a few hours, every inch of the market would have a member of the guard walking through it for emergency relief. He provided them with warmers for their pockets. Hoods to keep the wind from their face. And small spell stones that they could press if they wound up in trouble or found someone that needed attention. It would alert the front desk where another emergency team was standing by.

When everything had been organized, he had come to me, explaining that he would not let his men wander the streets alone. I gently reminded him that I too, would not be letting him walk alone.

The wind had since died and the worst had passed. Now, we were dealing with frozen tundras and large walls that wouldn’t allow us through. Gabriel sighed as we came upon another white expanse that reached from the base of the street up and over the wall. It was the passage to the lower districts and by the looks of it, not only had it frozen over, but there was a cascade of ice sliding down the street beyond. Crouching, Gabriel set a gem at the base of a large sheet of ice. Slowly, the ice began to warble as it heat up and began melting. While we waited, he gathered me in his arms.

“Are you cold yet?” he asked.

I had been bundled up to an inch of my life. “I am pretty sure you could shove me down to the ground and I wouldn’t even feel it with how much padding I have on me.”

Gabriel frowned. “Why would I shove you. That would be terrible of me.”

“It was meant to be a figure of speech. I don’t think you’d actually shove me.”

“I am concerned that that is the language you used.” His frown was deepening. “You must understand that I would never intentionally hurt you. If I were to ever do such a thing, you must report me immediately and make sure that the proper proceedings are carried out.”

Reaching up, I cupped his cheek with my gloved hand, my touch hushing him. “You are a good man, Gabriel Caine.”

He had that line to his lips that said he might disagree with me but thought better of it as I pressed myself closer. His arms slung loose around my waist as he encouraged me to lean into him. “I do not believe your earlier assessment. You’re cold,” he stated.

“The world has frozen, so I think that might be an understatement.”

“We will need to keep moving so you continue to conduct body heat. You will also be required to hold my hand.”

I grinned. “Is that an order, Warden?”

“Yes,” he said solemnly. The passageway was melting, leaving the streets slick. “It is very slippery, and we cannot have you falling to your demise. Only one emergency at a time is allowed.”

“And if I don’t listen?” I asked, brows raised.

He stared at me in utter confusion, as if he simply couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t listen. Either he saw the glint in my eyes or he was becoming more adept at understanding a teasing tone. “I would have to arrest you,” he told me.

“Oh?” I took a step away from him, eyes bright. “Am I a criminal now.”

“If we are simply playing, then yes you are. But on the off chance that we are not, of course you are an innocent. This is just a game.”

I couldn’t help the laugh that rang through me like a bright shiver. Taking another step back, I felt my feet slide beneath me as I skidded halfway across the alley. Gabriel’s eyes were wide in panic, but I felt exhilaration. “Catch me, then, Warden. Lock me away.”

As I continued to skid, Gabriel followed after me, sliding across the stones as well. “I need to reassure you that this is a game,” he stated again, bracing himself against the wall. I was lighter on my feet given who I was. If Gabriel went down, however, he was going to go down hard. I slowed my steps a little, allowing him to ‘catch me’.

With his hands steadying my hips, the two of us fell back against the wall. “You have been arrested,” he told me firmly.

I buried my face in his chest, hiding my smile. “Oh darn.” His hands splayed across my back, one coming up to cradle the back of my skull. The wind around us was biting, the frost unforgiving, but I felt warmth in the embrace of his arms.