❛ NEVERBEFORE ｡

STATUS. Active! Always lurking.

BLOG. Mature 18+ (Mun is 29)! Selective.            Original character & story. Independent / Fandomless.           Only one muse on the blog. Single-verse. Selective Multi-ship.           Dark themes present / NS.FW from time to time / Not for faint-hearted.           Please read rules & about before interacting.           Direct Links - RULES | ABOUT.

@neverbefore​​ ♡’D FOR A STARTER

  MIDNIGHT STROLLS AROUND the city were entertained by mischief, especially the demons who come across his path. They are not foolish enough to declare challenge before the AVATAR OF PRIDE but their attempts were met with the obvious result. He could detect familiar scents of the lurking beasts…especially finding out they didn’t belong in this realm. Expanded realms of HELL were evident in many articles, many scriptures of layers being frightful the more a damned soul made its way here. It is true that those closer to the bottom have met with the royal’s father who was their JUDGE. Even walking within that garden would wither away the soul’s sanity, one that LUCIFER heavily admired in its unusual way. PRIDE couldn’t help but notice someone sticking out who appeared lost in DEVILDOM where everyone else minded their own business. Red hues stare intently as footsteps draw near, keeping a calm tone when asking them a question. “Most denizens are registered under DIAVOLO’S supervision but…it seems his records don’t indicate of your arrival nor birth in DEVILDOM. Are you from another region of HELL?”

This wasn’t right—none of this was right. He had to remember how to BREATHE as he stumbled along a cobblestone street. This place was unlike anywhere he had ever seen before. It looked like it could be the United States but all the same, why was there a CASTLE peeking over the many buildings in the distance? He never happened upon anything like it before nor had he heard about it in the papers, or news, and he did his research. He did so much research about all the states so that he would know which place was best to run and hide to. His head was pounding and he wasn’t sure if it was thanks to whatever knocked him out, if it was the air, or the whirlwind of thoughts that weighed on him. He clutched his ragged sweater before his chest—yes, his ragged sweater. He was still wearing what he recalled, a sweater that was frayed at the cuffs, pants that had a couple grass stains and tattered hole over one knee, shoes caked in mud, and his bag-- His bag? He glanced around his own being only to realize that his bag was nowhere to be found. His jaw clenched and he saw someone nearby strolling passed. That’s when he began to try to speak to someone—anyone. “Hey—hello! Have you seen a duffle bag nearby?” The first passerby didn’t so much as glance his direction. Awkwardly, he resumed to scan the area before someone else entered the vicinity. “Excuse me, can I ask you a quick question?” This time, he received a glance or was that a glare? Again, they kept on walking and he could feel his heart begin to sink. It was almost as if he were invisible to these people.

the guy had a unique look to him,  that was for sure.  perhaps,  if he ever actually paid attention then he probably would’ve recognized them,  but things like the news or papers . . he never looked at them.  they didn’t interest him.  not in the way days blending together did or what caused that feeling.  eyelids begin to droop a little,  staring at the other male for a moment longer before eyes flick to the side,  looking at the same mirror they did.  

he observed them through the mirror rather than looking straight at them,  it was a different angle,  that way.  they looked like they’d been through a lot,  he couldn’t blame their appearance for the sake of unknown circumstances.  it wasn’t his business but human curiosity was a flaw.  still,  he swallowed his questions and instead,  listened to everything that the other man said.  even their confused stammering.  he meant what he said  -  it wasn’t anything fancy,  his apartment wasn’t in the best part of town,  but it was warm and there was a roof over his head.  he couldn’t complain.  

his eyes eventually move away from the mirror and he looks at the taller males face,  properly for once.  his eyes on the other hand were dark,  impossible to see where pupil ends and iris begins.  it all blended together,  like a dark void.  the eyeliner along lower lid was smudged perfectly to provide the illusion of bags unless observed closely.  it isn’t a surprise that the other didn’t know what to say or how to even react.  he can easily assume,  based on their shock,  that they’d probably never been extended such an offer nor kindness.  that left a nasty taste in his mouth.

“i’m sure.”  he was right though,  diego didn’t know anything about him but he was inviting him into his home.  whether or not it was a good idea or not didn’t really matter,  diego was reckless in that way.  selfless but reckless.  perhaps,  a part of him was also making up for the time he was in a tight spot and nobody helped him.  “. . y’ don’t have t’ tell me your name or why you’re hiding,  if you don’t want to.  i get it.”  he blinks,  finally breaking a rather empty stare,  before turning a little on his heels.  “c’mon,  ain’t far anyway.”

Oslyeus could hardly believe what he was hearing. It was as though he had walked into some kind of dream. Had he passed out in the stall and not realized it? Was this really happening? He almost wanted to pinch himself but he knew when he was awake. He knew that this wasn’t actually a dream. He rarely slept as it was and when he did, it was always short-lived. Momentarily, he chewed his bottom lip as he thought about all the possible consequences that could come of this. Was he really willing to put someone else at risk? Especially someone who had the kindness to reach out to another they didn’t even know? The world was already lacking kindhearted people.

She was usually so careful, so cautious, but tonight was one of those nights where exhaustion had caught up with her. She didn’t realize just how much energy she was putting out - the anxiety, the stress, the pain, the exhaustion. So much built up and pent up negative energy finally being released… and something in particular had caught wind of it.

But how could she have known? She can’t sense her own energy - energy that was being absorbed by the very things she’d spent so long trying to keep in check. It wouldn’t be the first time this happened, which would make it all the more frustrating once she realizes it. She was so focused on fixing her mistake, in making sure she didn’t lose someone again, that she didn’t realize he was calling out to her to warn her.

The instant his shirt is off she’s unsure if her priorities should lie in avoiding looking at him or keeping an eye out for this ‘company’. Being as easily flustered as she was and having seen how this transformation worked once before, she goes with the former. Only when the familiar crackling is heard does she turn around -

And is met with a pair of eyes in the trees that make her breath catch in her throat.

Eyes so cold, so heavy, and of a darkness that seemed to glow, surrounded by shifting energies of a void so surprisingly filled with dread that the contradicting surrealism could drive you mad. This nightmare had taken everything about her she despised and was feeding it back to her like some sort of emotional mirror.  It makes her almost want to cry.

She knows.

She knows she doesn’t make sense. She knows how hard she is to understand. She knows she keeps doing things that are the opposite of what she’s trying to get across. She knows. She knows! She knows!! It’s what made her lose people in the past to begin with and she’s trying so damn hard not to let it happen again!

The only thing that snaps her out of her moment of distress is feeling Os’ presence beside her. No…not beside her. In front of her. He was doing the exact thing she expressed earlier - protecting her, didn’t even hesitate to jump in.

Ugh, why was she such an idiot.

With another deep breath she steps forward, now in front of him, and  stretches her arm out to motion him to stay back.

“I’m sorry, Os. I haven’t been a very good listener have I? You’re right. All this time I’ve been so frustrated not knowing anything that’s been going on….but I also should have remembered that you do. If you’re telling me I should stay as uninvolved as possible…I should be trusting you and listening to you. I just….don’t want to lose you. I kept projecting onto this situation and just….made things worse. You’ve been protecting me all this time….and still jumped in to protect me. Now it’s my turn to do the same for you.”

Attention is now focused to the being still watching her in the trees, and though her body is trembling and her energy is lacking she’s still determined to get her job done.

“You. Who do you belong to?”

The voice that answers make the hairs on her body stand on end. A voice but a whisper yet so ear piercingly loud that it rings within the brain. Airy, gasping, reaching to get a taste of anything hidden away in the dark depths of her subconscious.

“A L L.”

All? That couldn’t be right. Nightmares are all formed from individuals, and the ones that become strong enough to manifest into the waking world still start from a single source. Even if it fed from everyone it wouldn’t belong to everyone. As if understanding the confused look on her face, it continues to speak.

“I. Am born of a concept. I. Am what many fear. I. Am what YOU fear. I. Am here to take what is mine.”

That….wasn’t good. That wasn’t good at all. Born of a concept? How much did it feed? How powerful had it become? Things weren’t going to be easy.

“Os.” Neff begins, returning her attention to him. “I’ll explain everything I can once we get out of this. For now….I need to ask two things of you. One is for your help. I’ll tell you everything you can do. Two is that you don’t leave my side no matter what. Can you do that for me?”

Oslyeus had tuned into his surroundings, fully morphed into his truest form, he could pinpoint where the beast was with just his nose. With his ability to detect one’s atmosphere, he knew this one had malintent written all over it. The immense amount of ferocity that dressed the forest in tangled webs was enormous and it made his skin crawl beneath his fur. It had been some time that he had faced another supernatural but he couldn’t merely run when the threat lingered so close to Neff’s home. Fur bristling up and down his spine, he wagered if coming in at a different angle on the creature was better than waiting for it to burst into the open at them. They were the ones at a disadvantage while it lurked in the trees and they stood out in the clearing next to the lake. Albeit, the lake could prove to be an advantage if it is so happened to not be able to swim. Thoughts raced while he stood tall before Neff. Her words were but a whisper in his ears, soft and gentle as if she hadn’t heard his warning at all. He didn’t know how or why she was remaining so calm and continuing the conversation when there was something out there—something that was watching them and potentially readying to attack at any moment. It could leap out in  the middle of her sentence and if he wasn’t ready—he quickly suffocated the thought. He was ready. He wouldn’t let anything happen to Neff while he stood here. “Neff it’s okay, let’s talk about it later when we got some time—right now, I don’t know what’s there but it feels mighty hungry right now,” he warned, flicking one ear in Neff’s direction briefly to signal that he had heard her but his eyes remained glued to where he had pinpointed the creature. One false move could swiftly end their lives. Oslyeus blinked in subtle surprise to see Neff wander before him though. Her presence standing before him didn’t exactly bother him—as he stood tall behind her with his chest puffed and haunches bristling. All he had to do was step over her and she would be shielded beneath his underbelly. If anything approached to see the monstrosity that rose behind Neff, it would be enough to deter any normal being that didn’t want a fight but he knew better. He knew that this creature would be unfazed with how ravenous it was, how the air twisted with its presence and how every instinct in Oslyeus body told him that danger lurked in those trees. When it spoke to Neff, its voice made the trees shake and the lake shiver. He could hear the whole forest go quiet. The birds, frogs, and crickets all hushed by the sound of evil. His lips peeled back further to show every sharp ivory in his jaws. He had to resist the urge to growl while Neff continued to converse with it. Why it was responding to her was beyond him but he didn’t like the thought of it being a ‘concept of fear’. What could fear possibly take from people? Courage? When Neff spoke his name, his ears pressed forward and his snarl somewhat disintegrated a fraction as he listened to her warning. There was a hint of tension, the thought that she might try to send him away and he readied to argue his stance.

“ Get started? .. “ 

Zack still didn’t understand what exactly the other was talking about but he had a feeling he would be getting some answers this time, so he got up and followed the other out of the room, scythe resting on his shoulder. As he then got to hear the lifestory of someone called Nox (he honestly didn’t even bother to remember who that was) – Zack grew clearly annoyed again. His features shifting into a grim grimace, eyes narrowed.

   “ I honestly don’t give a shit about someone else’s sob story, get to the point. “

And when the man finally got to said point, Zack really wasn’t impressed. This wasn’t a cult, but rather a gathering of sad pathetic people who decided to live in the sewers like rats rather than up there with other people. In a way Zack could even relate to the feeling of standing apart from society, being unable to fit in. But unlike these sad excuses for people, he wouldn’t let the world drive him underground. And the more he thought about the situation he found himself in, the less bothersome it seemed. It sounded actually very easy.

“ I don’t like how this sounds, like you guys are just using me to end your pathetic existence because you can’t just end it yourselves or some shit… “

“ But If you freaks end up making a good face for me, I guess I can grand your wish and just use you myself. “That glimmer of bloodlust returned along with the smirk that spread across his features. He imagines all these sad, hopeless eyes filling with terror and fear and the sudden wish to live once they realized that death was indeed coming for them. 

Zack stopped, pondering or pretending to ponder as he cast a few glances around. Just to see if he could spot Os anywhere.. But of course that mutt was too stealthy. He would tell him all about what Zack had learned later. In the meantime, the killer’s gaze returned to Karver, his smirk stretching a tad wider.

           “ Yeah alright, I’ll slaughter them. What about you then? You wanna die too? “ Zack’s head tilted as his smirk grew cocky, now that he knew what was up, surrounded not by armed men but merely human-vermin that was waiting to be crushed under his heel. What a curious situation he found himself in… 

“Don’t mind Inukashi,” Nezumi shook his head and moved to the counter where Inukashi left the bottle of whiskey. He had snatched the untouched cup of coffee that Oslyeus wasn’t drinking, and while Os was getting ready, he sipped, then filled the available space with alcohol.

“They’re grumpy like that, but they don’t mean it,” Nezumi reassured, knowing that even if Inukashi was annoyed at Os, they would get over it quick enough. By the time they would return from the walk, Inukashi would be getting the lunch ready for them. “But—and I’m saying this for your peace of mind—if you want to do something for them. If you insist and won’t get sound sleep unless you make it up to them … then you can cook dinner,” he suggested.

Inukashi was alone in the house, alone to do everything. They had their dogs, but an animal couldn’t ever fully replace human connection. An animal would cuddle and support, but it couldn’t make coffee just the way Inukashi liked it, and it couldn’t cook Inukashi’s favourite food. It couldn’t sweep the kitchen when Inukashi was feeling too tired to do chores. A dog, or multiple, was a companion, but not a partner and Nezumi wouldn’t have been able to understand the importance of those if not for Oslyeus.

Being cared for, even in the smallest of ways, having another human to rely on was crucial to one’s survival, which was why he thought—no, he was absolutely certain—that having someone else cook for them would take a significant weight off of Inukashi’s shoulders. Especially since the last time, someone had done that for them was … Nezumi, years ago. And only for a short while.

Nezumi was drinking his second coffee, feeling the alcohol in it kick in. He closed his eyes and inhaled the spicy scent, then finished it. The coffee was still warm, and combined with the whiskey it slid down his throat with a pleasant scratch. It had been far too long since he was able to relax and let his guard down enough to have a drink, and he was finding it alleviating to just stand there without feeling like he had a gun pressed to his nape at all times.

Oslyeus correctly guessed that Nezumi wasn’t going to talk right there in the room, but he also completely missed Nezumi’s intentions. Under normal circumstances, Nezumi would give up and go with whatever Os wanted, no matter how awkward it made the whole situation. But here, at Inukashi’s place, he wanted Os to feel safe. Even if it would last a day, he wanted to give Oslyeus a measly twenty-four hours of comfort and security.

Nezumi filled the empty cup with water and gulped it down, then left it in the sink and approached Oslyeus. He stopped right in front of him, with little to no space left between their bodies.

“You really are hopeless sometimes,” Nezumi smiled, his breath smelling like coffee and whiskey. He gently took the strap of the backpack and pulled it down. “Leave these behind. We’ll be back later today. I’m taking you on a date, Oslyeus.”

Slowly, Nezumi unloaded all of Oslyeus’ luggage. ( Their luggage, really. And Os looked amusing while trying to carry it all by himself, even though he had the strength to do it, no doubts. )

“How am I supposed to hold your hand and romance you when you’re loaded like a mule, huh?” Nezumi chastised, a humoured smirk on his lips and anticipation in his eyes. “I’ll let you take one thing,” he allowed and lifted a finger to emphasise the meaning of one. “And that’s your camera.”

Just like that other time on the beach, Nezumi’s gaze seemed to say, prying softly into Oslyeus’ in an attempt to make him remember.

Oslyeus’ brow remained worried as Nezumi told him not to fret. How could he not?  They were already imposing by staying here. They slept on Inukashi’s couch, had their food, took their hot water today; and with what? They hadn’t offered Inukashi anything in return. They didn’t even give Inukashi a fair warning of their arrival. To make matters worse Nezumi hadn’t been in touch with Inukashi for years… the thought of how they showed up at Inukashi’s doorstep made his stomach churn with guilt. As if that wasn’t enough, Oslyeus had ALWAYS been cautious about visiting people he cared for in the past. Only Nezumi had been different—only Nezumi was ready to embrace all of him, even the baggage that he carried. But who was to say that Inukashi was willing to step into the line of danger? Oslyeus had let everything he learned for several years disintegrate in a matter of weeks as they chased dying starlight every night on the highways. Why was he constantly letting Nezumi decide where they went? Why was he trusting that he really had everything under control? He knew why—he just hated himself for it. His eyes squeezed shut briefly as he bit back his own silent chastising. “… That—That sounds nice,” he managed to say after a moment. “What does Inukashi like?” He loved cooking food, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it didn’t matter to him. Although certain cuisines he was better at than others. He was sure he would find something that Inukashi would be pleased with just judging from the meal they already had. He cast another look toward Nezumi, seeing him down the last of his coffee. There was a hint of warmth that began to flicker in his mismatched hues. Seeing Nezumi relax and unwind was not a sight he usually got to enjoy when he was awake. Often, it was only when Nezumi closed his eyes to sleep that he saw him so relaxed. Perhaps, he too, could let his guard down here… perhaps, he too, could stop thinking of the worst. He wanted to revel in this while it lasted. Revel in seeing Nezumi in an element that he hadn’t before. Just as he finished readying with bags at hand, he saw Nezumi make his way across the floors and intercept his path to the door. Brows subtly upturned and head canted in question for his actions. Before he could part his lips to say anything Nezumi was already smiling back at him, calling him hopeless. Had it been anyone but Nezumi, or if he had said it any other way, Oslyeus was sure he would have felt a dagger drive into his gut. But instead, he found the playfulness in Nezumi’s voice. “I—what do you mean?” He retorted, ready to argue his position if necessary even if it was without its usually edge. A blink came to pass as he was told to leave the bags and he glanced at what he was carrying as if Nezumi had asked him the most absurd thing to leave their way of survival behind. Natheless, before he could look back at Nezumi, the word date hung in the air between them. He could have sworn his heart fluttered as quick as a hummingbird’s and momentarily, he forgot how to breathe.

“—D… a date?” He finally found the words as Nezumi carefully slipped the bags off his shoulders. The gradual rise of chagrin decorated his nape as he stood idle before Nezumi. A hand lifted to rub the back of his neck, a failed attempt to cover the roseate crawling up to his ears. “I… I’m not—I didn’t dress for a date…” He glanced down at the clothes he wore but then there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. Since when did he EVER have anything to dress in before? He still didn’t have anything to dress in… this was it. “I guess I don’t have anything to really dress in… but my hair—I could have done something more than nothing…” He was beginning to ramble, mostly to himself.

He should be at the hospital, in truth. His risk for shock was high; and any time he gave himself his shot he was supposed to go. But he refused, was thankful that Osleyus didn’t question it. He didn’t want to be touched by people he didn’t know. He didn’t want people to ask him how he was injured. He didn’t want to explain, nor did he want the cops called. It would be overwhelming…so he would much rather endure the lecture tomorrow and stay at home tonight. Sullivan could tolerate and manage his symptoms well enough and…he didn’t want to be without Os. 

“That’s…” Not true, he thought, allowing bruised lips to purse together, instead occupying himself with dressing. His night shirt was pulled over his shoulders and he began to button it. Nor is it fair. The thought of Os blaming himself for his injuries was cruel. Heroic was not the right word, he knew, but it didn’t change the fact that he had been rescued and he was grateful. He seemed to stew in how unfair the other was to himself, trying to try and think of the proper words as he pulled up his pajama pants, wobbling back onto the bed after he had them over his hips. Eyes closed to keep his nausea at bay once more, eventually opening to Os, offering him a smile. 

“–I’ll be patient then. But till then, can you come lay down with me?” He inquired sweetly, hand reaching out to ask for Osleyus’. If he would take it, Sullivan would heed him closer (nary the strength to actually force him to come to the bed). Arms weakly enveloped him, squeezing. Lips meanwhile, pressed themselves against Os’ neck first, climbing to his jaw and then his cheek. Lethargic they were, but he hoped his appreciation still showed. 

“Thank you for coming for me. Y-you’re not to blame for my injuries though. Please don’t try and shoulder that…you already carry plenty.” He spoke gently, hoping his words would mean something. Hoping that he could be trusted with what he was about to ask. “I’ll be patient and wait till I’m better, b-but…please trust me to help you carry some of that weight too. The reason you were able to find me, the reason you’re reluctant to tell me. I want to carry it with you.” Knowing that Os weighed himself in the black and white manner he had earlier worried him, after all. Another kiss was drowsily pressed to his cheek. “I love you.” 

In tandem with Sullivan’s thoughts, Oslyeus was a hazard… even as he about Sullivan’s predicament and how it called for him to go to the hospital—he couldn’t. He couldn’t make Sullivan go. If he so much as suggested it, Sullivan would be left all on his own from that point forward. Oslyeus would be forced to evacuate the premises as Sullivan would have to make the call alone for an ambulance and speak with the cops. Assuredly, an investigation would follow at the scene and his traces would be tracked. The whole situation would force him to keep away from Sullivan until he was cleared of the hospital and any further follow-ups from the police. He doubted that Sullivan even realized that this predicament could spell out his demise if they were to call for help… nor did Oslyeus want him to know that. It seemed selfish to not reach for the phone and dial 911 when Sullivan’s health was at risk. There was no doubt that if there was no alternative, if he was left with no other choice, he would call even if it meant being discovered and apprehended. However, tonight he believed that he could be enough—he put the weight of faith on his own shoulders. If anything went wrong through the night, he could only have himself to blame and already he couldn’t forgive himself for what happened. If he had been more diligent, a little more reliant on his instinct, none of this would have occurred. Sullivan would have been home on time, enjoying a meal they would have likely made together and a warm shower afterward. Now, he was dressed in bruises and delicately changing into a new outfit. The pale, soft canvas of skin was now dappled with purples and blues. Oslyeus stayed close to his side as he hobbled ovedr to the pull-out bed, ensuring he didn’t take a tumble on his way. “Let me get you some water first—you need to stay hydrated because your body is going to be working twice as hard right now to be healing. Maybe even something to eat, you have to eat, too. I don’t think you’ve eaten all night… and you had so much medicine, you’re going to start feeling woozy,” Oslyeus rambled while he made his way over to the kitchen. With such a small apartment complex, his voice could be heard as he filled up a glass of water. He then rummaged through the fridge, thankful that there was some leftover soup. He wanted to reheat it over the stove but for once, he decided to hasten and use the microwave. Once the beeps alerted him, he carried over the water and bowl of food to Sullivan’s side table. “I know you’re probably not that hungry but you should have a little something to eat before you sleep…” He spoke while he made his way back over to the dresser, finding a change of clothes for himself since he didn’t want the blood of the assailants to get on Sullivan. Tossing his dirtied pair of clothes into the laundry bin, he dressed into some sweats and an oversized sweater that nearly swallowed him whole. Finally, he settled into the bed with Sullivan and shifted closer as he was wrapped up in Sullivan’s arms. The listless kisses traveling up his neck to his jawline caused a wave of tingles to flood his veins, but he otherwise relaxed into the gentle touches. A hand lifted to tenderly comb through Sullivan’s dark locks. Mismatched eyes softened while he listened to the string of words that escaped in the space between. “It’s not so much a weight… or a burden, I just hadn’t said anything cause it wasn’t that important before. It still isn’t that important… not as important as you knowing what I’ve done and the danger that follows me—” and it scared him that if he couldn’t even do so much as keep Sullivan safe from people who hardly posed a threat. How was he going to do any better if they discovered him here?

@neverbefore

The toe of doctor's boot jabs their outer thigh, testing to see if rigor-mortis has yet claimed this lump of meat propped up against the outer threshold of her clinic. By some miracle, the body responds, their thigh and leg shift, their ankle bobbing from the quick prodding. Too bad, she was actually in the market for a fresh cadaver.

Critcals eyes scan the slumped form, combing over pale hair and rough, baggy clothes, but finds little to worry about. No blood, no immediate sign of bruising from what skin is visible, just the slight tang of musk from a night spend on the streets in possibly the worst part of town. Down her back a shiver races, prickling the skin. How she hated the decline of summer

"Hey," the early morning chill fogs her breath, "I can't have you dying on my doorstep. Do you need assistance or are you just drunk?"

He had been running for the past three days until now. Only now was there any breath of air that he could spare without the risk of being caught. With a near empty duffle bag sagging off of his shoulders, he sought what he believed the LEAST dangerous building in all of this block. Streets that reeked of people committing crimes. Aside from his bedraggled state and worn clothes, he didn’t really appear to fit the part… not a single scar on his body and the ‘musk’ that she smelled wasn’t alcohol but gunpowder from his enemies. Upon being prodded, he blinked drearily at the woman before startling to full awareness.

Nezumi and Inukashi stood in silence for a while, both watching the water simmer, then boil in the sole piece of electric appliance in Inukashi’s kitchen—the kettle. Inukashi poured the water into three cups afterwards, the granules of instant coffee dispersed immediately and thin golden foam rose to the surface, then faded and left only the darkness of coffee behind. Nezumi finished his whiskey and took the coffee cup instead, muttering a quiet ‘thanks’.

The alcohol burned down his throat and warmed up in his belly, instantly making him want more. He nudged the cup with coffee towards Inukashi, and something in his expression must have translated what he wanted because Inukashi rolled their eyes and poured some whiskey into Nezumi’s coffee as well.

“Thanks—” Nezumi said again, then they parted ways for a moment. Inukashi vanished into their room. Nezumi put on a shirt and wandered out to the terrace that hung over Inukashi’s backyard, which was mostly a fenced part of the forest. He closed his eyes and sipped on the hot coffee. His fingers burned as they held onto the heated ceramic, but Nezumi didn’t seem to care or mind. He was too easily lost in his thoughts—thoughts that mostly encompassed Olsyeus and their journey.

Where would they end up? Where would they be at the end of the week? Nezumi had envisioned a trip to Las Vegas, seeing Rikiga again. He knew with certainty that Oslyeus wouldn’t like a man like him, and he wasn’t going to enjoy asking for Rikiga’s help, but Rikiga was one of the few who could make a fake ID that would successfully get them across the border. He was frighteningly good at it, and despite his deviousness, he was buyable. ( And if that wouldn’t work, Nezumi wasn’t beneath threats. Rikiga might be a sly man, but he was also a coward. )

He couldn’t wait to discuss the opportunities with Oslyeus. Would he want to go south? To Mexico? Or would he rather go up to Canada, maybe Alaska? They could cross the ocean to Russia and disappear forever. Would there ever be a point in their lives where they could relax and let down their guard? Would he ever be strong enough to give Oslyeus the stability and safety that Os deserved? He wished to be. He longed for nothing else but to be a man enough to give Oslyeus a home.

The door slammed, and Nezumi returned to the kitchen. He found Inukashi sitting by the dining table, pouting about the bathroom being occupied.

“There will be no hot water left,” Inukashi complained, and Nezumi just smiled at him and shrugged. Inukashi sighed and shook their head: “I should’ve put a bullet through your head when I saw you …”

“You wouldn’t do that.”

“I wouldn't—but you ought to take other people’s threats more seriously …” Inukashi’s voice faded when Oslyeus walked out of the bathroom, steam rolled after him in thick tendrils.

Nezumi perked up in his seat, smiling at the very sight of Os. His eyes glimmered, and he listened as if Os was spinning some thrilling tale about dragons and princesses, not informing them about laundry.

“There is a lake nearby; we can go for a walk …” Nezumi suggested and finished his coffee. The hint of alcohol coiled in his stomach, and he leaned his head on an open palm, staring right back at Oslyeus.

Inukashi gagged. “—that’s enough, I’ll rather take a cold shower than this.”

When Inukashi vanished into the bathroom, letting their slender frame get swallowed by the clouds of steam, Nezumi stood up and grabbed his jacket, then put on a pair of combat boots that he laced tightly. He didn’t use to lace them; he would walk with one undone or loose laces that didn’t choke his ankle. But ever since he joined Oslyeus, he would tie them neatly, ready for anything.

He walked back to the table, “I wanted to speak with you, anyway,” he admitted, “Let’s go somewhere with a view, hn?” he offered, and his fingers caressed through Oslyeus’ hair, then down over his cheek and finally, Nezumi’s hand patted Os’ shoulder to usher him out of the chair.

Oslyeus could tell just by stepping into the vicinity that Inukashi wasn’t pleased with him having spent awhile in the shower. It was just one of the many blessings of having the sharp instincts of an animal, rather his senses were sharper than any wolf. Any wolf could read a room if they needed and were inclined to understand the state of other creatures. It was why animals were so reflexive, quick to make a decision with flight or fight. Albeit, this situation did not call for that. By knowing humans and grown up with them for the past decade, his ability to sense the atmosphere merely allowed him to understand people before they even parted their lips to speak. It was why the first utterance that escaped him happened to be an apology. Nezumi was on a completely different page than Inukashi and Oslyeus soon realized that as he pulled out a seat to recline in. His gaze unabashedly lingered on him, a mirth bubbling within his mismatched hues as he sought to match his energy. There was an unmistakable hint of alcohol that hovered in the air and he was able to pinpoint where from quite easily. However, the scent had never bothered him. It, in fact, brought warm memories that most people would find absurd. “That sounds nice,” he agreed, always loving the sight of open waters whether it be an ocean or a lake. “It’s been awhile since I’ve last seen a lake—” Inukashi’s gagging sound caught him by surprise and his brows subtly upturned at hearing that they wouldn’t be joining. “Is—Is it something I said…?” A frown started to form upon his lips. He had imagined that they would all be going, not that he was opposed to going alone with Nezumi but he saw no reason why they couldn’t all sightsee. “Ah—it must be the shower… I really messed up by taking all the hot water,” his lips thinned as he pressed them together in thought. “Do you know what Inukashi likes? Maybe I can make it up to them later…”

Please let it be known that Nezumi is going so fucking

💓 😍 💓 😍 💓 😍 💓

💕 😘 💕 😘 💕 😘 💕

at Oslyeus ( @neverbefore ) that it’s making EVERYONE INCLUDED feel like a third wheel. ( And by everyone, I mean ME! )