[It's been heavy this time around with the Spirit Realm. So, Harumasa wants to lighten the mood a bit. Maybe it'll bring a smile to Lighter's face or something. He doesn't know, but it's worth trying.
The idea comes to him like a bolt from the blue and he's laughing so hard to himself. At noon on the dot, Lighter will receive a music file from Harumasa. It's not just any file, though. It's Harumasa's cover of the song and it's damn well sung. It's not Corey Hart, but he makes it his own.]
[Lighter's sure as hell been feeling the weight. He's been a bit broody, different from his usual in the fortress where sure he had RBF but he'd smile when chatted up. That's when he has been in there, he's more often kept himself busy with other work until he gets tired. At least he wasn't overworking and he knew not to do anything more than what's being paid for.
He was a bit surprised seeing a random text but he listened to the whole thing and honestly felt flattered. It gave him the laugh he really needed right about now.]
🤘
Not bad! I wasn't expecting to be serenaded today, my heart really skipped a beat there.
[Last night was so much. Jun and Harumasa are still in the hospital, and most of their family hovering around in shifts, meaning the Fortress is unusually quiet and still burning off the stress of those events. Maxima had to get several hyena bites stitched up, and he's grateful that the hospital has staff who understand when not to ask too many questions about things like "why were you fighting hyenas".
He doesn't do well with idleness, so he took on kitchen duty today. Dinner is beef stroganoff, his own best recipe; but since the cafeteria is also subdued and half-empty, he's taken it on himself to bring his share and one additional serving to the room of someone who was missing from the crowd. Lighter seemed stiff and distant while they were all at the hospital yesterday, and with everything else Maxima simply didn't have the energy to work out what was causing it; maybe giving him some time to cool down will have helped.]
[Lorenzo felt completely deflated after all was said and done. He came close to snapping on people once the adrenaline wore down but managed to keep it to a simmer rather than a boil. Since having a bit of time to cool down he felt a bit bad about it. Folks were just trying to help.
As if he wasn't stewing in enough guilt because of what happened.
It's why he was relieved when Maxima came over to his room with food. That and, well, anything beat hospital food. He tried to give a wave with his arm now in a cast, but remembered himself and waved with his other hand instead.]
Yeah, I'm around. And dinner with company is sounding real good right now.
[He was clearly feeling better, but the difference is he felt like shit instead of felt like shit in the seventh layer of hell.]
[Jun's been thinking a lot about how to approach this, as he knows he unwittingly tripped over a landmine with this one. But... he can't leave it alone either. So after he's been released from the hospital and has had some rest, he'll be texting Lighter]
[God knows you have to watch your step in the desert or else you graze a snake or cactus. One god knew how many of those pricks and bites were clouding Lighter's emotional state lately. Jun texting that he's out of the hospital helped with the proverbial landscaping, at least.
For now he was relieved. Let's see how long that will last knowing what Jun is texting about.]
That's good to hear. You can finally get a proper rest after all of that. They put a cast on me, but it'll heal up quicker than the doctors think.
[Sometimes, Rika really hates being a Zodiac worker. Keeping tabs on everything going on is important, yeah, but she was still chained to the office longer than she preferred.
And knowing Lorenzo got caught up in that whole mess... Fuck.
She can only do so much after the fact, but...]
Hey. Got anything you've been wanting lately as far as food goes? And you better give me a real answer.
[One might get the sense this is an excuse to visit.]
[Lorenzo definitely didn't want to be, and he wanted the fallout of his carelessness even less. But what's done is done. Lamenting on what if won't change anything, at least everyone is still alive.
Yet here he was, dwelling. It just made him miss his carefree "brother" even more.
He can see that Rika's obviously making an excuse to visit. That was fine, he didn't... he didn't mind seeing her. That's what he told himself. And if she's gonna bring food even better. Right?]
I'd kill for some decent chili right about now. If you need me to tell your job to shove it I'm pretty good at playing the drama up these days.
[It's been less than a week. He shouldn't be this distracted.
Then again, he knows it's the full moon, and his quarters still smell like Lighter, and the bite on his neck hasn't fully healed yet. It aches in an almost comforting way every time he thinks of the other man, and Lighter has never been far from his thoughts all week.
The inevitability of spending the full moon together had come up in their conversation before they parted last time. But emotions are high along with their volatile energy levels, so he still feels the need to check before just showing up at Lighter's door.]
[Thanks to the Big Guy, the bite on Lighter has since healed. A few intrusive thoughts reminded him that he wished it didn't. They got a lot of this extra energy off before, but it started to build and build again and he could only take on so much work in the Underground. Plus the city gyms are starting to give him looks.
So instead he'd spent time cleaning up his place, moving things around, getting stuff for the mini-kitchen and such he was missing. Going out and about with the dogs a lot though Rika had both of them for the next couple of days.
Lighter just figured it was a habit, the Tia Voice that never left his head saying "Lorenzo, tu limpias por aqui" and didn't think anything of it. Even though he was technically making more of a mess the way he gathered pillows and blankets and sheets and clean laundry he "forgot" to fold just for this.
It made sense in his brain. At least as it was right now, buzzing with energy and an itch for a companion. One that he knew would be sated at that message. He didn't even think about how hasty his reply was.]
[They've taken to staying the night in whichever of their beds they ended up in for the evening, after they meet up. They don't talk about it, exactly; it toes the line of the boundaries they've set on their relationship, but both of them benefit from the comfort of sleeping next to someone.
Usually. Tonight, Maxima is dreaming restlessly.
"Ghilley. Stand down, please."
Acknowledgement in the man's eyes, acquiescence for just a moment...but then they widen, and the bow comes back up. "Maxima, move!"
He turns, full of dread and horror, too slowly, like moving through molasses. The bird on Joshua's shoulder was green, it was - but it's blue now. It's blue, and the feathers are tarnishing to black even as he watches. Joshua doesn't seem to have noticed the change, or maybe he's indifferent.
The arrow is nocked, but it doesn't fire before she opens her mouth and s̵̨̧̠̠͚͈̖̤̪͎̜̗̀̅̅̒̎̓͒̈́̔͑͐͋͘͘͝ĭ̸̖͈̖̝̗̺̙̙̙̱̹͈͍̂͒͝n̵̨̨̨̨̛͖̦̦̈́͗̆͐͒̉̚̚͠͝g̶̨̟̰̩̲͕̠̏̓͒̋͋͊̚ş̸̨̼͉͈͖̔̎͒̓.
"Don't listen!" The bottom has dropped out of his stomach, a familiar wave of despair trying to take hold. He knows how to hold strong against it, but the others... He watches them one by one as they reel back, looking ill, pale, but hold steady. Except for one...
Except for Lighter, who is clutching at his head and unable to shake it off. Black trails of corruptive energy begin to pour off his body, and no no no not him not HIM- "Lorenzo! Fight it! Hold onto yourself!" but it's not working and he feels sick as he struggles toward the other man, flailing against the air that's somehow grown so much thicker
because what he's flailing against is bedsheets and the body he's still pressed up beside, as he wakes gasping in a cold sweat, reeling in the darkness as he's caught between dream and reality for a few seconds longer.]
[It's with a loud, cut off snore that Lighter was woken up. The fugue of sleep was broken by his own reflex to say some nonsensical half-word, but then he noticed the panic his friend was in.]
Hey!
[It wasn't shouted, but his voice was raised a little as he reached to turn lights on. He had it set to turn on with a gradual slider to keep his eyes comfortable, but this time it wasn't about what he needed. It'll only hurt for a little bit, he wasn't going to let his friend lose more composure in the dark.]
Hold on. [Light shined in the room, steadily and not immediately as to shock the poor man's senses. Like a sunrise on a dark, cold and barren horizon. And with the lights came an insistent but not forceful grip. Just something to ground him.]
Hey, easy... Look at me. [He's himself. Steady, strong, stable. As always. Not a blasphemy, just a man worried but holding steadfast for a distraught companion.]
[These conversations were never easy. Lycaon stares at his phone screen, wrist idly twitching as he thinks of how to write this. The contacts were all set: Lighter and Hugo, but when it came to the body of the text, his mind came to a standstill.
His thoughts drift to that pier. What Harumasa had told him, smile on his face. The man had done it twice already, to his and his loved one's faces. And here he was hesitating on sending the text.
There was something else he wanted to ask these two--so the meeting was killing two birds with one stone. And one did somewhat flow into the other thanks to the information he saw on the network.
After much deliberation, his text is sent.]
Hugo. Lighter.
There's something I need to speak with you both about. I would not say its urgent, but it is of the utmost importance you find out as soon as possible.
Are you free, and would you meet me somewhere private? Perhaps Hugo's art gallery, if it is closed for the day.
[The downside of Lycaon's formality is that tone does not exactly transfer as easily as Harumasa's. But he hopes his wording gets across that this isn't just getting drinks.]
[There's something to be said about reading between the lines, though. Lycaon was painfully formal all the time, sure. That's how he was and Lighter liked him however he was. But usually when something's not so serious it's less... concise.
You learned to be aware of things like that in his life and line of work. But either way, a response came after not too long.]
Free as a bird. Just give me a direction and I'll head there right away.
[To say that Maxima has had the worst few days of his life would be a lie. He's had many worse times, worse outcomes and consequences. Comparatively, the days spent trapped in El Nido at the whim of an evil pirate with relationships slowly disintegrating should barely register.
That's the thought that gets him out of bed in the morning at his usual time, autopiloting himself through a shower, breakfast, and morning coffee. Blank-faced, he strolls into the guildmaster's office, unsurprised to see Lighter behind his desk. He'll approach and set his mug down in the usual spot, ready to reclaim his post.]
Thank you for looking after things while I was gone. Were there any developments I need to know about?
[After the message he and Wriothesley sent, Lighter knew he'd be back to his normal role soon. That suited him just fine, though he didn't mind helping out at all. Once in a while, he could handle that.
He did not, however, expect Maxima to come right back to his post a day after four days of different work. Without even the comfort of his own space to come back to. He must still be exhausted.
And given what Lighter saw with a very long and very deliberate head to toe scan complete with slightly lowered sunglasses...
Well, he could answer the question given properly but instead.]
[A package arrives in the mail for Lighter from Harumasa! As well as a beautiful bouquet full of seasonal flowers resting on top. Each flower has been lovingly picked out to symbolize his feelings of love and gratitude for Luke's presence in his life. When he opens up the package, there'll be three perfectly wrapped gifts inside. All of them are the same shape and weight, so it's probably the same gift in three parts.
Unwrapping the first will reveal a scrapbook with a cover that's decorated in motorcycle and dog stickers, and lovingly hand painted Trifectas and seeds of life. The cover is also embossed with gold ink in calligraphic numbers: 2017-2019. When he opens the front cover, there will be a note in Harumasa's handwriting on the front page. As the pages are flipped through, they're all photos mostly taken by him. It starts off very amateur and it's clear that when Harumasa's the subject, he's not quite comfortable in front of the camera. His smiles are awkward and don't really reach his eyes, looking more nervous or skittish than how he is now. Some are also very amateur landscapes and photos of the sky. However, as it progresses through his life, Lighter can see how Harumasa becomes more comfortable being photographed, how much more easily his smiles come to him and reach his eyes, and how his skill evolves. Every photo is dated and has a location underneath it, and every page is decorated to complement the photos on them.
The other two gifts are the same, but the numbers increase as they go through the years. 2020-2022, and finally 2023-2025. The final two pages of the 2025 book are dedicated to only two photos, one on each page. The one on the left is a Christmas photo of Harumasa with the siblings, their significant others, and Ragna. The one on the right is of the New Eridu crew. It's a candid photo that somehow captures all of them at the height of their joy during the Christmas party. Handwritten neatly at the top are the words: "No matter where you go, I hope my memory stays with you."
As for the note at the beginning of the book, it says:]
Merry Christmas, Lorenzo!
Honestly, kind of afraid that if I get too deep, you'll bolt and I'll never see you again. Which that would break my fragile heart of glass, you know? You're irreplaceable.
But if you find yourself back on that lonely road, I hope you can think of me from time to time fondly.
Anyway, enough with the serious stuff! Let's make the next year even more memorable!
[Christmas Deliveries to Meropide are a little trickier than most, but Lycaon has recently learned how to Water Jump, which makes the distance covered much easier. Lighter will find a small box left by his door. It's well made and just the right size for storing photographs, watches, jewelry..and most importantly, sunglasses.
The bag of treats is different this time, a small sealed bag of jerky with little to no flair attached. the card inside lists the ingredients, with a small note: 'Tell me how you like this flavour. I use it to keep my energy up during workouts.'
The second item is...a piece of cloth. It's a soft purple to white gradient, with thorned vines decorating it. After unfolding it, it's revealed to be a scarf.
The third item is a candle, with the scent of smoke & amber. Candles aren't usually Lighter's style...
Finally, there's a small bottle the size of half an index finger, with a little piece of white wolf fur tucked inside. Attached to it is a chain necklace as it sits on a soft cushion in the box.
There's a note underneath the bottle:]
Lorenzo,
A very Merry Christmas to you. I hope you have been keeping yourself well down there in Meropide. I am set to visit there weekly, but I do worry about you from time to time. I hope this care package reaches you safely.
Please enjoy my favourite recipe for jerky. I'm sure you think I use wagyu beef or some other high end meat for such a recipe, but it's actually chicken with brown sugar and spices. I wouldn't necessarily say it will burn your mouth, but it does have a kick. I like to have it during workouts. Let me know how you like it. I can always make more.
The next item is...a scarf. The red scarf from your previous life is a precious item, indeed, and it carries the weight of the Champion of the Sons of Calydon. That said, I don't think it is right for Hugo or I to claim that red scarf for ourselves. I also don't want to give the insinuation that we are looking for the Champion when we do missions together. We want Lorenzo Fuentes, lovingly nicknamed 'Lighter'.
The candle...I bet your eyebrows did raise at this one. I cannot blame you. Perhaps it is a bit hard to explain, but Wolfmen can track people by scent, beyond what a cologne can provide. It is essentially the scent of your soul, shaped by who and what you are. This candle is your scent. The bitter scent of smoke and fire mixed with the calming aura of amber. That sounds quite like you, in my personal opinion.
Finally, the bottle. This is both a gift for you and for Tiu. Please do not take the chain on it seriously--I wouldn't dare go so far as to request such a thing. I just figured it looked a little awkward without it. This is a tuft of hair from my ears. People say rabbits feet and certain furs can be good luck. I wouldn't exactly go that far for myself, but it looks the part, doesn't it? I hope you both like it.
I know it has been a difficult time navigating yourself through these past few months. It's a maze of fog, knowing what parts belong to you and which belong to the past. I simply want you to know it is okay if that takes time. Just being YOU is all we could ever want.
Lighter. Lorenzo. You are a treasured friend, and one I would fight with, fight FOR any day.
Merry Christmas.
-Lycaon 🌕
P.S. Your moon sign for this year is the Cold Moon, Waning Crescent. It symbolizes a period of rest. Rest your eyes, Lorenzo. And more importantly, rest your heart. Next year will be a Waning Gibbous, which symbolizes looking inward to be grateful. Perhaps the next year will mean something special to you.
P.P.S. Your birthday is in two days. Don't think I forgot. Would you like to order some takeout to eat with Hugo and I? Let me know.
Just giving you fair warning that I'm mad at you for not telling Maxima you were leaving and I'm gonna tell you off for it! You better not hide from me when you get back!
Stay safe, Lighter.
[Text from two days after the previous message:]
sleepyphoebewithcassie.jpg
Oh my gosh look at them they're so cute!!!
[Text message during the mid-month Zodiac post, it comes with a photo of Jun in carbuncle form. He's got a yellow bow around his neck and is currently in Harumasa's arms:]
My little brother. So fierce yet so cute. Menace to small rodents, Varians, and sometimes Harumasas.
[Voice message the day before Harumasa and Jun disappear. He sounds... tired, but he's trying to be cheerful like normal all the same:]
Hey, Lighter~! Yeah, yeah, I know, you don't have your phone on you right now and all that, but I'd like a teeeeeensy little favor from you! I promise, it won't be that hard. Probably~.
So, there are a couple of pre-order items I purchased as gifts, but they don't do home delivery. You have to pick it up at the store. Unfortunately, it's all coming out next month and everyone will get very upset with me if I went to the shops myself for pickup. It's just a couple of limited edition fragrances. I'll send you dates and addresses for pickup. I put them all under your name, and I'll of course pay you for your service~!
Thank you, Lighter~! Stay safe!
[There's another voice message that arrives an hour after the last one:]
Oh, by the way...
[Harumasa trails off for a moment. Lighter would be forgiven for thinking that he might have hung up with how long the silence stretches, but he does speak up again.]
I trust you to come back. I really do. If anything, I can understand the need to run when you realize that there are people you care about and who care about you deeply in return. Gotta put some distance to clear your head and see what your heart really wants.
But... on the off-chance that I'm wrong... or that this wasn't the reason for you leaving for so long....
[He trails off again before a quiet, sad sigh can be heard. It's followed by the archer saying something that can barely be heard on the phone: "I hate that it's hard to be honest, Apollo, get off my back."]
Ugh... what I'm trying to say is that if I'm making a wild assumption, I'm... sorry. For probably having a hand in driving you away. I'll apologize again in person if you need me to, but.... [Another sigh and he says, quieter and smaller than he's ever sounded:] I'm sorry if it was my fault.
[There's another long silence before Harumasa gently clears his throat.]
Anyway, I'll see you when you get back! Stay safe, Lighter.
[Maxima woke slowly. Aching with exertion, feeling warm and relaxed in a way he had dearly missed, he almost didn't remember the reason for any of it until he revived enough to acknowledge the warm body curled into his chest, the familiar and comforting scent of smoke and amber.
He opened his eyes to confirm what his other senses were telling him: golden morning light filtering dimly through the closed curtains, cheap motel sheets, and one Lorenzo Fuentes, still breathing softly, asleep in his arms. He had come out here from the Fortress on a sudden late-night call, and then...
His cheeks flushed a little. Well, and then it had been the night of the full moon, in the month where both their elemental attunement was at its strongest, and he'd been freshly reunited with the man his canine instincts considered to be his mate. Carefully, he traced a gentle fingertip along a fading bite mark on Lighter's neck.
But now it was morning, and they would need to have a serious conversation before going home together. He just hoped they could come out of it as content as they'd ended last night.]
[It was a nice, familiar ache. An ache nevertheless, though, as the early morning light filtered in through the Motel. Lorenzo's eyes were still closed, shut tight to keep the sun from getting into his eyes. It was a habit he had yet to break from his time as a drifter.
He was only half awake, trying to remember where he was, what happened...
who he was next to.
But breathing in deep was an immediate reminder that he was with someone he missed over these three weeks. Someone he wanted to see again. One of many.
It's just this person in particular, the person the werewolf in his mind called mate, was the one he, well, really wanted to see. It's the brushing fingers against his stinging neck that roused Lorenzo awake. Enough to open his eyes. To see Maxima cuddled next to him. He felt fire under his skin again. A flush on his face forming.
Above all, though, as the waking world slowly filtered back... there was guilt. When he spoke it was groggy, husky, but there was a softness to it. The kind only found when knowing you really fucked up and you have no right to be combative.]
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rollback to his intro, voice; un: noxxed 1/2
LORENZO.
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WHEN THE FUCK WERE YOU GONNA TELL ME YOU WEREN'T DEAD, ASSHOLE????????????????
1/2?
yeah 2/2, voice
fucking LAUGHING
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Gemini Text | UN: DelicatelyFrail; some time in May
The idea comes to him like a bolt from the blue and he's laughing so hard to himself. At noon on the dot, Lighter will receive a music file from Harumasa. It's not just any file, though. It's Harumasa's cover of the song and it's damn well sung. It's not Corey Hart, but he makes it his own.]
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He was a bit surprised seeing a random text but he listened to the whole thing and honestly felt flattered. It gave him the laugh he really needed right about now.]
🤘
Not bad! I wasn't expecting to be serenaded today, my heart really skipped a beat there.
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action; post-Jumanji
He doesn't do well with idleness, so he took on kitchen duty today. Dinner is beef stroganoff, his own best recipe; but since the cafeteria is also subdued and half-empty, he's taken it on himself to bring his share and one additional serving to the room of someone who was missing from the crowd. Lighter seemed stiff and distant while they were all at the hospital yesterday, and with everything else Maxima simply didn't have the energy to work out what was causing it; maybe giving him some time to cool down will have helped.]
Lorenzo, are you in? ...I brought dinner.
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As if he wasn't stewing in enough guilt because of what happened.
It's why he was relieved when Maxima came over to his room with food. That and, well, anything beat hospital food. He tried to give a wave with his arm now in a cast, but remembered himself and waved with his other hand instead.]
Yeah, I'm around. And dinner with company is sounding real good right now.
[He was clearly feeling better, but the difference is he felt like shit instead of felt like shit in the seventh layer of hell.]
Howr're you feeling?
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cw suicide ideation and expect sprinkles of it throughout
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UN: hikari-vi | Text | Post Jumanji
I'm home from the hospital. Clean bill of health.
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For now he was relieved. Let's see how long that will last knowing what Jun is texting about.]
That's good to hear. You can finally get a proper rest after all of that. They put a cast on me, but it'll heal up quicker than the doctors think.
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direct text; post-Jumanji
And knowing Lorenzo got caught up in that whole mess... Fuck.
She can only do so much after the fact, but...]
Hey. Got anything you've been wanting lately as far as food goes? And you better give me a real answer.
[One might get the sense this is an excuse to visit.]
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Yet here he was, dwelling. It just made him miss his carefree "brother" even more.
He can see that Rika's obviously making an excuse to visit. That was fine, he didn't... he didn't mind seeing her. That's what he told himself. And if she's gonna bring food even better. Right?]
I'd kill for some decent chili right about now. If you need me to tell your job to shove it I'm pretty good at playing the drama up these days.
[showman gonna showman.]
text -> action
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text; un: neoteric | full moon | nsfw
Then again, he knows it's the full moon, and his quarters still smell like Lighter, and the bite on his neck hasn't fully healed yet. It aches in an almost comforting way every time he thinks of the other man, and Lighter has never been far from his thoughts all week.
The inevitability of spending the full moon together had come up in their conversation before they parted last time. But emotions are high along with their volatile energy levels, so he still feels the need to check before just showing up at Lighter's door.]
Can I come over?
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So instead he'd spent time cleaning up his place, moving things around, getting stuff for the mini-kitchen and such he was missing. Going out and about with the dogs a lot though Rika had both of them for the next couple of days.
Lighter just figured it was a habit, the Tia Voice that never left his head saying "Lorenzo, tu limpias por aqui" and didn't think anything of it. Even though he was technically making more of a mess the way he gathered pillows and blankets and sheets and clean laundry he "forgot" to fold just for this.
It made sense in his brain. At least as it was right now, buzzing with energy and an itch for a companion. One that he knew would be sated at that message. He didn't even think about how hasty his reply was.]
Yeah
come over
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action; early September | cw nightmares, depression, endwalker spoilers
Usually. Tonight, Maxima is dreaming restlessly.
"Ghilley. Stand down, please."
Acknowledgement in the man's eyes, acquiescence for just a moment...but then they widen, and the bow comes back up. "Maxima, move!"
He turns, full of dread and horror, too slowly, like moving through molasses. The bird on Joshua's shoulder was green, it was - but it's blue now. It's blue, and the feathers are tarnishing to black even as he watches. Joshua doesn't seem to have noticed the change, or maybe he's indifferent.
The arrow is nocked, but it doesn't fire before she opens her mouth and s̵̨̧̠̠͚͈̖̤̪͎̜̗̀̅̅̒̎̓͒̈́̔͑͐͋͘͘͝ĭ̸̖͈̖̝̗̺̙̙̙̱̹͈͍̂͒͝n̵̨̨̨̨̛͖̦̦̈́͗̆͐͒̉̚̚͠͝g̶̨̟̰̩̲͕̠̏̓͒̋͋͊̚ş̸̨̼͉͈͖̔̎͒̓.
"Don't listen!" The bottom has dropped out of his stomach, a familiar wave of despair trying to take hold. He knows how to hold strong against it, but the others... He watches them one by one as they reel back, looking ill, pale, but hold steady. Except for one...
Except for Lighter, who is clutching at his head and unable to shake it off. Black trails of corruptive energy begin to pour off his body, and no no no not him not HIM- "Lorenzo! Fight it! Hold onto yourself!" but it's not working and he feels sick as he struggles toward the other man, flailing against the air that's somehow grown so much thicker
because what he's flailing against is bedsheets and the body he's still pressed up beside, as he wakes gasping in a cold sweat, reeling in the darkness as he's caught between dream and reality for a few seconds longer.]
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Hey!
[It wasn't shouted, but his voice was raised a little as he reached to turn lights on. He had it set to turn on with a gradual slider to keep his eyes comfortable, but this time it wasn't about what he needed. It'll only hurt for a little bit, he wasn't going to let his friend lose more composure in the dark.]
Hold on. [Light shined in the room, steadily and not immediately as to shock the poor man's senses. Like a sunrise on a dark, cold and barren horizon. And with the lights came an insistent but not forceful grip. Just something to ground him.]
Hey, easy... Look at me. [He's himself. Steady, strong, stable. As always. Not a blasphemy, just a man worried but holding steadfast for a distraught companion.]
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text; un: lycaon ; Early Sept; CW: Terminal Illness talk
[These conversations were never easy. Lycaon stares at his phone screen, wrist idly twitching as he thinks of how to write this. The contacts were all set: Lighter and Hugo, but when it came to the body of the text, his mind came to a standstill.
His thoughts drift to that pier. What Harumasa had told him, smile on his face. The man had done it twice already, to his and his loved one's faces. And here he was hesitating on sending the text.
There was something else he wanted to ask these two--so the meeting was killing two birds with one stone. And one did somewhat flow into the other thanks to the information he saw on the network.
After much deliberation, his text is sent.]
Hugo. Lighter.
There's something I need to speak with you both about. I would not say its urgent, but it is of the utmost importance you find out as soon as possible.
Are you free, and would you meet me somewhere private? Perhaps Hugo's art gallery, if it is closed for the day.
[The downside of Lycaon's formality is that tone does not exactly transfer as easily as Harumasa's. But he hopes his wording gets across that this isn't just getting drinks.]
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You learned to be aware of things like that in his life and line of work. But either way, a response came after not too long.]
Free as a bird. Just give me a direction and I'll head there right away.
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-> action
Continuous Action
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direct text; early October
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So am I bringing this, food or the dogs to celebrate your new housewarming, Cardita? All three's also a good answer.
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action; the day after returning from the horror plot
That's the thought that gets him out of bed in the morning at his usual time, autopiloting himself through a shower, breakfast, and morning coffee. Blank-faced, he strolls into the guildmaster's office, unsurprised to see Lighter behind his desk. He'll approach and set his mug down in the usual spot, ready to reclaim his post.]
Thank you for looking after things while I was gone. Were there any developments I need to know about?
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He did not, however, expect Maxima to come right back to his post a day after four days of different work. Without even the comfort of his own space to come back to. He must still be exhausted.
And given what Lighter saw with a very long and very deliberate head to toe scan complete with slightly lowered sunglasses...
Well, he could answer the question given properly but instead.]
... You look like shit.
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cw mentions of gang activity and rascism
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Text; un: lycaon ; Friday
Lighter,
Do you have any plans for this evening?
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Not really. What's up? Need me for something?
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Special Delivery for Christmas Day!
Unwrapping the first will reveal a scrapbook with a cover that's decorated in motorcycle and dog stickers, and lovingly hand painted Trifectas and seeds of life. The cover is also embossed with gold ink in calligraphic numbers: 2017-2019. When he opens the front cover, there will be a note in Harumasa's handwriting on the front page. As the pages are flipped through, they're all photos mostly taken by him. It starts off very amateur and it's clear that when Harumasa's the subject, he's not quite comfortable in front of the camera. His smiles are awkward and don't really reach his eyes, looking more nervous or skittish than how he is now. Some are also very amateur landscapes and photos of the sky. However, as it progresses through his life, Lighter can see how Harumasa becomes more comfortable being photographed, how much more easily his smiles come to him and reach his eyes, and how his skill evolves. Every photo is dated and has a location underneath it, and every page is decorated to complement the photos on them.
The other two gifts are the same, but the numbers increase as they go through the years. 2020-2022, and finally 2023-2025. The final two pages of the 2025 book are dedicated to only two photos, one on each page. The one on the left is a Christmas photo of Harumasa with the siblings, their significant others, and Ragna. The one on the right is of the New Eridu crew. It's a candid photo that somehow captures all of them at the height of their joy during the Christmas party. Handwritten neatly at the top are the words: "No matter where you go, I hope my memory stays with you."
As for the note at the beginning of the book, it says:]
Merry Christmas, Lorenzo!
Honestly, kind of afraid that if I get too deep, you'll bolt and I'll never see you again. Which that would break my fragile heart of glass, you know? You're irreplaceable.
But if you find yourself back on that lonely road, I hope you can think of me from time to time fondly.
Anyway, enough with the serious stuff! Let's make the next year even more memorable!
Sincerest regards,
Harumasa
Christmas Delivery 12/25;
The bag of treats is different this time, a small sealed bag of jerky with little to no flair attached. the card inside lists the ingredients, with a small note: 'Tell me how you like this flavour. I use it to keep my energy up during workouts.'
The second item is...a piece of cloth. It's a soft purple to white gradient, with thorned vines decorating it. After unfolding it, it's revealed to be a scarf.
The third item is a candle, with the scent of smoke & amber. Candles aren't usually Lighter's style...
Finally, there's a small bottle the size of half an index finger, with a little piece of white wolf fur tucked inside. Attached to it is a chain necklace as it sits on a soft cushion in the box.
There's a note underneath the bottle:]
Lorenzo,
A very Merry Christmas to you. I hope you have been keeping yourself well down there in Meropide. I am set to visit there weekly, but I do worry about you from time to time. I hope this care package reaches you safely.
Please enjoy my favourite recipe for jerky. I'm sure you think I use wagyu beef or some other high end meat for such a recipe, but it's actually chicken with brown sugar and spices. I wouldn't necessarily say it will burn your mouth, but it does have a kick. I like to have it during workouts. Let me know how you like it. I can always make more.
The next item is...a scarf. The red scarf from your previous life is a precious item, indeed, and it carries the weight of the Champion of the Sons of Calydon. That said, I don't think it is right for Hugo or I to claim that red scarf for ourselves. I also don't want to give the insinuation that we are looking for the Champion when we do missions together. We want Lorenzo Fuentes, lovingly nicknamed 'Lighter'.
The candle...I bet your eyebrows did raise at this one. I cannot blame you. Perhaps it is a bit hard to explain, but Wolfmen can track people by scent, beyond what a cologne can provide. It is essentially the scent of your soul, shaped by who and what you are. This candle is your scent. The bitter scent of smoke and fire mixed with the calming aura of amber. That sounds quite like you, in my personal opinion.
Finally, the bottle. This is both a gift for you and for Tiu. Please do not take the chain on it seriously--I wouldn't dare go so far as to request such a thing. I just figured it looked a little awkward without it. This is a tuft of hair from my ears. People say rabbits feet and certain furs can be good luck. I wouldn't exactly go that far for myself, but it looks the part, doesn't it? I hope you both like it.
I know it has been a difficult time navigating yourself through these past few months. It's a maze of fog, knowing what parts belong to you and which belong to the past. I simply want you to know it is okay if that takes time. Just being YOU is all we could ever want.
Lighter. Lorenzo. You are a treasured friend, and one I would fight with, fight FOR any day.
Merry Christmas.
-Lycaon 🌕
P.S. Your moon sign for this year is the Cold Moon, Waning Crescent. It symbolizes a period of rest. Rest your eyes, Lorenzo. And more importantly, rest your heart. Next year will be a Waning Gibbous, which symbolizes looking inward to be grateful. Perhaps the next year will mean something special to you.
P.P.S. Your birthday is in two days. Don't think I forgot. Would you like to order some takeout to eat with Hugo and I? Let me know.
text; un: neoteric | 1/5 throughout the day
Did you oversleep? :)
11:07 am
Are you not feeling well?
I could bring you some soup.
12:33 pm
Lorenzo?
1:24 pm
I'm coming over to your room. ...I wanted to speak with you about something anyway.
Text; un: lycaon (encrypted)
I am aware you are on your mission. But in the interest of our agreement, I need to know how long you think this job of yours will take.
We have instigated Lia as a new apprentice, so I would like us all to welcome her together.
[That's not the real reason, but it is the one he'll give for now.]
Text/Voice | UN: DelicatelyFrail; during Lighter's absence until the day before Haru disappears
Just giving you fair warning that I'm mad at you for not telling Maxima you were leaving and I'm gonna tell you off for it! You better not hide from me when you get back!
Stay safe, Lighter.
[Text from two days after the previous message:]
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Oh my gosh look at them they're so cute!!!
[Text message during the mid-month Zodiac post, it comes with a photo of Jun in carbuncle form. He's got a yellow bow around his neck and is currently in Harumasa's arms:]
My little brother. So fierce yet so cute. Menace to small rodents, Varians, and sometimes Harumasas.
[Voice message the day before Harumasa and Jun disappear. He sounds... tired, but he's trying to be cheerful like normal all the same:]
Hey, Lighter~! Yeah, yeah, I know, you don't have your phone on you right now and all that, but I'd like a teeeeeensy little favor from you! I promise, it won't be that hard. Probably~.
So, there are a couple of pre-order items I purchased as gifts, but they don't do home delivery. You have to pick it up at the store. Unfortunately, it's all coming out next month and everyone will get very upset with me if I went to the shops myself for pickup. It's just a couple of limited edition fragrances. I'll send you dates and addresses for pickup. I put them all under your name, and I'll of course pay you for your service~!
Thank you, Lighter~! Stay safe!
[There's another voice message that arrives an hour after the last one:]
Oh, by the way...
[Harumasa trails off for a moment. Lighter would be forgiven for thinking that he might have hung up with how long the silence stretches, but he does speak up again.]
I trust you to come back. I really do. If anything, I can understand the need to run when you realize that there are people you care about and who care about you deeply in return. Gotta put some distance to clear your head and see what your heart really wants.
But... on the off-chance that I'm wrong... or that this wasn't the reason for you leaving for so long....
[He trails off again before a quiet, sad sigh can be heard. It's followed by the archer saying something that can barely be heard on the phone: "I hate that it's hard to be honest, Apollo, get off my back."]
Ugh... what I'm trying to say is that if I'm making a wild assumption, I'm... sorry. For probably having a hand in driving you away. I'll apologize again in person if you need me to, but.... [Another sigh and he says, quieter and smaller than he's ever sounded:] I'm sorry if it was my fault.
[There's another long silence before Harumasa gently clears his throat.]
Anyway, I'll see you when you get back! Stay safe, Lighter.
action; forward-dated to 2/2
He opened his eyes to confirm what his other senses were telling him: golden morning light filtering dimly through the closed curtains, cheap motel sheets, and one Lorenzo Fuentes, still breathing softly, asleep in his arms. He had come out here from the Fortress on a sudden late-night call, and then...
His cheeks flushed a little. Well, and then it had been the night of the full moon, in the month where both their elemental attunement was at its strongest, and he'd been freshly reunited with the man his canine instincts considered to be his mate. Carefully, he traced a gentle fingertip along a fading bite mark on Lighter's neck.
But now it was morning, and they would need to have a serious conversation before going home together. He just hoped they could come out of it as content as they'd ended last night.]
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He was only half awake, trying to remember where he was, what happened...
who he was next to.
But breathing in deep was an immediate reminder that he was with someone he missed over these three weeks. Someone he wanted to see again. One of many.
It's just this person in particular, the person the werewolf in his mind called mate, was the one he, well, really wanted to see. It's the brushing fingers against his stinging neck that roused Lorenzo awake. Enough to open his eyes. To see Maxima cuddled next to him. He felt fire under his skin again. A flush on his face forming.
Above all, though, as the waking world slowly filtered back... there was guilt. When he spoke it was groggy, husky, but there was a softness to it. The kind only found when knowing you really fucked up and you have no right to be combative.]
... Hey.
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