The Fanged and the Faithful

by snivyartjpeg

Summary:

Werewolves are monsters. Savages. They're not to be trusted. Ryunosuke learned that the hard way.

And yet, he reached out his hand again to a werewolf, praying that perhaps this one won't bite.

Notes:

A special thank you to my beta reader, Mael. You're the best <3

Chapter 1: Blood Upon My Matted Fur

Blood pooled around Ryunosuke's squirming body as he desperately tried to escape the claws gripping his ankles like a vice. His hands scraped against the sidewalk’s gravel in his meager attempt to grab the crossbow taunting him on the ground, just out of arm’s reach.

He shouldn't have come here. He shouldn't have split off from Kazuma. He shouldn't have trusted-

"Aye, hunter boy. It be in ya best interest to stop… strugglin'." The werewolf behind him punctuated that final word by digging his claws into Ryunosuke's legs, eliciting a pained cry.

He shouldn't have trusted a monster.

Magnus was the beast's name. A rich philanthropist that ruled over the city of London from the shadows. Despite being a well known werewolf among hunters and British nobles alike, the man had never killed or hurt a soul - the poster child of all "good werewolves" everywhere.

At least, that's what Ryunosuke thought when he set out on this mission.

He retched and held the deep gash in his gut in a futile attempt to slow down the bleeding. The werewolf took that moment to drag him back before harshly grabbing Ryunosuke’s chin to force eye contact. With a voice almost too meek to be heard, Ryunosuke pleaded with him through teary eyes.

"… W-why?"

Magnus laughed and growled all at the same time. A harrowing sight. Blood matted his dark blue fur - almost black - and stained his jagged teeth.

"Oh it's nuttin' personal, laddie! I actually quite like ya!" He dug his claws into the stomach wound and Ryunosuke all but screeched. Magnus let out a pleased chuckle at the display.

"Not too many people are so… gullible these days."

Regret settled deep in Ryunosuke's bones as his consciousness began to fade. It was right before he blacked out that he heard the familiar sound of his partner's voice.

~*~

It'd been a month since that incident.

The night was clear. Echoes of beastly howls and crickets' chimes permeated throughout beneath the full moon's glow. It was oddly serene, Ryunosuke mused as he shuffled behind his hunting partner. The chilled autumn air caused puffs of white to appear before him with each breath. He pulled his cloak tighter around himself for warmth.

His partner was unbothered by the cold, more focused on hacking away at any foliage that blocked their path. Even when cutting away plants, the man's form was perfect. Everything he did was perfect, after all. He wouldn't be the "Great Warrior" Kazuma Asougi otherwise. Ryunosuke wondered at least once every day how the hell he ended up partnered with the most skilled hunter in the entire guild when his own aim with the crossbow was mediocre at best. Even with passable medical skills, surely that wasn't enough to justify their arrangement.

"You're doing that thing again, Ryu," Kazuma casually chided as he slashed his sword through a particularly thick branch in their way. Ryunosuke snapped out of his thoughts.

"Doing what?"

With a gentle, pitious smile, Kazuma turned towards Ryunosuke and placed his free hand on his hip. "The thing where you grumble about your inadequacy."

"Oh… was I speaking out loud?"

Kazuma chuckled. "Come on, Ryu. You're the best medic around. I wouldn't trust anyone else to patch me up when things get too rough."

"Surely you're not placing me above Dr. Mikotoba." Ryunosuke groaned.

"Good point. Second place isn't so bad, though." Kazuma's chuckle turned into a full laugh as he patted Ryunosuke hard enough on the back to knock the air out of him.

"Anyway," Kazuma continued, "we're setting up a base camp here. I'll be looking for the target. If things go awry, you know the drill."

"Aye aye, captain." Ryunosuke mumbled flatly and set his supply sack down.

Then Kazuma's face hardened. "And remember to send me a distress signal through Iris’s device as soon as you sense any danger. I mean it, Ryu."

"I know-"

"I don't want a repeat of last time."

Ryunosuke stayed silent. Last time… Last time was the incident with Magnus. Kazuma sneered.

"Bastard wolves… Even when they claim not to kill, they give in to their base desires eventually."

"Certainly not all of them-"

"But it's most of them." Kazuma drew his sword, the Great Blade Karuma. It was purified and lined with sterling silver - a werewolf's worst nightmare. "If it were up to me, I'd take care of them all before they end up taking more lives. But unfortunately, we have to wait for them to kill first. For justice." He narrowed his eyes at the blade. "But what of our safety?"

Ryunosuke lowered his head and he began to start a fire. "Well, it seems unfair to kill them before they've done wrong."

Kazuma sighed as he sheathed the blade. "Ryu… that naïveté is why my father is gone, and precisely what almost got you killed. Remember that."

And with that, he walked off to hunt down his bounty, leaving Ryunosuke to wordlessly stare at his fire.

Kazuma was right. He shouldn't trust monsters. His hands trembled as he thought about it. His stomach still ached from the stitched up scars. His legs stung from the phantom claws that haunted his every step.

Usually, the two would hunt together, but Kazuma insisted Ryunosuke take it easy at a small camp this time. Werewolves know better than to approach campfires, lest they run into a hunting group. Ryunosuke could've denied this hunt, but the bounties pay the bills.

He'd always been a liability anyway. Staying back was a win-win for both of them. Ryunosuke could get a small share of the bounty and Kazuma would have one less person to worry about during his hunt now.

He passed the time by listening to the distant howls and letting his thoughts take over.

He recalled his days in college, where werewolves were nothing but hushed whispers and rumors surrounding student disappearances. He remembered the night he curiously peeked into a restaurant alleyway when he’d heard strange noises, only to come face to face with a disfigured, humanoid wolf crouched on the grimy asphalt, chewing away at a rotting t-bone steak. The smudged glasses and torn clothes were only recognizable to him when he heard the monster speak and, consequently, fall into a coughing fit as well. It was a man who attended the same college as him, named Satoru Hosonaga. Strangely enough, he’d befriended the wolfman after their chance encounter, promising to never reveal his secret to anyone else, lest Hosonaga be hunted down.

Not once had Hosonaga harmed a person. According to his most recent letter, it seemed he still hadn’t. Surely he wouldn’t have done as Magnus had done… right?

Ryunosuke then considered another werewolf he knew: one Gina Lestrade. She lurked along the backstreets of London’s East Side, protecting the orphaned youth with her fluffier, larger form, scaring off the more unsavory criminals, but never harming anyone. At the end of the day, she only made a show of baring teeth she never planned to use. Would she eventually betray the youth she protected? Would she kill a man?

He knew that werewolves were more than capable of overcoming their base, feral desires for bloodshed, and yet…

He was snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of crunching leaves. The footsteps were heavy and uneven… and coming closer. He’d worked alongside Kazuma long enough to know that those footsteps weren’t his, so he clutched his crossbow and looked around frantically.

He thanked the full moon and stars for allowing him such clear vision, for he spotted his company a short distance away, slowly ambling amidst the trees. The figure was large. Huge, even. It walked with a limping gait as low growls emitted from the beast. For a moment, it looked in Ryunosuke’s general direction with chilling, glowing, cyan blue eyes. The cool air caused the beast’s breath to billow out like smoke, almost dragon-like.

A werewolf. A massive, hulking werewolf.

Ryunosuke sucked in a breath and kept himself silent as he watched the monster. It wasn’t coming towards him, it seemed. It looked away and continued on, limping. That is, until the beast suddenly collapsed.

Ryunosuke, without thinking, immediately got up to go check on the werewolf. It was only when he was within arms reach of the beast that he realized what he was doing and froze.

What the hell was he doing, approaching a werewolf? He started to wonder if he secretly had a death wish.

But the werewolf was far too weak at the moment to attack, its breathing slow and shallow. Blood matted the long, lavender-gray fur on its back, which was peppered with deep gashes and festering wounds. Silver poisoning caused the blood in each wound to coagulate and bubble like acid. One of the werewolf’s tendons bore a nasty cut. The beast’s glowing eyes were becoming glassy and faint.

This couldn’t have been the work of Kazuma. Kazuma was an efficient killer. He would make the deaths of his prey merciful and quick, aiming Karuma at the neck, or the heart, or, on his crueler hunts, through the eye socket to take out the brain.

Whoever attacked this werewolf wanted to torture it…

Ryunosuke suddenly felt an unwavering will to help. Werewolf be damned, this was a person in need! Ryunosuke dashed back to his campfire with a rushed “wait here,” even though the werewolf had no other option than to obey. He returned with his bag of gear and first-aid kit and immediately got to work. Aside from the occasional hiss in pain and the slight twitch from the stinging antiseptic, the werewolf remained calm and still the whole time. Ryunosuke could feel the creature’s eyes on him as he worked, never looking away. He took out a vial that all hunters were equipped with and sighed. It was a sulfur and water solution, mixed with various salts and a bit of alcohol, meant to clean out the silver poisoning in werewolves. Its primary purpose was to assist any allied hunters who may have been turned.

He always dreaded the thought of having to use it. If Kazuma turned…

Ryunosuke quickly pushed that thought aside. Today, he was truly grateful to have the substance. Silver was precisely the thing that halted a werewolf’s regeneration process. Once Ryunosuke began to apply the solution to the larger wounds, the beast that lay before him let out a relieved sigh and fully relaxed. Silently, Ryunosuke bandaged as many wounds as he could, taking special care of the torn tendon before he finally got to the werewolf’s face.

Right in between the eyes was an old, cross-shaped scar. When Ryunosuke reached for it, the werewolf growled. He pulled his hand back.

By the time he’d finished patching the beast up, the werewolf naturally regenerated enough to move again. It slowly stood up entirely, and it was then that Ryunosuke realized just how large the beast was. He felt his stomach drop at the sight.

Nine… maybe ten feet tall? Most werewolves struggled to surpass 8 feet. Ryunosuke found himself almost eye to eye with the waistband of the werewolf's torn and bloodied pants. Fortunately, the werewolf was courteous enough to kneel back down to his height after a good stretch. The look in its eyes was strange, perhaps confounded. It opened its mouth, and for a moment, words did not come out. Then, finally, it did speak, voice deep and gravely, yet oddly dulcet in tone.

“Why did you help me?”

A reasonable question for a werewolf to ask a hunter, but Ryunosuke drew a blank on any reasonable answers.

“I… don’t know.”

“You would help your enemy without knowing why?”

The werewolf was sharply staring into Ryunosuke’s eyes with purpose, as if searching for something. Perhaps it was doing just as Ryunosuke was doing, looking for a slight flicker in the other’s resolve, for even the tiniest hint of malice, preparing for betrayal. Those eyes, despite their eerie blue glow, seemed exactly like the ones Ryunosuke would see in the mirror every morning since Magnus’s assault. What was standing before him was no beast, but instead another man. Another man who’d had his trust thrown right in his face, and cannot bear to watch it happen again.

“I can’t simply sit there and watch someone die. Especially when I have the ability to save them.”

The werewolf cocked his head to the side before leaning down further. He lifted Ryunosuke’s chin with his massive claws and bared his teeth as he spoke.

“And what if I’m a killer? What if, by saving me, many more lives are lost?”

Werewolf claws were sharp. Sharp and strong enough to tear through concrete. They cut through flesh as if it were warm butter. Even a careful werewolf could still end up hurting a friend. And yet, Ryunosuke remained unscathed. The touch was gentle, gentler than even a human’s touch. It was for that reason that Ryunosuke felt no more fear. Instead, his face hardened as he took a deep breath.

“Then I will bear the sin of letting a killer go.”

Though, he had an inkling that he hadn’t committed that sin tonight.

Intrigued by that answer, the werewolf lowered his claws. After a beat of silence, he narrowed his eyes at Ryunosuke and growled.

“Your name.”

“H-huh?”

“Your name, Eastern hunter boy.”

“Ah!” Ryunosuke suddenly straightened his back and stood to attention as anxiety washed over him again. “Ryunosuke Naruhodo… sir!”

The werewolf then bowed his head, much too large to bow beneath Ryunosuke’s line of sight.

“Then allow me to express my humblest gratitude to you. This debt shall not go unpaid, Mr. Naruhodo… sir.” His mouth curled up ever so slightly into a teasing smile at that last part.

“Oh, it’s not - er - well, I was just doing my job! No need to feel indebted. I’m glad to help!”

“Surely tending to your prey is not within your job description.”

Before Ryunosuke could find a retort, Kazuma’s voice sounded from a distance.

“Ryu! I’m back!”

The werewolf’s eyes widened, then he gave Ryunosuke one final nod before rushing off on all fours. Though deceptively agile and fast, he still hobbled a little as he ran.

“Wait! I never got… your name…” Ryunosuke trailed off as the hulking silhouette disappeared into the night.

He returned to camp to see Kazuma absolutely drenched in blood, none of which was his own. He was already calling the guild through Iris's communicator to come dispose of the body and cash in his bounty. Turns out the hunt was a complete success and Kazuma required minimal medical care. As the pair started to walk the forest path back to the city, Ryunosuke passively listened to Kazuma’s dramatic recounting of the battle with small words of congratulations. He wanted to process the information, he really did, but his mind kept trailing back to thoughts of the strange werewolf. He stayed silent on the matter, though, nodding along dumbly to his partner’s excited narration.

One week after that hunt, a letter was delivered to the hunter’s guild, its envelope lavender in color, with Ryunosuke’s name written in a beautiful cursive across the front.

~*~

Chapter 2: A Wine Glass in My Trembling Hand

Notes:

My beloved beta reader. Enjoy!

Posted along the wall of bounties was a most curious request. Nestled neatly at the bottom of the page next to a hefty sum of reward money was the signature of Magnus McGuilded. Werewolves rarely called for the culling of their own kind, which harbored a bit of suspicion, if the amount of money didn't already. He wanted a hunter to clear his name from an alleged smear campaign against him: an accusation of a series of unsolved murders. Each victim had been clearly mauled by a werewolf, throats torn out, bodies littered with deep gashes and twisted joints. Investigations revealed a great deal of evidence pointing to Magnus, but he vehemently asserted he was being framed. The target itself seemed to be a simple banker, indebted to Magnus for a fair amount of guineas.

No one else was very willing to believe Magnus. Even Kazuma doubted him, but Ryunosuke insisted.

“It would hurt,” he argued, “to be framed for murder and hunted down, with not a single person on your side.”

And so Kazuma relented and accepted the mission.

~*~

The guild’s headquarters were located in an odd offset from the London Underground, where hunters passed through certain stations into doors civilians often dismissed as staff rooms. Down a set of winding stairs, the passageway extended further into a fully functional underground base.

Just past the cafeteria was a rather humble infirmary where Ryunosuke volunteered to assist the head doctor, Yuujin Mikotoba and his daughter, Susato. The three were peacefully at work reorganizing the medicine cabinets when a messenger boy came rushing into the room.

"I've got a letter for a mista Narrow-fodder!"

Ryunosuke stared, baffled for a moment.

" … Me?"

The messenger shoved the letter into his hands. "Well it's gotta be one a' ya with the strange Eastern names!" And with that, he saluted and headed out.

Ryunosuke looked back down at the envelope. That was his name alright, but he couldn't possibly figure out what business someone would have with him.

"There doesn't seem to be a return address."

Ryunosuke jumped when Susato spoke. The Mikotobas had been awfully quiet that whole time, though, when he turned to look at Susato, he saw just how excited she was. Her eyes were starry with wonder and… pride? A quick glance towards her father revealed that he was not so subtly eavesdropping on the conversation whilst putting away some medicine bottles.

"The handwriting is absolutely gorgeous!" Susato cheerfully noted. "It must be a secret admirer!"

"Admirer, huh?" Ryunosuke opened the envelope to find a letter, a note, and… a few British pounds? Curious, he read the letter first.

“Mr. Naruhodo,

I pray that you are doing well. I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to you once more for saving my life. I do hate to be indebted to others, so it would be my honor to take you to dinner this Friday evening. It is the very least I could do to repay your kindness. Attached to this letter is the address, reservation time, and cab fare. May we meet again soon.”

There was no end signature. Ryunosuke found himself scanning the letter over and over again to process it all. Short and to the point. Gorgeous handwriting, just as Susato said. A bit awkward, but he kind of thought it was charming. The cab fare was quite generous, but Ryunosuke was uncertain if he’d ever seen the address before. Maybe it was out of town?

"Oh my! It really is a secret admirer!" Susato joyfully clasped her hands together as she nosily peeked over from behind Ryunosuke.

"W-well I wouldn't say admirer-"

"Then perhaps it's a trap?" Dr. Mikotoba finally broke his silence as he too looked over Ryunosuke's shoulder to read. Ryunosuke began to wonder if privacy was ever an option.

"Trap? Why do you say that?"

Dr. Mikotoba scratched his chin and sighed. "Well, for starters, you've only just returned to work last week. And today is the first time since then that you've come to my office. Hardly any time to save lives."

Ryunosuke did sort of fail to inform anyone he'd saved a werewolf last week. He had this sinking feeling that Kazuma wouldn't be too ecstatic about that news. Not that any other hunter with an ounce of common sense would be happy about that either.

He must've been making a face, because Susato tilted her head curiously at him.

"Do you know who it could be, Naruhodo-san?"

"Oh? Well, I don't know… Whenever I'm not hunting, I'm assisting Dr. Mikotoba and running errands!" Ryunosuke's smile was forced, but he tried his hardest to look natural. "So this really… could be anyone in the guild…"

Dr. Mikotoba skeptically raised an eyebrow. "Anyone? I can't think of too many guild members with the money to take anyone to dinner on that side of London. Nor would they write with such a practiced hand."

Ryunosuke began to curse his mentor’s shrewdness. Such is the consequence of being partners with… another highly perceptive guild member. He was right, though. The hunter’s guild was made up mostly of the impoverished who simply took up the job for money, or the vengeful who’d lost a loved one to a werewolf’s wrath. As a shining example, Ryunosuke sat comfortably in the former sector while Kazuma stood gallantly in the latter.

"Will you go alone?" Susato was giving him that tearful look that was so hard to say no to. He sighed.

"That's my intention, yes."

"I'd recommend bringing along a partner, for safety." Dr. Mikotoba smiled earnestly. "Perhaps Kazuma could protect you."

If this admirer was who Ryunosuke thought he was, Kazuma would most certainly scare the poor wolf off.

"I… think I'll be fine without him."

The Mikotobas exchanged a doubtful look, but as a heavily injured hunter was pushed into the infirmary on a gurney, neither had time to contest him anymore.

~*~

All too soon, it was Friday.

As he stood upon the beautiful cobblestone road, trembling meekly before a grandiose restaurant surrounded by haughty upper class Londoners, Ryunosuke felt grossly underdressed. He’d even put on his best outfit: a bluish suit with brass embellishments, painstakingly crafted by one of his roommates. Nothing fancy enough to contest even the cheapest outfits around him, but it couldn't be helped. Passers by would rudely stare at him with faces of pity, as if he were some lost schoolboy.

He was very early, but he was starting to wonder if it had been better to be more punctual. After all, his “admirer” wasn't making himself known, even after about ten minutes of waiting. To put the icing on the proverbial cake, he couldn’t shake this odd feeling that he was being watched.

Just when Ryunosuke was about to back out of this meeting, he heard a familiar voice behind him, though said voice hosted a much less guttural and monstrous tone than he’d remembered.

“Good evening, Mr. Naruhodo. I humbly thank you for accepting my invitation.”

Ryunosuke whipped around to see the voice’s owner: an obscenely tall man in a fine black, layered suit. He wore a top hat and heeled boots, as if he wasn’t towering enough. Ryunosuke craned his neck to meet the man’s eyes, which were a striking, cold blue, and nestled right between those eyes was that same cross shaped scar. Framing the man’s handsome, yet pale face was some curly, nicely styled hair, a familiar odd shade of lavender gray, though this time it thankfully wasn't matted with blood. The man standing before him wasn’t even any less terrifying than the werewolf he’d met last week. At the very least, there wasn't much room for doubt: this was the guy.

“G-good evening…” Ryunosuke suddenly straightened his posture, nerves strung high at the sight of the man. “... sir!” He paused then put a hand up to his chin. “Actually, now that you’re here… I never got your name.”

“I pray you can forgive my lack of introduction.” He bowed before Ryunosuke, cordially and extravagantly. “Barok van Zieks. The pleasure is all mine.”

He was speaking quite jovially, and yet his face was so cold. Frightening. Ryunosuke bowed back stiffly and the two entered the restaurant together.

As it turned out, the restaurant was even fancier on the inside, a massive chandelier lighting the center while white clothed, gemstone laden tables and similarly decorated chairs littered the fine marble floors. The pair was an odd one for sure, so they attracted some of the more attentive eyes in the restaurant. Each judging glance only added to the suffocating aura of the place. Ryunosuke didn't even feel underdressed anymore. He felt naked, like a criminal meant to be publicly shamed, tarred, and feathered.

As they were led to their table, van Zieks was stopped by a couple of other high society folk, a man and his wife it seemed.

"Lord van Zieks, it's been quite some time since we've seen you in public!" The man said cheerfully. Van Zieks seemed largely unamused, his response clipped and acerbic.

"Hardly any reason to make my every public appearance known."

"Hm?" The woman of the pair eyed Ryunosuke inquisitively. "Are you escorting an Eastern boy?"

"I'm afraid," van Zieks grabbed Ryunosuke's wrist as he began walking past the nosy couple, "we are keeping our server waiting."

Ryunosuke felt himself being rushed off, a myriad of questions on his mind. But when they were seated and handed their menus, he had one, singular takeaway from the conversation.

"You're a lord?"

Van Zieks sighed and flipped a page on his menu, though he didn't appear to be reading it.

"Yes. I am the owner of the van Zieks estate."

"It’s not often I see a noble who isn't quick to advertise that he is one."

"… It is best that others don’t know."

Something about that sounded weighted, but just as Ryunosuke was about to ask, he got distracted by a brief glance at the menu.

The price tags were all so daunting. He was certain some of these foods cost more than him. On top of that, he couldn't read a good portion of the food names. Whatever expression was set on his face must've been telling if the concerned, icy look directed at him from across the table was anything to go by.

"You seem distressed."

"Well, I just… I don't think I could ever order anything so expensive in good conscience."

"You needn't worry yourself over a price tag. I will be buying your meal."

"That's precisely the reason why."

Van Zieks shook his head. "My pockets will be quite alright. Order whatever you wish.”

It took a bit more convincing for Ryunosuke to finally relent, but then the challenge of figuring out what the menu was even saying came back to light. Half the items were in French, but he didn't want to burden van Zieks with a language lesson.

"Uh… Lord van Zieks? What do you usually order here?"

"I'm quite partial to the braised lamb."

Ryunosuke mused about how fitting it was that a wolf would prefer the meat of lambs. Though, perhaps he'd said that out loud, from the way van Zieks leaned back to cross his arms and glare at him.

"And what about you, Nipponese boy? Do you perhaps favor the taste of ocean fish?"

Ryunosuke blinked in surprise. "How'd you know?"

Van Zieks sighed and looked away. "A lucky guess, perhaps. After all," he turned back to Ryunosuke with a glare, "it's quite fitting that you would."

Ryunosuke groaned. "Okay, okay, point taken."

Along with some wine and tea, they ended up ordering the lamb and the grouper, both with a bit of embarrassed reluctance. Despite the rocky start, they ended up falling into a somewhat comfortable conversation, mostly made up of small talk. The topic of that night was left hanging over them for a long while until Ryunosuke’s curiosity could no longer yield to his sense of etiquette.

"Lord van Zieks, if I may… What happened last full moon? Who attacked you?"

Van Zieks stared at his drink for a moment, swishing it around and watching the wine stain the glass in its trail.

"Another one of your ilk, of course. Who else?"

" … Why? I haven't seen you among the bounties."

With barely contained restraint and a trembling hand, van Zieks set his wine glass down gently, though the look on his face was that of a man who wanted nothing more than to crush the glass in his grasp.

"… Is my existence not reason enough to be hunted down?"

The room suddenly felt colder.

In the following silence, Ryunosuke recalled Kazuma’s words from that night. He remembered the hatred in his eyes as he spoke of keeping everyone safe.

There was a strict rule in the guild to only attack approved bounties - werewolves who have killed and would kill again. Though, if a fair number of hunters shared Kazuma’s sentiment, it only made sense that rule would be broken.

"Well," Ryunosuke looked straight into the other man's eyes, "I beg to differ. Humans kill as well, and they don't need a full moon to do it."

The expression on van Zieks's face was unreadable, frigid yet oddly amused all at the same time.

"You intrigue me… Mr. Naruhodo."

Just as Ryunosuke was about to ask what he meant, the waiter came by to serve them their food. It was a gorgeous display, wafting a most wonderful smell and boasting an immaculate taste. Ryunosuke thoroughly enjoyed his meal, so much so that he’d somewhat forgotten the setting he was in as he rudely stuffed his face. Van Zieks ate slowly and politely, but his hand subtly shook with restraint again. Ryunosuke wondered for a moment if he'd eat with gusto in the privacy of his home. Would he tear into the meat like a ravenous beast? Perhaps it would be rude to think that.

When dinner was over and the bill was paid, van Zieks walked Ryunosuke out of the restaurant, still ignoring the judgemental eyes set upon the pair. By the time they’d stepped outside, it was dark, with a light fog that made the streetlamps glow almost eerily. Van Zieks turned towards Ryunosuke with a heavy scowl on his face, though he didn’t seem particularly upset.

“I’m afraid I’ve failed you, Mr. Naruhodo.”

“How so? Tonight was wonderful.”

“No… You were shaking quite a bit when this all began. For a good portion of our dinner, your eyes darted about like those of a frightened animal.”

Ah. So he noticed.

He leaned closer to Ryunosuke, bending a little to his height. “It seems I’ve invited you to a place much too suffocating for someone such as yourself.”

Speaking of suffocating, Ryunosuke felt like there was cotton in his lungs at the sudden proximity. Why was this man so close? Why didn’t Ryunosuke want to back away?

“W-well I’ll admit the place itself was… a lot. But I still enjoyed having dinner with you!”

“Hmph. I’ve done a fine job of disregarding your comfort.” He hesitated for a moment, and Ryunosuke could swear he saw the man gulp. “If you would allow me, I would like to treat you to another meal…” He lifted up a hand to wipe a crumb from Ryunosuke’s face. “… this time to a restaurant of your choosing.” It was then that he backed away and stood tall again, giving the smaller man some room to breathe.

Ryunosuke did like the idea of another free meal. He also found van Zieks interesting, so any excuse to talk to him sounded appealing. Though, a part of him didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness, so it’d be best to say no-

“I understand if my company can be… stifling. Forgive me for being so presumptuous that you would wish to suffer it again.” Van Zieks seemed about ready to bow out and retreat forever, so Ryunosuke immediately grabbed the man’s wrist before he could.

“No! Wait! I would love to suffer- I, er, I mean, it’s not suffering! It’d be nice! Eating again! With you! I-I mean…” Ryunosuke let go of van Zieks before he took a deep breath. He then smacked both sides of his face to finally gather his bearings. “What I mean to say is… I quite enjoyed your company and would love to join you for dinner again. Thank you.”

The whole display earned him a curious look from the werewolf, but then he huffed, seemingly relieved.

“Very well then. Do you have a place in mind?”

“Well… I, er…”

“You needn’t stress over it. Simply tell me your favorite place to eat.”

Ryunosuke mulled over it for a long moment, then he began to fidget. “I do have an idea but… I’m afraid it will not be to your standards.”

Van Zieks crossed his arms. “Don’t be so foolish. Have you forgotten that this next meeting is a gift to you?”

A compelling argument, yet Ryunosuke still felt too anxious to make such a request. “Do you… have something I can write with?”

The other man raised an eyebrow but pulled out a rather fancy looking pen regardless. Ryunosuke graciously accepted it before pulling out the lavender envelope from his back pocket and writing an address on it. It’d already been emptied of its money, and the letter sat at home, neatly folded on his desk, so the envelope itself had already run its course. Van Zieks eyed it curiously and raised an eyebrow at the address, though the rest of his face was set in that permanent scowl, so Ryunosuke couldn’t even begin to guess what he thought of it. The man certainly didn’t comment on it.

They decided to go next Friday. After scheduling a time, they had a bit of an awkward silence before van Zieks cleared his throat and offered up a hand.

“Do you have a ride home? I’ll gladly take you in my personal carriage.”

“Ah, no, I’ll be fine!” Despite everything, something about sharing a carriage with the guy made him nervous. Van Zieks, fortunately, wasn’t upset.

“I understand. Though, I should warn you." He glanced around before leaning close to Ryunosuke again to speak quietly. "I have a feeling we’re being watched.”

Ryunosuke had felt that when he’d first arrived, but he’d dismissed it as the peering eyes of the locals. He’d wished to ignore it, but now that van Zieks sensed it as well, his hair was suddenly standing on end. For a moment, he wondered if maybe riding with the werewolf was a safer option.

Then, a good distance behind van Zieks, he spotted a light blue glint in the bushes, and it became immediately apparent who was watching him. Ryunosuke rolled his eyes.

“I think I’ll be fine. Thank you, Lord van Zieks.”

Though he appeared to be a bit confused, the lord nodded before bowing and turning to leave.

“Until next time.”

Ryunosuke quickly glanced back over to the bushes. The blue lights were gone now… so where-

“Mr. Naruhodo!” A familiar pair of hands grabbed both of Ryunosuke’s shoulders from behind, making him jump.

“M-Mr. Sholmes!”

Right behind him was, undoubtedly, Ryunosuke's housemate and friend, the self-proclaimed famous detective, Herlock Sholmes. Despite his lack of proper detecting, the man often made himself more useful designing weapons for the hunter's guild.

The nearby strangers gave the pair an odd look. Uncaring, Sholmes twirled Ryunosuke around to make eye contact. Or, well, eye-to-goggles contact.

“It took you so long to notice me! If I were an assassin, I’d have killed you ten times over!” He laughed obnoxiously, drawing even more attention to the pair. Ryunosuke felt a headache coming on.

“Why are you here?”

“Are you not overjoyed to be in the presence of your good friend?” Sholmes held a dramatic pose with a grin.

“Mr. Sholmes.”

Sholmes dropped the pose to push up his goggles and pull out his pipe. "Fine then. I'll keep it brief: a little birdie sent me along to ensure your safety.”

"Dr. Mikotoba…" Ryunosuke wasn’t sure if he was relieved about this, or if he felt a little betrayed that the man didn’t trust him enough to handle his own. Sholmes took a long drag of his pipe.

“Quite the scandalous thing you’ve done, Mr. Naruhodo. A hunter accompanying a werewolf on a fine, romantic evening?” He pocketed the pipe with a smirk. “That would certainly stir up a most uproarious furore within the guild.”

“You- how’d you know?”

“Oh, my dear friend…” Sholmes chuckled and placed a hand on Ryunosuke’s shoulder. “Do you know nothing of the van Zieks family?”

“ … No? Am I supposed to?”

A strange look was set on Sholmes’s face. “Hm… Mr. Naruhodo. Tell me. How are werewolves created?”

“Huh? Well that’s easy. They’re people who’ve been turned by another werewolf’s bite.”

“Right, then where did the first one come from?”

“Well, that one was turned as… well…”

It started to sink in. The original werewolves had to come from somewhere.

Did that mean…?

“You seem to understand now.” Sholmes smiled wryly as he pulled down the brim of his hat. “The man you dined with has lycanthropy running through his veins, a trait passed down from generation to cruel, bloody generation.”

Ryunosuke furrowed his eyebrows together. “Cruel and bloody, huh? Mr. Sholmes… how much do you know about them? And why?”

The man’s eyes became cold, icier than the harshest winter, expression darker than the blackest of nights.

“It’s a detective’s job to know." He stated. "But it isn’t yours.”

Ryunosuke felt a chill run up his spine. He was too frozen in place to push it, so Sholmes immediately switched back to his more joyful persona.

“Anywho, we should get going! I’ve already called a cab for us and informed the lad in the driver’s seat that you will be paying!”

Ryunosuke had a word of protest in his mind, but found himself too stupefied to voice it. Sholmes happily patted him on the back.

“Come on then, Mr. Naruhodo! Iris awaits us!”

With great reluctance, Ryunosuke followed Sholmes to the cab and accepted his fate in paying the fare. As he sat down across from the other man, he began to regret not accepting van Zieks’s offer. Though, at the very least, Sholmes made him feel safer. So, with an exasperated smile, he stared out the carriage’s window as the horses began to move.

Despite Ryunsouke’s typically loud company, the ride back home was disturbingly quiet.

~*~

Chapter 3: Flesh Between My Jagged Teeth

“You will be working with Mr. Asougi from here on out.”

There really was no option to say no. The leader of the hunter’s guild, Lord Stronghart, stared down the pair of Japanese men, daring them to protest. Ryunosuke was too busy trying to hold himself together while Asougi remained silent, still and unreadable. Stronghart took out his pocket watch and flipped it open.

“I would usually partner you two up with other guild members. After all, I firmly believe in the friendship between our nations. However,” punctuating the echo of the steel watch snapping shut was a pointed look in Asougi's direction, “Mr. Asougi has proven to be an uncooperative teammate to every single person I’ve assigned to him. Perhaps he needs someone who can sympathize with being so far away from home.”

So that's how Ryunosuke found himself sitting in the cafeteria right across from the world's most prickly and abrasive werewolf hunter. Their trays of bland wholesale foods both lay forgotten as the pair sat in an awkward silence.

Asougi, as skilled as he was, made it crystal clear to everyone that he preferred to work alone. Unfortunately for him, the guild was required by law to make sure every hunter was part of a team. Werewolves were far too formidable for most people to fight alone. Most, being the key word here as far as Asougi was concerned.

"So…" Ryunosuke twiddled his thumbs together, eyes flitting about everywhere but towards the man across from him. "Did you come here through the hunter exchange program too? I came as a medical student myself."

Even though Dr. Mikotoba failed to inform him that it was specifically for a werewolf hunter’s guild until they had already been at sea for three whole weeks. No reason to tack on that he never intended to hunt in the first place. Or that he was too excited to read the fine print. Or that the only reason he stayed was for the money. Doing so seemed like an invitation for chastisement.

With an annoyed click of the tongue, Asougi finally acknowledged Ryunosuke's presence.

"Look." He slammed a hand down on the table, scattering a bit of food. "I don't intend on making friends and I'm definitely not babysitting. Every hunt, you're going to sit back and stay out of my way. Are we understood?"

Ryunosuke slouched over the table and grimaced. A number of snarky remarks were set on his tongue, but he dismissed them all. What was the point of making this partnership even more hostile, anyway?

"… Understood."

~*~

He'd always been a bit squeamish, but in the full year he'd hunted alongside Kazuma, Ryunosuke never once let it get to him. Blood, gore, the awful stench of death… he managed to stomach it, even if the imagery would occasionally plague his dreams. Today, however, was different.

Ryunosuke stood over a werewolf's corpse alongside his partner, feeling a repulsive bile rise up in the back of his throat.

The beast was a terrible criminal, having killed several people in the depths of the East End. He hunted down those who slept in the backstreet alleys, who had no families or homes to return to and got through each day by the skin of their teeth. Tauntingly, before Kazuma's assault, the werewolf growled out from his blood soaked snout, "You hunters… wot's the matter wit killin' a few fellows no one would miss, eh?"

A hauntingly cruel creature indeed, yet Ryunosuke couldn't feel a shred of pride in killing him.

Not that he did the killing, of course. All he did was hide away on a roof and cripple the beast as Kazuma fought. One decisive shot to the leg was enough to give Kazuma the opening he needed as he ran his sword right across the werewolf's neck. The beast then collapsed onto the dirty pavement, blood draining out among the muck and grime of the dank alleyway they fought in. Ryunosuke climbed down from the roof with the help of the bricked up window panes, landing gracelessly next to Kazuma with a small stumble. As the two watched the life leave the werewolf's eyes, Ryunosuke couldn't help but picture a lavender coated victim of circumstance, covered in gashes and cuts, breaths shallow and hopeless.

This was a monster, he unconvincingly thought to himself. He did the right thing. Monsters shouldn't be pitied. They shouldn't be trusted. They shouldn't be alive.

"Ryu? Are you okay?"

Ryunosuke flinched when he felt Kazuma gently place a hand on his shoulder. His eyes trained on every spot surrounding him, save his partner's face.

"H-huh? Yeah I'm… I'm fine. Just spaced out for a moment."

Kazuma's expression of genuine concern fell into disappointment. That hurt more to see.

"You know, lately, you've been doing a lot of lying and evasion for someone who's so bad at it."

Ryunosuke cursed his betraying eyes and abysmal poker face. But Kazuma was right. The past week had been nothing but a series of dismissive and hasty interactions between them, lest he let it slip that he lovingly and carefully tended to the wounds of a creature Kazuma would rather see bleeding out at his feet. Things only got more complicated since yesterday's little outing, which he was certain Kazuma would throw a fit over.

"I'm sorry… It's not something I can talk about."

"Not even to me?" Now Kazuma's expression was downright devastating. Making eye contact only caused Ryunosuke's insides to writhe and tangle, coiling into each other like adders in agony, venom stinging the back of his throat before he swallowed it down.

Especially not to you.

Luckily, he didn't say that out loud.

"I'm just not ready yet."

Kazuma smiled, soft and fond and all too much for the heart.

"Alright. Whenever you're ready, I'm willing to listen." He patted Ryunosuke's shoulder and backed away. "I hate to see my partner suffering alone."

Now Ryunosuke really wanted to throw up. The corpse in front of him and the blood that now soaked into his shoes had little to do with it.

~*~

"Here's your tea, Runo! It's a special blend I made just for you!" A bubbly young lady handed Ryunosuke a dainty little teacup filled to the brim with piping hot tea.

"Thank you Iris." He immediately got to gulping down the tea, sighing aloud in bliss at the flavor. Excitedly, Iris plopped down on the sofa next to him, kicking her legs as she enjoyed her own cup.

The two were relaxing in their home at 221B Baker Street, a couple of days after Ryunosuke's outing with van Zieks. The girl was taking a break from whatever strange project she had sitting on her desk, which appeared to be an upgrade to the guild's communication devices… though, she was storing the small machines inside adorable plush toys. Very on brand for her, Ryunosuke thought with an amused huff.

The fireplace was warm and the crowded apartment was as cozy as ever. Curled up on Ryunosuke's lap was their cat, Wagahai, purring sweetly. The apartment was quiet since Sholmes went off to investigate another werewolf-related crime. Such are the after effects of every full moon, even a week and a half later.

So here they sat alone, idly sipping their tea. Iris was always lovely company, but Ryunosuke… knew. His observational skills stood as a blessing on his hunts and a curse at home.

He would sometimes recognize the way the girl's teeth were just a little too sharp when she smiled. Or, occasionally, he'd witness Sholmes briefly hiss in pain when she'd excitedly grab his hand, exhibiting just a bit too much strength for such a little girl. On a few full moon nights, he would come home early from his hunts with Kazuma, noting the fact that the apartment was empty at such a late hour. Sholmes eventually realized that his efforts to keep Iris's true nature a secret were ultimately futile, but Ryunosuke never pointed it out. He didn't need to. Iris was just a child. She had done no one any harm.

Recent developments had him wondering if the girl had never been bitten. It was exceedingly rare for any child to survive a werewolf's attack, much less be able to handle the initial, painful effects of lycanthropy. Was she too born a werewolf? How many families of them were out there?

Ryunosuke didn't voice his curiosity. Not to Sholmes. It seemed like dangerous territory, considering how fast the man's smile would drop at the slightest hint of it.

Perhaps that was why Sholmes was so merciful. He had yet to tell a single soul about Ryunosuke's outing. Whatever he told Dr. Mikotoba, it was vague and likely didn't include any talk of werewolves. Dr. Mikotoba would most certainly have a much stronger reaction if it did. Just yesterday, he simply gave Ryunosuke a proud smile and told him he was happy to see the young man finally win over a woman's heart.

So Sholmes definitely lied.

"Runo?" Iris broke him out of his rampant thoughts, her brows furrowed together in concern. "You've had an awfully intense look on your face this whole time. Is it my tea?"

"Oh! No, no, no! Your tea is wonderful!" He waved his hands frantically, causing Wagahai to jump off his lap from the disturbance. "Sorry, Iris. I've just been lost in thought."

"Is it about that werewolf you saved?"

Ryunosuke recoiled in shock. "You - how'd you know that?! Did Mr. Sholmes tell you?"

"Good heavens, no! Hurley hasn't told me a word! But…" Iris tilted her head to the side, mimicking the pitious frown Ryunosuke often received from Susato. "You really shouldn't leave letters out in the open on your desk."

" … Ah."

"And your medical supplies were all used up that night, Runo. Even though Kazzy visited the next day without a single cut on him."

" … Oh."

"And when I washed your hunter's gear, I had to clean out a small bit of fur and blood." She joyfully clasped her hands together. "What a lovely shade of purple it was!"

Ryunosuke sat there, stunned into silence, wondering why he ever tried to hide a thing from her.

"So you've known for that long."

"Of course! But no need to fret!" She posed in a very Sholmes-like manner, smugly pointing a finger to her forehead and flicking a nonexistent hat. "My lips are sealed!"

Ryunosuke paused for a moment, then he resigned into a gentle smile.

"Thank you, Iris."

Iris grinned back, her canines glinting a bit in the apartment's low light.

"It's only fair, wouldn't you say, Runo?"

A mutual vow of silence. Of course. They wordlessly made their promises as she poured him another cup of tea.

"Fair, indeed."

~*~

When next Friday arrived, Ryunosuke took a short walk from home to a beautiful park within London's epicenter: McGuilded Park. Pointedly ignoring the name, he quite enjoyed a small fish and chips stand at the very corner of the place. Whenever he had the time, he'd have his meal on a nearby bench, with Kazuma on one side and Susato on the other, the three of them talking about everything and nothing for hours. The food itself was greasy and would sometimes give him a stomachache, but the fish was always light and fluffy, accompanied by perfectly salted chips.

Though, upon his arrival, van Zieks's befuddlement was completely reasonable.

"I will admit, I was rather confused as to why you'd given me the address to a park. I understand now that you're partial to this food stand, then?"

The werewolf stood tall before Ryunosuke, a bit overdressed for a simple visit to the park. No top hat today, but he did wear a pleasing navy blue tuxedo and a white dress shirt underneath… with some odd frilly neckwear. Ryunosuke only came in his college uniform, wondering if perhaps he should've worn something nicer. He straightened his posture and tried to sound confident to make up for it.

"Y-yes!" And his voice cracked. Mission failed. He lowered his head. "Sorry for not being clear…"

Van Zieks's perpetual glare yielded to a ghost of a smile. "Well, no matter. I do find the place charming. Allow me." He purchased fish and chips for the both of them, then the pair sauntered along the sidewalk as they ate.

Despite it being his third meeting with the man, Ryunosuke couldn't help his sweaty palms and flickering eyes. Something about this guy always made him so nervous, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was. The deathly aura? The daunting height? The… monstrous nature that subtly sat beneath the surface, restrained with every motion? He prayed to the heavens that the werewolf's heightened sense of hearing couldn't quite catch the incessant hammering in his chest.

Though, quite inconveniently, the beasts are well known for their ability to sense fear.

Nonetheless, van Zieks didn't point it out. If the way he lightly fidgeted with the newspaper holding his meal was any indication, Ryunosuke would wager he wasn't even alone in his anxiety, as presumptuous as that may be. After a bit of walking, the pair sat down on a bench.

As they enjoyed each other's company, van Zieks finished his fish rather quickly but hadn't even bothered to touch his chips. Instead he continued to gently fidget with the newspaper wrapping, glancing back at Ryunosuke then looking away, as if wanting to ask him something. At around the fourth conspicuous glimpse his way, Ryunosuke took the hint.

"Lord van Zieks? Is something wrong?"

"Ah, well, I was just wondering… If you'd like the rest of my chips."

After contemplating why the man was so nervous about asking that, a thought occurred in Ryunosuke's mind.

"Are you, perhaps, an obligate carnivore?"

"On account of what?" Van Zieks sneered. "My lycanthropy?"

"No!" Ryunosuke waved his hands defensively before pausing and putting one up to his chin. "Well, not fully… It's just that I've only ever seen you eat meat. On our previous outing, you cleaned the plate of lamb, but left the side salad untouched, and here you've eaten the fish and neglected the titular chips."

"Don't be ridiculous. Two instances of anecdotal evidence isn't even remotely close to justifying that conclusion."

"I suppose you're right…"

"I can eat anything a human can. I just happen to have my preferences." Van Zieks huffed defiantly. "Surely you know this much about werewolves."

Ryunosuke tilted his head to the side.

"So you just don't like to eat your veggies?"

Stunned into silence, van Zieks opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Then, he frowned and turned away, a light dusting of pink on his cheeks.

"Don't say it as if I'm some fussy child."

Ryunosuke couldn't help a small chuckle. "Forgive me, Milord. That wasn't my intention." But you said it, not me.

He must've said that last part aloud because the other man's eyebrow slightly twitched in irritation. After a moment of awkward silence, van Zieks sighed.

"There is… another reason."

An inquisitive hum escaped Ryunosuke's lips. "And that is?"

"Well… As you know, every werewolf has a certain instinct… to rip and tear through flesh. To taste blood on their tongues and sate their rapacious appetites. It's especially strong when the full moon forces us into such savagery. Until such needs have been met, we simply aren't ourselves."

He finally turned back towards Ryunosuke, face set into a harsh sneer, pinning the younger man under his gaze. Unable to trust his own voice, Ryunosuke nodded his affirmation. Or perhaps he said it out loud. He couldn't hear it over his deafening heartbeat and the voice in his mind all but screeching at him to run. The icy look from the werewolf, just for a moment, hosted an odd, hungry glint before it disappeared just as quickly as it came. His face then softened, perhaps even at the very realization of Ryunosuke's fear.

"But many werewolves fail to realize that the flesh they wish to tear apart does not need to be human, nor does it need to be alive."

With an audible gulp, Ryunosuke finally gathered his bearings, though his heart still pounded fervently from a feeling he couldn't quite place.

"I see… so you eat meat often to avoid the desire to kill?"

"Precisely. It is only unfortunate that meat is not affordable enough to satisfy every ravenous beast. That is why you'd find it difficult to spot any stray animals amidst the streets of London."

Ryunosuke recalled the way Sholmes would constantly insist on keeping Wagahai indoors. He shuddered when his mind wandered down that train of thought.

"And that's why so many of our hunts take place in the woods…"

Yet another awkward silence. Fantastic. Unable to take it anymore, Ryunosuke cleared his throat.

"I'd be glad to take the chips off your hands."

"O-oh, of course."

Once Ryunosuke was finished eating and they talked a bit more about nothing, van Zieks stood up to leave.

"I would love to stay in your company, but it is only lunchtime. I'm afraid I must return to work."

"Work?"

Van Zieks blinked. "Yes. Work. I am a prosecuting attorney. I do hope you didn't assume I do naught but leech off my inheritance?"

That was Ryunosuke's assumption, but he wasn't gonna admit that out loud.

"Huh. Well," a sheepish grin crept up Ryunosuke's face as he scratched the back of his neck, "I suppose that's not too different from my job!"

The older man's stoney expression furrowed into bewildered skepticism. "… How so?"

"Well, hunters are supposed to see to it that justice is served to the werewolves that commit heinous crimes. Do you not do the same to humans?"

With such a staggeringly competent poker face, the expression van Zieks wore was completely unreadable. When the man's silence stretched for too long, Ryunosuke started to wonder if he'd upset him. But then, van Zieks spoke, almost timid in his delivery.

"Mr. Naruhodo… if I may, would you allow me a moment of bluntness?"

Oh God, he’d said the wrong thing, didn't he? With a gulp, he uttered out another cracked "yes!"

"I simply feel as though this outing has been a meager repayment. Your deeds vastly exceed some simple fish and chips."

So it… wasn't the wrong thing to say? What an infuriatingly incomprehensible man. Ryunosuke frowned.

"Well, as I've said before, you owe me nothing. I simply did what one should do. Besides," he only paused to drop the frown and look up at the man with gentle reassurance, "your company was more than enough."

The lord only looked away. "Your humbleness is nothing short of admirable. However, if you would humor me… the Great Exhibition is opening soon. I would love to take you along. I think a ticket to the event and a most enjoyable day there would be sufficient enough."

The Great Exhibition… Ryunosuke had wanted to go, but he didn't really have the money for a ticket. Even if he did, he wouldn't get to do much but walk around.

It'd be easier to say no. Cutting it off here would mean he could sink back into his usual routine without worrying. Maybe he could eventually tell Kazuma all that happened, alleviating his partner's concern with an "it won't happen again!" Maybe his guilt when watching a werewolf's blood pool at his feet would eventually absolve.

Maybe it was safer this way. He barely knew the man. He could very well be betrayed.

He must've taken too long to answer, because once again, van Zieks appeared ready to run.

"Pray, forgive my forwardness. It seems I have overstepped a bounda-"

"I would love to."

Another pause, though this silence didn't feel so awkward. There was his chance to back out.

So Ryunosuke repeated himself, this time with a grin.

"I would love to accompany you, Lord van Zieks!"

And the look the lord gave him set his heart aflame.

~*~

Ryunosuke couldn't really pinpoint the moment he fell in love.

Perhaps it was as early as their third outing, at the Great Exhibition, where they walked side by side observing the sights, hands brushing against each other as they stayed close in the crowds. They watched a failed teleportation showcase from a scientist that van Zieks had called his friend. Ryunosuke watched him comfort the poor man before all three rode upon a hot air balloon together. Both men clung to van Zieks for dear life. After the scientist left in a better mood, van Zieks told Ryunosuke about him, a college classmate who shared his monstrous problem, even if the poor man resembled an awkward, oversized pomeranian more than a wolf. Ryunosuke couldn't help but fondly share stories of Hosonaga in return.

Maybe it was the sixth outing, at a local theater, as he watched van Zieks passionately talk about the performance with a special kind of vigor in his eyes. He spoke critically, not out of hatred, but out of a genuine love for the art. Ryunosuke didn't understand much of the terminology, but it didn't matter. He was too lost in watching him speak with such fervor. Afterwards, they’d enjoyed themselves at a nearby ice cream parlor, where Ryunosuke learned that the other man, shockingly, harbored just as much of a sweet tooth as he did. Van Zieks blushed profusely when Ryunosuke once again poked fun at his childish palette. Karmic vengeance was wrought in the form of a well timed brainfreeze, right after Ryunosuke's light-hearted teasing.

It could very well have been the eighth one, shortly after the holidays passed them by, wherein Ryunosuke spent them with his friends, unable to get the lonely werewolf off his mind. The two met the day after on an empty bridge overlooking the River Thames, exchanging gifts. Ryunosuke, with Iris's help, had hand-sown a small wolf plush that closely resembled his lupine companion. It donned a top hat and a patchwork cloak. The werewolf held it gently in his trembling hands, breath shaky and eyes glossy, though not a tear was shed. He only turned away and shyly handed Ryunosuke a bouquet, hand picked from his personal garden, along with a box arrayed with sweets he'd meticulously prepared himself - all of Ryunosuke's favorites. On that day was the first time they'd hugged, and Ryunosuke never wanted to let go.

Perhaps it wasn't even on an outing. It may have been on that cold winter night, under the full moon, when Ryunosuke sat shivering at his base camp, left behind by a concerned Kazuma on a particularly dangerous hunt. He encountered a familiar werewolf, who was fortunately uninjured this time. Van Zieks offered up his own warmth and Ryunosuke had gladly allowed himself to be smothered in the mass of soft fur.

Ryunosuke was humble enough not to come to the immediate assumption that the werewolf fancied him, but he also wasn't dense. He understood van Zieks's game, catching on fairly early. After each of their outings, he would find something wrong, no matter how miniscule, to claim it wasn't enough, that he hadn't repaid his debt. No amount of food or money would equate to the value of a person's life, which made it an easy excuse. Ryunosuke, however, was more than willing to oblige if it meant spending more of their scarce time together.

The pair walked along the thin tightrope between a simple act of gratitude and straight up courtship. Though, they'd fallen to the latter's abyss long ago, stumbling among the murky darkness and pretending the tightrope was still within sight.

Neither pushed it too far. Neither put a label to it. Neither of them were willing to figure out why. Perhaps it was the fact that, to any outsiders, every single aspect of their relationship would be a damning taboo. Ryunosuke didn't particularly care, and he was certain van Zieks didn't either. But there was always the underlying anxiety for being shunned, or worse... hunted down. Both of them knew, however, that that wasn't what held them back.

It was complacency. Ryunosuke was perfectly content dancing around the subject with van Zieks, pressed flush against each other in a clumsy, endless waltz, only teasing the thought of joining their lips together at the final dip, then separating and starting all over again.

So, as the weeks passed them by and the year turned anew, they remained asymptotic, growing closer and closer and never touching.

~*~

Hunting never got easier. Not that it ever was.

As he grew closer to van Zieks, Ryunosuke only fell deeper into the depths of despair with each successful hunt, swallowing down his sickness from the stench of death, flinching as he watched Kazuma draw his blade, dismissing his partner's growing concern with every insistence that he was fine.

Sholmes used to only speak on the subject with his signature flippant jubilance, but as time passed and Ryunosuke fell deeper, the man became more cryptic, yet more blunt in his concern. His final warning came one fine morning after Ryunosuke spent a sleepless night dreaming of silvered weapons and bloodied fur.

"I suggest you exercise caution, dear Naruhodo."

"Yes, yes I understand. Werewolves are dangerous. I've heard-"

"Do not misunderstand me. That is not what I'm referring to."

Silence. Only for a moment, but agonizing nonetheless.

"Then what is it?"

"There's an old Latin proverb, my good friend, that goes a bit like this: duos insequens lepores, neutrum capit."

"And that means?"

Sholmes took out his pipe, teasing it between his teeth.

"He that chases two hares… will catch neither."

He knew what the man meant, but what the hell was he supposed to do? He couldn't just quit his job. He needed the money, and Kazuma trusted no one else to hunt by his side. He couldn't simply stop visiting van Zieks. He was far too smitten to back out now, even if he was too scared to take his step forward.

So he endured it. He would fire his crossbow for Kazuma, and set it aside for van Zieks. He would wake up in a cold sweat from nightmares of pained howls and bloodied fur, but he would soon forget it all on his next date, as if the man's company was some sort of drug.

And maybe it was a drug to him. Maybe that's why he had such a gross lapse in judgement, simply out of his desire to see the man again.

This time, the pair agreed to have dinner together right before the evening of a full moon. Van Zieks, ever the cautious one, vehemently denied him, but eventually fell to Ryunosuke's begging eyes and his reassurance that they'd both separate before sundown.

It would've been just fine had they been able to, but fate was never a merciful entity, for one unfortunate consequence of the van Zieks name was the burden of many, many enemies.

The werewolf had hinted at his family's bloody history a few times before, though it was always vague, careful and guarded. Ryunosuke, despite his tendency to pry when he shouldn't, would withdraw from questioning whenever van Zieks began to look visibly distressed as he recalled his past. He figured he would learn in time. All that mattered was the knowledge that spending time with the man in public was dangerous. Not that Ryunosuke wasn't willing to take that risk.

Van Zieks seemed to sense it first after they'd walked a short distance away from the restaurant: a killing intent. His eyes narrowed as he quietly urged Ryunosuke to stay vigilant. The streets were quiet and empty, since most would have better sense than to spend their night outside in the dead of London's winter. A thick fog had settled over the course of their dinner, making it all the more difficult to see. He pulled Ryunosuke close as they turned the corner to reach their carriage.

But it wasn't there.

A voice sounded behind the pair as a figure appeared in the fog. The setting sun revealed a brief glint of silvered metal in the figure's grasp.

"Looking for your ride, wolfy?" A joyless chuckle came from the figure. "I'm afraid the fellow manning the buggy has been sent on his way."

Van Zieks let out a low growl before leaning close to whisper into Ryunosuke's ear, "When I give the signal, run."

"Oh no you don't, kid." The figure came into view, flipping a dagger in his hand. The man didn't appear to be much older than Ryunosuke, and he even seemed to be fairly well-off, equipped with expensive gear, though his outfit lacked the crossed sword insignia of the hunter's guild. More figures appeared in the fog, only confirming Ryunosuke's fear that the young man didn't foolishly come alone.

"I've got a bone to pick with you hunters too." Teasingly, the man pointed the blade towards van Zieks. "Ten years. It's been ten long years since one of you Zieks mutts went and bit my brother." He then pointed the blade to Ryunosuke. "Ten years of suffering under every full moon, only for him to fall to a hunter's arrow. So, tell me." He spun the blade in his hand before drawing another. "How do you think I should be repaid?"

Van Zieks held his tongue, and Ryunosuke was too paralyzed to speak. So they stood there, silent, the air thick with fog and malice.

Eventually, a gunshot sounded.

Before Ryunosuke could process the brief sensation of a bullet whizzing right past his head, van Zieks grabbed his wrist and began to run. It was near impossible to keep up with his pace, so the werewolf eventually paused only to swing Ryunosuke up over his shoulder. The sounds of footsteps and shouting behind them began to grow more and more distant, for as it was getting darker, the werewolf was getting faster.

But his grip on Ryunosuke started to become crushing.

Thanks to the fog, they’d managed to properly hide themselves from their assailants as they ducked into one of the tunnels of the London Underground. With just a little more distance, they could even make it to the guild.

But just as van Zieks set Ryunosuke down, he collapsed in pain and practically roared. Ryunosuke hastily glanced out at the end of the tunnel.

While the sky was barely visible, the darkness bled into the fog. The sun had set, and the full moon shone bright in the sky.

Ryunosuke knew that it'd be sensible to run. If he ran, he could make it to the guild headquarters in time and he would be safe. He should run. His mind was screaming at him to do it, but his feet were planted firmly on the ground.

Van Zieks was writhing in agony, clawing at the brick floor below him. This was a natural transformation, but Ryunosuke wanted to do nothing more than comfort him. Numbly, he kneeled down in front of him and laid a hand on his back. And for a brief moment, van Zieks paused. It was in between strangled gasps that the man spat out, "Get away from me! Do you wish to die?!"

"Of course not!" Ryunosuke gently stroked the man's hair. "But I can't leave you like this."

He didn't even want to think about the fate of a werewolf so close to the guild's headquarters. So he stayed. Van Zieks could only voice one more protest between ragged breaths.

"You're a fool…"

It was weak, resigned from exhaustion. It was all the werewolf could say anymore before the transformation truly began.

The sight was, predictably, disturbing. Bones rearranged themselves and pushed under the skin as fur rapidly grew around him. The ever increasing size of the beast mercilessly tore through his clothes as his agonized growls turned to whimpers. Despite that, Ryunosuke couldn't tear his eyes away from it all for even a second.

In his distraction, he barely had time to react as a large, grotesque fusion between a paw and a hand pinned him down by his chest.

The paw, or hand, or whatever he may call it, was large enough to fully wrap around his waist and strong enough to crush him. Each panicked breath he took only slightly lifted the claws that rested against his neck and shoulders. Saliva dripped down on his face between jagged canines, shining a bit from the bright blue glow emitting from hungry, desperate eyes. The wolf's breath was labored and hot, yet it still smelled of the wine he had earlier, back when the evening was meant to be a pleasant dinner and nothing more.

Ryunosuke wanted to cry for help. He wanted to kick and scream and fight his way out with the intention of seeing another day. He realized once again that he shouldn't have lied to Kazuma. He shouldn't have gone on this date. He shouldn't have trusted a monster.

And yet…

The hand pinning him down did not crush him. The claws against his throat didn't dare to draw blood. The teeth that hovered over his face made no effort to bite down and tear him to pieces, despite the still hungry and frantic eyes above them.

The werewolf slowly snapped his mouth shut, and gently, oh so gently, he pressed his nose against Ryunosuke's cheek.

… This was no monster.

Ryunosuke placed a shaky hand over the one on his chest, running his fingers through the fur. The two stayed like that for a moment, both trembling.

The moment ended when Ryunosuke heard a familiar set of footsteps echoing through the tunnel. The footsteps paused a good few meters behind him, then came a similarly familiar voice: a voice that was usually a relief to hear. This time, however, it brought nothing but cold, merciless dread.

"Ryu?!"

The silence afterwards was only brief, followed harshly by the sound of an unsheathing blade.

~*~

Notes:

My beta reader made this video during the editing process and we've both been losing it over this.

Chapter 4: And You, Within My Arms

Notes:

Thank you guys for screaming in the comments! I appreciate each and every one of them. To not clog things up, here is your collective response: >:)

Cool werewolf fact: They're coming for you.

Once again I want to say a special thank you to my beta reader, because this chapter is... longer than I anticipated. Y'all should check them out. Especially their amazing tgaa incorrect quotes videos. Those never fail to make me laugh. Anyway, Enjoy!

It was a full moon night, shortly after Barok had turned ten. He bounded about, relishing in the freedom granted to him in the countryside, where the vineyards were vast and the forests were plentiful. He practically skipped into his family's summer home after a night of hunting wild hares and playing outside. Mud trails followed him into the manor, tracking all over the family’s fine rug as he passed the atrium and peeked into the sitting room. It was there that he witnessed his brother hovering over a table, his entire hulking frame shuddering. His tail pressed between his legs as every strand of light lavender fur stood on end.

“Klint?”

Said werewolf whipped around in shock. He seemed to place some sort of piece of paper down. Barok caught a glimpse of the emblem of the hunter’s guild stamped on the page.

Klint always told him to avoid that emblem.

“Barok?! You’re inside already?”

“Yeah! I’m tired now.” Barok steadily approached his brother. “What’re you reading?”

Klint took a very long moment to respond. His eyes were glassy, almost watery, but Barok couldn’t make heads or tails as to why as his brother kneeled down to hug him.

Barok nearly suffocated, not yet having gone through his growth spurt Klint promised he’d get when he grew older. As fluffy as he was, he was still about the same size as a child. He leaned into the hug anyway, confused at the low whimpers he heard from the man.

“Barok… Our parents will be gone for a very long time.”

“Are they traveling again?”

A moment of hesitation. “… Yes. They’ve gone away for now. It’ll just be the two of us from here on out.”

Barok tilted his head to the side, but Klint didn’t explain any further.

Instead he held up Barok’s paws in his own, much too large and unwieldy as they gently clasped around the young boy’s.

“Barok… Your teeth… your claws… Do you remember what they're for?”

Barok gave a wide, toothy grin as his tail wagged wildly.

“Protecting!”

“Yes…” Klint gave his little brother the softest of smiles, as best he could with such a cruel, jagged muzzle. “That's right. No matter how painful it may be to resist your instincts, your claws and teeth are only meant to protect the people you care for. Nothing else. Can you promise me you’ll never forget that?”

Barok nodded, his tail wagging even faster.

“I promise!”

~*~

Ryunosuke didn’t even have time to process it.

His body couldn't move, too paralyzed with horror, too numb with fear. By the time his panicked and muddled mind became clear enough to see, Kazuma was already standing over him, blade in hand, staring down the werewolf who had backed away. Blood trickled down from the tip of Karuma, each droplet splashing against the brick floor, echoing through the tunnels. The bit that stained the blade's silvered edge sizzled and bubbled vigorously, like boiling acid. No other noise dared to make itself known but the sounds of the trio's ragged breaths.

Kazuma was an efficient killer. Every swing of his blade was an act of mercy, to dispatch his targets as quickly and painlessly as possible.

And if van Zieks was a slower beast, his head most certainly would have been rolling lifelessly across the floor. But the blade barely missed the wolf's neck, only marking a shallow wound across his chest. Kazuma, realizing his mistake, lunged forward to alleviate it, sword swinging about too quickly for the untrained eye, too relentless for a weary beast.

They were mesmerizing to watch. Every movement Kazuma made was cold, focused, and calculated. Like clockwork, as though this was simply another target. Van Zieks's movements, however, were rushed and frantic, his frenzied eyes filled with a certain savagery that mismatched his demeanor. He almost appeared to be… frightened. But Kazuma couldn’t have been the source of his fear, not when his eyes were so unfocused on the hunter. He dodged and parried with the tips of his claws, backing away, sidestepping, doing anything but fighting back despite his bared teeth and twitching, gnarled hands. With each passing second, he only became more desperate, slower to react, nicks and scratches collecting as he tried and tried to retreat. Ryunosuke still lay there on the ground, too paralyzed with fear at the sight before him: the deafening clangs of blade and claw, the coagulating blood matting lavender fur, the visible deterioration of van Zieks’s resolve.

But the scariest part was Kazuma's eyes.

Within the shadow of his face, his eyes nearly shone in the tunnel's darkness. The moonlight's rays reflected off of his cold, merciless gaze, widened with concentrated rage, pupils shrunk down to pinpricks amidst the red veined whites.

Malice. Pure malice. Blinding fury. An insatiable lust for blood. The look of a predator.

And van Zieks was nothing more to him than some despicable prey, trapped between his jaws, fruitlessly prolonging his suffering.

Ryunosuke only just now realized how much his throat hurt. Blood was rushing behind his ears and his heartbeat was pounding too loudly to hear himself begging for Kazuma to stop. But his echoing pleas fell on deaf ears. Kazuma was far too focused on eliminating his target.

Both the man and the monster, whichever they may be by this point, were beginning to lose control. Kazuma's blade moved faster, slashes shallow with increasing hysteria. A sick, joyless grin was forming on his face as he fought, eyes still wide with bloodlust. Van Zieks's body shuddered with wavering restraint. His growls grew louder. His fur bristled as his ears pulled back. Each step and dodge was getting shakier, his jaw agape and twitching, fully prepared to tear into Kazuma's throat.

If this went on any longer, someone was going to die.

So Ryunosuke's legs moved on their own. He ran up and pounced forward to tackle Kazuma to the ground with his full weight, screaming. Karuma clattered and slid across the floor, stopping at the werewolf’s feet. For a moment, Kazuma was writhing and pushing at Ryunosuke, desperate to grab the sword, clawing his way towards it with that same ravenous obsession as before.

“Ryu, what are you doing?! Let me go! That werewolf is gonna-” He cut himself off when he gazed back up at the injured, unmoving werewolf. Clarity then seemed to overtake his fury. His shoulders relaxed first before his whole body slumped underneath Ryunosuke’s weight. They both lay there on the ground, staring up at van Zieks, who was holding up a hand to the gash in his chest. No one moved, save for the rapid rise and fall of their chests as their lungs tried to catch up with them.

After a moment, Kazuma opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by more footsteps coming from deeper within the tunnel.

"The guild… they're coming." Ryunosuke muttered, then stared up at van Zieks, feeling a wet warmth in his eyes. "Please, get out of here while you can!"

Van Zieks hesitated, briefly glancing at Ryunosuke, then to the sword at his feet, then he turned around and ran off into the fog.

Everything else that night was a bit of a blur. More hunters appeared, asking about the noise and if anyone was hurt. Kazuma managed to explain it all away by claiming they were simply shooing off a werewolf who'd come scarily close to discovering the headquarters, and nothing else. Ryunosuke was dragged by the wrist back to the infirmary, where Dr. Mikotoba and Susato fussed over him, even though he lacked any injuries.

Huddled in a blanket, between sips of hastily prepared cafeteria tea, Ryunosuke explained everything. That night he saved a werewolf, the letter, the subsequent outings they'd gone on. All of it.

Susato was the quickest to accept, telling Ryunosuke she was happy for him. Dr. Mikotoba met the story with wariness, but by the end of it, offered Ryunosuke a fatherly smile and a pat on the back. But the frown that settled on Kazuma's face throughout the explanation did not go away. Ryunosuke avoided looking at him the whole time.

Eventually the Mikotobas left them alone, tending to some other business Ryunosuke couldn't quite recall. Kazuma still did not abandon his frown, eyes dark with deep thought, a million miles away. Then, he seemed to return to the present, staring at Ryunosuke, though it felt more like he was staring into him.

"You said his name was… Lord Barok van Zieks?"

"Yes." Ryunosuke gulped. "That's his name."

He could've sworn he saw an odd flash in his partner's eyes, but it was gone in a second. Kazuma instead shrouded it with a smile and placed his hands on his hips.

"I'd like to meet him. Properly."

Ryunosuke blinked. "Y-you what?"

The other man's laugh practically sprang out of his chest, boisterous and comforting, reminiscent of the halcyon days of their partnership.

"Is it unusual? I want to meet the wolf that's been dating my best frie-"

"We're not dating!" Ryunosuke's posture stiffened when he sputtered that out, nearly dropping his empty cup. The whole display only earned him a skeptical raise of the eyebrow sitting upon an otherwise flat expression. Right before him was a challenge, a soundless bet, a battle of attrition. One he was very sorely losing. After a record breaking speedy surrender, Ryunosuke slumped over and groaned.

"… Okay, maybe we are dating."

"Right. Then would you allow me to meet him? He at least deserves an apology from me for attacking him."

Ryunosuke's eyes widened to saucers. The very last thing he'd expected from Kazuma was, well, acceptance. After a bit of thought, he lowered his head.

"I suppose… that makes sense."

~*~

Finding the van Zieks manor required minimal research. The lord was well known, even if his reputation fit well under infamy more than fame. Ryunosuke prayed the man was still doing fine as he and Kazuma tentatively walked past the stone and iron gate and up the cobblestone path. A well tended garden adorned the front of the manor surrounding its front porch, but it did nothing to mitigate the oppressive atmosphere about the massive brick building. The place towered over the pair, dark in hue and atmosphere alike. Despite the late daytime hours, they could've sworn they spotted bats fluttering above the roof amidst the overcast skies. Kazuma inched a bit closer to Ryunosuke once they reached the front door.

With a shaky hand and an audible gulp, Ryunosuke took hold of the highly fitting gargoyle shaped door knocker and gave the meticulously carved hardwood three quick taps.

Promptly, the door was opened by a picture perfect butler.

"Good afternoon." The butler bowed. "Please, state your business."

Kazuma spoke first. "We'd like to speak to Lord van Zieks."

The butler's face gave a nearly imperceptible twitch.

"I'm afraid the young master is busy at the moment. I can relay a message to him, if you would kindly offer your names."

After Kazuma's short introduction, Ryunosuke straightened his back, realizing slightly too late that the pair was waiting for him to speak. "Ah! Er - I'm Ryunosuke Naruhodo… sir! I was just wondering if Lord van Zieks was okay…"

He could've sworn the butler's eyes widened a bit.

"Naruhodo, you say?" The butler bowed again. "Please, wait just a moment."

He shut the door, and returned only a short moment later, as promised, his demeanor just a bit warmer than before.

"The lord will gladly see you and your company now, Master Naruhodo."

Kazuma and Ryunosuke exchanged shocked glances before eagerly accepting the invitation, following the butler inside.

Tall ceilings bore glistening candlelight chandeliers that overtook the pair as soon as they entered. Despite them, the interior remained cloaked in a certain darkness, attributing to the dancing shadows from flickering flames against ornate furniture. The scent of wine and flowers permeated throughout, as well as the faint fragrance of tea. The manor harbored scant few servants it seemed, as the trio only passed one maid dusting away at some hardly touched shelves decorated with musty books.

To say the place was simply imposing would be a disrespect. It was just as oppressive as its outer shell, the ceilings too high for mere mortals, the carpet too expensive to be beneath Ryunosuke's shoes, the atmosphere more befitting a vampire than the wolf he'd come to know.

But the place was not so hauntingly opulent in its entirety. There still lay evidence of a home rather than just some stately building. A scratch on the wall here, an old paw print stained into the carpet there, a bit of fluff peeking out from a plush ottoman, a waste bin filled with shattered glass… Near a hallway on the west end stood a pillar, decorated with small notches signifying the progress of a growing boy. Though, further down said hallway were a series of portrait paintings - all men who somewhat resembled the lord of the manor. Curiously enough, The portrait at the very end didn't seem to capture the man Ryunosuke was so familiar with very well. This one was much too handsome.

The pair was led to what appeared to be a study. Behind a desk, van Zieks was penning something on what appeared to be some important legal document. When the pair entered, he stood up to greet them, though his softened expression at the sight of Ryunosuke turned wary when he spotted Kazuma.

"Ah, Mr. Naruhodo. And his friend, I presume?" He bowed just as politely as always. "Welcome."

This may very well have been the most casual Ryunosuke had seen van Zieks dress. Simple trousers and a ruffled white shirt seemed only slightly too small on the man, stretching a bit over his muscles, much to Ryunosuke's unsubtle joy. He still donned the Wellingtons, however casual everything else may be. Bandages were wrapped around his torso and shoulders, peeking out from under the shirt's collar, and his eyes carried concerningly deep bags, but overall, he appeared just as discontent as he usually did. Though, most curiously, he appeared to be in some sort of in-between state of transformation. While he looked mostly human, his tail stuck out awkwardly from the waistband of his pants as his fluffy ears rested upon his head, smoothing down the man's more intimidating edges.

They looked… adorable. Ryunosuke pondered for a moment just how soft they'd feel between his fingers.

Said ears twitched in irritation. "Mr. Naruhodo… Are my ears truly such a novel concept to you? After all this time?"

Ah, he must’ve said that out loud. Either that, or he was staring for too long.

"S-sorry! I didn't mean to-"

"How degrading." Van Zieks crossed his arms. "I am not just some dog meant to be coddled with shallow affections."

Ryunosuke sighed.

Then why is your tail wagging so fervently at the idea?

Whether he said that out loud or not, it wasn't graced with a response. Kazuma raised an eyebrow at the exchange before tilting his head.

"Why are you… mid transformation?"

"Is it not obvious?" Van Zieks narrowed his eyes. "It's most comfortable. I needn't strain myself to stay human in the comfort of my own home, and fully transforming indoors is simply unwieldy. Many werewolves do it."

Kazuma looked off to the side. "I… didn't know that."

A click of the tongue. "I'd wager it's because most of your time spent around my kind is post-mortem."

Ryunosuke winced, but Kazuma took it in stride. He instead grinned, offering a hand to van Zieks. The wolf obliged his offer, but was clearly gazing past the hand at the sword still hanging from Kazuma's hip.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord van Zieks. I'm Kazuma Asougi. I've come to properly meet you, and," he lowered his head a little, "to apologize for attacking you yesterday. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

The werewolf raised his eyebrows in surprise before his face settled back into his neutral scowl. He shook his head.

"You needn't apologize. Your assumption was not without reason."

"Nevertheless, I shouldn't have gone so far."

With some hesitance, van Zieks accepted his apology with a rare smile, then invited them to tea in the sitting room. Ryunosuke found himself pleasantly surprised at how well the two got along. Thanks to Kazuma's natural charisma, the conversation never turned awkward or dull, and relief washed over Ryunosuke. Though, oddly enough, van Zieks kept eyeing Kazuma's sword the whole time. Eventually, the topic of yesterday came up.

"By the way," Kazuma put a hand up to his chin, "you displayed exceptional fighting prowess. You were deceptively nimble and parried my blade without issue. So why didn't you fight back?"

The resting scowl on van Zieks's face grew deeper.

"I had just transformed, barely able to resist the full moon's madness. If I had drawn even a little blood, I fear I may not have been able to control myself." He solemnly placed a hand over his heart. Ryunosuke noticed his fingers were tipped with claws. "I didn't wish to cause harm to Mr. Naruhodo's closest friend."

"Huh?" Kazuma slammed a fist on the table. "How did you know that at the time?"

Ryunosuke's posture straightened as he opened his mouth to explain, but van Zieks cut him off.

"Well, Mr. Naruhodo speaks highly of his friends whenever asked." He crossed his arms as his ears twitched endearingly. "He always seemed especially fond of the friend he described as being a skilled swordsman with a horrible haircut… and a tendency to trip over his words."

Kazuma shot a glare at Ryunosuke, who decided that perhaps anything else in the room was more interesting to look at.

"Uh, if I may, Lord van Zieks…" Ryunosuke sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. "Could I make use of your facilities?"

"Running away, aren't we?" Kazuma teased, pushing Karuma slightly out of its sheath.

Ryunosuke groaned. "N-no… I'm serious…"

Nonetheless, van Zieks called a servant to lead Ryunosuke to the nearest restroom, where he got a bit distracted admiring the place, almost enough to forget why he went there. Nicely tiled floors, porcelain amenities, advanced plumbing… He wished for a moment that he lived here.

But eventually, he returned, only stopping right outside the sitting room as he overheard the pair talking. He backed away and hid behind the wall to listen. The light-hearted tone they'd kept up in Ryunosuke's company was all but completely gone.

"I don't think I could ever bring myself to forgive you." Kazuma was practically hissing, hatred and malice dripping through every word. The air was heavy, thick with too many unspoken words to unpack. After an agonizing pause, van Zieks's voice sounded, low and remorseful.

"I do not believe I am deserving of your forgiveness. But you deserve to know the truth." Another brief pause. "And you also deserve my deepest apologies, whether you wish to accept them or not."

Then came the sound of Karuma scraping its sheath, then a click. So it was already out…

"Well… If I'm being honest. I came here to tell you to stay away from my friend. The way I saw it, he'd been nothing but miserable ever since he helped you that night."

Someone nervously shuffled a bit in their stance.

"… I was unaware of that."

"Of course you weren't. Because you weren't the cause of his misery."

More shuffling.

"As I'm sure you're well aware, Ryu's eyes are very… telling. They expose his every thought. His every feeling. And whenever he looks at you…" Kazuma let out a deep sigh. "I can tell that you make him very happy."

There came no reply from van Zieks. Briefly, a sniffle sounded amidst the silence. Kazuma's voice trembled a bit as he spoke.

"So who am I to get in the way of his happiness?"

Another pregnant pause. One so quiet that Ryunosuke could hear his heartbeat. Then finally, finally, van Zieks spoke.

"… Thank you, Mr. Asougi."

A click of the tongue. "Just remember." The sound of blade and sheath came again. "If you harm him in any way-"

"Kazuma."

Ryunosuke stepped out into the room, a million questions buzzing through his head. Kazuma quickly resheathed his sword with a wide-eyed look on his face. Van Zieks was still just as infallible as always, standing there with his arms crossed. Not even his tail betrayed his emotions. Ryunosuke furrowed his brows together.

"What's this all about?"

With a shake of his head, Kazuma started towards the exit.

"I've overstayed my welcome. Plus, there's some things I need to get done."

"Kazuma-"

"Alone. You can stay here, Ryu."

From the look on Kazuma's face, it seemed there was no room for debate. He turned to van Zieks with a shockingly genuine smile. Or perhaps he'd become skilled at faking them. "It's been a pleasure, Lord van Zieks. Take good care of him, okay?"

Van Zieks gave him a cordial bow. "Of course. Have a good evening, Mr. Asougi."

After the two heard the front door close, Ryunosuke opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Reading the situation, van Zieks sighed.

"I suppose you… have questions."

Ryunosuke's lips fell into a thin line.

"Do you have answers?"

"… For once, I do."

~*~

Through the sitting room's suffocating air, van Zieks's confession rang out, weighing said air down to lead.

"I am responsible for the death of Mr. Asougi's father."

Despite his sneaking suspicion that that would be the very answer he'd gotten to his inquiry, Ryunosuke recoiled in shock. The pair had spent a considerable amount of time in silence, Ryunosuke trying to figure out where to even start asking, van Zieks seemingly stumped on how to explain it all. And yet the result was simple. Brief. It brought everything to light and nothing at all.

Ryunosuke clenched his fists that rested upon his thighs. "So you're admitting to it? You are a killer?"

"…"

The air was heavy. The tea was cold. The couch suddenly did not feel so comfortable. Ryunosuke shifted a bit, antsy, ready to run. His voice was quivering, almost too quiet to hear.

"Milord, please answer me."

And finally, a response, coupled with an unreadable expression. "Never in my life had I bitten another. Not once did I run my claws through human flesh. But I cannot say his blood is not on my hands."

"Then what happened?"

The lord poured himself a glass of wine, a habit Ryunosuke knew well. Van Zieks was attempting to ground himself. After a sip, he'd calmed down enough to talk.

"My family… prided itself in its monstrous roots. Generation after generation, we sparked terrible legends throughout the capital. Citizens always thought of us as something inhuman, though often quite off the mark. Bloodsucking vampires, wraiths, deities… reapers. My family wore their labels with pride, spending their full moon nights massacring the weak and fueling the city's fears. But my brother, Klint, wished to end that cycle."

Ryunosuke patiently sat there, unsure of what to say, carefully watching the way van Zieks's throat bobbed as he took another sip of his wine. When he'd lowered the cup, his trembling hand made the liquid slosh a bit against the glass.

"So he raised me to never harm a soul. Our parents were hardly present, so I hadn't the chance to learn their savage ways. Every day, Klint taught me how to suppress my urges and safely sate my cravings. He did everything in his power to ensure that I never became a killer. Which is why…" Van Zieks was beginning to choke up. "… Which is why I never thought he'd kill."

Ryunosuke tried to piece it all together in his mind.

"He killed Mr. Asougi?"

"The senior Asougi was a hunter who'd been investigating a serial killing werewolf that was targeting nobility. I couldn't fathom Klint being the culprit at the time, so on the day that man went to confront my brother, when I'd witnessed both of them in their final moments…" His ears pinned back as his voice began to waver. "… I saw nothing more than a wretched man who'd betrayed my brother."

He stared down at the wine glass in his hand. A miniscule crack formed in his tightened grip.

"Klint was beyond saving; that blasted sword your friend brought was the very same one that was pierced through his heart. But Mr. Asougi was still bleeding out from his wounds. Had I been more merciful, I may have been able to save him in time… but…"

Ryunosuke felt his stomach drop.

"You left him to die."

"… The guilt settled in when a copy of Mr. Asougi's case files were later sent to me. Klint was the killer. I could not deny the evidence."

A full minute of silence hung over them, threatening to crush the pair under its weight. When he'd processed it all, Ryunosuke sighed and shook his head.

"I don't believe those are the actions of a killer, Milord."

"Then what, pray tell, would you say they were?"

"Nothing more than the mistakes of a grieving man."

More silence. As if a burden had been lifted, van Zieks's shoulders relaxed.

"Thank you, Mr. Naruhodo."

"I've done nothing but listen."

Van Zieks poured him another cup of tea, and they sat quietly, finally comfortable again. In that moment, a thought occurred to Ryunosuke.

"Lord van Zieks, if I may… Has your family's instinct ever felt overpowering? Have you ever considered disobeying your brother's words?"

The wine glass swirled curiously between the werewolf's claws. "From time to time, but I never acted upon it. The longer I go without bloodshed, the easier it becomes to resist."

"… Have you ever wanted to hurt me?"

The following hesitance spoke volumes, but van Zieks turned to Ryunosuke with that very same cold look. Had he been inexperienced in trying to read the man, he would've missed that infinitesimal twitch of the eye.

"I assure you, my initial motives were pure. I only intended to repay my debt to you and pray our paths never cross again. But… Upon our first outing, there was something about you I found… tantalizing."

As he set it down, the sound of the wine glass clinking the table was far too loud.

"Perhaps it was your rather…" van Zieks tilted his head, almost playfully, "… slight frame?"

A set of clawed fingers carefully grabbed Ryunosuke's chin, but van Zieks kept himself at arm's length, still offering an escape route.

Ryunosuke wouldn't dare run.

"Maybe it was those flittering eyes, frantically searching for some phantom notion of courage."

Van Zieks was leaning in a bit closer. There was still a chance to run. He certainly wouldn't chase Ryunosuke if that chance was taken.

"It could very well have been the trembling legs, ready to flee at any moment. Or your shallow breaths. Or the utterly intoxicating scent of your fear." He leaned in closer. There was little room for escape now. "You, my friend, were the picture perfect prey."

The candlelight glinted against his canines.

"And for the first time in years, I found myself needing to restrain myself."

A deep seeded feeling began to well up within Ryunosuke. That doubt, that trepidation, that primal sensation only shared by a mouse in a trap, or a hare writhing between strong jaws, or a deer at the end of a rifle's barrel.

For the first time in weeks, Ryunosuke was afraid of van Zieks.

And yet, a special kind of heat was pooling within him, rising to his face, causing his legs to tremble and his eyes to flit about as he faltered under that steely gaze. His mouth felt dry and, god, it was hard to breathe.

He wondered if there was ever a mouse that would set off the trap for the thrill of it. If there was ever a rabbit that tested fate, nestling itself between a sleeping dog's jaws. If there was ever a deer that got a rush from the feeling of a bullet whizzing right past its head.

Or perhaps he was simply insane.

Dizzy with excitement, he leaned into van Zieks's touch, noticing that very same grasp on him only became softer. Van Zieks spoke in a mellow, gentle tone, that predatory bite from earlier all but completely gone.

"Despite those ravenous thoughts of mine, yesterday, when I'd transformed, harming you was the very last thing on my mind. It made me realize that what I'd felt towards you… was far from simple bloodlust."

"Then what was it?"

It was the dead of winter in London, and yet Ryunosuke felt too hot for his disdainful university uniform. Van Zieks finally closed their distance with an all too gentle and chaste - almost coy - peck on the cheek. He leaned down only to nuzzle Ryunosuke's neck.

"Hm… what, indeed?"

It was getting far too late to ride to Baker Street, so the pair agreed to spend the night together. Despite the implications and the setting, they didn't do much but cuddle. Van Zieks was still recovering from Kazuma's assault, and the revelations of that evening weighed too heavily on Ryunosuke's mind. As he lay in bed that night next to the man, he let it all sink in, feeling that same heat from before when he recalled that kiss. Something so mild shouldn't be setting him on fire like this, but here he was, flustered, reduced to a puddle.

Whether it be by teeth, or claws, or by a simple heart attack, Ryunosuke was certain of it.

This man will be the death of him.

~*~

Another full moon shone through the dark clouds that filled the murky, humid skies. Despite the approaching spring, it only grew colder with each passing night as the days were filled with overcast skies and pouring rains. Holding forward a gas lantern in a trembling hand, Ryunosuke desperately huddled into his cloak for warmth, even though the chill seeped well into his bones. As always, Kazuma was unbothered, somehow fine in just his skintight leather and flowing red cloak.

The target for the night was a woman who went by the name Jezaille Brett, a notorious killer werewolf, known for her poison-laced claws and brutal maulings. She'd been a slippery target who had wiped out many hunters and gotten away with it.

But tonight, Kazuma decided to end her rampage.

To say Ryunosuke was nervous would be the understatement of the century. His teeth weren't just chattering from the cold, after all.

Kazuma stopped at a clearing, which seemed to be an older campsite left by another hunting team. He turned back to Ryunosuke with his signature reassuring smile.

"Relax, partner. You trust me, right?"

Unable to trust his own voice, Ryunosuke nodded. Kazuma came closer and gently patted his shoulder.

"Good. Then you know I'll be bringing back her head. Nothing to worry about."

Ryunosuke huddled a bit close to his partner for warmth, muttering between chattering teeth. "B-b-but if sh-she s-strikes you even o-o-once-"

"That won't happen. Please stay here, alright? You're shaking too much to aim your bow anyway."

Unable to refute him any longer, Ryunosuke slumped down against a tree to curl in on himself.

"Here." Kazuma removed his own cloak to wrap it around his shivering friend, which earned him a grateful hum. "Remember to call me if you're in danger."

"Okay…"

Kazuma turned to leave, then suddenly paused, placing a hand on his chin.

"By the way… I spoke with Lord Stronghart yesterday."

"Huh?" Ryunosuke nearly bit his tongue as he stuttered between chattering teeth. "W-why?"

He turned back towards Ryunosuke, face still pensive. "I told him that I don't think you're fit to hunt anymore."

"What?!"

"Additionally, I mentioned that your medical skills are exceptional." That pensive look morphed into Kazuma's classic million dollar smile. "And that perhaps it'd be better for you to get paid working under Dr. Mikotoba."

Ryunosuke could only gape at him, but Kazuma was patient enough to let him process it all.

"Wait, then w-what about you? You'll need a new p-partner, won't you?"

Kazuma shook his head and chuckled. "Always worrying about others, huh?" He kneeled down in front of Ryunosuke, his grin falling into something much softer. "For your sake, I'll gladly hunt alongside whatever British bloke Stronghart sends my way. Don't worry about anything but patching me up when I return to base, alright?"

Suddenly, it felt a lot less chilly outside. Ryunosuke couldn't help the upward twitch of his lips.

"Thank you, Kazuma."

"Anything for you, partner."

And with that, Kazuma grabbed his gear and disappeared into the forest.

With a giddy warmth in his chest, Ryunosuke waited. It was much too humid to start a fire, so he simply curled up further, searching for comfort in his partner's cloak. At least his lantern kept him company, even if it emitted more light than heat.

Then it started to lightly drizzle. Perfect. As the rain gradually soaked through his layers, he passed the time desperately attempting to warm himself between bitter and quiet complaints.

Then he heard a twig snap nearby.

He sucked in a breath, but he had a feeling it was a bit too late to hide. A low chuckle sounded from behind, so he whipped around to see it.

Against the lantern's light was the silhouette of a beast. Lithe and slender, but a werewolf, no doubt.

The creature inched closer and closer, until their silhouette became clear. They stood tall and proper, somehow elegant in such a beastly form. Their fur was a light brown, completely unembellished save for the black spot around the glowing white eyes that resembled a raccoon's mask. Most notable, however, were the long, beautiful claws, as if they’d been meticulously manicured and painted in a glistening black sheen. It was then that Ryunosuke realized.

This was the face in the wanted poster. This was their bounty, Jezaille Brett, the notorious killer werewolf who’d taken out whole groups of hunters with ease.

This wasn't supposed to happen. Kazuma was supposed to be the one to find her and slay her like he always does. Ryunosuke was simply meant to stay out of the way. He'd miss the bloodshed and sit there quietly freezing then return to base as if he'd actually done much more than act as moral support. And yet, here she was, right before his eyes, grinning as she slowly stalked closer.

“I usually do not indulge myself in such scrawny prey. But, I do find myself most curious… if perhaps foreigners taste different from my own.”

Her voice was sickeningly sweet, almost like that of a true gentlewoman. But it was disarming and melodic, yet dripping with venom. Like a temptress. Or a siren.

Or a monster.

Ryunosuke was frozen. He couldn’t reply. His tongue felt too heavy in his mouth and his mind was blank with nothing but fear, his fight or flight instincts firing off like sirens within him. And yet, he couldn’t even move.

That is, until a voice in his mind sounding eerily similar to Kazuma told him to snap out of it and get his shit together. Without thinking, he quickly scurried backwards and fumbled with the crossbow at his hip. That action was the only reason he was able to barely dodge Brett’s lightning fast strike, her claws crashing into the dirt between his legs, mere centimeters away from slicing him straight down the middle. Just as her claws missed him, Ryunosuke closed his eyes and fired the crossbow clumsily - a one-armed, badly aimed shot - as he scrambled to his feet and began to run. He must’ve somehow shot her if he truly heard that hiss in pain behind him, but he didn’t stick around to make sure. Brett’s feminine, composed voice gave in to animalistic rage as she outright growled.

“You little BRAT!”

Ryunosuke heard her footsteps getting closer and god, he cursed his human legs. Even with the adrenaline, they were never meant to outspeed a monster. He glanced back only for a second to see Brett coming scarily close, preparing for a pounce. So he sharply turned to the right, off the forest path, where the trees were thicker and the underbrush grew harsher. It bought him a little time as Brett pounced and missed, quickly turning with a frustrated growl once she’d landed.

Vines and branches whipped at his face and his sides as Ryunosuke uncaringly dashed through the thick vegetation. Thunder clapped and it was just his luck that the drizzling rain very quickly started to fall in sheets. He couldn’t even see in front of himself anymore, but he just kept on running.

Unfortunately, Brett was faster.

She inevitably caught up with him and pushed him to the ground, oddly careful with her claws. When she finally had him pinned down underneath one large paw, she let out a low, humorless chuckle.

“You dared to tarnish my luxurious fur with blood… Since you’ve no idea how to properly treat a lady, I believe you do not deserve such a merciful death as the others.” She put more pressure onto his back with a snarl. “My poison is too kind and painless for a boorish knave such as yourself!”

She applied even more pressure. It was starting to hurt. Despite his desperate struggling, Ryunosuke couldn't fight back against a werewolf's strength. Not even Kazuma could do that. Slowly, his frantic scrambling died down as it began to sink in.

Tonight, he was going to die. He was sure of it.

He sobbed as she shoved his face into the wet dirt, only realizing he was crying from his aching throat. His hot tears mixed with the freezing rain until it was impossible to tell the difference. A phantom pain festered in his gut. Stinging apparitions of claws dragged ghastly cuts down his legs. As if to mock him, his mind replayed the sound of a cackling laugh bellowing out from a blood soaked snout.

Maybe it was all real. He couldn’t really tell by this point. Brett was speaking to him, but he couldn't hear. His mind was too foggy with panic, too numb with acceptance. He squeezed his eyes shut and braced himself for the worst.

But it never came. The crushing weight on his back was suddenly lifted as he heard Brett yelp in surprise. With a herculean effort, he pushed himself up by his elbows to turn and see what had happened.

Standing over him protectively was a much larger, much more familiar werewolf. Though, what was most unfamiliar was the savage look in his eyes, enraged and bloodthirsty, muzzle pulled back into a gnarled scowl.

“L-lord van Zieks?!” Ryunosuke choked out in shock. Van Zieks turned towards him for just a moment and that ferocious expression disappeared, drowned out by nothing but fondness.

“Mr. Naruhodo… I’m glad I’m not too late.”

“You mindless brute! Who do you think you are, protecting a hunter?!” Brett hissed as she tried to cover the four deep cuts on her face. It was then that Ryunosuke noticed the blood dripping from van Zieks's left paw.

That unfamiliar, beastly ferocity returned the very second he turned back towards Brett.

“You will leave now, or face the consequences.”

Brett glared for a moment, but then she started to chuckle. The chuckle then turned into a haughty laugh as she teased her claws along a nearby tree.

“You must take me for some sort of fool. I know who you are, Lord van Zieks.” Her voice was calm again, dripping with honey, laced with poison. “You’re the smaller one. The ‘little darling’ of your family, as I’ve heard. A weak willed pup who always cowered behind his big brother.” She smirked and cut deeper into the tree. “You don’t have the backbone to kill me.”

Van Zieks had no response. He simply glowered back at her, eyes icy with barely contained rage. As the rain soaked into their bones, the thunder clapped again, and that prompted van Zieks to silently pick up Ryunosuke in his arms and back away.

“Aha! So I knew it! You’ll run away like always, won’t you? Cowardly little mutt!” Brett taunted.

Van Zieks paused and then spoke in a low growl, almost too hard to hear against the rain.

“Tell me, Miss Brett. What do you think is more cowardly: backing away from a fight, or casting aside your pride to give in to the most base and savage of desires?”

Brett’s smug grin dropped. Her face was set in a serious frown as van Zieks continued.

“You may play pretend all you’d like, but there is nothing refined about slaughter." He narrowed his eyes. "What makes you so different from a mere hunting dog?”

“Why, you…!” She brandished her claws, eyes glowing with beastly wrath. “I'll kill you where you stand!”

Van Zieks wasted no time dashing away from her, huddled over Ryunosuke as a protective shield from the whipping branches and pelting rain. He was fast enough to keep Brett at a distance as she chased them with fervor. Ryunosuke peeked out from where he was huddled in van Zieks’s fur to notice an odd patch of wet leaves and moss. Something under it glinted against the meager moonlight.

A bear trap. He recognized them from the various hunts he’d accompanied Kazuma on. Only a werewolf hunter would set one. After all, there are no bears in London.

“Watch the ground!” Ryunosuke’s shout was more like a loud whisper, voice hoarse from his crying, but van Zieks heard him just in time to subtly sidestep the trap. He mumbled a short word of gratitude as he continued to run.

Then he stopped when they both heard a loud SNAP amidst the pattering rain. Brett cried aloud in agony.

In her own tunnel-visioned fury, she’d gotten caught. As she struggled to pry the trap from her leg, Van Zieks’s ears twitched.

“I can hear a group of hunters approaching, Mr. Naruhodo. I can leave you to them-”

“No!” Ryunosuke clung to van Zieks’s chest fur with a white knuckled grip. “No… Please stay with me.”

He wasn’t even sure why he made that request. Brett would most certainly be killed in this vulnerable state, and the hunters would send him to the infirmary to get cleaned up, and he would be safe. But the adrenaline was dying and the moments before what he thought would be his demise were playing in his mind.

He was too scared to be alone.

Van Zieks nodded in understanding. “Then I shall take you to my home. Is that okay?”

Ryunosuke nodded and curled into van Zieks further as he was rushed off to the manor.

~*~

They stepped into the van Zieks estate, drenched in rain, dirt, and blood. At the sight of the pair, the servants immediately got warm baths ready for them. After some soft, gentle words of affirmation from van Zieks, Ryunosuke was sound enough in body and mind to hobble over to a restroom and wash away all of the events of that night. He sat in the bathwater for a long time, well after his fingers wrinkled and his muscles relaxed, as he tried to process his eventful night. When he finally stepped out of the basin, he was at a loss for clothing. So he wrapped himself in a towel and stepped out the door, only to come face to face with a maid, which nearly scared him half to death. After a yelp in surprise, he bowed and apologized profusely. The maid smiled softly, unphased as she held out a neatly folded stack of clothes.

“The lord of the manor suggested I find you some fresh clothes whilst I wash your hunting gear. This is his old college wear, so deepest apologies should they not fit.”

Ryunosuke meekly accepted the clothes with a stuttered “thank you!” before he retreated back into the bathroom to change. The white button up shirt draped over him like a comfortable nightgown. However, when he tried to put the pants on, they were too loose around the hips, even with a belt, and the pant legs were far too long, completely covering his feet and dragging on the floor. He shook his head and sighed. He’d have to go without them, counting himself lucky the shirt covered him up enough despite the distinct lack of underwear.

He met van Zieks again when he’d walked out into the sitting room, where he was lounging on the floor in front of the fireplace, much too large for the couch. Van Zieks’s fur was much fluffier than usual, possibly from drying off after his bath. A blanket was draped over his legs as he sat near a low table arranged with tea and sweets. When he saw Ryunosuke, he urged him to sit with him, though an odd expression was set on his face. Ryunosuke blushed as he carefully approached, not quite sitting down yet as he nervously shifted his weight on his feet.

“Ah, sorry… The pants didn’t fit.”

What a massive beast. Even while sitting on the floor, the werewolf was eye-to-eye with Ryunosuke. Something about that made his heart flutter.

“I supposed they wouldn’t, but it was worth a try.” Van Zieks gently grabbed Ryunosuke’s cheeks between two clawed fingers, checking the light cuts from his reckless running through the bushes. “Pray, forgive my lack of proper garments, but you needn’t apologize for any indecency. I don’t mind at all.”

That much was obvious, Ryunosuke thought as he eyed van Zieks’s eagerly wagging tail. The wolf wasn't any more decent, wearing naught but the fur on his back and a blanket. Apparently the usual tattered pants he recycled each month were out of the question.

Not that Ryunosuke minded either.

“Please, join me for tea. I requested the servants prepare a soothing blend and gather up some sweets.”

Ryunosuke knelt down next to him, leaning into the fluffy fur at his side as he practically inhaled the sweets set out for him. They ate in comfortable silence together, save for the brief moment of teasing from Ryunosuke, pointing out how comically small the teacup was in the wolf's grasp. He eventually spoke again when he'd had his fill of treats.

"Thank you for everything tonight, Lord van Zieks." He lifted his head to gaze up at the other man's muzzle, a dopey grin spread across his face. "I guess this means you've repaid your debt, huh?"

Van Zieks froze up for a moment, then he lowered his head.

“A part of me is relieved that I’ve saved your life, but another part of me is selfishly regrettable.”

Ryunosuke tilted his head. “Why is that?”

“It's as you've said. My debt is repaid.”

“C'mon, now. It was a joke. I’ve told you time and time again that you owe me nothing.”

“I understand, however-”

“You lack an excuse to take me out to dinner now?" The dopey grin had fallen, giving way to disappointment. "You believe you can’t invite me to the park anymore? To the fair? To simply spend time with you?”

Van Zieks’s eyes widened ever so slightly, and Ryunosuke pouted when he’d realized he hit the nail on the head.

“Do you truly believe I agreed to go because I felt like you owed me a favor?”

Van Zieks remained silent, so Ryunosuke leaned in closer and grabbed the wolf's hand, softly caressing his fur.

“Surely you’re smart enough to realize that is not the case." He paused to place his other hand onto van Zieks's waist, still running it through his fur. "I’d even been saving up the money to finally invite you somewhere just as nice someday…” Ryunosuke then moved to climb up over and straddle van Zieks's thigh, smiling a bit at the way the thump of the man’s tail against the floor betrayed his straight face. “...if it would please Milord.”

Van Zieks’s resolve then crumbled as Ryunosuke gazed up at him with nothing but pure affection. The wolf's scowl settled into a fond expression. Almost a smile, if one would be generous enough to call it that.

“Saving up? Don’t be a fool. I would find myself pleased in the deepest pit of Hell so long as I’m by your side.”

Well now they were both flustered.

The two of them sat there, giddy and trying their hardest to calm their rapidly beating hearts until Ryunosuke finally took a deep breath and refocused himself. Gently, he rested his head onto the werewolf's chest and let himself become smothered.

“Lord van Zieks… would you accompany me tonight?”

A strange noise between a gasp and a low, guttural growl sounded from the man. “Tonight? Surely you don’t mean…?”

“I do.”

Ryunosuke’s eyes were set with a boiling mixture of resolve and lust, which only seemed to make van Zieks hesitate further, despite his eager tail.

“The moon is full. I cannot take on my human form.”

“And? I like every form you take.”

“I could very well hurt you.”

“So could any man.”

“The events of this night are still fresh. You would most certainly remember your suffering under a werewolf’s grasp.”

“Then, please…” Ryunosuke curled up as he spoke, feeling smaller than ever, a wet heat behind his eyes, voice barely above a whisper.

“... help me forget.”

Thus the final wall fell before him. Van Zieks sighed in resignation before carefully running a hand down the smaller man’s back.

“Very well, then. Tonight, I’m yours.”

~*~

Ryunosuke woke up the next day feeling a dull ache pulsing through every muscle. To say he was tired was an understatement. His entire body felt like a block of lead. He couldn't even feel his legs. His back and shoulders were stinging, bandaged from some scratches.

As careful as van Zieks was, maintaining that level of restraint would be near impossible in the heat of passion. Unfortunately, the consequences of said passion were making themselves well known to Ryunosuke with each attempt to stretch his overworked muscles.

And yet, he didn't regret it one bit. He'd very likely spend a full moon's night in van Zieks's company again. Though, perhaps, he thought, he should work a bit more on his stamina since he was pretty sure he'd passed out at some point. He certainly didn't remember getting cleaned up and bandaged.

Van Zieks was sleeping at his side, arm wrapped around Ryunosuke’s waist. With the fall of the moon and the rise of the sun, his more beastly features have disappeared in his sleep, making him wholly human again. Ryunosuke smiled fondly at the man, reaching out to pet that downy soft hair and earning himself a soft, approving grumble.

The morning's tranquility only yielded to the outside's cooing pigeons and horse hooves on cobblestone. The sunlight's beams shone through flowing white curtains, painting a near heavenly image of the room. It reflected off a glass chalice display that made everything that much brighter, yet, the gossamer veil of the lord's canopy bed softened the light, urging Ryunosuke to fall back into his slumber despite the morning's call. The peace was soon interrupted by a knocking on the door, to which van Zieks replied with a reluctant grunt and a clipped “Come in.”

Ryunosuke panicked for a second about being seen in bed with the man, quickly laying back down and shoving himself slightly under the covers, but when the butler stepped inside, he gave no reaction. Instead he wordlessly set Ryunosuke’s clothes and gear on the bedside table, bowed, and left the room. The sight of his neatly folded hunting outfit started to turn some gears in his head until it suddenly clicked.

He’d abandoned Kazuma.

Kazuma, who hadn’t seen or heard from Ryunosuke since the beginning of the hunt.

Kazuma, who would likely have returned to see Ryunosuke’s abandoned crossbow, travel bag with the communicator, and naught much else.

Kazuma, who was probably very, very worried at the moment.

As the guilt flooded his entire being, he felt van Zieks mutter incoherently and pull him slightly closer, and that immediately cleared his mind. He could return to the guild and face Kazuma’s panic-induced tongue lashing right this moment. Or, he could further indulge himself in van Zieks’s company and resolve that issue later. The second option began to feel particularly appealing when he felt van Zieks softly nuzzling his neck. So he relaxed once again and let his drowsiness take over.

Just a little bit longer, he bargained. For just a little bit longer, he'd stay in the wolf's embrace.

~*~

Notes:

Kazuma, seeing Ryu limp into the infirmary covered in scratches: WHO HURT YOU????

Also I made a funni lil objection lol video abt this fic and a certain infamous tumblr post because I'm deranged.

Thank you so very much for reading this to the end! I kiss u on the cheek <3

Notes:

Thank you for reading! If u leave a nice comment I will tell you a cool werewolf fact <3

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