Lesson 64- Be a good friend and listen.
Unlike most shifts, Laura stays for the entire night. I’m not quite sure why she stays but even after we’ve locked the doors, she still shows no sign of leaving. She hovers around and helps me finish cleaning up while stealing nervous glances towards Torin every minute or so. I get the impression that she has something she wants to say to me, but he is showing no signs of leaving either. Actually, he also looks like he maybe has something that he wants to say as well. It’s not until I open Jane’s trap door that either of them show any kind of inclination to leave. Jane rushes out very suddenly and Torin lingers near the doorway. I suppose he still isn’t all that comfortable around Jane. I really don’t know why they’re all so nervous around her. As far as I can tell she wouldn’t hurt a fly. I think he mostly agrees or he wouldn’t be so chill about me hanging out with her so often. Although he definitely meant it when he said that I should be careful not to fall down there. After seeing how possessive Torin can be about his territory, I imagine Jane might have similar feelings about hers. We get along okay, but I’m totally down with the idea of respecting her space. I don’t particularly want to jump down the dark hole that leads to a basement of unknown depth and size with an unknown creature, even if she is friendly. I’m not even sure if there would be any way to get out again if I did fall down there.
I give Jane the empties and say good night. Or good morning, whatever. I’m about to head out back when Torin stops me with a hand on my arm.
“Wait a moment?” His words are a question.
“Yeah?” I turn to face him. His face has a hint of pink and he just kind of stands there awkwardly.
“Torin? Did you want something?” I prompt him but he seems to be struggling for words.
“Tori?” I try again and he sighs.
“Sorry, I… Sorry…” He trails off. Well that was as clear as mud.
“Uhm… I’m not really sure what you’re apologising for. We could go talk in your office if you like? Or my room?” I suggest. Torin immediately shakes his head. Laura is still here. I believe that she’s waiting to speak to you. I just wanted to… To speak to you first.” He explains. I nod.
“Sure. But I still don’t know what you’re apologising for.” I point out. I figure this conversation is going to take more than thirty seconds, and I’m tired from being on my feet all night so I step back towards the bar and gesture to Torin for help. He tilts his head, not quite sure what I’m asking for.
“Help me up?” I clarify. He shrugs, steps forward and grips my waist. Then in one smooth movement he lifts me up and sits me on the bar. I swear it looks like the movement took zero effort from him. I keep forgetting how ridiculously strong he is until he suddenly makes something that should take work look effortless. Not that lifting me should take a huge amount of work, I’m not a particularly big or small person. Although next to Torin I look tiny. To be fair, most people do. Sitting up on the bar has the advantage of putting me at eye level with Torin. It’s nice to not have to crane my neck to look up at him for once. I could get used to this.
“Alright, explain to me what you’re apologising for.” I request. Torin sighs loudly.
“I’m sorry that I’m being so selfish, that we all are.” He answers.
“Explain that more.” I prompt.
“Well… Aside from the fact that we’re keeping you here in the first place to keep ourselves and our secrets safe… We all keep burdening you with our problems, especially me. I needed help in the bar and you took care of it, I have trouble interacting with people and you’ve been taking care of it. I messed up, lost control and scared away half my customers, and once again, you spent the evening not only defending me, but attempting to salvage what little respectability is left in my reputation. I’m just… Sorry. You shouldn’t have to do that, to take care of me, and everyone else here. You’ve been doing your best to manage our problems and complaints, meanwhile you’ve barely complained at all about your own situation which is objectively much worse than anything we’ve been complaining about. You have essentially been kidnapped, someone is trying to kill you or take you or something, your home and almost all your possessions were destroyed. But despite all of this, you’ve been more than good to all of us. I just… I felt like I should apologise. This can’t be easy for you, none of it. You learned about magic and monsters, lost your home and freedom all at once and despite the fact that I’m keeping you prisoner, you treat me better than pretty much anyone else ever has. I… Just… Sorry. Or thankyou. Either one, both.” He stops to breathe again and he looks SUPER embarrassed and uncomfortable.
“Oh… Well… I mean, I haven’t really done all that much. And other people treat you terribly. I’m not doing anything all that special, not really.” I answer. Well damn, I think I’m kind of embarrassed too. This whole conversation is uncomfortable for us both, but clearly Torin thinks it’s necessary. He’s probably right. Torin catches my gaze and doesn’t look away.
“You are special. I’m not sure you can see how special, but I do. The others do too. Do you think any old human could come in here and keep order in this bar? It’s a tough job and hell, most supernaturals can’t even manage it.” He insists. Okay, now I’m blushing. He needs to stop with the compliments before I burst into flame… Or jump down through the hole in the floor and let Jane eat me. (Not that I really think she would.)
“Thanks.” I mutter awkwardly.
“Is there something you want?” He demands abruptly.
“Huh?” I respond dumbly.
“I want to thank you. Is there something you want, something I can get you?” He clarifies.
“Oh… I… Not really…” I trail off and Torin frowns.
“Nothing? Surely there’s something you want.” He insists. I sigh.
“Torin, you already know what it is I want. I want my phone, I want to be able to talk to my brother. I don’t want to keep repeating this argument. I say I want my phone, you refuse and then we both walk away cranky. I know you’re trying to be nice, you want to express your gratitude and you want to do something for me. But giving me stuff really isn’t going to cut it. What I want is for you to trust me.” I tell him honestly. Torin looks away guiltily and I sigh. I don’t know what I have to do to get this guy to trust me. He can’t seriously think that I’m going to go around betraying them all the moment I get out of here, can he? We sit in silence for a moment before I give up on Torin actually answering me. I slip down off the bar and go to leave. I’m just reaching for the door when he speaks.
“I’ll… Think about it.” He responds so quietly that I barely hear it. Still, I’m just a little bit hopeful when I leave the bar. Maybe he does trust me after all.
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