Silent Listener (Complete)

Chapter 23

It's Sunday I expect to see you at the gym within the hour -S

Serena read the text a few times, making sure she read it right. The last thing she wanted to do was train. But she couldn't deny she wanted to see Scout. She didn't really know where they stood. She liked him but could she be with someone who constantly surrounds himself with fighting. Did she want to be with someone who has already caused so much drama. She liked her quiet life. It was safe. And didn't Scout say himself that he didn't date. This was all running through her mind when she showed up to the gym. She looked around and found him sitting on the ledge of the big garage door, looking out at the water. She sat down next to him, noticing he hadn't changed out of the clothes from earlier. She looked out at the water. She tried not to look at the docks where they had met but a shiver went through her anyway. 

Thought we were working out.

She saw him give a half smile. 

"I'd rather just spend some time with you, not training, not arguing, not kissing...just hanging out. If that's ok with you."

Serena smiled and nodded.

I'd like that. So what do you do for fun? I know you run the gym and it's obvious from your body you enjoy working out. But what else do you like to do?

"Hmm...I don't know. That's pretty much been my entire life since I was a kid."

ok what do you do to unwind?

"To answer that I'd have to show you." He smirked and winked at her. Then laughed. "I run to clear my head. I don't know what else to tell you. This…" he gestured towards the gym "is my life. I don't have any fun or weird hobbies."

Some would say boxing is an unusual hobby. 

"You know more about me than I know about you. Tell me something I don't know about you."

What do you want to know?

"Well you learned about my tragic ex relationship. Tell me your story."

Serena blushed. 

Well I haven't really dated since college. So I guess it's been about two years since I've been with anyone. I was actually coming home from a horrible blind date when those men...well when we met. I live a quiet life and I like it that way. I love books and I love history. I moved out here for a new start and my dream job. Sorry I guess I got a little off topic there.

"I like listening to you ramble on."

I'm not used to talking, I guess I never really learned how to converse properly.

"I've gotten so used to hearing you I almost forget you can't actually speak. That must be tough."

It's a constant struggle. I can communicate with sign language but most people don't know how to. So more time than not I have to rely on my whiteboard. It takes time and some people get annoyed with it. Thank God for smartphones. Growing up not being able to talk on the phone was torture. The convenience of ordering food by phone or drive thru...not for me. 

"Damn. I never really thought about all that. I'm sorry."

It's ok. I'm used to it. I mean it's all I've ever known. That is until you.

Scout leaned against the wall and pulled her to lean back on him. His arms wrapped around her and she felt safe.

I don't know how or why...and I don't really care anymore. I'm just thankful you found me. You make me feel whole.

She felt him squeeze her tighter and kiss the top of her head. They were silent but it wasn't awkward, it was tranquil. After a while she could feel his heart start to speed up.

"Serena?"

Yes

"I don't know what you have done to me but my world has been flipped upside down ever since you showed up. I feel things I haven't felt in years if ever. I don't know how to do this...but I want to try and make this work."

Her heart was racing now too. She looked up at him. He smiled down at her.

"I'll probably fuck it up but I want to try."

Me too.

He hugged her tight before turning her around. Now she was straddling his lap and he kissed her. She moaned, giving his tongue access. It didn't take long before they were both gasping for breath. Serena's phone pinged. She pulled away and checked it. 

It's from Warren.

She looked at him with guilt. She didn't want to ruin the moment with jealousy. But she was relieved to see Scout smile and kiss her on the nose.

"You can text him. I trust you."

She smiled and opened the text.

Just checking in on how my little mermaid is doing. Sorry for the crazy weekend, it wasn't my intention. If you've got the time maybe we could hang out. You can catch me up on all the drama before I head into the gym tomorrow. Let me know -W

He wants to hang out. I think he's a little nervous about coming into the gym tomorrow. 

"I guess we all need to have a talk. Your place or mine?"

Serena was surprised by that but she agreed everything needed to be said. 

Mine. I will feel more comfortable and he won't see it coming.

Sure come over to my place. We can talk and maybe order in some food -S

Great. See ya in a few -W

Serena put her phone down and wrapped her arms around Scout. They sat there quietly for a few more minutes before heading to Serena's apartment.