The Sky's the Limit (Jackie Chan Adventures fanfic, Hade x Hsi Wu)
Chapter 3 of my Jade/Hsi Wu fic is now up, enjoy! Text under cut, also link to a03. Chapter 3 - Dance
Summary - Hsi Wu manages to escape the Void... and he is determined to start a new life. He sees Jade as part of that new life but he must gain her forgiveness and love first and that is a whole LOT easier said than done! The past of Shendu and other demons are also explored, filling in huge blanks left by the show.
Warnings - Overall rating is teen-safe, Some mentions of bullying, mental health issues, violence.
Reviews/feedback is always very welcome and appreciated!
The Sky's the Limit
Chapter III – Dance
I'll share some thoughts and feelings on the JCA series on TV. This might help you understand how I wrote this story, and I also think it's worthwhile sharing it with you and providing some food for thought.
I know it's a cartoon and you can draw characters the same way for a long time (like The Simpsons), but it always bothered me that Jade didn't get any wiser. In Seasons 1 and some of 2, she was funnier, but later she became grating in some episodes. The show is called 'Jackie Chan Adventures', not 'Jade Chan Adventures.' I didn't mind her in some episodes; in others, she was helpful and funny. But in some others, she just bothered me, and I actually wanted to punch her in the face. Yeah, I know that sounds harsh. The writing just started to really unravel, and it's as if the writers decided to mess around with her character and make it more annoying.
I’m not entirely sure how much time passes in the 5 seasons of the show. It looks like it’s all been crammed into a year because there’s no mention of Jade going up a grade, and she has the same teacher in Season 5 that she did in Season 1. But realistically, all the adventures and stuff would take place over the course of a few years, so I’m having two years pass between the beginning and end of the series so Jade is 13 by the time Shendu is banished to the Void for the last time.
I really wish the writers had shown her maturing and getting wiser (and continuing the potential Jade storyline revealed in 'The Chosen One' when it was hinted at that she was the reincarnation of someone great), but unfortunately, the writing came apart in Season 3, and this lacklustre streak continued for the rest of the series despite there being some truly good episodes.
o0o0o0o
Jade lay there, curled up under her covers, her elbows and knees drawn to her body protectively. She had made the decision not to tell her uncles about Hsi Wu, although the more rational side of her mind asked, why?. He was a demon, one that Uncle would go on a tireless hunt for if he knew of the Sky Demon’s freedom. He belonged in the void!
And yet he had apologised to her. Why? He was not supposed to care! He had been so brutal and gentle, switching between one and the other with alarming ease. It was as if he were two different people, one demon, one... almost human.
She sniffled softly, wiping her tears on her sheet, taking a deep breath to calm down. How could he do this to her? His apology seemed questionable, perhaps just an attempt to play with her emotions like before. He had fooled her when she was young…well, not again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. This was a demon; she would be an idiot to be swayed by him again!
And yet he had appeared sincere when she had stared into his dark brown eyes. She huffed angrily and rolled over, seeking sleep as an escape, but it was fitful. As her alarm buzzed, she sighed and got up, getting dressed and ready for breakfast after picking out a light blue blouse and black pants for the job.
She came downstairs and her younger uncle smiled at her, putting a plate with rice and eggs in front of her. She would be giving a tour at the museum today, and she was nervous since it was her first time. When Jackie had first suggested it, she had been somewhat put off by the idea, but since there was a shortage of available employees who could be spared as tour guides, she had reluctantly accepted. She knew her material.
Jackie was very kind and reassuring, but she could not help but be nervous. What if the group thought she was boring? What if she forgot her material? Jackie shook her head and smiled, rumpling her hair, telling her she would be just great.
o0o0o0o
Jade was introduced to her group before Jackie and the curator left her. She made a quick introduction about the museum and what she would be covering, and she was pleasantly surprised to find out that she did indeed remember her material. A bit of it had to be ad-libbed, but her charges didn’t seem to mind the couple of light comments she made. It was mostly a group of young people about her age.
Obligingly, she stood in front of the Tyrannosaurus skeleton at the request of a tall, blonde youth with a camera. A couple of the girls – just as blond as he was – joined her side, the three of them standing in front of the dinosaur and smiling. Not bad for my first guided tour, right? And how many people get to do this on the job? Her group seemed to actually like her.
She had to keep herself from doing a double-take upon seeing him. He was standing as part of the group as she stood in front of the Ming Dynasty exhibit, talking about the vases and other pieces of Chinese art behind her.
He simply shrugged as he made eye contact with her and remained silent as she continued making her presentation. To his credit, he did nothing to intrude on the tour. He silently followed the group, lagging behind and reading the placards as she stopped every so often to give a short lecture about various displays. She just prayed it wasn’t the peace before the storm.
Jade was relieved to notice a few smiles here and there, though she stiffened a bit as she saw 'Seymour' smiling at her. She avoided making eye contact with him and dreaded the end of the tour. She prayed she could find a way to duck out before she was alone with him.
However, the tour did come to an end, and the group dissipated with several friendly good-byes. As soon as she could, Jade quickly made her way to the employees-only area, her footsteps clicking softly but very quickly across the tile.
“Jade?” she heard Hsi Wu call out. She sighed before stopping for a moment.
“Don't,” she stated in a soft but firm voice, squaring her shoulders.
“I just want to talk to you,” he said. She turned around to face him, narrowing her eyes.
“Spit it out so I can get to lunch.” Jade retorted acidly. She was surprised to note that she felt regret when she saw a glimmer of hurt pass through his eyes.
“I... missed you,” he said, taking a step towards her. She looked away as he continued, “There were so many times that I thought about you, so many times I just... wanted to talk to you and say – again – that I am sorry. I often thought about you when I was in the Void, wishing we still had our friendship.”
She felt her eyes water at this statement and kept her face out of his sight as she blinked back tears, turning her back to him. She wasn't going to let him sway her, however sweet-sounding his words might be!
“Can we meet later tonight at the club? Or a restaurant? Or... well, anywhere really. My treat?” he asked. Jade felt a hand gently rest on her shoulder before she jerked away.
“No.”
“Please?” It struck Jade as funny, a demon saying 'please'.
“Like I said before...I am not part of your game. Leave me out of it.”
“I'm not playing a game, Jade. I want to set things right. I want our friendship back,” he stated plainly. They stared at each other for a few moments as Jade recalled the events of the night before. She started to shake her head when Seymour's eyes started glowing, displaying his demonic nature.
“I want you, Jade. If I have to, then I will be back, and if I'm in the mood, I just might snatch you up and carry you off,” he said with a smirk.
She blinked and backed away from him, seeing a demonic grin plastered on his human features as he advanced towards her. There was the demon, the one she knew existed. It just affirmed that she was right to be on guard.
“You don't like the sound of that, my dear?”he snarled, grabbing her arm and pulling her close. “I am offering you a choice. Easy or hard, my jewel.”
“And I am making my choice,” she retorted.
“I have several siblings who wouldn't offer you anything, who would simply take and violate you until you died or went insane. You’re fortunate I don’t work like that. But don't take my word for it, read up on us if you like. Shendu especially had a... voracious appetite.”
“Ugh! Leave me alone! I won't let you do that,” she retorted. His smirk turned cruel,
“I could go over to Hong Kong and terrorise your parents. Set fire to your uncle's shop. Plant evidence and call the police on Tohru. So many fun things I could do...”
As Jade stared at him in horror, he continued, “I could just take you right now, put a sleeping spell on you, and take you somewhere no one would find you. Sound good?” He crossed his arms, grinning at her.
“No. No. You just apologised to me, and now you're pulling this! This is a game! I knew it. You really are just fucking around with me!” she said in an accusatory tone, trying to fight back tears.
“My apology was real, but I'm not going to let this go,” he said with a growl.
“That's… devilish.” Stupid choice of words, she rebuked herself.
“That's what I am,” he shot back bitterly, “a demon, a monster without any heart at all. That's all I ever could be, huh?” His eyes were filled with emotions she could not read. She quickly pulled away, and he made no move to stop her. She huffed and stormed down the corridor.
o0o0o0o
Hsi Wu glared after her. How dare she think so lowly of him! Yes, he'd used her, but...he had feelings too! His demonic side demanded that he charge after her and snatch her away, but he managed to restrain himself. He let out a sharp huff, collecting himself before storming away the other way.
o0o0o0o
Jade quickly grabbed her purse from the employee's locker room and stormed out to find some food. When she saw that he had not followed her, she slowed down as she went to the cafe and ordered lunch. Although she was not too hungry, she managed to order a salad and some tea.
She blinked upon seeing him in the back of the cafe, sulking like a little boy. He wasn't even looking at her; he was just staring at the wall with his arms crossed. She would have laughed if he weren't a demon hell-bent on screwing up her life. Turning her seat so her back was to him, she focused on her meal, deciding to push him out of her thoughts.
As she ate, Jade was ever aware of the fact that she was being watched. Taking her compact out of her purse, she opened it and pretended to be checking her makeup as she tilted the mirror in his direction, confirming her suspicions.
She quickly glanced over at him, and her hands were shaking slightly.
o0o0o0o
Hsi Wu's own hands were clenched, and for a moment, he wondered if he should simply abduct her and hold her hostage. There did not seem to be any other choice at the moment, his demonic side raged.
Jade lay her head on the table, and he did not miss this. She was not eating much either and had barely touched her salad. Should he go and confront her? Why the hell not? He was not going to let her just walk away. He rose from his seat slowly before stalking across the floor to her small table.
She raised her head just as she saw his approach and started to get up herself. He spoke before she could rise entirely, looking at her with pleading eyes.
“Do you think I like having to chase after you?” he asked quietly, “Just so I can get you to go somewhere with me, spend some time with me? I was just… desperate for your attention. Do you think I like making you angry just so you’ll talk to me? I don’t want to threaten you just so I can do something with you. Do you think I like thinking of you constantly and wondering why? A human, all the time in my thoughts, knowing that it is not only unnatural but also something my siblings would very much consider abhorrent?”
Jade stared at him warily as he pulled out the chair across from her and seated himself.
“You said you weren't here to make trouble, yet you just made threats against me.”
He was silent for a moment before letting out a small huff. “I must admit, old habits die hard. In the Void, we argued and made threats, and violence is how we usually deal with one another.. I'm not trying to make excuses...But I do want to apologise for that behavior. It just... comes out. Please give me a chance,” he said gently, looking into her eyes, “I'm new at the whole being human – I mean, truly living as one and not just using it as a disguise – new at everything that's not demonic, and all I am asking is for you to at least give me a second chance. Help me be human, help me fit in, please. I’m still trying to figure out what happened to me. I don’t know if it had something to do with the Void reopening for Shendu and Drago.”
o0o0o0o
Jade huffed, feeling tears burn behind her eyes as she remembered her childhood days with Seymour, how much fun that had been... And now? He was asking her to help him be human.
“You...are not out to make any trouble in this world?” she asked in a hushed tone.
“I have no interest in world domination or anything like that. I know it might sound weird to you, but I just want to be free and live a... well, normal life.”
“Mmm,” Jade said with a nod before she looked down at her hands.
His hands found her own, and she slowly raised her head to look at him. He had the most gentle look in his eyes, full of fondness and longing and dare she say it, humanity. It was hard to believe this had been the same person who had threatened her just before, and his hands were so warm around hers. She quickly pulled her hands away, folding them in her lap.
“Um. I need to go back to work.”
“Let’s meet later,” he asked in a kind voice. She considered saying 'no', but seeing how quickly his demonic nature emerged upon provocation, she gave a different answer. She’d figure this out because what he said about the Void and being human piqued her curiosity.
“Fine,” she said, crossing her arms and hiding her hands as if she was afraid he might touch them again. He nodded and smiled at her before he dropped a few bills on her table. She blinked and stared at the table, realising that he had given her enough money to cover quite a few more lunches in the future.
“I... um... thank you,” Jade said, looking up at him, seeing that friendly expression still on his face. His hand gently touched her shoulder as he passed her.
“It doesn't change what I did to you. It’s the least I can do. But it is not the least I will do,” he promised as he squeezed her shoulder before he left.
o0o0o0o
It had been several days since her encounter with Hsi Wu, and he had made no attempt to contact her. It was surprising, but she actually found herself wondering where he was, and why he had seemingly cut himself off from her after he had been so ardent in gaining her attention. She 'd done detective work using mostly mundane methods, but she used a bit of magical help. But the sky Demon was keeping himself out of trouble.
She stared down at the candle on the table, idly flicking the flame with her finger. She had never expected to feel this way about the Sky Demon. She hadn’t quite forgiven him for his treachery, but she was… curious, much as she hated to admit it.
“Penny for your thoughts,” a voice said softly from behind her. Speak of the devil. Or demon, in Hsi Wu's case. She turned around to see him looking strikingly handsome in a black jacket and pants with a grey silk shirt.
“Don't worry, I won't charge,” he commented as he looked down at her. She smiled faintly as he pulled out the chair across from her and sat down.
“Are you hungry? I'll buy dinner,” he offered as he glanced at the empty table.. Jade did a quick check of the dance floor, seeing Simone dancing.
“Well, I'm here with Simone, and it would be rude if...”
“Oh, that's no problem. I'll pay for her dinner, too.” He shrugged. Maybe he really wants to be good, Jade pondered. We'll see.
“Actually, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks.” Jade was determined to have a casual and pleasant evening, and use this time to gauge the demon across the table, see if his intentions were true or not. He was the Demon of Cunning, after all, and she was still wary of him.
“You're welcome. How about we start off with one of these... appetizer combo things?” he asked as he looked at the small menu that sat next to the napkins.
He sounds like a nice, normal guy, and if I didn't know better... Jade thought. His mannerism was relaxed, his expression open and friendly. As Jade looked back at the dance floor, she could tell that Simone had noticed them. Her best friend winked at her and waved before turning back to her partner. Ostensibly, Simone was giving her some more time to acquaint herself with this 'newcomer' before joining them. They had signals worked out, including one that said 'help me, I want to get rid of this guy', but Jade had given no such signal.
o0o0o0o
After Hsi Wu called over a waiter and placed his order, he turned back to Jade, feeling almost... well, he didn't want to use the word... shy. He had never felt so shy before; he was the Demon of Cunning and could take on whatever guise he wanted! Yet Jade knew his true form, and after the near-disastrous last encounter he had with her, he was happy to get a second chance from her. Please don't let me blow it, he silently prayed.
When not stalking Jade or learning about this world and integrating himself into it, he spent his private time meditating and thinking. The past was a frustrating blur. He had been unable to remember his childhood or youth, and when he tried to recall, it hurt. But now it didn't hurt so much to try, though he still drew up a blank more often than not.
The few flashes he did get he remembered as much as he could, searing them into his brain as he analyzed them. There was a recollection of Bai Tsa singing, her voice as beautiful as any siren's. The odor of old books tickled his nostrils as he recalled Tso Lan, wise and patient as he showed something in one of his many books to a young Sky Demon. One of the more startling flashes of the past was his eldest brother, Tchangzu, laughing and joking with him, having a good time instead of the usual bullying or fighting that was inevitable in the Void. Where did these memories come from? His siblings had looked so... happy, and loving.
The Demons he had left behind when he escaped the void had been anything but happy or loving. What had happened to take this away?
“So...” Jade started to say, but hesitated for a moment. She tapped her fingers a couple of times on the table before speaking again. “Have you considered getting a job or anything? Just curious.”
This line of questioning was surprising, but Hsi Wu was happy to go along with it.
“Yes. I've thought about getting one, though I'm not exactly sure what I'd like to do at the moment. There's a lot more jobs today than there were back then...”
“Times have changed, huh?”
“It's... different. Worse in a few ways, but a lot better in others.”
“A rather appropriate observation.” Jade nodded. He flashed her a brief smile, happy the conversation was going so smoothly.
“Well, I was thinking maybe one of these... career counselors. Or these tests I've heard about that helps to determine your job type.” It was quite something to learn about them, and he wondered what the old world might have been like with these career counselors and tests available.
“Don't rush it. Take your time.” A flash of sadness flicked in her eyes for a moment before she looked up, seeing the waiter approach their table with the appetizers. After he retreated, Hsi Wu reached out to touch her hand.
“You're not sure what you want to do, either?” he asked. She shrugged as she picked up an onion ring.
“My parents want... no, expect me back with them by the end of this year so I can go to the college they chose for me. Jackie said he'd help me file for citizenship here so I could live here permanently if I wanted to. But my parents wouldn't like that... whew! But part of me doesn’t want to disappoint them,” she said with a small huff.
“I know this may sound odd, but I almost envy you. At least your parents care about you – however, they're unfairly pressuring you – because I don't remember mine and am not even sure if I had them.”
“I've often wished I had a brother or sister… but seeing the fighting in your family...” She shook her head.
“Hmm.” He took the opportunity to grab a mozzarella stick .They took bit by bit from the plate, content to simply nibble on the finger food for a while. When the food was nearly half gone, Simone joined them, scooting in next to her friend as she openly studied the handsome young man.
Hsi Wu stared back levelly, his expression calm as he regarded Jade's friend. Inwardly, he was analyzing her as he did everybody else, reading her posture, expression, and mannerisms, looking for weaknesses.
“First time I've seen you actually sit down with a guy,” Simone commented cheerfully as she shot Jade a friendly smirk.
“It's quite an honor hearing that.” Hsi Wu replied with a friendly smile, his eyes twinkling as he focused on Jade. He was flattered to see her smile shyly. So far, so good. He had made no attempt to contact Jade over the last few days since their confrontation in the museum. He had been so impatient to see her again, but knew that he had shaken her up and she needed time. Sometimes it was hard, but fortunately, this world had plenty of distractions to keep him occupied, and after centuries in the Void, what were a few days?
Simone quickly excused herself after seeing how at ease her friend seemed.
“Maybe we could dance?” Hsi Wu asked as they finished off the last of the appetizers.
“Uh...” A flash of uncertainty passed through her expression as she recalled what had happened the last time he was here. He had been supposed to go to the school dance with her, and the thought of dancing with him stirred up these memories.
“I won't make you dance if you really don't want to, but I would enjoy it.” He tilted his head in the direction of the dance floor. “I won't do anything you don't want me to.”
Jade was silent for a moment before nodding. She let him take her hand and lead her, his hand warm around hers.
He took her other hand, swaying with the music while maintaining a respectful distance from her, as if they were being chaperoned at a school dance.
After a couple of songs, he decided to venture further. Instead of simply swaying, he started to move his feet in a definite pattern to the beat. He smiled at her, wiggling his shoulders. At first, it didn't seem as if she would take his bait, but he patiently pressed on, maintaining his playful demeanor and maintaining a respectful distance between their bodies.
There was plenty to be said about being a demon of cunning. He had used it all too often to trick people, but now he was merely trying to put her at ease. To his relief, it eventually worked. After several minutes with Jade glancing at him with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity, she started to fall in step with him.
After a couple of dances, he was overjoyed to see how at ease she looked. She was even smiling! He did not point this out to her, and merely continued until he noticed that she was starting to look a bit tired. At the end of the song, he took her hand and led her back to the table.
“You hungry?” he asked. She nodded eagerly,and after glancing at the menu, pointed at what she wanted. He smiled at her obligingly before ordering some food for them. Simone was nowhere within their immediate vicinity, but a quick scan of the building revealed that she was sitting at the bar with her companion. Good.
As the waiter brought their food, the aroma made him think of Po Kong. For so long she starved in the Void, yet she was as massive as ever. There was something not right about that, as if there was something else keeping her that way. Po Kong would really enjoy this... he mused as he lifted his burger and sank his teeth into it. Modern-day food could be so wonderful. He got to try things he had never tasted before, though just about anything tasted good after being trapped in the damn Void.
Why did I waste so much time trying to spread misery or terrorizing people before? It was actually more fun to try to fit in, to enjoy the things they did, to see what they had created during his long absence. Granted, some of the things they did were pretty damn stupid, and many had become lazy through the technology they invented or used that technology to inflict more suffering than they could have with more primitive weapons. But compared to ancient China, the differences were astonishing.
French fries were one of the things he had come to appreciate in this world, especially the beer-battered ones this establishment offered. It was such a simple food, easily made and versatile, and fun to eat. As he ate, he subtly eyed his companion.
o0o0o0o
Jade had ordered a sandwich wrap, but like Hsi Wu, she opted for beer-battered fries. The dish also came with a pickle wedge, and she munched on that, chewing thoughtfully as she glanced at a spot past his shoulder. She had been so nervous about eating with him and dancing, but so far, things were going pretty well. But she remained alert, remembering all too well how she had let him cozy up to her before. Once bitten, twice shy. He insisted that he didn't want trouble, and he did seem sincere, but then he had seemed sincere before.
She had been researching protective spells even though she had remained mum about the entire matter to her uncles. Elder Uncle would waste no time in re-banishing the demon, and all she had to do was tell him...
“Wanna go for a walk? The music's getting really loud...” he asked as he ate the last of his fries. She pondered the question, wondering what he might have in mind.
“Where?” she asked evenly.
“Wherever we want to. We could go down to the pier, or just walk along the street.” His gaze was open, showing no apparent ulterior motive.
“...Sure.” What am I getting myself into, Jade wondered. Was it some of her old impulsiveness rearing its head? Seeing her future self all these years ago had sobered her up somewhat and had even caused her to become depressed for a while. But having this demon around reminded her of the fun she had on her adventures with her uncles...
Simone was at the bar, and Jade quickly said good-bye to her before stepping out into the cool night air. Hsi Wu was right, the music had been really loud in there...
He paused and glanced at her, waving his arm left and then right, silently asking her where she wanted to go. She tilted her head to the right, and he nodded, offering his arm. After a quick internal debate, she took it.
He was a strikingly handsome man, turning a few heads as they strolled along the side of the street. Since it was a pleasant summer evening, he took off his jacket and slung it over his shoulder with his free hand. In the distance, the ocean glittered under the light of the moon and the lamps along the shore. The silence between the two of them was companionable as they continued walking, strolling past other restaurants and shops, taking in the sights that the city had to offer at this time of night. The boardwalk was well-lit, with several vendors and enough people for her to feel comfortable. Though she was having a nice time with him, it didn't hurt to be extra careful, did it? She stopped at the railing, staring out at the water as she felt him stand behind her, hands in his pockets.
Her phone buzzed, and she retrieved it from her pocket to check it. Uncle Jackie had sent her a text message asking when she might be home. 'Soon, ' she replied, reminded of the fact that he would not approve of her present company. And it was getting late... had they really been wandering around that long?
“I need to be getting back,” Jade said as she put her phone away.
“That was your uncle, wasn't it?”
“Yeah, so?”
“You don't have a curfew, do you?”
“Well, not per se, but my uncles do worry when I stay out late.” When she was younger, she had chafed at the idea of a curfew – just like any normal teenager did. But now she was in a better position to appreciate their concern, especially with a demon at her side.
“Let them worry.” He shrugged, and she frowned.
“Your family might be screwed up, but I do care about what mine thinks of me!”
He stopped in his tracks, realizing what he had just said. “I... didn't mean to sound so uncaring. When you have a family like mine, your concerns would be... elsewhere.” He looked contrite.
“Well, you've been stuck in the void for a few centuries... so I'll let that slide.” She raised her eyebrow to indicate that she wouldn't be so accepting of a second negative comment about her family.
“You're lucky to have a family who cares about you.”
Jade nodded slowly. Yes, her uncles and Tohru definitely cared about her, and she knew her parents did as well, even though they could be caustic and demanding at times. And her uncles were oblivious to her inner turmoil.
“Being cared about is nice, but...” She gave out a quiet sigh. “When you really care about someone, it feels terrible when you make them feel sad or disappointed. It hurts, it really does.”
She felt his hand on her shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze. “You're not the only one who had to live up to expectations, you know.... though in my case, it was demanded of me because they saw me – the weakest, youngest sibling – as something to use, rather than expecting things of you because they care and want the best for you. And when you do something good, they let you know they're proud of you. Me? All I had to hear was more bitching and demands.” He had learned how to avoid much of it by honing his cunning, but still...
“Sounds like all of you could use at least a few sessions with a family therapist.”
He let out a wry chuckle as he imagined his siblings assembled in someone's office, venting their frustrations and grievances as the doctor tried to keep it orderly.
“I have to admit, it's not a bad idea. But they'd just devour the therapist, most likely.” He grinned before he patted his jacket, retrieving something from the pocket that had been wrapped in black velvet. “You left this the last time you were.... visiting me.”
She took the package and tugged the cloth loose, letting out a soft squeak of surprise. She hadn't expected to ever see it again! Gingerly, she opened the lens and pressed the power button, the light coming on as she did so. It still works! She made note of the wear and tear she saw – the buttons had been pushed many times since he gained possession of it, and there was a crack in one corner of the screen.
“How did you... The batteries...”
“Magic. I can't summon all that lightning and thunder like Tchang, but I do know a spell that provides sparks of energy.”
She stared up at him for a couple of seconds before looking down at it. “You know what, you should keep it. You've taken good care of it.”
He shook his head. “What do I need it for when I have you to look at, jewel?” he asked softly, and she blushed at the obvious fondness in his tone. She shrugged and re-wrapped the camera before she slid it into her purse, atop the flute she kept in there now. She did so quickly, trying to hide the instrument. He showed no reaction, and she did not think he had even noticed.
Hsi Wu did see it, or a brief glimpse of it, and in the shadows of the purse, he could not be absolutely sure that it really was... what he thought it was. He was tempted to ask her what it was, but managed to remain silent. If it wasn't, then she'd just think he was nosy, and besides, after the way he had frightened her last time, could he blame her for wanting to feel protected? If it really was a flute, then he would make sure that she no longer felt as if she needed it.
“I'll walk you back to your car,” he said as he touched her arm. “So your uncle doesn't need to worry.”
“Thanks.” The walk back was just as peaceful, the pair glancing at one another once in a while and making an occasional comment about one of the shops. Her car came within sight, and he leaned against it casually as she fiddled around for her keys.
“You could come to my place sometime.” He didn't sound lecherous when he said that, but he had already made his desires clear. She maintained calm as she made her response, determined to keep this as neutral as possible. Who knows if he might snap and become demonic again as he had before?
“Mmm... no.” She glanced casually at her reflection, inserting her keys into the car.
“So sure about that? I just want to enjoy my time with you...” He was grinning, and this irritated her. Hadn't he enjoyed tonight? Did he merely see this casual evening out as a premise to something more...?
“So that's what you're here for! I should have figured!” she sneered as she furiously turned the key. He blinked.
“I do want something from you, but not just that.”
“Hmph.” She started to open the door.
“I want you, Jade. And I want you to want me.”
“Leave me alone!” She opened the door, but he grabbed the edge, blocking her with his arm. His eyes weren't glowing, but his human features bore a displeased countenance, his scowl rather demonic for human lips.
“You are a very beautiful woman, Jade. In ancient China, that would have limited your paths in life. You are very lucky to have all these opportunities afforded to women today, because it has given you a chance to shine....”
His gaze was more intense than she could bear, and she slapped his arm away. “Go away!”
“I left you once when I shouldn't have... I let my selfishness get in the way of a friendship. I'm starting a new life, and I see you as part of it.”
“What if I don't want to be part of it? Of all the places in the world you could have made a new home in, you chose here! I have a life of my own!”
“Are you sure of that? I don't think your mommy and daddy would approve...”
“Shut up!”
“You're pretty hot when you're angry.”
“Ugh!”
“You have a lot of passion, but anger is a terrible way to waste it.” His demonic side emerging, Hsi Wu's tone had taken an edge of a purr before he grabbed her shoulders and placed a searing kiss on her lips before she had a chance to pull herself away.
She moaned softly, the shock of this act causing her to remain slack for several moments as he pressed his lips to hers, sucking on the lower one. Simone had told her about how passionate some people could be.
The young woman could not even begin to describe the thrill that was coursing through her body, and it was nearly a miracle that she was cognizant of the situation enough to pull away. She stared at him with wide eyes as she touched her lips. Her hand quivered before she shook her head, realizing what he had just done. He kissed her. Kissed her.
“Well... you taste better than I ever imagined.” His smile was faint, almost unnoticeable as he regarded her. “As tempted as I am for more... I think I will bid you good night.” He opened the door all the way for her, giving a brief but gallant bow, his eyes twinkling.
“Fuck off,” she whispered, her heart pounding as she maintained outward calm. She couldn't stop thinking about the kiss... and how damned good it felt. She was so furious, she didn't even want to look at him. Fighting with him would only create a scene, and who knew what the demon would do then?
“That's all you can say to the guy who just showed you a good time?” he asked before she slammed the door shut – or tried to. His grip on the door remained firm, and as much as she tried to pull, his demonic strength gave him the obvious upper hand. “You're the reason I came back!”
“Don't...”
“No, really. I would be lying if I said I didn't want you. But I do enjoy spending time with you, and I’m determined to make the most of what this world has to offer.” He let go of the door, and Jade closed it with a firm click.
He stood there as she started the car and pulled out of her parking space. Her eyes remained focused on the rearview mirror, but he raised his arm and wiggled his fingers in a farewell gesture, gratified when a scowl flashed across her face. She was going to remember that kiss, whether she liked it or not. And part of him was glad that she hadn't given up so easily. It would be so worth it when she finally did. Quickly glancing around, he made sure he was alone before wings spread from his back and he took off into the sky.
