An Abrupt Trip

The Aftermath Part 2

Gorya sighed as she noticed Thyme's eyes on her. She knew how he felt about her. And yes, she made that slip about him being her boyfriend at the mall. Not to mention Ren's question also confused her. If she had a choice between Ren and Thyme who would she choose? She also couldn't believe Ren forced the issue as well by reminding her what she had said at the mall with Thyme being present, listening to them. After the meal, Gorya made an effort to stand. She put slight pressure on her leg and she saw stars. Thyme quickly rose from his seat to end her foolishness. He carried her into the couch in the study. Dango was happily resting on his cat bed right by the fireplace. The others were trimming the tree.

Setting her down, Thyme got on his knees and went over to pet Dango, who was purring in his sleep. "Thyme, about this morning," Gorya began, unsure how to continue. She never wanted to hurt him and she was nervous if she did. Especially since he risked His own life to save hers. His appearance was that of a young man but she understood in many ways he was a little boy who yearned for love. When he was hurt he lashed out. "Gorya, I want to get things settled between us."

Gorya watched his body language as he continued. Her heart was pounding as she listened to him. "You know I will wait for you to return my feelings. I know you're avoiding thinking about your feelings for me. I just want to deserve you, Gorya. You need to be honest with yourself.  I know you care about me." Gorya stared after him as Thyme left the room briefly for the medical kit. When he returned Gorya noticed it was twice as big as the one he had at his place. Thyme was on bended knees, gripping Gorya's injured leg, and caressing her ankle once again before placing the hot and cold compress on it firmly.

Gorya glanced away from Thyme. "Thyme-" She began. "What are you going on about?" She asked in a shy voice. When he was done with his task, Thyme sighed and took a seat beside Gorya on the couch. "You make me happy, Gorya. You know that. I just wish you would open your heart to me. Listen to me," He stated gently, "I want you to see you can rely on me."

Gorya really looked at him. "Gorya, if you need anything, just ask and the answer is yes." He said at last. Thyme hesitantly caressed her face again. "I mean it. Even if it's finalized."

Despite the serious stare and his hands cupping her face, Gorya couldn't help but smile and replied, "Financial", correcting him automatically. Thyme kept his eyes on Gorya.  "I want to help you." Thyme shook his head, she understood his meaning.

Gorya glanced away from him. "What brought this on?" She asked, trying to study him. How can he be so open with his love for her? She didn't want to think about it and head into dangerous waters. Thyme lowered his eyes. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have nearly gotten killed." Gorya saw him. Really saw this young man. "How so? You saved me." Gorya could see the guilt in his eyes.

Thyme leaned his head back. "I shouldn't have left you alone especially since I started this whole mess. I understand Jane and those girls won't stop unless I give them a reason. Those girls listened to the old vicious me. Maybe to stop this from happening again I need-" Thyme was stopped mid-sentence with Gorya's hand clamping down on his mouth. He kept his eyes on Gorya the whole time she had her hand covering his mouth. "Your better than that, Thyme." Gorya smiled, "Besides, I will raise to each challenge."

Thyme removed her hand gently from his lips. "You keep getting hurt because of the guy I was in the past..." Gorya rolled her eyes at him and literally shook him out of his depression. She did the same act when he couldn't lie to her about buying a bus to make her travel time easier.  She wanted to hit him with something soft so he would see reason. It was too late for that. First, there was Hana, and now Jane's trickery. "Thyme, you also need to accept me as I am. I'm stubborn and strong-willed. I prefer to tackle situations on my own."

Gorya stopped shaking him but his eyes still held anxiety within them. Gorya smiled. "But the gesture is very much appreciated." Gorya leaned towards her right side, resting on Thyme's left. She hugged his waist. "So thank you."

Thyme was shocked. This was the first hug she initiated. Thyme closed his eyes, cherishing every second of this physical contact. Soon he cleared his throat, growing bashful. "Okay, Okay. I'm sure you want to help trim the tree." 

Thyme and Gorya joined their friends in adding the garland and ornaments to the tree. he smiled as he watched Gorya being teased by Kaning. Of course, he heard what Kaning stated. "Thyme is a good friend and he would make a great boyfriend for you, Gorya." He couldn't help the grin that formed on his face. It was at this moment Thyme wanted to treat Kaning to anything she wished for.

The rest of the night, he silently kept watch over Gorya. On Christmas eve, Thyme arranged for the gifts to be brought out and he found Gorya on the balcony. At least she wore her winter coat and earmuffs! He had his coat on once again. He walked over to her. "Bored? " He asked. "You could always spend time with Dango." Gorya rolled her eyes a bit. "I love Cats but you go crazy about them. I'll pet him later."  A comfortable silence was created between them. Thyme broke it with a, "Where are those three girls?" Gorya tilted her head to the side and glanced at him. "Jane made sure I was relaxed before leaving me." A moment later, fireworks were going off, signaling it was after Midnight. It was Christmas. Thyme witnessed  Gorya's bright grin. She turned and faced him completely. "Merry Christmas, Thyme." She stated kindly.

He saw this beautiful girl before him. He wanted nothing more than to call her his Christmas Present for the rest of his life. She held his heart the moment she kicked him in the gut, telling him off in his Mansion. Even when he was a real Prick to her, nearly making her cut off her gorgeous hair. From the moment he met Gorya, he was attracted to her. He was too consumed by anger. In the end, she had forgiven him for all the trauma he put her through. He would find ways to make it up to her. She was the girl he loved, after all. He would find a way to make her fall in love with him. "Merry Christmas, Gorya." He smiled while observing her. All of a sudden he hesitantly embraced Gorya from behind.