bulletproof [riot×tank]

chapter 9 - kiss me

Riot:

Tank followed me into the bathroom and I closed the door behind him. When I turned to him, he looked at me with raised eyebrows.
"Hey", I said and smiled awkwardly.
"Hi" He seemed confused and looked around in the small room. "Will I be admitted to a cult right now or why do we have to talk super secretly in the bathroom?"
I rolled my eyes and sighed.
"No. No cult. I just wanted to... ask you how you're doing"
He seemed surprised.
"You already asked..."
"No, I mean... you look so taken away and sad and... what's going to happen when it's done?"
Tank was suddenly getting closer and had narrowed his eyes as if he wanted to try to see something very small on my face. Out of reflex, I rubbed a little over my cheek and slipped back a little bit.

"So... you fell on your face too?" , he asked and entangled his arms in front of his chest. I was confused for a moment. What was he talking about? Until I remembered my bruises.
Damn it.
I put a hand on my cheek and tried to cover up the (in my defense barely visible) bruises.
Who could know he would scan me from top to bottom?
"Um... yes. I'm clumsy"
"Clumsy? Really?" He didn't believe me.
"Yes. Actually, it's a very funny story. You know, there was this rock I didn't see and then-"
"You're a really bad actor"
Tank leaned on the sink behind him and looked at me.
"How long do you want to go through this?" I opened my mouth to answer but I didn't get a word out.
"Has someone beaten you?"
I swallowed and looked away.
"So this means yes?"
"I-"
"Damn it, Riot!"
I shrugged and looked at him frightened.
"Forget your stupid pride and tell the truth"
I stared at him.

"Yes" I said provocative "Yes. I was beaten. And? You can't change that. Don't act like my therapist, would do me the favor?"
"You could've told me." He said calmly showing no emotions which made me go crazy.
"No I clearly couldn't have told you. Because I wanted to avoid a conversation like this. Do you think that would've changed anything?"
"Maybe, if you-"
"No. Tank. Just no. You can't change what happened."
"That's not what I meant"
"Then what did you mean because I don't understand you" I was getting upset and so was Tank.
"You don't have to stay quiet when something like this happens. You can reach out for help"
I tried to calm myself down
"I don't want... I don't need help."
"Riot, that's not healthy. Let me help you and maybe-"
"I don't want your help. When will you understand that?" I asked and almost stamped with the foot.
"You know damn well that you need help" His voice got louder and I lowered my head.
"What are you? Too pride to accept that?"
"You wanna know what? Fuck you. You can't control my damn life. You fucking got that?"

Tank's eyes widened.
I felt a bit uncomfortable but I couldn't care less at this moment. And yes that was a complete lie. I wish I died instantly.
Why did I say this? Especially because he was right.
"Say this again" he said with an even deeper voice than usual. I was surprised that this was possible.
I couldn't look him in the eyes and kept staring at the floor.
Suddenly he put his arm on my chest and quickly pressed me against the wall. I flinched and tried to slap his arm away which was... Like a really stupid move but at least I tried.
"What the-"
"Say. It. Again." He sounded threatening and so much different than usual.
"Hey! Look at me, Riot!" He yelled at me. I got goose bumps and slowly raised my head to look him in the eyes.
His pupils were wide and his green eyes looked something between hurt, angry and horny.

He was too close. His lips were too close. This damn beautiful eyes were too close.
He was so close I could kiss him anytime.
I'd just needed to move my head a little bit and... I shook my head to focus again and took a deep breath.
"Fuck. You. You don't have the right to control my life. Or tell me what I should do and what not." I said slowly. My voice was much less louder than I wanted it to be but Tank looked like he was ready to beat my ass and my courage flew away. Suddenly I wanted him to show no emotions again.
"Don't talk to me like that. Ever again."
I couldn't look him in the eyes longer and lowered my view. He put more pressure on my chest and I gasped in surprise.
"Did you understand?" he asked and forced me to look at him by grabbing my cheeks violently and turn them into his direction.
My heart was pounding incredible fast and loud and I was sure that he could hear it.
I nodded.
"Yes..." I whispered hating myself for my stupid voice.
"What was that? Huh? I couldn't hear you" He got louder with each word.
"Yes, I understood"
"Great" He stared at my lips for a second before letting me go.
"I was just trying to... You know what? Fuck it" He mumbled, turned around and wanted to leave.

I wanted to stop him but I couldn't move and definitely couldn't force myself to say a word.
I felt terribly sorry. I didn't even mean what I said.
I could still feel his touch, his hands on my skin. The spots he touched me burned like he setted them on fire.
"Tank..." I finally whispered before he could open the door and leave me.
He stood still not turning around.
"Don't go... Please"
I could tell by his body language that he was surprised I begged him to stay. I blushed and looked away.

Then everything happened very quickly.
Tank turned around and was right in front of me with less than two steps. He was even closer than a few moments ago.
My breath was heavy and I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
"Why should I stay?" he asked quietly and seemed like he actually wanted to know. The hurt in his eyes was still there.
"Because... I want you to? "
"Huh..." His eyes were stuck on my lips.
"And I thought you wanted to say sorry"
"I... Maybe I'll do" I admitted and saw a smirk rise on Tank's face.
"What do I have to do to make you apologize?"
"I... Uh" I couldn't concentrate. Just kiss me, you idiot.
"Kiss me..." I begged and already leaned forward for a kiss. "Kiss me please"

I didn't actually expected Tank to connect our lips so damn fast. But he did. He pinned me against the wall again - more gentle this time - both hands around my neck and slowly kissed me.
I melted in his hands, closed my eyes and grabbed his back to pull him even closer than he already was.

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Took me long enough to give you guys the kiss...

~anon