fishy

Traveling with Gideon Coal, Kremy Lecroux had no regrets thus far, which was uncharted territory for him. The Genasi was funny that way.

He was used to employees and companions of the “Fair-weather” variety. Folks who would come, say they’d stick around, but suddenly run off when things got sticky. Kremy was admittedly a grudge-keeper, and so many years working for Garou had certainly given him a tougher hide.

That being said, Gideon had proved an exception to the rule. Kremy thought he had the genasi figured out; needed Kremy’s know how, employ, and free food to get back on his feet, then it was off to bigger and better things.

Kremy had expected it, prepared for it, it’s not like they were in the honeymoon phase. Plenty of Kremy’s schemes and cons had gone completely to shit, certifiably tits up. Despite it all Gideon had stayed. Hell or high water, and now it was time for Kremy to contend with something he hadn’t known in a long time; permanence.

They were stopped in an inn for the night. It was quaint, though the beds looked somewhat dubious. Kremy had been checking for bed bugs when he caught Gideon running his fingers through his hair.

He had been meaning to get Gideon a comb, or at least a haircut. Admittedly, their thin finances were put towards comfort. Kremy’s focus had been on a nice bed, or, well, a bed at all.

He watched as the genasi dug through his hair stubbornly, little tangled embers curling around his horns. While he was making some progress, Kremy could tell he was missing spots, rushing through.

“Gid, you’ll need to be more thorough and take it slower, you don’t want spots to end up matted.”

“Not all of us have claws man, it’s difficult.”

The genasi huffed, which elicited a laugh from Kremy.

“Well, some of us,” Kremy crossed over to the bed, propping himself behind Gideon. “Could just ask for help.”

“Awh, you don’t have to do that, man, it’s not a big deal I mean it’s always a mess of tangles anyhow-“

“An’ I won’t have it! As our contract dictates, I’m your employer, and as such, I get to make an executive decision.”

It was Gideon’s turn to laugh, he shook his head, but didn’t protest when Kremy began to gently run his claws through Gideon’s wild hair.

Gideon almost immediately winced as Kremy hit a snag. He tutted.

“Gideon Nathaniel Coal, don’t tell me you’re tender-headed.”

“Nah, I’m not! You know me I have a tough head.”

Kremy snorted.

“That I do know, but it wasn’t what I was asking.”

The two fell into a brief silence as Kremy continued to work at it, pausing whenever Gideon would wince or pull away.

“It’ll get easier, the more you work at it. Just gotta get those tangles out then it’ll be smooth sailing.”

“…hey boss?”

“Hm?”

“How’d you know my full name?”

“You signed your paperwork with it, middle name an’ all. Didn’t ask for that, but I appreciate you putting it out there.”

“Oh….”

Kremy carefully pulled some of the hair back from his horns, he smiled when he saw Gideon’s brows raise, like he was trying to look up at him.

“I didn’t mean to do that. Old habit…or well. Just a habit.”

“Worried you’d forget it?”

“…Yeah. Yeah I was.”

Kremy meant it in jest, but Gideon’s small voice chilled him.

He cleared his throat.

“Well, that’s a habit we need to break I’m afraid, names are a powerful thing. Full ones anyway, I think Gideon Coal works just fine.”

“I can agree to that. If ya promise not to forget the Nathaniel. I can’t…it’s important.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it. Now, I think we’re done.”

Gideon stood suddenly, causing Kremy to lose his balance and fall back on the bed. Gideon didn’t seem to notice as he ran to the mirror.

“I’ll be damned! How’d you manage that with just your claws?”

Kremy stood, brushing imaginary dust from his shirt.

“I’m a man of many talents, you should know that by now.”

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Kremy stood out on the balcony, he lit a cigarette with his lighter, one he rarely pulled out nowadays.

Gideon was fast asleep inside, meaning the evening chill was starting to settle in. But the gator had one more piece of business to finish before turning in himself.

In a snap of neon magic, a contract manifested in front of him.

He read it over, again and again.

Then he took his lighter, lighting the top corner. He watched the flames spread slowly. His contracts could easily be destroyed by his own magic, but this felt fitting.

The last remains of Gideon’s employment contract was where he penned his name. Kremy released the paper, as it smoldered and turned to ash on the wind.

Don’t need a piece of paper to remember your name. I won’t forget.

Kremy imagined Gideon Nathaniel Coal didn’t need a blood pact to stick around, the Genasi was funny that way.