Sterling blinks down at his paper work, broken away from his attentiveness on it. He was looking over notes for his music course. Which leaves him confused and biting his lips until they’re raw and red. He’s seated on one of the benches at his schools campus, when he notices someone is talking to him. There are two things in particular that he’s never been good at: music and conversation. And they’re both hitting him at once.

It’s not that he doesn’t like either. Although, admittedly he’s not fond of too much communication. The thing is, people don’t just talk to Sterling without some sort of motive. But the question—what Sterling catches of it, is so friendly that it’s hard to believe there could be anything malicious about it.

Still, his brows dip a bit in confusion.

“What?” He starts, folding his arms insecurely.

“Are you talking to me?” Sterling asks, a bit short, reserved. He stuffs strands of blond waves behind his ears as he finally brings his eyes up to take in the beautiful mint colored bass. Along with the person holding it. Sterling has seen this person before, but always in passing. He remembers hearing the name, too. Viviano…Sterling believes they shared a class back in his freshmen year. Still, he drags his gaze away from Viviano’s face to looking past him instead of at him, not liking to stare.

The other did seem vaguely familiar, Viviano thought to himself. Perhaps they went to school together a long time ago. Maybe they were co-workers. Or perhaps it was simply deja vu. But the name was at the tip of his tongue - and he just couldn’t reach it. 

There is an interest in people from a sort of distance. But he's been sheltered and mistreated so any sort of dynamic, whether it be friendly aquantainceship or friendship seems far away. But here is someone he could, potentially befriend. And Sterling’s being cold. Again.

Ugh.

”Sorry...yeah, i’d like that.” Sterling tries again. He shoves his notes into his back pack and gives Viviano his full attention. He finds it hard to look people in the face, so he opts for something safer. Eyes falling onto the bass. It's beautiful, a shade of mint green that he has always found comforting and nice to use in his art classes. It looks new, and sort of pricey.

”nice bass...do you, uh. I don't know, play in a band or?” Its a sincere question. And somehow it feels like it's a stupid one. He feels very aware of everything he's doing and saying. From his hands gentle shaking to him feeling like he’s just talking too much. Yet he continues on, adding one last thing:

❝ no one’s ever done that to me before. ❞ Sterlings hands are shaking. His whole body is nothing but quivers. Still, he hides his shivering extensions into the depths of his hoodies front pocket. As if it’s supposed to make it any less obvious. His eyes are anywhere but on Levi. There are clumps of dirt and wet leaves clinging to his hair. He didn’t mean to say what he just did, but it traveled it’s way through his esophagus and past his lips before he could stop himself.

They were battling another packless werewolf. And Sterling is still sort of breathless from the combat. He lifts a hand to pull some of the foliage out of blond waves.

No ones ever done what Levi does to him.

He means that in all sincerity. Sterling saw a possible future play before his eyes. And it made him twist about, body arching on top of the soil and branches while screams escaped him. He had been thrown across the forest by the packless, and his eyes glazed over as Levi came from behind them. The possible outcome? The monster turns, slashes down and tears Levi to pieces. It didn’t play out that way. Even after the correct possibility came to fruition, Sterling was left writhing about in horror of what he saw. Even out of his trance like state, it was the panic of it all.

Sterlings never cared about anyone with such feverity. And now that he has stopped panicking he feels embarrassed. His face hot and red and his heart still pounding so fast.

“I’m going to marry you one day.” Sterling slurs out as he rests his head on Levi’s shoulder. He breathes evenly and soft. Feeling at peace and ease.

“I...I swear on it. I saw it. You make me...me...feel protected.” he did see it. A brief passing glimpse into the future. Sterling remembers resenting the foresight. But right now it sounds like the best thing that could ever happen. He's falling asleep a bit. If he was sober Sterling would never dare allow himself to think let alone say such things. But he continues on.

”you were wearing a black...black tuxedo.” Sterling yawns and buries his face into Levis neck a bit.

❝ no one’s ever done that to me before. ❞ Sterlings hands are shaking. His whole body is nothing but quivers. Still, he hides his shivering extensions into the depths of his hoodies front pocket. As if it’s supposed to make it any less obvious. His eyes are anywhere but on Levi. There are clumps of dirt and wet leaves clinging to his hair. He didn’t mean to say what he just did, but it traveled it’s way through his esophagus and past his lips before he could stop himself.

They were battling another packless werewolf. And Sterling is still sort of breathless from the combat. He lifts a hand to pull some of the foliage out of blond waves.

No ones ever done what Levi does to him.

He means that in all sincerity. Sterling saw a possible future play before his eyes. And it made him twist about, body arching on top of the soil and branches while screams escaped him. He had been thrown across the forest by the packless, and his eyes glazed over as Levi came from behind them. The possible outcome? The monster turns, slashes down and tears Levi to pieces. It didn’t play out that way. Even after the correct possibility came to fruition, Sterling was left writhing about in horror of what he saw. Even out of his trance like state, it was the panic of it all.

Sterlings never cared about anyone with such feverity. And now that he has stopped panicking he feels embarrassed. His face hot and red and his heart still pounding so fast.

When he’s finished he makes a face at the taste. Uhg.

“You May want to lay down.”

When Sterling had to research the supernatural he remembers studying the pixie’s and the natural healing properties of the dust they produce. They’re medics of sorts. Healing hurt wanderers in the forest, guiding them back on the right path. They’re also extremely reclusive. Keeping their forms disguised as fireflies.

“Mmm.” Sterling breathes out. His eyes float up to Levi. And he keeps them on him. He seldom allows himself to really look Levi in the eyes. But he does in his state, as if his repression’s have gone to the wind. His hazels fall on Levi’s gray orbs. A smile forms on his lips.

“So pretty.” Sterling slurs out. He’s talking about Levi’s eyes. And he leans forward a bit so he can get a closer look.

“Why haven’t...haven’t I noticed how pretty...” he reaches a hand out, and then drops it. He looks down, attention falling on his lap.

❝ no one’s ever done that to me before. ❞ Sterlings hands are shaking. His whole body is nothing but quivers. Still, he hides his shivering extensions into the depths of his hoodies front pocket. As if it’s supposed to make it any less obvious. His eyes are anywhere but on Levi. There are clumps of dirt and wet leaves clinging to his hair. He didn’t mean to say what he just did, but it traveled it’s way through his esophagus and past his lips before he could stop himself.

They were battling another packless werewolf. And Sterling is still sort of breathless from the combat. He lifts a hand to pull some of the foliage out of blond waves.

No ones ever done what Levi does to him.

He means that in all sincerity. Sterling saw a possible future play before his eyes. And it made him twist about, body arching on top of the soil and branches while screams escaped him. He had been thrown across the forest by the packless, and his eyes glazed over as Levi came from behind them. The possible outcome? The monster turns, slashes down and tears Levi to pieces. It didn’t play out that way. Even after the correct possibility came to fruition, Sterling was left writhing about in horror of what he saw. Even out of his trance like state, it was the panic of it all.

Sterlings never cared about anyone with such feverity. And now that he has stopped panicking he feels embarrassed. His face hot and red and his heart still pounding so fast.

When he’s finished he makes a face at the taste. Uhg.

It’s not that he doesn’t like either. Although, admittedly he’s not fond of too much communication. The thing is, people don’t just talk to Sterling without some sort of motive. But the question—what Sterling catches of it, is so friendly that it’s hard to believe there could be anything malicious about it.

Still, his brows dip a bit in confusion.

“What?” He starts, folding his arms insecurely.

❝ no one’s ever done that to me before. ❞ Sterlings hands are shaking. His whole body is nothing but quivers. Still, he hides his shivering extensions into the depths of his hoodies front pocket. As if it’s supposed to make it any less obvious. His eyes are anywhere but on Levi. There are clumps of dirt and wet leaves clinging to his hair. He didn’t mean to say what he just did, but it traveled it’s way through his esophagus and past his lips before he could stop himself.

They were battling another packless werewolf. And Sterling is still sort of breathless from the combat. He lifts a hand to pull some of the foliage out of blond waves.

No ones ever done what Levi does to him.

He means that in all sincerity. Sterling saw a possible future play before his eyes. And it made him twist about, body arching on top of the soil and branches while screams escaped him. He had been thrown across the forest by the packless, and his eyes glazed over as Levi came from behind them. The possible outcome? The monster turns, slashes down and tears Levi to pieces. It didn’t play out that way. Even after the correct possibility came to fruition, Sterling was left writhing about in horror of what he saw. Even out of his trance like state, it was the panic of it all.

Sterlings never cared about anyone with such feverity. And now that he has stopped panicking he feels embarrassed. His face hot and red and his heart still pounding so fast.

Levi hasn’t asked or mentioned it. So neither does Sterling. He examines the gash with rapt attention, trying to focus on that and anything else but his...friend? Are they friends now?

He keeps his complaints to himself, as he knows this is necessary. Sterling may find himself to be pathetic in most regards. And he even feels pathetic after this battle. Yet there is one thing he is exceptionally useful in, and it’s aiding Levi in combat and research. This is what Sterling is here for, really. And he has prevented Levi being mauled on more than one occasion. Has pulled too many files to count.

It’s quiet between them.

❝ no one’s ever done that to me before. ❞ Sterlings hands are shaking. His whole body is nothing but quivers. Still, he hides his shivering extensions into the depths of his hoodies front pocket. As if it’s supposed to make it any less obvious. His eyes are anywhere but on Levi. There are clumps of dirt and wet leaves clinging to his hair. He didn’t mean to say what he just did, but it traveled it’s way through his esophagus and past his lips before he could stop himself.

They were battling another packless werewolf. And Sterling is still sort of breathless from the combat. He lifts a hand to pull some of the foliage out of blond waves.

No ones ever done what Levi does to him.

He means that in all sincerity. Sterling saw a possible future play before his eyes. And it made him twist about, body arching on top of the soil and branches while screams escaped him. He had been thrown across the forest by the packless, and his eyes glazed over as Levi came from behind them. The possible outcome? The monster turns, slashes down and tears Levi to pieces. It didn’t play out that way. Even after the correct possibility came to fruition, Sterling was left writhing about in horror of what he saw. Even out of his trance like state, it was the panic of it all.

Sterlings never cared about anyone with such feverity. And now that he has stopped panicking he feels embarrassed. His face hot and red and his heart still pounding so fast.

Levi hasn’t asked or mentioned it. So neither does Sterling. He examines the gash with rapt attention, trying to focus on that and anything else but his...friend? Are they friends now?

❝ no one’s ever done that to me before. ❞ Sterlings hands are shaking. His whole body is nothing but quivers. Still, he hides his shivering extensions into the depths of his hoodies front pocket. As if it’s supposed to make it any less obvious. His eyes are anywhere but on Levi. There are clumps of dirt and wet leaves clinging to his hair. He didn’t mean to say what he just did, but it traveled it’s way through his esophagus and past his lips before he could stop himself.

They were battling another packless werewolf. And Sterling is still sort of breathless from the combat. He lifts a hand to pull some of the foliage out of blond waves.

No ones ever done what Levi does to him.

He means that in all sincerity. Sterling saw a possible future play before his eyes. And it made him twist about, body arching on top of the soil and branches while screams escaped him. He had been thrown across the forest by the packless, and his eyes glazed over as Levi came from behind them. The possible outcome? The monster turns, slashes down and tears Levi to pieces. It didn’t play out that way. Even after the correct possibility came to fruition, Sterling was left writhing about in horror of what he saw. Even out of his trance like state, it was the panic of it all.

Sterlings never cared about anyone with such feverity. And now that he has stopped panicking he feels embarrassed. His face hot and red and his heart still pounding so fast.

He wanted to make sure this thing was dead. Levi clenches his sword and lunges it straight thru the head, striking the brain, and making this foul beast doesn’t wake from the eternal rest the which Levi brought down upon.

He makes the sword disappear in thin air.

Upon turning around, Levi noticed Sterling all covered up in dirt and leaves. So he rushes over there to make sure the blonde freckle boi was safe.

Levi gets down on one knee in front of Sterling and checks his pulse. He’s still breathing, which is good. However he seems a tad out of it. Levi makes no attempt at asking questions and lifts Sterling up over his shoulder.

“I can walk myself.” Sterling tries, beating his hand against Levi’s back. It’s not to hurt him, just to get his attention. Secretly, Sterling likes when Levi touches him. He wouldn’t admit it, and even avoids the others touch in an almost spiteful way. As if he’s angry that he’s bonded to someone that makes his heart flutter, his face warm, his smile present. Things he doesn’t think he’s ever allowed himself to.

Sterling is still shaking, but it calms a bit feeling Levi’s body against his. And that almost is enough to make Him mad. But he’s so tired from combat, from being thrown around and shouting that all he does is close his eyes. Melt into the feeling of being touched.

He’s happy Levi didn’t hear what he said.