Chapter Text
“Said I'd tell ya.”
Amber eyes staring straight into my soul. Deep, baritone notes dance from his perfect lips and make my heart flutter. Yep, this is how I'm meeting my demise. Because I’m officially melting into a puddle of goo. Or maybe honey…like his eyes…
“Tora…”
I wanted to tell him everything. How proud I was that he was brave enough to finally tell me the truth, even though it was difficult. How much I had missed him, too. How important he is to me. How I'm beginning to realize that these feelings I have for him have grown past the point of denial. I may even be fall-
“Ahem.”
Quinceton Balthuman. Rich and famous novelist, mafia heir, and currently attempting to dig his own grave. Thanks for breaking the spell, princess. You’d think he'd learn by now when to keep his mouth shut, but the man simply cannot help himself. That French maid outfit…uggh, Quince, really…in what universe did you imagine that scenario would go well? Serves you right, having to prance around in it the rest of the night. Lucky my Tiger didn’t give you a royal beat down…
…Wait, what??…MY Tiger?! Fwoosh! Uggh, can they tell how red my face is? Oh, who am I kidding, Dene can probably see it back in Narin City. And by the looks on both of their faces, I'm not far off.
Okay, maybe Quincey’s right. Time to get back on track. Tora appears to agree with that assessment. But suddenly, it hits me: Dene. Oh, god, what about Jacob and Erdene?? I'm fairly safe here (in this gorgeous, albeit possibly haunted, manor), but what of my dear co-workers? If Gil strikes out trying to come after me, seeing as how I've fled the city, will he make trouble for his other former employees?
Once again, Tora's already thought three steps ahead, and assigned his men to cover my friends. Heh. Like that was a tall order for Damien. After listening to him prattle on for hours to Erdene on the way back from Moonbright two weekends ago, it’s no surprise he jumped at the opportunity. Pfft. Fucking Pinky, indeed. And I bet Jacob’s thrilled to have the rest of the Tiger crew over for a gaming marathon. With Megan out of town, he’s probably grateful for the company.
“But aren’t you making this out to be more fun than it should be?” I ponder, the thought suddenly occurring to me.
“That’s Big Bro Tora for you…life of the party and ever optimistic ray of sun- - -OOF“ Quincey's sarcastic quip suddenly cut short as a blur of raven hair and solid muscle bulldoze him.
Huh. They’re brawling, like a couple of schoolboys. It occurs to me how much these two behave like brothers sometimes. It’s kind of endearing, actually. But it appears that Tora has reached the limit on his “mafia work mode,” so maybe that’s my cue. I really did want to talk to him, before Quincey burst in with that ridiculous getup. If only I could find a way to get him alone again…maybe it’s time to be bold, and take a cue from “Dream Poppy.”
“Tora, when you’re done with Wrestlemania here, I'll be in my room.” I'll leave it at that. He can draw whatever conclusions he likes; it’s bound to get his attention, anyway. And it looks like I was right. He suddenly stills, Quincey unsuccessfully attempting to squirm out of the man's headlock. Golden eyes snap to meet mine, boyish playfulness transforming into something more intense. Lustful, even? It’s similar to the looks he was giving me last night in the garden, so I might be somewhat close in my assessment.
Okay, time to make a swift exit before my blushing betrays me once again! I mean, I really just wanted to let him know that he was “out of the doghouse,” so to speak. Or whatever you want to call it, not like we’re officially together or anything. But maybe we’re heading in that direction? Regardless, he needs to know I’ve missed him, too.
And if the conversation ventures into something more “heated,” well, I'd be lying if I said I would mind. If I'm really honest with myself, last night was…well, hot. I mean, it’s not the first time we’ve made out, but there was something more…desperate about it? Maybe it’s akin to why people always talk about how great it is after a fight, having make-up se…wait…nope, not finishing that train of thought! Ugh. Whatever it was, it was passionate and I can’t say I'd mind terribly to see where round two would lead. “Dream Poppy” can sit this one out…Tora's all mine this time.
Darn it. There it is again! When did I start getting so possessive with him??
As I'm about to slip into my room, I overhear their conversation. Let’s face it, these walls are not exactly soundproof…something I'll definitely need to keep in mind, heh. Oh, my god. Seriously?! Okay, Poppylan, let’s just keep that mind out of the gutter!! Easier said than done, though, given what I hear next.
“Go on! Go talk to her!” Quincey says through his strangled hold.
“Fine. Stay here or go outside or somethin'. Just stop tryin' ta eavesdrop. Ain't none of ya damn business.” Tora says, almost menacing, though his tone does seem lighter than before…maybe hopeful? Then it drops to a low rumble, and I can only barely make it out. “And don’t think I forgot what happened earlier. I’m only gonna say this once, Quince. Stay the fuck away from my girl. I mean it. No more silly costumes, keep ya eyes where they should be, and for Christ's sake, stop with the flirtin'. Yeah, I noticed. Look, I know ya don’t mean no harm, but I'm in enough trouble as it is, don’t need ya help. So knock it off.”
What. Was. That??! Did he just say what I think he said?? Shoot. Here he comes. I duck back into my room. I know he probably caught me peeping, but I couldn’t be bothered to care. At least it gives me an excuse to bring up what I just overhead.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Oh, boy, I’m in trouble. I really have come to love hearing him address me this way. His face, his body language seems so much softer than it did a few moments ago. God, he’s so pretty. It’s unfair, really. “Somethin’ ya wanted to talk about?”
“Your girl, huh?” I decide to just blurt it out. Kind of leads up to what I want to talk about, anyway. But my red face is probably betraying my attempt to be snarky.
What’s this? Tiger's blushing this time! Ha!
“Uhh…ya heard that, huh.” Tora steps inside, closing the door. Did it just get warmer in here? It’s not like it’s the first time we’ve been alone together, but somehow this feels different. Similar to the feeling in the office supply closet, but without the rush to get out before we’re caught.
“Yeah. Pfft. Feel like I missed a conversation somewhere? I mean, we've never actually talked about it, not really, anyway.” My smile betrays me, though, lets him know he’s not in trouble. I'm actually feeling a bit hopeful. This might actually be a good time to tackle this. Timing might now be the greatest, but somehow it feels right.
“Shit. Sorry. Didn’t mean to, just kinda slipped out.” Tora looks down, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ya, uh, wanna talk now?” He actually shuffles his feet a bit. Adorable.
“Yeah. Would you like to sit down?” I gesture to the bed, as there’s really nowhere else to sit. Didn’t seem to bother him at my apartment, so hopefully he won’t be too uncomfortable.
Apparently not. He takes a seat, and unlike last time, he actually doesn’t look completely awkward. Probably helps these beds are much larger than the one at my apartment. It doesn’t appear to be quite as big as the one in his room, but it’s nearly twice the size of either of my beds in Narin City and Moonbright. I can’t help but think about all three of us together last night, cuddling up out of fear. Wonder what it would be like with just the two of us, snuggled up tight, not thinking about ghosts, bad guys…or Quincey. Bet this bed is plenty big for that, heh.
Uh, oh. Gotta stop thinking like that. Those instincts of his are razor sharp!
“Whatcha thinkin' ‘bout, Bobby?” he smirks. Eep! He caught me. Shoot!! Divert! Divert!
“Um, nothing. Does it seriously not bother you that your house might be home to supernatural beings?” Come on, take the bait!
“Why? Don’t seem ta be hurtin' anyone. Been in much scarier situations.” Bet you have…but I seem to have successfully steered the conversation away from my own heated thoughts for the moment. “Besides,” he says with a sly grin, “any time ya get spooked, ya can always sleep in my room again. Promise I won’t bite…unless ya want me to.”
Darn it. So close. Bet my face looks like a tomato again. Alright, you really want to play this game? Time to turn the tables. Bold Poppy has stepped up to the plate. I sit down beside him.
“Tell you what. I might be willing to consider your offer…if you’re able finish what you started to ask me back at my apartment the night of the break in. I'll start: ‘if we became a –‘ …now your turn.”
Tora's expression promptly fell, giving way to panic and yes, indeed, a blush to rival my own. Haha, mother fudger. Check and mate!!
“Shit. Damn hamster balls,” he mumbles. “Ya really wanna have this conversation now? Thought ya needed space.” Then he scoots a bit closer and leans in. Badump! “Not mad at me no more?”
Stay strong, Pops. You’ve got this! “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about, before Quincey, um…”
“Decided ta sign his death warrant?” Tora chuckles as his face softens.
Pfft, pfft. “Yeah, not his brightest move. But, yeah. So, I’ve been thinking, and all things considered, I want to move forward. I don’t like what happened, but you do seem to understand why it upset me now, and I think I can sympathize a bit more now for where you’re coming from. I don’t think staying away any longer is working for me… because…I,” sigh, here goes nothing. “I miss you, too.”
There! I did it! And it felt good, too. Like a giant weight has been lifted from my chest. Of course, that hasn’t stopped the pounding in my chest…but this time it’s for a slightly different reason.
Tora looks at me with an expression that I can’t quite place. Hopeful? Maybe. But maybe something more? He takes a deep breath and sighs. “Poppylan.” He reaches out and brushes my hair back from my eyes, cradling my cheek with his enormous palm.
“Tora?” And we’re back. That moment where the world falls away and there’s nothing but us. I swear the man can see into my soul in moments like these. It’s overwhelming, and terrifying. Badump, indeed. The question is, where do we go from here? Ball's in your court, Tiger.
“I was tryin' ta say, I want ya to know who I really am, coz if we were to become a…” he took a deep breath, “a couple.”
Badump, badump, badump.
“If ya my girl,” he continued, “I want it ta be real. Ya gotta know it ain't gonna be easy, or safe. I'm a bad tempered mofo with a seriously dangerous job, and I really don’t know what I'm doin' with all this ‘you and me' shit. Ain't never been anyone’s boyfriend before, wasn’t kidding around. This is a first for me. Probably gonna mess up a lot.
But I wanna keep ya safe, so more than anythin', ya gotta go into this with open eyes. That is, if ya do wanna try.” He looks deep into my eyes, nervous but lighter, somehow, like he’s been holding that in for far too long. “So…whaddya say?”
Holy smokes. He’s serious. And he really put himself out there, so I owe it to him to answer quickly, and not leave him hanging. But am I really ready for this? Honestly, I thought I'd need more time, but somehow it feels right. I’m scared, but also excited for this next step in our relationship.
“Yes.” My heart is pounding so loud, I'm certain he can hear it.
“Yeah? …we’re really doin' this then? Ya sure, sure??” He looks at me, almost in disbelief, like he’s waiting for the punchline. Poor guy. I don’t think he’s allowed anyone to see this side of himself, and it’s breaking my heart.
I take his hand in mine, interlacing our fingers. “I’m sure. I won’t pretend I’m not a little scared, but not for the reason you might think. I completely trust you to keep me safe; you’ve proven that.
But how I feel about you? That’s scarier than all of the ghosts, bad bosses, and mafia men combined. You may be new to this relationship stuff, but I was with someone for six years who never once made my heart race the way it does when I think of you. I'm terrified of losing myself, but then I remember all of the times you’ve made me feel good about all of the things that make me…me. So maybe I won’t lose myself, maybe together we can grow. Maybe-“
My thoughts are abruptly ended when his lips suddenly crash into mine. He pulls away, almost purring, “I’m crazy about ya, Poppylan.” He kisses me again. “No one's ever looked at me like ya do. Not like a weapon, or an object, or something broken, but as a real person. He strokes my cheek, then brings his forehead to meet mine. “Never met anyone who's as beautiful inside as they are on the outside. Don’t think I've ever smiled, laughed so hard as I have since I met ya.
I've been beaten, tortured, had a gun put to my head, a knife to my throat…but I ain't never felt fear like I have thinkin’ about ya in danger. Havin' ya here with me, knowin' ya safe, I can’t tell ya the relief I feel.”
My cheek feels wet, and I don’t have a clue if it’s his tears or mine. I run my hands over his face. “Tora, kiss me.”
He smiles. “Say pretty please.”