#I am soooo normal about this man with long hair and covered in dirt

[theworldisabrokenbonebutitishome]

[sanderssidecanons]

The Heart of an Alchemist

Chapter 3: Friends

Words: 3748

Warnings: Mentions of kidnapping? I think that’s it?

Chapter 2

“Don’t forget what I told you Patton.” Logan’s son, currently holding Logan’s hand, smiled brightly. “Of course I won’t forget Logan! Don’t worry, I will behave!” Logan smiled at Patton, squeezing his hand slightly as he answered: “I know.” The two of them had stayed in bed for quite some time, it was almost noon now and Logan decided, that he would show Patton the town, so they can decorate Patton’s room a little bit, before Logan would give Patton a thorough tour through the house, so the sand-child would know every corner it needed to know.  They had almost reached town and Logan stopped the both of them and knelt down, judging a last time if Patton looked presentable.

He wore a simple blue shirt with long sleeves and white gloves to hide his sandy skin, a white scarf, also comfy black pants, blue shoes and a hat that would protect him from the sun and cast a shadow on his face to, once again, hide the skin-colour. “It’s warm…” Complained Patton, kicking a small pile of dirt on the ground as he pouted. Logan chuckled and loosened the scarf a bit, answering: “I know it is, but it is the only way. No one must find out who you are.” Patton nodded, brown eyes shining despite the shadow hiding them effectively. “I know! No one must no anything about me. The only information you and me are allowed to give is my name and that I am your son!”

“Very good Patton.” Logan smiled at his son who grinned proudly at him. “And what is the story we tell when someone asks?” Patton didn’t hesitate one moment: “I am a child from the mountains that ran away for some reason, why though we are both not sure, for I suffer currently from amnesia and you were kind enough to take me in, so wild beasts wouldn’t mawl me.” Logan nodded once more, adoration in his eyes as he took Patton’s head off, revealing his silky white hair and ruffled it, a bit of clay-dust escaping into the air, causing Logan to quickly put the hat back on. It was interesting. Patton’s skin was made of very clean and high-quality sand while his hair appeared to be made of clay. And his body seemed to get occasionally rid of clay and sand. Logan could maybe sell these materials to the townsfolk for a high price.

Clay and sand for glass were always needed and even though no one wanted any business with Logan, he knew that the townsfolk will practically eat up his materials, since his ware was always of the best quality. Hypocrits. But the alchemist decided that he and Patton were presentable and therefore entered the town with him. It really was nothing too special, houses made of wood, some made of stone, children playing in the street, people walking around, talking to each other, living their normals lives.

How boring. Patton gaped, his eyes as round as plates and his mouth formed into an ‘O’ shape, looking around in awe, occasionally stopping to look at some children that were playing a game or to observe a dog going it’s way. Like Logan expected was Patton really curious, asking many questions and gasping in awe at every answer he received from Logan. Patton was such a curious young thing. “Where are we going first?!” Asked Patton in excitement, skipping some of the stones on the plastered road as a little game while still trying to keep up with Logan. “We go to the tailor, to get you some clothes that aren’t just old pieces of mine and something you feel really comfortable with.” Patton tilted his head, a small sliver of light illuminating his brown eyes.

“But I feel comfortable in everything you give me dad!” Logan smiled down at Patton and squeezed his hand lightly, before explaining: “I’m certain that you want to believe that, but it is a fact that we are, indeed, not the same person and have therefore different preferences and different tastes in, well, everything. And this is a good thing, so don’t give me that look.” He remarked, smirking slightly as Patton’s lip began to quiver. “I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. You see, if we were indeed identical, my life would be just as boring as before, since I couldn’t teach you new things, already knew what you liked and disliked and already knew your reactions for everything. Do you follow me?”

“I follow you the whole time dad.”

“No, I mean, do you understand?” At that, Patton nodded with a grin.

“I do!”

“Excellent.” Remarked Logan with a smile before stopping, Patton almost tripping at the sudden lack of movement. “We are there.” declared Logan and Patton eyed the building in front of him. It had some differences to all the other houses. It was made of stone, a little wooden sign was hanging over the door and orange flowers littered the windowshill. “It looks comfortable.” Judged Patton, squinting slightly. “It does indeed. Come on, let’s enter.” There were two tailors in town, but Logan always visited this one, even though he was a little more expensive. But he didn’t ask question, or if he did he wasn’t judging, and he made sure he picked just the right clothes for his customers. Logan cherished his work. As they opened the wooden door a little bell dinged, announcing their arrival.

Patton gaped, the house looked so much smaller from the outside. Different types of fabric in all colours were littered over the ground, the walls were painted beige and a big lamp on the ceiling gave everything a comfortable atmosphere. Logan looked around, irritated at the chaos. He knew this man was messy, but this was his job. How did he get customers if he never cleaned up? Logan fully entered the building, Patton following close behind, picking up a piece of cloth in interest, dropping it as he spotted something more interesting, practically hopping around like a frog and picking different pieces of clothing up.

Logan rolled his eyes, a fond expression on his face as he observed his curious son strolling around. Now, where was his tailor? He finally spotted him on a red sofa, a patched up blanket covering the sleeping man. Logan had to roll his eyes once more, the affectionate expression not leaving his face as he inched closer and swiped the blanket from the man, who whined in protest and made an attempt to roll away, only to roll off the small sofa with a yelp. “It is not the best marketing strategy to sleep when customers are in the house.” Teased Logan, folding the blanket up, wrinkling his nose as he realized that the trusty blanket needed to be washed. Badly.

The tailor was disoriented at first, looking around, wondering why he was on the floor, confused as he saw a pair of black shoes and pants right next to him, before looking up, tired eyes lighting slightly up at the familiar face. “No way, is that you Logan? It’s been so long, dammit! Don’t disappear like that again!” Logan held out a hand which the man took gratefully, allowing him to get helped up. “It has been a long time Remy, indeed.” Remy yawned and stretched his arms and back, slowly returning to the waking world, giving Logan enough time to take a good look at him.

He was always the strongest fashion-statement in the whole village, wearing glasses with darkened lenses to not be blinded by the sun and not be read too easily, a black jacket he made out of this leather and an orange shirt underneath, the black slacks he was wearing have some slashes and have been patched up multiple times, but Remy refuses to wear other pants, because those were the ‘most comfortable’ as he claimed. He wore black boots, also made of leather. Logan remembered how Remy explained him, how he hated how boring everyone in town looked.

He coul only ever hang out with Logan and Emile since everyone else in town was just so boring and fake. He fell asleep once as he made a pathetic attempt to befriend the owner of the local animal-shelter. Logan still had to chuckle at that since it was pretty hilarious how Remy just collapsed on the ground and fell asleep. Remy would never get a pet on that store, that was pretty much confirmed. Remy yawned once more, before being his usually relaxed self and casually leaned against the all, asking: “Soooo, what brings you here, alchemist?” Logan arched an eyebrow, but didn’t react to the nickname, simply pointing at the boypicking up clothing, apparently attempting to tidy up the place. “I wanted to get some new clothing for my son.”

Remy choked on the air he was currently breathing in, coughing violently while looking at Logan with wide eyes. Logan clapped him on the back, multiple times, until Remy signaled him that he was fine, that it was fine now. Logan stopped and took a big step back, calling to Patton: “Please cover your ears for exactly 15 seconds Patton, can you do that?”

Patton looked up, smiling as he answered: “I sure can Dad!” Before he quickly placed his hands over his ears and began to quietly sing something to not hear the tirade of curse-words that rained upon Logan as Remy collected himself. 15 seconds later did he end his rant with the words: “Why didn’t you tell me that you had a son?!” Logan casted a side-glance towards Patton, who uncovered his ears in just the right moment and continued to pick the clothing up, asking in a curious voice: “What did he say, dad?” “Nothing of importance, but it simply wasn’t meant for your ears.” Patton thought for a moment: “Oh… Okay!” Bless this child, how did something like him exist with Logan’s soul? Remy stepped closer, grabbing Logan by the collar of his coat and pulling him towards himself, asking:

“When did you get laid?! And when resulted this in getting a son?!” Logan  huffed in annoyance and shoved Remy away, explaining: “You should probably know by now that no one would ever love me in that way. Patton isn’t my biological son.” Well, technically he is, but Remy didn’t need to know that. As accepting and friendly as he was, even he would probably not approve of an artificial son. Remy relaxed at these words and finally slipped back into his usual smooth behaviour.

“Good to know. Got yourself a nice little fella. Look at him.” Logan followed Remy’s glance and observed how Patton was currently carrying way too many different pieces of clothing, the pile in his hands getting so big that it fell down on top of him, burying him in clothes. “I know.” Answered Logan, a fond expression on his face as he walked towards the pile of clothing and removed some of them until he found Patton’s face, who giggled at him and declared: “You found me!” Logan chuckled as Patton practically jumped out of the clothing and threw his arms around Logan’s neck.

“I sure did.” Answered the alchemist, lifting the boy up, before placing him down again. “Now, if we could finally begin Remy?” The tailor made a playful bow, a smirk gracing his sharp features as he remarked: “Oh, of course, your alchemistry.” Logan arched an eyebrow at this name, thinking about it for a few more moments, before responding: “I will leave Patton with you for a little while. I need to go to Emile and exchange some herbs.” Remy rolled with his eyes: “Of course you leave me for the other nerd.”

Logan spread one of his arms for a hug, since he knew exactly when Remy wanted one, before waving Patton goodbye and exiting the building and walking down the street. It was strange. The moment Patton wasn’t with him anymore everyone looked at him like he was a piece of rotten meat. They looked scared, disgusted… maybe he was rotten meat. But he couldn’t be so bad if Patton resulted in him sacrificing a part of their soul, right? He was eyed like a demon, with sharp fangs and horns, like he didn’t belong… but he did belong, right? He was a human like everyone else. The children stopped playing to stare, the women stopped washing clothes to stare, even the dogs and cats stopped their activities to stare.

The flames of rumours became and inferno that devoured every common sense towards him. Logan focused on the road ahead of him, he wouldnt give them the satisfaction and allow their behaviour to get to him. He had enough time for that at home. It was strange… it was so quiet. He could hear his shoes hitting the pavement and the crunching of the stones, but apart from that… it seemed like everything just stopped. The wind gave a gentle rustling sound, but that was it. Nothing else was audible.

He was certainly not welcome here. Don’t worry you saints, this demon didn’t plan on returning and will soon be gone again. Hypocrits. Emile’s pharmacy looked really comfortable, even from the outside. The house was made of wood and herbs were already growing outside, covering the building in a bubble of pleasant scents. A little sign was standing outside which simply said ‘Pharmacy’, but it seemed like a child drew some silly drawings with paint on the sign. Logan stepped onto the porch and knocked gently before entering, a little bell once again announcing his arrival. “Emile! Are you home? I am in need of some herbs!” A loud crashing sound was audible from the back of the store and stomping feet came rapidly closer.

Logan quickly put the back down he had in his hand and knelt down, spreading his arms, just in time because a little ball of energy tackled into him, wrapping his arms around Logan’s neck and nuzzled into the alchemist. Logan smiled at that and gave the boy a pat on the back, greeting him: “Salutations Thomas.” The boy jumped back, pouting at the alchemist and asking: “Where were you the past months?!” Logan chuckled and straightened his back again, looking down at the child. Thomas was 13 years old and Emiles son. He assists his father in the pharmacy and has therefore an admirable amount of knowledge about herbs and diseases for his age. He is also friends with Logan and Remy, claiming stubbornly that they are his uncles, even going as far as bragging in front of other kids that his dad own a pharmacy, his one uncle is a tailor and he get’s all the clothes he wants and his other uncle is an alchemist and that he could turn all of them into rats if Thomas would say so. Thomas was just joking, which is why Logan never told him that he could actually do that.

It would be awkward for everyone who would be part of the conversation. “Logan?! Is that you?! It’s been so long!” Emile stumbled inside, his face a little scorched and hair all over the place, apparently something in his laboratory failed, but he still had the brightest smile on his face as he threw his arms around Logan and hugged him tightly, the alchemist wrinkling his nose at the burnt scent the pharacist emitted. “It is nice to see you Emile.” Emile Picani, the pharmacist was a walking ray of sunshine, even though he can easily become the most serious out of all of them.

He looks almost exactly like Thomas with mussed brown hair, round face and bright smile, the differences are just that Thomas has brown eyes, from his mother who disappeared a long time ago, while Emiles eyes were really, really green. It was a dark green, but it rivaled the pines and grass and shone brighter than the stars. Emile was also in need of glasses while Thomas was still glassless so far. “How have you been Logan?” Asked Emile, looking the alchemist up and down to check him for… whatever he was checking him for, Logan had no idea what Emile was actually doing.

“I have been satisfactory Emile. What about you?” The pharmacist waved the question off, continuing in a stressed voice: “The whole village is talking about you! Everyone thinks you kidnap children for experiments!” Logan could only stare. He knew there were some really bad rumors about him spreading, but he had no idea that they were that bad. “Really?” Was the only thing he could muster up, Thomas apparently noticing his distress and hugging him around the waist. “They actually blame all the missing children around the village on you…” Logan felt sick, seriously sick.

Everyone thought he was a kidnapping psychopath? Thomas looked up at him and pulled at his coat, quickly reassuring: “I don’t think you are doing this Logan! I always defend you in front of my friends.” Logan patted Thomas’ head and responded in a monotone voice: “That is great Thomas. Would you release me now please?” Thomas eyes widened at Logan’s voice, quickly letting go and stepping back, observing how Logan lifted the bag on the ground bag up and said: “I brought you some of the herbs you are always in need of.” before hurling the bag in Emiles direction, who caught it but fell on the ground after that. Logan retreated meanwhile to the back of the pharmacy, a dark room where Emile always mixed medication, creams and candy for colds. Logan always found this room to be very relaxing.

This time, however, couldn’t the calming scents calm his racing thoughts. He was mad, no, he was beyond mad. He was completely outraged. How dare they… He was aware of rumors, but he didn’t know that they made a complete monster out of him. Apparently… “Logan?” The alchemist looked up, the light of the entrange illuminating Emile but casting a shadow over his front, hiding his face. “Go away.” Growled Logan, turning around so Emile wasn’t able to see his face. And Emile stopped, thought, contemplated. He never saw Logan in this state. Normally he didn’t care about what the townsfolk said, but… he looked hurt. Had they struck a nerve?

Logan would never hurt a child, never, but Logan was always able to brush the rumors off… what got him so distressed? The little bell jingled once more and Emile turned around, surprised to find a boy in Thomas’ age, maybe a little bit older, entering the pharmacy. Thomas grinned and immediatly went to greet the boy: “Hello! Ohh, I haven’t seen you around here before! Are you new in town?! I’m Thomas! Nice to meet you! My dad own this pharmacy!” Thomas held out his hand to shake, who the boy took and shook. Emile noticed that he wore gloves, how strange and unusual for a child. “Hello! I am Patton! I am looking for my dad, uncle Remy told me he should be in here.” Emiles face dropped, realisation washing over him. That’s why Logan was so hurt by the rumors. That’s why he looked so heartbroken just then.

…Logan had a son. A son that talked and laughed with Thomas like they knew each other for a long time. It was like a bolt striked him down as he realized, that the two of them probably walked through the village together and everyone saw them. …And everyone probably thought he kidnapped and hurt this child, oh no. Emile hurried to the child, Patton was his name, and knelt down to be on eye-level with him, smiling as he said: “Hello Patton! My name is Emile Picani, but you can just call me uncle Emile, just like you call Remy your uncle Remy, alright?” Patton nodded, before looking around. “Where is my dad?” Emile pointed with his thumb towards the backroom.

“Back there. He is in need of you. He needs a hug from his favourtie son, but please don’t ask him what’s wrong.” Patton nodded frantically and practically sprinted away, towards the backroom, looking for his dad and running towards him the moment he spotted him. He ran into his back, causing Logan to yelp but quickly relax as he felt the silk of Pattons gloves and his covered arms wrapped around his waist. “I love you dad…” he heard the muffled voice of Patton who pressed his face in Logan’s back and the alchemist could only smile as he put his hands over Patton’s and answered:

“I love you too…” It took a few minutes and a lot of hugging, but Logan cooled eventually down, to which everyone was grateful. “Apologies I hurled the herbs at you like this.” Emile smiled, swatting the air as he responded: “Not a problem. I should probably get a bit fitter, so this doesnt happen again! I will see you again now?” Logan thought for some seconds, before responding: “Yes, I will come back.” “Very well! I shall await your arrival impatiently.” Thomas rushed forward and gave Patton a hug, quickly saying: “Please visit us again Patton! We could play together!” Patton’s face lit up like the sun: “Ohh! That would be great! Please dad?!”

Logan smiled as he grabbed the now empty back and stretched his hand out for Patton. “Maybe. I will think about it if you behave. We shall take our leave now.” Patton nodded, grabbing Logan’s hand and waving Thomas and Emile goodbye, exiting the Pharmacy. Logan wanted to get furniture too, but he couldn’t stay anymore. He now knew why everyone was staring at him like he was a demon. He felt like a monster, even though he knew the truth. But that was the problem… if enough people believe the lies… it becomes the truth eventually… apperently is this town in need of a villain. Maybe, just maybe, they will get one.

Tag-List: @at-least-seven-pretty-potatoes @anxietystatement @lovinofelivargas @creepy-cupcakes @hellomusicalnerdhere @mysticnachophilosopher @romanasanders @ccecode @fandernerdforever @hamiltrash-kimliza @oxyphara  @memepool1 @vexation-virgil @madelynnaa

[insomniac-arrest]

Prompt- a werewolf is romping around in the city and is mistaken for a dog and taken in by a well meaning rescue organization. they come to check him in the morning and find that he is not in fact a doggo.

ooh, nice

Bite Mark Blues

genre: urban fantasy, meet-cute

words: 6k

summary: a werewolf gets trapped at a dog shelter as an attendant tries to help him home

Ronnie woke up with a ringing in his ears and a taste in his mouth somewhere between sulfur and purell disinfectant. He groans as light streaks over his closed eyes and pounding fills his head, his thoughts swimming around in mental mash-potato soup.

The cold ground itches across his skin and Ronnie feels uselessly around him as he tries to squint his eyes open. “Fuck.”He could already feel that he had a very eventful night.

The concrete floor sent shivers up his spine as he makes out a mesh wall to his right, and then his left. He rubs at his eyes again as his senses come marching back to him one by one. His inner ear was busy equalizing and sense of smell trying to make sense of itself. He smells fur.

He feels a very wet, mildly cold object nudge his shoulder, “Whoa,” he jumps and blinks his eyes again as he takes in a very small dull room. He looks back down and makes out a sad looking pair of brown eyes. And a snout. And two floppy long brown ears attached to a stout little beagle.

Ronnie tries to sit up on the cold concrete, “Hello.”

The beagle nudges him curiously again and he stares back down at her, “good morning darlin.” She looks up at him with drowsy big sad eyes and he looks around, “are we…” He looks at the cage walls, “holed up together I see.”

She just licks his arm politely and he manages a smile at her, color flushing back into the world in bits and pieces, seeing the blue of the table across from him and orange of the light through the window.He looks to his left and right and sees a German Shepherd mix and a yellow lab, a small pomeranian was to his left. He heaves another sigh, they were all in pretty little box cages.

“A shelter. Of course.”

He looks down at his hands, they still had stiff dark hairs covering the very front like the teeth of a hard comb springing up. His feet also had the same course hairs,  “Great job Ronnie man. Fucking perfect.”He concluded he had been a bit of running last night. Dirt was under his nails and he could almost taste the chilled wind in his lungs. He looked back to the beagle, “would you happen to know a way out of here sweetheart?”She just looks at him and Ronnie concluded this is just what happens to stupid blokes who don’t watch the moon cycle. Stripped, lost, and buck naked in a dog pound.

He wobbles unsteadily on hands and knees toward the chain-link door, his new skin itches and balance teeters back and forth. He crawls to the side and paws at the latch to his door and finds, to his chagrin, a special little lock. It wasn’t a fancy one, but it had a series of numbers nonetheless.

He’s not done cursing when he plays with the numbers back and forth, his hands were still shaking a little bit. His bad luck was finally catching up to him.

He’s tearing at the lock when he hears a silver sound, a whistle that carried through the air, sweet and musical like a flute. His eyes go wide, someone was banging doors open in the other room.

Ronnie gulps, his hope rise for a moment before being admentally squashed. He had shifted outside of the compound, being caught now might not be very pretty.

He scrambles away from the door and tries to cover himself, a naked boy in place of a large black dog was not going to look good. He backs himself into the corner and ducks his head down.

Someone’s light footsteps echo and the whistling picked up, a light and jaunty tune that reminded him of some sea shanty his uncle would sing to his aunt to make her smile.

The person blithely opened the far cage, “Good morning Sam.” The voice greets the first dog and Ronnie hears the clatter of pellets dumped into a bowl.

His thoughts race as he tries to come up with a way out of this. He was two doors away from the dog-feeding boy and had a limited amount of time to either hide, talk, or flirt his way out of this.

He gulps, the boy’s head bobs as he moves onto the cage right next to theirs, with the German Shepherd mix and yellow lab. “Hello Nancy, hello Jude.”

It was a warm sound and under different circumstances, Ronnie might have found it endearing, but he was busy being naked and cold in a dog cage. He considers tapping into some wolf and breaking through the mesh door, he flinches, but that could take hours to shift back from.

He’s trying to become part chameleon instead when he lifts his eyes and sees a pair of pale eyes already staring back at him. Time was up.

Pale eyes under floppy silvery blonde hair and dusty light brown skin. He had smattering of fine freckles across his nose and a Hollywood-sweet face, high cheekbones and a small frame.

He was wearing a green smock that read ‘Happy Friend’s Animal Shelter,’ his expression was slack.

Ronnie holds his gaze for a very long moment as neither of them seem to know what to do. Finally, Ronnie rearranges himself on the floor and clears his throat.

“Good mornin mate.” He tries to greet as warmly as he can, “nice, uh, shelter you have here.”The boy’s eyes go even larger somehow, his mouth completely open and Ronnie spies an odd blue jewel shimmering on his tongue. He frowns decidedly.

“Don’t need to gawk darling.”

He shook his head, “what are you doing in there?” His voice was sharp and reminded him of a tuned piano key. Feather-light and strangely lyrical.

“Er, woke up in here.” He says simply and almost goes to stand up, he looks at him hopefully, “I wouldn’t mind being let out though.”The kid’s hands fall and Ronnie sees a name tag that says ‘Nick.’

“Nick,” he says slowly.

Nick shakes his head and reaches for the lock, “what happened to the-” he pauses and then glances down at Ronnie’s hands and feet, still covered in thick wire-stiff hairs, Ronnie sighs back him. “Dog.” Nick finishes roughly.

“About that,” he replies slowly as he rubs the back of his head.

Nick drew himself all the way up, “I knew that wasn’t a normal dog.” He seemed to be speaking to himself. “You’re-”“That dog, yes.” He confirms quickly, “and now I am currently less dog soooo.”“Right right.” Nick nods quickly and turns to the lock to open it, “are you,” he blinks, face suddenly pinking. “Do you need help getting out?”Ronnie realized that he had shifted up and put himself on full display, Nick’s face had flushed a deep red against his freckles and Ronnie just tugs on his own hair. Figured it would be like this.

“Pants might help,” he said easily, “anything really.” Side effects of being a were included: headaches, special attention to squirrels, and being used to waking up naked. Though waking up in the pound was a new one.

Nick nodded quickly, “be right back.”Ronnie tries to cover himself as he sees the other young man scurry back out the front door, forgetting his food bucket behind him. Ronnie eyes it carefully and he wishes he wasn’t considering what he was considering.

He apparently hadn’t hunted very well last night.

He scratches the beagle behind the ear again as he waits for the kid to come back, he hears some banging around in the other room before the red-faced lad comes back. He’s holding another smock in his arms.

“I’m sorry, this is all I could find.” He holds out the green volunteer’s apron without meeting his eye.

Ronnie shrugs, “better than nothing.” He slips out of the open cage and takes the apron, slipping it over his neck and tie it around the waist. He is acutely aware that his ass was on full display, but there are worse things in this world.

He smiles lightly, far worse things.

Nick seemed to still be in shock but quickly went on filling the bowl of the next cage, “an eventful morning.” He says softly to the beagle as he feeds her.

Ronnie smoothed out his apron and waited for him to finish, “thanks for this.” He finally says as Nick attempts to look him in the face. “Could you tell me where I am? I’ll be out of your hair in a lick.”

Nick’s mouth was a pursed squiggle, he was thinking. “This is Guilford Animal Shelter.”Ronnie stands up straight, “where?”“Guilford.”“Guilford? UK.”“Guilford, yeah.”“I’m south, I’m fuckin so south,” he pulls at his hair, “beautiful!” He says loudly as he walks around in an angry circle, “just great.”Nick creeps up next to him, “where are you from then?”“London!” He could see the headlines now: lone werewolf travels 60 kilometers to completely random city, gives attendant a fright and shows everyone his bum.

Nick was looking him up and down, “you were pretty tired when you got in last night…aren’t were’s supposed to…?” He was still examining him.

“Yes, not shift outside, yeah.” He messages the bridge of his nose and then looks back to Nick, “would really appreciate this if you didn’t mention it to anyone.”Nick gulps and nods at him, “I wouldn’t, I won’t.”Ronnie takes a deep breath, “now… just need to get back.” He murmurs to himself and wishes his wolf self at least had some pockets. A phone.

“Wait,” Ronnie pauses as Nick calls to him, “wait there.”“What?” Ronnie turns around slowly. “Promise I’ll return this when I’m done with it.” He tries to give a reassuring smile, “After I get a little more pants on myself.”Nick bit his bottom lip and glanced toward the door, “there are people out there.” He puts his bucket down, “you might.” He frowns, “it might be a surprise.”Ronnie stands up straight, “no worries mate, I really can take care of myself.” He winks and turns to leave again. “I’ll just be in and out.”

He can hear distant voices from what must be a room over.

Ronnie feels a light hand grab his wrist, it sends a strange tingle up his arm. Nick earnestly looks at him, “they’ll remember bringing a dog in last night.” Nick glances down at the fur still on Ronnie’s hands and feet.

Ronnie lifts his eyebrows, “I take it they’re not as, hmm, open to this sort of thing?” Nick was practically chewing through his lip, he just ducks his head, “I could drive you… the van’s free today.”Ronnie’s brow folds in, “I don’t want to be too much trouble.”Nick just shakes his head frantically, “No, no. Not too much trouble. I just, I know what it’s like.”Ronnie raises both eyebrows and opens his mouth to ask him about that, but Nick was already slipping past him and peeking out the door. “I’ll go get them into another room. You can then follow and take the back left door out. It will lead to the truck.”“Uh,” Ronnie hums, “to the truck?”“Yeah, it will be big and green with two dogs on the side. Smells a little like old ranch, but it will get us there,” Nick was looking decidedly out the door now, thinking.“To London?” Ronnie was feeling more out of sorts by the second. Most people don’t have much sympathy for were’s shifting outside of designated facilities, much less helping them.

Nick just nods, “it’s been a slow week anyway.” He gives him a half-smile that makes Ronnie’s stomach flutter a little, it wasn’t a bad smile.

“We should be quick,” Nick was turning back to business.

Ronnie was leaning in over him, he had a good head over the other boy. “It’s a long trip, I mean,” he tries to sort through what he means.

Nick just waves his hand in the air, “I was the one that helped bring you in. It’s only right I’ll help you out.”He chuckles, “if you say so.” Ronnie wasn’t going to protest too hard against a free ride, one with this boy didn’t seem so bad either.

Nick strips his plastic gloves off as his he nods behind him, “follow once you hear the voices fade out.”

“Right.” He replies back a little dumbly.

Nick dips out the door and closes it behind him, Ronnie here’s some noises faintly through the wood.

“Have you all seen the new vending machine? It has moon pies.”

“What? No shit.”Ronnie chuckles and hears a few more indistinct voices followed by more doors banging shut, he takes that as a sign to get his mostly-exposed self out the door. He creeps into a large lounge area with bags of dog food and leashes on the wall.

He considers just searching the drawers for some car keys and clean this whole mess up himself, but he figured Nick could get in trouble for a missing dog-shelter car. He locates the back left door, smelling of trees and mud outside.

He looks both ways before taking the first out, seeing an empty lot with just one large dog-catcher truck in the back, he wrinkles his nose at it.

“Sweet irony,” he tastes the words before letting the door swing closed behind him, he could use a bit of luck around then. Just in and out like he didn’t run hog-wild around the countryside for a night.

He runs quickly with the breeze licking at all his edges as his bare feet pound the pavement to the other side of the lot. He rips the door open to the van and jumps in.

He shudders slightly as he feels the harsh fabric of the chair against his backside, it was rough and course and he wishes not for the first time that dogs wore underwear.

He looks up at the ceiling and counts back from ten, thinking about the club girls the other night that said he was about to face trouble in a week’s time. But partial-witches were always spouting nonsense like that on the dance floor, thought it was sexy.

He sighs, but this is trouble enough.

His stomach sinks as he looks out the window and sees dreary gray spring morning with a squat pound facility in front of him. There was no fair-haired boy in sight.

Ronnie clicks his tongue and tries to remember how to hotwire a car, they did it in the movies, it couldn’t be that hard. He’s digging into the dashboard for a loose crisps bag when he hears footsteps.

He perks up as he sees Nick fast-walking toward the car, a pair of keys clutched in his hands, something in Ronnie exhales and he threads a hand through his short hair. He tells himself that it’s just cause he’s a good kid.

Nick flings the door open and jumps into the driver’s seat, “you made it! Fantastic.” He was jamming the keys in the ignition as he wiped his brow.

“Honestly, I owe you mate, this is the nicest thing someone’s-”“Wait on that,” Nick was waving his hand in the air, “oh shite.”Ronnie sits all the way up and Nick gestures for him to get down, “my coworkers. Get down.”Ronnie hears some crunching gravel and curls himself up below the dashboard, he wasn’t that lucky he concluded.

“Oi, pretty boy!” He hears two sets of footsteps approaching.

“Whatcha doing with the van?” A second voice asks lightly.

Ronnie watched Nick’s Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed, rolling down the window slowly, “just got a call. Pound wants to give us another dog for the day.”

Ronnie can barely see two heads at Nick’s window as they leaned toward him.

“All by yourself?”“Just a routine pick up. The pound is going to put the dog in themselves,” Nick says assuredly, “you know they’re full up right now.”One of the young voices chuckles, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drive the van before.”

Nick frowns slightly, “I have my license.” The unsaid threat was under the surface, Ronnie had a feeling the road laws from ten years ago applied to Nick.The redhead clucks, “and what if the dogs get in a howl? Who’s supposed to soothe them.” The fellow was reaching into the car, Ronnie tenses. “We’ll need a sweet face.”

“I’m sure you can handle it Jack.” Nick was batting his hand away, “just take them outside for a run. Whistle at them.”“Come on,” The other one laughs, “we all know your type are best with their mouths.” They were laughing now, “real nice with it I hear.” It sounded lewd and it was.Ronnie felt his blood boil as he sees this type of treatment, the two were laughing and pushing on each other.

Nick just grit his teeth, “I’m sure Bob would be happy to hear you saying that to me Ed.”“Don’t get your magic panties in a twist,” Ed said nimbly, “pretty boy like you I’m sure has heard worse.”“We’re joking,” Jack was peering inside the van, Ronnie shrinks back, “Look, I’m just saying we always take the pick ups, I don’t really think you’re…so much for it. These fellows can get nasty.”Nick just shook his head, “I’ll soothe them then, you just said I was good at it.” He said defiantly, “now if you excuse me,” he revved the engine, “I have a pickup to do.”

“Now now,” A hand reached in, “I know you might like working heavy machinery,” another laugh, “but it’s not your job.”“Last time I checked I was a handler too,” Nick starts backing up and Ronnie could have clapped, “good bye.”“Nicky-”“Gotta go.” Nick swerves hurriedly out of their reach as the men try to grab at the keys again. Nick was fast and already waving, “Tell Bob I’d like to talk when I get back.”Ronnie peaks his head up slightly over the dash and sees two slack-jawed figures disappear as Nick easily turns them onto the road. “Sorry about that.” The boy’s face was still very pink. “You can come up now.”Ronnie scoots his way upright in the seat and peers out on the thick trees on either side of them with little houses dotted in between. He balls his fists up, “I can go back and kick their ass if you want.”Nick doesn’t look at him, “I’m used to it.”“I’m serious, assholes like that need to get their faces dented in now and then,” he smacks his palm, blood boiling. “Bastards.”Ronnie was shaking his head, he stuck his tongue out tentatively, “Trust me when I say they didn’t want to hire me in the first place.”Nick glances over at him, the blue gem perched in the middle of his mouth, “Veela?”“Siren.” Nick says with a sigh, chin tucked down as he watched the road. “They think it’s funny.”“That you’re sexy fish people.” Ronnie was still broiling.He hears Nick cough loudly beside him, and the car jerks a little bit, “sexy fish peo…”“Sorry, sorry, right,” Ronnie puts his hands up, “I know you live on land too, dammit. Didn’t mean to sound ignorant right after those pustule-shaped lads opened their mouths.”Nick laughs and he was smiling crookedly again, “It’s alright.” He snorts, “Though, for the record. We’re not really fish people. I don’t even have gills.”Ronnie smiles back at him, “I know.” He sniffs, “And I don’t have a tail.” He winks, “all of the time.”Nick’s dimples came out as he looked over to him, “I’m glad they sent you to my shelter then.” Nick sits up straight, “or, er, might have been trouble.”Ronnie nods, “not everyone is as nice as an amiable siren like yourself.”Nick just shrugs and doesn’t look at him as he makes a left turn, “like I said.” He sighs, “I know how it is.”Ronnie pats his shoulder and they share a shy look before Nick clears his throat, “where am I taking you in London?”

“Down at West Brompton,” Ronnie says as he tries to situate himself again, “flats there.”Nick just nods and gets them into the morning traffic headed to London, Ronnie can’t help but study his profile. He guiltily thinks that he is awfully pretty, siren-shaped in all the soft, dangerous ways.

“Can I ask how you got down here?” Nick finally asks as they sit on the backed up roadway with some sort of pop music playing softly in the background.

Ronnie picked at the furs on his hand, “don’t remember most of it.” He says loosely, “lot’s of running though.” He groans, “60k, lord.”Nick chuckles, “that is pretty impressive. We found you digging through an old junkyard when we caught you.”Ronnie covers his face, “I ate trash. Great.” He rues his other half as he makes sense of the reason why his mouth tasted like a fire pit this morning.

“I think you were just digging,” Nick says thoughtfully, “but you were very cooperative when I got to you.”Ronnie glanced over, lifting his eyebrows, “Was there singing involved?” Nick was working on his lip again.

Nick pauses and then nods shortly, “it’s what they hired me for.”

“I’m sure it was very nice, would have liked to hear it.” He gives him a thumbs up.Nick rolled his eyes, “yes. Right before you lose your head.”

“And then?”Nick flashed him a sharp grin, “eat you. Obviously.”Ronnie laughs and tries to keep his apron in place, “obviously.” He pushed his hair back, “though I’ll warn you I’m mostly just fur and chewy bits.”Nick nods back and Ronnie’s chest feels a little lighter, “I’ll bring utensils.”Ronnie laughs, “I see you don’t need my help kicking those blokes in after all.” He tilts toward him, “a live-wire.”Nick tenses and his mouth twists slightly in place, they both look out at the low hovering sun just behind the clouds.

“I’m afraid that’s not how the story goes.” He grips the steering wheel, “they live to fight another day.” He glances over at him, “It would make the dogs sad if we were even more short-staffed.”Ronnie’s chest flutters a little bit as the light catches in this stranger’s eyelashes. A siren. “I’m sure you’re very good with them.” He replies softly.

Nick flashes him a grin, “I’m sure your better.”Ronnie elbows him, “Cheeky! I’m perfectly average with dogs. Even my shifted form only sort of likes me.”

“I see.” Nick crawls them forward on the road as a semi tries to cut them off in the heavy traffic.

“If the wolf really liked me he wouldn’t go romping up and down the countryside and leave me buck naked in a cage,” Ronnie laments, “I warned ‘em, we’re becoming a vegetarian if he keeps this up.”

Nick snorts and looks back over to him, the same considering look as before. “Will you get in trouble?” He asks tentatively, “for being outside I mean.”Ronnie rubs his eyes and looks back up, “The census is a little shoddy for the most part.” He picks at the edge of the apron and then looks over at Nick’s face. “So as long as no one tells…”Nick put a finger up to his lips, eyes shining, “I won’t say anything.”Ronnie puts a hand on his shoulder and shakes it fondly, “I really did run into the best type! I should be kissing a leprechaun or something for my luck.”“Ugh, don’t even try, you’ll be missing your wallet by the frenching part.”Ronnie laughs in delight, “do tell.”Nick’s face managed to only turn slightly pink this time, Ronnie thinks it’s a shame he didn’t get to make it a shade of fire-hydrant all over again. He should try.

“First of all, never go to a unicorn dust party, it’s going to be bad on all accounts-”“Try a witches raver mate. They’ll fuck you up two times to sunday.”“I almost lost a kidney.”They start to chat and Ronnie feels a little warmer as the sun peeks out behind the clouds and they finally start to reach the de-congested part of the ride. He somehow almost wishes the traffic was back.

His name was Nick Belmonte, he was originally from Crete but his dad was Italien. He grew up in South Guilford but lived with his grandparents every summer. He had terrible handwriting and a phobia of heights, he had been avoiding doing choir his whole life but liked musicals.

He was studying on the side to be a dog breeder, but hadn’t built up much of client base yet.

He thought Scottish Deerhounds were beautiful creatures, he gave Ronnie a pointed look at that and Ronnie just shifts in place. He wished dearly for a moment that he was wearing pants, or some sort of cool pair of sunglasses.

Ronnie told him about the last couple parties he went to, that his favorite color was red and that he had three little sisters that he tried to visit every weekend to help them with their homework. He didn’t like EDM much but had a soft-spot for electronic, he had wanted to be a DJ growing up, but now he just wanted to get through each day without losing his shit at a customer.

They were on the outskirts of the city by the time Ronnie felt almost a little satisfied, the young man was easy to talk to.

“Wait, what type of restaurant is it?”

“Fancy french one,” Ronnie wrinkles his nose, “They swear they’ll fire me if I get any more dog hair on their suits they make us wear.”“Suit, huh,” Nick looked him up and down and Ronnie puts his hands up.

“I swear I regularly wear clothes.” He winks, “you caught me on an off day.”He hears Nick mumble something to himself, in Ronnie’s head he says something like ‘sounds like a good day to me,’ but Nick was pointing up ahead. “Is that a checkpoint?”

Ronnie swivels front-ward and lifts his eyebrows, he sees cars stopping up ahead of them. There was a little yellow checkpoint booth right over the roadway entering London.

“Bloody hell,” he curses to himself, of course they’d run into one of these.

Nick scrambles through his pockets, “it’s okay, I have my license and ID. They should be okay.”“Uh,” Ronnie looks down at his lap, “should I do something about this?”“One sec,” Nick looked both ways, “Hold the wheel.”

Ronnie shifts over to grab the steering as Nick dives into the back of the van, “should have given this to you earlier.”He mumbles as he shifts through something in the back and Ronnie keeps them headed slowly forward. He knew for a fact they would see Nick’s ID and they’d be chosen for ‘random questioning.’

He remembers his mom saying siren’s ran both the brothel’s and the crime network in this city and nothing good came out of their oil-slick mouths. Ronnie tries to shake loose that cigarette and ash filled memory.

It wasn’t like that anymore.

He sees Nick jerk back into his seat as he holds out a patterned green and black blanket, “it’s old, but it should help.”Ronnie takes the blanket to fold over his lap and pretend he wasn’t an oddly practicing nudist. He hides his hands next.

“Sorry. I know it smells like dog.” They are one car away from the booth, he could see Nick visibly sweating, beading on his forward as he took a deep breath.

“Just between you and me love,” Nick raises his eyebrows at him, “That’s how I usually am.”Nick gives a little hoarse laugh and he’s happy to see him relax slightly.

“We’re just two guys going into the city. No big deal.” Nick breathed in through his nose and Ronnie is tempted to squeeze his knee. Feed him warm milk or something.

They drive up to the booth.

“License and ID,” a bobby was adjusting his cap as he puts out his hand. Nick gives him the documents quickly, notably keeping his silvery eyes downcast.

Ronnie feels another stem of anger building in his gut, but it’d be more trouble if he said anything.

The officer glances at the license before pausing and having his eyes flicker over the ‘species’ section no doubt. Eyes lingering and then scraping up to Nick’s face.

“Could I just ask you boys some questions?”Nick tensed and Ronnie wanted to knock someone’s teeth in, of course this.

“Go ahead.” Nick was trying to smile but it looked more like a wince.

“What’s your boys business in London?” He asks coolly, obviously examining Nick’s pointed teeth.

“Just driving my friend here home.” Nick said as he flashed a small look over to Ronnie.

The officer eyed him, “Where’s he live?”

“Walham Grove SW6. West Brompton.” Ronnie contributes forcibly, his nostrils flaring. The bobby ignores him.

“Where are you coming from?”“Just my work,” Nick points at his ID again, “Guilford animal shelter.”“That’s a long way.”“It’s not too bad,” Nick’s knuckles were bleaching on the wheel, “a nice drive really.”

The policemen’s eyes narrow and he leans into the vehicle as he notices Ronnie again, “what is he doing with your hands?” The policeman stiffens as he sees Ronnie’s hands under the blanket, his eyes snap up. He looks at him with a discerning metal edge.

“Where is your shirt son?” The bobby was reaching for his radio, “get your hands out.”

Ronnie gapes and slowly tries to extract his hands so that the officer doesn’t call in backup right then, he’d surely be put down in the census as ‘unsubordinate werewolf. Unfit for life with the general public.’

He’d never leave the compound.

Ronnie’s heart races and he feels his fangs wanting to poke out, to shift with the full moon out though hidden by the sun.

He feels another hand come down around his, covering the wire-black hairs with his palm. Hiding them. Nick was still smiling, he held Ronnie’s hand tightly.

“My boyfriend just has cold hands.” He says fiercely, showing the officer that Ronnie wasn’t holding anything. He feels the light tingle of Nick’s skin against his. “We had a, uh, long night.”Both the policeman and Ronnie pause at that and focus on him. Alright then.

“His shirt got lost at my place and he doesn’t fit in any of mine,” Nick sang on blithely, “I was just taking him home.”

The bobby seemed to be processing that very slowly, the siren boy holding Ronnie’s hand as he sat shirtless in the van. They freeze there for another long moment until finally the officer takes his hand away from the radio.

He adjusts his cap, “The curfew here is at ten.”“I know officer.” Nick said lightly.

“Well,” he clears his throat, “report any suspicious behavior to the local precinct. You know the city’s on red.”“I know officer.”

He hands him back the license and ID as the bobby doesn’t look them exactly in the eyes. Ronnie reflects that Nick had pretty much declared that they had a one-night stand and now he was returning him. That at least didn’t make the officer want to pry anymore.

They both keep a placid expression for the next couple meters or so until they both slump down heavily in their seats, Nick wiped his face, “he bought it.”

Ronnie threaded his hand through his hair and closed his eyes for a moment, “that could have gone south.” He glances over wearily, “quick thinking mate.”Nick gave a nervous smile and they both glance down at where their hands where they were still touching, Nick puts both his hands back on the wheel. “It was the first thing that popped into my head.” His eyes were intent on the road as they entered a roundabout just inside the city.

“It was clever as hell,” he clapped him on the shoulder, “Makes more sense than my nonsense I got into last night.”Nick was grinning widely now, “don’t mention it.” He bit his lip and Ronnie observes his curly bangs falling into his face.

He sinks lower into his seat again, “I know forgetting the moon cycles is rubbish.” He says as he looks up wistfully, “but,” he hums slightly, “this was the best outcome honestly.”

He reaches out and almost touches the other boy’s leg, “So thanks.”Nick’s face had reached another layer of pink again, finally, Ronnie thought to himself. Nick turned loosely toward him, “how did you not get caught anyway? I mean, before we caught you.”Ronnie traces his eyes on the ceiling, “I was walking home from my friend’s, we were mixing together. Then, I felt the changing coming, almost spat out my whole drink and sprinted into the nearest park.” He shrugs, “must have just run wild after that.”

Nick checks his GPS before focusing back in with him, “Well,” he shifts back and forth, “it is the most interesting thing that’s happened to me this week.” He looks up, “month really.”Ronnie snickers, “interesting am I?”Nick leaned in and wet his lips, “fascinating.” He pronounces each syllable.Ronnie stretches and meets his eyes confidently, “I’ll try to keep your attention then.” The air almost shimmers between them and Nick took a noticeably sharp breath. He looks back to the road.

“I should be a couple more blocks down.” Ronnie says smoothly, Nick nods jerkily, ears burning slightly. Ronnie taps his fingers on the armrest between them, “I should pay you back.”Nick just shakes his head vigorously, “No need. Like I said, this is the most interesting thing that’s happened to me in ages.”Ronnie’s fingers ghost over the tips of his pale hair, he doesn’t touch it though, “would beating up those blokes help?”“No way,” Nick wrinkled his nose. “They’re not worth the effort.”Ronnie glances up, “I’m the apartment on the left. With the white door.” They slow to a crawl and Ronnie wonders what the siren’s thinking.

“I sort of want to use one of their lines is the thing.” He says lowly, heatedly, all those nights practicing in the mirror for dates might finally come in handy.

“Which one?” Nick says dryly, “because calling me a sea fairy is already taken.”They are sitting outside his apartment now, Ronnie shifts as he takes the blanket in hand to return it. “Pretty.” He grins, “a very pretty boy.”Nick ducks his head and looks like he’s trying to hide his face, “I honestly don’t what to say to that.” He begins to chew on his lip, Ronnie reaches out and touches his chin, lifting it up slowly.

His mouth falls open this time.

He searches his eyes, “come to drinks with me.” He smiles broadly, “I’ll pay you back for all this.”Nick stares at him widely, eyes like saucers, “I suppose I will need to get the apron back.”Ronnie lifts up, “I can give it back now!” He goes for the bow around his waist.

“No no,” Nick grabs at him, holding his wrist back. Ronnie gives him a wry look, Nick lifts his eyebrows, “arsehole.”Ronnie chuckles, “your face was priceless.”

“Ugh, make it two drinks.”“I’ll get you whole round if we add in dinner.” Maybe wolfing out for a night improved his game.

Nick doesn’t hide his face this time, the light plays across his cheek as his features soften, “deal.”Ronnie pumps his fist in the air, “God looks after fools, drunkards, and dogs apparently.” He laughs and goes for the door, waving hugely, “I’ll actually wear something next time.”“Not too much I hope,” Nick says mildly and Ronnie’s mouth falls open.

“Scandalous!” He cackles.

Nick covers his eyes, “I’ll see you then. After you forget I said that.”Ronnie squeezes his hand and jumps out of the car, “write down your number.” He goes to the driver side window. “Or address, email, and mom’s maiden name.”Nick was flushed and laughing again, “one thing at a time.”If Ronnie had his tail he would have been wagging it. Instead, he takes the small piece of paper and whoops. “Mark off your calendar! I’m taking half those nights.”Nick rolled his eyes as Ronnie cheered as he got to his door, “put on some pants Ronnie!” One of his neighbors angrily yelled at him but he just waves. He’d have to do some sweet talking with his landlord to get back into his apartment, but that didn’t seem so daunting at the moment.

“Wait,” he hears a voice call to him before he enters the house. “Wait.” He turns around just as Nick was clambering out of his van toward him.

Ronnie cocked his head to the side, “what can I do for you.”“This.” Nick got up on his tiptoes and Ronnie feels the light touch of lips to his cheeks. His whole body starts to tingle. Nick presses his mouth sweetly there, “thank you.”Ronnie touches the part that he just kissed on the cheek, “damn.”Nick smiled shyly and waved, “for next time.”“A preview.” He says brightly and Nick just winks at him. It was Ronnie’s turn to blush slightly.

He watches him retreat, looking over his shoulder with each step, they were both smiling and looking each other over. The boy in the apron with the dog shelter attendant, he waves as he leaves and Nick promises to come back.

He does.