Tasty Words!

It was simply that time year again. Laying season. The time when Dorian was the least helpful and the most pissy. He couldn't help how much energy it took to get those eggs out of his system. The others could help their pestering however.

He was once again sprawled out over the mess of blankets and pillows he called a nest. He was dizzy. Dizzy and aching, which was not a great combination as it turn out. Between his legs was a pair of eggs. Why couldn't the blasted things come out all in the same time?

The door to his office creaked open but Dorian ignored it. He reached up, running his hands over the downy feathers lining his neck. The gesture stirred an annoying mixture of comfort and tired anger. Dorian didn't regret what he did to himself but laying eggs almost made him want to. Almost.

"MEDIC!! MEEEEEDIIIIC!"

Dorian groaned. Of all of the men on the team, of course it had to be the Soldier. He blindly grabbed a blanket and rolled over. There were more feathers scattered about his room than usual. There usually were during this time of year.

Soldier's obnoxious firm stomps slowed in Dorian's office. Then, much to the hybrid man's dismay, he heard the door to his personal room creak open. His pupils were thin, irritated dots. He huffed dismissively under the blanket and tugged the fabric closer.

"MEDIC. MED-.. ... Fritz?" The patriot's voice went uncharacteristically soft. It was a jarring sound really, for both parties, to go from yelling at the top of your lungs to barely above a whisper. "You're hiding like a sissy ass hippie." It was such a bluntly simple observation, Dorian didn't know if he wanted to laugh or start sobbing.

He reluctantly throw the blanket off. From his position on the bed he could see the grey-blue of the other's eyes pretty clearly. They were surprisingly beautiful.

Dorian went to respond before a sharp cramp ripped through him. He grunted and doubled over, clutching at himself.

The sight of Dorian in such obvious pain made a conflicting mixture of emotions ripple through him. Anger, at the pain itself. Worry, a warm and soft thing he'd never admit to feeling ever. And a sense of duty. Solly wasn't quite sure exactly where the thought came from but if his medic was hurting then it was his job to chase the said pain away.

The Soldier nodded and climbed into the bed without a word. Dorian let out a loud, undignified squawk, his clawed hands lurching back defensively. A barely audible gasp escaped the hybrid as he felt Soldier's well defined arms encircle his waist. The edge of the helmet brushed against his skin as Solly pressed his face into the nape of Dorian's neck.

His downy feathers fluffed up. They soon settled however as the heat of the other man's body radiated into him. Dorian sighed softly. He pressed his hips back, savoring the feeling of Solly spooning him.

Behind him Solly shift slightly. His hips probably pressed uncomfortably into the Soldier's but Dorian didn't particularly care. His scaly hands rested over Soldier's. In response he seemed to snuggle even closer. Dorian hummed low in his throat, tilting his head slightly.

"Fritz.. you're hurting.." Solly mumbled almost hesitantly into Dorians neck. He was getting feathers in his nose. Not that Solly would complain, it was a necessary evil if it mean Dorian was alright.

Sylvestar was half-way asleep when he heard the old door to his bedroom creak. It was a sharp sound that tore effortlessly through the silence of the still room. His breath hitched as he bolted up. His hand went down the side of the bed and he blindly felt around until his hand found his metal water bottle. It audibly sloshed as Sylvestar yanked it up. It was only about half full of water and the metal itself was cold from disuse. His chest tightened as the figure stepped into the room. But his shoulders quickly dropped when Sylvestar saw exactly who was ducking through the doorway.

It was Prince. The warm pink of their one eye met Sylvestar’s softening gaze. They offered him a gentle and affectionate smile. Prince’s suit jacket and bowtie plopped onto the dresser with a soft -whoosh-. Prince settled on the bed next to Sylvestar and he didn’t hesitate to slide closer to the green furred worm. Without realizing he let out a shuddering breath that stirred tufts of mossy colored softness. Sylvestar’s cheeks bloomed with a familiar heat when he felt Prince’s clawed hands come to rest on his back.

“Still all shaken up, m’love?” Their shrill voice was barely a whisper. It was something Prince did a lot with Sylvestar, speaking quietly as if he was ashamed of their own voice. Sylvestar thought it was sweet they spoke to him like he was delicate.

Sylvestar nodded against their fur. In response Prince ducked their head to press their snout to the side of his neck. The hairs on the back of his neck stuck up. He could feel his hot breath against his skin like the sun on a day that was just perfect.

“Yeah.. I mean it was just wholly awful. I swear I can still feel that blade against my neck.”

* * *

Sylvestar and Prince had only just started going out. Prince had moved to town recently, only about three years ago. Sylvestar was one of the first people they met. He’d been nothing but kind to the Wormie. Which surprised Prince greatly at first but he’s come to expect that sort of thing from the man. Thus far they’d only been together for a month. Prince had been astounded when Sylvestar asked it out. Which wasn’t any fault of Sylvestar’s, rather their own upbringing. Prince had been raised under a mafiosa. His close ties to such a dangerous group from a horribly young age twisted his perceptions of himself. They thought of themself as a weapon, a shadow in the night. Certainly nothing that would deserve a healthy relationship. Especially not with such a sweet, if timid man.

Prince was walking through the aisles of the local Happymart, looking for something. What they were looking for wasn’t clear but it felt like he’d know when it came to them. They froze when they saw a collection of broken glass around a loose leaf paper. He picked it up . The handwriting was achingly familiar.

You’ll always be one of us. You belong home with your family and you have one week to cut the bullshit and return home. You can’t escape by being a “Good Person”, Princeton. ~ Mama.

Prince hissed under their breath. Technically he was only part of that damned family through adoption. And adoption was sort of a strong word for it. Prince’s blood parents worked for “Mama” until she had them killed for sneaking around behind her back. Prince himself only knew because he snooped through deeply buried records.

They whipped around frantically, their single eye darting around. A familiar glimpse of orange and brown fur flashed in the window. Prince hissed under his breath and rushed to gather the shards of broken glass. He ran out of the store. They stood there frozen as an opossum while they looked around. Nothing. The town was as it always was, peaceful and blissfully quiet. But to Prince it wasn’t a calm quiet, more the sort of quiet that left your ears ringing.

And that wasn’t the only incident where Prince had found ominous messages paired with something dangerous or dead. Things started taking a turn, though, when Sylvestar also started finding the messages. The first time was when Sylvestar had just come home from his shift at Happymart and had checked the mail. He’d doubled over vomiting at the sight of a maggot-infested rat festering inside the raggedy metal box.

Prince had been coming home late recently, to their own displeasure. He was dealing with a complex case alongside the local police. Prince had been a free lance detective for years now but the paperwork that went with it never got easier. That night was the first time Prince realized this ghost from his past was haunting his partner.

“Do you feel safe, Sylvie?” Their voice was even softer than it normally was with Sylvestar. Prince was infinitely glad Sylvestar’s sense of smell was nowhere near as strong as his own. Prince didn’t know what they’d do if he could smell the acrid smell of fear on them.

“I don’t know.. Prince.. What’s going on? Are we safe.? Is there some serial killer out there or something?” Their heart ached as he listened to him. They buried their narrow snout in his neck.

“No.. No, not a serial killer. Worse, admittedly. Remember how I’ve said I was raised by less than stellar people?”

“Yeah? Oh, is it your parents?”

Prince huffed almost crossly. Sylvestar shivered beneath them from the sudden rush of hot air against his neck. He swallowed shallowly and brought his hands up to drag up and down Prince’s long neck. Prince’s own hands hovered over Sylvestar’s before pressing them firmly against their neck. Sylvestar’s hands stilled under his. He leaned forward and pressed an echo of a kiss to the tip of their snout.

“Parent is a rather strong word, m’dear. She raised me yes but the relationship was less familial as it was a working relationship. I was a killer. I was a tool. Just another pawn to order ’round,” He paused to brush their lips against Sylvestar’s to calm himself.

About a week later the flashes of orange and brown fur become more and more frequent. When Prince had come home one night, something felt off. His and Sylvestar’s house was usually quiet but there was a different sort of quiet. Closer to silence really. It was stifling.

They could feel their hackles standing high all along his spine. They shifted on their weight so his steps matched the silence pressing down on the house. Prince noticed the bedroom door was askew. Sylvestar hated leaving doors open for no reason.

The sight that greeted him in the bedroom was one he’d never hoped to see. Their “Mother” was standing behind a petrified Sylvestar. Her tail was coiled around his legs. Not to trap him, but to heighten his fear. Her head was tilted almost innocently with her cold gray eyes watching Sylvestar’s face. Her eyes only grew more cruel when she noticed Prince. Sharp teeth that matched the color of her sclera were revealed as her lips curled in a mockery of a smile. Her hand holding a sinisterly sharp dagger twisted slightly. Prince let out an involuntary growl as he watched the blade nick their neck.

“Sweet little Princeton. You think you can escape your mama? Tsk tsk, for shame, running away from home and worrying mama all these long years,” Her voice was nauseatingly condescending. He stepped forward and her hand flicked, pressing the dagger more firmly against Sylvestar. A thin trickle of pink-ish red blood oozed down the steel.

“Let him go, he has nothing to do with any of this!”

“No? He certainly seems to be a motivator for my sweet baby Pwrincey to ignore my notes,” The mocking nickname drew a low hiss out of Prince. “Better solution, you come home and I put this miserable creature out of its misery. Everyone wins. Well, everyone who matters anyway.”

Prince sighed. They put his hands up slowly and tilted their head down. The other Wormie’s grin widened. “Alright, you win. I’ll come home, Mama. Just release my partner and step away from him. Please,” He warily stepped closer as she tore the dagger away from Sylvestar’s neck and took her own steps toward Prince.

Sylvestar gasped and opened his mouth to call out to Prince. He hesitated when he saw Prince shake his head subtly. His brows furrowed but he nodded. “Mama” kept walking until she was only a few paces away from Prince. Prince lunged at her before she had a chance to speak. One hand wrestled the dagger from her while the other held her snout closed. Her claws dug into their neck, scrabbling for purchase in their thick green fur.

Sylvestar took a startled step back. He was breathing swallowly as if afraid to take a proper breath. Prince blindly threw the dagger aside. He leaned down and sunk their teeth into her neck. “Mama” howled sharply with pain and thrashed under him. Prince bit down harder before suddenly rearing back, tearing a chunk of flesh and fur with him. They spit out the flesh and leaned down to bite her again.

She struggled against him but it grew increasingly weak as blood spray from her fresh wound. A muffled gurgle sounded from her mouth. It hung open slightly. Her head hit the floor with a solid –thump– and lolled to the side. Prince felt a dark sense of pride bloom in their chest. Her gray eyes were wide with shock, an expression that would never fade now. Prince had to admit, if only to themself, those cruel eyes looked significantly kinder glazed over in death than they ever had in life.

They stepped over the still warm body and gathered Sylvestar in his arms. He nuzzled his hair, his clawed hands rubbing up and down their partner’s back.

Jeremy had been warmed multiple times. Actually multiple was putting it generously. Truth was the scruffy Boston man had long lost count of all the warnings he'd received from Dorian Ludwig.

In fact Dorian gives him more warning than anybody else. It was completely unfair! Nobody else got shooed out of the medic's office quite like Jeremy did. He's tried asking him about it but everytime he'd gotten a bullshit answer about it "being for his own good". You'd think having seen what the hybrid bird man can do he'd be more cautious but then again this is the scout.

One time after a particularly rough match against the BLUs Jeremy had seen the door to Dorian's bedroom cracked open. It was dark so he really hadn't seen very much of the inside. At the time he was only half conscious so he hadn't thought to sneak in. The sight certainly lingered in his mind though. Why did Dorian keep him out so much?

Jeremy decided to ask the others first. Starting with Heavy or as he'd occasionally hear Dorian call him, Misha.

"Yo Misha! Got a question for ya," Jeremy's voice was quiet. Well quiet for Jeremy anyway, for a normal person it would barely qualify as hushed.

"Hm?"

"It's err.. It's about Dorian. Does he hate me or somethin'? 'Cause 'e's always so fast to kick me outta his office.."

"No, Doktor is fond of you. Scares himself," Misha answered simply and bluntly. Wait Dorian liked him? He sure didn't act like it.

Everyone else said something similar. Sort of. Dell was the only other person to actually confirm Dorian's fondness of Jeremy. Spy ignored him, Soldier found something important to do as soon as Dorian was mentioned, Pyro was as unintelligible as ever, Tav was passed out (again), and Mundy also thought Dorian hated Jeremy. What help his team was. It was time for Jeremy to take things into his own hands.

That night Jeremy slipped into Dorian's office. He walked toward the door to Dorian's room and put his hand to the handle. He took a deep breath and swallowed shallowly before turning the handle. It was.. unlocked? Jeremy wasn't quite sure why that was as surprising as it was. He pushed in and took in the sight of the room. On the opposite wall was a bed with a mess of pillows and blankets draped over top. By the foot of the bed was a window and the bird cage Dorian's doves were kept in. The window was slightly open and seemed to lead to some kind of outdoor cage. Like something you'd see for a cat.

There were feathers everywhere. Both small dove feathers and larger more grey-ish white and dark grey feathers. Not to mention the distinctly bird-y smell the room had, which made sense.

Jeremy moved closer to the bed and reached for the mess of soft fabric items. He adjusted the blankets and pillows to be neater. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a familiar scaly hand land on his shoulder.

"Jeremy. I've had reasons for pushing you away and you've made a mistake," Dorian stepped closer, pressing his angular face against the other's neck.

He swallowed shallowly, Dorian's body heat seeming very intense behind him. He was distinctly aware of the feeling of Dorian's feathers brushing against him. Jeremy could tell the bird man naked or nearly so. "I'm so sorry doc, I-"

"Hush. Let me explain, ja? Nest building is.." Dorian took a deep breath, his other hand idly finding Jeremy's waist. "It's a courting behavior for seagulls Jeremy. I've been pushing you away because I didn't want my own brain to get za wrong idea."

"Oh.. well uhm maybe I am courtin' ya now"

Charlie and his older brother Vincent lived in the small town of Willowmire. Willowmire being a fairly small town in the mid-south east of the US. Willowmire was well known for its odd curfews and an even odder legend regarding the dense forest that surrounds the town. That legend being the legend of the Evermaw. A supposedly cautionary tale about an inhuman creature that uses illusions and manipulation to hunt.

According to the legend, somewhere deep in the woods lies a cozy, incredibly welcoming cabin. In which lives a tall, fluffy vaguely insectile humanoid creature who acts motherly to lure her next meal. Vincent never really believed the legend and always thought it was a cheap excuse to keep kids from getting lost while playing in the woods. Charlie had doubts of his own but he never spoke up about them like his brother did. Charlie was also more unnerved by the idea of some terrifying creature acting all sweet and motherly as its lure than Vincent was. Sometimes Charlie wondered if Vincent feared anything at all.

Their Mother, Lily told them constantly to avoid the forest when they could and if they did have to go in there to not go too far. The brothers both listened to their mother, for the most part. Vincent was the antsy, rebellious teen he sounds like. Meanwhile Charlie was a quiet and very keep to himself teen. The boys weren't that far apart in age, Vincent was 16 and Charlie had just turned 15.

¨Vincent don´t go into the woods and keep your brother safe!¨ Lily called after her troublesome eldest son and timid youngest. Lily heard a reply that could only really be described as half-hearted and sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose and turning back to her paperwork.

Charlie tagged along as Vincent gathered their friends.Vincent and Charlie hung around some of the same people. The brothers didn't do everything together but they did enjoy spending time with mutuals together.

The group now consisted of Vincent, Lance who everyone just called ¨Ox¨, Alex, and of course Charlie. The little group of friends hung out pretty much daily. Their close bond was only reinforced by the fact that they all went to the same school and had at least one class all together. They were walking around in a clearing just behind the elementary school playground and talking about exciting new events, peers, and whatever else they could think to talk about. Eventually the conversation led into the town legend.

¨So what if she was real? What do you think she would call herself when she's being all motherly?¨ Ox inquired, throwing a fist-sized rock into the seemingly endless darkness of the forest in front of them. There was a collective pause as the rock thunked against an unseen tree.

¨Obviously Mother somethin´, else it don't make sense,¨ Alex pointed out as she looked into the same darkness cloaked foliage as the boys. Charlie absentmindedly nodded in agreement but made no comment. Ox nodded thoughtfully but Vincent rolled his eyes. He jumped onto a barren stump just barely outside of the line of trees.

¨I think it would just call itself the Evermaw, it's got no real reason to be all dodgy about it if it was real,¨ Vincent announced triumphantly, earning nearly a completely collective groan. For the next ten minutes or so Alex and Vincent fought about whether or not the Evermaw would call itself something sweet and welcoming or just be upfront. Then again it could have been longer or shorter, Charlie couldn´t say for certain as his mind and attention was elsewhere. He jumped slightly when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and relaxed seeing that it was just Ox.

¨You alright little ember? You seem . . Off,¨ Ox sat down next to Charlie, his hand remaining on his friend's shoulder. Ox had nicknames for both brothers, Charlie being little ember and Vincent being wildfire. Why both names were flame related was beyond Charlie. He'd always guessed it was due to both brothers having vivid ginger hair which did look rather fiery in some lighting. Whatever the actual reason, Charlie always found Ox´s nicknames for people and objects endearing and cute.

¨Y-yeah, I´m okay. I just. . well I dunno it feels weird hearing you guys talk about the um l-legend so casually. I mean when you think about it, it would be absolutely sleep murdering on the off chance the creature is real!¨ Charlie took a deep breath to calm down and gave Ox a weak smile. ¨The Evermaw just really creeps me out. I know it probably isn't real but it's still an unnerving story, y´know?¨ Charlie murmured softly, slightly leaning into Ox´s touch. Ox nodded understandingly and pulled Charlie into a tender hug. Charlie let his lips tug into a thin smile as he rested his head on Ox´s shoulder. Alex and Vincent stopped arguing and looked over at Ox and Charlie. Vincent rolled his eyes at the sweet sight while Alex playfully sneered at the two.

¨Are we gonna do stuff or are you two too busy being gay?¨ She called out, earning a startled squeak from Charlie and a hearty little chuckle from Ox. The group never took comments like those very seriously. Alex always jokingly poked at Ox and Charlie for being platonically affectionate but she never really meant harm. ¨Seriously though, what do we do now? It's not like we can do all that much without going into the woods or causing trouble,¨ She asked the boys in a more serious, if slightly bored tone.

¨I say we head out there. The Evermaw isn't real so we should be fine to just go explore between the trees, right?¨ Vincent blurted out, glancing hopefully at the others. Alex narrowed her eyes at him. Ox raised an eyebrow.

¨Guys, what if we go in there and prove its not real?¨

¨Could be fun now that I think about it. I´m on board¨ Ox gave a lazy stretch as he drew himself to his feet. He offered Charlie his hand and helped him up to his feet as well. Alex´s face scrunched up as if she had just caught wind of a particularly foul smell. Her shoulders tense a tad before easing. Charlie tilted his head curiously at her.

¨Don't be stupid. If we go in there and the Evermaw is real then we´re as good as dead. We really shouldn't. Besides when our parents learn we went into the forest without tellin´ nobody, we´ll surely be in deeper than deep trouble,¨ She murmured warily, side-eyeing the foliage in front of them all. Vincent shrugged like her statement didn't bother him in the slightest.

¨All the more reason to prove it right? And if it was real then we just stay out of the cabin, simple¨ His air of confidence was infectious, encouraging his friends and brother to have faith in him. Ox and Alex nodded in agreement but Charlie was growing more and more nervous. Charlie´s heart sank as he swore he saw a pair of glossy amber eyes watching them from the forest. He took a double-take and his body automatically moved towards the treeline without his mind willing it to. It was just a trick of his mind, surely. ¨Wow, even little ol´ Chars is on board! That settles it, lets go guys. To prove the Evermaw ain't real!¨

* * *

The four went much deeper into the forest than they thought they would ever end up. Charlie stayed close by Ox´s side while the group walked. Vincent was naturally the self-appointed leader of the group, trotting forward confidently. There was pretty much no chance they weren't lost, as Vincent wasn't known for having a keen sense of direction. The further the four traveled, the darker the forest seemed to get. The canopy wasn't that thick, was it?

The sound of wild animals and whistling wind was eerily quiet. It almost felt as if the foliage itself was trying to get them to turn back and leave. The chirping of birds was softer than normal, like the birds were speaking in wary, frightened voices. Even the skittering of bugs seemed frantically afraid. The musty smell in the air could only be described as old, stale leaves. It was peaceful but not in a comforting way. It was unnerving and made Charlie's stomach churn.

Eventually the four found themselves in a circular clearing with a particularly cozy and welcoming cabin in the center. Charlie´s eyes widen to the size of dinner plates. It was either a really weird coincidence or the Evermaw was actually real.

¨G-guys we should go b-back home,¨ Charlie squeaked frantically, subconsciously grabbing Ox´s hand and squeezing it tightly. Charlie didn't notice his body was shaking.

¨Are you kiddin´? Lets go inside!¨ Vincent grinned his reckless grin, already stepping toward the cabin. Alex tugged Vincent back, her hand firmly on his shoulder. He frowned at her, opening his mouth to argue but out of the blue they all heard the wind howl furiously. The sudden gust of chilly wind sent a shiver down all of their spines.

¨Stop, wait, You´re the one who said we wouldn't go in, remember? Should we..¨ Alex trialed off, her gaze darting between the cabin and the foliage around them. Vincent knew what he had said earlier but the burning curiosity was overpowering the sense of apprehension.

¨Yeah well, there's only one way to prove it ain't real, right?¨ It sounded as if he was trying to convince himself more than the others. Vincent didn't wait for an answer as he stepped along the cobblestone path leading up to the front door and twisted the knob. He looked back at his friends before pushing forward and going inside. Alex went in next. Charlie hesitated, his breathing growing shallow. Ox gave him a reassuring smile and took his hand in his own, walking into the cabin with Charlie.

The four were greeted by a cozy sight and the warm scent of fresh baked pie. The beige-y cream walls were decorated with elegant vines painted by a steady hand. Occasionally the beige-y cream and sage green was broken by equally elegantly painted flowers of different shapes, sizes and colors. There were a few empty frames here and there. Strangely enough the glass of each frame was cracked in some way. The few frames that did have a picture seemed to only display kitchen knives.

Charlie and Ox explored around, finding themselves in a miniature library sort of room. There was a board pinned with many, many loose-leaf papers, all with some depiction of an insectile humanoid. Charlie´s heart sank when he saw the drawings. He recognized some of them. The drawings were all varying interpretations of the Evermaw. Charlie swallowed down his paranoia. Surely it was just a coincidence. Maybe the cabin owner was just really interested in the legend of the Evermaw in particular.

Alex and Vincent Moved to a dining room. In the center of the dining room was a large round table. On top of the table and below the peachy-pink cover were several pie dishes and plates of cupcakes, even a bowl of various fruits. The two grinned at each other and both took a cupcake, biting into it without a second thought. The taste of the cupcakes was a pleasant mixture of vanilla and cinnamon with a hint of orange. The frosting seemed to be a different flavor for each color. The frosting was also surprisingly shiny, almost like a puddle of blood glistening in dim light.

Alex and Vincent were caught off guard by the sound of soft footsteps on floorboards and the front door closing. The owner of the cabin had come home. They haven't really been there that long, have they? Alex and Vincent both dropped whatever food they had in hand and scrambled under the table in a last ditch effort to hide before being seen. The footsteps crept closer then stopped. From under the table Alex and Vincent could partially see the owner of the cabin standing in the doorway.

¨Oh my, it seems I have guests. There´s no need to hide dearies,¨ An unfamiliar but gentle and alluring feminine voice beckoned from the doorway. Vincent moved before Alex did. He got up from under the table and faced the owner of the cabin. The figure definitely wasn't human, looking more like some kind of fuzzy bipedal insectile. She had soft, silky fur of a light blue-ish indigo hue with lighter gradients here and there. Her eyes were a lovely amber color complimented by faintly yellow eyelashes. She didn't have a visible nose but her ears were visible and were more like the antenna of a moth than anything else. ¨You may call me Ms. Eve by the way, or perhaps even mother if you wish,¨ She said assuringly. While she spoke both Alex and Vincent felt more calm, her voice was soothing reminding both of a music box.

¨Oh uh okay then. Sorry about eating your food and barging in while you were away Mrs. Eve,¨ Vincent timidly apologized. Alex stood by his side. She nodded as he apologized but Alex and Vincent both knew they really hadn't meant it, or at least Alex wasn't particularly sorry.

¨Ms. Eve. And I don't mind all that much, dearies. In fact, make yourselves comfortable and eat as much as you want¨ Vincent and Alex lit up as she welcomed them to get comfortable and went right back to the assorted sweets and baked goods. Ms. Eve made her way to the kitchen but stopped when she heard muffled murmurs from behind her make-shift home library. She couldn't make out the words but she could tell there were two voices. She continued on her way to the kitchen. Ms. Eve hummed to herself as she gathered sugar and flour from the cabinets. There were four of them.

Charlie was startled when Ox suddenly took him by the hand. He raised an eyebrow at his friend and Ox dropped his hand sheepishly, giving him a warm, reassuring smile. Odd but nothing too weird. At least if you asked Ox. Charlie returned Ox´s smile but wasn't entirely convinced that everything was as okay as the smile wanted to portray. Ox let his smile drop and his gaze wandered to the board of Evermaw drawings. Neither boy had said anything about the board but it weighed strongly in their minds. Ox was incredibly unnerved since he noticed it. Pieces were falling in place and Ox didn't want them to. It was already creepy that the cabin the friend group was all too similar to the core aspects of the legend but it was even creepier and uncanny that in the cabin was a board of drawings of the Evermaw. All of Ox´s instincts were screaming to gather his friends and book it home. But he was sure he was just overthinking. There was no reason to be so uneasy, right?

¨Hey Ox, I´m gonna go check on Vince and Alex. Are.. Are you gonna be okay alone?¨ Charlie asked gently, looking into Ox´s eyes with trust and concern. Ox nodded and gave Charlie another reassuring smile. Charlie spread his arms wide, offering Ox a hug and he happily took it, embracing Charlie tightly.

As Charlie walked out into the hall he heard the sound of humming from the kitchen. He curiously stepped toward the kitchen. His heart dropped and he nearly screamed when he saw Ms. Eve rolling out dough on the kitchen table. Charlie hadn´t screamed, mainly due to spit and fear catching in his throat but he also held back because it would be rude. Ms. Eve didn't look up from her task or even make any indication that she had noticed Charlie standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Charlie backpedaled and made his way to the dining room where he found Alex and Vincent happily eating sweets and baked goods.

¨Oh hey Char, have you met Ms. Eve? She's real nice, wasn't even mad about the whole barging into her cabin thing,¨ Alex mumbled between chews as she watched Charlie nervously step closer to her and Vincent as if the ground was coated thoroughly in eggshells. His eyebrows raised in surprise. The thing from the kitchen wasn't mad that they had invaded her home while she was gone? Vincent nodded affirmatively as if he had read Charlie´s mind. Charlie felt a small smile tug at his lips as he picked up a cupcake. He was a bit hungry and the food did look real good. What would be the harm in trying a few sweet treats?

Ox felt a sharp pain behind his eyes. He blinked and his hands automatically reached up to rub his eyes. He had lost track of time, too busy reading and digging through the make-shift library. Ox took one glance at the board of Evermaw drawings and realized it was suddenly different. All of the loose-leaf papers had some kind of bloody handprint on them. The smell too changed. It was like the air had grown stale trying to suppress some awful smell but had long given up. Ox managed to keep from gagging and pushed the door open, bolting to the dining room.

The sight before him was one he wanted to forget immediately. All three of his friends were stuffing their faces with moldy fruit and treats with rotten or raw meats baked into them. One or three masses of sugar and meat seemed to have fingers or eyeballs poking through. Ox clutched his stomach, his mouth hanging open in horror and disgust at what he was seeing. From the hallway a large and horrible humanoid creature stepped into the room carrying another pie tin of pie crust and rotten, maggot-infested meat.

The creature was covered in matted, wiry fur of a dusty blue-ish indigo hue with very faint lighter gradients here and there. Its hands were stained with both new and old blood. Its eyes were a piercing almost neon amber color, seemingly glowing in the dim light. The eyes themselves were glossy and perfectly round. They looked more like plastic glowing orbs than eyeballs, not to mention they seemed just a little too small for their sockets. The mouth on its face was contorted into a smile that should have broken its face. The most notable trait of the living nightmare before him was the vertical mouth on its torso stretching down its abdomen and filled with hundreds if not thousands of sharp teeth of various sizes. Its teeth were all pearly white despite the lips and fur around them being stained red. The legend was true.

The Evermaw was real and Ox and his friends were right there in its cabin. Then Ox felt that same sharp pain behind his eyes. When his eyes opened everything was perfectly fine. The rancid smell was gone, the food on the table looked perfectly fine and edible. Not a single finger or eyeball to be seen. Even the creature Ox could only assume was the Evermaw looked much less nightmare-inducing and horrible. What was that nightmare-ish world he had seen? Was he going crazy?

¨Ox are you okay? You look like you´ve seen a ghost. .. or whatever's worse than a ghost.. Either way you´re looking pale,¨ Charlie´s voice was heavily laced with concern and he was the first to move to Ox´s side. Charlie took Ox´s hand in his own just like Ox had done earlier in the make-shift library. For several moments Ox felt like he was a statue. His body wouldn't move and his voice wouldn't let out even a squeak.

¨Yes, you look as if you´re going to be sick dearie,¨ Ms. Eve agreed, putting the pie down and taking a step closer to Charlie and Ox. Her eyes glinted unreadably as she observed Ox´s frightened form. Her expression was that of concern but something about it seemed ingenuine. Ox gulped but said nothing to either Charlie or Ms. Eve. His heart was still racing and he was still trying to process what just happened. Not to mention the smell and sight was not something he would forget in a hurry. He finally snapped back to reality and noticed Ms. Eve was slowly stepping closer to him and Charlie. He gripped Charlie´s hand tighter and took a step back. Words still failed him so he shook his head. His head shook again and he stepped back once more.

¨I´m f-fine. I uh.. I was just being paranoid because I recently r-read something creepy about cabins in the woods,¨ Ox said frantically, trying to put on his easy going mask for his friends even though he knew they had seen his genuine fear. Ox stood off to the side as the others ate and joked about. Occasionally Charlie would come over and try to console him. Ox was grateful for Charlie´s support even if Charlie didn't entirely understand why Ox was so shaky and off put.

Ox´s gaze kept darting to Ms. Eve whenever she was in the room. He was understandably afraid considering the sight he saw. Ox tried to dismiss the sight as some mad hallucination but something buried beneath the churning nausea told him what he saw wasn't a trick of his mind. Ox decided to step outside to get some fresh air. He breathed the stale forest air deeply but felt no calmer. Nor did he feel any more sane than a few minutes ago. Ox took a few laps around the outside of the cabin. He lost track of time again, which was surprisingly easy to do out in the dead of the woods.

He started getting worried for his friends. He felt the same sharp pain behind his eyes and a sinking feeling in his gut rose to the surface. Ox rushed into the cabin only to find the Evermaw standing in plain view seemingly waiting for him. A long, slimy tendril flicked out the Evermaw´s larger central maw which took Ox a second to register as a tongue. His breath hitched when he saw several hundreds strands of hair trapped between its teeth. Ox recognized the mixture of chocolatey brown and flame orange tufts of hair.

¨Little ember..¨ his voice automatically croaked out. The Evermaw let out a sound halfway between a snarl, and purr and started stepping toward him. His heart skipped a beat and he staggered back, turning around and pushing himself to a sprint as fast as he could. The horrible nightmare behind him bent back, dropping to all fours with its stomach maw up and its tongue lolling out like a dead limb. It weaved through trees better than he did, gaining on him and closing the distance between them faster than he was even remotely comfortable with.

¨You can't run forever little morsel! You´ll grow too tired to flee and when you do momma will have the last little bite of today's fools!¨ The Evermaw gleefully bellowed behind him. Ox tried to run faster but his legs were already growing sore. He looked ahead for something, anything to fight or throw it off but the only things in front of him seemed to be trees, trees and more trees. Then Ox caught sight of an old bear trap. From what he could tell it was a little rusty but still functional. He rushed ahead to the bear trap and hurriedly scrambled to pick it up. The Evermaw was shortening the distance faster than he expected. Before long he was face to face with the Evermaw.

¨Don´t you wanna join your friends? I can reunite you with all three of them, even the scared little ginger you seemed to be fond of. He was the sweetest of the three.. I haven't had such raw terror in such a long time, it was delicious I must say,¨ It seemed to almost mock him as it rose to its feet and took slow, calculated steps closer.

Ox felt tears prick his eyes. Charlie, Alex, and Vincent were gone. All of them victims of an ancient monster's insatiable hunger. Ox gripped the bear trap tighter and without thinking shoved it into the Evermaw´s face. It reared back, shrieking horribly in agony as the trap snapped. Ox gagged when he saw a glossy, foul smelling viscous black liquid oozing out of the spots the bear trap teeth punctured and pierced the Evermaw. He didn't know how but with the bear trap he had managed to stab both of its eyes. He frantically looked around for anything that would help further injure or delay the creature.

He saw a shine that could only come from metal glinting in sunlight. Ox sprinted toward where he saw the glint. The Evermaw shrieked again and clawed at the bear trap secured on its face. It roared in both frustration and pain and gripped the back of the bear trap firmly and tugged. It tugged until the bear trap tore from its face. The bear trap clattered to the ground and the Evermaw panted heavily. The sight left after the removal of the bear trap couldn't be further from even the slightest semblance of pretty. Both of its eye sockets were empty save for drippin pools of the black ooze Ox could only assume was its blood and a large chunk of skin and fur was torn from its face. Ox swore he could even see glimpses of bone here and there. The Evermaw sniffed the air deeply and bent back again, an aimless cross of a scream and a snarl emitted from its gut maw as it started blindly scrambling toward him. It was probably following his scent.

Fizz was twisted back in an unpleasant looking way, her antenna high and alert. Her tail periodically forming lips and baring said lips before they disappear into fur once more. The eyes in her face fixed on her own back.

Mothman stepped into the room and raised an eyebrow. "What exactly is this meant to accomplish?"

"Hm? Oh I'm just studying my spine"

"Why?"

"Bored"

He sat beside her, rubbing her side to coax her into a more normal position. She twisted back so her face and chest were turned in the same direction. Fizz happily nuzzled closer to Mothman, burying her face in the fluff around his neck.

He smiled softly, wrapping his feathery wings around her. Both could appreciate the softness of the other.

"This is nice.. I could cuddle you forever," He mumbled aloud, tilting his head to press his cheek against her head. The eyes scattered around her body crinkle in joy. Each one was focused on him. Having all of Fizz's eyes wasusually no easy feat but with him it was different. Besides, she didnt seem to have much else on her mind at the moment. "Although we should get some dinner"

"Noooo.. more cuddle time"

She bit one of his antenna, drawing a chirp from him. He returned the gesture. Mothman pressed his forehead to hers.

"Fizz my pumpkin.. sweet carbonated dear of mine. Dinner time"

"Fiiine.. what do you want?"

"What about pizza?"

"But then we have too cook"

"Shepherd's pie"

"We still have to cook but that sounds better"

♡ ♡ ♡

Fizz was curled in Mothman's arms, their tails curled around each other. He was periodically chirpping. Both enjoying the other's body heat.

Solomon was humming to himself as he organized dried herbs on one of his shelves. The tune under his breath was an old lullaby his mother sang to him as a child. He often hummed it without noticing. The sound the bell at the door ringing snapped Solomon out of his idle tranquility. Someone was here.

"Hallo, how might I be of service today?" Solomon asked aloud, setting the bundles he hadn't set on the shelves in a box and moving to be in view of the newcomer. The man standing awkwardly just in front of the door was scrawny and looked tired. His dark hair had a swirl and he was dressed casually.

"Uh hey there.. I saw out front that you offer tarot readings and such?"

"Yes, this is true. Why so, would you like a reading done?"

"It's all malarky but I suppose I don't see why not.."

Solomon gave a kind smile. Sure, many people he encountered were skeptics but he could find patience in himself yet.

"what kind of reading would you like?"

"I don't know, just see what one card says, I guess?"

He nods and beckons him to the backroom. Solomon gestures for Kevin to sit. The candy clerc does so, timidly looking around the little room. One drawn card couldn't have that much of a impact, right?

Solomon sits himself down and shuffles the deck. Solomon guides Kevin's hand over the top card before releasing the candy clerc's hand and drawing the card. The now face-up card showed a vaguely humanoid figure and at the bottom read; "Death".

"Death? Oh good a card telling me I'm going to die"

"Amusing friend, but no. The Death Arcana usually gives the implication of change. However, given the reversal of the card's postion, Death speaks of stagnation. You're stuck in the past, you're haunted. Moving forward is the best course of action"

Kevin stiffened. The sharper dressed man wasn't wrong, he was having issues with those kids. Those always costumed kids who brought trouble anywhere they went.

"That's.. surprisingly accurate. Do one for yourself now. That has to be a coincidence!"

Solomon smile and flipped another card. The card depicted an ominous humanoid figure with "The Magician" written at the bottom. This one was facing kevin. Solomon frowned, his eyes fixed on the card.

"So what's it say about you?"

"In this draw, The Magician speaks of an illusion to be broken. Smoke and mirrors to come, keeping my witts about myself would be best"

Tanglelock watched from the center of town as 'Bug', the troublesome pest of a human who now took residence in town, was talking with Redwood. Redwood was undoubtibly soaking the human's attention like a sponge. Just thinking about it made their stomach flare with jealousy. Jealousy? Jealousy? Tanglelock had no reason to hold possessive feelings for the human. Sure, they had thought about pining Bug under themself, torturing her with anticipation and feeling every inch of her soft looking body but that didn't mean anything. Physical attraction is easy enough to surpress.

They glances at themself in the waters of the fountain. "Get a hold of yourself, Tanglelock. She's just some human" Even so, they couldn't deny the rising tempurature of their body nor the slight and sudden tightness of their pants. Tanglelock growls under their breath and heads into their house.

Redwood noticed the mayor glaring at him but he paid it no mind. The mayor was never fond of him. Although this glare seemed different. And not just because it was mostly aimed at Bug. He couldn't place it but he didn't care much to.

"Aye, Bug. You sees tha'? Why doncha go check on 'im?" He asks Bug, who also noticed the mayor's gazed and quick departure. Redwod idly picked at his trench coat as Bug's eyebrows furrowed.

"You think they're okay?"

"Prawhb'ly. Who knoes wha' sent 'em intah anuhthah epawhsode"

Bug rolled her eyes and pat one of his hands. She thanked him for his time before rushing off to Tanglelock's. It didn't take long, they live pretty close to town square. When she got to the door, she gently knovked and called their name. No response. Curious and worried she turned the knob and pushed the door open, entering and closing it behind herself. Their cloak was hung up so they were definitely home.

Then the scent of something sweet hit Bug's nose. It smelled naturally, probably some mystuc plant she hadn't yet encountered. Turning into the kitchen she saw them, cutting some fruit into moderately sized chuncks.

"Human. You're early," They pointed out calmly without turning their attention away from their task. She and Tanglelock by now had fallen into a routine, which included Bug coming back to theur house before moonrise. She lived under Tanglelock's roof from their own insistance. Any time she'd ask they'd always answer that they were responsible for her. "Did you finally come to your senses and realize how little good Redwood is?"

"That isn't what this is about-"

"No of course not. You're being nosy per usual."

"Are you okay?"

They had started chopping faster, their tail flicking and swaying behind them. Tanglelock stopped and turned around. Without warning they picked Bug up and carried her up into their bedroom.

"In truth, I've found myself confronted by curious emotions"

"S-such as?"

"Jealousy mostly"

"What could you possibly be jealous of?"

"Redwood and any other who thinks they can lay a claim on you.. ... As responsibility of course. Although I wouldn't mind getting a feel of you"

Bug blushed slightly as she processed their words on top of being craddled against their chest. Who would've thought Tanglelock would be one to catch hots for her?

"As a fling or something more meaningful?"

"Either or. Which would you prefer?"

"Meaningful but we can start at flings and see if it works for us"

They nodded and stepped closer, hovering their hands above her hips. She bit her lip and stepped closer in response. Tanglelock leaned down, opening their maw. They pulled her closer and sank their teeth into her, savoring the hitch of her breath.

They pulled back, drawing their tongue over the fresh mark. Their tail flicks but not in the usual irritated way.

"I've never done this. ... To be perfectly clear, I very specifically mean you. I've never done this with a human, or for bonding-esque purposes for that matter," They admitted softly. Tanglelock had their key-esque head rotated so they could better see Bug. Having in front of you being your periferal was a pain in the ass.

Bug nodded with a slightly sheepish smile. She then undid the buttons of her shirt and sat back on the foot his bed. Feeling his bed for the first time her eyes widen in surprise.

"Wow.. it's not soft at all, do you actually sleep on this rock?"

"I do indeed. Besides, it is hardly a rock, merely firm"

She rolled her eyes as she shimmied out of her pants, leaving herself just in her underwear.

"Curious. Why wear extra clothes? Seems like a hassle.."

".. Do you not wear anything under regular clothes?"

"Not unless there's reason to"

They shed their own pants, partly to move on from the brought up topic. It was hardly important. Not to mention it made situations like this less awkward, at least if you asked Tanglelock.

They guide Bug onto her back and settle over her. Their hands roam curiously over her body. Tanglelock felt an odd sense of wonder at her natural warmth and squishiness. They grip her hips and tug her closer, qatching her red cheeks redden further at the new contact.

"Am I going too fast for you?"

"No this is fine.. I dunno, I guess I didn't expect you to be so.. assertive and well in charge"

"Ha! Like I haven't kept you in place the whole time you've been here"

They tug her underwear off, tossing the fabric haphazardly behind themself. Tanglelock entered her with a low groan. They paused for a moment to let her adjust and to savor her slick warmth. Her hands had found a tight grip on their shoulders already. They chuckled to themself under their breath as they started rolling their hips. A slow pace to start but only to build momentum. Soft moans and panting soon filled the room.

Bug's eyes were screwed shut and Tanglelock had their head nestled in the nape of her neck. It felt oddly right. She hadn't expected how straightforward they were but then again she also never expected to even be here, under them on their bed. A needy whimper escaped her throat, making their pace studder for a moment. She moved her hands closer, pulling them closer to reassure them that she was fine.

♡ ♡ ♡

In the morning Bug found herself in Tanglelock's arms. She glanced down at herself and noticed several bruises and bite marks. She remembered each one and luckily most seemed like they'd be easy enough to hide. Not that she was ashamed of sleeping with the town's mayor but she wouldn't want attention called to it.

King Dice woke up in a bed that wasn't his own. He knew because it was softer than his bed, not to mention Vlads fuzzy red hands gently cradding his waist. His face flushed, he had confessed his burning and confusing feeling he held for Vlad to him. The fruit-bat must've accepted him and things took a turn. No, wait, he remembered now, his back pressed against the bed and his legs propped on Vlad's shoulders. Remembering that they actually banged did his burning cheeks no favors, Dice had to be redder than Vlad's fur at this point.

Speaking of, he stirred and offered Dice a sleepy smile. The kind look in those half-lidded blue eyes sent shivers down the die-headed man's spine.

"Mornin.. Did you sleep alright?"

"Ah.. yes.. I did, thank you"

"Good.. I just want to letcha know now, I think we can make this work, beyond purely physical activity I mean," He chuckled, his fangs slightly glinting in the dim light of dawn. Dice cuddled closer, burying his face in the bat's fur to hide his flushed cheeks.

He'd actually been on the bottom for once. Dice had given up control and enjoyed it. Whatever this feeling is, it's messing with his head. Badly. Who even was he, enjoying not being in charge?

"I wouldn't mind.. y-y'know getting emotional and uh stuff.." Dice mumbled into Vlad's neck.

He leaned back and tilted Dice's head up before leaning in and gently kissing him. An umfamilar warmth bloomed in the conman's chest at the gesture.

"Do you want help getting ready or if you plan on skipping work today, is there anything at all I can get you?"

"I would love to lay in bed with you all day sugar but I probably should go into work. The people would miss me, after all," He paused and hesitantly pressed a tender peck to the bat's lips before continuing. "To actually answer, no. You're so sweet but you should relax"

As he got dressed he couldn't resist sneaking a few nore kisses. They were soft, sweet and warm. Plus they felt real, they made these feeling and situation feel real. Real and right. It felt good and natural to wake in Vlad's arms and to exchange small and tender and loving kisses as they debated just staying in bed together.

♡ ◇ ♧ ♤ ♤ ♧ ◇ ♡

In the casino, Dice couldn't get his mind off of Vlad. His usual playful and meanings snogs with customers felt wrong. Like he was commiting some unforgivable sin. But the conman was surrounded by and encouraged sin in his job. He was the manager of The Devil's casino.

When he was alone in his office his mind decided it a good idea to replay the events of the night prior. The way he had arched into Vlad's touch, the needy whine and cracking in his voice, his willing surrender of control. And worst of all, how good it felt and how comfortable he felt with Vlad in spite of the steamy situation. Dice had not only genuinely felt good but he didn't see it as a meaningless hookup. It was not purely physical.

Dice found himself placing his hands over his belly, imagining they were Vlad's hands and that the bat was whispering sweet nothings to him or perhaps reassuring him the love was real. That's what it was, the strange burning feeling, it was love; Dice loved Vlad. Which scared him. Love was a dangerous thing, especially in a job like his where violence against one's self or whom they hold dear is common. Yes, Vlad was perfectly capable of handling himself but Dice still wanted to protect him.

He took a deep breath and slouched in his chair. He decided to distract himself with aimless wondering about how Vlad's fangs might feel sinking into him. Dice shuddered to himself as he thought about the intial sting a bite might bring. Thinking about the chilling warmth of his blood filling the fruit-bat's mouth, stray droplets racing down his pristine flesh. Thinking about the vivid puncture wounds the fangs would leave. Two little holes, marking Dice as Vlad's.

Dice was grateful for a sharp knocking pulling him out of his thoughts. He called for them to come in and it was none other than Wheezy. The cigar man leaned in the doorframe.

"Aye boss, we got a hot shot. Real cocky arse who- You feeling best, boss?" Wheezy cutting himself off to inquire about his well bieng caught him off guard. It was completely out of the blue. At least until Dice realized he had a hand planted on his neck.

"I'm fine. Bored really, dealling with this might an' mighty nobody outta do me some good," He responded curtly, trying to not think about Vlad.

Wheezy eyed him suspiously for a moment but nodded and started off. Dice adjusted his tie and went out into the casino himself. The loud sounds of idle chatter, rolling dice and a performance being played filled Dice's ears. These sounds were normal, welcome even.

The rowdy patron was a gargoyle and not a young one at that. Both horns were horribly chipped, their wings in no better condition and one could hardly tell they even had a tail. They were dressed in muddy, torn robes, suggesting they have little if anything to lose by gambling.

"Hello my granite friend," Dice drawled behind them, spooking them. He offered a falsely warm smile. "I hear you've been quite lucky"

"Tha's righ'! Could go awl nigh' Ah could, jus' migh' too. Ah bet Ah could win te casino i'self!"

"Is that right? Why don't I take you up on that offer? Next roll if you win, you get the casino. Lose? The big man in charge gets what he's owed."

Dice could see the possibly of danger fly clean past the gargoyle's head as their face lights up and they grab the dice. They eagerly shake the dice in their cupped hands and toss the little cubes. They don't even bother to look at the roll before throwing up their hands in celebration.

"What a shame.. Snake eyes, House wins," Dice said in a mockingly sympathetic tone. He firmly put his hand on their shoulder. "C'mon let's head to my office, we'll figure out the details"

♡ ◇ ♧ ♤ ♤ ♧ ◇ ♡

Dice couldn't be happier to leave work for once. He kept his earlier thoughts as at bay as he could. He felt filthy for thinking such thoughts.

When he got into Vlad's lighthouse, the air was filled with the scent of fresh baked pie. It smeeled savory. He went upstairs and wrapped his arms around the bat's belly.

"Something smells real good and it's not just you.." Dice happily nuzzled into his neck fluff and kissed his neck.

"Venison and Razzlebarry pie"

"Ooooh.. Sounds real good, sugar. Y'know I couldn't keep my mind of you.." He kissed his neck again, playful nipping him. Vlad tilted his head for him.

"Oho that right? Do I owe you a night of night tonight?"

Hemlock had heard a fair bit about Beelzebub from Nero. When he heard about the jerboa's door he had done some research. Beelzebub was an Oracle, a Maiden of the Moon. Hemlock knew of Oracles of course but this was his excuse to look into them. Oracles were basically a religous group who aim their worship in the direction of moon. Believers of reasonable redeemption according to his dusty old books.

He donned his coat and headed out. The bushy detective was going to learn some things first hand. First hand was the best way to learn most everything. At least if you asked Hemlock.

It took about an hour for him to make it to Beelzebub's Best. He was greeted by the warm scent of cooking food. He could identify imported seasonings. Seasonings imported from the desert some ways south. Which probably meant Beelzebub grew up in the desert before moving to the city.

Over the central counter Hemlock could see Beelzebub chopping an exotic fruit before giving her staff bits of it and telling them what to do with it. Hemlock studied her from the resturants main doorframe.

Peaking out from under her poncho-esque garb was what seemed to be freshly applied bandage wrap. A torso injury that reopened, likely. She had a faded mark over one of her eyes, as if there was an accident or someone had tried to take her eye and failed. Her torn ear, on the other hand was most certainly of foul play.

Her eyes caught him studying her and she stepped out of the kitchen. Her tall frame made her proud stride imposing.

"Hello there leafy one, welcome to Beelzebub's best!" Her lip curled up in a semblance of a friendly smile. Her unmatching blue eyes held a knowing glint.

Hemlock grinned and held out his hand. She firmly shook it.

"Hemlock. Pleasure lil' missy," His grin widened. Beelzebub was actually roughly equal height to him but it was a habit. "I'd like to ask you some mayhaps personal questions, if I may?"

She looked him up and down before giving him a slight nod. The jerboa walked toward an intricately carved door. He paused, studying the door.

"Traditional, innit?"

"You've done your homework. I wasn't expecting to bump into anybody who knew about us Maidens of the Moon.. refreshing"

The pair decended the stair and talked for a while before Beelzebub stood to returm to her kitchen. Her tail twitched, thumping against the sand laid on the floors of her personal quarters. The jerboa let out a yelp as a stray rock lodged itself under the bandage on her tail.

"Allow me, gerlie," Hemlock's tone invited no arguement. He stood and pushed her down gently by her shoulders into a seated position. He rumaged her cabinets until he found bandage wrap. Hemlock gently unwound the now bloodied wrapping, sucking in a breath as he saw the bite mark ruining the otherwise perfect length of her tail. An old wound but a wound that never properly healed.

"Yowch gerlie.. How'd this 'appen?" His eyes were fill with stern concern.

"From somebody I once considered a friend.. Nothing important"

♡ ♡ ♡

Hemlock and Nero were chatting over the kitchen counter. The pair paused as they heard the front door creaked open. Nero glared at his leafy roommate with his one eye.

"What the hell did we discuss about guests?"

"Hush you ju'gmental ram, i's probably jus' Polly lookin' fer a new story"

The newcomer steps into view and to the surprise of both it was Beelzebub. She looked between Nero and Hemlock, her ear flattening back.

"Oh dear.. Is Beelzebub interrupting? I will return at a later time-"

Hemlock's face lit up and he clasped his hands around hers. His bushy tail swaying without his realizing. Beelzebub's eyes widen at his warm greeting, a small smile breaking her nerves.

"It is nice to be welcomed like this. So nice to see you Hemlock"

"What'd you drop by fer m' sweet lemon?"

Nero gave a dramatic and loud gag, earning a chuckle from the tall pair. He slunk off, muttering under his breath.

"I brought you a gift. A err.. courting gift, to make this affair offical, if you would like.." She trailed off, her cheeks growing redder than her tail and inner ears.

Hemlock's raised his eyebrows and smiled reassuringly, making a 'go on' gesture. Beelzebub unfurled her tail and took a necklace from the tuft at the tip of her tail. The jerboa opened her palm to show a hand woven necklace with polished teeth for charms. All canines but sanded to soften the tips.

"It's a symbol of loyalty and faith. A traditional Oracle practice, doesn't have to be teeth, just bone"

He gave a soft smile and ducked his head. She tied the necklace loosely around his neck. Her eyes lingered on how his thorns suspended the necklace.

"I's very purdy, m' sweet lemon. Not nearly as purdy as you but close. I outta return the favor sometime"

"You would?"