When Elessar saw the shop front that had the commotion around it he had waited to see what the intentions were. As soon as he had seen the tall, dark haired man standing out in front of it a mischievous smile graced his lips. He’d walked across the street and was acknowledged by the Chthonic. Elessar smiled as he greeted the other, “I almost didn’t recognize you the way you are dressed. Is the honeymoon over then?” A small playful jab just to show Seth that the wolf was as well informed as ever. 

He looked at the crates, thinking about what might be inside them as Seth set things back up. “It’ll be so nice to see the store front open again. This side of the street was looking rather sparse without your crowded windows.”

-

The moment Elessar spoke up, the temperature around them changed. There was so secret that the two shop keeps didn’t get along. When Seth was a child, Elessar had been close to his father. The man always rubbed him the wrong way, and perhaps it was due to how similar he was with his father. It also didn’t help that their shops were almost similar, which mean there was a competition over customers. “Not all of us are comfortable dressing like a stuck up Philosophy professor, Elessar”.

“I do not intend to touch anything, Infernal. Was a simply out on an outing and saw the sextant in your window. My sister quite enjoys nautical paraphernalia. Though would you mind if I took a picture of it on my arcane communication device?” The man held up his phone.

Said sister walked up, jumped a bit, and smacked Vincent in the back of the head. “Sorry sir, forgive my brother. Vincent, I’ve told you to plenty of times to stop referring to their kind as demons!” She turned back to Seth. “He’s odd, but I assure you he means well…”

-

Seth was a new man, but not much in the personality sense. He learned patience, but it still ran out quite quickly. He did learn how to put on a patient smile that never reached his eyes though. So it was progress. “Call me infernal again, and I’ll gladly show you how demonic I can be”. 

“Who knows, married life could’ve done some good to you. But chthonic looks good on you.“ It makes the younger man look more mature in his eyes, which makes the chthonic passable to him now. “Are you the only one like this in your family?“ He dares to ask, maybe because part of him wants to know how Seth feels about it.

“Can I know who managed to thaw your frozen heart?“ He asks with a small smirk. At the question about no longer being a wolf, his smirk falters, thinking of the twins and their almost successful attempt at killing him. “I suppose without it, I’d be dead, so I cannot be mad… but I do miss being a wolf. But maybe being an elysian fits more with me being a client———“ And Seth being someone who had known Trevor for almost two decades now will know about the deal Trevor’s father had made, and that if the elysian is a client, it means his father died.

-

Seth didn’t say anything because it was true, married life did him a lot of good. But having relationships like that, even if it was outside of the city, was dangerous. “Only one as far as I know. I don’t speak to them. Last I checked they were all human, but that’s not say someone didn’t have a supernatural gene within them”. His family line went back far so there was always a possibility. Perhaps a werewolf lived in Eygpt a long time ago.

The chthonic sighed, “Careful not to speak too loudly, they might start to sneeze because we’re talking about them”. He ran his thumb over the ring on his finger, “A dancer from Desires and the owner of a Laundromat. Two people if you believe it or not”. 

Trevor laughs at the awkwardness, and just hugs Seth a bit tighter to tease him, before taking a step back. “I’ve missed that awkwardness. And there I thought that married life would’ve helped with that.” He replies, pointing at the chthonic’s left hand. Late 2019 and early 2020 had been awful for Trevor, so he’d lost track of time… and of his friends, until his return.

“So when did that whole married thing happened? Also, glad you’re a supernatural now.“ If there’s one positive thing that this war brought him, is that most of his human friends are now supernaturals. Trevor wonders if Seth is the only one in his family. If so, the chthonic must be so happy about it.

-

Seth was by no means a fan of physical affection. Even with his husbands, he still struggled with it. He of course blamed his upbringing on that. It was hard to get accustomed to hugs when you hardly got hugged as a child. “I’m still the same, married or not”. 

Trevor had almost caused a scene across the street, when he’d suddenly stopped in his track. That voice, he hadn’t heard it in years, and even if it had matured just a little bit more, he still remembered its owner——— Seth. He cannot help but stop out of the blue, and to gaze to the other side of the road. And there he is, still the same, but also very different; no longer a human. How fitting of him to have awakened as chthonic. But truly what catches his attention, are the word spoken, and the ring on his left ring finger.  

The elysian speeds up to the store, hiding his face, and knowing very well that his old friend won’t be able to recognise him by scent. But the comment had him chuckling, and he turns his head, playful smile on his lips. “As insolent as ever. Hello old friend.” He fully turns now, as he straightens back up. The last time they’d seen each other, Seth had still be human, and he, a wolf. Right before the demons had invaded the city and almost all his family had been massacred.  

Always the type to touch people once comfortable, Trevor moves up to Seth and hugs him tightly. “It’s good to see you alive, Seth.”

-

It was good, maybe, to see that the city never changed while he was gone. Because why would it? People still annoyed him as much as before, but Seth had a newfound notion of patience, which was already wearing thing. He couldn’t wait until he was in the safety of his shop.

Then someone else came up, and called him insolent. Seth opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when he saw who it was. He hadn’t seen Trevor in years, back when things were a lot easier. Now it seemed that both of them had some changes. 

The chthonic did his best to suppress the bristle his body did when Trevor hugged him, “Yep...Yeah, good to see you too”. He awkwardly pat Trevor on the shoulder, “How are you?”

"Yes, قمري I heard you the fifth and sixth time you said it. I really don't need to hear it again", Seth pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. He appreciated the concern, and he knew it was coming from a place of love, but there was so much he had to do. As nice as it was to hear a lovely voice on the phone, if he talked any longer he would lose daylight. The store was still in disarray, and he had workers coming in soon to move some of the bigger shipments in. He stood outside of the store, dressed a lot more relaxed than usual. There were crates everywhere, and people going in and out of the store carrying and delivering more boxes.

"Darling, look I love talking to you, and I'm happy you called. I ate when I landed, and slept on the plane, so I'm as healthy as I can be. I will call you and شمسي when I get to the apartment. Okay? I love you" He smiled as he heard the voices over the phone, then ended the call. As he did, he saw someone walking up to the store front, looing curious.

"Sorry, we're not opened currently. So play no mind to the mess, and don’t touch anything".

The severity of Seth’s cold expression was met with a provoking intensity behind Abel’s own eyes as his chin dipped a bit and he gave a slow, contemptuous smirk. Maybe it was the way they’d initially met, where Seth was already branded as a trouble maker. Maybe it was that acrid, sulfuric scent that clung to him now that kept Abel at a constant state of agitation. But something about Seth made Abel want to just fucking act out.

Giving a casual roll of his shoulder, the wolf chuckled and pushed lazily off of the wall he’d been leaning on. Arms uncrossing and hooking his thumbs in his pockets as he approached Seth as if doing so alone showed them both exactly how ‘big’ he was. “Just wonderin’ if this constitutes disturbin’ the peace or if you wanna take this inside.”

-

Seth rolled his eyes again. He was not intimidated by the wolf, and never really was. Abel was in the same tier as some of the clients Seth came into contact with. They had thought they were better than Seth when he was a human, and made sure to remind him of that. It didn’t help that he had a past with Abel. All those teenage years running from the law gave him a bad taste in his mouth towards the officer.

Sarah had an idea in mind. Something small, yet practical. Something that she could give to Effy, yet it could be taken around if need be. If she either just wanted to, or if anything happened to Sarah, she could even wear it. She found it - a small,  French golden hummingbird brooch. “What about this?” 

-

Is that so? Israel’s expression remained impassive. He wasn’t surprised by the coldness of Seth’s words or his demeanor. It was something he was well accustomed to, and it was a valid emotion to have to Israel. It was so easy to take your anger out on those who cared for you the most. Feeling his own walls come up, he stared back at Seth, not knowing if he should try and hug him. Or run before he was beaten to a pulp, murdered, or both. Weighing his options, he stayed put between the boxes and Seth. He’d climb Seth’s ego and jump to his emotional capacity if he wanted to kill himself. There was something to be said when Israel spoke. Unlike most, it didn’t come from the egotistical desire to hear his voice. He didn’t exactly have that liberty anymore, but he had Seth’s attention. There was a time that Israel would’ve looked to Seth smugly when the older male faltered at his words. A sense of superiority radiating through him at temporarily besting him with his wit. But now? Now was not the time.

His heart rate picked up at Seth’s clenched jaw, eyes flicking to catch his hand coming up. His arm twitched to knock it away, but he was too slow. Feeling the hand grip his neck, he stiffened at the hot touch. A resigned look appeared on his face at the snarled words. Hm. I was hoping for a battle of wits, but it would be wrong to attack someone unarmed… He sighed, lips twitching into a frown. For a moment, he wondered if this would be his end. To die at the hands of Seth throwing a childish temper tantrum. What a dismal end that would be. Feeling Seth grab his jaw roughly, fingers prying it open, Israel winced at the harshness. His jaw popped at the forceful movement, the muscle straining painfully. Looking Seth in the eyes the best he could, he clung to every word ripping from his once lover’s throat. Seth didn’t mean all that, did he? People said hurtful things when they were angry all the time. Himself included. Yet, Seth’s words weighed heavily on the young wolf’s mind. And then he realized Seth had left his hands free. Momentarily, he debated punching him in the horns in hopes that he would let go of him but quickly sided against the idea. That could end badly. Instead, he fell back on what he was good at. 

That’s the thing, kaninchen. I may not know what you think or what you feel… never said I did. Despite tears forming in his eyes, he signs calmly from how Seth is gripping his jaw. And then something delayed in him snaps. The way Seth talks to him as if he is a plaything to be tossed aside when bored. But even I can understand basic human emotions for someone who was never human, to begin with. His signing starts to become sharp, rapid, and aggressive. He’s yelling in Seth’s face now. I guess you’ve forgotten how long I’ve known you. Yet, ironically I’m the one with the brain injuries! Guess what, Seth, people fucking leave! That’s life! Fucking cry about it! I may be younger than you but do not stand there and tell me I don’t know what it feels like! At least they aren’t dead like Nolan! At least they aren’t imprisoned like me! Do you think they’d want to see you in this state? I doubt it. I mean you should see yourself… He’s shaking, thinking back to when Seth went missing—thinking about all the things he had to do to bide time to search for him. He had to endure all of those disgusting, painful, and degrading favors. Do you know the one person who hasn’t left you? Me. I’m right fucking here! But I guess that doesn’t matter because apparently, I’m just a fucking toy to you! And suddenly, he’s calm, eyes softening under their glow. Yeah, you’ve changed… I’ll acknowledge that… but I haven’t… still the same stupid wolf… so if you’re going to kill me, do it. Just do it quickly. You owe me that much, kaninchen.

-

Seth was no longer listening to what Israel was saying. He swore he was going through a fit of insanity. Every cell in his body screamed and cried, wanted to tear apart the world with his bare hands. He wished he was back in that Hell world he had been stuck in. At least there, the environment matched his emotions. For someone who had once been human, it was hard for him to come to terms, and learn to control, what he was now. It ate at him, like a rapid decay and rot. 

Prometheus and Deacon were the only people Seth thought could bring him into the light. They knew what he was and what he was capable of, yet they loved him. The wolf, whose jaw Seth was trying to pry open, was the same too. He knew Seth when he was a frail human, and now here he was facing the horrible thing Seth had become. If it wasn’t for the pristine exterior of himself, the whole city would have seen it too. No, instead he hid it, letting someone get close enough to fall into his sharp teeth. 

“I will fucking kill you”. Wolves could heal. Prisoners didn’t matter. Those are the thoughts that went through his head as he broke Israel’s jaw with his hand. His heart cried out as he used his powers to inflict pain upon the wolf. The thing was, he didn’t see Israel as a toy. He saw him the same way he saw Prometheus and Deacon. Things that could make him see the light maybe. The only difference was that Seth couldn’t accept that he left himself vulnerable for Israel. 

Dark brows arched as Abel slowed to a pause. Dark eyes dropping to the person on the ground, before lifting to Seth. Honestly, the cantankerous wolf had just been walking by.. but he could feel the nettled vibe coming from the Cthonic like a fucking miasma. His memory of their last interaction and his own agitated nature only left one option. A shitty comment.

“Makin’ a habit of pickin’ fights with people smaller than you?” he asked, voice gruff and rich with contempt.

-

Seth cut Abel with a glare. Of course the wolf had to say something. There were many days where Seth was tempted to just set the man on fire just so he could have peace and quiet. 

“If that were the case, then I’d pick a fight with you, wouldn’t I?” Seth rolled his eyes at Abel. “Is there something I can help you with, mutt?”

What he wouldn’t give to strip the man before him. But the vampire complied easily, carefully freeing the button and zipper with his teeth, all the while eyeing up the man above him with curious blue hues. Once he had the other’s length freed, he licked along the length until the tip of his tongue held up the head and opened up his mouth, taking him in most of the way in one swoop, groaning and closing his eyes.

-

Alexandra had never had issues with Seth, in fact in the few times they had run across each other they had got along just fine. But there was something about him today, a look on his face that made her uneasy, hesitant to get too close. She shook her head at his question, she knew better than to get in the middle of things that really weren’t her business. She took a step back as he asked if she’d like to participate, shaking her head once again. “That’s…no I’m okay. It’s not my place.” She was suddenly feeling like she needed to leave, that perhaps she wasn’t safe staying here and potentially risk angering him further. 

-