Chapter Text
It hasn’t been long since Ash’s confession, yet it was enough for the routine to settle deep within his mind.
Their relationship barely changed – both of them were well aware of that – but suddenly every little moment they shared felt much more intimate. The private meetings out in the nature or even the ones in the Regime suddenly looked more like a date than anything else. Even while discussing world domination plans, the Leader felt his heart flutter every time their bodies brushed against each other; or when the wind blew slightly, caressing his lover’s auburn hair.
Small things were enough to make his breath hitch, the burning sensation creeping up to his face. It was embarrassing at moments, after all he was a Leader both feared and respected – so it did nothing but bring shame whenever someone caught him stealing one too many glances, or just staring in a blatantly obvious manner. There were times when Ash wondered whether his love exceeded the ‘healthy’ measurement, slowly turning into an obsession, yet the thought was always quickly dismissed.
However, he should probably hold onto it a bit longer, considering he went as far as to abandon his duties just to visit the red panda.
He suspected the other to be somewhere around the centre, running from one store to another, bothering everyone in the process. Of course, Ash was aware of the serious possibility Ewroon wasn’t there – but after careful consideration, it was the only place that’d make sense. That is, only if the hybrid hadn’t decided to take up some side task that required him to suddenly go hundreds of kilometers away. For now, all he could do is pray it wasn’t the case now.
It was a matter of time that the seemingly inhibited landscape turned into the familiar one. Various buildings stood tall enough to cover whatever resided in the distance. Along with the industrial sight came the sounds – coming either from the buildings or the area surrounding them. Chatter, hum of machinery filled his ears, every sound was innocent, ordinary. Each conversation blended into the background, providing nothing more but faint ambience – all, except one.
One voice drew his attention like nothing else. Loud and high pitched – there was no doubt who it was.
The closer he got to the Żabka, noises grew clearer and significantly louder; anxious shouting, things falling, glass shattering.
– What the fuck? – was the only thing the Leader managed to mutter, the abnormal sounds causing concerned thoughts to appear. They couldn't mean anything good – unless the hybrid suddenly decided to rearrange the entirety of the store, something had happened.
Scenarios played out in his mind, one by one. Whenever he grasped at a new idea of what could be going on, a nauseating feeling would strike him. Confusion and concern got the better of him.
Once the store appeared in his view, two figures stood in front of the green building. Even from a distance their identities were clear and obvious.
Katie stood tall, her straightened posture covering the red panda slightly, hiding him from the Leader’s gaze. In contrast to the woman, Ewroon’s back slumped, tail twitching in frustration.
– Bro, seriously, – the hybrid whined. – get a grip! –
– Me? – the blonde’s voice echoed with offense – You’re the one scolding my son! –
– Well your son just destroyed my shop! – he pouted.
– He, – Katie paused, glancing over at the damages. – was just playing. – doubt creeped into her tone despite her attempts to keep herself as confident as possible.
The red panda was clearly about to shout profanities at the other, his eyes widening in anger. Yet, his string of insults was interrupted by Ash, who finally walked up close enough to gain their attention.
– What’s going on here? – the Leader’s voice came out low, yet clearly tainted with confusion. – I swear I could hear you all the way from my office. –
The obnoxious duo glanced at each other before Katie spoke.
– This idiot is blaming my son for ruining Żabka. – she exclaimed. – But it’s impossible, that thing was ruined the moment it was built. – a chuckle escaped past her lips, her elbow hitting the Leaders, as if to invite him for a laugh as well. Instead of following, he raised his brow.
– I literally watched him break it! – Ewroon’s voice nearly broke into a whine with how pissed he was. The reddish ears laid flat against his head and the long tail kept low, moving to the sides slightly. An occasional twitch creeped onto the puffed up tail.
– Wait, son? – Ash frowned, though his eyes focused on his partner’s animal features more than either of their faces. – You have a son? –
– Oh, yeah, Nacho. – her tone was casual, too casual for the Leader’s liking even. Not in a situation like this.
– The…egg from the federation? – his eyes narrowed, finally moving to take a look at the blonde’s face. – Where is it now, anyway? –
– With his dada, of course. – a grin spread across her face. – Because someone shouted at him and scared him! –
Ewroon groaned in response, crossing his arms.
– There’s no point in arguing. – Ash stepped closer to the hybrid, the distance between them stung him. – If he actually broke something, you should fix it Katie. –
– What? – her smile disappeared as fast as it appeared. – It’s not my store? –
– But your son was the one to break things. – he raised a brow. – Who’s the father? –
His thoughts rushed after each other, trying to grasp any hint that his fellow worker would’ve had a literal child. Sure, she did get married, but her husband died the same day – chances that they had children are lower than the chances Ewroon will stop whining about this any time soon.
The silence that came after his question settled did nothing to ease his concern – why was it a taboo? It was a valid question coming from him – Katie was always loud about her life, so the fact she has a child he never met is odd to say the least. The said woman took a deep breath, mouth slowly opening, but before she managed to say anything, another voice cut her off.
– Katie, – an audibly tired voice sounded out behind the Leader, the suddenness of it startling him, causing him to turn around immediately. – What’s going on? –
Ash frowned at the sight of Multi – the very same scientist that he beat up a couple of weeks ago. It was unexpected, sudden and definitely awkward for the both of them; their eyes met, narrowing slightly. The Leader bit the side of his cheek, as if to stop himself from berating the man once again.
In the scientist's arms was Nacho – Katie's “son”. The name felt as if it was forbidden, out of everything, his fellow worker, friend chose a federation member as her family. To add to that, out of everyone it had to be Katie, someone so close to not only the Regime, but also to him and his partner.
On the scientist's face were faint signs of their past encounter – a cracked lip, which hasn’t healed properly just yet and a faint purplish undertone on one of his cheeks. Ash couldn't help but wonder whether Katie knew what happened – whether she knew that he beat her… son's father, apparently.
– He's blaming our son for the mess – she sighed light-heartedly, pointing at the Żabka behind them. Ewroon groaned in annoyance, earning a glance from the Leader himself.
– Well there wouldn't be a mess if you had protected what's yours. – Multi casually said, his gaze falling to the frustrated Panda. The corners of the man's lips curled upwards in a broken, eerie smile.
– Well I was! – The hybrid barked. – There wouldn't be a problem if you taught him any manners! –
Ewroon took a confident step towards the scientist; his body leaned in, brows furrowed and one of the fangs prodded at his bottom lip. As much as the annoyance was cute in Ash’s eyes, he would rather that Ewroon doesn't jump at Multi’s throat.
– Ewroon – he called out, his hand unconsciously making its way to the other's shoulder, as if already used to this type of comfort. – Calm down, I can handle this. – without much control over it, his voice hushed down until it was nothing more but a whisper.
Gloved fingers tugged the fabric of the hybrid’s clothing, lightly pulling him away from the scientist. The action earned both confusion and amusement coming from the “parents”.
Katie’s nose wrinkled slightly when a grimace overtook her expression. The woman scratched the side of her head, gaze falling to where Ash’s hand rested on the red panda’s body. The reaction was rather normal – her puzzled expression was acceptable, considering the Leader wasn’t the type to get all touchy when it wasn’t necessary.
However, Multi’s response was far more interesting. The man’s lips pressed together, clearly swallowing down the laughter that threatened to echo out. Though, despite his attempts at remaining composed, the corners of his lips twitched upwards for a mere moment – yet it was long enough for Ash to notice. The way the pale, cracked lips formed an uneven grin sent a shiver down his spine. He watched how the purplish mark on the man’s cheek contrasted with the pale skin.
The scientist was entertained by their behaviour, maybe even by their discontent. Of course he was aware that despite their previous closeness, this mannerism was still considered odd. He and Ewroon spent time together – a lot of it even – yet Ash wouldn’t go as far as to unnecessarily touch the man in public. Especially during a disagreement.
His hand gradually traveled downwards, stopping on the hybrid’s lower back, before drafting the touch away completely. The warmth beneath his fingertips disappeared and he immediately missed it – even though it was separated by layers of clothing.
– Katie, don’t tell me this… – Ash raised his brows while looking Multi up and down. – this madman is Nacho's father. – a smile crept onto his face, despite the fact there were no positive feelings residing in his mind.
– Well, yeah. – she automatically shrugged, as if all of this was expected and as if this entire situation wasn’t fucked up. Her gaze diverted to her son, a faint smile growing on her face.
– Him, out of everyone? – the Leader frowned, his hand supporting his own head as if it were to collapse under the amount of news he had to process. He eyed everyone, observing for anything he might’ve missed – any sign it was just a stupid joke. Yet, the scientist’s unusually gentle grip around the Federation worker shattered any hopes he had. Not only that, but his partner’s distraught demeanor couldn’t seem more real; puffed up tail still swayed in slow, repetitive motion, twitching occasionally, the reddish ears laid low against his hair.
Everyone stared at the man in silence for a moment and just as Ewroon opened his mouth to speak – Ash cut him off.
– He’s – he stuttered. – He’s insane, Katie. –
His words earned a chuckle from the scientist.
– Aren’t you the guy that wants to kill everyone here? – Multi pointed out, his tone tainted with mockery. – I’m just trying to help people. –
– A nuclear plant will surely help everyone. – he barked out, requiting the same attitude. – I see that clearly. –
Annoyance consumed him entirely – the entire situation felt like nothing else than betrayal. Katie chose a complete madman instead of the Regime that she pleaded alliance to. To add to that, the woman never dared to do as much as imply what was going on, instead deciding to pursue her casual, cheerful behaviour, acting friendly towards the other members.
Ash continued sharing his thoughts, ideas or occasionally even plans to her – while she was actively close to Multi, the Leader’s enemy.
Not only had Katie betrayed the organisation, but also Ash himself. The man found himself attached, used to her constant, unserious and dramatic blabbering – the foolishness of her behaviour often managed to lift his mood up.
No matter how much the Leader wished it wasn’t the case – Katie felt like a sister to him. Not a friend, not a mere worker.
– C’mon, no reason to argue. – the woman butted in, words rolling off lightheartedly as a playful grin appeared on her face. – You’ll fix your shop in no time! – her head turned to Ewroon all of the sudden, chuckling and shrugging lightly. The scientist nodded in agreement.
– Michał – the hybrid huffed. – Quit nodding along, don’t tell me you’re choosing the federation over your Polish family! – Ewroon’s ear flicked slightly only to lay low against his head once again. Multi eyed him in silence for a moment, before breaking into a laugh – breathless and uneven, as if the words shattered whatever's left of his composure.
– You’re one to talk. – he said after quieting down. – When was the last time you came to the cave? –
– Aw, does the big and serious scientist miss the panda? – the hybrid teased, grinning despite the clear weariness and frustration in his expression.
– No. – Multi denied, his head tilting to the side slightly. A sly grin appeared on his lips. – but Nexe does. –
Ash frowned. Nexe – as in the dog from the Polish Cave? What does he suddenly have to do with any of this?
Yes, it was undeniable that the two hybrids used to hang around each other a lot, to the point it was nearly impossible to see one without the other. Ever since Ewroon swore his loyalty to Ash, he’s been hearing a whole lot less about the other man – and if the panda said anything, the conversation ended quickly. The Leader never bothered to question him about the other Pole, assuming their relationship is like any other in the cave – one big play of pretending to like each other. That’s how the entire situation looked like in Ash’s eyes. Were his assumptions incorrect and the two men might have something more between each other?
– Don’t bring him into this now. – Ewroon quickly shut the topic down, groaning in annoyance. – Go away, I have a mess to clean. –
Katie chuckled.
– Good luck with that. – the blonde rubbed her hands together, grinning like stupid. All her words earned was yet another murmur coming from the red panda. It was followed by her excited chatter directed at Nacho and Multi and the two assassins could do nothing but watch how the “family” walked away, without much words.
All they heard for a moment was Katie’s fading laughter and blabbing. Only when the sound died out completely had Ash realized how terribly awkward the silence felt. It did nothing but fuel the never ending train of thoughts in his head – they were rushing with scenarios.
He will have to ask about Nexe.
– Ewroon. – he began, the gloved hand finding its place on the hybrid’s body once more, this time residing on the others’ waist. With a slow, as if hesitant movement, the man drew the other closer.
Almost immediately, the red panda’s head turned towards the Leader. His blue eyes wide open, as if wordlessly asking Ash to continue.
Unfortunately for him, the words died somewhere in his throat.
– Are you okay? – the Leader managed to choke out, noticing how tiredness painted across the other’s face. Dark circles resided beneath the widened eyes, decorating the slightly tanned skin.
Ewroon’s posture slumped, relaxing under his touch. Soon, the hybrid’s body rested against his own.
– I’m so damn tired, man. – he mumbled and the Leader only now realised how strained his voice sounded. – I had to chase after that fuckass egg! – the man rested his cheek against his shoulder, the ends of the auburn hair tickling the exposed skin of his neck. – Jebane jajo. –
– You know well I can’t understand you. – he muttered, frowning at the Polish phrase. – But why was it here anyway? –
– Kurwa, as if I knew. – Ewroon grunted, wrapping his fingers around Ash’s arm. – Katie probably let it loose, you know, to run around. – he said. – And to make me miserable, apparently! –
– I’ll talk with her later. – a long sigh escaped him and for a moment they stood in silence. Ewroon didn’t move, allowing himself to enjoy their closeness. Each breath the man took brushed against the Leader’s skin, the touch tickling.
One of the gloved hands traveled to the hybrid's hair, gently tangling itself in them, while the other remained on his waist. His thumb idly massaged the spot below his Blade’s ears – it wasn’t even conscious, his body moved on pure instinct and habit.
The circular movements earned purr-like sounds from Ewroon and Ash felt his face heat up at them. Yes, he wasn’t really aware of how red pandas function and how to interpret their body language – but after all this time together, he assumed this meant the hybrid was pleased.
He hated having to disturb their moment.
– Ewroon, did you know about Katie and Multi? – The Leader asked, his voice lowering to a whisper.
– Yeah, hard to not know. – the man answered, his tone devoid of any strong feelings, despite almost purring. – They’re pretty loud and I’m usually around. –
The Leader couldn’t help but frown. Did everyone, except him, know about this? To add to that, he doesn’t think Ewroon should be the one to judge others for being loud.
– And you didn’t tell me? – Ash nagged, lightly pulling the others head upwards. Their eyes met; the hybrid’s only half opened, weariness slowly winning over him.
– Assumed you knew. – he shrugged. – But considering you never go out, it shouldn’t be too surprising. – a teasing grin spread across his face, the small fangs peeking out.
– That’s… not true. – the Leader looked away, gaze falling somewhere to the side. His cheeks burned with embarrassment as the man wasn’t entirely wrong. He’s been busy with working around the Regime, not having the time to go out for long.
– Yeah, sure – Ewroon playfully dragged out each syllable, earning a long sigh.
– Let’s leave, – he huffed in an attempt to change the topic – you should probably rest after today. –
The hand that was previously tangled in the auburn hair moved downwards, to the man’s cheek instead, caressing it slightly.
– Running back already? – Ewroon teased, a light chuckle rolling off his tongue.
– Shut up. – his words came out breathless, devoid of any annoyance. – You look as if you’re about to fall asleep standing here. –
For a brief moment, Ewroon looked as if he might actually doze off right there. His eyelids drooped lower, the glow of his eyes dulled by exhaustion. The hand wrapped around Ash's arm loosened slightly, his grip no longer possessive or teasing – it only ghosted over, seeking support. The auburn strands that framed his face had long since escaped whatever attempt at tidiness he'd made earlier, sticking out in uneven directions from all the running and struggling.
Ewroon was always loud, always talking, laughing, complaining, provoking someone into an argument just because he found their reaction amusing. The man was never still, so seeing him this drained felt odd, like looking at a fire reduced to embers.
Though, at the same time, it felt nice knowing that the hybrid was capable of quieting down.
– Awh, – the hybrid gasped, a sly expression painting across his face. This couldn’t mean anything good. – Look at you, caring about me. –
Immediately, Ash regretted saying anything. Ewroon was truly stupid – of course he cared, they were quite literally dating.
– I always care. – he threw back at him and for once, the hybrid didn’t have an immediate retort.
The grin remained on his lips, but it softened around the edges, losing some of its usual sharpness. He stared at Ash for a moment, eyes half-lidded and heavy with fatigue, as if trying to decide whether he wanted to tease him further or simply enjoy hearing the words.
– Yeah. – His voice came out quieter than before. – I know. –
The admission caught him off guard – there was something disarming about hearing it spoken so plainly. Ewroon rarely accepted affection without turning it into a joke. Usually, every sincere moment had to be hidden beneath layers of sarcasm and laughter, as though vulnerability itself were embarrassing.
Without really thinking, he brushed a thumb over the hybrid's cheek once more. The man leaned into the touch.
– You really are tired. – the Leader stated, watching as his Blade’s eyes practically closed on their own.
Ewroon murmured in response.
– Is that all you have to say? – Ash muttered, sighing when the other let out the same sound again. – You’re impossible. –
In reality he didn’t mind, going as far as letting out a reluctant laugh when the red panda didn’t speak. Ewroon didn’t take the occasion to say something absolutely ridiculous? An odd sight, really.
For a while, neither of them spoke. The world around them continued on without notice – the distant murmur of voices, the rustle of wind through nearby trees, the occasional sound of footsteps somewhere far away. None of it felt important – it could all disappear and the Leader wouldn’t probably bat an eye. He couldn’t help but wonder, whether it was the same for the red panda.
Now, how he thought about it – it was strange. Ash had always thought quiet moments would feel awkward, especially with someone like Ewroon. The man was a true drama queen, so it was surprising that the silence began to grow in comfort. Beneath all the banter and arguments, there was an ease to being together that neither of them had ever needed to explain.
– So, – the hybrid suddenly said, breaking the peacefulness. – are we leaving? –
– Yes, before you end up falling asleep on your feet. – Ash retorted.
– You’d carry me if I did. – Ewroon smirked, giving the other a small wink.
– You’re an idiot. – the Leader rolled his eyes, but he couldn't quite suppress the fondness creeping into his expression. The hybrid's smile widened, victorious and unbearably pleased with himself.
– Hmm, if you say so. – he purred, stepping away from the taller man. – Let’s go, before I really fall asleep. –
With that, they started down the path, their pace unhurried. The day had been long, and tomorrow would undoubtedly bring new problems, new responsibilities, new reasons to worry. Not to mention the situation with Katie that Ash will be forced to deal with.
But for now, he needs to get his mind off of it – for it isn’t that important at the moment.
For now, he much preferred to focus on walking side by side, hands intertwined, carrying the quiet certainty that no matter how chaotic everything else became, they would always find their way back to moments like this.
Or at least he hoped so.