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How did this happen? How had it become so chaotic all of a sudden!? Everything is such a mess. Nothing is working as it's supposed to!
The Employer was frantically pacing around the room, frustration painted on their face. Dark flames dragged after them on the tile floor, slipping down their back like a grim waterfall. They were flickering and crackling erratically. The air around them felt as though it might boil if they breathed deeply enough. It feels heavy and hot, like steam clinging to one's skin.
There seemed to be an underlying hum of energy that could snap like a wild beast at any given moment.
Everything was just so wrong. So very wrong. Auditor could see it right before him! Something is not right with Nevada. It's only getting more serious. There was something that Auditor knew was going to happen, something that would bring this whole place crashing down.
Their hands clenched into tight fists.
Auditor can't let that happen! They have to try and DO something. Nor just watch like the rest of The Employers. Why were they so foolish? Why were they acting blind to what was going on around them?!
This just calls for action. And Auditor will act.
Then they'll prove them all wrong! The Employers will never ridicule them again! They'll never do anything to make Auditor feel bad or inferior again! Auditor has to prove that they're better. That they deserve respect and recognition.
That they're not stupid!
They slammed a hand on their desk, claws digging into the wood.
They're not weak!
Not worthless!
They are the best out there!
The most powerful and feared of all creatures!
There is no reason they should ever feel bad!
They are a REAL Employer!
Auditor slashed his claws across his desk, causing an ear-piercing screech. A lamp fell over with a crash, shards of glass littering the floor and burning holes in the carpet.
They didn't even care about the mess. The Furniture was nothing more than an obstacle in front of them.
"Ouch... Howdy, Audi! Bad time?" A loud voice called from the doorway.
Huh?
Auditor turned towards the door, glaring at the intruder. Their eyes narrowed dangerously as his whole frame tensed. It took every ounce of self-control Auditor had left not to scream or attack. They remained still, trying to regain their composure.
The man standing in the doorway held up both of his palms in a placating gesture, the smirk firmly fixed onto his face. His brown coat was splattered with dirt and leaves. He seemed to be having trouble walking without stumbling forward and falling.
Sheriff was the last thing they needed right now.
"I'm sorry, Audi boy. Meant to knock first. Guess I forgot." He shrugged sheepishly as he fixed his hat.
A growl escaped Auditor's throat. "Go away, Sheriff." They snarled.
Sheriff looked confused. "Eh? What? Why?" His head tilted slightly, his brows knitted together.
His gaze shifted from Auditor to the destroyed office, taking in everything he saw.
"Really not feeling well, are ya?" He questioned.
"Get Out!" Auditor snapped, their glare intensifying.
Sheriff flinched ever so slightly at their tone, taking several steps backwards. He looked around the office nervously.
"I don't... I can't leave ya like... This, Audi!" He shook his head, his expression turning sad. "You really need help, y'know."
Another growl tore from Auditor's lips, their tail twitching furiously behind them.
They wanted to be alone. Yet, that little thing was always so stupidly stubborn. They can't say no. No matter how angry they get, they couldn't bring themselves to harm Sheriff.
"Audi... Please?" He sounded so hurt and disappointed.
Auditor hated it. They shouldn't care. They shouldn't.
Sheriff was just so naive and kind, though he constantly gets hurt because of it. Even when Auditor does snap at him, he always comes back just to... Talk. He was never discouraged by Auditor's cold and harsh tone.
"Fine..." Auditor hissed reluctantly.
Their tails stopped twitching and they lowered themselves slightly. Sheriff grinned brightly. He walked inside, shutting the door behind him and carefully made his way towards the Auditor. His movements were cautious.
"I'll clean this up... Later. First, we gotta take care of you." Sheriff was glowing as he gently took Auditor's hand.
They watched in confusion as Sheriff just... Touched him. Casually like that. It was weird. No one else would dare to do something like that.
"Won't hurt. Promise." Sheriff murmured before pulling Auditor gently towards the couch.
Auditor followed him meekly while staring down at his hand. When his skin brushed against their shadowy one, they could feel something like sparks jumping between them. It didn't seem to bother Sheriff. Auditor wonders what might be the cause. Perhaps it was the violent energy still buzzing through his whole body from his little outburst.
That must be it.
Sheriff sat them down on the plush sofa. He placed his hands on Auditors chest and gently pushed them back.
"Lean back. I know what will make you feel better, pardner" He grinned widely.
Auditors furrowed their brows as they watched with curiosity. Sheriff quickly ran off and left the room.
Interesting.
What could he be planning? So Auditor waited. Staying put in the position they were left in. The silence and emptiness didn't last long, however.
Moments later, Sheriff came back bursting through the door. In his arms was the largest pillow they'd seen yet. It was a dull blue color with a large white star pattern covering its surface. It looked rather childish. Sheriff's cheeks flushed and he stared at Auditor and noticed his questionable look.
"... What is that?" They asked slowly.
"Oh! This? This is my favourite pillow." Sheriff smiled proudly. "Figured ya'd need something comfy. I have a blanket too!" As Sheriff ran up to him, they noticed several other items he brought.
Thought before Auditor could question him further, he was already spreading out the large blanket over their legs and covering their upper body with the thick cotton. Sheriff slipped his pillow behind their back and the smell hit him first.
Those were things he definitely used every day. It was almost like they were lying down in some fresh straw and grass. Though there was definitely a bitter hint of alcohol under all that. Auditor wishes they could say that the smell wasn't pleasant, but they couldn't deny how good it was. It was comforting. Like a warm hug.
Confusing.
On the rare times they'd lay down on their bed, their sheets would smell fresh, new. They felt silky smooth under his hands and their pillows were soft and light like a cloud. That reminded them of the luxury so few could have. How much better they were than anyone else.
Yet this... This was so different. And it felt way better. Why haven't they gotten such a feeling while laying down in their own bed?
They couldn't ask themselves any more questions as Sheriff handed them a glass.
"Got ya some wine and soda for later." Auditor gracefully accepted it and took a sip. "And I know you like it sweet so..." Sheriff smiled proudly as he took a small piece of cake into his hands.
Sheriff remembered they liked all this? How did he remember this? They took another sip and closed their eyes, savoring the taste.
Does that foolish cowboy-wannabe really think that such stupid mortal pleasures will cheer them up?
Ridiculous!
Auditor didn't need to rest, they didn't need to eat or drink! Such nonsense to bring them all this stuff.
Auditor looked down on Sheriff, who carefully spooned up a piece of cake and brought it to their mouth. They hesitated for a while.
"Ah, come on Audi... It won't hurt ya!" Sheriff encouraged.
They opened their mouth. It felt weird not to argue with this idiot anymore. They knew this wouldn't solve their problem however they didn't stop him.
"Here ya go." Sheriff said softly as he fed them.
The flavor clung to the roof of their mouth. It felt like a sweet velvet candy that melted on their tongue. Auditor enjoyed every single bite, as Sheriff patiently waited in silence to make sure they enjoyed it. Everything tasted like honey now after they finished eating. They licked their lips with a pleased sigh.
Only after they had finished that they realized... They were being dangerously vulnerable with Sheriff.
They've never been this close to a grunt before. It felt wrong. They weren't supposed to show emotions like that. They were meant to stay emotionless, untouchable. Emotions were a weakness. And weakness was something they couldn't show to anyone. Before, they were always annoyed by Sheriff's ridiculous attitude. Always in high spirits and he could never shut up! He always came into their office, endlessly talking about whatever came into his mind.
They used to hate that. They used to want Sheriff gone. Dead.
Yet slowly, every time Sheriff came back, they got used to it.
Why didn't this behavior bother Auditor anymore? When had they let Sheriff get so close? Why was their presence so... Comforting? They felt warm inside and surprisingly calm with him here. They liked to hear him ramble and laugh about whatever meaningless thing he spoke about. Why did they love it so much?
"Audi... You okay? Yer still not lookin' too hot." Sheriff commented, worried.
Auditor snapped back to reality from their trance. He looked so concerned and genuine. Just hearing that soft tone made another wave of warmth spread across them. He was worried. Worried about them. And maybe that's it. Sheriff is the first one who seemed to actually care.
He wasn't always loud and annoying. When he could see Auditor angry, he always went quiet. Not because he was scared but because he wanted for Auditor to have space to calm down. Even right now, he was caring for them! He didn't have to. Sheriff didn't gain anything from staying close to Auditor. So why bother then..?
Auditor emptied the glass with their wine and set it down. Curiously, they reached their hand towards Sheriff, brushing away the hair that fell on his face.
"Tell me... Why are you here? You don't have to be concerned about me. I can handle myself" Sheriff's bright eyes glittered when he saw them looking at him and felt their warm hand near his face.
He smiled gently, tilting his head slightly. "But I wanna be, Audi. For both your sake and mine. Honestly, I'm kinda scared. Scared that somethin' bad is gonna happen to ya. One day, you'll exhaust yourself for good!"
"You're certainly aware that I do not require any form of rest. I have told you this multiple times" Auditor responded immediately.
"I... I know. Not making me any less worried, though!" That made Auditor's lips twist into a crooked smile.
Their suspicions seemed correct.
Sheriff cared about them. This felt... Weirdly good to know. Overall, when they were with Sheriff, they were always filled with a lot of strange emotions.
"Will ya tell me what was bothering you..?" Sheriff asked sheepishly.
Auditor shrugged.
They didn't really want to reveal everything to Sheriff. For now, they wanted to forget about it all. It's exactly what Sheriff could do for them.
"Perhaps later. I'd much rather enjoy your lovely company" Auditor replied calmly.
Sheriff blushed faintly and rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he tried to find something to say.
"You saying you like me, Audi?" He chuckled awkwardly.
Sheriff averted his gaze anxiously, realizing what question he asked. Auditor tapped their chin lightly. It was amusing to see them so flustered.
"Yes, I suppose I do. I have never met someone quite like you... That made me develop a particular fondness for you, Sheriff" Sheriff laughed.
His cheeks turned bright pink again as he covered his face with both hands.
"God, Audi... I've never known... " The man whispered as he tried to hide away even more.
Sheriff lifted his head and looked straight into Auditor's eyes. Clearly, that made him so much more nervous. And before Sheriff could even think about it, he leaned in and placed a kiss on Auditor's cheek. They stiffened as the flames on their body started to dance around suddenly much more lively.
That... Was certainly unexpected. That action left Auditor very baffled. They felt a very strange tightness in his chest. However, they couldn't deny it felt good. They have never received this kind of attention from anyone before.
Sheriff pulled back abruptly, eyes wide as he gazed at Auditor with fear.
"I am so sorry, I didn't... I didn't mean to! Don't know what came over me ..." He rambled, his voice going higher with every word.
"I just... Wanted to do that for a moment. I guess. And now it's happened. I swear it won't happen again. I promise." Sheriff's words were rushed and he was shaking. His hands were clasped together tightly.
He looked utterly terrified. Auditor watched as his lips began trembling. He looked like he was trying not to cry.
Auditor couldn't leave him like this. Especially when they enjoyed it! They weren't so good at affection or any type of comfort.
But for Sherrif, they could try. Auditor suddenly snatched their arms around his waist, and without much effort, they pulled him under the blanket too.
"You're fine. Just relax. You didn't do anything wrong." Auditor pushed their fingers under his hat and ran their fingers through his hair.
It felt so dry and coarse against their fingers. That didn't matter, because Sheriff visibly enjoyed it. Slowly, they could feel him relaxing under their touch.
"Let's test together, hm?" Auditor murmured. Their fingers continued to stroke through his hair as they listened to him breathe softly.
This is nice.
Auditor didn't care for now if this was right or wrong. Whether a powerful being like them should care about such an insignificant little cowboy. They don't need to think about that. All they knew is that it felt great to have Sheriff so close.
Then why not? Who was there to stop them if Sheriff felt the same way too?
They'll worry later. For now... It's amazing. Auditor leaned in and mimicking Sheriff's action from before, they placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.
Sheriff relaxed further into Auditor's chest, nuzzling himself deeper into them. Auditor couldn't help the low purr that escaped his lips when cuddling up Sheriff.
His scent was intoxicating. His heart beating was so pleasant to listen to. There was something so wonderful about being held by him. Auditor loved it all.
"Love ya, Audi" Sheriff whispered.
Auditor closed their eyes. No one will know about this. It could be their little secret.