Among the Stacks

[Chase Firebrand]

Chase shrugged, though his smile said clearly that it was just a tease. "Then it'll have to be from curiosity, won't it?" He gave a meaningful glance down at the heavy book she'd chosen simply out of curiosity. He'd certainly never think of Annabelle as stupid.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle couldn't help smiling. Would her curiosity ever lead her so far that she discovered something new? She doubted it. "What about you? Are you destined to be a genius or something else?" She was curious about Chase, having kissed him and not knowing a thing about him.

[Chase Firebrand]

"Definitely something else," he said with a smirk. He'd never really applied himself to anything outside his own entertainment, and that suited him fine. After all, he had plenty of time to become boring and responsible. Why start now?

[Annabelle Hennessy]

"Just something? Don't you have a plan? A dream?" She looked at him with wonder. She'd had goals and aspirations for years, ever since she'd learned she was for sure a witch. Although her dreams for her future had altered, shifted, and defined themselves, she'd always had something on the horizon she was heading for.

[Chase Firebrand]

Chase shrugged and glanced down at the book on the table, turning the page almost absently. "I've got time," he said. "I'm still young." His lips curved again as he looked back at Annabelle. "What about you? Have you decided to live a little?" It was a light tease, softly spoken as though it were only a suggestion, but the gleam in his eyes was a reminder of how close they'd been only minutes before; how close they were at this very moment.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

"I, I live." Annabelle closed her eyes. She couldn't believe she'd just said that. Merlin's! how much more of a dork can I make myself? She could feel her face turning shades and bit the inside of her lip out of habit to distract herself.

[Chase Firebrand]

"How?" Chase asked, inclining his head slightly to see Annabelle's face behind the curtain of her hair. "How do you live?" he asked again. "Books don't count. Fantasy isn't living. Knowledge isn't living. Experience is living." Chase paused, a smile returning to his lips. "What do you experience?" he asked huskily, knowing the effect his words would likely have and meaning every bit of it.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle turned away from him, crossing her arms across her chest. She had been taken by surprise at his accusations, and angry that he thought he could sum her up enough to make them. "Nothing." She whispered, fighting to keep as much hurt and anger from her voice as possible.

[Chase Firebrand]

Chase couldn't help being surprised by Annabelle's reaction. He'd meant to prod her into doing something, to tell her somehow not to regret the kiss they'd shared. He'd obviously struck a nerve and wasn't sure why, so he spoke tentatively, even encouragingly. "If you regret it, change it. Live. Experience." The words were softly spoken, but deep with meaning. Take life where you can get it.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle fought not to classify him in the same category as her ex, Derek. Deep down she knew he wasn't purposely goading her; he was completely ignorant of the effect his words had on her and the memories they stirred. "I don't regret any inexperience I might still have." She pulled out the chair and plopped into it. She pulled the heavy book toward herself, trying to focus on the words but not even seeing them.

[Chase Firebrand]

Chase held back a frustrated sigh. How had she gotten upset? He rested his hand flat on the table and leaned into it, looking down at Annabelle, his eyes shimmering lightly with crimson. "Regret is a waste of time and energy," he said. Chase reached for her with his free hand, tilting her chin lightly up to look at him. "I didn't mean you should be ashamed for living in fantasy," he said softly. "But why not make it real once in a while?" Before she could argue, he emphasized his point with a kiss, soft, but probing against her lips.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle's lips quivered against his as she tried to hold in the tears. Failing, she pulled away as a single teardrop fell down her cheek. She looked down at her lap, hiding her face. How could she explain that not all experiences were good? That although she wanted a romantic fantasy, she was afraid she'd never be able to let herself close enough again to have one?

[Chase Firebrand]

Chase wouldn't let her retreat this time. He dipped his head, claiming her lips in a kiss so unlike the others that curiosity should have been enough to distract her. It was everything he'd held back the last time; deep, sure, and purposefully intense. It held nothing of romance and everything of energy and life. He would get through to her, or they'd both learn that she was incapable of letting go.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle's lungs seized, but not in a good way. Panic coursed through her, not letting her even consider the kiss for what it was. She felt trapped, as if under attack. She tried to tell herself that he was just continuing after her earlier encouragement, but it didn't work. Annabelle gathered enough strength to pull away from him; grabbing her bag as she stumbled out of her chair.

"No, I won't." She fought to keep the visions back that were clouding her head. Images of Derek trying to coerce her into intimacy; of him trying to tell her she wanted him no matter how many times she said she wasn't ready. She shook the thoughts away, returning to the present and fleeing the current male presence.

[Chase Firebrand]

Chase was thrown off-guard when Annabelle moved away from him. He could feel her panic and didn't understand it; he'd only kissed her. The only thing he could think of was that she assumed he meant to take it farther than a kiss. "I'm not going to ravage you in the library," he said softly. There are much more private places to try things like that.