#boxerau

LIVE

Warnings: sexual comments, a threat at the end with a knife, language, Harrison being creepy, an issue with Financials and someone secretly paying for someone else

Word Count:5,250

Author’s Note: Here’s a new parttttt! I’m hoping to get a lot of writing done now that I’m out of school, let’s see how this goes.

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For the next few days, waking up in California with just Tom by your side, most times draped over you, his bare chest to your bare back, makes you feel less and less like returning to New York. The responsibility that lingers in that city is crushing when you’re there and going back doesn’t sound as pleasurable as staying in paradise.

The night before your flight out, you find Tom out on the deck, legs dangling over the side. He glances up as you come to stand beside him, squirming between his legs. He wraps his arms around you, draping his chin over your shoulder. You reach up, rubbing his hands before drawing his hands up to your lips to kiss his knuckles,

“I don’t wanna go back.” You murmur, pouting at him when you glance up. You lay your head against his shoulder, watching him smile. He chuckles softly, glancing down at you,

“I know… me either. Like… all that responsibility. I just wanna be here with you.” He explains. You nod,

“I’ve always dreamed of escaping somewhere with someone I love more than anything and then you offered to bring me to California for the weekend.” You half tease. Tom smiles down at you,

“Yeah? Someone you love more than anything ey?” He asks. You nod,

“Yeah. I’ve never had anyone this caring before. It’s refreshing.” He hums,

“Dunno that I’ve ever had anyone like you either. Sweetest little thing ever and I get sex whenever? Perfect.” You snort,

“You’re such an asshole.” He rubs up your arms as he presses his lips into your hair,

“I just wanted someone uncomplicated and then I found you.” He murmurs. You smile, holding his hands,

“Yeah… wish I could say the same.” He tickles you until you nearly fall from the deck,

“Who’s the asshole now little lady?” He growls. Relaxing in his arms for just a moment with a few solitary giggles, you hold his hands,

“Just wish we didn’t have to leave. It’s so peaceful here. What if… what if we just… move closer to the coast. I like the coast.”

“Are you actually talking about moving in with me?”

“It’s just a thought. I’m trying to not… be in a depression."

"Aah, don’t tell me that. I don’t wanna know that.” He murmurs, nuzzling in your hair. You smile,

“Like… you make me feel better but… I just hate the idea of going back to work and all that, ya know?”

“No… because I love my job.”

“Sure, yeah, I also love watching you almost die.” You tell him with a roll of your eyes. He chuckles softly,

“I know.” He sighs,

“Whenever you want, wherever you want, I’ll follow.” He murmurs. You smile, turning your head to lay on his shoulder so you can look up at him,

“Yeah? So if I moved here you’d come?"

"Course,” He tells you, eyebrows furrowed together, “not only is it gorgeous here, but you’re here. There’s nothing keeping me in New York. My family’s in London anyways, and my job doesn’t care where I’m at. There are just as many rings here as there are in New York.” He explains. You stare up at him,

“You’d really just… relocate for me?” You ask. He nods,

“Absolutely."

"Crazy, lovesick fucker.” You grumble. He cackles loudly,

“You’re right and that’s sad. I’d literally follow you to the ends of this earth if that’s where you chose to go because I love you that much.” He confirms. Rolling your eyes, you hold his arms around you,

“You’re insufferable. It makes me sick.” He hums,

“You wanna see how insufferable I am?” He asks. You sit up, turning to him as he roots around in his pocket, swiftly pulling out a case and snapping it open to reveal a small, heart shaped diamond ring. The biggest diamond is a simple, heart shaped cut and the row of diamonds around it follow the shape. The band is silver, and more diamonds line it until the curve into the circle, “Its just a promise ring, nothing to phone home about but… when I went to run some errands back home, the other day I passed a jeweler and saw it and had to buy it. It was calling me.” He explains as he slides it from it’s pillow and onto your finger. You’re rendered speechless and Tom hums,

“Take it you love it and that’s why you’re speechless.” He adds with a soft chuckle,

“My god Tom it’s beautiful. This is… the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.” You tell him. He smiles, staring down into your eyes when you look up at him. You twist your hand in the setting sunlight, “God I could send this to Willa with no context and give her a heart attack.” Tom cackles as you move back in his arms. He kisses your temple,

“That sounds like something you’d do.” You giggle, twisting your hand to make the diamonds sparkle,

“Holy shit. Wow. You really are a romantic then huh?” He shrugs,

“I try my best.” Leaning up to kiss his plush lips, you lay your head back against his shoulder,

“Let’s just elope and stay here forever.” You mumble. Tom chuckles,

“Whatever you want… it’s yours."

—

Just like the flight out, the flight back into New York is pretty tame. Tom holds your hand just the same, carries your luggage just the same, leads you up to his apartment and ducks inside after,

"Home sweet… home?” He asks. You smile up at him,

“I’m exhausted, that’s all I know. I need a shower and a good night’s sleep.” You tell him. He hums,

“Can I watch?” You giggle as you trail into the living room, but something’s off. You see something in his armchair shift and you give a gasp,

“Tom there’s someone in here!” You squeal, bouncing back into his body,

“What?!” He wraps an arm around you protectively as he flicks the light switch on and a blonde with a sharp jawline blinks at the light. You hold Tom’s arm tight and the second his shoulders relax, you squeeze his arm tighter,

“Harrison…” He murmurs. The blonde give a slight smirk,

“You’re right… she’s hotter in person."

"Fuckin ‘ell mate you almost killed her. I’d'a fucking ended you.” Tom mumbles as he nears the man that stands from his armchair, toothy smile on his face as he nears your boyfriend. They embrace and you can’t help but continue to cower in the corner. Tom turns to you,

“Uhm… Y/N, love, this is Harrison, one of my best mates from home. Harrison, Y/N.” You nod, loosening up just a little,

“Hi."

"Hello darling. You don’t have to worry… I won’t bite."

"Not harder than I do.” Tom quickly chips in. He chuckles after a moment, before he’s reaching for your hand, holding it out to you reassuringly,

“Let him look at you baby.” He purrs. After another moment, with another weary glance at Harrison, you take Tom’s hand and let him drag you in,

“Whoa…” You both glance up at Harrison and then down at your finger where your ring rests,

“It’s a promise ring, don’t lose it.” Tom murmurs as he wraps his arms around your body. Harrison swallows, eyes caught on the jewelry as you hold Tom’s arms,

“Thought none of us had ever met the girl and you were already engaged.” He murmurs. Tom shakes his head,

“I’d do it but… I think that’d scare the poor thing.” He coos in your ear. Glancing up at him, you shake your head,

“I would’ve said yes. You’re my best friend."

"This… I’m so sorry in advance but… this is the same girl that heard you fucking through the wall right?” Harrison asks. Tom nods,

“Yeah, why?"

"I’m just… curious… you’ve been together, what, five months?"

"Yeah just about.” Tom confirms. Harrison nods,

“Dedication. She’s very dedicated mate.” Tom hums,

“You have no idea.” Kissing your temple, Tom sighs and looks to his best friend,

“What are you doing here?"

"Came to surprise you. I knew you’d be in Cali until today so I thought I'd…come sit in here.” You frown,

“Does he have a key?” Tom’s reaching the same conclusion you are, shaking his head, his eyebrows furrowed,

“No, he doesn’t. Did you really pick my lock?”

“You should move to a safer neighborhood. Your building has no cameras.” Harrison chides proudly. You giggle as Tom reaches up to press his fingers into the corners of his eyes, rubbing softly,

“Fucking hell.” Pressing a hand to his stomach, you kiss his cheek,

“I’m gonna take a shower and then we can order in and chill and you guys can catch up okay?” Tom nods,

“Yeah, okay.” Smiling at Harrison, you head for Tom’s shower, craving the need to wash off the flight from California.

Nearly two hours later, you’re sat beside Tom, Chinese in your lap. You eat as the two converse, Harrison catching Tom up on issues back home while Tom, in between conversations, fills you in on what all of Harrison’s information means. You nod along and soon enough, both boys are drawing you into conversation, starting with your time in California,

“Yeah, it was good. It was peaceful."

"I wasn’t allowed at the match.” You start, side eyeing Tom. He glances at you, tsking,

“See if I ever try to protect you again.” Giggling, you lean into his side,

“I’m kidding. It’s cute when you’re protective."

"Wait,” Harrison leans forward, “You didn’t let her come to the match?”

“California’s a really bad gang area and the opponent I was up against was really into all that shit. I didn’t want her there by herself. I can’t focus on the fight if I know she’s just in the crowd alone.” He explains. Harrison hums,

“Smart I guess.” He murmurs. You trace your finger over the rim of your wine glass,

“He’s all sentimental. It’s cute.” Harrison chuckles as Tom leans back against the couch, rubbing his eyes,

“Go next door, you’re on timeout the rest of the night.” You squeal as he takes your wineglass from you, gripping your arms and jokingly trying to force you to stand. You flop into his lap, binding your arms around him. He cradles you, “little brat.” Stroking up your arm, he sighs, staring down at you. When he looks back up at Harrison, his eyebrows furrow,

“What?” You look to his best friend, who shakes his head,

“Nothing, you two are just really pretty together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this with a girl before.” He explains. Tom hums,

“She’s my whole world.” He murmurs. You rest your head against his forearm, smiling up at him,

“You’re the best.” He chuckles,

“You don’t know who I used to be with this div.” He mumbles, gesturing to Harrison. You giggle again before he’s drawing you up to sit in his lap. You reach for your wine and Harrison watches Tom watch you for a moment. He’s genuinely never seen his best friend so enraptured by a woman before. You’re different. You’ve changed Tom in ways the man across from you can’t imagine. When you meet his eyes again, you lick your lips,

“So yeah… the views were great. California’s really beautiful.” You tell him, cheeks flushing. He nods with a smile,

“Yeah… I bet.” Tom hums,

“You wish you had what I do.” He grumbles. Harrison smiles,

“I often do, yeah. You’re out here living your dream, raking in the ladies and I am a little jealous. She’s beautiful mate and I’m proud of you for who you’ve become. Quite the little boxer.” He smiles,

“Always knew I’d be better than you at everything.” Tom teases. Harrison scoffs,

“And on that note, I’ve got jet lag and will go back to my hotel and die.” Harrison grumbles. You giggle, watching Tom roll his eyes. Harrison checks his watch,

“Despite my best efforts it actually is getting late and I’m whooped. We can get back together and hang out some more.” Tom stands just as his best friend does and tucks his hands in his pockets,

“Mate… you don’t have to stay at a hotel. I’ve got a spare."

"No, no, no, you guys need your privacy and I’ve already paid. I’ll just meet up with you later. It uhm… it was nice to meet you Y/N, sorry for scaring you.” You smile up at him,

“That’s alright. It was nice to meet you too. Stop by any time.” His smile widens before he’s nodding and heading for the door. You half listen as him and Tom murmur back and forth before Tom is closing the door and heading back to you. You hum when he comes into view, leaning over and kissing your cheek,

“You okay?” You nod,

“Yeah. He seems nice. That’s the best friend you always talk about?” You ask. He nods,

“Yeah.” He rounds the couch, watching you sip from your wine glass,

“I’m still the pretty one huh?” He poses. You nod,

“Oh yeah… definitely.” You murmur. He smiles,

“So I get to stay?” You nod,

“Well yeah. Gotta get sex somewhere and you’ve been doing decent.” You tease. He rolls his eyes,

“Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night babe.” You giggle, moving closer to him. His fingers dance along your leg, eyes cast down to the place on your skin,

“You were well behaved."

"Well I’m not a dog so… yeah, I can play along well with others.” He hums,

“He’s decent. My brothers are the nightmares. Whenever you meet them… I’ll have to hold your hand so they don’t chew you up.” You smile, staring at him. When you don’t say anything, he glances up and cocks his head,

“What?” You shake your head, playing with your earlobe,

“You just… didn’t say if I met your brothers, you said when.” You tell him. He hums,

“Well I gave you a promise ring sweet girl, of course I intend for you to meet my family and be in my life forever. You’re gonna have my babies.” He confirms. After another moment of just staring at each other, he snags your glass from your hand, setting it on the table and leaning over you. You giggle as he crawls between your legs, yours wrapping around his waist. He leans in and kisses you, his hand slipping up under your top to caress your bare skin,

“Hope that doesn’t scare you off beautiful." He murmurs huskily. Threading your fingers through his hair, you shake your head,

"Not even close.” He smiles before his lips are covering yours and he’s grinding his crotch into yours, bringing just enough pleasure from the pressure of himself. You let out little breathy gasps as he continues until he’s jumping up, and a squeal is leaving your lips as Harrison clears his throat. He raises an eyebrow when you both sit up,

“Hopefully that’s the first time you’ve tried that on that couch. I sat there.” Tom sighs,

“Harrison… what the fuck now?” He chuckles,

“Forgot my coat on your hook. But… I was a little intrigued by Y/N, and then I felt bad if she would’ve gotten naked. She’s beautiful but… I’d feel cruel.” You smile up at him shyly,

“I appreciate it."

"Yeah me too,” Tom starts, standing as Harrison shrugs on his jacket, “that body’s mine.” Harrison chuckles,

“Fully aware mate. Just… keep it PG."

"No such luck. You ruined something very valuable to me.” Rolling your eyes, you lean over the back of the couch, watching them bicker before Tom offers a shove to Harrison’s shoulder, bidding him goodbye a second time and slamming and locking the door behind him. He sighs as he starts to near you,

“Are you even in the mood?” You shrug,

“I’d do it to help you."

"I’m fine. I can get off in the shower."

"Nooooo, that’s not how this works. I’m your girlfriend and-"

"Not to be held accountable for just being beautiful and making me hard. It’s my brain making my body react like that, not yours so you’re not accountable. If you don’t want sex, we won’t have sex."

"Yeah but I can still use my mouth.” You purr. He’s leaned in, his face inches from yours. You stare up into his eyes before he’s closing the gap, lips pressing to yours. You thread your fingers through his hair, dragging him closer. His hands skate up your hips,

“On second thought…” You giggle, wrapping your legs around his waist again when he presses you back against the couch. You kiss along his jaw, hands slipping beneath his shirt,

“I could get used to this everyday.” You murmur. He chuckles,

“As opposed to chilling in your own apartment all lonely… yeah, I hope so.” You giggle again and nod,

—

A few nights later, Tom sits across from you as you tell Willa all about your time in California, a waffle laid out before her, at her place beside Tom, on her break,

“I’d kill for a hot boy to take me out there. Jeez, why are you living every dream I’ve ever had?” She poses. Tom smiles, laying his head over his arms on the counter,

“Especially since she woke up more than one day with some form of me between her legs.” Tsking, you swat his head,

“You don’t have to give details of our sex life to every person we know.” You tell him despite your best friend turning to you wide eyed,

“Please tell me that mouth was one of those things between your legs one morning.” She says. You roll your eyes, turning your back to them, but you don’t miss the squeal that leaves Willa’s lips when she glances to Tom and he nods without batting an eye. He chuckles as you sigh and fill his coffee cup,

“Anyways… moving on to more important things, I got an offer for a piece from Sahid.” You tell her. She stares at you, Tom’s eyes flicking between the two of you from his spot,

“What?” She poses finally, “how much? Which piece?” You smile,

“Ten thousand. The piece of Tom in bed.” You tell her. Her eyes widen and she leans over the counter,

“What?! Ten thousand dollars? S-so what did you do, did you accept?” You shake your head,

“I’ve been in such a shock I haven’t been able to do much of anything.” You admit. She scoffs,

“I bet. So… you’re going to accept it right?” You shrug,

“That’s like… my favorite piece. I loved doing that one-”

“Yeah, but you have the model if you ever want to do it again. It’s not something that is like a one time thing. He’s always in your bed.” She defends. You sigh,

“I know but I just… I always get emotionally attached to my paintings. That one means a lot to me."

"And you’ll never forget how it made you feel. What else were you going to do with it?” She snipes. You hum,

“Dunno… hang it over my bed like a dreamcatcher.” Tom snorts, turning his face from the two of you. She sighs,

“Look… I get it. Certain, sentimental pieces, you’d like to hold near and dear to you. There’s nothing wrong with that, but… this is the opportunity of a lifetime Y/N/N. Two thousand or so dollars worth of work that came from you. From your fingers. That’s amazing. Ultimately it is your decision but… I think that this is that door that you need opened to get the fuck out of here.” She lectures, glancing around the diner. You sigh,

“I knowwww. It’s just a hard decision."

"You don’t have to tell me that. I get it. But this is your shot babes."

"Who’d'a thought I’d’ve given it to her?” Tom jokes, glancing up at you. You sigh, holding his eyes,

“You are so fucking conceited.” He chuckles before watching you make your rounds to the remaining customers. When you return and focus on a particular sticky spot on the counter, you sigh,

“I do need to get better at paying my rent on time. I definitely have a late fee."

"No you don’t.” Tom quickly pipes up. Glancing up at him, you stare for a moment,

“What does that mean?” He shrugs,

“I figured since I was the reason you were in California and you weren’t here so any money spent wasn’t being recouped, I’d just pay for this month. So… you’re fine.” He explains. You lean a little closer and Tom’s heart pauses at the pissed look in your eye,

“And when exactly were you going to tell me this?” You ask as Willa stands to clock back in, leaving the two of you to have this private discussion. Tom flinches slightly at the venom in your voice. He swallows,

“When you went to pay and the check came back? Or when you realized you were a month ahead every month?” He poses sheepishly. You sigh, turning your back to him,

“Wait, you really are upset with me?” He asks with a chuckle. You shake your head,

“I just… I never asked you to do that.”

“That’s the point. I’m your boyfriend. It’s not supposed to be said specifically."

"To me, it is. I didn’t ask you to pay my rent.” You whisper yell. He scoffs, staring up at you,

“You’re really pissed that I paid for your fucking rent?” He poses. You wipe the counter, eyes locked on him, “Y/N-"

"I didn’t ask you to.” You quickly reiterate. After another moment of being flabbergasted, he scoffs and stands, tossing cash on the counter,

“Fine… guess I’ll see you later.” He grumbles before he’s turning and heading out. Willa eyes you as he leaves,

“You okay?” She asks. You nod, collecting his money and cashing him out. You sigh,

“I love him to death, I really do, but he just… he doesn’t communicate this stuff with me. I don’t like him doing stuff like that.” You defend. She nods,

“I get it.” She rubs your shoulders,

“I’ll get the dishes.” She tells you. You nod and watch her collect the dirty dishes from the tables, toweling them off. You sigh as she slides the bin over, tossing Tom’s dishes inside,

“He won’t stay mad at you long babe. You’ll be back in his bed before you know it.” She tells you. You offer a feeble smile before you’re hoisting the bin from the counter and walking it to the back sink. You dump the dishes inside, tossing the bin in its cubby and coming back into the lobby. You smile as an older gentleman smiles and hands his ticket over. You quickly total him out before bidding him goodnight. Willa meets you at the counter, leaning on it,

“Ya know, maybe you should just let him pay your rent every once in a while. He’s definitely got cash to spare and you need to save. Your apartment scares me."

"Yeah, I know,” You start, “he doesn’t tell me because he knows I’ll say no, but then it pisses me off more because he doesn’t tell me. He’s just not vocal when it comes to money issues.” You murmur. She nods,

“Are any of us ever?” You shrug,

“It’d just be nice to know that he’s doing something behind my back. Especially since he’s paying twice the rent. If he hadn’t, he’d be furthering his point of me moving in with him. He just doesn’t think about this stuff.” You mumble. She smiles at you,

“Just put him out of his misery already and move in with him. He basically proposed.” She teases. Rolling your eyes, you turn your back,

“He doesn’t deserve me.” She giggles, turning to the door to tell someone who’s just walked in that you close in five minutes. The second your eyes meet your new guest’s, your heart stops. You swallow, hand stalled in your pocket from collecting the checks that need to be cashed out,

“Shit..” You mutter, coming forward,

“Wha- what the fuck?!” Willa squeals as the brunette before her reaches over and swipes a steak knife off a deserted table. She thrusts it towards you as Willa backs behind you, stumbling over her own feet. The patrons that are left over all collectively gasp and you can feel multiple pairs of eyes on you as they watch her draw nearer,

“You think he loves you?” She growls as you hold up your hands. Willa whimpers as you back further up, her hands pressed to your shoulders, “He probably tells you the same thing he told me, told the rest of us. It’s just empty words. He doesn’t care about you!” She screams. You nod, your body shaking,

“I’m sure you’re right. In a few years it’ll all be over and you can have him.” You try to defuse,

“Years?! Years?! I don’t have years. I want him now!” She screams. You nod,

“Okay, okay-”

“Halle!” Tom hollers from behind her. When she turns, you see that he has his eyebrows knit together. She drops the knife, both you and Willa jumping as it clatters to the floor, “Get the fuck out here.” He growls. When she doesn’t move fast enough, he grabs her bicep, dragging her outside with him. You swallow down the lump in your throat, turning to look at the nearly empty diner. Willa moves quick, taking the tickets from your pocket and informing those left that the meals are on the house, an apology for the inconvenience. Most relax, but you’re still shaky, sitting at the bar as she cashes everyone out,

“What the fuck was that?” She asks once she’s turned back to you. You shake your head,

“She's… been on him for a while I guess. She’s the same girl that confronted us the night I got into it with Ben.” You tell her. She squeezes your shoulders,

“You still have that taser I got you don’t you?” You roll your eyes,

“I think that’s still a crime Will."

"So was her coming at you with that knife but she still did it didn’t she?” Sighing, you stand again, needing to make yourself useful. You count out the two tills, watching Willa let the last of the customers out, apologizing for the disturbance, and let Tom in. He wanders over to you, rubbing his hand over the top of his head. He waits for you to finish counting before he speaks,

“You alright?”

“Why’d you come back?” You ask, ignoring his question. He cocks his head, glancing around for a moment. He chews the inside of his lip,

“I uhh… I believe in that whole… not going to bed mad thing. I know you’re upset but… I couldn’t just let you go home and go to bed and we hadn't… talked about this.” He explains. He swallows, staring down at the counter for a moment, “and if I’m honest… I had a weird feeling. Glad I came back.” He adds. You smile,

“I don’t know how much damage she could’ve done with our chintzy little steak knives… but yeah, I can’t imagine that would’ve ended well. ” Tom nods,

“You’re okay though? You’re both okay?” He directs the second half at Willa who nods and pats his shoulder as she passes,

“Yeah, fine.” You nod too when he looks at you,

“Yeah… just a little shaken.” He nods in return, swallowing as he sits,

“She had this false sense that we’ll get back together. Comes with the idea of doing drugs.” He explains. You nod,

“I get it. I try not to take that kinda stuff to heart.” You explain. He nods,

“Good… yeah.” You nod again nervously,

“Yeah. It’s hard though. I mean… I didn’t know you before this. How do I know that you really didn’t tell her you’d be with her forever.”

“Swear on my whole career I’d never.” He tells you, his eyes wide and there’s no doubt he’s telling the truth. You nod, slowly moving around the counter. He spreads his legs just enough to accept you between them. You hold his shoulders, laying your head over his shoulder and him laying his over yours. His hands lace behind your back and when you turn to look at him, he presses his forehead to yours,

“I’m sorry alright. I’ll stop being such a good boyfriend.” You roll your eyes again, kissing him gently,

“I’m trying not to be ungrateful but… I would’ve made ends meet.” He nods, bringing your knuckles to his lips,

“I know baby, I know, but I’d rather be sleeping in your bed than in a box between buildings.” He teases. You giggle,

“You could always just let me move in.” You tease back. He gapes at you,

“Oh you little bitch.” You giggle again, taking your hand from him and walking around the counter to collect the tills to lock in the safe. Ditching your apron, Willa collects her stuff, the same as you, and follows you out, Tom standing from his stool and dragging out his car keys,

“Ready? We’re gonna walk Willa to her car and then we’re gonna get in mine.” He tells you. You nod, looping your arm through Willa’s as she shuts the building lights off. She smiles up at Tom,

“Wow… where do I find a guy like you?” Tom frowns,

“Russell’s decent.” She scoffs,

“Yeah, the sex is great but there’s no British gentlemanliness in him.” He snickers then,

"Could set you up with my best mate but it’d be quite the commute.“ You smile up at him,

"Harrison? He was sweet. A cutie too.” Willa growls,

“I’m so sick of cuties. They distract you.” Giggling, Tom walks you, hand in hand, to Willa’s car. You both bid her goodnight and Tom nods as she locks her doors before he guides you to his passenger side, pressing you to the side of his car,

“She’s right, you know? There’s nobody like you. You’re in the wrong and you still came back to apologize and save me.” You joke. He snorts, head dropping to your shoulder,

“You’re so fucking dumb!” He hollers. You giggle, holding his sides. Leaning up, you kiss him softly, giving his lips quick little pecks. He cages you in against the side of his car,

“Thank you… I guess I’ll just say it because… you did pay a lot for me.” You tell him. He brushes his nose along yours,

“You’re welcome baby. I’d do anything for you.” He murmurs. You don’t know if it’s the stress of money, the exhaustion from work, or just the fact that you were threatened, but there’s tears in your eyes. You trail your knuckles across his cheek,

“I love you.” You mumble. He smiles,

“I love you too. And don’t let anyone ever try to convince you otherwise.” He reminds, stroking down your hair after a moment. You nod, leaning in to kiss the corner of his mouth before you’re climbing in the passenger seat and swiping at tears, Tom climbing in beside you. You sniffle and he reaches out to take your hand, kissing your knuckles,

“You’re the love of my life forever now, no matter what anyone says.” He confirms. You nod, smiling at him before he’s pulling from his spot, and starting towards home.