#confuzzeledpanda

Everything inside was grey, be it metal or concrete. A set of double doors separated the entry, complete with a merchandise booth and bar from the actual concert venue. More people were clearly inside so Tenebros made his way through them. He easily blended in with his all black outfit complete with a turtleneck sweater, ripped skinny jeans, oxfords, and leather gloves. He didn’t need much else since his powers naturally kept him warm.

Now the problem was moving through the crowd to find Sophocles. With the Light of Destruction’s height and white hair, he should be easy to find had not Tenebros been around five feet tall. This is why he liked his serpent form, he could make it grow to any length. But nope, not his human form. Dumb balance of the universe.

The space was almost filled. The balconies were near bursting and there wasn’t much room to move around on the ground floor. Tenebros worried for all of them. If Sophocles was here, then he could be planning anything from minor chaos to corrupting the whole lot. Tenebros wondered if the light being was ever as tired as he was of all the plotting.

The lights alternated pulses of scarlet, white, and gold. The trio onstage played some eerie pop music that Tenebros found himself liking. He wandered around the edge a bit, keeping himself close to the door. Every blond in the place looked like they had white hair in this light and there were too many people taller than him. No one he could see remotely resembled Sophocles as a few of songs came and went.

Tenebros was ready to call this a failure and just enjoy the concert when the crowd parted just right. Sophocles’ attention was on the stage as he swayed to the beat, knowing all the words. Plenty of other members of the crowd danced, but none of them seemed as in tune with music as Sophocles was. Tenebros let out a sigh of relief, seeing him safe and clearly in one of his elements. He observed Sophocles for a minute or two, taking note of how at peace he looked. Tenebros felt his heart twinge. He missed seeing Sophocles without cruelty lining his features. He missed talking to him without a conversation blowing up. Seeing Sophocles this at ease brought up memories of better times.

Tenebros had resigned himself to simply watching over Sophocles from a distance when the light entity met his gaze across the room. He looked surprised for a millisecond because it wasn’t in Tenebros’ nature to go to populated places. Tenebros didn’t meddle in the affairs of mortals or spend an abundance of time with his creations. Also, he hadn’t sought out Sophocles in centuries.

Sophocles’ surprise easily phased into a more playful expression and Tenebros steeled his heart. Suddenly he felt caught in a trap and there was nothing to do but make his way towards his enemy.

But should his supposed enemy be flashing a smile, a wave to come closer, or dancing like that? Tenebros thinks they're both making their way to each other now, but he’s not entirely sure because his eyes are locked on Sophocles. Watching his every move. He doesn’t realise that the crowd was parting bit by bit for the entity sometimes called the Light of Destruction. There’s the stir of whispers too, but Tenebros swears too many of them sound like Sophocles.

Tenebros could not take his eyes off of Sophocles, but he has his face scrubbed of any emotions. The only part which remains expressive anymore is his eyes. They're not pitch black for once and the lights catch the tiny stars. He’s aware of the simple little tricks Sophocles is pulling now. He’s using anything he can to his advantage. He knows the Darkness hates being the centre of attention, loathes having eyes on him. Anyone that he passes by contains a slight murmur of Sophocles’ voice. He wants everyone to keep an eye on him even if no one in the crowd understands why they can’t stop talking about this white-haired dancer.

As Sophocles gets closer, he flashes a more devious smirk, he's aware that he holds the cards. Tenebros has walked in quite willingly into his world. He's dancing to the beat, his steps going in Tenebros’ direction. He's gathering more attention and his lips are easily following the words flawlessly.

They were finally close enough to hear each other speak when a couple dances between them. They stop and have their arms around each other, kissing in time with the music.

There it was, in front of the opposing forces. Everything they could never do. They could only touch if something separated them. Kissing wasn’t even a possibility, let alone be together.

Tierra’s words from millennia ago reminded Tenebros that even if Sophocles learned to love him, it would always be doomed. They were too different. He realises it’s probably a bad idea to allow Sophocles see him. He's just going to get mocked, but he lets Sophocles see him anyway.  He lets sadness flicker across his features for a moment as he looks between the couple and Sophocles. Then he wipes it away, and looks at Sophocles’ irritated expression.

"Pardon the interruption on your fun." Tenebros says to the pair.

“Excuse us,” Sophocles says, shoving them out of his way.  He grabs Tenebros' hand and pulls him in dangerously close. The cockiness in his expression shows he’s pleased with the startled reaction he receives from Tenebros.

"What brings you here, handsome?" He asks coolly.

Tenebros feels flustered and can't stop the light grey blush which appears on his cheeks. He's glad he came heavily dressed for this situation, but he thought they would just accidentally bump into each other due to the crowd. He didn't think Sophocles would chance holding his hand or him!

The air around them felt electrified as he stifled his emotions, not wanting to show Sophocles exactly how much he affected him.

"I came here for you..." Tenebros swore internally, reminding himself that they were supposed to be enemies. "... To see how you're doing after your most recent defeat by my champions."

Sophocles let out a half amused huff. He moves his hands down to Tenebros' waist, pulling Tenebros a little closer as he continues swaying to the music. He starts purring his words as the songs go on.

"Mind dancing with me then? We can catch up on a lot more you know." He’s purposely ensured they stayed close, remaining the center of everyone’s attention.

Curse Sophocles for playing on his introverted tendencies. The crowd was looking at him expectantly to reciprocate Sophocles’ gesture. Tenebros didn’t want to cause a scene just to break away from the Light so he could think clearly. He had to somehow figure out a way to warn Sophocles about Sophia’s threats. If he ran now, he'd have to leave without a word.

Plus, they were never able to be this close and even if Sophocles was just playing with him again… At least Tenebros would have a moment to look back on and say he was in the arms of the person he loved.

Slowly, he wrapped his arms around Sophocles’ neck, “I don’t mind so long as that means you’ll listen for once.”

"Who says you get to say anything? This is my territory, remember? I hold all the cards," he whispered into Tenebros' ear. "Poor, little Tenebros flew right into the spider's web." The Darkness could practically hear the smirk in Sophocles’ voice. He pulled Tenebros closer into the crowd, taking the lead in the dance.

As the song switched over, he started purring the lyrics to Tenebros, knowing exactly the effect they'd have on him. This was way more fun than just talking after all. Whatever Tenebros had to say could wait until Sophocles had his fun.

Tenebros rationalised that the longer he was with Sophocles, the more time he’d be able to protect him from Sophia should she decide to show herself. He rolled his eyes at the little comment. Fate must be having a field day making him a foot shorter than his rival. As he let Sophocles guide him into the crowd, subconsciously getting closer to the Light as more people crowded around them.

The dark being had not heard Sophocles sing in ages, thus the blatant shock in his eyes as he heard the Light. This brought him back to happier times. Gods, his nightmares were going to include Sophocles’ angelic singing voice now, weren’t they? Tenebros sighed, resigning himself to his later pain and let Sophocles lead. Tenebros would let him have his fun and the music was good. They were between champions, the most damage he could do to Tenebros was manipulate Tenebros’ feelings like he had all those years ago.The lyrics are definitely getting to him, Sophocles sounded earnest and that he meant what he sang. Tenebros’ eyes filled with guilt and concern over Sophocles.

"You know I'm not a saint but I can make you pray. So get down on your knees, give me a reason I should stay." Sophocles sang to Tenebros, his voice weaving into the hypnotic tune.

He didn't like the look in Tenebros’ eyes. It struck a bit too close to his heart and played with the feelings he thought he buried. They were supposed to be dead. Perhaps this hadn't been the best idea, but Sophocles hadn't sung in a very long time. He wasn't going to stop now.

He spun Tenebros around, making sure he ended up with his back against Sophocles’ chest, the devious smirk growing into a full blown grin. He may not be able to press his lips to Tenebros’ ear, but he got pretty damn close to sing, “If you think that you can save me, break me down, and tame me. Here's your chance to do some damage.”

Sophocles’ grin unsettled Tenebros because he didn't think it suited the former, despite the fact that he'd seen deviousness etched into Sophocles' features for centuries. Were these really the lyrics to the song? Tenebros thought they fit their current situation too well as he found himself speechless. His shoulders stiffened as he was spun around and leaned into Sophocles. He noted that he felt coolness coming off the light entity. It was nice since his body temperature kept him warm all the time, in fact he felt too warm right now. "Don't get it twisted cause, I could be really into us, Or I can leave you just because, because."

Okay, now Tenebros felt even hotter. This wasn't fair. Sophocles had to know he still had feelings for him if he was throwing those words at him. He had to know the easiest way to play with Tenebros was to mess with whatever heart he had left. He tried extremely hard to keep all of his emotions buried deep, under lock and key, but here was Sophocles just bringing them to the surface effortlessly. Tenebros cursed his eyes, they showcased too much; adding stars the better he felt, black holes for when he felt worse. They were probably a mixture of both right now, starry at the chance to dance and hear Sophocles sing. Then swirls of the abyss for his intense worry over Sophocles' safety, the guilt for starting their rift, the despair that they could never be.

When this song was over, he'd just tell Sophocles straight up about Sophia. Then the dark being would have to leave, lest he spill anything else Sophocles could use against him. It was one thing for the other to suspect Tenebros' affections and play on them. It would be a whole different game if the Light knew for certain the Dark loved him regardless.

Sophocles wasn't sure what to think about Tenebros at this moment. He hadn't seen the stars in the elder being's eyes in decades, so used to seeing the black holes that swirled angrily within the warm gold. He also didn't miss the sudden flush of heat from Tenebros. Was he enjoying this?

No, no, Tenebros wouldn't enjoy this. Not really. It's a nice break from all of their fighting, sure, but there's no way he would want to be around Sophocles outside of this. It's why this ‘disagreement’ started in the first place. The Dark wanted nothing to do with the Light.

“Trapped inside this madness, I know you wanna have this. So I can take advantage."

This probably hadn't been the best song choice, but Sophocles didn't control the mortals, he simply 'persuaded' them to do as he pleased. He continued dancing, turning Tenebros back to him, ensuring that the cruelly cocky smile didn't leave while he thought.

"When you touch me, you take me to heaven. When you hold me, my body is a weapon."

Sophocles rolled his eyes at the lyrics, noting how too close to home they were. That didn't stop him from holding Tenebros flush against him though. What better way to mess with the Dark than to push this as far as he could? If he got lucky, this would bother Tenebros enough to leave Sophocles to his own devices.

Tenebros wished he blushed like mortals, at least then he could blame the steady blush on his cheeks on the red lights. But of course Fate hated him, his greying cheeks making it obvious under each strobe of colour. He couldn't even try to focus on anything else in the crowd, he was completely rapt by Sophocles. He tried to center his attention on Sophocles' eyes, trying to read them since they were so close.

"Savage..."

Regardless of whether or not Sophocles meant any of the words, they made the Dark want to try. Try to mend the bridge between them, at least work towards a peace or mutual agreement to coexist. Sophia and Tierra were getting wilder in their schemes and Tenebros worried more for their plans than Sophocles'. Sophia spoke with a new brand of harshness about punishing his opposite and it unsettled him... Quite frankly, it angered him too. How dare she threaten Sophocles when he was a crucial part of the universe.

Tenebros leaned in to Sophocles naturally, somewhere his thoughts noted how well they fit together. He rested his hands on Sophocles' chest, one of them holding the edge of the vest the Light wore. He'd be lying if he said he didn't like the feeling of being this close to Sophocles. Saying anything was probably going to end the moment, but Sophocles had to know. Tenebros couldn't let go of him until he had said his piece and was satisfied that Sophocles would take it seriously.

"I know you don't want to hear anything from me, but you should know that Sophia may be plotting to destroy you. Maybe with Tierra, I don't know. I just want you to know so you can be on your guard." The words came out rushed and worry had crept in by the third word.

How cruel of Fate. Make two beings that fit together, and yet, keep them apart for all eternity. Sophocles wanted to strangle Fate for this cruel design. The warning caused the smile to leave Sophocles' face as his eyes narrowed in irritation. He snapped the connection between him and the crowd, their interest in the two waning. Then he simply lead Tenebros towards the edge of the audience, not bothering to hide his annoyance. He didn't like the worry and concern that showed in Tenebros’ words. Whatever game the Dark had decided to play was far more cruel than his own. He just wanted to irritate Tenebros, not really trying to play with his feelings.

"You just couldn't enjoy the moment, could you? You just had to ruin it," he growled, running his hands through his bangs. He crossed his arms, his eyes becoming a darker red, the color of freshly spilled blood. Something he picked up on long ago. "Besides, wouldn't me disappearing be a good thing for you? Your little dolls would be perfectly safe until Tierra gets bored."

It confused him to hear Tenebros worry over him. If he's pretending, then he's becoming the perfect little copy of Sophia. If not, then maybe... No, what was he thinking? Tenebros doesn't care about him. If anything, he's more concerned with the balance of the universe. Typical.

"And has it ever crossed your mind that maybe I'm purposely pissing off those two? I'm not stupid, you know. I very well know how those two are reacting to me. But recklessness is in my nature, remember?" Sophocles didn't realize a sour, bitter note wrapped around his words, reminiscent of every other time these two forces met.

Nope, not today. He's not letting Sophocles get under his skin with this thinking. They were wasting their time talking around each other. "You've no idea how much I just wanted to enjoy the moment! But forgive me for knowing you’re unpredictable and wanting to make sure you knew you had a bigger target on your back than usual before you disappeared or something." Tenebros pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to take a deep breath. They had to fight in close proximity to hear each other properly. A couple of drunks passed them, "Oooo, they're fighting like a couple in a rom- com!" Hardly. Tenebros fought back the urge to hiss at them, his gold eyes flashing.

The dark red unsettled Tenebros, "Damn it, Sophocles. I don't want you to disappear, so get that ridiculous thought out of your head! You don't want both of them after you. It's stupid to provoke them, why would you risk yourself when nothing keeps them entertained these days?"

"Someone hasn't been paying attention~" he sang, the smirk falling back into place. "It doesn't really matter if I piss off Sophia and Tierra. The worse they'll do is torture me in some way, and then I'll be put back to work."

He shrugged his shoulders before his eyes slid back to the crowd, which was excitedly welcoming the next song. Sophocles hummed along, his fingers tapping on his arm to the beat.

"Besides, dealing with my newest idea is making me lose it. I needed to get away from it for a moment, Sophia doesn’t mind."

His gaze slid back to Tenebros, who still had the look of a concerned parent. "Oh lighten up, Tenebros. Enjoy it while you can! Sophia and Tierra aren't planning to make another one of these hellholes for a while after this one's destruction. Once the Virus is freed, this world and all the dimensions will simply tear themselves apart."

"What?" Tenebros' face fell. His eyes wide in horror as the few stars in them died.

He was a prized idiot.

This was just a set up. Sophia had just been trying to get a reaction out of him and he'd certainly given her one. She just wanted Tenebros to see how far Sophocles had fallen into his role... Wanted to see how far he would go for the Light, well, now she had her answer.

Tenebros resisted the urge to lift his head and scan the balconies. If one or both of the goddesses were here, he didn't want to let them know he'd made them.

"You're in on it... All three of you are working together." The Dark entity put together out loud, hanging his head in his hands for a moment. He dragged them down into a prayer position below his chin. He was nowhere near praying though. Sophocles was clearly referring to the Evilswarm virus which had plagued all the duel tribes of old. It nearly destroyed them all to conquer the virus and eliminate. Now it was on the horizon again and everything Tenebros stood for was on the line.

Realising another thing, Tenebros reached his gloved hand out and touched Sophocles' chest, over his heart. His fingers were millimeters from Sophocles' bare skin. Now that his mind was clearer, he could feel the difference. There was no electrical charge between them, the air around them didn't heat up from the opposing forces sharing space.

Sophia was definitely here and she could lift their no touching rule whenever she pleased. She lied all those thousands of years ago about not being able to do anything... And Sophocles was on her side which meant that he knew that.

Tenebros put it all together that Sophocles really was just messing with him earlier. It must be Sophocles’ favourite trick to feign feeling for Tenebros. He met Sophocles' eyes and let the immense disappointment show. Disappointment in Sophocles, for banding together with their tormentors, but mostly in himself for letting him hope they could be anything more than enemies.

"Bingo~" Sophocles giggled, his smirk growing into a childish smile. "It's only natural that Tierra and I would work together, but you can imagine my surprise when Sophia wanted to go against you. This little fairy tale has been going on far too long."

It hurt to see the disappointment in Tenebros eyes, or did it? Half the time Sophocles couldn't even tell which were his thoughts and which were the Evilswarm. Oh well. It's not possible to do dirty work without getting dirty yourself.

"I was surprised to see that Sophia could lift that rule too. But she is quite the fickle goddess after all. Kindness has never been her forte either."

At that point, Sophocles had started swaying to the music yet again, softly singing the lyrics to himself.

"And if I fall, I fall with you. My veins are what you're running through, through through, through. And now I'm fucked up."

He closed his eyes, the childish smile back on his face as he swayed. He had no doubt that both goddesses were watching. Tierra and Sophia would be foaming at the mouth if they had missed this.

"Come on, T. Just let go of this cycle, and we can go back to normal. Just you, me, Tierra, and Sophia!"

It hurt even more to hear Sophocles admit he was just messing with him now that the ‘no touch’ rule was gone. Tenebros stood frozen watching the Light sway. The Dark barely had a heart and now he could feel it shattering again. It did this every time he saw Sophocles and knew he had to leave. Had to carry on, knowing it was practically impossible to mend the damage between them.

Tenebros’ existence was just one cruel realisation after another. Now he had to come to terms with the fact that he was going to have to fight against three immortals when the next champions came around.

The hand on Sophocles’ chest clenched into a fist, taking the fabric with it as Tenebros pulled Sophocles down to him. If they could touch for the moment, the Darkness would abuse it to allow himself a selfish act. He cupped Sophocles face with his other hand and pressed their foreheads together. With all the energy he could muster through his heartache, he channeled a protective aura around them, trying to will Sophocles to really listen.

“Do what you want, Sopho, just don’t trust either of them at all. Betrayal is written in those two's beings... I won’t stand idly by this time. If you’re all going to band together, then the least I can do is give you all the fight of our existences… Look after yourself, please.” Tenebros’ voice shook a bit, but it was still strong.

Slowly, he let go of Sophocles and took  steps backwards. Of course he’d been dragged to the edge on the opposite side of the exit and the room was packed now. He turned from the light being, forcing himself to rip his eyes away, and started his way through the crowd toward the exit.

No one wanted to move out of Tenebros' way. Despite his short stature, he found it hard to push through the sea of people. Everyone wanted to be as close to the stage as possible and didn't appreciate the dark being just trying to leave. He swore as he heard his name barked in irritation.

"Tenebros!"

Of course the crowd wouldn't let him pass, Sophocles was manipulating them not to. Why now of all times was he choosing to run after Tenebros? Out of all the countless other moments he fled the Light, the most he'd ever gotten in response was cursing and name calling. The crowd parted for Sophocles quickly and he caught up to the dark entity. The crowd closed back around them as the Light encircled his arms around around the Dark and made them face each other.

"What the fuck kind of answer was that? You can't just walk away from this." Sophocles snarled. He was probably expecting Tenebros to be obstinate, defiant, chastise him. 

But Tenebros couldn't find the will to even look Sophocles in the eye. Instead he hid his face in the Light's chest, his hands bunched in the folds of Sophocles’ shirt.

“Now our bodies moving in slow motion, yeah. I know you didn't ask for it, I know you didn't need my love, You thought you were immune to it…”

These songs were not helpful in the least. They didn't sway or move, just existing in that moment.

Why did it have to be so damn hard to walk away from him? Tenebros was hyper aware of their differences and all the reasons why he shouldn't give Sophocles the time of day. And yet… he still let his mind think ridiculous thoughts. Why can't he and Sophocles just stop fighting and run away? Or at least they could band together and find a way to get rid of the goddesses. Less torment for everyone.

Tenebros couldn't find the words, so he borrowed the lyrics from the song Sophocles enchanted him with earlier, "Give me a reason I should stay."

He felt Sophocles stiffen around him.

“Why should I, it's obvious isn't it? It's like I said everything can go back to how it was.”

Tenebros pulled back, taking the risk to look at Sophocles. For once, it looked like the Light being was a little confused as his eyes searched Tenebros’ for answers. The words came out before he could stop them.

“I want more than that.”

Now Sophocles looked very puzzled. There were a lot of ways to interpret what the Darkness meant. Tenebros felt the arms around him tighten.

“T, that’s not very descriptive. I can say I want more than the destruction of the universe, and you could still find a million ways to fulfill that,” Sophocles reasoned, trying to understand how he was supposed to answer. “What could you possibly want more than to go back to how everything was?”

“I want us… to be more… than that.” Tenebros admitted quietly, not even certain Sophocles would be able to hear him over the music. Simply saying the words out loud made the dark being's head spin. He immediately wanted to take them back. He was letting on too much and he already knew the Light didn't reciprocate, there was no point in trying. Gods, he hoped it wasn't plain on his face. Tenebros moved his gaze from Sophocles’ eyes to his lips.

Sophocles didn’t catch what Tenebros said, instead looking off towards one of the balconies. He could already tell Sophia was going to have his head for haou long this was taking. He turned his gaze back to Tenebros, sighing. The longer this took, the more likely Sophocles would end up with a punishment from the goddesses and a migraine from the virus.

“Tenebros please, just give up on this damn cycle and come back where you belong. With the Goddesses and with me.”

“I don't want anything to do with those two.” Tenebros said, agitation creeping in at the mention of the goddesses, “I belong with you, just you, Sopho. Regardless of which of us wins. I want it to be you and I standing at the end of this.”

The bands lights started an intense strobe effect which made the crowd jump and dance with joy. It also caused momentary moments of pitch black, limiting everyone's sight.

“SHIT!” Sophocles swore, his grip on Tenebros tightening subconsciously. The Light couldn’t see two feet in front of his face, especially in this kind of darkness. It didn’t matter how old he was, Sophocles wasn’t fond of any form of darkness without Tenebros. While they were enemies, Sophocles couldn’t help keeping Tenebros flush against his body, pouting. “I swear, I’m gonna kick Sophia’s ass for this. I’m sick of her little games.”

Tenebros sighed as he raised his voice to account for the increased volume of the crowd, “Sophocles did you hear me? I'm not giving up on this cycle, but I'm not giving up on you either. You know those two are just going to betray you and I think you and I could rise against them-”

The concert went pitch black, save for three blue spotlights on the band as the tune they sang became more melancholic than upbeat. Plenty of people applauded as they recognised the song. No one could really see anything, save for Tenebros. He snaked his arms around Sophocles and held tight to the Light as the crowd pressed forward to be closer to the stage.

A short growl came from Sophocles when Tenebros spoke. “Drop it, would you? You should know by now that going against Sophia and Tierra isn’t going to accomplish anything.” As they moved closer to the stage, Sophocles rolled his eyes, the virus snapping at him for allowing the Dark that close. “Tenebros, I’m going to hit you if you don’t let go. I have other places to be, chaos to start, lives to ruin. And I can’t do any of it if you plan on just holding me.”

Damn it, Sophocles was dead once he was back with the Goddesses. No doubt Tierra would start poking at the newest cracks in his disguise, and Sophia would probably wring his neck for taking so long. How wonderful.  He attempted to remove the Dark’s arms as best as he could while essentially blind. Instead, he found himself even closer to Tenebros, causing a blush of his own to appear, cooling the temperature of the air around them.

“You're the one who ran after and grabbed me, remember?” Tenebros reminded the Light, his breath hitching at their proximity, able to see perfectly in the dark. “I've staved off you three by myself for some time. Imagine if we teamed up against them, Sopho, no more roles. No more rules. Why go back to being under their mercy? Just us presiding over everything… together, side by side.”

As he spoke, the Dark used the arms around Sophocles’ to pull them closer still. Their faces inches apart. While they were still shrouded in his element, Tenebros stood on his tiptoes to close the gap between their lips. His body heat skyrocketed as he pressed his lips gently to Sophocles'. Somewhere in his head, he was screaming at himself for being so utterly stupid and reckless. Another part of his mind made Tenebros slide one of his hands to cradle Sophocles’ face.

Sophocles’ mind went blank attempting to process what was happening. Tenebros was kissing him. Actually kissing. Some part of the Light’s mind screamed at him to pull away, to push Tenebros off and run away. But some small part urged him to kiss back. Surely, Sophia and Tierra wouldn’t know if he did, right?

You know what? To hell with what the Goddesses thought, Sophocles didn’t know if he would ever get this chance again. So, tentatively, he moved his arms around Tenebros’ neck, one hand moving to inter-tangle with the Dark’s hair. He gently pressed into the kiss, uncertain if Tenebros would pull away, all while the Evilswarm screeched its displeasure. The Light fully ignored it, determined to get lost in Tenebros’ touch while he had the chance.

When the dark being felt Sophocles kiss him back and move his hands, Tenebros deepened the kiss. His mind was a complete wreck as his romantic feelings for Sophocles returned in full force. He didn't care if his feelings weren't truly reciprocated, his first kiss was still Sophocles’. Tenebros hummed at feeling the Light's fingers in his hair. They'd never been able to touch skin to skin and now here they were kissing. Seriously kissing one another.

Tenebros breathed Sophocles’ nickname between kisses, somehow finding a way to press himself closer to the other. He had no intention of breaking the kiss, he would stand there with his lips against Sophocles’ for as long as possible. For this moment, he could pretend everything was fine, that they were just two boys at a concert letting themselves get swept up in each other. For this instance, Tenebros could call himself Sophocles’. Even if this was all they ever had, it could fuel Tenebros for another millennia. He wasn't going to give up on Sophocles, not when they kissed each other like this.

Sophocles melted at Tenebros saying his nickname, the one he hadn’t heard in decades. It warmed his very soul and easily washed away the screeching of the virus. His free hand found its way to Tenebros’ sweater, holding on as if the Dark being was his only lifeline. He started murmuring Tenebros’ name between kisses, switching between his full name and his nickname.

As the kisses got deeper, Sophocles nipped at Tenebros’ bottom lip, with a soft hum. He couldn’t help how needy he got, Sophocles truly didn’t know if he’d get this chance again, and he planned on making full use of it.

Involuntarily almost, Tenebros let out a little whimper and opened his mouth for Sophocles. Both of his hands gripped Sophocles’ neck now, desperately trying to hold on to this feeling with the light being. His name kept slipping past Tenebros’ lips, his voice painted with want and need. He knew this wouldn't last forever with the goddesses watching from the wings. Who knew what they would do if they saw them? Who knew if their plan was get Sophocles to be the honey trap to lure Tenebros to their side? He didn't want to leave Sophocles’ with those two, but he knew it would take more than kissing to sway the Light to switch sides.

Sophocles had just slipped his tongue into Tenebros’ mouth, his hands moving to cradle the Dark’s face. He also tilted Tenebros’ head back slightly, deepening the kiss and stroking the scar on the elder’s cheek.

Although, Tenebros wasn't sure how strong he could be if Sophocles asked him to stay again after this. This is why them being involved in this of all times was dangerous. Tenebros’ love for Sophocles was his biggest weakness. It would probably only take Sophocles several meaningful words to convince Tenebros to let it all go.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Tenebros wouldn't have to make that decision. At the moment the music crescendo, the concert hall was flooded with bright, white light. The intensity made Tenebros wince and hide his face in Sophocles’ neck. He hated breaking his connection with the light being, but the intense brightness threw him off. Now Tenebros was flooded with fear and anxiety at what Sophocles’ reaction would be.

Once the lights flared up, Sophocles’ pouted when Tenebros pulled away, only to give a small whine as Tenebros burrowed into his neck. Just why was he so sensitive there? How long has he been sensitive right there? Sophocles’ mind continued to wander, rendering him oblivious to the rising temperature between Tenebros and him. He ran his hand through Tenebros’ hair, trying to coax him into showing his face again. As his hand touched the Dark’s skin, Sophocles’ eyes widened and he pushed Tenebros away in pain.

“FUCK!!” No no nononono this means Sophia’s had enough and Tenebros needs to get out of there. Now.

          Tenebros recoiled from Sophocles, hissing at the familiar pain. He met the Light's gaze with his own wide eyes which revealed the vast amount of stars which had accumulated. Of course now that Tenebros realised what was happening, they were starting to fade. Sophia had caught them and that was it.

“Sopho, I-”

   A chilling female laugh filled the space, effectively interrupting the Dark. The concert continued around the immortals as if nothing was amiss.

Tenebros’ cheeks were still darkened with a dark grey blush and he could still taste Sophocles. He already missed sharing breath with the light being and certainly didn't want to leave him now.

“Well, well, well… look who has decided to grace us with his shadowy presence.” Rang out the voice of Sophia who was throwing her voice so the two male immortals couldn't pinpoint her.

“T, you need to leave. Now. Before she actually tries something,” Sophocles whispered, looking away from the Dark being. Gods above, why didn't he just let Tenebros go? Why did Sophocles force him to stay?

“My, you've lost your manners, haven't you Sophocles? Telling that pest to leave without giving proper greetings to Sophia and I?”

Tierra didn't even attempt to hide, watching the two entities from the side of the crowd, a wide teeth-baring smile resting on his face. “Dear Sophia, it seems like we caught the children out past curfew~” he growled, his eyes half lidded.

Sophocles had made eye contact with the God of Destruction, and he refused to break it. “Go now, T. Tierra's has been vying for the chance to tear you to shreds.” Fear and concern slipped into his voice as he motioned for Tenebros to go.

“You're right, Tierra dearest. Seems we'll have to think of appropriate punishments for both of them. Something special to suit each of their misdeeds.” Sophia spoke in a pseudo sweet voice. She still hid among the crowd, purposefully, always with a dramatic flare.

Tenebros cursed himself for not having just teleported he and Sophocles away when the lights went out. He had so many things he wanted to say after what just happened. He resented that their reality was he had to leave without the man he was in love with. Now the goddesses were relying on Tenebros to stick to his nature and not make a scene. To not mess with mortals. He wasn't exactly surprised Tierra wanted to tear him apart, Tierra was that way with practically everybody.

The Dark had an idea on how to get himself out, thanks to this band's lighting cues. There was no time to argue Tenebros stepped as close as he dared to Sophocles, so even if Sophia appeared next them, only the Light could hear. His short stature allowed Sophocles to keep his scarlet eyes on Tierra.

“Leaving you here will be the hardest thing I've ever done, second only to leaving you before this whole mess started with me not believing you over these evil crones. I should've picked you then. Know that, Sopho.” His voice was shaky, it held more emotion in it then he'd used in decades, but he was dead serious. Tenebros was a little teary, but he blinked them back. With his senses cast out, Tenebros found a fire alarm and pulled it.

Immediately, the venue erupted into chaos as the sprinklers’ ice cold water fell on the crowd. Within a few seconds, the water reached the sound and light board. Terrific electronic screeches sounded from the speakers and the lights flickered and defaulted to the strobe strobe setting before casting the venue in darkness.

The crowd went in every direction taking Tenebros away from Sophocles. In the pitch black, he shifted into his formless mist and sneaked through the crowd, unable to be caught in this form.

Sophocles flinched in response to the sudden makeshift rain, internally swearing when the lights went out. “Wait, T! Fuck, this would have been easier if you have left beforehand,” he growled in frustration. Why did Tenebros say that? What was his reasoning for it? All it did was confuse Sophocles even more. And he's tired of being confused. Tired of being left out of the loop when Tenebros is involved.

He started feeling for a wall to situate himself when a harsh voice spoke next to him.

“I wasn't expecting him to leave you all alone, Sophocles. How cruel of him.” The next thing the Light knew, Tierra grabbed the collar of his shirt, dragging him over to where Sophia sat, unbothered by the events seconds before. She looked as pretty as a picture, not a single hair out of place, whereas Tierra looked as if he had just finished physically fighting someone. His hair was wild, his clothes in slight disarray. They made the perfect dysfunctional couple.

“My bad Sophia. The problem child got away. But we have the next best thing as always. Tenebros’ personal favorite. Especially since he got rather handsy with dear Sophocles,” Tierra snarled, the sound ripping from his throat. Yeah, Tierra was pissed. That was the perfect opportunity to get rid of the Gentle Darkness. To bring back the fear of the unknown and the secrets held by the long dark nights.

“Don't you worry, that chaotic mind of yours Tierra. If my fellow little creator refuses to see reason and let go of this dollhouse. Then we just resume our plans. Tenebros will out of our way soon enough. In fact I think I have a few new ideas on just how to hasten the Gentle Darkness to his downfall.” Sophia insisted, looking Sophocles up and down. She stood up in one fluid, graceful motion to approach the destructive immortals. She grabbed Sophocles’ jaw roughly.