Archive of Our Own ^beta

So soft…

Wise couldn’t imagine Thiren fur felt this nice, especially with how pillowy and silky soft it was, with that slight smell of balm…

Wise could fall asleep in this and feel like he was in heaven.

He could write odes about this moment and it still wouldn’t be enough to describe the wonderful feeling of fluff and warmth that he felt with his hands and inside his body, the internal healing that mended his soul and spirit.

Life was worth living a little longer for if these were some of its luxuries…

Mmmmmmm…

“Is it to your liking, Master Proxy?”

Funny thing, Thiren bodies. Von Lycaon spoke directly to Wise, but even if he was nowhere near his chest, he could hear some reverberations of Lycaon’s voice near his tail, a small muffled sound probably from the proximity alone.

“Iffs ferfefct” Wise spoke up from the mound of fur, still rubbing his face in Von Lycaon’s tail like he was hell bent on smothering himself dead. His hands kept stroking down the fur that was so very heavenly soft, it would be hard to pull away now that Wise got to experience how wonderful having a tail all for yourself was.

“I am satisfied to see you enjoying yourself, Master Proxy, and thank you that this service has provided you much happiness.”

Wise tuned out Von Lycaon’s answer, simply humming in response, and still resolutely keeping his face stuffed tight into the wolf Thiren’s tail - if this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, he would make it last forever as long as he can.

“Though, please be aware, Master Proxy, that death by suffocation would not be a kind way to go, and I must do everything in my power to make sure you remain healthy and alive. If that requires me to gently pull you away from my tail, I will not hesitate to do so.”

Groaning, Wise simply ruffled his face further into the white mass of fur, inhaling deeply to show he could still breathe, and reveled in his tail hugging privileges as long as he could be permitted. He could hear the wolf thiren sighing heavily above him, and settling for standing a while longer since it seemed Wise wouldn’t be stopping anytime soon. 

Lycaon could only thank his foresight in choosing a small hidden corner closer to the alleyways so not too many people would question the actions of his master and have it reflect terribly on Phaethon.

Not that many people might recognize one of the two parts of Phaethon, but if somebody would happen to take a picture and leak it on Inter-Knot and dots were connected, it could start one of the biggest scandals and discoveries since the formation of the Hollows.

That wouldn’t happen on Von Lycaon’s shift, though. He wasn’t the head of Victoria Housekeeping for nothing, and all jobs required a set amount of diligence and discretion. Keeping an eye out for suspicious passerbys’, he glanced back down at the grey-haired boy who hadn’t moved a muscle since he first lay hand on Von Lycaon’s tail and back at the street.

If Master Proxy wished to remain there for a while longer, Von Lycaon could allow that much.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

After what seemed like hours later (Von Lycaon said it was only thirty minutes according to his pocket watch), Wise finally stood up on his legs, stretching them after standing for so long…

…and promptly swayed to the side without warning.

Swooping down and outstretching a hand, the wolf thiren quickly caught Wise’s back gently, causing him to lean over the other just a bit, but it was enough to see those eyes.

Adorned with eyebags and accompanied by glittering orange and blue, there was a teary, gentle, yet guided quality to them that most human eyes lacked, Lycaon noticed. Most had that sheen of determination, a shard of fear or anxiety, sometimes a lackluster hue of boredom and disinterest in the world around them. Some had mischievous sparks, like Rina’s, a tired defiance much like what he saw in Ellen’s eyes, or a gleam of nervous energy and the starts of someone about to break down and apologize profusely, as usually seen when looking at Corin and her big round eyes.

But maybe it was the color, or the lighting, that gave enough light for Von Lycaon to peer through a small hole into Wise’s eyes, seeing his own reflection in them, but something more.

Something…

Huffing, gentle hands guided Wise back to standing, stable this time, and held him by the shoulder as the human started bouncing on his toes.

“Sorry,” Wise said sheepishly, hand scratching the back of his head. “My legs fell asleep and I guess I didn’t feel it until I stood up, but I’m alright now!” Wise gestured to himself, even hopping from foot to foot to show his legs functioned as usual. The wolf thiren, however, looked anything but convinced, sighing and turning away.

“I am relieved you are alright now, Master Proxy, but until I deem you in well enough shape we shall look for a way back to your store so you can properly rest, at least momentarily.” With a swish of his tail, Von Lycaon strode down the street a few steps, flicking his head back to see if Wise was following.

…which he wasn’t.

“Really, Von Lycaon, I’m completely fine now!” Wise waved his hands around, starting in the direction opposite of where the other was walking. “Don’t you wanna get a bite to eat before heading out again and going back to the store? I could really go for some noodles ri-” He was promptly stopped with a face full of fur (glancing down, he saw he was stopped by an arm, not a tail) pushing him flush against the full build of Von Lycaon’s body and effectively halting him in his steps.

When the other had snuck up on him he had no clue, but Wise wasn’t complaining. He could smell the same scent from the tail he had all but bathed in earlier all around him now, feeling like a hug from a fluffy cloud. 

“Master Proxy, I assure you if you are hungry we may order some from the Waterfall Soup shop closer to your house. There is no need to pick them up now when you are in such a state and quite the distance from your residence.” The husky, deep baritone murmured behind Wise, and this time he could feel it resonate through Von Lycaon’s chest as he spoke, a comforting rumble against his back that made all thoughts fly from his head. “I suggest we make our way there at the present so that we arrive before it gets much later in the afternoon.”

He could register that the other was talking to him, but right now he was preoccupied with something much more important. 

Wise thought hugging Von Lycaon’s tail was great, but this was exponentially more effective, making the attempted suffocation in fur pale in comparison to this. Even through the soft fabric and metal bits around the suit, Wise could feel fur pushing against every corner and crease, creating a soft cushion all around him. That same smell of balm from Lycaon’s tail was also present, but this time it mingled closely with a scent that Wise could only describe as purely Von Lycaon - the fresh crisp scent of cold winter and ice, intertwining with an herbal tea that Wise didn’t know but smelt oh so very calming and pure, nothing like the diluted flavor straining to even be tasted.

Unconsciously, Wise brought the arm in front of him closer so he could smell just a bit more of that wonderful, calming, soothing fragrance that felt even more special against the abundance of fur around him, and picked up on the faintest smell of coffee beans and something that probably smelt like burnt food and terrible concoctions. It was the perfect compliment that was subtle enough to mix with the tea and balm and winter and probably whatever other hair products Lycaon used, but it was all so undeniably Von Lycaon that Wise sunk into the embrace, not realizing he had been making slight sounds the entire time, relaxing back against the chest behind him and holding the arm close like a baby with their favorite stuffed animal. 

“Master Proxy, are you alright?”

He had closed his eyes long ago, and now it felt like a whole day - hell, probably a whole month worth - of exhaustion hit him like a bullet train, causing Wise’s legs to falter for the second time that day, all the limbs of his body unable to keep him up and sinking slowly down to the pavement.

“Master Proxy!”

Wise couldn’t register what Lycaon was saying anymore, mind turning fuzzy and darker with the only thought in mind to keep getting closer to the source of what Wise now deemed comfort incarnate, needing to be as close as possible to the calming smell and utterly heavenly softness that he could sink into and stay forever, trusting that nothing bad would happen. The last fleeting note of security was what made Wise limp, succumbing to the dark that was overtaking his mind and drowning out his mind, forcing it to rest.

He’d be safe and cozy here, he was sure of it.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

“Master Wise! Please respond!”

Von Lycaon urgently grabbed the human’s wrist, noting how thin it was, and checking for a pulse with two fingers against it. He quickly ran through anything the other may have come into contact with on their outing, while sniffing around for anything that might be out of place on his person. Wise’s reaction when he simply grabbed him to prevent him from straying too far was concerning, an almost immediate muffling of sounds that sounded like the proxy was in pain and prompt loss of footing that resulted in the limp bundle he held in his arms now.

He couldn’t figure out what could have caused such a thing to happen to the man on his watch, but the perpetrator wouldn’t go away unscathed, Lycaon promised that much - for the reputation of Victoria Housekeeping and Phaethon, as well as the safety of the store managers as well.

Bundling Wise into his arms (the man seemed to protest less when he was held close), the thiren took him to the van Wise drove to their meetup, opening the passenger door carefully so he didn’t drop the man, and carefully slid him into the seat, settling Wise in and strapping the seatbelt over his lap. He also managed to find the car keys in the right pocket of the proxy’s jeans, quickly grabbing it before he could forget. After careful consideration, he also adjusted the seat back a bit and reclined it for extra comfortability. Satisfied, and double checking that Wise was still fast asleep,  he closed the door as quietly as he could and made his way over to the drivers’ side.

There was a slight problem.

Being a Thiren usually meant being a little over the average human size, with extra appendages to be considerate of, so usually transport on the metro or a car had accommodations. Usually when traveling for jobs, Ellen and he would stick close to make sure such requirements were met, but Von Lycaon supposed he thought a bit too fast for this idea.

Belle and Wise’s van was of considerable size, enough for them to transport themselves and whatever video store stock they need to move, but it would be a tight fit for a vertically challenged Thiren of considerable size with a tail to add.

Read:Von Lycaon.

Opening the door gently, Lycaon moved the seat as far down and back as he could, but even then it allowed enough room for him to scrunch and crowd into the driver's spot. Gauging the location of the pedals and how high the dashboard sat, he estimated he could at least recline the seat for more leg room and still be able to see the road. Nodding at the plan, he shifted the seat around once more, Wise still unmoving in the seat next to him, and tried getting into the car.

The first attempt didn’t go as he planned, trying to get into the car with his legs first, figuring he could slide in after positioning his feet.. Even with the careful consideration of his ears and head, he somehow hit his snout on the grab handle at the side (don’t ask him how) and it ended with him quietly crouched outside the door, whimpering lightly while massaging his nose. 

After feeling slightly better, Von Lycaon tried a second time, focusing on getting his legs in second this time, and focusing on not hitting his head on the ceiling or grab handle. It worked well for the first half, as he managed to get into the seat, but the question now was - before he could bring his legs in, where would he put his tail? It would get too squished up against the seat, and chances are he’d start yelping if he had to put on the brakes, not to mention there would be a much higher rate of injury if it was pressed between two objects. He thought about draping it around his lap, but remembering how little space there was, he’d probably still end up crushing it between his legs.

That left the option of keeping it to either side.

Near the door was out of the question since stray hairs could get caught when it closed, and the space between the seat and door would be much too narrow for his tail to rest. That would mean putting his tail to the side closest to Wise, which…

The thiren slowly turned to look at the passenger seat, seeing the man still fast asleep to his right, and thought back to when Wise was handling his tail just minutes earlier. He had been gentle, careful to not pull any strands the wrong way, and from the look on his face and the time he spent with his face full of fur, Von Lycaon assumed the human enjoyed the privilege of holding and petting his tail.

…no harm in putting it close to Wise then, Lycaon decided.

He swept his tail around the chair to rustle close to Wise, the length of it draping over his lap and onto the other side. It was a good choice he didn’t choose the door then, otherwise he might have stepped on it when pushing the pedals.

Now, for the matter of bringing his legs into the car so he can take Wise back to Belle and his bedroom and check him over thoroughly, sooner than later.

It was much easier to bring his legs in, but as he expected, the dash was rather low and resulted in his legs brought up close, he had to set them on either side of the wheel since they came up so high, but he had more than enough room to spin the driving wheel and reach the pedals efficiently.  Reaching over to close the door, Lycaon almost jumped when he felt something land on his tail.

Whipping his head back (and somehow hitting an ear against that god forsaken ceiling handle), he saw a head of grey hair close to his tail, two arms wrapped around the length, bringing it up for Wise to nuzzle his cheek into the mass of white. Looking closer, he also saw Wise was still fast asleep, breathing much too relaxed for a human who just grabbed a wolf thiren’s tail and very out of character of Wise’s usual policy of asking before touching. Lycaon noticed a small smile on his face as he seemed to be more at ease, even shifting his body to get closer to the tail, bringing his legs up slightly and shifting his torso down, sighing contentedly after a minute or two of shifting around, settling into the seat.

Von Lycaon also let out a breath of relief - if Wise was still conscious then that means he wasn’t in any life threatening danger, it should be an easy diagnosis and solution when he managed to get him back to Random Play. Closing the door, without interruptions this time, he carefully pulled out of the parking lot and got onto the road to Sixth Street, keeping a close eye on Wise as the human remained snuggled into his tail and seemingly content the rest of the drive.

The ride to Random Play was quite uneventful in Lycaon’s opinion, but having a fast trip worked in his favor this time. Though a bit cramped the whole way, when he finally drove into the lot and parked the car, Lycaon had no trouble turning the car off and stepping out, but it wasn’t until he was about to stand that he realized he still had one small issue.

Wise was still holding his tail.

The fastest idea Von Lycaon could come up with was simply coaxing the hands away from his tail, but when he leaned over and tried to gently pry away the arms, the grey haired man fussed and clenched tighter onto it. Sighing, he tried the next best thing - pulling the tail away and out. Through small shifts and movements, Lycaon wiggled his tail through the end of the entrapment set by those clingy arms, and got about halfway through until Wise’s face suddenly scrunched.

Expecting the man to wake up, the thiren stilled his tail, waiting anxiously for any recognition of the situation to come from soon to open eyes - 

Achoo!

-and was instead met with a gentle sneeze, arms opening just the slightest bit that Lycaon took advantage of, pulling his tail free all the way and quickly stepping out of the car, turning back to the passenger seat to see how Wise was.

It seemed the sneeze did nothing to the proxy, other than a little sniffling and a tailless clutching of arms, the grey-haired man was still in the same position as before, and still as unresponsive. Sighing with relief, Lycaon grabbed the keys and closed the door, making his way to the other side to grab Wise and bring him inside. 

Opening the car door and bringing the human out posed no problem and, like before when Lycaon had to first hold him, Wise simply nestled into the thiren’s arms and hardly budged, breathing even and still limp as Lycaon carried him. Striding over to the back door and knocking, he waited until he heard the pattering of shoes on wood before shifting Wise in his arms and coming face to face with Belle standing in the doorway. She wore some light nightwear, Lycaon assumed, outfitted with a loose blue t-shirt with a brand name of some sort and a pair black shorts with fluffy blue socks and her hair down, brushed flat and straight. She must have been getting ready to sleep.

“Apologies for the intrusion,” Lycaon started, hopefully she wouldn’t be too offended by the sudden situation. “Master Wise collapsed during our outing so I brought him here posthaste. I hope I was not wrong in my assumption that bringing him back would be safest.” Lycaon debriefed, watching Belle’s eyes melt from concern into relief and assurance. She sighed lightly, closing her eyes and patting her chest, before turning back to Lycaon and gesturing for him to enter the store. Glancing around, he realized it must be quite late, since there weren’t any people present in the video store at all, only Bangboo 18 bouncing at the counter.

“Please don’t apologize, Lycaon,” Belle said as soon as he stepped in, the girl closing the door behind him and locking it. “When Wise didn’t return half an hour after the time he told me he’d be back, I thought something bad happened to him.” Walking over to the staff archive door, Belle gave a nod to the other Bangboo who quickly opened the metal door and stepped to the side, the girl finally turning to Von Lycaon and gesturing for him to follow. She moved over to the couch, fluffing up some cushions then moving further back to the coffee maker, waiting for Von Lycaon.

Stepping into the room, Lycaon gently set Wise down onto the couch, but as he was settled, the man moved to hug the closest retreating appendage - which turned out to be Lycaon’s arm. “I wasn’t too worried since he was with you,” Belle continued, starting to warm some tea and moving boxes around, taking three mugs off of the rack on the wall, thankfully not looking at the display Wise was causing.

Hoping Belle’s attention would hold on the drinks for a while longer, Lycaon tried to pry his arm away while the other talked, thankfully covering up any rustling noises he made. Wise may have thin arms and look skinny, but the lad packed grip power.

“Lately, though, he’s been staying up so late and working to maintain things around the store and our daily lives that I think he’s overworking himself too much…” Three clanks of mugs, and a fourth thud of a tea bag tin, Lycaon heard as she kept busy with sorting the flavors, trying to choose one. Wise said Belle could tend to be indecisive, and the thiren hoped it would work in his favor just a bit longer.

He had managed to get nowhere, vainly wiggling his arm away from Wise, and for all his strength, Lycoan didn’t want to hurt the other while in such a vulnerable state. But trying from all angles, and as hard as he could, Wise just wouldn’t get go of his arm, holding it close to his face, hand brushing against pale pink cheeks-

“It’s been going on for weeks, I swear!” Belle exclaimed from where she was still watching the water boil to the right temperature. “I’ll have some late nights and when I swing by his room, he’s there typing away at his computer or down near the HDD or at the cashier or in the stockroom with the video tapes, and when I wake up in the morning he’s just finishing up whatever it was he was doing and lying on the bed! I know he tells me he takes naps but I haven’t seen him sleeping as often as he tells me he is,-” Lycaon hears a big breath- “and his eye bags have been getting worse, and I know he’s been getting more headaches and taking meds and-”

A fluffy hand lands on Belle’s left shoulder, successfully cutting off the girl’s rambling, and she can feel the comforting presence of the grey wolf behind her, vastly different from the imposing figure he casts.

“Please, calm down Master Belle.” Lycaon rumbles, gently rubbing her shoulder to soothe her and gently pulls her away from the boiling kettle, grey hands taking it off its electric platter and pouring water into the mugs set out. “I thank you for updating me about your brother’s current state of health, but it won’t do us any good if you succumb to stress because of it too.” Turning to the other, he nods over to the chair by the HDD system. “Why not have a seat while we discuss, and I will assess the situation and see what I can do to help.”

Seeing the blue-haired girl already opening up her mouth to probably dismiss the offer and say Lycaon has helped enough, or simply tell him more about Wise, he raises a hand and firmly clarifies, “I am doing this for you as much as him, Master Belle.” Stepping forward, he handles the chair away from the computer set up and closer to the couch, a hand bringing the shorter girl to sit down in it, and after grabbing two mugs, sets one into a small set of hands while taking the tea bag out and setting it on a plate next to the hot water.

Taking his own tea bag out and carefully leaning against one metal shelf of videos so that both siblings are in clear view - and the door in his periphery - Lycaon encourages Belle to start talking some more.

Through their discussion of information, they go through about three mugs of tea, seven tissues (Lycaon would have provided his handkerchief but Belle grabbed some out of a nearby box before he could offer), and a whole hour of Wise softly snoring away (holding a couch cushion tight in his hands as the only substitute Lycaon could find). He can see that Belle looks much better after recounting the situation to him, and in turn, he has gained some basis on what had caused Wise to collapse in such a manner.

According to the girl, it started about a month ago around the time the HDD system got hacked by an unknown person and Phaethon’s identity had to be sold out for the safety of three hollow raiders that Belle and Wise were leading - a win that worked out in the long run, guaranteeing that the raiders made it out, but it made quite the dent in their business. Especially since the video store wasn’t churning out as much income as what they made as Proxies at the time, and with their Inter-Knot identity, account, and majority of their contacts abandoned, Lycaon gained more respect for Phaethon knowing that they lived up to their career in honesty and determination. 

Seeing Belle and Wise pull through such a tough path had to come with its struggles, but here they were. With their new Inter-Knot account gaining traction, and their video store becoming more popular than ever, it’s hard to imagine they had to go through such a rough patch.

“But even after we got back on our feet and everything almost returned to normal, like how it was before,” Belle continued, “It’s like he had a hard time ever going back to how we ran before everything crashed around us.” She took another sip of tea - Lycaon had found it was an herbal mix he’d never tried before, still soothing and tasteful nonetheless - and sighed, sinking further back into the chair she sat in while spinning a little from side to side. “I know he worries about me a lot, but…” Lycaon watched as worried orange-blue eyes moved towards where Wise still lay on the couch, just as motionless as before, and still making soft snoring sounds while holding the orange pillow close.

“…why can’t he see that I worry about him too?”

Belle slowly stood up from the chair and walked over to the couch, setting her mug of tea on the table and knelt down to settle a hand on Wise’s cheek. Her brother leaned into the gesture, light fingers softly stroking and round eyes gazing at him as he slept. “It makes me happy having him sleep so long, seeing him rest brings me more peace than when he tries to put me at ease with all he does.” She brought her hand and ran it through the grey hair, untangling it gently from its nest of flyaways and knots.

“I want to take care of you sometimes too, brother,” Belle whispered, only loud enough that Lycaon had to strain to catch the full sentence. “You always make sure to look after me, but sometimes you seem to forget that we both need looking after…” She sighed, gently resting her arm on a space Wise wasn’t lying on and settling her head down on it, still petting through his hair and humming a melody Lycaon was unfamiliar with.

Wishing to not intrude, he picked up the mug set down on the table and brought it over to where the tea bags were, setting his own down and approaching the siblings at the couch. “Master Belle, I am grateful you have decided to confide in me about your current emotional state as well as more information concerning your brother's present condition, but please bear in mind that you must also care for yourself to keep your brother well.” He set a hand on Belle’s shoulder, urging her to stand and guiding her to the bedrooms upstairs.

“You need not worry over Wise any longer if it will hinder your sleep - I’ll take him up to his own bed soon enough, but I must make sure you get enough sleep. If not for me, then for him.” Gently pushing her out of the room, he motioned to the stairs, but Belle made no move. Instead, curious eyes gazed over his figure, roving up and down the wolf thiren, and Lycaon could place the exact moment a glint of mischief slowly unfurled on the girl’s face, like petals blooming from a flower center, he could track it from the spark in her eyes to the way her lips turned up and her cheeks lifted.

______________________________________________________________________

“Y’know,” Belle said, rocking back and forth on her feet, no clear intention to start moving up the stairs to the bedrooms, “Wise told me a lot about you since you guys met at the Ballet Twins…” a glance shot to the man on the couch told Belle that Wise was still fast asleep - she supposed even a hollow expansion warning couldn’t wake him now, so she decided it’d be now or never.

Wise could thank her when he woke up, whenever that would be.

Another once-over of the wolf thiren in front of her suggested she could continue - she already guessed Lycaon was dense, and had been told multiple times with her encounters with Ellen how her boss wasn’t the brightest in social communication, language, underlying meaning, the works. That’d just mean she had to spell it out for him, letter by letter, and leave no room for misinterpretation. She’s dealt with harder cases before, and if this works out right, this could end up being the biggest payoff of the year.

“He couldn’t ever really stop talking about you in fact!” She started bouncing around a little more, getting closer to Von Lycaon who was still standing in the doorway, giving no indication that the words were affecting him.

“It’s always about something - ‘Lycaon took down a thug with just a roundhouse kick!’” Belle imitated her brother's tone, throwing her arms around as if to reenact how animated he was during his retelling - “‘Lycaon made the best tea cakes ever and we had an unforgettable talk…’,” This time, she added in a heart clutch for dramatic effect, one arm thrown over her head theatrically. 

“ Lycaon this, Lycaon that…” She sighed, finally getting so close to Lycaon she could smell his laundry detergent from his clothes - and knowing the man, it was subtle enough that any client couldn’t complain about how overbearing it was, but no scent escapes Belle’s nose, not even light lavender.

“Honestly, with how he’s acting it’s almost sad he hasn’t come out and said he’s got a crush on you - I wish he really would.” She crossed her arms, facing away from the imposing butler in front of her, continuing on. “ But hey - can’t really blame him, cuz y’know, you’re practically perfect in every way he could possibly want and super handsome, ust to top it all off. Who knows, maybe you’re already taken, hm?” At that, she lifted her gaze straight to Lycaon’s only visible eye, shining a lovely luster of red as she faced him head on.

This strategy has never failed her now, and it surely won’t fail her this time, she’s certain of it.

“Whelp, I’m gonna head off to bed. G’night!”

And with that, she skipped off to the stairs, making sure to make a little noise until she reached the top and the carpet muffled her sound. Entering into her room and closing her door, she could only hope that Lycaon got what she was trying to say - there wasn’t any beating around the bush with her words hopefully - and hope that her brother or that stubborn wolf would get their act together and finally resolve this.

Until then, she’d enjoy her sleep.

Practically sprinting to her bed and snatching her long stuffie by the wall, she threw off her socks onto the floor - to be picked up later, of course - and grabbed the blanket, snuggling into bed and ready to wake up the next morning. Surely her brother would be in a good mood by then and everything will work out a little better than it was today.

____________________________________________________________________

Lycaon wouldn’t lie and say he didn’t stay in that doorway an excruciatingly long time.

But he stood in that doorway an excruciatingly long time.

He couldn’t register when he heard Belle’s footsteps traipse up the stairs, nor when her door shut, but he could only think back to what she said.

Surely there wasn’t a mistake in her intentions, right?

Truthfully, Lycaon had been in this situation before - quite a few (read: every other) employer of his has, at some point, sought out a closer, more emotional, connection during his jobs and duration of employment through contract, but surely this was different.

This was a case that was an exception.

Mind racing, he couldn’t register when he had come back to stand in front of the couch, but he did, and a single carmine eye roamed over the prone body laying sleeping before him.

Was Wise always the exception?

Since how long?

Had he even fallen into the same specification of his previous employers and enthused acquaintances when they first met?

Wise could be categorized as different - meeting Victoria Housekeeping unconventionally was one, his strangely distant reaction to all connections he meets is another, and his maintenance of division between professional and personal matters is respectable from another of the same business…

But how was Wise an exception?

And why was it the first thought in Lycaon’s mind?

When could it have started?

He could probably blame it on the multiple outings they’d been having since Phaethon met Victoria Housekeeping, but there wasn’t any specific time Lycaon could point to that Wise seemed different from his previous experiences in people ogling him or clearly hitting on him. But surely it didn’t mean that Wise was any different from the people who have hired him previously and worked with him extensively. 

Wise didn’t say a pick up line every breath he took, he didn’t try to make Lycaon uncomfortable by initiating unwanted touches anywhere, didn’t ask intrusive questions about Lycaon’s anatomy, didn’t give him any googly eyes that would betray that he liked Lycaon - 

Lycaon paused for a moment.

Wise Liked Him?

Wise had a crush on him?

Belle had said that.

Hadn’t she?

Oh.

That thought made a flower of heat bloom in Lycaon’s chest.

Time slipped through his fingers once more as he stood in front of the couch, staring at the grey-haired boy laying in front of him.

Wise liked Lycaon.

Gazing at the body in front of him, he ran that sentence through his head until it was exhausted.

Wise Liked Lycaon.

Oh.

This changed something, didn’t it?

Lycaon shook his head, of course it changed nothing. He would employ the same measures as all his previous interests - distance, avoidance, and as a last resort, discouraging denial and the inevitable turn down.

He’ll coordinate with Rina and Ellen, stage what he usually does to make sure whatever they have won’t cross to a personal relationship and snip it at the bud, burn it off, and never look back. He’s done it multiple times before, he can do it again.

Blinking back to reality, scanning the room to reestablish his thoughts from where he was lost in his mind, he stooped down to scoop Wise into his arms, starting for the staircase. He made sure the other was comfortably cuddled up against his chest, head close to his shoulder, and legs slung over his arm in a sort of princess carry. That’s what Ellen said it was called, at least.

He resisted the urge to look down on the face below him, still cuddled into the orange pillow from the sofa, as he stepped up the stairs as quietly as possible, determined to not make a noise lest Belle still be asleep and be stirred awake by anything loud. It would be inevitable that, if Von Lycaon would distance himself from Phaethon and their proxy work, that would be one less branch of reliance from his resources, but having one member of Victoria Housekeeping conveniently occupied during any Hollow commissions that necessitated Phaethon's skills would be simple enough - they’ve jumped through harder hoops before. 

The hit to Lycaon’s reputation, likewise, would also be minimal due to little involvement, and Phaethon would profit more from having another client like Victoria Housekeeping to employ their services in Hollow navigation. So truly, there would be nothing lost in business when Lycaon withdrew. The distance and time would be more than enough to allow Wise a re-evaluation of his feelings toward Lycaon, and given long enough, they could go back to being regular business partners.

Quick solution, easy resolution.

Upon arriving at the doorway to Wise’s room - with Belle’s completely closed and soft snores coming from the bed - Lycaon opened the metal door to be greeted with an impeccably tidy room, organized and neat, with enough personal touches to scream that this was clearly the room of Phaethon’s male half. Lycaon looked around for a few minutes, enjoying the placement of personal items and daily necessities that would facilitate efficient morning routines and easy maneuverability around the space. He was quite impressed that, for such a haggard and stressed young man, Wise clearly kept his space in clean condition.

…save for the mugs on his desk that show multiple cups of coffee and a few hours of sleep.

Lycaon sighed at the sight of how many mugs were placed near the bedroom computer and, upon closer inspection, it seemed there were empty energy drinks in the garbage can underneath the desk. It was sad to see Wise in such a state because he put himself into it, and Lycaon would make sure to give him a good talk about how to care for himself more - starting with that ungodly amount of caffeine from coffee and energy drinks. And the amount of sugar in both of those products. And their effect on sleep. And bodily health.

…and by extension, mental health.

He’d make sure Wise will take better care of himself, a small promise he spoke in his head as he brought the man in his arms over to the bed - neatly made, he noted with a pleased swish of his tail - and set him down, taking off his shoes and jacket to tuck him into the blankets. He was proud that Wise was able to sleep for so long, undisturbed, since he clearly needed it. Lycaon wondered if he was tired the entire time they were walking around and talking, but thinking back…

It really seemed like something friends of the same age would do. Asking to hang out, walking around and talking about the day’s happenings, running into each other and striking up casual conversation. Yes, Lycaon could remember Ellen and Corin talking about such things too, activities often partaken in with close acquaintances.

All their casual meet-ups and outings have kindled a sort of camaraderie between the proxy and himself, Lycaon realized, and…

…he also hadn’t let anyone touch his tail that much before either…

Ellen, being a shark thiren with a similar issue, could understand the care needed to maintain Thiren appendages and would often point out if there were any bad knots or snags on Lycaon’s tail during missions. But she never offered or asked to touch and brush his tail, probably understanding that it was a sensitive subject and that his aversion to touching it was much different from hers. She would let close friends hug it and touch as much as they wanted, with her trust they wouldn’t hurt it too much,  but Lycaon couldn’t remember the last time someone got marginally close to his tail, it had been too long since anyone except him came into contact with it.

Until Wise, that is.

Lycaon couldn’t remember his excuse for saying yes to letting the Proxy touch it when he asked - even going further and burying his face in his tail for half an hour - nor recall why he let Wise hold it longer in the car, why he didn’t bristle at the fact someone other than him was touching a sensitive part of him, why he didn’t just pull away and call it good as soon as his hands touched fur. He could probably chalk it up to the fact that nobody has given him a soft, tender touch for a long time - he believed Ellen called it touch-starved behavior - but did it go further than that?

No, it shouldn’t. Distance, Lycaon chided to himself, we must maintain distance.

Sighing, he let go of his spiraling thoughts - he could sort those out later and was getting nowhere now. Looking back at the subject of his thoughts below him, he released his hands that were pulling the sheets over Wise’s body and settled them onto the pillow the other cradled in his arms, the man still adamant to hold onto it. Surely there was a closer substitute he could place instead so he could bring the pillow back downstairs, but would that disturb Wise into waking?

Lycaon tried tugging the pillow out of Wise’s hands - and felt like a criminal stealing candy from a child - but deceivingly strong hands held it close, face nuzzling further into it. Trying a different angle, Lycaon knelt down and muttered a small sorry before trying to gently pry 

Wise’s fingers off the pillow, sighing in relief as the arms loosened and allowed him to take the pillow away. 

Taking the orange patterned pillow out of Wise’s reach, he slowly withdrew until he felt a weight on his arm - one of Wise’s hands lightly handling his forearm and bringing it closer until he could nuzzle into the fur once more, holding it close to his body and breathing deeply in his sleep. Lycaon saw as the young man in front of him relaxed just slightly - from his shoulders showing less tension, his face smoothing out, even the hands holding Lycaon’s arm close loosened their grip to a gentle hold, enough to keep him from moving away and still able to move it around.

It was a similar behavior to how Wise acted on the sidewalk, Lycaon thought, but as much as he’d like to keep Wise undisturbed while he slept, Lycaon couldn’t stay here all night with his arm held hostage by a tired man. There’d have to be some other pillow in Wise’s room he could substitute again, at least until he could come back and check in again once morning arrived - 

Honestly, with how he’s acting it’s almost sad he hasn’t come out and said he’s got a crush on you - I wish he really would.

That stopped him in his tracks - where did that voice come from? He could clearly remember when Belle said Wise had a crush on him, but having it come back so vividly in memory - 

He looked back down at the human cuddling his arm, completely unaware of how he had turned Lycaon’s internal world into chaos and turmoil with his feelings and talkative sister.

Belle entrusted Wise’s feelings to Lycaon, knowing he would be able to do the right thing, confiding in him in hopes that something may happen between him and her brother. She trusted Lycaon to either act on those feelings, maybe help her brother gain some happiness, or be able to let him down gently so that he doesn’t break, all with consideration of his feelings. She had given him a fragile glass ornament, spun with sugar crystals and delicate designs, and asked him to cherish it dearly or put it back in tissue paper and ever-so-gently place it back where it came from.

East work if Victoria Housekeeping had such a job as to look over glass knick knacks - which they have and succeeded above and beyond what was expected - but, handling feelings that had no physical touch, that he couldn't dust and hold and keep from danger while cradling it close to his chest where no harm would come to it…

Lycaon resisted the urge to sigh once more - it was not Belle’s intention to burden him with such things, worry his mind full of holes, but it was clear what he did next went one of two paths for Wise and him.

Either he’d apologetically distance himself, keep this relationship between them strictly business, and follow the path he was already preparing for, slowly floating away from Wise - 

 - or he’d have to face a potential courting between him and Wise, and that was a path he feared. A path he hadn’t marked with notes in the margin, one he had never before tried to walk, and a route he knew nothing of, including where it led and even how to find it. It rubbed his fur the wrong way, trying to go somewhere he didn’t explore beforehand, with dangers and traps and winding sideroads. He took pride in being prepared for anything possible, whether good or bad or somewhere in between, however it played out in the end.

He knew how to deal with casting feelings aside - probably got too good at it, he thought with a wince - and was comfortable with the notion that some emotions were meant to not be reciprocated, left to die and wither as pruned branches of a bush meant to not yield fruit. If he should open this opportunity to Wise, what would it be like?

His ears quickly picked up on some subtle noise while he thought, and his attention once again turned back to Wise, still sleeping soundly on the bed. Mentally scolding himself for getting lost in thought again - that would be at least the second or third time within the hour - he wondered why he kept tracking back to that train of thought…

“ …Lycaon…”

…that just as quickly derailed itself as soon as it heard those words come from Wise. There was no doubt it came from the human, Lycaon’s ears didn’t lie and Wise was the only person in the room capable of making such a soft sound, tender murmur, so light a passing breeze could blow it away and keep it from being heard…

“…don’t leave…mmmeee…pleassseee…”

It seemed Wise was more awake than he presumed previously.

Wise has a crush on you

…

Perhaps this was imminent in some ways, Lycaon mused.

The thiren sighed, simply leaving his arm in Wise’s grasp while fiddling with his pockets to bring out his phone, opening it and sending a quick message to Rina. Lycaon remembered it was along the lines of  I am currently occupied with something important, in the meantime please keep services running smoothly until I am available to arrive again, but he couldn’t remember much after sending it and turning to face Wise again, the other still holding his arm close.

Was this a human trait to be fixated with soft, fluffy things?

Remembering how Wise reacted to simply holding and cuddling - could it be called cuddling? - into his tail on the sidewalk, maybe it made sense that it could give a feeling of ease and security, and especially when associated with Von Lycaon’s status as a symbol of guidance and guarding, it made it all the more probable that Wise let down his walls for a minute in his presence and opened up enough that the stress flooded through him and knocked him out.

Oh.

That’s a thought for later, Lycoan decided - thinking how it was him that Wise felt safe enough around to practically black out from overworking and exhaustion and heavens knows what else since Belle said this had started. That Lycaon was the one that made him feel safe enough, comfortable enough, to be just a bit vulnerable and trust Lycaon to do the right thing, intentionally or not.

It was nothing new to have people trust him - it was practically his job to gain that trust of clients and keep them feeling safe - but to have both siblings’ trust?

Somehow he couldn’t make heads or tails of it, and the palpitations in his heart and blood were not helping him in trying to decipher what this all meant. Wise bringing his arm closer and snuggling into it like the pillow he had earlier didn’t help the irregularities in his body either, seeping concern into Lycaon’s mind that maybe he was falling ill.

If he was, it would have to be a matter for later - right now, the current predicament needed an answer, quickly. He found it funny how his options stayed the same as what he debated over himself earlier - whether to stay or to go - and clearly one option was more accessible than the other.

If he stayed though…

Lycaon quickly shook his head - if he were to go with his previous plan and run away now, he would not only disappoint Wise but his sister as well, and that would do more than ruin his reputation with the siblings. Lycaon would rather keep casualties to a minimum, and if that meant staying overnight with Wise to make sure he slept well and having to subsequently sit through an inescapable morning conversation, then so be it.

First things first, though, he’d rather not have to sit on the floor all night if he must be present for the next day’s discussion, so he’d have to find a proper place to settle for the rest of the time. Lycaon cast his gaze over to the chair on the other side of the room - it was close enough he could roll it over and sit on it for the remainder of the night and not have to move his arm, and it wouldn’t be too terrible to sit in it. Additionally, if he happened to fall asleep, which he isn’t counting on, at least it won’t be on Wise’s bed.

The thought alone makes the thiren shiver at what would go through the siblings’ heads if that happened.

_______________________________________________________________________

Wise couldn’t remember where he was at, both his mind and body, but he could recognize when he started to sense his surroundings.

It came slowly, first the conscious thought that linked him back to reality in his own self, an awareness that he was somewhere, and started picking up pieces of information.

For one, he felt two distinctly different surfaces - both of them warm and soft, but one was more textured than its smooth counterpart. He wouldn’t complain, they were both heaven to rest on, but the second clue was the smell he picked up.

The most prominent one was a fresh winter scent, full of cold breeze and tea that came with winter days and snow exploration - cheerful memories that reminded him of times before hollows and ethereals and growing up. He picked up the slight smell of home, the laundry detergent that he and Belle both use, the stagnant and stuffy flowery fragrance that they never bothered to change because it was just too nostalgic to the both of them to swap for another.

Finally, with the slow recognition that he could move his limbs, he felt around and sensed that, in addition to the two different smells and textures, there was something distinctly warm and fuzzy around him, something he had wrapped his arms around during the time he was - apparently - asleep.

More alert at the unfamiliar presence - no matter where he was at, whether at his bed or on the couch, and it was certainly one or the other with how he recognized the familiar scent of home - there was nothing present that should be fluffy and warm and -

A huff of air sounded from above his head, just as warm as whatever he was holding and much too loud for it to be the air conditioning.

- and certainly not breathing.

Jolting his eyes open in an attempt to grasp whatever was going on, Wise was promptly met with a wall of white, blurry fuzz. Blinking a little more to get the sleep out of his eye and focus on the thing in front of him, squirming just a little to gauge his surroundings some more.

He was quickly stilled when he had the sensation that he was being squeezed and compressed around his body tightly, registering many things as soon as it stopped and he was able to think (and see, now that his eyes had cleared somewhat) clearer.

Firstly, he was cuddled around a white fur - something - that he didn’t recall ever having in his bedroom. It smelled quite nice, and was very fluffy, and made him sleepy, and - 

Secondly, he was on his side with something clasping around his middle, another thing near the top of his head, and something else behind his legs that caused the feeling of him being squished into a ball when they moved simultaneously.

Thirdly, he was in his bedroom - he could recognize his walls any day, and the fact that there was some light streaming through from his partially closed blinds helped lead to that conclusion.

Fourth, he had No Idea what the thing around him was.

Another huff, a release of some of the pressure causing him to scrunch into a ball, and some shifting of hands made him amend that statement.

Fourth, he had No Idea what The Sentient Thing Around Him was.

…but he wouldn’t complain, of course.

Not when it smelt so strongly of calm and peace and safety and sleep and Lycaon and winter and home and comfort and -

Wait

Lycaon?

___________________________________________________________________

He couldn't remember how or when or why or where he fell asleep, all Lycaon knew was that he was awakened by a sudden shifting near him, a particularly squirmy thing close to him, and grunted in response while trying to stifle its movement. It worked well, for a few minutes he guessed, before movement started up again and he let out a low growl in response. He’d been told by Rina before that he was not a morning person - she would know after trying to wake him up during the days he simply falls asleep by the early morning - and would rather prefer he got his necessary amount of sleep for the day thank you very much.

Once again, the movement quieted down, causing Lycaon to rumble a pleased sort of purr - he wasn’t a cat thiren mind you but wolves had their ways of expressing satisfaction - and fall back into his sleepy state once more, not bothering to question whatever it was that was moving.

A few minutes later, Lycaon registers that there shouldn’t be anything near him - much less something that moves and squirms - that should be disturbing his sleep.

Right after, memories come flooding back and he remembers that he shouldn’t be asleep at all.

So what in the name of everything good is he doing?

Rapidly opening his eyes, Lycaon takes in everything around him - unfamiliar dark blue walls, sunlight streaming into the room much to close to him that it makes everything too bright, most of all the permeating unfamiliar smell of -

Wise

Something inside him leapt up as soon as he recognized it - he should be concerned at how fast he recognized the smell, the room, the bed - and immediately quieted it down in favor of reasoning. 

Wise shouldn’t be around him, his smell, his sheets his pillows, his - 

Lycaon stops.

Oh so slowly looks down at whatever his arms are bundled around closely the thing that was squirming and waking him earlier.

- Wise should not be cuddled into him. At all.

Scratch that, Lycaon shouldn’t be cuddling Wise or laying in his bed or growling at the man good heavens - 

His eye blinks once, then again, and continues seeing while his brain is reeling.

Wise should not be there.

How the fuck did Wise get there.

How did Lycaon get here??

A face comes up to meet his eye, and Lycaon internally sighs in relief at how much better Wise looks, much more relaxed than when they initially met the day before, less stressed and even a little sleepy with how bleary his eyes are and blinking rapidly at Lycaon, his hair mussed from sleep while his hands grapple at a white tail…

…Lycaon’s tail.

Lycaon’s in Wise’s bed.

Wait, no, not like that - nothing like that, heavens forbid Lycaon get in Wise’s bed for unsavory reasons much less that.

Before he can utter a single word - an apology, an explanation, a simple courteous ‘good morning’ or a question like how the fuck - Wise quickly diverts his eyes away from where they were staring right at Lycaon’s face and turns around in his arms which are holding onto Wise’s waist and pulling him flush against his chest and snuggles (?) into Lycaon’s chest where he is still wearing his clothes from yesterday and breathes deeply, wrapping his arms around as far as they will go around Lycaon’s torso, and just…

Lycaon waits for Wise to reveal his face from where he’s hiding it in his chest, when he picks up the sounds of soft snoring, an even breath, and Good Lord What Is Happening.

______________________________________________________________________

This is the best dream Wise has had. He’ll promise Belle he’ll sleep more if he gets dreams like this.

Dreams where Lycaon is surrounding him, holding him close, bathing him in his scent that makes Wise smell like the thiren, like he belongs to Lycaon.

It could only possibly be a dream that he’s next to Lycaon, cuddled by Lycaon, in his bed, turning over to see Lycaon looking down at him, snuggling further into his hold, breathing in that fresh fragrance that he remembers smelling yesterday.

If only every day could be like this.

Wise relaxed into the warm heat of the grey-haired wolf next to him and immersed himself back into his dream, clutching the other close for good measure.

_______________________________________________________________________

He was fucked.

Wise had seen Lycaon awake, had noticed they were sleeping in the same bed, had responded by turning around and curling against Lycaon voluntarily, and had fallen straight back to sleep.

He had expected some sort of louder reaction, maybe screaming or trying to process, or a hearty blush across his face or a dazed blinking at the fact that Lycaon was sleeping with him but not in that way - 

A door slammed open, a thudding of feet following, causing Lycaon’s ears to prick up as he tried to figure out what was happening, tracing their path down the stairs, stopping, then racing back up and heading towards where he and Wise were still laying in the bed, and another door slammed open, much closer this time, sounding like it came just yards away from where they were on the bed.

Shifting ever so slightly to the right and raising his head (without disturbing Wise of course) to see the door, Lycaon was about ready to black out from embarrassment. Not that there should be anything embarrassing about the situation but…

Well, when Belle is standing in the doorway, barefoot and clearly still in her pajamas, mouth as wide as the door was open and staring at where her brother and Lycaon were on the bed and Lycaon couldn’t move since Wise was still asleep and he couldn’t say much in his defense because thankfully they have clothes on but if he were to speak now Wise might wake up and Lycaon would be very disappointed with himself if he disturbed Wise now while he was clearly in a near comatose state - 

“Oh. My. God” Belle said, and Lycaon just noticed that she had dropped a rather long stuffed creature she was holding onto the floor, brain still turning gears with Lycaon not daring to move an inch under her scrutiny.

It didn’t last long since after a minute of staring she quickly dashed into her room, leaving her stuffed creature on the floor (it looked rather like if a caterpillar turned into a watermelon in Lycaon’s own opinion) and only gave less than a minute of respite for the poor thiren before she came barreling into the room again, phone in hand and holding it up as she approached the bed.

It was when they both heard a low threatening growl that Belle stopped just inches before the bed, looking peculiarly at Lycaon. Backtracking, she was halfway across the room when it stopped, resuming again once she was within close enough proximity to take a photo.

“Pfffttt - Lycaon, are you growling at me?” Belle laughed. She tried lifting her arms up higher to get a good picture of Wise sleeping on the bed, Lycaon hearing multiple little snaps as he clicked his tongue in return.

“I would appreciate it if my face weren’t in any of those, if you would be so kind Master Belle.” Lycaon deflected, refusing to believe he had - of all things, growled and threatened - Miss Belle in her attempts to take photos of a vulnerable, sleeping Wise.

“Oh don’t worry, you don’t have to be in it to work as blackmail, hehehe~” Belle chuckled mischievously as she tucked her phone away, allowing Lycaon to breathe a sigh of relief and try to sit up as far as he could without moving Wise to address Belle.

“Soooo, something happened last night?” Belle asked, cutting Lycaon off from any opportunity to not talk about Wise and his current position. 

“Miss Belle I assure you nothing of the sort happened as soon as I returned him to his bed.” Lycaon answered, eyes closed to avoid meeting those prodding, curious eyes of Belle’s. Wise had told Lycaon how precious his sister was, how he worried for her safety with her innocent looks and charm, but Lycaon thought it would be the people on the other side of that look of hers that ought to be careful. Whenever he made eye contact with her, he could feel as if those eyes bore into his mind, read his thoughts, even knew whatever he didn’t inside his own body. It made him antsy all the time, and surely Belle didn’t mean to cause such feelings of anxiety, but it was still a hard notion to shake off.

Especially in a situation as compromising as this.

“Right, you’re just sleeping together. In Wise’s bed.” she deadpanned, and Lycaon could hear how suspicion bled into her voice, the most prominent note strung through the sentence and incriminating wording.

“And I assure you nothing of the sort happened -”

“Nothing of what sort? Hm?” Lycaon snapped his eyes open and met Belle’s smug face a few feet away from the bed where she sat in the chair.

The one Lycaon was supposed to sleep in overnight.

“Haha! Relax, Lycaon, I know you guys didn't do anything, having clothes on is enough to know, but you should’ve seen your face.” Belle’s smug smile somehow got wider from where she was sitting, and Lycaon made a note to tell Wise that his sister would be just fine on her own if she was this way all the time. Belle waggled a finger around where Lycaon and Wise were still on the bed, a red eye noticing how her face softened seeing Wise fast asleep. “Anyways, how did you get on there in the first place?”

“I myself have no recollections of laying down next to Wise  at any point during the night,” Lycaon explained, “But I do remember I had to stay close because he reached out to hold my arm.” Lycaon’s brows knit as he tries to remember all the details of what happened the night before, but all he could remember is sitting down on the chair and moving close to Wise as he cuddled his forearm.

“Hmmm…” Belle hummed, draping herself over the chair in a posture Lycaon would make sure to tell her was terrible for her back, “So he held onto you and you decided to get into bed with him?”

“Please refrain from such wording, Miss Belle.” Lycaon huffed, looking back down at Wise, still snoring softly into Lycaon’s chest. “But yes, that would be an apt explanation.” He concluded.

“Geez, I thought it’d be something more exciting…” Belle muttered from her place on the chair, “But it seems like something Wise would do at least. Can you believe he’s been wanting to touch your tail and fur for the longest time? He won’t stop gushing to me about it.” Lycaon heard her let out a muffled groan but kept his focus on Wise. 

“...He’s wanted to touch my fur for a while?”

“Uhh, yea?” Belle replied, “I mean, it’s the dream of every person I’ve seen interact with you, something about how soft it looks and how nice it’d be to run their fingers through - but no more on that or else it’ll get weird. I should know, I have to listen to those weirdos and their kinks, urgh.”

Lycaon could care less about the other people who wanted to touch his tail, but Wise…

“I thank you for spending time and striking up a conversation with me, Miss Belle. I believe I know what to do now.” Lycaon responded, tuning out the ramblings of the blue-haired girl in the chair as he got lost in his own thoughts once more.

Remembering them from yesterday, they weren’t filled with as much cotton this morning, and didn’t seem as distant as when he was thinking the night before. Gone was the creeping cold that seeped into his ideas of last night, pictures of leaving or abandoning the proxy twins in an effort to lose Wise’s affection towards him. 

Now that his mind was set on keeping their relationship safe, it felt like a battle within himself had been won. It was as if a candle had been lit, driving away the newborn frosty fingers starting to worm into his mind and giving a new warmth to what he was going to commit himself to do.

If this is what it was like knowing Wise liked him, he could live with it. Maybe, for once, he could give his worn out routes of running a slight reprieve and tread somewhere new. Maybe it was time for a little change, if that change meant Wise was with him.

“Belle,” Lycaon started, catching the girl’s attention as he turned to face her, legs now draped over one arm of the chair to mimic a body sprawled out on a couch instead of two narrow chair arms. He held back a hmph of disapproval at her shining eyes, now would not be a time to get sidetracked, and there would be a later day to scold her for such things.

“Would you be willing to pass a message onto Wise for me? I’m afraid I will be busy the rest of the week and won’t be able to keep him company as often, but it will only be momentarily, you can reassure him of that.”

Belle stared at him questioningly, replying with an uncertain “Sure, but - how’re you going to escape all…that?” She pointed a finger around at where Wise was still sleeping and - somehow, while Lycaon wasn’t paying attention - had both arms wrapped around his tail once more, snuggling it close and drowning his upper body in white fur.

“Ah,” said Lycaon, “...it seems I have forgotten about that specifically.”

After a few tries of attempting to pull his tail back out (and Belle laughing while taking pictures the whole time) Lycaon finally retrieved his tail with the help of an extra pillow and some cooing to Wise. After dusting himself off, he gave a quick bow to Belle and hurried out the door, exiting out of the store from the back door. Now, to get to the Metro Station and schedule things with Rina. 

Lycaon gave a little shiver, and decided he’d run the way there - the morning commute would be arriving soon and he hoped nothing bad had happened while he was gone.

____________________________________________________________________

When Wise came to, the first thing he recognized was that he was actually sleeping.

Strange, given his insomnia, but also odd because he felt more refreshed than his usual late night naps that he actually does take despite what Belle says.

When Wise came to and opened his eyes, the second thing he recognized was that it was already past noon based on the angle of sunlight passing through his window and that would mean - 

“Shit!” Wise yelped as he tried to get up from off the bed, tumbling to the floor in a heap of blankets. Not that he didn't want to be on the floor, but sometimes the methods didn’t justify the end. And he was hoping to be standing, not in some shapeless pile.

As expected, he heard thudding coming up the stairs and, after he parted the blankets tangled over his face, saw that Belle was walking towards him after inviting herself into his room. “It’s about time you woke up,” she whined, “I thought I’d have to call emergency services and report a dead body if you stayed in that coma for another hour~” She knelt down and helped Wise out of his blanket prison, and he cringed when he noticed he was wearing the same outfit he had yesterday.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you - ”

“No ‘sorry’s when you’re still half asleep, they sound pathetic.” Belle interrupted, already walking out towards the door. “Anyways, I was relieved when you started sleeping through the whole day. If anything,” Belle turned around as she reached the doorway, grabbing the handle and facing Wise, still on the floor in a mess of blankets. “I think you made Lycaon worry more than me. Make sure to check in on him, yea? Guy saw you practically faint in his arms…”

Wise could barely make out the last sentence as Belle closed the door, muffled by the metal a and click, but it didn’t matter anyways. Wise’s head was reeling at what happened yesterday evening, piecing together whatever it was that had happened.

Wise had met with Lycaon.

He had asked before if he could pet Lycaon’s tail.

Lycaon had agreed, and they had gone to groom it since Lycaon insisted it to be in perfect shape before Wise got near it.

And then Wise had finally gotten to touch the silky fur, feel the low warmth and smell  how wonderful Lycaon smelt and - 

Fuck.

Did Wise fall asleep in Lycaon’s tail?

Wise’s face felt warm as he buried it in his hands - it was probably hotter than that time the HDD system overheated and melted down most of the plastics and equipment close to it.

He didn’t even want to think of what he looked like yesterday, absolutely pathetic and tired and -

God, Lycaon had to see him like that. Seeing as how he was in his room, Lycaon probably brought him all the way from Lumina Square back to Random Play, all while Wise was dead asleep and oh god that would be awkward. Wise thought it better that he was asleep the whole time so that he wouldn't die of mortification from the whole thing.

On the other hand, it would’ve been hot to see Lycaon lifting him effortlessly, probably carrying him gently so as to not disturb him, handsome to look at even from where Wise was in his arms, close to that furry, soft, muscular chest of his -

One mental breakdown and muffled screamfest later, Wise was opening his door, dressed in a new pair of clothes thankfully, and stepped down the stairs, headed to the back room for some food. Given the small amount of people still perusing the videos and how a soft pink painted the window, Wise concluded it would probably be more like a heavy dinner at this point.

His stomach growled in agreement.

Meeting Bangboo 6 at the door and giving a small ‘hello’ while it chirruped in a happy response, Wise sidled into the room and saw Belle lounging on the couch with a plastic bag on the table in front of her. 

Looking up to see who entered, Belle smiled and patted the cushion next to her while she shuffled to make room for Wise. As soon as he sat down, she grabbed the bag and pulled out what Wise recognized as take out noodles from Waterfall Soup. The fragrant broth made his mouth water even more as he started to slurp the food up, realizing how ravenous he was as he ravished the meal.

They ate in silence until Wise finished his bowl, Belle only talking as soon as he set it down on the table and got comfy again on the couch.

“Lycaon said you wanted to get some noodles before coming back here, so I thought I’d get you some as soon as you woke up. I didn’t realize you’d sleep for so long.” Wise could see her hiding her smile and laugh behind her hand, sheepishly scratching the back of his head in reply.

“I suppose I’ll have to apologize to him later,” he said, “but for now, thanks for those noodles. They really hit the spot..” Wise heard Belle giggle again with a slung back response of how she should order next time they decide on take out.

“You can send him a message now that you’re awake, y’know.” Belle poked at him, starting to lay down and settle her legs over Wise’s lap like they’ve done for years. She pulled her phone out and passed Wise his from the table right beside her, already resuming a position that told Wise she was going to be well preoccupied with her mobile games for a while. “Let him know you’re not in a coma and all that jazz.”

Belle tapped away at her screen, happy to keep their comfortable silence now that they had said everything except the elephant in the room. Wise had hoped Belle would tease a little more about what happened when Lycaon came to drop him off, but with no other information it would be hard to gauge just how much had happened while he was asleep.

He unlocked his phone and opened up Knock-Knock, staring at the previous messages from the day before, wondering what he should say next. Any message would be better than no message, but it would have to be a good opening into a conversation.

Don’t worry, I’m not dead.

No, Lycaon wouldn't be one to joke a lot

Sorry about yesterday.

Not quite...

Thanks for yesterday.

Maybe keeping away from yesterday would be a good thing

soooo, yesterday. god that was embarrassing

What was he a teenager?

Sorry you had to see me like that yesterday…

That would lead to Wise having to say what happened yesterday and he didn't know if he could stand the embarrassment typing that all out in front of Belle

What happened yesterday, do you remember?

Viable, still on the subject of yesterday though, and if something good happened, Lycaon might dismiss it...

Wise: How are you doing today, Lycaon?

Without thinking, Wise sent the first thing that he could think of that would stand as a nice neutral in a conversation, the perfect balance between either avoiding or approaching the subject of yesterday at Lycaon’s approval, allowing for them to talk about what happened or let the thiren avoid it altogether - 

Von Lycaon: I am quite well, thank you for asking Master Wise. I presume you’ve had a restful sleep, correct?

God, Wise could hear those words like Lycaon was speaking directly to him in his ear, listening to the timbre of his voice, following the puff of his breath as it caressed the skin near his throat - 

Wise: Yep, Belle and I just finished up eating some noodles too.

Why would he mention eating noodles with his sister, sure she said Lycaon mentioned it, but wouldn’t it be weird to say his suggestion was taken seriously and that Wise enjoyed it even though he couldn’t be right there with Wise, couldn’t talk about their latest jobs and frisks in the hollow - heck, they could’ve had this text conversation yesterday over some good food and Wise would be feasting on the fact that seeing Lycaon in something other than a professional setting is a treat in itself.

Von Lycaon: I am glad that my suggestion was taken into account, and apologize that things had to get cut off short yesterday. Had there been a chance, I would have quite liked to converse with you over a good bowl of fresh iced noodles.

Von Lycaon: Now that I think of it, would it be too presumptuous of me to schedule another meet up with just the two of us? I have an idea of an activity we can try, but I would like to know if you are acceptable to it.

Huh?

Wise: huh??

Von Lycaon: Apologies if it seems a bit sudden, but since our previous day trip had ended abruptly, I presumed there should be a follow up attempt.

Von Lycaon: I may have gotten a bit ahead of myself and planned a location already. If you are free this Friday, I can send you the address and you may decide on a time that works best for you.

This felt like something out of a dream to Wise - THE Von Lycaon was asking him if he wanted to meet up to do something Von Lycaon had already planned. Usually Lycaon was the one following the plans of whoever hired Victoria Housekeeping, adapting as the situation progressed. All the previous times, it was Wise who reached out to meeting Von Lycaon on sporadic excursions to just talk with the guy.

And now Lycaon is planning a whole get together between him and Wise by himself?

He wasn’t complaining, it was a great change of pace, and to do something Lycaon wanted for once made Wise’s heart skip to a different rhythm, giddiness bubbling up inside of him.

Wise: I’m free Friday, would around noon be okay to come?

Von Lycaon: [Link]

Von Lycaon: Noon sounds wonderful, thank you for agreeing to this sudden whimsy of mine. I hope to see you there and in good health.

Von Lycaon: Take care, Wise

Wise blinked at the phone screen showing Lycaon’s last message for a good few minutes, until he finally got his brain to work. Clicking the link, it brought up a map with the location shown to be a residence in a neighborhood near Lumina Square, and Wise it would be about a fifteen to twenty minute drive from his house.

Blinking a little while longer at the red dot displaying the location, Wise thought back to what happened just minutes ago. He texted Lycaon, told him he was alright, and Lycaon asked him out to a place.

Did…

Did Lycaon just ask him on a date?

“What the fuck just happened.” he muttered, eyes glazed from where they were glued to his screen.

Belle howled with laughter from where she was still tapping at her phone, and Wise had to grab the pillow next to him and whack her with it to get her to stop.

____________________________________________________________________

This cannot be the place Lycaon sent. Wise thought. A glance at his phone told him he was at his destination, a pulsing red dot taunting him from where he stared at his screen.

The residential address had led him to a small neighborhood filled with quaint, well designed houses, with manicured gardens and comfortable quiet that made Wise feel like he stepped into a village from a Victorian era novel. Considering the cars lining the streets and driveways, as well as the occasional pedestrian in modern wear, he could rule that possibility out, but it didn’t detract at all from the beauty surrounding him.

Nevermind. It made perfect sense why Lycaon wanted to meet him here now, the man always had a penchant for classically stylish themes, and this seemed like something right up his alley.

Speak of the devil.

Hearing metal against concrete, Wise turned his head to look down the sidewalk he was on to find Lycaon in his usual attire walking towards him, with some sort of parcel in his hands that he took great care to hold close to his chest.

“Ah, Master Wise, good day.” he greeted cheerfully, stopping a foot away from Wise and giving a small bow. “I am thrilled to find that you’re right on time. Follow me, if you would.”

Not waiting for an answer, Lycaon breezed past Wise and stepped closer to the house they stood in front of, and much to Wise’s astonishment, strode up to the door and pulled a key set from his pocket, opening up the door. Looking back to where Wise was still standing, he gestured to the inside with a demure “After you.”

Inside, Wise saw beautiful upholstery and decorations with gentle colors, his feet slowly bringing him closer to the house. The outside was beautiful, with its stone walls and decorative roof, but the inside showed much more warmth and personality. He slipped off his shoes on instinct by the doorway, placing them close to an empty rack, and marveled at the wonderfully soft carpet that pushed against his feet.

Lining the walls were multiple things: shelves of cabinets with teacups and what looked like older models of guns, some oil paintings of forests and cottages and woodland scenery, some chairs and stairs decked in forest green, grey, and white, all welcoming him with the smell of fresh cold air and some floral aroma he couldn’t discern.

Hearing the door shut gently behind him, Wise jumped and turned around on high alert until he saw Von Lycaon behind him, smiling gently at his reaction. “I hope it is clean enough, I planned ample time to tidy the place to your liking, but I still hope you approve of my tastes within my own personal residence.”

Lycaon walked right past Wise, still holding the package he was carrying earlier, but Wise could see it clearer as he passed by. It looked like it was wrapped in brown paper, the kind used for those paper bags at the stores, with a lumpy shape to it.

“So, this is your home?” Wise questioned, looking around the house again and following Lycaon into what looked like a living room. There was a rather large leather couch, a dark brown color, that spanned most of the wall with a leather recliner of the same shade close by, and contrasted beautifully with the white carpet all across the floor. He noticed a small cloth rug in the centre of the room with some blankets and pillows stacked neatly to one wall, giving the area an even more cozy and homey feeling. “What’re we doing here, though? I thought we were going to do something similar to last time.”

Not that Wise was disappointed about the discovery - on the contrary, he was honored that he got to enter into Lycoan’s house - but it felt a lot more different than last time when they walked around Lumina Square and all.

“I understand that last time, you were fascinated with my tail and it caused you to fall asleep for quite a while.” Lycaon managed to turn his head to Wise just as he felt a mad blush rush up his face, his stupidly handsome face giving a soft smile and tender chuckle in response. “I have also learned quite a bit from your sister since I dropped you off, and I…” Lycaon trailed off, turning towards the counter he was standing in front of, placing the parcel on it. “…I suppose an explanation of sorts is in order, as well as some transparency about what I had planned.”

Wise had never seen Lycaon look so uncertain in the small time he knew him, much less stutter over his words like a child. The thiren made a gesture for Wise to have a seat, still fiddling with whatever was wrapped up in the brown paper. Once Wise sat down, Lycaon followed suit, both of them sitting a small distance away on the leather sofa. Wise waited in silence while Lycaon looked anywhere but the grey-human in front of him, finally speaking in a small voice, so quiet it seemed like it was meant only for Wise to hear.

“It has come to my attention - well, was told to me rather -” Lycaon corrected, “that you harbor…have some…” Wise was patient as Lycaon stumbled upon his words, eloquence seeming to evade the other. “Well…the truth of the matter is that Belle told me you…have feelings towards me as of late.”

Lycaon was clearly guilty to spilling the matter so forwardly (he almost wanted to coo at how Lycaon’s ears were bent downwards just a bit and made his permanently stern face much more like that of a sad puppy) but quickly started to speak again before Wise could even cuss Belle out for telling Lycaon about his crush. That little sneak.

“Not that it’s a bad thing, I know she was coming from a place of good faith” Lycaon assured, raising his hands as if to defend himself from Wise’s predicted onslaught of words. “But, it made me think a lot on how I should handle this going forward.”

This time, Wise saw as Lycaon lifted his head to pin him with his red gaze, turmoil and clouds churning within that ruby eye. “I’ve always had people who have, in simpler terms, a ‘crush’ on me, and they would only have dreams to hold that I could love them back the same way.” Animosity and guilt sparked like lightning for a brief second before it turned to a soft light of what Wise could only describe as fuzzy love. “But you, Wise, when I found myself thinking I could put you through the same treatment, it hurt me in a way I’ve never thought I could be hurt.”

Breaths hitched as two soft, warm, furry hands came up to either side of his face, holding Wise close to Lycaon’s snout, close enough he could start to smell that fragrance that was Lycaon.

“I would never wish to hurt you in that way, but it made me scared. It made me nervous. But most of all, it made me pick a choice, and I’ve chosen to give you a chance.” Wise didn’t dare move as those soft hands brought his head low enough for Lycaon’s nose to press against the top of his head, slowly breathing in the smell of Wise’s hair - thank god he decided to shower before coming over - and let Lycaon continue talking. “It occurred to me you will need some context, but I believe this is something I’d like to share with you. You, and only you, Wise.”

He could feel himself melt into the thiren’s embrace, Lycaon responding by pulling him closer to his chest where Wise could start to hear how hard the other’s heart was pounding. “Most furred Thirens consider their appendages and fur very…limited to interactions.” Wise made a noise of question, and Lycaon cleared his throat to clarify. “Specifically, the act of touching or grooming is something reserved for family relations or close people. And even then, there are certain limitations.” 

Wise enjoyed how he could feel Lycaon’s rumbling voice this close to the thiren, humming to let him know that Wise was still listening and understood.

“I’d like to try and trust you more, Wise, and perhaps…court you for satisfying my own curiosity.” Wise could’ve sworn he heard something that sounded like a soft purr in response to those words. Lycaon really was just adorable at times. “Wolf thirens appreciate scouting potential mates by how well they take care of each other's fur, and being able to bond over coat maintenance is recognized as a typical mating procedure as well as action of affection.”

Those fur hands brought Wise back out of his cocoon inside Lycaon to look into the other's red eye, shining with hope and love and tenderness.

“Wise, would you like to accept this offer?”

Wise hummed thoughtfully, lips turning up into a smile. “It would be an honor, Lycaon.”

Sunshine beamed from Lycaon’s face as he withdrew his hands and stood up, walking over to the counter where the paper package was. “Then I suggest we move to the floor and roll up that rug - based on my previous experiences, the situation can tend to get hairy.” Then, as if it was an afterthought, “I hope you’re alright with getting that shirt you’re wearing a little dirty, I suppose I should have suggested you wear something white.”

Wise hummed as he rolled up the carpet and set it near the stack of pillows and blankets, clearing a space in the middle of the floor as a thought struck him.

“Don’t wolves usually scent one another?” Wise asked mischievously, watching Lycaon’s tail still and his ears prick up. “If I walk around with your fur on me, won’t that mean I have some of your scent? It doesn’t smell half bad either, so I don’t mind at all…” He grinned as he saw the white tail swish at the thought, Lycaon giving a begrudging huff from where he held up a bottle of something. “Don’t be silly, there will be plenty of time to get to that point. Besides, scenting is a mutual activity, one we can discuss later.”

Turning around, Lycaon came back with a plastic bottle and two different brushes in hand, settling onto the floor next to where Wise had settled in. “This,” Lycaon pointed to the bottle, “is a fur conditioner that should help with any bad knotting. It should spray on and untangle most everything, and keep the fur in good condition. The two brushes are more for preference since I didn’t know which would be better for the task and, I suppose I also need new brushes…” Pointing at the first, Lycaon explained it was the one he would usually use since the handle was longer and the bristles were more coarse, meaning he could groom any part of his body quickly by himself.

“This one,” he held up the other brush, “was highly recommended for grooming sessions with a human partner. It is supposed to replicate how another thiren would brush through fur - either with hands or their tongue in the case of most feline thirens. Feel free to use whichever you believe would work better.” With everything said, Lycaon pulled his tail forward, unbuckling the straps around the base and somehow fluffing his tail up even more. By the time all the leather was cleared away, Wise could barely restrain himself from flopping forward into the mass of white and just curl to sleep.

“I usually start with my tail, since it is the easiest to access and by far the most time consuming, but I will understand if you get tired after a while since there is quite a bit of fur.” Lycaon said, slowly fluffing up the fur that was flattened by the buckles. “I have to keep it contained most of the time for fighting and keeping the shedding down.”

“It’s…beautiful…” Wise marveled, traveling his hands down the silky texture, feeling for any mats and gently carding his fingers through. He remembered how soft and wonderful it was to hold it back in Lumina Square, but now that he was in Lycaon’s house with Lycaon’s permission to do more than touch his tail but the rest of his fur - 

- Wise shivered a little and blushed, starting to grab the closest brush.

Brushing Lycaon’s tail with that red eye watching him intently was suspenseful and exciting, and after just a few strokes starting from the end of the tail, Wise could hear a quiet rumbling coming from Lycaon. He stopped stroking through with the brush for a while, only playing with the fur with his fingers, then slowly looked up and saw Lycaon had closed his eye. Wise had never really seen Lycaon look tired or sleepy, much less see the man rest for maybe five minutes.

Seeing the thiren’s eyes closed, guard down and emitting what Wise would classify as a purr of pleasure, it was cute to see Lycaon in a state other than calmly stressed, angered, or musing. He kept staring until Lycaon cracked his eye open causing Wise to squeak and blush at the fact that he got caught, quickly resuming his gentle ministrations on Lycaon’s tail to the sound of a rumbling laugh.

They both sat in comfortable silence the rest of the time, Wise deciding he would never get used to how Lycaon’s tail felt - how soft it was, how nice it smelled, how it would be perfect for him to snuggle up with and sleep cuddled between it and Lycaon - he was so focused he didn’t notice Lycaon staring right at him.

Lycaon, who was regarding him with soft love, proud at the fact that the longer Wise would groom his tail and care for his fur, he would start smelling like Lycaon. He’d make sure Wise would never escape sleep again because Lycaon could wrap all around him and force him to rest. Call him possessive, call him animalistic, but the mention of Wise smelling like Lycaon, being Lycaon’s, only for him and nobody else, filled a small part of him that craved that.

The part of him that craved to have Wise voluntarily nestle into his side, to have Wise allow Lycaon to guard him and protect him, to take care of him like he’d been cared for once upon a time. It would be a big responsibility, to keep a human as reckless and neglectful as Wise safe and healthy, but he could do it.

He would do it to mark Wise as his.

He noticed when Wise was starting to get sleepy, taking longer brush strokes through his fur and weakly tugging through smaller tangles. The other did a wonderful job making sure Lycaon’s tail was groomed through, but cleaning took effort, and part of it was the inevitable feeling of tiredness that would wash over both parties, beckoning them to sleep together. Another action that would build trust around vulnerability and deeper love in place of companionship.

Churring softly, Lycaon wrapped his tail around Wise’s waist, guiding the human closer to his chest with one hand while the other grabbed two nearby pillows. Bringing Wise flush against his chest, and listening as the other’s breathing started to slow, Lycaon settled them both across the couch, watching as Wise’s eyes betrayed his drowsiness in slow, sluggish blinks.

Lycaon propped one pillow near the arm of the couch and the other under Wise’s head as he situated them onto the small area, ending up laying on one side with Wise’s face tucked snugly against his chest and back to the couch cushions. Lycaon quickly unbuttoned his vest and took it off, placing it on the floor so that none of Wise’s hair tangled into it while he slept. Pausing for a moment, he thought if it would be appropriate if he also unbuttoned his shirt for the same reason.

It would have the added benefit of smothering Wise in his scent, but what would he think after waking up in Lycaon’s arm with the thiren basically half naked?

After thinking it over for a while, and watching Wise’s face melt back into sleep during his rumination, he decided to unbutton the shirt all the way but keep it on. He wasn’t so shameless as to take it off completely, but it would be a nuisance if Wise hurt his face rubbing against his buttons and tangling his hair into the shirt. If it brought Lycaon the mental image of Wise’s blushing face as he woke to see his handsome thiren, so be it.

It was also a convenient excuse to hold Wise’s head to his chest, able to card through his hair and hold him carefully, feeling content that he was keeping his courted mate from potential threats. Not that there would be many potential threats in his own home, but it was an added layer of protection, and holding Wise in his home brought another soft feeling in his chest, causing him to rumble out a purr yet again.

Wise was safe with him. Wise will be cared for now that he has Lycaon. 

Wise was with him now, sleeping, tucked into Lycaon, protected.

The thiren let out a sleepy huff and nuzzled his snout into Wise’s hair. It wouldn’t hurt to indulge in a small nap with his darling close by.

His darling, his mate. His Wise.