#//Danny just doesn't want his head bitten off

[wombywoo]

anything more you can tell us about mr best friend danny?? 👀

A brief bio for you:

Danny Chambers, 33 (just a few months older (edit:) younger than Quinn). Born and raised in Sheffield, lived with a single mother and three sisters. Appearance-wise--he's black, usually sports a buzz cut, average height and stocky build, big goofy smile. He never excelled in school and considers himself rather dumb, so he thought the army might be his best option. He's got a good personality, very likable and talkative; seems to get along with everyone and always has something to say.

Early on in his service, he met Quinn and the two of them developed a strong dynamic both on and off duty. He's fiercely loyal, so he's always willing to stand up for his friends and comrades. I think at some point, he became quite protective of Quinn--not that he needed defending from others (for the most part), but rather from himself. Quinn is just a sopping wet dog of a man, lol, so Danny took it on himself to try to improve him, bit by bit.

He did get concerned when Quinn started dating Marc, as he doesn't care for the guy at all from what he's seen (seems everyone can sense this but Quinn). Quinn tried not to equate Danny's disapproval of Marc as an indication that he harbored feelings for him, but..poor guy was still hopelessly in love 😭 I don't think Danny ever fully understood the extent of it, but yeah...he did not approve, and this put a strain on things for them while Quinn was still actively dating Marc.

I've talked about this briefly, but at some point, Quinn asked him in a moment of desperation to assist in inducing a vision via self-drowning 🙃 As you can imagine, Danny was extremely resistant to this idea, but perhaps it's a testament to their deep level of trust that he agreed to go through with it. After much negotiation and a few attempts to back out, he held Quinn's head under the water, even as he started resisting, until his best friend stopped breathing. He then had to watch him writhe on the floor in a brief seizure after frantically attempting CPR. So, um...not a great friend bonding moment, but it was definitely a turning point in their relationship. Quinn swore he'd never ask it of him again, but he ended up forsaking that promise pretty quickly. After that, Danny grew more and more concerned for him, even threatening to report him to the higher-ups so he could just get some fucking therapy. That protectiveness turned into a guilty sort of obligation for Danny, and things grew even more strained after Quinn confessed his feelings and tried to kiss him. They talked about it though, and Danny didn't want Quinn to feel rejected despite his lack of reciprocation. He really does care about him so much, and that just made things all the more complicated during their service together.

Their final turning point occurred when Danny was bitten by a vampire during a mission gone horribly wrong. He'd taken the bite in his left arm, and Quinn arrived just in time to eliminate the bastard (after getting his shoulder rebroken in the process). Danny was already affected by the venom by then, screaming and thrashing as Quinn tried to find the source. Once he did, it was really just a matter of necessity. He had no choice but to amputate, severing Danny's arm just above the elbow. (another intensely traumatic moment for them both #bonding #bffs4life) Thankfully, Quinn's measures were able to stop the flow of venom before it became fatal, so he saved Danny's life.

After that, Danny was discharged and has been readjusting to civilian life back in Sheffield. With Quinn in the neighborhood, as it were, there is still that unspoken agreement that they'll remain friends, but it's...it's different and somewhat awkward now. Quinn's been healing from his own shoulder injury, but he's reluctant to check in on Danny even though he knows that he should. He feels guilty about the arm, and well..everything else. Danny had reconnected with one of his old girlfriends and they've become quite serious in the aftermath of his injury, so Quinn feels like he might as well take a step back and just...let him live his life without him. It's all very complicated and heartbreaking and whatnot :'D

With the new vampire bf now in the picture, there's even more complication--I think Danny feels immensely happy and relieved to see his friend with someone who takes care of him as well as Vincent, but.... like...vampire. There's definitely some resentment and awkwardness there, as his amputation is still fresh enough to serve as a constant reminder of just how dangerous this guy could be. It is a weight off Danny's chest to know that Quinn's happier and that he doesn't need his protection anymore, even if he doesn't quite know if he can trust Vincent yet...

[raaorqtpbpdy]

Much to Learn

Maddie has Phantom cornered. He's not getting away from her this time.

{Irma} Maddie overhears something she shouldn't, and it makes her rethink everything (reveal gone right) [ghost]

Read also on AO3

[Warning for mentions of violence/dissection]

She had him. Maddie had that spook cornered, and there was no way he could escape, at least not without being seen. Jack was covering the other exit, but she knew she had him. Phantom was hers. 

"That was too close," she heard Phantom's voice around the corner.

He had no idea, she thought, raising her ecto-gun, ready to take him down.

"No kidding," a girl's voice replied.

Maddie froze. Was he talking to someone? Her voice sounded kind of familiar. Was she in danger.

"My parents almost had me that time," Phantom replied. "Thank the Ancients I gave them the slip, or it would have been hello scalpel."

"You got Klemper, right?" a boy's voice asked.

So Phantom had two captives... or... perhaps allies, the way they were talking. But what had he meant about his parents? Were they still alive?

"Asked him for his best soup impression," Phantom replied with a chuckle. "You know, I don't actually mind if they want to have fun and goof off, and it's great for them that they don't have to worry about consequences in the Ghost Zone, I just wish they could wrap their heads around the fact that here in the real world, people can still get badly hurt. Like, some of us are mortal, buddy."

"And Klemper plays pretty rough, so it's no wonder he doesn't have any friends," the girl replied.

"Yeah, no kidding," the other boy's voice agreed.

They didn't sound like captives, Maddie determined. They definitely didn't sound like ghosts, either.

"Alright, if my parents had followed me, I'm sure they would've burst in guns blazing by now," Phantom said. "I think I'm in the clear."

There was a flash of light and a sort of whirring sound.

The next voice Maddie heard wasn't Phantom's... it was Danny's.

"Guess I'm not gonna get dissected tonight," he said, like it was some kind of big accomplishment. "Good thing, too because I have a huge English assignment due soon that I haven't even started on. I definitely don't have time for my parents to cut me open."

"You sound awful cheery," the girl noted, and suddenly, Maddie could place the voice. It was Danny's friend Sam.

"Well, you know, you gotta celebrate the small victories, right?" Danny replied. "That's what Jazz is always telling me, anyway."

"Morbid victories," scoffed the other boy—Tucker, she finally recognized.

When Maddie had cornered Phantom and his allies, she'd actually... or rather, she'd also cornered Danny and his friends. Because they were the same people.

Her son was Phantom.

Oh, god, what had she done?

"Come on, guys, let's get out of here," Danny said, and Maddie could hear him and his friends walking toward the door where she was lying in wait.

She wanted to run so she could have time to properly process her thoughts and the new information, but she was rooted to the spot, her brain racing at a mile a minute. Danny was a ghost? How? When? God, she had shot at him.

He was coming her way. He was almost to the door. She wanted to run, but she still couldn't move.

He walked through, and jumped when he saw her, back against the wall, ecto-gun still raised and in-hand.

"Mom," he said, sounding mildly alarmed. "Uh... how long have you been standing there?"

"You're Phantom," she said. The words just spilled from her lips, and she was helpless to stop them.

She didn't miss the way Danny's muscles all tensed up at once and he eyed the gun still in her hand.

"What?" he asked.

Her eyes widened and she dropped her ecto-gun to the floor as if it had bitten her. Oh god, he was afraid of her. Her own son was afraid of her. What kind of mother had she been? What had she been doing?

She threw herself at him, and wrapped him up in a hug. "Oh, Danny, I'm so sorry!"

"Uh...." She could feel the hesitation in his movements as he hugged her back, and it brought tears to her eyes. "It's... it's okay, Mom. You didn't know."

"No, I didn't know, but it's not okay," she insisted. "Ignorance is never an excuse. I tried to hurt you!"

"But you didn't," he said. "Mom, I'm fine. It's okay. I forgive you."

"I've been a fool," she said, reluctantly pulling away from the hug so she could look him in the eye and cup the side of his face, gently, like a mother should. "I only heard a minute of conversation, but it's obvious you know about ghost. You probably—no, you definitely know more than I do. Maybe you can fill in some of the gaps in our research."

"If it means you won't have to dissect anybody, I'd be happy to help."

Maddie cringed, but once she got past the barb, it sounded nice. A little mother-son scientific research and bonding was just what she needed to get to know her son again. He'd been so distant lately, and now... well, now she knew why. And now that she knew, she could start to pull him closer again, learn the kind of man he was growing into when he wasn't too busy avoiding her.

"That sounds wonderful, Danny," she said. "I'm sure I have so much to learn."

[roosterbruiser]

Hi, could I request a Bob x Reader blurb that's a mafia themed one? I leave the plot up to you but I would love it if there was something smutty about it, thank you!

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞

𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐛 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛

"C'mere, doll."

Who are you to deny him?

Oh, that's right. You're the woman he's obsessed with, the one who keeps him reeling all night long at just the thought of your lips around his cock, the one who is always game, the one who's actually not very happy with him right now.

So you don't c'mere, doll. You stay put right where you are across the library, leaving all that mahogany and leather between the tow of you, your eyes swimming with annoyance and your lips frowning.

Bob's raising his brows at you expectantly, one hand stuffed in the pocket of his cashmere trousers while the other holds a fat cigar up to his lips. He's not used to people not listening to him right away; what he's used to is people scrambling to follow his direction before he's even given it.

But you aren't biting. He can tell from that indignant expression on your pretty, pretty face that you aren't even thinking about obeying.

And dammit if that doesn't make all the blood in his thighs rush to the head of his cock.

You stare at him. You're annoyed, honestly, but not angry. You two had a date scheduled, one you bought a slinky new dress for, one that had you watching hair tutorials and buying a new foundation. But at the last minute, Bob had called--claiming duty calls--and effectively cancelled your date in a phone call that lasted less than 5 minutes. Usually, you understood. Usually, you were much more forgiving. He was a well-respected man, a man people feared--but he was your Bobby. And because he was your Bobby, you let yourself get worked into a huff about him cancelling your date. You really wanted to go to that new restaurant, the one he claimed is impossible to get reservations for (except for the Bob Floyd, who would do anything to please his lady and also happens to be the son of Danny Floyd--like the Danny Floyd, don of the mafia). Really, you just wanted to put on your pretty dress and be complimented and doted on. Really, you just wanted to eat filet mignon with the man you love and then go home and fuck his brains out. And then maybe open up a bottle of that nice red wine you like so much.

But he hadn't even come home until ten minutes ago, well into the wee hours of the morning. And when he came through the heavy French doors of the library where you've been perched on the sofa waiting for him, he merely pressed a chaste kiss to your head and slumped on the couch to light up a Cuban stogie.

"Thought I said c'mere," Bob says, blowing that thick white smoke from his bitten lips as he tilts his head at you. "Deaf or somethin', baby doll?"

He stares at you. He knows you're upset--you're not exactly one that can hide your emotions, especially when they're because of him. You're in a fantastic dress, one that he would love to run his hands over and then promptly rip off your body, and there are still heels strapped to your feet. You've even painted your nails and done your hair up real nice. He knows, just from looking at you, that you put time and effort into getting ready for the date that he cancelled on a short phone call. He really didn't want to--it was something that was out of his control--but duty really did call.

"Make me," you taunt, completely serious. You're not smiling, there is no playful glint in your eyes. You mean it. You won't come to him unless he makes you.

And boy if that doesn't make his heart rate speed up.

But Bob can play it cool, even if he knows the night will end with him between your legs, coaxing you into summing one more time, doll, c'mon--I know you can do it. So he leans back further into the couch, not breaking his eyes from yours.

Even at the end of the day, a day that dotted his shirtsleeves with blood and caused a whole lot of trouble for his family, he still looks fucking gorgeous. His hair mussed from his fingers running through it, his eyes drooping with exhaustion, his cheeks sunken in slightly. There's that delicious amount of scruff on his cheeks, which he usually keeps well-groomed.

He finishes his entire cigar, stubbing it out when it's merely a butt. And you stand there, watching him watching you, neither of you speaking.

But then he stands up, rolling the sleeves of his button-up to his elbows, and fixes you with a look that makes your knees weak.

"Want me to make you, doll? Or you wanna listen real good so we can both get what we want?"

You shiver, but hold strong.

"What I wanted was to eat steak tonight and have you take this dress off me," you snark.

He smiles.

"I can make one of those things happen," he says.

You bite a smirk, refusing to give in.

"Freezer's empty," you say absently, raising your brows.

"Shame," he says lowly, slowly crossing the room to where you're standing with wobbling knees. "Guess I'll just have to do the other thing, then, huh?"

here is my tag list!!

[razorsharpteeth]

TIMING: Last full moon PARTIES: Devi @spice-and-fire and Samir @razorsharpteeth LOCATION: The Grit Pit SUMMARY: Razor doesn't want to go back into his cage post-fight. Devi is here to save the day! CONTENT WARNINGS: N/A

Worm Row was home to a lot of sketchy places, including the underground fight club called The Grit Pit. Not everyone knows about this place, not everyone wants to be in this place, but rebellious teenagers sometimes sneak in to get a little peek at all the action. Sometimes, some of them just get dragged here by their friends, unable to say no because of peer pressure. Other times, troublemakers need a fall guy to pay for their tickets and get blamed by their parents. Case in point: A familiar face currently surrounded by two of his classmates, both sneering like privileged punks.

Devi heaved a sigh, pushing her way past other audience members to put a hand on one of the bullies, much to their surprise. “Danny, who are your new friends?” Danny was a good kid, but he’s never been lucky making friends. Most of his peers took advantage of him, and despite these new guys’ protests, it was clear as day that not much has changed. Danny mumbled the same thing about them being his friends while one of the buttfaces arrogantly asked who she was. Devi simply shook her head, heaving a sigh. “I’m security,” she stared daggers at the kids, trying to intimidate them both. “You two should scram. There’s nothing here for you. I see you near Danny again… You’ll find out why I was hired to work security in this hellhole.”

As if on cue, a loud scream pierced the room, and other people began running toward the entrance. Danny did the same, following his two other classmates, before Devi could say anything else. When she turned around, she heard another guy scream her name. “Devi! One of the fighters… It’s bad!” He then started running elsewhere, further in. Devi could do nothing else but follow his lead, tsk-ing her way to the cause of all the commotion. 

—

The wolf was furious. There had been a time where he had ran free, paws crashing against forest floors or else sandy beaches. There had been attempts to keep him restricted before, of course — with a dog crate, with chains and padlocks, with thick walls, with sedative drugs to keep him down. None had ever taken quite well enough, up until now. These past cycles he kept awaking in a cage that could hold him, leashed by something that could not be scratched or bitten off. These past cycles he had been witnessed, by more eyes than ever before. The applause confused the beast, but he did know one thing.

Fury. Violence. Of course, that was what they wanted, but Razor was not privy to what these humans wanted. He did not even know what the person he was during the day wanted — but he knew part of him wished to rage against the world the same way he did. So he raged. He raged on that podium, all claws and teeth and howling when his opponent was out. Part of him liked the challenge, the way these others fought back unlike so many of the others before this. But there was always this.

Back in the cage where he went to sleep and woke. It was pure, furious instinct that overtook the wolf that belonged to Samir – that was part of him – and he refused, jaw snapping at the employees of the Pit. Razor, they called him, for the sharpness of his teeth and claws. Growling, he intended to prove they’d been right to call him as much.

—

When Devi arrived on the scene, all hell had already broken loose. Or at least some hell had already started. Every damned fight was a little bit of its own hell, sure, but so was getting the fighters out of the ring, sometimes even into the ring. This time shouldn’t have been any different. Until Devi realized who, or what, this fighter was. “Ugh, the heck is this guy’s problem?” the tempered phoenix grimaced, realizing that if this went on for too long, not only was the next fight going to get delayed, but also employees including security could get hurt. Seriously hurt. Not to mention this troublemaker as well.

With that in mind, Devi tried to calm the situation down. With arms outstretched toward the other employees, including security, she had them take a step back and not further agitate the fighter that was clearly still on an adrenaline rush. “Hey, everyone just calm down,” she motioned for them to lower their pitchforks, weapons and tools, and give the wolf some space. “Take a step back! Don’t get too close! He’s just a little wound up from the fight, ain’t that right, champ?” A little flattery there should have gone a long way, if not for an overzealous employee drowning in fear. The little guy, out of Devi’s sight, got too close to the wolf’s backside and ended up shoved off. Devi couldn’t blame the wolf. She wouldn’t have wanted him that close to her backside either.

Unfortunately, that brief physicality worked against Devi’s attempt to de-escalate the situation, with everyone back to screaming and literally poking the figurative bear again. “Just great… Ugh! GUYS, STOP! YOU’RE JUST MAKING THINGS WORSE!” Devi tried again but to no avail. Some of the employees found themselves pushed back after trying to push the wolf into its cage with broom handles and stun batons. When Devi tried to help another guy off the floor, she inadvertently got thrown back as well. “Urgh... We've got ourselves a tough cookie!” She groaned after landing on the hard floor close to a different guy who was already prone and unconscious.

—

It was true, the wolf was a monster — but then what were these others? The humans and others that carried weapons against it. They riled him up. Sticks, whips, batons, electric currents. They did it before the fights, because Corinna liked the wolf at its most feral, like an animal driven in a corner that had to fight through to get to the other side. (Where, of course, there was another corner.) But sometimes the wolf didn’t want to stop fighting when the bell had rung, and sometimes the collar and chain-leash weren’t enough and that was how it was now: a bellowing, blood-hungry monster demanding more, because his hunger had been awakened.

Corinna liked him feral, but only against opponents. Samir would wake with a cut taken out of his pay for the damages done, but the wolf didn’t care about that. He cared about the yelling, which was too much, and his restricted movement. It was almost about to be alright, as a new figure joined the scene who seemed to calm all those prodding and poking. But then there was another one on him, at the back, and the wolf kicked furiously.

He was the monster, but he had no concept of such things. He just knew he was angry, that there was a bloodlust coursing through him and that there was all these people on him, trying to get him back in that small space. The wolf refused, roaring against attempted restraints and using its full body weight to push some of them over, paws finding target after target. It was almost fun to the wolf, to watch them fall. He stepped his paw onto one of the still bodies, still warm under his soft paw-pads. His claws sunk into the flesh and he roared once more, the smell of blood comfortable in his nose, eyes settling on the woman who’d once tried to restore peace.

—

“You asked for it,” Devi snarled as she got herself back to her feet, refusing the help of a faceless employee who sprinted toward her. The sight of the unconscious man on the ground reminded her of a past life, where all she knew was war, all she could do was survive. With furious eyes, Devi stomped her way toward the beast, reloading her biceps, which were obviously smaller than Henry Cavill’s, so the gesture looked less intimidating and more confusing. With a scream akin to a battlecry, she threw herself toward the wolf, and threw a mighty punch! A superman punch! Or in her case, a superwoman punch. “You’re dead meat!”

Unfortunately, despite her determination and rage, the wolf was still the bigger creature. It was more formidable than someone with brittle bones who was tempering their flames. It was more dangerous, with its dagger-like fangs and sharp nails that could easily rip apart her flesh. It was, in every sense of the term, the apex predator between the two of them, maybe even among every living, breathing thing in that room. Devi was determined, yes, but with all these facts and more, the only thing she would actually be able to do was boop the doggo in the snoot and then get flicked back on the ground.

—

The wolf knew hostility. He met it every day on that strange stage, the place surrounded by shouting faces. But it barely ever came in this shape: a small human, lifting a fist. It was strange, even to his simple mentality with lacking philosophy, to be met with this kind of aggression. And though the other moved with all her might and aimed for the face, the wolf barely seemed to feel it — but still, he responded with a look of confusion, as if almost stunned. Not in a way where he would keel over or pass out, but just … confused. As if his instincts were trying to figure out what the best response was to this strange kind of aggression. His head whipped, and he tossed the human onto the ground with it. 

But then he let out a noise, head turning the way that of a dog might who’s trying to understand what is being said. Ears turned flat as the wolf exhaled deeply, almost as if assessing if any damage had been done to his nose by the boop it had experienced. But no, there was none. Actually, the wolf found it had felt rather nice to have his snoot booped. Another whine escaped him and he nuzzled closer, nudging his wet nose against the small woman’s hand. 

—

I done messed up, was the last thought Devi had before she got (wo)manhandled down onto the ground. Hard. She heard the thud as her flesh and bones collided with the floor, felt the coldness and the firmness of that collision. Like getting slammed in the back by a car, a familiar feeling in itself from her murky past of regrettable decisions, all of which fueled more by adrenaline than brain cells. Oof! Her breathing was staggered. She realized that a few seconds later. She tried to catch up with it, tried to calm herself done, all the sensations rushing into her all at once. Pull…yourself together, Devi…

And then there was the unexpected wetness on her hand. Blood? No, something else, something more solid…and a little more fun. When Devi realized what it was, she couldn’t help but smile, slowly sitting up on that very ground, except with no more urgency in her. “Well, how about that…” When the others tried to rush the distracted wolf, Devi gestured for them to stop. The fight was over. They’d all won. If victory was peace, at least that would be somewhat true. Carefully, warily, she got herself back to her feet, making sure she wouldn’t spook the wolf accidentally. Peace was always fragile. This one was uncertain, too. 

“Does someone want some jerky?” Devi gently took some from her back pocket, a cheap product meant to keep her satiated somewhat until the job was done, until she could get a better meal, which in her head was a cold glass of beer and whatever that day’s payment could feed her with. With a warm smile on her face, she gave the wolf a taste and then tried to lure it back to its cage with what remained, eyeing the other employees with a glare that discouraged them from interfering. She’d rather not get tossed around some more. “Pretty good reward for a good boy, huh? Or a good girl. Whatever works for you.”

—

Wolves were pack animals in nature, but Razor had never been so lucky to have fellow wolves to care for. He was a solitary creature, the love his human had encountered not even registering in his animalistic mind. Things like a kind touch were foreign to him, both as deliverer and recipient — and so he was confused, yet intrigued. The sound that left him sounded like something he’d never heard before, but it made sense, instinctually, to make it. Something like satisfaction.

The smell of dried meat was enticing too, of course, perhaps even more so. The wolf followed it, nose wiggling as he sniffed the air for it, paws hitting the ground rhythmically. He might as well be a comic book character, enticed by the smell of a freshly baked pie, floating in the air behind it. Maybe it was the tone of the person holding it that kept him from attacking, ripping it from her hand (and perhaps her hand with it), and in stead following meekly. 

Into the cage, that place that he hated. Unrest started stirring in his body and he nipped for the jerky, digging his teeth into that metaphorical carrot on a stick and chewing with furious fervor. It was enough distraction for the employees to push him further in and close the door, locking the wolf in place where there was now nothing left for him to chew on the jerky and wait for the moon to leave the sky.

—

Devi heaved a sigh of relief. This time assured by the sight of the wolf retreating into the cage and finally the cage door being shut closed while it stayed still inside, no longer a threat to anyone and everyone. There was a sense of triumphant pride in what her eyes were seeing for Devi. But that was immediately replaced by a tinge of sadness. Was it fair that the animal was being held inside a steel trap, isolated from the rest of them like a criminal? Based on its uncontrollable actions, maybe, but the situation still didn’t look so far to the tempered phoenix. 

Another sigh and Devi approached the cage with a frown, with sadness in her eyes, empathizing with the creature. She had done her fair share of brutality as well, on innocent folks as well, and despite the change she’d mustered for herself, shouldn’t she also be locked up like the wolf? Maybe, but she’d rather not. No one in their right mind would want that fate. Not when they have the option to remain free, no longer the rabid and violent person they once were. “Sorry about all this,” she shook her head, still frowning. “Go get some rest. Soon as I can, I’ll set us up some good grub.” 

That meant waiting for the rest of the employees to calm down and cool off. The ones that were knocked unconscious to get carted off to the backroom and checked. And for the boss to not come in scowling and pissed off. Soon as a few minutes passed and all that gets checked off, Devi reckoned she could probably scrounge up a good meal for her and the poor doggo. From her share of course. Just a little better than the usual fare for the fighters. Mostly because she brought it herself.

—

He had once been a free wolf. There had been plenty attempts by Samir to control the beast within, but they had always failed — until now. This cage, the wolf hated this cage. He hated the collar around his neck, the shocks that jolted his body, the prods and pokes before he was dragged out into the pit, the way even after all of that, it wouldn’t cease. People would stare at him through the bars, shout things he couldn’t fathom. He only liked the fights. He only knew the fights, so of course he was snarling at the person across the bars. Even if she was soft-spoken and apologetic.

The wolf didn’t know apology, nor pity, nor kinship. He was a solitary creature made of a rage he didn’t understand the source of. And so he raged, even when left alone. He raged, and it seemed to get louder and louder as the moon sunk away. Bones cracked, changed shape, adjusted placement. Organs moved around, grew in size or shrunk. A fur made place for a scarred human skin, bare and uncovered until Samir properly became himself again.

He ached. He always ached whenever he came to again, and not just because of the transformation. Samir wasn’t sure what happened when he was a wolf, wasn’t sure what measures they used against that part of him, what they’d pit it against — and he didn’t want to. He wanted an advil, a glass of something strong and to go to bed. He got up, yanking the robe from the corner of the cage and throwing it around his body, waiting for whoever was going to come to undo the cage and hand him his winnings of the night.

—

The wolf reacted accordingly. Devi bore the creature no ill will. If she was in its shoes, or paws, she wasn’t sure she’d have reacted differently. Maybe she should be in the cage instead, though. She’d committed more nefarious, treacherous, deathly crimes against loved ones than she believed the wolf had, even though she knew nothing of the wolf’s own past, even though the wolf was an instinctive predator with more animalistic survival instincts than societal burdens of legal and emotional criminality. To her, compared to what she had been in her past lives, everyone else was a saint. This one a Saint Bernard. Nailed it. 

But then something happened to the wolf, something that shocked Devi and worried her…to the point of turning to the other employees for help, employees that just shook their heads and shrugged, making her remember that the wolf was one of those guys. The shapeshifters. The people who turned into beasts whenever and wherever. She’d fought some of them before. Never been a blast. As she watched the wolf-man in the cage transform, she winced and grimaced, realizing this must not be a blast for them, too. And then a random thought crossed her mind, something she thought hilarious, inappropriate but hilarious, something that could maybe ease the pain of their terrifying change.

“Hey, you,” Devi began as soon as the man fully resurfaced from all of that wolf, realizing she would never get the same opportunity ever again. At least not in this place. “You’re finally awake… You were trying to cross the border, right?” She shook her head, arms crossed over her chest, as if her entire spiel was real and not just a recently learned meme. “Walked right into that Imperial ambush… Same as us…” To add to her effort, he turned to one of the employees, a grouchy man who immediately scowled at her in confusion. She gave him a nod and ignored his sigh of annoyance. “…and that thief over there.” For the pièce de résistance, she took a deep breath and raised her fist at the ceiling. “Damn you, Stormcloaks! Skyrim was fine until you came along!” An audible groan from the same grouchy employee was heard nearby.

—

As the string of his robe was tied, one of the employees started talking and it took him a while to catch up to what was happening. Part of him didn’t want to understand, wanted them to just unlock the cage, give him his money and send him on his merry way. He hoped Corinna wasn’t going to call him in — she did that, sometimes, when he was exhausted from the fights and transformation and not as sharp as he usually hoped he was. She did usually supply some coffee, at least. Samir couldn’t fault her for that.

But this guard got under his skin, this woman who was quoting what he thought to recognize as something from a video game. A past life — he had no console any more, nor did he have friends he played with. Back in Florida, he’d play them before shifts at the restaurant with colleagues, but these days the escapism of video games was no longer a luxury he afforded himself. Samir just stared at her, with a tired expression and none of the appreciation he’d be able to muster if this was just another day. But the truth was that he’d just transformed in front of all these people, that they’d seen him go from monstrous wolf to the naked, harmless man he was now. He had some pride left, and his pride demanded he leave. 

“Skyrim,” he muttered, signaling that he understood the reference. There was no judgment in his tone, because if there would be, it would be angry — and Samir knew better than to be angry here. Anger was for the fighting pit, not for coworkers. For people not trapped in fighting contracts. “Can you let me out? I’d like to get a coffee.” And a painkiller. Shit, did his body hurt, but in a strange way, one that seemed stuck in his nerves. Must have been stun batons, or something of the sort. “Or … do you want to recite another video game monologue or some shit first?”

—

Devi maintained eye contact with the resurfaced human underneath the wolf that had been, in a way, a fucked-up way, his clothing. Werewolves, were-anything, animal shapeshifters… These were always tricky to the now-tempered phoenix. Were they the human underneath, the animal just a temporary mask or armor? Or were they more the animal their humanity had been repressing until it could no longer? Whatever they were, at the very least, they always put up a good fight. “Ah, good,” she smirked, nodding at the request. “Means you’re human enough again.”

Devi turned to another employee, gave them the eyebrow dance, and took a step back. She could have opened the cage herself and freed the guy, but this was more practical. If one person did all that, the guy in the cage could’ve used the distraction to shove his way out of there and transform again. Happened once before. Never again. This way, though, while the hapless employee gets trampled by an escaping fighter, Devi could pounce on the guy before he could get closer to the Pit’s exit. What did the kids call that again? A big brain move? Devi might not have finished school, but she’s experienced enough of the world to be somewhat useful. 

“Coffee’s that away!” Devi didn’t wait for the guy to fully get out of the cage, immediately gesturing for the pantry’s direction with her lips. “And some meds, if you need them, but they might take those out of your paycheck.” They didn’t. Most of the time. But if Corinna gets in one of her moods when she hears about that little backstage kerfuffle, she might take more than the meds out of this guy’s paycheck. “Nah, that was all I got. Can’t afford games these days,” she heaved a sigh, before showing him the remaining jerky in her hand. “Barely even afforded this, which I split with you to calm you down before someone got hurt.” The guy who opened the man’s cage scowled at them: “I got hurt.” Devi just laughed and shooed him away, giving him a mere thumbs up for a job well done and downplaying his battered and bruised left rib with a chuckle, much to the guy’s dismay. “Someone more…expensive, I mean.” She turned to where the higher-ups were. Or at least where they should be.

—

There was a level of trepidation around him that Samir wasn’t used to. He looked from the woman to the other employee, who was looking at him as if he’d done something to him, rubbing his leg. He closed his eyes for a moment, then cast his gaze up and waited for the embarrassing procedure of his cage being unlocked to be done with. He was glad for the bars and the containment they offered, but there was something awfully degrading about being stuck between them as a human.

He remained a pace or two removed from the door before moving out of the cage, glad that it was big enough to house his bestial side and thus, big enough so he wasn’t force to crawl out of there. “Appreciate it,” he said, to both the skittish employee and the chatty woman, who was waving some jerky around. “Uh, I’m sure the wolf appreciated that also.” So something had clearly happened. Maybe a more curious person would want to know, but Samir had embraced ignorance. He gave a quick look to the hurt employee, one he hoped seemed apologetic but he didn’t utter any words of apology. To do so was to acknowledge that what the wolf did was something he did.

He pulled his robe a little tighter. “Right. I’ll just get of you guys’ hair then.” If he was going to stay, he’d be asked, or worse, told whatever had transpired here. Besides, was it just his fault? The Grit Pit wanted a feral werewolf on its roster, which came with consequence. Samir was off the clock now. He just wanted to get out. “Will be back in tonight. Until then, if you’re on the schedule, and otherwise enjoy your night off.” And with that, he disappeared into the direction of the changing rooms, wanting to cover himself in his own, human-smelling clothes and pretend for half a day that he was nothing if not human. 

[psych---ologically-deranged]

the intervention

SHAWN: Yo! Dad? (closes the door and crosses the room) I've brought the keys back. Hello!

INT. HENRY’S HOUSE, KITCHEN, DAY

SHAWN walks into the kitchen to see HENRY and GUS. GUS is sitting at the table eating a cupcake.

SHAWN: Okay, this is creepy. Why is Gus here?

HENRY: Why do you think, Shawn?

SHAWN: He's a hostage.

A MAN in a suit walks over from the sink area.

MAN: Perhaps I can shed some light on that.

SHAWN: Two hostages.

HENRY: Doug Devette is an old colleague of mine from the force. The Chief asked me to have him drop by.

SHAWN: (tosses the keys on the table) Why?

HENRY: Doug is the department psychologist, Shawn.

SHAWN: What is this, some sort of intervention?

HENRY: Yeah, sort of.

DOUG: We don't like to use the term "intervention," Shawn.

SHAWN: (looks at GUS) Gus?

GUS: Don't look at me. I'm here for the cupcakes.

SHAWN: Dad, I am not on drugs.

DOUG: Oh, nobody thinks that, Shawn.

HENRY: Well, I'm not completely sure about that, Doug.

DOUG: We're all just a little concerned that you might be stretching yourself a bit too thin.

HENRY: It wasn't my idea, but he's right, Shawn. You're acting like a nut job.

SHAWN: Just because I take Gus' giant dinosaur head down to a dead body does not make me a nut job.

GUS: What? (gets up and looks out the window to see the head in the back of HENRY’S truck) You took my T-Rex? My mom gave it to you?

SHAWN: Gladly. She also gave me some pictures you can pay me to not show your next girlfriend.

GUS: What pictures?

SHAWN: The ones that document your Terence Trent D'Arby phase.

GUS: Whatever, Shawn. You took Danny Dino to the police station?

SHAWN: No. Gus, give me some credit. I took him to the morgue. Good news. Your specifications were spot on.

GUS glares at SHAWN before sitting back at the table to finish his cupcake.

DOUG: Your father tells me you have delusions of magical powers.

SHAWN: Delusions? Really? Doug, I'm employed as a psychic. I've solved 18 cases this year. I have business cards and a personalized coffee mug that backs up the whole thing. I feel things about people. (sees DOUG is wearing different colored socks) You, for instance, are color blind. That's nothing to be ashamed off. (sees bitten fingernails) You're also really stressed about something. (sees university pamphlets) College. It can be very expensive, Doug.

DOUG: (turns to HENRY) Oh, that was good, Henry.

HENRY: Doug, do not be a stooge.

DOUG: Not a stooge, but in this one case, he was right.

SHAWN sees a shadow at the window of the kitchen door and puts a hand to his head.

SHAWN: Knock at door.

There is a knock on the door and VICK and LASSITER let themselves in.

HENRY: (walks over) Karen, do you mind? We're in the middle of an intervention here.

VICK: We don't have time for that.

HENRY: But you're the one who asked for this!

VICK: And I thank you, Henry, but I'm afraid that this can't wait. We just got a break in the case. (turns to SHAWN) We just found out the name of the dead man. You want to tell him who he is, Detective?

LASSITER: No.

VICK: His name was Christopher Franzen. He is a paleontologist.

They look to SHAWN and he turns to GUS and then everyone turns to GUS.

GUS: A dinosaur hunter.

SHAWN: (looks at VICK) As expected. Doug, pleasure was all mine. (shakes DOUG’S hand)

DOUG: Oh, no, Shawn, mine.

SHAWN: We should get together.

like why does henry actually think shawn has legit delusions? how do u know he is not faking it & KNOWS he's faking it? But tbh imo shawn is legit psychic. It's like gravity, airplanes, drugs, & placebos. Sure u can explain how they work to me but I don't care. To me they are magic. Just because there is a scientific explanation doesn't make it any less magical. Oh & also henry thinks shawn might be on drugs!?? I mean yeah that boy probably smokes weed. Maybe magic mushrooms Possibly other stuff but I doubt it, even speed. I think he has adhd so the whiz would be prescribed but idk if pineapple has interactions with that. I'm getting off topic

[pupstim]

I saw this prompt again and I cannot let it go in my brain. So as I said in my tags, maybe it starts with Selina giving Danny security tech to chrunch on but then Harley and Ivy want to test it for Science™. They hand him all sorts of crazy shit but draw the line at gross things. These things include various metals (Danny has particular thoughts about certain metals. Iron tastes too much like blood but it's got a good cronch, Copper is his favorite so far as it's good crunch with a pretty okay taste like idk fucking limestone and gold is his second favorite as it's chewy and tastes like taffy(I have a lot of thoughts about how metals would taste okay)) all of the rocks, concrete, steel, one time a clean tire, and a little bit of glass. He also off hand mentions about the deranged food in his fridge sometimes and makes the Gals wonder if this is part of his meta power or if Danny is Just Like That™️.

Just the thought of Danny being handed increasingly insane stuff by Selina, Harley and Ivy. Selina showed them how she's been disposing of any security mechs she comes across and Harley just pulls a batarang from her pocket or whatever and hands it to him. Selina and Ivy are like wtf until Danny actually takes a bite out of it with ease and then they're like wtf…. Danny said it tasted like vengeance.

The real reason this prompt lives in my head though is I just want someone to hand Danny their phone and Danny who has been trained to cronch first ask questions later, takes a giant chomp on the poor phone and its just sparking and all sorts of circuits and wires sticking from it, whoever the poor smuck is that handed it to him is just staring in dismay. Danny doesn't even notice he just gives the bitten phone back to the person.

Bonus points if it's someone with the batfam, specifically Tim. The five stages of grief Tim would go through seeing some skinny beanpole of a kid just take a bite out of his phone like it's a piece of chocolate unphased. He begins to try and come up with how to protect the tech from this menace of a chewer and becomes part of the problem with handing Danny increasingly weird stuff to bite to test his limit, spoiler alert he has none. Borrowing another idea as well and Tim gives Danny kryptonite to cronch. Danny finds it tastes just like ghost candy and actually eats the whole thing.

Meanwhile in the background Harley and Ivy are discussing the pros or cons of getting Danny to take a bite out of the biggest diamond in the world to see if he can cronch it. Pros it would be funny as fuck Cons they probably gotta take it from Selina and she would be pissed, plus if he did do it then they would be out one big diamond.

dp x dc prompt!

Danny has always been somewhat of a compulsive chewer. All the way up through middle school he would bite on the neck of his shirt, or hoodie strings. The portal accident and his newfound Halfa status did not help. In fact, the carryover even in his human form gave him extremely sharp teeth and the strength to crunch metal if he wasn’t careful.

Several years later in Gotham, there have been reports of various chunks of scrap metal, with tooth marks resembling fangs gouged into the steel, being found in alleyways and scrapyards. The bats are not pleased that a new meta has taken up residence and started leaving vaguely threatening ‘messages’ lying around. Anything with fangs and jaw strength like that can’t be good news.

[storiesofstellis]

Reflection of The Soul (pt9)

Luke twirled the pen around, trying to understand the confusing case. He looked up, hearing a sound by his front door. Smarts would tell him not to approach. And he didn't, until he heard meowing.

“Danny! Welcome home.” he smiled, watching the cat walk in. “Missed the food?”

“Meow.”

“Ah! I made a new recipe just for you. Just wait a bit.”

“Mreow!”

“So talkative today. Is something bothering you?”

“Meow! Mew!”

Luke looked at Danny, wondering if there really was a problem. Luke squatted, having his hand bitten.

“You want me to follow? Are we going out again?”

He did want to go out again. They were going in a different direction this time. Danny stopped in front of a box. Luke looked in, a pair of kittens inside.

“Oh… Nice find, Danny. Let's see…”

Vyn silently watched over Luke, wanting to observe how he would act in this situation. What was he truly like? He followed Luke as he took them home.

Luke set the box down in an isolated area, leaving food and water for them. They probably weren't the friendliest right now and he didn't want to overwhelm them.

“I should find a shelter that’ll take care of them. I already have a troublesome cat.” Luke muttered, Vyn glaring at him.

Troublesome his ass. He should try living a double life once in a while.

“Ah! I almost forgot about your food. One moment, Danny!”

Vyn walked over to the room, opening the door to check on the kittens. They hadn't touched the food or water. He tipped the box over, allowing them easier access.

“Danny, no!”

Vyn was picked up and taken out of the room.

“Let them get comfortable first.” Luke whispered, gently stroking his head. “Though it’s probably best I get them to a shelter who can care for them. My job is unpredictable.”

Vyn tilted his head, wondering how unpredictable. Luke went back to the kitchen after closing the door. Vyn started to explore, noticing papers on the table. He jumped up, reading them over. A detective getting involved with the government? It was probably best not to read more. But his curious kitty nature wanted to keep going. He jumped off the table, not giving in. The rest of the night was spent in peace, Luke often checking on the kittens.

•

Vyn stopped short, unbelieving that he was actually doing it. He eventually entered the shop, Luke emerging from the back.

“Oh, hello. Do you ever plan to bring those books or was that all a ruse to get me to spill I’m a private detective?”

“Who knows? I'll never tell.” teased Vyn, causing Luke to roll his eyes. “I'm sure you're wondering why I've come today.”

“Well I'm sure it's not for antiquing. Need my detective services?”

“I do actually. I need you to tail this woman for me. Jot down everything she does. It doesn't have to be detailed but understandable.”

They continued to discuss, delving into prices before coming to an agreement.

“May I ask why her?”

Vyn as usual gave him a smile rather than an answer. This guy was surprisingly secretive.

“You have that look on your face.” Vyn pointed out.

“Huh?”

“The ‘He's being secretive yet wants me to spill my guts’ look. This… this is something I'm not ready to delve into, my dearest Sherlock.” admitted Vyn before smiling. “Will you unmask the reason for my interest before time is up?”

“Why don't we bet on it? Winner gets the right to ask a personal question and must receive an answer.” smiled Luke.

“Confident you’ll win huh? I’ll show you you're very wrong.”

They shook on it, Vyn leaving soon after. Luke looked at the woman’s picture then at the back where brief information was written in beautiful handwriting. Well, he wouldn’t win the bet sitting around like this.

Vyn silently drank tea, looking over what was mailed to him. Another patient they needed his advice on. How many times did he have to tell them he was no longer in the business? He shredded the papers, separating them into two different recycles. He wasn’t ready to go back yet. Not yet… Vyn jumped, not expecting his doorbell to be rung. He racked his brain in trying to figure out who of the few who knew his address was supposed to come over. The bell was rung again. There shouldn’t be anyone.

Luke watched from a distance as she rang the bell of a home. Did she know the person who lived there? She finally walked away, a disappointed look on her face. He kept her within sight before checking the name on the residence.

“Vyn? Is there more to this than what he was letting on?” thought Luke, hurrying after the woman.

Vyn started to relax, no longer hearing the bell. Whoever it was must’ve gotten the hint. He was startled out of his thoughts by the ringing of his phone.

“This is the first time you’ve called me. Missed my voice?” he teased, sitting back down in his chair.

“I didn’t know you could be full of yourself too… I’m getting off track, I think there’s something you failed to mention the day you came.”

“And what do you think that is?”

“That you know more about her than you’re letting on.”

Vyn didn’t respond, leaving Luke in suspense.

“But I suppose that’s part of my job and the bet.” Luke sighed, watching her enter a store.

“Precisely. I await your conclusion tomorrow.” chuckled Vyn, hanging up after. “He’s already gotten this far huh… Truly a smart man.”

-

Luke organized his notes, waiting for Vyn to come through the door. He wasn’t sure whether to be angry or furious. Vyn entered the antique shop, noticing Luke wasn’t downstairs. He reached the counter, seeing a note beckoning him upstairs. Vyn knocked on the door upstairs, realizing it was open.

“I’m coming in.”

Luke turned away from the window, showing his immense displeasure.

“Judging by your face, you found the truth.”

Luke tossed the papers onto the table before sitting back.

“You sent me on a wild goose chase. She’s nothing but an admirer of you. Graduate from Stellis University to boot.” huffed Luke, practically glaring daggers into him. “I bet you knew exactly who she was, didn’t you?”

Vyn’s face said otherwise. Did he seriously not know her already?

“So that’s who she was. It’s a relief to know it wasn’t what I came to understand.” smiled Vyn, thanking Luke.

“So I’m guessing you thought she had ulterior motives, namely after your life for something you did.”

Luke couldn’t help but notice Vyn went rather stiff as if he hit something he wasn’t supposed to. More questions started to arise about Vyn’s past but he chose not to voice any of them, mostly because he probably wouldn’t tell him.

“Well, you still had a day left in the time limit, so you win this bet.” Vyn spoke, bringing him out of his thoughts.

Ah, he almost forgot. Now he had to choose a question wisely. Vyn took a seat, seeing it would take a bit.

“Alright, here’s my question. Why did you suddenly leave the field of psychology and insist on denying you were once a criminal psychologist?” Luke asked, narrowing his eyes.

This was the best he could do without making anything too uncomfortable. At least, that’s what he thought. Vyn wasn’t smiling and was silent for too long. Luke continued to wait until it became obvious Vyn was possibly stalling.

“Vyn.”

“Huh?”

So he wasn’t stalling, just lost in his thoughts. Luke cleared his throat, repeating his question.

“You know how to ask the right questions.” sighed Vyn, giving him a weary smile. “The short version would be, I was quite overwhelmed.”

Luke didn’t buy it. Though, he’s never been in the psychology field so he couldn’t say for sure that Vyn was lying to him.

“That overwhelming that you completely changed careers…?”

“Yes.”

It seemed he wouldn’t be getting anything else out of this. Luke started to gather the papers, signaling Vyn was free to go.

“One can only run so far before everything accumulated catches up to them.”

“Especially if you did something appaling.” Luke off handedly commented.

Luke looked up, hearing his door close. Was he hitting all the wrong notes today? He sent Vyn a text, apologizing if he misstepped. His message was read but not responded to. Now he was the one who needed to make up with the other party.

-

Vyn narrowed his eyes, his doorbell ringing. He wasn’t expecting guests. He looked at his conversations, the one with Luke catching his eye. They hadn’t talked since that day. So who was waiting outside his door? He walked over to the door, checking through the peephole. He opened the door, a look of confusion on his face.

“What are you doing here…? How do you know my address?” Vyn questioned.

“You forgot about the job you gave me weeks ago already? Just how old are you?” Luke responded flatly. “I know I should’ve asked before coming but you’re off today right? Mind if I hang out?”

“I-”

“Hopefully you weren’t planning to go out. Then I’d be imposing…”

“I wasn’t. Uh, come in then.”

Luke walked in, looking around. He didn’t know Vyn’s taste in decor but just by walking in he could feel Vyn all around.

“You can sit there. Coffee, tea, water?”

“Whatever you’re having.”

Vyn nodded, disappearing from sight. The place had quite a mature feel to it, much like Vyn when he wasn’t teasing. Vyn returned carrying a teacup and a teapot.

“What kind of tea is it?” he asked curiously.

“Chamomile. My latest purchases have yet to arrive.”

They sat in silence, Luke finding tea not at all fulfilling. It was kind of like flavored water? But warm? Though, he couldn’t deny how relaxed he felt just sitting in silence with Vyn.

“I apologize for breaking the silence but, is it okay if I just talk about things on my mind?” asked Luke, searching for an okay.

“Go ahead.”

Luke exhaled, setting his cup of tea down. He didn’t know what it was but he just wanted to talk about his feelings. Was this what people did when seeing a therapist?

“And I saw her again last week. Childhood friend. She’s doing well… very well. I couldn’t help myself and dove into relationship talk. She… she’s seeing someone. I must be an idiot to think she’d really wait 8 years for me…” stated Luke, getting quiet towards the end. “And now we’re working on a case together and it’s just… hard. And then there’s Danny who I constantly worry about, who comes back less and less… Everything is just… it all just feels bad.”

“And what exactly makes it all bad? If anything, change is good once in a while, no?” Vyn spoke, his gaze on Luke.

“But things already changed for me! I-!”

Luke went silent, catching himself before he slipped up. “I haven't been in Stellis for 8 years. Coming back was already a change…”

“And you think change only happens once all at once?”

“Isn't it?”

Vyn didn't reply, getting himself another cup of tea. That wasn't a no, but that wasn't a yes either. Luke picked up his cup, staring into the liquid. Not all change is bad, one example being him being selected to be part of a government investigator team. But the price he paid was losing his first love to some guy, a bad change. Then there was meeting Danny who did change his life, but not to a massive degree like his career. Luke covered his face, feeling lost. How could he forget the pressing case he was primarily working on? Everytime it felt like a lead, he'd lose it soon after.

Luke was startled out of his thoughts at the feeling of something touching his hands. They were pulled down, a smile filling his sight.

“I'm happy to know you trust me enough to know what's going on with you. Talking things out with a friend helps relieve a lot of stress. A burden shared is a burden halved.” Vyn spoke softly, curling his fingers around Luke’s.

Luke couldn't find his words today, his only means of protest being to slip his hands from Vyn’s. He was so comfortable he spilled everything to someone like Vyn rather than a friend he's known for years.

“Thanks for hearing me out I guess…”

“I don't mind but, do you still think it's all bad change?”

“No… It may seem bad now, but in the future it could be a change that led to something really good. Like Danny becoming my cat. Or… finding someone who will return my feelings.”

“And I don't doubt either of those could happen. You're an intelligent man, Luke. Don't forget that.”

A faint blush dusted Luke’s cheeks as Vyn patted his thigh before moving back to his seat. Why was his face warm? He quickly turned his head, trying to make it go away.

Vyn saw Luke to the door, promptly closing the door after he fully descended the stairs. Vyn exhaled, heading up to his study to do his entry for the day.

“Luke ceases to amaze me. I wonder what else he's hiding underneath that I have yet to extract? Though, hearing how upset he sounded over losing his first love, it was painful for me to hear. There are many plausible reasons but…”

•

Luke played with Danny, seeing he came right when he needed cheering up. Danny must have some kind of powers to know something was up. Vyn swatted at the string before jumping up for it. As much as he didn't like looking like a fool, he was a cat. And cats liked catching things that moved.

“Good boy! There, there…”

He certainly didn't miss the babying Luke gave him, that's for sure. Luke sat down, exhaling. He got a decent work out from that.

“Hey, guess what? I learned something new about that Vyn guy.”

Now he had his attention. What could he possibly know?

“I don't think he finds his past unimportant, more like it gives him terrible memories. I don't know what happened, but it must've been awful enough that he stiffened everytime.” said Luke, a serious look on his face. “I wonder if he was treated differently or something.”

Vyn instinctively backed away, forgetting what form he was in.

“Danny? What's wrong?”

Crap. He was going to suspect something. Act cute! Vyn rolled around, stretching out and meowing. Luke didn't question it anymore, too enthralled by the cute cat he was being.

“I do want to know more about him. I only know that he likes tea and used to be a psychologist. I don't know what he doesn't like or any other likes. I don't even know if he has relatives. Why is he so… secretive?”

Why did Luke want to know him all of a sudden? Did he actually want to be friends?

“As weird as it is to admit, he's grown on me and I don't dislike it.”

He couldn't help but feel a little touched. They finally broke through the barrier of unfamiliarity.

‘You're progressing much slower than we thought. An incompetent one isn't he?’

'It's not like you to show up when he's around. What's the occasion?’ questioned Vyn as Luke continued to talk.

‘We have been watching you for entertainment. We have thought you two would be closer by now. He's terrible at making friends. Hehe, this is why he's alone!’

‘Could you all shut up? I’m trying to listen to him.’

‘And what gives you the right to tell us what to do? We can expose you right now if we wanted. Behave yourself human.’

Vyn turned his attention back to Luke who was now writing on paper. It seemed related to work. He settled down by his feet, closing his eyes.

“Well, he's busy now so go on, speak. Tell me how I should live my life.”

“A rude one he is. Can’t we just expose him and go back to our lives? We promised the cat and we don’t break our promises. This human is annoying!”

“I’m annoyed because you disappear for countless days even when I went out of my way to try and contact you, then have the gall to suddenly appear and tell me I’m not providing enough entertainment for you? Why are you treating my life like that anyway? Don’t you have better things to do with your endless amount of time?” Vyn hissed, finding it hard to contain his anger.

“All human lives are simple entertainment for us. Don’t think yourself so special, vermin. He’s irritated enough, stop. Since when do we care for simple minded beings like him? We-”

“Shut up! I’ve grown tired of hearing all this nonsense and degrading. Just tell me what I want to know so you can go back to your human watching.”

The voice was unusually silent. So they weren’t going to answer his questions again? Typical.

“We will grant you two answers. Pick your questions carefully.”

“Why doesn’t this cat body like being touched, even if I trust the person I’m with?”

“The unfortunate soul was hurt when in vulnerable states, mostly when eating.”

“Wow, an actual straight answer. There’s something else isn’t there?” Vyn sneered, looking around despite knowing there was no physical body for him to look at.

“Look at this vermin! We give what he wants and then calls us schemers! Settle. No, I refuse! He is annoying!”

Vyn hissed for them to stop, their voices echoing in his head loudly.

“Fine. Thank you for the straight answer this time. Now that I know, I can work around it. Though, I suppose what we have now is fine.”

“Human, answer me this. Do you truly intend to live this double life until you die?”

Vyn thought on it. The future huh? There was no telling what would become of him and Luke.

“Don’t know if I am to be honest. Many things can happen between now and tomorrow. For all I know, I could expose myself to Luke within a few hours and lose this cat side of me.”

The voice was silent, hopefully contemplating his reply.

“For a simple creature, you understand surprisingly well.”

And that was the end of the conversation. Vyn opened his eyes, Luke still working on his case. He stretched out, curling up more by his feet. Luke reached down, giving him loving head rubs. Was it strange for him to prefer them like this rather than him in human form? Maybe because things just came more naturally like this. Pet owners are more likely to be open with their pets than close friends. There were no complicated emotions between owner and pet.

“Meow.”

“Hm? Hungry?”

Vyn hopped onto his lap, licking his hand. He just wanted to share the happiness he was feeling. Luke smiled softly, gently stroking his fur.

“Maybe I should bring you to Vyn sometime. I think he could use a little cat affection.” chuckled Luke, setting Vyn back on the floor. “Might as well take a break for now. I'll probably think better on a full stomach.”

If only Luke knew how ironic his statement was. Though, he really needed to consider the future. He couldn't keep being Danny and Vyn around Luke the entire time. He was going to have to choose one and stick with it. Maybe he could learn which form he preferred more.

‘Stupid human.’

Vyn looked around, wondering if it was that being again.

‘Hush. Let him do what he wants. If it'll get rid of the fog, we’ll be relieved. You're too soft.’

So they weren't joking when they called him entertainment.

“Danny? What's up? Here, the sheets. ‘Like Vyn’? What do you mean? ‘Personality’? You know abstract words like that? Hm, he's not bad but he's not good either. He can be annoying at times but I think he's someone I can get along with. That is, if he doesn't do strange things again. It was really nice to know he was listening to me when I was practically spilling my guts out. I didn't know he could be so… understanding.”

That was… Vyn pushed the thoughts away, preparing his next question.

‘You’? You're such a little cutie! How could I not love you? You're smart, adventurous, brave, although reckless too. And everyone loves cats.”

He finally understood. Getting closer as Danny wasn't the right path. It did help in getting information, but the true way to know Luke was by being, well, himself.

“Huh? You want to be let out? But you'll disappear again… Can't you stay a little longer?” pleaded Luke, trying to tempt him with food.

Vyn figured he could, having made up his mind about his plans going forward. He'd become Danny if he really needed to know something or if he needed to sneak around.

[gokailyger84]

I love your writing so much! I am too scared to ask off-anon, but have you ever thought about 'Werewolf Brian' and 'Hunter Danny'? Dan doesn't realize the werewolf he's been tracking for a couple months now is Brian until he watches it turn back into Brian. He's already got a WHOLE LOTTA feelings about Brian that he hasn't explored and THIS is the last thing he needs.

accidentally put this to the wrong ask.  (sure that was confusing)

“Another successful capture. As expected of one of our top hunters.”

Dan smirked as he watched the teller type on the computer, tallying up his payout.

“This one wasn’t too difficult. Probably a young one.”

Glancing  over his shoulder, he watched as four men surrounded the large cage.  Inside was what looked like a large dog. But it wasn’t a dog. It was a  werewolf. It’s ears were flat on the back of it’s head, teeth bared and growling low in it’s throat.

The men ignored the beast and each  grabbed a handle on the cage and lifted it up, causing the animal to let  out a startled yelp as it lost it’s footing.

Dan continued to  watch as the men carried the cage to the back room, the beast giving him  one last look before the door closed. Frowning, Dan turned back to the  teller. Maybe it was his imagination but it looked like the beast was glaring at him. As if it couldn’t believe that Dan was doing this to it.

That  had been happening a lot lately. Whenever Dan made a capture, it seemed  like there was a hint of intelligence behind the beast’s eyes. But he  knew that couldn’t be true. Everyone knew that once you became a  werewolf, your humanity was lost. Leaving behind a bloodthirsty beast. A  threat to everyone.

Dan had been a hunter for around two years  and had already built up a name for himself. He had around a eighty  percent success rate, easily placing him among the elite hunters despite  still being considered a newcomer.

Like most hunters, Dan had a  personal reason why he became one. When he was younger a werewolf had  attacked him and his younger sister. Dan had escaped with only scrapes  and bruises, his sister had not only been bitten but taken by the  werewolf. He and his family never saw her again. Dan had sworn that he’d  rid the world of the creatures.

“Alright, Mr. Avid/an. The money  is in your account. As always, thank you for your service. I look  forward to your next successful capture.”

“Thanks.” Dan said,  moving to leave when something caught his eye. Turning back around, he  leaned to the side looking past the teller.

On the wall was a  medium sized poster. A grey and white werewolf stared back at him. It’s  steel blue eyes, seeming to pierce through him despite being a  photograph. The teller followed his gaze.

“Aspiring for the top prize, huh?” The teller said with a knowing gaze.

Dan’s eyebrows furrowed and he sighed heavily.

“Not really. Believe that one is beyond me. It’s slipped out of my hands twice now.”

The teller’s eyes widened. “You’ve had encounters with it?” Dan nodded.

“Wasn’t even hunting it. Both times, I just kind of stumbled across it.”

“That’s amazing! Most hunters have never even seen it. Do think you’ll ever try for it?”

Looking  down at his phone, Dan saw he had a new message. A smile spread across  his face. “I don’t think so. But if I do come across it again, I’ll do  my best.”

With that, Dan made his way towards the door. “I gotta  go. Nice talking to you.” He said as he walked out and headed towards his truck.

————————————————

Dan bobbed his head to the music coming out of his radio, as he drove through town.

He  nodded his head to fellow hunters he’d pass and wave to a few people he  knew. The town wasn’t big, probably around five thousand but part of a  larger metropolitan. While other larger towns drew in bigger bounties,  Dan preferred the smaller ones. It was easier to track his targets in  more rural areas and he liked the community feel of the area.

Pulling  up to a small building, Dan parked and exited his truck. Wiping his  hands on his jeans, he nodded at a couple of people near the door before  entering.

“Hey, Dan.”

Dan’s smile widened. “Hey, Arin.” He said, walking over to the desk his friend was sitting at.

Arin stood up and pulled him into a hug. “Good to see, ya. It’s been a while. Have a seat.”

Dan  sat in the offered chair, crossing his arms on the desk. “Yeah. I’ve  kinda been on a string of hunts. Sorry I haven’t been by more often.”

Arin shrugged, his smile fading a bit. “It’s fine. I know your job can get…hetic. Just glad to see you.”

Turning back to his computer, Arin began to type. “So, how many did you get this time?” He asked in a fairly neutral tone.

Dan  let a sigh. Even though he asked, Dan knew that Arin didn’t really want  to know. That was the only “problem” with his friendship with Arin.  Arin wasn’t too supportive of Dan’s job, believing that hunting and  capturing werewolves was wrong.

He’d tried to explain his  reasoning, what happened to his sister and that werewolves were no  longer human but Arin wouldn’t listen, believing Dan to be mistaken.  That werewolves did retain their humanity, some more than others but  they’ve never been given the chance to prove it. Dan tried to question  him further. Arin seemed to know more than he let on but Arin never said  anything more, leaving Dan confused at his stance.

“Only three this time.” Dan said, answering Arin’s question. “Thinking about trying for the big one.” Arin raised an eyebrow.

“Who? The ninja?” He asked with disbelief. Dan nodded.

“Yeah.  The bounty is huge and I’ve already come across it twice. Maybe if I’m  actively hunting, I’ll have a better shot at catching it.”

Arin looked away. “If you say so.”

The silence stretched between them, until Dan broke it.

“Have you heard from bri/an, lately?”

Arin’s lips spread into a knowing smile. “Miss him?”

“N-no! Just wondering.” Dan sputtered, trying to cover up his reddening face.

“Uh huh. Sure.” Arin said with a laugh.

Dan  fidgeted in his seat. He guessed it wasn’t really a secret. His crush on one of Arin’s friends was kind of obvious. Dan couldn’t help it,  though. There was just something about bri/an.

He was older than  Dan by four years and regularly traveled the world. He was an activist  and a scientist. Not only that, he was a talented musician and he and  Dan had teamed up a few times, with an impromptu band and had some  success. Dan wouldn’t mind starting a real band with bri/an as his  partner but with their current paths, he didn’t see that ever happening.

“Actually-”  Arin began, pulling Dan out of his thoughts. “He’s coming to visit  tomorrow.” He then leaned over and nudged Dan in the side. “I’m sure  he’d love to see you.”

Dan ducked his head, feeling his blush  darkening. Arin could be such a turd but Dan would be lying if he said  he wasn’t excited to see bri/an again.

He was definitely looking forward to it.