Half Orc Boyfriend: Kaboom (special preview)

I start patching up the cut, rubbing a balm into it gently. “It’s not as bad as it looks, but I’m sure it hurts.” I smile to myself. “Paying off those horns already.”

Kaboom chuckles. “You’re right.”

I wrap gauze around his hand and arm to keep the cut and balm sealed. “Keep this on overnight, I can check it in the morning for you.” I then glance to the door. “But I think you should stay here. It’s not safe to go out there now in this weather.”

“Are you sure?” His face begins to bleed pink again. “I’m not interrupting anything am I?”

“I’m alone in a room,” I huff. “What could you possibly be interrupting?”

Kaboom’s face instantly goes red and he ducks his head.

Knee jerk reaction causes me to bust out laughing again. “Oh my gosh, no!” I cackle. “I wasn’t doing-” I sputter and snort with laughter, unable to keep it at bay. “Your friend Loker has really traumatized you hasn’t it.”

“The things that sapphire hellion has made me see,” he groans. “He’s my best friend, and I know he means well most of the time, but I sometimes question if he knows how locks actually work.”

“He gets carried away and forgets, I’m sure.” I let out one last laugh before I smile again at Kaboom. “Seriously, you won’t bother me. Having the company will be nice. Especially right now, I’m actually kind of scared of storms.”

His eyes go wide and he leans closer towards me. “Really? Is there a reason?”

I scrunch up my nose and fiddle nervously with my hands. “Promise not to laugh about it?” I focus on my fingernails.

“Nothing to laugh about,” Kaboom replies

I drop my hands and place them in my lap. “It’ll be silly to you! Ipromise. Considering the work you do and all.” I look back up at Kaboom and his sincere eyes. “I don’t like loud noises.”

“But you bought fireworks for you dad,” he exclaims in surprise.

“I know! I know.” I huff and cross my arms against my chest. “I covered my ears, but big noises like that still scare me.” I chew on my lip as I glance up at him. “When I was little in Obresh, there was a king who wanted the Obresh port for himself, so he tried to take it. It caused a territory war and it was so loud. Everytime I heard a bomb or cannon go off I was terrified that my dad was near it.” I cup my hands around my ears and hang my head. “So even now as an adult, I get scared of storms and thunder.”

Kaboom places his hand on my knee. “That’s nothing to be ashamed about. Even if you didn’t have a reason behind it, you wouldn’t need to explain your fear to me.”

I smile up shyly at him. “Thanks.” I look at his hand on my knee which feels so warm. “Your fireworks are beautiful, so I didn’t mind.” I tilt my chin back up so I can see his eyes. I wanted to tell him then and there that he too was beautiful, but as soon as I wanted to, I lost the courage, so I remained quiet. 

“Loker told me he met your family,” Kaboom cuckles. “He said your dad was rather terrifying.”

“I’m sure he is to Loker,” I laugh. “But he’s my most favorite person in the whole world. He’s a kind, sweet man, and I’m sure once Loker works his way into the family, he’ll see that too.” I go to speak again when thunder booms loudly outside. I yelp, nearly screaming and as I go to duck, Kaboom puts his arms around me. I feel his strength and warmth, and instantly I feel the comfort of home.

I lean into his embrace, hiding myself against his strong chest as the storm rages on outside. I can smell gunpowder and smoke on his skin, as well as the soft aroma of the soap Susilo makes. I flinch when another crash of thunder happens, and Kaboom’s embrace tightens around me.

I wake up in the morning, my body feeling warm and almost stuffy. My cheek is resting on something hard, and as I sit up, I realize that my back is pressed against Kaboom’s chest, and his arm is my pillow. We must have fallen asleep last night, unaware of our position. I look down at his sleeping face and I am far more smitten than before. What I wouldn’t give to wake up to such a sweet expression everyday.

I tap his shoulder and give it a gentle shake. “Kboom,” I whisper. “Kaboom, wake up.”

He grimaces, rolling himself so he’s laying face down on the bed.

“Kaboom.” I shove his shoulder. When he won’t budge I get out of bed and open the door to see outside. As I step onto the deck, I see that the storm has moved us closer to the Rakshasa Port. I can see the brightly colored flags on the beach, and I can almost smell the Rakshasa Cinnamon wafting on the breeze. We’re almost there already, I’m quite shocked. 

I go back into the room, and as I shut the door Kaboom slowly rises in bed. He turns to look at me, his hair mussed and frazzled, his eyes bleary. He sits in bed, staring at me for a long time as if he’s uncertain about where he is. 

“Good morning,” I say gently. “We’re close to port, we should be there by the end of the day.” 

Kaboom looks around, still seeming to piece together everything.

“We must have fallen asleep during the storm.” I try to help him figure it out. “I can’t even remember what we were talking about. We must have drifted off at some time.”

“Oh, right.” Kaboom grumbles, his voice a husky gravel first thing in the morning. He stretches and his shirt comes up over his stomach.

I glance sideways but peek back as he lowers his arms. “Are we really that close to port?” He grumbles as he rubs his eyes.

I nod. “If you walk outside you can see it from the deck.” I go over to my things and take my hairbrush and comb. “Lets me brush your hair.” I sit down on the edge of the bed. “It got all tangled last night.”

“Crap, I didn’t braid it,” he grunts. “You don’t have to, it’s horrible most of the time.”

“Nonsense. I’m used to doing all my siblings’ hair. My brother Abor used to have the worst bedhead imaginable and he insisted on keeping his hair long too.” I start combing out the ends of his hair, slowly working my way up. “I can understand why you keep yours long, it’s absolutely stunning.”

“It’s just easier,” he murmurs.