Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The day had been completely normal up to that point. And way more peaceful, considering all the… incidents Rafayel had been involved in lately. No crazy people trying to kidnap him or anyone else, no disastrous trips to the N109 Zone. Just…normal. Almost too much so, but Rafayel wasn't one to look a gift horse too hard in the mouth.

He was walking home just like any other night, and trips on an unfortunately placed crack in the pavement. Just before he hit the ground, there was a flash of red and black, and Sylus caught him with one arm around his waist. Rafayel flushes up to his ears, and squawks, “Where did you even come from?!”

Poker face firmly in place, Sylus set him on his feet again before releasing him. “Don’t think about it too hard. I was just in the right place at the right time.”

Rafayel was apparently doing the opposite, squinting at the taller man like he was a puzzle Rafayel was still trying to figure out. “Were you following me?” He guessed, strangely not offended, just curious.

Sylus frowned at the question, though Rafayel couldn’t tell whether Sylus looked off put at it or not. “What gave you that idea?” Sylus finally gritted out, the line of his shoulders looking stiff. 

Rafayel raised an eyebrow curiously at that reaction. “That’s not an answer to my question. You’re deflecting. That’s not like you.” Rafayel observed with a shrug. Usually, Sylus was forward with both his actions and words, Rafayel had never seen him with anything less than complete confidence before. That hinted that he was onto something here with his guess.

“And what would be like me?” Sylus, unsurprisingly, picked apart his phrasing to avoid answering. 

Rafayel took a moment to consider it before he said anything. Before Sylus rescued him and Momo, their interactions had been…brief. After leaving the ocean for dry ground, there hadn’t been a lot of places for him to go, so push came to shove, and he ended up in the seedier parts of Linkon. It wasn’t too bad, all things considered. Rafayel had found out what he was good at in concern to keeping himself alive and providing for him, and later Thomas, as well. If not for his true passion lying in the arts, he might’ve considered staying and making more of a profit from the wealth of information he was very good at getting his hands on. He hadn’t completely stepped away from it, even with his success in Linkon proper. Which was how he knew Sylus in the first place, and far before Momo had even met him. Rafayel hoped she’d never get involved with the darker side of things there, but if there was anything Momo was great at, it was her ability to defy the safe path set in front of her.

Back to Sylus, though, their past was collectively minor. The transactions between Sylus and him in the Nest weren’t much beyond the information being traded. And a lot of the time, their transactions didn’t even amount to that much. Most of the time, Sylus preferred to let Luke and Kieran do most of that type of work. Unless it was information that was on the more dangerous side.

In the end, he just ended up repeating what he’d thought aloud. “You’re confident. Forward. Always sure of yourself. Makes the times when you’re not stand out.” Rafayel finally answered. Sylus’ mouth twisted like he’d licked a lemon, probably from a dislike of being psychoanalyzed, if the artist had to guess. But he also struggled to respond to that, so, again, Rafayel was pretty sure he was onto something there.

“I’m just…trying to keep you out of trouble.” Sylus eventually muttered, shoving his hands deep into his pockets as he looked down and roughly kicked a pebble by his foot.

“Is it just me getting special treatment?” Rafayel asked, raising an eyebrow at the taller man. 

“Mephisto is keeping an eye on the kitten.” Sylus said with a half shrug, glancing at Rafayel through his eyelashes for a moment. “He’ll let me know if she gets into trouble.” 

“Trouble follows Momo like a lost puppy, that’s probably for the best.” Rafayel begrudgingly agreed. It wasn’t like he’d never had the intrusive thoughts Sylus tended to act on in that respect, so it wasn’t like he could judge the other for them either. It came from a place of concern for both of them after all, even if Sylus wouldn’t admit it.

Focusing back on him, Rafayel tilted his head curiously. “Is this because of the whole kidnapping escapade? To be honest, I have more than a few questions for you about that. I know you probably took care of it and everything, but...” 

Sylus sighed, but his expression hinted that he knew that Rafayel would ask that eventually. “I’m not surprised. They knew a lot of things they shouldn’t have. Their deaths don’t quite equate to closure, do they?”

Rafayel snorted, shaking his head. “No, not really.” 

Clearing his throat, Sylus gestured with his head further down the road, now beginning to darken with the sun going down. “Come on, I’ll answer your questions, but not in the middle of the street.” 

Agreeing that this wasn't the place to have this kind of conversation, Rafayel followed when Sylus started walking. The quiet between them was only broken by their footsteps, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable one. They both seemed to be gathering their words, so there was no pressure to say anything. Not yet, anyways.

Rounding one more corner, Sylus’ motorcycle was parked on the edge of the curb, the road that led out of Linkon nearby. Slinging a leg over the bike, there was a smirk when he looked over at Rafayel. He was very good at making that face that beckoned you in without saying a thing, Rafayel thought to himself.

“Are you the one kidnapping me now?” Rafayel asked playfully, before slipping on the helmet Sylus handed him and sliding onto the bike behind him. 

“Not in any way that counts, little fish.” Sylus answered with a huff before putting on his own helmet and revving the engine. Rafayel could feel the way Sylus’ breath shuddered out of him when Rafayel wrapped his arms around him to hold on, and he was glad Sylus couldn't see the smirk on his face right now because of the helmet. The thrum of the engine under them and the warmth of Sylus’ back was almost…pleasant. Rafayel barely noticed the drive flying by until they came to a stop. Arms dropping, Sylus got off the bike, pulling his helmet off, fingers running through the silver strands of his hair to fix it.

How is he pretty even with helmet hair? Not fair. Rafayel thought with a huff as he took his own helmet off. Surprisingly, Sylus leaned over him, taking the helmet with one hand, and pointing to Rafayel’s hair with the other. 

“May I? You’ve got it sticking up right there.” The amusement in his voice was obvious, and it spread to his expression when Rafayel pouted at him. 

“Not all of us can have perfect, luscious hair that’s immune to helmets.” Rafayel complained. Despite the complaint, however, he tipped his head forward, and didn’t stop Sylus when he ran his fingers though the strands, patting them down. 

Soft… Sylus had to stop himself from indulging, begrudgingly pulling his hand away once it was fixed. Clearing his throat, he gestured to the building he’d parked near. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be a restaurant, on the smaller side than most in the more developed parts of the city, but fancy nonetheless. 

“Wow, I can’t tell if you’re trying to butter me up here or not.” Rafayel teased as hopped off the bike. Sylus rolled his eyes, but the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth said that he wasn’t annoyed. 

“Think of it as…repayment.” Sylus said, holding the door for Rafayel with his foot. “As I am making up for my underlings…blunder.” Sylus looked like he wanted to use a much more vulgar word, but held back. The restaurant’s lighting was dim, the atmosphere cozy, and most importantly, seemed blessedly private. There were a few people spaced around, but as soon as they stepped inside, it was easy to tell that they wouldn’t be sitting out here with the rest of the people.

“Sylus! We weren’t expecting you today.” The receptionist looked up from her book upon their arrival, giving the two of them a grin. She was a pretty thing, long silver hair that curled over her shoulders, and mismatched blue eyes that reminded Rafayel of his girlfriend’s. 

“Apologies for the surprise visit, Ms. Kai.” Sylus greeted her, a grin of his own curling his mouth upwards. They seemed acquainted, based on the ease at which they greeted each other.

“Oh, stop that. You know you’re welcome to come by anytime, business or not.” She shushed him with a laugh. “The usual table?” 

“If you don’t mind.” Sylus answered, before looking over at Rafayel, and turning that disarming grin onto him as Kai asked them to wait just a moment and speed walked into what looked like the kitchen.

“I’m guessing you come here often?” Rafayel asked, tilting his head curiously as his eyes flicked between Sylus and the direction the girl that had scurried off in.

“Yes. Despite being aware of my… affiliations, the family that runs this restaurant insist that they’re indebted to me for helping them out a few times.” Sylus explained with a hum. “It’s a give and take relationship, don’t mistake me. They enjoy the benefits of our protection, while also providing a secure, neutral location for business meetings. Most often for people who want to stay in our good graces, and I can find use for. Little Kai’s evol has also been helpful on numerous occasions.” The way Sylus spoke of her gave off a slight big brother, little sister vibe, which explained their interactions a bit.

“Her evol? Also, is that why you brought me here? Business?” Rafayel teased. He knew that wasn’t why, but he couldn’t help joking. It seemed like a safe enough thing to do, with Sylus’ apparent good mood.

Sylus snorted, shaking his head. “No. And I think you know that. And you can ask her, if you’re curious. She won’t get offended.” He let the words hang in the air between them as Kai came back out. She didn’t quite hide the curious expression on her face at the latter part of that statement, but regardless, she gestured for them to follow her with her free arm not holding the menus. She led them towards the back and up some stairs to a pair of sliding doors, to what looked like a private room looking down over the main floor.

“Here you are.” Kai handed them the menus as they sat at the table, the surface of it lit by the candles and floral arrangement giving a romantic feel. “Is there anything else I can help you two with, or shall I give you time to decide?”

“A moment to decide would be lovely.” Rafayel responded. “But before you go, I was curious…”

Kai giggled, seeming to understand what he was getting at. “I heard Sylus mention my evol. In short, I’m an empath. I can sense other people’s emotions. I’d be more than happy to show you how it works, if you don’t mind. And I promise anything I see will stay between us.” 

“Don’t sell yourself short.” Sylus said, leaning his chin on his hands. “Didn’t you mention recently about progressing further than just emotions? Something about memories as well?”

“Well, yes. I’m still not too good at that yet, but I can try.” Kai said sheepishly. “Anyways!” she turned back to Rafayel, extending a hand out in offer. 

Curiosity winning out, and trusting her words about secrecy enough to take the chance (Sylus trusted her, and that was good enough for him), Rafayel placed a hand over hers, their palms touching. Kai’s eyes closed in concentration, a soft hum escaping her as her other hand covered the top of Rafayel’s. Her presence was like a comforting cocoon of warmth, not drawing out what her evol sought by force, but instead by ways of her kind and sunny disposition. It made Rafayel wonder how someone like her had gotten involved with Sylus, but he supposed that was none of his business. Rafayel’s eyes closed, letting himself slip into it. Thankfully, he didn’t have to guess what she was seeing, as the images slowly appeared to him in his mind’s eye as well. 

The way Momo looked at him in amazement as he sat on a rock, playing the harmonica, while seagulls flew around them, and the way they had watched the sunset afterwards.

The paint fight he and Zayne had gotten into after one of his temporary blindness spells. The way he didn’t leave Rafayel’s side the entire time. 

The day that the cat he and Xavier had found got adopted, and the way the other had squished his face while taking a picture. All with that adoring little smile on his face that Rafayel couldn’t even try to be mad at.

As the images faded, Rafayel could feel Kai give his hand a squeeze. When he opened his eyes, she was giving him a smile full of warmth. “I see why you’ve caught Sylus’ attention now. You’re special indeed.” She hummed, before leaning in to whisper in Rafayel’s ear. “He’s stubborn, but you and your other special ones…look out for him for me, yeah?” 

“I’ll do my best.” Rafayel assured her when she pulled back, the two of them sharing a smile.

“Good.” She said, pleased. “Anyways, I’ll be back in a bit to take your order! Take your time looking through the menu!” Kai chirped, practically skipping back downstairs.

“What was that about?” Sylus asked curiously, raising an eyebrow at Rafayel across the table.

“Don’t worry about it.” Rafayel said with a chuckle, picking up the menu to leaf through it. The selection was good (probably thanks in turn to Sylus’ patronage), and Rafayel was thankful his extensive travel history helped him recognize some of the fancier stuff. Knowing about the depths of the other’s wallet, Rafayel didn’t hesitate to order whatever he pleased, practically ignoring the price tag. Not that Sylus looked like he minded too much when they both gave Kai their orders when she came back. 

“So.” Sylus began, leaning his chin on his hands again. “Would you like to ask your questions now or after we eat?”

After a moment of consideration, Rafayel answered. “Normally I would wait, but another part of me is…antsy, to know exactly what happened.” Sylus frowned, but it was hard to tell what kind of emotion was lurking behind it. On the surface, it looked like anger, but there was something else that lingered behind it that Rafayel couldn’t quite decipher.

“Long story short…they were spying on you.” Sylus began with a click of his tongue. “Long story long, it wasn’t even you they were initially spying on. It was Momo.” The words were like a block of ice in Rafayel’s stomach, but he didn’t interrupt, letting the other continue. “According to the logs I found, they’d been keeping an eye on her ever since she came to the N109 Zone for the Aether Core. Possibly for a way to get to me, but that was never specified in the records. But with that fact, push came to shove that they found out about you, with how much time you spend together. I can’t say they were smart, but I will admit they were observant, if nothing else.”

Sylus’ fingers tapped an agitated rhythm against the table as he finished speaking, the remainder of the pieces fitting into place for Rafayel. “Well, that feels really violating…” Rafayel muttered, his own fingers clenching into fists against the top of the table. 

The fact that they were watched enough for them to figure out that much was definitely not a pleasant feeling. Suddenly all the times he'd felt like he was being watched, and found nothing amiss made sense. He must have let how much unease he was feeling show on his face, because in the next moment, Sylus reached across the table to unwind his clenched fingers. His touch was surprisingly gentle, considering the violence Rafayel knew this man was capable of. Even when Rafayel’s fingers relaxed, he didn’t let go.

“It will never happen again. Not if I can help it.” Sylus promised him, voice dropping into something that sounded between comforting and dangerous. Not dangerous to Rafayel, of course, more so to anyone that dared test that statement. 

“I thought you didn’t protect things for free? What is it you’re getting out of that?” Rafayel tried to inject as much confidence into the words as he could, but he was unsure how effective it was with the way he could feel his cheeks flushing. 

Sylus huffed, his thumb tracing Rafayel’s knuckles. “Your safety, do I need to desire something else from you?” The words were blunt, as if that should’ve been obvious. 

“I think the better question is; do you?” Rafayel asked. Sylus blinked in surprise at the question, like he hadn't considered that before. Almost like he'd been distancing himself from that prospect.

“I don't know.” He answered quietly. He sounded almost…unsure. “I wasn’t aware I was allowed to.” 

Rafayel thought he might be going out on a limb a bit here, but now that opportunity was in front of him, he didn’t feel like resisting it. “And if I said you were?” Something shifted in Sylus’ eyes, surprise and…something else warring for dominance. He was as hard to read as ever when he was putting on that calm facade.

“I don’t think you realize what you’re asking for.” Sylus said with a click of his tongue. “There’s a reason I hold my greed for things you can’t use money to buy in check, little fish.”

“Maybe you should use something besides money then?” Rafayel hummed, leaning forward a bit across the table, and resting his cheek on his free hand. He heard the warning Sylus was trying to give him, the clear, unspoken, you shouldn’t get involved with me anymore than you already are. But didn't scare him like it might’ve other people. It was probably the same feeling Momo got when she started to warm up to him as well. 

Sylus was a lot of things. Confident, snarky and aloof. But he was also thoughtful. Felt emotions deeply. But…he'd been broken before. Fractured into pieces by his past. So he built up walls to protect a fragile center. 

But Rafayel could see the cracks. How could he not, when he was so familiar with building up walls just like that?

“Sylus.” Rafayel’s voice was quiet, and Sylus’ mouth pressed into a thin line, turmoil swirling in those red eyes now, definitively holding his tongue. He moved to pull his hand back from Rafayel’s, but the artist firmly held on, not letting him. He could tell Sylus was retreating not because he wanted to, but more because he felt he should. “It’s fine, you don’t have to pull back.”

“You don’t know what you’re requesting, asking me to stay.” Sylus repeated, shaking his head stubbornly. He tried to pull his hand away again, and managed to wiggle free this time despite Rafayel’s efforts to hold on. 

Rafayel pouted, hurt flashing across his features. It wasn’t an expression Sylus liked seeing on him. “Tell me then.” Rafayel murmured. “Because I think you see yourself a bit differently than I do.” 

Sylus’ expression scrunched up, not quite a scowl, but not a frown either, it was somewhere between the two in intensity. “You’re just as good at ignoring danger as Momo.” It was a roundabout answer, but it seemed to be enough, based on the thoughtful look that came to Rafayel’s face.

“Maybe.” Rafayel murmured. He clearly had more to say, but he held his tongue for a moment when Kai came back up with their food. She didn’t linger, sensing the tension in the air, and quickly left them alone again. They ate in silence for a few minutes, before Rafayel’s patience gave out. The words tasted more and more bitter the longer he let them sit in his mouth without saying them, it was souring the taste of what would otherwise be a delicious meal. 

“Sylus.” He began, getting the other’s attention with the pointed way he said his name. “Tell me something. How do you think I see you?”

Rafayel could see the way the other bit the inside of his cheek, a few long moments passing before he relaxed his jaw and managed to get any words out. “A business partner? Unwitting savior? I don’t know, that question sounds like you want me to use the core and find out for myself.” The last part of the statement took on a harsher tone, and Rafayel couldn’t tell if the irritation was directed at him for the question, or Sylus himself for being unsure of the answer without the core.

Rafayel shrugged, his expression infuriatingly calm. “If that’s what it takes, then by all means, go ahead.” His words were a challenge, daring Sylus to take that step. Maybe it would actually get Sylus to believe what he otherwise wouldn’t with words.

Sylus sucked in a deep breath, letting it out in a huff. “You’re not going to leave this alone, are you?” The corner of Rafayel’s mouth lifted slightly as he silently shook his head no.

Leaning forward with his elbows on the table, Sylus rested his chin on his folded hands, the look he was giving the other pinning Rafayel to the seat even before his eye got that glow in it. Rafayel didn’t need to bring any particular thoughts to the forefront, not with the way Sylus was looking at him. They were already there, even without trying.

You deserve so much more than what you allow yourself to have. And I’m not talking about material things. 

Momo cares about you, and so do I. Let us care about you, without pushing us away. Even if it’s dangerous, we still want to.

I still want to. 

“You…” Sylus’ gaze snapped away harshly, the glow from his eye disappearing as he did. But he’d heard what he needed to. He let out a rough exhale, before looking back at the other. Rafayel still looked incredibly calm, as if what Sylus had just heard from him was as mundane as discussing the weather.

His chair scraped the floor in slight screech as he stood up, rounding the table and grabbing Rafayel’s wrist in a few strides, tugging him out of his chair as well. He’d have to apologize to Kai later for wasting most of their food by giving them more than what it would normally cost, but that wasn’t the highest thing on his priority list at that moment. Rafayel made a soft noise of surprise as Sylus pulled him downstairs and back outside, but didn’t fight his grip in the slightest.

They barely made it outside before his control snapped.

Rafayel’s legs nearly gave out from under him, but it was OK, because Sylus was quick to crowd him against the wall of the alleyway next to the restaurant. People could absolutely still walk by and see them, but Rafayel wasn't focused on that thought at all. All he could focus on was the way the other was supporting his weight with an arm around his back and a leg wedged between his, like Rafayel weighed nothing at all. 

“You love…pushing my buttons. It's one thing you and the kitten have in common.” Sylus’ voice was laced with a growl, but the look in his eyes had a hint of fear in them. Like if he let go, Rafayel would disappear. Like everything he was offering would disappear.

“How else am I supposed to get in there?” Rafayel teased, one of the hands anchored on the taller man's shoulders moving down, fingers digging ever so slightly into his chest over his heart. 

Sylus’ breath shuddered out of him, his expression slowly cracking as much as his defenses. “You shouldn't want to get in there. Why do you keep trying?” He hated how weak he sounded.

“I told you, because I know you’re not the monster you try to make yourself out to be.” Rafayel said with full certainty. “You think I don't understand? The alienation? The possible ridicule you'd receive from simply existing? The need to hide so it never gets to that point?”

Sylus’ mouth felt dry. He'd never told anyone about what he truly was. But Rafayel could…still tell. Neither of them were human, and while no details had been said, both of their instincts could tell. Recognized a fellow predator. Their domains might be opposite, but at that moment, there was nothing dangerous about either of them. To each other, at least. He didn’t realize he was staring slack-jawed at the other until Rafayel chuckled, fingers gently pressing against his jaw to close his mouth. His thumb pressed against the corner of Sylus’ mouth, the touch featherlight.

“That’s not an expression I’ve ever seen on you before.” Rafayel huffed in amusement. “What, did I hit the nail on the head?” 

“…Dead on.” Sylus had apparently decided to be honest, even as he averted his gaze and turned his head to press his lips to the pad of Rafayel’s thumb. His breath shuddered out of him, the arm around the other tightening ever so slightly. 

He was tired. Tired of fighting what he wanted. He was a man who craved everything being offered to him on a silver platter, and he was weary of pretending like he wasn’t ravenous for it. Everything about Rafayel screamed for him to just give in. And he was so close to doing so.

“You…” Sylus began, his voice low as his fingers wrapped around Rafayel’s wrist. “Has anyone ever told you you’re too persuasive for your own good?”

Rafayel snickered, fondness and amusement warring for dominance in his expression. “A time or two, perhaps. Does that mean it’s working on you?” 

“As much as I’d like to say no, that’d be a lie.” Sylus admitted. He was definitely not used to being this vulnerable around anyone, and Rafayel seemed to at least realize that, refraining from teasing him too much.

“What is it you want?” Rafayel’s voice was quiet, his warm fingers snaking around the back of Sylus’ neck, and lightly scratching at his scalp with his nails. The urge to melt into a pleased puddle of goo at that was also very new. Sylus wasn’t used to tender touches like these, where no pain followed.

“You.” Was the only response he could muster up to the question as his eyes slipped shut, a shudder running down his spine.

“You have me.” Rafayel’s words were colored by a soft laugh. Even without opening his eyes, Sylus could feel the way Rafayel leaned in, their noses brushing, and his warm breath fanning over his mouth. Sylus didn’t need the core to know what they both wanted at that moment. His resolve crumbled as readily as a sandcastle on a beach being washed away by the incoming tide. Rafayel was that tide, and Sylus was helpless under its power.

How ironic, that it wasn’t even physical power that brought him to a heel. Just a nosey kitten and an energetic little fish awakening emotions he wasn’t sure he still possessed until now.

At the slightest brush of lips, Rafayel hummed, pleased. Sylus could feel him smiling as he used his grip on the back of his neck to tug him closer, deepening the contact. 

Sylus absolutely didn’t get lost in the way it felt. He did.

He would deny the near whine that escaped him when Rafayel pulled away till the day he actually died, but, if the smirk on the others face was any indication, Rafayel definitely would not.

"Come on." Rafayel made a slight gesture for Sylus to put him down, and he begrudgingly listened, already missing the warmth of the other's body. Rafayel let out another one of those cute laughs, reaching for Sylus' hand to twist their fingers together. Pulling the taller man out of the alley and back towards his bike, Rafayel gave him an impish smile. "Wanna take me home? There's someone else there who's been asking about you, anyways." He said, releasing Sylus' hand to slide up onto the seat.

Momo's grinning face appeared in his mind, as if his resolve to do anything Rafayel asked wasn't already ground to dust. He hadn't seen her since the incident, and there was that desire to make sure she was alright himself, and not just though word of mouth, that'd he'd been ignoring ever since. Well, if he needed an excuse, he can just say it was Rafayel's idea, so why not?

"Very well." He chuckled, unable to stop the way the corner of his mouth lifted as he grabbed the helmets and slipped onto the bike in front of Rafayel. Arms wound around his waist once more, And Sylus swore that it was a sensation he'd allow himself to get used to, for once in his life. 

Allow himself to get used to the warmth, knowing it wouldn't burn him this time.

Chapter Text

Sleep was sometimes hard to come by. Sometimes Momo envied the way Xavier could fall asleep whenever he wanted. 

After the nth time of rolling over to stare at the wall, she sat up, carefully moving to slip out of the bed. She hadn’t disturbed the other three with her tossing and turning, and she wanted to keep it that way. They’d all been working so hard, and deserved the rest. As she slipped out of the covers and quietly pattered towards the door, an incessant buzzing sound started up from the pile of phones they’d left on the charger pad on the dresser. Quickly but quietly, she moved over to it, pinpointing Rafayel’s phone as the source. Plucking it up, Sylus’s name flashed on the screen, surprising her a bit. I know he’s a night owl but it’s still pretty early for him…

Not lingering, she took the still buzzing phone and dipped out of the bedroom, heading to the study they had made out of the spare bedroom. The space was mainly taken up by her, Zayne, and Xavier’s desks where they sometimes did paperwork at home, but there was also a big, comfy couch, and a TV on the other side as well that Rafayel used when he wanted to keep them company. Plopping down against the cushions, she slipped her finger across the screen and answered the call. “Syyyylus.” She playfully drew out the syllables in his name, being sure to not be too loud. “Do I wanna ask why you’re calling in the middle of the night?”

A snort of a laugh came from the other end, but Sylus still sounded pleased when he responded. “I was looking for a little fishy and caught a kitten instead. How surprising.”

Momo rolled her eyes, but there was a smile tugging at her mouth.  “Raf’s asleep. And that’s not an answer to my question. Why are you calling so late?”

“I'm…not sure. I guess I wanted someone to talk to that wasn't Luke or Kieran.” His voice softened, and it took Momo aback for a second. 

His tone wasn’t one she heard often, a far cry from his usual, confident demeanor. He almost sounded…tired. It made a surge of concern flash through her. “Sylus…are you ok?” The man on the other end of the line was silent for a few moments, probably deliberating between being truthful or nonchalant, if she had to guess. 

“Work has me exhausted, and I don’t want to think anymore. I’m just…glad you picked up, sweetheart.” He had obviously decided to be honest, and Momo wished she could be there to…

What? What exactly was she hoping for? She wasn’t sure.

“Not disappointed I answered Rafa’s phone? I’m flattered.” She teased, aiming for a laugh from him. Her wish was granted, the deep baritone of Sylus’ mirth through the speaker causing her to smile. 

“I could never. You’re far too interesting, kitten.” Sylus said with a chuckle. 

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” She hummed, pleased. 

“Good. Because it was one.” She was glad Sylus couldn't see the way she flushed at those words. 

“Wow, a compliment from Sylus himself. Should I pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming?” 

Sylus’ voice took on an amused tone. “That implies I appear in your dreams to start with.” He said playfully, seeming to regain some of his usual sass. 

Oh, I said too much… The flush got darker, Momo’s face feeling like it was on fire now.

“Momo.” Sylus was the one to draw out her name this time, and she could hear the smirk he had on his face right now through his tone. 

“I reserve my right to remain silent.” She huffed, puffing out her cheeks in a pout, even though he couldn’t see it.

“You realize that is equivalent to a yes, correct?” Sylus laughed again, the sound of genuine mirth amidst the teasing words throwing her off a bit. It was a nice sound. 

“Oh hush, you very irritating man.” She groaned, acting exasperated. Because in truth, she was enjoying their back and forth.

“You know you love it.” Sylus seemed to be enjoying it too, if him egging it on was any indication.

“That's not the point! I-“ Momo’s mouth got ahead of her brain, and she immediately clammed up, realizing what she’d said once her brain caught up. Maybe she was too tired after all…that definitely hadn't been how she'd wanted to ever tell him that.

Their relationship had been a picture perfect case of got off on the wrong foot, but things had definitely improved over time. Sylus constantly had walls up, but the times she got to peak over them, it...made her feel things. It was an affection that was familiar, and she just didn't know why.

“…Momo?” Sylus’ genuinely surprised voice made her pause even longer.

“Oh. Oh no. I just said that out loud, didn’t I?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, but he seemed to still hear that comment anyways.

“Did you just-“

“No.”

“I'm pretty sure you did-“

“Nope!” If it was possible to die from embarrassment, she would be super dead right now.

“Kitten…” Sylus’s voice was a mix between surprised and coy. “Can you repeat that, just one more time?”

“No!” She squeaked, dropping the phone into her lap and covering her face with her hands. “If you don’t mind, I’m gonna go set myself on fire now…” She mumbled into them, absolutely mortified.

The phone’s volume was loud enough that she could hear Sylus laugh, the sound only making more blood rush to her head. It wasn’t one of his forced ones, it was genuine and full of fondness that she wasn’t prepared to be directed at her, even after hearing it a few times tonight. “Now, now.” She heard him chide, and she reluctantly picked the phone back up. “You’re very cute, no need for dramatics.” 

“Stop teasing me.” Momo whined, pouting. 

Another soft laugh from the speaker. “I’m not.” The sound of shuffling followed, catching her attention. “Actually, give me 20 minutes.” That was all she got before he hung up, leaving her confused.

20 minutes…for what?!

She didn’t have to wonder very long, because right at 20 minutes on the dot, she heard a light tapping at the ceiling to floor window behind her. Whirling around, she nearly fell off the couch in surprise at the shape of Sylus’ figure outside. Hurrying over and unlatching it, she gave him an incredulous look. “What are you doing here?!” She whisper-shouted as he shuffled over the window sill and inside.

“I told you. 20 minutes.” He said cheekily. 

“That doesn’t answer my question at all!” She was still whispering, but her tone had gone more shrill. She jabbed his chest with a finger, and he was quick to carefully snatch it into his grip.

“I never responded to what you said.” He murmured, as if that was obvious. “Thought it’d be better to say it face to face.”

“You…didn’t have to respond!” Momo squeaked, embarrassment coming flooding back. “I didn’t even mean to say that out loud!”

“I want to, though.” He insisted, expression growing more serious. Momo opened and closed her mouth a few times, struggling for words, before she let out a sigh, shoulders releasing all their tension. 

“Alright, alright.” She relented, letting the other pull her back over to sit on the couch. Sylus’ expression looked surprisingly serious, all things considered. Not his usual somewhat flippant but still serious expression, it was…more unguarded than that. Whatever he had to say, it was going to come from more of an emotional place than he was used to exposing. He kept hold of her hand, thumb running over the back of it while he seemed to gather his words. And she didn’t pull away or rush him, giving him his time. 

“I love you too, you know.” He began quietly. “But it’s…more than that still.”

Momo’s heart thumped unevenly at the statement, but she managed to squeak out a “more?” amidst the sound of it echoing in her ears.

“You’re the reason I still exist. Because I hoped that, one day, I’d be able to see you again. That I’d be able to take up more of your time, your space, your thoughts. Though I admit I’m not good at expressing it…I’m happy you let me in. Gave me that piece back I was missing. And more, in fact. I wasn’t expecting to care about anyone in this world aside from you, but I do, and it’s…a pleasant surprise, you could say.” His gaze had shifted to the wall sometime during speaking, but his hold on her hand remained.

“Sylus…” She was genuinely a bit lost for words at his heartfelt, and honest, confession. He wasn’t done speaking though. Now that the dam had been lifted, more words spilled out.

“I was always hoping these feelings would die, but they just keep getting worse. I really didn’t want to tell you, but it's getting too hard to hide when I’m around you. I enjoy spending time with you. You don’t infuriate me like most other people and you really have become someone very special to me again and-“ He sighed harshly, finally looking at her again. “I'm in love with you and I don't know what to do about it.”

His troubled tone was like a knife in her chest. Ignoring her questions about why he said again for now, she reached out with her free hand, her palm pressed to his cheek. The knife twisted harshly when his expression crumpled like wet paper as he turned to nuzzle her hand.

“Sy…” She attempted to give him what she hoped was a  comforting smile as she leaned in, pressing their foreheads together. “What if I said…that you don't need to do anything about it…?”

“Momo-” The way he said her name sounded like he was about to disagree, so she gently shushed him, thumb pressing against his lips. 

“Hush, let me finish.” She said with a smile, only removing her finger when he fell silent and pressed a soft kiss to the pad of her thumb. 

“Stay.” She said simply. “That's all I ask.”

His arms slipped around her, pulling her to him and holding her against his chest as his next breath shuddered out of him.  “I'm here. I won’t go anywhere.” She could hear the way his heart thumped unevenly, the pace matching her own, and his words a vow.

“I love you.” His voice was small when he next spoke against the top of her head. Her heart squeezed, but it was a good kind of squeeze. 

She could tell what he wanted, she hadn’t actually said the words herself yet, even though he had twice now. Sylus was a lot of things, but deep down, he still craved the confirmation that he wasn’t the only one feeling things like this.

“I love you too.” And Momo was more than happy to give him that. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt as he leaned back into the couch, still cradling her on top of him. 

“Comfy?” A soft laugh escaped him as she adjusted herself, cheek pressing to his collarbone, and hooking her right arm and leg around his hip as she settled down.

“Mmhm.” She hummed into his neck, her breaths tickling his skin. Her once missing drowsiness was already starting to hit her. “You’re a good pillow.”

His only response to the words was another soft laugh, and the tightening of his arms around her. He started humming softly, still horribly off tune, but she still recogized the song regardless. It was the one he'd played for her before, the tone melonchlic and bittersweet at that time. Now, though...there was something there that wasn't before. 

Hope. That craving for connection that had finally, finally been reciprocated. Something in her chest settled that had been restless before, something she hadn't known was missing before now. 

Sylus was still a man of many secrets...but she had time to figure all of them out. One by one.

~ ☆ ~

And that’s how the others found them in the morning, squished together on the couch. Sylus was far too tall for it, his legs hanging over the armrest, Momo curled up on his chest like a spoiled cat. But his sleeping face, half buried in Momo’s hair, didn’t seem to care. If anything, he looked…content.

Chuckling, Rafayel took a couple pictures, and Zayne threw a blanket over the both of them, letting them sleep a bit longer.

Chapter Text

Sylus didn’t know if he should be alarmed or not when he walked into his partner’s house one day and immediately smelled smoke. Rafayel didn’t set something on fire again, did he?

More concerned than anything at the moment, he immediately diverted course to the kitchen. Xavier was standing in front of the stove, smoke billowing from a pan and looking very despondent. “I thought you were bad at cooking?” Sylus teased, swallowing down his laughter as his body leaned against the doorframe.

Xavier’s mouth was twisted into a pout when the blonde turned to look at him. “I’m not that bad, sometimes I just mess up a little, is all.” He complained as he dumped whatever food he had scorched into the trash.

Sylus raised an unbelieving eyebrow, but didn’t call the other out any further. “Why don’t I order something instead? Anything you’re in the mood for?” He idly suggested as he pulled out his phone, tapping insistently on the screen. 

“Surprise me.” Xavier had a hint of humor in his voice, and when Sylus glanced up at him, the corner of his mouth was turned upwards in a sort of half-grin.

“Very well.”

~ ☆ ~

15 minutes later, the two of them were lying across the couch, bags of takeout strewn around them, the TV droning on in the background as they ate. It was…surprisingly domestic. Sylus kept peeking at the other out of the corner of his eye. He…wasn’t sure why. He thought he was being subtle enough about it, but…

“Stop looking at me.” Xavier’s voice flitted through the air, causing Sylus to fully look at him in surprise. The blonde’s voice was grumpy, but the look on his face, with the flushed cheeks and all…he seemed more embarrassed than anything. 

I wonder if he secretly likes the attention. Sylus mused to himself, his mouth twisting upwards in a grin. “I can’t. And I don’t think you want me to either.” He said playfully, no longer just peeking, but turning the full force of those intense vermillion eyes on the other.

Xavier turned to glare at him, but the look didn’t have as much heat as he probably wanted to project. (As well as his blush ruining that as well.) “You’re obnoxious.” Was the only thing he could think to grumble, before turning back to the TV.

“Guilty as charged.” Sylus said with a chuckle, the sound deep and rich. Throwing his arm over the back of the couch, he scooched a bit closer to Xavier, his fingers lightly brushing over the back of the blonde’s neck. Xavier, rather stubbornly, didn’t acknowledge the touch, but he also didn’t pull away either. Sylus took that as a sign to push his luck, of course. He was slightly surprised when he carefully ran his fingers through the hair at the back of Xavier's neck, the strands silky smooth and soft. Also, rather than tense up, or pull away from the touch, Xavier’s body betrayed him, melting into it instead with a soft groan. Neither of them were focused on the TV anymore, the sound of it droning to an ignorable background sound. 

“Surprised that you haven’t told me to stop.” Sylus’ voice was barely above a whisper, his tone almost suggesting awe. His fingers gently worked their way up Xavier’s scalp, and it must have felt nice, if the way the blonde’s eyes fell shut and he leaned in closer to Sylus. 

“You know exactly what you’re doing. And I hate that it’s working.” Xavier grumbled, a pout twisting his mouth downwards. The fight was draining out of him with every scratch and caress of Sylus’ fingers.

“Aw, careful. You’ll hurt my feelings, little Prince.” Sylus snickered.

“You’ll be fine, you greedy lizard.” Xavier said with a roll of his eyes, getting a sharp bark of laughter from Sylus.

“Oh, I’m greedy now, am I?” Those words were the only warning Xavier got before Sylus shifted from scratching his scalp to moving and pressing him down into the couch in one smooth motion. Sylus’ bulk pressed him into the cushions, leaving him very little wiggle room to escape. 

So why was Xavier finding that he didn’t want to escape…?

“I haven’t even begun to show you my greedy side.” Sylus smirked wickedly, leaning in so their faces were barely an inch apart. “Shall I give you a demonstration?”

“I- This is bad.” Xavier whispers, very tellingly, not answering the question when Sylus’ hand moves and settles on his hip, his long fingers just barely wiggling under Xavier’s hoodie. Xavier’s breathing stutters when Sylus’ lips trail over his flushed cheek, brain and body slowly melting into the couch under him. They both knew that if either of them gave in to whatever was happening right now, there would be no returning from it. 

I’m wrapped around your finger. The last person I expected to be like this with. How did we get here?

“Maybe,” Sylus whispers, leaning closer, and pressing Xavier further against the couch, “this is a good kind of bad, hm?” 

“There’s a good kind?” Xavier managed with a huff, resisting the urge to shiver when Sylus’ breath brushed against the corner of his mouth. 

“Of course there is.” Sylus’ voice dropped into what was almost a croon, and Xavier could feel the curve of his smirk. “That goes both ways, I think. We’ve both caused problems for each other, but we ended up here regardless. I think we both know how we feel about flirting with danger, no?”

Xavier’s hands settled on Sylus’ chest, body and mind warring between pushing him away and tugging him closer. “And who’s the actual danger here?” 

Sylus’ smirk grew sharp at the edges as he pulled back a bit. Not too far, still close enough for Xavier to feel the way Sylus’ next breath shuddered out of him. “No reason we both can’t be.” He whispered. 

Xavier raised an eyebrow, fighting the way the corner of his mouth wanted to curl upwards in amusement, and failing. “That right…?”

The silence that passed between them was charged with anticipation, and a hesitation that was about to crumble into a million pieces. Sylus’ eyes trailed over Xavier’s face, his thumb slowly trailing over the blonde’s cheekbone with a sort of reverence that was normally reserved for Momo, Rafayel, and the treasures in his display room at the base in the N109 Zone. Just as Sylus was about to say fuck it and lean in and kiss Xavier’s stupidly pretty face, Xavier beat him to it. Those slender, but deceptively strong, fingers curled around the back of his neck and pulled him down, the kiss surprisingly gentle, almost at odds with the tight grip Xavier had on him. Sylus couldn’t help the rumbling growl that escaped him as their lips moved languidly against each for a few long moments. 

When they separated, they were both a bit out of breath, and there was even a faint blush spread across Xavier’s cheeks and ears that just made Sylus wanna lean back in and kiss him again . Barely refraining, Sylus’ voice came out a lot rougher than he expected when he spoke again. “What was that?” 

The corner of Xavier’s mouth curled upwards in a smirk, a soft laugh escaping him as his fingers shifted from that tight grip to gently caressing Sylus’ cheek. “What? You didn’t like it?” He looked so smug, and Sylus might’ve found it irritating if it wasn’t so attractive. 

“I didn’t say that.” Gnawing on the inside of his cheek, Sylus turned his face away from Xavier, opting to stare at the wall so the vulnerable look in his eyes wasn’t so obvious. It was a juxtaposition with how he was still curled over Xavier on the couch like he wanted to get closer still. Xavier thought it was absolutely adorable.

Xavier’s grip was gentle, but still firm, as he guided Sylus’  face back around to look at him once more. Sylus couldn’t bring himself to fight it. “That’s not an answer, you know.” The blonde mumbled, trying to tamp down his amusement and only partially succeeding. 

Sylus let out a whimper akin to wounded animal, expression crumpling with emotions he didn’t dare name. But Xavier saw it regardless. Embarrassment. Affection. A greedy desire to be closer. “You have too much power over me.” Sylus sounded winded, breathless, as he halfheartedly complained.

“And I know I should stay away from you, but I can’t.” Xavier’s voice dropped to a whisper, like speaking any louder would pop the bubble they were in that made them feel like they were the only two people in the world at that moment.

“I think I'm falling in love with you.” This feeling was almost desperate, messy, but gods did it make Sylus feel alive . It was a feeling only Momo and Rafayel had stoked in him before, but somehow, this immortal prince from a far off homeland Sylus barely cared to remember anymore, this hunter who had wormed his way into his life with the initial excuse of ‘protecting the people they were both dating’ had also wormed his way into Sylus’ heart alongside those very same people. 

“And I think I'm okay with that.” Xavier’s smile brightened with undampered, blatant affection as Sylus leaned down to press their foreheads together. 

“Good.” The word escaped Sylus in a rumbling, and very pleased, purr, vermillion eyes lighting up with delight. “Because once you're mine, you’re not getting away, little Prince.”

“Oh?” Xavier let out a soft snicker, and that was the only warning Sylus got before he used his evol to teleport across the room, sending Sylus faceplanting onto the couch momentarily. When Sylus sat up to look at Xavier over the back of the couch, there was a wicked smirk spreading across his face. 

“Oh, so that’s how it is.” Sylus’ eye flashed with that red glow, and the grin on Xavier’s face only widened from where he was perched on the staircase’s first step. “The rabbit wants the dragon to chase him? Very well.” A flash of red and black, and Sylus was in front of him, arms wrapping around Xavier’s waist and hefting him up into his grip. “Gotcha.” 

Xavier indulged him for a moment, leaning in to press a quick kiss to his cheek before he used his evol to teleport across the room again, laughter trailing after him. 

The flashes of light and red and black mist across the walls, along with the echoes of their laughter, immediately caught Rafayel and Momo’s attention as soon as they stepped through the door. “Is that…?” Momo’s words were surprised, and the two of them quietly crept towards the door to the living room, peaking around the doorframe. They silently watched their boyfriends chase each other around the room with their evols for a minute before either of them said anything. 

“What are they doing?” Momo’s whispered question was confused, but also amused, as she looked over at Rafayel.

Rafayel had his phone up, likely recording the whole thing, and didn’t lower it even as he whispered back. “I have no idea. Want me to send you the video?” He asked, his shoulders shaking with mirth, a bright grin on his face.

His laughter is infectious, and Momo has to press a hand to her mouth to stifle her own giggles. “Yes!”

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever.”
― Nicholas Sparks