#niyol chee

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Well I had a dream I stood beneath an orange sky Yes, I had a dream I stood beneath an orange sky With my brother standing by With my brother standing by

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We witch you a merry Christmas, and a happy New Year!

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Get together, work it out Simplicity is what it's about All the world knows what I'm sayin' All the world knows what I'm sayin' The world knows fine well

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➖ Mature content, 18+ ➖ check the trigger tags each time ➖      

Chapter 30 - A scent of spring, a scent of Christmas.

Episode 3. Malou: *They watched about 20 minutes of the movie, quietly eating the rest of their food, sipping a bit of wine. She had been surprised the first time she had had a drink with him, it had been her first since 2014, and she had expected her stomach to act up. But surprisingly her stomach seemed to have nothing against wine. They would laugh here and there at the movie, otherwise stay quiet, and although she always enjoyed dropping little comments here and there while watching something with someone, she also enjoyed the silence between them tonight. She had realized at least 10 minutes ago, or perhaps it was in fact the wine that had realized, that this specific sort of silence,seemed a lot like the one that settles between two people, when the tension starts building and no one dares to make that first move. The anticipation of a brush against their skin, the smell of them filling your nose with pleasure, are they going to grab my hand? Give that hug? Or the kiss you have been longing for forever? She enjoyed it, it was exciting, yet terrifying at the same time. What if it was just the wine? What if she was the only one with thoughts like that? What if she read it wrong, and it was more of an uncomfortable kind of silence, the kind of silence he had already been trying to escape. The silence that is left after all conversations had long run dry.* 

Dalton: *He suddenly reached forwards and paused the movie* Hey, is it okay if I take this stuff downstairs? There isn't much space for us really, with plates on the bed....

Malou: Yeah, sure, let me help you *she made a move to get up* crawl down, I'll reach everything to you.

Dalton: *He quickly crawled down, then grabbed everything as she reached it to him* I'll be right back

Malou: You don't want me to come with you? I could carry some of it....

Dalton: No, I can have it, don't worry

Malou: Okay but *she quickly climbed down as well*

Dalton: Really, there's no need, I can easily

Malou: I have to pee *she chuckled*

Dalton: Oh *he chuckled soft* I guess you are allowed to do that

Malou: Mighty generous of you, Mr. Red *she snorted and smiled at him flirtatiously, as she quickly passed him, heading for the bathroom. She closed the door quickly behind her, leaning her back against it* Okay.... *she closed her eyes, biting her bottom lip not to squeal out loud* Take a deep breath! *She took a deep breath, then walked to the sink, facing herself in the mirror, a row of tiny exited squeaky sounds escaping her* No! *she smirked at herself in the mirror* calm down, it doesn't mean anything!!! She quickly peed, washed her hands, and took another look in the mirror, fighting hard to hide her excitement* Pull yourself together! *She snorted softly at herself, then shook her head, took a deep breath and left the bathroom, bumping into Dalton on his way up the stairs* After you *she said, as she gestured towards her door*

Dalton: *He chuckled lightly* thank you *and stepped in, walking up to the bed, and climbed back up*

Malou: *She bit her lip lightly as she observed his butt while he climbed up. It had to be her favorite butt ever, simply for the fact that it was his. And in that moment she realized, she had never been so devoted to anyone before. Beside her soulmate that had passed. Perhaps... no... undoubtedly, Dalton was her human soulmate. She sighed softly, feeling both happy and sad at the same time. There were still no guarantee whatsoever that he would feel anything remotely the same.*

Dalton: Need a hand? *He smiled warmly as he reached a hand down towards her*

Malou: *She didn't need it at all, she was used to climbing the bed, however, she wasn't about to reject his hand either. So she grabbed it firmly and allowed him to help drag her back up in bed. She chuckled awkwardly as she landed in bed, bumping into him* Sorry, I'm... clumsy as fuck!

Dalton: *He couldn't help but chuckle*

Malou: *She smiled shyly as she crawled past him and sat down on the spot she had sat on before, leaning her back against the wall*

Dalton: *He quickly pushed play, then sat back down next to her, shoulder against shoulder, grabbing his wine glass, sipping it slowly as he observed her*

Malou: What? *she chuckled nervously*

Dalton: I was just wondering if you have more to drink?

Malou: Oh! *she chuckled goofily and reached for her glass* Uh yeah... well *she quickly drank the last couple mouthfuls, figuring she more than needed the red drops* it's empty now *she held it towards him*

Dalton: *He nodded soft* I see *he chuckled softly and reached for the bottle on the other side of him, quickly filling both their glasses* Well, that's it... they run dry too quickly

Malou: Yeah *she chuckled soft* My mom used to say that the bottom sits too high in the bottle

Dalton: *He chuckled lightly* True.

Malou: *They slowly fell back into watching the movie, and she tried her best to follow the plot, and not get too lost in thoughts of Dalton, although her mind still kept insisting on flirting with the thought of him grabbing her hand again... and maybe even more than that. Nothing sexual, although she couldn't deny those kind of thoughts would visit her on rare occasions. In fact they would show up on a more regular schedule as well, if she were to allow them. The thought of them doing anything more than sitting shoulder to shoulder, made her all buzzy and high vibed, although just being shoulder to shoulder with him, was more than she had ever dared to hope for. Well no, she had hoped for much more than that, for a very long time, but it was much more than she had ever dared to think would ever come true.*

Dalton: *He chuckled soft at the movie and sipped his wine, then leaned his head against her shoulder* Is this okay?

Malou: *She nodded eagerly, finding it hard to answer without squealing* yes....it's more than okay.

Dalton: Thank you... *he sighed soft* it's been a hard year... not a lot of intimacy...

Malou: *Was that an invitation?!? - slight panic, pounding heart* Yeah, I know.

*Across town*

Sam: What do you need? *He smiled soft as the two of them stood in his kitchen, after having finished eating their sandwiches, Sam had prepared for them as they had arrived at his place*

Niyol: *He sighed heavily* A bath would be nice.

Sam: *He nodded lightly* I'll go make you one, you can get undressed in my room, I'll be right back.

Niyol: *He nodded soft* Thank you, Sam.

Sam: *He smiled warmly* Anything you need.

Niyol: ........

Sam: .... what? *he squinted his eyes* you have a certain look on your face right now... I find it hard to read it?

Niyol: ....no, it's nothing of importance *he forced a gentle smile*

Sam: Niyol...

Niyol: .....

Sam: Whatever it is, I wish you would let me know... please...

Niyol: Well, you seem to be off the table, after Adrian and you got together.

Sam: ......... I never knew you were ON the table? *he paused for a moment* I thought you always said you weren't really big on intimacy any longer... I always thought we ended up doing what we did, because we were under influence, and because of... well.. Adrian.

Niyol: .... no, you're right. It's best not to go down that road again.

Sam: .......

Niyol: ........ I'm sorry, clearly I shouldn't have brought it up. I can leave if you want me to.

Sam: Niyol it's-

Niyol: *He sighed soft and rubbed a hand over his forehead* It's just.. I'm alone a lot... I don't really have many other visitors than you, and since you and Adrian got back together, or became official partners, I hardly ever see you. And that's understandable. I'm not trying to sound like a needy girlfriend whom suddenly feels pushed aside, I just got lonely over the months I suppose. And I guess that's why I'm suddenly craving intimacy I don't usually crave. I apologize.

Sam: ..... *he smiled soft* May I speak?

Niyol: *He nodded confirming*

Sam: As much as I enjoy hearing you refer to yourself as a "girlfriend" *he couldn't help but snort* I have to be clear, that I'm not at all into poly relationships. I mean, I have nothing against Adrian or anyone else being poly, but it's not for me. There's up and downs to it, and as much as I like the idea, I have just witnessed one too many times, how it often leads to jealousy. Beside, the amount of free time I like to just be myself in my own company, would be jeopardized if I were to have multiple relationships, so at least for now in my life, one partner is more than plenty for me. Beside, I don't think that's what you really seek anyway, I can certainly recall you saying your heart will forever only belong to your wife and daughter. And that's very much how I feel about Adrian *he smiled soft* However, that doesn't mean I'm completely opposed to intimacy every now and then, Niyol. How about I draw you that bath, and then I can give you a nice calming massage? Or if you need-

Niyol: A massage would be very lovely, Sam. I really do think it's just the lack of human contact *he chuckled lightly and sighed* Thank you, for understanding me so well, even when I struggle to put words on it.

Sam: Hey *he reached out, wrapping his arms around Niyol in a tight embrace* we all get lonely from time to time.

Niyol: *He sighed relieved, embracing Sam tightly* You have no idea!

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

➖ Mature content, 18+ ➖ check the trigger tags each time ➖      

Chapter 30 - A scent of spring, a scent of Christmas.

Episode 4.

*Further across town, another man was starting to feel lonely*

Adrian: *He sighed soft as he walked to the fridge, trying to get a refill after his beer had run out. A lot of stuff had been on his mind all day, which had let to one beer after another. And as Sam had cancelled on their night together, he had no longer bothered pretending to hold back on the alcohol. Leading him to drink both Whiskey and beer, while sitting on his floor, listening to old vinyl records, getting lost in a sea of music, which was much more preferable than heavy thoughts! He opened the fridge, dizzily grabbing a beer, then on his way back to his spot on the floor, a scent caught his nose. He frowned deep. He knew exactly what was behind that particular scent, and the thought of having to deal with THAT right now, wasn't a very amusing thought to him. So he sat back down on his spot, pretending he hadn't noticed. He lit a cig, found another song and opened the beer, but it was as if the scent only grew stronger* I know you're here! *He mumbled irritated* why don't you just come out?!

Raven: *He suddenly became visible sitting right next to Adrian on the floor, a somewhat smile tucking at the corner of his lips* What gave me away?

Adrian: *He tabbed a finger against his nose* My sense of smell has been improving.

Raven: Ah! *Now a full on smirk* I'll have to keep in mind to disguise that.

Adrian: *Soft frown* So you plan to stalk around here more often?

Raven: Hm *he tilted his head, observing Adrian closely* I always liked a good picture of misery, and you're definitely there at the moment... what's up?

Adrian: *He sighed deep* Charming as always.

Raven: *He couldn't help but chuckle* We do have that in common!

Adrian: *He looked at Raven unamused* Why are you here? You never come by for a friendly visit...

Raven *He shrugged lightly* And who's the fault of that? Not me, I'm not the one who keeps slamming the door in my face... althoughI like the slight abuse *he smirked cheekily*

Adrian: *He squinted his eyes and took a drag of his cig, waiting for Raven to get to the point*

Raven: Fine.. no particular reason... guess I had nothing better to do?

Adrian: So you decided to pop in and stalk me?

Raven: You act as if it's the first time...

Adrian: *He lifted an eyebrow* you make it sound as if it's a normal every day situation

Raven: Well.. not every day *he chuckled softly*

Adrian: .......

Raven: .......

Adrian: Get out! *he pointed angrily at his front door*

Raven: *He snorted soft* I feared you would say that

Adrian: Then why would you do it?

Raven: Because it's our dance... isn't it... it's what we do... we get on each others nerves *he smirked*

Adrian: I get on your nerves?

Raven:.... well, mostly I get on YOUR nerves *he chuckled lightly*

Adrian: *He made a single slow-motion nod, then emptied his beer in one go, killing the cig in the ashtray* I'm going to bed!

Raven: Was that an invitation?

Adrian: *He grunted soft and stood up, stumbling lightly towards the ladder* Good night, Raven!

Raven: *He stood up slowly, just about to protest about Adrian climbing a ladder in his condition, when the drunken man already took a step and slipped, but in a split second, Raven caught him in his arms, looking down at him with a soft frown* Don't you think it's best I put you to bed?

Adrian: *He grunted unamused and slowly stood back up* I'm fine! *He growled back, and grabbed onto the ladder once again, quickly climbing several steps before slipping once again, slamming down on the floor with a loud groan*

Raven: *He sighed deep as he observed the man on the floor* ... told you!

Adrian: If you're so fucking wise, why didn't you catch me the second time!?

Raven: You didn't want my help.

Adrian: No, and I still don't! But I also don't want you here in the first place, yet here we fucking are!

Raven: .... do you want my help or not?

Adrian: No! Just get the fuck out of here, Raven! You weren't welcome in the first place! You never were! I have tried my best to tolerate you through the time, but this is my home, and I am tired of you dropping by here and there! From now on just stay the fuck away! And allow me to bury the demons in my fucking past! No need for you to rip up in it whenever you feel slightly bored! Go fucking stalk someone else! And stay the fuck away from me for good! Don't you think I see through it all? You're not as cute as you think you are so why don't you just piss right of and find someone else to make miserable?!

Raven: *He sighed deep* Clearly you don't need any help with that Adrian, you're doing just fine on your own! *And with those words he disappeared*

Adrian: *He groaned loud and angrily, frustrated about, well everything! It had been a tough year in many ways, a year he desperately wanted to get through and be over with, hoping for better times ahead in the new year. It wasn't Raven he was angry with, it was everything and everyone at this point. But Raven had just been the easy target now that he was loaded with alcohol, and he had happened to be around anyway. He sighed frustrated and sat up, his whole left leg pounding from hip to ankle, a long strained moan of pain escaping him as he grabbed onto the ladder and looked up towards his bedroom, trying to mentally prepare himself for the pain it would cost him to climb up*

Raven: *A soft sigh escaped him as he placed his hands on Adrian's waistline* No... please *his voice was soft and caring*

Adrian: *He sighed deep, and gently placed a hand on one of Raven's, grabbing onto him, a slow nod being the only signal that he was holding on, and Raven could take him upstairs*

Raven: Aye. *They landed in Adrian's bedroom, just next to his bed a split second later, Raven slowly letting go of Adrian* Let me help you to sit down

Adrian: It's fine *he grunted and sat down on the bed, clearly holding back a roar of pain, swallowing hard*

Raven: *He sighed soft and shook his head, reaching a hand towards Adrian's leg*

Adrian: No!... No healing! It'll be fine in the morning, I just need sleep!

Raven: *He sighed soft and shrugged* If only stubbornness were healing powers, you'd feel better in a minute!

Adrian: *He frowned deep* Help me get my pants off!

Raven: My my, how romantic! *He couldn't help but smirk*

Adrian: *Deep glare*

Raven: Fine, alright *he chuckled soft and grabbed onto Adrian's pants legs, gently pulling them off*

Adrian: *He moaned soft from pain and allowed himself to fall back on the bed, only to groan even louder* Fuck! I can't even lay! *He tried to sit back up, only to yelp loudly from pain*

Raven: *He quickly kicked off his boots and jumped up in bed, sitting down behind Adrian, with a leg on each side of him, as he wrapped an arm around Adrian's chest and dragged him backwards to lay against Raven's torso* I can't let your stubbornness do this. So either I take care of it, or you shift... in your wolf form you will heal faster.

Adrian: *He sighed deep* I don't want you to-

Raven: *He sighed soft, knowing all too well where Adrian was heading* ..... no, I get that, trust me. Do you want me to call Eonan? *He made a move to get up*

Adrian: *He quickly grabbed onto Raven's arm* Just do it.

Raven: .... are you sure?

Adrian: before I change my mind!

Raven: Aye *he quickly pressed both his palms against Adrian's chest* I'm sorry, if I have direct contact it goes faster, but it's also more powerful, so tell me if it's too much...

Adrian: Too much? *He groaned soft as he felt a warm tingly sensation spread through his body* Is it safe?

Raven: Yes, you're a wolf... and a strong one... you can handle more than you seem to think

Adrian: .....you're.... in my bed *he said in a drowsy tone as Raven's power made his body and soul feel a if it was melting*

Raven: You have strong observation skills as well!

Adrian: *A soft moan escaping him* Don't be a dick!

Raven: ..... don't be an asshole *he spoke in a warm lowered voice in Adrian's ear*

Adrian: *Another moan escaping him* stop... I can't do it!

Raven: I'm almost there, Adrian...

Adrian: You don't get it! So am I! *He sat up fast, pulling away from Raven* I can't do it! *He pulled himself closer to the edge, planting his feet firmly on the ground, a slight sigh of pain escaping him. It was much better than before, but still painful*

Raven: *He observed the back of Adrian with a soft frown, trying to understand what had went wrong*

Adrian: It's not you... *he sighed heavily* .... or it is.... every time I spend time with you.... all of the thoughts of what happened with-

Raven: The demons of your past, I get it.... I'm sorry, but I can't change what I am-

Adrian: ..... Ben..... everything that happened with Ben

Raven: *He looked at Adrian surprised*

Adrian: ..... I'm not over it.... even if I know I should be. I'm not. It still hurts... it still runs on repeat... I still try to make sense of what happened. I still try to tell myself it will get better... I... *he sighed deep* I don't have any romantic feelings for him any longer... I haven't for months... I keep telling myself it would be best to just break it of... I spend less and less time with him... I don't feel the bond at all for almost a year... but it has gone on for so long now, I don't know what to do? What do I do? I'm terrified if I end things, he will fall back down in his self destructive habits, and will eventually lead to him killing himself, not that I think all that highly of myself... but... I promised him I would never leave...

Raven: Until he pushed you away a thousand times, Adrian.

Adrian: *He sighed deep*

Raven: *He sighed soft and moved a bit closer towards Adrian* May I sit with you?

Adrian: You already are... aren't you?

Raven: Yes, but this time I'm asking for your permission *he smiled soft as he planted his legs on the floor next to Adrian's, now sitting completely next to him again*

Adrian: .... fine *he sighed soft*

Raven: Thank you *he paused a moment* look, just because I'm not your favorite person-

Adrian: *a soft snort escaping him*

Raven: -doesn't mean I don't understand you. He ruined a lot of things, Adrian. HE broke the bond between the two of you, not you. He broke the bond between Andy and him as well. You both had a long windy rollercoaster ride with him. You both tried to get through to him countless times. You both tried to warn him, that if things would continue being so out of hand, it would eventually result in the relationship falling apart, and here we are. He refused to listen, and this is the result.

Adrian: I feel bad for letting things get that far.

Raven: *He sighed soft* Understandable.

Adrian: I should have put my foot down.

Raven: You did. The fault isn't yours Adrian. You tried your very best to get through to him, Andy as well, at times even resulting in rather desperate attempts at getting through to him, but you were both more than pushed over your limits, for a very long time. That's nothing anyone should ever suffer from a loved one.

Adrian: .... I feel like I am letting him down.

Raven: You are. But not in the sense that you haven't done more than enough. Rather in the sense that he will be losing something very valuable, if you let him completely go, and he will undoubtedly see that as 'yet another person leaving'. Whether the reason is understandable or not wont weigh as much to him as the loss will.

Adrian: *He sighed heavy* and so what if he takes his own life... I'm supposed to just live with that?

Raven: .........

Adrian: .........

Raven: You couldn't, you have a too big heart. But you also can't be stuck in this forever, hoping for a solution.

Adrian: ........ I think that's the first genuine compliment I have ever heard from you *he looked at Raven with a slight tugging at the corner of his lips*

Raven: Come on... I have given you plenty compliments about how you used to handle things with Ben

Adrian: ... perhaps... but not something that was a compliment about me....

Raven: Yeah? Well... at least I didn't call you cute

Adrian: ..... *he looked at Raven confused*

Raven: I'm not as cute as I think I am *he smirked lightly*

Adrian: .... you're not cute at all *he glared*

Raven: *He couldn't help but laugh*

Adrian: Glad my misery amuses you! *he grunted soft* I wanna sleep!

Raven: *He nodded gently* Hows your leg?

Adrian: *He grunted displeased* It's very sore... but better

Raven: I guess it's pointless asking you if-

Adrian: Yeah that would be a no.

Raven: *He chuckled soft* Fair enough. And you don't want to talk more about-

Adrian: Nope *he quickly took off his tshirt, so he was sitting in just boxers, then crawled up in bed and laid down with a heavy sigh* I'm still drunk... you didn't...

Raven: You wouldn't allow me to finish *he shrugged lightly as he looked back at Adrian* I was focusing on your leg! *He stood up slowly and grabbed the big blanket laying in Adrian's bed, slowly pulling it over him* Right, I'll head off then for good this time, I wont disturb you again, you have my wo- *he paused as he noticed Adrian starring at him in disbelief* What?

Adrian: .... I just... you tugged me in?

Raven: *he looked at the blanket, then quickly let go of it* I'm sorry, I didn't want you to get cold.

Adrian: .......

Raven: I'll get out of here, sorry!

Adrian: *He closed his eyes and sighed deep* Please stay.

Raven: *Now it was Raven's turn to fall silent*

Adrian: *He opened his eyes, taking a few seconds to focus his eyesight on Raven* Raven?

Raven: ......... you want me to stay?

Adrian: Let's not make a big deal out of it, please?

Raven:..... where... where would I...  do you have an extra blanket?

Adrian: Sure... but it's not up here... come on *he padded a hand next to him on the bed*

Raven: .... but wouldn't it make you uncomfortable to share a bed with-

Adrian: Not as uncomfortable as it would be if you turn down the offer *he grunted soft* Look, I'm still pretty drunk... what if I have to get to the toilet, or need water? Between my leg and the alcohol, I might just fall all the way down next time, and since I'm so good at pushing you away, it might take days before anyone finds me, and by then the cats will have eaten half my face!

Raven: Yeah, we can't have that! Your face is far too pretty for that!

Adrian: *He snorted soft then groaned lightly* Look.... to be honest, I'm still in pain... and slightly worried.. *he sighed soft, his face turning more serious than before* I'm... scared... Sam isn't coming by tonight, and I don't want to worry Andy....

Raven: *he nodded soft* Okay, I'll stay. *He slowly kicked off his boots and crawled up in bed, sitting down next to Adrian*

Adrian: You sleep in leather pants?

Raven: *he chuckled soft* No.... but... *he sighed soft, suddenly feeling very self-conscious* I don't want to-

Adrian: Just take off your damn clothes Brandubh!

Raven: *He chuckled surprised* I didn't even think you knew my full name!

Adrian: *He grunted unimpressed*

Raven: Are you sure?

Adrian: Yes... please... just not naked.

Raven: Of course. *He quickly got both his tshirt and pants off, throwing them casually on the floor, then crawled under the blanket, laying down next to Adrian* How are you feeling?

Adrian: *He sighed soft and rolled to his side, leaning his forehead against Raven's shoulder* Scared.

Raven: ... There wouldn't be a reason to be scared if I-

Adrian: Just... be here, please....

Raven: *He nodded soft, gently stroking Adrian's arm, but instantly noticing what he did* Sorry... it's a habit....

Adrian: .... just don't tell anyone about any of this...

Raven: *A wide smile spread on his lips, his heart beating a little happier* I wont.

*Back across town*

Malou: *It had been at least 15 minutes since Dalton had left, because his phone had rang, and she was wondering what were taking him so long. Probably his girlfriend... ex... but what if it was something else? Bad news perhaps? As her worries started growing, she quickly climbed down from her bed, deciding to go downstairs and look for him. The thought of him sitting alone downstairs, possibly sad, made her sad. She quickly went downstairs, and it didn't take much effort to hear him outside, as his voice was rather raised*

Dalton: No! That's not what I meant and you know it! You always take my words and use them against me, and I'm tired of it! I'm tired of always being your escape goat!

Malou: *She frowned deep. So it was HER! She sighed deep and sat down on the couch, she should probably leave, it was a private conversation, but the thought of him alone out there in the cold... she couldn't deny how much she longed to wrap her arms around him, and make him feel loved and safe. So she decided to be as close to that as she could, right here on the couch when he would come back inside. She did however turn on the tv, the sound of Dalton's voice made her particularly sad deep inside, when she could recognize his pain through the distress in his tone. She curled up under a blanket, it was a rather cold night, leading her into a new worry.... should she bring him a jacket, or would that be rude, interrupting such a private moment... would it be rude not to bring one? The more she thought about it, worrying about him, wondering what he would need, and what would be too much for too little for her to respond to, she slowly started sinking tired into the couch, until she eventually laid down, trying her best to pay attention to the tv, rather than her train of thoughts of how much she was longing to cradle him till he would heal and feel better*

Dalton: That's not what I meant... NO! Please don't say that!.... you have no idea how hard I tried! I did everything I could and more! I lost my fucking self in the process! I'm tired! I'm so fucking tired! I don't know what to say or do anymore! I can't go on like this! I just... can't... I can't take anymore of it!

Malou: *She frowned deep, tears filling her eyes. How could anyone deliberately make him feel like this?! Her urge to hold him tight only growing stronger and stronger by the second, till it exploded as she heard a light sobbing from outside. He was right behind the front door now, where before he had at least been half down the stairs. She had to go, right? She looked at the door with such intense longing, a need to be there for him and make him feel better. To take away all the pain and hurt, all the loneliness and feeling of being lost, and replace it with kindness, understanding, caring and love. But if she were to open that door right now, would it be too much for him? He seemed to be a person that might get startled in a situation like that... or were he more the type to long for someone to come by and hold him? She didn't know him well enough yet to make any fast decisions. It was best not to jump right at it, she supposed. A heavy sigh escaping her as she decided it was best to wait for him to come in, that way she could easier read the situation. Hopefully. Her eyes were getting heavy, it was quiet outside now, and the dimmed light in the living room, almost only lit up by the tv, was making her eyes have a hard time focusing on the door. But then it slowly opened*

Dalton: *He sniffled his nose as he stepped into the house, and slowly closed the door behind him, locking it carefully. He turned around slowly, surprised to spot Malou on the couch* I'm sorry... I... it took a long time, I didn't mean to leave you hanging... things just... got in the way

Malou: No, that's okay *she said in the mildest, most caring tone possible* Are you alright?

Dalton: *He sniffled his nose again and nodded, then slowly walked towards the couch, to her surprise sitting down on it*

Malou: Let me make space for you *she moved around a bit to sit up, but to an even bigger surprise, something else unfolded in front of her eyes*

Dalton: *He slowly laid down right next to her, shivering lightly as he sighed deep and pressed his arms against his chest in order to try to gain some heat in them* It's fucking cold! *his teeth gently clapping together*

Malou: Here *she quickly grabbed some of the blanket, pulling it over him* is that better?

Dalton: *He nodded soft* Yeah... thanks!

Malou: *She nodded soft, not daring to speak, afraid he would somehow disappear or change his mind, if she dared to disturb the moment she had been granted*

Dalton: *He shivered lightly again, gently wiggling himself a bit closer so they laid gently against each other* Is this... is this okay?

Malou: *She nodded soft, it was more than okay.*

Dalton: *He stayed quiet, but his body seemed to start shivering even more*

Malou: *She couldn't decide whether she should wrap her arms around him or not, wanting to heat him up, but also not wanting to push him into a more intimate situation, whether it was romantic or not, being THIS close was already borderline strange territory for most people if it wasn't with a partner or potential partner. But the more Dalton was shivering against her, the more she felt the need to wrap him up and protect him from anything or anyone, that ever hurt him! So she reached out, grabbing onto the blanket and gently wrapped it more tightly around him, properly tucking him in*

Dalton: ........ did.. you just tuck me in?

Malou: .... yes? *she almost whispered, scared she had stepped over a line* you're really cold, I don't want you to get a cold.

Dalton: .....

Malou: ...... *slight panic!*

Dalton: ..... that's really sweet.... I haven't been tucked in since I was a kid.

Malou: *She tried to force back a smile.... so he didn't hate it or deny it.... she was so happy she felt like jumping up and down from joy!*

Dalton: *And to her surprise he snuggled a bit closer* Can we lay like this for a while? I mean... I know we should probably get to bed, we'll probably get all sorts of problems if we fall asleep on this couch, there isn't exactly space for both of us to sleep... but can we just lay here for a little while?

Malou: *She nodded lightly* Sure.

Dalton: Thank you *he whispered softly, snuggling a little closer so they now laid pretty tight, his head now laying, resting on her arm, a fact she couldn't decide if he was aware of or not, specially since he seemed to fall asleep only few minutes later, undoubtedly exhausted from the conversation and the cold*

Malou: *She laid quietly observing him sleep, for a while, till she finally gained the courage to wrap one arm around him, to try to steady him, so he wouldn't fall off the couch, and of course also to simply be closer, now that she had a chance. With her other hand, of the arm he was now sleeping on, she could just reach his hair gently stroking it, while hoping he somehow, somewhere, would feel the pure love, she was trying to pour in his direction, and how much she believed he truly deserved it. How truly she longed to treat him as the magic she believed him to be. And that's how she fell asleep about 15 minutes later, her own loneliness fading away for a little while.*

*Meanwhile across town*

Sam: *He gently knocked the door to the bathroom* Niyol?

Niyol: .... Mh?

Sam: You have been in there for quite a while now... are you alright?

Niyol: ..... Yes

Sam: May.... may I come in?

Niyol: Yes, of course!

Sam: *He slowly opened the door and peeked in at Niyol sitting in the bath tub* I'm sorry I interrupt, I just wanted to make sure you're okay? *he spoke in a warm, caring voice*

Niyol: *He nodded soft and forced a small smile* I'm alright, thank you... just lost in my own thoughts, I suppose? But mainly just extremely tired. I think I dozed off a couple times *he chuckled softly*

Sam: Yes, frankly my head started nodding too... how about I go make my bed ready, and you come in when you feel like it?

Niyol: *He looked a bit hesitating at Sam* .... I can sleep on the couch.

Sam: No *he shook his head lightly and smiled* I insist! We have slept together before, we can do it again.

Niyol: *A soft yawn was his only reply*

Sam: I guess that settles it *he chuckled soft* I'll be in my room...

Niyol: *He nodded lightly* I'll be out soon.

Sam: *He was already laying in bed as Niyol came into the room, smiling at him warmly* You look extremely tired.

Niyol: *He chuckled lightly* I am. *He looked a bit around, only wearing his boxers* where can I put my clothes?

Sam: Anywhere, make yourself at home.

Niyol: *He quickly walked to a chair in front of him and placed the clothes, then joined Sam, quickly crawling into bed and under the blanket* Thank you for letting me sleep here.

Sam: *He smiled soft* Hopefully it will mean at least one night without nightmares.

Niyol: *He frowned soft* I doubt it.

Sam: *He couldn't help but feel sorry for his friend, and spontaneously grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly* You never know.

Niyol: *He smiled lightly and thankful, truly appreciating both Sam's words and gesture, squeezing his hand back*

*At a particular junkyard*

Raven: ... Adrian? *He spoke in a lowered, sweet, almost whisper*

Adrian: *No reaction*

Raven: *He dared to peek down at the human, snuggled up against his shoulder, eyes closed, sound asleep. He looked peaceful, his usual frown had been replaced by a much softer look. A tickly feeling spreading through Raven's belly* You have no idea the trouble I'm in, Mr. Blackwood, he whispered soft, and closed his eyes*

*Somewhere else, late night, just before dawn*

Dalton: *He woke up with a soft moan, feeling an out of body jolt as he felt himself tipping backwards, instantly noticing he was on the couch, not in bed, and he wasn't alone.*

Malou: *She laid next to him, and arm around his waist, the weight of it being the reason he had managed to stay on the couch after all. Judging by her breathing she was deep asleep, and he noticed how peaceful and delicate she looked as she laid there*

Dalton: *He observed her for a while, in the dimmed tv light, and as he paid attention to it, he noticed she had brought a small but very genuine smile to his face. A warmth of affection starting to spread through his body. She was special, wasn't she? And it was with that thought and that smile on his lips, he slowly drifted of again.*