Work Text:
Kai gave Trina a tense smile as they settled down at the table, five minutes after her parents left them alone. He could still feel their eyes on him. Friendly...overly eager eyes. That was when he remembered Joss’s warning about why it was important to be gentle with Trina.
“It was nice meeting your parents under better circumstances,” Kai smiled.
“Yes, it is. But I do feel that I have to apologize for their...overly happy eagerness. I know you must be a little uncomfortable. I know I am. They’re acting like this is my first date or something,” Trina rolled her eyes.
“Well...it is. Our first date anyway. Not that I assume that there’d be more….even though I would like...ugh. I am making such a fool of myself right now. Good going, Kai. What a way to impress the girl,” he chuckled.
“You’re not assuming. You’re ok. Really, I’m glad that you showed up at the apartment tonight. Joss is right. I really did need to get out and what better place than the Savoy?”
“Right,” Kai chuckled. “Trina...look...Joss told me that you had suffered a great loss last year and that you’re just getting back out in the dating field. I understand. Just know that I have no intention of pushing you or going further than what you’re ready for. I’m going to follow your lead. Whether we remain friends or...heck...become something more. But I understand. If you ever feel like things are going too fast, just let me know and we’ll slow down. I promise.”
Trina blinked, surprised that Joss had said anything. “What all did Joss tell you?”
“That you had lost someone you loved last year. That you’re just now going on with your life and picking up the pieces. She told me to be gentle and I mean to be.”
Trina grew quiet as she gave a small nod. “Well...thank you. I appreciate that.”
An awkward silence fell between them. A silence that Kai couldn’t live with. There was still an elephant standing between him and Trina and there was only one way to get rid of it. He just didn’t know if he should ask. He could ask, right? She could always refuse to talk about it. Tell him to mind his own business.
“Do you want to talk about it? I mean...this is your first date since...and...well...it might make you feel better to talk.”
Trina sighed, feeling a little guilty. This perfectly nice, handsome guy was taking her out on a date and all she could think about was the last time she had seen Spencer in this space. The one Valentine's day she had spent with Spencer...it wasn’t fair. Kai deserved better than this. Maybe talking and getting it all out would help.
“His name was Spencer. Spencer Cassadine. The last time I was here was a goodbye party that my dad had thrown for the both of us. Long story that I don’t want to go into right now...but that is on my mind. I’m sorry…”
“No, don’t be. It’s ok…”
“We didn’t have many Valentine's Days together...just one, our first kiss so...that’s on my mind as well. Anyway, I loved Spencer a lot...he ended up giving his life to save mine. But it’s time for me to let go and move on and...to be honest, you’re the first boy that’s made me feel...like myself once again. And that’s something I truly appreciate and am thankful for Kai. I actually feel like the clouds are finally clearing and I can breathe again...be happy again. Happy here with you and that means the world to me.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I am happy to be here with you tonight, Kai. It’s a big step that I needed to take and I’m glad that I’m taking it with someone I consider a good friend.”
“Friend,” Kai pursed his lips a little and then smiled when Trina laughed. “What?”
“You guys. Why do you have a problem with the word friend?”
Kai laughed. “Because a lot of the time, we want more than that. But, hey. I’ll take it, happily!”
Trina smiled and sighed as she looked over at her parents, who were watching them both so eagerly. Portia even gave a little wave. “You know...maybe we should get out of here. I could use some food.”
“Me too. We’re a bit overdressed for Bobbies and Charlies...how about the Grille? Or the Metrocourt?”
“The Metrocourt would be nice. Joss’s mom is a partial owner. Maybe we can use her discount!” Trina happily grinned, getting up and grabbing her purse.
“Wow! You are indeed connected!”
“It’s all about who you know!” Trina laughed, waving goodbye to her parents and leading Kai out of the club.
Tonight wasn’t the start of a romance, but it was nice and so was Kai. She didn’t know what the future held with him, but thanks to Spencer, she was alive to find out. One thing was for sure though. She’ll never ever stop loving Spencer. He had been her one great love and a part of her heart will always be his, no matter what.