Nonchalance

Well he knew what side of the toast this one butter on…

“First off half-breed, you’re the one who wanted me to contact you!” Shinwoo’s voice mumbled grumpily around a Greyhound muzzle full of Kimbap from the shadows of a tree he sat beneath. The run over as the fastest mortal canine he knew of had made him hungry and he saw no reason if he had to fight that it be on an empty stomach. Swallowing loudly he added. “Secondly you’re as shitty at following directions as you are at keeping your hands and mouth to yourself I see.”

He lifted his long snout gesturing to crew of fairies haloing the Nephilim, eyes flashing hellspawn red briefly. Honestly he didn’t blame the halfling, if he had some “imps” like those, he would have probably brought them along too. He maybe should have brought a few mortal strays to pack up with just to even the olds, but mortal canines were as fragile as their human counterparts and besides he rather just work alone if it came to that–less bodies to bury.

“As for trust? I don’t need nor want it you Angel Bastard. We’re natural enemies you and an I–know that! However, I never seen too many of your kind up close. I’ll admit…I…am curious.” That part was true. Hounds specialized in assassinating humans (and anyone that pissed off the wrong demon master). Seraphs never made demon deals so there wasn’t usually any reason to deal with them, besides in the Hordes eyes–that might just be a waste of a hound. Still this one wasn’t just some random divine spawn he wanted a sniff of–this one hadkissed him! Even as a greyhound he could still feel those lips and that tongue and was damn glad he was in a low dog form so the fact that he kept glancing at the halflings mouth wouldn’t be so obvious. How many people has he kissed with those things anyway, I wonder? “I wanted to see why my kind fears yours to some extent–when to me you’re all just annoying. You probably more so than most…“

Shinwoo tilted his sleek doggie head giving the Nephilim a good once over. Now that he was getting a good look at this “divine” halfling he felt a lot better. The “angel bastard” acted human, smelled human-ish and he even talked like a human. Already going on and on about bullshit like tracing and taking him out with equipment. As if any of that shit would work on hellspawn. It was almost cute, his arrogance. Now that their faces weren’t mashed together Shinwoo could think about him with less rage and assess him clearly.

Being completely sober probably helped too…

“This is not a social calling though half-breed. We have an accord you and I, do we not? You asked to see me and so you’re seeing.” Shinwoo even stood up and stepped slowly into the light revealing his long-legged, smooth-coated   red brindled hide. It’s not like this half-caste angel would know him again from any other stray in the street, which was why he had purposely not appeared as his usual Spitz form. He didn’t expect to see this Nephilim again but one never could be too careful and besides Seoul was a small place, especially if you were big, white, fluffy and usually had a little human girl on your back.

“Also, I believe your earlier question of the night has also been answered as well–yes, I am a “dog” as you so eloquently put it. Canis Inferni to be exact, a Baghest, but your human lineage probably refers to us as “Hellhounds” or “Demon Dogs”. Now you will keep your end of the deal. A name. Yours, you will tell it to me.Now!”

There are so many things in the world that get under Yoohwan’s skin. So many pet peeves that possibly six hands wasn’t enough to illustrate. Yoohwan, although in doubt, came all the way to a mountain, without back up, without ways to communicate himself, just to hear the other simply wanted a name. On top of that, the demon wasn’t even in his human form. Who the fuck came to see a damn dog?

As soon as the other came into clearer view Yoohwan eye’s widened. “A fucking dog?” Yoohwan’s eyebrows come together at that point. The male was expecting a human, with arms and legs. Yet he encounters this? He wanted to see the face of the man he had kissed! Not a damn mutt! If he was in an anime he was sure a stress mark would be showing right about now.

Y: IS he serious? D: {Is he serious?} A: {Is he serious?}

Yoohwan, along with both of his fairies complained in unison.

For the next minute or so he stood silent. He was torn on what to do. In the end he decided on giving the other a chance. It would be the first and last time he would go so far for just one individual. The reason as to why he decided to act that way was unknown even to himself. Looking to the floor he began.

“I suggest you stop calling me an Angel Bastard. It’s an insult to my parents. The last person who committed such a crime lost his head in less than ten seconds.” His eyes turned light grey as he looked at the other with murderous intent. The threatening presence of the nephilim was equally, if not greater, than the demon’s himself at that moment. His parents had lost their lives protecting him and his brother. They were noble beings. It wasn’t fair for someone who knew nothing to bad mouth them and compared them to the rest of the world out of ignorance. Ignorance gets you killed. “In addition that bullshit about natural enemies I don’t believe in it. We are both living in the same world, we’ve become a human just like the others. I don’t see a point in battling each other when we are all in the end trying to survive all the same.” Indignantly he turns around and gracefully spreads his wings. They shined beautifully as the moonlight hit them.

“If you’re not going to take me seriously and don’t have the decency to show me at least a bit of respect dressed in the coat of a flea bag then our ‘accord’ is officially terminated.”

It was official.  . .

The halfling was definitely a few feathers and a halo short of a full deck. That was the thought that rolled unchecked over Shinwoo’s mind as he stared at the phone like he was expecting the thing to morph into a quart bottle of consecrated water. The nephilim had to be insane, high or this was a set up. Both options seemed viable as Shinwoo sat for a long moment and considered the voice on the other end of his digital line asking that they “meet again”.

Seraphim (even halfies) and hellspawn did not sit down for tea, scones and a friendly chat. What was he after? The man had him curious. Of course he was also really irritating with that easy way he smiled at Shinwoo in a mid-shift or how there had been no scent of fear on him at any point. Maybe they didn’t have fangs and claws on planet Deviant. Here on Earth though, even the fullbloods at least had always given Shinwoo their mutual respect as a superior animal–even if that only meant they had then just tried to kill him that much quicker. Not the pervert, who even now he could hear sporting an out of place smile in his amused tone.

Was he losing his edge as a hound?

Never!

“Fine…I’ll meet you. One condition: it’s on my terms and a territory of my own choosing.” Shinwoo wasn’t usually one for an upright pissing contest, since he’d never not been the most dominant–but he could still feel the imprint of those lips on his. That scent was still fresh in his memory. How was it even possible when he was sure he had scrubbed his mouth and the rest of his vessel vigorously with a rough towel several times during bath time. The pervert had waylaid him, pinned him and kissed him and unless he set this right again it would be nothing but a distraction.

Distractions got you killed.

“Come to Gwanaksan. At the witching hour…sharp –I trust it won’t be hard for you on wings. And by the by half-breed, I don’t think I have to tell you to come alone do I? That includes your little invisible back-up squad. Leave ‘em home or no deal. I don’t like odds of one me versus the multiple unknown.” Technically the mountain was just outside of Seoul, but he didn’t trust the halfling even as far as he could throw him there. If the guy tried anything funny again at least they’d be far enough away from the city that it would be a long time before anyone found any evidence. Besides if things went too far to the left, he couldn’t exactly eat an angel anyway (even a half-blood one) so burying his body in the mountains was always an option.

“Sure. I can live with that.” Yoohwan smiled. However his bright expression disappeared once he heard the set location. 

“Gwanaksan? Why all the way there?” He cocked his eyebrow now curious.

For a minute he forgot who the hell he was. A ghost operative isn’t supposed to go around introducing himself with their real name, let alone meet with an interesting stranger that may or may not be an enemy. He must have gone insane thinking he could trust anyone else but himself.

“You know what. No need to explain. I’ll see you there.”

It was all a set up.

At least that's what he thought as he angrily traveled across the sky How could he be so stupid as to trust a complete stranger.

You’re so dumb Yoohwan.

{No. Not really. You’re more like an idiot or a moron.} Alex smiled.

Oh, Gee, thanks!

{You’re welcome~} The fairy winked.

Yoohwan really hoped the other hadn’t set him up. Deep down he really came to give the other a chance. Otherwise if he was suspicious of someone he would find them and execute them without a trace. No remorse. No backing out ---- It didn’t take long until he arrived. The other individual was already there waiting for him. Upon catching sight of the suspect his pulse suddenly increased. Yoohwan decided to reveal his fairies upon arrival to let him know he was on the defensive.

“I’m trusting you enough to come all the way over here without any equipment. In other circumstances I would have traced you and taken you out without thinking twice. You may or may not have seen it coming.” Yoohwhan bit his lower lip looking down. He really didn’t want to fight him.

He sighs.

Yuna had turned the orphanage tub into her usual jumble of soap bubbles, bath sponges and floating toys. Bathtime was their weekly nightly ritual. Between the running water, Yuna’s splashing and her loud “bubble” machine–none of the adult staff suspected that “Bear The Guide Dog” would shift to a twenty-something male and sit a tub side vigil for the little girl’s safety. It was one of the few places in the orphanage where he and Yuna could talk freely–because of course the soaking room had no cameras. Even now the little girl had a hand on Shinwoo’s knee and filled his mind with her day, and happy chatter.

When she had finally talked herself out he felt a small mental nudge…

–Oppa? Who’s that boy?–

Uh oh…

–What “boy” little one?–

Yuna pouted a little and splashed him lightly to show her displeasure. The little girl disliked secrets and dishonesty more than anyone Shinwoo had ever met.

–THE. BOY. THE. ONE. THAT. HUGGED. YOU.–

–Watch your tone.–

–Sorry oppa. But is that your friend?–

He was relieved at least that the little girl had missed what that “hug” had really been, but he still didn’t want to have this conversation right now.

–He was just a very thankful client is all.–

Well that part at least was ‘sorta’ true…

Yuna kept trying to get to the bottom of the “boy in oppa’s mind” mystery–even as he dried her, dressed her in PJs, and led her back to bed and right up until she fell asleep in the small book of braille fairy tales they always read together before lights out. Taking the book in his mouth, Shinwoo carried it to Yuna’s little table and slid it on top. Afterward, using paws and muzzle he did the snug tuck in for her that no human in the entire fool place ever saw fit to do. Once the nightshift social worker did the head counts only then did he make his move. Trotting on swift doggie legs he slipped out of Yuna’s room right before the door shut. The security cameras were easily avoided by a demon dog moving among the shadows towards the fire escape.

The actual ledge was a little trickier (especially with a cell phone in his mouth and in the body of the what was probably the smallest chihuahua puppy form on the planet.). However, he managed to hop out on to the ledge, squinting at the city streets four stories below. Unfortunately, the time for second thoughts had passed. Now he just had to keep moving, trotting along the rickety metal stairs until he reached the roof. The moon hadn’t risen yet so he shifted back to his vessel form which as usual was bereft of clothing and sat behind the turbine vents.

Luckily hellspawn were rarely ever affected by temperature. Heat was encoded into their DNA, so his nudity was only a problem it seemed to humanity and their strange social customs. Staring down at the cell phone he wondered if this was wise. He didn’t even know why he was calling that Serph. Even a half-blooded one would only be trouble, and yet…  

He had a right to at least know the perverts name, didn’t he?

Satisfied that was enough of a reason to continue this inane endeavor, Shinwoo mashed the button matching the faded ink on crumpled scrap in his hand. He waited for the phone to connect on the other end and then bluntly snapped without even so much as a greeting, “Who the hell are you? I think it only right to know what deviant violated my mouth, unless of course you want that I should continue to just call you an Angelic Bastard?”

The time by his window seemed to pass by very slowly as he stared at the moon. His thoughts now and becoming corrupted by the male he saw earlier. It was proving hard to keep him out of his mind, especially as he sat there in silence.

“Aleeeex..” He called for the fairy, his tone suspicious.

{Yes sir, how may I help you?}

“What’s wrong?” He turned his head from the moon towards the fairy.

{Well Sir. I believe you’ve taken interest in someone other than yourself..}

Yoohwan squints at the fairy.

{Are you saying I’m wrong?}

Biting his lower lip he looks out of the window again. Was he really interested in that individual? What exactly was he interested in? The other did nothing but injure him on their first meeting. He did have a funny way of expressing himself. “I dunno.. I think there is something more..”

{Maybe you’ve taken a liking to this guy.}

Yoohwan’s visage contorted a bit.

“I dunno... Maybe it’s temporary..”

Then his phone rang and a smile formed on his lips. Before he could answer the call he noticed Alex’s face. On it rested a greasy, and utterly annoying grin. “Please don’t ever smile like that again.” The little creature shrugged and shooed him to answer the phone.

“Hell-” Hi words were cut off by the other’s. It made him chuckle.

“If calling me Angelic Bastard secures me a chance for you to call again, then feel free to do so~” He even shocked himself. What was going on with his behavior? He was feeling bubbly and oddly flirty with the other male. It was very unusual for him. It made him question if he really wanted to set up a friendship with this dude.

“I will tell you. In one condition.” He bit his lip. There was a desire to see the other again. He wasn’t quiet sure why, but the feeling was there.

Like hell he would!

Ignoring the peace offering of a handshake the hellhound crouched low, snarling at the other’s indolent expression. He did note the bandana, the wiping and the “so dirty” comment. Shinwoo was use to others thinking him to be nothing more than a mangy cur but for some reason it really rankled that a kiss, his very first one in fact, now stolen of course had come from someone who apparently thought the same of him.

Fucking asshole!

Shinwoo kept his fangs in plain view, a steady growl rolling out of his throat. The bow meant nothing to him. He didn’t like being used and he liked it even less when it came from a biological enemy. However, when the Nephilim did nothing more than begin writing on paper he froze, stunned by scrap of numbers thrust in his direction and a little irked at his kissing bandits presumption that he would ever “call”.  

Still questions pounded in his skull. Save Seoul? From what? It was already a cesspool since the turn, insidious destructive plots at every corner, sinister demons of all manner corrupting humanity for shits and giggles. The witches and the organization playing all sides of the chessboard in a quest for power. Hunters killing at will like it was a damn bunny hunt everyday over the English moors. The time to panic had come and gone. What? Did this guy have a Yunji of his own to bust chaos wide open? Doubtful…

“If you’re so invested in “saving Seoul” then you might wanna rethink the whole idea of kissing demons in the dark halfbreed.” The guy sounded like he was talking drunkenly out of his butt and was it ever one hot wind. Still determined not to show any sign weakness since the other was facing him eye to eye, Shinwoo snatched the number from the Nephilim from a long armed distance. Maybe he’d call and maybe he wouldn’t . Who knew? The nights were long. He might change his mind about his current diet and just call the cheeky perverted Nephilim over, and munch on the fool at some later point.

Now that would be a “public service”.

The rest of the weird halflings antics simply left Shinwoo puzzled, right up until the man was spreading wings and taking off. That was a new one, as he had always been told by demon kind that the “halfies” were almost as helpless as their human counterparts.

“Good Job Agent Zero.”

“Here we go..” he spoke to himself.

“Everyone! Lets take a moment and appreciate one of our most talented agents in the agency.”  Conor, the president of the organization, always goes on and on after a mission was a success. It was extremely annoying and such a waste of time. “Agent Zero has been of great helped this past year and I would like to take this time and appreciate what he’s done for us. First lets us recall when he captured Mastermind Zhang! And who can forget when he infiltrated the house of highly acclaimed criminal Malkor Manor and brought us a ton of information. Oh! and also that time whe----” A hand swiftly covered the president’s mouth.

“For the sake of all of us. Please stop talking.”

Yoowhan sighed heavily and sat down as the President wrapped up his speech up. “Do you have to make and appreciation speech every time I return from a mission?” The president didn’t answer. “Oh no you’re mad at me?” The president sat in silence. “How did you make your way up to your status? You’re so childish. “I’m NOT! You’re just an insensitive piece of shit you--” The male stopped.

“You’re extremely childish. Tsk.” Yoowhan’s tone annoyed.

After wrapping things at the office and returning the black box inside the metallic sphere Yoowhan returned home. “I’m home~” He spoke expecting no reply from the silent room. Taking off his shoes he wanders towards the window seater.

“Such a pretty view and no one to share it with..”

Then he recalls the incident from before. For some reason it made him blush a bit taking in consideration his previous thoughts. He smiled a bit and reached for his phone. No new messages were noticeable and pouted a bit.

{Since when have you been a hopeless romantic?}

Yoowhan glared at Alex and flicked him away in a playful manner.

“You’re such a nuisance.”

“In a word? Yes!”

Uncaring whether this angelic git knew him for a hound or not Shinwoo snapped the words out in reference to the dog question before he shoved the other man from his chest forcibly. Swearing colorfully, he then spat the sweet metallic candied taste of angel flavored human blood from his mouth, with more than a little revulsion twisting his vessels almost pretty features. The back of a hand was swiped angrily over his lips to remove the last of his taste (if not the sensation of the kiss). Damn deviant! He could still feel him on his mouth! He’d probably be tasting Nephilim for days after this. Shinwoo managed to slow his breathing, but his heart was still pounding. No one had ever been fast enough for him not to know they were coming and catch him unawares.

No one he’d let live at least…

Scarlet toned lupine irises fixed sharply on the Nephilim, coloring Shinwoo’s vision in all the cosmic truths his hound sense allowed, revealing his assailant and some little invisible companions. All to his utter irritation were covered in the telling shiny trademark glare of the “divine” Host that both annoyed and repelled most hellspawn.

He really hated stupid baby angel halflings!

“Maybe you should check where the fuck you’re putting your lips next time kid. Now you have about a second of my good humor left you perverted misbegotten half-caste misfit of an almost angel to explain why the hell you just molested me before I rip out your shiny fucking human spleen and let you wear it home as a winter scarf.”

He ended the last with a snap of elongated fangs, and a loud canine growl rumbling deep in his chest. The small alleyway was still too public for a full shift but he could get more than enough claw and fang wiggle room here to shred the bastard before him. Those little unseen minions too who Shinwoo couldn’t “see” per se but his canine senses gave him a hazy impression of general location. The amount didn’t even matter he’d fight and kill all if he had to tonight.

Those scarlet eyes and the sharp fangs were highly dangerous he could tell. He bets all his money that anyone else would be shitting their pants if they were in his position. The air around him became heavy and threatening and Yoowhan knew the other meant serious business. Yet, it wasn’t enough to intimidate Yoowhan.

While the other spoke Yoowhan took the bandanna tied around his waist and wiped his lips with it. One of the set back about Darunia’s healing was that it didn’t take the leftovers with it.

“Ah, so dirty..” He complained.

{Maybe you should pay attention to the angry hound in front of you before you get bit again.} Alex suggested.

Yoowhan was too laid back to care about what the other was snapping about. It was just a kiss. It wasn’t that big of a deal. It was either that or get caught and possibly tortured until Division could send some agents in a rescue mission. By the time that was done he would have possibly lost a limb or two. Or worse, be dead.

Sighing heavily he steps backwards and bows as a sign of respect. “My deepest apology Sir.” He straightened his back and puckered his lips thinking about what to say next. “It’s kind of complicated you see..” He extends his hand for the other to take. “I can’t explain much of it but you just saved my life and possibly all of Seoul’s too. I’m forever in your debt.”

Yoowhan smiled charmingly. It was a rare moment when he would smile. Often it meant a sign of sincerity and gratefulness from his part.

“If it’s not too much trouble I would like to make amends.” Taking his wallet out he wrote his number in a piece of paper he had saved and gave it to the other. “Lets meet up later. I need to get going now or else your lips would have been kissed in vain.” He smirked teasing the other with a wink.

{Ew. That’s so cheesy. You are such an idiot.}

A clear diamond was visible on his forehead before he quickly looked for the cloak he took off in the nearby trash. Cuddled inside of it there was a metallic round sphere. Holding it tightly he let his wings spread careless of who was around.

“Call me~” He winked again and took off.