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."

"Meanie."

Kind laughed, holding Wale close. He wrapped his arm around her like they always did when they were kids, back when Wale would crawl into his bed after recurring nightmares. Some things never changed; Wale might've grown taller, stronger, more stubborn, but to Kind, she was still the same.

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

"I see now that 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 his 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 pricey privacy. This mansion is a bit much for a small family."

"I have to stay here...we could move into a place you like later, 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 equally 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."

Wale continued to rest her head back on Kind's chest, her 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 her 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." She looked up at Kind, her voice low. "People like me and Todo...we're born into a curse. Our families control us from the get go. If it wasn't for Todo's mother, she'd probably be in some arranged marriage, trapped like so many others. Death would be too easy to be considered a way out."

"Why do oh say that? It saddens me to hear you talk in such a manner."

"Frank trained me to survive on my own K. 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. Thankfully, you changed that,l by dragging us all together into some love triangle."

Kind laughed, pushing Wale off his chest. "Dummy, you know Todo saved both our lives. Show her some respect. " Then he softened, looking at Wale. "Speaking of Todo, you might have to make a temporary space for her here too. She'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 she ran out of excuses, she'd leave something behind just so she could come back.

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

"I wouldn't mind honestly. At least that'd keep her from spoiling Kai with gifts every day. I kid you not, this side of Todo is a surprise."

Wale grinned, grabbing Kind's wrists, pinning him down beneath her. She knew Kind could easily throw her off, but she 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 she felt Kind's heartbeat begin to race.

"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 her own chest as she spoke.

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

"What?" Wale asked, caught off guard.

"I'm asking you to be my girlfriend, idiot! Yes or no?" Kind's face flushed, but he still held Wale's gaze. "The chemistry is undeniable, the sex is amazing, and honestly, I really really like you despite having tried not to, and in as much as the idea of dating someone with a child frightens 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 her heart race, her breathing quicken, her mind spinning. 'K...K...' Wale repeated her lover's name in her head, letting the weight of it settle in her chest. When she finally pulled away, she looked down at Kind, eyes glassy. "You are not allowed to take back what you've just said, even if you grow to hate me someday."

"I hardly doubt you'll ever allow me even if I tried."

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

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