unedited
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[ Chapter 5, Page 14]
"Then let's get married"
The Men's Restroom... Garroth's POV;
"I'm sorry?" The words stumbled out of my mouth, halted by the unexpected question. There was an unsettling feeling gnawing at the back of my mind, a sense that something was amiss, though I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.
Terry's chuckle broke the tense silence, his amusement evident as he regarded me with a knowing glint in his eyes. It felt like he was testing me, probing to see if I was truly worthy of his daughter's affections.
"Mr. Valkrum, I don't think I understand," I began, my voice faltering slightly as I tried to make sense of the situation.
"Oh, I think you know exactly what I'm asking, Garroth Ro'Meave," Terry interjected, his tone shifting abruptly. His interruption caught me off guard, causing me to take a step back in surprise. I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling the weight of the tension thickening the air around us. It was as if the atmosphere had become palpable, suffocating me with its intensity.
"You see, my daughter is a treasure," Terry continued, his smirk widening as he leaned in closer, his face mere inches from mine. His gray eyes bore into mine, their intensity unyielding as he spoke. "But of course, you would hear that from every father who cares dearly about their only daughters. You must understand where I'm coming from." His words hung in the air, laden with an unspoken challenge, daring me to prove myself worthy of his daughter's love and trust.
"Well, of course," I responded, my voice pitched low in an attempt to convey both confidence and respect. "My brothers and I were raised to protect our mom that way. Being gentlemen is ingrained in us, and part of that is protecting the ones we love."
Terry's gaze remained fixed on me, his eyes searching as if trying to decipher the truth behind my words. I held his stare, determined not to back down despite the intensity of his scrutiny.
A quiet chuckle escaped Terry's lips, breaking the tension slightly as he leaned back, his gaze shifting to the mirror before him. I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding as he created a bit of distance between us. Watching him smirk at his reflection, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mingled with curiosity.
"Zianna is a wonderful woman," Terry remarked, his tone softer now as he adjusted his collar and smoothed down his hair. "A wonderful woman who raised someone like you. I've heard great things about you, from your father." His words carried a note of approval
"Thank you, sir"
"Those were just words," Terry murmured, his gaze fixated on his reflection in the mirror. His words hung in the air, heavy with an unspoken weight. "I haven't seen it nor experienced that feeling myself."
I watched him, intrigued by the intensity in his eyes as he glanced over at me, not in an attractive way, but with a scrutiny that felt almost invasive. Before I could respond, he clicked his tongue and turned back to the mirror, his demeanor guarded yet strangely contemplative.
"My daughter is not like any other 'normal' daughter," he continued, his voice carrying a hint of pride tinged with an underlying complexity. "But of course, I could be biased. Y/N is a special lady. A special with... 'remarkable'... skills."
The cryptic nature of his words piqued my curiosity, and I couldn't help but offer a light chuckle in response. "Well, she is a talented woman," I remarked, though the levity in my tone didn't quite match the gravity of the conversation.
"Talented. Yes... we could use that word for her," Terry whispered, his voice barely above a breath as he slowly turned to face me. His eyes bore into mine, holding a mixture of certainty and apprehension. "But that's out of the question. My daughter is very special in many ways. Ways that you may not understand. You don't know a thing about her"
His words lingered in the air, hanging between us like a veil of mystery. I couldn't help but wonder: what was he alluding to? Did he possess knowledge of the powers you had recently unlocked? It seemed improbable, yet there was an unsettling conviction in his demeanor that hinted at a deeper understanding. Perhaps he knew more than he let on, a thought that sent a shiver down my spine as I struggled to grasp the full extent of his implications.
Despite my eagerness for further understanding, a persistent question lingers within me: Why does he depict you with such an inexplicable alteration, tinged with a subtle divergence?
"Y/N and I have shared the journey of life since our tender years. I dare assert that I possess an intricate understanding of aher very being," I declared with conviction, my stance unwavering, though a hint of offense prickled beneath the surface. Was there an underlying animosity towards my presence? "In all candor, sir, I could say that I've been present in her life that you ever were."
I said it.
Terry's sudden movement sent a shiver down my spine, his features contorting in the reflection of the mirror. The atmosphere thickened, suffocating in its intensity, rendering the once-peaceful silence deafeningly awkward. My limbs seemed to tangle inexplicably, ensnared by invisible chains constricting my movements, draining me of strength. What strange force was at play, wrapping its tendrils around me?
A chilling chuckle escaped Terry's lips, cutting through the oppressive silence like a sharp blade. "You must possess quite the audacity to address me in such a manner," he murmured, the words carrying an almost menacing weight. His chest rose and fell with each breath, the air heavy with an unsettling energy that seemed to bind me. But then, as swiftly as it had descended, the weight lifted, the air clearing as if by magic. Terry's aura normalized, though his smile held an eerie edge, devoid of the warmth I once knew.
"I have reached a conclusion regarding you," Terry's voice resumed its normal cadence as he clasped his hands together, the sound echoing in the now tranquil space. "I cannot condone your relationship with her."
As the weight of Terry's words settled upon me, it felt as though my heart plummeted to the depths of my stomach. Shock widened my eyes, causing my pupils to tremble with the threat of tears, yet I clenched my jaw, determined to maintain composure. Strength was imperative in this moment, even as the world around me seemed to crumble.
"But—" My protest faltered, cut off by Terry's commanding tone, which resonated with an almost palpable threat. Though a part of me urged compliance, another, deeper instinct stirred defiance within me.
"But it can be changed," Terry's voice carried a threatening edge, looming over me like an impending storm. Despite the instinct to yield, a quiet resolve stirred within, urging me to stand firm.
His demand hung heavy in the air, a weighty ultimatum veiled in menace. Though a part of me quivered at the prospect of defiance, another, stronger voice whispered of the importance of truth and integrity, "It's simple really... all you need to do is keep your mouth SHUT about what occurred in this room"
"And what if I refuse?" The words escaped my lips with a newfound gravity, a tone resonating from a part of me I scarcely recognized. It was as if a dormant aspect of myself had awakened, thrusting me into a role I never anticipated—a guardian, a knight, standing steadfast against the tumultuous forces threatening to tear us apart,
"Doesn't Y/N deserve to know the truth? To know that her own father opposes our relationship?" My voice held a resonance, a depth that mirrored the conviction burning within me. In this moment, I wasn't just fighting for our relationship; I was fighting for our very existence, for the right to love openly and authentically.
"I can take her away from you," Terry's voice dripped with malice as he strode past me, his laughter echoing ominously in the empty room. His words pierced through me, a chilling breeze whispering tales of impending doom.
"But of course," he continued, his tone laced with a sinister promise, "if that's not threatening enough for you, I can also ensure that you two don't remember each other at all."
His words hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the fragile bond between us. As he disappeared from sight, his threat lingered, a haunting reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows, ready to tear us apart.
"I'll see you back there," Terry's whispered words sent a shiver down my spine as his hand made contact with my shoulder, a fleeting touch laden with foreboding. Alone in the dimly lit restroom, I gripped the edges of the sink, my knuckles turning white with tension. The steady drip of water from the faucet echoed through the silence, the only sound permeating the empty space.
My body trembled with residual fear as I struggled to make sense of the unsettling encounter. "What was that..." I murmured to myself, the words barely audible over the sound of my racing heartbeat. The weight of uncertainty bore down on me, each question swirling like a tempest in my mind. Was your father more than he seemed? Could he truly be capable of such darkness?
A sudden jolt of pain shot through my shoulder, causing me to hiss in discomfort. Frantically, I searched for the source, but found nothing amiss. Except for the chilling realization that it was the same shoulder Terry had touched moments before. Could his parting gesture hold a darker significance?
With a determined exhale, I straightened my posture, resolving to push aside my unease. I couldn't afford to let my turmoil show. Steeling myself, I ventured back into the bustling restaurant, the hum of conversation blending into a distant buzz as my thoughts consumed me. Why did this encounter trouble me so deeply? And what secrets lay hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed?
Back at the table... Author's POV;
"Gar!" Your voice reverberated through the room, snapping Garroth out of his reverie. A smile graced his lips, a welcome reprieve from the somber thoughts that had plagued him moments before in the solitude of the men's restroom. With newfound determination, he quickened his pace, eager to rejoin the company of familiar faces.
As Katelyn and Travis turned to greet him with warmth in their eyes, Garroth couldn't shake the lingering sense of darkness emanating from the table. A glance towards your father, Terry, revealed a smirk playing across his lips as he waved in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering with a calculated intensity.
"We were just talking about you, Garroth, my future son-in-law," Terry's voice boomed across the table, the weight of his words accentuated by the ominous undertone that sent a chill down Garroth's spine. Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Garroth averted his gaze, seeking solace in the familiar sight of you. With a sigh of relief, he settled into the chair beside you, finding reassurance in your presence amidst the unsettling atmosphere.
"What took you so long?" Your inquiry brought Garroth a mix of relief and apprehension as you drew closer, your touch a comforting anchor amidst the swirling unease. As you nestled your head against his shoulder, seeking solace in his presence, Garroth couldn't shake the prickling sensation coursing through his arm. Your sudden recoil mirrored his own discomfort, casting a shadow over the once-pleasant exchange.
Concern etched upon your features, your rapid-fire questions filled the air, each one punctuating the growing tension. Terry's feigned expression of worry belied the truth lurking beneath the surface, his knowing gaze fixed upon Garroth's discomfort.
"Is something wrong? Did you get hurt when you were gone? Did I do that?" Your panicked queries washed over Garroth, each one tugging at his conscience as he struggled to find the right words.
"No, no, you could never hurt me," Garroth reassured you with a gentle tone, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair behind your ear in a tender gesture. "It's not your fault. My left shoulder has just been bothering me since this morning. I probably pulled it when I was..." His voice trailed off as he stole another glance at your father, whose subtle smirk spoke volumes, "...stretching from this morning."
A forced smile masked Garroth's inner turmoil as he redirected your attention away from the unsettling encounter. Your enthusiasm at the prospect of helping him brought a flicker of warmth to his heart, even as the weight of uncertainty lingered in the air.
"Well, I'm glad. Don't worry, I know the perfect cream massage to fix that right back up," you chirped, your hand tracing soothing circles on his forearm, oblivious to the lingering shadows threatening to engulf them both.
"Careful now, Princess, your dad is still here, you know?" Terry's warning carried a sharp edge, his eye twitching noticeably at the closeness between you and Garroth.
Undeterred, you met Terry's gaze with unwavering determination. "Dad, you can't do this forever. Garroth is my boyfriend, and I'm happy to tell you that even you helped me realize that Garroth was the one giving me that funny feeling from when I was young," you asserted, a chuckle bubbling up as Terry's expression shifted with surprise.
"What do you mean?" Terry's voice held a note of uncertainty as he turned his attention fully towards you.
"Well, remember when I asked you why I was feeling so weirdly happy around a boy all the time? You explained it all, right Travis?" You glanced at your twin, Travis, who was preoccupied with a taco halfway to his mouth.
"Hmrgh?" Travis hummed, his speech muffled by the taco in his mouth, earning a scoff from Katelyn who rolled her eyes at his lack of manners.
"Have some respect, Travis," Katelyn chided, her tone laced with exasperation.
"Anyways," you continued, your voice infused with sincerity as Terry listened intently. Tenderly, you reached for his hand, lifting your gaze to meet his. "You helped me realize my feelings for Garroth. And every day we stuck together, as we grew up together, my feelings for him just never went away."
Your words resonated with a profound truth, each syllable carrying the weight of years spent navigating the complexities of love and companionship. With a steady gaze, you addressed your father, your voice filled with gratitude and reverence. "It means a lot to me that I'm now introducing one of the people I've learned to care about the most to the man who helped shape me into the woman I am today. You taught me how to love and care for others, and I'm grateful that it was Garroth I was able to share that love with. In this game of life, it has always been you, me, and Travis, as a team. I just hope that you'll accept Garroth to be part of it as well, just as much as you would Katelyn."
The words hung in the air, a poignant plea for acceptance and understanding. Around the table, silence reigned as each person absorbed the depth of your sentiment. Hearts were touched by the raw emotion woven into your words, a testament to the bonds that held you all together.
As Garroth listened, a glimmer of hope flickered within him, buoyed by the possibility of bridging the gap between himself and your father. Perhaps, in this moment of vulnerability and honesty, there lay the potential for reconciliation and mutual respect, despite the obstacles that lay ahead.
"You're really turning into a wonderful woman, Y/N," Terry's voice quivered with a mixture of pride and nostalgia as he wiped away a solitary tear, his smile stretching from ear to ear. "A beautiful... woman... oh, come here!" Unable to contain his overwhelming emotions any longer, Terry reached out and pulled you from your chair, enveloping you in a tight embrace that squeezed the air from your lungs.
Travis, too, was swept up in the wave of emotion, tears cascading down his cheeks as he hastily wiped his hands with his napkin. "We really have taught her so well, Dad," he choked out between sobs, joining the embrace with a fierce grip that matched his father's.
"Guys, please, we can't keep doing this every time I say something to thank you," you managed to mumble, your voice muffled by the warmth of their collective hug. Despite your protests, you couldn't deny the flood of warmth and love that surged through you, cocooned between your father and brother.
Back to Lover's Lane... Author's POV;
"Thank you, guys, for a wonderful day today. I'm truly grateful to have had the chance to meet my wonderful kids' partners," Terry's voice carried a warmth that seemed to permeate the air as the four adults slowly made their way out of the car. There was a genuine sincerity in his words, a reflection of the bonds forming between them with each passing moment.
"Katelyn, you truly are an amazing woman. Thank you for loving my Travis," Terry praised, his tone filled with genuine admiration as Katelyn enveloped Travis in a tender embrace, her affectionate gesture a testament to the depth of their connection.
"You've raised an incredible man, Terry," Katelyn responded, her smile radiant with appreciation as she met Terry's gaze. "I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to spend time with you today."
"Katelyn, please, call me Dad!" Terry's chuckle was warm and inviting, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he playfully honked the horn of his car, eliciting laughter from both him and Travis.
"When will you be visiting again?" You inquired, crouching down to peer through the open window at your father, a mixture of curiosity and longing evident in your expression.
"Soon. I'll be around town, so we can spend time together whenever you want, Princess!" Terry's excitement was palpable as he gave you an enthusiastic thumbs up, his eagerness for future gatherings shining through.
"Can... my boyfriend come?" You hesitated, pulling Garroth down beside you. Garroth shifted nervously, his gaze flickering away from Terry, his discomfort palpable in the tense atmosphere.
"No need to be shy, Gar. You've known my dad for so long now," you reassured him, your voice soft and reassuring, your hand finding his in a gesture of solidarity.
"Y-yeah..." Garroth stammered, his nerves evident in the tremor of his voice as he struggled to maintain composure under Terry's scrutiny.
"Uh, I mean, why not? The more the merrier, I suppose," Terry responded, though a trace of reservation colored his tone. "I should get going now, but, Garroth, it was nice to see you again. Just remember to watch yourself."
"Dad, be nice," you scolded gently, a playful glint in your eye as you echoed a sentiment of both admonishment and affection.
"It'll take time," your father concluded before slowly driving off, leaving behind a lingering sense of apprehension mingled with hope for future interactions. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, each lingering moment a testament to the complexities of family dynamics and the journey toward understanding and acceptance.
"I'm pretty sure your father isn't very fond of me..." Garroth's admission hung heavy in the air as he stood upright, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond your reach.
"What makes you say that?" You probed gently, a flicker of concern crossing your features as you began to guide Garroth towards your shared house, bidding farewell to Katelyn and Travis with a wave.
Garroth's eyes fell to the sidewalk, his steps measured as if to distract himself from the weight of his unspoken truth. He wrestled with the urge to confide in you, to unburden himself of the tension that had simmered between him and your father. Yet, a gnawing fear held him back, the memory of the pain in his shoulder a haunting reminder of the consequences that awaited him.
"Just a hunch..." Garroth's response was tinged with a forced smile, an attempt to shield you from the turmoil brewing within him. But beneath the facade, he carried the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions, a silent burden that threatened to consume him if left unaddressed.
"Garroth Ro'Meave," you said, halting your steps and gently cradling his face in your hands, drawing him closer until your noses almost touched. "You listen to me. You are the most lovable person I know. If my dad can't see that, then that's his loss. I've never met another man who would be so willing to give up everything to protect me, and I know that my dad would love nothing more than someone so perfect for me," you reassured him, a soft smile gracing your lips as you pressed a tender kiss to his nose. "And that's you."
Unable to contain his emotions any longer, Garroth seized the moment, pulling you closer with a swift movement. His hand found the small of your back, drawing you in until there was barely any space between you. The other hand gently lifted your chin, his eyes meeting yours with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine.
"You are a wonder, Y/N Ro'Meave," he declared, his smile radiant as he gazed into your eyes, his affection palpable in every word.
"Y/N Ro'Meave? Are you proposing to me, Mr. Ro'Meave?" you teased, a playful giggle escaping your lips as you leaned into his touch. But Garroth's smile only widened, his eyes holding a depth of emotion that left you breathless.
"Would you hate it?" he whispered, drawing you even closer until your breaths mingled, the world around you fading into oblivion as the intensity of his question washed over you. In that moment, with the sunset casting a warm glow around you and the sounds of nature serenading your ears, everything else seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of you entwined in a moment of pure vulnerability and possibility.
"I-i..." you stammered, your cheeks flushing with warmth as you struggled to find the words to express the whirlwind of emotions swirling within you. Garroth leaned back slightly, his eyes momentarily dazzled by the radiant glow of your purple eye.
Chuckling softly, Garroth teased, "Your butterflies are showing."
Without hesitation, you seized the moment, cupping his face in your hands and pressing your lips to his. In an instant, a swarm of butterflies circling around the both of you intensified, swirling around the two of you like a cyclone of emotion. It was a moment you wished could last forever, a fleeting glimpse of pure bliss shared between two souls intertwined in love.
As the kiss lingered, you felt a sense of completeness wash over you, your heart soaring with the knowledge that this was where you belonged. Your leg lifted instinctively, drawing you closer to Garroth as you melted into each other's embrace. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer, while your hands found their place around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair.
Finally, as you reluctantly parted, the butterflies began to fade, leaving behind a sense of tranquility and contentment. You gazed into Garroth's eyes, the warmth of your shared connection enveloping you both in its embrace.
"I wouldn't hate it," you whispered, your voice barely audible above the soft rustle of the evening breeze. And in that moment, amidst the fading light of the setting sun, you knew that whatever the future held, you were ready to face it together, hand in hand, forever entwined in each other's love.
"Then let's get married"
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