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cookies-and-mirrors · 6 days ago

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Prison of Stone and Flesh

Chapter Thirty-Three

This is a collaborative fic between @cookiesupplier, @faceless-mirror & @comforting-madness

Dividers by @samspenandsword @cafekitsune @saradika-graphics

Authors Note: Welcome Back! Same bat time! Same bat channel! You know where to find us! Discoveries are made, by Ricky and Noah.

Pairings: Multi-Pairings, Everybody x Everybody.

Triggerlist: transphobia, homophobia, abuse, SA, dubcon, religious trauma, past suicide attempts, mental health issues, grief, death, violence, kidnapping, suicidal ideation, torture, (To be added to)

Christopher, Justin, and Ryan are members of the Gargoyle Order, soldiers fighting in the angels war against the demonic supernatural evils of the world to protect human kind. Through the years they lost comrades and now just the three of them remain in their little town.

Now, Ricky and Vinny are moving into their church, stirring up old and new feelings, along with the past, posing the challenge of navigating this new chapter in their lives.

Can they all navigate this path successfully and break free of the prisons that is their lives of both stone and flesh, or will they all be trapped forever in a world that could prove to be a constant misery?

MASTERLIST HERE

Taglist: @miamore0570 @21-century-tae @dragon-chica @shilohrosechicken @comforting-madness

@missduffsblog @witchyweeb34 @spicywhenspeaking @lacktoesandtoddlerants @blackveilomens

@bngurngheart @dominuslunae @collapsedglasshouses @emmmm127 @sunsshinesunny

@latenightmusiclover @dontdiganothergravetoday @high-wire @awkwardalex

(please comment/like/reblog/message to be added to taglist)

Chapter Thirty Three

For the life of him, Noah had no clue how they managed to convince him he needed to be here. Climbing out of the car, he’d tried to drag his brother to come along with him, but his brother had outright turned him down flat. Noah had begged. He’d even tried to bribe Folio, even. However, when he’d admitted that Riyah wasn’t going to be accompanying them, Folio had just told him he was out, that he wasn’t going to be caught dead in the baby store. Dammit.

So that was why Noah was stuck here with two mated couples. Apparently that's what they called it in gargoyle culture, Chris and Vinny, Justin and Ricky. What the fuck was he doing here? Though, if he was understanding right, they needed, well, everything… he was not looking forward to any of this. Babies were fine, they were great… but him, baby shopping? Come on.

Ricky had headed right to the rocking chairs, looking over them and trying to find one big enough for him and Justin both to use. He wanted to be sure that Justin would be comfortable giving bottles… and Vinny had darted to look at clothes. She had a cart half full while towing another full of diapers. Meanwhile, the employees just looked on confused, as did customers at the gargoyles who appeared more prepared for a biker gang than… Baby shopping.

Chris gently patted his grandson on his the back, he might not have the physique that Chris and Justin had, but he had the tattoos, the height, that they did, so he was drawing the same stares. Ricky somehow was blending in better, perhaps due to the fact he was so eager… or that he was starting to show. Though, he was not the only eager one out of the group. However, for the gargoyles, this was the first shopping trip. When the troupe birthed young in the past, they used handmade furniture, it was all they could use when it came to cribs and the like.

Looking around, there was so much there they hadn’t even considered using, bouncers, walkers, strollers… turning to stone, taking their children out into the world during the day had never been an open to them. Justin was ecstatic at the possibility, at the thought of taking the twins out in the world… Taking their kids to the park, playing with them in the sun! He rushed over to look at the strollers to look at them, picking at the very first one he found that he could put both the twins in. “Look, this one will fit both the babies in! Let’s get it!”

Noah walked slowly along, glancing over to Ricky by the rocking chairs, sitting in a massive one, about to ask where it was going to go when he heard Justin call out. Anyone might assume that he was about to get a crick in his neck with how quickly his head practically swivelled around to snap and stare at Justin… Oh, shit. Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen. He was walking as quickly as he could toward the gargoyle, “Oh no, no, no, you have no clue about the safety reviews Justin! Strollers have all kinds of safety hazards you have to watch out for, they are one of the biggest recall items you have to be careful of… You have to watch for, for, the folding locks breaking and sharp points cutting the kid, and straps strangling them, hell, amputation, the buckles coming undone… Breaks going wild, or just the seat just falling apart. Nope, nope.”

The tribrid snatched the stroller from the gargoyle and put it back with a stern look, before looking at all the others, “Nothing leaves this store without looking at the safety review, nothing.” Even the clothes when it came to material, fire retardants, and choking hazards.

Dammit… why was he baby shopping again… this was why Riyah didn’t want to come, wasn’t it?

Ricky was feeling the fabric and looking at tags as Vinny looked up and over. “I'm already looking at what the clothes are made of and looked up the safest brands.” Vinny commented warmly as she returned to looking.

Rick glanced up with big eyes, remembering safety and looked at the reviews before flying out of the chair, charging towards Justin to snatch him. “I need you to sit in these chairs with me.” He said, not planning on clarifying.

Chris was looking over something called a bouncer, sure there were cribs, but there was the tradition that they always made those themselves, why would they need to buy them. As for the chair that Ricky was sitting in, Chris was almost certain he could probably make one of those as well, so he wondered if Ricky even needed to buy one of those. Hmm. Even so, he said nothing as he watched when the nephilim rushed over to Justin. The gargoyle was confused at the younger’s sudden outburst before his mate spoke up. “Oh, okay… I can do that… and if you like it, I can make one for us at home.”

Noah had pulled his phone from his pocket and started scrolling, he had some research to do on these strollers if he wanted to get something safe enough for the twins. He was not about to walk out of here without something safe for them. Either he looked scary, or his rant was daunting, but none of the sale team had approached him, perhaps they were worried about selling him something not up to par and getting sued.

Vinny walked to Chris and kissed his cheek. “Love.” she whispered, “Want help picking two bouncers?” She asked gently as she heard Rick talking about bottles and explaining the chair, the features it had and all.

The eldest gargoyle smiled to his mate softly before glancing back to the bouncer, but he was unsure about them, “I don’t really know. I mean, all the things Noah said about the things that could go wrong. Maybe it's better if we stick to making our own?” If he could figure out how, he’d never handled a bouncer before, then again, he’d helped raise countless young ones… How hard could it be without one?

Justin raised an eyebrow at the mention of the different functions of the chair, “Fuctions, why would a rocking chair need functions… and bottle feeding?” He paused… “Why am I going to need to feed the babies with a bottle?”

“It's safer, these are for when the babies are awake but no one can hold them so they can still see everyone. And… honestly Chris… I will say a lot of the manufactured furniture, it’s safer if you look at reviews. You know we used to use cloths as teethers? Look at these. These are teethers now. They can be thrown into freezers, and they have ones that are antibacterial…” Vinny explained, talking to her mate about the changes. As Vinny explained the changes, Chris was listening, and taking in the information, the teethers were curious, looking over them. Putting them in the freezer? Picking up one of them, he looked over one of the rings, it was clear with bright color balls through it to keep the babies attention for them to gum on.

Ricky was dumbfounded, “If… I need to have you feed the baby…” there was worry in his eyes. Oh gods, don't let Justin turn into one of those… his eyes watered at the thought.

Justin looked down at the chair and then back to his mate, his confusion only growing right then, especially when he saw the tears in Ricky’s eyes… “Of course I’ll feed our babies, why wouldn’t I feed our babies… but what does that have to do with bottles?”

“I… you… you don't need bottles?” He asked softly, eyes watering for a new reason now. Trembling. “Babyboy? Why didn't you tell me sooner?”

No, no, they didn’t need bottles. Male gargoyles could feed their young in the same manner as the female gargoyles, from their chest. The fact that they split their young between their parents, some as soon as they were born, it was needed, he didn’t even need to switch genders to do it either. It took him a moment to remember, that no, Ricky didn’t, didn’t… Right… Justin smiled guiltily, “Well, at first, I was afraid of overwhelming you with the twin news… Then I forgot you didn’t already know.”

Ricky smiled softly before sniffling and kissing him, wrapping his arms around him tightly. “We need a different chair then. One that we can both sit in for breastfeeding. We still need a pump though… just in case and some bottles.” He whispered softly.

Justin smiled at the kiss, so, the tears weren’t about Ricky being upset with him, and that made him happy. Leaning into him, though, the pump did make him a bit confused, didn’t the babies just suck? As for the bottles, humans had weird ways of doing things, they really did, but okay, okay, he was just going to go with it for now. If Ricky wanted bottles, he was going to go with it, they could get bottles. Nodding, “Well, okay, I don’t know what half of the things here are for, when I helped look after the babies before, we didn’t use any of them.” Then again, the babies also turned to stone during the day too, so it was quite different.

Vinny smiled at Chris with gentle eyes. “I want to have our babies…” she admitted softly.

Looking down at his mate, Chris leaned down to press a gentle kiss to Vinny’s lips with those words. He knew it was a difficult subject, she wanted to have their babies, he would do anything so she could, even offering to have them for her, “We’ll have our babies.” He wished he knew a way for humans to do what they did. Why were they created with such limitations?

Noah was looking up from his phone and staring across the area, he could hear the conversation between Ricky and Justin by the chairs. Though, he wasn’t sure how many of the humans and other customers could make sense of the confusion, but that was probably for the best, but him? Was Justin really saying male gargoyles breastfed the babies… okay… okay… did that… could they… what else could they do? Was there something he needed to know here? Was there anything he needed to be worried about here. Thank fuck he always used condoms, always, admittedly not for that reason, but… Noah, shuffling his way over to Chris and Vinny… “Um, can I ask you a question?”

“The bottles are for Vinny or anyone else non gargoyle if they watch the kids… I want to make sure that if you and I are both working or going on a date… we don’t have to worry as much.” Ricky explained softly, leaning his forehead against Justin’s chest with a smile.

Vinny smiled at Chris before turning her attention to Noah. “Yes? What’s up?” she asked warmly, green eyes a bit watery at the hopeless thought she wouldn’t carry their children this time. Distractions. This was supposed to be happy.

Justin’s eyes were wide with the thought of going on a date, a date, they hadn’t really been on a date, had they? What was a date? He’d heard humans talk about them, but he wasn’t sure he understood the specific difference is spending the night with Ricky at the bar and going home with him, and a date was? “We can’t take the babies with us?” Why would they want to leave the babies behind…

The slightly glazed look to Vinny’s eyes gave Noah pause, was she okay? “Are you alright, did I interrupt, I can wait, just um…” Ask someone else… He wasn’t really sure he wanted to ask Shade or Riyah… Even asking Chris…

“It’s okay. It's just… Chris and I were talking about our babies… if we can have any in the future. Go ahead. Ask away, dear.”

Ricky chuckled, “Well… dates are used for one-on-one time. With no one else there.” he explained warmly with a smile, “I’ll take you on one tonight if you like.” He offered softly, “I would love to… honestly.”

If, “If, that, if is sort of my question… if… um…” Noah glanced over to Justin and Ricky, “They are talking about gargoyles, um feeding babies, like, both men and women, right? And um, it made me wonder about… Who… actually can get… pregnant? Do I have to, be, ah… careful about that? Not that I’m not always careful, condoms, always… just… curious.” He was going to kill Shade and Riyah… If he had been fucking them both for some seventy some years and neither of them told him, he could have knocked them up… Yep, yep, he was going to kill them. Him bottoming was different, he hadn’t known… Fuck… Fuck.

Justin grinned slowly, tonight, a date, tonight… “Tonight, really? Yea, okay! Wait, but, shouldn’t we put together all the furniture and start figuring out what we’re going to do for a nursery?” He wasn’t sure how it would work. While angel magic could help expand the apartment to make room so they wouldn’t have to find a different space, he knew Gwynn was having a hard time of it. Justin felt guilty suggesting they move to a different area for the babies.

“Hey. It’s okay, Noah. How about we go get more diapers? We need them… Chris, can you look up blanket safety like I showed you? And pick some out. If you see some you like too, don’t be afraid to grab some for us, too. Baby blankets are the softest.” she asked, giving Chris the look that she would handle this awkward one for him.

Ricky smiled at Justin, “We should be okay with this… maybe we can move up into an alcove…. We can talk about it with Gwynn. But we have time to get everything put together. We should get some of this done… and we need to have some time just us. We can go out to a nice dinner. Maybe a movie.”

Chris froze when Noah was asking about getting pregnant. It had been a long time since he had needed to have the procreation talk with any of his offspring. Even then, more often than not, it was about the breeding program for gargoyles and the effect of the consent of breeding for them. Now Noah, everything was up in the air, there was no breeding program involved for him, he wasn’t technically a gargoyle. When Vinny took over and spoke of blanket safety, he nodded quickly, “Of course, I’ll, find some good ones.” Smiling softly, before heading to the blankets.

Noah watching his grandfather go before glancing towards Vinny, “Am I not going to like this, and that's why he’s running away like a scared little boy? I know fear, that was, almost… complete terror in those eyes.” Noah swallowed, god… four hundred years old, don’t tell him it was a fluke he hadn’t gotten pregnant somewhere along the way… or… oh… was he sterile because he was a tribrid? Huh, that could be a thing. He’d read that somewhere, but then shouldn’t half-breeds should be too? From what he heard, Ricky was one as a nephilim, so perhaps that didn’t count when the supernatural was involved, so scratch that…

“It's more… complicated than that.” Vinny said, grabbing a cart and led the way. “Now… believe it or not… consent is required for gargoyles to get pregnant. They have to verbally consent to each other to breed. The reason that Chris got a bit overwhelmed… well… He and I were supposed to have kids. The next time he was supposed to talk about it… was with our littles.” she said softly, picking a few different boxes up, looking them over thoughtfully. “Basically, no one gets around without consent. No one can force it, for gargoyles. Not even an angel command.” she explained, looking at him gently from the corner of her eye.

Justin sighed, he didn’t want Rick to have to move away from Vinny, he knew what the two of them meant to each other, he saw it. It was what Chris, Ryan, meant to him. Yes, he was okay moving a bit from them, but then again, he could live levels away from them and still hear them like they were almost in the next room. It could sometimes be suffocating. “Let's do something tonight, we can sort the nursery tomorrow, how about that? I’d like dinner, oh… what's Putt-putt?” He’d heard about something called Putt-putt, but he didn’t know what it was.

Hold up… “Wait, wait, no accidental pregnancies? No, sixteen and pregnant issues?” Noah looked over to Vinny as he walked beside her when she grabbed the cart while she talked about verbal consent. Oh, he’d had the consent talk, many times over when it came to sex, many times, but pregnancy, that was something else. Pregnancy was about safety, and condoms, not consent. That was, a different issue. However, hearing that Vinny and Chris were supposed to have kids, he fell quiet, and knowing she had died, he swallowed. That was likely not something they would want to think on.

Oh… angel command. “Right. Angel command… about that… yeah… I, I might have um, um, accidentally, done that. I won’t do it again. I am vehemently against taking away another person's freewill. Personally, I would rather not be a monster.” Coming up to the newborn nappies, Noah quickly reached to pull off a massive box from the shelf to leverage it into the cart for Vinny.

“Putt-putt is a sport. We could do that. It’s very fun and calm. I think that’d be fun. There’s a dragon themed one.” Ricky offered warmly to Justin, “I think that would be perfect. Putt-putt and dinner.” he said, beaming, hugging him tightly.

Vinny smiled sadly, “No accidental pregnancies.” she established, “I… wasn’t supposed to have kids with Chris. We were mates from the same unit.” she explained, before looking him over, “Angel commands can be used for good. Gwynn asks for consent, usually… unless it's an emergency.” she added, “They can be kind, but… most angels aren’t kind. For gargoyles, Justice, Gwynn… is a saint to all gargoyles… Most angels are cruel.”

Fun and calm sounded perfect, as much as a thrill would be a great. Fun, and calm though, Justin knew they might be lucky to make it through dinner. That was how gargoyle pregnancies went, Ricky had been so tired, but the two of them going out and having some time together, having fun, he looked forward to it. “Perfect.”

“Mates aren’t supposed to have kids, why?” Noah felt laid bare when Vinny looking over him, as if she were studying him for his confession. He truly didn’t want to use that power, ever again. He wasn’t sure how much a command could be used for good, he knew he’d used it for information, but he couldn’t forget the look of pain on Shade’s face, and it had killed him to see it. It made him think about his mother. Talking to Atsuko yesterday after Folio left, he found out that the gargoyle had been his father’s best friend, and the reason the others hadn’t known about his mother was she had been a nephilim. They were considered dangerous by most, not all, so he had kept her away from the others, protected her, loved her… His father hadn’t even known about him before he died… Wait… “Justice?”

Ricky kissed Justin softly, “I’ll need a nap beforehand, but I don’t think you mind.” he said softly, “Mid-afternoon nap together…?”

“Mates… are not allowed to breed because the twins are supposed to…” she breathed for a moment, closing her eyes. “They’re separated. One per parent to keep troops diverse…” she said softly, “But… yes. Justice was Gwynn’s chosen virtue. No one has held it since. But… Gwynn’s been… Through a lot. The easy way to say it.”

Justin smiled, his lips against Ricky’s, “Definitely. Now, let’s decide on which chair we want, need you comfortable Daddy.” Not to mention, with the plan of the bottles and, the hope of future babies, anything they buy today would be used by far more than just them.

“Oh,” He wasn’t aware that Gwynn would have a virtue like the gargoyles. Noah didn’t know a lot about gargoyle culture, but he knew a little, enough that he knew Riyah’s virtue was Integrity, and Shade’s was Tact. Maybe next time Ryan threw him off the roof he’d go see Gwynn about it, then again, the way Vinny said Gwynn had been through a lot, he sighed a little, “Yea, I got that, from the other night.” He fell quiet for a moment, “Don’t worry, I won’t be talking about it, Ryan made it explicitly clear, issues from that night, are better off left unsaid.” At least to Atsuko. Noah had a feeling he should just stay out of the Heaven crap altogether, he wasn’t a part of it anyway, he was an outsider.

As he spoke, Noah was adding baby wipes, a ridiculous amount, to the cart, then he stopped, looking back towards Vinny with a look of realisation, “Perseverance, Responsibility, that’s their virtues…” He felt like an idiot to have not connected that, he’s been distracted by seeing Shade’s pain that night and the news about his grandfather and father. “Do you have a virtue? Will I? Did Folio?”

Ricky nodded, beaming gently as he looked up at Justin lovingly, returning to look. His hand holding Justin.

Vinny took in Noah’s realization. “It's not usual for handlers to have one. I was Authenticity. And you will have one. Folio did. He was Cheerfulness.” She sighed softly, thinking back.

Noah couldn’t help but wonder how, why, what it took for him to get a virtue. He was four hundred years old, wasn’t like he was about to change any time soon, he wasn’t very, distinct in a gargoyle kind of way… or virtuous at all. Smiling a little though, cheerfulness, he could see that, he could. “I’m not very virtuous though, I mean, this whole thing is because, wait…” Noah stared at Vinny for a second when he considered what they’d been talking about and realized he’d gotten sidetracked, and he hadn’t actually gotten the answer he wanted to. “Okay, I know you said gargoyles can’t get pregnant if they don’t want to, right, but you didn’t say whether male gargoyles can get pregnant and carry babies in the same way they can feed them?” If they had those parts, did they have the other parts too?

“The body adapts itself. I as a gargoyle wasn't born female. It was what I chose. We can choose our presentation.” She explained warmly watching him.

Chris sighed as he heard the conversation as it continued, he knew this would be a struggle, especially this part, this question. Pushing a cart full of blankets, he wasn’t about to skimp, blankets for everyone, not just the babies, besides, he remembered who the babies were in the past, they could be rascals. They would need so much of everything, everywhere in the Church. “Choosing our presentation is the greatest gift, so is the gift of being able to switch our physical gender when we were assigned partners in the breeding program. For example, despite mates in the same unit not being allowed to breed, should Honesty and Cheerfulness have wished to breed it would have been simple. Either Atsuko or your brother would have had the choice to switch their physical genitalia for the duration of their breeding until the birthing.”

Now that would have been an interesting pair of babies for sure, Chris, however, continued, “Let’s not tell them I used them as an example, shall we?”

Vinny smiled and turned to kiss Chris's shoulder, gently nuzzling him lightly and thoughtfully. “Thank you.” She breathed out.

Noah looked between the two, that was interesting, but he understood when Chris spoke, no, males couldn’t have babies, but at the same time, they could. Gargoyles were whatever they chose to be, and that realization, seeing Vinny had been reborn as a human. As difficult as Noah knew as it was for many a human to live that life, for someone who had known this life as a gargoyle, that freedom, to be trapped now, it must be so much worse. Well, he was glad she wasn’t giving up.

“Okay, diapers, wipes, powder, I saw Justin with the bouncers, I picked out the stroller and have the tag so we can pay at the counter… High chairs… Babies gotta eat when they get big enough, can’t forget that.” Noah wasn’t going to give up either, they might not be his babies, but he was willing to help… “I’ll, ah, go take care of that.”

Vinny smiled and nodded, “Thank you, Noah.” She said softly before embracing Chris once more with a soft smile. At least she was understood…

Chris arms wrapped around his mate with a sigh, he loved Vinny with all his heart and soul, it didn’t matter the body she came back to him in, he’d always love her. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, “Did you have a good talk with him?” He hadn’t listened in to all of it.

She nodded, “I think he understands gargoyles a bit better, but I think Gwynn will finally be able to have a calm talk with him about angels as well. But… I'm worried about them.” she confessed softly.

Sighing softly, Chris nodded, agreeing with her, “I am also, I have been since they returned. I’ve been attempting to get them to take things slow, continue to heal, not push themself. I have a horrible feeling they are blaming themselves for everything that has gone wrong.” It didn’t help that Ryan was falling apart, and had been tortured by the very angel that had replaced them. “As much as Noah needs help, I’m afraid of putting that pressure on Gwynn.”

Vinny nodded, “I just hope Ryan can talk to them about it and explain himself… they need it…” she sighed softly, “Jerahmiel… He said he’d come back…” she whispered before her throat tightened, foggy memories surfacing.

Chris was quiet, explaining himself, explain… the slap… If Vinny had walked back into his life just the same, after a thousand years, claiming to have never died… it would have killed him. There would have been no slap, he wasn’t sure it wouldn’t have just… Then again, he didn’t think he’d have survived the thousand years that Ryan did. Swallowing, “Gwynn has assured me they’ve intensified the wards of the Church, and we have continued the patrols. Once the boys have moved in and settled, it’ll make things easier. I hope Shade and Riyah are willing to help join us.”

“Me too… I…” Vinny's eyes were glassy and watery. “It wasn't… it wasn't hellhounds. Or humans.” She whispered as she looked up at Chris. Should she tell him? What would happen if she did… or didn't?

Something about the way she spoke, the way she looked at him…

Chris… stilled.

Not hellhounds. Not humans. Not what he was told, by… him.

“It was Jerahmiel.” Taking in a breath, steel, calm, he shook his head, “BabyGirl, I won’t let him get anywhere near you, ever again.” He would destroy him first, period. He was done dealing with Jerahmiel.

“He's going to try to kill Ricky. That's what he meant-” she said, swallowing despite her mouth being dry. “He's going to try to hurt Ricky-” Vinny whispered, hiding her face against his chest, trembling. “He…”

“He won’t get the chance.” The firmness in which Christopher spoke as his embrace tenderly squeezed her in contrast wasn’t just her mate, it was every bit the original gargoyle that had out lived every other gargoyle that walked the mortal realm. He was both world-weary and battle hardened. “I know he is coming, and he won’t get his hands on him, I promise you, Ricky, the babies, they will be safe.”

She nodded slowly, closing her eyes and melting into his chest, “I trust you… I always have.” She whispered.

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cookies-and-mirrors · 1 month ago

Text

Prison of Stone and Flesh

Chapter Thirty

This is a collaborative fic between @cookiesupplier, @faceless-mirror & @comforting-madness

Dividers by @samspenandsword @cafekitsune @saradika-graphics

Authors Note: And we hit 30 chapters! Still going strong!

Pairings: Multi-Pairings, Everybody x Everybody.

Triggerlist: transphobia, homophobia, abuse, SA, dubcon, religious trauma, past suicide attempts, mental health issues, grief, death, violence, kidnapping, suicidal ideation, (To be added to)

Now, Ricky and Vinny are moving into their church, stirring up old and new feelings, along with the past, posing the challenge of navigating this new chapter in their lives.

MASTERLIST HERE

Taglist: @miamore0570 @21-century-tae @dragon-chica @shilohrosechicken @comforting-madness

@missduffsblog @witchyweeb34 @spicywhenspeaking @lacktoesandtoddlerants @blackveilomens

@bngurngheart @dominuslunae @collapsedglasshouses @emmmm127 @sunsshinesunny

@latenightmusiclover @dontdiganothergravetoday @high-wire @awkwardalex

(please comment/like/reblog/message to be added to taglist)

Chapter Thirty

Vinny had woken up at her usual time, finishing the cake for Riyah’s breakfast, leaving a note it was for Riyah only. Then she headed down to open the shop with a smile on her lips, and a hopeful twinkle in her green eyes as she did.

Chris was happy to be up with Vinny, helping her in the café, feeling like himself. Everything felt like it was falling into place, and yet, at the same time, there was so much that could go sideways. It wasn’t his job anymore to consider the multitude of things that could go wrong, but he refused to put it all on Gwynn. Didn’t mean he wanted to tackle it all this morning, not when he had time with his mate. He was spending it helping her, carrying a rack of baked goods and sliding the muffins into the glass display case.

Noah was upstairs, snuggled up to Riyah where he had stayed the night, a soft sound as he nuzzled to the gargoyle hoping to wake him, he wanted to go downstairs… he could smell food. He could smell the coffee. Obviously, he was hungry, and so that meant one thing. Hungry, time for breakfast. Wake up Riyah. He butted his shoulder with his head again.

As the pair was up and preparing for the day, Riyah was still sound asleep. Worn out from yesterday, the gargoyle was curled up on one of the beds with Noah, and he had the small bobcat with him. At the small sound and nuzzle, he stirred a bit while he went to nuzzle him back, but was still asleep. Unaware that the younger male wants to go downstairs, and he groans softly, stretching with a yawn after the small headbutt to his shoulder.

“‘M awake…” Riyah drawled as he glanced at his friend and wrinkled up his nose at the smell of food. His brain cannot process what he's smelling, so it's… odd to him. Moving to sit up now, the gargoyle rubs his eyes with a yawn and then looks to Noah. “Let's get you something to eat, yeah?”

Noah vibrated as he purred, rubbing himself against Riyah as the gargoyle was waking up. Yes, yes food, he was already starving.

A quiet laugh left him, petting his friend for a moment before picking him up. “C'mon you walking bottomless pit,” Riyah quipped softly as he stood up with Noah and made his way down to the café with him. He was more awake now despite his head being a little foggy with sleep, but he now can breathe in easily without wanting to gag. Nonetheless, here he was down in the café with Noah and went to sit down.

Vinny smiled, touching Chris's shoulder. “Baby. Go ahead and pull out three yogurt parfaits, and a dozen muffins. I'm gonna make Riyah a smoothie and one for Noah.” she said warmly, kissing his cheek.

Nodding, “I’ll finish setting up the display.” Oh, Chris liked helping, however he could. He might not be able to do things, like having worked out how to use the machines Chenza used to make the smoothies and the coffees that she served people with, but he certainly liked helping however he could. Setting out the cakes and the muffins all fancy and decorative like, that was fun, and not something he would get to do normally. Noah, meanwhile, while he perked up at the idea of a smoothie, was paying close attention to the apple crumble muffins that grandpa Chris was building into a fancy little tower on the counter. Pretty.

Riyah, on the other hand, had his head down, still holding Noah close but, of course, with wiggle room for his friend. He was tired, still a little out of it as he also watched Chris set up the muffins. Shifting to get comfortable in his seat, he goes to lightly scratch under Noah’s chin and ears. “I see you eyeing the muffins,” he mused, “I'm not stopping you.” As much as he would probably do the opposite, he can't be bothered because there was no point when it came to Noah and food. He's learned to not worry about it…

Glancing over to the kitchen, he wanted to go in and help, but right now, he'd be in the way. Riyah has always struggled with waking up properly, especially now since he's used to being more awake in the evenings. But it was always hard to wake up after a stressful day, so right now he'll stay put and watch his sister as best as he can.

Vinny smiled, making a rich fruity smoothie, adding in green tea powder to help Riyah wake up. Noah's was simple. Strawberries and blueberries with lots of ice and a good helping of yogurt. She walked them over and offered Riyah’s before setting Noah’s down in a big bowl. “Papa is bringing some muffins and yogurt parfaits for you.” She mentioned gently, “Enjoy the smoothie, Riyah. You come help when you're ready.” She said fondly, offering him a hair tie.

Noah purred loudly the moment that Chenza, Vinny, he wasn’t sure which name he was supposed to know her by, he’d heard everyone call her by both. He figured, when he could ask her properly, which she preferred him call her, and he would. Still, the purr escaped him the moment the bowl of fruity goodness was set down before him and he was lapping it up with abandon. It disappeared in his belly without any remorse whatsoever.

Chris chuckled watching Noah ravage his breakfast, it was safe to say he was enjoying it, “I don’t think he is ever going to question any meal put in front of him. Somehow, I used to think that worried me about Justin.” Justin couldn’t even touch Noah from the look of it, and the youngest gargoyle, had no idea, no idea. Chris started putting together the promised plate of muffins and yogurts for their table when some early customers were coming in from the street.

As soon as his and Noah’s smoothies were set in front of them both, he watched as the kitten wasted no time to go face-first into the bowl. He carefully held him back so that he wouldn't fall into the bowl, grabbing for his own smoothie with a soft ‘thanks’ to his sister. Now, when she mentioned that he could go help whenever he was ready to, he just made a soft noise of acknowledgement as he sipped happily on his drink while taking the hair tie from Vinny.

“I'll be there soon,” he whispered while he held on to Noah gently. “Just… let me gather my bearings, okay? I know you said whenever I'm ready, but… it may be for a bit before I go help.”

“And that's more than okay. You can even just watch today if you need. No rush, Ry.” She said warmly and contently, smiling at him gently. She chuckled, seeing Noah's excitement over his smoothie bowl. “If you need another, just tell me, okay?”

Noah finished his smoothie, practically crawling as best he could out of Riyah’s arms into the bowl to lick the porcelain clean. Now, while he might have taken up on the offer for another, and he was sorely tempted by it, he had another idea when he heard someone creeping down the stairs. The moment his grandfather set the plate of muffins and yogurts on the table, Noah had snagged up one of the muffins with his mouth and leapt from the table, running for the stairs.

Folio woke slowly, blinking sleepily at the sleepy gargoyle, nuzzling against him, as cute and amazing Atsuko was, yesterday had been intense. He’d learned so much yesterday, not just yesterday the last forty-eight hours, about himself, about his, his brother… He wasn’t sure what to think about most of it… He had a mate… He was a reincarnated gargoyle… what did that really mean? Shade and Riyah had thought he was someone called Temperance, but… he wasn’t? He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, he’d thought they were his friends because they liked him, not because they’d thought they already knew him. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

If he remembered everything correctly, he wasn’t the only reincarnated gargoyle, taking in a breath, he decided he wanted to talk to the only other person that might understand this feeling. Slipping out from under Atsuko’s arm, hopefully before he fully woke up, and slipped out of the room. Heading downstairs, he smirked as he passed Noah on the stairs, racing past with a massive muffin sticking out of his tiny mouth.

Riyah ran his fingers through his curls as he drank his smoothie, watching Noah for a moment and didn't stop the younger from slipping out of his grasp. But when he heard Vinny, he just looked at her silently and nodded before finishing up his drink. The idea of a second one would be nice but not right at that moment and tilts his head as soon as he hears someone making their way down the stairs. A sigh left him as he witnessed Noah being a little muffin thief and chuckles.

Pulling his hair back, he stood up and wandered into the kitchen with his empty cup before moving to stand-off to the side. Moving to perch himself on the counter once again, he was out of Vinny’s way and could grab something for her if she needed it. Today is an observation day for him.

She smiled softly, “Mind handing me the strawberry purée, Riyah? It’s labelled. The muffins and everything look stunning, Chris- Noah share with your brother-” she called.

Chris was lucky he was able to save the muffins from tumbling when Noah decided to steal his trophy before he stole away to the stairs and made his escape. It was then he saw his brother, Nicholai, well, Folio now, on the staircase, half asleep he seemed and stumbling down. “I doubt that will be the case. Would you like something for breakfast, Folio?”

The werewolf blinked blearily towards Noah’s grandfather, if he was honest, he was still trying to figure out what to make of some people here. Not that he thought that there was anything wrong with them, he’d mostly been focused on the cute one, the one upstairs. However, after yesterday, his feelings there, knowing there was so much history, and he apparently had a whole other life, he wasn’t sure what to think. As for breakfast, walking over more, were they kidding, “Is the Pope Catholic?”

Riyah snorted as soon as he heard that question from Folio and then glanced towards the younger, smiling a little before it disappeared while turning his attention to the task at hand now. Sliding off the counter, he goes to grab the strawberry purée. “Here you go,” the gargoyle said softly while handing it over to Vinny, and went to sit on the counter again. As he was sitting in silence, he stared at nothing in particular while fighting the dreaded thoughts of Folio.

It wasn’t anything bad in particular, but it wasn’t all that great either. Riyah dreaded the idea that the wolf would think that he and Shade were only friends with him because of… him. Yes, they thought he was Temperance at first, but then they saw Folio as a completely different individual compared to his twin. They’d still befriended him because they care about him a lot, and he couldn’t help but feel like there's a weight there on him, and he set his jaw.

“Thank you- I use some strawberry in the cold foam when people want a white chocolate strawberry cold foam latte. I’ll show you how to make one so you can drink it. I think you might like it, and it might help you wake up more.”

Chris smiled as he watched as his mate took the fixings that Riyah handed over so she could make up a new smoothie for the ravenous werewolf. Chuckling himself at the coin of term, that was an old one, it was nicer than some of the things that mortals say these days, besides… he had asked a stupid question. “If she says it’ll wake you up, you might just be wired all day.”

Now that caught Folio’s attention, he wasn’t sure how gargoyles ate, but if it was anything like Noah, or Shade… then Vinny might have something going. Glancing towards Riyah, he wasn’t sure what to say, before looking towards Vinny, “Sure, I love strawberries, and the best part about being a werewolf is chocolate does nothing to me… despite my brother's childhood efforts to convince me otherwise.” She had said there was chocolate in the drink.

As much as Riyah would like to be more awake, it wasn’t now. He'd rather not be wired all day and unable to sleep when he wants to. Looking at Vinny, he just shook his head and smiled softly. “Thanks, sis, but no, thank you. I'll be okay,” he declined quietly. When he felt eyes on him, even for just a brief moment, the gargoyle looked to Folio as soon as he spoke to Vinny. He huffs out a soft laugh at the thought of Noah trying to stop Folio from eating certain things.

Soft thumps were made against the bottom cabinets with his heels as he began to fidget and pursed his lips. He wasn’t sure what to say to the wolf and fuck, does he want to talk to him, but he was never a great conversationalist.

Chenza sighed but smiled softly at Riyah, “Okay. But I’ll make you another smoothie as soon as you want, okay?” She asked and pushed over the cold foam to Folio, helping Chris fill a tray with snacks and breakfast items, including egg filled bell peppers with bacon.

Folio was happy to accept the drink that Riyah didn’t want, lifting the cup and drinking at the latte with a groan while Vinny and Chris tended to the food… Oh, oh, the food. Yeah, he wasn’t going to lie, he was eyeing some of those snacks and some of those goodies on the breakfast tray looked scrumptious. Noah might have taken off with the muffin, but he missed out on the egg and bacon man, how had he missed out on the egg and bacon. His loss, his loss!

“So, ah, Vinny…” Folio started licking his lips from the cold foam latte, the strawberry tasted absolutely delicious. He could definitely get used to living here. Not that he wouldn’t be just as happy with the coffee machine they had at home that they would no doubt have in their alcove once they finished moving, but, come on… “What do you call these?”

Vinny and her offers… Riyah thought as he just nods without a word. Thumping his heels slightly against the cabinets still, he stops and tilts his head slightly as he leans back on his hands while watching his sister slide the drink over to Folio. The habit of not eating much was going to bite him in the ass, but he didn't care. He just pursed his lips while watching the wolf for a bit, smiling a little. Just the way he was eyeing the food made him want to laugh.

Folio’s always had a massive appetite, and the gargoyle always found it hilarious when the brothers had an eating competition. It was silly in his opinion, and yet, he never bothered to stop them. If he thought about it, no one really did. Once he heard Folio speak, he hums softly and looks towards his sister.

“Egg stuffed bell peppers- I hope you like them.” She said, setting one beside Riyah, and setting one in Chris's hand. “Please give one to Noah too. This one's extra spicy for him.”

Chris lifted his eyes towards the chairs where Noah had disappeared to, he at first had thought he had headed up to his brother, but Folio was here in the café now. The vampires had already left before the dawn. Knowing Atsuko was asleep upstairs, and Noah might be exploring up there, going to find him, was curious. Biting into his bell pepper, it was delicious, he’d take Noah’s up his later.

Folio drank from more of his coffee while he munched on the stuffed bell pepper and damn, was it good, nodding as he washed more of it down. Nodding with the mouthful before he swallowed, “This is so, so good, thank you!”

It was about then, a customer came in through the front door and Folio quickly got out of the way so he could get to the counter. “You need to try those.” And quickly took another bite before drinking more of his coffee.

Riyah looks down to the stuffed bell pepper that was left for him, grabbing it and takes a bite. He perks up some as he chews, sighing softly before glancing out of the kitchen. “Thanks, Vin,” He murmured while sliding off the counter again, he went to sit in the café instead of in the kitchen. The gargoyle was silent while he ate his breakfast, tilting his head some as he saw Chris looking to where Noah had run off and nodded to Vinny’s words.

Her food was always good, especially her treats.

As there was a person coming in, he watched Folio move out of the way and chuckled when the wolf had recommended the customer Vinny’s stuffed bell peppers.

Vinny smiled, “Thank you, Folio, feel free to eat as many as you like. I can always make more.” She said before turning her attention to the customer, taking his order and getting him a pepper with a smile.

She had the feeling she would make more for tonight’s patrol. Vinny knew Justin and Ryan would devour a whole tray given a chance. “I'm trying out new items for fast, easy meals on the go for the café and for at night.” She commented, moving to make the man's coffee.

Chris moved to sit with Riyah, chuckling as Folio scooped up a couple more of the bell peppers with Vinny’s encouragement with a cheeky little smile. The werewolf stayed by the side while she moved around making the new customer's orders and waited until he was heading out. By that time, Folio had managed to scarf down more than a few of the peppers, his focus on Vinny.

“So um, um… Vinny, or um, do you actually prefer Vinny or Chenza? I’ve heard the others call you both. Which would you prefer us call you?” Folio glanced back to Riyah and Noah’s grandfather, he knew Noah would want to know, knowing that this was, she was his grandmother… he would care.

When Chris sat by him, Riyah acknowledged the elder gargoyle with a small nod. His attention was on Vinny as she worked, fulfilling the man's order and then as Folio began to speak, he glanced between the two. Having finished his pepper, he had his arms crossed and remains silent while waiting to see what Vinny would say. If anything, he was sure she didn't mind either, but what did he know? All he did know was that she responds to both—

As he sat there, Riyah bit his lip and looked away from his sister and his friend. If… If they were even friends still. Clicking his tongue in slight annoyance with himself, he just ran a hand over his face while trying not to work himself up again. He was just tired at this point.

She hummed softly, “Honestly… I haven't thought about it before- I mean, not that much. I don't mind, either… but I think Chenza is a name I’ll reserve for only around close friends and family. Which everyone here is part of that circle.” She said gently, smiling, before grabbing another pepper and set it by Riyah.

Chris smiled softly at the way his darling mate was welcoming him back into the fold with such ease, whether Folio realized it or not, not to mention the way she was setting food by her brother. He was used to that himself, she’d been doing the same thing for him for as long as she’d been here, since before she’d met him. Before she’d met him face to face at least, she’d been leaving drinks, food, treats up in the rectory, between Ricky and her they’d been feeding them from the start.

Folio was surprised to hear that, and yet, he blinked… He had been about to reach for another bell pepper, but then paused. Unsure about how he felt about being considered close friend and family to her, when he didn’t actually know her. He supposed… Noah, was her family, he was her grandson, but she didn’t have to force that tie with him, he wasn’t going to make her consider him… Then there was…

“You, I um, you are a reborn gargoyle too, right? Do you, well,” Glancing towards Chris and Riyah before back to the woman behind the counter, not sure if he should ask but, he needed to know. The cup in his hands, empty by now, it was nothing but something to keep them busy as he fiddled, he wasn’t good at being still, he never was. “Ah, what’s it like?”

Riyah had grabbed his second stuffed pepper that Vinny had left for him, knowing what she was doing yet again but made no comment about it. He really didn't want either her or Folio on his ass for not eating, the latter having to deal with that for as long as he's known him. Eating slowly, he just listened to the two talk and leaned back in his seat. Seeing how open his sister was, especially when it came to himself, he wondered how Folio was feeling about that, but then with the way he hesitated… of course, he was unsure. Not that he blames him, either.

When Folio asks his sister about being reborn, he tilts his head slightly and looks at her. Riyah did wonder that himself, but he's still trying to get used to whether she's even there.

She smiled, “It's strange. After I remembered, the first thing I wanted to do was fly… I also wanted to be as close to Chris as I could be… sometimes the memories are foggy but other times… They're so clear.” She explained, tenderly offering him another of the egg peppers.

The werewolf was strangely tentative when he accepted the pepper this time, taking the bite and munching with almost a strangled sound in his throat in his struggle… His confusion entirely mental as he went over this new information. Folio was not a person to temper himself, he would just usually blast out questions a mile a minute at people. He was confused about countless things right now, and he was not sure how to feel about it. Swallowing… “So… so you remember…”

Folio sighed, thinking about how Riyah and Shade had thought he was their friend, and he wasn’t… How Vinny was Noah’s Grandfather’s mate and he… he was supposed to be that one, Atsuko, his mate… Folio swallowed slightly, there had been a name mentioned, he couldn’t remember what the name was, he’d caught it though, there had been a name.

“Have you always remembered? Did you know me? Do you remember me?”

Then there came the rapid fire questions.

It was tense, or at least he himself felt that way. It wasn't that he didn't want to hear this, Riyah just was never really one to stay and listen unless he had to. So here he was just listening to Vinny and Folio talk, wishing he could help the younger male but didn't want to interfere. It was really off-putting with how tentative the wolf was — how careful even, and he pursed his lips before shoving the rest of the pepper into his mouth to keep himself silent.

And then there's the rapid fire questions from Folio, making the gargoyle snort softly, but was still busy chewing.

Vinny smiled softly, “We were so close. Not as close as you and ‘Suko… but… Chris, you're taking over, I'm gonna talk to Nickie.” she said firmly, moving around the counter with a tray of muffins. “Riyah you can come with, if you want.” She added, leading the way to a quiet place.

“I remember almost everything.” she admitted, sitting down in a booth.

Chris stood from the café table he’d been sitting at with Riyah when Chenza called for him to take over. While he wasn’t the best with the coffee machine, he was learning some… and if there were any complex orders, he knew he could call for help at any time. So as she slipped out from behind the counter, he took her place, as he did, offering the werewolf a small smile. He hadn’t known the younger nearly as well as Chenza, so she would be the better one to talk to him, without question.

Folio did not roll his eyes at the snort that came from Riyah, he heard that, okay, so maybe he did. He, however, was absolutely not tempted to flip him off, he wasn’t, he was more mature than that thank you very much… Except that he wasn’t really mature at all, besides Riyah was making fun of him… asshole.

Nickie… The only person who usually called him that was Noah, and usually when they were on their own these days, considering the nickname he’d taken centuries ago. Still, he found himself sitting with Vinny in one of the booths… so… she said they were close, and she remembered everything. As it was, last night had been so much information, too much, a mate, a past life, a twin brother that… that wasn’t just a gargoyle anymore, but a werewolf gargoyle that might have- no… Folio stopped that train of thought that moment if felt like his throat was about to close up in panic. He couldn’t deal with that today. He had enough to think about. Thinking about that last night had almost sent him into a panic attack, and he was not going to do that now.

“You remember everything? I’m sorry, I know it’s sort of rude, but you’re human, how old are you?” She was human, she was young… he was four hundred years old and remembered nothing. Was he… was this it? Was he just… defective? “Am I broken?”

Riyah had moved just as soon as Chris went off to take his sister's place, going to sit with her and Folio. Seated with the two, next to Vinny while being across from Folio, he managed to keep a straight face when he saw that the younger male rolled his eyes. He supposed their friendship was still there… Riyah always teased the wolf whenever he went on about everything and nothing at the same time, just nonstop talking. He and Shade would just stare, amused even, as the other would continue rambling.

But right now, Riyah remains silent and then sets his jaw the more the other two speak. The gargoyle knew nothing about reincarnation and how it works or happens, yet it seems to be stressing Folio out. A lot. Taking a deep breath as soon as he heard him question if he was broken, he shook his head. Riyah may not know what's going on in that head of his. Trauma? Maybe. Anything else? No.

“No,” he said softly.

“I'm only twenty-six. But I didn't remember until Chris saved me from a hellhound and fully explained what I saw… honestly, your trigger may have to do with Atsuko. But… you and I were menaces. I wasn't allowed to train you because Chris thought the world would end, which is why you were paired with Atsuko.” She explained, “You and I were energetic balls of fire.”

Folio glanced at Riyah when he said answered first. No. Yet, didn’t he get it? Folio was over four hundred years old, with seventy-five of those spending time with two gargoyles, how did he not know or remember anything? Yet here was Vinny right, who knows how long she’d been around the gargoyles here, and she remembered everything. It was just, how could he not, just, just, trigger, great, he needed a trigger. Perfect. He was going to be broken forever.

He’d never been good at figuring things like that out. Noah always had to do that kind of thing for him, figuring out the puzzle pieces and pulling him along. Sure, kept his brother out of just as much trouble over the years, but that wasn’t the point.

Swallowing, he glanced back over to Chris at the mention of the other gargoyle, so he’d been the boss. Sounded about right. “Right, so, Noah’s grandpa has the final say, why do I feel like my brother is going to hold that over my head now.”

Riyah couldn’t help but shy away the moment Folio glanced at him, looking down. He would never understand the feeling nor would he ever experience that ever since he's never died. Close to it at times, but never. Furrowing his brow, he began to fidget with his shirt and sighed, wishing he had kept quiet.

He wanted to leave, but he also didn’t want to just leave Folio alone. Riyah stays put, just keeping his head lowered now while listening to them.

Vinny gently touched Riyah's hand, offering to hold it for him. “You're not broken. Just takes a trigger… and not gonna lie I think I know your trigger… but you'd have to be emotionally prepared for it.” She mused softly.

Folio sat back in the bench seat of the booth silently, which was an odd moment for the werewolf. She thought she knew his trigger? Really? Now, Folio had no clue how old he had been when he had died when he was a gargoyle. He did not know anything about his life as a gargoyle aside from one, he never got to bond with his mate, and two, he was a menace alongside Chenza. This basically told him that for everything he knew, he had already been through fucking hell and back already in his second life, compared to his first.

“I’m not entirely sure what you mean by that? Why wouldn’t I be emotionally prepared for something?” Well, aside from this brother… because if his trigger had anything to do with dealing with thinking about the creature that he thought might be what they had forced his brother to become… he might like to not remember.

Flinching as soon as Vinny touched his hand, Riyah glanced at her before pulling away slightly but hooks his pinky with hers instead. But what slightly confused him was when the human said that she knew Folio’s trigger, and he scowled. How in the hell would she know? He's one to talk since knows next to nothing about this, but that's beside the point. When he saw his friend sit back, he gently nudged Folio’s leg with his own to comfort him as best as he could.

He wanted to say something, he really did, but the fear of bringing up his own issue with Folio stops him from doing so. Riyah didn't want to pile on the younger's internal struggle, especially with learning about his past life. The gargoyle may not know what happened in the past of Folio’s current life, but it seems a lot worse than his previous self.

“Vin,” he grumbled, “How the fuck would you know? I'm genuinely curious because– no. Never mind. Forget I even opened my mouth…”

“Well… it includes being chased by Atsuko again… and avoiding being caught…” she hesitated, glancing at Riyah in concern. “Riyah? I'm… sorry.” She frowned, she didn't know why she was apologizing, but she squeezed his pinky softly. “I'm sorry this is probably overwhelming…”

Folio glanced towards Riyah feeling him nudge his leg under the table, the comfort was welcome, but he wasn’t sure to make of it, but knowing he wasn’t the only one confused…

Chased? Chased by Atsuko… since when was Folio being the one who got chased, well, there was sometimes, but that had been different, and it was like, the full moon… Folio went a little feral on the full moon… Oh, shit… At that he glanced slightly between Vinny and Chris, to Riyah… yeah, that might, might not be best to consider right now. It’s bad enough the full moon was close enough…

“Um… right. No chasing. Maybe I shouldn’t be moving in here after all.” Picking up one of the muffins, Folio just shoved it right into his mouth. Probably better that way.

To…to get chased by Atsuko…? What the fuck… The one who did the chasing was Folio, and that– no. Riyah will not think about that right now, and he just pursed his lips as soon as he heard Vinny apologize, not saying a word to her but squeezed her pinky in return. He doesn't get overwhelmed easily, but he's currently not in a great mind space either, so this added to his own stress is a little much.

As he saw Folio glance between his sister, her mate and then himself, Riyah shook his head slightly despite wanting to laugh but didn't. Not a good thing to even think about, not with the full moon so close.

“Maybe you should eat a little more of those, Nick,” Riyah teased with a small smile, “Keep that trap of yours busy…”

Vinny smiled apologetically. “I know I started to remember when I saw Chris bandaged up… but I would say that it would be best if you spent time with Atsuko. When you're ready…. If you ever do want to remember. It's your choice.”

Folio was trying, he was trying not to think about why he might not want to remember, what the trigger might be that he’d very much like to avoid. If being chased by Atsuko was his trigger, he’d welcome it if he was honest, even if he wasn’t sure it made sense because that really was very backwards… His choice, his choice… “Does it matter, I can’t go back, I can’t un-be a werewolf. I can’t be a gargoyle again, even if as soon as I met Shade I thought it would be awesome to be a gargoyle werewolf… so cool, kind of have to be the gargoyle part first. Just…” Folio swallowed, glancing towards Riyah remembering how they’d thought he was Temperance, “Do you think he’ll care if I never remember, or…” Will it destroy what they could have been once?

Vinny smiling in an apologetic manner had Riyah just sigh. Attention elsewhere, he stares at his hands and shifts a bit in his seat. His choice. It's up to Folio if he wants to remember, and there's something there, something he's picked up on, that leaves the wolf quiet. Yet, it leaves him curious, but it's not really any of his business either.

He cringes slightly as soon as Folio glanced at him, not wanting the attention, and just pursed his lips as soon as the other mentioned Shade. Hearing about his and the vampire's conversation had him smile softly, but it disappeared just as quick as it came. It was always nice to hear about his friends speaking to one another, but that thought immediately dies off and he sighs.

Vinny sighed softly. “Nickie. Nick. Sorry. Nick. Atsuko will love you even if you don't remember. Atsuko is not one to change his mind easily…. You were the one who changed his mind. To open up to the idea of having a mate… he's not going to abandon you just because you don't remember him.”

She smiled and pushed the tray to him. “Nick. Atsuko adores you because he's been waiting. Knowing him, his feral brain was thinking he was being cute.” She snorted, “He kinda sucks at self awareness. He's aware of everything else. Just not how it seems his feral side is just worse.”

It took everything in him not to snap at her, she didn’t know him, not anymore, and he didn’t know her, he didn’t remember her, not yet, and maybe not ever… He’d have to get to know her, and might be he’d never be Nickie… he didn’t know, and she had never asked. Still, he held his tongue because it wasn’t her fault he was defective and hadn’t remembered as easily as she did. He’d been attacked by hellhounds and all manner of creatures of the night, how many times? His entire life, as long as he could remember.

Wait, he had to convince him to be his mate?

Folio blinked at Vinny hearing that, so, so not only, did he not even remember, but his mate hadn’t even wanted to be with him in the first place? Yet here they were saying that he would just… were they kidding? Folio had lost so many people, whether because they threw him away, ripped away from him, or he just drove them away because he was too… annoying, and even in his past life his fought to be loved. Perfect.

Right then all he wanted to do was run, he’d look for Noah, but he was upstairs… and that risked running into Atsuko. Maybe go home, to his parents that had never blinked to love him there.

Instead, Folio laughed, smiling, he was used to it, putting on that smile, he was always the bright happy one when everything hurt… “Isn’t that the kicker, he’s been a Cutie to me from the moment I saw him, he didn’t need to try so hard.” With that, Folio just picked up a muffin. “Though, you’ve given me a lot to think about. I might go for a walk.”

“Enough, Vin,” Riyah hissed as he pulled away from her and went to sit at the edge of the booth. Glancing to Folio as soon as he heard the younger laugh, he set his jaw and looked away as he stood up. If the other male allowed him, the gargoyle would like to join him on his walk, and he gave Folio a small yet easy gesture with his hands in a silent request.

‘Walk with?’ Riyah had signed to the wolf and waited. At this point, he may not be feeling the same as his friend, but fucking hell was this stressing him out. Especially since he's already feeling like shit. ‘Let’s get some air. Suffocating.’

Vinny tilted her head, looking concerned. “I will say in the beginning you guys hated each other… but this life is for you to choose. I'm sorry everything got dumped on you like it did. I'll head back behind the counter. Would you like a refill on the white chocolate strawberry cold foam?”

Folio wanted to cry in relief when he heard Riyah tell Vin to stop, but swallowed down the urge to whine slightly in his throat as he looked over to the gargoyle as he signed. Yes! The signs were so simple, and Folio was elated that for once, for once, he wasn’t struggling to understand. When they had first learned that Riyah and Shade communicated with ASL because Riyah didn’t always feel up to talking, Noah… fucking Noah learned it so quickly, as always. He always knew different languages instantly, while ASL Noah had had to teach himself. When Folio had tried, he had struggled, badly. The offer for Riyah to walk with him, to get some air with him, had the werewolf accepting, instantly, nodding as he moved to stand from the table, with a soft, “Please…”

Only, the moment Vinny spoke again, he paused, swallowing at her words, a pit in his stomach, they hated each other? They hated each other, and yet, he had made him accept him as his mate? Dammit. It was just the same as he’d been with all the others, he had been no better in his past life than this one. Too much, too much for people to handle, pushing them to be what he wanted, had he pushed Atsuko? No, no, he was worse in his past life. He could be better, though, he could let Atsuko go and not even try to push him again. “No, I, thank you, Vinny, I think I’ve had enough coffee, I’m going to go for that walk with Riyah.” Pushing his smile more as he moved to step away from the table. Of course, even as he declined her offer of coffee, he was pilfering from the tray of muffins, and shoving a few into his pockets for later. “Thanks…”

Pulling away from the table, he turned towards Riyah, he just wanted to get out of there now.

The way she blatantly ignored him after telling her to stop. This was why Riyah barely spoke. Why he's quiet because there had been a few times he's dealt with it and finds no point in speaking anymore than he has. Then the audacity to continue— fuck. Fighting back the urge to growl, he just glared at Vinny when she kept talking and nods when Folio had answered him with a soft plea.

But of course, when he saw his friend pause, Riyah grits his teeth and grimaced as soon as he saw the younger male force his smile more. He wished that Folio didn't do that, but he wasn’t going to stop him, a habit he was sure would be a hard one to break. Nor did the gargoyle want to because it'll be hypocritical of him since he hides his feelings too. Nonetheless, Riyah couldn't help but chuckle softly as the wolf grabbed some muffins and lightly touched the small of his friend's back.

“Ever the polite one,” the taller whispered teasingly while leaving with him. “C'mon, Niko..”

Vinny moved back, heart hurting a bit, but lowered her head. Getting back to work wrapping up convos… she should have stopped. Chris looked over towards his mate as she joined him again, his arm wrapped around her shoulders from behind gently. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, he knew she had meant well, but every so often, they had to work it out for themselves. Honestly, for all the things he’d gone through when Chenza had come back into his life, he didn’t think anyone saying anything to him, much would have been helpful. Even Chenza herself had tried to help him, and he had just felt so much worse about himself, thinking himself a monster because he couldn’t separate his mate, from this beautiful human. Folio would be okay, even if right now, he didn’t think so, Chris was sure of it. It was Atsuko he was worried about. He was on edge, and if he woke up feral like Gwynn feared…

Folio walked out of the Church beside Riyah still holding one of the pilfered muffins in his hands, peeling off the outer casing, musing to himself, trying to make up his mind what he was going to do. It was obvious what he must have done in his past life, annoyed Atsuko so much and worn him down, convinced him to be his mate, until the other gargoyle felt he had no other choice. Now here they were, he’d died, and poor Atsuko was bound to him, and had no choice but to take him back. It was no wonder he hadn’t even seemed to notice him at the buffet… just blinked at him like he was confused why he’d even be interested.

Ripping off a part of the muffin, he offered some to the gargoyle, not able to stop himself from leaning into his side a little, for comfort… “Would you like some?” It was all he could do not to break down. The touch, or the food, who could say.

All of whatever this was, it was taking more of a toll on him on top of learning of his friend's demise… The more distressed that Folio had gotten, the more defensive and irritated Riyah had been. But right now, he just needs to be there for his friend– oh right. That… no. Not now… Glancing towards Folio, he wasn’t sure if he should wrap an arm around him or speak, and yet, he opened his mouth anyway,

“Nick, what she said… it's not entirely true. I may not understand the bonds and such, but… yeah…” With a grimace, Riyah just kept walking with the smaller male and as soon as he felt his weight against him, the gargoyle instinctively wrapped his arm around the younger in a protective manner. The offering of Folio’s muffin had him smile a little before taking it and eating. “But also,” Riyah said softly while he pulled him a little closer. “You can let go. I'm here for you, Folio. Go ahead and cry, if you want to…”

Folio swallowed, he wasn’t sure how he felt about his name right now, Nick, Nickie, he wasn’t even sure what his name had been properly in his past life. Obviously, it was something like it was now, how did that work, but his eyes stung thinking about it. “Folio, Folio, please, I- I don’t think I can handle Nick right now.” Not yet. Walking with him, as Riyah was eating some of the muffin, Folio was ripping off another piece and shoving it into his mouth and chewing, a whine escaping him.

“Isn’t it true though, she knew me, your sister remembers everything, I don’t, so it's… it’s…” Folio sobbed, he was trying to keep it in, thinking about the fact that that man up in the Church… The man that he’d been instantly drawn to, deserved better than someone who had annoyed him into being his mate that he hated. Folio never liked being negative, he didn’t, he preferred to look on the bright side of things always, and he knew, he knew, that annoyed people sometimes. He was the hyperactive frustration that was just too much for most people. To this day, four hundred some years into his life, he had five people he considered close, five. Sure, countless people had come and went in his life, but five. Six when he counted the woman who didn’t have to love him when she’d found a toddler covered in blood on her doorstep. He still missed her.

As Folio asked Riyah to call him by that name instead of Nick, he gave the wolf a small pat on his back in silent affirmation and nodded. It was very upsetting with how… small the younger seemed, especially after everything. When the whine escaped the shorter, he stopped mid-step and stood there while looking at the younger.

“Folio,” he said quietly while lightly ruffling his friend's hair, “It's not. She may have known you in the past, but I'm sure it's just speculation of what she's seen in the past between you and Atsuko.” The gargoyle then pulls Folio close, holding the smaller male to himself, and gave him a small squeeze while doing so. He wanted him to feel better and wanted the smaller male to work through it all, but he knows that will take time.

Look at him— he's still working through his own problems. The thought of Temperance, it sent a chill down his spine and held Folio a little tighter. The younger may not be the gargoyle, but this wolf, this little pain in the ass, is still his friend, and he doesn't want anything else to happen to him.

“Go ahead and cry, Folio…it's okay…”

As Riyah pulled him close, Folio, no matter how he had been worried about Riyah and Shade only being around him because of his brother… it just didn’t seem to matter, not anymore. Why would Riyah bother with him like this if all he cared about was Temperance? He couldn’t hold himself together anymore as Riyah held him, hearing him, he just fell apart… What was left of the muffin slipped from his fingers and fell to the ground as he grasped onto the taller man while he sobbed.

Riyah sways slightly, gently rocking side to side with Folio as the younger sobbed. The gargoyle then rests his head over Folio’s, rubbing his back in soothing circles, while he lets out soft purring for the male. “There you go…”

Atsuko groaned softly, face buried in the pillow Folio had been using, whining and whimpering to him. When dark eyes peeked open And he found himself alone, he jolted fully awake, looking around in a panic. “Niko? Lai? Mate- mate?!” His voice cracked as he trembled softly, “N…nick?” his smell was still here… but he was gone. His eyes watered. He covered his face. What had he done? What happened? He remembered flying and feeling him and cuddling against him and … then nothing but anxiety and fear, then calm, and now he was… alone.

Again.

The door to the room creaked open just a little and in padded, with the softest footsteps, barely even the whisper of a sound. The tiniest scraping of claws on the stone floor, Noah was making his way into the room, wide golden brown eyes blinking up at the large gargoyle on the bed. Atsuko, his brother's mate. His nose wrinkled, why did he not smell so good? The bobcat kitten’s head tilted slightly to the side before he adjusted his legs and sprung up like a coil to leap onto the bed. Yes! He was getting better at this, after figuring out the stairs, he was getting accustomed to using four limbs.

Dropping the muffin he’d pilfered down in the café from his mouth, he climbed over to the gargoyle to try to cuddle up to his side, mewling before he purred, vibrating against him.

Atsuko looked at Noah, scooping him up to snuggle into his fur, sobbing. He picked up the muffin to set it on the nightstand, trembling. He did something wrong. Likewise, he went and put Noah's snack somewhere safe for now… “I'm sorry… I don't know… everything's fuzzy… I'm sorry…”

There was no complaint at being manhandled by the gargoyle, instead Noah was just pressing his tiny overheated little fuzzy body right against Atsuko with tiny little noises. They sounded awfully like no, no, no, no. Folio probably was just hungry and wondered off for food, he’d passed him on the stairs, following his nose. That had been what had drawn Noah downstairs! Nuzzling against Atsuko, he didn’t want him to be upset, Folio liked him. As much Noah had been upset last night when he’d snatched him, it had been confusing, but they’d worked it out. He was a cat, he wasn’t stupid, Noah had heard it all, even the bits about the angels… not that he was going to relay any of the bits about archangels wanting pets to his brother… ever.

Atsuko looked at him, petting behind his ear. “I… I don't know what to do… what happened…”

Ryan felt like he had barely slept a wink the night before, laying there holding Gwynn in his arms. Just laying there watching them after what they’d asked him, how’d they’d been talking. Dammit. He knew what they’d been saying, that they’d rather, that if the angels of Heaven came back for them, that he should… Could he? After all this time…

It’d kill him.

It’d kill them both.

Sighing, they were still sleeping when he left them, not that he was surprised, they were exhausted, still healing after everything. Thinking about mates, however, and that enduring loss, reminded him they should check on Atsuko. Gwynn was worried about his state of mind, and knowing that the standing with the vampires hung by a thread depending on how feral he turned… he would check on him.

He went by the apartment to see if Vinny had made anything for breakfast, and smirked at the cake for Riyah, he didn’t touch it, he knew better. Then he found Vinny’s speciality, eggs, including Justin’s famed cheesy scrambled, of course. Ryan dished up a couple of plates and carried them up to the alcove where they’d left Atsuko and Folio, only to find the werewolf already gone… Hearing the last sentence… “You don’t know what happened yesterday, or you don’t know where Folio went? Either way, I’ve brought you breakfast?”

“I… I don't remember much after hearing he was Niko… I just got so excited… I wanted to have an actual date with him. He talked about wanting to see the sunset and I… I had… I know I stole a bunch of mattresses… and I tried to make it nice- but… that's it. I… I was very anxious… and he's not here…” Atsuko rambled after hearing Ryan, doing his best to ignore the plates of food despite knowing one was his… He didn't deserve it.

Ryan sighed, he couldn’t say much about the not remembering, he knew how that felt, even if he knew it might not be the same, he’d tried to block out plenty over the years. However, the prang at hearing Suko talk, about Niko, about wanting to see the sunset, and wanting to have an actual date… wanting to make it nice, “You can still make it nice for him Suk, he’s downstairs, in the café… you know how that bug is, you couldn’t make that rat sit still if you paid him.”

He sniffled, “I… I gotta talk to him-” he said, setting Noah down and got out of bed quickly, blinking a few times- “I need pants.”

Fuck, Ryan sighed, Atsuko jumping the gun got them into this mess. Okay, maybe he was thinking at least somewhat more rationally this time in that fact he wanted to put on pants and wasn’t running down there feral again, but, better he reigned him in this time. “Atsuko, wait, wait-” Setting the plates down, “No, no you need to give him time, he’s only just found out he’s got a past life, and a mate… you, need to eat.” Otherwise, Ryan was going to get smacked by Vinny and he knew it.

Atsuko looked at him and whimpered, “but… I want to apologize if I scared him-” he said softly. Atsuko never apologized. But here he was admitting he had to. He needed to. His eyes watered as he closed his eyes, trying to push the tears back away. “Please, Ryan-”

Noah was on the bed climbing over himself trying to reach up to the distressed gargoyle, not liking this at all. His brother had been enamoured with Atsuko from the moment he’d met him, and as much as Noah had struggled last night, and Noah had been scared at first… he had seen the two snuggled together last night. He’d seen the way Atsuko had comforted Folio when he was about to finally give into his panic. Now, the small kitten was yowling at him to be picked up.

“Atsuko, you were not what scared him last night, I promise, that… was the last thing on his mind.” Ryan remembered that smell of lust that had been coming off that kid when they came out of the tower, it had been unmissable. “Don’t forget the nickname he gave you from the moment he met you, Cutie. Now… listen to your best friend’s kid because the brat seems to be demanding.” With that, Ryan nodded down to Noah pointedly.

The upset gargoyle hesitated before picking Noah back up, cuddling him softly, “… I… tell me what happened… please… please. I just… I need to know…” he was avoiding looking at the plate, ignoring the mentions of eating even though his stomach was pleading with him. He was… he did something wrong. He went feral. He wasn't sure. “Also, Noah isn't a brat. He just wants attention.” He scolded not thinking about it before kissing Noah's forehead, much like a parent would.

Ryan would argue that Atsuko didn’t know the meaning of the word brat, considering the mate that he had. Cheerfulness was, well, Cheerful and all, but he had always been a brat on the best of days. Made sense that Noah was his brother and he was sitting there yowling up at them now, if he thought about it, Ryan, cringed at a little at the sound… he would say it again if he had to, brat. How did he not hear that, did he not have gargoyle hearing?

Looking at Noah with a raised eyebrow when Atsuko finally picked him up, unimpressed. “Well, if someone was human again, it would be… I’m thinking he likes this attention a little too much.”

The tiny pink tongue that poked out at him then, in response, said it all.

“How about if you sit, and eat,” Oh Ryan wasn’t about to forget the food, “I’ll tell you everything.” Even if he might not like it all.

Atsuko slowly sat down, cuddling Noah closer, shaking at the thought of food right now. “... I… I can try.” He whispered softly, swallowing despite his mouth being dry. “I can try.”

Would… would it be okay to eat? He knew Gwynn wouldn't be mad… but… the lingering feeling…

Ryan wasn’t going to budge on the food, whatever he had to do to break him out of whatever Jerahmiel had done to him in the catacombs. He knew better than anyone it came down to that bastard. Shifting to sit on the far end of the bed himself, he picked up one plate for himself, and the other to hand to Atsuko, “Okay, you start, and I’ll start, that's the deal.”

Atsuko whimpered softly. But took the plate, holding it for a moment before taking the fork and started eating just little bites. “Now you.” He said, looking at him desperately. He needed to know.

Sure they were only little bites, but they were something, and at the very least, Atsuko was eating, and Ryan took that as a win. Before he took a bite himself, he would give him what he wanted, information, that was the offer after all. “After you left here, yes, you gathered a nest at the old clock tower, feral, in your beast form, before you tracked him down at his work.” With that, Ryan nodded back to his plate and shoved a mouthful into his own mouth.

Noah purring against Atsuko as he nuzzled in the crook of his arm where he held him.

Atsuko took another bite, tense and dreading the next part. “I chased him… didn't I?”

Ryan took another bite with a sigh, swallowing, he hadn’t been there, none of them had, they’d still been searching for him at that point. “We didn’t find you first, Nightshade and Uwriyah found you with him, along with Noah, by then, you already had him at the clock tower. Knowing your instinct, yea, you probably did. You didn’t hurt him, though.”

He nodded slowly, taking another bite and swallowed even though it made him feel sick.

Sighing, Ryan took another bite of his eggs, glad that Atsuko was still eating, even if it was obvious from the look on his face he didn’t want to. Noah mewled up at him, nudging his arm light before Ryan spoke again. “We got there a little later, Noah, Nightshade and Riyah had managed to talk to you down along with the help of the rest of Niko’s family. He has, well, sort of vampire parents, Jolly, and Nick, which is, huh, that could, possibly be why they call him Folio?”

Atsuko nodded slowly, mostly playing with the food on his plate. New people… and there would be problems…. He was never allowed to talk to new people… fuck.

Ryan had a feeling Honesty would be allowed to talk to these new people, they were his mate's family. The way he’d been at the buffet, the way he’d been practically plastered to his side and Noah had been so reluctant, the kid had been oh so eagerly by his side? Ryan doubted they’d be able to keep him away. “Well, whatever happened overall, between the lot of them, they managed to calm you down some. By the time you had all exited the clock tower, Noah had already discovered this trick.”

This trick. It was saying something, it was… curious.

None of them had ever seen a gargoyle that could shapeshift into a natural creature like this, let alone one that was not in their age range. A full-grown gargoyle became a full-grown beast form. Only the baby gargoyles had baby beast forms if they managed to learn how to shift that young. So, for a four hundred-year-old being to instinctively control his shift to become an infant version of a beast form, it was astonishing, and something none of them had seen before. Considering Noah was the first tribrid, it did bring into question, what other abilities he could have that had never awakened in him… and why they had remained dormant in him this long, it was curious. Though, that was the case in a lot of angelic and gargoyle traits. Knowledge, and control, was power, and could also kill you.

Atsuko nodded slowly, swallowing his last bite. “I… I'll wait…and… Noah… You're so special. Not because you're a tribrid. You're special because you're you. I don't know if anyone has told you that before… But I have wanted to say it for years.” He whispered, setting the plate far away from himself.

“Is there anything else I need to know?” He finally asked, scratching Noah’s chin lightly.

“Nope, nothing else you need to know.” For all the things they talked about when they got back to the Church, Ryan didn’t even flinch about lying this time, there was no fucking way he was going to tell him. Atsuko would go all feral if he knew about the pet situation being the reason for Nicholai dying, let alone them taking Temperance after. How many gargoyles died because of those archangels? Atsuko’s mate, his brother's young mate before their bond could be formed, both their troupes attacked, it was insane.

Noah’s little pink tongue was still hanging out of his mouth as he looked up at Atsuko. His teeny paws padding at his shirt covered chest for a moment before he tried to learn up and lick at him as best he could. He was tall though, and Noah was still so tiny, if only he was just a bit… oh… oh, the next thing he knew Noah wasn’t such a tiny kitten any more. Noah went from being a tiny kitten and was more of the size of a house cat. Nuzzling into Atsuko, and then getting a stronger scent of his food, and, oh, food… and the next thing they knew human Noah was sitting beside Atsuko, “Are you going to eat that?”

“Well… since Ryan has nothing more to share… All yours.” Atsuko replied, smirking.

Ryan’s eyes narrowed on Noah, the way his form shifted so smoothly, the little shit, from kitten, the house cat, and then, all seven foot tall string bean… The nerve to ask for the food he was trying to get Atsuko to eat.

“Actually,” He took the plate from the gargoyle and set it aside with his own. “Since Noah seems to be so lively right now, why don’t we start with your training? I know, let’s start with Flying!” Grabbing Noah’s hand, he wasn’t going to let him argue as he pulled him from the bed and dragged him from the room away from Atsuko.

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