Open Doors and Bleeding Hearts
April 28, 13,013
That projected week lasted longer than any of them predicted.
D could admit that the girls were much clingier than he would have liked. Sparring with them ran the risk of exciting them. And overall, they were too warm for the amount of cuddling they wanted.
Were they broken?
Running his fingertips along their scalp and back was enough to satiate Krista for short periods of time. However, that still left Rhea to contend with.
The woman threw sexual innuendos left and right that Krista blessedly did not understand. And even though she was more in tune with her desires, he knew she was just as clueless as Krista.
But she knew.
She knew D could satiate her lust if he were willing.
Spoiler: Rhea would be attempting to tempt him for a very long time.
None of this stopped her from trying.
"… want me to take care of them?" Erembour asked quietly, nestled amongst his hair.
For a moment, the Hunter wondered if the Demon was offering to eat them or pleasure them. Feeling his shoulders start to tense.
"Would you eat them? Or eat them?" Hand asked after a moment.
Seems he wasn't the only one wondering.
"… eat them."
God help him.
"… I wouldn't complain," the Demon continued, voice rumbling in his throat as he thought about it. "… smell good. Might taste just as good."
What was his life becoming? Because, for as stoic as the man was, he wasn't sure he wanted to think of Erembour (in a Humanoid form or not) pleasuring the girls.
In any capacity.
Perhaps he should just be thankful that the girls were currently asleep?
The Hound huffed. "… need to go. Been around their shit too long." A burst of cold wind signaled his departure.
The Hunter could admit their scent was rather overpowering.
Perhaps he should also be thankful that it'd not drawn in any curious creatures.
Thankful that they'd not run across anyone.
"When the Hell did you get so on edge?"
The best question, Hand.
Krista and Rhea sat quietly at the edge of the river. Staring at the near-breached banks as the water lapped about their feet.
Behind them, the grass rustled.
Without looking, they pulled up a needle and slung it backwards. Nailing a dark red blob of teeth to the tree.
Aside, this section of the river was calm.
Quiet.
Perhaps now they could bathe and… complete their mission.
They sank into the cool waters with a content sigh. Scrubbing furiously at their hair and skin until it practically glowed. Taking a moment to observe their discolored arms and chest. The flesh beginning to take on its darker tone, but it was still pale in comparison.
"He really fucked you up."
"Yeah."
"But you fucked him up more."
"Did I?"
"He's the dead one, ain't he?"
Krista snorted. Gently touching the flesh. "You right. But you think it will ever be back to normal? It's been a couple months."
"Maybe. Maybe not, though. Kinda looks badass."
Now, her lips curled upwards. "But we didn't come here to think about how badass we look."
"… You right."
She patted her belly with another laugh. "I have no idea what I'm doing!"
"Touching?"
"But I've done the tooch!"
"More tooch."
She pressed a single finger to the fleshy bit on her chest. Close to what she now knew as the nipple. Wondering why, if males and females had them, it was considered a no-no square. But only on girls.
It was only off-colored flesh. And if it was meant to feed babies, what could be bad about it?
She palmed her breast, and she watched the nipple harden. Laughing. But otherwise? She felt… nothing. Nothing aside from apprehension. Because that part was still…
Alien.
"Let's just get it over with."
Together, they shoved their head beneath the surface of the water. Eyes blinking open to scrutinize the no-no square. Fingers gingerly feathering across the expanse of flesh covered by crimson curls.
It still looked alien.
Weird.
Her fingers pressed against it.
Touching it with a cloth covered in soap or a bit of paper as a buffer was not the same as this. Was not as visceral.
Did not make her want to immediately stop.
'Tooch it harder.'
She kinda didn't want to.
However, Rhea did. She urged their hand forward and stroked against the folds.
It tickled.
Krista jerked and laughed. Sucking in water before surfacing and sputtering. Hacking loudly as they tried to clear their lungs. Standing and moving about as if that would help.
"Well."
They froze. Still coughing up water, but now acutely aware of their company.
"So, you're the one I've smelled all night."
Without pause, they dove back into the water. Trying to cover their no-no squares and escape. Before they could get far, however, a long, scaled limb curled up and around their legs. Dragging them back into the shallows.
As their head breached the surface, a snake-faced man was there to greet them. His smooth skin dripping and dewy. Shades green and blue coloring him with freckles of yellow.
Admittedly, he was very handsome. If not a tad otherworldly with his less-than-human features. Hair atop his head pulled back in a knot, shimmering like oil in water.
But he was still a stranger looking at things he oughtn't.
They lashed out at the appendage steadily winding up their body. Cleaving through the scaled flesh. The man hissed and wound about their body tighter.
Higher until their arms were pinned. Slapping a hand over their mouth when they screeched.
"Hush!"
They struggled harder against him. Jaw unhinging until they were able to bite into his hand. Mouth filling with chilled blood that immediately made their stomach churn.
"Please! I'm much too old to be thinking of taking another mate! I simply needed to speak with you!"
This made them pause. Eyes wide in terror.
They eased their bite, but they did not remove it entirely.
"I'm not in my territory, you see. And I'm sure that the scent of your heat will have already attracted a few willing suitors." This earned a confused grunt, but he ignored it as he continued speaking. "Perhaps if you were mated, it wouldn't be so bad. But… your presence might complicate things."
There was a shift in the air.
With a muttered curse, their captor dove into the water. Sinking into the depths of the river to hide amongst the flooded vegetation. The girls still tightly bound up. Painfully aware of the way his scales dragged against their bare flesh.
The shadow that passed along the river's bank was very D-shaped. And if that were not enough, a large hound followed soon after.
They pulled against the hold.
He grabbed harder.
They released a bit of their breath. Hoping the Hunter would investigate it while they attempted to feel out their first shift as a team.
It wasn't coming easily.
The water suddenly rippled with a near soundless splash, D's form casting a dark shadow as it darted towards them. And despite his supposed old age, the snake man was quick to flee. Dragging them down river. Winding around the drowned trees and slinking through the water grasses with a speed that disoriented them.
Foolishly expecting their pursuer to give up.
The girls were pretty sure they were about to pass out.
Maybe it was because they were unable to take a deep breath before being dragged under.
They suddenly glided to a stop. The man quickly surfacing when he saw the girl struggling and sputtering. Patting her back as she coughed. "Sorry, dear. I didn't mean to pull you under without warning."
"Gods! We almost blacked out!"
"I know. I'm sorry."
He pulled them up on to the embankment and watched her curl up. Tongue flickering briefly as he glanced about at the surrounding trees and ferns. Happy to see they were close to home.
"You shouldn't have fled from D."
The man froze. A chill running down his spine.
"He's gonna think you were kidnapping us."
Now, he rose up. Grimacing when his open wound pressed into the ground. "Well, I technically did."
"He's gonna think you were being ugly!"
… Did he really hear a shift in her voice?
She sounded almost like an entirely different person.
"Come along, dear."
"We're naked?"
"… Yes?"
The girl stayed in her hunched position. Arms wrapped about her knees. Absolutely refusing to move as they turned a glare up at him.
His head tipped to one side. "Am I missing something?"
"We don't love you. You shouldn't see our no-no squares."
Understanding.
Exasperation.
"I'd forgotten your types were particular about… that."
"Are your types not?"
He swept a three-fingered hand across his body. Drawing attention to his lack of clothing and the few pieces of jewelry he wore. The bits of bone fashioned into carved, painted beads.
"I won't look if that will make you feel more at ease. However, know that my people do not pay attention to such things."
They weren't sure that made them feel better. "Can't we just go back?"
"You may if you wish. I'm not sure I would recommend it."
"But why not?"
He held out a hand. Pulling the slim body close before heading into the trees. "As I said, you are in heat." At the confused look he was cast, he asked, "Do you not know what a heat is? Or that you were in one?"
"Well… the area is very… warm?"
"Sis, I don't think that's what he means."
The snake man whipped about to observe the girl before remembering that it would make her uncomfortable to stare in such a way. Despite the fact that their arms were indeed covering every 'no-no square'. "Are there… two of you in there?"
"Technically."
He dropped it. Sensing their discomfort increase exponentially.
"If it will make you feel better, I will provide you with a cover once we reach my home."
"It would be nice."
"Again, I apologize for my actions. My people have been… on edge. A girl of ours went missing the other night."
"I'm sorry."
He shook his head. "We are concerned she has been taken into the neighboring tribe. She was in the same state as you. Thus, the reason for my intrusion. I thought I'd finally found her."
"Oops."
"I assume you've only arrived in the area recently?"
"Just last night."
The man chuckled.
They were now entering a clearing. Small, camouflaged homes spread across the area. Made of river stones and mud. Dried ferns and palms draped over top.
It was quaint. Had a charm about it that Krista absolutely adored.
Rhea thought a heavy rain would ruin it all. But it was nice.
But the one thing they both noticed? It was dreadfully quiet.
Like it was a village in mourning.
"Canil! Have you found her?!"
They turned to look at the person shouting. A woman, skin and scales a myriad of vibrant greens, came racing out. Her narrow face and slim eyes pained when she spotted them. "Still nothing, then?"
"I'm sorry. But I am not giving up."
The woman slithered back to her home without a word. Body seeming to drag heavily across the ground. And the man that they now knew to be Canil ushered them on. Pushing them into a home lined with pretty rugs and skins.
From the pile of furs at the back of the room, he pulled up an intricate blanket and draped it across their shoulders. "There. Is that better?"
"A little. But thank you." And without further ado, Krista dropped to the floor to wait. Praying that D would bring her clothes when he caught up.
Yes.
It wasn't an if.
It was just a matter of 'when'.
And considering how badly she just wanted to be pet, he couldn't come fast enough.
'Maybe he'd pet us.'
Krista looked up at Canil as he settled in the nest to tend his wounds. Part of her thinking it wouldn't be so bad. But the larger part of her cringed so hard she felt nauseated. Hot, salty water flooding her mouth.
She just wanted D.
And then she heard it. The pound of large paws tearing across the uneven ground. Hooves far away, but steadily approaching. And she couldn't hear him, but she could feel him. Coming with the Demon.
Could feel the dark aura quickly approaching.
Think of the Devil and he shall appear.
Canil seemed to finally feel it. Cheeks paling. But he continued his wound care. Waiting.
From one end of the village came a handful of surprised and terrified shouts. And with little warning, the Demon burst through the doorway. Snarling at Canil until he noticed the object of his concern seated on the skin beneath his paws.
Naked, but unharmed.
Silence.
"… well. Shit."
"Yeah, that's okay. We thought we were in trouble. At first."
He shrank with a loud pop and stretched across the skin. "… getting too old for this."
"Explains the smell."
"Quit hating on the smell!" he barked. Slapping at their exposed knee. But after a moment, he stretched out again.
"Where's D?"
"… not sure."
They twisted about to eye the doorway. Calling out hesitantly.
"I'm here." And around the corner he came. Looking, for lack of a better word, agitated.
"You okay?"
"Are you?" he asked in turn.
"Yeah. We're good."
He nodded and began pulling off his coat. Blocking the view of the snake man as he removed the blanket from their body and bundled them up in the garment. Taking a moment to look them over for wounds.
Krista patted his arm. "We promise. The worst thing that happened was us trying to be fish."
"Shame it didn't work out." He turned his gaze upon Canil. Eyes dark. "Explain."
Head down, their 'host' was quick to do so. Reiterating everything he'd told the girls up to that point. Apologizing profusely for his rash decision to flee with the girls in tow.
There wasn't anything to say that could completely absolve him. But the explanation did seem to calm the Hunter.
Moderately.
They couldn't even say why they felt he was upset.
No furrowed brow.
No tightly drawn lips.
No churning aura.
But…
It was there.
And if they didn't know any better, they'd felt like he'd touched them a few different times. A ghost of a thing that they normally wouldn't notice.
They started purring.
The small touches promptly ceased.
"No! Keep petting!" they yowled.
And now they were on the receiving end of some very baffled looks.
"Don't even look at us like that! Just pet!"
Another look. This one a bit darker.
They scrubbed at their face and growled. Fingers digging into the flesh along their cheekbones. "Shit. Sorry. We'll go outside."
The Hunter watched them do exactly that before they promptly turned on their heel. Arms crossed and cheeks puffed childishly. "Did you happen to grab our stuff from the river?"
"It's with the horse."
With much grumbling, they headed out to find the steed.
It wasn't until the girls were out of hearing range that Canil chuckled, "Women in heat are demanding creatures, aren't they?"
D need not answer. The snake man did not expect one.
But together they did silently wonder if the girls had heard any of their plans regarding the missing woman.
For a price.
Afterall, Krista was a special case.
They were dressed.
Dry.
Needy.
Angry.
And they stomped along the banks of the river with all the fury of a wet cat.
They were supposed to be searching for the girl.
A simple task, they supposed. If what the men said was true, they should be able to smell her on the outskirts of the tribe.
Thus far, the only thing they smelled was nature. And the pets that would be waiting for them once they got back.
It never hurt to have a reward in mind.
D was searching on the opposite side.
Between them, Canil occasionally surfaced for a breath. Keeping himself to the waters as they headed deeper into the river.
But based on what D was seeing, he was thinking that… this was a simple case. A woman who'd found something she wanted and fled. Not thinking to discuss the decision with family.
Or… not wanting to.
From their side of the river, the girls shouted, "Are we sure she didn't leave on her own?"
"This is what I wish to find out," responded Canil. "However, I want to be cautious. Our communities have never been on good terms. If that has changed, it would be a welcome one."
The village did not have their missing girl.
However, they were missing one of their own.
Was it unacceptable to roll their eyes?
They felt it was unacceptable.
Rhea really wanted to.
Krista wondered if the two girls ran off together.
Either way, it was probably a good thing that Canil stayed hidden. The village seemed convinced Canil's people had taken her, preparing for a reconnaissance mission. Perhaps all-out war.
Deeper into the rainforest they tread.
They found their first sign of the girls.
A shimmering golden scale, a tad translucent. But shining beautifully in the late-day sun.
Shouting their findings at the two men and nose to the ground, the girls took off. Following the barely-there trail that wound through the trees.
Within an hour, they skid to a halt. Sniffing at the air.
There was… something.
Something soft, yet heady. Wrapping about them.
Drawing them in.
"D… what's that smell?" Krista asked.
"The missing women."
"Really? You sure?"
At his nod, they started forward. Paused only by his hand.
"What?"
"Perhaps you should stay here."
Their face scrunched up in confusion and irritation. "That's not happening. But if something is or goes wrong, you warned us."
"Very well."
Together, they followed the scent to its origin point.
There was a small alcove, cleared out and lined with fronds. But deep in the little burrow, it was dark. Dark enough (or at least deep enough) that Krista and Rhea couldn't see into it.
But their ability to hear was not hindered.
The sounds leaving the den immediately sent them back to that tavern on the edge of the desert. Where everything bad seemed to happen.
Where they heard similar noises through a wall and Krista never learned the secret to how babies baby.
Krista took a deep breath. Prepared to shout a question at the women when D slapped a hand over her mouth. And internally, Rhea snickered.
It still sounded painful.
But… Now that she was on good terms with Rhea, perhaps her sister would be willing to impart her wisdom. After all, she practically said she knew how babies babied. Telling her she'd rather her be in the dark for a while longer.
'Nah. I couldn't tell you, Sis. I just know it sounds like it feels good. And I wanted to frustrate you 'cause I know you want to know.'
Well… there went her hopes.
"Phk…"
'I mean, think about it. I've only been able to learn what you learn. How could I know how babes are made?'
True.
'But I do know that I'm better at reading between the lines than you.'
Low blow.
'And that Fieri was lyin' when he said it was a stomachache.'
D was suddenly pulling her back. Tight against his side and telling her to avert her eyes. Or stay in her spot.
Really, she just wondered when she'd started forward.
Probably as soon as Rhea said Fieri lied.
Because that meant she still needed to learn why they were chanting. And grunting.
Canil finally arrived, looking optimistic, if not a tad worn out. "Finally found them," he huffed out. "Seems you two had the right idea."
They watched him approach the cave. Quietly. Carefully.
"Ari?" he called.
The noises abruptly ceased.
Softly. Breathily. "Canil?"
"Yes, it's me."
Silence.
"Would you mind coming out to talk?"
A few hushed whispers.
"J-just a moment."
"Take your time."
It was only a few minutes.
They felt like it'd been hours.
Perhaps because they were back to thinking about the head pets in the near future.
But eventually, two snake women exited the den. Beautiful creatures that looked downright mortified as Canil greeted them.
The voice from before, Ari, belonged to a woman covered in rust-colored scales with rings of brown. And she asked, "How did you find us?"
The woman at her side, covered in the golden scales, pointed at Krista Rhea and D.
"I see."
The girls had met when hunting and gathering at the edge of the borders. Both originally antagonistic towards each other. After a few run-ins, however, they started talking.
It was a stereotypical love story.
Enemies to friends.
Friends to lovers.
And eventually thinking that running away was the best course of action considering the relations between their clans. Because Vipers and Constrictors did not mix.
"Your clan is considering war," D interjected. "It might be best to return home and explain."
The two women collectively cursed.
The clans came to an accord the next day.
It was an all-around happy ending.
The girls were given their freedom to love and live without needing to hide. And D left with a small drawstring bag of… something.
His payment.
So… why did they feel so damn agitated?
Had they been hoping for something more?
No. That wasn't it.
A lack of answers?
Perhaps.
A lack of pets?
Definitely.
But… maybe also because they had their self-exploration time interrupted?
Some.
They snatched up D with a loud groan. Face twisted in disgust as they dragged him away to meet up with Erembour and the horse in Canil's neck of the woods. And once they arrived, they climbed into the saddle and threw their head back into D as soon as he settled.
Krista could honestly say she was bordering on miserable. Having never felt so bloody needy before in her life. Nor as frustrated.
And now teary.
They just wanted to squirrel D away.
Didn't want to be around anyone.
Didn't want him around anyone.
But they couldn't be greedy.
Could they?
Once they were out of the settlement, Krista finally muttered, "Y'know, we tried to explore our self."
His eyes flickered down to observe her. Giving his full attention.
"I think the universe said no. Because it tickled. We laughed. We choked on water. And then Canil snatched us up."
The Hunter huffed out a small breath that sounded vaguely amused. As if he expected nothing less. "Use a firmer touch next time. Perhaps it won't tickle."
Now they were huffing. Exasperated and prepared to ask if he couldn't give more information.
"Might I also suggest you not breathe underwater the next time."
Not the information they were hoping for.
But it gave them a bit of a chuckle.
It finally happened.
Morning broke over the rainforest. Struggling to peek through the thick canopy and heavy clouds. Smelling of wet earth and exotic plants.
But it was there.
It was beautiful.
And Krista and Rhea felt… calm.
No strange warmth.
No antsy neediness.
Just… a slow return to reality that left them smiling. Content and pleased to find D still at their side.
Technically, Krista could still feel that desire for pets. But at least she didn't feel as if she was going to lose her mind if she didn't receive them.
Rhea? She was of the same mindset.
"Well, we feel a lot better this morning."
His brow rose the barest bit before he asked, "Are you now?"
"Yup. Still want pets. No longer want to practically maul you for them. That's a win in our books."
Their fingers worked into his coat. Worrying the fabric before finding Erembour. Tucked against his side despite the warmth of the area.
They kind of wished they could shrink down and sleep there.
Alas, that wasn't a thing they could do.
Not to mention they had bigger fish to fry. And as loathe as she was to leave the Hunter's warmth, Rhea asked, "D, how much longer 'til the terminal?"
"If we leave within the hour, we might reach it by nightfall."
Their heart leapt into their throat, and Rhea wondered if she should have just left it as a surprise. They wanted to have answers.
They weren't sure they were ready for them.
However, they were terribly curious as to who they'd meet.
"Alrighty!" She leapt to her feet. Wobbling precariously for a moment before beaming widely at D.
"I'm not ready!" Krista suddenly shouted. "I have more anxieties than I think I should!"
"This is no time to be a tiny little bitch baby! Let's get this shit-show on the road!"
And D watched as the girls (Krista very obviously an unwilling passenger in her own body for the moment) dove from the branch towards the damp forest floor. Skittering down and along the branches until they could leap onto the horse.
A very disgruntled horse that promptly bucked them off and kicked dirt in their face.
At least D and Hand could admit that life was never dull with them around.
Despite Anyd's claim that this terminal was forgotten, it looked to be in good shape. Gleaming splendidly in the light of night. And it was… alive.
Something none of them expected.
True, she said it was in use. Unregulated.
But not even D expected it to be this populated.
"Didn't expect to see it so busy?" Krista asked. Head angled up to stare at him.
"Of course not," Hand replied. "But I'm curious to know what's going on."
A moment of silence passed as the horse trudged slowly on.
"Hey."
The Hunter looked down at Rhea.
"Didn't Fieri say something about dealin' with a dude who had access to a terminal and a transport?"
And then, it was very obviously Krista in the driver's seat. Mouth gaping comically as she gasped. Feeling so bloody enlightened, if her eyes were any indication.
"Yooooooh!" she finally said at length. Then louder. "Yoooooooooooooh! What if this is one of them?! He never said there was more than one. But if he has to come across the ocean, he would need another one to land at!"
It was logical. And a likely prospect if it was indeed a neutral ground.
Might very well give some credence to Fieri's speculations.
Without a word, he nudged the beast into a faster trot.
Up close, it was less impressive.
But still.
How was the facility forgotten?
A rough voice suddenly called out. Not to them. But a voice the group easily recognized.
The girls perked up.
Specifically, Krista perked up. If anything, Rhea seemed intrigued but not invested.
This was something D did expect. Krista was quick to form bonds with those she felt were trustworthy. Rhea felt it was wiser to keep a distance.
"Deeeeeeeee!"
"Go."
And they were gone. Flying off the still-moving horse with an excited yowl that briefly startled the people in their path. People of all shapes and sizes and colors that roamed the inside of the terminal. Shouting from one side to the other. Shuffling goods to and fro.
And to one side stood a large sun-kissed man with auburn hair. Appearing in less than perfect shape as he walked with a limp. Hand wrapped about a dark cane.
"Fieri!"
He whipped about just as they slipped and began skidding across the suddenly slick ground. Stepping out of their path. Leaving them to crash into the stack of crates.
Blessedly empty crates.
Maybe not blessedly.
They'd built up enough speed that they simply continued on until they slapped against the man's vehicle. Groaning in pain.
"Oh!" Fieri stepped around the mess to peer down at their rapidly flushing face. Thick brows climbing into his hairline. "Little Miss! You're looking… better?"
"Are we?"
"We?"
They shook their head before Krista shouted, "You!"
"Me?" He was looking more and more confused by the second. Brows pinched together in concern. "Are you alright? Hit your head too hard?"
"You live!" With a few happy gasps, she attempted to lurch upwards. Slipping and falling multiple times as the substance coating her feet smeared about. "D said you were okay, but I'm glad to actually see you!"
For a moment, his face soured. Eyes turning to the cane before he smiled grimly at her. "Our last interaction wasn't that pleasant, was it."
"Hell no."
And with his hand braced against the vehicle, he helped them to their feet and out of the slick substance. "Sorry. A jug of oil busted. Hadn't had time to clean it yet."
"Sorry we knocked over your crates."
"It's alright."
An awkward silence descended over them. Krista sheepishly shuffling from side to side before a strained smile pulled at her lips. "Well… I'm sorry we got you into such a mess. Trouble seems to follow me."
"Hey! I'm the one who stepped in front of a woman wavin' a gun about!" He bumped her shoulder playfully. Momentarily forgetting about the oil coating her boots when she slipped and clung to the vehicle. And he guffawed before he pulled her up again. "Now, what're you doin' in my neck of the woods?"
"Oh… Yeah." Her brows furrowed. Lips pursed. "Got so excited about seeing you, completely forgot about why we're here."
With an unsteady gait, she wobbled her way around the large man. To the man in black that seemed to appear out of thin air.
"We are to meet someone here," D answered. "Have you noticed anything?"
Now, Fieri ran a hand across the stubble on his chin with his eyes turned to the ceiling. Humming. Eventually, he muttered, "I can't say I've seen anyone I've never seen before. Nothin' out of sorts." With a more careful eye, he looked about the busy area. Still shaking his head. "Nah. Nothin'. Sorry."
"Dern."
The group waited through the entire night. Watching as the sun bathed the terminal in bright hues of oranges and yellows.
No one came.
As Fieri struggled to shake himself awake, the Hunter and his companions concluded that no one would likely come during the day. They would simply need to return each night to wait.
"Y'know, if you got nothin' better to do, you should come stay at the farm," he yawned as he stretched out of the chair he'd been dozing in. "Ma an' Pa'd probably enjoy seein' you."
"We don't want to impose," D responded, pushing away from the wall he'd occupied a majority of the night.
But Fieri waved a hand at him to dismiss such a thought. "Nah. Wouldn't be imposin' none. 'Sides, she's the only one who eats, right?"
"Now? Only when our stomach tolerates it."
"Huh." He eyed her. Not immediately recognizing anything out of sorts aside from the dour look twisting her lips.
Something had happened.
Something that had to do with what the gun-crazy woman told him.
"This got somethin' to do with you baring fangs at the woman who shot me?" Her face twisted more. "I'll take that as a 'yes', then. If it helps, she didn't seem too upset."
Krista wasn't sure it did.
The farm was beautiful.
A grove of fruit and nut-bearing trees was the first thing they saw as they headed in. It'd taken about an hour from the terminal. And as they traveled down the tree-lined path, the girls could agree that their mouth was watering.
The air had a sickly-sweet smell to it. And the nuts littering the road (despite being very obviously underdeveloped) proved to be very tempting.
In fact, there were a few that were cracked open. Along with the oddly shaped fruits.
All they had to do was snag one and try it.
"Those are poisonous before fully matured."
"No! They look so good!"
"You might die."
There was a long pause as they stared at the open shell.
"Some sacrifices must be made!"
At the lead, Fieri glanced in the monitors. Able to see his companions. Specifically, was given the gift of witnessing the Hunter leap off the horse to tackle the girl and wrench open her mouth.
Was given the gift of him practically barking at her to spit out the fruit and nut she'd shoved inside.
The scene was a far cry from the Hunter he knew to be so stoic.
Granted, his facial expression had not changed.
But it was the tone at which he ordered her to do so.
It was nice to see him a bit more open than he'd remembered the man being when he was younger, and it had him giggling to himself.
Further into the farm, the girls could agree that it was even more breathtaking.
After pulling the fruit from their mouth, D informed them that there was more to see. But they'd not expected it to be so bloody large and diversified. With fields of brightly colored shrubs, low-resting plants bearing fruit and vegetables, and flooded rice paddies.
And closer to the small home that was surrounded in a glimmering and crackling barrier, a large herd of animals prowled the land. Creatures that were striped and spotted, with large, hulking bodies and thick tails that flickered lazily from side to side.
And they were yowling.
It was a noise that came across more like deranged mooing.
"What are those things?" they eventually asked. Eyes narrowed as they attempted to discern more physical traits from their distance.
Having parked his vehicle alongside one of the barns, Fieri said, "Meat beasts, of a sort."
"Of a sort?"
"Yeah." He waved a hand as they stabled the horse. Leading them towards the home, away from the 'meat beasts'. "You'll get to see them better after dinner. But if I don't introduce you and bring y'all to visit, Ma'd be cross with me."
"Cool!"
"Sounds… nice."
Fieri whipped about to eye them, mouth open.
"Yes, there are two of us. Talk about it later."
Well, then they certainly had a way of killing a question before he could even ask.
Rude.
"We wish to meet the elders! Onwards!"
With an amused sigh, Fieri led them to the barrier and loosed a shrill whistle. Smiling fondly as a soft, weathered voice yelled (after some time), "Taglin! Your son is back! Put down the damn barrier!"
"I'm a little busy, woman!"
"Jensa! Can you disable it, dear?"
A quiet affirmation, and then all was silent.
"I see not much has changed," D murmured.
"Not one bit," agreed the man as he greeted his wife with a broad smile.
It was nice.
If not a bit disconcerting.
It made them sadly happy.
Happy, because D (the man they adored and now knew to typically be an outcast) was welcomed into this home so warmly. Treated as part of the family, despite his lineage.
Sad, because they felt out of place. Like an errant raincloud in an otherwise clear sky.
They felt lost.
On edge.
But they smiled. Perhaps a bit too much until they felt just a bit better.
Because they didn't want to feel like this.
They just wanted to be happy.
They were.
But they weren't.
However, they did greatly enjoy listening to Fieri's parents bicker back and forth. An interesting dynamic to witness considering the lack of malice behind each jab.
Briefly, they wondered if their parents bickered in the same way.
Their face must have briefly soured, because once eyes were off D for just a moment, the Hunter turned to them and (under his breath) asked what was bothering them.
"Bein' a sour puss."
He hummed. "My eyesight is fine. I am not, however, telepathic."
Now, their lips curled in amusement. Eyes narrowed at him as they muttered, "Coulda fooled us." Because they were coming to almost expect this. The remarks that typically bring them out of their funks. Even if for only a moment.
What they didn't expect, however, was for the man to pinch the sensitive bit of flesh covering their ribs. Wrenching from them the most girlish squeal they could muster.
Which, of course, drew the attention of their hosts.
Which meant they looked a bit crazy considering the Hunter had long moved from his spot to engage in conversation with the elder man.
"Everything alright, little miss… er… misses?" Fieri asked.
They did not look at the man, but they felt their cheeks flush with embarrassment. Able to feel his inquisitive gaze. "Peachy. Just… had a spider surprise us. That's all. And now… we'll take it outside."
"Where is it?"
"In… our hand?"
They weren't sure why they were lying. Nor why they went so far as to lift the hand he'd not seen (now loosely fisted) and act as if there was a critter inside.
Rather, Krista wasn't sure. Rhea kind of was.
Even still, they fled out the door. Fisted hand to their chest. And later, once away from the windows and out of sight, to their belly.
"Y'know, I get why you get like this," Rhea remarked after a bit.
"What do you mean?"
"It's… nice. Seein' him show there's more there than the attractive cardboard cutout."
Krista grunted in confusion. Mind conjuring a vivid visual of the Hunter, flat and unmoving. "Attractive… cardboard… cutout. The Hell does that mean?"
"He's so stoic!" Rhea exclaimed. Throwing their hands into the air with a vigorous shake. "It's even more attractive when he does that shit!"
"What shit?!"
"Sis! Yer startin' to piss me off! Quit bein' stupid!"
Krista pursed her lips and shoved Rhea back. Slipping into the Garden with ease to cast her sister a sharp look. "Rude."
Rhea mimicked the look before her brows dropped into that ashamed expression that came less and less often. "Sorry."
"No, I get it." With a huff, Krista sat at the base of the tree. Gingerly cupping one of the nearby thistles as she said, "I get it. I'm dense. Sometimes, I think of things too literally."
"Yeah, but I shouldn't be ugly."
The crimson-headed woman shrugged. "We're only…"
There was a pregnant pause as her face scrunched up.
Eventually, Rhea interjected, "Fucked up? Because Human, we ain't."
"Sounds about right."
"But what I was tryin' to say was… it's nice to see him be more than stoic. That little pinch was fuckin' cheeky. He had to know we'd squeal. Yet, he did it anyway. And it makes me feel all jittery when he does shit like that. So, I get why you feel like that."
Rhea wasn't sure she had a better way of explaining it. A simpler, clearer way. But it seemed to finally click. Sending a rosy flush to Krista's cheeks as she added, "Like when he pinched our cheek. And all his off-the-wall remarks."
Just thinking about it was enough to set their bellies aflutter. But thoughts of why D's actions caused such feelings in them were best reserved for another time. When they weren't being expected and they could attempt to analyze everything in detail.
Perhaps then Krista could figure out what her love for D was.
Another stretch of silence.
"Hey, Rhea?"
"Yeah?"
"I know we should head back in, but I wanna know something."
Rhea flopped into the grass at her side. Wriggling about until comfortable with a muttered, "Shoot."
"When we go out, where do our bodies go?"
"Whu?"
"When I take over, where does my body go?"
"Nowhere?"
"Then why do you disappear?"
Rhea lurched up. Plucking bits of grass out of her hair as she cast her sister a more-than-baffled stare. Intelligently, she (again) grunted out, "Whu?"
"Your body disappears when I let you take over completely."
Now, Rhea shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe because it's your body? But you just stay here. Kinda like… a creepy doll."
"Gee. Thanks."
Back inside the house, it smelled of cooking meat. Something that smelled good in its own right, but ultimately upset their stomach.
It's all about intent.
And they absolutely refused to nom on bleeding meat at this family's dinner table.
Unless it was rare.
That didn't count.
So, they would sit down and consume! No matter what!
The mother (who they quickly learned was named Amber) sidled up to them as they entered the shotgun kitchen. Smiling kindly as she said, "Fieri told us you rather enjoy steak. Taglin will have them finished shortly if you'd like to help set the table?"
How could they say no?
Their already flushed cheeks took on a deeper tone with shame. Both girls feeling guilty that they'd not helped until this point. And because the steak was honestly wholly unappetizing.
But at least one thing was easily rectified.
"Of course." And after being pointed towards the dinnerware, they cast a quick look at D. And immediately released the most obnoxious grunt imaginable, taking a moment to rub their face. Because something about the Hunter standing at the counter, sans his coat and hat with his sleeves rolled up as he diced vegetables, sent that foreign warmth right through their belly.
Made their heart do funky things.
Assuming he even had the desire to, it would be nice to see D settle. Based on everything he'd told them, he'd had plenty of chances to do so. Had seen many a place as he traveled. Hunting.
And yet, he continued this lonely lifestyle. Helping people.
Putting a stop to Nobles with no morals?
Either way, for the time, there was something very pleasing about seeing him look so settled.
A gentle hand startled them out of their thoughts. Amber quietly asking, "Are you alright, dear?"
"Had a sneeze!" they lied as they crept over to the sink with a sheepish grin. Washing up before finishing, "But it went away and just made our face itch."
They didn't see the Hunter cock a brow. Catching the fib without even needing to see them.
"D?"
He hummed in response. Gently scraping the green onions into a bowl.
"You gonna eat?"
"Pfft. Unlikely."
"I know, but still gotta ask."
"But what's the point?! He never—"
"Girls," he softly interrupted.
"Sorry."
He moved across the kitchen to the table and took the final plate from their grasp. Placing it and his bowl down without a word.
"Cool."
They looked so bloody pleased by the simple action. If not a bit concerned.
And in response, Taglin was exclaiming and cursing as he slung the last steak out of the cast iron pan. Muttering that he hoped he'd not cooked it too much.
Now, that feeling of being lost seemed so far away. Seemed so… petty.
They supposed they just needed a minute to get their minds in a better place.
And seeing D so 'at home' was certainly helping.
The longer they stared at their plate, the more they doubted they'd be able to intent their way through the meal.
It looked delicious. Like a meal they'd always hoped to see with a family of their own. And the foodie in them was practically crying tears of joy.
The cat in them was making some very ugly gagging noises that they didn't appreciate very much.
They shoved a forkful of meat in their mouth.
Covered up the gag.
And Krista started weeping. Forcing the food down. Unminding of the stares being directed their way.
"Dear, are you alright?" Amber asked for not the first time. Brows drawn in concern as she reached across the table and patted her hand. "If you don't like it, we can get you something else."
She lost it. Bawling hysterically. Unable to articulate her woes.
Just as quickly, she fell silent. Eyes glazing over before turning a vivid blue.
"Of all the things you decide to have a meltdown over," Rhea muttered. To the table, she said, "I'mma take us outside. Maybe Sis'll calm down away from food."
And they were gone. Disappearing and leaving their hosts perturbed. Painfully confused.
"Is she pregnant?"
There came a choking sound from the Hunter. Specifically, from his left hand. That quickly turned into sputtering laughter.
"Now, don't laugh. It's been about six months since the fiasco in that town," Fieri grunted. "Some girls don't show hardly anything until they're ready to pop."
"She has been acting strangely," added Taglin. Earning a smack to the arm from his wife as she claimed he didn't know the girl enough to judge. To which he agreed, but added on, "I don't, but gaggin' over food and then cryin' just ain't normal."
Jensa, who didn't seem to be much of one for talking, quietly added, "Fieri told me a bit of what happened. What those men did to her."
A heavy topic for a meal.
"Are you certain they did not…?"
"Those men never made it far enough to impregnate her," the man answered.
"And you've not had any relations with her?"
Good God, why did he feel the slightest bit defensive. Perhaps offended. "They are not pregnant."
"Accidents can happen."
"Please," Hand drawled around his chuckling. "For there to be an 'accident', there would need to be more than some 'head petting'."
"Oh."
There was more to be said. The Hunter could see it in the family's eyes. But any conversation was cut short when the door rattled open. Snapped shut. And was followed by two frantic sets of footsteps. Likely from the girls running on all-fours.
Sure enough, they came skittering into the room. Looking rather panicked and sickly as they shakily asked, "Where did the meat come from?"
Bewildered, Taglin answered, "The beasts outside, of course."
Now, they turned the horrified look upon D. Staring up at him from the floor with their hand upon his thigh. "D, one of them got out. It looks like a giant cat."
Dear God, he could see where they were headed. Answering before they could ask. "No, this does not make you cannibals."
"Oh Gods! Good!"
"Told you."
Despite her attitude, he could see his affirmation did soothe Rhea as well. But he couldn't help but say, "Although, it is questionable."
Their muffled screech was well worth it.
Explanations were in order.
The family were told of the girls'… situation. And everything made sense with them. Staring at them in a new light.
The girls weren't sure they liked it.
However, if they were going to be sticking around for any length of time, it would be helpful to know that neither could really eat.
True, D did take a few bites of his very bloody meat (something the girls were jealous of but couldn't bring themselves to eat because they were cats), but the rest had gone to Erembour. Who'd finally decided to reveal himself by slinking out of a pocket in D's coat.
"You've gotten yourself quite the group together since you helped us, haven't you?" Amber remarked after some time. When the girls were perched over the table to watch Jensa and Fieri slice open a variety of fruits, and Erembour was perched by the screen door to avidly watch the beasts.
"I suppose I have."
The old woman smiled. "Call me greedy, but I'm hoping y'all have a reason to come back. The girl… girls are sweet. If not a bit dramatic."
Yes, they definitely had their moments.
"And it was certainly nice seeing you once more."
To this, the Hunter could also agree with. It wasn't something that happened often, but it was pleasant to occasionally reconnect with past clients.
And it occasionally served as a painful reminder that he would remain the same as time marched on for them.
"Our door will always be open to you, D."
His head tipped in thanks.
"And should you ever decide to settle down on a farm, perhaps you will keep ours in mind, eh?"
It was doubtful, as the elderly couple laughed, that they could see the way his eyes narrowed in amusement. Crinkling just the slightest bit.
The girls certainly did, if the sweet, musky smell that suddenly surged through the room was anything to go by. But…
It was nice.
And just one more offer to add to the list.
The beasts the girls had seen were certainly impressive. If not a little unorthodox.
As explained by their hosts, they were much like meat beasts in how one could obtain meat from them. Aside, they looked much like over-sized cats.
Lazy and docile.
What they'd first mistaken for hooves wriggled and spread when they stretched. Revealing a clawed paw beneath the upper claws.
Unnecessary, they thought.
But they listened attentively as it was then explained that the beasts really were not docile unless provided kitty drugs and tongue meat on a regular basis.
Aside, they were good for keeping the local pest populations down. Practically rabid when on the hunt.
"And you… keep them for food."
Fieri shrugged. Hobbling along. "When Ma's granddaddy first settled in this clearing, there weren't any beasts that could become livestock. They relied on hunting and fishing. And then one day, these pretty babies appeared."
One of the cat beasts strutted up. Pressing its large head against Fieri with a loud rumble. And kept pressing until the fence started bowing outwards.
With a grunt, Fieri said to the girls, "You might wanna plug your nose."
"Why?"
She shouldn't have questioned.
But it was too late.
Both the beast and the girls narrowed their eyes. The beast gagged. The girls seemed close to mimicking the reaction. And then they all scattered. Attempting to flee the smell that even D thought was unpleasant.
He would need to keep it in mind if and when their next heat came around.
"D?"
He hummed gently. Reclined back against the clean hay with Erembour nestled in one arm. The girls in the other.
It was blessedly quiet in the vacant barn.
Granted, they weren't avoiding their hosts to be rude. Amber and Taglin were napping, having stayed up most the night watching for Fieri. And Fieri and Jensa were in the spare room.
The travelers could have camped out in the family room, but they were content with spreading out in the barn.
Where no one would hear them.
And where the girls could decompress after being around everyone without looking clingy.
"If the cats weren't a thing, and then they were, where did they come from?" Krista asked. Fingers digging into his coat as she stared at the ceiling.
"A scientist who was fond of wordplay."
"What?"
"Really?"
They were looking at him with that cat-like expression. Waiting for him to explain.
It was still endearing.
"Have you heard the idiom, 'It's like herding cats'?"
Realization dawned on their face. "No."
He nodded. "Yes. This scientist thought it would be particularly interesting if people did herd cats. He created the beasts to be a good source of food and milk."
"Ew."
Again, he nodded. "He strived to keep their feline instincts intact. Making them that much more difficult to control. And gave them a deep love for tongue meat."
"Cat got your tongue?"
"Precisely."
Collectively, the girls and Erembour groaned. Amused by the clever wordplay, but still finding it wholly unnecessary.
"Finally, he named the facility he was running 'The Bag'."
"Who let the cats out of the bag."
Another round of groaning at his short nod.
"They are very intelligent creatures," D continued. "If they realize their life is in danger, they will attack their handlers. Ranchers eventually realized that they have a very high pain tolerance and could provide them with meat the same way meat beast do. Essentially erasing the danger of using them as livestock."
"And all because someone liked cat puns too much."
"Yes."
All was quiet.
A soft chuckle slowly built in their chest. Swelling until their entire body shook with wheezing little laughs. Gasping that they didn't know if they should believe him.
"I suppose you'll need to find out."
"No!"
"Yes."
"Tell us!" they shouted. Shoving against his chest.
Silence.
It was not an exaggeration to say the Humans inside the house likely heard their resulting squeals of fury and delight.
The terminal was just as lively as the previous night.
And just as big of a bust.
"I suppose Amber got her wish," the Hunter murmured as they headed out of the terminal.
"Didn't want you to leave?"
"No."
The girls bumped him with their shoulder before clambering into the saddle of the waiting horse. "We don't blame her. Besides, the farm is nice. Smells nice. The hay is comfy. We're down for another day."
He rose a brow at them. Thinking they were becoming a bit more vocal in their affections since their heat.
He wasn't sure what to think about it.
Logically, he needed to distance himself. Somehow put a halt to their budding feelings.
Was that wrong?
Or was it worse to allow them to carry on?
"D? What are you thinking?"
Occasionally he forgot how easily they'd come to read him, and he found his eyes flickering down to regard them without much thought. "Us," he eventually breathed.
"What about us? Like, what we're doin'?"
The clack of the horse's hooves against the overgrown cobblestone road was practically deafening.
"No. Your attraction to me."
And just like that, Rhea was gone. Snapping into the Garden with enough force that Krista was left shaking momentarily. Startled and bewildered. "Attraction?" she finally mustered. "Like… how I said I love you?"
He nodded without a word.
Softer, almost afraid, she asked, "Why?"
"I think it might be… unwise."
Why did he hate himself just a bit for saying it?
And why did Krista feel like she'd just been run through with a blade?
In fact, it'd been a while since she'd felt her head crawl from emotional upset. Yet, it was. Bringing with it a surge of bitter spit and a chest that felt too tight.
'Rhea?'
Her sister did not answer the call. But she felt that distant pain. Dulled. But still vaguely there.
Without looking at the man, she asked as she fumbled for words, "A-are you… are my… my feelings bad?"
"No," he answered immediately.
"Then… what?"
"I am not saying your feelings are bad. I am saying they are unwise."
"But why?!"
"You know why."
She whipped about. Green eyes wild as she snapped, "No, I don't!"
His gaze remained calm as she stared at him. Waiting for his explanation. "I am a Hunter. I travel. And I will likely never stop."
"So?"
"You want a family."
Her brow creased but she said nothing.
"Families should have a stable place to live. A safe place. Traveling with a Hunter provides neither."
That knife twisted deeper. Chest feeling tight and eyes hot. Skin rippling and muscles bunching.
She wanted to run.
"Don't run."
Had she already started to?
She supposed she had. Her legs were thrown over one side of the saddle, feet braced to kick off.
"I am not saying this to hurt you."
"But it does."
He couldn't fight that, because feelings can't be changed. Cannot be lessened by telling the hurting party to stop.
All he could do was warn her of the inevitable.
"I will not tell you your feelings are invalid. However, if a life surrounded by family is something you seek, you will not find that with me. Not when I cannot provide you with a home that I will be present in."
Her eyes closed for a long moment, and when they reopened, he was met with that electric blue that was Rhea. Her stare cutting as she said, "That hurts. But I guess that's how truths work."
In the fastest transformation he'd seen to date, they were lurching off the horse and into the forest.
And he let them go.
Telling himself that this was for the best.
That, in time, they would heal and understand.