I've had this on my computer for a while so I decided I might as well post it. Sorry it's more Aspen ahaha! A little more from Nyx's perspective, though, since I don't think I've done much of that. I'm running out of ideas haha so if there are any characters you think I should cover, please let me know ahaha.

Stumbling back onto the bed, Aspen swatted away Nyx's hands when he moved closer to remove his cloak. His head ached and there was a ring in his ears that hadn't gone away for the past few hours, which made his thoughts spin. Nyx held him down firmly, though, undoing the clasp to tug the cloak out from under him and lay it on the end of the bed.

"Don't touch me-" Aspen slurred tiredly, scooting back on the bed to sit up by the pillows. "You don't need to treat me like I'm some child."

"Only children say things like that, Aspen," Nyx chastised, walking back over to tug the gloves from Aspen's hands. "You need to get some rest before you do something I wouldn't approve of."

"Approve of?" Wiping at his eyes blearily, Aspen shook his head. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Inhaling through his teeth, Nyx didn't answer right away, only moving to drag the dual swords further to the other side of the room as if he was afraid of them being used against him. The silence ensued for a minute longer, sneaking a sharp-eyed glance over to observe him.

It had been a longer night than Nyx had expected and with Aspen still on edge, he didn't blame him for his unwillingness to cooperate. Nyx sighed and wished he had a cigarette or two. Something to do with his hands instead of knead Aspen's gloves in anticipation. Did he want Aspen back? Wanted to treat him normally, wanted to tease him a little more cruelly than he meant to, wanted to work out the best ways to coax him into staying a little longer, yeah. He wanted to not step around him carefully as if he was worried about scaring him off and Aspen was still one of his favourites even if he was a little difficult.

But he did like to cut the coddling short and only adhere to his own wants, that was the problem.

"I care about your well being. Now do as I say and get some rest," Nyx ordered finally, his words clipped. He was sure he meant them. It wouldn't have made a difference if he didn't, but he was sure he did. "It's rude to talk back."

"Talk back?" Aspen made an incoherent sound of annoyance, uncoordinated as he pushed hair from his face. "I have to get out of here. I have to-...I have to..."

"I said get some rest, kid." Disliking being contradicted and argued with, Nyx crossed his arms where he stood, his chin raised to look down at him. "You're being disobedient."

"Disobedient, my ass," muttered Aspen as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed to stand. "I'm not your pet."

"You're going to get yourself hurt if you go out like this." With a warning stare, Nyx moved to intercept his path, raising his voice a little. "Get back and stop arguing. I won't let you out in this state."

A lone green eye flickered in anger, his impatience rising. "This is ridiculous. I'm...I'm not some child."

"You're acting like one, Aspen," Nyx remarked in an accusatory manner, more than a little frustrated. The late night tiredness had gotten even to him and his patience had run thin. "You'll worry me if you're out on the streets like this. We know you could get hurt-"

"That's bullshit! You and your...your concern is full of bullshit," Aspen cried out suddenly, pushing his hands against Nyx's shoulders roughly. "You don't give a crap and you know it and you stand there and act like you care but you don't and you're just a bitch that's trying to make me into one as well."

Angry, but mostly surprised, Nyx reached out swiftly to grab Aspen by the shirt, tugging him closer. His fingers knotted in the fabric and he stood there, waiting, watching in satisfaction as Aspen's expression sobered into one of guilt. A week of walking the streets and getting close to strangers and Aspen started to smell like hotel detergent and sugar, but Nyx didn't mind because it meant that Aspen smelled less like the Faerie now. Not so cold, more normal, like the faerie he had always known instead of some stuck-up supervisor.

"I have done everything for you. Anything you ever got or learned was because of me," Nyx hissed, low and dangerous, lifting a hand to press it against Aspen's cheek to keep him from pulling away. "You will repay me with obedience and gratitude. Do you understand?"

Aspen's breaths were shaky, not in fear, but in shock at his outburst, the fogginess almost leaving his brain. "Don't act like you give a shit, Nyx. You benefit from me. I make you look good."

"Oh, don't think I can't replace you. I would hate to, but I can." Stroking his hair lightly, Nyx gazed at him with a look of pity as if he were cradling some wounded animal. "You're being silly tonight, Aspen. Go to sleep."

"I'm...I'm not silly," Aspen protested weakly, sinking down to rest his face against Nyx's coat jacket. "I know this game, Nyx. I don't like these types of games."

Satisfied, Nyx was content to hold him to his chest as his temper cooled, one of his hands resting protectively at the base of his wings. "When you have chosen my company to seek refuge in, I expect you to follow my rules. I will not keep you against your will when you are well, but only harm is to come from your stupidity and childishness at the moment. You will abide by my word until you are well enough to leave."

An incomprehensible murmur was the only sign that Aspen was listening, seemingly a little calmer, a little more docile as he listened.

"Sorry-" Aspen repeated as if he caught himself from going out of line again and Nyx suddenly couldn't be too angry with him anymore.

"I get it. But listen to me and you'll stay out of trouble, 'kay?"

Nyx didn't wait for an answer and tilted his head to kiss him a little longer than he meant to, pulling back when he was finished to lead Aspen over to the bed. The kid was wide-eyed and unfocused even as he curled up on the comforter, his black hair blending in with the pillowcase.

Both of them a little calmer, Nyx shook his head and headed to the door.

"G'night princess."

"Yeah. Night."