RP:Honesty Is Usually The Best Policy

Summary: It’s the first day of their honeymoon and Tiber and Lanara get into a fight over the fact that he kept a piece of his past from her, and she finds out in the worst way possible! Tiberius Lowell was an escort?! The witch is rightfully angry and storms off for some retail therapy while the lycan heads to physical therapy for his injured hand. The hours tick by and Tiber senses that something is wrong, and eventually, he finds out that Lana has been arrested for shoplifting! It’s a whirlwind of a kickoff to their long awaited love fest!

Part of the New Moon, New Motion Arc

(Post 1 of 2) At long last the time for Tiber and Lanara’s honeymoon has arrived and after carefully planning out a romantic route that will include all of the major areas in Lithrydel, they are eager to begin their tour. They also took Tiber’s injury into consideration and so every few days he has to check into the local clinic for physical therapy on his hand, as it was the only way the doctor would feel safe about them taking such an extended trip. The Amber Lunation is currently under the guidance of their Beta, Greyson, and everyone has been keeping busy bossing around Corrine and Nick as part of their lifelong punishment. After locking up the house and boarding their pets at Happy Tails, the couple steps into a carriage and is whisked off to a place where they can celebrate in style! Their first stop is in Rynvale, as the couple arrived on the island the night before, and immediately checked into a fancy bed and breakfast. After having couple massages and a delicious dinner, they retired to their room and gave into their carnal desires, not falling asleep until dawn.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara sits across from Tiber at a cozy table for two, at an upscale breakfast eatery, sipping on her second mimosa. The waiter places their orders before them and discreetly slides a third mimosa beside the dish, before he tends to another table. Lana looks especially pretty today in a canary yellow off-the-shoulder dress and a pair of pumps, and her face lightly painted to hide any blemishes. Staying up half the night had caused slight bags beneath her eyes and she had some redness along her cheeks from Tiber’s stubble rubbing against her sensitive flesh during some of their intimate celebrating. However, no one would guess any of that, as she appears content and has that dreamy look in her eye. She practically swoons every time she looks across at Tiber, wondering how she had gotten so lucky to capture the heart of the most handsome man in all the realm. “It feels like I’m in a dream…” She shakes her head and smiles as she cuts into her eggs benedict, “We are happily married, on our honeymoon, and just enjoying life! Plus, we don’t have to hide our love anymore…” Lana takes a bite of egg and the chocolate diamond ring reflects against the sunlight, mirroring the two brown faux-diamond barrettes that are pinned on each side of her head, pulling half of her long hair into an updo. The waiter from before catches the magnificent diamond and returns to their table, “Can I get either of you anything else? Perhaps another mimosa, Miss? Or a refill on your coffee, Sir?” He obviously senses their wealth and is hoping for a hefty tip!

Tiber finds himself reading the local newspaper, as he always desires to be in the ‘know’ on things. His typical morning routine with the witch. His grip is improving in that injured hand, although slow, but there was progress. The man sips on a mug of coffee, but has his own mimosa off to the side. “Blank whiz…” the man is staring at the crossword puzzle. “Gee,” the word-man raises his brows and slightly smiles. When the waiter swarms by, he realizes he should probably lower the papers now. He could mark puzzles before bed–well, or… maybe do something else before bed. Over. And over. He shakes the thought before staring at his beloved who is… glowing. The man was clad in a loose, white button up, khaki fitted slacks, and brown loafers. A very beachy, classy look. His hair was combed on the sides. He cleaned up for the trip. “Thank the Gods for that. Everything finally feels like it’s in place now. It’s been months without normalcy,” he smirks. He bites at some roasted potatoes on his plate. His ring sits happily on his finger as well. The waiter comes back again to double check on the couple and Tiber leans back and looks at the man. “Slice of apple pie, and whatever my wife wants, if she does, and I think we’ll be set.” Tiberius observes the attentiveness of the waiter before him before shaking his head when the waiter walks away. “Really, him not asking every five minutes if we want anything would be the -best- thing in the world,” the grumbly man is talking to himself at this point. “So, what’s on the agenda today? Anything you want to do in particular? I have a reservation for something special I think you’ll enjoy tomorrow.”

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara giddily eats her breakfast and smirks at the attentiveness of the waiter, it’s a bit annoying, but being treated like royalty on their honeymoon is also rather appealing! She loves being pampered, which is why she pauses with the fork midway to her mouth and her eyes widen at the mention of special reservations, “Tomorrow? My, my, my, Mister Lowell! It looks as though settling down suits you! I can’t wait to see what you have plan-” Lana’s words are cut off as a woman weaves her way through tables and whacks her hip against Tiber’s chair, “Oh my gosh! It -IS- you! I was just having lunch with my cousin and I could have sworn it was you and I had to come over and say hello! You know, my messages must not be going to the right box at the post office! I know you would never ignore me!” The woman -just- notices that Tiber seems to have a date and she apologetically presses her palm to her heart, while her opposite arm wraps around the Catalian’s shoulders, “I’m so sorry! My name is Karen! Here I am interrupting your arrangement! Please, excuse me, this will only take a moment!” Lana arcs a brow at the word ‘arrangement’ and Asha lowly growls from within when this impulsive woman shows up at their table. The waiter returns with Tiber’s slice of pie and he eyes this new pretty woman hanging on the man, so he slides a fourth mimosa Lana’s way. No questions asked! The witch watches as the two interact, her possessive nature casting a dark glow in her gaze, as she downs her third mimosa and latches onto the fourth glass.

(Post 2 of 2) The woman is tall, lean, and has a very pretty face, along with a -very- expensive wardrobe. Are those genuine Kreekitaka shades? And those shoes are at least fifty thousand gold! So many thoughts circle in Lana’s mind as she sizes up her possible competition, but she remains silent, drink poised in hand. Karen rummages in her overpriced bag and pulls out a small notebook, “Let’s see… I’m free this Tuesday and the following Tuesday, after that! Can you meet me in Schezerade? My friend is hosting a fashion gala and you would be the best date, plus I will pay extra if you spend the night.” She smirks and gives Tiber a suggestive wink, “I remember you asked if I would be a once in a while customer or full time, and I think I’m ready to see you on a steady basis now. Do you charge the same rate?” Money is clearly no object and Lana is wondering just what sort of double life her husband is leading, so she interrupts, “Excuse me, we are-” She’s cut off again as Karen talks over her, “Hush, Honey! You are so pretty! You don’t even need to hire an escort! But, women like me? Most just want our money or want to force marriage on my family, and I don’t like getting too attached or sharing my profits.” Upon hearing this explanation, Lanara clenches the glass so tightly that it nearly shatters, before she downs the liquid and slams it onto the table. “Seriously, Tiber?! An escort?!” How had he kept this from her all these years? Why didn’t he mention this secret -before- they got married!? The witch abruptly rises from her chair and shakes her head, her cheeks flaming from embarrassment, as several tables are glancing their way.

Tiber smiles proudly at Lanara’s moment of praise, well, before it was cut off by him being knocked by a hip. The man stares up to see the face in view. A very, very familiar one. The giddiness that lit in Tiber’s eyes completely died as his facial expression became tight. His lips are straight, his eyes are wide and now dumbfounded. “Uh,” he parts now as he glances at Lanara repeatedly. Back and forth from Karen to Lanara, Karen to Lanara, back to Karen. “No,” he lifts a finger to warn Karen to shut the hell up, but the woman keeps going. She never stopped talking, even in the past when he would have to lay in bed with her and stay the night. He spoke of ‘normalcy’ too soon. The color is rushing to Tiber’s neck at the talk of ‘escorting’. Not his best days, but a job nevertheless. A time when Lanara and him were not together and Tiberius had no feeling on the word ‘love’ or ‘commitment’. The Catalian barely gets to say anything in this moment since the wealthy, pretty woman is talking for him but saying all the wrong things. As Lanara stands, Tiber pushes himself out of his own chair and angles his body so Karen could get her arm off of him. “Lana, just–wait. Wait. Please, just let me explain.” As the guests blatantly stare at him, his face feels like it's on fire. Did everyone in the whole bed and breakfast need to know he was an escort ffs? “Karen, this is my wife, Lanara.” He is cautious as he is trying to keep Lanara there. “Obviously social cues were never your strong suit! I don’t do that anymore! I, uh, Karen you need to leave and never contact me again. Please, just go–here, take my pie!” He picks up the fresh plate of apple pie and shoves it towards the woman, and he points to get the girl out of his face. He is not even sure what to say to the wealthy woman as the situation pulls on his gut. Tiber looks at Lanara in complete panic. “Lanara, this is not the place to talk about this. Please.”

Lanara gasps as the accusations come to light and Tiber admits that he was an escort and Karen was one of his clients. She had hoped this was some elaborate prank, heck, even something sinister planted by Corrine! Her lips part, tears well in her eyes, and she shakes her head in disbelief, “You kept the fact that you were a man-whore from me for over three years? How could you -not- tell me?” She doesn’t know what to say to him at this moment, as everyone in the restaurant seems to be looking their way. Karen has a deer in headlights look on her face as she accepts the plate of pie, but she has enough common sense to mutter, “Sorry…” She turns on her heel and walks back the way she had come, though she’s walking at a much slower pace, as she’s not used to rejection from a gigolo. Lana stares into space as tears spill onto her cheeks and she’s so in shock that it doesn’t register that Tiber’s asking to go someplace private so they can talk. He’s -embarrassed- even though she’s the one that’s been in the dark this whole time! Would she have married him if she had known about his previous lifestyle? Is he secretly -still- running an escort business? He -did- say he had to return to his line of work to keep up with their expensive habits… Had he meant this?! Should she get checked for diseases? Why had it taken Tiber three years to get physical with Lana, but he would jump into bed with strangers? Did he expect her to pay him for sex? She’s shaking and nearing a hysterical state, so she drops her chin to her chest and stares at the floor, “I need some time alone.” She doesn’t want to say something she will regret, she still cares deeply for him, but she’s also sickened by what she's learned over breakfast. On the first day of their honeymoon! “Look. Why don’t you go to the clinic and…” She nearly tells him to get tested for std’s, but she inhales sharply, and brings her gaze to his, “I’m going to go shopping to clear my head. You can have your physical therapy session. Let’s meet back at our room in two hours? We can talk then.” It’s not up for debate, she makes this clear, as she snags her purse and makes a beeline for the exit.

Tiber’s eyes shift to the side at the people staring at them. “I’m not a man-whore! There’s a difference–” really, Tiber? A difference? The tears cause him to curse a few words. He was kicking himself. Was his past really coming back to haunt him? “Lanara, I never wanted to hurt you, please.” In the back of the bed and breakfast, he swears he hears a ‘boo’ in the crowd. Tiber’s gaze strikes the guests. “Mind your business, okay?” He stares at all the faces that are now all looking at him. “Looks like you did by not telling your own wife,” he hears a retort in the back. Why today?! By now, Lanara is already getting her things together to leave. “Lanara, no. No time alone. We can solve this right now. Lana!” but the witch is now gone, and he knows he will not be able to chase her as he does have his appointment shortly. Did she want him to get tested? That was years ago, and the man was proactive. He looks bewildered at the thoughts he can almost read from the witch. The waiter then comes up nervously. “Anything else, sir?” The waiter still, clearly, wants a good tip. “Yeah, advice,” is all he can muster. The man pulls out a bag of coins before placing it in the waiter’s hands. “What you’ve been waiting for. Hoping you liked breakfast and a show.” The waiter then twists his lips. “Well, I wish I could give you something to help plead your case, but uh, I’m not a marriage counselor.” Tiber frowns. “Just leave, already.” The waiter then briskly walks away with a quick nod. The Catalian then moves to gather his own things as he has his own place to be, although wanting to chase after the woman. He grabs his mimosa and throws it back before raising the empty glass to the crowd. “Cheers!” Tiber slams the glass down so hard the table shakes and food bounces. The man then charges for the door to head to his stupid physical therapist appointment.

(Post 1 of 3) Lanara strolls up and down the various stalls and enters and exits a few shops, perusing the wares and trying not to think about what just occurred back at the eatery. How had she not seen the signs? Tiber was against commitment, he was a rogue that lived a reckless lifestyle, and he went ballistic when she added some fluff to his bachelor pad. He also wore her makeup that one time, glamoured Salem, and he really knew his way around a woman in the bedroom. Lanara can vouch about that, as they spend quite a bit of time beneath the sheets! How many others had been in her position? 50? 300? 1,000? Had he been with men, too?! Does he compare her love making skills to the others he’s had relations with over the years? Why had he waited so long to make a move on -her- if it was his profession?! Lana wonders if something is wrong with her, and if she’s ‘enough’ for Tiber, if she’s enough to be the -only- girl he’s intimate with long term. Asha is whining and growling, a mixture of bitterness and despair, as she loathes the idea of Luca being close to anyone else. Is this going to change their marriage? Tiber knew that Lanara was an exotic dancer before they were even a couple, because she didn’t want to enter into a relationship based on lies, and although it wasn’t a respectable job, it kept her off the streets. She never bared her privates and she never slept with anyone she met on the job. She confessed her darkest secrets to him regarding her father, the abuse over the years from her youth to adulthood, the isolation at the Academy, murdering her daughter, crimes she had commited, as well as various others things. Why couldn’t he trust her with his past, if she’s so important in his future?

(Post 2 of 3) The witch spends the next hour circling the area, before she comes upon this cute boutique with pretty dresses in the window. There’s one dress in particular that catches her eye, it’s a pale blue sleeveless number, which would look so cute for a night spent on the beach! She can envision her hair flowing freely, barefeet in the sand, as she cuddles up against Tiber before a bonfire. Lana speaks momentarily with the shopkeep and once they grab one in her size she tries it on in the dressing room, posing before the mirror for several minutes. She also takes the time to refresh her makeup and brush her hair, likely drawing attention from those waiting to try something on outside the door. Lana exits the dressing area and wanders around the store, eyeing the rest of its wares, and she picks up a sea scented candle. Bringing it to her nose, she inhales the scent and nods, she needs this also! But… Did she really want to pay for all of this with Tiber’s seedy coin? How many women would he have to bed to buy her this dress and candle? Lana sighs and digs in her purse, trying to see how much of her own coin is in there, when she’s zapped with an electric bolt from behind! The witch falls to her knees and seems frozen in space, as though the zap caused paralysis. A rookie guard stands with his hands on his hips, “Shoplifting, eh? We don’t stand for that sort of thing in Rynvale! We’re hauling you off to jail!” Lana shakes her head, “I didn’t steal anything!” The guard isn’t listening, as another guard joins him, and they roughly lift the witch and cart her away. Apparently taking that long in the dressing room and digging around in her purse had aroused suspicion!

(Post 3 of 3) Lanara stretches her arms and legs and winces, because she’s sore on her right side, where the jerk had buzzed her at the boutique. At least she’s no longer paralyzed, and it feels good to move, not that she can go very far. She walks back and forth in her eight by eight cell, glaring at the disgusting chamber pot in the corner, and the lone bench hanging to the wall. The bars are impenetrable and although she tries, she cannot break the lock with her hair pin, so she plops down on the bench and weighs her options. Lana -hates- being confined, because it brings back flashbacks of the two times she was imprisoned, and panic is beginning to set in. She claws at her dress, nails digging into the fabric, as she trembles and peeks up at the window that’s so high she cannot even look outside. “I want my letter!” She wails, repeatedly begging the guards to let her borrow their carrier pigeon, so she can get someone to bail her out of this hellhole. The guard from earlier, Hank, bashes a nightstick against the bars and catches Lana’s knuckle, “Shut up and sit down, Girlie. The bird is dead, no letter for you!” And so, the witch spends the next three hours locked up, crying in the corner of her cell, nursing the pain she feels in her hands and side. “No one is going to come…” Horror is setting in, as she rocks back and forth, wanting her husband to come and save her, even if he was a prostitute in the past! It’s been the -worst- first day of anything, especially a honeymoon!

(Post 1 of 2) Tiber feels completely frazzled at what had just occurred back in the bed and breakfast. The man does not have time to think as he rushes to the clinic. The physical therapist, Rachel Bennett, had taken a boat to sail for Tiber’s appointment today. “I was going to send word to the Rynvale PT, but I figured that I would just get the rights to be here since Rynvale isn’t too far from Cenril, anyway. When you travel to other places, I’ll make sure to send word to the therapists in the other towns.” Doctor Bennett smiles brightly, although Tiber cannot reflect the smile. Rachel is lean, tall, and athletic with straight brown hair and big blue eyes. A very friendly face. “So, how’s your honeymoon?” Tiber sits on a nearby stool as he has done the past several visits to the clinic. He knows the drill. “Here, do some wrist extensions and flexions for me,” Bennett starts. Tiber extends his arm and slowly begins to bend his wrist back and forth. “Don’t know–at this rate, we might be cutting it short,” Tiber breathes out. The man struggles to focus on his hand. “Cutting it short? Why? Don’t tell me Lana caught a bug! Hey, your wrist strength looks better. Now, let’s try thumb extensions and flexion.” This is where Tiber struggles the most when it comes to moving his fingers. Rachel comes to help Tiber’s movement, which causes Tiber to wince as it feels uncomfortable. Tiber proceeds. “I held something from her. Something from my past. I didn’t think it would be the biggest deal as it was before we met, but… uh, I ran into someone I used to know, I guess.” He grits his teeth. Rachel frowns. “Well, whatever happens, just know, a relationship is built on trust, so… just tell her the truth. Talk.” Tiber nods and Rachel continues to instruct Tiber to do different exercises in their session. Eventually time passes and the man exits the clinic. The salty air strikes him and so he decides to take himself down to the beach and wait for the next couple of hours.

(Post 2 of 2) The man does not know what to think of his past. A man he hardly knew anymore. He sits in the sand as he watches the waves crash on shore. So, he made a mistake. It was to protect the witch. The less she knew about his worst side, the better, but maybe Rachel was right, maybe he needed to be more honest. He watches a couple in the distance splash through the waves together. What if this ruined everything? They took oaths. Would she still look at him the same way? He was worried, as the woman was already so wrapped up in feeling worthless at the beginning of their relationship. Too many men had hurt her. He did not want to do the same. Eventually time ticks and he stands to go back to the inn, however, when he goes back, he waits in the bedroom where Lanara is an hour late. He looks at his watch and taps his foot over and over with the anxiety that creeps in. Lanara normally kept her word. She was very honest and always let him know when she did -not- want to see him. The man exits the inn automatically as the worry sets in. Amber eyes look down the cobbled way where he is lowering himself to think of a trail she might have gone. The man follows the familiar lingering scent as he knows Lanara’s the most since they are imprinted for life. He comes into the line of the shopping district. Different vendors with a bustling crowd. “I can feel Asha, a couple blocks from here.” Tiber listens to Luca’s mind. “A couple blocks…? But Lanara said she was shopping?” That was when he moved onward to get down to the bottom of the case of his missing wife. He jogs through the streets before landing in front of the jailhouse. “... No way. Did she go crazy?” Did Tiber push her to the edge? The man enters the jail where a guard sits at the front desk eating a cliche donut. “Can I help you, sir?” Tiber’s eyes shift to try to see the back of the jail. “I think you have my… wife? Lanara Lowell?” The guard with the donut finally raises his eyes from his paperwork. “Oh, the thief? She has a lot of nerve trying to steal from our local vendors. That’s a serious crime. You here to bail her out?” The guard questions. “Uh…” Tiber tilts his head. Thievery? If she wanted something, why did she just not bring him back to buy it? “Yeah… I am.”

Lanara pants heavily and claws at the wall, periodically screaming curse words and threats to the guards down the hall, vowing to hex them once she secures her freedom. The time ticks by and the cell seems to be closing in on her, swallowing her up, and so she curls up in a ball on the bench and squeezes her eyes shut as she tries to fight off another panic attack. Her throat is tight, tears sting her eyes, and she finds it hard to breathe, until Asha stirs. “He’s coming for us…I -knew- he wouldn’t let us rot in here!” Lanara isn’t sure she wants to see Tiber after how they left things, nor does she want him to see her in this state. She feels ashamed as her heightened hearing picks up what the guard is saying, about how she’s some high theft shoplifting psychopath! He can call her whatever he wants, as long as she gets out! The guard is going on and on about how crime in Rynvale is really bad, but he can let this transgression slide, for a ‘fee’ on top of the bail! “How about you pay the 500 gold to bail your wife out… And another 500 gold for my pockets to remove it from the record? I’ll even let you slide the key in so you can be her hero!” If the exchange is made, the guard hands Tiber the key and points, “Cell Block Six… Be careful, she’s a feisty one!” He returns to eating his donut, “I should get a damn award for putting up with this kind of crap every day.”

Tiber can hear the curses from down the way. Yeah, that was her. Tiber reaches into his back pocket and reaches for the coin pouch. “You know, you guards think you are top notch, but really you’re just as sleazy as the rest of us.” Tiberius does not fight against it because the last thing he wants is Lanara sitting in the cell all night. Plus, she probably had her fair share of dealing with the guards. Once the key is given, his teeth grind together before he walks down to the cell. There she is, in a ball. The man slips the key in before unlocking it to kneel down on Lanara’s level. The Catalian is cautious with the Kelvarian due to the elephant between them. “Hey, jail junkie,” he tries to lighten the situation, but she did cost a pretty coin. It was worth it, but he remembers… he is on thin ice. “Heard you had sticky fingers.” Tiber knows better that Lanara would not. He is only teasing. “I’m sorry, Lana… I didn’t want things to be this way. If anything I was trying to protect you. Your feelings. I obviously did a crap job.”

Lanara braces herself for when her husband enters the cell, fear in her eyes for the first time since they had met. Will he be angry? She’s questioning if she -really- knows him, since she always held him on such a pedestal. Sure, she knew about the hits placed on bad guys that he had taken out, she knew about the gambling rings, and she turned a blind eye to any fencing of stolen goods or scams he may have run. As long as no women or animals were harmed in the process, right? She should have expressed that anything sexual wasn’t allowed, but she never thought he would do -that- with women he barely knew! She unfurls from her position and sits on the bench, her bruised and bloody knuckles so swollen that she cannot fold her hands over her lap. “I didn’t take anything… I tried on a dress and then I saw this candle and it smelled really nice, but I didn’t want to use your coin… Considering how you earned it.” A blush heats her cheeks as she tears her chocolate gaze from his, unable to look into those amber pools, because she will surely come undone. “So… I was looking around in my purse for some coin, maybe some of my own, that dropped to the bottom? I guess they thought I was shoplifting. They paralyzed me and threw me in here and they wouldn’t even let me send a letter.” Lana didn’t get the dress, the candle, not even a peaceful breakfast! Tiber apologizes and she falls silent, not sure what to say on the matter, but -this- is the man she knows and she shouldn’t fear him or claim he’s untrustworthy. Asha is pushing her to go into his arms, but Lana wraps her arms protectively around herself, in sheer defiance. “Yeah. I guess it’s good that the truth came out though, right?” Good for who, exactly? “Can we get out of here and talk about this in the room?” She looks at him now, mentally cursing herself as those tears threaten to spill, “Please.”

Tiber stares softly at the girl before him. The last thing he wanted was this to get out of control. For her to know. For her to… feel this way. Comparing. Feeling closed off from him. Eyes gaze down to her bruised and cut knuckles, but he knows he should not touch her as… she is closing around herself. She can barely look at him, which stings a little. Her words on how he earned his money brings a frown to his face. “You don’t understand.” That was all he could really say as he did not want to necessarily talk about his past in a jail cell. She looks hurt, distant, and… a mess. “Well, I guess it had to come out at some point. I was hoping it never would.” Truth. “Let’s get out of here. I kinda want to get ice on those knuckles anyway,” he gestures to her hands. He does not reach for them still. Instead, he stands, and he waits for her at the cell door so she can take the lead back to the bed and breakfast. He tries his best to walk back in silence as much as he wants to say everything on his mind at the very moment, but he was determined to be patient. For her to take the initial lead on the conversation first, so he does not make her more of a blubbery mess than she already was.

Lanara is grateful that Tiber agrees, so she slides from the bench and exits the cell. As she passes the guard station on the way out she lifts both of her bruised middle fingers and directs them his way, which has the guard nearly dropping the remains of his third donut. “The brass on that bitch!” He is cleaning up some spilled coffee and shaking his head, but at least he had received the message! It makes the witch feel a little better, even if her fingers are killing her, and she sneaks a few glances at Tiber as they make their way back to the bed and breakfast. They enter the lobby and a few couples glance their way, especially one woman who had seen their show this morning, and she immediately whispers to another couple and they point Tiber’s way. Lana pretends she doesn’t see, though the redness in her cheeks is an indicator that she’s mortified, “How did therapy go? Is your hand getting stronger?” She snags a bucket of ice from the pantry as they head upstairs to their quarters, and she kicks off her heels before sitting at the edge of the bed. Her fists are plunged into the ice water and she inhales sharply, “Damn…” Her lycanthropy would surely heal them by morning, but for now this will take the sting out of the injury. Not quite feeling strong enough to broach the topic, she knows she can’t continue sitting there in silence, so she softly asks, “Why did you wait so long to make a move on me? If you were so willing to put out for coin, but with me you just… I thought for months that you were gay! Then I thought you weren’t into me. It was torture…” She continues, “How many, Tiber? Are we talking triple digits? Did you sleep with anyone when I was in Kelvar? When was your last affair? Is this something you want to still do?” She feels like she’s going to be sick asking these questions, as hot tears scald her skin, “Do you think of them when we are together?” Lana really doesn’t want to be having this conversation, and from the looks of it, Tiberius isn’t comfortable talking about his past, either. “Have you kept anything else from me?”

Tiber bites back the laughter when Lanara flips the birds at the guard. The guy truly deserves it for digging that much coin out of the Catalian. When they enter back into the inn, Tiber will be relieved when they are able to get out of there tomorrow. Whether they call the honeymoon off or not. At least people will stop whispering about what happened in the morning. He rolls his eyes before following Lanara up the steps. “Therapy was fine… My wrist is getting stronger. I’m still struggling to move my fingers or really… feel some of them.” Including the one with the ring around it, but he keeps that to a minimum to not upset her further. Tiber makes sure to pull a chair up rather than sit next to her. For her space. He wants to nurture her, but he is too scared to. The silence settles as he waits for her. Then, when the question finally is given… several more flood which causes his heart to race. The fact that she thinks he still does something like this now that they are together takes him aback. He frowns and looks away from the girl. He has to take a breath before he lashes out. He stands and faces the windows of the room. He stares out over the street down below. He can see the sea. “I didn’t sleep with you because I was too scared to.” He takes a long pause. His voice is a little shaky as he confesses that. “I wanted it to be right and I didn’t want to ruin it. I didn’t want you to think I didn’t want you. I just loved you.” He did not know how to explain. “It was new. To have feelings while, uh,” he squints. She could fill in the blank. “I never kept count. It wasn’t a game for me. And it wasn’t all about sex. Most times it was girls who just wanted someone to talk to,” he turned with a furrow in his brow. “Not triple digits. It’s probably a two digit number on how many women. It was before we met, Lanara. That was my last affair. I’m not proud of it, but it’s not something I can erase either.” His hand moves to his chest as he points to himself. “It hurts me that you think I’m that shallow to even think of sleeping with another girl while you were in Kelvar. But then again, you left -me-, Lana. I don’t ask about your past affairs. Sure, you’ve told me, but I don’t hold you to a standard. I know you -love- me, Lana. Or… I hope you do.” The man was a little harsh in that moment. He takes a moment to close his eyes so he does not say anything he regrets. “I’m not a perfect man. You didn’t marry a perfect man. This is why I didn’t tell you.” He opens his eyes and his eyes are a little glossy, but he holds strong. “I didn’t want you getting in your head because it’s what you do. I just wanted you to know that I love you. Only you.” He inhales. “I… I just want you to know, that line of work is in the past. What I do now? Well, I… Lanara, I do things that might put you on edge. I hurt people when I’m asked to. For Franz. When I need the coin, he is who I go to. That’s all I really want to say.”

Lanara sees that her words sting Tiber, and she can feel that pain that she inflicted, and wishes she could take it all back. If only they could rewind Karen showing up at their table, they wouldn’t be having this difficult conversation. She’s quiet as he pulls up a chair and answers each one of her questions, not wanting to interrupt, and unsure how best to reply once he’s concluded. Tiber tosses an accusation her way and she flushes, feeling warm, despite the fact that her hands are submerged in a bucket of ice water. A few moments pass before Lana stands up and moves into the bathroom, where she places the bucket and dries off her hands, before she comes back into the room and slides onto Tiber’s lap. She doesn’t care if he’s annoyed with her right now, or the fact that she rests two chilly palms on each side of his face, because he needs to hear what she has to say. “Hey… I have a right to ask those things, Ty. I didn’t ask them to hurt you, and you’re forgetting… You didn’t tell me that you loved me until I came back. I know you had the problem with alcohol, it was a valid question. I just want to protect myself, and protect -us- because I never want to lose what we have… Today just really threw me for a loop, okay? It’s the first day of our honeymoon and some woman ruined it a few hours in!” Her lips are dangerously close to his, but she doesn’t kiss him, because she’s a little miffed by his words, too. “I don’t know if it would have changed my feelings if I had known before we married, but I don’t think so, because we literally are soulmates. I didn’t forget our connection and I don’t think there’s a force in the world that can break our bond. As people, as wolves.” She looks away, as both of their eyes are glossy now, “I don’t care if you kill people or steal, I don’t care what crimes you commit, as long as you never break my heart. Heck, sometimes I meet up with groups to do unlawful stuff for coin or kicks! You know I have trust issues and I’m insanely jealous, but I also know -you- and deep down I know you wouldn’t be unfaithful. I’m not judging you for what you did, I am judging the fact that you hid something huge from me, especially after I told you so much.” Softer, “I -do- still love you… I’ve never stopped.” She never will. “Um… Thank you for telling me everything now, and for clearing up why you waited so long before we were intimate, I just felt like maybe something was wrong with me…” Lana sits there, awkwardly now, wondering if he wants her to get off of his lap. Is their honeymoon over? Do they head back to Sage Forest? “Do you want to order dinner? We can eat in the room.”

Tiber sits back down after his spiel, and as she disappears, he frowns. His good hand brushes through his own hair as he waits for her to come back from the bathroom. The cool hands press against his cheeks and now she is in his lap. The man is nervous now to touch her. “I know you do,” he agrees with her. He realized what he did was wrong. “I was messed up back then. Very messed up. I didn’t know how to communicate. I wasn’t in-tune with myself. You’ve helped me find my tune, and that was why I was so worried to mess this up. Because I don’t want to lose what we have either.” He breathes out. Her lips are so close, and he tries his best to keep his gaze even with her own. “She doesn’t have to ruin it, you know,” he finally brings a hand to the small of her back. When she admits that she does not mind that he does… terrible things, he eases a bit. It was hard to be wrapped up in the darkness, but it also came with a thrill despite the pettiness from the ritz above him. Sometimes he did not like what he did. Torture the innocent, but… Tiber did what he had to do. “Trust me, it’s the last thing I want to do. Break your heart, I mean.” She still loves him. “I love you too,” he finally casts his gaze to her lips and his grip tightens a little. His injured hand raises to brush a few strands from her shoulder. What was awkward for Lanara, was not awkward for Tiberius because he got the reassurance he needed. Love. Commitment. The man impulsively moves in to kiss the Kelvarian gently. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to be more honest.” He squints. “Which means… I want to order dinner and still enjoy our honeymoon. Please, we need to eat in this room because we’re the talk of the lobby. Plus, I think I heard someone talking about how you were thrown in jail.” He grins in teasing banter. “I can’t wait to get out of this stupid inn. Surely your surprise tomorrow will be -way- better.” The man would then slide the woman off of him. “Though, I guess I need to actually suffer through the lobby one last time so we can actually eat.” The man would lean down to kiss the woman again in that simple, sappy bliss.

Lanara gently caresses Tiber’s face as they offer each other the reassurance that they seek, “I want to continue our honeymoon, too. I really am excited to see what you have planned for us tomorrow!” She deepens the kiss, grateful that they were able to overcome this little hurdle, and all it took was some communication and faith in their bond. “I’ll always be honest, and I’m sorry, too. I should have let you talk, rather than run away.” They kiss again and she slides from his lap, as they both prepare to head downstairs to order food. They are definitely going to eat in the privacy of their room. “I think our little scandals have the entire bed and breakfast talking. Pfft, their love is boring compared to ours! Ex-escort and thief? Beat that!” She smiles and grabs her purse, but she pauses as Tiber holds the door open and waits, “Hey. I know you’re used to girls paying you for your services, so how much can I get for…” She pulls a handful of silver from her purse, “About twelve silver?” Lana laughs, because she -never- has to pay, and because he’s done with that line of work. She just cannot resist teasing! “Let’s kickoff this honeymoon the right way when we get back to our room…”