Work Text:
Tagora was working hard as you watched him, his usually neat, black hair draped in disorganized strands over his face. It was another hard to crack case. One that would lead to a large sum of payment too, assuming he won. Hence, his serious dedication to the task at hand was understandable.
Even you resisted the urge to bother him, allowing him space to work as you scratched his lusus' head. The ferret-like creature happily nudged you and released some chirping sounds that let you know he was content with the attention. You did slightly regret how bored you were, though. An emotion you were pretty sure showed on your face, but Tagora didn't notice.
Just as you considered excusing yourself to head home, your palmhusk received a notification. You checked it and saw it was from Galekh.
I hear you are at Gorjek's. ¹ Is he still working on that scandal and robbery case? ²
1. He told me earlier.
2. Not that I care.
Yeah, I'm here. And yes, he is.
I'm surprised he even let me in with how focused he is.
Of course he'd let you in. ¹ Why wouldn't he? ² He has been working at it since yesterday, though, and should really take a break. ³
1. If I am not misinformed, you are close.
2. Unless I am unaware of some other issue surrounding your relationship.
3. Again, not that I care. Gorjek can handle himself.
You started to reply that if he was worried, he should just call Tagora himself, but deleted your sentence before sending it. You still weren't sure what was considered normal in a kismesissitude, and the last thing you wanted to do was give unwelcome advice. Or worse, piss either of them off and get in the way of the relationship after you helped them get together. Besides, Galekh wasn't wrong. Tagora had handled many similar cases on his own before you barged into his life.
There's no issues with us. I just meant because of how busy he is. Figured he wouldn't want the distraction.
I don't think he minds. ¹
1. You are important to him.
Your eyes widened at that, a slight blush on your cheeks. You stole another glance at Tagora, wondering what Galekh meant by that. It wasn't as if you guys weren't close—he'd never let you in his hive as often as he did otherwise—but you'd never really put a name to your relationship dynamic. Before you could ask Galekh to elaborate, however, another message stopped you.
Forget I said that. ¹ Apologies if I overstepped a boundary. ²
1. It's not my place to interfere with or question the dynamic you two have.
2. You didn't reply back right away, so I thought I may have upset you.
Not upset. Don't worry.
Good. ¹ Will I still be seeing you tomorrow then? ²
1. It was not my intention to make you uncomfortable, so I'm relieved my carelessness has not done so.
2. I have obtained that book I wanted to show you.
Of course we're still on for tomorrow. I'm excited! See you then!
Galekh didn't say anything else after that, your palmhusk quiet as you returned your focus to Tagora. He was biting his lower lip in frustration, stress evident in his expression, and your heart ached at the sight. You didn't want to disturb him, but you also didn't want to see him collapse from overworking. Your exchange with his kismesis also played through your mind, something bothering you despite your claim that you were fine.
Without thinking, you rose and crossed the distance between you and Tagora, his eyes still glued to the paper. You stood by him, hesitant to act on your sudden impulse to touch him. What if you'd misunderstood the implication of Galekh's words? Surely Tagora's kismesis wouldn't be wrong about such a thing, regardless of how strange their romance was.
You supposed all you could do was find out. With a compulsory deep breath, you reached for Tagora. At first you were content just to place your hands on his shoulders, awkwardly aware of how he'd immediately tensed at the contact. But when he didn't last out, you opted to test your luck. You leaned into him and let your arms fall from his shoulders to wrap around his waist in a hug.
Your face was red as you spoke. "You've been working on this a while. Maybe a break will do you good?"
He gave a hum in thought. "I don't have much time left before the deadline."
"Just a small break," you suggested, squeezing him a little tighter. "A teensy tiny one?"
"Fine, a small one can't hurt," he agreed, leaning back into your embrace.
You released your grip on him, and he used that chance to turn to you. His face was a shade of teal, indicating his embarrassment. Such a pretty color. You didn't get to often, but you always loved seeing that shade on his skin.
Your right hand seemed to move on its own as it grazed his cheek with your fingers. Tagora's eyes widened, but he didn't pull away or insult you. Rather, he did the opposite. He took your hand in his and held it to his cool skin, yellow eyes fluttering closed. His eyelashes were long and beautiful. Everything about him was beautiful, from his fit yet slightly androgynous body, to his silky hair, to his strong eyebrows.
In response to your touch, he pulled you close and placed his forehead against yours. It was a nice feeling, and you nuzzled into him further. Something he didn't seem to mind at all, judging by the purr that escaped his throat. At least, it sounded like a purr. Albeit, a very warped and bizarre one.
"Are you purring?" you asked, a delighted smile plastered on your face.
He stopped and pulled away, flustered. "N-no. I don't know what you heard, but I did not."
"Tagora, you may be the King of Scams and Deceit, but you can't lie to me about what I just heard," you said bluntly, eyebrow raised. "I definitely just heard you purr."
"Alright, fine. Yes, I did. What of it?"
You crossed your arms over your chest. "What does it mean?"
He blinked as if initially confused by your question, but seemed to remember your lack of knowledge on troll anatomy as he straightened and returned his face back to it's usual neutral expression. "Despite your looks, I forget that you are an alien at times."
"You calling me unbearably ugly?" you joked, only to regret it when he bore a look of horror on his face.
"No!" he screeched, and another teal blush painted his cheeks once he realized how loud he'd spoken. "Not unbearably. You… You do have some good features. At times."
You laughed at the not-quite-a-compliment compliment. "Gee, thanks. Well, so do you."
He scoffed. "Of course I do. I take perfect care of myself." Despite the tone used, he wore a small smile, eyes soft as they gazed at you.
"Gor-Gor…" you began, stomach tight in trepidation. "What are we?"
He looked you over again, and he seemed more relaxed than you'd ever seen him as he asked the words that eased all of your worries. "What do you want us to be?"