#huffle writes

[huffego]

Wolfsbane: part 4

Part 3

Part 5 (coming soon)

Tw: Mentions of bones dislodging for transformation.

After a while Viago managed to finally get Anton to calm down, his sobs turning into light sniffles. The vampire also managed to move him to his bed where he placed all of the ice packs on the joints that hurt the most and one on his head to help try and keep the fever down, his skin giving off heat like a furnace to Viago. Anton always ran hot, to begin with, so it was concerning that the werewolf could get any hotter.

 But that wasn't the only concerning thing to Viago. Since the vampire was lying in the middle of the bed with Anton, resting chest first on his lap, he noticed that his body was trembling like he was left in the cold despite his hot skin. He also noticed that despite trying to relax, he was still trying to hold back a transformation. Now and then he could see his claw form in his fingers or fur beginning to sprout on the top of his hands or neck from under his blue flannel. However, Anton managed to reel it back in before it spread any further slowly and agonizingly reverting to human form. Viago, with his heightened hearing, was able to hear his joints crack from the strain of Anton keeping them from shifting, which is where the joint pain came into play. Even now while lying down, Anton couldn't seem to get any rest, and that pained Viago.

 The vampire tried everything to make Anton comfortable despite what he was going through. He tried giving him the medication he brought to help with the pain but he seemed to be burning through it at an alarming rate causing the pain to return a lot faster than either of them wanted it to. He tried giving him his favorite snacks so that he could have something in his system, but he seemed to be having a hard time keeping food down. Every time Anton took a bite it would only come back up minutes later. Even the ice packs were losing their effectiveness, beginning to feel warmer in Viago's hands as he placed one of them on Anton's back once more. Now all Viago can do is hold Anton close and whisper comforting words to him, but he wishes he could do more for him.

 Viago frowned when Anton let out a whimper as another wave of pain coursed through his body. He was able to feel his trembling body going stiff for a second before Anton flinched, the werewolf's hold on him tightening as he hid his face in the vampire's lap, trying to fight back his tears along with his transformation, a long dog-like whine escaping him by accident. He was also able to hear his heart rate rising meaning that he was scared, which caused Viago to act.

 "Sh, sh hey," Viago whispered as he pulled him close and brought one of his ice-cold hands to Anton's forehead, combing his fingers through his red hair. "It's okay, love. It'll pass."

 Anton squinted his teary eyes shut, as he hugged Viago tighter, trying to be careful not to crush him under his arms with his inhuman strength. After a minute of agony, the pain subsided causing his hold on Viago to go slack as his body went limp in Viago's lap. Despite how heavy his eyelids felt, he managed to open them slowly looking up to see Viago looking down at him, his eyes full of pain on his behalf. He felt hot tears begin to leak from his eyes as he squinted them shut, hiding in Viago's lap once more as he whimpered, beginning to feel exhausted mentally and physically.

 "Vi, I don't know how much of this I can take," He began in a whisper, feeling Viago pause from combing a hand through his hair. "I'm in so much pain, nothing is working and it's taking everything in me to keep me from transforming. I feel like I'm on the verge of passing out every time the pain hits."

 Viago felt as his own eyes began to mist at hearing his pained words, his dead heart aching at the sight of his lover in so much pain. If he ever sees that witch, she'll need to make one hell of a spell or curse to keep her safe from him.

 "I know love," Viago leaned down and placed a single, gentle kiss on the side of Anton's head, feeling as the werewolf leaned into his kiss. "I wish I could do more for you, but I've never seen the effects of this flower before. If I could take this pain away from you, I would."

 "I'm just glad," Anton slowly lifted his head, looking up at Viago with a pained yet loving smile. "I'm just glad you're here with me." He watched as the vampire gave him a smile in return, placing a hand on the side of his face, causing him to lean into it with a sigh, his eyes closing at the cold sensation from Viago's palm on his skin. However, the moment of bliss was short-lived, as another wave of pain hit him like a train causing him to squint his eyes shut trying to stifle a yell as he clutched to Viago tightly like a lifeline. The tips of his fingers felt like they were splitting as his claws grew out.

 Viago let out a hiss as he felt Anton clutch at his sides, his claws digging into his sides when they grew out. But he ignored it as he hugged Anton close, rubbing comforting circles into his back as the pain wracked through his lover's body.

 After the pain subsided Anton let out a huff in exhaustion his eyes fluttering open, feeling dazed after that wave of pain. He blinked a couple of times to get rid of the fog from his brain, before he looked down his eyes going wide to see his claws digging into Viago's sides causing him to pull his hands away quickly, hearing the vampire let out a sigh in relief. The werewolf's eyes filled with panic as he tried to pull away able to see that he had torn the fabric on Viago's waistcoat. "I'm sorry!" He looked up at the vampire still trying to pull away but finding it hard to even get off the bed. "I didn't mean to! I-,"

 "Love it's alright," Viago quickly reassured with a smile, gently grabbing Anton by his arms to keep him from pulling away any further. "It's fine. I know you didn't mean to. Besides, you didn't break the skin. You just tore the waistcoat."

 Anton looked down at Viago's now ruined waistcoat, his eyes filled with defeat. He liked that waistcoat on him, thinking it looked rather nice on him every time he wore it. It was a lovely black color with gold trimming and he ruined it. He slumped forward, laying face first in Viago's stomach.

 Viago blinked when he heard Anton say something but it was muffled since he was smooshed into his stomach. The vampire couldn't help but smile at this as he began to rub Anton's shoulders. "I didn't quite catch that love."

 Anton turned his head to the side, still resting his head on Viago's stomach as he stared ahead in sadness. "I'm sorry I ruined your waistcoat." He grumbled out, gently wrapping his arms around his legs and hugging the vampire close.

 

 "It's alright silly wolf," Viago smiled, beginning to rub circles into Anton's back. "I have another just like it at home."

 Anton let out a tired sigh at that focusing on the repetative motion of Viago rubbing his back as he stared ahead. He felt as his bones began to shift once more sending pain to his joints as he tried to hold it back. He squints his eyes shut, hugging Viago tighter. "I just want this to end."

 "Don't worry, Anton," Viago began as he stared ahead, frowning as Anton began to tremble once more. "The boys are doing everything they can to get that potion for you. You just need to stay strong until then."

 "I don't know if I'll be able to hold it back until then," Anton whispered fearfully, already feeling his resolve to stay in human form beginning to waiver the more he felt his bone crack, his head hurt, and his body ache. His eyes become glassy as he slowly lifts his head to look at a frowning Viago, even finding that as a chore, because his head and neck were beginning to tremble there as well. "My whole body feels like it's trying to tear itself apart from the inside out, Vi. I'm sorry, I can't stay strong much longer."

 Viago's dead heart broke when Anton's voice cracked on the last sentence. He hated seeing Anton go through this, never wanting his love to experience this type of pain ever again. Truth be told, Viago didn't know how much he could take of this either. It was killing him to hear Anton's pained cries and muffled whimpering. He was trying to stay strong for his boyfriend but like Anton, his strength was also wavering.  Viago wished he could find some way to keep Anton comfortable until the wolfsbane was out of his system.

 Then suddenly a thought crossed Viago's mind causing him to pause from combing his fingers through Anton's hair, who was too focused on the pain in his joints to notice. He thought back to what Dion said, about how the side effects would lessen if Anton were to take wolf form, making the pain ease up a whole lot for him.

 "Anton?" He began gently, feeling as his lover lifted his head at hearing his name, letting out a hum in question. "I may have a solution to help ease the pain... but I don't think you will like it."

 Anton frowned at this, slowly looking up at Viago, his brow furrowing as he looked at the vampire. "... What is it?" He asked hesitantly, feeling afraid of what his solution would be, hoping he wasn't going to say what he thought he was going to say.

 "Well," Viago began gently. "... Dion said that there was one way to help ease the pain... and that is you have to transform-,"

 "No," Anton interrupted, shutting that idea down right away before Viago could finish. "Out of the question."

 "Please love, you're in so much pain," Viago frowned, placing both hands on Anton's shoulder as he now avoided the vampire's gaze, giving the werewolf's arms a gentle squeeze. "We don't know how long until the pain will ease up and you're barely hanging on as is. Dion said that the wolf is trapped in there with the poison and just wants to come out so the pain would stop."

 "I can't risk letting the wolf out Vi," Anton argued, looking up at Viago who pressed his mouth shut with a frown, his fangs sticking out over his bottom lip as he did so. "We don't know how the wolf would react if it were to come out right now. If I can barely control my emotions right now in this form, then I know the wolf's emotions will be too much for the pack or even you to handle. What if the wolf is too feral and attacks you and the others?" He questioned, watching as Viago's frown deepened at that, causing him to shake his head, taking one of his hands into his own. "I can't risk hurting them or you. I couldn't live with myself if I did so. It'll kill me."

 "But it's killing me now to see you in pain like this," Viago whispered, his eyes becoming glassy as he watched Anton's features soften. He then gently squeezed his hand, pulling it close to his chest. "If you were in wolf form right now, you wouldn't be in so much pain. I'm sure the wolf wouldn't be so feral if it-,"

 "No Vi. I'm not transforming, and that's fina-," Anton tried to argue when another wave of pain shot through him. Only this time, it was ten times worse. His whole spine seemed to crack as seething hot pain shot through his back causing him to quite literally scream in agony as he fell into Viago's lap.

 Viago's eyes widened in fear as he watched Anton writhe in pain. His screams shook the vampire to his very core as he felt Anton's body begin to tremble even harder causing him to grab onto him to keep him from moving too much. He watched in horror as fur began to sprout up and down Anton's arms seeping through the fabric of his flannel, his claws returning only this time they were longer in length, and his teeth were beginning to sharpen as he gritted them. Viago was unable to see if his eye color changed since they were squinted shut. Viago could only watch helplessly, trying to whisper soothing words to him as he rubbed circles into Anton's back.

 Anton pressed his head into Viago's stomach as he held onto him like a lifeline, this pain feeling far worse than the pain he had been experiencing since he consumed that stupid flower. And the pain seemed to be lasting longer, the others only lasting seconds while this one was lasting minutes, though to Anton it felt like hours of hell and torment. He opened his teary eyes, looking down at his arms in horror, now noticing the fur on his hands that had grown as soon as the wave of pain started, trying to reel this transformation back in but this time it didn't seem to be working. At that moment, he realized that he was at his wit's end. He couldn't hold back the transformation much longer.

 After what felt like an eternity, the pain finally subsided causing Anton to slump in Viago's grasp, the vampire feeling the werewolf's grip on him go slack. Viago looked Anton over, his worry growing when he noticed that his love was not pulling the wolf traits back, causing him to frown. He also noticed the dazed look in Anton's eyes looking delirious from the pain. That's when Viago came to a realization, making it vocal as he gently rubbed Anton's shoulders to get his attention. "Anton, I don't think you have much of a choice now."

 Viago frowned when he heard a whine escape Anton, his heart breaking when Anton's eyes became glassy, noticing that they were flickering between hazel and gold before hiding his face into Viago's lap. The vampire did his best to comfort his lover, running his fingers through his hair as he tried to think. There had to be a way for the wolf to be let out without it causing havoc and for Anton to get a break from the pain. He thought long and hard until something clicked, his eyes going wide as he looked back down at Anton.

"Hey," Viago began gently, Anton's whining dying down as he slowly looked up at Viago with a look of defeat in his eyes. "You remember when those hunters were trying to kill Clifton when he got trapped in their werewolf trap and tried to take me? Remember how you let the wolf out, only you were still in partial control?" He questioned, watching as Anton gave him a nod. "Well... what if we try that? A partial transformation!"

 "... A partial transformation?" Anton whispered, his features softening as he watched Viago smile, giving him a nod.

 "Ja exactly," Viago began. "Just enough for you and the wolf to not be in pain and enough for you to be in somewhat control of the wolf's actions."

 "But," Anton tried to argue, still some self-doubt as he looked up at Viago. "What if I hurt-?"

 "I won't let it come to that," Viago gently interrupted. "You forget that I'm a vampire and I'm just as strong as you, even if you're in wolf form. If I can handle my own with you in full wolf form I can handle you in partial. Besides the wolf adores me." He added with a toothy grin.

 Viago watched as Anton sadly smiled at that before a frown formed on his face as he pressed his mouth shut, casting his eyes down like he was still thinking it over. So he placed a gentle kiss on Anton's head as he whispered. "Let's just... give it a try. I promise to make sure you stay out of trouble if you're not all there to stop it yourself."

 Anton thought long and hard about Viago's words. This could go one of two ways. He could partially transform and still not be in control enough to keep him from attacking Viago and the others, or he could be in control and not harm the others and have Viago there to keep the wolf in line if he were out of it. After giving it some thought, he looked up at Viago, who was waiting for his answer. "Okay... I'll do it," He whispered, watching as the vampire let out a sigh of relief. "But on one condition."

 "Name it, Liebling," Viago whispered, resting a hand on the side of Anton's face.

 "There is a tranquilizer gun in a black case hidden at the bottom of my closet," He began, watching as Viago began to frown. "I got it from work and keep it here in case one of us transforms and we can't calm the other down enough to turn back. If I'm out of it and the wolf becomes too hard for you to handle, I need you to use the tranq on me. It'll knock me out for hours. Promise me that you'll use it if absolutely necessary."

 "Oh, Anton," Viago frowned, slowly shaking his head at the thought.

 "Promise me, Vi." Anton pressured, taking Viago's hand into his own. "This will give me some peace of mind if I go through with the transformation... Please."

 Viago wanted to refuse, to reassure Anton that it wouldn't come to that. But he knew that his boyfriend was stubborn, and would refuse to transform if he didn't say yes, so he let out a sigh, giving Anton a nod in agreement. "Okay, Anton. If it comes to it. I'll use the tranq gun thing."

 Anton let out a sigh of relief, closing his eyes as he leaned forward, placing a kiss on the back of Viago's hand. "Thank you."

 After finally convincing Anton, Viago helped his boyfriend get ready for the transformation. The vampire helped Anton strip his flannel shirt and black undershirt, leaving his chest bare, not wanting to stretch out or tare any more of his shirts. He also helped him change into some ill-fitting blue tracksuit shorts that were far too big for him now but once he transformed they would fit his frame better, hoping he got the right size that wasn't small enough to tear. Not wanting to walk around naked even if he was in wolf form.

 Once he got changed Viago helped him back onto the bed while Anton held up his shorts, wanting to be somewhere comfortable while he transformed. The werewolf let out a sigh as he lay on the mattress, resting on his side as he slowly turned to Viago. "Okay, when this happens, if I'm acting all crazy and you can't handle it, I want you to get the tranq and shoot me when I'm distracted with the transformation alright?" He questioned watching as Viago gave him a nod. Anton gave him a nod in return about to turn away from him, feeling as a wave of pain was beginning to form, knowing that he wouldn't be conscious for this one if he let the pain happen. Which meant he needed to change now if he wanted to remain conscious. "Alright, you can stand in over by the closet until I'm done with-,"

 Anton fell silent when he felt the bed shift, causing him to turn around. His eyes widened when he saw Viago sitting on the bed right beside him, staring at him with his hands clasped in his lap. The werewolf blinked at this, looking from him to the spot near the closet he wanted him to stand at and then back at him. "Vi, what-...what are you-?"

 "I'm staying right here, love," Viago whispered firmly, causing Anton's mouth to fall open in shock. "I want to stay right here until the transformation is over."

 "Vi that is not a good idea," Anton pressured, his worry beginning to grow as the pain began to worsen, needing to change now but not with Viago standing so close. "I could hurt you by accident so I need you to-,"

 "I'm not going anywhere and that's final. You have your conditions, so here's mine," Viago said as he slowly reached out resting a hand on Anton's shoulder, causing the other to freeze. "I'm not leaving you over here to deal with this alone," He watched as Anton's worried features softened, looking into his eyes as he spoke. "I'm going to be right by your side until it's over."

 Anton watched Viago in silence before he let out a sigh, a small smile forming on his face as he reached up, resting his hand over Viago's. He was about to speak but the pain only worsened from there causing him to squint his eyes shut with a yelp, now clutching Viago's hand as he doubled over. He knew he couldn't wait any longer, needing to transform before he let the pain linger any longer. Truth be told he was scared, terrified even, not sure how this would turn out, but even if it all went sideways he knew that he could rely on Viago to stop him from causing any harm. Anton let out a sigh as he slowly opened his now watering eyes, looking at Viago who gave him a sympathetic smile. "Vi I think it's time... If I'm out of it know that I-,"

 Anton fell quiet as Viago leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on the werewolf's lips. He then pulled away, his loving eyes staring into Anton's shocked ones. "I know, Anton. I love you too," He whispered watching as his lover's features softened before he flinched, letting out a yelp as he clutched Viago's hand tightly, causing him to squeeze it in return. "It's okay, Anton. You can let go now."

 With that Anton doubled over, quickly pulling away from Viago's grasp as he grabbed at his now pounding head but Viago's touch was still there as the vampire placed a comforting hand on his back to show he wasn't leaving his side. He squinted his eyes shut as the bones in his face began to shift. His cheekbones cracked and popped, becoming more prominent on his face. The tips of his ears grew to a point as his teeth began to ache. His mouth parted as he let out a yell that got deeper in octaves. His lower jaw pushed forward slightly with a loud sicking pop, sounding like it dislodged itself out of place as his teeth sharpened, his lower canines growing out and passing his lower upper lip by an inch.

 While that was happening, the fur on his arms began to thicken as it started to spread all over his body, going from his arms, around his shoulders and down his back, chest, and stomach. The five o'clock shadow on Anton's face became thicker and formed all around his face. The last of it spread to his legs, leaving his body fully covered in thick auburn fur that matched the color of the hair on his head.

 The werewolf let out a whine as his bones began to crack once more. Only this time he didn't hold back as the joints in his legs began to shift. He was able to feel the bones in his feet and ankles dislodge with a loud crack as claws grew at the tip of his toes, his feet shifting to look more wolf-like. The bones in his legs began to splinter once more as they shifted and bent, giving him a few more inches in height.

 He slowly unclenched his now aching hands as his fingers elongated, the claws on his fingertips only getting sharper than before as they grew and curved ever so slightly. The pain from his hands began to spread to his arms as his arms lengthened to match his current height, his biceps gaining muscle at an alarming rate causing his tendons to stretch just to keep up with the transformation which made them hurt more.

 Anton didn't think it could get any worse until the pain spread to his back as he tried to stifle a yell. He felt like he was in agony as each disk in his vertebrae began to stretch and pull, making his spine longer and giving him more inches in height. His shoulder blades began to fracture as his shoulders widened out before popping back into their new place. His ribs grew out to better fit bigger organs as his chest broadened, leaving him in tears, stifling sobs that were trying to escape.

 Viago watched the whole transformation with a look of horror and sadness. He could hear as bones dislocating and one place and relocate in another. The sound of Anton's whining and stifled sobs brought tears to his eyes.  He didn't know what he could do for him while he lay there in agony so he did the only thing he knew he could. Which is being there for Anton as a source of comfort. When he heard another sicking pop of Anton's back and the sound of his lover yelping from the pain, he rested a hand on the werewolf's shoulder, careful not to squeeze him in case his muscles were sore. "It's okay, love," He reassured watching as Anton doubled over with a whine. "It's almost over. Just breathe-,"

Viago fell silent when Anton reached and grasped the vampire's hand into his own but the speed and strength of Anton's grip caused bones in his hands to crack from the pressure. He squints his eyes shut, trying to mask the pain but Anton was able to hear the short intake of breath that Viago let out, watching as the werewolf opened his now golden eyes looking from him to his hands, seeing that not only did he crush his hand, but his claws and dug into his skin and caused it to bleed. The vampire watched as the werewolf gasped in horror withdrawing his clawed hand like he had been burned by Viago's ice-cold hand, the look of terror in his eyes breaking the vampire's heart upon seeing.

 "I'm sorry!" He choked out in an in-human voice trying to crawl back from Viago but the vampire wasn't having it.

 "It's okay, silly wolf," Viago tried, using his good hand to keep Anton from pulling away, resting it on the side of Anton's face who paused. "You didn't mean to. I knew the risks and besides I heal fast." He watched as Anton's features softened before his bones shifted once more causing him to squint his eyes shut. Viago took that as an opportunity to place his hands on the werewolf's shoulders before pulling him towards him, shifting on the bed until he was in the middle of the mattress and Anton was on top of him resting his chest on his own.

 "You're almost done, Liebling," Viago whispered, as he ran his now-healed hand through his fur. "I'll be right here. Don't worry."

 Anton took that as permission as he wrapped his wolf-like arms around Viago's frame, burying his head into his shoulder as the pain in his spine returned, his eyes beginning to water once more at the feeling, just wanting this hell to end.

 Viago felt Anton's grip on his frame tighten, his ribs cracking under the pressure and was able to feel his claws dig deeper into his sides. This time actually drawing cold blood from his last supper but he didn't care. He'd let the werewolf crush him if he needed his comfort, knowing that Anton was far too strong for any normal person to seek comfort from. So he continued to lay there with Anton on top of him, running his hand through his fur while placing gentle kisses on the side of his head, whispering comforting words until the pain passed.

 Finally, after a long time of grueling pain and torment, Anton's transformation was complete, able to feel the pain of the transformation as well as the poison subside as the wolf was finally free from his subconscious. He was able to feel the wolf. As if it was right there in the room with him. Feeling as if it wanted to roam around for a bit. However, Anton managed to keep the wolf from fully taking over. The partial transformation kept him in somewhat control so that the wolf wouldn't have too much free rein.

 Slowly the pain became dull and manageable, giving Anton the freedom to finally relax his mind and body. However, with his newfound freedom, his eyelids began to feel droopy as his strength to stay awake began to waiver. He let out a yawn as his mind felt a little clouded, finding it hard to focus on anything. He was able to hear someone talking, so he looked ahead with droopy eyes to see that it was just his mate, Viago causing him to let out a deep grumble in response, glad to see that he was near him safe and sound. The vampire was smiling at him, his mouth moving as words fell out but Anton was having a hard time understanding, too busy focusing on the scent of jasmine keeping him calm, and feeling his mate's cold fingers running through his fur, making him even more sleepy than he already was. So he let out a huff through his nose and right into Viago's face, making the vampire's fluffy hair blow back slightly, the sound of his mate giggling made his chest rumble in contentment, lowering himself on top of the vampire, and resting his chin gently on his chest as he hugged him close. The last thing he sees is his mate's smile as he slips out of consciousness, the wolf luckily following suit, feeling just as tired as Anton did as they drift off soundly to sleep.

 Viago watched Anton closely, finding the whole ordeal that had just occurred amusing. After realizing that Anton was now finished with his transformation and was now a lot calmer, he tried asking if he was alright and asked if the pain eased up any but when he didn't receive an answer he realized that Anton's mind must be muddled at the moment. It seemed like Anton and the wolf's mind were fused for a second, making it a mix of both. But this only confirmed that Anton had nothing to worry about with the wolf getting out. Anton was more wolf than human at the moment and the wolf didn't seem feral or out of control. In fact, it was just sleepy like Anton was.

Speaking of, Viago felt rather tired from the whole ordeal as well and since he had some of his ancestral soil under Anton's bed, he decided to join him in a nap, since he was literally pinned by the giant wolf man and couldn't really go anywhere. So he shimmied down until he was lying on his back and Anton was laying closer, the side of his head near his own, the fur on Anton's chest keeping Viago warm as he wrapped his arm over the werewolf. He then placed a gentle kiss on the side of Anton's head.

"Rest easy, my sweet wolf," Viago whispered, grinning as Anton let out a grumble at that before leaning his head on his feeling the werewolf nuzzle into him. With that, Viago stared up at the ceiling for a second his hands engulfed in the fur on Anton's back as he began to drift off to sleep. A quick nap didn't hurt anyone before.

[tracobuttons]

Cold Silence

11pm. The streets are quiet. Places that should be teeming with life are empty, silent as the stars that glimmer above. This is the world that many, including myself, have wished for. A quieter place, a world slowed down. So why do I find it unsettling? My footsteps that used be drowned out by traffic and voices now echo on the buildings. The air itself is still since nothing disrupts it. Friday night in the city center is a time for people walking to the next pub and restaurant tills ringing totals from well fed punters. Hearing rumble of engines of cars as they wait for the next set of traffic lights to turn green and mopeds weaving through cars to get takeaways delivered. Seeing blue lights and hearing sirens wailing as emergency workers rush to those in need. But today at 11pm, the time where revelry would be in full flow, there is nothing. Just me, walking through a street that should have noise. Not a voice or car in sight. I used to think seeing groups of people would be risky but being the only soul here is worse. The silence that I once longed for feels cold and uncaring. I wanted the world to slow down but not this much.

[not-john-watsons-blog]

Torn Apart (Kili x Reader)

A/N: So this is a oneshot from my LOTR book on Wattpad. It's angsty and probably not very good, but if you'd like to give it a read I'd love to hear what you think! If you like it, feel free to reblog. ALSO, since I'll probably be posting a lot of oneshots from my Wattpad, please let me know if there are any other warnings that you think should be given at the beginnings of my chapters.

Warnings: angst/violence, death, Hobbit movie canon

~~~

You ran up the side of the mountain, clumsily slashing at orcs as they came at you from either side.  As you fought them off, however, there was only one thing in your mind.  Kili.  You had to get to Kili.  From below, you had seen him up on a ledge, and then, to your horror, you had seen Azog scaling the mountain to reach the dwarf.  In that moment, a deep emotion that you couldn't quite identify prompted you to follow. 

    So there you were, running as fast as you could towards the ledge.  You were very clumsy and tall for an elf, tripping over stones with your exceptionally long legs.  Despite this, however, you still managed to make it to the top- and just in time, it seemed.  Your heart plummeted as you froze in your tracks, horrified at the sight before you. 

      There was the Pale Orc, holding Kili roughly with a dagger pointed at his stomach.  As he raised the knife above his head, ready to strike, you snapped out of your daze and charged at Azog, yelling to try and distract him.  Making a quick decision, you knocked Kili forcefully out of the orc's grip and redirected his aim at yourself. 

      ----

      It seemed to happen in slow motion.  Y/N grabbed Azog's forearm and he struck, his knife going straight into her stomach.

      Y/N's laugh immediately came to his mind.  Her smile, the first time they had met.  Her kindness towards him when he was locked in Mirkwood's dungeons.  Their late conversations that lasted hours.  How she had confided in him of her wish to know what haplened to those who had passed.  Her desire to "go home," as she said.  To see her dead mother and father again.  Her gentle spirit.  Her smile.  Her voice.

      "No!" Kili screamed, scrambling to get up.  "No!"

      Azog dropped Y/N's body, turning to Kili and drawing his weapon again, before hearing a shout from Thorin and running off in that direction.

      Breathing heavily, Kili kneeled down next to Y/N and picked up her top half, laying it in his lap.  He stroked her hair gently, tears running down his face.

      Y/N was struggling to keep her eyes open.  Her wound was bleeding rapidly, and her skin was losing its color.  Blood was everywhere.  Kili tried to stop the bleeding, but he felt a hand push his away weakly.

      "It- it's no use, Kili," Y/N whispered, her breathing ragged and shallow.  "Let-" she coughed, her lips stained red with blood, "Let me die... in peace."

      "Please, Y/N," Kili pleases with her, tears running down his face.  "Please don't say that."

      "Why not?" she breathed, smiling weakly.  "It is only how I wish to die."

      Straining to smile back, Kili took her hand in his own, placing it on his cheek.  Y/N sucked in a breath and winced as a wave of pain came over her.  She squeezed Kili's hand, closing her eyes and groaning softly.  Panicking, Kili began to talk to her, trying anything to keep her awake.  Anything to give them a moment longer.

      "Y/N, do you remember when we first met? When I was imprisoned, and you brought me food?  You were so kind to me and my kin, even my uncle Thorin liked you."

      "Shhh," Y/N breathed, and Kili fell silent.  "Do you hear that?"

      "Hear what?" Kili furrowed his brow, confused.  All he could hear was the clanking of swords and shouts of pain from the battlefield below.  It all seemed so far away now.

      "The music," Y/N smiled, her eyes still closed.  "Isn't it beautiful, Kili?  It's just the way my mother always said it would be, when she told the stories of the Valar.  Oh, isn't it beautiful?"

      "Yes," Kili breathed, knowing that Y/N was nearly gone.  This was his only chance.

      "Amrilame, Y/N," he whispered, feeling her body beginning to tremble. 

      "I- I don't know what... What that means," she said in a barely audible voice.  Her eyes fluttered open, and though their eyes met, Kili could tell that she was not looking at him.  She was seeing something else. 

    "It means I love you."

      Y/N smiled peacefully, her hand squeezing his before going limp.  Her chest was still, and her cheeks were pale.  She was gone.  Y/N was gone. She had been torn away from Kili before they had even truly come to know each other.

      ----

      Y/N's body was burned along with Thorin and Fili's.  Kili stood next to her corpse, looking over her peaceful features one last time before they were enveloped by flames.  Y/N was home.

[huffego]

Wallpaper

Ed comes home to the sound of shouting and yelling when he finds Stede fighting off a stranger and was winning. Ed could never guess what the fight was over.

It was early noon when Ed started heading home after a long morning of fishing and checking out the market for a few things that Stede asked him to get on his way back, sending him off with a small list and a kiss goodbye when he left. Now he was heading up the trail to their Inn with a bunch of fish draped over one shoulder and a bag of the listed items over the other, humming an old but catchy shanty he had picked up on his younger days at sea.

The former pirate slowly walked up the trail, ignoring the twinge of pain in his bad knee as he climbed up the hill where the Inn stood, mentally kicking himself for forgetting his leg brace before leaving. He never had a problem leaving the Inn since it was all downhill, but going back up always gave his knee problems. However, he wasn't too worried about his knee since he could finally see the Inn, knowing it wouldn't be too long until he was inside, probably being fussed over by Stede when he found out his error of leaving his brace behind. The gentleman was probably waiting for him now, ready to scold him as soon as he walked through the door, noticing his brace still perched up on the side of their shared bed where Ed left it.

 

Ed drew nearer to the Inn now passing their garden, almost making it home. However, when he heard a crashing sound he came to a halt, ceasing his humming as the small smile on his face fell. He remained quiet for a second his eyes wide when the crashing continued, his blood running cold when he heard yelling.

 

"Stede?" He whispered, knowing that Stede was alone since their only customer left that morning. Another crash made his heart beat faster, already fearing the worst as he dropped both the bag of items and the fish.

 

"Stede!" he snapped, reaching for the dagger that he kept on him always in case of an attack going to run toward the Inn, however to his horror, a sharp pain shot through his knee and up his leg causing him to fall to his good knee clutching his bad one. "Fuck!" He grits out, not realizing how bad his knee was acting today until now. But that was the last thing on his mind as he forced himself up, fighting through the pain as he began to limp hastily toward the Inn, clutching his dagger tightly.

 

"Stede!" He called out, limping faster when he heard a scream. "Hold on babe!  I'm coming! I'm-!"

 

Ed came to a stop when he heard the front door barge open, pausing when he saw a man crash through the door and fall onto his back on their porch, almost like he had been kicked right into their door, sending him flying out of the Inn. From what Ed could see, the man looked like he had been through the ringer. His brown shirt was slashed to bits, and his skin was covered in cuts and bruises like he had been beaten up and slashed at. Ed opened his mouth to speak but before he could utter a word he heard heavy footsteps coming from inside the Inn and getting louder and louder. He then watched as the man's head shot up in fear, making it to his hands and knees, trembling as he tried to crawl away, seeming like he was too afraid to properly stand. Ed's eyes widened when he noticed that the growing stomping of heavy boots was none other than Stede who walked out of the Inn. Ed could only stare at his lover in shock, his agape mouth quickly shutting at the state Stede was in.

 

Ed watched as Stede stopped as soon as he made it out of the door, noticing that he didn't have a scratch on him, clutching his sword that he had insisted on holding onto that day, telling Ed that he had a weird feeling all day and felt that he should hold onto the weapon for the time being until the feeling left him.

 

"Just a precaution, dear," Ed remembered Stede saying that morning before he left. "I can't shake the odd feeling and this makes me feel a little safer."

 

Ed was glad that Stede's intuition rang true, otherwise if Stede didn't have his sword, he might have not had the upper hand. But the upper hand did he have, clutching the weapon tightly, his eyes scanning the area for the offending and frightened man that he had kicked out. The former pirate watched as he locked eyes with him for a second, the look of fury in the blond's eyes was making Ed feel a type of way that he wanted to explore more with him later that night in their bedroom, but right now all he could do is watch as Stede turned toward the noise of frightened whimpering.

 

Stede's head snapped toward the steps, watching as the frightened intruder tried to crawl away, making it toward the top porch steps. The blonde let out a growl holding up his sword as he stormed after the man, his boots stomping so hard on the porch that Ed feared the old wood would break.

 

The man turned his head toward the stomping his eyes growing wide when he saw Stede coming right at him, shaking his head in fear as he stammered out. "Wait, Please! I'm sorry! I-!"

 

Stede ignored his pleading as he kicked the man right in the side, sending him falling back and rolling off of every porch step, hitting the dirt with a loud thud, and landing on his back.

 

Ed stood there in stunned silence, his eyes wide with shock as he watched the man groan in pain, slowly lifting his head, but the man paused his eyes wide as he stared ahead. He followed his gaze watching as Stede walked down the steps toward the man who was now crawling back trying to escape Stede's rath but to no avail as the blonde reached down and snatched the front of the man's shirt pulling him forward.

 

"If you ever darken our doorstep again," Stede began with a growl, placing the sharp end of his blade against the man's neck forcing the man to lift his head to avoid the blade, whimpering when he felt the cold metal press between his neck and chin. "I won't stop from slicing you into bits next time... But lucky for you, I'm the gentleman pirate, and I'm generous to let you leave but I won't be so if I ever see you here again... Understand?"

 

"Y-Yes sir, I-I won't come back!" The man blubbered, trying to back away from the blade, looking into Stede's eyes. "I swear!"

 

"Wonderful," Stede whispered as he pulled the blade back before yanking the man forward leaning forward as he glared daggers into the man's frightened eyes. "Now get the fuck out of here, you're banned from our Inn!"

 

Ed could only watch as Stede shoved the man into the ground when he let him go, causing the man to yelp. His eyes were still full of shock and unable to speak as he watched the man scramble to his feet, and begin to run away from the Inn and away from Stede in fear. He did move out of the way as the man ran toward him. Luckily the man was too scared and just ignored Ed as he passed. The former pirate watched as he ran down the hill falling a couple of times before he ran out of his view. Once he was gone Ed turned back to Stede, his breath leaving him at the steely look in the blonde's eyes as he also watched the man run, sheathing his sword with a huff. However, Ed's breath hitched when Stede's eyes fell on him and miraculously the steel look in his eyes softened as a look of distraught formed in his features.

 

"Ed!" he exclaimed as he ran to him.

 

Shaking himself out of his stupor, Ed limped toward Stede, ignoring the pain in his knee once more as his worry grew. He made it halfway toward the Inn when he collided with Stede, feeling him pull him into a tight hug. The former pirate just held Stede tightly, taking note of his lover's trembling shoulders.

 

"I heard crashing and yelling when I was walking up the trail," Ed whispered, holding the back of Stede's head, his golden curls seeping between his fingers. "I feared the worst."

 

"Oh, Ed!" Stede began, his voice cracking and sounding so distraught. "It was awful!"

 

Ed's worry only grew at that, never hearing Stede sound so distraught in his life. He pulled away from the embrace, beginning to look Stede over for any wounds or signs of inflicted pain. So far, Stede looked physically fine, but he was clearly in distress, tears beginning to form in the brim of his eyes as he looked at Ed with pain in his features. What did he do to him?

"What happened love?" Ed asked, placing a hand on the side of Stede's face, and cradling it gently. "What did that bastard do?"

 

"He... He," Stede let out a sniffle as he squints his eyes shut. "He ruined our new wallpaper!"

 

Ed blinked at Stede as his worry left his body. Silence fell between them, only the sound of Stede's sniffling filled the air as Ed watched his lover cover watery eyes with his hands. Not sure he properly processed what he heard he arched an eyebrow, looking at Stede who slowly looked up at him in question.

 

"Come again, babe?"

 

Several moments earlier

 

Stede was in the living quarters of their Inn, a huge smile on his face as he fixed the new cashmere red and blue curtains that he had just hung up on their windows, fluffing the fabric until it was to his liking before he backed up to get a proper look at it, finding that it had complemented the room perfectly with the new wallpaper.

 

The wallpaper itself was a birthday gift from Ed. He told Ed all about how he wanted a wallpaper that had multiple flowers, wanting the living quarters to have a floral aesthetic to it since he always loved all sorts of flowers. He was over the moon, when Ed remembered him talking about it, gifting him the most beautiful wallpaper he had ever seen. The wallpaper itself was black, with various flowers that just so happened to be all his favorite, shocked to learn that Ed had it commissioned, asking for all his favorites to be placed on it. He knew that must have cost a fortune asking if he was sure that his silly request was worth it but Ed reassured him that he wanted to do this for him, telling him that his request wasn't silly and that he was worth every cent. Stede felt grateful to be with a man as wonderful as Ed, this being the first birthday that he ever felt happy.

 

Once Stede finished the curtains he went to set up the dining room table with the new cutlery set they purchased, walking over to a box where he kept the silverware when he heard the front door open. He smiled, thinking that it was just Ed, knowing that he never knocked when he came in.

 

"I just finished putting up the curtains, Ed," Stede called out when he heard the front door close, and the sound of footsteps slowly walking in. "Did you have a good time at the market?"

 

"Not Ed mate."

 

Stede jumped as he turned around to see that it wasn't in fact Ed but a random stranger standing in the doorway. An uneasy feeling formed in Stede's gut as he looked at the stranger, who looked like a pirate given that he wore a lot of jewelry, a bandana, and sporting a dagger, gun, and sword around his waist. Anyone would have been frightened at seeing a pirate but due to being one once himself, Stede just smiled trying to push the uneasiness in his gut down. Maybe he just wanted to book a room!

 

"Oh my apologize, I thought you were someone else," Stede began with a chuckle, motioning to the room. "Welcome to our Inn! We have rooms available for you to use. Are you looking to check in?" However, Stede's smile fell when the pirate pulled out the dagger from his side, beginning to twirl in his hands.

 

"Nah," The pirate began as he looked from his dagger to Stede, now aiming it at him with a dark chuckle. "But I am looking for you... Stede Bonnet."

 

Stede began to back away as his fear grew, staring at the intruder in the doorway. The man had a vile grin on his scared face, beginning to play with the dagger once more as if to intimidate Stede, which was working.

 

"Please," Stede began in a shaky voice, backing up further as the intruder took prowling steps into his and Ed's home, his grin only growing wider. The blonde cursed when his back hit against one of their dressers, clutching it tightly before gesturing around the room. "Take whatever you want just don't harm us-," Stede fell silent when the pirate stabbed the dagger into the wall next to him, his eyes going wide at the sight of the blade sticking out of the black floral wallpaper.

 

"Oh, I'm afraid I'm gonna do a lot more than harm you, Gentleman Pirate," The pirate grinned, beginning to drag the blade across the wall, leaving a rather ugly slash in the wallpaper. "When I heard you and Blackbeard were shacking up together in this dump, I knew I had my chance to challenge the pirate that killed Ned Low himself. But looking at you know, shaking in your boots, I'm not so sure you're the Gentleman Pirate-."

 

"My new wallpaper," Stede interrupted the pirate's obviously practiced speech as he narrowed his eyes on the giant slash mark in the wall, his look of fear dissipating instantly.

 

The pirate's brow furrowed in confusion as he looked from Stede to the wallpaper. He blinked a couple of times before he let out a cackle as he looked back at Stede who still had his eyes on the ruined wallpaper. "You're about to meet your doom and you're worried about some damn wallpaper?!" He continued cackling before looking at the wallpaper once more. "And shitty wallpaper at that... I think the slash might be an improvement-."

 

The pirate fell silent when he heard the sound of a blade unsheathing, turning to Stede and about to speak once more but he froze, his eyes going wide at what he saw.

 

There stood Stede, unsheathing a sword that the pirate hadn't noticed. The blonde had a look of fury in his eyes, glaring daggers at the pirate as he slowly aimed the blade at him. "Draw!" he snapped with a growl, clutching his sword tightly.

 

"What?" The pirate stammered, staring at Stede with a look of shock and confusion on his features, able to physically feel a switch in Stede, and that shook him up quite a bit. "It... Over wallpaper? I just-."

 

"That wallpaper was a gift by my beloved Edward! It cost him quite a large amount and you ruined it!" Stede snapped taking a few steps forward still aiming the sword at him. "So. Draw."

 

"It... It's just wallpaper! I didn't-!"

 

"DRAW OR DIE!" Stede shouted as he ran sword first at the man who was hastily reaching for his own sword letting out a high-pitched shriek of terror.

...

 

Ed could only look at Stede in stunned silence who had finished telling him what had occurred with the man before he got home and how he carelessly ruined the wallpaper. He watched as Stede looked at the ground in sadness, clutching Ed's shoulders tightly in dispair. The former pirate tried to process all that Stede had told him for a moment before a small smirk formed on his face, unable to fight as a snort left him, placing a closed fist over his mouth to keep him from laughing. Ed thought that the man had done something horrible before he got here, but all he did was ruin their wallpaper.

 

Stede's head shot up as he looked at Ed in shock, watching as his lover tried to stifle a laugh. "It's not funny!"

 

"It's not, it's not love," Ed quickly agreed, his worry slowly leaving him as he rested his hands on Stede's shoulders giving Stede a loving smile. "I'm not laughing at you I swear. Just I never seen you almost kill someone over wallpaper."

 

"It's not just about the wallpaper!" Stede exclaimed as he turned from Ed toward the house. "It's about your hard work! I know it cost you a fortune to commission it and he just ruined it without a care!" He then turned back to Ed, his tears finally falling as he looked up at him. "I couldn't let him get away with ruining something you worked hard to obtain without repercussion-."

 

"Stede your safety is more important than wallpaper," Ed whispered, holding the sides of Stede's face once more, pressing his forehead into Stede's. "I'd rather there be a slash in the wallpaper than there be a slash on you. I don't want you getting hurt."

 

Stede couldn't help but smile at that, feeling as Ed wiped a tear away with his thumb. He let out a sniffle as he pulled away to look at Ed who was smiling at him. "You don't have to worry about me getting hurt Ed."

 

"Oh I know that," Ed chuckled turning back to where the man had run off. "You can handle yourself just fine love," He then looked back at Stede whose smile fell, looking at the ground in sadness. Ed only smiled, tilting his head slightly as he spoke. "You're still upset about the wallpaper aren't you?"

 

"Of course I am!" Stede exclaimed looking at Ed once more. "It was my favorite present you've gotten me and now it's ruined! Oh, I have half a mind to track that awful man down and-."

 

"There's no need for that babe," Ed interrupted with a chuckle, motioning to the Inn. "I have an extra roll of wallpaper in the closet."

 

Stede's eyes went wide as he looked at Ed, reaching up to hold one of his wrists. "Really?"

 

"Yep," Ed chuckled, smiling at Stede. "I had a roll left over after putting it up and put it away in case of situations like-," He fell silent when Stede grabbed both sides of Ed's face and pulled him forward, his lips pressing into his own causing him to hum in surprise before it turned into a hum in contentment, feeling as Stede held the back of his head.

 

Stede slowly pulled away resting his forehead on Ed's as he combed his hand through Ed's salt and pepper hair with a sigh. "I love you." He whispered into Ed's eyes as the other gave him a warm smile. "I'm sorry you had to come home to this I-."

 

"Don't be, babe," Ed smiled as placed another kiss on his lips before pulling away, giving Stede a cheeky smile. "I thought you looked hot threatening that bastard."

 

Stede only chuckled at that, his face slightly heating up at the compliment, causing him to cast his eyes to the ground. "... Really?" He questioned, his eyes meeting Ed's once more.

 

"Very hot," Ed confirmed squeezing Stede's shoulder reassuringly before giving him a wink. "May want to see more of that side of you later." He chuckled as Stede lowered his head once more, his face only growing redder, loving how his lover looked when bashful. Ed then let out a sigh as he turned his head toward the trail where he left the bag and fish, letting out a sigh about to step back. "Well I better go get-."

 

Ed hissed as pain shot up his knee once more, feeling himself begin to stumble. Luckily, Stede caught him before he fell, holding Ed up gently.

 

Stede looked at Ed and held him by his arms, his worry growing as his lover grit his teeth in pain. "Ed? Are you alrig-," he fell silent as he looked down at Ed's knee his brace being nowhere in sight. "You've forgotten your brace again haven't you?"

 

"Guilty," Ed chuckled through his pain looking at Stede with a strained smile who was giving him a bored expression. "Sorry."

 

"You're forgiven," Stede huffed feeling too tired to scold him as he placed Ed's right arm over his shoulder and began to guide him toward the Inn. "Let's get you to the couch so that you can rest that knee."

 

"But what about the stuff I drop-."

 

"You let me worry about that love," Stede waved him off frowning at the limp in Ed's step, feeling as he leaned into him. "Once you're sitting down I'll retrieve them and after how does lunch sound?"

 

Ed could only smile leaning into Stede as wrapped his arm around his lover's waist pulling him close. "Perfect." He whispered as both he and Stede slowly walked toward their home.

[huffego]

His Smile: Part 1

May contain ATSV spoilers

part 2

Miguel O'Hara was never known to smile, always boring a stone-cold expression when around other spider-people or the occasional scowl or grimace when he was annoyed or angry. Sure, he threw the occasional grin when he was trying to be sarcastic but he never had shown a real genuine smile when he was at HQ. He used to though, back when his daughter Gabriella was still alive, his smiles were bright, authentic, and full of hope. But after her passing, he had nothing left to smile about anymore. She was taken from him and his happiness went with her. In the early days after the collapse of her universe, everything felt dull and lifeless, he almost couldn't get out of bed for the first few months after her passing the guilt of causing her along with her world to glitch out of oblivion became too much to bare. He had no reason to smile. Hell, he felt that he didn't even deserve to after everything he's done. That's why he was dubbed the unfunny Spider-man by all the Spider recruits at HQ, always known as cold and brooding by everyone there when they were first starting.

This made it very difficult for him to make friends with anyone at first. In truth, everyone at first felt awkward around him only talking to him if it was for a mission or a debriefing. Other than that, they kind of just left him alone, finding it hard to joke around with him or strike up a conversation. Miguel didn't mind it though, it was better this way. He wasn't starting a Spider Society to make friends anyway... Not that he deserved any. That was until of course Jess and Peter came into his life.

Jess right from the start wasn't afraid of him, always talking to him during missions together while he remained silent, uninterested to start a conversation at first. She would snap back every time he griped at her, leaving Miguel shocked, never getting a taste of his own medicine of having another spider-person matching his energy before which Lyla found amusing every time.

Peter, at first was a pain. He would come into his office and talk to him for hours and hours and when MayDay was born he'd bring her to his office holding her out to him or showing him pictures of her and gushing over all of them the whole time when he wasn't on missions. Miguel would glare at him angrily or snap at him to stop talking but Peter ignored it, not showing him even an inkling that he was afraid of him as he continued to show him pictures, even snapping a photo of a surprised/angered Miguel holding tiny Mayday in his arms when Peter forced him to hold her.

Over time, Miguel grew to like both of their companies, finding that they weren't so bad. He would even start initiating conversation with Jess during missions when he was in an okay mood and even after missions, finding that he liked talking to her, whether it was just to talk about what was going on in their life or if he needed to vent, she was there listening when he needed to get whatever was on his mind out and he would do the same for her if she ever needed it.

As for Peter, he found him secretly amusing and kind of endearing, but he'll never fully admit it. He'd catch himself almost chuckling at a stupid joke or a funny story that Peter was telling him. Every time Peter would show him a picture of Mayday, he'd look annoyed but really, he secretly thought it was adorable how much of a caring and loving father Peter was. He even felt calmer every time he held Mayday in his arms, finding it hard not to get attached to her. With those two along with Mayday around, Miguel's life didn't feel dull and lifeless anymore, he no longer felt cold and unfeeling or numb to the world around him. Feeling like a little warmth was slowly coming back into his life again. However, despite that, he still didn't smile. He still felt undeserving of it. That was until four Spider-teens managed to crawl into his life.

After the Spot incident, Miguel never thought in a million years he could get attached to Miles, Gwen, Pavitr, and Hobie. He thought for sure they would have turned down his offer to join Spider-Society after his actions toward Miles that he sees now were unwarranted and unfair to the young man. But surprisingly they agreed to and over time, he has grown quite fond of them, seeing the four of them like his children. And throughout that time, he even began to genuinely smile around them for the first time. It wasn't a big tooth showing smile, more of a tiny grin. A little pull on the sides of his lips upwards, but it was there along with a flicker of light in his eyes when he did so, and the kids took notice of it. They were stunned when he smiled at them for the first time, looking at them with a grin instead of an irritated glare, his grin making him look like a proud father of his four children. They found that they liked seeing him smile, glad to see him happy rather than sad, irritated, or gloomy all the time. So they try to get him to smile often.

If he looked like he was having a bad day, they would try telling him funny stories or jokes to make him chuckle. They would also get him small gifts for his office or bring him snacks he liked that would make his eyes light up ever so slightly a small grin forming whenever he gratefully accepted the gifts. They would try to make him proud with everything they do, whether it be winning a battle of the bands' contest, making beautiful art, or Acing grades with flying colors, Miguel would always smile as he congratulate them with a hug or a head pat, his smile growing a little bigger each time almost to the point where they start to see his fangs beginning to poke out ever so slightly, but they never got passed that because he'll quickly hide his fangs with a smaller smile when he begins to feel them poking out. Yes, Miguel was now finding reasons to smile again, he had his two close friends, four children he was proud of. Who wouldn't feel content with that? Sure, some days he felt like he still didn't deserve to smile, or deserve to have these many caring people in his life, and still acted gloomy every once in a while, but he still smiled and cared for them regardless when he felt a little better.

Miguel was in his dimly lit office, upon his floating platform watching on his orange-tinted screens as Miles, Gwen, Pavitr, Hobie, and Jess took down an anomaly which was a lizard variant that almost resembled an iguana. He watched as they secured said anomaly in a holographic net, watching as Miles dialed into his watch before hearing his own go off. Miguel looked from the screen to the gizmo (Or goober he liked to call it) and saw that it was an incoming call from said spider-teen. He clicked a button watching as a hollowgrame of Miles showed up in front of him.

"Hey, Tío!" Miles exclaimed happily giving Miguel a small wave before pointing behind him to the anomaly. "We caught the anomaly, and the canon is fully intact."

Pavitr and Gwen then suddenly appeared out of nowhere next to Miles, Pavitr waving energetically at Miguel as he spoke. "Hey, did you see us out there on your surveillance cameras?!"

"I did Pav," Miguel answered with a grin. "You've all done an excellent job."

"Did you see Miles legging it when Spikey was chasing after him because he ran out of web cartridges?" Hobie questioned when he came into view wrapping his arm around Miles, pointing at him with his free hand.

"Hey, I thought we agreed not to talk about that!" Miles murmured looking down in embarrassment.

Miguel only chuckled, shaking his head lightly as he spoke. "Yes, I saw that. It's alright Miles, any Spider-man in your position would do the same thing. I'm just glad none of you were hurt." He watched as Miles gave him a small nod. "Now that you have the anomaly, bring them back so we can contain them and come to my office for debriefing."

"You got it, boss!" Pav said, waving bye to the camera.

"He's gonna bring up you running in the debriefing mate." Hobie lightly teased Miles as he began to stroll away heading for the anomaly.

"Shut up! He is not going to-!" Miles abruptly hung up the watch causing Miguel to chuckle once more.

Miguel then looked from his watch to his screens watching as they all began to portal back to HQ. He then backed out all the cameras, beginning to look over files of photos. Most were of him and Gaberiella, but there were some of him hanging out with Jess and Peter, Somewhere he was taking the kids out to restaurants or amusement parks to spend time with him. There was a picture of him, Peter, and MJ on a date night, Peter insisting to take a selfie while in the middle of a fancy dinner, leaving him embarrassed in the photo but looking back on it, it only made him feel warm inside.

After reconciling with Miles, his and Peter's relationship (even if they had their small hiccups in the beginning) was now stronger than ever. So much so, that he managed to fall head over heels for the idiot. At first, he pushed those feelings down, knowing that he was married and had a kid, not wanting to ruin what Peter had fought so hard to get. However, that all changed when Peter found out how he felt about him and told him that he felt the same way, reassuring him that MJ would be fine with it. She, however, had to meet him first to get to know him a little better, to which he agreed, Peter set up a dinner night with the three.

As soon as Miguel met her, she welcomed him with open arms, inviting him in to eat dinner and wanting to get to know him more. He was nervous at first, asking her if she was alright with him dating her husband but she reassured him, telling him that Peter's heart had enough room for another person and he was surprised when she said that she had enough room as well. After a while, he was invited to dinner nights more and more and the longer he joined the more he realized that he loved them both dearly and they both felt the same, welcoming him into their relationship with a warm and loving embrace.

Miguel's grin grew ever wider at the memories of his partners, this time not minding that his fangs began to poke out just a bit since he was alone in his lab, finding another reason why he should smile. He never thought he could find love after everything and he certainly never thought that he could have the chance to care for children that he loved dearly and loved him back. But he was so glad he did.

He continued to scroll through pictures until he paused on one, his smile almost disappearing upon looking at it, his eyes softening as he memorized the image on his screen. It was a picture of him and Gabriella, a picture he long forgot about, being stuffed and buried deep in his files. He looked from the photo down to the bottom of the screen seeing that it was taken a few years ago on this day... which was his birthday. He let out a sigh through his nose closing his eyes for a second. He had completely forgotten what today was. No wonder MJ and Peter were more loving today than usual, leaving him a warm breakfast on his bedside and leaving loving notes that he still had on him.

"Finally figured out what day it was boss?" Lyla grinned as she appeared on his shoulder causing him to sigh once more. "Happy birthday big guy!"

Miguel only glared at her as holographic confetti formed all around him, causing him to bat it away with his hand his talons accidentally coming out at the motion. "Why didn't you tell me what day it was?" he questioned, quickly sheathing his claws back into his finger pads as she reappeared in front of him.

"Remember when you told me not to remind you when your birthday was because you said and I quote," Suddenly her form changed into Miguel's form, mimicking his scowl as she crossed his arms like he always did when he was angry. "I don't need birthdays bla, bla, bla."

Miguel looked away for a second before turning back to her but had his eyes cast to the ground remembering that he did in fact, say that. "Right, I did didn't I?" he questioned looking up at her and seeing that she was back to her form giving him a nod. "But I don't look like that when I talk," Miguel tried to argue but Lyla only hummed with a grin, before pointing down at him. Confused, he looked down to see that his arms were crossed and he did have a scowl on his face just like how she mimicked. Quickly, he uncrossed his arms before clearing his throat, casting his head down in annoyance as he placed one hand on his hip and rubbed the back of his neck with the other. "Well, um... Thank you for the uh birthday wishes regardless... Even if I don't-."

"If you say that you don't deserve it, I'm gonna stay in the Miguel model and mimic you all day," Lyla said with a bored expression, watching as Miguel pressed his mouth shut tightly, noticing that he winced a bit, probably from his fangs accidentally poking the inside of his mouth but she didn't bring it up, knowing it would embarrass him. "You're birthday is important, boss. You should be out celebrating and making some birthday plans."

Miguel only gave her a small sigh before turning away, from her, staring at his screens again as he spoke. "Something tells me that Peter and MJ have something already planned out."

"Hey, Migs!" As if on cue, Peter's voice filled the room causing a slight echo. "Thought I'd find you in here!"

A small grin involuntarily formed on Miguel's face as he turned from his screens to see Peter walk in, for once not sporting his pink robe but still wearing the baby carrier that was occupied by little Mayday who looked up at him with a bright smile beginning to reach for him with little grabby hands, babbling away.

"Well, speak of the devil," Lyla grinned looking down at Peter, "We were just talking about you."

"Aw, you were talking about me?" Peter said with a smile looking up at Miguel before slinging a web up onto the ceiling and hoisting himself up into the air while he held Mayday's head with a protective arm before landing on the platform a few feet away from Miguel. "That's so sweet."

"Hey, Peter," Miguel whispered, slowly walking up to him and Mayday, who still reached for him.

Peter smiled fondly at Miguel before placing a hand on Miguel's face, leaning forward, and placing a small kiss on the left side of his lips before pulling back and whispering. "Happy Birthday, dearest." He then placed another kiss on his forehead. "And this is a birthday kiss that MJ wanted to pass on to you. She wanted to give you herself but she knew you were up late last night and didn't want to wake you."

Miguel only smiled reaching up for Peter's hand, holding it close to his face, and placing his lips on his knuckles, slightly breathing in his scent which smelled of spandex from his spider suit and a hint of baby powder. "You two are too kind to me."

"Well, today's a special day," Peter grinned before pulling away from his face but continuing to hold his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, feeling his talons poke his palm gently due to the pressure of the squeeze. "It's our loving and caring boyfriend's Birthday. Which means we have dinner plans tonight. MJ booked a reservation for tonight at your favorite restaurant, so be sure to wear something nice."

"You two didn't have to do that for me I-."

"Oh stop," Peter interrupted still giving his hand one more gentle squeeze as he spoke. "It's your birthday. You deserve to be spoiled on this occasion. MJ and I want you to feel special and happy."

His mouth pressed tightly into a thin line, looking down at Peter's hand that was squeezing his own, giving his hand a small squeeze in response, being careful to not scratch him when his talons poked out. It was a silent thank you that Peter picked up on, causing the other only to smile bigger. Miguel was about to speak but before he could, Mayday managed to get out of Peter's baby sling and hop right onto Miguel, sticking to his chest. Miguel only chuckled, letting go of Peter's hand as he grabbed a hold of Mayday now cradling her in one arm and holding her tiny hands with the other.

"Morning to you too, little jumping spider," He whispered, beginning to bounce her up and down in his arm, rocking back and forth slightly. He chuckled once more as she giggled, holding onto his fingers tightly and beginning to babble to him like she was talking, causing him to nod his head in agreement. "Uh-huh... really?" He whispered with an amused gasp, looking up at Peter who was smiling fondly at them both, before feeling Mayday's hand lightly pat his face causing him to turn his attention back to her, still rocking her gently in his grasp. He would have continued to chuckle when a sharp pain began to spread through his joints causing him to hiss, pulling his hand gently away from Mayday as he squint his eyes shut pressing his now free hand to his skull. Mayday looked confused and worried, patting his face trying to get his attention.

"Miguel?" Peter was by his side instantly his hands hovering over him not sure what was wrong. "Miguel hey what's wrong? what-?" But he paused when Miguel gently held Mayday out to him, looking at her for a second before looking back at Miguel whose eyes were still squint shut gritting his teeth, and noticing his fangs were poking out. Slowly, Peter took her from his arms watching as Miguel gripped his head from developing a sudden headache, turning from the two as he leaned on his console in front of him staying like this for a few seconds.

Miguel cursed under his breath as the pain finally subsided, leaving behind a small dull ache in his joints. He looked down at his hands to see that his talons were out to their full extent and were not retracting on command, accidentally scratching onto the surface he was leaning his hands on, seeing faint scratch marks where his fingers were. His fangs also felt longer, beginning to poke out of his lips and even when his eyes began to hurt when his screens were on the lowest dim setting he could have them on.

"Miguel, it's time for your dosage," Lyla frowned, reappearing in front of him looking into his eyes which were now more red than usual.

A sigh left Miguel, as he looked from Lyla to the syringe gun on his desk a few feet away from him, small rectangular vials of green liquid setting on display right above it. Another thing he had forgotten today. He had forgotten to take his stabilizer that kept his Spider DNA at bay. Most of the time when he forgot to take them, he'd feel only a little pain in his joints before any of the physical symptoms appeared such as his claws and fangs growing but sometimes they would all happen at once and come in waves before subsiding but wouldn't continue to get worse if he didn't take his stabilizer until there was nothing left but the spider in him. This only happened rarely or when he was very stressed about something. Whether it be protecting the city or overwatching and going on missions after anomalies his body seemed to burn through his stabilizer much faster when he was under a lot of stress, much to his disappointment.

He slowly went to reach for them, his joints still feeling sore and going slightly stiff. A slight tremble began to form in his hands, which was a side effect of not taking the serum. Miguel was just about to grab the gun when another hand grabbed it before he could causing him to pause looking up to see that it was Peter, who had put Mayday back in her sling her big blue eyes were still looking at him in concern. Miguel watched as Peter looked at him with a small smile before reaching up and placing a hand on the side of his face, causing him to almost melt from the warm touch.

"Here, let me help," Peter whispered rubbing his thumb in circles on Miguel's face, feeling him lean into his touch closing his eyes with a sigh. He then heard a low rumble escape, Miguel, sounding like a rhythmic vibration coming directly from his chest. Peter then realized that he was purring much to his amusement. He smiled as he pulled away watching as Miguel's eyes slowly opened looking up at him in confusion and a slight frown on his face at the sudden loss of warmth as he grabbed a green vile full of the serum he needed, placing it into the syringe gun. "You're cute when you pur like a giant wolf spider, you know that right?"

"Shut up, Peter," Miguel could only whisper, now leaning back on his desk with a closed fist on his chest, as his partner walked on to the left side of him, trying to get the purring to stop out of embarrassment, his face heating up while it turned red. He hadn't realized that he had begun to purr, another thing he had to deal with from being quite literally half-spider.

"What it's true," Peter grinned watching as Miguel glared at him which made him laugh in return putting his hands up in surrender. Miguel only gave him a grunt before looking away and beginning to rub his eyes with his hand, the lights from the screens beginning to irritate him again. Peter then looked from him to the syringe with a small frown before aiming it directly at Miguel's arm. "Are you ready?" He questioned watching as Miguel gave him a small nod his blue and red suit peeling back to reveal some skin on his shoulder. "Okay," Peter didn't waste any time as he gently placed the gun on his shoulder and pulled the trigger watching as the gun's fang-like needles bit into his arm like a spider before emptying the green liquid into his body. Once the liquid was gone, the gun unclamped from Miguel's shoulder, allowing Peter to pull the gun away, his suit fully covering the other's shoulder afterward.

Miguel let out a sigh of relief as the dull pain subsided, his eyes turning fully red for a second before going back to their brown hue with only a hint of red in them. He looked down at his hands to see his talons finally retract and he felt his fangs begin to pull back into his mouth slightly and his eyes no longer hurt as much, much to his relief.

Peter then placed the gun back on his table, before turning to Miguel, who still had his head down, resting a closed fist on his console, staring off into nothing. He then looked from Miguel to Mayday who was squirming a bit in her sling still reaching for the other spider-man in front of her. So he slowly walked closer to Miguel, leaning on the table right next to him, resting a hand on his shoulder, feeling as he began to lean into his touch. A sad smile formed on Peter's face as he then pulled Miguel close getting him to turn towards him, but the other still had his eyes cast down. He then took his hand into his own giving it a small squeeze as he spoke. "Haven't seen your DNA act up this bad in a long time," He commented beginning to rub circles on the top of Miguel's hand with his thumb, receiving a hum from him. "Was that your first injection for today?"

"It was my first but it's too early," Miguel frowned holding Peter's hand ever so gently, afraid that if he squeezed too hard his talons would come out and cut him. "I usually have my first dosage in the afternoon."

"Do you know what could have caused you to burn through your last dosage so early?" Peter questioned, watching as Miguel used his other hand to rub his face with a sigh.

"Well, I had a lot of stress this week," Miguel pulled his hands away beginning to cross his arms with a shrug. "It could be that."

"Well, how about you take the day off?" Peter grinned, watching as Miguel looked up at him, his features unreadable at the moment as he spoke. "It is your birthday after all. Why don't you clock out and let Lyla manage for the day so that you can relax?"

"Peter, I'm needed here," Miguel whispered, beginning to turn back to his screens. "Just because it's my birthday doesn't mean I don't have a job to do."

"Oh come on it's just one day," Peter tried turning around to motion toward the screens. "You don't need to be cooped up in here looking at screens like an extreme Ipad kid all day."

Miguel paused, slowly turning from the screens back to Peter, his eyes squinting as he spoke. "Did you just call me an Ipad kid?"

"I mean, I'm not wrong." Peter grinned watching as Miguel rolled his eyes turning back to his screens (which to Peter was proving his point). "You need a break, hon. I'm sure Lyla can handle one day in your position. Isn't that right Lyla?"

"He's right boss," Lyla then appeared on Miguel's shoulder, who ignored her continuing to look at his screens. "I can handle it."

"See?" Peter grinned watching as Miguel turned to him with an unimpressed look, clearly not convinced at this. "Look, at least come out of this office for a bit huh? Some interaction on your birthday could do you some good!"

"Peter, I don't think that would be a good idea," Miguel argued, a slight frown beginning to form on his face.

"Oh come on! Everyone loves birthdays! Spider-People especially. When it was my birthday, I was swarmed with birthday wishes and gifts. I'm sure if we walk out of this lab right now-."

"Peter, thats nice and all, but the difference between you and me is that everyone likes you, for some reason." He whispered that last part, but judging from Peter's bored expression he had heard him, causing him to grin ever so slightly but it fell as he spoke. "I... Besides the kids and Jess, I make the others... uneasy."

Peter frowned, before placing both hands on Miguel's shoulders, trying to get him to look at him but he had his eyes cast down his arms still crossed tightly. "Oh Migs that's not true. You don't make everyone uneasy."

"I have eyes Peter, I do make them uneasy... Especially after what happened with Miles during the Spot incident." Miguel whispered bitterly looking back on that day, even without spidey senses he could still cut the tension in the air with a knife, able to feel how tense every spider-person was around him when Miles escaped in the go-Home-Machine.

"Uh um, Sure, a few are cautious here and there." Peter began with a shrug. "But not all of us. Ben was never really uneasy around you! Lego Spider-man comes to see ya all the time! And the kids adore you! We all know you were trying your best and Miles forgave you and the others saw it, so you shouldn't have to worry about anyone being afraid of yo-."

"I just don't want to Peter, okay?" Miguel interrupted pulling away from Peter, now looking toward his screens, able to feel Peter's sad gaze behind him. "I just want to stay in here and work."

Peter couldn't help but frown once more, slumping shoulders in defeat. Even though he kept denying it, trying to tell Miguel that it was all okay now, he knew that the other was right. There were still some Spider-people that were cautious around Miguel. After the spot incident and Miguel let Miles join the team, most steer clear of Miguel, feeling uneasy after witnessing him snap that day. Even he, himself, was slightly afraid and wouldn't come around him with Mayday for a little while, which he deeply regrets doing now, knowing that he should have been there for him and finding solutions to make this all work. Sure, after a while and some hard work the kids and himself weren't afraid of him any longer and most Spider-people warmed up to him once more, but there were still quite a few that still needed time. He could only look at Miguel in sadness, who still had his back to him, looking over old pictures.

Miguel slowly turned his head slightly, seeing that Peter now had his eyes cast down, looking at his daughter, hugging her close as he rocked her back and forth, a small frown etched into his features causing a slight pain in Miguel's chest. He then slowly turned back to his screens resting his tightly closed fists on his console once more. "But... I would still like to go to dinner with you and MJ tonight." He began getting Peter's attention who looked up at him with wide eyes. "And maybe do something with the kids beforehand after my shift. I want to be with people I know I don't make uneasy."

Peter could only smile, slowly walking toward Miguel standing to the right of him. "We can still go to dinner, Migs," Peter whispered gently taking hold of Miguel's closed fists before making them open and holding them into his own, getting Miguel to turn toward him fully, feeling as he held his hands tightly. "Whatever you want on your birthday I'll make it happen." He watched as Miguel gave him a small smile and a nod, looking down at his hands before looking down at Mayday who began to babble at the other spider-man, reaching for him once more. Miguel then slowly reached up to Mayday with his free hand, holding hers into his own, feeling her tiny hand wrap around his finger, causing him to grin a little bigger, his fangs poking out once more, causing Peter's chest to warm up.

Peter then looked from Miguel to all the open screens, looking at them with a small grin. "I see your photo collection is growing." He began as he pulled away from Miguel, looking at a photo of Miguel and Miles where the Spider-teen was showing him how to spray paint.

"It has," Miguel whispered, looking at the photos as well. "I fear I'm getting worse with photo collecting than you are."

"Oh hardy-har," Peter mocked with a glare, receiving a chuckle from the other. He then looked back at the photos scanning them over before he paused on a picture, his eyes going wide. "Hey, I haven't seen this one of you and Gabriella before!"

Miguel looked from him to the photo causing him to pause slightly. It was the same photo he was looking at before, the photo that reminded him that it was his birthday. In it, he and Gabriella were both sitting at a dining room table with a homemade cake in the middle of them. They were both smiling, only this time his smile was so big you could see his fangs stick out passed his lower lip, revealing all of his teeth. "Tell you the truth, I... I forgot this photo even existed."

"Goodness look at that big smile!" Peter grinned pointing at the younger him before turning to present Miguel who only grinned lightly at the photo. He then turned back to the photo looking from him to Gabriella. "You didn't tell me she had fangs too!"

Miguel smiled sadly at the photo looking directly at his daughter, who had two pointy fangs hanging out of her mouth as well, smiling as brightly as he did. He ignored the growing pain in his chest as he spoke. "She didn't have fangs," He began to explain, Peter turned to him in confusion as he spoke. "I had been a little self-conscious about my," He paused looking down at his hands, making his claws grow out, looking at them with slight disgust in his eyes. "Afflitions after the accident... My fangs especially. I hated them for a long time so I never really smiled that big in public or pictures. Gabriella took notice of this and to make me feel better she wanted to take a selfie on my birthday. So as soon as she smiled wide at the camera she had a pair of fake fangs in." Miguel paused a moment, looking at the picture with so much fondness as he thought back to that day. "She said she didn't want me to feel left out anymore since I was the only one with fangs."

"Aww, Miguel that was a sweet story." Peter grinned smiling fondly at the other.

"Yes, it was," Miguel whispered, looking from his daughter to the ground. "Ella era un Encanto."

Peter then looked back at the photo, beginning to chuckle a bit as he spoke. "Man, I've never seen you smile that big before!" He exclaimed, unable to keep his eyes off Miguel's huge smile.

He was right, Peter had never seen Miguel smile that big before. In fact, no one at HQ has ever seen him smile like that and no one ever will, always making sure to catch himself before he can feel his fangs pass his lips fully in a smile for everyone to see. In truth, Miguel was slightly afraid for anyone at HQ to see if he ever did. He could still see people's smiles fall every time he was in public. Whether he was laughing at a joke that Gabriella said or was just smiling fondly and proudly at his daughter, he could always feel someone staring at his teeth in slight fear. He cringed at the memory of fellow soccer moms' smiles falling the minute he smiled accidentally showing his fangs, watching as they looked at his teeth before backing up ever so slightly. He couldn't get the image of his daughter's fellow soccer players running to their parents in fear upon seeing him.

Miguel quickly shook his head squinting his eyes shut as he pushed the memory down, ignoring an aching pain beginning to form in his heart. He then turned to Peter who was still looking at the photo. "Yes... That was the first time I ever smiled like that since the accident."

"Oh you should smile like that more often," Peter commented turning from the photo to Miguel. "It fits you so well!"

Miguel could only give Peter a small grin, but it didn't meet his eyes as he looked at the photo. "I don't know if I can. Like I said it was the first time since the accident... and the last." He then turned to Peter, whose smile began to fall slowly listening to him as he spoke. "I only ever smiled like that around Gabriella... If I smiled like that around others they... The fangs made them frightened or anxious... They wouldn't outright say it, but I could tell... Sure they retract but they often pushed out when I smiled that big... So I just stopped, only smiling like that when I was around mi Hija." He then looked back at the photo, a pained grin forming on his face as he looked at his daughter. "She was the only one who wasn't afraid."

Peter watched as Miguel looked at the photo in sadness. He could only frown, casting his eyes to the ground and thinking over his words. Sure, he could get that civilians would feel a little disturbed at the sight of fangs, but to make someone feel bad for it by not giving him a chance made him slightly angry. Peter hated that Miguel had to go through that. To him, Miguel must think that since the people he encountered found his fangs off-putting when he smiled, then everyone around him was gonna feel the same way, causing him to hide a part of him that Peter couldn't help find beautiful. So Peter began to grin, slowly walking up to Miguel who was still distracted, looking at the photo. But once he saw movement at the corner of his eye, Miguel turned to him. Before he could utter a word, Peter reached up and placed both hands on his face, causing the other to pause, looking at him in confusion.

"Well, I'm not afraid of your fangs, honey," Peter began watching as Miguel's eyes grew wide with shock, causing him to smirk, lightly rubbing circles on his cheekbone with his thumbs as he spoke. "I think your smile is gorgeous." Peter watched as Miguel's features softened, a look of slight awe in his eyes the more he looked at Peter.

Miguel was stunned at Peter's words, believing that this Spider-Man before him, looking at him with so much love in his eyes was a wonder. He, after everything they had been through, after seeing him at his worst, still looked at him like he was a work of art. His chest suddenly began to feel tight and warm, his heart pounding so hard he could hear his blood flowing through his veins almost. He then felt the corners of his lips begin to pull upward, beginning to form a smile that was slowly getting bigger by the second.

Peter couldn't help but grin wider at the sight of Miguel beginning to smile, a shine beginning to form in his brown-red eyes that resembled the eyes of the photo that lay on Miguel's screen. He also began to notice that his smile was growing wider than before, his lips making it slightly passed the middle of his two fangs. He wanted his smile to go past his fangs fully, wanting to see that bright beautiful smile in person, but much to his disappointment it was short-lived.

Miguel quickly caught himself, his fangs retracting once more as he pressed his lips into a thin line, casting his eyes down. He still wasn't ready. But slowly, Miguel reached up holding Peter's wrists in his hands gently, leaning into one of his hands with a small grin. "Well... You're the first to think that they weren't scary... since Gabriella. No one's ever said that about my smile before."

"And I mean every word of it, Miguel," Peter whispered, watching as Miguel leaned forward, resting his forehead on his own. "Your smile is beautiful."

"Thank you, Peter," Miguel said, lightly kissing Peter's right hand. They both stayed like this for a while before hearing a quiet yawn, both looking down to see Mayday slowly begin to fall asleep causing them both to chuckle. Miguel then looked at Peter with a loving gaze, watching as he mirrored his exact emotion. Slowly, he began to lean forward his gaze falling to Peter's lips. Peter had the same idea, both inches away when-.

"Peter?" Suddenly a hologram of Jess formed on Peter's watch. "You there?"

Both Miguel and Peter scrambled away, stepping two feet away from each other in a panic. Peter looked at his watch in shock before looking back at Miguel causing him to pause. He watched as Miguel quickly turned to his screens, pulling up the camera footage of Jess and the Teens' recent battle, acting as if he wasn't as lovey-dovey as he was a moment ago.

"Am I... interrupting something?" Jess asked with a grin looking between the two.

"No," Miguel was quick to answer, not looking away from his screens as he spoke. "We were just... having a discussion."

"Uh-huh, Sure." The spider-woman said with an arched eyebrow, not believing a single word he was saying.

Peter only chuckled rolling his eyes, before looking at Jess. "What can I help ya with Jess?"

"We are having... difficulty containing this lizard variant at the moment," She began causing Miguel to perk up, pausing on his fake scrolling to make it look like he had something to do.

"Not my fault!" Miles said as he suddenly appeared next to Jess for a second before disappearing from Peter's view causing him to laugh, Miguel letting out a frustrated sigh.

Jess only sighed, before looking at Peter with a grin. "We could uh... use your help."

Peter looked from her to Miguel for a second, his smile only growing before looking back to her as he spoke. "I can help ya."

"Do you need any backup?" Miguel questioned, fully turning around with a look of determination on his face.

"It's okay Migs I got it handled." Peter placed a hand on Miguel's chest as he whispered, watching as Miguel looked at him in confusion. "It's your b-day big guy. You should leave it to us." He then turned back to Jess. "I'm on my way."

"Thank you, Peter, please hurry," Was all she said before she hung up.

"Are you sure you don't need help?" Miguel asked in worry, beginning to try and follow Peter but the other kept him from leaving the platform.

"I got it handled, hon," Peter reassured taking Miguel's hand into his own giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll make sure it's contained and sent back. Then after, I'll bring Jess and the teens here for their debriefing." He looked at Miguel, waiting for a response but he was silent, looking unsure, causing him to grin. "You want to watch over Mayday until I get back?"

Miguel looked from him to a sleeping Mayday, who had her thumb in her mouth. He was a little hesitant at first, wanting to make sure everything would be okay in HQ but despite what he thinks, he could never resist watching over Mayday. "Okay," He said with a nod, watching as Peter, took Mayday out of her sling and gently handed her to him, instantly cradling her in his arms, his anxiety and nervousness instantly leaving him as he hugged her close. Once she was secure in his grasp he looked at Peter with a small smile. "Be careful."

"I always am," Peter grinned leaning down to give Mayday a quick kiss on the forehead before turning to Miguel and giving him a quick peck on the lips before backing up, pulling his mask over his face as he spoke. "I'll be back in a jiffy. Love you both!"

With that Peter swung off of his platform with a back flip before landing on the ground, sprinting out of the room which caused Miguel to smile lightly. "Love you too," He whispered as he watched him leave before turning his attention to Mayday,  who squirmed in his grasp, her eyes squinting as she let out a small yawn. He slowly began to bounce her up and down lightly in his arms, whispering kind words about how much, he, her father, and her mother loved her dearly, walking up to his console as he spoke to her. Slowly he looked up at his screens, his eyes landing on the picture once more, looking at his late daughter with a pained smile. She would have loved to meet Mayday. They would have been best of pals. Gabriella would have been so kind to her, just like she was with everyone. Just like she was with him, memories of the days leading up to his birthday began to swim through his head like a fish in a stream. Usually, he would push these memories down, focusing on his cameras to monitor missions to keep him distracted but this time, he let the memory play out, the memory of him genuinely smiling for the first time in a long time.

[huffego]

Wolfsbane: part 3

Tw: Blood

Part 2

Part 4

Present day

 

"After that, we were able to get back here within a few minutes," Clifton sighed, sitting on the recliner with his arms resting on his elbows, and his hands clasped together. "He tried to bolt to his room despite our protests. We wanted to keep an eye on him but he wouldn't take no for an answer, wanting to be left alone."

 

Viago was on the couch right next to Clifton his pain-filled eyes boring into him as he told him what happened. They were able to get him to calm down so that they could relay all that had occurred at the cafe and what they told about what happened to Anton was too much. It pained him to know that someone as kind as Anton would be treated so horrifically. He slowly shook his head, hugging a throw pill with the moon embroidered on the front that he had made for Anton a while back tightly in his grasp processing all that Clifton had told him when the name of the witch that turned him struck his mind causing his eyes to widen.

 

"Wait," He began as he looked back to Clifton who waited for his response. "Did you say the witch's name was Hazel? Hair a dark blond and slightly past shoulder length? Green eyes?" 

 

"Uh yeah," Clifton answered, his eyes going slightly wide when he noticed the look of shock form in Viago's features. He then looked from him to the others who also noticed Viago's expression causing him to turn back to the vampire. "Do you know her too?"

 

"All too well," Viago spat bitterly his shocked expression being replaced with disdain as he thought back. "She's considered a bigwig in the Lower Hutt Vampire/Witch Club. I met her at the Unholy Masquerade one year some time ago and in my opinion, she was rather rude to me, Vladislav, and Deacon," Viago then set the pillow to the side, clenching his fist as he cast his eyes down, remembering back. "Then I saw her on the blind date with Anton a few years later, ending up in the same restaurant by chance, looking for a meal. I only caught the end of their conversation but she was insulting Anton for being a werewolf on her way out after he ended the date abruptly due to her impudent behavior," Viago then frowned, remembering the look in Anton's eyes before he covered his face with his hand, sitting alone at the dining table. "I didn't like how upset he looked."

 

"Yeah well, she's obviously still pissed at Anton for turning her offer to be a guard dog down. I can't believe she would do something like this to Anton. He doesn't deserve that!" Clifton growled scratching his right arm on the inside of his long sleeve. However, the sound of a stifled yell caused him to turn toward the steps, a frown forming on his face as his shoulders slumped. "He's been in so much pain for hours."

 

Viago looked toward the steps as well, his heart breaking at the sound of Anton's muffled pain, his whimpering turning into wolf-like whines now and then. He then looked at the others around him, his frown deepening at the state that Anton's pack was in. Declan had been pacing when Clifton shared what had occurred, unable to sit still knowing that their alpha was in pain. Both Nathans were sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table, each squeaking a squeak toy to help calm their nerves. Dion was at a reading table next to the fireplace, with his nose in a book that was about werewolves, trying to find any information about Wolfsbane and if there was a way to reverse or lessen the effects. Then there was Stu who sat in the other recliner to the right of him, his eyes still filled with sadness for his alpha and friend. 

 

The vampire went to ask how Stu was feeling when a metallic smell filled his senses causing him to freeze, recognizing that it was the smell of blood. He sniffed the air a couple of times, finding that the smell was coming from the left of him, turning toward Clifton who was still looking toward the steps. Viago intently scanned Clifton up and down until his eyes landed on his right arm, his eyes going wide with worry when he noticed a red stain on his camo long sleeve. 

 

"Clif," He began gently, slowly pointing to his arm getting the other pack members' attention. "What's that?"

 

Clifton turned to Viago in question, blinking a couple of times before looking to where the vampire was pointing. He began to look startled, quickly hiding his arm behind his back and looking back to Viago. "It's nothing!" He said rather quickly, the others blinking in surprise, but his eyes were only focused on Viago's whose brow creased the longer he looked at the other. "I-I uh, I clipped-... Hit it on-... I cut it on metal from the van I-... It's healing now I-."

 

"Clif," Viago interrupted in a stern voice while holding out his hand. "Arm, please."

 

Clifton's eyes widened slightly before his shoulders slumped in defeat. He let out a sigh as he reluctantly held out his arm to avoid Viago's gaze as he did so, looking to the others who just frowned, lowering their heads.

 

Viago gently reached for Clifton's arm, bringing it closer to have a better look. Once he had a hold of his wrist, he grabbed the end of his sleeve and slowly pulled it up, the smell of blood becoming more pungent than before. He let out a gasp, ignoring how Clifton shut his eyes, turning his head more as he stared at his arm in concern. There were three long claw marks and a tiny fourth right next to the other three. It looked to be scabed over but seemed to open when Clifton scratched it, opening it again slightly. 

 

"Clifton," He whispered as he looked up, watching as Clifton flinched at the worried tone in his voice before turning towards him with a frown. "What on earth happened? Why do you-?"

 

Viago fell silent as he froze, his eyes on Clifton who still avoided his gaze keeping his eyes on the wound on his arm. The vampire then turned to the others, in question but when they also avoided his gaze, it gave him his answer making him frown turning back to Clifton. "Clif," He began, his voice laced with hesitance. "Did... Did Anton-?"

 

"It wasn't his fault," Clifton quickly began, his eyes going wide as he looked at Viago whose frown deepened. His voice became frantic as he spoke. "It was mine. He was trying to get upstairs and away from us before he caused harm but I refused. I wanted him down here where we could watch him and help. I pushed him too far and-," He then pulled his sleeve down, holding his arm close as he looked at Viago with desperation in his eyes. "Vi, don't be mad at him. He's not in control of himself right now and I wouldn't listen. Please don't blame him. He'll be crushed-."

 

"Hey, hey Clifton mein Freund. Take it easy," Viago hushed, reaching for the worried werewolf, taking his uninjured hand into his own causing the other to pause. "I promise I'm not mad. I know he wouldn't have harmed you if he could help it. Just like I know he wouldn't have snapped at Stu. It's just the wolfsbane."

 

Viago watched as Clifton let out a sigh of relief, now holding his hand tightly in his own like it was grounding him and keeping him calm. The vampire then looked from him to his wound which was still slightly bleeding. "I'm just sad that you've gotten hurt trying to help," He then looked to one of the Nathans who was watching them closely. "Could either of you please retrieve the first aid? I would like to treat it before it closes up and traps infection."

 

Clifton watched as both Nathans gave Viago a nod, scrambling over each other to get the first aid in the downstairs bathroom. Once they were out of view, Clifton turned toward Viago casting his eyes to his wound with a frown. "I just wish we knew what to do for him," He began as he looked up at Viago. "Anton always made sure that we were far away from wolfsbane so none of us know what all it does and how to help treat it."

 

"Luckily, Dion brought his books on werewolves with him," Declan chimed in, getting both Clifton and Viago's attention. "He got a copy from a neighboring pack that had it passed down from their pack for generations so hopefully it has something on wolfsbane in it."

 

"Well, now that you mention it we're in luck," Dion began walking up to the others with his book opened, moving slightly out of the way when both Nathans came back with the first aid, Viago silently thanking them as he began to work on Clifton's arm, quietly listening while Dion spoke. "I found a passage on the effects of wolfsbane consumption."

 

"Well spit it out, what does it say," Clifton demanded rather harshly but he shrunk back slightly when he noticed Viago pausing, giving him a stern gaze. He then turned back to Dion looking up at him with an apologetic grin. "Please."

 

"Well the obvious thing is, when a werewolf consumes wolfsbane they are left in a serious amount of pain," He began as he skimmed through the book, reading it over. "Even a small amount will leave its consumer in a state of agony for hours," He then began to frown as he slowly looked up at the others. "Quite possibly days."

 

Viago frowned at this finishing putting an antiseptic on the wound and now finishing by wrapping Clifton's arm up. His dread only grew as he listened. 

 

"Well, what else does it say?" Declan asked, motioning to the book, wanting to know more. 

 

"It also says that along with the host, the wolf inside them will be in a serious amount of pain as well, causing it to sometimes break free and lash out, making the consumer aggressive with those around it, even with those part of his pack."

 

"So it wasn't Anton that snapped at Stu and clawed Clifton," Nathan M began, motioning toward the steps. "The wolf is hurting too and lashing out."

 

"We are lucky it's just that," Dion began with a shiver as he read on. "If Anton had consumed any more, the wolf quite possibly could have become rabid and caused Anton to transform in the cafe, endangering us and everyone around." 

 

"Is there any way to stop this?" Viago asked, sounding slightly desperate as he looked at Dion. "Perhaps there is an antidote to cancel out the effects."

 

"There is no antidote," Dion began watching as Viago began to frown causing him to hold up one finger. "But there is a herbal potion that can help lessen the effects. The main ingredient is a flower called ipomoea alba or Moonflower. It's said that this flower gives werewolves strength and good health. The plant is mixed with Oolong tea with Camellia Sinensis and Jasmine and must be consumed by the sick werewolf to help ease the pain."

 

"That's nice and all, but where the heck are we gonna get the ingredients for this potion?" Clifton sighed running his hand through his face in frustration. 

 

"The Oolong tea isn't too hard to get a hold of," Dion answered before he grimaced, "However, dried-up moonflower is hard to come by. The only places I can think of to have it already dry are other wolfpacks or witches' covens."

 

"Yeah I don't think any witch coven would be eager to help us any time soon," Clifton scoffed, shaking his head with a sigh. "Are there any other options that could help ease his pain?"

 

"There is one... but he wouldn't like it." Dion grimaced as he looked at the book.

 

Viago looked at Dion, his worry growing at the look on Dion's face. "What is it?"

 

Dion was hesitant at first but when he noticed the worried look in Viago's eyes he let out a sigh, beginning to read one more. "Another way to help ease the pain.. is to let a werewolf transformation happen," He then looked from his book to a shocked Viago. "The wolf is trapped in the body along with the poison and it's slowly harming it. So if the werewolf were to take form, it'll help sort of ease the pain a whole lot but not entirely."

 

"So Anton needs to take wolf form to ease the pain," Stu questioned receiving a nod from Dion.

 

"Essentially," Dion agreed. "However there are risk of the wolf still being agitated from the lingering pain and could still lash out. So if Anton transforms the wolf could become violent."

 

"Which leaves everyone at risk of getting hurt... Fuck," Clifton whispered before lowering his head in his hands. "This isn't fair! There has to be something we can do to help him! That witch had no right to do this to Anton! He shouldn't be in pain right now!

 

"We only have two options," Dion sighed, tapping the book with his knuckle. "The herbal potion/tea or transformation. Otherwise, he's going to be in severe pain for hours or even days and who knows how long he'll be able to hold back the wolf inside him before exhaustion takes over."

 

"Hey, I know of this little tea shop that's not too far from here," Nathan G. began getting the others' attention. "It will be open by midnight. If I leave now I can see if they can see if they have this Oolong tea we need for the potion."

 

"And I can call neighboring wolfpacks to see if they have this dried moonflower ingredient." Declan offered, reaching for his phone as he spoke. "I have a few pack numbers that are not too far from here either. I can see if they have it."

 

"Yeah... Yeah, that sounds like a plan," Clifton nods his head, before pulling out his van keys while pointing to Nathan G. "Go see if they have the tea we need. You can take the van." 

Nathan watched as Clifton threw the keys at him causing him to swiftly catch them in mid-air giving Clifton a nod as he stood up and headed for the door. "On it. I won't be too long."

 

"I'll make a few calls," Declan began searching through his phone for pack members' contacts while Nathan G walked out the door closing the door behind him. Once he found a number he dialed the phone button and began to call bringing the phone to his ear as he headed for the kitchen to have a quiet place to focus looking at Viago with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Vi. We'll get him what he needs."

 

Viago gave him a nod and a small hopeful smile but it fell when Declan left the room. He then turned to Stu who had been quiet for a while frowning when he noticed the sad look that still lingered in his eyes. He slowly reached for Stu, resting a hand on his shoulder watching as he slowly looked at him. "It's okay Stu. Anton didn't mean to snap at you."

 

"I know," Stu agreed in a whisper, leaning forward as he spoke. "I just feel bad for him. He didn't deserve it."

 

"It's my fault this happened," Dion began as he closed his book a look of guilt on his features as the others turned to him. "I shouldn't have suggested that cafe. It was stupid of me to suggest it in the first place-."

 

"Hey, Dion don't say that mate," Clifton protested, causing Dion to fall silent. "You didn't know that the owner was a bitc-."

 

"Ah, Swearwolf!" Viago interrupted pointing at Clifton whose eyes went wide.

 

"I mean, a rude person," He corrected looking at Viago who gave him a thumbs up before looking back at Dion. "You couldn't have known she would have poisoned Anton."

 

"Yeah and on the bright side, you wouldn't have been able to meet Miss Opal." Nathan M added trying to cheer Dion up a bit.

 

Dion just frowned at that, clutching his book tightly as he looked at the ground. "Something tells me I won't be able to see her again."

 

"Yeah we don't know if she was in on it or not," Clifton grumbled, crossing his arms as a scowl formed on his face.

 

"Oh come on Clif. That's not fair." Nathan M frowned.

 

"Yeah, she didn't seem like she was in on it," Dion added, looking up at Clifton.

 

"Well she was the one that made the drinks," Clifton argued, looking at the two werewolves. "She had to have been the one to add it in there."

 

"From what you've told me, she might have been tricked, Clifton," Viago added, watching as Clifton's features softened slightly at that. 

 

Clifton went to speak but the sound of something crashing upstairs caused him and the others to jump, looking toward the steps in worry. He was able to hear Anton let out another yell in agony this sounding worse than before. He then heard the sound of light tapping next to him turning over to see Viago hugging himself trembling causing him to frown.

 

Viago squinted his eyes shut, trying to shut out the sound of pain Anton was making but once he heard him choke out a sob from all the way where he was sitting he broke. He had enough, shaking his head as he stood up causing the others to pause. "That's it. I can't stand this any longer. I need to see him!" He snapped, snatching the bag of items he got for Anton off the table and heading for the steps.

 

"Whoa wait Vi, you heard Dion," Clifton quickly got up and stood in front of Viago who let out a huff of annoyance, glaring at the werewolf as he stomped his foot. "He can't control his emotions right now. He could lash out the moment he sees you."

 

"I'm willing to take that risk," Viago said sternly looking at Clifton with a look of resolve. "He's up there suffering alone and it's killing me to just sit here and do nothing!"

 

"But Vi," Clifton tried with a sigh resting his hands on his shoulders, feeling as he tried to lightly shove them away. "I can't let you go up there. He wants us to stay away. He could seriously hurt you-,"

 

"What if he won't hurt him?"

 

Viago blinked as he and Clifton turned toward Stu who was looking at them both.

 

"We know that he's lashing out at everyone, even his pack members but what if he was around his mate?" Stu began watching as Viago's features softened. "The wolf sees Viago as his mate as well. So if Viago was with him, it might bring a sense of calmness for the wolf."

 

"Stu has a point," Dion chimed in, holding up on finger as he spoke. "Werewolves tend to be a whole lot calmer as long as their mates are near them so maybe Anton would be a lot more chill with Viago near him."

 

Clifton wanted to protest and tell them that Anton gave them an order but when the vampire turned to him, looking at him with those big dark eyes he couldn't seem to argue, his features softening at the pleading look in his eyes.

 

"Please, Clif," Viago whispered, reaching out and resting a hand on his arm. "I need to see him. I can't just let him suffer alone."

 

The werewolf in question let out a sigh, tilting his head back toward the ceiling for a second before looking back at Viago who was waiting for his answer. "I know you can't," He whispered, stepping out of the way watching as the vampire's face slightly beamed at that. He then motioned for the steps. "Go to him. But if something happens don't hesitate to call to us for help."

 

"Thank you, Clifton." Viago smiled, clutching his bag close before heading up the steps.

 

Clifton gave him a small smile in return but it fell when Viago went up the steps. He was looking down at the ground with a furrowed brow, lost in thought he didn't notice Stu stand up until he was resting a hand on his shoulder causing him to jump looking up in question. Stu was giving him a small smile and squeezing his shoulder in reassurance. He just let out a sigh at this, reaching up to hold onto Stu's arm. "I hope this was the right call."

 

"Something tells me it was," Stu whispered patting Clifton on the back before looking up at the steps where Viago had disappeared.

 

...

 

Anton was in absolute agony. He was unable to lay down, the sheets on the bed feeling like fire scorching his skin and his bones felt like they were splintering every time he tried to lay down. So now he was staggering around the room, grabbing a fistful of hair when a wave of pain shot through his spine and slammed into his skull causing him to yelp, lose his footing, and trip forward catching himself on his desk causing things to fall off the wood surfaces. His claws were out and digging through the wood leaving giant ugly claw marks in its wake. He tried to suppress a wolf-like whine that threatened to leave his throat, not wanting his pack to hear him in pain, knowing they were scared enough as it was. And deep down he had the sickening feeling that they were scared of him. 

 

He couldn't shake the look of fear in Stu's eyes when he snapped at him in the van, the wolf far too angry and in too much pain to care, and its emotions rubbing off on him. Anton tried everything to hold to wolf back but the sound of the others talking and feeling them touch his scorching skin became too much. But now Anton was feeling a different kind of pain for scaring Stu and for hurting Clifton the way he did.

 

The scene of him hurting Clifton played over and over in his mind like a broken record. He remembered how he pulled away from his pack members' grasps trying to make his way to the seclusion of his room where the wolf couldn't scare anyone else. He remembered how Clifton tried to protest, wanting him to stay downstairs. He knew that they wanted to keep an eye on him, wanting to be there for him but was too agitated and he couldn't think straight with how much pain he was in. So when he felt Clifton grab his shoulder he was too late to keep his emotion in check when he lashed out and clawed at him, getting him in the arm. The look of hurt and terror in his best friend hurt Anton and it broke his heart that he was the cause of it.

 

Anton let out a whine as his eyes became glassy, wanting so badly to go downstairs and apologize to Stu for scaring him and to Clifton for hurting him, but he couldn't. He was in too much pain and the wolf was just below the surface. It was just skin deep, able to feel its hot breath on the back of his neck, begging to be let out and relieved of this agonizing pain. Anton couldn't blame the wolf. He wanted the pain to stop as well. He wanted to be with his pack... He wanted to be with Viago. But he knows that's too dangerous right now, so he has to be in here alone away from any loved one that he could hurt. He leaned his body weight on the dresser in front of him, his skin feeling tight and clammy and his joints aching, wanting to shift which caused him to tremble. 

 

All this pain was just because of some witch's grudge against him for something that wasn't his fault. He didn't want to be just some guard dog for a coven that would treat him less than nothing, that would insult his pack right in front of him and he was paying the price for it. He felt a growl begin to bubble out of his throat as the wolf's anger grew stronger at the thought of Hazel and what she had done. The wolf wanted to track her down, wanting to wrap its teeth around her throat and-.

 

Anton quickly squints his eyes shut, as he counts to ten in his head, trying to calm the wolf. He knew that if he let his emotions get the best of him it wouldn't be long before the wolf could take over and cause him to transform. He slowly breathed in and out feeling his claws begin to retract. Anton just needed to keep the wolf at bay until the effects of wolfsbane passed. At least he felt a little at ease knowing that his pack was away from him and that Viago was safe and sound at home where he couldn't-.

 

"Anton?"

 

Anton's eyes shot open as the sound of a soft German voice filled his ears, making his boiling blood somehow run cold. He shakly lifted his body off the dresser and swiftly turned his head toward the door still clutching the dresser for support, praying that he was just hearing things. But to his horror there Viago stood in his doorway, clutching a bag as he looked at him in worry.

 

"V-Vi?" He croaked out, his heart rate beginning to spike at the sight of his lover who was only ten feet away from him... which was far too close. "What-What are you doing here?! I thought I told you that-."

 

"I was worried about you," Viago began taking a cautious step forward only to pause when Anton's eyes grew wide, backing into the dresser. He frowned as Anton was visibly trembling from both the pain and the fear of Viago being here, able to hear his heart rate rising. "I wanted to bring you some items to help you feel better."

 

"Vi you-you shouldn't be here I-," Anton stifled a whimper as his legs began to ache as he tried to back away. "It's not just a regular sickness it-."

 

"I know," Viago interrupted watching as Anton's eyes grew wide at that, looking the vampire up and down. "The others told me what happened... That you were poisoned with wolfsbane. I-."

 

"Then you should know why you need to stay away," The alpha werewolf said a little harshly, trying to ignore to hurt in Viago's eyes as he spoke. "A werewolf that consumed wolfsbane is dangerous that's why I'm up here away from the others... So-So you need to leave now."

 

"Ant, I'm not leaving you like this," Viago said stubbornly, taking a few more steps forward ignoring the look of worry on Anton's features. "The pack and I want to help. They think they found a way to-."

 

"The only way you can help is if you're far away from me!" Anton interrupted, able to feel his agitation begin to grow, which frightened him, needing to get Viago to leave immediately. "I need to ride this out and I can't do that knowing you're here close enough for me to hurt. So you need to leave or-,"

 

Suddenly Anton let out a yelp, trying to stifle another yell as he felt another wave of pain shoot through him causing him to turn away from Viago clutching the desk once more. This pain came with a pounding headache his skull feeling like it was being stabbed by hot daggers.

 

"Anton?" The werewolf heard Viago ask, able to hear worry in his voice but when he heard the sound of the vampire's steps coming closer he felt his annoyance turn to anger. This ugly visceral feeling of anger he had never felt before the longer his brain pounded against his skull. "Anton, what's happening?" Viago's voice was quiet but it felt like it was booming against his eardrums only angering the wolf more. He felt a growl seep through his gritted teeth that were now sharpening. His watering eyes opened to look down able to see his claws grow out once more, piercing through the desk. He grits his teeth trying to calm his nerves before he lashes out. He needed to calm down, he needed to get Viago away before he lost control.

 

"Anton," Viago began halfway across the room, reaching for Anton frowning at how tense he looked. "Please talk to me-,"

 

"You need to go now Viago," Anton growled clutching the edges of the desk tightly, causing it to crack from the strain.

 

"I'm not leaving you like-," Viago froze, stopping in his tracks when he heard a growl boom from Anton, his eyes going wide when he saw fur sprout on the back of Anton's neck before standing on end his head lowered as he growled. "Ant?"

 

"I won't tell you again," Anton growled quite literally his eyes flickering from brown to yellow as he felt the wolf trying to take over. He needed to calm down, it was just his love Viago, he needed to calm down before-. "Leave Viago."

 

"But-," Viago frowned taking a step forward while reaching for Anton the floor creaking under the rug causing Anton to still. "Anton-."

 

Suddenly a snarl wracked through Anton's throat as the wolf's anger took hold, grabbing the sides of the desk, picking it up off the ground with minimal effort, and throwing it to the side, causing it to land on the side breaking on impact. He then glared at Viago with a growl, his now golden eyes boring into Viago's, who backed away with a look of fear.

 

'Stop,' Anton's rational thought rang through his head as he looked at Viago, his heart breaking at the sight of the look of fear in his eyes... A fear caused by him. 'I need to stop... please calm down, calm down, you're scaring him. Vi, please I need you to go. Get somewhere safe. Safe from me, I need-'

 

"I NEED YOU TO LEAVE!" The wolf's anger got the best of Anton, his rational thoughts fading as he growled at Viago, beginning to storm forward watching as Viago began to back up, clutching the back tightly. "YOU ARE NOT SAFE NEAR ME! WHY CAN'T THAT GO THROUGH YOUR HEAD! I COULD TEAR YOU APART ANY SECOND! I'M A TICKING FUCKING TIME BOMB WAITING TO HAPPEN, SO YOU CAN'T BE HERE! YOU NEED TO GET OUT OUR I-!"

 

Anton fell silent when another pounding headache cracked through his skull causing him to clutch his head. He staggered backwards squinting his eyes shut as he pulled at his hair, praying for the pain to pass. But even though he was in excruciating pain, it was enough to push the wolf back to let Anton's rational side return, taking that moment to breathe in and out. He needed to calm down, apologize to Viago, and beg him to stay away, just until the wolfsbane was out of his system. Once the pain in his head subsided his now brown eyes fluttered open, shaking the blurriness away. 

 

"Viago," He began in a calmer voice shaking the blurriness from his eyes as he spoke. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-."

 

Anton fell silent as he looked ahead, seeing an empty spot where Viago should be. His eyes went wide looking around the room about to call for him but he froze when he looked to see some items on the ground. 

 

It was the bag that Viago was holding, now on the ground with its contents falling out, his features softening at looking at the items. The bag was filled with medicine and his favorite jerky snacks and chocolates. But his eyes grew wide when he saw a little bat plushie, that Viago had gotten him a long time ago when he was away doing a mission for the vampiric council, giving it to him to hold close when he missed him. He began to tremble slowly looking up to see his bedroom door cracked open, knowing that Viago closed it when he walked in which meant

 

'Did... Did he leave?'

 

"Vi?" Anton's voice broke as his eyes began to water, his heart sinking into the pit of his stomach as he shook his head, trying to take a step forward. "Viago wait I-,"

 

However, pain shot through Anton's legs causing him to yelp, falling to his hands and knees suddenly too weak to walk. The werewolf stared at the floor below him his wide eyes landing on the plushie as his breathing began to quicken.

 

He ruined everything... His pack was scared of him. He scared Viago away... He hated him for yelling at him.

 

... He's afraid of him.

 

Anton's lip began to wobble as his chin trembled, his eyes filling with tears and falling to the carpet as a sob wracked through him. He reached for the plushie with a trembling hand taking it into his grasp before holding it close to his face. The smell of jasmine filled his senses which made him sob harder. He didn't want this, he didn't want to snap at his pack or snap at Stu, he didn't want to hurt Clifton and he certainly didn't want to scare Viago away. But despite his protests, he did it anyway, unable to control the wolf inside of him that was losing control by the second. Hazel was right, he was a brute. A ticking time bomb of destruction waiting to happen. A fucking monster. 

 

He didn't deserve good things. He didn't deserve his pack. He didn't deserve-.

 

"Alrighty I'm back."

 

Anton's watery eyes snapped open, looking up to see someone closing the door behind them, his features softening when he saw-.

 

"V-Vi?" He whispered, looking from his eyes to his arms seeing that he was holding multiple ice packs.

 

"I knew you needed a second to calm your nerves, so I went downstairs to grab these ice packs," Viago began rather snippy failing to notice as more tears began to leak from Anton's eyes. "Dion said your skin must feel like it's on fire."

 

"...Vi-."

 

"Look I know what you're going to say but I'm not hearing it," Viago sighed, counting the ice packs over as he spoke. "Like it or not I am staying. So you can get cranky and growly all you want. But a little bark and no bite isn't going to scare me OOF-," He fell silent when he felt force ram into his waist causing him to stumble back a bit. He blinked looking down about to speak but his words died in his throat as his features softened. "... Off."

 

Anton was hugging Viago's waist tightly, hiding his face into the vampire's stomach, still clutching the stuffed bat tightly in one of his hands. Viago's features softened as he felt Anton's shoulders shake as muffled sobs escaped him hugging his lover tighter in his grasp, almost like if he were to let go, Viago would vanish into thin air (Which he could as mist but he wouldn't do that right now). He hovered one of his free hands over Anton frowning as he tilted his head. "... Anton?" He tried, resting a tentative hand on his shoulder. He watched as Anton pulled away slightly to look up at him and his heart broke at what he saw. 

 

Anton's eyes were bloodshot red as tears leaked from his eyes and down his face, sniffling as he looked at Viago. "Vi, I'm so sorry," He began in a trembling voice. "I didn't mean to yell at you. I'm in so much pain and the wolf is trying to break through every second and I just snapped," Anton then let out a shaky sigh shaking his head as more tears streamed down his face. "But that's no excuse. I shouldn't have yelled. I know I said I wanted you to leave but I lied. I want you to stay. I need you to stay. I can't do this without you, please." Anton then felt his arms going weak causing him to let go of Viago's waist, now clutching Viago's pant leg as he tried to keep himself upright as he began to beg. "Please don't leave me. I don't want you to be afraid of me please."

 

"Oh Liebling," Viago began in a hushed whisper, watching as Anton looked up at him in worry. But he just gave him a sad smile as he slowly crouched down in front of Anton reaching up and resting a hand on the side of his face, watching as Anton's eyes grew wide before fluttering slightly, leaning into his ice-cold hand. "I'm not afraid, love. You didn't scare me off. And even if I was afraid, I still wouldn't leave you to deal with this alone," He then brushed his thumb across his cheek, wiping a falling tear as he did so. "I'm gonna be right by your side until the wolfsbane leaves your system."

 

Anton's eyes squint as more tears leak from them. A choked sob left his lip as he fell forward, the side of his head landing on Viago's chest. He felt as the vampire dropped the ice pack and shifted to sit down before pulling Anton's body close letting him rest into him. He then rested his head on Viago's shoulder, hiding his face into his neck as he felt the vampire begin to run his cold fingers through his hair, Viago's ice-cold body beginning to soothe his burning skin.

 

"It's okay silly wolf," Viago reassured as combed his fingers through Anton's red hair, placing a kiss on the side of his temple. "I'm here for you. We're all here for you."

 

Anton only sobbed harder at that, hiding further into Viago's neck. His guilt only grew at hearing that, knowing that Viago and his pack would do anything to help, even if he was hurting them in the process.

 

"What's wrong love," Viago whispered, always knowing what he was feeling. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

 

"I don't deserve them," He whimpered as he pulled away, more tears leaking into his eyes as he looked at a frowning Viago. "I don't deserve you."

 

"Now why would you say that?" The vampire asked, looking down at the werewolf in worry, petting his head lightly to soothe him.

 

"I snapped at Stu and hurt Clifton," Anton answered, his eyes full of regret and pain. "I scared you-,"

 

"Oh hush my silly wolf, I told you I'm not afraid and Clifton and Stu know you didn't mean it," Viago whispered as he pulled Anton close, letting him rest in his lap hating how much he was trembling, knowing that he must have been exhausted from all the pain and on top holding a transformation back. "You deserve to be surrounded by loved ones in your time of need."

Viago felt another sob escape Anton hiding in his chest. He held the werewolf close whispering words of reassurance into his ear as he did so. The vampire really wanted to move Anton to the bed where he could be more comfortable but he was willing to wait a few minutes to offer his comfort until Anton calmed down.

[huffego]

Wolfsbane: Part 2

Tw: Blood, spiked drink but it's wolfsbane

Part 1

Part 3

Earlier that day. 

 

Anton and his pack were taking a stroll on the streets of Wellington that early afternoon. He was out to book a reservation for himself and Viago that night at a fancy restaurant that just so happened to serve supernaturals, thinking it would be perfect for the both of them to go on a date night to give Viago accommodations since he only drank blood. While he was at it, he thought it was a good idea to bring the boys just so they could blow off a little steam before he went out tonight, Stu agreed to keep an eye on them while he was with Viago, knowing they got pretty restless without him there but they were pretty well behaved when Stu was watching them. So here they were, taking the day for themselves deciding to take them to the park early that morning to go for a little run. After they walked around town looking in all the tiny shops that looked the most interesting to them. Anton even found a vintage tan waistcoat with gold lining in this cool antique shop, thinking it the perfect gift for Viago. 

 

After a few hours of shopping, they all were starting to get a little hungry so they took a moment to decide where to eat. That's where Dion had suggested this new cafe that he heard was witch-owned by others, thinking it would be a good place to grab a bite and something to drink and it just so happened to be not too far from where they were. Only a five-minute walk from their van where they parked. Convinced, Anton rounded them up and started heading that way, getting directions from Dion as they walked.

 

Just like Dion said, they made it there within five minutes where the cafe stood in the middle of a few other shops, able to see in the window that there weren't too many people in there meaning it wasn't very busy at the moment. They were right in front of the cafe's steps, Anton looking up at the sign and seeing a big cat with a witch hat on reading the big cursive letters right next to it.

 

"Witch Hazel's cafe," He hummed, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his windbreaker jacket as he arched an eyebrow at the sign before turning to Dion who smiled at him while nodding. "Not very subtle of them, don't you think?"

 

"Oh come on Ant," Dion chuckled, nudging Anton on his shoulder while motioning to a few humans walking out of the cafe with coffee cups in their hands. "No human suspects anything. They probably think it's just a cool name for a cafe."

 

"I mean I guess," Anton shrugged, squinting his eyes at the sign, reading the name over once more. "The name sounds familiar but I can't place it."

 

Dion looked from Anton to the sign. "I mean, it should sound familiar," He began as he looked back at Anton who was still studying the sign. "It's the name of the plant-."

 

"I know it's a plant Dion," Anton huffed as he looked at the werewolf who just shrugged. He let out a sigh as he looked back at the sign. "I feel like I've heard of that name Hazel before."

 

"Oooh, I can smell the chocolate and cream Eclairs from here," Declan sighed, causing Anton to grin. He then turned to the alpha werewolf, almost beaming with excitement. "So we eating here then?"

 

"I don't see why not," Anton shrugged before turning to the others who looked just as excited as Declan and Dion, pointing at them with a stern glare. "But you all better be on your best behavior in here. I don't want another coven being cross with us and cursing our pack. Clifton, I'm looking at you," He then pointed to Clifton whose eyes grew wide with shock pointing to himself in question. He then pointed to Stu who paused looking around before looking back at him. "Stu, you're good. You're the most well-behaved out of all of us."

 

"Wha- I'm well-behaved!" Clifton snapped. However, he turned to the others who were staring boredly at him. "What? I am!"

 

"Clif you got the whole pack cursed with the last coven we encountered," Dion argued, receiving a nod of agreement from the others. 

 

"They started it!" Clifton exclaimed motioning behind himself as if the coven was there now. "And all I said was that it was weird that they used seaman to make them look young! How was I supposed to know that would make them-!"

 

"Alright alright, enough!" Anton interrupted clapping his hands together to get their attention. Once he got their attention he let out a sigh looking between each pack member (besides Stu because what he said about him still stands, he's the best). "Just... Behave, please." He eyed every pack member watching as they gave him a nod. He ignored how Clifton was grumbling but nodded all the same. 

 

"Good," Anton began as he pointed behind himself with his thumb. "Let's go." He then watched as they all began to enter the building, following close behind. However, Stu paused right next to him watching as the others walked in before turning to Anton who just grinned. He gave the youngest werewolf a nudge on the shoulder receiving a chuckle from him before motioning to the doors of the cafe. "Come on. Let's get in there before they fully wreck the place."

 

So both of them walked up the steps, Stu opening the door for both of them as they walked in, receiving a thankful nod from the other before pausing to take in the room. It was a cozy little cafe, the back wall having a counter where the cashier stood taking orders and to the side of them were long glass display cases, showing off all of the yummy-looking pastries that Declan was smelling from outside. There were a couple of round tables in the middle of the room but only one table in the middle was occupied by two customers who were eating their pastries, drinking their coffee, and lightly chatting with each other. He then looked back to the display case letting out a sigh when he saw his pack members crowding the area looking at all the pastries they wanted. 

 

They were all talking over each other, naming off all the things they wanted to get or asking each other which one was the best option. Anton noticed that there was a woman with long curly hair that was dark ginger, almost the same red as his own when he was younger on the other side of the bar behind the cash register, able to tell she was the barista/cashier. He was worried that their rambling was bothering her but he was relieved to see an amused smile on her face as she watched the others.

 

"Man they all look so good," Nathan M said looking between the doughnuts and cake pops. "I can't decide."

 

"I already know what I want," Declan grinned, looking directly at the Eclairs on the top shelf of the display case. "Those eclairs are calling to me."

 

"Yeah, those are our most popular," The woman began looking from the eclairs to Declan. "Most buy the chocolate with cream filling but the ones with strawberry filling are my favorite."

 

"Well, I'll get one of each then." Declan smiled pulling out his wallet.

 

"Put your wallet away, Declan," Anton said as he walked up, causing the others to pause, looking at him in confusion. "It's my treat."

 

"Aw, Ant come on man." Declan began sincerely still holding his wallet in his hand.

 

"You don't have to buy for us mate," Clifton added causing the others to nod in agreement.

 

"I want to," Anton shrugged, reaching for his wallet. "You've all been on your best behavior today and deserve a treat."

 

"Hey, cheers mate," Stu whispered, patting Anton on the shoulder.

 

"Well, aren't you a good friend," The cashier began smiling at Anton who just lowered his head.

 

"It's nothing," Anton just shrugged, pulling out his card as he spoke. "I'm just looking out for my pac- Friends!" His eyes went wide. "Friends I mean I-," He fell silent, looking at the cashier whose features softened, looking Anton up and down before her eyes grew wide causing him to squint his own in frustration.

 

"Wait are you-," She paused, eyeing the other customers watching as the last two began to walk out the front door before she leaned in, looking back at Anton as she whispered. "Are you werewolves?"

 

Anton let out a sigh clutching his wallet and mentally cursing himself for making such a slip. He was usually very careful. If any other person would have asked that he would have scoffed and lied, saying no but since the place was run by supernaturals, he's going out on a limb and assuming that this is a safe space. "Y...Yeah, we are."

 

"Whoa," She whispered, looking from Anton to the others her smile returning a lot wider. "That's so cool! I've never met a pack of werewolves before!"

 

"Ah," Anton awkwardly grinned reaching to rub the back of his head as he spoke. "I uh, take it you're a witch then?"

 

"You are correct," She lightly giggled clutching both sides of the cash register. "Just recently found out I was one on my mother's side and I just joined this coven/cafe recently. So I'm new to this whole supernatural thing, I haven't met that many creatures of the night just yet. I've only met witches and a couple of vampires. But werewolves! wow!" She exclaimed motioning to Anton in excitement before resting her hands on the countertop. "I have so many questions! Do you change every full moon? Can you change on command?" Then her smile fell as she looked at Declan. "Wait you guys can eat chocolate right?" She then looked at Anton while pointing to Declan. "I just suggested Chocolate Eclairs to him, it won't hurt you like a dog, right?" Then her eyes went wide as she gasped holding up a hand nervously. "Wait! I'm sorry, is comparing you to dogs insensitive? I didn't mean to offend!"

 

Anton only smiled at her enthusiasm at wanting to know more about them shaking his head in amusment. Usually, other supernaturals were pretty judgmental of werewolves and tended to treat them poorly. So this was a breath of fresh air to him. Plus he liked her a lot already, she seemed to have this bubbly personality that reminded him a lot of himself when he was younger. "Nah you're fine. We can eat chocolate don't worry." 

 

"Oh, Oh good," She sighed with relief, a nervous smile forming on her face. "Good because didn't want to give your boys something that could make them sick ya know? It's like giving someone with a peanut allergy a peanut butter muffin which I almost did about a week ago on my first day and today a woman asked for no dairy because she was lactose intolerant and got chewed out and-," She suddenly paused, shaking her head and squinting her eyes. "Sorry, I tend to ramble. Bad habit of mine my boss says," She then placed herself in front of the cash register her hand hovering over the iPad connected to it. "I'm ready to take you guys' orders."

 

"You're alright," Anton chuckled before looking to the others who were still talking to each other about what they wanted. "Pick out what pastries and coffee you want boys."

 

"Oh! do you have any vegan options?" Declan suddenly asked getting the cashier's attention. 

 

"Yeah, this guy right here is vegan." Clifton grabbed Stu by the shoulders giving a light shake, causing the latter to grin.

 

"She said they do mate," Anton sighed, knowing that they were not paying attention to their conversation at all.

 

She just smiled before turning to Clifton and Declan "Yes we got quite a few options. Everything is on the menu right behind me if you'd like to browse."

 

"Cheers," Anton nods his head before looking up at the menu as well. "Now whose going first?"

 

After a long wait of going through everyone's orders, and others making last-minute changes, it was finally Anton's turn who had his order. After looking at it while the others ordered, he quickly figured out what he wanted. "And I'll just have a hot pumpkin spice latte, please."

 

"Ah good choice," She smiled putting in the order. "Will that be all?"

 

"Yes, I think that's everything. Uh Oh-," Anton quickly said causing the cashier to pause. "Sorry, do you have any uh," He looked around making sure that the place was still empty. Once he was sure it was empty he turned back to her, leaning in. "Food options for vampires?"

 

"Oh yes we do," She answered, pulling out what looked to be a secret menu with blood options, sliding it toward him. "There are many flavor options of donors that had drunk coffee plus blood type. Though AB Negative is out of order right now. You know how it is." She ended with a chuckle.

 

"Yeah I do," Anton grinned, looking the options over before pointing to the one he wanted. "I'll take a blood bag of Mocha with Hazelnut.  B positive, please."

 

"You got it," She then began to punch in the order. "If you don't mind me asking, are you getting this for a vampire who can't come out right now?"

 

"I am," Anton grinned pulling out his card from his wallet. "It's for my boyfriend when I see him later."

 

"Aww, that's sweet," The cashier whispered smiling when Anton lowered his head bashfully. "What's his name?"

 

"His name is Viago," Anton then pulled out his phone turning it on, before facing the phone toward her, showing her a picture of him sitting next to Viago who was in his usual Victorian attire, setting that as his lock screen, always ready to show him off to strangers if the topic is brought up. "This is him right here."

 

"Well, isn't he fancy?" She said with a smile looking from the phone to Anton. "You two look adorable."

 

"Well, thank you," Anton couldn't help but get red in the face at the comment as he put his phone away. "He would like this place."

 

"Well, we're open at night as well, so feel free to bring him here at any time," She offered. "I'd love to meet him. I got a ton of questions about vampires also but not as much as I do about werewolves."

 

"Well if you want a history lesson on werewolves," Anton grinned before grabbing Dion by the shoulders and pulling him toward the counter, keeping both hands on the confused werewolf's shoulders as he spoke. "Dion here knows a ton of facts about them."

 

The cashier looked from Anton to Dion, her eyes lighting up slightly as her smile grew wider. "Really?"

 

"Uh," Dion's eyes grew a little wide as well as he cleared his throat, straightening his jacket before stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Y-Yeah, I do uh, and other facts about... pretty much anything as well."

 

She just smiled at that before looking down, noticing a pin sticking out on his jacket causing her eyes to light up with excitement. "Oh, I love your Tartarus pin!"

 

"Oh?" Dion blinked, looking from her to his pin that he had forgotten about before looking back at her with a smile. "Thank you. You like Dr. Who as well?"

 

"One of my favorite shows," She answered resting her hands on the counter and leaning forward as she spoke. "Whose your favorite Doctor?"

 

"The tenth, easy."

 

"Mine too!" She exclaimed, lightly hopping with excitement. 

 

The other pack members looked between her and Dion, all of them looking confused except for Anton who just grinned at the two fangirling slightly. 

 

"And I uh, like your glasses chain." Dion complemented, pointing toward her glasses.

 

She blinked before smiling bashfully at the comment, reaching up for her glasses chain that had two little flowers hanging off the end of her round glasses. "Oh thank you. I had these silly things for a bit."

 

"They're pretty-," Dion smiled but his eyes went wide when the cashier paused causing him to continue with a cough. "Good! uh, they look pretty good on you."

 

"Oh, stop," She giggled as she lowered her hand back on the counter. "Yeah, I got them because I keep losing my glasses. So I thought the chain can help me keep track of them you know?"

 

"I get that. I've lost these dozens of times," Dion then took off his glasses looking at them for a second before smiling at her. "Might have to get me a chain as well."

 

They both let out a small chuckle at that, failing to notice the growing smiles on the others' faces the longer they watched the interaction. 

 

"I think you could definitely pull them off." She grinned, watching as Dion lowered his head nervously. She stared him up and down with a smile but she did pause however when she noticed the other pack members staring at her which made her remember that she was on the clock causing her eyes to go wide before typing away on the iPad in front of her. "Oh shoot! Sorry, let me finish your transaction."

 

"You're alright," Anton reassured her, nudging Dion on the shoulder, grinning at the confused look on his face. 

 

"Okay, you're total will be-."

 

"Miss Opal," A woman suddenly interjected rather harshly, walking out of a doorway next to the counter that looked to be the back room, looking at the cashier known as Miss Opal with an annoyed expression. "I thought I told you to empty the-."

 

Anton froze when he looked at the woman's face, his smile falling completely when he reactionized her. She looked directly at him, stopping right at the door entrance and going silent as she looked at him with equal shock. His face hardened into a scowl as he felt a growl begin to bubble out of his throat. "Fuck me," He whispered to himself, receiving shocked glances from his pack.

 

The woman's shocked expression returned to an annoyed glare once more, only this time it was directed toward the alpha werewolf. She proceeded to cross her arms looking Anton up and down. "Anton," She finally said, her voice laced with obvious disgust.

 

"Hazel." He said back with equal disgust now clutching his wallet pretty tightly.

 

The pack members looked between the two in shock and slight confusion, Clifton being the one to voice it as he walked up to Anton placing a hand on his shoulder before looking at the witch he called Hazel. "You know this lady?"

 

"She was the lady I was seeing on a blind date for supernaturals before Vi and I got together," Anton answered, his eyes never leaving Hazel as he crossed his arms. "I knew the cafe sign sounded familiar."

 

"Yes, he's right. We met on a blind date thing a few years back," She concurred placing her hands on her hips before looking Anton up and down once more. "And I must say my experience with you was for the lack of a better term. A god awful experience considering you were choleric the whole evening."

 

"You didn't even want to meet me for the date!" Anton snapped as he uncrossed his hands, trying to walk forward but Clifton had a hold of his shoulders. "You weren't even interested in getting to know me! You only went on the date to ask me questions about being a werewolf just so you could make me a guard dog for your coven!"

 

"I only did that because I could never get a pack's attention!" She snapped, waving her hand up in the air. "It was the only way I could get a werewolf to listen. They would either try to kill me or rather rudely turn me down!" 

 

"Gee, I wonder why." Anton snarked wiggling his head slightly as he spoke, causing Clifton to stifle a smirk.

 

"Now I don't need werewolves," She shrugged, crossing her arms as she glared at the pack before her. "You and your pack of mutts wouldn't be good guard dogs anyway."

 

"You leave my pack out of this!" Anton snapped as he pointed at her his eyes glowing bright gold as Stu joined Clifton in holding him back. "You do not get to call them names when they've done nothing wrong! And we're much more than a bunch of guard dogs! We are people too!"

 

"Hardly," She scoffed, looking down at his form with a grin. "You're a furry timebomb of destruction waiting to happen. Can't even control your human form with that temper."

 

Anton stopped trying to pull from Stu and Clifton, looking at her in confusion before looking down to see fur begin to sprout on the top of his hands and his claws begin to sharpen. His features softened, slowly turning to Miss Opal who was looking at him in shock, making him feel guilty. Not wanting to frighten her and cause a scene he took in a deep breath closing his golden eyes to calm himself. As he was breathing in, he felt Stu and Clifton let go of his shoulders, both knowing that he was soothing himself. Once he was calmer, he opened his now hazel brown eyes looking at Hazel.

 

"Look," He began watching as she just glared at him. "What happened is now in the past. We aren't here to cause trouble. All we want is to order some drinks and food here and once we're done, we can get out of your hair, okay? I got to feed my pack and we already put our order in."

 

Hazel scoffed as she glared at him in disdain, about to send Anton and his pack on their way and refuse service but she paused, looking from her to the cashier, who was looking between her and the pack in shock and waiting to see what happens. A small eerie smile formed on her as she looked back at Anton, shrugging as she spoke. "You know what, you're right," She began, watching as Anton blinked in surprise. "No need to get riled up over something that happened a few years ago. Let by gones be by gones. You and your pack can sit at our big table and enjoy what you order. And to show there is no ill will, it's all on me. Free of charge."

 

"Really?" Anton asked with an arched eyebrow, looking from her to his pack who just gave him a shrug, before turning back to her. "You sure? Because I can pay-."

 

"Oh hush, I insist," She grinned looking at Miss Opal who also looked surprised at this.  "It's the least I could do after saying some rather awful things to you and your pack." 

 

"Well uh," Anton looked between the others then back at her, placing his card in his wallet and back in his pocket. "...Thanks." 

 

"My pleasure, now go to your tables and we'll get everything for you made shortly." She watched as they all hesitated, before heading for the table. Her eyes never left Anton as he took a seat with the others his back turned to her so he couldn't see the growing scowl on her face. She then walked behind the counter where Miss Opal was beginning to make the drinks. 

 

"Miss Opal a word?" Hazel questioned watching as she paused looking up at her mid making a drink, waiting for her to speak. She just grinned at her, pulling out a pouch of purple dust. "You see this powder? It's crushed up Wolfsbane. I want you to put this in all of the drinks."

 

"Wolfsbane?" She questioned looking from the powder to Hazel who gave her a nod. "Why?"

 

"Policy dear," She grinned, motioning to the werewolves sitting down. "It's a sort of powerup for werewolves. Regular coffee won't give them enough energy so they need a little perk."

 

Miss Opal looked from the bag to the pack of werewolves, watching as Clifton snatched Dion's glasses trying to keep them out of his reach before Anton scolded him causing him to lower his head before returning the glasses. "Are you sure?" She questioned looking back at Hazel. 

 

"Trust me. You're new to this but I've been doing this for years. They'll need it dear." 

 

"Well," Miss Opal looked from her to the bag taking it from Hazel as she looked it over before meeting her eyes once more. "Okay then."

 

Hazel just smiled watching as Miss Opal went back to making the drinks before that sweet smile turned vile, looking back at the pack. Her eyes are still directly on Anton.

 

Anton sat quietly at the table, ignoring the others joking around and laughing as he was deep in thought. The alpha werewolf couldn't help but feel uneasy the longer he was there in that cafe. Hazel's sudden switch-up seemed very suspicious and he was starting to wonder if it was a good idea to eat here. He didn't want to keep his pack in such an unwelcoming environment but then again, he thought that she wouldn't publicly try anything to cause them any harm. That would be absurd and dangerous if there were any humans around. So maybe they were safe for now. 

 

"I can see the gears turning in your head so fast, theirs smoke coming out of your ears, Ant," Clifton began causing Anton to jump, pulling him out of his thoughts. "What's on your mind?"

 

Anton looked around the table noticing that the packs' eyes were on him, waiting for him to speak. He went tight lip before lowering his head, crossing his arms on the table, and resting his weight on his elbows. "It's nothing."

 

"Come Ant," Declan tried with a grin, watching as Anton looked up at him. "Talk it through, Mate."

 

The alpha werewolf watched as the others nodded their head in agreement, causing him to sigh. He knew they wouldn't let it go until he spoke his mind so he just clasped his hands together motioning behind himself. "I just can't help but feel a little uneasy. One second she was insulting us and now she's offering to pay for our meal? It feels fishy."

 

"Do you want us to leave?" Stu suggested, looking right at Anton. "We can eat somewhere else if you're having second thoughts."

 

"Oh I don't know," Anton sighed turning around to see Miss Opal preparing a large tray of pastries and drinks causing him to turn back around, motioning his head behind him as he spoke. "She's almost finished anyway and I don't want her to have to throw it away after spending time making it."

 

"Yeah, I'd feel really bad if we just up and left when she's halfway done." Dion frowned, watching as Miss Opal almost dropped one of their cups but catching it before it did so, her eyes wide with shock before letting out a sigh of relief. 

 

"So we're not leaving?" Declan questioned, looking at Anton. "It's your call boss."

 

"Nah, we can stay," Anton answered before letting out a sigh. "But I don't think we'll be coming back," He then looked over to Dion giving him a knowing grin. "So you better go get Miss Opal's number or give her your own before we leave."

 

"Wot?" Dion asked his eyes growing wide as he looked at Anton's big grin before looking at the others who began to snicker. "Why-why would I-?"

 

"Come on Dion," Clifton interrupted, nudging him in the shoulder. "It's fairly obvious that she liked you... And something tells me you like her~." He said in a sing-song voice grabbing Dion's shoulders and giving him a light shake. 

 

"Oh piss off," Dion scoffed, shrugging Clifton's hands off, causing the other to grin but he couldn't help but grin as well looking back at Miss Opal but his eyes grew wide when he saw her coming their way with a big tray. "Oh shit, guys she's coming. Act cool!" He whispered harshly, looking away and leaning back in his chair.

 

Anton only grinned, shaking his head before he turned around giving Miss Opal a grateful smile as she walked up. 

 

"Okay, boys," She grinned setting the tray down right in front of them. "Here's your orders, I hope you enjoy!"

 

"Thanks, sweety." Anton grinned, though his smile fell slightly. He sniffed when a weird smell began to fill the air,  only he couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from.

 

"It was my pleasure," She grinned but she awkwardly looked behind her to make sure that her boss wasn't listening then looked back at Anton who was now looking at her. "And I'm sorry about Hazel, I've never seen her react to customers like that."

 

"It's alright. It's not your fault," Anton reassured, before pulling out his wallet once more and reaching for a hundred-dollar bill. He then held it out to Miss Opal, who looked from him to the bill, her eyes going wide. "Here, this is for you."

 

"Oh!" She gasped, shaking her head. "Oh, I couldn't possibly-."

 

"Please," Anton interjected with a grin. "You've been nothing but accommodating. So take it. You deserve it."

 

She just smiled, taking the hundred dollars from him with a grateful nod. "You're too kind. But I take it you won't be coming back?"

 

"Afraid not," Anton sadly grinned before eyeing Hazel who had her back turned. "Don't feel like we'll be very welcomed next time."

 

"That's a shame. I think you and your pack are amazing to talk to," She sighed, before looking to Dion and giving him a huge smile, beginning to talk to him "And I really enjoyed talking to you as well."

 

Dion felt Clifton nudge his shoulder causing him to glare at him, but the werewolf ignored his glare, motioning to her with his head. So Dion just turned back to her with a smile. "You know uh, If I give you my number maybe- I don't know- We can talk more... Only if you'd like!" He added quickly, waving his hand nervously before turning to the others, who were giving him a thumbs up.

 

Miss Opal only smiled at that, pulling out a pin and a notepad from her apron. "I would like that," She said as she sat the pen and notepad down, sliding it toward a shocked Dion. "You can write it on here if you want."

 

Dion blinked at her in surprise, looking from her to the others once more, watching as they silently motioned for him to write his number down. He then looked at Anton, who gave him a grin before nodding his head. Taking that as permission, Dion looked back at the cashier with a lopsided grin, fixing his glasses before reaching for the pen and notepad. "Gladly," He whispered, before writing out his number for her. "Here it is. Text me anytime."

 

She just grinned at that, watching as he shakily wrote his number on the top of the notepad before setting the pen down on top of the paper and sliding it back toward her. Once it was in her reach, she grabbed the notepad and read the number over, a huge smile on her face before tucking it back in her apron pocket and giving Dion a sweet smile. "Can't wait," She said, watching as Dion's face turned red before lowering his eyes causing her to chuckle before turning to the others. "Enjoy your pastries, boys."

 

Anton gave her a nod before turning back to Dion who looked to be in shock. He smiled as the others began making cooing noises while patting Dion on the back and shoulder. However, that smell was back, causing him to frown slightly. He sniffed the air, beginning to look around for the scent anywhere else but it was only at their table. He then looked over at the casheir counter where Miss Opal began to clean up her station. He then noticed that Hazel was there and her eyes were directly on him. This made him feel pretty uneasy but before he could voice it, he heard the others laughing causing him to turn back to them blinking in surprise.

 

"Good job, Dion," Declan grinned ruffling the werewolf's head. "We knew you could do it." He then began scarfing down one of his eclairs, making a mess.

 

"Slow down, Declan." Anton scolded, holding both sides of his latte to warm his hands. "And stop teasing."

 

"Oh come on, it's just light ribbing," Clifton argued before grinning at Dion. "Plus we're proud of him."

 

"Well, I agree on that," Anton sighed as he lifted his drink,  looking at Dion whose features softened, causing him to grin. "We are pretty proud."

 

Dion couldn't help but feel touched by that giving Anton a warm smile before lowering his head. "Thanks, Ant."

 

Anton only gave him a nod, before bringing the coffee close to his mouth. Though he paused a minute, watching as the others began to eat their pastries, surprised that none of them touched their coffees yet. He then got the scent of pumpkin spice from his drink causing him to sigh though his brow furrowed when that weird smell returned. He was starting to wonder if it was just a fragrance that was used for the cafe so he just shrugged before bringing the coffee to his lips and taking a big drink of the hot liquid. However, his brow furrowed once more when the coffee tasted surprisingly bitter despite having creamer in it. He was about to take another drink when the bitter taste suddenly began to burn slightly, then a little... then a lot until the burning began to feel unbearable making him choke slightly.

 

"HMM!?" His eyes went wide as he pulled the drink away from his mouth before letting out a cough, the leftover coffee falling out of his mouth and onto the table before him.

 

The others jumped at the sound of Anton coughing, all of them turning to him in shock. They watched as Anton harshly sat the drink down before grabbing at his chest, and continuing to hack up a lung. Stu looked at him in worry, resting a hand on his shoulder but Anton didn't seem to notice, too busy having a coughing fit. 

 

"Ant, you alright?" Stu asked, worriedly looking around for anyone but he paused when he noticed Hazel looking directly at them, that same vile grin on her face as she watched Anton having trouble.

 

Anton wanted to reassure Stu that he was alright, but he was far from it. The burning sensation was not only in his mouth or throat, but it felt like his whole body was on fire and his stomach felt like it was in knots. His throat wasn't closed but he couldn't seem to catch his breath. It almost felt like he had been-.

 

The alpha's eyes grew wide, slowly looking down at the coffee he was still clutching. Dread washed over him as a terrible thought crossed his mind causing him to turn around to see the same vile grin on Hazel's face that Stu had noticed. Fearing the worst, Anton grabbed the black cap of his coffee cup before yanking it open and looking inside. Just as he feared, he saw little specks of purple dust floating around in his coffee making his blood run cold despite the burning sensation he felt through his veins. He was wrong to stay there, she did do something dangerous.

 

"Went down the wrong pipe, Ant?" Clifton tried to joke, bringing his coffee to his mouth and about to drink it.

 

"NO!" Anton finally managed with a shout before shooting across the table, spilling his own coffee all over the wood surface. But he didn't care about that as he slapped Clifton's coffee out of his hands sending the drink flying and causing the others to pause in shock.

 

"Hey, what the hell?! Why did you do that Ant?" Clifton snapped looking at Anton in slight anger. However, that anger died down as he watched Anton clutch his chest once more his body beginning to tremble as he stared ahead in shock, trying to breathe. Clifton's features softened as he slowly sat up, looking Anton over in worry. "Ant?"   

 

The others looked from the fallen drink to Anton, their worries growing as well as they watched him try to breathe squinting his eyes shut before he suddenly fell chest-forward on the table sending drinks, pastries, and plates sliding and falling to the ground. However, the fallen food was the least of their worries as they got up with a gasp reaching for their alpha.

 

"ANTON!" Clifton shouted, helping the others turn Anton on his back. Fear went through him as Anton began clawing at his chest staring at the ceiling with wide eyes as he gasped for air. He reached for his friend, resting a hand on his head frowning at how hot he felt. "Anton?" He questioned, as he grabbed his shoulders lightly shaking them to get his attention. "What's- What's happening? What's wrong?"

 

"Don't...  Don't. drink," He managed to wheeze out, turning to his side while the others' eyes grew wide. "...P-Poison."

 

"Poison?" Clifton blinked, looking from him to the table of food. "What-?"

 

"Wolfsbane." 

 

Clifton froze at Anton's answer, looking down at the spilled coffee on the table. His eyes grew wide, noticing the same purple specks of dust floating on top of the coffee that Anton had noticed. First, he felt shock, then fear, then anger, and all those emotions at once as he glared at Hazel, who was still smiling at the sight of Anton struggling. "WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

 

"Gave him what he deserves." She answered with a shrug, grinning wider at the anger in Clifton's eyes. 

 

"YOU GAVE HIM WOLFSBANE?! THAT SHIT'S POISONOUS TO WEREWOLVES!" Clifton's voice boomed, the other pack members beginning to sit up from their seats pushing their cups away. "WHAT KIND OF MONSTER WOULD DO SUCH A THING?!"

 

"What?" Miss Opal whispered with a gasp, fear going through her as she dropped her spray bottle looking from them to Hazel who just glared at Clifton.

 

"You've made a mess of my table," Hazel began ignoring Clifton's question as he crossed her arms. "I knew having you mutts there was trouble. You can leave now and you and your brute of an alpha are banned from here."

 

Clifton's eyes began to glow yellow, a growl bubbling in his throat as he clenched his fists. "You fucking son of ya-!"

 

"Clif," Anton gasped, grabbing the arm sleeve of his friend's shirt, getting his attention. "Don't. Home. Now."

 

Clifton's growl died in his throat as he frowned, looking at Anton who had a pleading look in his eyes. "But Ant-."

 

"Please," Anton's eyes began to fill with tears, as pain shot through his body once more, causing him to let go of Clifton's arm, curling in on himself. "Can't hold on."

 

Clifton was confused at this, but as he took in Anton's form he froze, beginning to notice fur sprouting on his hands and behind his neck, his ears growing to a point. "Shit," He whispered, placing his hands on Anton's shoulders before turning to the others who were in a state of shock. "Guys, help me get him to the van now!"

 

The others jumped out of their shock before springing to action. Each of them got a hold of their friend and hoisted him off of the table. Once he was upright, Clifton placed one of his arms over his shoulder while Stu held the other, both beginning to drag him toward the door while the others rushed to open it. 

 

As they passed, Clifton glared at a smug Hazel growling at her as they headed for the door. "This isn't over." He warned her, but she only scoffed at his threat.

 

"It is over if you know what's good for you," She snapped, watching as they walked out, slamming the doors behind them as they left.

 

Miss Opal watched the whole ordeal in shock, jumping when they slammed the doors. She watched as they left but froze when Dion paused at the door, giving her a frown that made a lump form in her throat, watching as he quickly caught up with the others. 

 

"Good riddance," Hazel huffed, before turning to Miss Opal and throwing a rag to her. "Clean up that table will you?"

 

She stumbled to catch the rag, her eyes wide with shock as she looked from the door to her. "Wh-Why would you do that?!" She whispered, watching as Hazel paused, letting out an annoyed sigh. "You said that it would boost their energy! You made me feed them poison-!"

 

"Werewolves are not allowed here dear," Hazel interrupted before snatching her notepad from her apron pocket and ripping the paper with Dion's number on it looking it over before back at her. "They are nothing but a nuisance and if you want to continue to be in this coven, then you better avoid them as much as possible."

 

Miss Opal gasped as the paper suddenly burst into flames in Hazel's hands burning the number completely. She looked from her hand to Hazel with hurt in her eyes but her boss ignored it as she shoved the notebook back into her hand and walked away and back into the back room. Once Hazel was gone, Miss Opal clutched the notepad tightly as she looked back at the messy table where the werewolves were sat, guilt beginning to eat at her. Anton had been nothing but nice to her, showing her his boyfriend and subtly helping his friend to hook them up. But all of that was squished because of Hazel's vendetta against him and his pack. 

 

After a grueling five minutes of what Anton felt like an eternity of torture, they finally made it to the van. Clifton threw the doors open and motioned for them to hop in. He felt as the others gently got him into the van and placed him in the back seat where he could lie down. Once his back hit the cushion, another wave of hot pain shot through his core causing him to stifle a yell. His whole body felt like it was on fire, his bones felt stiff, and could swear he could hear his joints cracking. But that was surprisingly the least of Anton's worries. What worried Anton was the sudden feeling of anger beginning to bubble up inside of him, his already scorching blood feeling like it was beginning to boil as he clenched his jaw, causing him to shift in his seat.

 

"Come on let's get this van rolling!" Declan snapped watching as Clifton quickly climbed in the driver's seat.

 

"On it,"  Clifton said as he grabbed the key putting it in the keyhole and starting up the car. He then placed it in drive and slammed his foot on the gas causing the car to hastily drive forward leaving the others off balance. 

 

Declan huffed at the harsh send-off, checking the others over. Once he noticed they were okay, he turned to Anton to see if he was alright but he frowned when he noticed Anton turn his back toward them hugging himself tightly. "It's okay Ant," He began as he reached for him failing to notice Anton pause from his trembling. "We'll be home in-."

 

"Stay back." Anton suddenly whispered, causing Declan to pause watching as he curled in on himself in the seat and holding his own shoulders tightly as he trembled. 

 

The others paused at this as well looking between each other in confusion. But before any of them could question him, they froze as a deep rumbling sound filled the air, slowly turning back to Anton, eyes going wide at the sight of him.

 

The fur at the nape of Anton's neck and hackles on his shoulders began to stand on end, poking through his shirt. His claws sprouted through his fingers and began digging into his arms so tightly that it was drawing blood, slowly leaking and pulling downward staining his shirt, and his jacket to the side when he became too hot. Stu frowned at this slowly scooting closer as he softly spoke. "Ant? Ant, you're hurting yourself. Sto-."

 

"Stay. Back. Stu!" Anton warned, his growling becoming louder in octaves, clutching his arms tighter. 

 

Stu ignored him, his worry growing as Anton was practically stabbing into his own arms making the marks worse. Gently, he placed a hand on Anton's back causing him to fall silent. "Ant, you have to-."

 

Anton didn't let him finish as he suddenly snarled, turning around with lightning speed before snatching Stu by the front of his shirt pulling him forward, and growling in his face. His golden eyes bored into Stu's frightened one, too angry and in too much pain to control himself as the wolf reared its ugly head, snarling at the pack member. "WHAT PART OF STAY BACK DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?!"

 

"Ant! Stop it!" Declan snapped grabbing a hold of Anton's wrist that still held tightly to Stu's shirt. "Let him go!"

 

Anton snarled at him as well but Declan didn't let up, still clutching his arm when a burst of hot pain shot through him again causing him to yelp, shoving Stu away and snatching his arm away from Declan in fear that he'd lash out at them even further, trying to reel the wolf back in but was finding it very difficult at the moment. 

 

Declan and the others watched in shock as Stu's back in the back of Dion's chair harshly before falling to the floor of the van, his frightened eyes still on Anton. Declan didn't waste any time before kneeling next to him, frowning as Stu began to tremble, his eyes leaking with tears as he clutched his chest. "Hey," He whispered, his hand hovering over him as Stu's frightened eyes turned to him, another tear leaking down his face. "It's okay. You're okay, he didn't mean it." He whispered now resting his hand on his shoulder, rubbing a comforting circle up and down his arm to calm him. 

 

The others joined in, placing a comforting hand on Stu who began to breathe in and out. Once he was calm they all froze at the sound of whimpering, turning their heads to see that Anton had his back to them once more one arm wrapped around himself as the other was clutching the back cushion of the seat, his claws digging into the fabric before pulling down, leaving a giant claw mark as he whined in pain.

 

Clifton frowned at this, watching his hurt friend through the rearview mirror. He had never seen Anton in such a state and he didn't like it one bit. So he began to focus on the road, driving faster. "Don't worry," He began out loud to both Anton and the others. "We're almost home."

 

Stu began to lift himself from the floor, his eyes still leaking tears as he sat in his seat, unable to keep his eyes off of Anton who was curling further in on himself. He noticed that the others were also keeping a fair distance from Anton, giving him weary looks. Stu and the others have never seen Anton react so harshly and in truth, it hurt Stu a bit. Anton never had done that to him before and he couldn't help but feel terrible that he was in the crossfire. But deep down he knew it wasn't Anton. He and the wolf were just in pain and he prayed that whatever was happening to him would end soon.

[huffego]

Wolfsbane: Part 5

No warnings at this time

Part 4

Part 6

Viago was beginning to stir from his nap when it happened, though he was still not fully awake at the start of it. He also realized right away that he was not in his coffin but was in a bed, but was having a hard time remembering where he was in his dream-like state. He could tell he wasn't in his coffin because the first thing he felt when he was starting to wake up was warmth and a heavy weight on top of him, almost like he was sleeping under several weighted blankets which he did not have in his closed sleeping area. But he could tell right away that they weren't blankets because the weight was shifting and moving above him. The weight was also breathing and had a heartbeat, meaning that whatever was on him was alive. He was confused for a second before the smell of pine and forest leaves hit his nose, causing him to smile, realizing that it was his boyfriend, Anton, lying on top of him.

The vampire reached up with his eyes still closed to run his hand through his hair feeling the other pause from moving once his hand touched him before feeling his lover lean into his touch. As he was carding his fingers through his auburn locks, he couldn't help but notice that it was a little longer, just by an inch or so, which caused him to hum in response.

His hair must grow fast, the vampire concluded.

He then felt Anton's weight lifted off of him slightly as his boyfriend sat up, causing Viago to pause from playing with his hair. The vampire still had his eyes closed but he felt Anton lean forward before hearing a sniffing sound along with the feeling of his hair being blown back causing him to giggle in his half-sleep-like state.

"Hmm that tickles love." Viago said between giggles, moving his head to the side and resting it on the pillow, listening as his boyfriend paused from sniffing at the sound of his voice before doing it again.

Viago knew that Anton liked to breathe in his scent, the werewolf telling him that it was calming to do so, which he thought was kind of sweet. So he just let him, feeling as he pressed his head into the crook of his neck as he breathed in, his beard tickling his neck slightly causing his brow to furrow and his closed eyes to squint. Did Anton's beard get longer since the last time he saw him?

After a bit, he felt Anton pull away with a huff through his nose before feeling his boyfriend's weight lift off of him and the bed shift. Viago concluded that he just had to use the restroom, knowing that he usually had to every time he woke up from a nap. So he just turned to his side and rested the side of his head on his hands with a smile even though his confusion was only growing. He did love cuddling with his boyfriend, but he was having a hard time remembering how they got into bed or even how he ended up in Anton's home in the first place. Last he remembered, he was getting ready for date night with Anton since it was their annavercary when he texted him not to come because he was sick with the flu or a bug.

Viago frowned in his sleep, deep in thought as he was fully waking up, able to hear Anton still in the room, sniffing the air but he ignored it as he was deep in thought. That couldn't be right, because when he got there the others-.

Suddenly, Viago's eyes flung open as the cold blood in his veins somehow ran colder than before. His memories of what had happened when he got there came flooding back. How he came over thinking that Anton just had a common sickness only to learn from the others that he had been poisoned by wolfsbane. How he found Anton in pain and lay with him in the bed as a source of comfort. How he suggested that he should partially transform to help ease the pain and that he promised that he would keep an eye on him if he wasn't all there. But he had fallen asleep along with Anton after the transformation... and now Anton was awake, up and roaming around.

Viago paused when heard the sound of rumbling, able to piece that it was Anton letting out a growl along with the sound of the door being scratched at. However, soon after he flinched when he heard the sound of wood breaking and metal creaking. He shot upwards at the sound, his eyes going wide when he saw that the door, which had been locked previously to ensure the others couldn't come in and so that Anton couldn't get out in the state he was in, had been forcefully yanked open by Anton himself, breaking the latch on the doorway. He watched as Anton's large partial wolf form squeezed it's way through the door and began to head down the hall, sniffing the air as he did so, obviously following a scent of some sort.

"Shit," He whispered in fear as he scrambled out of the bed zooming for the closet. He yanked the sliding doors open before falling to his knees and rummaging through the closet for the black case, able to hear Anton's clawed toes clicking against the hardwood floor of the hallway as he headed for the steps that led right to the living room where the pack members were waiting.

Viago frantically looked through the closet, shoving boxes around to find the case. His fear only grew for Anton and the pack members, unsure of what would happen if the alpha saw them. He knew that he was probably still out of it and who knows what he'll do in that state, especially under the influence of Wolfsbane. What if the wolfsbane still makes him feral? What if he tries to attack his pack? What if he overpowers them and gets out of the house? He shouldn't have been so careless. Viago should have been awake the whole time to keep an eye on him. If had been awake this whole time, this wouldn't have happened.

After a few seconds of rummaging, he finally finds the black box and pulls it out of the closet before unclicking the two latches. Once it was unlatched he lifted the top open, snatched the tranq gun from the box, and grabbed the ammo that came with it. He shakily opened the top and let the tiny glass dart with a needle at the end slide into the nozzle before closing it with a click.

"Hey Vi is that- Whoa, Anton?" Viago froze when he heard Clifton in the living room his eyes going wide when he also heard Anton stomp down the rest of the steps. "Whoa hey wait big guy what- Hey! Wait don't-!"

Without wasting any time, Viago clutched the gun tightly and zoomed out of the room to stop Anton. He practically flew down the hall and ran down the steps, missing a couple at a time. He almost fell off the last two but he stumbled to catch himself grabbing the railing with one hand while still clutching the tranq gun with the other looking up in fear.

"Anton!" He shouted as he aimed the tranq at Anton's form when his eyes land on him, fearing that he would see his love attacking the pack against his will. "Don't hurt-."

Viago paused, his words dying in his throat as the tranq gun almost slipped from his grasp, blinking at the scene before him. Anton was standing in the middle of the living room, with both Clifton and Stu in his arms. But he wasn't crushing them or attacking them. Quite the opposite. The alpha werewolf was hugging both Clifton and Stu.

The vampire watched in stunned silence as Anton held the two werewolves close, practically almost lifting them both off the ground causing them to stand on tiptoe and taking turns nuzzling his head into theirs. Both Nathan and Dion were standing near the kitchen entrance staring in shock, having backed up when Anton came rushing in watching in awe as the alpha wrapped his arms around the other two. Even Declan leaned his head out of the kitchen, his phone still in hand as he stared at their alpha, going silent with equal shock as the person on the other phone asked if he was still there.

Viago's finger slowly eased off the trigger as he watched the affectionate display letting a breath he didn't know he was holding. He slightly lowered the tranq but still kept it aimed at Anton in case he tried anything but so far, the werewolf looked like he was docile. Viago wondered if Anton was fully concious now, but before he could get his attention to ask, the alpha broke the silence.

"Sorry," Anton whispered in a deep grave voice as he hugged Clifton and Stu tighter, his eyes squinting shut.

Both Clifton and Stu blinked at hearing this, both of them looking over Anton's shoulder at each other with wide eyes. They were confused at hearing this, but Stu was the one to voice it as he turned his head to look at Anton. "F-For what?"

Anton then pulled away, slowly setting them down but keeping his clawed hands on each of their shoulders, his golden eyes full of sadness as he looked at Stu. He then leaned down and pressed his forehead on Stu's as he spoke. "Made Stu scared," He answered in slightly broken English before turning to Clifton resting his head on his friend's shoulder. "Hurt Clif... Sorry... Didn't mean it."

Both Clifton and Stu's features softened as they looked up at their werewolf alpha, realizing that he was talking about what had happened between him and Stu in the van and what had happened with Clifton when they got back to Anton's home. They looked up at Anton and were able to see the guilt in his features, his eyes glassy as a wolf-like whine escaped him, ears twitching backward slightly. The two werewolves were relieved after a while as they turned to each other, glad to see that Anton wasn't feral after consuming the flower. Maybe a little out of it but it was still him regardless, so they were all safe.

Stu gave Clifton a nod while Clifton smiled, turning back to Anton as he placed a hand on the werewolf's arm. "It's all good Ant," Clifton said with a smile, watching as the werewolf's features softened. "I've had worse."

"We know you didn't mean it," Stu added as the alpha looked at him. "You wouldn't hurt or snap at us with malicious intent. It was the Wolfsbane. Not you."

Viago let out a sigh of relief at hearing Anton talking, even though the sentences were broken. He also could tell that Anton wasn't all there still, the wolf side of his brain shining through just a bit but he was glad to see that the wolf was calm and very in tune with Anton's emotions, and not showing any signs of going feral any time soon. He couldn't help but smile as he watched Anton lean down and rested his head on their shoulders, the other two wrapped their arms around the werewolf's shoulders and pulled him into a hug. After realizing that Anton wasn't going to harm any of the pack members, Viago stopped aiming the tranq at his boyfriend and went to place the gun on the steps without Anton noticing it yet. He slowly leaned down about to lay it on the first step, though he placed it rather harshly causing it to hit the wooden step with a thud.

The vampire's eyes widened, slowly turning his head back to the others, his breath hitching when he watched Anton's head perk up at the noise, freezing like a statue when the alpha werewolf let go of the two pack members and turned toward him, his golden eyes boring into him. Slowly, Viago stood up and backed away from the tranq. A nervous grin formed on his face at how alert Anton looked. It was like he was looking out for danger with his pack around, wanting to protect them. So he lifted his hands to show he had nothing that could hurt them or him while also giving him a tiny wave.

"Hi, love." Viago grinned as he lowered his head, trying to seem as none threatening as possible, not sure if he could recognize him at the moment.

But to his relief, Anton's cautious stare softened at the sight of him, fully letting go of his pack members and heading toward him. The wolf was taking large strides as he closed in on him causing the vampire to back up with wide eyes, now having to look up at Anton who towered over him. He had forgotten how big Anton was in this form, having almost three feet in height over him and this was only a partial transformation.

Viago looked up at the werewolf who loomed over him about to speak when Anton's fur-covered arms fully engulfed him, the werewolf crouching to his level and pulling him forward until his broad chest was touching his own, his head resting on the side of his furry shoulder as he stared ahead with wide eyes. He then felt as Anton began to nuzzle into him as well, hugging him tightly but not tight enough to hurt.

"Sorry," Anton whispered to him now hiding his face in the crook of Viago's neck.

"Sorry?" Viago blinked in surprise as he turned his head, bringing his arms up and hugging Anton's waist. "For what, love?"

"Scared you," Anton whispered as he pulled away with a frown, his golden eyes cast downward and avoiding Viago's gaze. "Didn't mean to. Was hurting... Felt cornered. Panicked."

Viago was confused at this looking up at the werewolf that still avoided his gaze. Anton had already apologized to him so he didn't know why he was still apologizing. But when a whine escaped Anton, and looking into his golden eyes, Viago realized that it wasn't just Anton. It was the wolf talking, and felt just as bad as Anton did for scaring him, using Anton's voice to show his remorse.

The vampire only looked up at Anton, a small smile forming on his face as he reached up and placed a hand on the side of his boyfriend's face, watching as the werewolf paused, golden eyes looking into his dark brown ones as he spoke. "It's okay, silly wolf," He began to rub circles on Anton's furry cheek with his thumb causing the wolf's eyes to flutter closed. "I know you didn't mean to. You were in so much pain and couldn't think straight. Besides I wasn't scared just worried. You don't have to keep apologizing."

Anton's eyes slowly opened and looking down at him once more, before leaning down and resting his forehead on Viago's, nuzzling him slightly. "Love you." He whispered, moving his head to Viago's shoulder, hiding his face into his neck and breathing in his scent.

Viago giggled at this now resting his hands on his broad shoulders. "I love you too." He said back, running his hands through the fur. As he hugged the werewolf close he looked to the others, who were watching the whole display. Both Stu and Clifton were smiling but the other three looked slightly nervous at seeing Anton like this. But they all eased up when Viago gave them a reassuring smile, mouthing that it was okay. He then turned his attention back to Anton, frowning when Anton let out a whine, flinching slightly in his grasp.

"What's wrong, love?" Viago asked, running one of his hands through his fur.

"Hurts," Anton whined, burrowing his face deeper into Viago's neck. "Feel hot."

Viago gave Anton a look of sympathy before placing a tender kiss on the side of his face. His skin did feel a little warm against the vampire's slips. It also didn't help that the house did feel a little warm so he looked to the others.

"He feels a little hot. Could one of you adjust the temperature so that he can cool off?" He asked, watching as Dion gave him a nod.

"On it," The werewolf said, rushing over to the thermostat, adjusting to a colder temperature, causing cold air to blow from the vents immediately.

Viago gave him a grateful nod, then turned to Declan who was still in the kitchen. "Dec, can you get more ice packs and bring them to the couch please?"

"Got it, boss," Declan answered, heading for the fridge before bringing his phone to his ear. "Sorry I'm still here, our alpha had walked down the steps in a partial transformation... No, he's calm thank goodness."

The vampire watched as Declan opened the freezer beginning to pull out more icepacks while talking to what he assumed was a neighboring wolfpack. He then felt as Anton flinched while letting out another whine bringing his attention back to him.

"Don't worry, love," Viago whispered in a soothing voice. "They turned the heat down and Declan's getting more icepacks so you'll be cooler in no time... Why don't we move to the couch Ja?" He then pulled away, watching as Anton looked at him, tilting his head slightly at him talking. Viago realized that he was having a hard time understanding him now, so he just smiled taking his clawed hands into his own. "Let's sit love, rest your legs and body a bit."

Viago then began to back up, gently pulling Anton forward watching as Anton followed, his golden eyes never leaving the vampires as they headed for the couch. Once they were near the furniture, the alpha watched as the vampire sat on the right side of the couch before patting the space to the left of him.

"Here love," Viago instructed, watching as Anton blinked. "Sit here with me, hmm?"

After a moment of just staring Anton looked from Viago to the empty spot before turning around and plopping himself on the middle of the couch, the impact causing the cushion to rise which made Viago jump in return.

Viago gripped the couch with wide eyes hearing the couch creak slightly when Anton sat down. But before he could check the couch, the alpha turned toward the vampire and rested his head on his lap, wrapping one arm around his back and the other resting on his thigh, snuggling into him with a sigh of contentment, pulling his legs up and laying fully on the rest of the couch.

The vampire looked down at the werewolf before him, who was using his lap like a pillow, resting his head there as he took up most of the couch, leaving Viago in the corner next to the entrance of the kitchen. He looked up at the others who were just smiling at the whole display, relieved to see that their alpha was much more relaxed than he'd been all day. So Viago smiled in return, turning to see Declan walk in with the ice packs.

"Here you are," The werewolf said, handing them to Viago before looking down at Anton with a grin. "Aww look at that. He's like a big puppy."

Viago giggled at that before looking down at Anton he let out a huff through his nose, not looking amused at the comment. He wasn't able to understand most things at the moment but he could understand when one of his pack members was taking a jab at him. Viago then watched as the alpha turned his head to ignore the others, hiding his face in his lovers stomach. Grinning Viago placed one of the ice packs on the side of the alpha's head, watching as he tensed at the sudden cold feeling before letting out a sigh, his eyes fluttering closed as he nuzzled into his lap.

Once Anton was settled, Viago turned to Declan who was watching the werewolf in his lap, noticing that he was off the phone. "Did you have any luck finding a pack that had the ingredients we needed?" He questioned, getting Declan's attention.

"I'm afraid not so far," Declan sighed before lifting his phone. "But I go a few more pack members I can call. I'm not giving up that easy."

"Thank you Delcan," Viago then watched Declan enter the kitchen once more to make a few more calls before turning back to Anton, resting a hand on his head and running his fingers through his hair. "Don't worry, love. We'll get the potion ready before this gets any worse. I promise." He smiled when Anton grumbled at that before hugging his frame tighter, seeming like he was going back to sleep for a bit which was good. After all that Anton had gone through today, he deserved to have as much rest as possible.

"Okay," Clifton sighed as he sat in the recliner next to Viago, while Stu, Dion, and Nathan sat on the floor behind the coffee table, all four of them looking at Viago with curious eyes. "How the heck did you get him to transform?"

"Yeah, Anton outright refuses to transform if he could help it most of the time," Dion added, resting his arms on the coffee table in front of him. "How did you convince him?"

"And what happened up there when you were with him?" Stu asked next looking from Viago to Anton who let out a huge yawn, stretching slightly before slumping back into Viago's lap.

"Also why isn't he like," Nathan then waved his arms up and down motioning to Anton. "Wolfing out and attacking right now-,"

However, Nathan paused when Anton began to squirm in Viago's lap, grunting as he squinted his eyes, his ears flickering at the noise.

"Sh, sh," Viago whispered, beginning to rub Anton's back watching as he settled back into his lap his face and body relaxing with a sigh. He then looked up at the others as he began to whisper. "I'll tell you everything but let's keep it down a bit so we don't disturb him."