Sorry this took a while, I've been dealing with some family stuff lately, that I just got through with lol. I'm determined to finish this, so I'll try to get the next chapter out sooner!

It'd been about 2 months since Winter Break. After he confessed his feelings to Lucien, Lyman had a private talk with his parents. They'd wished him luck, his mother stated that they were made for each other, and they told him to call if he had any questions.

Since then, everything was normal for the most part. They did, however, start to enjoy their new freedom to express themselves how they wanted regarding their feelings. Lucien would occasionally wake up with Lyman in his bed, with the Lycan always saying that it feels more comfortable with him there, making Lucien offer to share Lyman's bed from then on since it was bigger. Lucien also decided that Lyman's lap was his favorite place to sit, with him one day telling the Lycan to cross his legs for him to sit down, wrapping his tail around his new boyfriend's waist.

They were free to share their compliments and be affectionate toward each other, which Lyman unsurprisingly struggled to do. Lucien would say something sweet like it was nothing, while Lyman would turn redder and stutter. Lucien understood that Lyman had problems expressing himself with words when it came to Lucien, and found it way easier to show his care through actions. Lucien would often reassure the guilt stricken Lycan by saying he didn't need to be showered with affection and compliments to know he was loved, and at one point the Lycan managed to call Lucien adorable.

They hadn't told their friends, at the request of Lucien. They kept their relationship a small secret, because of a mutual agreement to see where it was going before telling anyone. He didn't feel any shame, but instead stated that while believing in true love, not even he could predict the future. He made it clear that he wasn't afraid of people knowing, but would rather enjoy the time they have, and tell their friends when they were ready. Lyman happily agreed.

As far as the missing Pokemon went, there haven't been any more cases in the last few months, but people still want to know where they've gone, and who caused it all. Lyman had all but forgotten about it, since Monty had been on edge since the end of Winter Break. He suddenly had a really bad attitude, and avoided hanging out with the group most days. He also started giving Lucien a severe cold shoulder, which often left Lyman seething. Lucien would always calm him down when they were alone, and say that it was fine, because Monty was probably dealing with something, and that things would be normal soon enough.

Lyman couldn't resist his optimism, but still kept a watchful eye on the Torracat. He didn't trust him anymore.

...

At the moment, Lyman was on his way home from the supermarket, having run a small errand for Lucien. He had stayed late sparring with Pelton from his battle class, and Lucien had tasked him with picking up some ingredients they needed for dinner.

He'd gotten what he needed, and was casually walking through the city, when he heard a loud grunt accompanied by loud noises coming from a nearby alley. A very large part of him wanted to keep walking, but his burning curiosity and his "need to know" nature wouldn't let him walk away.

He slowly made his way down the dark alley, avoiding the metal trash cans and anything that would bring attention to himself. He carefully stepped over trash, and behind the corner, and in the cover of darkness, hid himself and observed the scene before him.

His eyes went wide when he saw a group of Pokemon carrying an unconscious Quagsire and pushing it into a van. Not only was the act itself shocking, but they were wearing jackets with the symbols of Monty and Alex's frat on them. The group was about six Pokemon large, with a Houndoom, dressed differently than the rest of them, standing over them. He assumed he held a high position. His ears perked when he heard him speak.

"Hurry and get him in there. If we don't hurry the night watch is gonna find us. Not to mention the boss will raise hell again. We don't a repeat of last time."

Lyman was stunned by what he heard. He always thought Monty was up to something, but he'd honestly rather he be dead wrong than this. He just witnessed members of Monty's frat stuffing an unconscious Pokemon in a van.

Maybe I'm just seeing things. Maybe it's not his frat.

His train of thought stopped in its tracks when his phone went off. He went wide eyed and hid behind the corner of the building, quickly silencing his phone. He peeked around the corner to find the Houndoom walking over while the rest of the Pokemon were rapidly shuffling into the van. Lyman got one good look at the emblem on his jacket, and realized it actually was the same frat group. As the Houndoom got closer, he decided he'd seen enough. He activated Rock Polish and sprinted back the way he came before rushing down the street as fast as he could.

...

Lyman ran straight home. He didn't wanna waste time telling Lucien about the new information. He opened the door, and the Lucario was still preparing dinner. He greeted him with a smile, before a worried look grew on his face upon seeing the Lycan out of breath and drenched in sweat.

"Lyman? What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Lyman took a seat on the couch, and Lucien sat next to him.

"I just...*gasp gasp* I just saw members of Monty's frat stuffing someone into a van and drive away...*gasp* one of them almost saw me and I ran as fast as I could."

Lucien was completely shocked.

"Really? Are you sure it was them?"

Lyman nodded, and caught his breath.

"I always thought Monty was up to something. I didn't know he and his frat were straight up kidnapping people."

Lucien grabbed his arm and gave him a sad look.

"But are you sure it was the same group? We can't really say for sure it was them. Maybe it was a different group, or maybe it wasn't what it seemed."

Lyman gave him a questioning look.

"Yeah, I saw the emblem clear as day! I just saw them stuffing a Quagsire in the back of their van. Last I checked that isn't normal frat activity around here."

Lucien flinched, but didn't back down.

"Well maybe there's a good reason something like that was happening! Lyman...our friends are in that frat!"

Lyman growled lightly.

"I know what I saw, and I heard what they were saying. What good reason could there be to put in unconscious Pokemon in the back of a van? And I know...I know we have friends in there, but that doesn't mean they're free of guilt! You should really be careful around Monty...and Alex too."

Lucien looked hurt by that. Lyman knew Lucien had good reason to want their friends not to be guilty of such things, but he wasn't gonna deny what he saw.

"How can you say that?! You've known Alex all your life right? You honestly think he'd do something like this? You think that little of your friends?"

Lyman glared at him.

"Of course not! But that doesn't mean I'm just gonna cover up something this serious, and picture everyone I know in some pure light like a naive child! I've learned to live in this reality and it's about time you did too!"

Lucien pouts, and his face goes red with anger.

"I'm not as naive and oblivious as you think I am!"

Lyman scoffs.

"Don't give me that. You're so dense you haven't even noticed how Monty eye fucks you every chance he gets. And how he's always looking around like he expects something to happen. You're as naive as you make yourself out to be!"

Lucien starts to tear up and slaps Lyman across the face. Lyman looks away, dumbfounded.

"You're a distrustful piece of shit."

Lucien clenches a fist and stands to leave. Before he reaches the door, Lyman grabs his paw. Lucien tries to free himself, and goes limp with a whine.

"Let me go."

Lucien looks up at Lyman, who's also on the verge of tears, as if Lucien leaving was the end of the world, and looks away sadly.

"Don't leave. It'll only make things worse. I'd rather you stay and talk to me than leave."

After looking into his eyes, Lucien realized what he was doing. Lyman was someone who cared deeply for those close to him, and cared for Lucien the most. He knew the guilt of causing someone he loved to storm out after an argument would eat him alive. Lucien says nothing, and stops resisting.

"I want to trust Alex more than anyone Lucien, and I did like Monty. But I can't deny what I saw. I'm not saying to write them off as criminals, I just want you to be careful, because I know what I saw. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you...I...I lo..."

Lucien leans on Lyman's chest, and nuzzles it softly.

"Alright...I understand. You don't have to force yourself to say it. I'm sorry for slapping you."

Lucien stands on his tip toes and kisses the Lycan's bruised cheek. Lyman hugs him tight, and Lucien hugs back. The let go, and Lucien wipes the tears from Lyman's eyes.

"Why don't we take a walk? Do something to calm ourselves down?"

Lyman nods, and kisses Lucien's cheek. The moment is ruined however, when Lucien's phone goes off. He pulls it out.

"Oh, it's Lucy. It says she wants to go get a coffee, and then go clothes shopping."

Lucien gives Lyman a sad look, but Lyman only smiles.

"Go ahead. I know you've been itching for some one on one time with her lately."

He pets his head, then blushes before leaning down and kissing his cheek. Lucien smiles and hugs him.

"Alright. I'll be back later."

He throws on a jacket, and leaves quickly, looking back sadly at the Lycan before leaving.

...

Lucien knew this was wrong, and he felt bad for lying, but he had to find out for himself. That's why he didn't tell Lyman that it was actually Monty who sent him that text. He couldn't believe that his friends would be behind something like this. Alex was too carefree, and Monty was a sweetheart deep down.

He knew Lyman would be upset if he knew about this, so he promised himself he'd do something special for him later. The Lycan may not have much faith in his friends, but he knew he cared for him the most, and was only trying to keep him safe. But he had to find out for himself if what he said about Monty was true.

He mentally apologized to Lyman as he reached the cafe Monty asked to meet him at. Monty was waiting outside, and much to his displeasure, Lucien noticed how on edge the Torracat was. His eyes were half lidded, but his pupils darted all over the place, as if he were expecting Darkrai himself to manifest out of thin air and drag him into an abyss.

Lucien walked over, and waved.

"Hey Monty!"

Monty instantly brightened up, smiling at the Lucario.

"Hey Lucien, glad you decided to hang. Come on, let's go inside."

Lucien nodded, and followed the Torracat inside.

...

Meanwhile at home, Lyman can't help but shake the feeling that something is very wrong. He was sitting on the couch eating some leftovers from dinner the previous night. He knows Lucien is fine, since he's with Lucy, but the uneasiness is making him anxious. He thinks to call him, but suddenly Lucien's words rang in his head.

"You're a distrustful piece of shit"

He knew Lucien was only speaking from the heart in the heat of the moment, but it still hurt to hear. He decides to trust him a little more, and stifles his feelings.

...

Lucien was admittedly nervous. Monty had offered to get their coffee, but was taking a while chatting with the Houndoom barista. He figured they knew each other, but something was off about the barista. They weren't having a normal conversation. On top of that, the atmosphere in this cafe was off. It was then that he realized that the cafe was completely empty The feelers on the back of his head were vibrating a bit, and he suddenly felt uneasy.

After a bit, Monty returned with their coffee, and placed his cup in front of him. The aroma was wonderful, and the smell mixed with Monty's delightful smile calmed him a bit.

"Is this really coffee? I don't normally drink coffee but this smells great!"

Monty sat down and started drinking his coffee slowly.

"Course it is. I know you normally don't like it, that's why I asked for something extra special."

Lucien's feelers started twitching again, but he ignored it and picked up the cup.

"Thanks! You're so considerate."

He smiled and took a sip. While he was drinking he noticed the barista smirking at him. Monty only kept his eyes on Lucien, with a smile growing wider by the second. Suddenly things felt off. Lucien licked his lips, getting a feel for the taste.

"This is...great...but why am I so...tired?"

Monty put his elbows on the table, and leaned on his paws.

"I wouldn't know. And if I did..hehe..."

Lucien felt himself slipping away, and laid his head on the table. He looked up as his vision started to fade, and noticed that Monty's smile wasn't delightful at all. It was wicked.

"It'd be too late for you to do anything about it."

...

Lyman hadn't been worried about someone in a long time, after thinking about it. The last time he worried about someone was when Susie had gotten seriously sick when she was really young, and it took a major toll on his mental health. He didn't like worrying.

But now it'd been about two hours since Lucien had gone to meet Lucy, and he was sick with worry. He finally gave in to his conscience telling him that something was wrong, and called Lucien, but it went to voicemail after a few rings each time. He figured the Lucario was actually angry, with him and that this was his way of telling him to fuck off.

His chest ached, and his eyes were sore from him holding back his tears. He was worried that he'd destroyed the first relationship he'd had with someone, and that maybe something might've happened. He wished he'd have told Lucien to stay.

He'd thrown his phone on the couch in anger after the 5th time he got a voicemail. He curled up on the couch in anger and hurt, and sat like that for what seemed like ages. Then suddenly, his phone vibrated, and lit up with a notification. He crawled across the couch and picked it up, and his heart nearly dropped out of his chest when he read the message.

Roomie3: I'll be staying with Monty for a while. ttyl :)