"I see you, Wraith," I murmur. "And I've wanted you from the beginning."
The silence that follows feels endless. Wraith's chest rises and falls with slow but shallow breaths. Then, slowly, he signs.
N-O-T... S-C-A-R-E-D?
"Of you?" I shake my head. "Never."
He pauses, then gestures between us, encompassing whatever is building between us, this fragile, newborn thing that neither of us has named yet.O-F… T-H-I-S?
"I'm terrified," I admit with a small laugh. "But not of you. Of letting myself trust again. Of being vulnerable. Of wanting something I might lose."
Understanding darkens the blue depths of his eyes. He knows about loss. About fear. About the courage it takes to reach for something when you've been burned before.
M-E... T-O-O.
Those two simple signs bridge the gap between us more effectively than any elaborate declaration could have. We're both scared. Both damaged. Both taking a risk by even having this conversation.
But we're having it anyway.
"So," I say, offering him a small smile, "now that we've established we're both terrified but interested, can we maybe eat that pho before it gets cold? I'm starving."
The tension breaks, a surprised huff of air escaping him that might be the closest thing to a laugh he can manage. With a nod, he turns back to the coffee table where he's laid out an impressive spread of food.
There are two large containers of pho, the rich broth still steaming slightly. Beside them sit plates of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and jalapeños. There's also a plate of spring rolls, a container of dumplings, and what looks like three different kinds of noodle dishes.
"Did you buy out the entire restaurant?" I ask, eyeing the feast with wide eyes.
Wraith's shoulders lift in a sheepish shrug. His hands sign,D-I-D-N-T... K-N-O-W... W-H-A-T... Y-O-U... L-I-K-E-D.
"So you got everything," I finish for him, warmth blooming in my chest at the thoughtfulness of the gesture.
He nods, watching me carefully as if gauging my reaction.
"It's perfect," I say. "Thank you."
We settle onto the couch. He's so big, his knee brushes against mine even though we're on different cushions. The contact sends a jolt through me, but I pretend not to notice as I reach for one of the containers of pho.
The rich, savory scent of the broth fills my nostrils as I remove the lid, making my mouth water instantly. I add a handful of bean sprouts, some basil leaves, and a squeeze of lime, then stir it all together with my chopsticks. I hadn't fully realized just how hungry I am until now.
Wraith hasn't touched his food yet. He sits perfectly still, watching me with those intense blue eyes.
"Aren't you going to eat?" I ask, gesturing to his container.
He hesitates, and the realization hits me like a truck. He can't eat with his mask on, and he's afraid to take it off in front of me. And if I'm hungry, he must be starving with his alpha metabolism.
"Oh," I say softly. "I'm sorry, I didn't think..."
With quick movements, he signs that it's okay.
But it's clearly not okay. The tension has returned to his shoulders, his eyes darting away from mine.
"We could watch a movie," I suggest, an idea forming. "I could sit on the couch with my back to you. That way you could eat without worrying about me seeing."
He shakes his head hard and signs again.I… W-I-L-L… E-A-T-… T-H-E-R-E.
He points to the window. Outside. To the roof.
"Please don't do that. I promise, I won't look."
