Snippet #1434120

It was extremely rude to stare. She knew that. But still, Bella stared. Perhaps that look in her eyes was one of awe and shock, though between the tears and the constant avoidance of his eyes he might have not seen it at all. She swallowed thickly as he squeezed her hand. It was meant to be comforting. It still didn’t feel right. But then again, nothing truthfully felt right about guys anyway. It was hard for her to even comprehend that any male could be so gentle. The scars and bruises tattooed across her arms were the writings in stone that clearly emphasized this. And it was utterly confusing to her that all she’d known for the last couple of years had been a complete lie. That everything had been blown away in a rush of wind as soon as Haizen had jumped to her aid. She attempted to take in everything he was saying, though she figured half of it was floating out the other ear. As soon as his cheeks flushed, her own face took on a light shade of pink. “Sorry, I won’t…” she mumbled.

The fact that she was still bristling slightly almost angered her – no, it did anger her, and greatly at that. Why couldn’t she accept this? Why couldn’t she accept that he wasn’t going to hurt her? A mouthful of apologies had lodged itself into her throat, almost rendering her speechless. But she forced herself to swallow once more. She forced down those wants to cry and to express her pity for herself. The brunette forced herself to look at Haizen. She forced herself to meet his stunning gaze. And despite the fact that she was still frightened – even if only mildly – she forced her mouth open. “Why?” she asked in a small, almost groggy voice. Heat had started to hit her in waves once more. Was the fever coming back? Perhaps. Maybe she was embarrassed. That was another possibility. “Why do you go to such an extent to help me? Haizen-kun, why hasn’t anyone helped you? Why do you live by yourself and not with the other Sohma’s? Why hasn’t anyone gone to this extent for you?” It all came out exceptionally fast and as soon as she managed to close her lips the blush deepened.