Quoted By:
Halfway through his ramblings, Talbot is interrupted by a pillow to the gob!
“<span class="mu-s">OW!</span> Who the hell do you think you are, <span class="mu-i">DICK!?</span>”
<span class="mu-b">STANLEY-FRIGGIN’-PARBLE,</span> you growl as you dodge his attempt to grab the pillow from your hands! Who the hell does he think <span class="mu-s">HE</span> is, huh?! Because you thought you were talking to <span class="mu-b">TALBOT-FRIGGIN’-SCHUMER!</span>
Your response takes Talbot more off-guard than the pillow did. “Wh-huh?” He asks in a tone that matches his bewildered face.
He heard you, you continue as you stuff the pillow behind your back! So now that you’re <span class="mu-i">both</span> sure his ears are working, how about he tries <span class="mu-i">this</span> on for size: the fact that he’s worrying about things right now? That dumb, but sorta endearing look on his face? All of the bragging, boasting, and stupid arguments? Those are all proof of one thing:
“Dat’ he’s a jerk?”
Well yea, but that’s besides the point, you mutter under your breath. They mean, you continue, that despite it all, Talbot’s <span class="mu-s">HUMAN,</span> damn it! When’s the last time he’s seen a <span class="mu-r">THRALL</span> or whatever worry about turning on his pals?
“W-well-”
You saved him in that lab for a reason, okay? And you used that <span class="mu-b">PEARL</span> on him for a reason too! And no matter what’s going through his head right now, you continue, egged on by the growing intensity and volume of your voice, you’ll be here ready to reign him back in again! Doesn’t matter if it’s a pep-talk or a kick in the ass–you’ll be there to punt him back into the <span class="mu-g">NORMAL ZONE,</span> and that’s a <span class="mu-s">PROMISE!</span>
Talbot stares at you speechless–it’s unclear whether he’s digesting your words or still processing them, but one thing’s for sure: you definitely left him flatfooted! In fact, for a brief moment you notice a softer, thankful look in the janitor’s eyes as you catch your breath. Something about his expression puts your body into autopilot, however, and before you can stop you find yourself leaning in to plant a kiss on the boy’s cheek–one that lasts too long to be considered a peck, but just short of being awkward!
All the same, you immediately recoil with a face redder than a tomato as Talbot’s soft expression turns to one of abject surprise! Retreating to the far end of the bed, you use your pillow as a barrier as the excess blood slowly flows away from your cheeks and your heart struggles to calm down again.
A-and, you stammer, not daring to look him in the eyes, th-that’s j-just to seal the d-deal<span class="mu-s">PROMISE!</span> You mean <span class="mu-s">PROMISE!</span>
“Golly, Stan,” Ly remarks in a bemused tone, “dat’s <span class="mu-s">THREE</span> now, ain’t it?”
Three <span class="mu-i">WHAT!?</span> Y-you’re just k-keeping your team in working order, you spit as you peek over the pillow at your bodyguard…
Only to find him looking directly at you!
>CONTD.
