Hot Burns

Macy's Point of view

"How does it feel?" He asked as the water from the tap ran over her searing skin. She opened her mouth to answer but decided against it. She swallowed and nodded slowly while sucking on her bottom lips. Arthur watched her hold back the tears and snag the pain away, it had been ten minutes since a bit of the water had poured over her arm and the only source of sound was from the tap and the heavy breathing.

"Is this going to leave a scar?" she asked instead diverting her gaze to her arm which was now tanner than the rest of her body.

"Not really, as long as we keep it warm and under the water then it's going to turn out fine." He responded, his head was few meters away from hers and even with the tension from the accident Macy couldn't help but notice how focused he had been. She removed her eyes on him when he raised his head to stare at her face but at the same time she retreated her arms from the running water.

"Hey!!-- what are you doing?!" he followed after her like a mother duck, Macy didn't want to stay back, a lot of bad things had happened and it was taking a toll on her. She just wanted to go back to her apartment, cry and probably eat ice-cream since she wouldn't be able to sleep.

Arthur crossed her path blocking her from moving forward and she avoided his gaze.

"What is going on?" he asked calmly as his eyes raked over her distraught face, The small key chain on the glass stool seemed to be more interesting than meeting his eyes. "Macy, please look at me." She wanted to but the pain in her arms made her eyes water even more. It was only a matter of time before she bawled her eyes out in front of him.

With a tight smile an half-hearted courage she stared at his face and blinked back the tears threatening to force their way out.

"You know that you can talk to me about it, right?" he stated but she sniffed and tightened her lips.

"This wasn't part of the contract you know kent, no emotional support needed especially when outside the public's eyes." She reminded him and a brooding mask clouded his face. "I'm really tired Arthur, i just want to go back home."

"You're hurt," he reminded her and she shrugged it off like it didn't mean anything. "I'll be fine. It's not like it's the first time this is happening to me."

"I understand that you had a very bad day but please can you just listen to me and stay. I don't want you leaving here with your arm like that- and and, incase you don't know, i hate myself for letting that happen to yo,"

She stared at him as his fingers raked through his hair in frustration. He was telling the truth as she noticed the tension in his shoulders but she also didnt want to be a burden to hm, nto so early. She still resented him for what happened between them but it wasn't a license for her to be a burden.

"I-"

"Just stop, i'm not mad at you for what happened, it was a pure accident that would've been avoided if you admitted that you have terrible aim." to her surprise, she chuckled at his own words. He stared at her stunned by the lift in her aura.

"Great, you're smiling. Can we return to having your arms under the water? I wouldn't want to have you haunting me in my sleep if you have a big scar."

Macy obliged and they sat through the insane silence that came with staying with the rushing water. When the time elapsed, Arthur brought out his first aid kit and inspected the place once more.

"Its a great thing you took off your jacket, it would've been quite messy if you didn't take it off." he said and she rolled her eyes.

"Off course, you had to make an off handed comment about me not wearing a jacket. If you're glad that you get to check me out then you should just say so," she fired and this time it was his turn to roll his eyes.

"You're way in out of your head, in as much as i appreciate a fine woman, i wouldn't even look at you that way." he pointed out and again Macy felt her heart sink in hher stomach. What had she been expecting? She had outrightly made it clear that they were enemies but even enemies tend to spare each other glances.

"Whatever, how do you know what to do by the way?" She asked and he pulled away momentarily and raised his shirt to reveal a small scar by his side.

"Jesus," she muttered unable to hide her surprise. It was a noticeable scar under the tattoo's dark ink meant to cover it. "What happened?"

"A burn, what else." he muttered and then sighed. "It was an accident, something i don't want you to have which is why i dont want you to leave. Yours is a first-degree burn meaning it can go away faster." He grabbed a bandaid and proceeded to stand before her.." You'll need to sit on the counter." he stated. "Raise your arms,"

"Why?" she frowned and he sighed.

"I'll need to carry you since you shouldnt stress your arm." he explained plainly. "It's for your own,"

"Fine," she interrupted and raised her hands gently for him to carry her and place her on the counter, she ignored the warmth his hands brought and the state of her beating heart as she was already worrying about the injured part of her body.

He stood between her legs, so close that her breath momentarily seized. Arthur noticed and stepped back to give her space before grabbing the bandaid from behind her.

"Sorry," he whispered after clearing his throat.