Talk To Me

53. Crybaby

"Feeling better now? You knocked out after the first round. I'd tease you about your stamina, but maybe I'll save that for later." Kind held Wale close, his arms wrapped around him like they always did when they were kids, back when Wale would crawl into his bed after nightmares. Some things never changed; Wale might've grown taller, stronger, more stubborn, but to Kind, he was still the same.

Wale burrowed into Kind's bare chest, whispering, "I'm better now that you're here. Just stay like this for a bit."

"Oh, if we were to actually date, I'd have to raise both you and Kai, wouldn't I? Quite the responsibility." Kind said it as a joke, but Wale just lay there, quiet, breathing softly against Kind's chest. Kind felt every exhale, each one sending a warm thrill through him.

"Wale, we should talk about us...I think that's what got you so emotional yesterday. You know, it was the first time I'd ever heard you cry."

Still, Wale said nothing, so Kind kept going, "Maybe you shouldn't stay here in this big house, just you and Kai. We could all move into a smaller place—something like our old apartment, or maybe a penthouse if you want some privacy. This mansion is a bit much for a small family."

"I have to stay here...we could move into a place you like, but this mansion, it's been in my family for generations. Everything my parents left behind—it's all tied to this house," Wale said softly. "I used to hate being here after they were gone, but Frank would tell me to make new memories here. It sounded ridiculous back then, but whenever the loneliness got too much, I'd come here just to remind myself I was once loved..."

"My mother was pregnant when she died. If I'd had a sibling, we could've shared this, but instead, I grew up running from it all, from my family's expectations. And we both know what happens when you run...you just end up alone, haunted by shadows that find you no matter where you go."

He rested his head back on Kind's chest, his voice dropping, "That was supposed to be my fate. To be used, discarded when they'd taken everything from me. But Frank and Todo's mother, they saved me. Without them, I'd probably be dead."

"And now your father's cousin..." Kind began, but Wale shook his head.

"My uncle can't do anything anymore. My parents came from powerful families, especially my mother. They married out of necessity, but I was lucky they liked each other enough to give me some good memories. I was only seven when I lost them." He looked up at Kind, voice low. "People like me and Todo...we're born into a curse. Our families control us from the day we're born. If it wasn't for Todo's mother, he'd probably be in some arranged marriage, trapped like so many others. Death would be too easy. No, they'd trap him and drain every bit of life from him."

He sighed, settling back into Kind's chest. "Frank trained me to survive on my own, and your uncle taught me that wealth isn't just land or property but control. This house, though, is more than just a home; it's built like a fortress. You understand, don't you? The life Todo and I live is solitary by necessity. You changed that, though, dragging us all together."

Kind laughed, pushing Wale off his chest. "Dummy, you know Todo saved both our lives. Show him some respect, fool!" Then he softened, looking at Wale. "Speaking of Todo, you might have to make space for him here, too. He's not letting anyone else touch Kai."

Wale laughed, genuinely this time. Kind had no idea how many times Todo snuck away to see Kai. When he ran out of excuses, he'd leave something behind just so he could come back.

"I actually want him to stay. This house is more than big enough for everyone, and if Kai's happy with him and Swalha, why not? You think he'd agree?"

"I wouldn't mind. At least that'd keep him from spoiling Kai with gifts every day. I swear, this side of Todo is a surprise."

"I'm already getting jealous, so stop talking about him, or I'll kick him out," Wale joked, nudging Kind.

"Idiot!" Kind flicked him on the forehead, laughing. "And can you please take off those bunny ears and the costume already? It was cute yesterday, but now it's just ridiculous."

Wale grinned, grabbing Kind's wrists, pinning him down beneath him. He knew Kind could easily throw him off, but he was pleased when he didn't. "I have the urge to devour you right now, K Bunny."

"Maybe we should talk about Kai first," Kind said, his breath catching as Wale nibbled at his neck, the faintest smirk forming as he felt Kind's heartbeat race beneath him.

"I thought I told you I'd give her up to her grandparents..."

"Don't be stupid, Wale. I know you love her. I could never ask you to do that."

"But you won't date me," Wale murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Kind's collarbone, feeling the heat build in his own chest as he spoke.

"Which is exactly why we need to talk," Kind whispered, freeing himself from Wale's hold and cupping his face. He looked Wale straight in the eyes, feeling his own heart pound. "I must be crazy about you to do this...Will you be my boyfriend, Wale?"

"What?" Wale asked, caught off guard.

"I'm asking you to be my boyfriend, idiot! Yes or no?" Kind's face flushed, but he held Wale's gaze.

"The chemistry is undeniable, the sex is amazing, and honestly, I like you. As much as the idea of dating someone with a child scares me, I think we'd make it work. You went and named Kai after me—whatever your reasons, I'd be a fool to claim I love you and then deny you the family you've always wanted. So if you're still up for dating, then yes, Wale...I'm yours."

Before Kind could say more, Wale's lips crashed into his, silencing him with a deep, trembling kiss. He felt his heart race, his breathing quicken, his mind spinning. K...K Bunny... Wale repeated his lover's name in his head, letting the weight of it settle in his chest. When he finally pulled away, he looked down at Kind, eyes glassy.

"I love you, Bunny," Wale said, his voice breaking.

Kind whispered, pulling him close, "I love you too, crybaby."