Chapter Text
The city was buzzing with people heading home after work, the streets lit with the fiery rays of the setting sun.
My boots thud softly against the sidewalk, gaze fixed ahead and a thumping in my chest that seemed quicker than usual.
I was going to visit Dr. Zayne, hoping to spend a little time with him before setting off on a week long mission in the mountains. Having just finished my shift for the day, I finally arrived at the hospital, still dressed in my hunter uniform.
As I take the now familiar route to Zayne's office, I can feel my nerves gently tugging at my stomach. Once his office door comes into view, I announce my arrival with a light knock.
"Come in." Zayne calls back in response.
I reach for the handle, opening the door and stepping inside.
"Hey, Dr. Zayne." I greet with a smile, gaze landing on him as he stands near his desk.
"Hello. Need something?" He asks, hazel eyes briefly flickering over my outfit as he shrugs on what seems to be a suit jacket.
I take a few tentative steps forward. "No." I chuckle softly, hands clasping together. "I was um, just wondering if you'd like to join me at the arcade tonight? If you're not busy or anything. They have a promotional event going on, but I'm leaving for a mission in two days and won't be back til next week."
I watch as he turns, obscuring his face from my view as he adjusts his suit jacket.
"I'm sorry but... I have a date tonight." He answers, a hint of something in his voice, although I can't quite pick it out.
But I can't deny the way my heart feels strange in response.
"A date? Um..." I say, surprised yet trying to sound lighthearted as I step back. "That's great! Uh, maybe next time then."
I watch as Zayne approaches the wall mirror beside the door, adjusting his tie and running his hand through his dark hair.
Our eyes briefly meet in the reflection before I quickly look away.
"I won't keep you then, but since I'm here I might as well say that I won't be able to make my appointment this Wednesday." Walking to the door, I twist the handle as I look up at him.
"Good luck on your date." I offer, ignoring the enticing scent of his cologne as I step out.
I shut the door gently behind me, separating myself from him as I walk away.
I hate the way my throat feels dry and my jaw tightens, forced to depart with the bitter taste of disappointment and... perhaps something more lingering on my tongue. But not wanting to waste my night, I attended the arcade event with Tara. Only after managing to win a limited edition plushie for the both of us, do I head home.
The next day dawns with rain pattering against the windows of my apartment. A bit fitting, considering how that disappointment seems to have slipped further down into my chest. I force myself out of bed.
After getting ready and a quick breakfast, I head off to work for the day. As I'm about to start my shift, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Taking it out, I see a notification bearing Zayne's name on the screen. For the first time since I got to know him again, I hesitate to answer.
So I don't.
Telling myself that I'll just reply later when I'm not busy.
I continue on with my day, busying myself with patrols and small assignments throughout the city. I'm on my lunch break when my phone buzzes once more. Another notification from Zayne joins the previous one. This time, it seemed to be a link to an article with a text reading: "Was this the promotional event that you were talking about? I should be free a day after you come back, if you'd still like to go."
My thumb hovers over the screen, a mix of emotions swirling in my chest.
"Who's that?" Xavier's voice pulls me from my thoughts, my gaze turning to meet his.
"Nobody." I respond quickly, slipping my phone back into my pocket.
Xavier only chuckles, continuing to eat his lunch beside me. "If you say so."
We go back out on patrol after we're done eating, the text temporarily forgotten until I return home that evening. Once settled in, I slowly pace as I type up a brief response and send it.
"Yeah, but I already went with Tara the other night. Maybe next time."
As soon as I go to set my phone down, it buzzes again. Lifting it back up, I see Zayne's name on the screen once more.
"Oh, alright. No worries. Next time then."
I respond with a simple snowman emoji showing a thumbs up before placing my phone down for the night, fixing myself dinner and getting ready for bed after a quick shower. After a long day and an even longer one expected tomorrow, I manage to fall asleep early.
The next day is much busier, considering I leave tomorrow morning. Things need to be prepared or taken care of before then, ready to accommodate the absence of a team of hunters.
Again, Zayne texts me a few times throughout the day. Just some simple texts and a link to something that he thought I'd like, as he stated in the message accompanying it. But I don't make time to respond. Every time I saw his name on the screen, it made my chest feel heavy, emotions getting the better of me before I could bring myself to reply.
Maybe I was being selfish. Or petty.
Maybe I felt ashamed.
For feeling this way about Zayne going on a date.
For having feelings for him in the first place.
But I had more important things to deal with at the present. Only when I returned home, did I manage to respond to Zayne's texts with a simple one of my own. Then following the same routine as last night, I cook dinner, get a shower and collapse into bed. With everything prepped for my departure in the morning, dreams readily greet me.