50 Trigmans World (2/2)

”Map, are you still adamant about not coming with us?”

”Yes.” His answer was stern.

I fell silent. The whole room did. Nobody had the power to refute him. Not only because he was the eldest there, but also because I already knew how painful it would be for him. The sound of water running in the other room was the only sound we listened to for a long time. that, and the soft gushes of air Kyo let out while sleeping. In a way, it was profound.

No, it was not. It was falling off, just like I did not want it.

”Alright, I'll go with you,” Mappa said while I wasn't looking. After I swung my neck towards him, he was smiling softly. I knew it was coming.

”I'll come, if you promise to pay me a million dollars in the next three weeks.”

I knew he'd try to pull this trick. I hated it. I hated him.

”Please, don't, Mappa. Don't try to take it all on you. I know you better than anyone in this room. you're just trying to play the bad guy. But you should know my ledger is already in the red. It doesn't matter if you want to be the bad guy. I am worse.”

That, made him sad. His soft smile disappeared. He was disappointed I saw through him once again.

The water stopped running in the shower and we half expected a little exhibition from Trigman this time. Alas, he came out with his crotch wrapped in a towel. He entered the room and immediately recognized the heaviness in the air. He didn't say anything. He just went towards his briefcase and quickly dressed up. After donning his gray pants and an accompanying shirt, he took a seat next to Mappa.

”You're coming with us. No questions about it. No more discussions either.”

Mappa nodded.

Pricilla left the room for the much needed reunion. Trigman took Priscilla's seat next to me and threw the covers over his legs. He took a second to get comfortable. Once he fond his sweet spot, she lifted his left arm, like he was inviting me. I took the chance and jumped into his hug. He was warm. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and he rested his lifted arm over mine.

”Map, I don't mean to be rude. But there is a reason Mad has called us thousands of miles away. Just, humor her,” Trigman took a stand with me. He became even more warmer due to the love he was spilling over me.

Mappa didn't respond. He took out his cellphone and started typing. I continued to rub my cheek over Trigman's shirt covered chest. This felt like home.

”Trigman, do you love me?” I questioned innocently.

”Yes. Yes I do,” Trigman poured his affection for me in that small statement.

”Can you kill for me?” I asked another question.

”Yes. I can go against the whole world for you. And killing somebody is just the part of it. You know it first hand that I'd do anything if somebody comes in between us.”

Trigman reminded me of the time in Nepal when we were kids. When we all lived in a run down room. when one day a boy from another gang came up to us. That day, when Mappa laid down at the doorway with a broken head. That evening, when I was almost raped. And that moment, when Trigman nearly beat that boy to death, permanently breaking his both legs and right arm. That second, when his calm stern eyes were bloodshot, full of revenge. That was the moment when he was known as 'Trigger'.

I had never seen Trigman like that. And he had never turned into Trigger ever since.

I hugged him tightly once again, and he moved his hand from my waist to my hair, softly brushing his strong fingers through them.

I closed my eyes and asked him one last question, one that I already knew the answer of.

”Bro, can you die for me?”

Trigman continued to brush my hair. He didn't answer. Not at the exact moment. I opened my eyes and saw him looking at me. He was smiling.

”No, I cant die for you,” He said.

”I already have somebody to live for. I already have somebody to die for,” He said, following it by a kiss on my forehead.

I guess that was true love.

The air felt a little lighter and breathable.