The Master [MxMxM+]

44

Trigger warning: Mentions of abuse
•••

Tadashi sat behind the wheel and focused on the task he brought upon himself; taking Linder home.

He was required to, but he didn't have to drive. There were enough chauffeurs for that. Still, he sat behind the wheel.

Linder's head lay against the headrest of the seat opposite him while he stared out his window quietly, clearly in deep thought.

"That was a little harsh," Tadashi began. "What happened back there... with Mason."

Linder didn't even turn. "If this is you trying to start a conversation with me, it won't work."

The drive back home was a long one, so Tadashi left the radio on. He figured they might as well talk.

Tadashi chuckled. "Maybe it is, but as far as I know, it's already working."

"Prick."

"Aren't you just the sweetest little thing?" Asked Tadashi rhetorically and completely unaffected.

"If I tell you what you want to hear, will you leave me alone?" Linder asked.

"If it's the truth, yes. But I can't say."

Linder sighed. His fingers tapped on the armrest as he paid it no mind.

Tadashi waited.

"He deserves better, he has to accept that," Linder finally said. He was obviously talking about Mason.

"You're hurt," said Tadashi.

"No," Linder replied and laughed the saddest laugh he'd ever heard.

Whatever it was hurt him, Tadashi could see it. Anyone should be able to see it. The puzzle that was Linder got more complicated, and he wanted more of it.

"Why do you pretend to be a bad person?" He asked.

The surprise registered. Linder's eyes widened before he could school his features again, but with a few glances, Tadashi caught it.

"You forgot to leave me alone here," he sighed. "I am a bad person."

"I'm not blind, just mildly interested."

"Then shove your interest up your ass and sit on it. What do you want from me?" Linder got defensive.

"Yikes, so spiky, but it's wasted on me. I've got a high tolerance for well... people like you."

"Good for you."

Irritated lines drew all over Linder's face. He looked like he was barely there, like his mind worked a thousand times per second.

Tadashi took it as a sign to leave him alone then. Out of a hunch, Tadashi turned the music on the radio off and the car was quiet.

Linder relaxed further, as if even he didn't realize it.

Tadashi decided he'd rather see Linder like this. It was better than his tear stained face and red nose.

He didn't bother him again, he didn't know about Linder but it was a comfortable silence for him.

It could be the same for the man next to him, even if he twitched in his seat like he couldn't wait to get out of the car. Up until the time they stopped.

"Well," Tadashi killed the engine and turned to him. "We're finally here just like you wanted."

After a while, Tadashi held his hand tight, not willing him to go. Linder startled.