@technobratx said: "This guy you're seeing..." It was hard not to spit the words out. Despite how hard to tried to keep her tone even, there was still some bitterness. It was not like Kip to just keep things from her. Especially something like this? All she wanted to know was...why? Why all the secrecy? Why all the hiding?
They were...hell they ARE best friends, they hardly had any secrets between them. Kip was the one person that she could confidently place whatever was left of her trust in. So, when it finally came out Tim could just feel her heart fall into her stomach, words and questions just spilling out as she desperately tried to find an answer but it did not work.
The words hung in the air for a long time, waiting until she could allow the venom to die down. Her hand moving to the back of her neck and rubbing absentmindedly, thumb rolling harshly at the knot of tension that was placed firmly at the base of her neck. Looking to her side and spoke hesitantly.
"Is...he nice to you? Like...are you happy? Like, actually happy?" Tim eyed her friend carefully, her facial features softening "That's all I wanna know, then we don't gotta talk about it again but..." She exhaled through her nose and reached over giving a gentle squeeze to Kip's forearm. Part of it was to reassure her, but also for Tim's own sanity.
"I just want to make sure that you're safe Kip. You're all I got."
She knew that this would come out eventually, but she’s terrified of this conversation nonetheless. There’s a reason she hasn’t said anything ---- why she’s kept this secret even from Basil. If it was really as simple as her meeting a man and getting into a relationship with him, there’d be nothing to hide from either of them.
Jagger is dangerous. She knows that even without knowing him all that well. He’s a magnet for trouble, and his occupation is less than reputable. The less people she can drag into his sphere, the better. The last thing she wants is to be the catalyst for her friend’s and family’s weaponisation.
❝ It’s... not safe, ❞ she admits. It’s too late now. Tim has already twigged, and she’s already made it apparent that it isn’t a relationship she’s hiding. If she backs off now, it’ll only result in collateral for their friendship. ❝ I’m... I’m just in a tight spot right now. I... stole from the wrong guy and now I’m in trouble. ❞
Trouble is one way of putting it. Impending death is another, but it’s a term she wants to avoid. For Tim’s sake. For Basil’s sake. Hell, for her sake; she’s terrified of the consequences if she doesn’t pay this man back for what she stole. Why else would she be involving herself in such shady dealings if not to save her own skin?
❝ I just ---- didn’t want to put you in danger, okay? You cannot tell anyone about this! Especially not my brother. Okay? ❞