Raspberry Ripple

Dax shot up from the two-seater sofa, wincing as pain coursed through him. He made his way to Sana in three strides and dragged her inside. "Did someone see you on the way here?" he demanded, pressing her against the door.

Her black eyes were wide, looking at him with alarm. Not fear. There was never fear in them. "No, just a small boy who was with his dog. Is something wrong?" she asked, a heavy jute bag held against her chest.

"Are you sure? You didn't see two men—one with grey hair and beard and another plump man?"

Her dainty palm cupped his elbow. "No, Dax. I really didn't. Calm down."

"How can I calm down? Why did you show up here? Don't you realise how dangerous it is to associate yourself with me? Why are you so fucking reckless?" Dax yelled, losing his temper. His gaze was sharp, glaring to kill.

"Well, sue me for thinking I'd bring you some food and help you out---"

"I don't need your help. Did I ask for it? Even once? Why are you following me around like a fucking puppy, offering to help? To show off that you're better than me?"

"That's the thing. You never ask for help because your ego is the size of a fucking skyscraper and it's not cool. It's pathetic to watch you show up at my truck, battered and bruised. I can't help but help you!"

"Don't. Just don't."

"Why is it so hard for you to accept help? Why do you have to act like asking help is the last thing you'd do in this world?"

"Because I never had anyone to help me! I was alone all my life and not one soul helped me. Even if they did, it was to benefit themselves. So, sue me if I can't trust you to have no ulterior motives and just accept the goodness of your heart!"

Sana fell silent. After a moment, she looked at him.

"Don't fucking look at me like that," he growled, placing his arm next to her face.

"Like what?"

"Like you genuinely care."

Sana mustn't have liked the tone of his accusation. Her eyes sharpened. She levelled her head to meet his gaze head-on. "I do, you arrogant bastard. I don't know how to prove it to you. But you know what? I don't care if you believe me or not. Because I am sick of this act. I am sick of you playing the victim here, as if I'm draining the life force out of you by showing a little kindness to you. Fucking grow up! Learn to accept that there are people who'd care for you, not for any benefit, but because you are you. Because they see something in you worth saving."

Her words twisted something inside him, some part of him that he didn't know existed. He didn't like this strange new feeling. And he hated how he yearned to feel it again. The woman in front of him always confused him to a point that he began to question everything in his life. Fucking nuisance.

"I don't care. Take your kindness and good heart elsewhere. And stay out of my business!"

At this point, their feet were touching, their bodies driven into each other's personal space, breathing the same air. Their eyes battled against each other, leaving behind a trail of ash and smoke. "You know what? Fine. I'll stay the fuck away from you. But you better do the same.

"Just for your information, I meant every word that I said. It wasn't just out of mere kindness. If you are too fucking dumb to understand it, it's your loss. You are childish, arrogant, a complete imbecile and maybe—maybe you are right. I really don't know why I'm so persistently coming behind you. I must be a bigger fool than you. Maybe this is a lesson. Some people just don't want to be helped."