Mr. & Mrs Meropide

Chapter Thirty-Five: Emotions

Vire and Maria made their way back to her home, the tension from earlier still lingering between them. As they entered the cozy kitchen, Maria hesitated for a moment before sitting down at the table. Vire followed suit, sitting across from her, his expression softening as he looked at her.

"Maria," Vire began, his voice gentle, "I know what you heard on the boat was hurtful. But I need you to understand that I said those things to protect you."

Maria looked down at her hands, fiddling with the edge of the tablecloth. "I know you explained it already, but it still hurt, Vire. I felt so... stupid for believing this was something real."

"It is real," Vire said firmly, leaning forward. "But in my world, showing vulnerability, especially when it involves someone you care about, is dangerous. I've had to lie, manipulate, and deceive to survive, in my circles it's necessary."

Maria's eyes met his, the hurt still there but mixed with understanding. "I just... I don't want to be just another tool for you, Vire. I care about you, and I thought you cared about me too."

Vire reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "You're not a tool, Maria. You're someone who's become very important to me. I know I don't always show it in the right way, but that doesn't mean I don't feel it."

Maria squeezed his hand, a small smile forming on her lips. "I just want to be sure that I'm not going to get hurt in all of this."

Vire nodded. "I'll do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen. But I can't promise that things will always be easy. My life is complicated, and it's filled with dangers. But if you're willing to be a part of it, I'll do my best to protect you."

Maria looked at him, her smile growing a bit more confident. "I guess I've always known you're not the easiest person to be with, Vire. But I also know you're worth it."

Vire smiled back. "I'm glad you think so. Because I'm not going anywhere."

"Well, that's because you should be in jail," Maria said, laughing at her own comment. Vire joined in, their laughter lightening the mood.

"So, what now?" Maria asked, a lot more optimistic.

"Now," Vire said, still holding her hand, "we take it one step at a time. No more secrets between us. If there's something you need to know, I'll tell you. But we move forward together, no matter what."

"Anything I want to know..." Maria thought out loud. "When did you become a criminal?"

"Very early in life," Vire replied, his tone steady. "Definitely while I was still a child, though I can't remember the exact age."

"And why did you stay a criminal?"

"Good mora, and you get to know a lot of fascinating things," he said with a hint of a smirk. "It's not just about the money, though. It's the thrill, the challenge... and sometimes, it's the only way to survive."

"It's good knowing how to survive at rock bottom," Vire added, his voice calm. "When you know how to do that, most things in life don't scare you anymore."

Maria looked at him with a smirk. "Where are your tattoos?"

Vire's eyes gleamed with a playful challenge. "You want to see?"

"Yeah," she said, interested as she met his gaze.

Vire started taking off his blazer, followed by the vest underneath. As he began unbuttoning his shirt, Maria felt her cheeks heat up, unsure how to feel but determined not to look away. Vire walked over and pulled the curtain in front of the window, giving them more privacy before continuing to unbutton his shirt. Once it was completely open, Maria got up and walked over to him, her eyes tracing the scars and marks that adorned his skin.