Try as They Might
They were warm. Safely cocooned in D's grasp and coat. Something they knew was true, but…
They didn't feel very safe.
Dreams came in fits and spurts. Dark, twisty things that haunted them.
Flames licking at their flesh.
Blood flooding their mouth and lungs.
Sleeping with the intent to dream up prophetic crap seemed to be like playing roulette considering they couldn't necessarily dictate what the result was. But they tried nonetheless.
It only served to agitate them. Heightening their anxiety because there were things coming they did not want to face. Weren't sure they could face.
It was their seventh round of fitful waking, however, that had them rising from the Hunter's embrace. Rubbing tiredly at their face as visions of carnage filled their exhausted minds. "D, this ain't workin'," they eventually breathed. "Got any tips?"
"Afraid not."
Together, Krista and Rhea groaned dejectedly. Dangerously close to tears. Which was ridiculous considering they'd only been attempting their dreaming shit for a couple of hours. Yet, they were. Tears brimming in their aqua-colored eyes.
They wanted their brain to cooperate. Conjure something regarding their grandfather.
"Perhaps if you did remember?"
Silence.
Did they want to?
Perhaps it was their only option.
"Okay. We'll try a few more times. If it doesn't pan out, we'll… try that."
"If that's your desire."
And carefully, he grasped their shoulder and pulled them back into his chest. Smoothing their hair out of their face. Attempting (successfully) to calm them with just a few soft rumbles and touches.
And if they weren't confused about how they should feel before, they certainly were at that moment. Because if he did not want them to love him, he was working against himself. Showing just how much he could care.
They hated it.
Their few more attempts came and went, providing them with… nothing. Nothing aside from more… frustration.
"D, if we delve, will you watch as we do?"
And they didn't simply mean for him to watch their body. They wanted him to experience the memory with them. Analyze it as it happened. And they were ever so grateful that he understood.
"Of course." He pushed himself upwards until he could rest against the wall. Allowing them to shove their face into the valley of his thighs. A place that made him reconsider, but it was an innocent gesture. Proven by their soft nuzzling that ended in an equally soft grunt of pain. The small body quickly going rigid as that familiar tickle of energy danced along his flesh.
And silently, he slipped into the hurried stream of memories. Latching on to the one that was being stripped from a tangled mess of information. A mass that wriggled and writhed beneath the girls' unrelenting pull.
They were small. So terribly tiny.
And before them rose a man of a height that was no less than six and a half feet. Towering above them in a way their father did not.
Yes. Up against this ebony-haired individual, their father was… short. Yet somehow not.
"Grandpa, this gonna work?"
The man smiled brightly, eyes the color of a desert sunrise twinkling in amusement. "Of course it will, my childs!" His face scrunched up, accentuating the few fine lines along his brow before he eventually said, "Children?"
Another pause that was just a tad awkward.
Eventually, he shook his head and poked a finger into their chest. Sharp teeth gleaming in the evening light. "It will work."
They supposed they would need to have faith.
With a mighty grunt, they heaved the container over their head. Contents sloshing violently about as their small body wavered beneath its weight.
"Grandpa! Could ya help?!"
A hearty laugh filled the home as he replied, "But where would the fun in that be?"
"Love us!"
The man watched them struggle a moment longer, giggling until he was weak in the knees and breathless, before attempting to 'help'.
He was not helping.
He was hindering.
In the end, the pot of liquid never made it to its destination. It tipped and spilled its viscous contents. Coating the girls, the grandfather, and the floor.
And there they stood. Face pitifully blank as they stared at the mess.
"Perhaps it won't work…"
They wondered what his first guess was.
"Now, don't look at me like that!"
Oh, they were looking. And there was no stopping it.
"We will just have to find another way to surprise your GanGan."
Did they have to?
Well, surely it would go better the next time.
By the time GanGan was entering the small home, everything was in a state of disrepair. To their side, Grandpa pouted. Covered from head to toe in sweet smelling syrups that effectively attracted all the tiny bugs in the area.
The girls were elbows deep in a wide-mouthed pot. Struggling for all they were worth to pull out of it.
With a sigh, the woman crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe. A small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I leave for two days and this is what you manage? Mahant, what am I going to do with you?"
"Throw me in with the compost."
She snickered and entered fully. Running her hand through the liquid. "I don't think you'd take well, but I will keep it in mind." And just as she was stooping to assist the child, a jug she'd not seen toppled from one of the overhead shelves. Shattering with a sharp and jarring clatter.
And despite her obvious displeasure at seeing the last jar break, she merely murmured, "It's just a convenient excuse to visit my tree."
"Sorry, my love."
"It's alright."
Another moment of pouting from Grandpa and amused disdain from GanGan and the girls were freed from the gelatinous mass.
"Trying to make a taffy out of my sap?" At their meek nods, she chewed off a bit. Face scrunching up. Not necessarily in distaste, however… "It's… spicy." More thoughtful chewing. "It grows on you."
Eventually, her smile brightened, and she chewed off a second chunk. Carefully setting the remaining mass back in the pot. "Thank you, dears."
"But you will still need to get more," Mahant grumbled.
"True, but it's the thought that counts." Down she sank, mousy-green hair catching the sunlight as she went. Fingers dipping back into the viscous fluid. Spreading out like creeping roots. "For now, waste not, want not."
The memory suddenly jumped and twisted. Their grandmother disappearing as the home around them shifted into something… fresher in appearance. Walls and floor unworn with old skins piled carelessly in the corner.
Their eyes continued to sweep over the home.
The one thing they did not expect was to call out, "Who's there?"
Silence.
How could they respond to themselves?
"Gods, don't force us out so soon. We've only just finished building."
Slowly, as if burdened with the weight of the world, they lowered their head into their cupped hands. Hands that were lightly padded with callouses but pleasant to the touch.
They felt… homey.
With a start, the girls pulled out. Staring down at a man that had barely aged a day compared to their memory. Rich, dark skin washed out by the moonlight. And he looked so… downtrodden. Worn.
Haggard.
"Mahant?"
His head snapped up. Black hair spilling about his face in unkempt waves as he looked to the person entering his home.
Distantly, the girls heard D whisper, "That is the Chief."
"What can I do for you, Paola?"
The woman, tall, with heavy creasing about her forehead and lively golden eyes, frowned thoughtfully at the man. And her sun-darkened skin rippled in agitation after a moment. "I feel watched."
"As do I."
Without thinking, they reached out. Ghostly fingers dragging across (or rather through) their grandfather's cheek. Watching as he flinched in surprise but said nothing. Continuing to hold the Chief's gaze.
It bothered them that their touch did not evoke any reaction from the Chief.
"I simply wanted to check on you."
"I see."
A long, uncomfortable silence filled the quiet.
"Have you heard from her yet?"
His face screwed up. Eyes watering. "No. But I don't believe she's dead."
"Then I shall continue to pray for her hasty return."
"Thank you, Paola."
For a moment, she seemed uncertain. Swaying in the doorframe with her indecision. "You know you can come to me if you ever need me."
"I know."
The response did not seem to be what she desired. However, she let the topic drop. Seeing that talk would lead them nowhere at that moment.
So, without a word, she backed out of the home. Taking any warmth that'd remained with her.
As if it was a home for the dead.
Despite the terrible weariness clinging to him, however, a fire alit in Mahant's eyes as he glared intensely into the dim lighting. Fingers outstretched towards them. "I see your shape. You are not my Mate. So, who are you?"
How could they answer?
Gingerly, they touched his fingers. Lips moving wordlessly. Wanting nothing more than to let the man know they were there. That they needed to find him.
"I'm sorry. I don't understand. You must be a fragment or an extension. Perhaps if you were whole, I would be able to see you clearly. Hear the words you speak."
They huffed.
It'd been a nice thought to believe in. That they'd be able to force their intentions into existence. But as was expected, all their intention simply led to their grandfather looking flummoxed and impossibly more distressed. And beyond all that, they weren't sure they could make themselves 'whole'.
Sure, the fire person had somehow coaxed them out. But… they were incapable of consciously doing the same.
"Don't worry yourself too much. I could force a stronger connection, but that… it's not desirable and bad for the soul."
Such a simple statement.
If their grandfather was unwilling to do what the other had, what did that say for the state of their soul?
What had he done by drawing them in?
They felt sick.
Without another thought, they fled the small home and stood at the center of the new village. Able to see a handful of homes still in the process of being built. But it was quiet. Very few people awake.
Where the hell were they?
"They're in the rainforest."
Har har har…
Silence as they looked about.
"Look to the stars, girls."
They did. Colorless eyes scanning the skies and taking note of the brightest star's placement in relation to themselves. A handful of moments passing with them standing inert. Before, eventually, D murmured, "You won't like this."
Why wouldn't they? Any idea of where they might be would overjoy them.
"They are northwest of us."
They lied.
They were bloody pissed.
The girls awoke spitting and hissing despite the calming aura surrounding them and D's hand softly petting down the back of their head. Their teeth bared as Krista suddenly declared with all the vehemence of a scorned cat, "This sucks! You suck! Everything sucks!"
There was an amused puff from him. A decidedly lewd remark on the tip of Hand's tongue. Yet, it was wisely left unsaid. And eventually, D remarked, "Am I not helping my case?"
"No! And we hate it!"
"My apologies."
"And aside from all that, you're tellin' us that we passed them?!"
"So it would seem."
With a grunt, they pulled themselves out of D's grasp. Glaring out at the periwinkle morning gradually sweeping over the abandoned village. Daring that small flame to keep licking at the outer edges of their Garden as they looked to D to tell them their next course of action.
And while they wanted to ask D why he was so intent on confusing them with his soft touches, they held their tongue.
But they absolutely needed something to take their frustration out on.
"Erembour?"
Slowly, the Demon crept out of the Hunter's coat. Tongue curling with a jaw-popping yawn. "… yeah?"
"You feel up to some roughhousing until we leave?"
They needn't ask him more than once. He was out of the home before they could even finish the question.
The roughhousing did indeed help their mood. And the pep in their step continued on into the next few days as they made their way back the way they'd come.
On the upside, they knew the tribe was alive and well.
Assured every night they closed their eyes and checked in on them.
But after a time, they wanted nothing more than to just be there.
"D, how long do you think it'll take this time?"
"Depends."
"We know it depends!" they exclaimed. "That's why we said –!"
Silence.
Eyes narrowed, they twisted about to cast a sidelong glance at the Hunter. Snorting once they saw the slight curl to his lips. And how, for just a moment, they hated it.
Hated how much they'd missed the teasing.
Hated their perpetual state of confusion that came with it.
But still, they said nothing.
Merely watched the man and wished for more as he said, "I'm not sure you want to know."
To this, they could agree. It might be wiser if they were left unaware of the distance they would need to travel.
The river they decided to follow this time was more heavily populated. Clearings housing everything from small villages to modestly sized towns.
Despite everything they knew to be happening elsewhere, the communities seemed rather unbothered. A standard amount of security guarding their banks, but the people continued business-as-usual.
It was nice to see.
The days seemed to pass faster along this path.
Perhaps because they were seeing more than just trees?
On the other hand, they weren't using their time to train, either. Which might be unwise, but it seemed D was set on getting them to the tribe faster than ever.
Perhaps something was on his mind.
Not that they could be for sure.
But they liked to think they could read the Hunter better than most.
July 18, 13,013
They stopped.
Gods bless everything. The Hunter decided to stop longer than it took for the horse to rest and refuel.
Granted, they should have seen it coming. Afterall, from what they could remember, they'd needed to restock on supplies for quite a while. Their… ugly episode had thrown a wrench into those plans.
They'd still expected him to continue on until they reached the tribe.
But no… They were indeed coming to a stop in this lovely community on the water. Even if, at first glance, it didn't appear to be the most welcoming.
Who in their right mind would turn away the D, though?
Not many.
That's why, with many a scowl, the fearsome man and his slew of companions were eventually admitted entrance into the small city on that impressively muggy day.
"Watch you and yours, Dhampir," one of the guards grumbled, hoisting his rifle higher upon his shoulder. And if they didn't think it would force them from the town, the girls were sorely tempted to throw some snark at the man.
In the end, they bit their tongue. The man was only doing his job. They were in. There was no need to make things needlessly more difficult for both parties. But how they wanted to…
A majority of the buildings occupying the water were wooden shacks, bobbing gently in the current. Fishermen perched along the pathways scattering with their lines in tow as the group walked the cybernetic horse across the only bridge connecting the two halves of the river.
And if the girls apologized for their intrusion, the words fell on deaf ears.
A shame.
This town had a certain charm to it. But it was quickly being soured by its surly inhabitants.
Like milk… left out in the elements of Puregon for a few days.
Perhaps it was simply the motion of the docks making them feel such a way?
No.
Once they reached the other bank, the people were much the same. Many homes built to float currently beached and dry-docked. And even further still, the homes and businesses turned to stilts and stairs.
But the change in scenery and lack of inconvenience did not change the stares they cast.
Granted, there were quite a few looks being tossed their way that were not… heated in the same way. Generally directed at the Hunter himself.
They would be lying if they said it did not make them bristle in the slightest.
He was not a piece of meat.
'Yeah. He's our piece of meat.'
'What? No? What the Hell?'
'What?'
'He's not meat!'
'Everyone is meat if you're desperate enough.'
That was… something she hated being unable to dispute. 'It doesn't change the fact that he isn't ours.'
Rhea released a good-natured huff before muttering back that she was a killjoy. Honestly, however, she was equally irked by all the stares. Thinking that many of the people casting such looks appeared… hangry.
Angry at him.
Hungry for him.
True, she'd started off as angry. Not just at him. At everything. But she'd thought it might work to convince him that he was better off with her, thinking that he was very handsome.
How that anger faded and just left her starving.
'Whatever you're thinking about? Quit. It's makin' me feel weird.'
'Sorry.'
Like Hell if she knew the reason, though. Yes, she liked him. Yes, she wanted to be in his company. Whether a bit of that was influenced by Krista's feelings, she couldn't say. But she was certain that every bit of what she felt now was simply herself.
If only she could dream the answers!
…
'Oh my Gods…'
'What?'
'I'll tell you later. But just know that I just had the greatest idea, and you're gonna love it!'
Dropping the horse off in the stalls went much the same as before. Many angry stares. Much furious chomping at the hay. The difference, however, was that the girls were fairly certain they would find something to treat the beast.
When they entered the grocer's, they weren't disappointed. Staring in awe at the trays of crunchy fruits and vegetables. While the pickings were still a bit sparse, it was more than what the last town carried. Surely the beast would be appeased by the offering.
000
He was.
Dare they say, the horse savored the two treats they presented him.
With a promise of more later (which the beast was less impressed by) they scurried out to meet the Hunter at the tavern.
'So, you wanna hear my idea? Now that we have a moment alone?'
Krista's steps faltered along the flagstone path. She took the moment to observe the nearby buildings before continuing at a slower pace. Boots clacking pleasantly (if not too loudly) against the stones. 'Sure. Don't see why not. But I don't see why you couldn't tell me earlier.'
'Because…'
Did Krista dare to think she felt a hint of embarrassment from her sister? 'Yeah? Because?' she prodded.
'Reasons…'
And here she thought she was the ridiculous one. 'C'mon, Rhea. What is it?'
'You know how D can pretty much read our minds?'
'Yeah, but he doesn't do it all the time,' she snorted.
'But what if he did when I told you that we could try to dream of how babies are made?'
Krista could not help the startled squawk that erupted from her. Enthralled by the prospect. Yet, she was still confused. 'We've talked to him so many times about shit like that!'
'And he refuses to really talk about it. Like he's the one that's embarrassed!'
It was an amusing thought. The unflappable man being brought to a stop by talks of babes and their making. And no-no squares. But… perhaps it was due to their age? Had they been younger, would he have been more open to the discussions?
It seems that is when everyone at the school learned. When they were younger. And if they had to guess, more in-depth studies were done once they reached the mid-teens. Based only on how they were taken out of classes.
For a moment, that old anger flared. Snaking its way through their chest to constrict their lungs. But they took a deep breath. Breaking the hold and shuffling it away before it could suffocate their good mood.
'Let's try talking to D. Just one more time?'
There was a long moment of quiet from Rhea before she murmured, 'Alright. But isn't it a good idea?'
She snorted. 'Yeah. Makes me wish we'd have thought of it sooner.'
With this understanding and resolve, they shouldered open the heavy door to the tavern. Taking a moment to allow the smell of cherry tobacco to surround them. A pleasant smell that lied beneath the scent of acrid smoke and booze.
D stood at the front, elbows braced against the counter as he spoke with the keeper. A portly man with a barely constrained grimace set upon his face as he responded to whatever D might have asked of him. But it was nothing like the argument he'd had with the Sheriff. If anything, the Hunter appeared almost amused. That gleam in his eyes the only tell.
"Hey, D," they said as they sidled up to him. "Hear anything good?"
While he did not answer, they caught his quick glance and the small quirk to his lips. Eventually passing over a bit of money to the man before pressing a hand to the small of their back. Carefully guiding them back out the door and into the streets.
They walked for a bit. An aimless wandering that led them to the outer edges of the community.
"So, what was so amusing?" they asked after a time.
"The owner did not wish to disclose any information without something to pad his pockets."
"And? Did he actually give you anything?"
His lip curled just the slightest bit more. "Gossip around the town for which I refused to pay."
And they could infer that the man did not appreciate the lack of payment for his information. "That would explain the face he was making," they chortled. "What kinda gossip did he think was worth money?"
A soft puff of air as he considered his options. "Fisherman's wife is cheating on him with the grocer's wife. And the husbands are seeing each other."
"That's stupid."
"I agree. Unless they are all in a relationship or have an agreement."
For the second time that day, they faltered in their step. Casting a sidelong glance at D as they rolled that statement about in their minds. Feeling as if something was off with it, yet… not.
"Isn't that… wrong?" they asked. Because out of everything they knew (which wasn't much), they were certain that relationships were strictly between two people.
Age didn't matter (unless they weren't considered adults).
Gender didn't matter.
But more than just the two?
"Which part?" the Hunter prodded. Likely knowing what they meant but wanting clarification. Or perhaps he just wanted to stall.
It didn't much matter.
"Both parts. Aren't relationships supposed to be between just… two people?"
He came to a standstill on the path. Slowly turning about on his heel to properly face them.
They looked… torn.
"Why not three?" Hand enquired.
That look quickly turned sour. "Because, if you love someone, shouldn't you love just that one? Why look for more?"
Sometimes, it was easy to forget just how little Krista and Rhea knew. How small their world-view was. Times like these, however, were like a slap to the face.
"It's not always so simple," D eventually started. "Would you want your future lover to love Krista, Rhea, or both?"
Error.
has stopped.
He could see it in their eyes. Eyes that fluctuated wildly between their vibrant colors as they fought with themselves and each other on what the answer to such a thing would be. And who could blame them? He was successfully managing to turn their beliefs on their heads.
"Maybe it would… be awkward either way."
"Perhaps," he agreed.
"Maybe we should just stay alone."
No. That is definitely not what he was wanting them to think.
That was the exact opposite.
"But you both care for D?" Hand tried.
Their face screwed up. Eyes appearing glassy and pained as they bit out, "But he still doesn't love us, so what's the point in bringing it up? To drive home the fact that everything is fucked?"
"No!" His left hand rose. That small, wrinkled face with beady black eyes staring at them with a fierce intent as he clarified, "My point was that you were both prepared to love him without a second thought. But that's suddenly wrong?"
"It's just a whole lotta bullshit."
Well… he couldn't really argue that.
So, he didn't. Standing there. Allowing a leaden silence to fall over them as they scuffed the toe of their boot against the ground and waited for something to happen. Drawing in on themselves as they attempted to turn their thoughts from the current topic.
'I might prefer a dagger to the belly over this.'
'Nah, I'm good.'
"Girls."
Slowly, their gaze drifted upwards. And still, despite their dour thoughts and pointed self-reminders, they felt themselves pining over this man that had no interest. Belly aflutter as he tugged the scarf hanging about his neck just the slightest bit looser. "Yes, D?"
"Did you have anything else on your minds?"
Did they?
Technically, yes. They wanted to discuss babies and their makings of. They wanted to know the intricacies of his mind. His body. Their body. But…
"You won't talk to us about it without being painfully vague…" they eventually breathed.
And now, against their will, tears pooled in their eyes. Overflowing as they looked to the sky and attempted to intent them back into the ducts from whence they came.
There was no reason to cry. No reason to take this subject so personally. Yet, they couldn't seem to stop their minds from spiraling. Wondering why, out of everything the Hunter would teach them, why this was such an off-limits topic.
Wondering why he was so content to leave them in the dark, just like those bastards at the orphanage.
Honestly, there was nothing this man couldn't do.
Need someone to dig through guts and gore? He was your man.
Someone to kill almost indiscriminately? You got him.
But Gods forbid they ask how babies are made, much less what they're looking at between their legs. Was it supposed to resemble a butt? Was it supposed to have hair? Was it supposed to spread and look like sandwich meat?
They never dared look closer.
Only wondered what the difference between wanting to touch it and wanting to touch it was.
A want was a want, right?
So, why was it different?
And why was this unflappable man flapped by their questioning of these things?
"D, please. We'll take anything. Anything you wanna give us." They inched closer, fingers finding his coat and worrying the fabric. Lips quivering. And perhaps they were bordering on being childish in their requests, but they couldn't bring themselves to care. "Please. Any iota you're willing to give."
"Not now."
"And why the fuck not?!"
The Hunter blinked as if taken aback by their shouting, but he maintained his stoic demeanor. Eyeing them thoughtfully before eventually stating, "Disrobe."
And there went all their thought processes. Out their ears and into the pretty blue sky.
"Did you really…"
Silence, wherein they steepled their fingers and pressed them to their lips. Unable to finish the question of the obvious. Contemplating and wondering just how serious his request was.
They were still within sight of the community. In fact, there were a couple of guards casting curious glances in their direction while they did little more than talk.
Neither Krista nor Rhea was certain they wanted to show off their no-no squares to people they didn't know. Even if they did really want to drop their trousers right then and there.
This man could probably ask them to undress anywhere outside of the public eye and they might very well do it. No questions asked.
Well… maybe some questions asked.
"Okay. Later," they acquiesced. But they quickly cast him their sternest stare. Hoping that they were adequately stressing the fact that they would not be relenting as they finished, "Tonight."
"Tonight, then."
It was a date.
In the tavern, everything was going about as expected.
Stares of stank abound. A few lustful ones.
And D found himself wishing for Salsa Booze. Gazing at the glass of watered-down wine as if it held the answers he needed. Listening to the Demon huff as he stretched across his shoulders.
He would find no answers there.
Erembour huffed one more time. Burrowing into his hair before groaning, "… you serious about having them undress?"
"I'm not sure."
If the girls heard their conversation, they did not respond.
"… got a plan?"
Did he?
No. He could say that he did not.
"… I think they are close to another heat cycle."
D hummed in response. Wondering if he had reason to believe as much.
"… their smell is getting thicker. Heady."
He sniffed, finding the statement to be true. Something he'd possibly recognized on a subconscious level but hadn't put much stock into.
It would certainly explain their tears and forwardness. Not the anger. The anger he understood. And while the girls could be a bit more on the touchy side, it wasn't often that they cried.
In the same hand, they were beyond frustrated.
So, it really was not too out of the ordinary.
Honestly, the girls did not entirely realize. Yes, they wanted to curl up with the man. Know him. Love him. But was that really so different from how they typically felt?
No. Not enough to raise any alarms within them.
Not until they found their eyes drifting over the column of his neck. Thinking of how pleasant it would be to simply nuzzle him there. Lave the smooth expanse of skin until they could feel his pulse thrumming gently beneath their tongue.
And while their belly clenched in anticipation, their minds reeled. Wondering what was wrong with them. Why their mind was conjuring such strange daydreams.
Daydreams they sorely desired to create with a very real D.
Their hands trembled. Fingers curling against the smooth wood of the table as they felt that desire hit them like a punch to the gut. Thinking that it wouldn't be hard to simply climb into his lap and do so.
If only he would allow them.
But he wouldn't.
They knew that.
With a groan, they shoved their face into the bowl of tomatoes before them. Thinking that, if only to distract their minds from the strange thoughts, they would intent their way through the fruits. And if it upset their stomach, that was just another distraction.
Spoiler alert: the tomatoes were indeed intent-ed into their belly, and they were very much nauseated. But for possibly the first time in months, the taste had not been of rot.
They'd been delicious.
Perhaps not as filling as they wished, but still… it hit a spot in them that they'd been missing.
If they were lucky, they would be able to slowly integrate normal foods into their diet. Not as they once had. Just a bit here and there. But they were delighted with even that.
They couldn't wait to try the cheese they'd bought from Fieri… assuming it was still worth a damn.
It had to be.
They might throw another fit if it wasn't. But it was sealed tight and very dry. Meant for the road.
Surely it wouldn't be worse than being aged…
If they weren't afraid of losing their precious meal, they'd rise from their seat to check on their stock of food from Fieri. Until then, they were content to wait.
Or, they would have been, had a young man not much older than themselves not approached the table. Amber eyes shining with interest as he ran a hand through the curls nestled atop his head. Smiling shyly, in a way that they thought was a bit endearing.
"Hey," he greeted timidly, glancing nervously at D before turning his attention back to the girls. "My name's Leonel."
"Hello, Leonel." They placed a hand to their chest. Opting to simply gesture at themselves instead of directly stating that they were a 'we'. Purposefully leaving it up to interpretation. "Krista Rhea."
"Krista Rhea," he repeated. As if trying the name on for size. "I was wondering if you'd like to have a drink with me."
Their heart leapt into their throat. Stuttering as the young man shrank. Transforming into a beautiful woman with eyes that resembled stormy waters. That pretty black dress looking more and more like funeral attire.
"We don't drink," they bit out before they could think better. Not trying to be ugly, but they were not attempting to win brownie points.
"I'm… sorry?" The boy looked between the Hunter and them for a moment. And if he took notice of their pronoun usage, he made no mention of it. "If you are engaged with him, that's all you needed to say."
And he was back to being Leonel. Broad shoulders rolling as he attempted to release the tension that was undoubtedly building in his back. Not that they could blame him.
"No, sorry. Just… don't drink," they said. It was a poor excuse, but they didn't feel up to giving much better. In fact, they weren't sure they could. Not to him.
"Oh. Well… that's alright. What about to just… talk?"
He was persistent. They would give him that. However…
They turned to look at D, brows pinched in trepidation. Beneath the table, out of sight of their visitor, a warm hand found their knee. Giving it a reassuring squeeze before nudging it away. Encouraging them to try.
Well… Rhea had stated that she wanted to snatch up the first willing and attractive person they saw. Did this man not fit that bill?
Did he realize that they were not Human?
Surely. They appeared less Human than they had almost a year prior.
However, they did not have much to lose in accepting.
Gingerly, they stood. Following the young man across the tavern and into a spot not far from the door. A place that, if they wanted, they could see D.
"Y'know, you don't have to have his permission to do things," Leonel suddenly spoke as he settled in his chair. Hands cupping a glass mug filled with beer.
They'd not been expecting much, but they'd certainly not anticipated being accosted where their choices were concerned. "Pardon?"
"You turned me down the first time. The second time, you looked to him for permission."
"Reassurance," they corrected. "But you wanted to talk. Talk."
D watched.
God, did he watch.
Watched as that young man attempted to take their hand in his.
Watched as the girls, unaware of the gesture, leaned away to sink further into the hard seat.
They did not appear standoffish. Quite the contrary, they appeared invested. Just… a tad withdrawn. Eyes flickering and dulled. But they stayed and told the man their business for the area in the vaguest way manageable. A hunt for family.
"You're hunting for family with the Vampire Hunter?"
"There's more to it, but yeah. That's the gist of it right now."
The boy's lips puckered. Doubting their words. But wisely, he said nothing. Opting to instead ask if they were at all interested in taking a walk around the community. The docks and banks of the river. Through the small orchards.
"Sure."
And with many a glance back at him, they were quickly whisked out the door, D watching all the while.
"… gonna follow?" Erembour asked after a moment.
Together, they all stared at that door.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't tempted. Wanting to look after the girls but give them their space. "No," he said. "They can protect themselves against a Human."
At least, that is what he believed.
The docks were just as crowded as they were earlier in the day. This time, with their change in companion, there were very few looks thrown their way. Which was nice. But…
They wanted D, even though the boy they were with was perfectly companionable.
That moment, he was attempting to teach them about how their community worked. The sustainable fishing and hunting. It was fascinating. However, they simply couldn't bring themselves to be fully attentive. Not after he'd insinuated that D was controlling them. But they tried to look invested.
They wanted to give him a chance. After all, it didn't seem the slight was intended. Well intentioned, but poorly executed.
"I work on the docks in the evenings, in the orchards in the morning."
"Keeps you busy, yeah?"
"Oh yeah," he laughed. "Now, since I have a steady pay, I'm hoping to start a family."
"And you start with a traveler that's not Human?" Rhea grunted with a grimace.
Leonel faltered in his step. Boots slapping against the worn wood planks as he caught himself. As if he seriously hadn't noticed. "Well… why not?"
Their eyes narrowed. Hair on the nape of their neck standing on end.
"Let's go to the orchard. I think you'll find it pretty."
He was discussing his favorite foods. His love for sweet fruits and root vegetables. His love for rice. His distaste for anything remotely bloody or raw. Plucking down one of the vibrantly pink fruits hanging from a passing tree before biting into it.
"These… are so sweet!" he exclaimed around the bite. Pausing on the path to hold it to their lips in a clear offer. "Try it?"
He looked so earnest. So incredibly puppyish.
They almost hated to turn him down.
"Sorry, but we can't taste sweet things."
His face scrunched up. Arm withdrawing slowly. "I've never heard of such a thing."
Honestly, how could they respond to that? They literally could not taste sweet things. They felt no need to explain themselves. No need to defend their statement. No need to reiterate their Non-Human status.
For a moment, they were content to let the silence around them fester.
"So, what do you like to eat?" he asked. At seeing their hesitation, he added, "If we can make it work, I'd like to accommodate you."
Perhaps… they could skirt around the big bit. Just touch on what they like and not necessarily what their stomach will tolerate.
"There are lots of things. Tart fruits. Sour things. Spicy things."
"But what about for protein?"
Fuck.
"Um… meat."
"Oh, not picky?" He smiled wide. "Then I would like to take you somewhere for dinner. If that is alright?"
Their stomach rolled. But still, they shot him a timid smile and agreed that they could try.
"Are you a Mutant?"
The question caught them off guard.
He'd been right. They had been enjoying the orchard. Wowed by its myriad of trees and fruits. Thinking that it was a shame they could not stick around longer. So when asked such a thing, they honestly had no idea on how to respond.
Where they a Mutant?
By one definition, one might argue that they were. But as a race? They were not.
"Yes, but no."
Silence descended around them as they strolled. Krista and Rhea could admit that simply walking without care was pleasant, even if they were still a bit on the mentally defensive end.
"I don't understand," Leonel admitted. "How is it a yes and a no?"
"Because it hasn't come to mind. A cut and dry Mutant? No. But such a mishmash of things, probably could be called one."
"I see."
More quiet, in which there was only the sound of water lapping and gurgling along the shore.
"What do you like to do in your spare time?"
Good Gods.
This boy was just… all around as sweet a person as he could be.
It made them suspicious.
In his spare time, he helped his parents and the local elderly. Worked with wood. Played with children. Miscellaneous activities.
Objectively, he would be a great partner for them.
He surrounded himself with family. Enjoyed children. Was accommodating. Seemed to be fairly considerate.
All of it together just made them more suspicious than he probably deserved. But… there had to be something he was hiding.
Had to be.
And it didn't help that they continued to think of D. Small, fleeting thoughts. Just to remind them that he was always on their minds.
But as the sun began falling behind the line of trees, they allowed themselves to be guided towards a building only a bit smaller than the tavern. Towards the strong smell of grilled and smoked meats. Things that smelled wonderful, yet…
Maybe they could intent their way through it. Like they'd done with the tomatoes.
Spitefully, their stomach rolled. As if triggered by the mere thought.
Still, they entered. Wrist clasped gently in Leonel's dark hand as he guided them through the throngs of people to a table by the bar and music attempted to rise above the chatter. A soft melody headed by a guitar that probably did not have much of a place in a setting such as this.
It was lively and enjoyable, however.
They'd have liked to share it with D, too.
"I hope you like something here. Lots of choices."
They smiled wanly at him. Hoping and praying they'd find something appetizing. And when asked what they wished to drink, they ordered their typical water while Leonel ordered a tumbler of whiskey.
"Do you… have any suggestions?" Honestly, they needed all the help they could get because looking at the menu was like they were looking at ancient tomes not meant to be understood by man.
His eyes widened in surprise before a smile lit up his face. "Oh! Of course!" He tapped a choice near the bottom. Something that was not fish and not meat beast of the feline persuasion. Beefy. Not porky. Not feathered.
They ordered it rare.
Leonel, who (Gods bless his heart) paled by three shades, swallowed thickly and ran a hand through his dark curls. Taking a deep breath that they weren't sure helped.
He looked one wrong turn from fainting.
But admirably, he smiled and slapped his knee. Lips quivering just the slightest bit as he said, "My father likes his meat fairly red, too. I bet he'd like you."
Gods, he was so fuckin' sweet.
"Why'd you approach us?" they suddenly asked.
Taken aback but not put off, he answered, "I did say I wanted to start a family."
"But why not look closer to home?"
Now, his eyes wandered. A frown tugging at his lips. "I… don't really have an answer for that. I just…" His brow furrowed. "Something about you drew me in. Since you were there as I was contemplating leaving, I thought I would try."
They blinked. Still flummoxed. Unable to find words in the face of such a confession. Opting instead to let the conversation wane while they waited.
Not that they needed to wait long.
The plate holding the steak slapped against the table not long after Leonel's. Splattering the table in cooked juices and blood.
Krista and Rhea strongly considered leaving. Something he must have seen on their face because he reached out to them. Hand warm against their bicep as he squeezed and murmured, "Sorry. Don't let it get to you, though. Just eat."
They said nothing.
Couldn't.
Could only grit their teeth as they stared down at the meat. Stomach twisting in on itself as they cut into the center. Cut off a thin slice they could easily swallow whole if needed.
Before they could think better of it, they shoved it into their mouth.
Immediately, they gagged. Not hard enough to be noticeable, but it was enough to make their eyes water and want to spit it out.
'Fuckin' take it, stomach. You're not makin' us puke all over this guy.'
Their throat clenched and quivered. Bile burning the back of their throat.
'Take it!'
The slice went down whole.
But it was in there.
"Did you even chew?"
"Yes," they choked out. A blatant lie that had Leonel quirking a brow as he eyed their plate.
"Does it… upset your stomach?"
It was and was not a question. Something they could not bring themselves to answer as their stomach twisted itself into a complicated knot.
"Are you… pregnant?"
Now, they sputtered out a surprised laugh. Trying desperately to keep their food down as they chortled. Eyes welling up.
"It's fine if you are," he was quick to assure. "If you want to continue, it just means my family starts a little quicker."
Damn it, if that didn't make their heart clench.
That's what they wanted, right? A family.
A place to call home?
"You can't be real."
"Why?"
"Because… you're too nice. Sayin' everything we wanna hear."
"Isn't that… a good thing?"
How could they explain to him that what he said wasn't realistic? That it was frightening how much he seemed to line up with their desires?
"You're nice," Krista mustered. "You're so freakin' sweet that it hurts."
"It's suspicious," added Rhea. "We wanna believe you're not ugly beneath all that sugar, but it's hard."
Leonel pressed his hands to the table. Staring earnestly at them. "I won't apologize for my attraction to you. I can only assure you that I mean every word."
He was practically perfect.
A fact that made their heart ache and their chest feel tight.
If only they felt something for him.
Perhaps a day wasn't enough.
But one would think they'd feel… something.
It only made the pain worse. Left them feeling a tad inadequate, even if they couldn't understand why. And they cried. Silently. Afraid. Feeling out of control of their emotions and reactions.
Quietly and without fuss, he paid and had the meal bagged. Carefully intwining their fingers before leading them out of the building. Touch soft as he thumbed the swath of skin between their thumb and forefinger.
It was only mildly comforting.
But he led them back to the tavern. Gently turning them to face him once they were just down the street. "Krista Rhea."
"Leonel."
He smiled. A beaming grin that crinkled the corners of his eyes. "I had a nice day with you. My hope is that you enjoyed yourself."
"We did."
They were almost surprised at how much they meant that. That they honestly found the day pleasant. And while it'd been rife with paranoia on their halves, it'd still been nice. A pleasant change of pace.
"I'm glad." And with this, he cupped their chin. Leaning in just the slightest bit. "May I kiss you?"
Could he?
Their mind pulled forth memories unbidden of them slamming their face into things with light-hearted commentary from Hand. Amusing, but certainly not what he meant.
They'd seen people kiss (albeit very briefly), and it had not involved any smashing.
It looked incredibly intimate, and just the slightest bit morbid. Something they would certainly like to try at some point.
But did they wish to try it with Leonel?
Their stomach heaved at the thought. And their face must have revealed as such.
"Our cheek," they gasped before he could draw away. Feeling almost desperate to know what one was like. Feeling almost obligated despite knowing they most certainly were not. Knowing that it wouldn't be the same but wanting it anyways. So, with more conviction, they reiterated, "Just the cheek."
"Thank you."
It was a whisper. His voice sounding reverent as he brushed his lips against the meat of their cheek. A ghost of a touch. And distantly, they could hear his heart. Beating happily against his sternum.
They reckoned they should have felt excited, but they didn't.
It was a bit of a disappointment.
Leonel pulled away slowly. Eyes pinched and lips drawn the slightest bit. "If you ever have a change of heart or pass through again, I'd be willing to try a second time. If you're agreeable."
He was so bloody earnest, it just made their heart virtually wither as they said, "Of course. But don't wait on us, alright?"
"Alright," he agreed. "Goodnight, Krista Rhea."
"Goodnight."
They did not wait for him to leave. They turned on their heel and darted towards the tavern. Heart breaking.
And they didn't even love the poor bastard.