Adam has begun to trust Opal; but is he really ready to admit he needs the help?

--

"The city…?" Adam looked up at her, brows furrowing.

"There's someone I want you to meet. I think that-"

"The last thing I need is more people knowing where I am."

Opal sighed, putting her hand on her hip. She knew this wouldn't be easy.

"Look. He's the person who helped me through my problems back then; has helped a lot of others too," she paused, cocking her head at him, "He's a great man, Adam. His husband is the sweetest penguin faunus too."

He slightly relaxed at the notion that it was another faunus, but he was still high strung. Argus was practically part of Atlas, and he still didn't have a weapon. He closed his eyes, brows furrowing in deep thought. This was a leap of faith- he knew that. It would be his first, and maybe last chance to let someone in. To trust someone.

Opal smiled at him, crossing her arms as he pondered.

"Fine."

She almost jumped for joy, keeping it minimized to a slight bounce,

"Perfect! You won't regret it I promise!" She chirped happily, moving to head upstairs, for what he could only guess was to get dressed.

She quickly turned on her heel as she made it to the stairs, looking back at him,

"But remember; no fighting. I want you to be on your best behavior!"

"I'll behave if they do-"

"Adam. They're Atleasian; they never behave." She frowned, glaring at him.

"Fine, fine. I won't kill anyone." He grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Opal looked at him suspiciously before slowly making her way up the stairs. He bristled at the thought of the city; he'd always hated crowds. Regardless of what he did, he would always stick out in a group. Not only was he a faunus, being six foot four had its disadvantages.

A sigh escaped him, resting his forehead against the table. He would much rather stay tucked away in the small home, pretending like nothing happened. Adam pulled himself from his seat, running his fingers through his hair. His eyes traveled to the window, arms crossing.

He hadn't been in a city since Haven. Even after tracking Blake to Argus, he didn't dare step foot in the place. Cities felt suffocating, claustrophobic; it felt like walking a tightrope. The shuffling above him made him begrudgingly slide out of his seat, knowing Opal would be down soon to pester him soon enough. Adam drug himself up the stairs, heading to what could only be described as 'his room' at this point. It was strange- how used to going up these steps he was. He didn't feel like he had to watch his back here, didn't feel the need to sleep with one eye open.

Adam felt safe, comfortable. For once, it felt like his biggest threat was himself. Maybe he just knew things were always too good to be true; that he couldn't relax, that he'd never be safe. He was constantly waiting to be stabbed in the back or worse- being ripped away from the safe haven he'd finally found. The thought made his stomach churn; what would happen if he was found?

What would happen to Opal?

He shook his head, choosing to shove the thought to the furthest corner of his mind. He was a creature of habit after all. The last thing he needed was to be distracted while in Argus. Heading to the dresser, he pulled out the simple black dress pants Opal had gifted him for Winter's Veil, figuring they may be a bit more appropriate compared to simple sweatpants. Slipping into a fleece lined long sleeve, he shrugged on his coat, making sure to remember to remove his symbol from the back prior.

There was a soft knock on the door, that familiar mess of coily hair peeking through the door,

"Ready to go?"

"No, but something tells me I don't get a say."

"See, now you're getting it," she chirped, smirking at him.

Adam rolled his eyes, following her back to the living room. The two promptly strapped on their boots, Opal picking up her usual walking stick. He eyed her curiously, seemingly expecting her to grab a weapon of some kind.

"What?" She mused, raising a brow.

"You're unarmed."

"Well I have my walking stic-"

"You're unarmed." He repeated bluntly, frowning.

She leaned against her walking stick, eyes narrowing,

"We shouldn't have any trouble as long as we stay calm and mind our business."

"But-"

"Ah ah. I've lived out here for years by myself. I think I know better."

Adam opened his mouth to retort, only to not have a response- damn it. That didn't change the fact that he was a walking magnet for grimm. While he'd calmed down quite a bit since his arrival, it didn't make him any less volatile. He let out a sigh of frustration, pulling his hood up; he had to be sure to work on acquiring a new weapon.

"Now let's get going! I want to be home by lunch."

After locking up, regardless of the chance of anyone trying to break in to begin with, they were on their way. Opal made idle chatter as usual, the two enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest. While he wasn't fond of snow, the quiet crunching of the fresh piles under their feet was calming. Gods knew he needed it before entering the city.

The familiar sound of the city train began to sound off in the distance, making him cringe. She paused mid conversation, turning to look at him,

"I know I kind of... Insisted that you come to the city but... " Opal frowned, brows knitting with concern, "Are you going to be okay?"

Adam sneered, shrugging his shoulders,

"I'm fine. I've dealt with enough insufferable people in my lifetime to know how to keep a low profile."

She looked at him skeptically before offering a sigh, shrugging her shoulders in response,

"If you say so- but if it's too much just-"

"I said I was fine." He snapped out, eye twitching.

He hated when people underestimated him. Regardless of the womans caring intentions, he wasn't a damned child. The two made their way down the incline; snow and gravel pathways tucked between trees slowly shifting to brick roads lined with street lamps. The presence of the military was disturbingly obvious, soldiers peppered throughout the entrances to the city. Luckily Argus hadn't taken the same path as Atlas in closing its doors, though the hold Atleasians still held was apparent.

"Stay close to me." She murmured, noticing the soldiers immediate attention on him.

She wrapped her hand around his, glancing up at him,

"Oh I just can't wait to show you the city, darling." She smiled, raising a brow.

Adam felt himself go rigid, grimacing at the sickeningly sweet tone she took. It was grossly fabricated and fake, but it seemed to make the soldiers turn away in secondhand embarrassment- though he didn't miss the slight look of disgust on their face. As they made their way through the walls, he offered a fake gag, earning him a swift punch in the shoulder,

"Don't give me that! It worked didn't it?" Opal stifled a laugh, nudging his leg with the end of her walking stick.

"That was disgustingly fake- clearly you've learned a thing or two from the Atleasians." He murmured playfully, offering a slight shove back.

Another laugh escaped her as they continued down the sidewalk, continuing their playful jabs and lighthearted bickering. A few chuckles even escaped him, regardless of his best efforts.

"Look who's back!"

The voice knocked them out of their comfortable teasing, Opal visibly stiffening. She quickly grabbed Adam's sleeve, picking up the pace down the sidewalk,

"Let's go."

He quirked a brow, glancing behind him. If that wasn't the walking definition of pretentious, he didn't know what was. The man's blonde hair was gelled into spikes, gaudy sunglasses perched on the top of his nose. He wore various shades of blue and whites, accented with gold; the Atleasian Military Crest on the sleeve of his jacket. The man grinned at him, pointing,

"Oh look the cow found a bull!"

"Oh fuck off, Jacob." She snapped, catching him off guard.

Opal didn't sound as strong as she usually did. The confidence she carried herself with wayned, and the strength in her words faltered; all for this piece of shit. Adam began to slow down, the feeling of his eye twitching becoming more irritating by the second. The woman practically dragged him down the sidewalk, her walking stick gripped in her other hand. Opal grimaced, leaning into the faunus,

"They're not worth it; let's just go."

"Hn.." He muttered, biting his lip.

If he said anything more, he knew he'd break. She began pulling him along again, much to his distaste. He despised how pacifistic Opal was. He knew by now she was no damsel, however it pissed him off how she was letting people walk all over her. The jeering continued as they walked, pushing Adam closer and closer to the edge.

Why wouldn't she do anything?

Opal kept smiling at him reassuringly, doing her best to convey that it didn't bother her,

"It's fine, they're just immature brats."

Pieces slowly began to come together for the faunus. Those months ago when Opal had come back from Argus. How distraught and downtrodden she looked; how her eyes were puffy and red from crying. He could tell how downtrodden she was getting now; could see how self conscious she looked- It was him. He grit his teeth, nails biting at his gloves.

"Come on- Why're you walking away!? Gonna go home and cry to mama and papa? Oh wait-"

He felt her flinch at that comment, his vision going red- no, that was the last straw. As Jacob moved to grab the back of her hood, Adam grabbed his wrist, twisting it roughly. The blonde let out a pained yelp, his followers backing up.

"Ad- Wait! Stop, he's not worth it!" She grabbed his jacket, eyes widening.

The faunus pulled him closer, ignoring Opal's protests,

"If you won't handle this then I will," he growled, turning his back to her, "Now listen to me you little shitstain. She won't stoop to your level, but I've already hit the bottom and I've got no problem digging."

Adam twisted the man's wrist further, producing an audible crack. Jacob let out a loud yelp, eyes wide with fear.

"What? All bark and no bite? You wear that military crest on your arm for a reason, don't you?"

Wisps of his shaggy brown hair poked out from under the hood, his lone blue eye practically staring through the blonde. Jacob was frozen in fear, voice shaking,

"I-I-"

"Go on, fight me. Sick your little cronies on me," he spat, "Show me what they teach up in Atlas; I'd love the practice."

"I-I'm not in the military! My father is; he-!"

Adam frowned nose wrinkling,

"Oh I see, so you just go after people who won't fight back". He growled, cocking his head, "You chose to pick on someone who would rather take the high road than put you in the ground where you belong."

He stared Jacob down, eyes narrowing,

"However I am not so generous. I'm not taking any of your pathetic bullshit." Adam hissed.

Jacob gulped, his voice cracking,

"L-look man- we don't got a problem with you-"

"Let me make this VERY clear," he scowled, "A problem with her is a problem with me. If you EVER touch her again, I will cut off each and every one of your fingers, one by one; you won't even be able to scream because you'll be too busy choking on your own blood, wondering where your tongue landed. Do you know why?"

Jacob looked horrified, weakly trying to pull Adam's hand from his wrist. Adam grabbed his chin with his other hand, nails digging into his skin,

"I said- Do you know why?"

"Why?" He choked out, body trembling.

"Because you thought it was funny to call her a cow."

He let go as Opal pulled him back, the blonde stumbling backwards. Adam sneered, staring the group down from under his hood. He kept her behind him, his hand rested on her shoulder. Standing up straight, he looked down at the group,

"Now- What have we learned?"

"L-leave her alone." Jacob choked out, shrinking back.

Adam took a step forward, pushing his menace as much as possible,

"I said; WHAT have we learned?"

"We'll leave her alone!"

The two watched as Jacob and his group scrambled off in a panic, turning onto the closest sidestreet possible. Adam offered a satisfied 'hmph', only to turn and be welcomed with Opal's disapproving stare. He quirked a brow, frowning,

"What?"

"What? That's all you have to say for yourself?"

He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his coat pockets,

"I don't understand why you seem to be upset with me."

Opal rubbed her temple, letting out a frustrated noise,

"Adam we talked about this! You promised you would behave in the city!"

"I handled that perfectly non-violently; I also said I wouldn't kill anyone."

She put her face in her hands,

"You broke his wrist, Adam!"

He quickly held up a finger, frowning,

"Correction, I fractured his wrist. Very different," he smirked a bit, "And don't act like some part of you didn't enjoy that."

"It doesn't matter if I did or not, you shouldn't be-"

"So you did enjoy it." He mused, raising a brow, "And remember, I said I wouldn't kill anyone."

She groaned, resting her palm against her forehead,

"My gods you're like a child."

"How is it my fault that you left holes in your own agreemen-Ow ow fuck! Gods damn it what is with you and the ears!" He snapped as he was drug down the sidewalk.

"We're already late because of your stunt!"

Adam was eventually released, growing more uneasy as they entered a quite nice looking neighborhood. And with a nicer area, the more unsavory looks they began to receive. The cobblestone streets seemed just a little bit nicer, not a single piece of trash nestled into the piles of snow along the sidewalks. The street lights went from being wooden posts to ornate poles, simple buildings now trimmed with intricate molding. A quiet growl escaped him as he began to hear murmurs around them, prying eyes watching the two. Opal placed a hand on his arm, keeping herself tucked behind her hood. At least they both felt the same way.

They eventually ended up on the steps of a nice townhome, the very sight making Adam's skin crawl. Barren pots traveled up the side of the staircase, a simple wreath from Winter's Veil left on the door. He felt like he didn't belong here; he knew he didn't belong here.

"Adam? Are you alright?" Opal cocked her head, rubbing his arm.

He quickly twitched away, his hand traveling to where Wilt and Blush would have been. His weapon, he needed his weapon- he was vulnerable, he-

"Adam- hey. It's okay."

The gloved hands on his cheeks made him blink, pulling him back to reality. He pushed her hands away, glancing to the side,

"I'm fine." He muttered quietly, frowning.

Opal smiled sadly, before turning to knock on the door. Some muffled voices came from the other side, followed by the patter of footsteps. The door creaked open, a middle aged man standing in the doorway. His hair was a mix of black and white, small feathers scattered in patches on his face. His dress was simple but refined, much of what you'd expect in this type of neighborhood; a simple dress shirt topped with a knit green vest. He had on plain black slacks, Adam's attention being caught on the slight webbing between his toes; that must be a pain.

"Opal dear! Oh my how I've missed you!" The man chirped, cupping her face in his hands.

"I've missed you too, Adrien." She giggled, pulling him into a hug.

His bright green eyes had a sparkle to them, his dimples being prominent when he smiled. He pushed up his glasses, looking to Adam with a smile,

"Oh and you're here to see Westley, yes?" Adrien cocked his head, opening the door, "Please, come in come in! You must be freezing out there."

Adam crossed his arms as they made their way into the building, still feeling out of place. The whole home was clean and refined, furnished in a more homey way rather than being sleek and modern. Plants seemed to be around every corner, accompanied by geodes or crystals. He picked up the slight smell of a burning wood, mixed with a scent of holiday spices. Opal rested her walking stick against the wall, beginning to taking off her boots as she continued to make general chatter, side eyeing him to do the same.

He let out a grunt, undoing the laces on his boots. Now this really felt like he was back in Menagerie. Adrien waited for them at the end of the foyer, shifting from foot to foot,

"Oh Opal, Westley is going to be so happy to see you!" He adjusted his glasses, smiling, "Oh and of course you too, Mr. Taurus. He's very honored you're willing to speak with him."

"Willing is a loose ter- ow."

He was quickly elbowed by Opal, a glare being cast his way. Another growl escaped him, a frown on his face. Adrien beckoned them in, his webbed feet pattering along the wood floors. The living room was an inviting cream color, accented with rustic furniture in greens and browns. It was different than he expected, he would admit that at the very least.

"Westley, love? Opal and her friend are here." He cooed, turning back to them, "I swear that man- You two can take a seat while I get him."

Adam's body was rigid as he sat down, wordlessly taking in the room. Windows, doors- anywhere he could run, escape. He didn't belong here; in a nice home in Argus. Opal put her hand on his leg, giving a reassuring smile.

"Relax. No one here is out to get you."

He stayed hidden under his hood, averting his eyes from her; he just wanted to get this over with.

"You must be Adam."

The voice caught his attention, glancing up from his own feet. Adrien was now accompanied by another man; he had short, curly brown hair with lightly tanned skin, his carmel colored eyes soft and kind. The penguin faunus frowned, patting the other on the arm,

"Love, you didn't even introduce yourself."

"Ah- Right yes. My apologizes," he rubbed his chin, scratching at the scruff there, "My name is Westley Fromm. I'm not sure how much Ms.Opal has told you about me, but I specialize in-"

"You're human."

Westley cocked his head, putting a hand on Adrien's shoulder as a look of concern washed over his husband's face. Opal internally cringed, the memory of her first introduction to Adam resurfacing; only this time, he wasn't bed ridden.

"That's correct." Westley responded calmly, watching the younger faunus curiously.

Opal groaned as she watched Adam get up, quickly putting herself between him and the hallway,

"Adam-"

"I'm not talking to a fucking human!"

She frowned, holding her ground,

"You said you would talk to him-"

He leaned in, angrily whispering to her,

"You said he was a faunus."

Opal rolled her eyes, speaking quietly back to him,

"I said his husband was a faunus. You came to that conclusion on your own."

"Opal." He growled, eye twitching.

"If I may," Westley cleared his throat, leaning to the side.

He didn't make any effort to move from his spot, his hands up next to him,

"There is nothing forcing you to speak with me. I'm only here to offer my help if you wish for it."

"I don't wish for shit, we're done here." He snapped, glaring at the woman.

She glanced at Westley before looking back to Adam, letting out an exasperated noise,

"Adam please. Just trust me on this- atleast give it a chance."

"I told you I don't-"

"Trust me just this once. Please." She stared back at him, brows knit.

Adam grit his teeth, glancing back at the man. He looked back to Opal, the woman giving him pleading puppy dog eyes. A growl escaped him as he crossed his arms, glaring at Westley,

"Fuck it, fine. Let's just get this over with."

Westley nodded, beckoning him to follow,

"Of course. If it's alright with you, step into my office."

He took a few steps forward before stopping, looking back at Opal with a brow raised. She was standing next to Adrien, a hand on her hip. Adam looked between her and the door, eyes narrowing. She simply shook her head, shoo'ing him with her hand.

So he was going alone.

"I'm going to go to the nearby bakery with Adrien! I'll make sure to get you something for your trouble." She chirped, smiling, "If you behave I'll even get you a I'll something extra?"

"Fuck you."

"Language." Adrien frowned, eyes narrowing.

Adam let out another growl, stepping into the man's office. The room was furnished much like the rest of the house, quite homey and cozy. Natural wood furniture accented with the brown upholstery of the couches and chairs. The lighting was soft, plants across windowsills and positioned on bookcases. He was beginning to see the possible catalyst of Opal's greenthumb.

"Please, take a seat." Westley hummed, moving to the armchair across from the couch.

The faunus let out a grunt, positioning himself as far from the other man as possible on the couch. He watched as he pulled out a tablet, typing in what he could only assume was his name and the date.

"I don't want it on record." He snapped, body tensing.

"No need to worry- These are my personal records. While you may already know this, it's general practice to make this known: nothing spoken here will leave this room. It will be kept confidential unless you are a danger to yourself or…" he trailed off, glancing up from his tablet, "others."

Adam sneered, resting his foot on his knee,

"As much as I'd love to, it wouldn't just affect me."

"So you care for Ms.Opal's wellbeing?" Westley mused, tapping in notes.

He felt his eye twitch, his body going rigid,

"I don't give a shit! I owe a debt and that's it." He snapped, fingers digging into the arm of the couch.

Westley raised his hands, offering a nod,

"Of course. My apologizes. Now what feelings are you having? Anger, paranoia… fear perhaps?"

"Why the hell do you need to know?"

"It's my job, Mr.Taurus. Would you like to talk about how things have been recently? Seeing as Opal was quite adamant that you come I can only assume you've been having troubles as of late."

"Look, I don't need to talk to anyone. I don't want to talk to anyone. So stop with trying to fucking fix me." Adam snapped out again, sitting up from his seat.

The other man eyed him, collapsing the tablet and placing it on the end table,

"If you would not like to convey it through words," he offered his hand, cocking his head, "Perhaps another way would be more favorable."

"What?"

Westly smiled, wisps of gold dancing over the palm of his hand,

"To be transparent, my semblance is Empathy. It allows me to feel what others are feeling," he made eye contact with Adam, humming, "If there's no issues as you claim, you should have nothing to hide, correct?"

He was challenging him. Challenging if there was nothing wrong. It had been easier; back in the White Fang. The more he trained, the more he fought- the more his feelings numbed. When had it changed? What he wanted, what he fought for. He could barely remember what he originally wanted.

Protect. Make Change. Comfort.

"He saved your life, you should be praising him."

Fight. Protect. Make Change.

"You'd be a fool to think humans will simply give us equality. Don't be a fool like Ghira, Adam."

Fight. Win. Make Change.

"Take control of your future. Win."

Fight. Win.

Win. Win. Win.

Sienna's words rattled in his head along with his own, his teeth sinking into his lip. His hand twitched as he slowly raised it, frowning. Just control how your feeling, don't let anything on, don't-

As soon as his fingertips touched the palm of Westley's hand, the calm wisps crackled red, almost like sparks. The older man's eyes widened, brows furrowing at the sudden surge of emotions. Adam quickly retracted his hand, gritting his teeth. He'd barely touched the man- was it really that bad?

Westley rubbed the bridge of his nose, brows knit tightly,

"That is… quite the tangled web you have, Mr.Taurus." He breathed out, shaking his head.

"I'm…fine." He lied, looking to the side.

"Please, sit."

Adam reluctantly sunk back into the couch, frowning.

"Let us discuss your anger first. Can you pinpoint where it stems from?"

He stared back at Westley, hands hesitantly reaching up to his hood. Pulling the article back, his eyes flicked away, eyes narrowing,

"Where do you think it fucking stems from?"

He heard the man's breath hitch for a moment, a soft hum leaving him,

"I see. So you were involved in the Atleasian labor camps."

Adam glanced to him, not being able to contain his bewilderment,

"You… know?"

Westley sighed, offering a slight nod,

"Very well, yes. As I was going to state before, I specialized in mental trauma therapy. Many of my patients have lasting effects from the camps." He folded his hands in his lap, crossing his leg over, "That explains quite a bit of your feelings, actually."

"Good, then we're done." He grunted, only to roll his eyes at the raising of Westley's eyebrows.

"Not so fast, Mr.Taurus. I would like to get a better grasp on you for a more accurate diagnosis."

"I don't need to be diagnosed with fucking anything! I told you I'm fine!"

"Anger Management."

"Excuse me?" Adam frowned, eyes narrowing.

"I believe one of the many things you have is Anger Management," Westley adjusted the cuff of his shirt, leaning forward in his chair, "Denying its existence does not make it go away, Adam. I do not expect you to open up immediately, but it's important we address our mental health."

He did have a tendency to… lose his temper. But everyone did once in a while, it was normal-

"Any nightmares? Feelings of hopelessness?" Westly continued, glancing back at his tablet.

"I…" Adam looked away, wringing his hands.

Nightmares were normal, everyone had them. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary. It…

"Run Adam!"

"...Yes." He forced out, brows furrowing.

Westly looked up before nodding, tapping away again,

"How do you feel in these dreams? In control? Defenseless?"

By the look Adam gave him, he could only assume he wasn't going to get an answer. He cleared his throat, raising a brow,

"What about people? Are you comfortable around crowds or people you don't know?"

"I hate people."

"Do you feel anxious when you're stuck with people? Perhaps feelings of being cornered or a need to leave?" He hummed softly, giving another nod.

"The less eyes the better. I'm not exactly someone who can walk around as they please, now am I." He snapped, frowning.

Westley rubbed his temple, raising his eyebrows. This was going to be a long session…

--

"It would seem our time is up." Westley hummed, collapsing his tablet once more.

The entire session was full of half answers and annoyed looks, but he made more progress than expected. Adam was quite the interesting man; the fact he was willing to speak to him at all after their introduction was mind boggling in itself.

"Thank gods." The faunus muttered, getting up from his spot.

"If it's alright with you, I'd like to see you again next week."

"What?"

Westley smiled, making his way to the door,

"I would like to get to know you better, Mr.Taurus. I believe it would be beneficial for you to talk to someone on a regular basis."

Adam rolled his eyes, stuffing his hands in his pockets,

"Oh I'm sure you do," he made his way back into the living room, frowning, "Look I have no intention of coming back to this gods forsaken city-"

"I'd be more than happy to visit you at home if that's the case." He mused, quirking a brow.

"I told you I don't-"

"That sounds perfect!"

He turned to Opal, growling,

"Since when do you make decisions for me?"

The woman handed him a drink, quirking a brow with a playful smile on her face,

"My house, my rules. I can tell by your face it wasn't that bad-" she turned to Westley, "Did he behave?"

"It was just fine. We had quite a nice conversation."

Adam angrily sipped his drink, seeming more annoyed that it was quite good. It pissed him off that she knew his tastes so well. He was promptly handed a small paper packet, Opal smiling at him,

"Your compensation, as promised."

He snatched it from her, tucking the pastry into his jacket. He'd eat it when they got back to the house; for now, he just wanted out of this damn city. Westley let out a soft hum, scratching his chin,

"Opal dear, does the same time next week work for you? I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Well you're intruding." Adam muttered, sneering as Opal gave him a dirty look.

"That will work just fine, Westley. Should I meet you in the city? I wouldn't want you getting hur-"

"Please dear, I'm more than capable. No need to worry about me." He chuckled, crossing his arms.

"Do I get a say in this?"

"No."

Adam rolled his eyes, heading to the door. He was done here. Adrien smiled happily as the younger faunus passed him, giving a slight wave,

"It was wonderful meeting you- I hope to see you again." He cocked his head, making room for the other to pass by.

"Feeling isn't mutual," he grunted, making his way into the foyer.

Opal let out a sigh, looking between the two,

"I'm sorry- about him. He's just… delicate?" She cringed, pushing her hair out of her face.

"No need to worry, Opal. His behavior is to be expected from what I can gather from our first session." Westley pat her on the back, looking to Adrien, "And don't take his words personally, love."

"Of course not! He just needs some much deserved comfort after all," The faunus cooed, resting his hand on his cheek, "Poor thing."

She smiled at the two, giving a nod. The two were always so loving and understanding, no matter who the person was. Of course while Adrien's paternal instincts probably played a part in his doting, it was still appreciated. The two would make wonderful parents one day.

They were sent off on their way, the frigid morning being replaced with a slightly cool afternoon. With the warmer weather came, unfortunately, more people. Adam unconsciously kept himself closer to Opal, his head tipped down. She wrapped her hand around his arm, knowing the disaster that would ensue if they got seperated. To get back home, they'd have to get through the heart of the city, again.

The slowly growing crowd began to put him more on edge. Adam instinctively held onto her arm, his grip tightening as they waded through people. All his senses were on hairstring triggers, his eyes darting around. Opal gently rubbed his arm, looking up at him,

"It's okay. We're just two people walking through the city." She cooed, patting his shoulder, "Just breathe and stay close to me."

He nodded loosely, taking short, shallow breaths. He could hear others comments about him- his height, his horns, how he was unfamiliar; it pissed him off.

"Clear the way!" The booming voice came from in front of them, causing him to tense.

The synchronized pounding of footsteps made his eyes widen, body going rigid. He was pulled to the sidewalk, the military squad making their way through the street. Adam grit his teeth, his nails digging into the palm of his glove. His stomach bubbled with anger, doing his best to control himself from attacking them outright.

Opal wrapped her arm around his waist, making him jump a bit. He went to snap at her, only to notice her hand balled in his coat. She let out a shaky breath, eyes narrowing as they walked passed. He hesitantly put his arm around her as well, the two spitefully watching the soldiers go by. It never had occurred to him how hard on her it must had been; he'd always had a way to push back against Atlas, but she had to live with them as if they'd done nothing wrong.

One of the soldiers glanced in their direction, causing him to step back. The slight double take of the man made him panic, only for the soldier's second glance to seemingly look through him. His brows furrowed as he cocked his head, glancing to Opal.

Except she wasn't there- or at least mostly wasn't there.

Adam brought his hand into view, eyes narrowing at the translucents of his fingertips. She pulled them away, choosing to duck down a series of alleyways and side streets in favor of the main route through the city. Her semblance faded away, her hand on her chest. Exhaustion was clear on her face, obviously not used to projecting it past herself.

"I'm sorry I… I didn't know they'd be here today." She breathed out, pushing her hair back.

"I'm not surprised," he chuckled a bit, raising a brow, "I was starting to wonder which one of us was going to try and kill them first."

Adam watched her face flush in embarrassment, rubbing her arms,

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted that way."

"I'm the last person to be upset you're not a bootlicker." He scoffed, rolling his eyes, "Now get us out of here, I'm done with this fucking city."

Opal smiled, chuckling a bit. She offered a nod, hooking her arm around his,

"Right- Let's get out of here."