A loud, annoyed groan escaped Thomas as I eagerly pulled him into the book shop. He made his disdain for the store well known as he grunted and groaned as I paced the aisles looking for a particular book.
Again Thomas groaned, pulling my attention over to him, “Come on. It’s not that bad. I just need to find where it was.”
“Can’t ya just keep drawin’ on loose paper like ya ‘ave been?” His accent seemed thicker when he tried to be quiet, versus his loud, obnoxious behaviour he had in the taverns.
“I could, but it will be easier to keep everything together this way.” I pushed a few more books aside before huffing in defeat. “Not on the shelves.” I flagged down the owner and asked him if he had more of the sketchbooks I hunted for.
“Sold out of those last week. With how they are selling thanks to all these sciencey people, I may have to raise the price.” He walked away, joyed at the thought of more income.
“A price increase? I can barely afford one now at this price.”
“Ah, forget him, Princess. He can shove ‘t down his…”
“Sorry. Come on. We could try another store.”
“There are all too expensive. Trust me, I’ve been looking for months.” Hanging my head in defeat, I led us out of the store. “Thanks for coming along. You aren’t like everyone says.”
“What do they say?” He cocked an eyebrow, his lip jutted out as if he was going to pout.
“The few things I have heard are that you are selfish, belligerent, crass and overall, pardon my language, a jackass.”
A smile cracked on his face, “Most are true. But I got an image to upkeep.”
“I’m not impressed. Why not show them this side? The quiet, crafty and rather charming you.”
“Trust me, lass. ‘hat’ll get you a broken bottle in your neck. At least where I tend to hang around at.”
“Sounds like you need to stop being around those people.”
“They pay well. And that’s the only reason I stay.” The tone of his voice changed to one that sounded jaded of this game he played to keep income flowing in.
As we sat on the balcony of the Green Dragon Tavern, Thomas chugged pint after pint. He slouched back in the chair, his feet propped up on the railing and his face looked so concentrated. Sneaking a peek here and there, I scribbled frantically, capturing his pose on paper. I chuckled softly as I shaded the figure on the paper.
“‘hat you giggling about ov’r there?” His speech slurred in with his heavy accent as he looked to me with lazy eyes.
Turning the drawing board around, a chuckled escaped me as he seemed shocked at the fact I had sketched him out.
“He looks a little fat.” We shared a laugh before a call for Thomas rang out. His ‘friends’ were holding another of their ‘secret’ meetings.
I sighed as he walked into the tavern. The Thomas Hickey I had heard about came to life at these meetings. I could here his vulgar and crass comments. His behaviour was no better. Always placing an inappropriate touch or grab on the women. We weren’t a thing but something about him acting such a way always made me fume with anger
After placing the loose piece of paper in my ‘sketchbook’, I got up and walked down the stairs. Thomas must have noticed as he quickly followed me with his eyes. Doing my best to pay him no mind, I walked down to the first floor and out of the Tavern. I’d rather not watch him be some character that cared only for his own well-being.
The sun slowly sank beyond the horizon, giving barely enough light for more sketches. Sighing, I place the loose papers in the ‘book’ and took in the sight of the setting sun. Despite the calm air, a knot of frustration was still present; the thought of Thomas being so animalistic made me pity his attempts of becoming wealthy.
“‘ow’d I know I’d find you out here?” Thomas sat down next to me and took the sketchbook from my lap and began to look through its pages.
“You knew because this is my favorite spot.” Chuckling lightly, I leaned my head on the tree.
Looking over to me, Thomas must have seen a very different expression than the chipper, inspiring one I normally wore, “Somethin’ on your mind?”
I shook my head, remaining silent. I feared I would say something I would regret, or worse make him act like he does at the Tavern.
“You’re lying. Now tell me what is bothering you?”
“Just upset about not being able to get that really nice sketchbook I wanted.” What a lie. He would surely figure it out but at least it would satisfy him enough.
He sighed, “You are a horrible liar. Now tell me the truth.” He leaned down so I couldn’t avoid eye contact.
A deep sigh was all I could manage at first. I sat in silence for a minute before welling up the courage to talk to him, “I. I don’t like the Thomas who appears at those meetings. I know that isn’t you. Why can’t you be the you that you are with me?”
“They wouldn’t take me seriously if I didn’t. They need someone like that to deal with things they’d rather not. And that’s where the money is, Princess.”
“Well, if that’s how it’s going to be.” I grabbed my things from him before standing up. Without a farewell, I stomped off back home, unable to deal with this logic he had.
The next morning started with a knock at my door. I got up from the kitchen table and slowly opened it, expecting Thomas to be standing there. I was shocked to see one of the local kids with a wrapped box.
“Delivery.” He piped loudly and enthusiastically.
“What? From who?” I questioned him as I didn’t have the money to afford deliveries these day. Nor did I order anything!
“They paid me to keep quiet and said all would be explained in the package.”
Hesitantly, I took the package and gave him a few coins for his troubles. He thanked me quickly before sprinting off. I closed the door and walked back to the table. After pulling the string, the paper began to bloom open. I pulled the box out and lifted the lid. I was shocked at what I saw. “The sketchbook?!” I looked at the box once more and noticed a small paper on the bottom.
A little gift for you. I hope it makes up for my recent behaviour.
Letting out a sigh, I grabbed the book, placed it in my bag and walked out the door. As I turned the corner, I saw Thomas leaning against the building. “Thomas.”
He spoke softly, much more softly then he had ever done before, “Hey there, Princess. Did you like the gift?”
“Yes, but why? It was quite a bit.”
“I know. But that doesn’t bother me.” He took one step forward before speaking again, “Listen. I know I can be an ass. And you don’t like it. But I do it to get the money so I can spoil you.”
“Why? I mean that’s a very kind thing and all, but why?”
“Because I really like you. To a point that I don’t think ‘like’ is even a strong enough word.”
I chuckled softly as I noticed his cheeks reddening the more he spoke. He walked up to me, standing face to face. He looked so vulnerable and defenseless as he tried to fully express his feelings.
“I think I might be in love you, Y/N. I want to be with you constantly, hear you laugh, see you smile. Gah, this is not something I am good at expressing.” He huffed as he hung his head down slightly.
Tiptoeing slightly, I gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. “Don’t stress, we can take this slowly. At least until you figure out how to express yourself.” I teased him as he became a red cheeked fiend.
