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"Are you sure you have to go so soon?" Endou asks with a frown forming. It stings seeing one of the cheeriest people lose his smile, but Ichihoshi puts up one of his own even if it’s forced.
"Yeah, I'm already feeling tired. Staying up late really isn't my thing."
"Aww..." Endou's frown turns into a pout that doesn't last for long. That crestfallen look is quickly replaced with his usual upbeat one. It makes Ichihoshi feel less guilty about his lie. "Maybe one night you can stay up a little longer. It'd be fun to spend more time with you." Endou’s smile widens and it's infectious, in a bittersweet way. "Until then, stay safe, okay?"
"I will."
Ichihoshi flashes him another smile before Endou runs off to speak with Gouenji. His smile stays on his face as he waves to him, even though the other boy had lost interest in him. As he turns toward his home, Ichihoshi lets his shoulders fall and the smile begins to fade once he knows no one is around. His feet carry him home moving faster than usual, although not many would notice. Blue eyes drift towards the sunset. He takes in the beautiful sight of the village being cast in an orange hue. But it’s one he can’t enjoy for long.
He needs to get home. While he has time to spare, he doesn’t want to take any chances once the moon rises.
Once inside his home, Ichihoshi lets out a held breath. His back rests against the locked door and a hand goes over his heart. The last bits of sunlight that are seeping into his home are beginning to disappear. And he knows in a few minutes- seconds that the darkness will take over his home.
As his world becomes cast in gentle darkness, he removes himself from the door. A familiar tingle shoots throughout his body, sending a fuzzy feeling that gets his heart pounding.
It's time.
The change isn't painful; it's just an odd feeling. Nails and teeth sharpen, fluffy ears pop out of his head and a tail frees itself from behind. It's a simple change to his body, physically. There are some perks that come along with having wolf blood run through him. He’s stronger, faster, and can defend himself.
There is just one downside. When his true form is revealed so is a carnal desire that grows in the pit of his stomach. It's a craving that yearns for bloodshed. Granted, it's suppressible, but only for so long.
And the longer the night goes on, the harder it is to control.
But, there is one way to extinguish that feeling.
Ichihoshi peeks out his window, careful to ensure that no one is around before he departs. And when he does, he's swift, faster than he is during the day. It feels nice to have the night wind brushing against his body. For a moment, he nearly forgets that he isn't a monster and enjoys his freedom. It's fleeting but something he’s grown to love.
The werewolf comes to a stop once he’s found himself in a small clearing in the forest behind his village. Tall trees surround his home and this place is no different. There’s a stump and a boulder to act as seats for two. It’s the perfect getaway for the couple who knows this location.
"You're late." The voice is playful and makes his heart skip a beat. His gaze falls upon Nosaka who reveals himself from behind the veil of darkness.
The moment their eyes meet, Ichihoshi's tail begins to wag. His muscles are lax and that disgusting urge to strike a kill fades. The way Nosaka's presence manages to simply lull him into this state is nearly unbelievable. Having the power to make his werewolf instinct subside into nothing is a gift. It’s a strange power, but one that Ichihoshi doesn’t mind.
"Sorry, I wanted to make sure I was alone," Ichihoshi replies as he steps forward, an ear twitching. "I didn't make you wait long, did I?"
Nosaka shakes his head. "No. Even if you did, I wouldn't mind the wait." When he flashes him a smile, his heartbeats. "But we shouldn't waste the time we have. There's something you have to know."
"What is it?"
"Kidou suspects you." With Nosaka's smile gone and the news thrown at him, he can feel his heart drop. "He came to me earlier saying he caught a glimpse of the werewolf in his glass ball. The vision was blurry but he believes he saw you."
"Ah..." Ichihoshi's ears droop. Kidou is smart, they're both aware of that. Even with a blurry or convoluted vision, he would be able to deduct what it means given the time. And depending on the one he gets tonight, it might be all over for him. "Does he suspect anyone else?"
"He doesn't want to throw out any other names. He wanted my opinion on the matter, but I told him that I haven’t received any visions of the werewolves." Nosaka walks toward him. A hand reaches out to Ichihoshi, going to head. Fingers brush against his hair, trailing upward. Ichihoshi’s ears perk up just as he scratches behind them. He melts to the touch and almost misses what Nosaka says next. "For now, you're his target. And if that's the case, we're going to have to find a way to throw him off this trail."
"H-How?"
"Hmmm..." Nosaka pulls his hand away as he goes in thought. Ichihoshi has to hold back a whine that nearly escapes from his throat. Now isn’t the time to plead for more scratches, even if they do distract him from his possible fate. "I may have an idea. That is if there is a killing tonight."
He eyes Ichihoshi. There is no fear in his gaze, there never was. Even when they first crossed paths and his form was revealed, he only offered him kindness. Did he know about his mysterious power back then? The werewolf never managed to ask. As long as he never looked at him like he was a monster, he would be happy.
The seer waits for him to respond and the werewolf gulps. There had been no killings the previous night, which is strange. Ichihoshi hadn’t met with Nosaka which meant his urge was uncontrollable. Plus he wasn’t the only werewolf amongst them. At least one person should have died and yet nothing happened. It was an oddly peaceful night. Almost unsettling.
"I...don't know if there will be one," he admits. His gaze drifts downward. "I met with the other werewolf last night. It wasn't intentional! I wanted to try and find you first, but...we ran into each other. I think we panicked a bit and then..." He bites at his lower lip.
His memory was fuzzy. He hated not being able to control himself at night. Bits and pieces were all he could gather and from what he did remember, it made him feel nauseous.
"I think we got into a fight? I...can't really remember. We couldn't decide on who to go after and then..." He gulps and grips his arm.
It's sickening how he could recall the fight. It made him shiver knowing how violent he could be given the chance. With a primal urge taking over and just seeing red- literally and physically. Flesh was torn open, blood had fallen between them. Thankfully, werewolves are a little harder to kill, but the image imprinted in his mind still haunts him.
"Asuto." The name pulls him from his dark memory and his wide gaze falls upon Nosaka. "It's Asuto, isn't it? The other werewolf." Ichihoshi looks away with a nod. "I didn't suspect him, and neither does Kidou. But given what happened last night that would explain the wound on his cheek, along with his lack of energy today."
"I-I didn't mean to!" Ichihoshi shouts which sounds like a pitiful cry. "I didn't want to hurt him or anyone, but..."
The grip on his arm tightens, the claws ready to tear into his own flesh. Killing didn't feel good. It makes him feel like a monster. He never asked to be like this! He just...wants to be normal. As his thoughts went deeper, darker, colder, a sudden warmth came over him. Arms embraced him with a familiar scent that put him to ease. Oh, how his body melts into this hug.
"It's not your fault. You didn't choose this."
"But, I..."
"He's still alive. And he will be."
'That's not the point...' He wanted to plead and complain. Yes, Asuto is alive and well today and he's grateful for that, but he is worried about himself. Losing control was something Nosaka would never have to worry about. What if one day this mystical power he held over him just...stopped? What if Nosaka became a victim? His victim? The thought terrified him. It makes him grip onto the human, nearly squeezing him as if to ensure he is still here and alive.
Lips press against the werewolf’s forehead and it pulls him out of his worried thoughts. Instinctively, Ichihoshi nuzzles against the human. He knows he shouldn’t think about the worst, but it’s hard. He’s grateful that Nosaka knows how to pull him out of that darkness before he falls in too far.
Ichihoshi lets out a yelp. Something is touching his ears, massaging them. It feels nice but the sudden touch causes him to pull away from Nosaka, who is busy chuckling at his reaction.
"You're not a big bad wolf," he says with a teasing smile. "More like a cute little pup."
"Hey!" Ichihoshi barks with a blush and puts a hand over his touched ear. Despite giving him a weak glare, he can’t stay angry with Nosaka, not that he is in the first place.
"I promise not to touch them again without permission." Nosaka raises his hands in defense before letting them drop. "Feeling better now?"
Nosaka steps forward and takes his hands into his. Claws brush against his frail skin, never once breaking it. Fingers intertwined and Ichihoshi looks at them. His hands look the same as they did during the day. Pressing up against his skin makes him feel normal. Makes him feel human.
"Yeah."
He lifts his gaze from their hands to meet with Nosaka’s. His heart thumps against his chest and it feels like it’s growing louder and louder with every passing second. If only this moment could last longer- forever. The moon can stay in the sky and the night should never come to an end if it meant staying like this.
"We should discuss what we're going to do. It seems I'm going to have to find a way to save both werewolves at this rate."
"Sorry..." He mumbles. Ichihoshi is glad that he's taking Asuto into consideration. He couldn't bear the thought of having to put the blame on him, or worse, after what he did last night.
"You don't need to apologize so much, Hikaru. I'll think of something. I'd love to turn things around and pin it on Kidou." The thought of the challenge makes him grin. Anyone else would be an easy target, but getting rid of their biggest enemy might be the best way to go.
Another apology is about to escape the werewolf, but it's kept within. He shakes his head and looks at Nosaka. Here is a smart individual and a seer at that! A person with so much potential and knowledge. He could end everyone’s fears in a single night and yet…
"Why?"
"Hm?"
"Why are you willing to go so far for me?"
The moment the words leave his mouth, he wishes he could take them back. A part of him fears that he might not like the answer given. So, he braces himself.
"Isn't it obvious?" A freehand caresses the werewolf's cheek. Ichihoshi nuzzles against it and his hand lingers upward. He waits for an approving nod before scratching behind his ears. "I may have a thing for a certain werewolf."
"Wh-"
Nosaka laughs at his dumbfounded expression.
"Since the moment I saw you, I knew you were special. Perhaps it was intuition. Something drew me to you. You've made my life more...interesting. And I would rather have you than anyone else here."
Ichihoshi's heart thumps rapidly against his chest, leaving him speechless. It’s a strong confession that makes him happy. His tail isn’t going to stop wagging anytime soon.
"I...I swear I'll do anything to protect you!" The words spill out of his mouth. It's not something a werewolf should say nor is it the proper response to a confession. He's a killer, a monster, not a savior or guardian. But if it's for Nosaka, he'd be willing to change his fate.