Honey and Blood Don't Mix

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando looked down at Rosemary once she opened the door, he considered leaving the sunglasses on but knew she would read right through his tough act, so he took them off snd slid them into the jacket pocket. “Hey, Rose.” He whispered back and stepped inside. He nodded, smiling proudly if only for a fleeting moment. “Yes that’s the symbol we use. My great grandfather designed it a long time ago.” He told her and adjusted himself in the jacket. He wondered if it had been a bad idea. He wanted to show her who he was, but more importantly he wanted to keep Rosemary as his girlfriend.

Orlando felt his throat tighten up as she asked how he’d been. He couldn’t lie to her anymore, that certainly wouldn’t gain him any trust back. Orlando swallowed hard snd looked away from her. “I haven’t been very good, Rose.” He was able to squeak out. “I missed you a lot. I worried about you a lot.” He told her, his eyes finally coming back to meet her own.

Orlando sighed softly. “Can we go sit?” He asked her, beginning to move towards her living room and couch. The man felt as if, if they acted normal enough that he could salvage this relationship. Or that he could at least pretend for a little while that she wasn’t breaking up with him. He didn’t know what to say, so he remained quiet, hoping Rosemary would do most of the talking

@ BadStreetBoys

Some surprise entered Rosemary's eyes when Orlando revealed that the gang was actually a family organization. Definitely not something she would have expected to be passed down from generation to generation. A soft "Oh," left her lips as her eyes glazed over the symbol. Luckily they were able to move onto something else as Orlando started to tell her how he had been. It had been what she was expecting but it still caused her heart to ache to hear that Orlando had been having a hard time.

"Yes," Rosemary nodded in agreement as she followed him towards the living room. Though she stayed standing, waiting for Orlando to settle down on the couch before looking at the chairs, wondering where she should go. It all was a bit awkward but she decided to sit on the couch with Orlando, though on the other side of it and facing him.

She let silence fill the air for a moment, taking a deep breath to prepare herself. Rosemary hadn't planned out what she wanted to say. All she knew is that she wanted to talk to Orlando, to see him. But Rosemary also knew that she should go first, so she did. "I just really wanted to talk to you. Nothing about this has been sitting right with me and the more I think about it..." Rosemary's eyes drifted down, looking at seat of the couch. "I just need everything out on the table. I need to know, what does your gang do? What do you do? I-I don't want specifics but... Vincent said that you sold drugs but is there more to it? Is the shop even real?" Her eyes lifted up to meet his. "I assume the injuries are from fights?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando sat on the council, trying to be as comfortable as he could in such an uncomfortable situation. He turned slightly to face Rosemary and look as her as she seemed to prepare herself for speaking. “Well yes I used to sell, that was when my father was still in charge and I was just in the gang and learning the ropes and preparing and everything. I don’t really sell now, I distribute product to my dealers, then collect the money they owe me.” He told her snd shrugged. “My gang does anything and everything. We’re the largest one in the city. I mean I guess yea most of it is drugs and such. But we do smother stuff.” He laughed nervously.

Orlando nodded. “Well now that my father has retired I run the gang. I’m top of the food chain type thing. Everyone reports to me. I make all the profit. Like a business and I’m the CEO. But I also gotta do the hard stuff. I make the plans, I give the orders, I take care of my boys.” He said and his eyes met Rosemary’s. “Yes the shop is real. It’s our cover for money laundering but it is real. I actually am a certified mechanic I can work on vehicles.” He told her. “Yea I guess. Gang fights. Sometimes when I’m interrogating someone they try to come at me. Turf disputes.” Orlando shrugged again.

Orlando looked Rosemary in the eye and sighed. “I think you want to know just how evil I am. Clearly you’ve read at least one article about me. You know the media, the police, and the politicians think I’m an evil heartless man. A man of the night. Well I mean. I don’t think I’m evil or anything. Cops can kill people in their line of work and people justify it. Just because my morals are slightly different doesn’t make me a bad person.” He said snd sighed. “You don’t have to worry about cops by the way. One, I’m good at what I do and won’t get caught. Two, I’ve got a handle full of local police and politicians on my payroll to look the other way. Same with the clubs, that’s why when I fought that guy I didn’t get kicked out. I basically own the place.” He explained. “Back to the matter at hand. Yes. I hurt people Rose. It’s not what you want to hear but I’m not lying to you anymore.” His eyes moved away from her and he frowned as he looked down. “Part of my job as the leader is dealing with snitches, dealing with people from other gangs. Stuff like that. My interrogations don’t always get violent but they can.” He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “I’ve killed someone in a shootout over a turf dispute. I’ve killed someone when they tried to kill me in a fight. I’m not proud of everything I do. But this is my life. I was born and bred to be the leader of this gang and hell it’s expected my son do the same.” He looked back up at her with gentle eyes. “I love you, Rosemary. Very much. But I understand if this isn’t the life for you.”

@ BadStreetBoys

Rosemary started to pick nervously at her sweater as Orlando spoke. Nothing that Orlando was saying was something that she wanted to hear. Part of her had been hoping that it was a lot milder than her brother had said. Though it was all true and it took the air out of her... But Orlando was doing what she had wanted him to do the most. He was telling her the truth. No more lies. No more trying to get out of it or sneaking around. If she felt like she couldn't trust him, there would have been nowhere else to go in this relationship than out. And as crazy as it seemed to her, Rosemary didn't want out.

"Orlando," Rosemary said gently, feeling his names on her lips for a moment before continuing on. "I can't say that I feel like that life is for me. It sounds... horribly frightening and dangerous. I care that you go out and do these not so great things. But I care about you so much more." A few tears started to roll down Rosemary's cheeks. "I don't want to break up with you, I really don't. I want to be with you. And the truth is that I am more scared than anything else. Is this the type of thing where I am going to have to be worried that something is going to happen to me or my family because you have enemies? Or that I am just going to be worried that you might not make it back to me one day?"

"You said you could protect me but how are you going to do that?" Rosemary raised her hands up and started to wipe her tears away. "Or am I just getting in my head about this? That it's not as dangerous that it appears to be?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Once Orlando finished talking, he tapped his fingers on his thigh as he took a few deep breaths as he prepared himself for her response. He needed to be prepared in case she did end up breaking up with him. He didn’t want to cry in front of this girl he loved. His eyes drifted up to hers as she began to speak again. He listened carefully, intently. He wanted Rosemary to know he was willing to make this work, no matter what.

“I don’t want to break up either.” He murmured softly. “You and your family won’t be in danger. I promise you’re safe and I can keep you safe. I already have a security detail on you to make sure of it.” He told her and bit his lip as he realized that was another thing he had lied about. “Before you ask, yes the guy you punched in the face was one of my boys I sent to protect you.” He said snd gave her an awkward smile.

“I do control the biggest portion of the city and have the biggest gang. I have the most power and resources to protect you. Of course I have enemies. But most of them are knucklehead small time gang bangers who just want me. The only one with a brain is Ricky Archer, he runs the gang across the River. But that’s also why I do my best to keep from being seen with you anywhere near other gang territory. If they don’t know about you, they can’t use you against me.” He explained. “My life is dangerous and it is a very real possibility I could get killed one day. But my grandfathers before me and my father all survived to retire, snd I think I can too.” He told her and reached out to take Rosemary’s hand. “I want to make us work because you mean so much to me. You make this hectic dangerous life worth it. I’m much more careful with things and take on less dangerous activities because I WANT to come home to you. Before I couldn’t care less what happened to me.”

@ BadStreetBoys

A little sigh left Rosemary as Orlando admitted that the guy she punched was apparently apart of some security detail he already had on her. It was something that she was going to keep in the back of her mind to talk about with him later. As that somehow was the least of her worries at the moment but still was needed to be discussed. "We'll talk about that later." Rosemary mumbled to him, wanting to give Orlando a warning about it.

As Orlando spoke though, the more she felt reassured. It was odd to think that Orlando having people follow her around or being the leader of the biggest gang in the area was somehow reassuring but it was. It meant protection for her. That Rosemary didn't have to worry as much as she thought she would have. Though what eased her worries the most was Orlando revealing that all of the other leaders in his family had survived and retired. There was no reason Orlando wouldn't then. No reason that she wouldn't then... No, this wasn't the life she thought her boyfriend had. And it certainly wasn't the life she thought her potential life long partner might have. But Rosemary knew deep in her soul that if she broke up with Orlando that she would regret it. So it was at least worth taking a leap of faith, right?

Rosemary glanced down at Orlando's hand as he reached out to take hers. The woman hesitated for a moment before shifting her hand away from him. But in that same moment, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Her head buried into his shoulder. God, she had been waiting so many days to do that again. "I want you to come home to me," Rosemary whispered to him.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando carefully watched Rosemary’s eyes and facial expressions, both while he spoke and when she spoke. He wanted to gauge how this was going. And right now it seemed to be going well. He bit his lip and looked down briefly as she said they would speak about this later. “Of course, Rose.” He murmured, feeling like he was in the doghouse again.

Orlando thought back to what his father had told him about his mother. Orlando was a young boy when she died, only 8 years old. But his father always spoke so highly of her. And all of his actual memories of her were splendid. His father always told him, especially after Orlando joined the gang, that his mother is what kept Dominick Burton alive. Without her, his father always said he wouldn’t be alive. He was young and reckless when he had taken over the gang, similar to Orlando. But meeting Orlando’s mother, that saved him. That made him want to live and focus on something. It brought Dominick a happy marriage, two kids, and a longer life than expected.

Orlando realized his mind was gone but he was brought back when Rosemary wrapped her arms around him. He hugged her tight to his chest, resting his head atop hers. “I want to come home to you every night, if you’d let me, Rose.” He murmured and kissed her head. “I know it’s probably not your ideal lifestyle. But I promise myself to you, for as long as you want me.”

@ BadStreetBoys

Her body slowly started to relax as Orlando wrapped his arms around her. Even more so as he pressed the kiss against her head. She held onto him tighter for a moment as she shifted on the couch to get in closer to Orlando, wanting to reduce the space in between them. Though soon, Rosemary was settled into his lap and she let out a sigh of relief. Not everything was perfect or even fully resolved. But Rosemary knew enough now to calm her nerves and return to Orlando's arms.

"I'll want you for a while so don't go off and do anything stupid." Rosemary mumbled to him. She took in another breath before letting out a little hum. The young woman closed her eyes and started to just fully relax against Orlando. "I missed you so much." Although Rosemary had been the one to stay away the last few days, Rosemary had wanted to see him. She had wanted to see him since she left the house but thought it was better to take some time to try and clear her head. Which wasn't super successful but at least Rosemary knew she didn't want to break up by the end of it.

"Stay the night?" Rosemary asked gently as she opened her eyes and looked back up at the man. She reached up again and started dry her eyes. "Please? We can go to yours if that's better for you."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando let his body completely relax when she climbed into his lap. She fit so perfectly in his lap and in his arms. It was like she was meant to be there. He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. Orlando breathed in the scent of Rosemary as they were close together once again. “I missed you more.” He said with a gentle teasing in his voice. He just wanted to be gentle right now. He knew the information he had given Rosemary was heavy and a lot to handle, so he wanted to nurture her snd their relationship as it recovered from this.

Orlando opened his eyes as she spoke again, his typical smile spreading across his lips. “I’ll stay but only if you promise to cook me something by yummy for dinner.” He teased, his smiling growing bigger by the second. He was so happy. She was the base of his happiness and he could only build it up from here. “Of course I’ll stay. And we can stay at whichever place you prefer.” He told her, moving his hands to her hips and holding Rosemary close. “Although my green mustang is outside snd if your brother comes by he’s gonna know we are here together. I don’t think he’ll be too happy.” He said with a nervous laugh.

Orlando let go of Rosemary as he stretched out, bringing his arms high above his head. “I’ve been wanting to get my family crest tattooed on me, lately. What do you think?” He asked, hoping to change the topic, at least slightly, from something so hard. He wondered if she would ask questions about his livelihood, or want him not to talk about it. Orlando also wondered if she would ever help him with it. He knew she was a business major, so maybe she could help him with his books and the business side of his gang. Making it appear more legitimate. Or if Rosemary would avoid it as much as possible.

@ BadStreetBoys

"I don't think so," Rosemary lightly teased back. "I definitely missed you more, Bear." Leaning up, she pressed a gentle kiss against his cheek before resting her head against his shoulder once again. She supposed that it would take her some time to get used to knowing the truth. To be aware of what Orlando was doing and why he came home with injuries and such. Though it certainly took Rosemary no time to get used to being close to him.

A soft giggle left Rosemary as he asked her to cook him something for dinner. "Happily," Rosemary murmured back. "Whatever you want, I'll make it. But we might have to go to the store." With how things had gone the last couple of days, Rosemary's fridge was only filled with take out and ice cream. And the rest of her apartment definitely looked a bit like a pit of despair. Luckily enough, Orlando didn't seem to be paying attention to any of it but her.

A let out a bit of a nervous laugh with Orlando as he mentioned her brother. "Maybe we should stay at your place then. I wouldn't be surprised if he came by." She glanced off to the side. "Actually, there is something that I wanted to ask you... You could get along with Vincent right? If you two buried the hatchet?"

With Orlando lifting his arms up, her own slid down and rested against his chest. Her head tilted a bit to the side as he mentioned getting his family crest tattooed. "Well, let me see it again," Rosemary said as she shifted slightly to give him some room to do so. "Where would you want it?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando grinned as she said she would cook for him. He knew she was a keeper. “Well how about we go to the store, pick some stuff up, and we can go back to my place?” He offered and rubbed her sides. “Hades certainly missed you these past few days. The pup was quite disappointed you left without cuddles.” He teased and playfully poked her in the side. It was crazy to him how easily they seemed to settle back into being a couple. It just reassured him that they were soulmates of some sort.

Orlando bit his tongue for a second as he thought. “Most of the gang’s beef with your brother is from my father. He was still completely in charge when we dealt with your brother. I was still just a lackey, but I was one of the lackies my father sent to the club.” He told her. “As long as he treats me with respect, I will do the same. But I can’t get disrespected and just ignore it. You have to understand how big respect is in my world. If I allow anyone to get away with disrespecting me, I’m done. I’m seen as weak and I’ll be taken down. I have to assert my dominance daily to be seen as this powerful, intimidating, leader, y’know?” He tried to explain.

Orlando relaxed and brought his arms down and draped them over her shoulders for a moment. “I want it either on the side of my rib cage or my bicep. It’s different than the gang symbol. But the gang symbol does have some similarities.” He told her. “My name, Burton, means like fortified palace. So our family crest reflects that with the knight as the main thing. Here.” He paused snd pulled his phone from his pocket before pulling up a picture of the chest and showing her. “I wanna get a few tattoos but I don’t wanna cover up my scars. I want people to know I can get stabbed and shot and still kick their ass.” He said and laughed.

Orlando picked Rosemary up and placed her next to him before he stood and stretched again. “My muscles are so tight.” He mumbled. “We should head out to the store soon. It’s Sunday so they all close early.” He commented rolling his eyes at how ridiculous it was. “Be earned my house is kinda a mess.”

@ BadStreetBoys

"Okay, that sounds good to me. We should probably head out soon." Rosemary mumbled softly to him before she let out a pleased hum as he rubbed her sides. She seemed to start slowly melt into his body, a smile growing across her face. "I'll make sure to give Hades plenty of cuddles when we get there. Make sure that I make up for being gone so long." Rosemary was excited to go see the loveable pitbull. Hades was such a good dog. Though now she hoped that she had not frightened the dog when she came in screaming at Orlando the other day. Though she was curious as to whether or not Hades was a guard dog. "Is Hades a guard dog?" She asked him, looking up at Orlando curiously.

Rosemary let out a little hum in response to Orlando's thoughts on Vincent. It seemed like this was going to be difficult. There was no doubt that Vincent wasn't going to let this go. He was quite persistent about the whole thing the last couple of days. And with Orlando needing respect... She wished he would just let things slide with her brother for a bit but she had a feeling that things from Vincent's side weren't going to be all that respectful. Her eyes lifted up to meet his. "Just try to be a little lenient with him..." Her nose scrunched up. "I'll talk to him too."

As Orlando wrapped his arms around her shoulders, she shifted to look down at him. "Oh, I thought it was going to be the same thing," Rosemary told him as her eyes shifted down to look at the photo on the phone. She hummed a little as she looked over it before looking back down at Orlando with a warm smile. "You should get it if it'll make you happy, Bear. Though I think something like this will look best on your rib cage." Rosemary gave him a little shake of her head as he mentioned wanting to keep his scars to intimidate people. "Sure, sweetie."

Once Orlando had placed her beside him, she stood up completely and stretched a little herself. "Lets head out then," Rosemary murmured before turning to grab her coat and purse. She didn't have to worry about clothes as Orlando had given her a place to leave some of hers there. "I think it'll be fine. We can clean if we have to."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando laughed softly and shook his head. “No not really. He’s not trained to be. Very obedient, very good dog. But he’s not trained to be a guard dog. I think if someone did break into my house he would start a ruckus though.” Orlando paused snd thought for a minute. “I want to get a Rottweiler or Doberman to be a guard dog though. I know a few people having litters that I might try to get a pup from.” He told her and grinned at the thought. “It’s a lot of money and a lot of training though. Not that I worry about money.” He told her and laughed again.

Orlando gave his girlfriend a nod and small smile, his arm snaking over her shoulders. “I will be as lenient as I can without jeopardizing anything for myself. And only because he’s your brother.” He reassured her and kissed her forehead. “But if he shows up at my shop, breaking my door and calling me a lowlife again, we will have problems.” He told her and frowned slightly as he thought back to the encounter.

“I think I’m gonna get it. I need it done well.” He said and looked up tattoo artists, hoping to research it later, maybe after dinner. He grinned playful at her, kissing Rosemary’s cheek. “Come on, are you gonna mess with the guy who looks like he’s never done anything or the guy who looks like he’s been through war?” He teased.

Orlando pulled his sunglasses out of his pocket and put them on. “Come on.” He murmured. Orlando took Rosemary’s hand and interlaced their fingers. He headed outside and down to his mustang. He opened the passenger door for rosemary before getting in the drivers seat. Orlando gave Rosemary a cheeky grin before he pulled off and headed to the grocery store. “How much did your brother tell you about me? And how much did you find looking up my name?

Orlando drove to one of the smaller, local supermarkets. There were always too many people at Walmart. He parked near the back and got out, keeping his sunglasses on as the couple headed inside.

@ BadStreetBoys

"Oh, sure," Rosemary said in response. "I just thought that Hades might be. Though I agree with you, he definitely seems the type to cause a scene if he had to." She let out a warm laugh at the thought. If someone did break into the house, Rosemary felt like Hades would do something. What that something was would be a mystery though. "I bet Hades would appreciate the friend. And I am sure you don't. You constantly pulling out 100s makes more sense now." She lightly poked his side.

"I am sure Vincent won't go back to your shop," Although she said it, Rosemary wasn't completely sure that was the case. Though she hoped that Vincent would find a way to cool down a bit. After all, she knew now so there wasn't much her brother could do. "He's going to be upset but I doubt he'll bother you about it anymore now that I know."

Rosemary let out a light giggle as she looked up at Orlando, "Well, clearly I picked the one who looks like he's been through war," She teased him before reaching up and lightly poking Orlando's cheek. "I'll mess with you any day."

As Orlando took her hand, Rosemary followed him out of the apartment. It was going to be nice to be away from her home for a little bit after having stayed in for the last dew days. She slid in the car and relaxed into the seat with a pleasant hum. Though she turned her attention back to Orlando at his questions. "Vincent gave me a lot of news clippings and police reports. And I did do some searching of your name afterwards. Why?"

Once they were at the supermarket, Rosemary headed inside with him, lacing their fingers together again as they went through the aisles. "What do you want to eat?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando laughed softly. “Honey, do you know how hard it is to launder the amount of money I have and that I make? The shop does not cover it so I’ve got so much money I don’t know how to make it seem legal.” He told her. “Oh hades would love a puppy.” He agreed. Orlando’s face hardened slightly as they spoke about her brother. He was more annoyed with the man than anything. But he wasn’t going to lie to rosemary and say everything was okay.

Orlando glanced over at Rosemary and nodded. “You see my only mug shot from when I was 18?” He said and laughed. “I’ve only been arrested twice. But one doesn’t count cause I was a minor. Cops busted me with pot when I was 18. No idea how they found out. I wasn’t even going to sell it, it was for me.” He rolled his eyes. “But yea there’s a lot of information on me everywhere. Mostly articles and shit about how the cops can’t seem to catch me. Politicians saying they’re gonna take us out but never do.” He shrugged and laughed. “I just wanted to know what you knew about me.” He Pat her thigh.

Orlando thought for a moment as they walked inside. “Chicken fajitas.” He said and grinned down at her. “You’re a keeper because you can cook.” He teased and kissed her head as they made their ways through the aisles. “And a dessert. I wanna go all out with you tonight while we stay in together.” He said and smiled down at her.

@ BadStreetBoys

"I would have no idea, Sweetie," Rosemary said, smiling as she shook her head at him. "But by the sound of it, it is not easy. Anyways, if you decide to go get a puppy, I would love to go with you when you pick him out." She loved the idea of Orlando getting another dog. To be able to come over and play with a puppy would be incredibly fun. Plus, with the type of life he had, Rosemary also like the idea of him having a guard dog around the house.

"Yes, I did see it. Though I can't say that it was a great photo of you." She teased gently. "After all, you weren't even smiling. Instead just had an annoyed look on your face. And I guess I have found out enough but lets not talk about that anymore." Though Rosemary was doing her best to be a little more open about what Orlando's real job was, it was still a sore spot. After all, he had hidden it from her and she didn't love what he did... Rosemary figured it would take her more time than just a few days to get used to him being a gang leader.

Her eyes started to glance around the aisles, trying to decide what she wanted to get. "Oh is that the only reason why I am a keeper?" Rosemary teased him, lightly tugging on his jacket as she did so. "Such a good cook that you can't keep away?" Now knowing what Orlando wanted, she started to collect what she would need to make the diner. "For dessert, how about chocolate chip cookies?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando smiled and nodded. “I think you’ve convinced me to get one. Maybe we can go later this week.” He offered and grinned at the thought. “You can even help me pick out a badass name for him.” Orlando told Rosemary with a grin. Orlando was quiet for a moment as he listened to Rosemary. He could tell she didn’t seem too jazzed about his secret life and wanted to drop it. So he did. He was sure they would have plenty of discussions about it later on. Now that she knew he didn’t have to hide it though, snd this was a huge weight off of his shoulders.

Orlando grinned down at Rosemary as she teased him, just nodding. “I keep you cause you’re cute and can cook. I can neither cook, nor look as good as you do in a mini skirt.” He teased back, the biggest and goofiest smile on his face as they interacted. This was all so easy for him being with Rosemary, doing things with her, everything involving her was so easy. “I love cookies.” He said snd kissed her head.

Orlando walked through the store with Rosemary, paying for their groceries at the cash and picking up most of the bags in his hands as they headed back out to the car. Once they were out, Orlando put the groceries into the car and got into the drivers seat before he began to drive back to his apartment. When they pulled in he also grabbed the groceries again and headed inside. Hades hurried over and jumped around the couple happily, Orlando groaning slightly as he slid past and put the bags down in the kitchen. “Come here Hades.” He called as he opened up a lower cupboard and grabbed a bag of dog food, pouring a cup into Hades’ bowl. “Babe.” He said. Orlando moved to the doorway of the kitchen and looked at Rosemary. “I love you.” He said and looked down, a sheepish smile on his face, and a blush on his cheeks.

@ BadStreetBoys

"Just tell me when and where," Rosemary told him with a huge smile on her face. "I'll cancel whatever I have to in order to go see puppies. As for a badass name, I'll have to think about it. We'll figure out something perfect for him." She ran her hands through her hair, a little giggle leaving her. She took a small breath, trying to calm herself down before returning to going through the story and putting in what she needed. Soon enough they were at the end of their shopping trip, and bringing all of the food into the car.

Once they were at Orlando's house, Rosemary helped Hades put the groceries in the kitchen. Though she was quick to head into the living room with Hades, making sure to give the dog a lot of love. And Hades was more than happy to receive it. But Hades then headed off into the kitchen to eat his dinner and Orlando was coming out to talk to her. She smiled up at him widely though it faltered as Orlando told her that he loved her.

Rosemary headed over to Orlando until she was standing right in front of him. She reached out, lightly taking his hand into hers as she looked up at him with gentle eyes. "Orlando, I care about you a lot. I really like you. But I... I am not ready to say it back. I really appreciate it, and it makes my heart jump when you say it to me. But I understand if you don't want to say that to me until I can say it back." Rosemary rubbed her thumb against the back of his hand. "I'm sorry if I upset you,"

@ Sweet.Persephone

@ Sweet.Persephone
Orlando looked down at Rosemary and nodded. He completely understood what she was saying. This was still a new relationship and the last few days had been rough on the relationship. He didn’t mind if she didn’t say it until she felt it. He said. Because he wanted her to know that his entire heart was into this, into them. Orlando squeezed her hand and returned the gentle smile. “I’m not upset.” He murmured , leaning down and kissing her forehead. “Say it when you mean it and when you’re ready. Because I plan to say it for a very long time.” He told her and his smile grew slightly.

“Let’s start cooking, your man is starving.” He teased and held her hand as they walked into the kitchen. “Wanna see what I taught Hades to do?” Orlando went to the cupboard and grabbed a dog treat and looked at the dog. “Beer.” He said and smirked as he looked over at Rosemary. Hades got up and moved to the minu fridge Orlando had in the corner of the kitchen, the dog opened the door and gently took a van into his mouth before walking to Orlando. Hades sat in front of Orlando and tilted his head up, holding the can out to Orlando. Orlando grabbed the can and exchanged it for the dog treat. “Good boy.” He said and rubbed between the dog’s ears before he looked back at Rosemary. “Impressive?” He said and laughed.

Orlando cracked open the drink and sipped from it. “Okay, you guide me. Or you just tell me to hand you things because I cannot cook.” Orlando told rosemary and laughed. The man took the groceries from their bags and laid it all out on the table. He also pointed out to Rosemary where his pots, pans, and cooking utensils were.

@ BadStreetBoys

Any tension that Rosemary had been holding started to dissipate as Orlando smiled down at her. Her eyes closed for a moment as he kissed her forehead though as he pulled away, she looked back up at the man. "I am glad that you understand. You really are amazing, Orlando." Rosemary purred to him gently.

As they headed into the kitchen, Rosemary squeezed his hand gently. "Okay, okay. Sounds like I should make you extras since you are starving." She lightly poked his side. And she gave him a nod as he mentioned having taught Hades a trick. So she stood to the side and watched as the loveable pup went to the fridge, grabbed a beer and handed out to Orlando. Immediately, Rosemary started shaking her head at Orlando but a large smile was still across her face. "That is absolutely lazy, Bear." Rosemary pointed out to him. "It is impressive on Hades part though."

"Well, since you seem to be on the edge of starvation, how about you just hand me things for now. I'll teach you how to cook another day." She gave him a little wink before leaning over and pressing a kiss against his cheek. Rosemary then pushed her sleeves up and started to get to work. Luckily, what Orlando wanted only took her about half an hour to make and soon, the smell of dinner was filling up the house. And she had cooked more than enough for leftovers the next day. "And now we can eat!" Rosemary said as she started to fill up her plate.