[TORD'S POV]
Morning (Day 9)
I had been growing increasingly frustrated. The constant reconfiguration of control and ownership over Thomas had left me utterly drained in recent days. Although my plans had unfolded remarkably well, the little things -- slightest of errs -- still tended to get me all caught up. Edward's presence at the police station significantly disrupted me, and the unsettling incident I experienced in the holding cell momentarily shook my sanity. I believe now that this was due to my honest affection toward Thomas. At some point, I seemed to have convinced myself that as long as I had him, I could maintain control over other aspects of my life. He served as my emotional release, and the fear of losing my grip on him was thrilling, as strange as it is. I'd be free again if only I let go of him.
But he's here with me now. No matter what, he's mine. I looked over to him happily, "I plan on working to sort out our trip to Norway later today, but other than that, I'm free. Tomorrow I'll be pretty busy." Perched beside him on my couch, I enjoyed the warm sun shining through the windows. As we sat there, I could sense his gaze drifting toward me every so often, a playful look in his pretty, innocent dark eyes. A few moments passed before he finally spoke up, breaking the quietude.
"Wow, I'm excited... it'll be so nice to get out of the house for a few days too!" He commented, grinning happily in my direction. I could tell from his expression that he was content and at peace in the moment, a myriad of emotions I didn't often recognize from him. I strangely found this quite lovely to see from him. Returning his smile, I allowed my gaze to wander, taking in the sight of him hunched over his tablet, completely engrossed in whatever it was he was doing. I didn't mind. I suppose I trust him now more than ever. Hopefully, that feeling is becoming more and more mutual.
I folded my hands together promptly as I pondered my incoming inquiry, "Could I ask you some questions? I want to play something like a 'getting to know you' game." I looked him over calmly, a certain goal in mind as he set down the device and paid full heed to me. "Is your couch the interrogation spot? Last time we were here you asked me questions too." He giggled playfully. "It's a nice and calm setting for picking up new information, that's all." I waved his accurate implications off coolly. No doubt, Thomas is often wittier than I'll ever favor to admit.
"How about you tell me something weird about yourself, and then I'll do the same." I suggested, folding my arms with a slight grin. "I think you already know everything weird about me." Thomas hugged his knees, adjusting a blanket over his body. "I mean psychologically. Such as the whole disassociating thing you said you do. That was news to me." I explained happily. "Oh, okay... I guess I could come up with something." After a brief moment of introspection, he cast his gaze upwards, the cogs turning in his head as he mulled over his thoughts. Suddenly, his expression shifted to one of surprise, something coming to his mind. "Ah," he said, breaking the silence, "I do sing to myself sometimes in my head, especially when I'm stressed out. I really like music, I used to listen to it all of the time, and I even play the bass." He added quickly, a hint of sheepishness creeping into his voice.
He looked coy, as if he'd said more than he meant to relent. He was so soft, gentle, and beautiful in every way. Every little thing that he does is in its own right, a melody. A melody made just for me. A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I nudged him, "Well, well," I teased, "That's certainly cute. I'd been to some of your performances at that bar we met at." I winked, acknowledging his confusion and concern upon my admission that I'd been practically stalking him long before he was aware of me.
"Y-you've seen me perform?!" He gasped coyly. "I watched you for weeks. You know this." I snickered deviously. "Ah, yeah. I guess I didn't think about what that really fully meant." He nodded shyly, a subtle smile forming across his lips, "Now you gotta confess something super embarrassing so I feel better about myself!" He started kicking his legs with excitement and energy. A sly smirk crept across my face as I considered my response. "Well, okay then." I calmly spoke, my voice laced with a hint of contemplation. "Based on your perceptions of me, you might be surprised to learn that I have an incredible capacity for sadness, guilt, and overall empathy." I paused, allowing the weight of my words to sink in before continuing.
