Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

62) Attitude Check

Aris's P.O.V

I’m not sure where exactly they go, and I honestly have no interest in knowing. I am not leaving the Safe Haven anytime soon, much less for a week. They're more than welcome to keep that job, and I’ll stick with inventory.

“They never end,”Thomas complained from beside me. I sighed in a way I hoped he knew was directed at him as I wrote down what I needed and put the paper in my pocket. Without bothering to get up, I slid myself another box.

“Why do they constantly pair us together again?”

“I don't know,”He shrugged.

“Yeah. Didn't think you would.”

“Wow. Real funny,”He deadpanned.

“Thanks. I try.”

He made another irritated sound as he sat back, his boredom showing.

“Thomas, this is important.”

“Yeah. I can really tell,”He grumbled.

I took a breath so I wouldn't snap at his attitude. He’s been like this for around a week now. Or at least the three days we were together.

“You're being self absorbed,”I said carefully, looking over at him. He took instant offense to that, his lips pursing together as he looked away.

“It's true. You're being self absorbed, and since nobody else seems to be telling you that, I will. You aren't somebody special, and you aren't somebody uncared for. You're just Thomas. Plain old Thomas. And that should be exactly what you want. There's no weight of the world. There's no bad things you have to do. You're nothing but Thomas. The sooner you realize that, the better life gets. You’ll be fulfilled in what you do and realize that it actually is necessary. People won't be walking on eggshells around you, which they had to have been doing for you to keep having this attitude all the time. Your friends, Brenda, the people you care about, won't wonder what the hell you're gonna be like today. And honestly, if you keep this up, I’ll just refuse to be your partner. Because I won't pick up the slack just because you don't think this is good enough. So get over it. If you don't, you're going to screw up what should be your dream life after everything you went through.”

He just stared at me with wide eyes, not knowing what to say to that. I’m sure some part of him knows it's true. He just has to get his head out of the damn clouds already.

“Maybe you have a point,”He admitted.

“Yeah. I know.”

He looked at the floor, his eyebrows furrowed together. Alright then. I guess he’s actually thinking about it.

“Thanks. For the reality check.”

“Well, you needed it,”I promised.

And honestly, I needed to say it. His attitude was getting insufferable.

× ~ × ~ × ~ ×

I laid beside her, smiling as I met her eyes. Turning completely on her side, she returned it.

“I love you, my secret poet,”I promised, cradling her face in my hands. She held hers over mine, turning her head for a moment to kiss my palm.

“You're so sweet, and you don't even realize it.”

“I’m sweet to you,”She tried to correct.

“You’re sweet all the time.”

“Have ya’ been talkin’ to me with your ears plugged?”She deadpanned, pulling my hands away from her and sitting up.

“Excuse me? I wasn't done holding that,”I complained, doing the same

“That? I’m a that now?”

“You know what I mean.”

“Do I now?”She asked, her tone blank but her eyes shining with mischief.

“Yes you do. And the point still stands. I wasn't done.”

“Well, I’m definitely done with you.”

Knowing that was anything but true, I gently grabbed her face, pulling her close to me. She made a sound of disapproval, rolling her eyes at me.

“Hey, you be nice to me,”I grinned, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before meeting her gaze.

“That's really sweet and all, but you still have three seconds to let go of my face.”

“No thanks.”

“Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you.”

“Warn me about wh-”
My question was answered as she pushed me under her, pinning me down by my shoulders. Still, I couldn't help but notice how light her hold was, something it never had been. As she left my hands free, it became obvious she was holding back.

I guess she really is worried about her strength. I always thought it was obvious a past hitwomen who would kill with her hands was strong, but I guess that slipped her mind.

I don't mind it at all. I like her strength.

She does though, being cautious not to hurt me. Seeing as she didn't even move, it also seemed like she wanted me to win.

Having learned from the best, I did exactly what she does. She flipped over with ease but still feigned surprise.

I know she's a lot of things, but I didn't think actress was one of them.

She's so softhearted. She has such a caring side that I can never get enough of.

Gently grabbing her wrists, I placed them beside her, making sure not to squeeze. She wiggled her hands around, still pretending I ever had any chance against her. I don't. I could have any advantage there was and still lose.

“Seriously?”She sighed, the fake irritation even showing up in her voice.

“Yes. Seriously,”I nodded, just letting her believe what she wanted. Whatever makes her happy.

“I am so done with you,”She insisted.

“And I love you more than you would ever know,”I smiled, pressing my forehead against hers. She looked into my eyes with that burning adoration, her gaze always making it clear she means every kind word she says to me.

“I love you too,”She said softly.

“I know,”I promised, cupping her face. Taking mine in her palms, her thumbs traced circles on my skin. Closing my eyes, I took in her touch, savoring it as though it were my last breath.

And I wouldn't even mind if it was.

“I’ll love you forever,”I whispered.

“I’ll love you in every lifetime.”

I know she would. And I know that in every lifetime, I always know exactly where to find her.