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Wise closed his eyes with a sigh, feeling a slight shiver course through his body. The midnight breeze nipped at his skin yet he remained unbothered. If it had been anyone else, they would've probably gone home and wrapped themselves up in their warm bed already.
But not for Wise, not tonight at least.
He supposed he should have expected it, the signs were already starting to appear early that day. He had woken up feeling groggy despite getting a decent amount of sleep, there were times when he would just absolutely slip up while managing the store because he would randomly forget the orders Belle had given him, and lastly, he had to step away in the middle of a commission and let his sister take over because he felt like he was an inch away from becoming overstimulated. Later that night, he stayed lying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as he tried and failed to will himself to fall asleep.
And so, after sending a quick text to Belle to inform her of his activities, Wise went for a quick night drive and found himself at the open space on the corner of Lumina Square. Currently, he was leaning on the railing, gazing up at the half-corrupted full moon and marveling at how something so dangerous could still look so beautiful when his ears picked up the sound of a cat's meow.
Wise loved cats and their company, so his head naturally turned to the source. His eyes widened in mild surprise.
Several yards to his left, there was Lycaon adorned in his usual butler outfit with his back turned to Wise. He was down on one knee and petting a cat that seemed to enjoy the attention, judging from the rumble of its purrs. Wise briefly wondered what the wolf Thiren could be doing at the exact same time and location as he was. For now though, he only stared fondly at the wolf and how he handled the cat in such a gentle manner.
Soon, the proxy found himself approaching Lycaon. As he got closer, he saw the wolf's ears perk up in attention and Wise ignored the short thrill that he felt in his heart when those crimson-red eyes landed on him.
"Tonight just so happens to be a full moon." Lycaon began, standing up to face Wise with a smile gracing his muzzle, "It's an honor to meet you beneath such brilliant moonlight, Master Proxy."
Wise felt his cheeks flush from the cold, returning the greeting with a smile of his own, "What are you doing out here so late, Lycaon? Does anything special happen during a full moon?" He asked curiously, his brain naturally remembering those cheesy, old horror movies during the pre-Hollows era that he had watched.
"Are you referring to those strange medieval superstitions from before the Hollows appeared?" Lycaon queried, a grim expression crossing his features, "Changing into a deadly beast on the night of the full moon, howling wildly at it, unable to restrain any desire for blood..." His tone sounded serious yet he spoke with a flourish and a lilt of playfulness.
When Wise only regarded the white wolf with a raised brow and an amused quirk of his lips, a low chuckle rumbled from Lycaon's throat.
"Please rest assured, I do not engage in such rude and disrespectful behavior, especially in your company." The wolf Thiren gestured for them to walk, one which Wise silently accepted as they began a slow stroll around Lumina Square. The moonlight reflecting off the waters this late at night cast a gorgeous view of the waters of New Eridu.
"Why do I feel like you're oversharing a bit here?" The proxy asked, subtly admiring how the light bounced off Lycaon's pristine white fur.
"Well, you are a very important partner of Victoria Housekeeping. I merely wished to convey my assurance of your safety." Lycaon replied smoothly, his eye never leaving Wise's.
Wise looked away, feeling his nerves tingle under that red gaze, "You, uh, never really answered my other question, by the way..."
Lycaon hummed, his stare lingering for a second before he looked ahead, "Unfortunately, I find myself unable to sleep tonight, so I figured stepping out for a late-night walk might help."
The proxy stopped in his tracks, gazing at Lycaon with mild shock, "I wasn't aware you were an insomniac, Lycaon." 'Like me...'
"Yes, which is why I was actually about to go somewhere that always puts my mind at ease during nights like these." The wolf paused, scrutinizing Wise decisively, "If you're free, would you like to accompany me? The view is beautiful at night, but it takes a little effort to get there."
Wise chuckled amusedly and crossed his arms, "You don't have to sell it to me, I'll go with you. I don't have anything going on right now."
Lycaon's muzzle curved into a small smirk, "How brave of you to accept my offer without hesitation."
The proxy raised a brow, putting a hand on his hip, "Why would you say that?"
Lycaon stepped toward Wise, his tall figure casting an imposing shadow on the other. The dangerous glint in his lone crimson eye and his tense frame made him look like a predator about to pounce. "What if all of this was just a ploy to isolate you? What if when we're alone, I would finally take the chance to sink my fangs into your flesh?" He punctuated each word gravely, leaning down until he was barely invading Wise's personal space.
To the butler's surprise though, Wise responded by booping him on the nose gently. And just like that, his threatening demeanor dissipated completely as he gazed at the proxy in astonishment.
Wise chuckled delightedly at the wolf Thiren's face, "Stop trying to scare me. I've seen horror movies scarier than you."
Lycaon smiled in amusement as he took a step back, "Apologies, I was simply trying to spook you, though it seems you are more resilient than I thought."
"I can't say it wasn't fully effective, you almost got me there if I hadn't noticed your tail was wagging."
"I see. I shall take note of that next time then."
Wise shook his head with a smile, "Are we gonna go there now or do you wanna have another shot at scaring me?" He teased playfully.
Lycaon chuckled lowly, "Very well, if you'll please pardon my breach in etiquette."
"What do you m-" Wise could only let out a gasp as a pair of furry arms wrapped around his back and legs and he was hoisted up in the attendant's arms. Wise looked up at Lycaon incredulously, feeling his face flush when he realized he had placed his hand on Lycaon's chest and could feel the wolf's luxurious fur. His thoughts ran a mile every second and yet he stammered to voice out a single one.
In return, Lycaon only gave him a suave smirk as his arms subtly tightened around the proxy, "I highly request you hold on tight."
When Wise's ears picked up on the familiar sound of Lycaon's mechanical legs whirring up, he immediately threw his arms around Lycaon's neck just as the wolf leaped high up in the air. "Holy crap!" He yelled, closing his eyes and pressing his face onto Lycaon's collarbone as the wind rushed through his body. Wise sensed a pleased rumble emanating from Lycaon's chest and briefly shot him with an annoyed glare.
The wolf smiled reassuringly in return, "I can assure you that I will not drop you, Master Wise. Please feel free to enjoy the sights." He stated just as they landed on top of a small building.
Wise wanted to take him up on that offer and just stare at him for the rest of the night but that would be too suspicious. Instead, he looked around curiously, "Is this the place you were talking about?"
"Not quite there yet."
Before the proxy could even ask, Lycaon was running at full speed towards the edge of the building and jumped up. Wise grasped onto the other tighter and closed his eyes in the nick of time. Eventually, he gains the courage to open his eyes and look down while they sail through the air. Wise felt his stomach plummet at how high they currently were, but at the same time, he felt something in his heart sing as he took in the bright lights of New Eridu's nightlife accompanied by the feeling of weightlessness.
And as Lycaon leaped from structure to structure, Wise grinned and experienced a surge of delight course through him every time they were in the air. Soon, a carefree laugh burst out of the young man as he simply basked in this moment, unaware of the wolf who was gazing at him with all the adoration in the world.
Wise's laughter came to a slow once they finally arrived at their designated location, Lycaon gently putting him down after he gave him a quick thanks. Wise carefully climbed up the ledge and felt his mind calm at the scenery before him. The particular rooftop building they were in was high up and had no other nearby skyscrapers that were taller than it, giving him a breathtaking and unobstructed view of New Eridu as far as the eye could see.
"I take it this place is to your liking?" Lycaon asked with a gentle smile as he watched those emerald eyes twinkle.
"It's amazing up here!" Wise cheerfully replied.
"I come up here whenever I can't sleep, just to feel the breeze." Lycaon began, stepping forth to stand beside Wise, "There is no scientific way to corroborate this, but this place makes me feel at ease. I always find it easier to sleep after coming here."
Wise gave him a soft smile, "Thank you for sharing this with me."
Lycaon bowed curtly, "You're welcome, Master Wise. Feel free to walk around and take in the view... if you're not afraid of heights, that is."
Wise nodded and gestured forward with his arm, "Walk with me?"
"It would be my pleasure."
Wise steadily walked along the ledge, his attention glued to the sights below. Meanwhile, Lycaon remained on the rooftop floor beside him, his gaze stuck on the relaxed and carefree expression on Wise's face. His tail started swaying slowly.
"You know, Belle and I used to do something like this." The proxy stated, a nostalgic glint appearing in his eyes. "We'd go to the rooftop of our house, set up a blanket, just lay there, and go stargazing until we fell asleep."
Lycaon's ears twitched ever so slightly at that, noting how Wise particularly mentioned a house instead of the store. "Do the two of you still continue to uphold such activities?" He asked out of genuine curiosity.
Wise shook his head with a dull smile, "Not since we moved to the store. We were always so busy managing the video store that some days were just exhausting. I didn't want to disturb her."
"You are a very caring brother." Lycaon complimented with a kind smile.
Wise felt his cheeks heat up as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "Thanks..."
"May I ask what do you usually do now on nights like these?" The wolf inquired.
"Sometimes I go for a drive or a walk outside. Most of the time though, I do the paperwork until I conk out." Wise replied with a dry chuckle.
"If I may speak, that is very unhealthy, Master Wise."
"Well, someone has to do it. I'd rather not bother Belle with all th- Oh!"
Both of them failed to notice the thick wire perched on the ledge, causing Wise to stumble when his foot got snagged on it. For a moment, he felt his heart seize his throat as he plummeted downward and he shut his eyes to expect the worst. Instead, however, two large hands settled on his waist to pull him away from the edge with impressive strength and then he felt warmth spread throughout his body as he was gently pressed against something soft.
Wise slowly opened his eyes, and heat crept to his cheeks once his vision was encompassed only in white. He was briefly stunned, knowing he was in Lycaon's arms and feeling those muscular arms wrapped around his back. With his face still pressed to Lycaon's chest, he heard an amused rumble come from the wolf and tilted his head up to give him a weak glare. Wise's knees threatened to buckle under that crimson gaze and handsome smirk, but he strongly held on.
"That's not funny, you know. I almost fell." Wise said with an irritated expression, though his words held no malice.
"Why, I did not find that humorous in the slightest. How could it?" Lycaon shot back cheekily.
"Then how come your tail is wagging right now? And your ears moved, too!"
"...You must be mistaken."
"I'm not mistaken!"
"You are mistaken."
Wise let out an annoyed grumble, prompting an endearing chuckle from the wolf. When Lycaon realized they were still in close proximity though, he cleared his throat awkwardly as he unwound his arms from the proxy and stepped back. Wise resisted the urge to hold onto him a bit longer.
"Apologies. It's possible I was affected by the full moon and became... a little impulsive." Lycaon stated courteously although the playfulness in his tone remained.
"At least one of us found it entertaining." Wise said through chuckles. "Maybe that's a sign I should stop walking along ledges though..." He commented absentmindedly as he decided to take a breather and sit down with his legs dangling off the edge.
"Usually, that would entail staying away from any more ledges in the future." Lycaon remarked as he sat down next to him.
"I'm not really scared of heights so I'm good."
"Oh? Your reaction earlier on the way here tells me otherwise."
"Yeah, 'cause you were carrying me. What if you accidentally dropped me?"
"I will assure you as many times as it takes, Master Wise. No harm shall ever befall you while I am around."
Wise felt his cheeks heat up slightly but gave the wolf a cheeky grin, "Some attendant you are, you couldn't even protect me from a small wire."
Lycaon's lips quirked up ever so slightly, a mischievous twinkle appearing in his crimson eye, "Who's to say I didn't notice the wire?"
Wise gaped at him in disbelief. "I can't believe you would do that!" He exclaimed between laughs while the butler only chuckled in amusement.
Before both of them even knew it, time passed as they laughed through the night. The endless lights of the city's nightlife as their view and the full moon as their only audience. Wise told stories of rude customers, mishaps with their Bangboos, and the general daily life of living on Sixth Street. Meanwhile, Lycaon recounted some of the unusual commissions he would particularly receive and the extreme measures he would go to just to not taste Rina's cooking.
Lycaon was in the middle of venting about Ellen's lackadaisical behavior when he felt a weight fall on his shoulder. He smiled warmly, seeing that Wise had dozed off. The wolf Thiren raised a tentative hand to carefully part a piece of silver hair covering Wise's face. Lycaon stilled, his fingers lingering on the proxy's cheek as his eye memorized every detail of Wise's peaceful expression while he slept. His fists clenched as he willed himself to not do anything impulsive while Wise looked so vulnerable.
Lycaon's lone eye darted to the full moon that seemed to taunt him with its glow.
Finally, he let out a shaky exhale before gently waking up the proxy. Wise's eyes groggily opened, peering up at Lycaon with an adorable smile.
"Sorry, I must have fallen asleep..."
Lycaon felt something flutter in his stomach, "It's getting late. Let me escort you home."
Their travel back to Random Play went by without a hitch. Wise remained silent the whole time but had a content smile on his face while Lycaon leaped from building to building. He almost felt sad the night had to end, but he had hope in his heart that there were going to be more moments just like this starting now. Finally, Lycaon landed in front of the video store and gently put down the young man in his arms.
Both of them remained silent in front of each other for a few seconds, the only noise being the sounds of an occasional car driving by the main street.
"I hope tonight was to your liking." Lycaon spoke, a warm smile on his muzzle.
"I loved every second of it, especially in such good company." Wise responded, his smile widening when he noticed the wolf Thiren's tail begin to wag.
"I'm very pleased to hear that. I hope the rooftop's insomnia-curing powers worked on you, too."
"Ah, so that's why you took me up there."
"It is as I said — you are an important partner of Victoria Housekeeping."
Wise raised a smug brow, "Do you do this for all your partners then?"
Lycaon chuckled and shook his head, "No." He answered, approaching Wise.
The proxy blushed, watching as Lycaon held up his smaller hand in his palm and gently run his thumb at the back.
"I must admit that... you are a special case." Lycaon continued, almost enraptured at how small Wise's hand fit in his as he softly caressed it.
"That's good to hear..." Wise replied lamely, struggling to form any words.
"If you ever have any more nights like these..." Lycaon leaned down, and Wise could only watch with enchanted eyes as a tender kiss was placed at the back of his hand.
The proxy shivered, feeling his brain short-circuit as something akin to an electric shock coursed through his body.
"Please feel free to call me, and I will take you to that rooftop any time you wish."
"O-Okay..."
Lycaon gave him another handsome smile and stepped back to bow courteously, "May you have a good night's rest, Master Wise. I bid you adieu."
Wise gently held his kiss-marked hand, a dopey smile on his face, "You too, Lycaon."
With that, Lycaon turned around and walked a few paces forward. He stopped and gave one last look at Wise over his shoulder before his prosthetic legs whirred to life and he was in the air once again. Wise watched with a captivated expression as his figure disappeared behind the expanse of buildings. He let out a relaxed sigh before entering the store and ascending the stairs to his room. He stopped midstep though when he noticed Belle on top of the staircase adorned in her pajamas and with a giddy, childlike grin on her face.
"Tell me everything!" She practically squealed.
Wise sighed.