ZEDD
I stand in the kitchen door staring after Dar, having heard most of his rant, the impulse to either attack or reassure him still present in my mind. "Well that explains a lot," I murmur to Pina. "I didn't realize he felt that way."
"I didn't either…well not all of it, but at least he finally got it out. Now, aren't you glad you didn't interrupt them?" You mean like I wanted to when I felt Thomas' panic through our bond. The boy doesn't let me in for days on end and the first time he does it's with a surge of panic.
Yes, I'm honestly still of two minds about it. I could tell by the way Dar was fighting that he was looking for blood, but Thomas handled himself well. I realize much to my dismay, that Dar has obviously never understood just how much I need him as my right hand man. My business succeeds largely due to his skills in handling people - clients as well as myself. I have no clue how to fix this. But I'll at least assume not killing him for trying to kill Thomas is a small start.
Returning to the house slowly Thomas stops in front of myself and Pina looking worn, but for the most part unharmed. Before I can open my mouth to ask though, Pina beats me to it, "Are you all right?"
He looks after Dar thoughtfully for a moment before he answers. "You know, I think we both are."
Puzzled by his cryptic answer, I'm about to question him when I realize that he's not only dripping wet but also covered in mud and sigh. "Come, Thomas. You need a hot shower and a hot drink so you don't get sick."
Pina speaks up. "The day is nearly over. How about this? I'll get Dar's things ready as I always do while you help Tommy and then I'll come down and thaw some of that wonderful soup Dar made last month." Oh, yes, I remember it well. "Then I'll throw together some sandwiches and a hot drink for everyone."
I start shaking my head. "No, Pina. Thomas can take a shower on his own, I'm sure. You get Dar's things together and I'll get Thomas' muddy clothes handled while he gets his shower. Then you and I can make dinner together and Thomas and Dar will join us when they are ready." I turn to Thomas. "What do you think?"
He nods seriously. "Makes sense."
HALF AN HOUR LATER
Everything is ready for the evening meal, less two of our companions.
"I still think you should have checked him for any injuries." Seeming slightly concerned that her mate had hit Tommy in their scuffle, Pina finishes pouring our drinks calmly.
Not as concerned as her, as I was watching carefully as the two went at it and never really saw my boy take a bad hit, or felt any true pain through the bond, I know it surprises her how lax I'm being about it, but truthfully he's had far worse battles before. Not to mention I'm hoping if he is injured he'll be smart enough to tell me rather than me find out for myself later on. "I'll check him over later tonight if he wants me too, but I'd wager if he was hurt he would have said something. If anything he'll probably just be a bit sore come the morning." Speaking of the devil.
I look up as Thomas walks into the kitchen, dressed in sweatpants and a tee shirt and carrying a towel. Before I can comment on his odd accessory, the outer door opens and Dar comes in - or rather blows in. I hurry over to help him close the door against the wind. "Had enough time in the rain?"
He leans on the door for a moment trying to catch his breath as rain runs off him and puddles on the floor. Giving me a nod at my inquiry, he shakes his some water from his hair. "Storm's getting a lot worse. We may have to make repairs tomorrow." Which explains why he has returned already.
I open my mouth to respond, but stop when I hear Thomas speak. "Here, Dar. I saw you crossing the lawn and I thought you might need this."
Slowly Dar reaches for the towel that Thomas is holding out, clearly unsure how to react to the gesture and new situation of whatever they are to each other now. Pina speaks next. "I was wondering why you brought a towel with you, Tommy."
The boy shrugs and repeats himself. "Looked like he needed it."
"Thanks, brat," Dar finally replies. He pulls off his wet boots and heads for the hall. "Give me ten minutes and I'll be back so we can eat."
"No problem, jerk." Smirking as he responds to Dar's own name calling in kind, Thomas moves to retrieve the mop and clean up what Dar had tracked in.
My stomach rumbles and I can hear his laughter, a warm undercurrent to the laughter currently filling the kitchen. One part of my mind reminds me that our difficulties are far from over, but another part argues that I should enjoy the moment while it lasts.
