Underground Secrets ( M-jow and Sosuke0549 )

[M-jow]

Leon stepped into the room quietly, his hand resting on the doorframe for a moment before he pushed it closed behind him. His eyes landed on Asta, sitting at the edge of the bed. The cast was off now, but the tension in the room was thick as ever.

Leon’s gaze dropped to Asta’s leg. Pale. Thin. Laced with angry red stitches that curved across the swollen skin. Leon hated looking at it cause it remind him that this was his fault. That Asta would never get rid of it.

 

Without saying a word, Leon crossed the room and knelt down in front of him.

He could feel the stiffness in the air. Asta wasn’t looking at him, his shoulders hunched as if bracing himself for a storm that hadn’t come yet. Leon didn’t force eye contact. Instead, he gently reached for Asta’s leg, moving slowly, giving him time to pull away if he needed to.

Leon’s hands were warm as they settled on the lower part of Asta’s calf, just below the stitches. He began to rub gently, his thumbs pressing in soft, careful circles along the muscle.

Just like the nurses had told him when he had asked the hospital staff.

The skin was cold and stiff under his palms. The muscle wasn’t responding much, but that didn’t stop him. He worked his way slowly up the leg, mindful of the most sensitive areas, avoiding the incision line but encouraging blood flow back into the dormant tissue.

“You’re tight,” Leon murmured, more observation than concern. His voice was quiet. Steady. “We’ll loosen this up bit by bit.”

His thumbs worked into the sides of Asta’s shin, coaxing warmth into the skin, stimulating the nerves. His touch was with care. Leon might not have been a physical therapist, but he’d done his research, asked questions, watched videos. If this was something he could do for Asta to help ease even a little of the discomfort, he’d do it every day without hesitation.

He shifted closer, gently lifting the leg onto a pillow on his thigh to give better support as he moved to the thigh, fingers kneading with a delicate firmness that tried not to press too far. He glanced up briefly, noting the way Asta’s jaw clenched as he stared at the floor.

"Tell me if I am hurting you sweetheart. I heard this could help and prevent cramps but your comfort comes first" He told Asta. Not blaming the other for how he treated him. He understood abd didn’t judg.

His fingers slowed slightly as he reached the top of the thigh. Then he eased his touch into softer strokes, encouraging more relaxation.

“We’ll do this together. One step, one day at a time.”

For a moment, he paused, his hands resting gently against Asta’s leg. The silence between them was heavy, but not in a bad way. It was full of something unspoken. 

Leon glanced up again, voice low and sincere.

“When you're ready... we'll try standing. No rush. No pressure. Just... you and me.”

He didn’t need an answer. In this moment with Asta’s leg in his lap, and his hands gently massaging it.

 

“You can lean on me, I can handle it. Just don’t push yourself too fast. You’re doing so well,” Leon said, his voice warm with encouragement, a confident smile tugging at his lips.

He refused to let himself look sad or weak in front of Asta. Not now. Asta needed strength and someone solid to rely on, and Leon was determined to be that person. His rock.

Just like Asta’s mother.

Leon had never met a stronger woman than her. In the chaos of everything that had happened, she had stood unwavering, resilient, with endlessly compassion. She had become his idol in many ways, a clear image of what support and comfort should look like.

 

She was incredible, even just for allowing Leon to help care for her son. Leon wasn’t entirely sure if she knew the full extent of what he and Asta were to each other, but she still trusted him enough to give him a spare set of keys. That alone meant more than he could put into words.

Honestly, Leon didn’t even know what they were himself.

They’d been intimate again and Asta hadn’t pushed him away. Leon had seen it in his eyes, in those rare quiet moments: the longing, the hesitation, and need to feel more than just anger and pain. It was there, unspoken but unmistakable.

He liked to think Asta felt safe in his arms. At least, during those restless nights when the nightmares returned, and Asta would thrash and scream like he was fighting demons in his sleep.

Leon would hold him tight, whispering quiet reassurances, through the worst of it.

And when morning came, Asta would wake with a frown and gently pull away, distant and guarded once more. Leon never took it personally. He understood.

He hadn’t slept much on those nights, but it didn’t matter.

What mattered was that Asta had.

 

--------------------------------------

 

Sora saw him immediately.

Fang built wasn’t exactly subtle compared to most of the college kids around. He stuck out, even when he tried not to. And right now, standing half-slouched near the gate, hoodie thrown on like an afterthought and dark circles etched deep under his eyes, Fang looked like he hadn’t slept in days. Which, honestly, wouldn’t surprise Sora at this point.

He hadn’t seen Fang sleep even once since he got discharge from the hospital.

 

Seeing him there… again… brought that familiar mixture of guilt and frustration. Why the fuck couldn’t he just listen. Sora had even agreed to Fang installing a tracking app on his phone in exchange for the other to take it more easy.

To be honest it hadn’t helped much.

 

Sora adjusted the strap of his bag across his shoulder and exhaled through his nose. He didn’t slow his pace, just walked straight up to him with a sharp look.

"You said you wouldn’t do this today,” he said, voice quiet but firm, cutting through the murmurs of students trickling out behind him.

 

Fang didn’t answer. He just slipped his hands into his pockets and looked away like he always did when he didn’t want to have another discussion.

Sora’s jaw tightened. He hated how predictable this had become.

He stepped past Fang without waiting, forcing him to fall into step beside him. He didn’t ask. He just started walking, the familiar ache between his ribs barely noticeable compared to the weight in his chest.

It wasn’t the overprotection that hurt. It was what it represented. The trust Fang used to have in him felt like it had disappeared entirely. Like that one incident he had no control over had erased everything they'd built up over a very short time.

 

~You can’t keep doing this. It’s not helping either of us.~ Sora didn’t say his thoughts out loud. Because it was useless and Fang wouldn’t listen.

Sora could feel the tension radiating off him like heat.

“You look like hell,” he added. “When’s the last time you slept? You’re gonna collapse at this rate.”

 

Sora glanced at him then, really looked this time. And for a moment, the irritation softened into something else. Something heavier. Fang didn’t look like himself anymore. The energy around had changed, his charm, his special spark. It was all buried under layers of exhaustion.

 

Sora couldn’t even remember the last time he’d held Fang’s hand.

The realization hit him one quiet afternoon, in the middle of nothing in particular. Just a hollow moment, standing alone in Fang’s apartment, fingers twitching slightly at his sides like they were still waiting to be held. But that warmth hadn’t been offered in weeks. Maybe longer.

Fang kept pushing him away. He kept his distance from Sora yet was always near, always watching, but never truly present. Close enough to guard him, and far enough to avoid. And it was killing Sora, slowly.

He’d tried talking to him. Again and again, carefully choosing his words, trying not to sound accusing or ungrateful. But Fang barely looked at him anymore during those conversations. He just nodded absently or muttered something under his breath. Always tired. Always on edge. His stone cold attitude had wrapped around him like a second skin, and it turned everything into a battlefield.

Their arguments had become a part of their daily routine.

 

Sora fought just for the right to go to school or collect clothes from his own apartment. He hadn’t set foot at the dog shelter since the accident, not because he didn’t want to, but because he couldn't handle the fight that would come with it. Even holding onto his part-time job at the convenience store was a struggle. Every day felt like a negotiation. A battle for scraps of independence. 

And it was wearing him down.

 

He hated waking up in the morning knowing it would all happen again. The tension, the silence, the fights, the constant weight of being watched but not really seen. It was like living inside a loop that never ended.

Sora still quietly hoped that things might change.. But as the weeks dragged on, that hope dimmed. He couldn’t deny what he was feeling anymore.

He was breaking.

Not all at once. Slowly. Like paper tearing under too much pressure.

He started doubting himself, wondering if maybe he was the problem. Maybe if he tried harder, stayed quieter, stopped talking so much. Maybe then Fang would come back to him. But deep down, he knew that wasn’t the answer.

The truth he didn’t want to face was this: being with Fang now was draining him. Mentally, emotionally, completely. He didn’t feel safe anymore. Not in the way that mattered. And worse, his thoughts had started to turn dark. Some mornings, he found himself staring at the bathroom mirror, wondering how much longer he could pretend this was okay. There were even days he dreaded going back, dreaded being near the person he loved because the silence between them hurt more than being alone ever could.

They didn’t feel like a couple anymore.

No kisses. No touches. No late-night laughter. No intimacy.

They were two people sharing a space but living in different worlds. Like ex-lovers forced to cohabitate, each too tired to fix it but..Sora still loved him.

 

Right now, the only breathing room Sora had left was when he was at school… or visiting Asta.

Those brief windows of time out of an otherwise suffocating routine were the only moments he felt even remotely like himself.

At school, he could blend in, be another student with a busy schedule and too much homework. No one hovered over him, or tracked his every move.

And when he visited Asta, things were... easier. Asta was the focus of his attention. His friend was too wrapped up in his own situation to notice the way Sora's voice sometimes cracked mid-sentence. And he didn’t ask Sora hard questions.

Sora didn’t let anything slip when he was with Asta. Didn’t talk about Fang, didn’t mention the arguments or the tension between them. He definitely didn’t say that Fang was waiting outside like a guard dog, refusing to leave even if it meant standing in the cold or rain.

He knew Asta would worry if he knew.

And Sora didn’t want to see that look in Asta’s eyes, the one that said, You don’t have to live like this. Because if someone said it out loud… if someone truly saw it… Sora might not be able to handle it.

Even Leon, didn’t comment. Maybe he knew better than to ask, because it wasn't his business and he had more that enough on his own plate. And honestly Sora was thankful for that.

At least Asta didn’t notice the way Sora's smile never quite reached his eyes anymore.

So, for those few hours, Sora clung to the illusion.

He laughed when Asta made dumb jokes. He helped him catch up on classes, talked about school, about meaningless little things that didn’t really matter but made both their minds drift away to other things. 

But when he stepped back outside he would instantly felt Fang’s presence again. See the figure standing across the street or leaning against the car. It was like waking from a dream he didn’t want to leave.

 

He never asked Fang to leave.. not after that time at the hospital. He didn’t talk to anyone about hos feelings Esther.

Because if he did… then he’d have to admit something he wasn’t ready to face.

That he was no longer safe in his own relationship.

That love wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

 

Please Register/ Sign In, in order to see the links.

[Sosuke0549]

Asta said nothing as Leon entered the room but he was surpised when Leon knelt down in front of him and took his leg. He could feel his voice tangling up in his throat. For weeks...the tension between them was heavy...and even though they had slept together that one night...it hadn't happened again since...and to be honest it was a moment of sheer desperation. A way for Asta to feel something...anything...

 

In that single night. All his fears, anger, misery, and brokenness fadded away...and it was replaced with pleasure...heat...moans... ecstasy...a wonderful distraction...and thats all it was...a distraction, a hint of longing and love. 

 

Asta still felt bad about it...but he didnt want to talk about it. Didn't want to bring it up.

 

The red stitches and scars on his leg weren't elegant, dispite the doctors best efforts he hated looking at it...and yet...he found himself obsessibly staring at it. He flinched when he felt Leon touch him leg, his gaze now on Leon as he began to rub and message the tissue. 

 

He didnt mind the act when his mom had done it but now...

 

Leon's hands were warm and steady. The pressure he applied was slow and soft, but calculated. Asta bit his lip as stared at the hands in his lap.

 

[“You’re tight, We’ll loosen this up bit by bit.”]

 

This feeling wasnt new to him...his mom had done this same message and technique with him a few hours ago...so why did it feel so much different with Leon? He felt embarrassed. Was it because deep down he still loved Leon....

 

His thumbs worked into the sides of Asta’s shin, making Asta clench his jaw. As Leon continued, he got closer, placing his leg on his thigh and pillow as he worked his way up. There was a lot of tension in the muscle so Astas discomfort grew. 

 

 [ "Tell me if I am hurting you sweetheart. I heard this could help and prevent cramps but your comfort comes first" ]

 

"I-its fine." 

 

He muttered. This was nothing compared to the pain he had endured before. 

 

Even though there was this wall between them and the air was thick was tension, Leon still managed to read him like a book. Still managed to see him...and Asta secretly loved that. Leon worked his way up his thigh, his touch alittle softer. 

 

[“We’ll do this together. One step, one day at a time.”]

 

Asta was listening...but he didnt respond. He wanst sure how to. Another moment of silence filled the room before he spoke again. 

 

 

[ “When you're ready... we'll try standing. No rush. No pressure. Just... you and me.”]

 

You and me.

 

It sounded nice...but...was it possible?

 

Asta gave him a small nod. His eyes watching Leon massage his leg. His hands so gentle. 

 

 

[ “You can lean on me, I can handle it. Just don’t push yourself too fast. You’re doing so well,”]

 

"..ok." 

 

Asta heard the warmth and encouragement in Leon's voice. He still vividly remembered the day he first woke up in the hospital with his broken leg...and the words that Leon told him. Asta had fully believed it was over for him...that hed never walk...let alone play basketball again...but Leon...he believed in him. Even when he couldn't believe in himself...and that is what really moved him... looked back now...

 

 

That mattered. It had to count for something. As much as he hated him for the all the chaos and half truths he told...Asta fell deeper in love with him on that day. The worst day of his life...

 

He couldn't deny it...he saw all the effort Leon was putting in...being his rock...his comfort...being whatever he needed him to be...and not once complaining. He hadn't complained about his depression, or his angry outbursts, or the sudden moments where he was cold and distant only to cling to him when he had a nightmare. Didnt complain when he'd forgive him one day...and reject him the next. Didn't complain when he needed help getting around, showering, or cleaning. 

 

( N-not...once...)

 

And that....had to count for something...

 

He needed to apologize... but there was still so much pain built up inside him...and so many things he wanted to say that just wouldn't take shape...wouldn't come out of his mouth...all these feelings...these emotions....

 

He had so much to say...but didnt know how to say it. 

 

 He hung his head in shame, his hands clenching the bed sheets underneath him, his eyes hiding behind his bangs. 

 

"I-im sorry..." he said softly. He wanted to explain why he was sorry...but when he looked up to meet Leons gaze...he froze. He tried to speak...his mouth opened...but closed..and nothing came out...

 

A moment of silence passed before Asta gave up, sighing heavily and running a hand over his face in frustrated and utter defeat. He hated this...this...thing they were in....the thick air...the weight of it all....

 

Perhaps...now wasn’t the time to address it...

 

But if not now....when?

 

" M-my mom said we could order out tonight." 

 

He hide behind a smile, desperately trying to escape the tension in the air and the feeling in his heart.

 

( w-why can't I face you?)

 

" What are you in the mood for?"

 

( Why can't I apologize?! I know your hurting too...so...w-why...)

 

" I was thinking pizza oooorrr Chinese!" 

 

( I miss...us...the way we were...how we use to be...)

 

"You still like Asian Palace right? We could order your favorite and watch a movie."

 

( When will it stop....hurting...When will this tension between us go away?! )

 

Would it ever go away?

 

Asta reached for his phone

 

" I can order if you wanna pick the movie."

 

 

 

--------------------------------------

 

Fang could feel the frustration radiating off of Sora the moment he saw him. When he got closer he didn't greet him, but simply walked passed him, giving him a sharp look. 

 

[ "You said you wouldn’t do this today,”]

 

Fang bit his lip, his eyes turning back to the students gawking and gossiping as they trickled out of the school...

 

He sighed and quickly followed behind Sora, walking in silence. Fang was use to Sora's firey temper...its what drew him in to begin with...but today he seemed more frustrated then usual. Was it because he showed up again unannounced....it was never a problem before...back then... 

 

[ “You look like hell,” ]

 

"Nice to see you too."

 

[ “When’s the last time you slept? You’re gonna collapse at this rate.”]

 

Fang averted his gaze, his small but fake grin quickly fadding...he didnt even have the engery to banter with Sora anymore. There once flirtatious banter and arguments we're now actual arguments filled with guilt and frustration. 

 

"I'm fine.." He lied. He could feel something inside him shift. Something heavy. He clenched his hands, balling them up into fists as he hide them in his pockets...he was feeling Sora's emotions again...and it was rather suffocating. Fang had a hard time regulating and deciphering his own emotions...but adding Soras to the mix...was no easy task. 

 

There were times were Fang struggled with deciphering whos feelings he was feeling and dealing with. Sora was worried....or was he worried? No....Sora was worried about him...angry...lonely?

 

How could he be lonely when Fang was right in front of him. Doing everything he could to protect him? A small part of him was furious with Sora... you don't have the right to feel lonely. He had no idea what true loneliness felt like....

 

Fang hadn't realized he was pushing Sora away...in his mind he was constantly present...but always alert... he hadn't been intimate because he was more concerned about Sora's safety and healing. He didnt want to do anything that could affect his recovery and whenever Fang found himself in a situation where Sora and him needed to talk...he'd find himself distracted. Present physically but not mentally....

 

Straining his hearing to make sure nothing bad was approaching...his mind running through contingency plans. Was the door locked? Was Sora's tracker still working? Was he wearing his amulet...did he eat? Was his secnt still on him? 

 

"Fang? Are you even listening to me?!"

 

Fang blinked looking up at Sora.

 

"yeah...I hear you...." 

 

Again and again and again....he honestly wasn't paying attention in those moments and what he had heard was Sora complaining about him being so overprotective which he didnt care to hear. In his mind the human was just too naive or willfully being oblivious. He had taken care of the shifters who hurt Sora...but there leader...she was still out there...waiting...

 

Fang hadn't realized it...but he was indeed keeping his distance...ever since Sora was discharged form the hospital. Fang and built up this wall to emotionally protect himself...the day Sora was attacked...was the day Fang was painfully reminded that happiness and love...we're fleeting. That it could be taken away from him at a any moment. 

 

( Im tired....or...no...your tired...)

 

His gaze on Sora... ( You're mad at me....)

 

( Your...hurting?...but why?)

 

How could Sora feel these emotions? These emotions of anger, hurt, and loneliness when he was with him? How was he lonely when Fang was doing everything he could to never leave his side. How was he hurting when Fang was doing everything he could to protect him. He showed up... he bought food...he walked with him...they were intim--

 

Wait...we're they?

 

Fang struggled to remember the last time they kissed. Held hands...had sex... 

 

Fang hadn't tried anything because he knew Sora was still healing but...it was deeper than that...Fang was scared to get close to him again...

 

Fang hung his head as his footsteps slowed to a stop. He stared at the ground his head pounding. 

 

( He....doesn't want me)

 

Was that it? Fang was trying his best to ignore it but now it was all building up in his head. His mind beginning to spiral...

 

(....Draining me.... suffocating me..... I don't feel safe with you..... I don't want to be around you...)

 

Fang tried to put words to these feelings that weren't his....did Sora feel drained? Did he not feel safe? Did he not want to be around him?

 

Where did he go wrong? How do fix something that you know is broken but can't see or touch! 

 

( H-hes...)

 

Fang looked up seeing Sora a few feet in front of him. He must of realized that he had stopped following behind him. He looked confused...

 

When was the last time he made Sora smile?

 

Fang started to walk again, his steps slow as came closer to Sora. He seemed irritated, muttering something about how Fang was going to make him late for work for his convenience store shift and to hurry up...

 

Fang suddenly grabbed the fabric of Sora's jacket with a few fingers his eyes heavy as he looked down at him. At this point his vision was starting to blur....and it felt like a bomb had went off in his head 

" call....R-ray..."

He muttered, before falling to his knees. Since Sora was so close, he was about to catch him before he hit the ground but Fang was out cold, collapsing suddenly and without warning in the middle of the sidewalk. 

 

_____________________________

 

" Its Ray-- whatcha need."

 

Ray answered the phone with his usual Southern twang greeting, but what he heard next took him by surprise. Whoever was on the other line was panicked, telling him that Fang collapsed. 

 

" Alright, calm down son, where ya at?" He was already on his feet, grabbing his keys.

" Sit tight, I'll be there in ten."

He hung up the phone before rushing out the door and locking up, and flipping over the open sign to closed. 

 

He hopped in his white pick up truck with a few rust stains and dents and hurried to Sora's location. By the time Ray got to Sora, a small crowd had gathered around them, worried bystanders and pedestrians, wanting to help or concerned for the unconscious male. 

 

"Should we call an ambulance?"

 

"Is he ok?"

 

"Do you need help?"

 

Ray pulled up to Sora and Fang on the sidewalk and quickly hopped out of the front seat. Ray was in his late 50s, with a head of gray short hair and a beard to match, he was big...but not fat...more on the hefty and bulking, muscular side. A Dad bod if you will, not to mention he was tall, taller than Fang, and it was obvious he was a foreigner...but if his looks didnt give him away...his sourthen accent definitely would. 

 

"Anit nohing- to see here people. Move along."

He moved passed the humans and looked down at Sora. When there eyes met he couldn't help but stare for a moment. ( So...this must be his mate )

 

He offered Sora a small smile. 

" I got him...let's get you boys somewhere safe." 

 

He reached down and grabbed Fang, easily tossing his body over his shoulder. He turned his attention to the concerned humans. 

" No need to worry folks... our friend just drank too much... I'll make sure he gets home safely. Sorry to worry you. "

 

He turned his attention to Sora. "Get in the truck."His voice more like a order than a request. He tossed Fang in the bed of the truck, before hopping in the front seat and driving off quickly. 

 

As they drove Ray couldn't help but notice the worry on Sora's face. So he tried to reassure him.

"Don't you worry now, he's fine back there. Kids been through worse. Names Ray...and you must be the human that sole that pups heart...."

 

Please Register/ Sign In, in order to see the links.

[M-jow]

["I-im sorry..."]

Leon looked up, unsure if he’d heard that right. Sorry? Why was Asta apologizing?

His hands, which had been gently massaging Asta’s leg, stilled. He carefully lowered the limb and rolled the pant leg back down, searching Asta’s face for an explanation.

 

[ M-my mom said we could order out tonight."]

Leo tilted his head slightly to the side trying to read Asta. His face was a mix of all kinds of emotions but there was also the lack of some. Like disguise and hate. Anger was inbetween, sure, he expected that but.. he wanted to think today was one of Asta’s better days.

He gave him a small, amused smile.

"Is that so? She actually said you could eat that?"

Asta’s mom had always been strict about food—homemade meals only, nutritious and balanced. Junk food was a rare indulgence. Leo had supported her reasoning, but still snuck in Asta’s favorite snacks when the other was too deep in the dark to eat much at all.

 

["What are you in the mood for?... I was thinking pizza oooorrr Chinese!"]

 

Leon noticed Asta wouldn’t look at his face, witch usally meant he was struggling with himself and not actually telling Leon what he wanted to say.

 

["You still like Asian Palace right? We could order your favorite and watch a movie."]

"Yes, but.." Asta was caught up in his own thoughts and cut out anything Leon would say.

[" I can order if you wanna pick the movie."]

Leon’s eyes followed Asta’s hand reaching toward his phone and put his hand over the other's.

"Asta..hi.. what is wrong love?" He asked Asta in that endearing pet name he hadn’t dared to use again up till now. Afraid Asta would explode. Yet he got the feeling he could say it now.

"You always avoid eye contact when you have something weighing around your heart. You know you can tell me everything.. How about if you tell me I'll take you on a date? Anywhere you'd like." He offered with a small, reassuring smile, hoping he was reading him right.

-------------------------------

 

Sora noticed the absence before he even turned around. The quiet sound of where Fang’s footsteps should’ve been.

He stopped mid-step, the rhythm between them breaking like a string snapping in the air. For a moment, Sora thought maybe Fang had just slowed down, to create some more distracted. But when he looked back, Fang wasn’t just a few paces behind, he had stopped, completely, his head bowed, his whole frame heavy like gravity had doubled its pull on him.

“Fang?”

Sora’s voice came out sharper than he meant. He hated how often that happened now. How the softness between them had been replaced by static and edge. He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he walked back toward him. “Come on, I'm gonna be late—”

Fang didn’t move. Didn’t even lift his head.

Sora frowned. “Hey. What’s wrong?”

He reached out a hand, to tug at Fang’s sleeve, but the moment stretched and something uneasy crawled up Sora’s spine. There was something off in the way Fang was breathing. Shallow. Disconnected.

And then Fang’s hand came up, weakly catching the fabric of Sora’s jacket. His eyes looked strange, unfocused, like he was seeing something far away.

“Call... R-ray...”

The words barely made it past Fang’s lips before his knees buckled and eyes rolled back.

“Fang!”

The sound of his name tore out of Sora as he lunged forward, catching Fang’s body just before it hit the pavement. The dead weight of him was terrifying. The way his head lolled, the way his skin felt clammy against Sora’s hands. People nearby stopped, someone muttering in alarm, but Sora barely heard them.

His heart was slamming in his chest.

“Fang—hey, hey, come on—wake up, what the hell—” He shook his shoulder lightly, then a little harder, panic rising in his throat. “Fang, look at me! Please—come on—”

No response.

Sora’s fingers trembled as he fumbled with the phone from Fang’s pocket, his mind racing between calling Ray like Fang said—or just dialing emergency services. He didn’t even know which was faster. His thumb hovered over the screen, indecisive, trembling.

His voice cracked. “You idiot,” he whispered, trying to steady Fang’s head on his lap. “You can’t just—do this—”

He looked down at him.

Suddenly, all the irritation, all the tension from the last few weeks evaporated. All that was left was fear.

“Please,” he muttered, more to himself now, “please, just wake up…”

His finger pressed the call button under the nametag Ray.

 

 

Sora almost dropped the phone when the line clicked and that low, drawling voice came through.

“Its Ray—whatcha need.”

For a second, the words didn’t register. Sora’s heart was pounding too loud, the city noise fading into a dull blur around him. But his lips still moved in panic.

“H-he collapsed! Fang—he just—he just fell, he’s not waking up, I don’t—”

“Alright, calm down son, where ya at?”

The calmness in Ray’s tone hit Sora like cold water. It was grounding, even as his hands shook. He gave him their location and before he could say anything else, Ray replied:

“Sit tight, I’ll be there in ten.”

Then the line went dead.

Ten minutes. Ten minutes felt like forever. Sora sat there on the curb beside Fang’s still body, one hand pressed against his shoulder just to feel the faint rise and fall of his chest. While his head and neck was support in Sora’s lap. Every now and then someone asked if he needed help, but all he could manage was, “Someone’s coming.”

His throat ached. His eyes burned.

He kept whispering things to Fang. “You’re fine. You’ll be fine. Don’t scare me like this.”

 

When the truck pulled up - a battered white pickup that looked like it had seen decades of road. The man who stepped out was... imposing. Broad. Confident in a way that filled the air around him.

And when his gaze met Sora’s, something about it made him freeze. It wasn’t threatening, not exactly. Just knowingly.

Then everything happened fast. Ray brushed through the small crowd, said something that made everyone scatter, and then—just like that—Fang was lifted like he weighed nothing and threw him into the bed of the truck like a sack of potatoes.

Sora couldn’t even react before Ray said, “Get in the truck.”

Sora had bedn sitting awkwardly and so when he got up his legs felt a bit wobbly but he managed to get to the truck bed and pull himself up and reached over to gently tucked his own jacket up under Fang’s head to protect him, then got inside the truck and sat in the passenger seat.

The hum of the engine was the only sound for a while. The window was cracked, letting in the cool air and the distant sound of the city. Sora could barely kept his eyes off the back window he kept looking at him worried. Fang lying motionless was a complete unreal thing. Something about all of this was just so wrong. The only real thing that seemed to calm him was that Fang was still breathing.

He didn’t know this man Ray. Didn’t know where they were going. But something about Ray’s presence, the quiet authority in it, kept him from asking. Still, the silence and wait was suffocating.

When Ray finally spoke, his voice was casual, but there was something underneath it.

“Don’t you worry now, he’s fine back there. Kid’s been through worse. Name’s Ray… and you must be the human that stole that pup’s heart…”

Sora’s fingers tightened on his knees.

He turned his head, staring out the window, his reflection pale against the glass. Human. That word hit strange. Like Ray was saying something more.

“I didn’t steal—” he started, then stopped. He wasn’t sure what he was even trying to deny. That he wasn’t Fang’s? That Fang wasn't his? Cause both were lies.

He exhaled shakily. “I am Sora.. I don’t know what Fang has told you. But..he bite me.. and that is ruining his life.” His voice broke on the last words.

He looked back toward the truck bed again. He wasn’t gonna cry, so he fought the tears threatening to built in his eyes.

Fang was lying still, his hand twitching once before going limp again. The sight twisted something deep inside Sora. His chest ached like it was breaking seeing his boyfriend like this.

(Please.. please wake up and be alright.. I'm so sorry Fang)

“What’s happening to him. Can it be because of stress?” he whispered.

He didn’t know if Ray would answer or not. But maybe, he just might know.

[Sosuke0549]

Asta shrugged his shoulders after hearing Leon's comment about whether or not he was allowed to order out. His mom had been pretty strict about his diet while he recovered. 

"Y-yeah. Its fine." He muttered. Though it had no weight to it. 

 

As his hand grabbed his phone, he was surpised to see Leon's hand follow suite. He paused, keeping his gaze low. 

 

[ "Asta..hi.. what is wrong love?" ]

 

He felt chills run down his spine. Did he hear that right? love? 

 

He hadn't heard that pet name for awhile. He still liked it...and he hadn't realized how much he'd miss it. 

 

[ "You always avoid eye contact when you have something weighing around your heart. You know you can tell me everything.. ]

 

Even when Asta tried to hide himself...Leon was able to see right through him...a faint blush on his face. A mix between being flustered and embarrassed. 

 

[" How about if you tell me I'll take you on a date? Anywhere you'd like." ]

 

Asta bit his lip as he finally looked up at him, his heart sinking as Leon offered him a reassuring smile. He lowered his gaze again, falling silent for a long moment as he struggled to find the words to form what he wanted to say. 

 

He stared at there hands. They were still overlapping each other...but....

 

"I...im sorry..."

 

His voice soft but sincere, he fell quiet again as he slowly intertwined his fingers with Leons...wanting to hold his hand...his touch was gentle...and slow...as if he had been longing for this moment. 

 

" I...know I haven't been........k-kind...or...easy to be with...after what happened...I..kind of...lost myself...and I was so..upset with you...and focused on my pain...that I..sometimes took it out on you...and became... oblivious to yours... a-and I'm sorry."

 

Asta words were slow...as if taking time to carefully find the correct words to say. Thinking about how to put what he was feeling into words that properly conveyed his feelings. 

 

" I see it," he said with a faint smile.

 

"..I see how...hard your trying....and it means alot to me...It means so much to me..that I can't really put it into words even if I tried."

 

He paused. A long moment of silence followed before he spoke again. Suddenly reaching a new thought. 

 

" T-that night.....when we..........................I...didn't mean to use you.....I don't...want you to think that...."

He bit his lip, squeezing Leon's hand. 

 

" I...I get it now..." He understood that both of them were effected that day. Both of them were hurting. Both of them were trying. Both of them were struggling. Both of them were adapting and learning and most importantly...both of them still wanted to be together, that they still loved each other... Or at least...thats what Asta was hoping. 

 

" t-theres just...so much i want to...apologize for...."

 

He looked up at Leon. He wanted to apologize but he also wanted to thank him. 

 

 

-------------------------------

 

Ray took notice in Sora's demeanor, he was anxious, fidgety, with a heart rate of 150. You think the kid was in the middle of exercising. He was extremely attentive, taking the time to baby Fang and give him his jacket to use as a pillow. Ray had just tossed Fang in the back like a sack of potatoes with little care or much thought. I mean... he wasnt human.

 

And the way Sora kept glancing back, catching glimpses of Fang as if he'd suddenly dissappear without any warning...Ray found it rather interesting. 

 

[“I didn’t steal—” ]

 

Ray glanced over at the kid. His ears perked. Whatever he was going to say must of hit a brick wall, because Sora introduced himself instead. 

 

[ “I am Sora.. I don’t know what Fang has told you. But..he bite me.. and that is ruining his life.”]

 

Ray was surprised by that last part, but he didnt respond. 

 

[ “What’s happening to him. Can it be because of stress?”] 

 

Ray sighed, shaking his head, " I reckon its from alot of things. "

 

Was his only comment. They drove in silence for a few more minutes before Ray pulled up behind a old looking building. "We're here." 

He smiled. He climbed out of the truck and lazily grabbed Fang from the bed, tossing him over his shoulder with one arm and walking towards the back door of the building. 

 

Inside was a small office space. A desk and computer, scattered papers, books, knickknacks, and dirty dishes. But there was a counter that was fairly clean with a old cash register and safe hidden underneath. Past the counter you could see the store, rows and aisles of organized junk. Some things were encased in glass, locked with a key. Some things were old...and other things ancient in today's morden world, there was a staircase that lead to the second floor where Ray lived, and it was probably as disorganized and hectic as his store...and yet...there was something so welcoming and homey about it. Even the dust on the shelves seemed like it was ment to be there. The cob webs in the corner were huge...but if asked why they were there Ray would answer, "They ain't bothering anybody,"

 

Ray gently put Fang on the old black leaver couch in his office, and pulled up a wooden style chair for Sora. There was no feng shui, design or style in this room or the store. Nothing matched...it was like entering a room from different moments of time. 

 

" Have a seat." Ray offered as he started searching the room for something. "Fang just pushed himself a little too hard... that ain't nothing new." 

 

He tried to reassure Sora as he opened a closet with a massive refrigerator inside. Ray opened the fridge to reveal all sorts of liquid bags and needles inside, as well as test tubes and what any sain person would call...shady shit. 

 

He grabbed a clear IV bag and shut the door before moving over to Fang. He worked quickly, taking Fangs arm and placing the needle in his forearm before hanging the bag on a clothes hanger made of wire. This wasnt a hospital and it wasnt medical grade A equipment...but it got the job down. 

 

" Some fluids...help him feel better."

 

He reassured Sora, seeing the uneasiness of it all on his face. Ray grabbed a old hand-made hideously old fashioned quilt from a shelf and tossed it over Fang before grabbing a old office chair that reclined, and took a seat. There was a small mini fridge underneath the counter, and thats where Ray pulled out a a bottle of beer.

 

"You want one?" He asked being cordial, but knowing the answer. " Suit yourself."

 

He popped open the bottle using the store counter and sighed taking a much deserved sip. 

 

" Judging from your face, Im guessing he hasn't told you much..." He took another sip of his beer. 

" What do you know about US. About werewolves and him." He muttered, pointing over to Fang. 

Please Register/ Sign In, in order to see the links.