Shadows

Josslyn’s throat constricted slightly as she quickly glanced around in the growing darkness, the slight chill in the air the only indication of nightfall.  She clutched her notepad tightly to her chest, silently cursing herself for not bringing a flashlight.  Only having meant to be in the library an hour, she hadn’t even grabbed a jacket for when what little natural light they had disappeared, causing the temperature to drop dramatically.  A sound rustled through a nearby alley and she rushed into the centre of light, barely comforted by what little warmth it gave off.  Joss stared, untrusting, into the unforgiving darkness and prayed that she had enough time to get to her hotel before the Shadows started appearing.  Her mind cleared of everything but getting back, Joss mentally squared her shoulders and began to walk when an arm snaked across her shoulders.

Without a thought her elbow connected with a stomach and she retreated farther into the light, eyes wide with barely-concealed fear that was quickly forced down when she saw a blonde man slightly doubled over in front of her.  Composing herself in an instant, she winced and reached out to grab his shoulder to pull him closer to the light.  Her apologetic smile earned a smirk from him, which widened as he took another step into her personal space, gently pushing her bangs behind her ear.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you,” he said before stepping away and shoving his own hair back for a moment, then stuck a hand out to her.

“Name’s Chance, nice to meet you,” he flashed a smile when she gripped his hand and glanced up at him, blue eyes distracted, flashing wariness and a hint of irritation before she laughed quietly and retracted her hand, using it to release her bangs to cover her ears again.

“Josslyn,” was her only response as her gaze darted around at the deepening shadows before finally fixing on him, “What are you doing out here so late?”  His amusement showed and her expression immediately became guarded as he replied.

“Isn’t that what I’m supposed to ask you?”  Joss inhaled sharply as she actually heard his deep, gravelly voice with a British lilt and noticed an unknown emotion shimmering beneath his unnaturally grey eyes.

Without her response, they both stayed quiet in the growing darkness-- each studying the other carefully.  She was quick to take in his tall form, casual stance and none-too-casual clothing, eyes grazing over his deep purple button-up shirt that was rolled up to his elbows (and which contrasted nicely with the bright shade of blue the tips of his blonde hair was coloured), pale skin, and the light grey jacket draped over his forearm that seemed to pull his strangely-styled outfit together.  Finally, her gaze landed on his mischievous expression and grey eyes still glinting with an undefinable something.  Meanwhile, Chance smirked at how her boots only brought the top of her head level with his chin, his eyes ghosting over her vintage band shirt that had slipped over one shoulder while still fitting snugly, how her dirty-blond hair looked almost brown in the dark, and studied her soft, angular face and still-guarded expression, his own smirk softening just barely as his gaze met hers, the blue of her eyes popping even more from the dark red the tips of her bangs were.

Joss finally shivered slightly under the intensity of his gaze and arched an eyebrow at him.

“You know, you never did answer my question,” She stated, but turned away before he could answer and continued, “Plus, it’s getting late and I really need to get back.”  Chance merely watched with quiet amusement until she began to take a step out of bright light.

“Alone in the growing darkness?  Do you really think that’s a good idea?” he asked and stepped beside her.

“Well, I don’t have much choice, do I?” she responded, hiding her exasperation well, though Chance caught a hint of it and smiled, slipping the jacket off his arm.

“It would be my pleasure,” he mock-bowed and offered the sweatshirt to the surprised girl, who merely eyed the item.

“It gets cold quickly,” he offered, then laughed at her horrified look, “Most people who live here know to at least always carry a sweater around this time of year.”

“You live here, then?” she questioned, reluctantly taking the jacket and allowing him to hold the notebook as she slipped it on.

“Not exactly,” his smirk slipped back into place, “I’ll walk you to the hotel.” Joss didn’t protest again, not entirely willing to admit that she felt safer with the taller male around.

As they walked, Chance saw her glance longingly up at the pitch-black sky and he asked why she did so.

“Oh... It would be the full moon tonight,” She answered, eyes slipping shut for a moment, “I can just picture it: the moon glowing brightly, illuminating the light layer of clouds that seem to frame it and the stars laughing in the background, stark in the blackness of space.”  Josslyn was too lost in her own thoughts and too focused on watching the shadows ahead to see her companion's nose crinkle slightly, almost as if the thought of seeing the natural light displeased him.

After a moment like that, they began a polite, whispered conversation where Chance learned that Josslyn was in town for work, and of her enjoyment of studying, while Joss had discovered that Chance was visiting as well, though he didn’t necessarily have a job.

All too soon they reached the front of the hotel and she slipped out of the jacket, returning it with a grateful smile.

“I don’t suppose we’ll meet again?” Chance inquired softly, which was met with a small shrug.

“I leave the day after tomorrow, so I don’t believe so.”

“Maybe in another town,” he suggested with a look that told her he would make sure of it.  Josslyn shook her head and with one last smile and headed inside, though from the corner of her eye she could have sworn Chance had disappeared into the darkness.