Song - Nowhere Fast
Renlin watched her face, his eyes tracing every detail as he spoke, barely hiding his grin. “Coincidentally, I have mastered wings, so if you need help taking them off, I am your man,” he offered, raising a brow with a playful smirk. Maybe it was the liquor talking, or the energy of the night, or just how easy it felt to be himself with her. Whatever the reason, tonight he was upfront and steady, like he had a purpose.
When she Retorted about stepping on his foot, he laughed, his voice low. “Thals, you could do whatever you want.” His hands fell to her waist, guiding her just a bit closer in the crowded room. He wasn’t exactly trying to pull her in, but with everyone packed in, it was easy to lean down, close enough to feel her warmth. His thumb traced lazy circles just above her tule skirt, his fingers pressing lightly against her. She wore a fitted corset that hugged her figure, and he could hardly take his eyes off her. There was a sea of people around them, but all he could focus on was her.
“Admit it, you like this a little, he murmured, his voice a mix of challenge and tease. He gently pushed a few curls from her shoulders, his fingers lingering as they brushed her skin, exposing her collarbone. His gaze lingered there for a second before he spoke again, his voice softer, almost an afterthought. “I won’t lie, I like that everyone knows you’re here with me.”
Sneaking around had its own thrill, sure. But this was different. He was a jealous guy, and having her here with him like this, openly, set things straight in a way that just felt right. Let them all look, he thought, because for once, there was nothing to hide.
Could it really be bad if people knew? He found himself wondering, a thought that lingered longer than expected. What would they even say? He didn’t care. It was like a weight had lifted, and he could breathe easier knowing that he didn’t have to hide this thing with her. Or what was a thing? He didn’t know where they stood still.
Thalia might even help his case. She was put together, smart, respected. The kind of person people looked up to and listened to. And while he, too, had earned respect, it was for different reasons. His reputation was built on something rougher, raw energy, chaotic moments.r.
He glanced down at her, her presence like a quiet reassurance. She was more than just someone on his arm. She was someone who could help him, and maybe, for once, it wouldn’t be so bad if everyone knew.
He wanted her. He always had. The thought of her consumed him, and in ways she probably didn’t even realize, she helped him. She gave him something he hadn’t known he needed, peace. He slept last night. Actually slept. The entire night, without the usual torment of dreams. It was like her presence had quieted the chaos in his mind.
“I just can’t take it sometimes,” he murmured, the words slipping out before he even realized it. He wasn’t talking about the party, the eyes on them, or the noise . He was talking about the dreams. The constant, relentless dreams.
He looked at her, his eyes softening as he let the truth slip free, “I like having you around.” The words were simple, but they were real. He wasn’t lying to her, he never would. What would lying get him? There was no need. He couldn’t lie to her, especially when she’d been the one thing in his life that made him feel like he was more than just the sum of his broken parts.
@Kristi thalia bby