Chapter 21
With the day done and gone, Alley for once felt accomplished. Granted, it was a small victory in turning Tank Top Tiger back to his human form, but a stepping stone nonetheless. She helped Pac with the dishes and refill the fridge once more before the night was over. Shortly, she announced she was going to bed and wished everyone a good sleep.
She walked in and found the room was rearranged! Despite the size of it, it appeared someone moved the furniture and placed in another bed next to hers down at the far end of the room. A gently knock came to the door, Suiryu peered in. "May I?" he asked.
She nodded.
Suiryu eased himself into the room. "Max and I rearranged things in here, I hope you don't mind until we can extend it. But I figured the back wall was enough to fit two double beds, so now I won't be smothering you."
"That was thoughtful, thank you." She said. But, Alley was still uncertain of herself, she turned to Suiryu and said. "When you turn back… do you think we would still be together?" she questioned.
He froze. "Why are you asking such a thing?" he demanded. "Alley…" he reached for her hands and held them tightly. "I'm not going anywhere. My days of chasing girls are over, it took you to show me what I really wanted. Besides… I don't want to turn back if it means I lose you."
"But… this whole time… I promised you, Max and Snek that I would change you back! I have a possible cure for you and Max right now, but I still have to…"
"Shhh…" he said gently. "Alley, I don't care if I ever become human again. I said this many times over. I am having too much fun, this IS fun for me! I'm challenged here, I am tested and your dad doesn't go easy on me… still… damn, I'm older than he is and he can still kick my ass on any given day!"
She giggled to that, it was true after all!
But Alley sighed. "I always thought the reason why you and I were together… was because of what you became from the monster cells. I always assumed that you stuck with me because…"
"You're wrong," he insisted. "You saw those girls flirting with me, they didn't give a damn that I was what I was. They would have gone out with me if I had asked of them. No… Alley, it was after our first date when you help me see through myself. I did the same song and dance over and over again, got the same results, same relationship, but nothing ever came out of it. Until I met you."
She blushed a little. "I always thought if given the chance, you would want someone more… befitting of your standards."
He smirked. "You are." He laughed. "You are the only girl who ever kept up with me, not to mention kick my ass!" he said, Alley giggled at the last part too. "I found someone who is my match. Someone I can learn off of, get stronger together with. Not to mention, you saved my life that day too. If it weren't for you, Max, Snek and I… we wouldn't be ourselves anymore. God only knows what would have happened to me. What I would have done in that state…"
Alley couldn't help it anymore. She wrapped her arms around Suiryu and braced him tightly. He returned the hug and sighed. "I'm sorry it happened so fast." She whispered.
"Yeah… but I'm glad I got to keep you."
They pulled away from the embrace; Alley grabbed her PJs and went to the bathroom to change once more. When she returned, Suiryu was in his sleeping bottoms and nestled in the bed. Alley slipped in and got herself comfortable. As she was about to doze off, she felt his arms wrap around her once more. She was pulled into his arms and nestled against his chest.
"Mine." He said teasingly.
She turned and braced herself closer to him. He arms wrapped around his body as she sighed contently. "Mine," she said.