Jackal Boyfriend: Abasi (complete)

When I was little, my parents fled Culuweth in the wake of Queen Bethsabe’s rule. They chose to settle in Obresh, but even there life was difficult due to the stigma against Gnolls. My parents had to work extremely hard to make a name for themselves. They started off with one sheep, which turned to three, then ten, then dozens more. My father sheared the sheep, my mother would spin it into yarn, and once they were able they dyed the wool as well.

My mother taught me to knit. I became fascinated by clothes, especially the fashions around the empire. Since Obresh was a port city, I was able to see all types of clothing. I was amazed that different locations required different clothes. The Rakshasa dressed to protect themselves from the harsh desert sun, and kept their fabrics light and airy. The people in the Polar wore leather and furs to keep themselves warm, and used very dark dyes to stand out amongst the blinding white of snow. The Kobolds wore sheer, often revealing clothing to take in the sun’s warmth. Back home in Culuweth, the weather was usually dreary and rainy, so most fashion was meant to be worn indoors, as a means of showing off, and dyes were constantly being experimented with. 

I went to Rakshasa Country once to buy dyes from their markets. I often wore my own creations, and one such outfit caught the eye of the royal dressmaker for Queen Imani. Mateo became my mentor, inviting me into the palace, where he taught me everything he knew. I made dresses for Queen Imani, and even helped create her wedding robes. I made a gown for Queen Mythri when she was pregnant with the twin princes. Once Mateo and Imani got married, he made me head of his staff. I was beyond honored - but then I developed wanderlust. 

When Queen Imani began having difficulties with pregnancy, Queen Mythri sent a midwife, Kisska, to help her. Kisska traveled all over the empire, teaching her craft and learning from others. After hearing about her travels, I decided to tag along with her. She too had grown up in Obresh, and all our childhood we had had brushes with one another, but this was the first time we truly met.

When we aren’t traveling, we make our home in Obresh. I’m able to spend time with my family on the farm, which has grown into one of the biggest businesses here. I’ve set up a shop of my own, where I sell and mend clothes. I have a cobbler on staff as well, which is the main attraction to my shop. The Orcs can really wear out a pair of shoes.

Recently, I have become the only single friend of my group. Kisska, Yasa, Zahbi, and Mika have all met someone recently. I went to Rakshasa Country during festival season, staying behind to catch up with Mateo and the rest of the staff. When I got home everyone was in a honeymoon phase. I can’t help but feel a little left out.

One afternoon I’m working in the shop, setting up a basket of yarn my mother has sent from the farm and decorating the store window with new designs I made while visiting Mateo. As I’m putting clothes on the dressform, my foot catches under one of the heavy iron legs and I stumble. I start to fall when someone leaps out from the cobbler’s workshop and catches me. “Whoa! Steady, now!” He helps me get upright again. “You alright there?”

“Thank you. You saved my eggs there!” My heart is still pounding from the near fall. I smile as I look up at him, greeted by pitch-black fur and honey-colored eyes. I recognize him. He’s  a friend of Susilo, who is dating my friend Zahbi. I’ve seen him around Obresh a lot.

His ears twitch and his brow arches as he chuckles. “Saved your eggs?” 

“You’ve never heard that? If eggs fall, they break?” I shake my head and laugh. “Oh, well, it’s something my mom always said.”

“It’s cute,” he murmurs. He motions to the dress figure in the window. “Need help with that thing?”

“No, no, I’ve got it.” I step back towards it, fixing the clothes that shifted when I fell. “I just got back, so I have some cleaning to do.”

He tilts his head to the side. “Is this your shop?”

I nod. “That’s right. Although I know people really only come here for the cobbler. Is that what you’re here for?”

He turns, glancing back into the cobbler’s workshop. “Funny thing is, I just got those damn boots, but as soon as I went to Rakshasa Country they got burnt by fireworks.”

I snap my fingers. Fireworks! That’s what it was! That firework maker has just moved into Obresh. There are kids all over with smoke bombs and firecrackers, wreaking havoc. Kaboom has become quite the talk of the town. “Oh, that’s right. You work with Kaboom, don’t you? I work with Kisska sometimes.”

“Abasi.” He puts a hand to his chest and bends slightly at the waist. “You’re the one who makes those wonderful blankets. I’ve been quite jealous of the one Susilo has, especially since the weather is about to change.”

“Tysh. Nice to meet you. Actually, I have plenty of those blankets if you’re interested. I haven’t had much else to do lately. Most of my friends are in new relationships, so I’ve just been knitting in my spare time.”

Abasi sighs, rolling his shoulders forward and dropping them into a slouch. “I know what you mean. It seems lately my boys’ club has become more for couples. I’m the odd man out.”

I grin widely. “All the more reason you need a nice new blanket!”

He hisses, sucking in a breath through his teeth. “Now, that’s just plain mean! Is this how you drum up all your business? Play damsel in distress and then show your claws?”

I laugh, careful to keep it soft, as a Gnoll laugh can be quite embarrassing. “It’s a new tactic I’m trying out. How do you like it?”

“Show me the damn blankets,” Abasi sighs.

“Come right this way!” I lead him across the shop, where I have a hamper filled with all the blankets I’ve knitted. “I fancy myself a clothier myself, although I’m much more used to things like saddles and armor. Back home, leather was king.”

Abasi picks up a blanket, unfolding it enough to see the pattern and colors. I peer up at him. This is exactly what I needed. Since the weather is changing, my inventory has to be ready as well. Leather is always in high demand, but never so much as around harvest season and winter. 

“Are you a tanner or cordwainer?” I try to keep my excitement in check.

“I can do both,” he shrugs. “It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to do either. Why do you ask?”

“I need heavy leather belts and gloves for harvest season. After that, it’ll be coats and fur-lined gloves for winter. I would pay you handsomely if you could make them! I’m not very good with leatherwork, so I usually have to place an order with a friend in the Polar. But if you have training as a cordwainer, then you’re just the man I’m looking for.”

Abasi hums to himself, holding the blanket in his arms. “It would be nice to have something to do. I don’t have a workshop, though.”

“I can give you my sewing room. There’s a small loft in my home. I can move my workspace there, now that Yasa is gone so frequently. If you want to work here, I’d be happy to have you.”

Abasi rubs his jaw for a moment, lost in thought. Then he turns back to me and lets out a small sigh. “Do you mind if I take some time to think this over?”

“Of course. I don’t mind at all.”

“I’ll get an answer back to you in a couple of days. The offer is intriguing, but it’s been a while since I’ve done that sort of work.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I just want to make sure I’m not going to get aggravated with the work and let you down.”

“No need to explain,” I chuckle. “If you lose practice, you lose practice.”

Abasi reaches into his pocket and pulls out some coins, placing them in my palm. “Here, for the blanket. I’ll be back in a day or so for my boots, and I’ll give you my answer then.”

“That’s fine. Thank you for buying the blanket.” I walk with him to the door and open it for him.

“No, thank you.” He bows his head to me as he leaves, going down the street before mixing into the crowd.

After I close the shop for the evening, Yasa comes to drag me to her boyfriend’s food stand. It’s extremely busy when we arrive, but she takes me to a kitchen-sized room in the back. “His friend Abasi is here, too,” she tells me as we walk around the crowd.

“Abasi?” It’s a surprise, to say the least. I hadn’t expected to see him again for another few days. “I met him today in the shop.”

“Oh, good, then I won’t have to make any awkward introductions.” Yasa takes us inside, where Abasi is sitting at a small table drinking. He looks up with his ears lifted in surprise, then twitches them sideways.

“Well, hello again.” He sets his beer down. “Wasn’t expecting familiar company tonight.”

My cheeks feel warm, and a nervous giggle builds in my chest. I hate my laugh - it’s loud and obnoxious - but that’s part of being a Gnoll, I suppose.

“Tysh said you were at the shop today. Buy anything exciting?” Yasa chuckles as she sits down.

“I wouldn’t say exciting - comforting, mostly. Although I did catch her like a cherry blossom fluttering from the sky.” He winks at me as he takes a drink of his beer.

I twitch and stave off that nervous laughter a little bit more. “He bought a blanket.”

“What’s this cherry blossom bit about?” Yasa asks, arching her brow. 

“I tripped while setting up the store window,” I sigh. “I was lucky Abasi was there to catch me.”

“She was so grateful, she offered me a job.” His teasing smile sparkles.

Yasa pours two more beers, one for me and one for her. “Did you let it slip you can sew up people?”

I furrow my brow. “I thought...” I turn and look at him as his eyes widen. “He told me he worked with leather.”

“I also said I was out of practice,” Abasi sighs. “Lately I’ve used my skills stitching up other hides, if you catch my drift.”

I pout. “I thought Susilo was the medic?” 

“Oh, he is! But he’s terrible with a needle, so whenever there is something particularly heinous, it’s my job to mend the tear.” Abasi takes a big gulp from his stein. 

“I’ve seen his work though,” Yasa tries to clean up her mess. “I mean, they still use the saddles he made. They’re really quite breaktaking. He has talent.”

Abasi scoffs, curling his lip. “Stop throwing honey on me. I told her I had to think about the job offer. I may not be able to make things breathtaking anymore.”

Yasa clicks her tongue. “Oh, come now, talent is talent. It just takes some practice to get back into shape.”

“Sorry about that.” Embery comes back with plates, serving us at the table. “It’s busy tonight. It’ll die down soon, and I’ll come back.” He bends down to kiss Yasa, then rushes back to the front of the stand. 

“You know, Tysh’s parents own that sheep farm just beyond the mill,” Yasa says as we begin to eat. 

“Is that so?” Abasi glances over at me. “Has that always been the family business?”

I shake my head. “It was mostly luck. When my parents first came here after leaving Culuweth, a sheep and a couple of chickens were all we could afford. My mother knew how to spin yarn, so the business sort of grew from there.”

A strange look crosses his face. “Oh - so you didn’t grow up in Culuweth.”

“My parents thought it was becoming too dangerous there. They didn’t like Bethsabe, so they took everything they had and sold it in order to escape. I barely remember the trip, but I grew up here in Obresh.”

“Back in those days, I thought it was illegal for Gnolls to live outside Culuweth,” he murmurs. 

For ages, due to the prevalence of Gnoll slavers, many kingdoms in the empire made it illegal for Gnolls to maintain residence or become civilians. Obresh was one of the few that tolerated us. 

I nod and let out a heavy sigh. “It’s one of the reasons it took so much money for us to escape. We had to be smuggled, really.”

“I’m sorry,” Abasi says quickly. “I didn’t mean to bring up any bad memories. I know it’s only recently that Gnolls have started to step out of Bethsabe’s shadow. I mean, I grew up rather secluded from the world, so...” He stops himself and frowns. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s OK,” I say softly. “Obresh was a good place to grow up. The Orcs were always nice to us - maybe a bit wary at first, but I was never treated horribly or anything. My parents knew we could find a better life here than in Culuweth, and we did! They started their farm, and I worked for Queen Imani before I started traveling with Kisska.”

Abasi’s eyes widen. “How did you work for Queen Imani? I thought she hated Gnolls more than anyone.”

“Her husband was my mentor,” I chuckle. “And Imani hated Bethsabe, not all Gnolls. I got to know her quite well when I became the head seamstress at the royal palace.”

Abasi slams his paw down on the table. “You cannot be serious! You were a royal seamstress, and now you have a shop in Obresh? What on earth are you doing here?”

“It’s not all that glamorous. I grew a bit bored, that’s all. I don’t think of being back in Obresh as a downgrade from the palace.”

“You worked for royalty, and now you’re begging me to come work for you?” Abasi smirks at me. “Asking me for any sort of favor can’t be anywhere but down.”

I can’t hold it back anymore, and my laugh breaks free. It’s high-pitched and loud, yipping almost. I quickly cover my mouth and wait for the usual reaction. It doesn’t come. I drop my hands, and Abasi frowns. “Why’d you stop?” he asks.

I press my hands to my knees. “I know my laugh is annoying. I’m sorry.” 

“I keep telling you,” Yasa huffs, “your laugh isn’t annoying! It’s fine.”

“I liked it,” Abasi adds. “I like anything that sounds happy.”

My heart skips. No one has ever said they liked my laugh. I let a smile show through. “Thanks,” I murmur. “Did it really sound happy?”

“Of course it did. What else would it sound like?” He motions to my stein. “I’ll get us some more drinks if you like.”

“Sure.” I still feel embarrassed about my laugh, and I probably will for a long time. I forced myself to keep it hidden most of my life, and I’m really sure how to let it out anymore. Now that it’s out and someone has heard it, I’m afraid. But Abasi said he liked it, that it sounded happy. It’s hearing that which truly makes me happy. 

I have fun that evening, sharing drinks and eating with Abasi and Yasa. He’s charming and witty, so whenever he speaks I pay close attention to him. He’d been traveling for a long time before he started working with Kaboom and the rest. Growing up secluded, he didn’t meet anyone who wasn’t a Jackal until a nomadic tribe of Rakshasa came to seek assistance. The way he spoke about them was like hearing someone recount a fairy tale. Abasi described himself as a changeling after that day, stating that home never felt quite enough once the Rakshasa left. When he was old enough, he left home to see the world. 

Abasi reminds me of the romantic heroes in the fairy tales I used to love as a child. He’s handsome and cunning, like an adventurer searching for treasure who rescues maidens along the way. It’s a surprise to me that he’s single. He seems like a pretty good catch to me. 

I start to practice laughing in private after that. When I think no one can hear me, I laugh, and really try to hear myself. It isn’t a genuine laugh, but it’s closer to how I naturally laugh than anything. Abasi said he liked my laugh, which seems so foreign to me. Perhaps if I hear it enough, I can grow to love my laughter again. 

I usually go to the store early in the mornings, which gives me time to clean in peace and finish any tasks I couldn’t the day before. I’m used to seeing very few people on the way in. Sometimes I don’t see anyone at all, depending on the season. Today, someone is already standing outside the shop. As I get closer, I realize it’s Abasi. I race up to him with the key in my hand. “I’m sorry! Have you been waiting long?”

Abasi’s serious expression melts into a smile. “I know, I know. Only the drunks and the farmers are up this early. But I thought I could start working and get some things done today.” He holds up his tool kit and some supplies.

I furrow my brow as I open the door. “You’ve decided to work here?”

“Yeah. Let me set these things down and I’ll show you what I did.” I lead Abasi to the back room which I’ve started cleaning out in preparation. He plops his heavy tools and the bale of leather and fur down onto the table, then reaches into the back pocket of his pants and pulls out a pair of gloves. “After our talk the other night, I got out my equipment and found some old material I kept stored away. I made these.”

He lays the gloves in my hands. They’re very soft leather, good for chilly weather, not the gloves of a farmer like I expected. There’s stitching along the hem that makes a pattern of delicate petals, and spells out my name. My jaw almost hits the ground. “Are these for me?”

“I did spell your name correct, right?” He steps closer. “But yeah, I figured if someone needed to see my work, it would be you.”

I slip the gloves on. They fit perfectly. Even working at the palace, I never had anything so nice. “These are amazing!”

“That’s easy.” He scratches along his jaw and smiles shyly. “I haven’t stitched like that in ages. My fingers are killing me.” He starts sorting his supplies on the table. “I made patterns from the hands of all the guys too, just to be sure. I figured Kaboom would be a good match for the Orcs around here, and it’s just nice to have patterns around. Listen to me ramble,” he laughs. “You know all about this. I’ll start making some things to sell, then people can make orders if they like.”

“I’ll make a sign for the window. This will be wonderful! You’ll make good money this way,” I say brightly.

“You will too, you know?” Abasi replies. “I plan on paying for this workspace. Or, you can buy my wares from me and sell them for a markup. Either way is fine with me.”

I’m so excited to have Abasi working in the shop, I had completely forgotten about the business aspect of it. “Oh, of course! We can discuss that later. For now I’m sure you want to get to work.”

Abasi pulls out his tools, all of which look worn and old. “Thanks. I’ll try to have a pair or two done by closing.”

It’s a strange experience, being able to look through the doorway and see Abasi working at the table. He’s intent on his work, and very precise. It amazes me a little to watch him, and I have to be careful not to stare too long. I’m sure it’s uncomfortable for him.

Each day I come into work, he’s waiting by the door. We chat for a little bit before both of us set to work. I keep noticing how worn his tools are, because each day after closing he lines them all up neatly on the table. The handles need repairing, and some need to be flattened or sharpened.

So one evening I sneak the tools out of the shop, hoping not to run into Abasi as I went to my parent’s farm and to their blacksmith. The blacksmith agrees to help me fix the tools that evening, so when Abasi comes to work in the morning, his tools will be like new again.

“This young man must be special,” my mother says with a smile, having come out to the blacksmith's shop to bring us something to drink and snack on.

“He’s a good friend,” I answer simply. “He works really hard. I thought if his tools were repaired, then it would be much easier on him.”

“Just a friend?” my mother smirks. “Tools are personal. Your father never let me touch his when we first met. The fact that he trusts you enough with them seems like a big deal to me. Not to mention you care enough to want to help him.”

“He’s a good person, that’s all. He doesn’t make fun of my laugh.” I suddenly feel so silly, like a child trying to explain her actions. “I just want to thank him.”

“I thought you’d stopped hiding your laugh, Tysh.” My mother pats the top of my head. “I think there is more to this young man than you’re letting yourself believe.”

I duck my head a little lower as she scratches my scalp. “He’s a good friend,” I insist, unsure if it’s me or her I’m reassuring.

I take the tools directly to the store after they’re done. I lay them out neatly, just like Abasi does, so he won’t notice until he’s looking right at them. The following morning, when I return to the shop, I struggle to contain myself as best I can, especially when I see him waiting by the door. “Good morning,” I chime. I unlock the door and lead him in. “Did you have a good night’s rest?”

“Sort of,” he sighs. “It was restless for me. It always is when there’s a full moon. I can’t sleep with so much light out.” He shuffles off towards the workshop. “What about you? You seem awful cheerful this morning.”

“Oh, nothing out of the ordinary.” I take out the broom to sweep in front of the door and glance back, watching him as he goes into the workshop. He sits down and yawns, rubbing his eyes before taking a tool into his hand. I wait with bated breath, wondering if he’ll notice or not. Suddenly he frowns at the tool in his hand, and rolls it around before he catches me staring. 

“Hey, you.” He wags his finger. “Come here.”

“Is something the matter?” I’m fit to burst.

He holds up the round knife, which had been sharpened and balanced better in the handle. “Did a magical little fairy come in here last night?”

I’m holding my smile back as best I can. “It does look nice and sharp today, doesn’t it?”

Abasi arches his brow and smirks. “Fess up. You look like the cat who ate the canary. Did you do me a little favor?”

“I’m sorry if I overstepped.” I grin from ear to ear. “But it’s been so nice having you here, and I just wanted to thank you. I couldn’t help but notice how worn your tools were, so I took them to the blacksmith who works for my parents.”

Abasi tilts his head to the side as he smiles up at me. His honey eyes seem brighter today, even if he is tired. “That was very kind, but what are you thanking me for? I’m just working here. I’m not performing miracles.”

Embarrassment catches in the back of my throat, and I go silent. I feel almost ridiculous. I fixed his tools because he made me feel good about myself, and I’m even starting to like my laugh a little because of him.

“I’ll have to make you something nice once I get done with these orders. Yes, that’s all there is to it.” Abasi nods shortly.

“No!” I yelp. “Please don’t. I really wanted you to be able to work easier, so don’t worry about me at all.”

His ear twitches. “Whatever your reason is, I owe you more than you owe me. I like working here. I’ve enjoyed getting back into the craft my father taught me. Also, I enjoy your company.”

I open my mouth to say something, but I hold the words back as quickly as they come. I almost told him I liked him, but I know I should be careful saying so. “I’m glad,” is all I say.

I do like Abasi - romantically and as a friend - but I’m a little scared. I’ve never been the one people fall for. And I like being Abasi’s friend. There was never a princess Gnoll in the fairy tales. Gnolls are always bad guys and witches. Even if my mother changed up the stories to reassure me, I still always played the witch with my friends. I was never a maiden.

That evening as I close up shop, Abasi has his head on his desk. I noticed him lay it down a while back, but I thought he was only resting. As I approach the doorway, I’m certain he’s been asleep this whole time. I shake his shoulder to rouse him. “Abasi, I’m closing. You should wake up.”

He grumbles, then covers his head with his hands. “Closing, no.”

I take his hand. “Come on. I’ll walk you home if you’re tired.”

His hand wraps around mine. “Come to bed with me. We’ll cuddle.”

My heart hammers like a hunted rabbit’s. “No. Abasi, you’re in the shop! There’s no bed. It’s me, Tysh!”

His eyes become clearer, and his ears perk up. “Oh.” He sits up, still holding my hand. “What time is it?”

“I’m closing up shop,” I say again. “Let me walk you home.”

Abasi blinks, rubbing his eyes with his free hand. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep like that.” He yawns loudly, then looks at his hand holding mine. “Sorry.” He lets go as he stands up.

“It’s OK. You said you didn’t sleep well this morning.” I watch him as he puts on his jacket, clutching my hand close to my chest. 

He yawns again and smacks his jaws. “I could use a drink. Want to go to the bar with me? My treat.”

“Sure, if you don’t mind company.” I follow him out the door, and as soon as I lock it Abasi takes hold of my hand. My heart turns into one of those sizzling firecrackers the kids have been playing with lately.

He keeps holding my hand even as we walk into the bar, only letting go once we sit down at the table. He gazes across at me with a soft, sleepy smile on his face. “This isn’t my ‘thank you’ by the way. I’m planning on making you something nice for winter.” He sits up as the beer and food are brought to the table.

“I told you not to!” I scold.

“Too bad. I don’t want my girl getting cold this winter when I have to go to the Polar for the Winter Festival.” He takes a drink, then a bite of food. 

My face feels warm. “Your girl?” I sputter. “What girl?”

“You, girl.” He laughs. “Sorry… All the other girls are going, I thought you’d want to come too. With me, I mean.” He looks at me shyly. “I like being with you. I’d like to always, you know, be with you.”

“As a friend?”

“No, not...” He sighs and looks me in the eye. “Tysh, I like you, more than like. I’m falling for you. I can only hope you feel something close to that too.”

“As a friend?” My voice cracks.

Abasi smiles, reaching back out under the table to take my hand. “‘Girlfriend’ was what I had in mind.”

I squeeze his hand tight and duck my head. “I’m sorry. This is new for me. I do like you, the same way you said. I’m really happy.”

Abasi moves his chair beside mine and tilts my chin up to look at me. “Look at those pretty eyes,” he whispers. “And cute nose.” He presses our noses together and rubs them. “I fell for you the moment you laughed, you know?”

My heart runs freely around my chest. “Really? That stupid thing?”

“Not stupid,” he insists. “Your laugh is wonderful. I want to hear it often.” He kisses my cheek, then nuzzles to it. “So don’t be afraid to laugh around me. It’ll make me happy too.”

I lean over, kissing him softly as he squeezes my hand. As he pulls back I start to chuckle, and once he begins to grin I can’t help but laugh. It rolls from me like thunder across a valley. Abasi grins, and his eyes shine brightly. 

“There it is,” he cries out with joy. “The most perfect sound in the world.”

He walks me home when we leave the bar, and I never want to let go of his hand. We kiss at my door, and then he goes home. I’m so excited I can barely sleep, and in the morning I raced to work. Sure enough, Abasi is waiting at the door for me to open up.

I approach him with a smile. “Good morning.”

“Morning.” He dips down, rubbing our noses together. “Sleep well?”

“Not at all,” I sigh happily. I reach into my pocket, but I then realize I’ve forgotten the key at home. “Oops.”

Abasi takes my hand in his. “No worries. I’ll go with you.”

“So it wasn’t a dream?” I ask as we walk away. “You really do like me?”

His dark fur looks silky and shiny in the morning light. He smells nice too, like he bathed before he arrived. Then again, perhaps I am seeing him with new eyes. Now that I know our feelings are mutual, I get to see him as my romantic hero.

He lifts my hand and kisses the back of it. “For now, I like you. Eventually I’ll love you.”