While he was reluctant to be exposed, Oliver ultimately decided to trust his friend. Despite their drastic differences, the two had been great friends since the day they met. And, like Tyrone said, it was pretty unlikely anyone would believe him if he did talk about anything.

And, if they did, Oliver could just deny it. It would mean throwing his friend under the bus by calling him crazy. Then again, if his friend betrayed his trust like that, were they really friends?

By the time Oliver finished his tale, the sun was just peaking over the horizon. He sipped slowly on his fourth cup of coffee as he watched the riot of emotions flash across Tyrone's face. “Yeah, sounds crazy, doesn't it?”

After a long minute, Tyrone leaned forward and sighed. “I saw the news about that church being firebombed. You really killed those guys?” When Oliver just nodded in response, he couldn't help but shake his head. “That... Bro, how are you ok? My uncle was a soldier, and he said that nothing fucks you up worse than the first time you kill someone. I mean, dealing with all the crazy magical shit? Yeah, I can see you just rolling with it. But that? And selling off Carl and Jess like that? That's pretty fucked, Bro.”

“Honestly, I felt kinda bad about selling them the second I did it. Selling people is just... wrong.”

Tyrone stared into his eyes for several seconds in confusion. “Selling people is wrong... But you're ok with killing them? Bro...”

Oliver shrugged slightly. “I'm not going to lie to you man. I'm... off, I guess you could say. I was diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder when I was a teenager.” Seeing the lack of comprehension on his friend's face, he chuckled slightly. “Most people would call me a sociopath. I don't really care about other people. Well, most other people. I think the years of counseling have helped me to at least care about a few people, like close friends and family... Not that I really have any family anymore.”

Tyrone sat up straight as understanding dawned on him. “That makes so much sense. People started calling you shit like 'Iceman' because it always looked like you didn't give a fuck about anything... Because you really didn't give a fuck!”

Tyrone chuckled at the uncomfortable look on Oliver's face. “Ah, don't worry about that shit man. And seriously, I don't blame you for how you handled those assholes. I mean, I'm not saying I approve of you killing people, but... I'm not really sure I would have done any different if I was in there in your place.”

“Thanks man. Honestly, that was the part I was most worried telling you.” In a rare moment of vulnerability, Oliver glanced away awkwardly. “I just... I guess I was afraid I would lose one of the few people I actually care about, you know?”

Tyrone reached across the table and patted his friend reassuringly on the shoulder, a gentle smile on his face. “I get it man. And we're still cool, I promise. Is that why you haven't told Polina?”

Seeing the hint of panic flare up in Oliver's eyes, he shook his head sadly. “I know what you're thinking. She's a cop. How would she react if she found out her boyfriend had killed some dudes, even if they deserved it.”

Oliver froze like a deer in the headlights of an oncoming truck, and Tyrone felt bad about pushing at this particular point. But he also knew that it was something his friend would have to face. “You really care about her, don't you?”

Oliver's head thudded against the wall behind him as he sagged in his seat, and he stared blindly at the ceiling. “I... I love her. I don't know how or when it happened, but... Yeah...”

Tyrone nodded sagely. He saw how the two felt about each other back at the Halloween party. Pretty much everyone at the party could see it, as Oliver had never looked so alive as he did when Polina was around. “Does she love you?”

Oliver fidgeted, looking and feeling like an awkward teenager again. “I think so? I mean, she said she does...”

“Has she shown you that she loves you?”

Oliver stared down at his coffee, uncertainty clear in his features. “I... I don't know. I mean... Yes? My counselor always use to say that people show there love in different way. Called them the 'Five Love Languages'...”

Oliver trailed off for a moment, deep in thought. “She often tells me that she cares, so that's 'Words of Affirmation'... She likes to cuddle and spent time together doing stuff, so that's both 'physical touch' and 'quality time'...”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

He smiled sheepishly as he shrugged. “So... Yeah, I think she does. Oh! And she introduced me to her mom. That's a pretty big sign, right?”

Tyrone chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Yeah, I would say that is a big sign. Man, looking back at things, it's pretty obvious now that you were just going through the motions with Jess. Which is probably a good things, considering how two-faced she turned out to be.”

With a sigh, Tyrone leaned in again. “You really need to consider telling her, man. Keeping a secret this big from the person closest to you is a bad idea for a lot of reasons. And it's definitely not good for your relationship. It's bound to drive a wedge between you further down the line.”

“I read somewhere that trust, honesty, and communication are the pillars of any relationship. And, if you don't think you can be honest with her and trust her to have your back on this... I hate to be the one to drop this bomb on you, but it's probably better to end the relationship.”

----------------------------------------

Oliver's coffee grew cold as he sat there, stunned by Tyrone's words. Tell Polina? The idea of telling her about the crazy magical stuff had already occurred to him, but... Admit to his cop girlfriend that he was a killer?

Or break up with her.

His stomach twisted up into a knot at the very idea of it. He had always expected to just go through the motions. Finish college, get a job, get married, have kids. Act normal and lead a normal life, or at least as normal as he could manage.

But, while he may never be normal... His relationship with her wasn't an act. She brought light and joy to his life in a way he never expected. Her and the system were the two best things that had happened to him...

And, he was quick to realize, he couldn't imagine what his life would be like without either of them.

Seeing his friend just watching him with a worried frown, Oliver smiled reassuringly. “You've given me a lot to think about, Sweet Tea. Thanks man.”

Tyrone nodded, relieved both that his friend had taken his advice, and that he wasn't upset by it. As much as he wanted to help his friend, he knew that this was something Oliver would have to handle himself... Though there was something else he could help with; It just meant another rude awakening. “No problem man. You know I'm here for you... Though, I do have some more advice for you, if you're ready to hear it.”

“Hit me with it.”

Taking a deep breath, Tyrone didn't pull any punches. “You mentioned that you felt like you were half-assing the whole system thing before... And you still are.”

Oliver's head rocked back as if he was slapped, a surprised look on his face. “What does that mean?”

Tyrone shook his head in disappointment. “You're smart Oli. Hell, sometimes I'm sure you're a fucking genius... But sometimes you out think yourself.”

“You need these 'credits' for all the system shit, right? Those bounties are cool, and they pay pretty well, but the commissions are your bread and butter.” Seeing Oliver about to speak, he held up a hand for him to wait. “You're worried about over doing it and drawing attention, I know. But there are ways to get around that, bro. Hell, I've already thought of a good one for you.”

“A charity.”

Tyrone leaned forward in excitement. “Think about it, man! You start a little charity organization, then hire people to gather all the food and medical stuff you've been sending off for commissions. Some of the stuff you trade off as usual, and some of it gets sent out for actual humanitarian stuff. Part of the money from filling commissions goes to paying your workers and maintaining the charity, and the rest goes to in your pocket.”

“And you can write the whole thing off on your taxes... I think. I don't really know tax stuff.”

Oliver shook his head slowly. He liked the idea, but he had already considered some of the downsides. “It still risks drawing attention. Charities like that still get audited and inspected out of fear of things like smuggling or money laundering. Sooner or later, I would have to explain everything that went missing.”

Tyrone's enthusiasm dimmed slightly before an idea hit him. “Bro, a lot of what you trade is food, right?” At Oliver's nod, he laughed softly. “Like I said, you out think yourself. Food goes bad, man! A lot of the other stuff can either be written off as damaged, or excused as like work supplies or something.”

“I don't know, man...”

Tyrone waved off his objection, a bright smile on his face. “Look, how about we both take a couple days to research the possibility? Yeah, there may be a little risk. But there's also the potential for a major payoff, right? Plus, I've been looking for a part-time job anyway, so it's kind of a win-win!”

Oliver couldn't help but smile. While he wasn't sold on the idea, it felt good to have someone willing to back him like this. “Ok, ok. You win. We'll look into it.”

Tyrone slapped the table in excitement. “Awesome! Now, time for me to finish my one-two punch on your ego... You said you can post bounties for people to retrieve things for you. Why the hell aren't you exploiting the hell out of that man?”

Oliver chuckled awkwardly. While he had considered the possibility, he was embarrassed at not having taken full advantage of it... But, again, it mostly came down to him trying to keep a low profile. “Credits. It all comes down to needing more credits.”

“Why are you laughing at me?”

“...At least try not to look so smug!”