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Because it wasn't just about this. Yes, he was jealous, but it wasn't quite as straightforward as it seemed.

After maybe fifteen minutes, under which Valgrim had mostly cleaned blood from bathroom tile, the wolf approached the ticktack of fingers on a keyboard.

He sat down, but not beside the other, but rather on the floor; using the couch as a backrest. Close enough for his side to be pressed against Ezra's left leg, arm thrown over his face, head leaning back.

They needed to talk about this, but he didn't have the strength to make Ezra listen to him when they'd so clearly shielded themselves off with Duty. So he waited.

Once they felt that feeling melt away, Ezra stopped typing, rubbing their eyes in frustration before looking over at Val. They set the laptop down on the couch, letting themselves slide off unto the floor so that they could join their fiancé.

" What's on your mind Ástvinur." gently gloved hands brush his hair." Tell me."

The wolf was partly lathered up still, annoyed, trying to shake water out of his ear and irritably rinse himself of the rust and pink and red that streaked down his side. His clothes lay discarded in hurried heaps a bit all over the bathroom, and he'd trailed pink footsteps over the tile while pacing back and forth. Not having closed the shower curtain properly, he now tore it to the side, and glared at them. "I KNOW," he snarled, angry, upset, but also very aware that what he was angry and upset over was neither suitable or very reasonable. Unbothered by all nudity, his own included, he stepped out of the shower and yanked down a towel. Dried himself off like he was trying to scrub away his own temper, but ended up throwing the thing on the floor, whirling on them and raising his finger: Only to bite down on his own words, and just begin to - as fast as he had scrubbed himself of the blood, hair still soaking wet and dripping - pull his clothes back on.

Ezra sighs." I don't want us to fight." They steps closer." If you really want me to I'll tell them that we are engage. I'll call them, just how are we suppose to work together if this is the first reaction you jump to?" the cambion pushes themselves from the frame, still upset with the ordeal." If you want to work with me, it means that you'll work for them too. They will be your boss too."

The assassin leaves the bathroom, going back to the living room, this time bringing their laptop along so that they can work, figure out what the plan will be. Less than twenty-four hours before they jump into the mission.

Valgrim almost snarled before stopping himself, because, no he hadn't. Technically, it had been, what, maybe a week of this? And they didn't even live together yet; Valgrim just came knocking like some stray on Ezra's apartment come nighttime, leaving his own shithole mostly unused. With a frustrated GROWL, a bundle of emotions he couldn't quite place or articulate, the wolf marched out of the living room. It took a few moments, then, from the bathroom - door slightly ajar - he kind of kept arguing, half-screaming from down the hall: "You never fuck up telling people something if you want them to know it. Fucking never. Don't fucking-" Something unintelligble, snarls and annoyed noises, followed by the shower getting turned on. Presumably, he was washing off today's blood, he just couldn't seem to stop himself from keeping the argument going: "Apparently you're FRIENDS. Don't FRIENDS want to know that their FRIENDS got GODDAMN ENGAGED? Mon ami THIS mon ami THAT."

The cambion laughs." Oh my god, you are jealous! Val come on." They chuckle head shaking." If you get on their good side, they will also call you mon ami or find you a another pet name to call you. Maybe they will call you mom petit or something cheesy like that."

Valgrim had just known there was some asshattery waiting in the air, and he'd just barely let his shoulders down a smidgen, when Ever stopped in the doorway. Seemed to make a change of plans. The shifter clicked his tongue, once. Really? This was a lot of territorial pissing (Valgrim was really not one to talk here). Did Ever just hate that they hadn't known about something, and now they had to ensure that that Something knew exactly who was in charge? Less than 24 hours. My friend. He barely resisted the urge to close the door after them, his passing gift being a tight, strained smile that was just the polite way to bare your teeth. As soon as Ever was out of sight, Valgrim seemed released from his spell on the dresser. He pushed off it, had meant to play it cool, had meant to say 'well they seem controlling' or something equally light-hearted, but instead he found himself biting out: "Is it a secret that we're engaged?" Not that Valgrim had even thought to get them engagement rings - where he was from, shit wasn't really done that way - but now he suddenly felt like that had been a major mishap on his end. And why hadn't Ezra SAID something?

" No, it's not a secret but I also don't make it a point to tell everyone when it seems more pressing matters are taking place. If that's a problem than I can send a message to everyone, maybe even tattoo it on my forehead so that it's clear." Ezra empties the glass, placing it on the floor so that they can open the envelope." Seriously Val." They glance at him, frowning." Have you told anyone that we are engaged? Is it a secret that we are?" The cambion throws the question back at their fiancé,

And of course he wanted Ever to fucking leave. Never had he analyzed himself so accurately: authority figures really did turn him on and piss him off. At this point, he wasn't sure what was what. It was a bit dizzying watching someone fondly pushing Ezra around. Wildly, desperately attractive; incredibly aggrevating. He wanted to bite something. Valgrim's eyes narrowed, yellow seeping into his gaze, and his pupils dilating, but he said fucking. zilch. Perhaps worried he was going to betray something if he did. Absolutely fixed in his spot, like a dog in a corner.

" There is not enough space in my home to contain both our egos, you know this." Ezra gets up as well following behind, one hand still holding the envelope and the other the half empty glass of wine." I will keep you posted on the mission, boss."

Ever nods, giving one last look at Valgrim, still curious about him." Actually." Green eyes glance at Ezra." I think I'll accompany you on this mission as well, ça ne sera pas amusant (won't that be fun) Ez? It's been a while and I think it would do me some good."

"Wh-" Ezra was cut off before they could speak.

" Read up, you have less than 24 hours, I will see you soon my friend." With that Ever bows their head at Valgrim and makes their leave.

The assassin stands there, looking over at his fiancé." This day, huh?"

He scowled at Ever's scrutiny, not having moved an inch during the entire conversation; arms still crossed over his chest. Proclaiming his willingness to fight for Ezra was one thing; this was another. He sucked on his own teeth and arched both brows in a cocky challenge at Ever, not breaking eye-contact. Bitch do you even know who I am? (Not the best time to be bragging, considering the whole bite-that-won't-heal debacle, but Valgrim was not the kind of man who gave his setbacks much attention.) Still not saying a word, silent as the grave. At once too curious, too enticed; wanting to sniff Ever's neck, see if there was any of Ezra there, catch what their signature was. Wanted to throw them out. Wanted to just grab them and shove them outside, lock the door. He did none of this. He chewed on his own saliva instead.

Ezra shrugs their shoulders." He won't get in the way, I trust him and he trusts me." It was funny seeing Valgrim so quite, it was uncharacteristic, the cambion was sure that he wanted to speak. ask Ever all the questions that were on his mind.

The escort nods." I trust you mon ami so in return I will trust him, as long as the mission isn't compromised." Ever smiles fondly." It is good to see you Ezra." still not giving up and wanting to get a reaction they stare black the other." Would you like to know how we met? It was quite embarrassing, for Ez that is."

Ezra slaps their hand away." Oh, come on not that story again Eve. Shouldn't you be doing important stuff or something? Let me work Val doesn't want to hear it."

They're what, he didn't say. A complex series of emotions fluttered past the wolf's face. Anger, jealousy; battle ready; submissive; ready to lick Ever's boot??

He shook his head like he tried to clear it and locked his tongue behind his teeth. Looked elsewhere, crossed his arms, sat down atop that hall dresser and... fell back. Silent. Consider him furniture.

Ever smiles knowingly." Correct mon ami and yet you try, it's what is so great about you Ezra but enough of pleasantries I need to keep you up to date to what has happened." The escort sets the book beside them, taking out an envelope and giving it to the assassin." It seems we had a breach in our systems, information has been stolen for now it hasn't been leaked most likely because it will be sold or that is what was gathered."

Taking the envelope Ezra nods." So, this is my target? "

"Yes. He wasn't smart enough not to live a trail behind we were able to find him but you need to be quick, the information he possesses cannot come out it would put the agency at risk." Ever takes their hand. " we do have to stop meeting like this, always work."

"Pft, who's fault is that Eve?" Ezra smiles taking a sip of the merlot, glancing over at Val." I'll take the job, of course. I've been bored, nothing for three weeks? That's hell." They glance at Ever once more." But I want Valgrim to come with me."

Ever tilts their head to the side, studying the shifter." He won't get in the way?"

(  various  fluffy  dialogue  prompts  so  soft,  so  sweet,  just  for  you!  )

❛ i just wanted to make sure you’re okay. ❜

❛ there it is, there’s that smile! ❜

❛ you got me flowers? ❜

❛ i’m not afraid of you. ❜

❛ aw, did you miss me? ❜

❛ you’re lucky that you’re cute. ❜

❛ wait, you think i’m cute? ❜

❛ you’re not alone. you never were. ❜

❛ i don’t think i’ve ever seen you smile. ❜

❛ good morning, sleeping beauty. ❜

❛ it’s better with you here. ❜

❛ don’t worry, i’m staying right here. ❜

❛ you’re welcome to stay, if you want. ❜

❛ don’t be a stranger, okay? ❜

❛ i haven’t laughed like this in a long time. ❜

❛ hold still. this might sting a little. ❜

❛ you can hold my hand, if you want. ❜

❛ i knew you would be here. ❜

❛ i just wanted to say thank you for protecting me. ❜

❛ before you do anything, try this and tell me what you think. ❜

❛ wow i really can’t speak, huh? must be because of how pretty you look. ❜

❛ we can order pizza, watch a movie, whatever you want. ❜

❛ what, am i not allowed to look at you? ❜

❛ i’m not giving up on you. ❜

❛ is that my shirt? ❜

❛ this is a good look for you. ❜

❛ pinky promise? ❜

❛ c’mere, you. ❜

❛ honey, i’m home! ❜

❛ you remembered? ❜

❛ you’re my family too. ❜

❛ let’s go somewhere, just you and me. ❜

❛ i’m here for you. don’t forget that. ❜

❛ you’re the only thing that matters. ❜

❛ was that your first kiss? ❜

❛ i was worried something happened to you. ❜

❛ your heart is beating so fast right now. ❜

❛ relationships are built on trust, and i trust you. ❜

❛ you always see the good in people. even me. ❜

❛ do you think the moon is jealous of how pretty you are? ❜

❛ nope, puppy dog eyes aren’t going to work this time! ❜

❛ thanks to you, i know what it means to love again. ❜

❛ how about a kiss before i go? ❜

❛ i’m just glad you’re okay. ❜

❛ here we are, home sweet home. ❜

❛ thanks for being here with me. ❜

❛ seeing you happy is all that matters. ❜

❛ keep it. it looks better on you. ❜

❛ i couldn’t stop missing you if i tried. ❜

He'd had a hand between Ezra's shoulderblades as they walked in, prepared to lift their coat off their shoulders - but at the intrusion, he curiously arched both brows.

"Do we like Ever?" He asked Ezra, shrugging out of his own jacket and carelessly tossing it on the hall dresser. Bloodied, black shirt with a washed out print that said "I bite" in gothic lettering, stiff with dried blood.

Confident to a fault, he waltzed straight into the apartment, ignoring the stranger. Uncorked a bottle of wine with his teeth, poured a way too full glass, took a sip - circled Ever, eyeing them up and down - before handing the wine glass to Ezra.

The cambion takes the glass, smiling and whispering a thank you before paying attention back to Ever that stood somewhat awkwardly at the end of the living room book still in hand." O-Oh!" They clear their throat, glancing at their fiancé ." This is Valgrim. " Brown eyes look back at the other." Val this is Ever, my 'boss'." Ezra presses on the word.

Ever waves in polite manner. " It is nice to meet you, I just wish that it was in better circumstances and Ezra you should really get better locks mon ami. It took me less than a minute to get in here." The escort sighs, taking a sit.

Ezra was the best skald he knew. They spun the flow of a conversation with ease, playing with interruptions and mood swings that would leave others gaping for air. Their utter hold on themselves was such a balm for him; unflappable, unfailing, always ready to be a little amused by the world's misery. There was no one else he'd rather face catastrophy with, because he knew they'd make him snicker in the middle of a seige if it came to that.

Maybe that was why husband had felt so ready at the tip of his tongue. Of course Ezra was his mate; who else would jab him in the side in the trenches?

A bit overcome with it all - that they'd refused to budge to his self-destruction, that they let him dismiss the Adrian subject, that they mostly found his emotional avoidance amusing - he grabbed their gloved hand as they moved to stand.

"I want," he said, pressing his forhead against their knuckles, an ancient gesture of fealty. "To work with you. I hate the club. I hate the bite happy pups." He looked up, slowly pushing himself off the bench as well. "If I'm going to fight, I want to fight with you. For you."

If I'm going to fight, I want to fight with you. For you.

Gentle gloved hands cup the others face, smile on their lips." I'm not sure if I ever heard anything as romantic as those words Val. I can't make you any promises but I will definitely try." They lean in giving Valgrim the kiss he had ask before they came to solve the situation. " I'll talk with my boss tomorrow and see if you can come along with me." They hum." You will probably need to prove that you can handle it but I'm sure that you will do wonderfully."

"Now, shall we go home? I really want to get in the bathtub with a glass of wine."

Looked like the wolf could dish it out, but he couldn't quite take it. He grumbled a bit, averting his eyes again after just a few moments. Scratched his own jawline.

"Mated pair," he muttered. "We're a mated pair. A pack's a... whole thing. Like a coven, but for wolves. Lots of folks sharing spirit with one another."

Clearly trying to change the subject, as if he didn't get what Ezra meant.

The cambion wanted to go home, soak in a bath and just drink wine, maybe even order pizza." I am going to go, are you going to stay here for a while longer?"

"you think a small gesture is in order every time you come home." cristina chuckled, brushing her hands through their hair as she found her way home in their arms. she always missed them, but there was something far more intense with this trip.