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Chapter Text

When Aesop Carl was eight years old, he had wandered into the forest looking for what he believed were the most beautiful roses.

As anyone would expect of a young child, the poor boy had gotten lost. He hadn't found the roses either. He had failed to find his mother's favorite flowers and had also gotten himself lost. Scared and ashamed, he had sat down at the base of the nearest tree and began weeping into his hands.

He knew it was stupid and dangerous. The townsfolk always spoke about dangerous beasts and magical monsters that lived in the woods, that wouldn't let any human come out alive once catching a whiff of their scent.

But what could he do now? He was lost and all alone. And was very likely to get attacked and eaten alive, the fear of which only intensifying when he heard the bushes in front of him rustle with movement.

Bracing himself for what he expected to be a huge, terrifying monster, Aesop tried to crawl back but realised that his back was up against a tree. 

The bushes continued to rustle and as Aesop watched in sheer terror, a dark figure rolled out of the bushes.

The boy blinked. He was expecting a huge beast to jump out of the bushes but instead what he was looking at was…..another boy? No, this wasn't an ordinary boy. He resembled a young pup more than a person. There were two tiny twitching ears on the top of his head and a fluffy gray tail behind him. He shook off the leaves and twigs stuck in his head and opened his eyes. They were a clear blue with black slits. 

A…..werewolf pup.

For a moment, the two young ones just stared at each other. Then overcome by terror, Aesop opened his mouth to scream but was instantly silenced by the other boy jumping forward and covering his mouth. Aesop watched with wide eyes as the werewolf placed a finger on his mouth in a shushing motion and removed his hand from Aesop's mouth. He backed away from Aesop, slowly, and spoke, “I am not going to hurt you. Can you please be quiet?”

Terrified of what a negative response could mean, Aesop nodded slowly. The werewolf boy seemed satisfied enough, looking behind him cautiously, he turned back towards Aesop, “Are you lost?” 

Once again, Aesop nodded. 

The werewolf boy hummed with his hand under his chin, trying to seem more mature than he was in front of the younger human boy no doubt. Then with a smile, he stood up and held out a hand, “I'll help you out. But you must be very quiet, okay?”

Swallowing back the fear in his throat, Aesop took his hand and nodded slowly again.

Just then another voice sounded from somewhere far behind the werewolf boy.

“Joseph!! Where are you?! Mary will be upset if we are late to her tea party!” 

The werewolf boy turned back and shouted a reply, “Go on ahead without me. I dropped something. I'll get it back and join you!”

It seemed like the other voice was content enough with the answer as there was no follow up shouting after that.

The werewolf, Joseph, sighed and turned to Aesop, “That's my name. Joseph. What's yours?” 

“Ae-Aesop.” The human boy replied, cowering behind his mask.

Joseph smiled reassuringly at the younger boy, “Don't worry, I won't hurt you. Just follow my lead, okay?”

Aesop nodded again. He was then led by hand by the older boy, through a path he wasn't sure if he had taken before or not. Apprehension and fear began to overcome his senses before he realised, with much relief, that the lights of his town were visible right at the end of the pathway.

Joseph stopped guiding Aesop when they were at the edge, letting go of his hand and pointing in the direction of the town, “I cannot go any further. But if you go this way you will find your town, is that okay?”

“Y-yes. Thank you…..Joseph.” The young boy muttered.

Joseph laughed and bowed down to him, “It's a gentleman's duty to guide the lost. I am glad I could be of service.”

For someone who looked barely a couple of years older than Aesop, he sure spoke and acted like he wanted to be perceived smarter than others his age.

But the fact remained that he was still a child, a little too excited at having helped someone younger than him. His tiny ears twitched with pride and his tail swayed to and fro in eagerness as the werewolf boy thought about how he would go back and brag to his friends about his good deed.

Aesop found the wagging tail behind him a little funny, but he didn't comment on it. The older boy had still helped him a lot. So with another soft ‘thank you’ and a shy bow, he turned around and ran down the path to his town. 

Relief flooded him when he saw his mother waiting for him outside his house, opening her hands to welcome her son.

Aesop hadn't told her about the nice older boy who had helped him. He hadn't told anyone. He knew the townsfolk disliked the creatures from the forest and that they wouldn't believe him if he told them a nice werewolf boy had helped him.

*****

That had been fourteen years ago.

Exorcist Aesop Carl had no business being in this part of the forest. He wasn't the one assigned with the duty of dealing with the troublesome werewolf who roamed the nights terrorizing people.

But….it was amusing. To watch this so-called ‘capable’ group of exorcists fail so miserably against one person. Aesop had been hiding away in the shadows of a nearby thicket of trees, watching with crossed arms and a keen interest as the werewolf took out each of the hunters one by one with the smoothest moves of his cane. They were all lying passed out at his feet as the man himself twirled his cane and saluted his opponents with a doff of his hat.

“The numbers have risen since last time. Well, at least you lot lasted longer than the others. Shame that you are still no match for me though.” The werewolf said smugly as he leaned on his cane.

It had been over a decade since Aesop's encounter with this werewolf. It had been over a decade but he still remembered him. The young pup eager to show off his gentlemanliness and act older than he was. Except now he was no longer a pup, he was an adult. And had matured into quite the handsome and attractive gentleman. His formality and manners were on point and his eyes carried a sharpness right along with the mischief of his youth…..and a smile that could steal your heart and sweep you right off your feet if you weren't careful.

Aesop had only heard rumours of the werewolf called the Moonlight Gentleman. He had a hunch about who that could be but he didn't actually expect his hunch to be spot on. 

He doubted the werewolf would remember him. It had been quite a long while after all. And Aesop had only come all the way here to satiate his curiosity. He should be heading back before he was noticed-

“And what about you, my dear fellow? Not going to take revenge for your comrades?” 

Aesop turned around. This werewolf was quite agile too. He hadn't even noticed when he had appeared behind him.

There was a challenging glint in the werewolf's blue eyes, his posture was visibly relaxed but as a fighter himself, Aesop could tell the other man was poised to fight at any moment.

“They are not my comrades.” Aesop said, “I work alone. And,” He paused, looking the werewolf right in his eyes, “I'm not here to fight you.”

“Your attire begs to make a difference.” The werewolf said with a dangerous smirk, he pointed his cane at the exorcist and said, “I've encountered loads of you. This trick won't work on me.”

Aesop wasn't one to underestimate his opponent or himself. He knew the werewolf in front of him was strong but he also was confident in his own ability to fight him if it came to it. 

But he really did mean his earlier statement. He wasn't here to fight the werewolf. So even when the other man lifted his cane and swung it at Aesop, the exorcist did not budge.

The tip of the cane stopped right before it grazed his neck. The werewolf held his position as he faced the exorcist head on, “Blind trust in a stranger? A monster at that? Not very suitable traits in an exorcist.”

Aesop held his gaze as he replied, “A gentleman doesn't strike at an unarmed opponent, isn't that right, Joseph?”

Joseph withdrew his cane, “Indeed that is-wait, what?” He looked at the exorcist with a newfound shock, “How do you know my name?” 

“That is irrelevant,” The exorcist replied as he picked up his case from the ground, “I will be taking my leave now.”

“What? Wait, you can't just leave! How do you know my name? Tell me!”

But the exorcist was already walking away, dusting his attire and not paying attention to the werewolf trailing behind him.

“Are you really not going to tell me?” The werewolf said impatiently, “Can you at least tell me your name.”

At this, the gray-haired man paused and turned around, the werewolf who was following him nearly bumped into the exorcist at the unexpected movement. Taking two steps back, he waited.

“Aesop. Aesop Carl.” 

Aesop waited to see if there would be any sort of recognition on Joseph's face, but to his disappointment, the werewolf showed no such signs.

“Aesop Carl,” The werewolf repeated, “How do you know my name?”

Aesop turned around without a word and began walking away.

*****

That was only the start. Unfortunately for Aesop, every time he went into the forest to perform his duties of eradication of resentful souls and rogue beasts, the Moonlight Gentleman somehow found him each time and began hounding him with questions and one-sided conversations.

Aesop really hadn't expected this. His visit to the forest on that day had been a whim. And now that decision has come back to haunt him in the form of a very talkative werewolf who could not take the hint of Aesop's silence as a cue to leave him alone.

“You made quick work of those ghouls. Very skilled moves too. I can see why the church is so confident in sending you on solo missions.”

Aesop sighed. Though the werewolf had stopped pestering him about the reason he knew his name, Joseph simply never shut up. He talked enough for two people and Aesop, who didn't speak at all, was subjected to various ramblings he didn't even have any context for half the time.

Truth be told, Aesop was only putting up with it all because it was Joseph and even if the werewolf had forgotten that night, Aesop hadn't. That simple act of kindness had meant everything to the little lost boy in the forest. 

And so maybe, just maybe because of that, the introverted and aloof exorcist might have had a little soft spot for the troublesome wolf by his side.

“Do you have no friends?” Aesop finally asked one day while packing up his tools after destroying a lair of hostile gremlins. Joseph had just been sitting on the branch of a tree nearby, watching him work with his chin propped in his hands.

“I do have friends. But it is entertaining to watch you.” Joseph said with a mischievous grin, “Especially when you fight. Your moves are very captivating.” 

Aesop resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the flirtatious attempt, “I won't be coming here as frequently again. I have been assigned to another town.” He said without looking at Joseph.

Crash.

Aesop was alarmed at the sudden fall of the werewolf. He hurried to where Joseph had fallen and crouched down, “Why did you fall so suddenly?”

Joseph sat up with a groan and plucked a leaf from his head, “What do you mean you are not returning here?!” He exclaimed while looking at the exorcist.

Aesop just stared at the leaves and twigs stuck in Joseph's hair and clothes…..reminding him of that clumsy werewolf pup from so long ago. He turned his face away to resist a laugh.

Coughing to cover up his amusement, he turned towards the werewolf again, “It's my job. I will be moving around a lot.”

The werewolf tried his best to compose himself as he stood up, “Can you simply not do your job here?” He asked while brushing away the dust on his attire.

Aesop picked up his toolbox from the ground and looked at the werewolf in confusion, “Even if I wanted to, it is not up to me.”

A look of disappointment flashed across the werewolf's face, quickly replaced by nonchalance, “If there’s trouble in the forest? What then, will they send you here again?”

“There’s no guarantee,” Aesop replied, and looked at Joseph, “Please do not make trouble in the forest.”

“Moi? Never!” Joseph said very fakely while clutching his tie.

“I am serious.” Aesop replied while fixing his gloves, “Don’t make trouble while I’m gone.”

“You make it sound like your presence is what’s keeping me from causing trouble.”

“I didn’t hear any reports of a troublesome werewolf loitering around scaring people and beating up guards in the forest lately. Probably because he was too busy annoying me.”

“In my defense,” Joseph said as he followed Aesop with his cane behind his back, “You still haven’t told me how you know my name. You are the first human ever to refer to me by name. And it shocked me very much. Are you still not going to tell me?”

Aesop did not stop, nor did he turn around as they continued walking, “Do you want to make a deal?”

“A deal?” The werewolf asked with obvious interest.

Aesop turned around to face Joseph and spoke, “I will be gone for three weeks. If you can manage not to get into trouble with the Church, and not gather any complaints from the village folk while I am gone……then I will consider telling you.”

“You drive a hard bargain,” Joseph said with a huff, “Consideration is not enough. You have to promise me.”

“Okay I promise.”

“Deal!” The Moonlight Gentleman said with a sly grin.

Aesop turned around to begin walking again, “I am surprised you agreed. I thought making mischief was your lifeblood.”

“Well it is. It will be tragic that I cannot continue bullying the humans, but that is okay. There are other creatures in the forest, though not as fun. I will make do.”

Aesop raised his eyebrows at the comment but did not reply. 

*****

Chapter Text

Joseph was bored out of his mind. It had been a week since he had seen Aesop and he was already considering giving up on his deal.  

Yes he had fun scaring the imps and goblins in the forest, but they were already terrified of him, so he didn't find it as amusing as when he encountered humans, whose stupidity made them believe they could put up a fight against someone like him, following which they'd lose pathetically and run away while screaming about revenge.

Joseph sighed, ah he really was bored. He considered going over to Mary's but then remembered the new guest she had in her home and decided to wait a few more days. Perhaps he should just go hunting. It had been a while, and it would be good to relax his muscles. 

Well that managed to satiate his boredom for a while but the second week went by just as slowly and uneventfully as the first one. And the werewolf found himself missing the exorcist's presence more than the terror he inflicted on humans. 

“Why are you sighing like an old dog who is holding the weight of the world on his shoulders.” A familiar, snarky voice spoke.

Joseph perked up and looked down, “Well, well, look who finally decided to wake up from their ‘nap’.”

The crimson bride made a face, “A month means nothing to me. And what of you? Sighing and whining like a tied up dog.”

Joseph threw her a look and continued, “I am just bored.”

“Bored? You? With all the people you know and the mischief you get up to?”

“The people I know are all busy and wouldn’t entertain me. Mary literally kicked me out of her house because she wants to be all alone with Michiko. Have I told you about Michiko? She's very nice. A crane from the east who Mary has taken in as a guest recently. At least she is nicer than Mary. And Jack is nowhere to be found, that asshole only shows up when he wants something. Galatea is busy working on her new project and will probably stab me with her chisel if I interrupt her workflow,” He sighed, “Truly there’s no one around to spend time with poor old me.”

“You are so dramatic,” Vera said as she sat at the base of the tree, “And I’m surprised that is all that is holding you back. Is there something else you are not telling me?”

Joseph went silent for a moment. Then, begrudgingly, he admitted, “I made a promise to someone to not make trouble until he gets back. In exchange for something of course, the Moonlight Gentleman doesn’t give without taking something.”

“Hmm,” Vera looked up to see the downtrodden look on her friend’s face on mentioning the ‘someone’, “Do you have to uphold it?”

“Yes,” Joseph said confidently, “A gentleman never goes back on his words.”

*****

The tavern was bustling with people. And Aesop already wanted to leave. He was exhausted from his journey and dealing with so many people was the last thing he wanted to do. But the walk to his house would take a while and he had just arrived back in town. He needed to sit down for a moment. 

The exorcist was wearing a dark cloak, his attire and all his tools covered from public eyes, not wanting to bring attention to himself. He chose the table at the furthest end of the tavern and sat there, hoping no one would accost him or notice him at all for that matter. 

He thought about Joseph, wondering if the werewolf had kept his promise. There were four days to the end of the three-week period and Aesop was planning on using them to rest at home before heading over to the forest on the last day. He hadn’t heard any new complaints or rumors about the Moonlight Gentleman, so maybe that was a good thing. 

Joseph just needed to stay out of trouble for a few more days.

Aesop took a sip of the glass of water kept on his table, not paying much attention to his surroundings. Until his enhanced hearing picked up the snippets of a certain conversation.

“....really went…?…terrible idea….”

“..the wolf….. docile……the only time…”

Aesop strained to hear better, could it really be?

“I heard they had a plan. The werewolf has been really laying low lately. Maybe he’s weaker than usual?”

“Why risk it? Haven’t they been beaten enough?”

“I do not know. You know how it is with these monster hunter folks. Their pride is wounded too easily.”

Aesop placed the glass down and stood up with a restrained sigh. Looks like he has another trip to make.

*****

“I already told you to come back another day. I am in no mood to fight you today.” Joseph said absent-mindedly as he polished his cane.

“This isn’t a game. We aren’t here to challenge you. We are taking you down for real this time.” Someone shouted and Joseph shrugged, “Go ahead. Make the first move.” 

There was hesitation. It was the same as always. The werewolf teasing and mocking them, riling them up and easily taking the upper hand once he saw the opportunity.

Joseph wasn’t looking at them but he heard them whispering amongst themselves.

“Use the witch’s spell.”

“It's dangerous.” 

“It's the only way.”

Now he was intrigued, “A spell?” He chuckled, “None of your earlier magic managed to take me down. Why do you think this will make a difference?”

“You'll see,” One of them said and all Joseph remembered after that was a blinding blue light and then all was…..red.

*****

Aesop was confident in Joseph's ability to protect himself. He was more curious about the outcome than anything else. Would Joseph still hold up his promise when so brazenly challenged? Aesop wouldn't consider it a breach if Joseph did it for self-protection. But he did wonder what the werewolf would do.

And well well, how quickly the exorcist's mood shifted from amused curiosity to growing horror as the sharp scent of blood permeated through his mask.

Quickening his footsteps, Aesop ran towards the thickening stench, unease gnawing at his heart. And when he arrived at the scene, his eyes widened in shock.

There were barely conscious bodies on the ground…..covered in deep wounds and blood pooling underneath them. Aesop couldn't believe his eyes. He knew Joseph would never-

“Exorcist Carl…..” A meek voice sounded from the ground. Aesop was irritated beyond words at the actions of his supposedly fellow exorcists. He leaned down and asked sharply, “What did you do?”

The man clutched the bleeding gash on his stomach, whimpering. Aesop nearly felt bad but he also knew that unlike ordinary humans, they healed much faster. So he demanded again, his tone impatient, “What.did.you.do.”

“The witch's spell,” he gasped, “It- some-something went wrong. It was supposed to weaken him but- but….” He kept stuttering, not finishing. 

Aesop stood up, trying to keep his voice level despite the foolish actions of the idiots at his foot, “Which way did he go?” He asked while pulling on his gloves. There was a full moon in the sky. If the situation was really what Aesop was guessing, then he had to find Joseph quick.

“The stream….” The man murmured, eyes wide with the terror of what he had witnessed, “He…..he is a monster.”

Aesop was usually a very calm, level-minded person. He kept to himself, avoided interaction with people and never got into trouble. But now, he felt an anger like never before coursing through him. He shot a cold glare at the man, not uttering a word. But the danger reflected in his eyes was enough to make the man shut up. 

He had no time to waste, turning around, Aesop rushed in the direction of the stream, hoping he could find Joseph soon.

When Aesop arrived at the bank, he noticed the water flowing downstream tinged with pink. Swallowing back his apprehension, he ran uphill, looking around for signs of his target.

And then he saw the trail, the long streaks of blood coating the grass, leading to a cave. Readying his weapon just in case, but hoping with all his heart that he wouldn't need to use it, the exorcist headed in. 

It was pitch-dark inside, the pale moonlight’s illumination limiting itself to the entrance. Aesop didn't have to head far. A pair of glowing, angry, red eyes glared at him from within the darkness. So unlike their original clear blue. 

Cautiously, the exorcist lit up a torch, earning a low growl from the other end of the cave.

“Joseph,” he tried, “It's me.”

But his attempt at conversation was only met with a dangerous growl and bared teeth. In the semi-darkness of the cave, Aesop could make out a few of Joseph's features via the light of his torch.

There was not a hint of the Moonlight Gentleman in the werewolf crouching in front of him. His hat had been long lost and his suit was tattered and torn, stained with blood. There were deep gashes and stab wounds on his body, still fresh and bleeding. Aesop's heart ached at the sigh but what hurt even more was the crazed bloodlust in Joseph's eyes. There were red stains around his jaw and on his teeth. Aesop really hoped it was from some unfortunate rabbit or rodent. He looked down at Joseph's hands and as expected they were dripping with blood too. 

Surprisingly, his hair tie hadn't come off, although his head had been completely disheveled, his hair sticking out everywhere.

“Joseph……” Aesop tried again, taking a step forward, and then back again when the werewolf's pupils constricted and his growls became louder.

Aesop took a deep breath. This really won't be easy. He knew the holy dagger in his hand was probably triggering Joseph's survival instincts…..but he really couldn't risk putting it away, not when he knew there was no guarantee that he wouldn't be attacked as soon as he did so.

Had it been any other case…..any other monster, Aesop would have struck without hesitation. He had been trained for years, he was already a seasoned name among his peers, which he could care less about. And yet, in the face of the one person he did care about, here he was, knowingly throwing away his teachings and values.

“I really don't want to hurt you, Joseph.” Aesop risked it and took a step forward, trying not to let himself be deterred by the louder growls emanating from the werewolf. He was aware it was a threat, a warning. But he couldn't stall anymore. He was already delaying it as it was.

So when he took another step forward and Joseph responded by leaping at him with his fangs ready to dig into Aesop's flesh, the exorcist managed to dodge it. But even out of his mind, the werewolf was a skilful fighter. He threw himself at Aesop again, swiping with his claws. Aesop tried his best to remain on the defensive, using his dagger mostly to shield himself.

Perhaps it was his hesitance that cost him the opportunity to react to the werewolf's swift strike, pushing him to the ground, the torch falling out his hand and rolling out of the cave. He wasn't too worried about that. They were nearly at the exit of the cave, the moonlight was enough to let him look at Joseph properly.

He was more worried about where his holy dagger had fallen off too. Aesop barely had time to react when he was already pinned down by his opponent. He looked up, watching as Joseph's pupils completely disappeared into the crimson glow of his eyes, a maddening hunger within them. He was salivating, fangs bared as if to devour the human beneath him.

If Aesop had time, he would have tried talking Joseph out of his state. Throw in a ‘this isn't you’ emotional tactics he'd read in stories. But as it happened, he had no time. Joseph was already moving to bite his face off. Fortunately, Aesop was prepared, and avoided it by shielding his face with his hand, wincing when the werewolf's sharp teeth sunk into the flesh, drawing blood no doubt.

He willed all the strength in his body and with a heave, pushed Joseph off of himself to reverse their positions, placing a knee down on the werewolf's chest to keep him in place. Joseph's eyes narrowed in displeasure and his teeth dug into the flesh of Aesop's arm even harder. 

For the next few moments, Aesop willed himself to forget about the pain and ignore the stinging marks Joseph's claws were leaving against his face, making tears into his mask. As quickly as he could, the exorcist drew a magical array with his own blood as medium onto the grass next to Joseph's head. There was no other choice. He did not know the counter-spell to Joseph's condition and he did not have time to go looking for it. He will just have to take a shot in the dark and hope it works.

The magical array began glowing with a scarlet light, reflecting the bright color of Aesop's blood. Joseph was still struggling against the exorcist's hold, teeth clenched over Aesop's arm. Aesop knew some of his blood must have already entered Joseph's mouth but just to be sure, he harshly pulled his hand away from Joseph's mouth, but reached out with his other hand to force the werewolf's mouth open as his fresh wound dripped blood onto the werewolf's tongue and down his throat.

The effects took some time to manifest. First, Joseph stopped struggling under Aesop's hold, next his eyes cleared, the glaring red glow disappearing to be replaced by a clear blue. Aesop sighed in relief and withdrew his hands as he watched Joseph blink with confusion, clarity returning to his senses. When he was finally aware of himself and his surroundings, he lifted himself a little bit. On noticing the exorcist, he stared blankly, “Aesop?” He said in a perplexed tone.

“Joseph.” Aesop replied, breathing heavily. The whole ordeal really took a toll on him.

“Um…..why are you sitting on top of me?” 

Flushing with embarrassment, Aesop quickly got off the werewolf and sat on the grass. Not wanting to admit that he had forgotten his position in that brief moment, he instead opted to change the subject, “How do you feel?”

Joseph sat up properly and placed a hand on his head, “Like someone dipped my head underwater for a long time and did not let me come up for air.”

Aesop looked at the other man, “That's oddly specific.”

“My head hurts.” The werewolf admitted while wincing and rubbing his forehead. He then turned to the exorcist in confusion, “What happe-”

Joseph's words caught in his throat when he noticed the state Aesop was in. Blood all over him and his attire and skin and covered in claw marks. 

Slowly, Joseph looked down at his own self and the realisation of what had transpired struck him slowly. 

“I remember now…..” He murmured as he stared off into the distance.

Aesop sighed and pulled away his tattered mask from his face. It was barely hanging on anyways. 

“It's not your fault.” He said.

Joseph grit his teeth and turned to Aesop, his eyes reflecting guilt and pain as he looked over the exorcist's state again, “I hurt you.” 

“And I hurt you back.” Aesop replied, standing up and dusting himself off. 

Joseph was silent as he watched the human. 

Aesop looked around on the grass for his dagger. It was too precious for him to lose. When he saw the glinting blade among the bushes, he breathed out in relief and reached out to take it.

When Aesop straightened up, a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind, surprising him.

“Joseph?” He called out.

The man mumbled something but his words were muffled, given he had his face buried in Aesop’s shoulder. 

“Um.” Aesop was never the type to comfort someone or speak words of reassurance. He was completely lost on what to say or do at this moment. 

Joseph lifted his head a little, so his words could be more audible, “I remember….”

“?” Aesop wasn’t sure what Joseph was referring to. He turned his head to the side to get a better look at the worn out werewolf, “You remember….?” He prompted.

Joseph’s arms wrapped tighter around the person in his arms, “Aesop….” He muttered and Aesop found his heart skipping a beat at the way Joseph uttered his name, so low and soft.

The werewolf continued, “We…we’ve met before, haven’t we? Even before that day…..how long ago was it?”

“Fourteen years.” Aesop whispered.

Joseph lifted his head completely and looked down at Aesop, “I didn’t expect you to remember the exact number.”

“I-” Aesop was a little embarrassed. Was that not a normal thing to do?

“I think I am glad you do,” Joseph grinned, “So? Have you been thinking of me all these years? The handsome young gentleman who helped you when you were lost?”

“On the contrary,” Aesop turned around to face the werewolf but did not try to move out of his hold, “I remember the little pup who was trying his best to act like an adult but couldn’t hold back his tail from wagging excitedly.”

Joseph’s grin immediately disappeared to be replaced by a flushed face, “Wha-surely it didn’t look that cringe- oh my, now I am embarrassed. Was I really like that?”

Aesop made a sound akin to amused laughter but quickly covered it up with a cough and continued, “Don’t beat yourself up so much. It was cute for a kid your age.”

“You are just teasing me now,” Joseph huffed with a twitch of his ears. 

“And your ears,” Aesop noted, “They still mirror your expressions very well.”

“No they don’t.” Joseph said, alarmed, “I trained myself to drop these habits a long time ago.”

Aesop looked up at the werewolf’s ears standing stiffly on his head, “Did you now?”

“Yes?!” Joseph immediately let go of Aesop to reach for his ears, “I-I am sure-” Then he paused, as if realising something else which made his face turn redder.

“Oh,” Aesop said, as if realizing the same thing Joseph did, “Does this only happen when I am around?”

Joseph stood up straighter, trying his best to compose himself. He cleared his throat and reached to fix his tie, only to find it missing. Distressed, he went on anyway, “Yes I am sure it is only with you. Otherwise Mary would have made fun of me, and others would have mentioned it. Well, this is very very embarrassing.” He could not bring himself to look at the exorcist, knowing how his feelings had been laid bare in front of the human for a long time now. Except-

Joseph turned to Aesop, “You did not think anything was out of the ordinary?”

“I-uh, just assumed you were like a dog who got excited on seeing familiar people.” He stated bluntly, not realising the huge knife he drove through the proud werewolf’s ego.

“You hurt me, mon cher. A dog, really? A dog?! I am a wolf- A majestic, regal, respected-”

“I get it.” Aesop said, interrupting him, “I am….sorry?” 

Joseph opened and closed his mouth, slumping as he replied, “...it’s okay, only because it's you.”

Aesop tried not to smile at the sight of Joseph’s drooping ears again. He doubted the werewolf would take another blow to his pride well. 

A rustle in the bushes alerted the senses of both the exorcist and werewolf. Joseph reached out to put an arm protectively in front of Aesop, but the exorcist was faster than him, and was already standing in front of him with a guarded stance. Joseph couldn’t help but feel like he might fall for this human even more at the protective gesture.

Out of the bushes, stumbled out two or three injured humans dressed in the same colors as Aesop, signifying their association with the Church. It was the group who had tried to ambush Joseph before. Most of their wounds were healed but it seemed they were still lacking in the energy to fight.

“Y-you subdued him? When he was in that state?” One of them said in awe as they stared at the werewolf standing behind Aesop. Now that Aesop could see them a little more clearly, he realised these were all people who were at a lower grade than him. And they had the audacity to go after Joseph? Aesop internally scoffed at their stupidity. 

Aesop really was still angry at them. He made no effort to hide the hostility in his eyes as he glared at them, “Making deals with witches is strictly prohibited under the church. And can result in fatal accidents.” He said in a cold tone. He really was not in a mood to speak anything else to them. If they had an ounce of shame left, they would repent for their mistakes on their own. It wasn’t his job to deal with their mess.

“I- we weren’t expecting the backlash. It was truly only supposed to weaken him-”

Joseph tutted behind Aesop, “Using underhanded methods to fight? I thought integrity was very important to you guys. I don’t know about you but we don’t stoop to such low levels even when facing a strong opponent.” 

The group of exorcists seemed like they wanted to say something but ultimately shut their mouths in shame, especially given their mistakes had to be rectified by Exorcist Carl, a well-known name among the monster-hunters. One by one, each of them turned to leave.

“One more thing,” Aesop said, not looking at them, “Dealing with this werewolf will be my business. No other exorcist will have a claim to subdue him.” Aesop’s adrenaline had washed off and the reality of his bold words was hanging over him, making him anxious and uneasy internally. He was never one to declare or say something so daring. He preferred to not deal with the consequences of such actions but this time, surprisingly, he was very firm on what he was saying. Although his insides were churning with anxiety, he maintained a stoic facade on the outside, trying his best to look as solemn as possible.

“Y-yes Exorcist Carl,” They all mumbled quietly and scurried off, leaving Joseph and Aesop all alone under the moonlight again. Aesop did not know it but his strict tone and sharp eyes had had a lasting impression on that group, who decided that Exorcist Carl was simply someone not to be messed with. And they would stay clear of this part of the forest from now on.

Aesop let out a huge breath of relief when they were gone, wiping the sweat from his forehead. That was a very tiring endeavor. He hoped he would never have to do it again. But then, again, he was glad he told them off properly for now. He really wouldn’t be able to deal with more idiots coming by and disturbing the peace in the forest.

“Aww Aesop, did you really scold your colleagues for my sake even though you were so uneasy?” Joseph asked with a grin as he leaned down.

Aesop stood up straighter and tried to fix his crumbling excuse for gloves, “They aren’t my colleagues, I have told you. They are a lower grade than me. And I really really hate talking to so many people at once.” He muttered.

He did not expect the sudden hug Joseph engulfed him in, the werewolf’s voice held a very happy tone as he replied, “But you did it for me? That’s so sweet of you, mon cher.”

Aesop paused a moment before hesitantly wrapping his hands around Joseph, “Joseph your wounds still need to be treated.”

Joseph pulled back, smiling at Aesop mischievously, “As you say, my dear exorcist~”

Aesop flushed, “What are you even saying-”

“Hm? Wasn’t it you who said that? That only you can have a claim over me?~”

“I did not say that.”

“You might as well have with how boldly you declared that I will be your business alone.”

“I just did not want them to come cause trouble again.” Aesop said while averting his eyes.

Joseph chuckled as he held Aesop’s face in his hands, “How cute. You being possessive over me.”

“That was not-” Aesop sighed and gave up. He reached up to hold the lapels of Joseph’s coat and pulled the werewolf towards him, planting a kiss on his mouth. 

Undoubtedly, Joseph was not expecting this bold move from his usually reserved exorcist. So for a brief moment, he could only stay still. And then, when his brain unfroze and he realised his situation, he immediately wrapped his arms around Aesop and deepened the kiss, earning a surprised noise from the exorcist when he slipped his tongue into his mouth. Aesop’s hands reached up to rest on either side of Joseph’s neck, pushing himself closer to the werewolf’s body. 

When they parted with a gasp, their faces remained flushed and Aesop couldn’t bring himself to look at Joseph’s face, mostly because he knew the werewolf probably was smiling with the biggest and proudest grin ever.

Joseph leaned forward and spoke happily, “That was very bold of you, darling. Didn’t think you had it in you~”

“Quit it,” Aesop said, blushing furiously. It was a spur of the moment action. But now he was very much resisting the urge to cover his face in embarrassment.

Joseph’s smile turned mischievous as he lifted the exorcist’s hand and planted a kiss on the back of it, “How can I? When I was just kissed by the most handsome human I have ever laid eyes upon.”

Aesop really wanted to bury himself in the ground with how embarrassed he was feeling. He didn't snatch his hand away from Joseph but did turn to look at him, “Is that why your tail is wagging like an excited dog?”

Now it was Joseph who looked embarrassed, and shocked. He turned around and indeed his fluffy tail was wagging traitorously behind him.

“That-” He turned back to Aesop, “Please pretend you didn’t see that. It never- I really don’t know what happens to my self-control when I am with you. This is so embarrassing.”

Aesop chuckled, soft and amused, “I don’t think I can ignore that. Don’t worry….I think it's cute…..makes me feel like you haven’t changed much from all those years ago.”

Joseph grit his teeth in further embarrassment but tried to change the topic, “Well I think you have changed a lot. No longer the lost shy boy, huh? I must say you have become bolder and more confident.”

“I am not so sure. I really just avoid people, like I used to. Bolder and confident in hunting down troublesome monsters? Sure I guess. That is my job.”

Joseph hummed and nodded with a wink, “Perhaps that is how you were able to steal my heart so easily. A seasoned monster-hunter indeed.”

Aesop sighed and shook his head, “You really never stop, do you?” 

Joseph straightened up and gave a deep bow to Aesop, “Only for you, darling~” 

Aesop felt like he might be overwhelmed with embarrassment if this werewolf did not shut up anytime soon. 

“Where is your cane, Joseph?” Aesop asked suddenly.

“Hm?” Joseph looked down at his empty hands and then back up with an apprehensive look, “Ah…..that was a gift from Mary….she will not be happy if she learns I lost it.”

Aesop sighed and started walking away, “The night is still young. Come on, we can still find it if we look for it.”

Joseph’s worry turned into delight as he followed his beloved exorcist with excited steps, “As you wish, my love.”

Aesop tripped on a stone on hearing the werewolf’s words but did not say anything. He did not have to, the werewolf could see his reddened ears from a mile away. Joseph chuckled as he reached out to hold Aesop’s hand as the exorcist walked in front of him.

Aesop was surprised but responded by clasping his hand with Joseph’s, which pleased the werewolf very much. In a way it reminded him of the time so long ago, when he was the one leading Aesop through forest while holding his hand. Oh how fate works, that now he was the one being led by the same hand he had held all those years ago.

And Joseph wouldn’t have it any other way at all.

++++