Chapter Text
Of all the things Loqi expected to happen today, leaving Hammerhead with little to no warning was not his list. Anywhere.
Rile up Caelum and Highwind? That was absolutely on his to-do list; getting punched was always a risk—and he is still genuinely surprised Highwind hasn't punched him yet—but he still knew his role. As long as he could remember, there was one simple fact to the natural law regarding humans: everyone has darkness in them and some were easier to manipulate than others. ... Well. To Loqi they were. Regardless, Loqi knows his job—find people that could be useful at gathering intel and supplies, make sure his father's charity case, or whatever the hell that adopted thing is, was... kind of useful. Or dead. Either way, honestly. For how useful he supposedly is, his father's still mad about Piztala and the fact he wasn't dead. His anger's subsided since then... kind of. At least since Caelum's group came around. Loqi isn't sure why, but if it means the heat is off him again, he doesn't really care, either.
Against his better judgement, Loqi reaches for his phone—still sitting in the passenger seat where he'd thrown it after leaving Hammerhead—and checks for any missed calls or texts. He flinches when his father's name shows up and quickly scans the text at the next intersection. Text asking... mostly all the same questions Loqi wants answers to. Confirmation last night went the way it was meant to. Nothing specifically about Ravus or Argentum, per se... but, asking if he's heard anything about last night. If he can confirm the polymer was delivered. And... honestly, as annoyed as he is that Ravus is being overlooked, this is doing absolutely nothing except make him worry that maybe he was right. He doesn't care one way or another if Argentum is dead; but, the fact Ravus hasn't been in contact with his father since last night is... unsettling, at best. Ignoring Loqi was fine—well. Not fine, but they had a pretty bad argument the last time they'd seen each other; the same argument they always had whenever Loqi made new contacts.
So, Ravus ignoring him made sense... didn't make it any easier, though. Not when Loqi was running through all the probable scenarios of what happened. Given the drive from Hammerhead to Lestallum should probably take all day, he felt well within his rights to the speed he was driving.
The first thing he notices upon arriving—aside from the fact he definitely made time he shouldn't have—is that at the very least, Ravus' car is definitely down in the parking area and Loqi immediately darts for his apartment. It takes him less time than normal to remember how to get to the apartment and find the right key... and eventually, he's going to need to talk to Ravus about the number of supposed 'safe houses' he has, if just because Loqi has an entire keyring for getting into each place.
Once the door opens, he mostly expects Ravus to scold him for coming over unannounced. But, when all that meets him is silence, he's immediately jumping to conclusions once more. Ok... maybe he's just asleep still. As he's heading back towards the bedroom, entirely intent on giving him a rather rude wake up, the front door opens again and an annoyed sigh fills the apartment.
"Loqi, how many times do I have to tell you—"
Loqi doesn't give him the chance to finish the lecture and nearly knocks him to the ground when he zips back and latches onto him. For a few seconds, it's just a tight hug. Reassurance he's actually standing there, actually alive. The second that settles, his fingers curl into Ravus' jacket, pulling him into a demanding kiss. Extra reassurance. To hell with whatever they were fighting over, he's alive and that's all that matters at present.
Ravus seems to agree when he doesn't immediately shove Loqi away. When the bag over his arm falls to the floor, when his hands move up to brush into Loqi's hair. Which would be a lot more reassuring if his hand hadn't just touched Loqi's cheek.
Immediately he jerks backwards with a hiss, hand going to hold his face before he's thought about it. He almost expects to be given the cold shoulder again; it wouldn't be the first time. But, as soon as Ravus recovers and assesses the situation as a whole—and, sometimes, Loqi still isn't sure how he operates so quickly—he gently pulls Loqi's hand away to look over the swelling himself, "You should've iced this down already."
"Was a little busy." Loqi mumbles, not bothering to fight or protest as Ravus turns him and gives a gentle push towards the kitchen. "Could've answered your damn phone. What happened? My dad is asking me for answers and I don't have them."
"So his answer was to send you out to Lestallum?" Ravus asks as he's moving around the kitchen. Water in a small Ziploc bag, crushed ice added in before it's securely closed. He wraps it in a kitchen towel before pressing it to Loqi's cheek, holding it in place and giving him a long, searching look. "... Your father doesn't know you're here, does he?"
Loqi doesn't answer; instead, he makes a point of looking away and begins shifting restlessly. Ravus lets out a slow breath.
"Loqi."
"If you'd just checked in with him, I wouldn't have come all the way out here." Loqi finally squirms free, holding the makeshift ice pack on his own so he can pace. "Or, Hell. Checked in with me. Caelum shows up without you or the other one—"
Ravus catches his shoulders, turning him and holding him in place, "Lo. Slow down and tell me what happened. What about Caelum?"
"I saw him get back, was by himself—wait." Loqi frowns a little, "You know who Caelum is?"
"He came with Argentum, of course I do?"
Loqi gives him an annoyed, pointed look and Ravus sighs, "Yes. I know Caelum. I told you, my sister was with a group of people that could all operate within Hour Twenty-Five? Caelum's father leads the group. ...Lead. If my information is anything to go by... Caelum and Amicitia's fathers have been dead for a while. Unfortunate, really. Now. Tell me what happened."
"Or, you can tell me." Loqi makes a vague waving gesture with his free hand, "My dad is pissed and I have no idea what's going on! Caelum came back this morning without you, without Argentum, without the polymer my dad asked for and all he can tell me is Argentum's missing like I'm supposed to care about that. You were supposed to meet them at ten, Ravus. Nowhere near Hour Twenty-Five. They could have been back last night, easily. So what the Hell happened?"
Ravus doesn't answer right away. He's quiet for a long moment; and, when he finally starts to answer, a familiar ring fills his apartment. One Loqi's heard enough times that his immediate reaction is to tense up and mutter an under breath swear, "Damn it, I left my phone in my car—"
He snaps his mouth shut when Ravus answers the phone and puts a finger to his lips, wordlessly telling him to be quiet, even when his attention is on the phone, "Dr. Besithia. My apologies for the delay, I just got back to my apartment—yes, I have him here. I asked him to come by—that won't be necess... of course. ... Of course, one moment."
To say he looks annoyed would be an understatement; but, he still passes the phone to Loqi. Loqi, in turn, takes a deep, steady breath before he brings the phone to his ear, trying to ignore the knots his stomach is twisting into, "Y-yes, sir?"
"You couldn't have answered your phone to tell me where you'd gone?" His father sounds annoyed. Perhaps not with Loqi, but the situation as a whole, "I've been trying to get a hold of you for quite a few hours now."
"I'm... I'm sorry, I left my phone in the car, I was going to answer as soon as I got here, I just—"
"This is not a mistake that will be made again, do you understand me? I expect this sort of absent-mindedness from your brother. Not you."
It takes more effort than he cares for not to snap out an automated reply about how they aren't brothers. But, he bites it down and instead nods a little, "Yes, sir."
"Good. Since you are in Lestallum, I expect you to check in with our other associates in the area. I'm certain quite a few of them are waiting for payment." The knot in his stomach tightens, sharply; but, he keeps the response to himself. "Now, give the phone back to Nox Fleuret."
Loqi barely waits for the entire order; he hands the phone back to Ravus without question and quickly retreats to the living room, huddling up in a corner of the couch with his knees drawn up to his chest. He keeps the ice pressed to his cheek—mostly just cold water, now—and watches the kitchen entrance over his knees. He could probably get away with eavesdropping... but, with the mood his father's in, he'd really rather just wait it out. Much to his surprise, however, it doesn't take nearly as long as he was expecting for the call to finish. Ravus joins him within minutes, quietly taking up the cushion next to him and gently prompting him to turn so he can pull the ice pack away and look over his cheek.
"You probably should have told him you were leaving." Ravus murmurs, carefully rubbing his thumb over Loqi's cheek. "You know this is going to be tender for a few weeks, at least."
"Yeah, well. Kind of what happens." Loqi brushes his hand away and puts the ice pack back against his cheek, "Still haven't answered me. I have other errands to run, now that he knows I'm out here. So. Either start talking or—"
The words trail off when Ravus leans over to hug him. It's loose at first. A simple gesture; but, it's steadily becoming tighter until he's pulled Loqi closer. Not quite in his lap; but, close enough. For those few minutes though, Loqi is genuinely confused and honestly a little terrified. The same way he gets whenever things get... too comfortable.
"... Rae, you're... kind of freaking me out. What'd he say—"
"Don't." Loqi almost doesn't hear him. He mostly just feels the words against his shoulder; but, it's enough for him to stop and try to listen. "Just stay here. You don't need to be running errands right now."
Immediately, he feels a familiar annoyance and starts squirming around to get free, "Really? Really? You want to have that argument right now? I just spent the entire drive from Hammerhead to Lestallum thinking you were injured or dead somewhere—"
"I nearly was." Ravus scowls when he finally releases Loqi and puts at least a little distance between them, "I spent so long dealing with your father, I ended up spending Hour Twenty-Five with those two. Is there a reason neither of you felt the need to inform me Caelum would be tagging along? Or that he has an Aeon?"
Loqi can only stare at him as the information processes, "Wait. Caelum does?"
"He does. And your brother—"
"—still not my brother—"
"—can... function during Hour Twenty-Five. I spent two hours worrying about how to even get to Argentum. And then I'm dealing with daemons, Caelum, and Argentum when the Hour begins."
Loqi is still back on the part with the Aeon. His brows furrow tight together as he tries to put it together. It was weird to consider anyone else having an Aeon. It had been weird enough finding out Ravus had one after spending so long thinking he was the only one. He wonders, momentarily, if his father knows; if that would explain the sudden interest he had in Caelum. Slowly, his brain begins to catch up with everything else and he frowns, "Wait. Two hours? You were already in the area, what two hours, what are you talking about?"
This time, Ravus looks confused. Then suspicious. "What did your father even tell you about this arrangement?"
"Argentum was supposed to pick up a polymer, bring it back, end of story. The only reason I wasn't the one meeting you was because I was dealing with those idiots that were investigating the old bunker last week? Don't even think they actually finished clearing it; but, dad said they were getting paid." Loqi shrugs. If they're going to fight, he doesn't see a reason not to make sure they're fighting over the right things. But... when the information does little more than make Ravus scowl, he starts to get that nagging feeling he's missed something. This is starting to become a bit too frequent. "What?"
"Then you didn't know."
Not a question. Loqi feels the frown deepen, "Know what?"
"The group that 'cleared out' Keycatrich, right? They turned down the money, as I recall. Did they receive payment?"
Loqi crosses his arms, giving Ravus a pointedly annoyed look, "If you're going to waste my time, I'm leaving. We've been through this enough times. I'm the one making the offers. Not my dad. I know what I'm doing."
"That wasn't the question. I'm asking because they didn't even start the job. The trenches were crawling with daemons." Ravus' eyes narrow, "Now. Did you pay them?"
Annoyance is starting to feel like an understatement. Accurate, definitely. But an understatement. But, if this is the argument Ravus wants to have, two can play that game. So he just gives a half-hearted shrug.
"Guess they got paid for nothing, then. Your point?" He doesn't try to keep the annoyance from his tone, even when the attempt at nonchalance turns into a glaring contest between the two of them, "Or, here's a thought: maybe I just prefer not going celibate for more than a few days. Weird, right?"
Ok, that may have been a lie. It was definitely a lie; but, he's had this conversation enough times. Sex was nothing. Means to an end, occasionally extra incentive for hunters that would accept, and sometimes payment. Most contacts preferred money or supplies or referrals to get their gear upgraded; but, there were a handful that preferred more physical payment and Loqi didn't see a problem with it. Was he annoyed that he'd been sent on a payment errand for a job that wasn't finished? Yes, absolutely. But, that didn't change the fact that he's had this conversation with Ravus multiple times or the fact it has been longer than he's used to going without sex. A moment longer of the two glaring at one another with no answers and Loqi finally registers exactly what he was told. "... Why do you even know Keycatrich is still flooded?"
"Because I was there this morning. Specifically, I was there carrying out your father's orders. The polymer was just something he needed to get Argentum out of the house. Does he actually need it? Probably. I don't really care; but, if Caelum and his lot's involved… getting me involved is making a lot more sense." Ravus trails off, mumbling to himself for a moment. When he finally makes eye contact again, he looks… annoyed. A little worried, but mostly annoyed. "I had wondered why he didn't just send Argentum straight to Keycatrich. Why the meeting had to be so close to Hour Twenty-Five. Because if Caelum went along, he may have had a chance in Keycatrich. And you just happened to be sent to the same group that failed to do their job correctly. That doesn't strike you as odd?"
Loqi shifts about in his seat for a few seconds as he mulls over the information. Yeah, it's odd. The whole thing is odd. Telling Ravus to meet them close to Hour Twenty-Five, even though Loqi knows for a fact he was told the meeting was at ten. Because he was expecting the deal to be done and his errands to be done so he could… try to make up with Ravus. Mostly because whenever they fought, Ravus ended up going on way more hunts—anything to keep his distance from Hammerhead… even when it meant more dangerous hunts that they could have been handling together. Yeah, there was always the chance his dad was going to find out and be pissed as hell… but, so far, Loqi's done pretty good making sure it just seems like he's tagging along for intel purposes. Besides, someone needs to keep up with the maintenance on the prosthetic arm. Which he should really do before he leaves later—
Abruptly, he shakes his head, trying to get his thoughts back on track and lets out a slow, strained breath. The ice pack is completely melted and forgotten in his hand; so, when he moves to sitting cross-legged, hands resting in his lap, he starts tossing the pack between his hands to help him think, "Ok. Fine. It's weird. But why? What was the point in lying to me? I mean… ok, yeah, Piztala was my fault for not considering that defect would run into someone else who could operate inside Hour Twenty-Five. But he's been stupidly interested in Caelum's group, so I know he's not mad about that anymore. ...Er… as… mad… either way," Loqi waves it off, mostly to ignore how weird it feels for Ravus not to be giving him exasperated looks for how he treats Argentum. He tries to pull his thoughts together, "And if the cave is flooded… even if Caelum went with him, unless he knew Caelum has an Aeon, he couldn't know they'd actually survive. Unless he doesn't want Caelum dead, I guess, I don't know." He finally gives up and ruffles a hand back through his hair when he realises more pieces are missing than he thought, "Damn it…. And why get you involved? He doesn't know about your sister, so it's not like he had any leverage in this situation—"
For some reason, those words are finally what get a reaction out of Ravus. It's not much; just the way he sits up a little straighter, the way he goes just that little bit more tense and… honestly, Loqi has no idea what he just said to get that reaction. He knows—well… honestly, he's not sure what he knows anymore. But he's mostly positive that his father isn't aware of the fact Ravus even has a sister. So, he makes a questioning noise in his throat, hoping for some kind of answer. Anything, really, at this point.
"... Have you really never stopped to consider your father is using you just as much as he is Argentum?" Ravus doesn't meet his eye. Still, Loqi can tell he's upset; and, normally he'd be a lot more curious. Instead, he starts to bristle.
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean? He is not—"
"Really? So, sending you off on errands, when a job hasn't been finished? Keeping you in Hammerhead, when us working together has proven more efficient on multiple occasions, even when he's not aware you are helping me fight? Telling you the something completely different than what he's telling me? He told me to drop Argentum in that infested hellhole. Even if you both hate Argentum, why kill him? Why kill him, specifically, somewhere the body can't be recovered? He doesn't become a Crystal, he won't shatter into tech you can use."
To that, Loqi has absolutely no argument. Even if it were a field test—did the effects of a person's blood last forever? Was it just like a violent energy drink for daemons?—there wouldn't be anyone there to record results. Even if his father had other contacts, those were results he'd want to see on his own. The same way he personally made sure to record any data he had on their blood in the labs. Argentum's tended to be more beneficial; but, it was easier to run tests on someone that was aware they were in an experiment. Loqi's blood was potent, sure; but, there was something a lot darker in Argentum. Guilt. Dependency. Different than the malicious base of Loqi's own blood. Even in newer experiments, even with Caelum in the equation, Loqi had the facts whether he liked them or not. So, anything involving Argentum's blood, his father would definitely want first-hand records. Not observational notes passed on.
When he doesn't have a ready argument, Ravus lets out a slow breath, "I should have thought of that before. He's getting a little too clever for my liking."
Loqi finally looks up, is momentarily shocked that Ravus meets the curious expression, and mulls over the information a few seconds longer before he finally asks, "About what? You've never had a problem telling him to fuck off before. Hell, you straight up refused to be part of the Piztala trip because you thought you'd be defending Argentum. So what changed?"
Ravus is the one that stalls answering this time. When he finally does, it's with a strained sigh, "His methods. As I said. He's getting clever about it. If I had to guess… he knew we were fighting during the Piztala trip and didn't think threats would work. He's either becoming bold or he's desperate. Whichever, he knew I wouldn't say no if he dangled you around."
"Me? I wasn't even part of this mission—" The words stop abruptly and Loqi feels a nerve twitching as he starts putting it together. He hadn't gotten back until late the night before. Even after finishing his rounds, he waited until Hour Twenty-Five passed, hoping for some sign that things had gone ok with Ravus. In hindsight, he'd been well within driving distance of Keycatrich and could have easily gone to ensure the job was done himself. Normally, he would; but, he'd spent the entire night worrying when he didn't get word of how things had gone in Galdin. Instead of focusing on his own task. "Ok. Fine. So I was close to Keycatrich. So? He wouldn't…."
Or, that's what he wants to tell himself. His father wouldn't actually try to have him killed over something so simple as Ravus refusing to help with something.
"He assumed enough to know I would react to him implying he would do so." Ravus doesn't confirm or deny Loqi's conviction. "I had every intention of turning him down. I did, originally. The second he told me that I was supposed to transport Argentum to Keycatrich, I refused the job. He wasn't as upset as I would have expected," a frown crosses his face, an aggravated sigh escapes his lips, "That should have been the first sign something was wrong. I was suspicious, yes... but as soon as he said he was sending you to Keycatrich, instead, I... panicked. I should have thought it through a bit more. But, I didn't."
"It's not like I can't fight—oh. ... Oh." The knot in his stomach is back and Loqi finds himself rubbing one of his arms as he thinks about it. Calculated manipulation. That's all payment errands ever were. Let people hear what they wanted, do what they wanted; literally no strings attached. He'd been confused by the offer to go drinking first. Not that he ever turned down free drinks. Thankfully, he keeps an eye on his drink and when he doesn't he makes a point of getting new drinks for himself. Still, he feels an annoyed scowl cross his face, "Well, that just ruined me ever going drinking again. Fucking awesome."
He's genuinely surprised when Ravus gives a short, disbelieving laugh, "You could have died and you're worried about your bar habits?"
"It's been a long day, ok? Fuck you, Rae." Loqi rubs at his forehead, "Great. This is... great. I still think you're nuts, but... let's pretend I believe it for right now. I'm not in the mood to fight. Last night was shit, this morning was shit, I haven't slept at all—"
"You haven't slept?" Ravus quirks a brow at him and all he can really do is shrug one shoulder and refuse to meet the alarmed look.
"Spent all night wondering what happened. Got back to Hammerhead, went straight for buying coffee... saw Caelum on the way out. You weren't with him." Loqi rubs at his arm, absently, and bites on his lip as he waits for the yelling to start.
His shoulders begin to sag when Ravus stands; but, a moment later, he's picked up. He startles for a moment, arms immediately going around Ravus' neck for security, before an angry flush crosses his face, "Put me down!"
"In a moment, quit fussing before I drop you." Ravus mumbles, not once loosening his hold. It still feels awkward though; a moment later, he figures out why when the other man gives an annoyed sigh, "We'll need to stop by a hardware shop later. I doubt you grabbed any of your tools. I hate to ask, but—"
Loqi immediately stops squirming in favour of digging his nails into Ravus' back and making more agitated noises, "If you fucked your arm up why the hell are you carrying me?"
"I didn't. It's just a little stiff. Now if you would kindly remove your nails from my back."
A moment longer and he complies, before he begins wiggling around to get comfortable. He knows he isn't light—not the same way Argentum is. Lighter than Ravus, definitely; but, that doesn't mean he wants to agitate his arm any worse than it is. He finally settles, just as Ravus gets the bedroom door open, just as he's trying to set Loqi on the bed. Instead of complying, Loqi keeps his arms and legs wrapped stubbornly around the man. It earns him an exasperated sigh.
"I have work to do. I swear, I'll be in the living room. Just get some sleep, Lo."
"Yeah, well, technically so do I." He still doesn't let go. "M'not sleeping alone. So, either I'm going out there and sleeping on you or you're staying in here with me."
For a second, he's worried Ravus is just going to pry him loose and leave. But, after a few minutes worth of silence, Ravus finally lets out a slow sigh, defeat becoming apparent as his posture becomes more lax, "Fine. Fine. Are you at least going to let me get undressed?"
"Are you going to stay undressed?" Loqi finally releases him, squirming into a sitting position as soon as he hits the bed, so he can get out of his own clothes.
Ravus rolls his eyes as he's shrugging out of his jacket, "I think I've learned my lesson after how my last four sleeping shirts ended up. Thank you."
Loqi just grins and shrugs when he situates himself under the blankets, waiting as patiently as he can. The second Ravus lies next to him, he latches on. It doesn't take nearly as long to find his comfortable spot; the exhaustion hits almost as soon as he stops squirming and he's fast asleep within minutes.