Chapter Text
Jenna's eyes flickered open, caught in a delicate limbo between the vivid paintings of her desperate dreams and the lingering thoughts that revolved around Pyro. The Red Pyro, to be precise, was an enigma in Jenna's mind. She was acutely aware that they shared a connection that went beyond mere teammates. How else could she explain the way her chest tightened involuntarily with a strange mix of excitement and anxiety whenever she spotted them on the battlefield? It was a feeling she couldn't ignore, a sensation that lingered just beneath the surface, making her breath hitch in her throat as if she were about to confess something significant but found herself stumbling over her words before being met with a torrent of flames, only to respawn moments later. Hand on her chest to feel her heartbeat calm before having to re-join the battle with her team.
In the midst of the raging battlefield, where allies clashed against each other in opposing teams of Red and Blue, communication seemed like a distant luxury. Jenna grappled with the struggle of expressing herself, the internal conflict exaggerated by the rigid confines of their allegiances. While her own team's Pyro exuded warmth and familiarity, it was the enigmatic Red Pyro who held an inexplicable allure over Jenna, subtly drawing her in with a pull that she found impossible to resist.
Pulling herself up from her comfortable bed, feeling the warmth of the sheets slowly dissipating, she stretched before making her way towards the lonely standing mirror at the corner of her room. With purposeful grace, she ran her fingers through her luscious golden locks, gently teasing out the tangled strands and restoring their voluminous bounce. As she inspected her reflection, her gaze focused on the intricate dance of colours in her hair, the radiant golden hues gracefully transitioning into a fiery red at the roots. Emitting a soft sigh tinged with a hint of disbelief, she couldn't help but marvel at how rapidly her hair seemed to grow, a subtle reminder of how quickly time has passed since working here. Her delicate fingers absently prodded at the roots, a contemplative expression gracing her features.
Turning away from her reflection, she pivoted soundlessly on her heels to seek the glowing digits of her bedside clock, the faint hum of its mechanisms providing a calming backdrop to her thoughts. The numbers blinked back at her in the dimly lit room, casting a soft glow that illuminated her delicate features. 1:43 AM. The late hour tugged at her consciousness, prompting a reflexive intake of breath. Another wistful sigh escaped her lips, laden with a complex blend of resignation and uncertainty, as she pondered the possibilities that lay before her in the quiet stillness of the night. Contemplating her options with a furrowed brow, she weighed the allure of sleep against the beckoning call of scrapbooking her thoughts, her mind a lively canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of her decision-making.
She then thought of Pyro again, remembering her "accident" from a week ago . She had been pinned down by the Red Pyro, their hands on her throat. Their face was hidden but they must have been enjoying themselves a little. As much as she would like to forget, she managed to embarrass herself in that moment. She had learned something new about herself that day, letting out a noise nobody should hear in battle. Kicking Pyro off and desperately running into a wall in escape of the chaos of battle. But in that frantic moment only a week ago, she had lost consciousness, later awakening to the sound of the battle's conclusion, with the red team emerging victorious once more. There she found herself slumped against the wall, a delicate flower resting on her lap. A strange sensation of someone watching her from a distance crept over her, and she caught a fleeting glimpse of a figure cloaked in red before they swiftly vanished. Someone with dark hair.
Tucking the flower into her pocket, she discovered a folded piece of paper bearing a hasty sketch of the red base, with one particular window highlighted in bold red ink and the mysterious initial "P" scrawled below. Was this perhaps an invitation, a subtle beckoning into the unknown depths of the red team's territory? Contemplating the unfolding events, she debated with herself as she glanced towards her own window, contemplating a venture to the elusive Red base.
As she stood in front of her wardrobe, the weight of the decision weighing heavily on her mind, she pondered the importance of her attire for the impending journey away from Blue base. Should she choose elegance or comfort for this occasion? The weather was a crucial factor to consider; the freezing temperatures of the snowy terrain demanded a practical and warm outfit. Yet, she couldn't ignore her desire to express her personal style amidst the contrasting landscapes of the bases. Wisps of memories from her yesterday's outfit lingered in her mind, tempting her to opt for convenience over a carefully selected ensemble.
She deliberated between the options laid before her, skirts swaying with each step or trousers providing sturdy protection against the cold. The choice of a hoodie brought a sense of cosiness, but a jacket symbolized readiness for whatever challenges lay ahead. The mirror reflected her contemplative expression as she envisioned the different combinations of clothing. Each item represented a facet of her identity that she could project into the world, creating an outward expression of her inner self. The responsibility of this decision felt as weighty as the turtleneck jumper she finally settled upon, paired with a plaid shirt to add a touch of colour and personality.
Completing her attire with long socks and comfortable running shoes, she felt a sense of readiness descend upon her. Tying her hair into its familiar ponytail, she drew a final conclusion that her outfit not only encompassed practicality but also a reflection of her individuality.
The journey from the snowy Blue base to the desert-like Red Base presented a stark contrast in temperature that prompted her to ponder about the chilly morning awaiting her. Despite the potential warmth at the Red Base, she anticipated a nippy start to the day. Her outfit choice reflected this uncertainty as she wore a practical vest top underneath, ready to adapt to the fluctuating temperatures she might encounter along the way.
With her outfit finally chosen and donning a sense of determination, she once again checked the time, peering at the glowing digits displaying 2:02 AM. Casting a quick glance towards the window, curiosity tugged at her, leading her to pull back the curtains and peer out into the oppressive darkness that surrounded her home. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she made the decision to slide open the window, the cool night air rushing in to greet her flushed cheeks. Nestled amidst the blanket of snow outside, she gingerly descended from the first-floor window, her body tensing as her feet met the frozen ground with a soft crunch.
The icy breeze swept up her legs, prickling her skin and coaxing a shiver to course through her body. With practiced calm, she surveyed the other windows, searching for any signs of movement from her slumbering teammates. Ensuring that her unorthodox departure went unnoticed, she couldn't help but entertain the nagging thought of being branded a traitor for going to visit a member of the other team. Intrigued by the memory of their Pyro, a sense of admiration tugged at her thoughts as she remembers their previous interactions.
As she stood alone in the stark silence of the night, enveloped by the inky shadows of her surroundings, waves of anxiety washed over her but her curiosity tugs her away from Blue's base.