deep-blue-novella

[deep-blue-novella]

i am OFFICIALLY DONE FIXING ALL CHAPTERS

AND ALSO MAKING A NAVIGATION AT THE END OF THEM ALL

so now theyre actually able to be read properly LOL god

at least ive made progress tho :3 so if you were looking to actually read it, now is the time to do so because the navigation is fixed

[deep-blue-novella]

CH 09 Same as it ever was.

Viktor had struggled with a lot of things in his life. Things like school, his family relationships, juggling work and his constant internal dialogue that told him he should just quit everything he was doing. Most of the things he struggled with were actually of his own creation… and this time it was definitely no different.

In fact it was absolutely only his own creation, and he was completely and utterly unimpressed with himself over the fact that he let things get this bad.

Viktor had been working on cleaning his room for almost half the day, even going so far as to get up early to make some sort of ‘head start’ on the absolute terror that was his living space. When he started, most of his floor was almost unseen and covered predominantly in clothing. Most of said clothing was in a state of limbo as to whether or not it was clean, or dirty. He’d looked in his drawers of his dresser and found not much to be left, and took it upon himself to simply dump everything he owned into the poor overworked washing machine in the far bathroom.

He’d managed to tackle some of the paper mess he had as well, and also realized that he had been throwing his trash around to the point that most of the mess of ‘paper’ had been garbage shoved into several brown bags on the floor.

Viktor knew he was getting bad about haphazardly throwing things about, but he didn't think he’d find old fast food wrappers from over a month ago attempting to get under his bed-frame. On top of that, he even managed to find his old wallet that he’d thought he’d lost three months back.

He didn’t realize it had been that long since he last really considered his ‘problem’ of a space.

By this point it was almost 3pm, he hadn’t had much of a single thing to eat since his initial rise from bed, and had only managed to get as far as getting things off the floor that were all bulky. The floor was still a mess, the dark grey carpet clearly stained and coated in dust among other things, and he still had his desk, dresser and shelves to tackle as well.

He had flopped onto his bed face first, and let out a very exasperated sigh.

“I’m going to need to figure out a better way to do this, it feels like it’s taking forever and I’ve barely done anything.” He whined, covering his head with a pillow.

He had admittedly gotten distracted no less than five times in the past few hours and had to catch himself from playing with the miscellaneous items he kept finding around his room, it was something he struggled with but it was probably just the fact that cleaning never did hold his attention well.

Docia had entered by this point, leaning on his door in the exact same manner that Vik always did when he went to disturb her in her room. She had a smile on her face, not in the usual smug manner the two would exchange, but something more genuine as she called out to him.

Viktor turned his head to face her, still laying on his bed, and in a muffled tone gave her a simple reply of, “Ey.”

“Well Vik, I’m definitely impressed. I can actually see the sorry state your floor is in.” She shook her head. “We’re making progress out there as well, it’s starting to get back to normal.”

“That’s at least good… I’m still shocked that you all managed to make it me levels of messy out there.” He gave a weak laugh, then shoved his head back into his blankets. “Remind me to do two things.”

“Two things?” Docia tilted her head, walking into the room to sit on Viktor’s bed beside him.

“One, to at least do some kind of… light tidy every two weeks in here so I don’t have to spend an entire week to fix the awful mess I made.” He started moving to flip himself over.

“The other?”

“Clean these gross-ass sheets.” He had a grimace on his face, his nose clearly curled in disgust.

Docia burst out laughing at him.

“Don’t worry we can definitely do that. Speaking of those sheets… I’m going to be honest, Vik. Those… are not salvageable.” She shook her head. “When did they get so thread-barren? Why didn’t you tell me? We could have gotten you new ones you know?”

“I don’t like it when you spend money on me and you know that.” He huffed, grabbing a pillow and yanking its ratty cover off, ripping it and making a surprised expression.

“I know you don’t- but I also know you won’t spend anything on yourself if it’s not for your ‘Cuda.” She placed a hand on his head, ruffling his hair. “That or cigarettes, burgers, and orange juice. You have such specific taste.”

“Yeah, yeah….” He took her hand, plopping it to the side of his head and away from his hair. “So what brings you to the humble abode of The One and Only Viktor Rachman?”

“I actually… wanted to ask if you wanted help maybe.” She lied down on the bed, facing the opposite direction of him. “I know you struggle with this, it’s not fun or interesting and I know you get distracted too.”

“Yeah… that’s why you used to clean my room for me when we were young.” He chuckled looking up at his shelves that were half crammed with miscellaneous nonsense. “I don’t blame you for stopping though I’m a lot to handle.”

“You’re not a lot to handle. I just wasn’t home as often to keep you company while you worked on it.” She punched him, Viktor recoiling a bit and holding his arm. “You know, I was talking to Ymo about this and she had some really good ideas of how we can maybe make this easier for you.”

Viktor pulled himself up, leaping off the bed. “I mean I…. guess I’m down to hear it. I haven’t even started the other half of this and I’m admittedly in over my head and overwh-”

“Don’t worry I got a plan, but we need to hit the mall first.” She pushed herself up and walked over to him. “Do you wanna come? It’ll be just you me and Ymo… we haven’t been to the mall in forever and honestly you made huge progress, so consider this an excuse to take a break, maybe get a burger or something.”

“Fuck, if it means I can be done with this room for five minutes I will gladly slide out. I uh… only have my current shirt and ugly jeans to wear though, so if you don’t mind me looking like a slob we can just leave. I don’t really wanna wait on the dryer admittedly.” Viktor shrugged to her, starting to walk towards the door.

He could hear Docia laughing, making excuses for him that bordered on absurd and other little jokes while they gathered themselves, and Ymo to head out.

-

The mall was a decent distance away- at the very least it wasn’t a place you wanted to walk to while carrying a lot home anyway. It was good if you wanted a three hour walk there and back just to spend the day out of the house. It was in a slightly less trashy part of town, nowhere near the Wolves’ side and was a nice and almost home-y feeling place. It’s not even that the mall that was on the Wolves’ side was worse, it’s more that it was the one they’d gone to so many times as kids it was just a place of comfort, especially for Vik and Docia.

On top of the fact it was a place they always felt nostalgic for, there was also a shop there that sold guitars and other musical instruments that both Ymo and Vik absolutely adored sliding into now and then, even if only to window shop. It was always nice since it got the two of them chatting and rambling and really helped them to forget about the world for a while.

The three had chosen to sit in the crowded and messy food court, getting something to eat first since they’d been working all morning on trying to make some kind of sense out of the chaos they created back home. Viktor always found that there was something so much more enjoyable about eating a good burger after doing work… it could also have been the fact that he wished he could make a burger even half as good as the ones they got from the food court.

“You know guys, it’s real nice to get the chance to hang out like this again. It’s been so long since the three of us just got to head to the mall together.” Ymo grinned, before shoveling a fistful of french fries into her mouth.

“Yeah, we should take the time to head out together more often… maybe see if we can convince Asheton to ditch wherever he works for a day to join us.” Docia added, sipping on her drink. “He needs to get out more.”

“Eh, its Ashe. If he wants to go out he’ll find an excuse.” Viktor shrugged. “He’s been kinda to himself more lately though admittedly and it does worry me sometimes.”

“Well, it’s possible that it could just be his work?” Ymo pointed out.

“Yeah see I would agree and all- if he would actually tell us what the hell it is he does that rakes in the cash he makes.” Viktor rolls his eyes. “He promised me it wasn’t drugs, so I chose not to pry… but he’s still not in the clear with the damn secrecy.”

“Asheton soooo wouldn’t do drugs anyway though, that’s not his thing. For a guy who loves to talk shit, he really isn’t into doing anything fun you know?” Ymo rolled her eyes, slurping noisily from her drink.

“Ymo, are you still mad he said no to smoking weed with you last week while everyone was busy?” Docia chuckled, stealing fries from her bag.

“Look! I’m just saying for a guy that goes through as many ‘cigs as Vik during a bad week, you’d think he’d be more open to it is all?” She crumpled her wrapper, shaping it into a little ball and whacked it with her straw at Vik. “Also yeah I’m still bummed. I was hoping to use it as an excuse to get to know the guy a little better. Me n’ him don’t talk too much and I totally need to fix that.”

Viktor flicked the ball back into Ymo’s face with his straw. “He’s just reserved right now. As I said, I think somethin’s on his mind and he’s just not letting anyone in on whatever it is. I’m wonderin’ if maybe he saw something.”

“Possibly. I’m going to harass him later and try to figure things out.” Docia crumpled her trash together, taking the ‘ball’ from Ymo before she could shoot it again. “Perhaps its time for the trio to come to him… or I can just go on my own since he was always more open to just talking to me about his goings-on. I just need the right time off.”

“Better you than me, as much as Asheton loves me he’s still kinda… mad at me for those years back. Which is fair.” Vik sat his chin on his cup. “It’s not my fault things didn’t vibe, he just got overbearing and it wasn’t something I could handle.”

“We know Vik, sweetie, don’t be beating yourself up again over it that’s like, seriously old news now.” Ymo pat his head, getting up to take the trash from Docia out. “Besides we still love you~!”

“I know, I know.” He got up as well, almost spilling his drink and failing a little as a result. “Thanks for this by the way, I miss going to lunch with you guys, I really gotta book some time off or somethin, maybe the boss will bend.”

“I mean he might? Your head honcho guy seems like a decent dude and he didn’t panic when a pack of young troublemakers came running into his store for booze.” Docia laughed, leaning back in her chair to throw her now empty cup into the bin that Ymo was holding open.

“Still stupid as hell that a rebel like me has to work for some stupid bossman. I hate workin’ like a dog for dogshit pay.” Viktor huffed, watching Docia miss her shot dramatically, a large man passing by swiftly and scoffing at them.

“Vik you know we’re too notorious now to be going about living off thievery alone.” Ymo picked up the trash, Docia getting up out of her chair. “A lil’ bit of pick-pocketing isn’t gonna get us anywhere fast either, that’s too much like luck based shit, and if I wanted to gamble I’d be hittin’ the casino.

“The fact the twins still get away with it is terrible in itself.. but you did teach them well, and they do have a good fence.” Docia shook her head, speaking in a hushed tone.

“I know…. I do miss it a lot though. I used to make some real bank.” Viktor shrugged. “Anyway… do you mind too much if Ymo and I head off to our favorite place? We can meet back up at that little dollar shop when we’re done.”

“Fine, but only because I need to get you new sheets first and that’s on the other end of the mall. Just don’t be doing anything illegal.” Docia waggled a finger at them, Ymo and Viktor laughing their asses off.

The three split, Docia off on her own while Viktor and Ymo cracked jokes the entire way down the main strip of the mall. There was a decent amount of different store types, and most of the venues were full with a couple of new stores on the way to opening. It was decently busy, the usual sounds of screaming children, teenagers laughing while getting run out of shops, and usual whiny people echoed the retro-fitted walkways. There was a lot of fun colours splayed about the floor in teals, pinks, tans, whites and greys, along with hanging decorations from the ceilings.

The two of them didn’t really seem to notice much of this, the first few times they came through they always noted every little detail, like how the elevator in the main lobby never seemed to work, how the escalators had little starburst designs etched into the glass on the sides, and how the plants in the mall never seemed to be out of the way of the overhead glass windows. After the tenth or twentieth time, you don’t tend to pay nearly as much attention, and that was sort of the point where Vik and the crew had gotten with it. Sure you noticed the new shops, but were mostly there to do your thing and leave. You don’t usually pay too much attention to your surroundings which isn’t always a good thing.

Vik and Ymo were very zoned in on their single task, which was initially to check out the new records that got shipped in. This was always their favorite day of the week to visit the little music shop in the mall, they had big neon signs in the windows and tons of new gear in stock, everyone always seeming to come out with the ‘next big thing’ in effects pedals.

Which was immediately where Vik and Ymo had gone first instead of their initial starting place.

Viktor was holding up different boxes, telling Ymo about the ones he was thinking of getting for his bass once he had enough saved up, how the new sounds they made were so ‘funky’ trying to mimic the noises he heard when he went to see a live demo of the test versions several months back. Ymo laughed, telling him he could be his own effects pedal if he tried, then pointed him to some older variants where she explained to him the way some of their favorite musicians used them to make the unique guitar riffs and get more into the tech side of it.

The shop keep had an eye on the two of them the entire time.

Viktor and her moved closer to the front of the shop, chattering about the new guitar models, before finally making it to the records side.

“So which side were the new releases on anyway-? Did they do them left to right or was it right to left?” Viktor rested a couple of fingers on his chin, scratching at his scruff.

“It’s been a while so I’m not entirely sure but-”

“Left to right. You two better not be up to anything.” The burly shopkeeper barked from the back, cigar in mouth and looking right at them. “I’ll toss you faster than you can yell my name if you’re up to shit.”

“No, Joe we promise. How many times do I gotta tell you we ain’t how we used to be?” Ymo put her hands to her hips, facing him.

“Once a crook always a crook. Thieves don’t just ‘grow out of it’,” He growled, leaning back in his chair. “-and don’t waste my time today.”

Viktor rolled his eyes walking over to the far left, rifling through the records. “I swear he really can’t let things go.”

“I mean I can’t really blame him y’know hun?” Ymo sighed. “I’m actually shocked he even lets us back in here most days.”

“To be fair, we’re always the best payin’ customers when we can afford it.” Viktor pulled up a sleeve, getting distracted. “Hey, heyyy, this is that rock band you like ain’t it? I don’t recognize this one.”

“Oh! Oh, Vik this is their newest release- you know that one song I taped and kept replaying over and over again on my radio upstairs?” She suddenly looked very excited, taking it out of his hands. “That one is only the opening song for the album apparently the rest of it is so good they’ve started playing it on the big main radio stations!”

“Really? Talk about impressive, the old bastards barely stop playing their dinky piano music. Don’t get me wrong man I love a good piano but stop playing it like your ma just died, ya dig?” He rolled his eyes. “One day they’ll get it that guitars and those techy sound-waves are just way more fun and exciting. Music should make you wanna dance!”

“Or feel something!” Ymo laughed. “Yeah maybe one day… Well, tell you what, once we get the stuff for your room I’m gonna get your record player set up and all three of us can have a jam to this new one.”

Viktor was still rifling looking for something that interested him, but attempting to talk with Ymo. “So, Docia said you had some kinda idea of how to help me clean my shit… what was it anyway that required us coming all the way out here?”

She slipped past him, pulling out a rockabilly record and taking it over to the test player, popping out the headset and turning the volume up a bit. “Oh, so the idea is actually bins.”

“What?” Viktor turned to her as she set the record in, letting it run.

“Yeah, see like you also kinda get that same problem as my brother does, where you get disinterested in stuff fast and cant focus much.” She said it so chipper as Viktor frowned.

“Er… Yeah.” He picked up a couple of records, his foot tapping along to the record playing. He didn’t really like the way his brain made it hard to focus all the time so it was always a bit of a sting to hear people mention it like it was nothing.

“So the thing I do with him is we take everything from one area and shove it into a bin.” Ymo pulled out another rock album, checking out the back of it. “Once it’s in the bin and out of the way, we kinda go through and put stuff back but in a neater fashion-specifically so you can see what you’re looking for with ease! I like to see what lingers behind, maybe see if it’s not needed y’dig?” She smiled down at him.

“So its just… moving the mess so it looks less bad basically.” Viktor didn’t seem to get it, shrugging and humming loudly to the music playing.

“Sort of-! It will like, make a huuuuuuge difference okay!” She tapped her feet as well. “Trust me! You’ll see when we actually do it, it sounds silly right now, I know, but once we have those clear little bins and labels you’ll be able to tell what goes where really easy so it should be easier to put stuff back for you!”

“Well, I’ll see it then... but for now I’m gonna take the ol’ route 66- well cruisin’ to Vegas’ gonna get my kicks!” Viktor had started singing along, doing a little dance as he moved towards the counter with a few records in hand.

“I’m wearin’ pink black pants and I greased my hair~!” Ymo joined in, the two jiving their way to the back.

“I’m the rockin’est cat found anywhere!” He laughed as the two sung the chorus, obnoxiously as they got to the counter, Viktor letting out a loud yowl along with the singer at the end of it.

Joe looked at them very tired.

“Look, just pay and go okay, you two are way too noisy today.” He held out his hand, the two dropping their bills into it, heading out.

“Catch’ya round Mo’Jo.” Ymo waved back as they left.

The two could hear him yell back, “Do Not.” at them.

“Y’know Vik, I don’t think the old guy will admit it but I think Joe likes us.” Ymo grinned.

“I’m not so sure about that, but he doesn’t usually take jabs at me like everyone else does so I guess that’s gotta mean somethin’ good.” Viktor mumbled.

They were now stood in the middle of the mall, looking about.

“So where to? I think we still got time before meeting with Docia?” Viktor tilted his head before leaning back against a large potted plant.

“Weeeeeell, you ain’t gonna like it, but I was kinda hoping maybe I could twist your hand into coming to that one leather shop with me.” She was holding his hand, looking at him with a very sad attempt at making puppy eyes.

“Ymo… You know how I feel about that one.” He didn’t seem convinced.

“Look… I know she’s still… very rude to you about having caught you before, but I really need to replace my shoes, these ones are practically falling apart, and I need someone with a good eye to tell me which ones work best.” She was gently tugging on his hand.

“I know you value my opinion but like, really Ymo, you have good taste I have full faith that-” He was cut off by her whining.

He hesitated, holding his records quietly for a moment.

“Fine, but please let me hold all of our records, if my hands are full maybe she’ll be less terrible this time since I clearly won’t be able to do anything else. Vinyl is a touchy bitch and they don’t like being lied flat you know?” He sighed, Ymo handing him her records.

“Thank you Vik, you really are the best- I’m trying to find some really sexy ones that Docia’s gonna go nuts for-”

“Yes. Yes I know, and you know I know her taste well so let’s just go get this over with.” He followed her, the two entering a dingy and dark shop, poorly lit and very overfilled with a large selection of fine leather jackets, belts, boots pants and other miscellany.

The boots of course, were as far away from the front as possible, Viktor’s face scrunching in as he stuck close to Ymo, hoping the owner wasn’t in today. He’d done a lot of theft back when he was a kid, only getting caught in two or three places in the mall, which this of course had been his first. Most of the owners never let him live it down, but the one in the current shop gave him hell constantly, usually resorting to name-calling among other things, sometimes going too far given her history with his family.

It made Viktor generally uncomfortable to be in the place at all, even if he’d changed. However it was the only place in the entire district that actually carried the boots Ymo loved so much. Though he had a hunch why...

Even then, sometimes when you do try to change, there’ll always be someone who only cares to drudge up the past on you. It gets hard to ignore sometimes.

They did fine for a while Ymo picking out a few to try on, side by side, and see what might work best. Whoever was running the place was clearly with a customer in the changing room area.

Viktor had to shoo her away from the larger heels not because Docia wouldn’t like them but because he knew that she didn’t have the leg power to lift them properly and he didn’t want to see her face flat on the ground before she could even get to her girlfriend.

Ymo had chosen a few other questionable ones for the two to laugh at before coming to a decision on a nice set with pointed toes and a bit of support, without being too big. Of course as they got to the counter, Viktor was already turning to leave before feeling a hand on his shoulder throw him back towards the counter.

“Oh no, you don’t get to just leave before I search you, brat.” A very aggravated and short woman was face to face with Viktor, who clearly just wanted to get out at this point.

“Look all I have on me is the stuff I walked in with okay?” He held up the records, shaking his arms as his jacket flopped about. “You can stop with the accusations.”

“You know if you just stayed out it would be easier and I wouldn’t have to check.” She flipped up the back of his jacket, staring him down.

“I don’t remember y’gettin’ a search warrant on my person. Look? I have nothin’ on me, can I please just leave?” Viktor was getting agitated, Ymo stepping in.

“Um, can I buy my boots?” She tapped the woman’s arm, watching as she flung herself back to look at Ymo with a sudden extreme change in expression.

“Yes, yes! Of course dear, but you really ought to choose better company love, that one is nothing but a court case waiting to happen.” She went back behind the counter, doing some math on a sheet.

“He’s really not that bad, he’s grown up a lot since then you know g-”

“Boys like that never grow up, they only get worse, Ymo.” She huffed, curling her hair behind her pointed ears. “You’d think he would have just gone and moved to a new city after that whole kerfuffle with D’erehan.”

Viktor was seething quietly where she had left him.

“W-Well, to be fair-” She was handed a paper with the total on it, pulling out her wallet.

“To be fair, D’erehan didn’t have the time to raise a terror like him right. His mother should have stepped in, its hard to raise an unruly little shit when you’re the best defense attorney in the entire city.” She continued, taking Ymo’s money. “He works so hard and such long hours-”

“Listen here, bitch.” Viktor growled, Ymo holding him back poorly while also trying to hold her shoe box. “You don’t fucking know anything about me or my good for nothing father.”

“How dare you speak to your elders like that you little greaser! I should have you kicked out and banned from this mall with such fowl speech and threatening attitude-”

“You literally always treat me like garbage the minute I am nearby- you’re the one with the threatening attitude!” Viktor had lost his cool, his lack of nicotine had definitely started to make him more agitated.

The conversation between the two was escalating, Ymo certain they were about to almost brawl when Docia came in, grabbing both Ymo and Viktor under her arms and giving the owner a bow.

“Very sorry Ms, Yamae. I need to take these two with me, please have a pleasant day and I hope they haven’t been too much trouble.” She looked back up, then immediately left.

Docia bolted with the two of them before she could even speak, stopping halfway down the strip before finally dropping the two. Viktor was very quiet and didn’t seem like talking, Ymo however tugged at Docia’s sleeve.

“Docia! You have the best timing I swear!” She over exaggeratedly sighed, sitting on a bench. “I swear the minute she goes off I can never get a word in...”

She twiddled her thumbs a bit before looking down to Viktor who was still sitting on the floor.

“I... am so sorry Viktor… I guess I still don’t have the right words to fight with Grandma for your sake. I thought maybe this time I could keep her under control...” She frowned, definitely able to tell she stressed him out again.

Viktor was slumped against a trash bin, biting the inside of his cheek.

“I won’t take you back in I promise… that or I’ll try and find a better place, but its hard when gran has the nicer wares out of the shops in this half of the city…” She frowned.

“You owe me.” He scoffed, clearly in a bad mood.

Docia stepped in to ease the tension.

“You two really should know better than to go anywhere near granny, that woman is… cruel. Absolutely cruel. Especially when Vik isn’t allowed a smoke.” Docia huffed.

“Wait- what I didn’t know that-” Ymo panicked. “When did that happen was it last night? Shit.”

Docia crossed her arms. “ Besides that, you were late. You’re lucky I know how to easily find you two.”

“Sorry hun, I didn’t mean to drag us away that long but I promise I’ll make it up to both of you okay?” Ymo tapped her foot, anxiously.

“Vik, are you gonna be good?” Docia looked at him.

Viktor seemed hesitant to respond, but finally spat out something after a delayed amount of time.

“I could use a run-in with one of those wolves, since I would love to let off some steam but I should be fine.” He got up checking over the records to make sure nothing was damaged. “Let’s maybe try and focus so we can get back, I’m starting to get a little overwhelmed.”

“Yeah good plan… it’ll be faster if we uh, go through ‘that’ end of the mall, so let’s just scoot through and get what we need and head out yeah?” Ymo hopped up, walking over to Viktor and helping him up.

The three of them headed out, Docia leading them, as Ymo stayed close to Vik, apologizing to him profusely the entire way.

-

The other half of the mall was far less nice than the end they’d come in through. This side lead half outside and was actually part of the original mall when it had been first built. The entire area was practically falling apart, most of the shops were low end and run on dimes- and the people who populated the area were far from pleasant. It was home to a lot of questionable shops, and persons who were clearly not themselves and were far from being on this side of reality. Rather than going back the way they came it was easier to just cross through that section to get back to the other side, especially with the dollar shop being quite literally just past the second set of outside doors that lead to the west entrance.

Viktor was used to going this way, only because back when he was a teenager he’d go there purposefully to hunt down people he could fight- especially after the incident with his father. He never had much fear for going down that way, nor did Docia or Ymo since they had one another usually and Docia could easily throw anyone in her way when she had her head level.

This time around, their walk was rudely interrupted by a very large man; mostly just tall in stature not so much muscle, and that carried a very rancid aura. He was very familiar, and looked to be the same one that scoffed at them back in the food court. He’d very deliberately smacked into Docia, shoving her aside and crashing her into both Ymo and Viktor, causing the entire trio to stumble about while he cackled at them.

“Watch where the hell you’re going, brute!” Docia snarled, which wasn’t something Ymo or Viktor saw from her often.

The man turned around, his scarred grin was not one that either Viktor or Docia liked to see, as it was someone who had given them a lot of problems in the past. Docia’s demeanor changed, seeming very uncomfortable as he flicked his head to the side and rolled his shoulders, brushing back his black short hair.

“Oh please, call me Mr. Brute, give me a nice title like I deserve, doll-face.” He grinned staring down Docia. “How are you, darling? It’s been a few moons.”

“Cut the talk- we both know you’re just warming up to cause problems. What you do want, you dog?” She gritted her teeth, the man stepping forward.

“Why would I ever wish to do that, Docia, dear? Are you just wound up from not getting any again after so long or are you just eager for me to knock some sense back into you, ya filthy broad?”

Viktor recognized this man as Docia’s ex, and started to get into a defensive posture.

“… As if.” Docia was clearly starting to lose her cool, Viktor could tell. “You know you don’t have to be a rude bitch every time you happen to see me, how about you consider getting bent Darryl.”

“I see the only bending that’s going on around here is still you bending ears, huh?” He scoffed, looming over her. “You know I liked you a lot better when you were my submissive little-”

He was cut off by Viktor stepping in- handing his records to Ymo before rolling up his sleeves.

“Back off, Darryl. You’re cruising for a bruisin’ with every damn word that comes outta your mouth.” He shoved a finger into the man’s chest.

“Ah, I see the runt is still your little lapdog that fights your battles for ya-”

“I ain’t no fuckin’ runt you slimy prick-” Viktor jumped the guy, throwing him off balance for a moment, clinging to his shirt and digging his heel deep into Darryl’s chest, grabbing his hair with his other hand. “If you don’t fuckin’ back off now I’m gonna wipe your damn face with the floor and make you wish your momma didn’t let you out’ her cunt!”

Ymo and Docia panicked, immediately grabbing Viktor and pulled him off of Darryl, just as Viktor was starting to pull out his switchblade.

“Whatever, I don’t have time for you brats. Watch your fucking backs because I won’t be so kind if I catch you out here alone.” He spat towards Viktor, missing.

The three of them stood there for a minute, watching as he turned the corner.

Viktor looked back to Docia and Ymo. The two were talking, Viktor unsure entirely about what but he could see that Docia was a bit shook.

Understandably as well, given their history.

He flicked his blade, slipping it back in place before seeing Docia reaching into her pocket for her smokes. He frowned, taking her hand into his.

“Hey. How’s about we blow this place and get what we came here for, that way we can get back to some less tainted air.” He gave her a small smile, even if it was a little forced.

“Yeah, hun. That guy reeks, and isn’t worth your time.” She placed a hand to her hip, gathering all of their things together. “Besides, we still got Vik’s room to deal with remember? Though I guess it might reek too.”

“Hey, look I know it’s a mess but I don’t stink that bad- c’mon!” He barked, jumping up to hang off both of their shoulders in his usual goofy manner, hoping to get Docia to smile again.

Docia couldn’t help but laugh a little.

“That’s a good idea though. We still have a lot to do whether Viktor likes it or not.” She nodded, the three making their way to the exit.

They ended up chatting for the latter half of their trip, Viktor doing what he does best which is being a joker and acting like a dork to do his best to get Docia to be distracted from the unfortunate incident earlier. While Viktor himself was still pissed off from dealing with Ymo’s grandmother- he shoved that aside because there was no one he hated seeing upset more than Docia.

Upon returning to the Catz’ place they ended up having a nice little welcome party, plus a very surprisingly tidy lounge to boot. The twins had focused their energy on working on cleaning it, while Asheton dealt with dishes and getting Wally to put them away for him.

The twins had passed out on the couch long ago, and the crew ended up catching up with one another to talk and explain what had happened. Thankfully Wally had made a pot of tea for Ymo and Docia, while Vik pulled his usual, tossing his jeans to the side and drinking his carton of juice from the fridge in his boxers. They had a long chat, about everything and nothing all at once, before heading back to deal with Viktor’s room.

They definitely had their work cut out for them.

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[deep-blue-novella]

Almost done with the transfers! I’d like to make little posts or pages for the characters themselves on here but I’m trying to think of the best way to do it... I feel like a post might be easier handled with a custom tag, but at the same time a dedicated page is nice for custom css.

hmmmmmm.

for now i’ll focus on getting ch 9 tweaked and posted and then call it good for the meantime.

#much to do! #ive been wanting to get this one going for some time now i just didnt have the time #ive had a few half shifts in the past couple weeks so my energy is returning to me :>

[deep-blue-novella]

CH08 Some Things Just Never Change

Viktor opened the door to the house, taking a single step in and immediately almost tripping on a set of shoes that had definitely not been there when he left. There was very loud music playing, cheering, laughter, and a pile of absolutely drunken Cats to be found on the couches.

The entire house was a disaster. In one single evening they managed to- instead of cleaning the place- essentially fucktuple the amount of mess. There was books scattered all over the place, a kitchen half torn apart and the entire lounge was covered in the miscellany that had once lined the shelves and drawers in the room… not to mention how the counter tops were no longer able to be seen.

Viktor, upon proper witness of it, came to a harsh realization of how bad his room was... given it was nearly always in the exact same state, but in a smaller space.

He quietly dragged his feet, sliding off his shoes in the hall, and slipped into his room before the others could notice him.

‘What the fuck happened.’ he thought, and gently placed a hand against his face, exasperated.

He gave up guessing in his head, dropping his bag on the floor and flopped on his bed, looking at the ceiling as he is wont to do. While the return home was less than ideal given the state he found said home to be in… he was at least very satisfied with how his night went.

He then chuckled to himself.

He felt like he was finally starting to get somewhere. Sure it required him actually listening to people for once in his life, but he was so happy that Altani still wanted to see him… even despite knowing that it wasn’t a good idea, and also against what Baasan wanted of them.

“Did they really want to rebel that much?” he mumbled to himself, jacket still in hand. “Maybe they ain’t such a square after all.”

Viktor sighed happily, tossing his jacket to the side.

He could still hear the sound of the music blaring from the room over, faint and distant sounds of chatter about many different topics at once… but he noticed that he didn’t hear Docia’s voice at all. This was strange given she was generally the life of the party, especially when drinking, and even more so when she was in the company of Ymo.

He slowly got up from his bed, trying to listen more.

Still no Docia.

Viktor decided to go and investigate. It was far too early for her of all people to go to sleep. He stepped out into the lounge, the others giving him a little cheer and then getting right back to their conversations. Whatever they were on about they were really into it. He peered around the corner, trying to see behind the staircase to see if Docia was inside the washroom, but the door was ajar and the lights off. He looked to the other side to see the kitchen was also vacated.

He shuffled upstairs, trying to not slip on the hardwood in his socks this time.

The upstairs seemed pretty quiet, at least in comparison to the chaos down below. The halls always had a little bit of an echo to them, so he could still feel the bass in his ears as he sauntered down the half lit corridor.

Viktor was checking the doors as he passed. The washroom and the twin’s rooms were on the right, all empty. A bunch of potted plants lined the walls and floor on the one side, but nothing had moved since he last looked at it. At the end, another hall stretched out to the left, the lights in Asheton’s room were dimmed as they usually are, and a purple glow was just barely visible from underneath.

To the right however… the door to Docia and Ymo’s room was partially opened. Viktor slipped in, peering from the door frame. Docia was sitting on her bed, looking at an album that he hadn’t seen in years. She looked visibly lost and upset, staring deep into the book.

He lingered for a moment, seeing not much of a change in expression from his friend.

“Looking into the past again?” Viktor leaned on the door finally speaking, Docia’s head shooting up to look at him.

“Oh, Viktor, you’re back.” She closed it and set it aside.

“You need a session?”

“Yeah. I think so. Are you drunk like the rest of them or-” She sat up from the bed, walking to the door to grab her coat.

“No, no, I just got home. I don’t think I’m gonna tonight… Especially since you know I’m gonna ask about the lounge and I need to be sober for that one.” Viktor chuckled, moving out of her way, putting his hands in his pockets.

Docia took the fur-lined coat that hung off the back of her door and slipped it on, pulling up her socks before exiting into the hallway with Viktor.

“Yeah that’s a long story in itself. Thanks, Vik. I need this.” She pat his shoulder, the two of them slipping downstairs, throwing on their shoes and sliding out the door, headed their way down south of the house.

-

The neighborhood around them was decent, a few places were a bit decrepit and run down, a few others were just a little bit worn. Most of the lights were on in the houses, loud voices coming from a few further down the road. The roads were a bit broken and battered, evidenced by the fact Viktor was kicking part of the rubble across the street, trying to knock it into one of the sewer grates.

Docia was walking quietly next to Viktor, clearly lost in her own thoughts.

He gave her a little bit more time then, changing the object he was tormenting, he kicked a pile of leaves in front of him and finally asked her, “It’s time?”

Docia sighed heavily.

“Yeah, it’s time.” She stuffed her hands in her pockets. “I found the book again.”

“I had a feeling that cover was familiar.” Viktor nodded to her, sticking his own hands in his pocket to match her posture.

“We were cleaning at first, we just got distracted by a bunch of old yearbooks and photo albums and they descended into this big mass of nostalgia.” She closed her eyes a second, then continued. “I found the one from mom and dad.”

“I’m sorry Docia, it’s close to that time of the year too isn’t it?” He gently bumped into her, Docia catching herself and then slowly bumping back into him.

“Yeah… I swear it never gets easier, Vik. I sometimes have years that are really good about it and I don’t seem to notice or mind…. But some years I swear-” She huffed.

“This one of those years? You went about two this time without that feeling though, that’s a new record.” Viktor smiled, passing her a smoke from his pocket.

“Thanks, yeah... it’s definitely feeling like it, I can say that for sure. I just keep… doing that childish thing where I’m wishing that things didn’t have to turn out how they did.” She pulled out a lighter and lit the cigarette. “How… or that maybe they could be still alive if I could have changed one little thing.”

She felt Viktor grab her shoulder gently and shake her a little.

“It’s not your fault remember? Things wouldn’t change if you ‘just had walked instead of getting a ride’, if you had ‘just caught the bus on time-’ You know that’s just you being hard on yourself because you want something to blame.” Viktor smiled a bit sadly up at her.

“I know, I know, the psych said the same thing... but its hard to shake it unless you’re reminded sometimes, yeah?” She blew out a combination of smoke and warm breath that trailed in the air a moment. “I always feel like I’m repeating myself when we do this, you know?”

“Well yeah, that’s how brains work.” Viktor shrugged. “They nag you over and over repeating the same things almost like it wants to just... find that one opening to like, ‘getcha’.”

“I feel bad sometimes.” She passed the cig to him.

“You’re allowed to, but you also don’t have to.” He took a drag, kicking another pile of leaves. “That’s the whole reason I offer you these walks yanno? So you can say whatever’s on your mind- be it something you’ve said before, something dark, something out of character, it’s all just so you can.”

“Don’t you get tired of it?”

“Nah, not really.” He shuffled a little faster, turning to face her and walked backwards. “Docia, if it was anyone else you know what I’d say. You’re different because you matter a lot to me.”

“I know Vik-”

“-And I also know that you doubt that sometimes, which is like… fair. You’re allowed to doubt. After all you’ve seen how I can be and all that… but I’ll just be here t’keep reminding you that I mean what I say.” He grinned.

“Now, does that also apply to you earlier saying you were going to clean your-”

“Docia! C’mon! I’ll do it, I’ll do it, but now you gotta promise me you’re gonna fix the lounge!” Viktor flicked his hand out, the two laughing. “Look, that’s not the topic on hand anyway… How are you holding up?”

“I’m better actually. Mostly just being able to say things and not think so much to only myself… I’m very lucky to have people like you and Ashe.” She pat his head, taking back the smoke and then putting it out under her shoe. “Sometimes you just wanna bitch even if it changes nothing, you know.”

“Yeah, you’re right on both counts. You two were there when I needed you and I’m just glad we could be there for you too.” Viktor dug in his pocket, looking for another cigarette before Docia stopped him.

“Sorry, by the way. For talking about my mom and dad so much. I know its a sore subject for you too even if you won’t readily admit it.”

“C’mon Docia, you know it doesn’t bother me that bad anymore-” He flailed a hand, trying to reach back into his pocket.

“Except that you don’t usually chain-smoke unless you’re stressed or have some shit on your mind.” She took his hand and moved it away from his jacket. “Did… something happen recently? ‘Cause I’ve noticed you reaching for cigarettes more often than usual as of late.”

Viktor huffed at her, rolling his eyes and looking away. “Docia… the walk is for you, not me.”

“Why can’t it be both?” She smiled. “C’mon Vik. It’s been a while since we had a good feelings-vomit, and I know how much you love to pour out.”

“Docia-”

“Vik, genuinely… Did something happen?” She frowned, bumping into him.

“Eh… Kinda I guess.” He kicked at a stray rock. “Look, it was just some offhand comments from those Wolves, nothing they say is truth we both know this.”

“Ah, so it was when you went to the arcade. Yeah, they usually talk out their asses to try and get a one-up on you.” She shook her head.

“S’mostly a frustrating piss-off when pricks you barely know can make comments about your past history as if they actually know you. Fuckin’ shitheads running their tongues-”

“Teenagers will be teenagers, and shitheads will be shitheads. They talked a lot back then and I guess it still lingers even now... I almost wish I hadn’t told you about how the whole school talked about the things your dad said but-”

“It was inevitable.” He stopped walking, getting mildly agitated since he knew Docia would give him hell for reaching for his pocket again. “You know… everyone could hear when he yelled the way he did during that stupid interview.”

“To be fair Vik, even now I still say that was both uncalled for and shitty of him.”

“I just wanna know why I’m so easily irritated about it years later. I was just a kid and now I’m a grown man and here I am still getting pissed off over old shit-”

“I think it doesn’t help that it keeps getting brought up by people who don’t matter though. If I could silence them I would, Vik…” Docia grabbed him with her arm around his neck in a choke-hold. “But I’m gonna remind you like you always remind me, don’t you dare believe a word those intrusive thoughts tell you okay?”

“I’m trying Docia, but I do… really believe sometimes that maybe if I coulda’ been the way they wanted me to be maybe things would be better.” He had tried to grab at her arms, but at this point he wasn’t into the fight.

“You remember what you’d just said to me?” She smiled at him, not letting go.

“Uh… which thing.” His face scrunched.

“Oh, you know! That whole thing about brains and how they ‘nag you over and over repeating the same thing to try and get you.’, and the fact ‘things wouldn’t change if you’d done things differently’.” She let him go, Viktor just kind of hanging in place.

“Ah… yeah I’m just wallowing aren’t I.” Viktor chuckled a little.

“You’re right to be mad though. It’s uncalled for… for those guys to bring up your past specifically.”

“I mean… Dad did disown me then and there, so I mean…” Viktor trailed off.

“I won’t lie, even now I’d love to know what went through his head… Like, who does that?” She theatrically threw her hands in the air.

Viktor couldn’t help but laugh. He put on a gruff, very fake voice and started to holler into the night air. “Vihktur Rahkmun! You dun’ disappointed the family name for the last damn time!”

“Ye get on out and you don’t be comin’ back ya little shit!” Docia mockingly joined. “Ahn doncha be runnin to yer mother either she dun want nothing of ya!”

“If I had half a diddly dang doodlin ability ter do so- I tweren’t have been letting ya be born in the first place ya fuck-up! My gots-dahng dick just can’t stay in my pants and muh self control is a whole heckin’ lots of nothin’!” His voice was getting more and more ridiculous, both Docia and him going into mocking bouts of pretending to be Viktor’s father, making shitty jokes about his habits and past mistakes.

The two wheezed, struggling to catch their breath as they kept going into more and more ridiculous situations with it until the two had to stop, hearing someone yelling down the street at them.

“Ah…. D'erehan… That guy was a piece of work. He used to get pissed off at me for even being around you.” Docia wiped a tear from her eye, looking to Vik. “It’s so sad too cause I was hoping he could be a second dad to me at first, and then I actually got to know him and I hate how right you were.”

“Oh yeah the old man was as shitty as they came. I still remember the look on his face the first time I brought you home to hang out, and how furious he was when you left. I still can’t believe he has it out for your family just because he got his ass beat by your uncle in high school… Maybe we aren’t so different for clinging to the past, eh?” Viktor smiled up at Docia, standing up straight.

“Won’t lie, I’d love to beat his ass and give him another reason to hate us Estaughffe’s.” She grinned down at him. “He was so mean to you and I was just too shy and scared to stand up for you back then.”

Viktor turned sharply, the two heading back around the block from the other side of the street now.

“Same to be honest… but I’m glad you stuck around me despite the awful things people would say to you because of me…” Viktor frowned. “I’m happy you’re still around, Docia.”

“I am too, but besides who would take care of you and Asheton?” She snorted, zipping up her coat. “You two would have murdered each other by now, and someone has to make sure your ‘ingenious’ plans aren’t full of holes.”

“Yeah, yeah, you ain’t entirely wrong there. Love the guy, but fuck he gets on my nerves sometimes.” Viktor laughed. “Thanks though, Docia. I didn’t realize I was getting as neurotic as I was… I needed the laugh. We don’t do this often enough anymore.”

“I wanted to bring it up yesterday but we kind of all got hammered so fast I didn’t find a chance… Between having knives thrown at your head, you acting funny all week, this business with Altani…” She trailed off, tilting her head to the side. “I worry about you sometimes, Vik. Especially when you start smoking too much, you still need your lungs you know?”

“Yeah, I know… Crutches are as crutches are, though.” Viktor shook his head. “I guess you’re right, I have been going through one too many too fast. I didn’t really notice until now.”

“You know what I’m gonna say.”

“I know, I know…” Viktor reached in his pocket, handing the pack of cigarettes to Docia. “Three days.”

“Three days with none, and I’ll give them back.” She smiled.

The two of them laughed, chattering about everything and nothing all at once. They headed back to the house to see if the rest of them had finally managed to get anywhere with the actual cleaning or not. They’d managed to sneak in with none of them noticing, as the lot of them had managed to fall asleep and were sprawled all over the place.

The two exchanged a fist bump, and then parted ways, each going to one another’s respective rooms.

Viktor hung his coat on his doorknob and threw off his outfit for the day, stopping after he dropped it on the floor.

“Right. Not floor.”

He leaned down to pick it back up, looking around at the mess that surrounded him.

“Ah… yeah.” He scowled, throwing his clothing into the laundry basket. “Tomorrow. That’s…. that’s for tomorrow.”

He flicked off the light, threw himself into the bed and promptly passed out, dreading the work he would need to do when he rose.

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[deep-blue-novella]

CH07 Leave That Old Record Spinning

The sun’s rays blared down from the windows, shining brightly into the messy kitchen of the Cats’ place, and reflecting directly into the shiny pomp of Atwood, who was slowly descending from the couch in an attempt to escape it.

The rest of the room was scattered with nothing but empty beer cans, bottles, cigs, scraps of trash and piles of the remnants of last night’s snacks. Will was curled in the corner of the couch behind Atwood, Docia and Ymo had gone back upstairs, Wally had shuffled to Vik’s room and Vik and Asheton were asleep on the other end of the couch, Asheton using Vik’s jacket as a blanket and Vik’s chest as a pillow.

The sound of the cat wall clock was ticking away, the time reading 3pm, and the wonderful silence was broken by the sound of Atwood smacking into the floor and tossing a bowl of old stale chips all over himself- followed by a shriek as his face was assaulted by the tiny salted battalion descending upon him.

Will groaned, rolling over and finally overtaking his brother’s end of the couch, avoiding Asheton’s feet. “Att, don’t scream. Head hurts.”

“Not my fault someone was pushing me off the couch and I got a-salt-ed by these chips.” Atwood laughed at his own joke, getting pelted in the head by a TV remote that Vik tossed at him.

He let out a loud yelp, and held his head, rolling on the floor making crunching sounds from the chips. Viktor grunted, shifting under Asheton.

“There, now your head hurts too- don’t be so loud cuz that’s how it feels.” Viktor covered his own head with a throw cushion.

“You don’t have to throw things, Vixen- that’s so mean-”

“I am mean. Especially when I’m being woken up by screaming after drinking a lot. This is the second time in less than a week.” Vik huffed, pressing the cushion to his face.

“Stop talking so much, I’m actually starting to wake up you assholes.” Asheton groaned, nuzzling into Vik. “I was sleeping so well too-”

“Probably because you’re on Viktor-” Atwood started, getting pelted in the head again by an empty can thrown from Asheton this time.

Atwood just lay on the ground and gave up.

Will however, clearly gave up on his attempt at sleep and rose from the couch… jumping off his brother in the process and immediately went to the kitchen to close all the blinds. The entire room breathed a sigh of relief. He shuffled to the fridge and started rummaging about while Atwood grumpily groaned, getting up to join his brother.

Viktor sighed and moved the pillow off his face. He looked down at Asheton who he knew was not going to move unless he said something. He rolled his eyes and looked around the room in the meantime.

“Shit. We really made a mess, huh.” It wasn’t even a question at that point.

“Prrrobably.” Asheton mumbled. “Do we have to clean it today? I am really not feeling it dude.”

“I mean me either… but do you remember the last time we cleaned any of this place?” Viktor frowned.

“No. I know you only wanna so the place looks good in comparison to the Wolves ritzy shit, but our clutter is very us.” Asheton moved his head up to Vik’s. “Do we really gotta-”

“Asheton I’m not asking you guys to throw shit out. I’m asking that we all pitch in and at least wipe shit down.” Viktor chuckled. “I know I only brought it up last night but just maybe it should be done…”

Viktor’s thought process was broken by the sound of another voice calling from upstairs.

“Only if you clean your room for once.” Docia walked downstairs in her shorts and hoodie. “Vik, we can handle the main room and kitchen, you’ll break something. I want you to clean your room tonight when you get back.”

Viktor threw up his hands in an exasperated shrug, mostly at the fact she was calling him out on his bullshit. “Oh I will not break something-”

“Vik~! C’mon, last time you cleaned you shattered Docia’s favorite mug on your toe!” Ymo laughed, sliding down the handrail. “Just take her up on it okay? We got this! Plus a fall-clean is never a bad thing, and your room is the worst of all of us!”

Viktor sighed, tapping at Asheton’s head. “Alright Ashe, move, I still gotta run out to the store tonight.”

“Store? Was this mentioned in another one of your drunken rambles last night- I still only barely remember the one about this place getting cleaned…” Asheton stretched, shoving a fist into Vik’s face before getting up.

“I’m going to stop letting you sleep on me if you keep punching me when you get up, dude.” Viktor whipped himself up, immediately regretting his decision given the pain he was experiencing in his temples.

“Yeah, yeah.” Asheton yawned, headed upstairs. “I’m going to my room to get a bit more sleep, I’ll clean my own space first before I work on any of this ‘giant disaster’.”

Viktor slid off the couch, pulling up his briefs and trying his best to step over the pile of crumbled chips and not on it. The last thing he needed was something sharp in his socks and his aching head. He swaggered past the two troublemakers who were making some sort of unknown breakfast concoction, and knocked on the door to his room.

“Wally, you awake?” Viktor mumbled, leaning against the door.

“Yeah- sadly. You’re good to come in and do your thing- I’m just not getting up.” Vik could hear Wally call through the door.

He entered, half closing the door. It was nice and dark in the room which helped hide the fact that Viktor had made a giant mess of the floor with his clothing, papers, and other miscellaneous garbage. He climbed around it, digging in one of his dresser drawers.

“You’re headed out soon right?” Wally asked, sitting up and leaning back against the headboard.

“Yeah soon-ish anyway. I gotta make something to eat, get my juice… few errands to run before I head over.” Viktor whipped his shirt off to get a clean one.

“You want some advice?”

“Now that depends on what it’s in regards to.” Viktor almost tossed his old shirt on the floor, stopping himself and setting it on top of the dresser while he dug out a new pair of socks.

“It’s in regards to Altani… and Baasan in a way too.” Wally crossed his arms, watching as Viktor hesitantly responded.

“Okay, what you got Walls?”

“If you really do think that you love this person then my biggest advice to you is not to try anything too soon-”

“Look, Wally I really like them but I’m honestly not trying to get into their pants I promise okay? I just-”

“No, Vik, not in that sense. I mean like, don’t try to make a move on them or be too flirty with them right now is all.”

Viktor seemed a little surprised, but shook it off and started to grab some clothing off the floor. “Okay… I guess? I can manage that. Is this because of Baasan?”

“Partly, yes. Remember… Altani is this guy’s boyfriend for a reason. I don’t know what it is, but you need to remember that they’re not gonna just wanna leave him suddenly for some guy they barely know. They probably have a history or something, and if your accusations against Baasan are correct…”

“You’d think that’d be reason enough to wanna go.” Viktor dumped his first armload of laundry into the hamper behind his door.

“No, actually, they might be more inclined to stay with him if that’s the case. You gotta remember they’re in a precarious situation if its true... and they might have some issues trusting people. I’m shocked enough they didn’t kick you out the window for showing up unannounced like that.”

“Maybe they have a thing for me?” Viktor went back for more laundry, smiling to himself.

“No, maybe they needed a distraction.” Viktor frowned at the comment. “Regardless… I’m not saying you can’t try. It’s that you should give it time before you do.”

Wally yawned, stretching. “Be there for them above all else, Vik.”

“Be there… Ah, I know what you mean, then. Just like with Docia before.” Viktor looked down, picking up things a little slower, distracted.

“Exactly. I don’t know what kind of friends they have but I can guarantee that none of those Wolves would make good ones. I can’t even say for sure if they would listen to Altani about how he might be or any slight against their ‘master’. So they might be all alone in this… Be there for them. Prove to them that you’re a good friend first above all else. A good friend makes all the difference when times get dark.”

“Yeah, if I didn’t have Docia and Asheton back then I don’t know where I’d be.” He dumped another armload.

“If Docia didn’t have you and Asheton it would have been just as bad. The difference is Asheton caught the warning signs sooner than later. We don’t know how long this has been going on between those two, if that is the case.”

“Yeah… I wish I’d seen it sooner with Docia though...” Viktor sat on the bed, his face was very sullen.

“I think we all do, Vik. I didn’t even know you guys at the time but I catch myself thinking it too.” Wally pat his shoulder.

“I mean… at least I have experience I guess?” Viktor laughed a little.

“Exactly. Even if they don’t end up loving you… I think they could use a ‘Cat like you around to make them smile.” Wally smiled. “Show them what you got man.”

“Can do Wally, can do… but first I need to eat and drink something so this headache can bugger off.” Viktor frowned, tossing a paper at the garbage can, missing.

“Good idea… but Docia is right. You really gotta clean this place.”Wally shook his head. “I know you’ve had a rough few months before this but it’s kinda showing now.”

“Oh bite me, I’ll do it tonight I promise. Don’t let me have a beer until I at least deal with the floor.” Viktor waved his hands about, exiting the room and slipping on his pair of shoes he left by the door.

“Deal.”

-

Viktor ended up taking far longer than he anticipated in terms of getting ready. Who would have thought that killing a headache, taking a shower and dealing with a very difficult pomp could take upwards of two hours…

He’d ended up taking far too long at the record shop as well. After having picked up his winnings from one of the local rats running the gambling ring he decided to get Altani a gift. Only, that gift wasn’t supposed to take him a half hour to find. He struggled horribly to read his own writing and find the name of the musician, and then proceeded to struggle to remember which record was the one they already owned. If not for the owner being kind and spinning a copy for him he certainly would have picked the wrong one.

It was around seven pm at this point, and he’d burned enough daylight to almost feel bad since he was aiming to meet them at five. Though, admittedly Altani wasn’t aware of this, they just knew he would be coming back and he wasn’t even sure if they wanted to see him or could see him for that matter.

He rolled up to their quaint little home again, noticing how perfect the little place always seemed to be. They really did take amazing care of it. Viktor parked, seeing the lights on in the whole place and he grabbed the record, slipping it into a satchel he slung over his shoulder, then made his way up the tree and to the window again.

‘Vik, there’s a door… I know you’re always nervous to see them but how hard is it to use a door? Is this just some silly bit you’re gonna keep doing now?’ Viktor thought to himself, coming up to the window and testing it, finding it unlocked.

He grinned to himself and slipped in, making sure to take off his shoes, since Altani seemed to be the type to prefer a sock filled house. He looked around their bedroom, seeing that it was empty. He took off his bag and coat, pulling out the record and made his way downstairs. He could hear a kettle boiling and the earthy smell of tea to follow after.

He walked in through the doorway to see Altani, dressed in a simple tee and shorts, looking over at him and smiling weakly. Viktor however, grinned brightly at them and held his arms out, the record in hand.

“Sugar!” He exclaimed, walking over. “I’m glad you’re willing to see me tonight, I brought you a gift!”

“I figured I should since I feel like I have some explaining to do… but… a gift?” Altani looked up at the record that Viktor was now handing to them.

“A gift! I told you I’d win that race for you after all… and I used some of the winnings to pick up a new release for that band you like.” Viktor looked as Altani’s eyes sparkled with a withheld glee. “I almost accidentally got you the same copy of the one you owned… but I made sure to remember which one you sung along to a lot. I hope you like it.”

“Oh… Viktor that’s so sweet. You really didn’t have to-” They started before Viktor stopped them.

“I wanted to though. You’re worth it.” He smiled, helping himself to a mug of tea.

“Viktor…” Altani started, turning to face him, putting the record down on the counter top. “I want to apologize.”

“What for?” He leaned back, dipping the bag into his cup before shuffling to the fridge.

“For lying to you…”

“Sugar, you didn’t lie to me about anything, unless there’s something I don’t know about?” He replied, looking for a creamer.

“I should have told you about Baasan sooner...I was just. I was so excited to have a ‘Non-Baasan approved’ friend that I didn’t even think to tell you about him and-”

“Sugar that ain’t lyin’,” He pulled out a carton he found in the back checking the expiry. “Lyin’ would be like tellin’ me you didn’t wanna be around me at all! You just didn’t wanna mention him and scare me away, not that that would scare me away, anyway. That guy ain’t got nothin’ on me.”

“Oh… I mean if you’re sure.” Altani fiddled with their shirt, they didn’t really quite believe him.

“No, I’m sure.” He poured creamer into his cup, putting the carton back and starting to look for a spoon along the oak drawers. “Though… on that topic, what do you mean by ‘Non-Baasan Approved’ anyway?”

“I’ll explain.” They walked over, opening a drawer and handing a spoon to him. “Can we sit first?”

Viktor nodded, taking the spoon and casually brushing his fingers against theirs before pulling away.

He followed them just past the built-in counter wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area. The room was decently large, the east side leading down into the lounge space, a fireplace sitting in the middle of the wall somewhat dividing the space. The room had a high ceiling and on the west end was another smaller little space that lead to the second door, though it was double locked with a chain and seemed rusted and older than the other doors. In the middle of the room was the table which was sat upon a larger area rug, greenish in colour.

The two of them sat down at the ovalline table, surrounded by chairs, most of which had been collecting dust.

Altani sat first, sipping on their tea before letting out a sigh.

“So… for a long time now, Baasan has been approving or disapproving of people who should be friends with me. He keeps saying it’s to protect me from some really shady and awful people and keeps mentioning how you can’t trust anyone these days among other things… So for as long as I can remember since us being together he’s sort of picked through my friends and made any he deemed ‘unfit’ back off.”

“That… is really uncool.” Viktor’s face scrunched up. Altani looked up at him. “You should be able to be friends with whoever you want… But, does this mean those people who you said you were friends with at the bar were-”

“Approved friends, yes.” They gently touched their own hand, fiddling with their cup as well. “They’re part of his ‘pack’ and he usually sends me out with them.”

“No wonder they bailed. No offense.” Viktor sipped his drink. “If they’re like the ones I saw at the race I can tell you now just by lookin’ at them they only wanted to score and get out.”

Altani couldn’t help but laugh. “You could tell that by looking at them?”

“Look… Once upon a time I used to run with the wrong crowds and I’ve seen their type before, don’t judge me too hard there, please.” Viktor rubbed his head, Altani was laughing at him.

“No! No, I won’t judge I promise, but it is a funny concept.”

“Altani, can I ask you a serious question?”

Altani nodded to him.

Viktor half considered asking them, ‘Why the hell are you dating someone so controlling?’, ‘Why do you even like this slimeball?’, ‘Is it really worth it?’. He wanted so badly to just… know the reason why, but he knew he needed to listen to Wally’s advice… to take things slow. It was a hell of a struggle for him though.

“Are… you okay with this?”

“How do you mean..?” Altani seemed a bit confused, but were still gently rubbing at their own hands very clearly concerned.

“...Any of this, really. The fact your… boyfriend, chooses your friends for you. Me, being here at all and potentially getting you in deep shit. Are you really okay with that?” Viktor frowned at them, trying to get a read on their face.

Altani looked a little somber, going into thought. Viktor could tell that maybe that wasn’t the best question to ask, but he got an answer he wasn’t exactly expecting.

“Sort… of? That’s a loaded one.” They gently toyed with the string hanging from the side of their cup.

Viktor was watching them a lot more intently than he probably meant to.

“Um, well I don’t like it, but I understand Baasan’s reasoning, I think. I know he deals in some dangerous business sometimes so I’m sure he’s just looking out for me, but I really want to just make my own friends sometimes.”

They looked directly at him and he could see their demeanor completely change, a bright and wonderfully sweet smile coming across their face that struck him right in the heart.

“As for you, I love having you around despite the danger. You’re fun to be around, and I don’t exactly know why, but being around you almost makes me feel more calm.”

Altani laughed, covering their mouth while doing so. Viktor’s face was feeling a bit flushed from their sweet words.

“I like being around you Viktor, and I’d like to do so and get to know Mr. Stray Cat a little more. However, you are very right, its dangerous for us to be together at all… So, I don’t know really.”

“Maybe… we should figure out a system then? I mean the window thing for example worked well tonight. I could come by at night and try the window, if it’s locked I can leave you alone. That works for days Baasan isn’t around too though- if you don’t wanna be around me please make it clear, and if you need time to yourself make that clear too! I don’t wanna’ impose.”

“I do like that system, its very clever actually- especially since you don’t seem to want to come in through the door.” They took another sip, looking out the front window.

Viktor looked clearly embarrassed.

Altani was still clearly thinking a lot to themself.

“Though, your car might be a problem… If Baasan sees it…”

“Well- Good thing I got legs then isn’t it!” Viktor smiled, leaning back in the chair, pushing it off the ground with one foot against the table. “Yeah I admit that crossed my mind last night… I mean there’s a corner store down the hill from here. It’s a lil’ ways off but I don’t mind walking up if it means you’re safer you know? I don’t want you getting hurt because of me.”

“Oh! I mean... if you don’t mind... but it’s such a long walk and that hill is so steep, are you sure-”

“Trust me Sugar, I’m certain. My legs may be a bit gangly but they do the job.”

The two continued to plot their little methods of seeing one another… starting off by figuring out one another’s schedules. There were mostly conflicts during the week between the two especially due to Altani’s schooling but the two of them ended up settling on three set days, under the assumption that Baasan wasn’t going to come and get them.

The current week was a definite no-go especially since Baasan was said to be making an appearance. Viktor ended up giving Altani the numbers of both Willwood and Atwood, saying that if they keep Will posted then he can be a little more certain of the ‘no-go’ weekends as he called them. As well as if for some reason Will couldn’t relay there was his brother’s number instead.

Altani tried to pry into why Viktor didn’t have a phone but he was very good at dodging the question.

Viktor got up from the chair, Altani doing the same and the two met in the middle of the table, Viktor leaning down to hug them.

“Hey, sorry it has to be this way Sugar, but… I’d do anything to hang with ya more, and even more so to see you smile. I do love that sweet and darling little grin you got.”

Altani laughed at his corny compliment. “I’m just happy to know I can still see you, and… I’m really relieved to know you aren’t mad at me for all of this.”

“Altani, I never could be mad at you for it okay? Yes, Baasan’s gang is well known and dangerous but like, if it means I get to hang out with someone as nice as you then I’m always willing to do what I can to see ya. You can’t scare off this Cat that easy.” He chuckled, headed upstairs with them following behind.

“I mean… I really expected you to take this differently I wont lie.” They held the record from him close with one hand, the other holding the railing. “You’re… Allowed to be upset with me.”

“You almost sound like you want me to be.” He looked back at them, confused.

“...I don’t. I don’t think so anyway... I promise. It’s hard to believe is all.”

“Look Altani, I dunno what kinda people you’ve been around but I’ll definitely be assuring you now that I sure as hell ain’t like them, it takes a lot more than that to get me riled up I can tell you that now…” Viktor scratched his chin before turning around and walking again. “Well… okay in terms of that it’s hard to rile me up. If you start yelling and screamin’ like some people I know when I have a hangover that’s a different story.”

Altani chuckled at him, Viktor taking his bag and jacket from off their bed.

“Sounds like you have some rowdy mornings then.” They leaned their head against the door frame, watching him as he grabbed his shoes and slipped them on.

“Yeah, you could say that. Don’t worry about it though… as I said, I’m truly and genuinely not upset.” He looked back and smiled at them as he climbed into the windowsill. “Honestly, I’m actually kinda glad you weren’t mad at me for talking shit to Baasan’s face. He… is your boyfriend after all.”

Altani hid a smile behind their hand. “Well… I was definitely surprised I’ll tell you that for sure, but you definitely got the others talking, and that was kind of fun in a way. Do be careful though. I don’t want you getting hurt, you are rivals after all… You told me so yourself.”

“Well… You aren’t wrong. I would say I’m shocked Baasan didn’t talk about us before but given his demeanor something tells me he thinks we ain’t shit.” Viktor shrugged, grinning at them. “Those are conversations for another day… You get a good sleep Altani. I’ll see you again soon. Promise.”

“Okay, we should do something again, maybe not go out just yet… since…”

Viktor interrupted them, putting a finger to his lips. “Shh, no worries okay. We’ll go out once the heat dies down, I wanna take you to one of my favorite diners sometime but we need a day when we can both go in the afternoon so that’ll take some time, in the meantime I can just pop in and we can chat.”

Altani excitedly nodded and waved him off. They flopped back, sitting on the bed and looking down at the record as they listened to the sound of his car drive down the street.

Altani looked down at the record, a smile on their face, but also with misty eyes as they noticed that he even wrote on the back of the plastic that covered it. They gently wiped at their eye, reading the words on it.

‘Here’s a little something, you were my muse for winning after all… And here’s to the start of a new friendship.’

They laughed a tiny bit. “It’s funny… He hasn’t given me a personal gift like this in years… and yet…”

They wiped their face again. “-yet a stray I’ve only known a short time gives me something so sweet… I wonder when things started to change, Baasan.”

They looked out the window. “Thank you, Viktor.”

-

The lights from the streetlamp whipped past Vik’s car as the highway came into view before him. He was taking a longer route home this time, wanting to just have this moment to himself. Knowing that Altani really did want to see him again left him with a strong sense of happiness in his heart.

He was so worried at first, especially when they seemed so somber when he showed up… It almost made him a little sad. They shouldn’t have to feel like they were going to be yelled at for that. He did understand where they were coming from however, given the circumstances.

He actually probably should have been angry. He should have felt a bit betrayed because that’s a hell of a thing to keep from someone who was clearly flirting with them, and more so given how dangerous Baasan was.

… Yet for some reason he couldn’t find it in his heart to be angry at them. It was probably because it reminded him far too much of-

He gripped the wheel tighter.

“That Baasan...” He scowled. “I… Really am assuming things aren’t I.”

Viktor took a moment to himself to think things over.

He knew for sure that Baasan was controlling. That alone was a fact given Altani’s comment about ‘approved friends’. He didn’t know for sure that Baasan was the one that hurt them in the past, but he couldn’t rule it out. These were solid fact, nothing is untrue.

Viktor knew he was getting irrationally angry over a possibility, but at the same time it was hard not to since they kept making his heart leap out of his chest whenever he talked to them. To know someone hurt them at all made him furious.

Viktor shook his head, changing his thoughts back to Altani and that sweet way their eyes sparkled when they saw the record he got them, the way they sent him off with such a kindness. He was so relieved he would still be able to see it...He smiled and rode his high off getting a positive reaction from them.

The relief would be gone and become replaced by shock when he got home and opened the door to the house.

| First | Previous | Next |

[deep-blue-novella]

CH06 'Got a plan for us.

Back at the Cat’s place, the sound of uproarious cheering could be heard from the lounge, and echoed through the halls. Viktor was sat on the couch, downing another beer as Wally tossed a dart past both Atwood and Willwood’s heads, missing the board.

“Vik, I can’t believe you managed to outdo those Wolves, that was such a dirty damn trick- the hell they get throwing knives from?” Wally slurred, downing his rum. “Who the hell brings knives to a race?”

“Fuck’f I know Walls, all I know is I won and drove that fuckin’ bastard’s snooty nose right into the dirt.” Vik sloppily tossed his dart, at least managing to hit the wooden outer rim of the board.

“While true-” Asheton started, crouched on the couch like a cat would sit. “They brought knives to a race.”

“Man those guys ain’t shit anyway, knives or not.” Atwood spat, downing a beer. “Like seriously, the guy couldn’t even be fuck’t to drive his own damn car!”

“It ain’t even all that pretty either.” Willwood laughed, laying back on the couch. “You see his rear end? You’d think a guy who loved his car so much and sang so much praise for it would notice that someone scuffed it.”

Att and Will both howled with laughter, going into their own little conversation, Att pulling out his phone and showing Will whatever pictures he managed to snag while they were out earlier. Docia and Ymo were both mixing drinks over by the sink, and Wally was seated next to Vik and Asheton.

“You guys see the beating that driver took though?” Wally shook his head. “Just like what I saw from him before.”

“Admittedly ‘nah but I can’t imagine it was any good given Altani and even the other members of Baasan’s groupie gang were lookin over at me n’ the twins at the time.” Viktor sipped at his drink again. “Can’t have been good.”

“I’ll be impressed if the guy can even think again.” Asheton shook his head. “Face beat right into the damn car. If that guy doesn’t get some kinda PTSD from driving I’ll be shocked.”

“Fuckt’ shit.” Wally tossed a dart now, getting a little closer to the mid. “Ha! See Vik I told ya, the aim gets better when I drink!”

Viktor rolled his eyes hard and laughed. “Suuuure! Sure you do buddy! Except you were hitting bullseyes to start and haven’t since.”

“I’m just getting warmed up!” Wally laughed, throwing and missing his next two. “Ah… really getting warmed up. It’s fine.”

Viktor howled with laughter, Ymo taking the darts right out of his hands. He scrambled to get them back, but to no avail. Docia took Wally’s from the board, and sat on the bar stool nearest the counter.

“My turn. You two have been hogging the board all night again.” Docia teased, taking the first shot.

“Eh… You’re right. Though it does make me wanna take up playin again for them shiny trophies.” Wally chuckled, taking another swig of his drink. “Still got mine up in the case at home, and I’m always glad to see you got yers hangin’ up too.”

“Well duh-” Viktor leaned past Asheton to slap Wally on the shoulder. “How could I not we were an amazing darts team dude we killed it.”

“You can tell me to move you know.” Asheton pushed Vik back into his seat, Viktor whining loudly. “Vik, I swear sometimes you are really an idiot. That’s always being proven to me, especially after that race.”

Viktor looked over at Asheton, able to slightly see one of his slit grey eyes from under his curly golden locks glaring him down. “Mhmm... I mean I still won-”

“Vik darling, we’re all happy you did but…” Docia started, tapping her finger against her arm as she readied another dart.

“We do have concerns.” Ymo continued, resting her hands on Vik’s head, then placing her chin on them. “Those wolves, honey… they’re nothing to be taken lightly you know? They’ve chased people outta this city.”

“Those are rumors’n you know it, Ymo.” Vik pointed, noting the change in atmosphere of the room.

The others were all looking at him. Viktor was a little uncomfortable.

“Vik…” Docia tossed a dart, the sound of it hitting the board in the silent room echoed. “We need to talk.”

“Ar’we really doin’ this while I’m a drunken mess?” Viktor rolled his eyes, lighting a cigarette. “You sure y’don’t wanna wait until ’m sober?”

“No.” Asheton frowned. “We’re talking now because it makes no difference with you half the damn time. You hardly listen to reason sober, let alone drunk anyway, so we figured now is a good time.”

“Vik, hon. I do just want to remind you, you’ve only just met this person… It might be only an infatuation-” Docia frowned.

“While you might think you really looooove~ this cutie, you’ve been known to just lose interest real fast the minute you find something better you know?” Ymo interrupted, putting an arm on his shoulder, then got him into a choke-hold. “We just wanna make sure you aren’t gonna burn yourself.”

“Vik I’ve done some readings, and you know my Tarot never lies.” Asheton frowned, lighting his own cigarette. “I’ve seen some dark things ahead in between the lights. There’s a lot of potential good, but the biggest issue is these… patches... are really shady, and it scares me a bit.”

“Asheton, how many times d’ I gotta tell’s ya that if I want a reading I’ll come t’you? Though admittedly I was consi-” Viktor started before getting interrupted again.

“-But you were considering coming to me anyway because you wanted to know if this was the right thing to be doing.” Asheton finished, Viktor looking shocked. “I know you dude, and I foresaw it happening. Hence why I looked a little further in.”

“Asheton is very right and you don’t need Tarot to see that, Viktor.” Docia reached for a drink. “Those Wolves are nothing but trouble, and are very violent… We aren’t usually.”

Viktor sat quietly, thinking to himself.

“To be honest boss-” Atwood started, looking down at his phone. “I’ll follow you to the ends of the Earth.”

“-But we gotta be sure this is what you really want, knowing the dangers of it all.” Willwood butted in, tapping his fingers against his leg. “We are pretty sure of the answer… but… ‘wouldn’t mind a bit more from your mouth about it.”

“Especially because I’m told you weren’t certain at first to begin with.” Wally joined in, crossing his arms. “It’s been two weeks Viktor, and you’ve hardly scraped the barrel into knowing them. Knowing this, and about their current partner, are you certain you want to dive into this kind of a fight?”

Viktor tapped his foot.

All of them did have very valid points. He was headed into dangerous territory, and he still didn’t really know for sure if he loved Altani. Love was a real strong word, and it wasn’t one he really much thought about either.

The problem was mostly the way he felt whenever he was around them. He didn’t remember experiencing that kind of a click before with someone, not even Asheton. Being around them… It made him feel a way he never felt before. It was almost like something beyond his control was pulling him to them and they wouldn’t leave his mind.

Even then. There was still a boatload of issues that hadn’t been resolved like the fact they were; one, dating another man, and two, the fact being that the other man was Baasan. Plus there was the other problem of the Wolves in general, the fact they were exactly as ruthless as the others had described and as much as he wanted to write off Ymo’s comment of them running others out of town… He was inclined to believe it.

He did have to agree it sounded bad, and he knew that all of the Catz were aware that he of all people didn’t believe in ‘love at first sight’.

At least not until he met Altani. He got one look at them and knew he wanted them.

He sighed heavily. Regardless of what happened next, he wanted to see Altani more. He wanted to get to know them more. He wanted to take them away from Baasan because he could tell first-hand that someone so aggressive and cruel like him didn’t deserve a lil’ sweetheart like Altani… and Vik felt he could give them a better place to be, with better people to be around.

He looked at the Cats.

“You’re right.”

They all looked surprised.

“I don’t know Altani all that well, I do know how dangerous all of the Wolves’re...” He was still slurring a little. “-but somethin’ in my heart is telling me to keep going. I dunno what or why, but I have to keep at it. Even if it’s not love. I still wanna be their friend… and I still wanna figure out exactly what kinda relationship those two have and why they’re still with that kind of a person at the very least.”

The others sat in silence as he continued.

“The thing is, I know the dangers and I’m gonna tell you all this now. Y’don’t have to help me. You don’t have t’be a part of this if y’don’t want to. I know the dangers and if you feel uncomfortable I don’t wanna get you guys involved in anything. I love y’guys, I don’t wanna see you hurt because of some stupid decision I made. I’ll even leave if I have to.”

“So you’re gonna keep at it?” Asheton questioned, his tail flicking.

“Yeah. I dig Altani, they seem… real nice. Once I get to know them, and if you’re all still with me by then I wanna see about maybe gettin’ everyone together to talk and get to know one another.” He put out his cigarette. “F’r now I gotta get to know them first, and I wanna be there for them in case something happens… They don’t seem to have a lot of friends admittedly, and I have a hunch those Wolves'r to blame.”

Viktor leaned back and downed his drink, casually grabbing his last dart back from Ymo’s hand atop his head. He shot it at the board, hitting the bullseye.

“If you wanna stick around, that’s cool. If not, that’s also cool. J’s don’t feel like you gotta just because I’m the ‘boss’. This affects not just me and I wanna be sure you guys ain’t gonna get into anythin’ you don’t wanna be into.”

Viktor fell silent, closing his eyes and leaning back. Docia was the first to start laughing. The others looked to her, Viktor opening one of his eyes to look over.

“Gods, you always were such a soft-hearted guy Viktor.” She smiled, slapping a knee. “As if I’d let you run around on your own as well, who do you take me for at least? I’ll be with you on this Vik, and if a single wolf lays a hand on you I’m going to smash their face in.”

“Yeah boss!!! You always got a habit of pickin’ up ‘strays that need help and that you see somethin’ in!!” Willwood beamed. “You let me n’ Atty join you, and you even got us fake ID’s so we could go to the bar with the crew- how could I not follow my boss in recruitin’ another Cat?”

“Will’s right you know.” Atwood put away his phone. “You gave us a home when we had nowhere to go, when the world turned its back on us. We’re gonna help you help out this sweetheart, ‘cuz they seem like they could use some respite from a world that’s hurting them too. We met ‘em tonight… and they seem so skittish and scared.”

“No one should be made to feel like they’re cornered.” Will added on, crossing his arms.

Viktor couldn’t help but smile softly, especially since he knew all of their words were true and from their hearts.

“I have seen what Baasan can do, and I won’t lie, I wanna help them get away from him. It’s hard to leave someone so violent without fearing for your life.” Wally put his rum bottle down. “I don’t think they want to leave yet… but I’m hoping that when they’re around Vik they might realize how things could and should be. I’m here to stay for now, but I got a lover, Vik.”

Viktor casually darted an eye at Docia after Wally’s comment, noticing her wince. He did have to agree with Wally regarding them probably not wanting to leave as well.

“If things go too far south, I gotta bail out. Don’t judge me too hard for it, but my family I’ve started comes first, and I won’t put my honey at risk.”

“You do anything you gotta Wally, family first.” Vik nodded.

“I’m only in it because I’m going to keep tabs and try to at least forewarn you about the potential negative outcomes... ‘cause you mean too much for me to let you go get yourself off’d.” Asheton sighed, sipping a beer. “You’re too bloody kind for your own good and I will keep telling you that Viktor.”

“Thanks buddy, I expect nothin’ less of ya.” Viktor grinned at him, Asheton scowling back.

“I see some fun in it, and you knooooooow~ I love me some big scary danger.” Ymo grinned, putting Viktor into another headlock. “Besides I wanna see where this goes! Ol’ player Vik finding himself a sweetie? I have got to see it. Firsthand. I want all the details and I am not getting some secondhand info about it- front row or bust, baby!!!”

“You guys…” Viktor sniffled, rubbing his nose and struggling to talk in the chokehold. “C’mon now-”

The entire room started chanting, ‘Rachman! Rachman! Rachman!’ just like they did at the bar. They all clearly didn’t want to leave his side despite the danger. Mostly to keep from getting into too much trouble more than anything. He knew there was still some uncertainty, and it made him a little uncertain as well.

Regardless, he was still so happy to know that he had such a good crew.

The party continued on into the night until Sunday morning, when the entire house finally fell into silence… at least for a while.

If only ever a while.

| First | Previous | Next |

[deep-blue-novella]

CH05 Built for speed.

The door to Vik’s room busted open, the two rowdy twins both rushed in nearly fumbling over one another pushing and shoving and shouting, “Viktor! Viktor! Viktor!”

Viktor groaned.

It was far too early for any of them to be awake, especially given they were out drinking last night and his hangover was still killing him something fierce. The two twins sure seemed awake however, given they had continued to clamour over one another in a desperate attempt to get up on his bed to start jumping on it.

“What. Do you. Want.” He grunted between jumps- one of them landing on his stomach and winding him.

“Oh shit-” Will started as Viktor grabbed him and physically threw him into his laundry hamper in the corner of the room.

“Vixen, this is HUGE important you need to get up and meet us in the lounge and get your orange juice you’re gonna need it when I tell you the shit we learned.” Atwood panicked, grabbing the hamper and dragging his brother’s cage out of Viktor’s room.

Viktor lay there for a minute, his head still pounding. He sighed, putting on his jeans and not bothering with his shirt, walking over to the fridge as per routine. He had a hand on his temple, gently rubbing it while Atwood was trying to pull his brother out of the hamper.

Will was screaming, face first in Vik’s dirty clothing. Viktor walked over, orange juice in hand, pulling up Will by the leg, one of his boxers stuck on Will’s head. He took his hamper back, Will howling and tossing the boxers onto, the tall, blonde, pointy eared woman who had just exited the washroom and entered the lounge.

“Will! What the fuck- who’s are these?” She barked, throwing them at Will, missing, and tossing them in Atwood’s face.

Both twins were now yelling, and Viktor returned from his room, looking ready to murder.

“SHUT. UP.” Viktor barked, the room going silent.

He took his boxers, placed them on the couch, and immediately lit a cigarette and sat in his usual corner of the couch.

“Oh, hi Vik.” the girl waved, hopping to sit on the couch’s back beside him. “What are you doing up so early? You’re never awake before ten like this.”

“Oh…. You know, Ymo. Just wanted to vibe.” He huffed. “No. These two came running and screaming into my room saying something about something HUGE and IMPORTANT that I supposedly needed to know.”

The door behind them slammed shut, the sound of a gruff voice saying ‘Oops.’ could be heard in the back. A giant white-haired man entered, ducking to not hit his head on the doorframe, holding a collective of groceries and looking to see the entire room was staring at him.

“Oh! Vik, what are you doing up so-” he started before Vik cut him off.

“Wally, sorry I’ve had this conversation already.” Viktor rubbed his bridge of his nose.

“Hah, you’re good Vik. I’m teasing, I don’t need a reason. Got the week’s groceries for you lot, figured I’d drop it off early today since the big race is going on tonight.” He set the bags down on the counter, starting to put away the cold items in the fridge.

“Thanks, Wally. Remind me to give you the cash tomorrow when I get paid.” Viktor took a heavy drag of his cigarette, Wally just giving him a thumbs up.

“Vixen! Listen! We need to talk to you really badly this is SUPER important-” Will started.

“Did you invite Altani to the race?” Atwood finished.

“Yes..?” Viktor tilted his head.

“DON’T TALK TO THEM WHEN YOU GET THERE.” The twins exploded, Viktor looking extremely taken aback.

“What… the hell... are you talking about?” Viktor’s face scrunched in, baffled since they had literally told him to invite them the other day.

Wally and Ymo were looking at each other, concerned.

“Altani….” Will bit his nails.

“Is…” Atwood, nervously combed his hair.

“Out with it goblins.”

“Altani is Baasan’s babe, Viktor.” Asheton came down the stairs, groggy.

Viktor took a hard drag of his cigarette. “What?”

“Baasan dude, the head Alpha Wolf.” Asheton grabbed an apple from one of Wally’s bags. “We were talking around the bar about the drag, they were saying Baasan was gonna be there and he was gonna be bringing his show toys and pulling out all the stops.”

The twins nodded sadly. “We got confused when they said ‘toys’ and asked about it and Will finally realized once it was said where he’d heard the name Altani before.”

“Altani is Baasan’s girlfriend-” Will started, getting smacked by Atwood.

“Partner!!!”

“Partner. You’re bird-dogging on Baasan’s babe, man!”

Viktor was completely in shock, and was suddenly extremely anxious. He lit another cigarette, thinking to himself.

‘I am so fucking dead.’

“Vik, this is what my scrying meant. You’re going into extremely dangerous territory right now, that man isn’t anything to fuck with, he’s a monster.” Asheton frowned. “He’ll beat any of his own gang within an inch of their life, just to get a point across. You’re swimming with piranhas, pal.”

“Yeah, turns out once the other racers heard he was showin’ his ugly mug they all backed out, we’re the only ones left racing…” Atwood twiddled his thumbs.

Everyone was looking at Viktor anxiously now.

All he could do was sit there quietly with his cigarette in his mouth.

“While Asheton is right, I will admit....” Wally spoke up, garnering the attention of the entire crew. “I… feel very bad for Altani. I can only imagine the things he might do to them if they step out of line with him. I can’t imagine he’s really all that sweet on them.”

The others raised a brow.

“Well you see, I was in the same classes as him growing up, he was always pretty self absorbed to begin with, and I remember seeing the way he treated the people around him. He’d pretend to be so kind in front of crowds to put on a show… but…” Wally trailed off. “I saw something I shouldn’t have and I was transferred later because I couldn’t be near him in my senior year.”

“Oh yeah, you two’s the same age aren’t ya?” Atwood grabbed an apple as well, munching on it. “I guess it would make sense you’d have been in some similar classes.”

The two had gotten into a deep conversation about their school days, blabbering on and putting away groceries.

Viktor had his mind elsewhere.

He remembered the way Altani flinched hearing those two from the other gang getting closer, the way they ran, how they acted when they won against him. He slowly was piecing things together, but he needed to go find Docia. She’d know for sure…

But the last thoughts in his mind were the ones that started to tip him over the edge. He thought about what Wally said, the way Baasan might have been treating them, his mind went to darker places. He gritted his teeth on his cigarette.

He got up and bolted up the staircase behind the couch.

The others were too engrossed in their conversations to realize it.

Viktor rushed down the hallway, sharply rushing left and nearly running directly into Docia. He slipped, falling down on the hardwood, Docia laughing at him.

“What are you-”

“Up because twins- we need to talk. Now.” He grabbed her sleeve, looking up at her, clearly upset.

Docia frowned, Viktor getting up and off the floor, gently clinging to her.

The two walked into the room on the far right, greeted by a soft golden room filled with miscellaneous trinkets and wood carvings, along with fluffy sheep’s fur throws on the floors. There was various records framed and up on the walls, along with a lot of taxidermy animals and bones.

Viktor sat immediately on the bed putting out his cig on the lower half of his jeans, so as not to get ashes on her bed.

“Viktor, you’re pale. What happened?” Docia sat next to him, putting an arm on his shoulder.

“I need to ask you something, you’d be the only person who could tell me if I’m overthinking or not.” He bounced his leg, anxious.

“Is this about the race?”

“No.” He took a deep breath. “What does it mean, when a person sees someone, and bolts to a washroom to hide?”

“They had a bad history with the person and are avoiding them?”

“What does it mean, when this same person recoils after rejoicing over the fact they won a game against you, and apologizes profusely for being good at something.”

Docia’s brow furrowed.

“Is this what happened on Sunday night?” She asked, looking at him.

“Docia, is someone hurting them?” He looked up at her, clearly concerned.

“I mean possibly, at least from the descriptors you gave me. It sounds like that could be something going on, though some people can be overly apologetic in general.” She frowned, a bit distant. “Why? Do you know who it might be?”

Viktor bit his tongue, trying to not get too overly riled up. “I have an idea, and I’m going to beat his ass tonight and make him look like a right fucking loser.”

“Vik, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, okay?” She pat his shoulder. “I’d rather not find you on the pavement, you know?”

Viktor tapped his foot.

“Breathe first, calm your mind, then consider your plans.” She smiled at him. “If things go wrong I’d like to be there for you, but I don’t want you to barrel into anything either, okay?”

“Yeah. You’re right, Docia. I’ll behave as best I can.” He huffed, standing up to leave. “But I am going to win this race tonight just to shame the fucker, no matter what.”

Docia watched him leave, wringing her hands. “I think I need to ask the others for the whole story.”

-

The sound of engines revving roared throughout the Basin. The two racing cars were getting some minor maintenance done before they got set up. The Catz were on the west side, the Alphas on the east. The Catz had their vehicles lined up in the back, two Cadillacs and a Chevy, along with a beetle parked up above. All of them were basically set while chatting among themselves.

Over on the Alphas’ side, all of their vehicles were mustangs with the exception of Baasan’s charger, which he had parked further back partially on an incline of the basin to show it off. The entire gang might as well have needed names on their jackets given every single one of them looked near the same between scale colour and hairstyles.

Viktor was smoking his cigarette looking up at the stars as he was just finishing up with fiddling under the hood of his Barracuda.

He thought back to last night.

‘When I win, I’m gonna win it just for you.’

He took one more long drag, blowing it out and smiling.

“...I’m gonna win it for you. I’m gonna get on your boyfriend’s shit list to boot.” he mumbled to himself before closing the hood down.

He tossed the cigarette onto the ground and stepped it out, turning on his heel to walk over to the Wolves’ side.

He was getting death glares, most of them puffing themselves up to make themselves look bigger as Vik walked between them. Which wasn’t even necessary given Viktor was significantly shorter than all of them. At the end of the line of pissed off men and women stood Baasan, hand on Altani’s hip.

Altani was just standing there quietly, and very stiffly. They had a very pretty black cropped shirt on, with larger puffy arm sleeves and ruffles along the top, while their stomach was exposed. They had on a tight blue pair of pants and pretty black shoes with bows on them. They seemed very doll-like, however and didn’t even move.

They didn’t seem to be looking anywhere in particular until they saw Viktor walking up, and started to tremble.

“Stop.” Baasan looked down at them, commanding. “He’s a runty cat, he’s no threat. You’re going to make me look bad, so cut it out. If you know what’s good for you.”

Altani held their breath, trying to calm themselves, unable to help themself from looking at Viktor again.

“Well, well, well! Baasan is it? I ain’t had the pleasure to see your pointy mug in person before!” Viktor grinned, hands in his pockets.

“That’s because you’re dirt and I prefer to stay clean.” The almost purple skinned, very clean cut man flatly insulted Viktor.

Viktor smiled back at him.

“Oh that’s very evident since I see you won’t even be racing against me!” Viktor pointed out, tilting his head. “I thought the Alpha was supposed to lead the pack.”

“Oh please, you only do it yourself because your mangy ‘cats’ won’t listen to command and aren’t loyal to you.” He smiled a sinister grin. “Why do I need to bother driving when I have my best personal driver to do it for me? He’ll win too.”

“HA,” Viktor fake laughed, a little too loud. Everyone was now staring at him. “Oh please, that shitty mustang ain’t got jack on my ‘Cuda and you should know that given you drive a Charger, Mister Big Money.”

“Oh, well you see I can afford to get the nice modifications on all of our vehicles. Meanwhile I see you have a mismatch of parts all over that ‘Cuda of yours. Couldn’t even afford the factory defaults, stray?” He scowled. “Now get back to your junk heaps and stop laughing and spitting around, you’ll spread your rabies everywhere.”

The entire pack of cronies laughed as Baasan started laughing, Vik locking eyes with Altani as Baasan threw his head back. Altani was fake laughing along with him, but Vik gave them a little wink, twirling on his heel to head back to the Catz, fixing his hair along the way.

A couple of Baasan’s cronies tried to shove him and trip him, but Viktor just sidestepped away, whistling.

The Catz however looked mortified as he walked back.

“Vik, what the hell are you doing you could have gotten your ass beaten!?” Atwood panicked, Ymo leaning over on Vik’s shoulder and kicking Atwood away.

“You didn’t talk to Altani right?” She asked, looking concerned.

“No, no. I didn’t want to get them in trouble. They might still be even after this.” Viktor frowned. “Attaboy. Washy Will. I want you two to do me a huge favor.”

“Uh-” They looked up

“Okay? What’s up boss?” A tilt of the head came from both in unison.

“Look behind me, I’m not going to physically point. You see that lil’ entrance to the east where Baasan’s cronies are?”

“Yes..?” Will scratched his long sideburns.

“See that one single charger over there?”

“Yeah the bright red one, I see it.” Atwood fixed up his pompadour.

“That’s Baasan’s. While the race is going, I want you two to cross above on the bridge, go over there from the tunnel side and make a real good mess of that car without making too much noise.” Viktor pulled out two knives, handing one to each brother. “Make sure he can’t take Altani home with him. He can’t hurt them if he can’t get away. He won’t leave an expensive baby like that just lyin’ around while waiting for the tow man.”

“Vik, honey, look at you getting crafty.” Ymo smiled. “Geeze, if I wasn’t the one who was startin this race as flag girl I’d love to be helping fuck up that prissy cunt’s car. You must really like this cutie huh?”

“I think I might Ymo, and I want nothing more than to see them away from that prick. First step… is winning this race. Let’s get goin’, eh?” Viktor popped his collar, walking to his car and hopping in.

The sound of cheers erupted from both sides as the two cars moved up to their designated starting positions. Ymo stepped between them, swaying her hips and pulling a scarf off of her waist. She turned to face the drivers, holding the flag up high. Both cars revved their engines, Viktor ensure the top of his ‘Cuda was down so he could flip off Baasan’s driver.

The other man looked pissed.

“Awrite boys, to the second bridge south, loop around and back. First one to get back is the winner, now let’s get this race started!”

Ymo waved the flag, engines roaring as she was counting down with her hand before throwing it down. Both cars ripped down the basin, leaving skids from the starting point, Ymo and the others rushed to get up the sides and out of the way.

Viktor looked over to the other car, which was getting closer. The two drove neck in neck for the most part… until Vik noticed the roof of the other car moving.

The top was being pulled down, and inside the car was two more of the Alphas, each holding throwing knives. Viktor panicked, slamming down on his gas and shifting gears, attempting to get further off from the two.

The mustang was catching up, one of the two leaning out of the car, tossing a knife at Vik’s tires.

He swerved, riding the sides of the basin, more knives still coming his way. One smashed into his windshield. He gritted his teeth, lighting a cigarette and shifting gear again as they started coming up to the turnaround. He suddenly swerved, smashing his brake and drifted in front of and around the mustang,  which kept moving forwards.

Shifted again, let up off the gas and steered his way around the bridge’s support, headed back already.

There were huge cheers from the Catz’ side. Baasan’s side booing them and shouting. Altani was focused on the race, trying to not show their concern for Viktor.

Meanwhile, in behind the entire set of the Alphas, Will and Att were sneaking out from the tunnel quickly running in behind Baasan’s car.

“Okay. You got the tools?”

“Oh yeah, let’s get us some fucking parts, man.”

The two bumped fists, one climbing under Baasan’s car, the other rushing to the rear. The two started to dismantle it, stealing the back lights, one headlight, the muffler and a few other small parts from underneath. Atwood sent off Will to take the parts back, then grinned like a madman as he shoved both knives into a close spot on the back end of the tire. The tire made a loud POP and then hiss as it deflated, but was nowhere near as loud as Baasan’s crew was getting as they were hollering ‘Jump! Jump! Jump!’

Viktor was pumping on the gas as he was getting tailgated by the Alphas, one climbing on the hood of the car, leaping to jump on Vik’s Cuda. Viktor changed his course, driving straight towards the first bridge’s support beam.

The one cronie leapt, landing on the back, pulling out a knife.

Viktor hard swerved, moving away from the beam and knocking the man into the backseat of his car,seeing that he hit his head on the way down. Viktor almost felt sorry for the guy.  Behind him, the other had car crashed and hit the support or the bridge, the vehicle looking far worse for wear than anything else. The driver was shaken, but unharmed as it was the back end that hit on his swerve.

The Catz’ side was going absolutely wild, Viktor looking into the back seat to see where the one guy had hit his head on the way down. Viktor breathed a sigh of relief, noting that he wasn’t dead, all while whipping past the finish line, stopping on the Wolves’ side, kicking the passed out stowaway out of his car.

Viktor called out to Baasan, removing his seatbelt so he could stand on the front seat of his car. “See? That’s how you drive a fuckin’ muscle car, baby!”

Viktor flipped him off, doing a pelvic thrust motion at him, calling him a cowardly dog before dropping down and driving back to his crew.

Baasan. Was. Furious.

He told Altani to stay put and rolled up a sleeve as his driver rolled up pathetically with his scrunched up mustang. He stormed over, going to the driver and grabbing him by the head, beating him into the car.

Altani couldn’t help but look over at the Catz, along with the others in the crew who didn’t want to watch the other member get beat. They saw the two tiny twins jump on Vik’s arms as he spun around, Viktor getting hugs from his crew, one of them rushing to look him over.

Viktor looked over at Altani and smiled. He wanted so badly to go over to them… to give them a celebratory hug… but he had to behave. He was writing something on a paper, then leaned down and he whispered something to the boys, both of them hopping into their car and driving off.

Altani tilted their head in confusion.

Baasan had stormed back, muttering to himself, as he grabbed Altani by the hand, telling them they were leaving and he needed to get something from them to calm himself down. Before he could shove them in his car, he looked to see it was absolutely ransacked. He let out an angry howl, demanding his crew get over there and fix it, he was clearly off his shit in rage, at that point telling Altani to just walk home and that he’d have to get it later.

Altani nodded, one of the other men escorting them, walking them along the highway.

Viktor smiled as they left, getting into his car and gathering the others to get out of there.

-

The highway was dark, the cronie and Altani getting to the base of the hill, the steep incline at least 40 minutes away from their house.

“Look, ‘Tani I ain’t walking up that. Just get home. Baas’ will come for you next weekend, don’t disappoint him or get lost, he’ll fucking kill me.” The tired man frowned, pushing them. “Get goin, it’s a long climb.”

Altani nodded quietly, walking up. The man walked off the other direction, turning the corner.

Altani sighed. They had a lot on their mind at that point… Vik now knew about Baasan. Would he still want to hang out with them? He almost got killed… they tried to literally stab him? Altani’s eyes welled up a little bit. They wanted so badly to not lose their new friend.

Their thoughts were distracted by the sound of a loud engine revving behind them.

They turned around to see a beetle, black and white in colour, very beaten up and kind of junky. Inside of it was two dark skinned, familiar boys who stopped right beside them.

“Hey, hey, hey!” One started.

“Um- Hello.” Altani whimpered.

“You’re Altani yeah? The boss sent us to get you!” Atwood leaned out the window. “The beet’s a tiny one, but she’s got enough room for at least you in the back! We’re here to take you home… and also to deliver a message from the boss.”

“… The boss?” Altani was still hesitant.

“Viktor!” the two grinned together.

Altani immediately realized that these two were the same two who had been on Vik’s arms prior to their sudden exit from the Basin. Altani quickly hopped in the car, telling them to drive quickly so they wouldn’t be seen.

Altani was sat comfortably in the back seat, getting a decent look at their getaway drivers. One of them had a large pompadour, black and slicked back very cleanly, similar to Vik’s but far bigger with pointed little ears. The other one had messy hair that was styled up, and big fuzzy sideburns that made him look a bit like a little werewolf. Both of them had a tattoo on their face of the same fire-like marking, just one was on the forehead and the other was hidden behind the sideburns on the left of his face. The twins both had darker skin and were extremely small, likely only four feet in height.

The beetle sputtered, driving up the hill with difficulty as Will steered. “Yeah so Vik wanted us to give you a letter and get you home! Make sure you tell me where to stop though, I don’t wanna accidentally miss it.”

“A letter?” Altani was crouched forwards, their ebony horns almost hitting the roof from behind.

“Yeah! The boss wrote it for you, said something about being a gift since he won.” Will replied, looking back in the mirror.

Atwood smiled back at them, and handed them the letter, being careful to not let his pomp smack their face. “I’m Atwood! They call me Attaboy.”

“-and I’m Willwood, or just Will. We’re part of the Catz, and also are Vik’s roommates.”

“Well, its nice to meet a couple of Vik’s friends I think I remember you from the bar. Thank you for the letter and the ride… I actually really appreciate it.” Altani took the letter. It had a smell of cologne, very similar to how Vik smelled last time they saw him.

“Any time! That’s a hell of a walk all uphill like that, while it’s good for the legs, it’s dark out and there’s always unsavory types about.” The two of them nodded together agreeing with one another as they chittered about the place around there. Altani was just happy to be around good company, they definitely were starting to feel a little less on edge.

-

They rolled up to Altani’s place, letting them out on the curb.

“Thank you, Will!! Thank you, Atty!” Altani waved as the two drove off.

They smiled, and looked down at the letter again. They wanted nothing more than to open it immediately, but they were also exhausted from trying to put on a show all night again. Still looking down, they skipped back to the door and went inside making sure to lock up behind them.

Altani kicked off their shoes, sighed and then walked up the stairwell to their left, their tail swishing back and forth. The house was very empty feeling, especially with the lights off, but the photos of their family being up and along the walls were always a comfort for Altani. Especially on nights like this.

They went into their room, flicking on the light, and then put their bag down on their bed along with the note. Slipping into something more comfortable, they cleared off the space on their desk, then went back for the note. They held up the letter, noticing that familiar smell again. They popped it open with a tiny letter opener, and unfolded it as they walked back to their desk. It was clearly written in haste, because his writing was very messy.

It read:

Sweetest Altani,

I told ya I’d win just for you. Seeing you there was all the motivation I needed to get that win. If it meant that I got to see you smile, I’d do anything. That’s motivation enough. You looked gorgeous tonight by the way, you always make your outfits look so good, it’s almost unfair. ...I hope you’re okay. Stay safe, I’ll come visit tomorrow night. If you leave the upstairs window open then I’ll just let myself in, if it’s locked, then I’ll know to leave you alone. Sound good?

Yours dearly,

Viktor Rachman <3

S.C.

Altani couldn’t help but smile brightly as they read the letter. He was so sweet, and really seemed to want to nail down the fact that he won that race for them. They also couldn’t help but giggle at the wiggly little heart he’d doodled in the corner. He was such a dork.

They placed the letter back in the envelope, and opened up the flat desk drawer. Reaching under their pile of notes and papers they grabbed a little string, and lifted up the bottom of it to reveal a hidden compartment. There wasn’t much in it, a few things they really loved mostly, and placed the letter inside with it. They closed it up, picked up a few things off the floor, putting away a few other things like their bag as well and then stretched.

They jumped into their bed and sighed wistfully, turning off their light.

“Tomorrow, huh?” They asked themself, climbing into bed. “The fact he still wants to see me… that makes me so happy…”

They drifted off, dreaming of a man they’d barely gotten to know, who was slowly starting to worm his way into their heart.

| First | Previous | Next |

[deep-blue-novella]

CH04 Can't stop thinking about it

It’d been almost a week now, Friday night.

Viktor opted to not go back the next night. Altani had seemed so shaken up and he didn’t know what to do about it and he didn’t want to accidentally stress them out.

After those two had wailed on him in the bathroom he’d gotten the twins to do some research for him into the other gang, figure out their regular hangout spots, their usual methods of working… etc. It turns out they rarely go to the arcade, so the fact it happened was pure fluke.

Will and Att’ were both sitting in front of Vik, a giant map of the town sprawled out on the table. Viktor was anxiously smoking.

“So basically here’s the digs Vixen,” Will started. “Your girl is found here-”

Will was instantly hit in the head by Atwood. “Vik’s Doll! They got no biney, don’t call em a girl!”

Atwood ALSO got hit in the head, but by Viktor. “They don’t like being called Doll either.”

“Okay, whatever! Vik’s sweetheart is here. Hour into town.” Will pointed down. “The base for these shitheads is located another hour out in the other direction. Will and I shadowed one of those cronies to figure out the place… it’s ritzy.”

Vik made note of the mess their place was in. ‘Self reminder to clean this up next weekend.’

“So basically these dudes operate mainly on their side of town… unfortunately I didn’t even realize this but the drive-in theater is on that side. So basically Vik you wanna avoid all these spots with the circles.” Will tapped on them. “It’s not that I don’t think you can’t take these guys…. But… They’re scary Vik.”

“The ones I saw all had nail-bats and knives… They don’t fuck around. You’d swear they wanted people dead.” Att frowned. “I hope your darlin’ is okay, I mean if they had a run in with these guys and lived that’s scary in itself.”

“The drag is on the side of town that you’re sweetheart’s in though. Neutral territory. So there’s no turf wars or nothin’, they should be safe there so if you wanna ask em out to it, definitely do so. You only got one day left.” Will leaned back, taking Vik’s cig. “I think they’ll go, they seem to really like you… even though you called them a square.”

“Oh shut the fuck up, I still regret that.” Vik whacked him, playfully. “I also regret even telling you about that night.”

“I’m a bit worried though Vikman… Something doesn’t feel right.” Atwood crossed his arms.

“No Att, you’re right." Vik sighed heavily. “Something is absolutely not right, and I intend to find out what. I like this person… A lot. They make me feel a way I’ve never felt before-”

“Stupid?” Asheton spoke up.

“Ashe you’re biased and you know it.” Vik pointed to him, frowning.

“Look Vik… love or not, this is stupid.” He sipped at his drink. “Something horrible ’s gonna happen and you’re ignoring the signs.”

“Ashe, you’ve been divinating on my life without telling me again haven’t you?” Viktor yanked his cig back from the grumpy shorty.

“I have, its bad news bud, not just for you but for your lover-”

“We aren’t lovers...” Viktor looked a bit hurt. “Whatever.”

“I’m trying to warn you so when something awful happens you know why.”

“But let me guess, you and me are a perfect match with no problems~.” Viktor teased, Asheton clearly getting angry.

“Oh fucking bite me, no. This is why we ain’t a thing anymore, you are such an ass sometimes… and so fucking hardheaded.”

“Listen Ashe, I hear you okay. I understand what I’m doing is going to lead to something horrible, but I can’t stop. My heart has finally made up its mind and I want Altani.”

“...Altani.” Will was thinking to himself, starting to dig through his papers. “I’ve… heard… that name before, where though.”

“Sorry guys, gotta jet, I’m gonna go talk to them…” Viktor walked off, the other three looking at each other quietly.

Asheton was still very worried.

-

Vik had stopped to grab himself a few of his records. He had a feeling they might not want to go out again just yet, so he figured they could just sit together and listen to some music… talk maybe about the night before, or not. It all depends.

He rolled in again, looking up at the window. The lights were on downstairs for once. Viktor leapt out of the car, making his way around to the side of the place. He leaned down, and picked up a pebble and tossed it at the window that looked like it lead to the kitchen.

No response.

He picked up another, tossing it again but a tiny bit harder.

Thock.

He walked up to it and the minute his head came up over the windowsill to look inside, Altani was beside him in the yard, suddenly talking to him.

“So you were serious when you said you’d only come in through windows then?” They touched his shoulder.

Viktor leapt back, falling into the bush behind him.

“Jeeze, Sugar… did you have to sneak up on me like that?” He plucked the leaves out of his pomp, sighing.

“I have a door, you dork!” They laughed. “I stepped out to get away from the heat in the kitchen… you’re here earlier today? It’s only six.”

“Yeah I...figured it might be nice to let you get some sleep the next day. Do you wanna-”

“Sorry, Vik. I don’t feel like going out tonight.” Altani looked away, guilty, and gently held their other arm.

“No! No, we don’t have to go anywhere Altani, I promise.” Vik climbed out of the bush, fixing his hair in a panic, then took their hand. “I was gonna ask if you wanted to just like… hang out and listen to music tonight, maybe just talk.”

Altani gave him a sweet smile. “I’d be happy to, that sounds really nice and less... stressful.”

Viktor took their other hand in his and excitedly told them he’d meet them upstairs, he just needed to run to his car to grab his records he brought with him. Altani mentioned making tea and bringing it upstairs.

The two reconvened, Viktor climbing up the tree once more and hopping in through the window.

“I’m glad to see you again.” Altani grabbed a little record player off the bottom shelf of their bookcase. “I felt really bad for what happened on Sunday… How’s your eye?”

“Oh, no. It’s fine don’t worry about it, okay? Those guys always like to give me a hard time, its just how they are.” He took off his shoes and jacket, setting them on the floor by the door to their room.

“They said… a lot of mean things to you.” Altani set the needle, putting on one of their rock albums.

“It’s not so much mean as it is truth.” Viktor hopped onto their bed, laying on it and looking down at them as they sat on the floor.

“I… didn’t want to ask but I can’t help but be curious, Vik…” Altani trailed off.

Vik reached a hand out to gently pat their head, running his fingers through their hair before letting his hand flop over the side of the bed. “Nah, I’ll share. How else we gonna get to know each other better?”

Altani seemed a little flushed from the touch.

“My parents disowned me a long time ago. Back when I was fifteen.” He chuckled. “I didn’t much care for listening to them, and they wanted so much outta me and I could never live up to their expectations. I was a mistake to begin with anyway so it didn’t come as a huge shock.”

He stretched out a bit. “Pops hated me the most. I was a reminder to him I think, cuz he made a huge mistake and I was there to let him know that. I dropped out of school a long time ago, I always had an issue with authority and shit.”

“That’s so young…” Altani looked concerned.

“It was, I’ve always said since that I never wanna turn out like him. Who disowns their kid just because they’re not very good?” He shrugged.

Altani pat his head. “Well, I think he made a mistake, you seem plenty a good man to me…”

They seemed confused still, looking for more information.

“Wait, you dropped out when you were fifteen, how old are you anyway?”

Viktor grabbed a pillow and propped it under his head. “Mmmmmm twenty-six. Well… no, I’m twenty-five but I might as well be twenty-six since my birthday is getting closer now. What about you, Sugar? I had to second guess talking to you because I almost thought you were some seventeen year old that snuck in.”

Altani laughed. “I’m twenty-one, promise.”

“Oh, another lucky number~” Viktor cooed. “God Darlin’ you’ve still got a long ways ahead of ya in life.”

“You’re talking like an old man, c’mon!” Altani took off their record. “It’s you’re turn, if you play old man music I’m gonna make fun of you.”

“Hey, hey, don’t be mean!” He grabbed one of his rockabilly records. “I got some real good jumpin’ n jivin’ tunes trust me.”

“I like how you tell me to not be mean but yoooou~ called me a square on Sunday~!” They poked his nose, teasingly with a soft little smile.

“Aw c’mon Sugar, I was just playin’ with you I promise.” Vik watched Altani walk around the other side of the bed jumping on it to almost throw Viktor off.

“I’m not a square!”

“Well I mean you still didn’t wanna go spraypaintin’ with me.” Vik poked at their sides teasingly, Altani giggling. “That’s pretty square-ish.”

“You’re a square!” They poked him in the sides to retaliate.

Viktor laughed terribly loud, sitting up as the two of them kept bugging each other, laughing together and joking about one another being a ‘square’ for silly unrelated reasons.

-

The night was slowly sinking further in, and the sun had set. The moon was starting to come up over the horizon and the room was a soft warm colour, just like the night before when Viktor came to take them out to the arcade. The two of them had been sitting close, wrestling about and joking with each other for almost the entire evening.

The record had long since stopped… Altani was in his lap, and Vik was commenting on how pretty their eyes were. Making them cover their face in embarrassment.

“Altani.” Vik called, waiting for them to uncover their face.

“Yes?” They asked, feeling one of Vik’s hands gently holding their waist as they peeked out from under their fingers.

“Come watch me race tomorrow night.” He slid his hands back, then forward again, pulling them closer.

“Race?” Altani dropped their hands, Viktor taking them into his.

“Yeah. I’m participating in a drag race tomorrow night, down at the devil’s pit, you know the big water basin on the other end of town…’Round eight o’clock. Come watch me race Sugar, it’ll be more motivatin’ for me.”

“Well, assuming nothing else comes up, and I’m not pulled into any other plans… I’ll be there.” They seemed a little hesitant, just like before.

Viktor smiled the sweetest grin pulling them into a hug. “Thanks, darlin’. I want you to know that when I win, I’m gonna win it just for you.”

Altani’s face flushed, Vik letting them go.

“I don’t wanna go, but I told the boys I’d take em out tonight for drinks around ten so I gotta get rollin’.” Vik slipped out from under them, and hopped off the bed, grabbing his coat and putting his shoes back on.

“Hey... thanks for coming by.” Altani plucked his record from the machine, putting it back in its sleeve. “I was kind of lonely this week so it was really nice to get to hang out again.”

“Any time darlin’. I like hangin’ out with you. You’re a real treat to be around you know?” Viktor reached down to grab his record.

Altani was very flustered, clearly, given the red hue of their face. Vik opened the window and slipped out. He called back to them, blowing them a kiss. “Catch’ya ‘round Sugar, see you tomorrow night!”

They leaned out the window and watched as Vik pulled his car out, music blaring as he drove off. They didn’t notice it at the time, but they gave a sweet sigh as they watched him leave.

About a couple hours later however, another car pulled into Altani’s driveway.

| First | Previous | Next |

[deep-blue-novella]

CH03 In the wrong hands

The big and noisy plum crazy purple Cuda’s engine revved loudly as Vik pulled into the arcade parking lot. The building was still decently busy given it was Sunday, and there was a ton of loud and rowdy people around the entrance and parking lot.

Viktor hopped out of his car, sliding over to Altani’s side to help them out, throwing his jacket over his shoulder. They took his hand, Viktor spinning them around a little before letting go to close the door.

“You must really love dancing, you’re still spinning me around like last night and we’re not even in the bar anymore.” Altani smiled, holding their small fat cat bag.

“Maybe, or maybe you make me wanna dance.” He smiled and did a little shimmy with his hips as Altani chuckled at him.

“Here… let’s go in, I can show you the table I was talkin’ bout..” He lead them through the doors, a hand very gently wrapped around theirs.

Altani was following close behind. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, but I’m gonna ask something in return.” Viktor smirked.

“Okay! So why didn’t your buds come with you to the arcade..? You said the air hockey table was new, and you’ve got like four buddies at least?” Altani tugged his hand a little, getting him to slow down. “Surely one of them would want to come?”

Viktor seemed a bit surprised.

“Well, see…. The problem is that we’re on very opposite schedules. My boys n’ I all work at weird times, and the girls are usually plotting the next schemes for the shenanigans we’re gonna get into.” He laughed, walking over to a change machine. “So… I get off work late, and they wake up early. Doesn’t work too well you see?”

“Oh… well that would make sense…” Altani tilted their head. “You said girls… I only saw boys with you last night?”

“Oh yeah, Docia n’ Ymo like to spend Saturday nights together doing stuff, plus that’s when they like to get their alone time since me n the lads will hit up the bar.” He smirked. “Yanno, they’d really dig you.”

Altani looked a little flustered at the comment.

Vik held out a hand as a bunch of change poured into it. “Oh yeah, baby we are set for the night!”

He turned on his heel and walked them over to the air hockey tables, setting one of them up. He made sure Altani was looking, and started doing little coin toss tricks, then giving them a wink.

They couldn’t help but laugh.

“Okay, okay’ enough playin’ around. Let’s get some real action goin’! You ever play one of these bad boys before?” He leaned over holding the puck.

“No, but the goal is to get the puck into the other side just like any ol hockey game yeah?” They rolled their eyes.

“Yeah, but just don’t be hitting it so hard you hit me in the face okay?” Vik laughed. “My buddy Wally did that to me when we visited the coast, fuck, my eye was black for a week!”

Viktor started up the game, shooting the puck towards Altani. They set up for a block, nailing it back and into Viktor’s goal.

“No black eyes, but you might have a sore ego by the time we’re done.” Altani grinned, doing a little fist pump motion.

Viktor shook his head, grinning. “Shit I got my work cut out for me eh? Okay, then lemme distract you while we play, I still haven’t asked you my question yet.”

Altani shot the puck back as Vik started them up again. “Okay, shoot? What do you want to know?”

“Last night… At the bar.” Vik knocked the puck at the corner, just shooting it back to himself. “How come you were reading all alone at the back?”

“Oh… Hm.” Altani reached over the table, slapping it into the goal again. “Well, I was kind of… ditched.”

“Ditched?” Viktor frowned, knocking the puck back and forth before serving it. “Who ditched you?”

“Oh, just some friends… They ended up finding cute guys to take out with them… Figured they all went to lover’s hill given the way they were acting.” Altani sighed. “They were.. sort of my ride but I figured while I was there I could at least have a few drinks I didn’t have to make myself and get some studying done.”

“Hey, I mean I know my guys ditched me but they gave me good reason and I had a ride.” Viktor finally managed to score a shot. “Those ones you were with don’t sound like very good friends.”

“They’re! Okay.” Altani had tried to sound excited. “Truth be told they don’t feel like friends most days… my classmates are better friends to me but I only talk to them during class.”

“You keep mentioning studying… and classes… You going to school then?” Viktor immediately missed, losing again.

“University. I’m studying to become a doctor actually…”

“A doc?” Viktor was slowly losing his attention in the game and was focusing on them and their movements. “That’s real cool, its hard work from what Docia’s told me. Pops wanted me to get into that kinda shit but I wasn’t smart enough for it.”

“Oh, I’m sure you could have made a good doctor-”

“Nah, nah, Sugar. I don’t got the hand eye for that kinda stuff… Left handed among other things.” Viktor looked at their hands. He wanted so badly to put his hands on theirs.

“Oh! So you are left-handed, I thought so just based on the way you lead me in dance last night.” Altani was so bubbly… Viktor found it so cute.

“O-Oh I guess it’s kinda noticeable then.”

A loud blaring horn noise went off, the score ending 4-10 and Viktor definitely realizing he was just not good at these kinds of games.

“Oh! Oh! I won! I won!” Altani jumped excitedly, their tag wagging behind them.

“Yeah, darling you got a real good shot on you.” He walked over, taking their hand again. “Looks like I’m not as good at this as I thought.”

He was going to use every opportunity he could get to drag them around by the hand. They were so soft and delicate and he loved the way they stood so close to him while he pulled them around, sometimes giving them another little twirl.

His thoughts were interrupted by Altani bursting out with a bunch of ‘I’m sorry’ comments. He looked at them very confused.

“Sorry you beat me?”

“Yes, um please don’t be mad.” They looked down, Viktor rubbed their hand gently.

“Why would I be mad? That was a damn good play and I got outmatched.” He smiled. “You don’t have to apologize for being good at something, Sugar.”

They seemed surprised, then looking up to see Viktor’s beaming face, they followed suit. Viktor casually noted that as odd, most people don’t apologize when they do something well. At least his friends sure didn’t.

“Okay, so what next?”

“Oh Sugar, we got lots of options and I can’t wait to see how you do.” Viktor pulled them off, further into the arcade.

-

The two had hit just about every odd machine. Vik trying, and failing, to win them a plush from one of the claws. He told them about all the little hidden mechanics and how to tell when something was rigged, and how to get higher scores in some of the shooting games. The two had been laughing the entire time, Viktor really appreciating the time they spent together especially since the night started a little rough.

They were standing by a soda machine, at the far end corner next to the washrooms and the pinball machines. Viktor was holding a coin, putting it in to get them drinks.

“Now, here’s a real kicker that’s super handy…” Viktor pressed the buttons and pulled his foot back. “See they cheat us on money for these machines, a can of soda is nowhere near this expensive when you get em in twelves, so of course I’m gonna be cheating em back.”

He listened carefully.

“The minute you hear a clink-”

Clink!

Viktor whacked his foot directly into the side of the machine, two cans of soda falling out of it.

“And there you have it, now you got yer money’s worth!” Vik handed them the drink, Altani chuckling.

“I don’t think I should be kicking it in these shoes… But maybe when I got my winter boots on.”

“Hey hey, whatever don’t hurt ya, Darlin’.” Viktor walked beside them, terribly wanting to place a hand on their waist.

‘Slow it down Vik.’ He thought to himself. ‘I know you’re desperate but you can’t be comin’ onto them like that you only just met… Cool the jets. You ain’t looking for a fling this time... Remember that.’

They’d gotten situated by the pinball machines, Vik playing while the two of them talked when he noticed Altani getting quiet. He looked up at them and all he heard was an “Oh no.” before they suddenly bolted into the men’s room.

Viktor turned around to look vaguely in the direction they’d been facing and noticed a couple of guys from the Alphas lurking back by the shooting gallery. Vik frowned.

‘Oh shit, does Altani know about our beef? I should let them know its okay, I’m plenty strong enough to scare other gang members away… they shouldn’t feel like they have to flee.’ He frowned, feeling a bit bad for stressing them out with his gang’s rivalry nonsense that they weren’t part of.

Viktor shuffled in after Altani, calling for them.

“Altani? Altani, it’s me Vik. It’s okay to come out they ain’t gonna jump ya.”

“No, no, Vik you don’t understand-” Altani was cowering, sitting up on a toilet in the middle stall to talk to him before ducking right back down.

“Trust me, I’m plenty enough to scare these guys off if they try to come near, don’t worry-”

The door slammed open, Vik looking back.

Two tall men, similar to Vik’s coworker stood over him, looming down in an attempt at intimidating him, cracking their knuckles.

“Well, well. Looks like the runt is here.” One started, snarling. “Get lost Cat, didn’t your paps tell you that if you ain’t shitting you best get off the pot?”

“Oh sorry, your paps would have had to actually give a shit about you for that to happen.” The other chimed in, walking towards the middle stall, both of them laughing at their jokes.

Viktor noted the height of these two and how they stood far taller than the stalls… and started to think. Altani had been acting a little funny at times… what if these guys had caused them problems in the past?

He frowned then immediately changed his demeanor, inadvertently puffing his chest out.

“Look just cuz’ your big boss didn’t wanna dick ya today doesn’t mean you gotta take it out on me.” He could see they were immediately pissed off. “You’re always kissing his ass after all, of course you’d be upset for not getting any.”

“Oh you shut your mouth you scrappy little stray.” The one whipped a fist at Vik’s gut, missing.

“How’s about you come make me, boys. Or you still got shit stuck in your teeth?”

Viktor sighed internally.

He was so going to get his ass kicked for that one.

The first one tackled Vik, pinning him to the wall while the other came straight for his face, smashing a fist directly down and into Vik’s left eye. He winced, grabbing his face as the two of them backed off, one kicking him in the gut and knocking him to the ground.

“Not so tough without your scrappy crew huh, Rachman?” The one sneered, the other spitting on his jacket.

“You get to live today, the boss is the one who wants the final blows.”

The two bulky men exited the room, Vik taking a moment to breathe and catch his breath. The punch to the gut really took him hard. He huffed when he finally got back to normal, lighting a cig right after. He gave them a moment, and a couple of drags, before finally speaking.

“Altani, they’re gone.”

“...Thank you.” They opened the door, rushing over to Vik, they took the roll from the stall they’d been hiding in and patched his eye with it. “Are you… okay?”

“I’ll be fine, just a little bump. Are you okay?” He took their hand, noticing how shaky it was.

“I want to go home Vik, I’m scared, what if they see me what if they catch me what if-”

Vik pressed a finger to their mouth. “Shh. I got a plan.”

He grunted, getting up off the floor and took another long drag of his smoke before putting it out and into his pocket. He climbed onto the counter, unlocking the latch on the window.

“We can just jump out back here. They can’t see you then.”

“I-I can’t climb like that I-”

“Altani.” They looked up at Viktor, small tears in their eyes as he asked them, “Do you trust me?”

Altani nodded quietly.

“Okay, let’s go then I can hear them chatting and getting closer.”

Viktor leapt into the window, scrambling back around and then leaning half down from outside and reaching out to them. “Altani give me your hands.”

Altani started to panic as they could hear the two coming closer, freezing up. Viktor could see the panic in their eyes.

“Altani. Hands. Now!”

They whipped their head around and looked up at Viktor, rushing to climb the counter, almost slipping before Vik caught them. He pulled them up and out, the two landing on the ground beside, Altani hugging Vik and lying partially on top of him.

The two could hear the voices chatting, both unable to see inside due to being out of the line of sight of the window.

Viktor could feel Altani tremble in his arms.

That was also odd. He’d been noticing a lot of odd things from them tonight and he wasn’t quite sure what to do about it.

He wrapped his arms around them, noticing the slight sweet smell again on them, before lifting them up in his arms, and walking back out front.

It was clear Altani would have struggled to walk given the way they were trembling with their head buried into his chest. He kept giving them little reassuring words, getting into the front seat of his car, Altani in his lap.

He shouldn’t drive like that… but he was going to anyway since they didn’t seem keen on letting go.

He put the seat belt over both of them and sped off, a lot on his mind.

-

Altani had managed to fall asleep, partially covered by his jacket, and nestled in the crook of his neck. While he was loving the seating situation… the Other situation was giving him a lot of stress. What caused them to panic? Why the Alphas specifically? They didn’t panic when he mentioned his gang’s name last night… There was definitely more to it.

He pulled into their driveway turning off the car. Altani had roused from their rest, and Vik was taking off the belt when he heard a very small, whimpered, ‘Sorry.’

He looked down at Altani.

“Don’t apologize, those guys are scary.” He assured them, picking them up and setting them down once they were both outside of the vehicle. “It’s okay now… you’re home.”

Altani took his hand with both of theirs “This was nice, at least until that last part I’m so sorry for all of this please have a good night I have to go-”

Before Vik could say anything they rushed away inside their house, locking the door.

He reached out for them then gently let his hand fall back down, and sat back down in his car.

Somethin’ ain’t right.

| First | Previous | Next |

[deep-blue-novella]

CH02 Just some distraction.

Vik lay awake, looking up at the ceiling.

The sun was breaking through the window, right next to his head. The dust in the air was strongly visible, and so was the very clear mess of his room. Clothing and papers crumpled, strewn about the room on chairs, his desk in the corner, on the floor, his dresser… His bed.

He rolled over and closed his eyes.

Images flashed in his mind of Altani.

His body flushed as a heat rose to his face.

He shook his head.

“...You were supposed to score and bring them back here. What happened, Vik?” He whispered to himself, gently touching his other hand as if to hold it… He sighed and dropped it onto his face instead.

He was trying to think back as to why he didn’t just go with the usual flow… hit with all the stops, get that fling he wanted. He was aching terribly for it and shifted uncomfortably in his boxers from under the blankets.

In his mind he kept seeing their face, and the way they smiled at him. The way their tail swished along with their skirt as they’d danced, the sound of their laugh as he told them jokes. The way they smelled so sweet when they were close enough.

His heart leapt a little and his face went entirely red.

He shook it off again, throwing on his tight white tank and not bothering with pants, exiting into the kitchen. There he was greeted to the usual six grinning faces he normally loved to see.

This time he felt the storm coming.

“Hey, hey, hey, sleepyhead! Rise n’ shine, Vixen!” The shorter of the two black haired and brown skinned short boys grinned as he scratched at his fluffy black beard.

“Now that’s a real peculiar one, did ya strike it out with that hot dame of yours? Where’s she at huh?” The taller one laughed, throwing back a beer as the large pompadour on his head bounced.

“...Isn’t it early to be drinking, Attaboy?” Viktor squinted and raised a brow, digging in the fridge to chug down what orange juice was left in the carton.

“Vik… its 3pm.” A very tall woman standing against the counter tilted her head.

“… That explains the sun then.” Viktor shook his head and sat down. “No, I didn’t strike it out with them, and they’re not a girl either… they’re uh, they. Not female anyway.”

The lot of them looked confused.

“What’s it matter to you Vik? You generally don’t care when we mention your flings?” Asheton, the blonde catboy from before leaned back in his chair, tossing a dart past the shorter scruffy boy’s head sloppily. “What happened anyway with this one?”

“Jesus- watch it Ass-tongue!” he huffed, punching Asheton’s arm.

“Jeeze Willy calm down, I’m not AIMING for YOU, obviously.” Asheton presumably rolled his eyes, given his curly hair was in the way of seeing them. “So whaddaya’ mean not female anyway? C’mon Vik give us the whole story.”

Viktor rubbed his temples. “Look, they just said they go by they, they don’t like being called a girl and I… took them home last night and we parted ways.”

“Oh so then you guys had s-” Will started.

“No. We did not fuck. I just took them home, Will.” He could see the disbelief on everyone’s face as his hand gently flicked the air.

“...You didn’t?” Asheton grabbed a ping pong ball from the table and tossed it in Vik’s face.

“HEY-”

“Boss, what’s gotten into you? You LITERALLY went out to get laid, had an opportunity and chose not to- something had to have happened.” At’ raised a brow, confused.

Viktor stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, all eyes on him. He could tell his face was flushed despite not even having a drink yet, but he couldn’t find the words to explain exactly what was happening. Given how the expressions of the others were changing, he knew they figured it out.

Here it comes.

“Oh no fucking way.” Asheton sat up, his big cat ears pointing up. “No. Fucking. Way.”

The two boys started yelling “OHHHHH~!” together at same time, at the top of their lungs while both leaning over the table.

“Wait, Viktor you actually went and got yourself hooked on them?” The girl from the back finally spoke up again.

“Docia, you are the only one who will take me seriously... can we talk?” He sighed, as the other three started yelling at the same time making awful hooting and hollering noises.

Viktor grabbed a beer from the fridge and he and Docia sat down over in the lounge. He cracked it open, sipping at it and then throwing his head back as he lied on the far corner couch, grabbing the throw blanket out of his way.

“Well Viktor, I’ll admit I’m pretty surprised.” She smiled, leaning forwards, directly across from him.

“Look. I don’t think it’s love. I don’t even know if its a crush. I don’t even know ANYTHING about them okay.” He frowned, flailing his hands. “All I know is… I.”

He drifted off, trying to find the right words.

“I just wanna see them again, and I wanna get to know them. I think I wanna be friends with them.”

Docia shook her head, moving her bangs out of her face. “Okay, so let’s say it’s not a crush. I’m still very surprised you didn’t try to do anything with them. Not that attractive or?” She tilted her head, her auburn and blonde streaked hair gently sliding with her.

“No, no, absolutely not that. They’re the cutest gi- person I’ve ever met.” He corrected himself, looking off at nothing. “They got those big pretty eyes and they got lips so soft I can only imagine how they’d feel on me… Man… Man, and they’re sooooo tiny in stature… If I did get to go down on them they’d probably be so ti-”

“Okay Vik, enough of that.” Docia rolled her eyes, gently smacking his forehead. “Look, I’m not sure entirely what’s going on… but. Be careful, you did say you don’t know them all that well and we all worry for you sometimes okay?”

Viktor lit a cigarette, raising a brow at Docia. “What’chu mean?”

“You sometimes run into things and end up digging yourself into bad situations.” She frowned, rubbing her thumb against her hand. “None of us wanna see you getting hurt, and we just wanna see you happy, so the minute this person makes you unhappy just let us know and we’ll be there for you okay?”

Viktor breathed out, smoke filling the room. He passed the cig over, Docia taking it.

“Okay, okay, I get it. I’m not gonna be going and getting myself in love or anything, okay? I just… think I found someone fun to be around yeah? Plus they’re… cute… maybe I will try and have a fling in the end, I don’t know, we’ll see that’s all.”

“You’re just making excuses because you can’t explain what happened, aren’t you?”

He took the cig back, scowling. “’The hell makes you say that?”

“Because nothing you said was particularly on topic, you were all over the place and now you’re getting defensive. I know you Vik. We’ve been friends since your parents left town.” She shook her head.

Viktor threw his head back again, taking another drag.

“...Yeah no, you got it on the nail Docia. I don’t know whats wrong with me. I keep making excuses. I don’t know what I’m feeling at all.” He frowned.

“What do you know, Vik? Out of everything scrambled in there what at least stands out as fact?”

He paused for a minute. He closed his eyes, saw Altani’s sweet and smiling face, the way they’d looked up at him while they danced to forget about the world. His heartbeat jumped. Then opened his eyes up again.

“I wanna see them again.”

“Then you gotta do it… After work.”

Viktor frowned again.

“Eugh, right. Shift in a half. I guess I should get dressed.” He paused looking at the beer he started. “Er… and maybe not be hammered before work. Force of habit, you wanna finish it for me?”

“Atta-boy Vik. You gotta save up for those fancy chrome spinners on your ride somehow.” Docia nodded, taking the can away from him. “Now get on with it, ignore the other three I’ll give em what for... and let Wally and Glee in on whats happening.”

“Yeah, yeah…” He haphazardly climbed over the couch and slid off of it, clearly unmotivated.

“And Viktor-” Docia started. “Don’t forget that Saturday is the big drag race. Maybe you can bring your friend with you, they might like to see you race? Gauge their interest. See how much you got in common.”

Viktor nodded, surprised that Docia was so… interested in Altani despite not having met them.

He made his way past the other three who were all trying to give him a hard time, and closed the door to his room. Hardest part of the day was ahead, and boy he was not ready for it.

-

Viktor impatiently tapped on the counter. He was going to lose it with how slow the clock was ticking, he’d been so mentally preoccupied and his mind was racing with nothing but thoughts of Altani. He didn’t want to admit it to Docia, but her assumptions were right… he went and fell for them and now they were all he could think about.

He’d imagined taking them out to the movies, the two of them going to the roller rink… the arcade, being so close together… so very close, touching hands, touching bodies. He was very clearly lost deep in his own thoughts.

His coworker had been eyeing him all night, and had noted the fact that he was very clearly distracted and had been for almost the entire shift.

“… You okay there buddy?” He asked, shifting his head to look over from across the counter.

Viktor took a second to respond. “Yeah, yeah I’m fine. I just got some stuff on my mind.”

The other dude was absolutely perplexed, then smirked. “Oh… is it a girl?”

“Oh shut up, Salem.” Viktor rolled his eyes, trying to play it off but he could tell his face wasn’t going to let him lie.

“Oh, well shit I guess it is.” He leaned on the counter top his ivory white arm scales clicking against the counter. “I didn’t know you were looking to go steady? Usually you’re chasing tail, she must be somethin’ special.”

Viktor, flinched a bit, not wanting to correct him since he didn’t even want to be having this conversation. “Look, we aren’t going steady… and we only just met, and I don’t know how I feel about any of this I’m not-”

“HA, shit you do got it bad if you only just met. What’s she like then? Foxy? Got those curves you chase after so much-”

“No, you hound!” Viktor shot an elastic at his face. “They’re…. Bookish. Small… not curvy, but very cute… and sweet.”

“Man that really is off from what you usually chase.” He shot another elastic back. “How’d ya meet?”

“Bar. Only cute one there, asked them to dance.” He snatched it, putting it away knowing he’d just get hit again. “I don’t know if they like me like that though.”

“Well, I’m gonna assume given the way you’ve been twitching all night that you’re gonna be going there after work?” Salem put a hand to his face, brushing his fingers over his scales on his chin.

“...Yeah, I just need to see them again, see if I’m just blowing things out of proportion.”

Viktor’s disposition changed, and Salem could tell he was serious. Viktor didn’t notice, but the taller man was looking at the clock.

“Hey, if you want… you can bail early.” Salem smiled, seeing Viktor jolt up in surprise. “Normally I’d not let you off the hook since you’re generally our best closer…. and also my best company cuz I hate closing alone... But it’s quiet tonight and I’m not doing jack anyway. I can clean up, you go see your darlin’.”

Viktor grinned.

“Salem you are the best my man, remind me to buy you a pack of cigs for tomorrow night-” Viktor leapt from behind the counter, rushing to the back to grab his coat. “Thank you! Thank you!”

Salem just shook his head and smiled… then frowned because he remembered this means he had to clean both washrooms tonight. Those cigs were definitely something he was gonna be needing.

-

Viktor slowed his car, driving down the street he remembered from last night. It was late, probably around eleven pm. It was a decent distance from his work, at least a forty minute drive. He didn’t have his music blaring this time... the only thing he could hear was his own heart beating anyway, so music wouldn’t be any help.

He rolled up into the driveway of the house from before and stepped out. His legs felt heavy as he walked towards the door, looking up to see the lights on upstairs in what he assumed was their room.

‘Viktor, they don’t really wanna see you again, they were just being polite.’ he told himself, his hand hovering above the doorbell. ‘You don’t know that, but who harasses someone at eleven at night?’

He dropped his hand down. Why was this so hard? Why did he have so many doubts?

He shuffled back to his car, sitting down in the back seat, looking up at the window while he lit a cigarette.

‘C’mon Vik, get your nerves back. Why would they agree to see you again if they didn’t want to see you?’ He tried to reason with himself, gently resting his head on his arm as he looked up. ‘...no, no I can’t back off now, I’m already here and I need to see them again, I need to talk to them.’

He leapt out of his car, shuffling to the door…

Then proceeded to lose his nerves again.

‘What the hell man, its just a DOOR, just knock dammit.’ He frowned, biting his cigarette.

He turned heel to go back to his car again before stopping to stare at the tree.

He got a real stupid idea.

Viktor shoved his cig into his mouth, and started to climb. He was a bit sloppy given the fact it had been a very long time since he last tried to ascend a tree. He managed to at least get himself into the middle, unsure if it was easier for him to just jump over to the roof, or if he should try to find a sturdy branch.

He looked it over, finding one branch leading to the back end of the roof, that looked far more like a trunk than anything. He took a run on it and hopped on landing a bit roughly onto the edge. He smirked.

Now, time to lay on the moves.

-

Altani was inside, sitting on their bed with a chemise on and their side lamp brightly shining down on their book. They were extremely preoccupied studying a book on surgical practices when they jumped a little, hearing a loud thud noise from outside.

They turned and looked at the window. The blinds were closed since they didn’t want the sun to come in through them in the morning, disrupting their day off. They could just ignore it… but… that noise was terribly loud. Someone could have been hurt.

They gently placed their book down, walking over to the window.

They hesitated only a second, before whipping open the curtains, face to face with that same man from last night, half sitting by the window with a grin and a cigarette in his mouth.

They leapt back initially, Viktor looking concerned for a minute before Altani realized what was happening and rushed back to the window.

“Oh! It’s you!” They exclaimed, unlocking the window.

“Hey Sugar, miss me~?” Viktor cooed, smiling at them with half lidded eyes.

They pushed the window open and leaned out.

“What are you doing? You could hurt yourself, please come inside!!” They panicked, reaching a hand out. “Please? I don’t want you getting hurt… you could have just used the door…”

“Sorry, darlin’.” Viktor tilted his head a bit before sitting up. “I was… admittedly a bit afraid of waking anyone else up.”

Altani reached out the window, grabbing his hand and pulling him inside.

“Well… you can always knock. It’s okay, It’s only me living here anyway.” They frowned, reaching up towards his face.

Viktor went red, the gentle brush of their hand against his chin set off fireworks in his brain, as Altani grabbed the cigarette from his mouth, putting it out on their windowsill.

“Sorry, I don’t want smoke in my room…” They handed it back to him, Viktor taking it, but his fingers curling a tiny bit to extend the time their hands touched.

“No… no, don’t apologize its okay.” He blinked, looking at their outfit… and then his face went red. “Oh, uh sorry, I probably should have just knocked so you could get changed-I, uh…”

Altani laughed. “Aw, no it’s fine its just for sleeping in anyway, don’t be embarrassed!”

Viktor bowed his head, apologizing anyway.

Altani sat back down on their bed, looking down at him. “So, what are you doing here so late at night anyway?”

Viktor looked up at them, a little lost for words. “I… uh….”

“Mouse got your tongue, ‘Stray Cat’, was it?” Altani smiled, tilting their head.

“...I wanted to see you again.”

Altani was a little surprised.

“Oh… well…” They pulled their knees to their chest, hugging them. “You’ve seen me… now what?”

Viktor was still horribly embarrassed. They were so unabashedly cute and he was struggling to think without booze in his system. “I’ll admit, Sugar… I didn’t think I’d get this far.”

They let out a loud laugh. Vik started to chuckle, joining them.

“Well, okay… let’s do something then.�� They hopped up, going towards their dresser. “Here, let me get into a change of clothes, and then we should go out.”

“...Okay.” Viktor leaned on the bed, staring up at them with love in his eyes, not even realizing it.

Altani pulled out that same outfit he saw before, with the cute skirt and white shirt, the green kerchief already around their neck. They turned around and looked at him.

… And then tossed a sweater at him that was lying about.

It landed directly on his head, Viktor leaning back and pulling it off. “H-Hey what are you throwing things at me for?”

“Put that on your head, I’m going to change you dork. No peeking!”

Viktor pulled the sweater over his head to hide his ever reddening face. At the rate this night was going he’d get an awful nickname like tomato-head in no time.

Altani laughed, slipping on their outfit. The sweater they’d thrown at Vik was knitted, and he ever so casually looked up in their direction. He could just barely see through the holes in the fabric, they were turned around in only their underwear, their tail gently whipping back and forth.

Viktor flopped his head onto the bed.

He was absolutely not going to tell them he could see right through the sweater.

He also was not going to turn away either. He took note of their figure, small and slender… very soft looking skin with scales spread all along in large and long patches on one side of their legs and arms. The way they swayed their hips as they slipped on their skirt, more little scales like tattoos peeking out from under their undergarments.

Viktor just barely caught a glimpse of the side of their bare chest before finally looking away.

He was absolutely going to need to walk in front of them so they didn’t realize he accidentally went and got turned on.

He smacked his head a bit against the bed. There was absolutely no getting out of THAT conversation now that he went and couldn’t stop looking.

“Haha, you seem impatient!” Altani smiled, noting Viktor’s odd behaviour.

“No, no, take your time I’m just uhhhh…” Time to lie. “A little disappointed in myself for not having the guts to go to the door is all.”

“Oh, that no that's fine!” They put on one of their bracelets, tail flicking. “Actually… seeing you at the window… that was very endearing.”

“Maybe I’ll come in through the window every time I come visit then.” He half joked, taking off his jacket.

“Is that a threat or a promise?”

“Both.” He lifted his head, starting to sweat a little. “Uh, can I take this off now?”

“Yes, yes, I’m done.”

Viktor took it off and looked at them. They were still just as gorgeous as the night before… especially with those big round glasses.

“...You’re really pretty.” He sighed leaning his head on his arm.

“Oh…” Altani blushed. “No, it’s just the outfit that’s pretty. It’s my favorite after all.”

“No, it’s cute.” He pointed to the outfit, then moved his hand to their face. “You are pretty.”

He stood up, awkwardly placing his jacket in front of his crotch as he walked toward the doorway.

“Well, let’s go! The night is still young and so are we, let’s go cause some trouble, eh, Sugar?” He grinned back at them. “Or are you too sweet to cause problems?”

Altani looked confused. “Wait, what? Whats that got to do with anything?”

Vik leaned in the doorway, looking back at them. “Well… it’s been a while since I harassed one of the rival gangs, so I was thinkin’ of startin’ out by spray painting their hideout… Or are you more of a square-type who ain’t into that kinda thing? You are hanging out with a rebel after all.”

“Well, I’m not… Really, I haven’t done that kinda thing before and I’m not sure I should be getting into trouble and-” Altani was cut off by Vik.

“Hey, hey it’s okay. I getcha’, square then.” He smiled, a little disappointed inside. “Let’s go chill at the arcade then, they installed a bunch of new games and they got this air hockey one I’ve been achin’ to try… but that takes two.”

“Okay that... sounds reasonable.” They pouted a little. “I’m no square though.”

“Well then maybe one day you’ll have to prove that to me then, honey.” He winked, flipping his jacket over his shoulder as they went downstairs. “Until then I think my point stands~.”

Altani rolled their eyes as he unlocked the door and stepped out, telling them he’d meet them at his car. They slipped on their shoes, hesitating still.

“You shouldn’t be doing this. You know what would happen if you got caught…”

Something in their heart stirred and they knew they couldn’t back out.

-

Vik sat in the car, throwing in a cassette and turning up the volume a bit, but not as loud as the night before.

‘...Was that too mean?’ he thought to himself. ‘Why did you call them a square? Don’t insult someone you like and want to like you, you dumbass.’

He shifted uncomfortably in the seat, hand and jacket in his lap. ‘and next time… don’t watch them change, you pervert.’

He saw Altani lock the door and walk over.

“You all set?”

“Yeah, let’s try to be back before three though, okay?” Altani sat down, slipping on the seat belt.

“Three’s my lucky number, baby.” He grinned, revving the engine. “Well, and 11 but that’s besides the point. Let’s go have some fun.” Viktor wheeled out, speeding down the road.

It was definitely going to be an eventful night.

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[deep-blue-novella]

CH01 Just a quick slow dance.

“Rachman! Rachman! Rachman!” The sound of cheering filled the back end of the packed bar.

Viktor was surrounded by his gang, everyone howling loudly at him. They’d been lurking back by the pool table for a while now and he’d been whining and complaining that he ‘just wanted a quick fling’, but the bar was full of nothing but a bunch of ‘squares’ and people far too old for his taste.

His crew had been spouting pickup lines at him, shitty jokes, garbage one-liners, telling him to just ‘go for it, pick out the cutest girl in the bar and lay it on her’.

Despite him bitching about there being none, that wasn’t actually true at all… He did have his eyes on someone. but wasn’t sure how to exactly tackle them.

Viktor had been casually scanning the room all night and his eye had just kept going back to this one cute little thing in the corner. They’d been sitting alone in a booth for quite some time, sipping at a drink. The others who had been with them earlier were all long gone, and their nose was deep in a book.

Viktor found it curious, mostly because who the hell goes to a bar to read? People go to bars to forget the night, have fun and not worry about life for a while.

He couldn’t help but roll his eyes as everyone started chanting his name, egging him on.

Viktor downed the rest of his rum, flapping a hand at them and barking, ‘Okay, okay, SHEESH. Shut up already, I’m going.’

The cheers only got louder as he stood up.

Since his curiosity had been piqued, he figured they’d be as good a bet as any to have a go at.

However…

The closer he walked to them, the more his legs got strangely shaky. He was never nervous around girls, he was always so good at at laying on ‘the moves’ as his friends would say. So why now?

They had soft brown hair, short cut with a little green and white flower clip in it, just under their horns. They had little freckles covering over their rosy cheeks and nose with smooth black scales along the bottom of their jaw. On their nose was a set of very large gold and round glasses on their face, drooped slightly lower so they could read their book better.

He noted how… strangely tiny they were. He was almost concerned for a moment they were a teenager that had managed to get in somehow, but figured the tapkeep wasn’t that stupid when it came to the non-shortfolk.

He was lost in thought as his legs moved, eyes still on them. Their little green kerchief looked so cute wrapped around their neck. He noticed by this point they’d put the book away and moved up to the bar, that much closer to him.

“C’mon now you hip cat, don’t lose your cool.” Vik thought to himself, standing next to them, brushing his hair back with a hand.

He leaned across the bar, hovering near, but not directly over them.

They blinked at him and laughed a little.

“Hey Sugar,” he greeted them- they turned around a little startled. “You’re real cute… you… wanna dance?”

“H-huh wait, what’s so funny-”

… and he lost his cool.

“Uh, I didn’t say somethin’ dumb did I?”

“No.. no.” they started, looking up at him with their soft green eyes. “I just haven’t had someone call me ‘Sugar’ before... you think I’m sweet despite not even knowing me?”

Viktor’s face flushed. He could see that his crew were all laughing their asses off in the back corner of the room while looking over at him.

He rolled with the punch, determined to at least get a dance with them.

“I do, you seem so anyway… I mean reading books in a bar? I think only a person with a sweet heart to them would be doing something like that, ya dig?” Viktor grinned, slouching a little.

“O-Oh, well… yes. I’m studying actually.” They looked down a little embarrassed.

“Well hey- studying can wait a bit, why don’t we get you out having a lil’ fun instead!” Vik grinned, gently taking their hand. “Dance with me.”

They seemed to hesitate, as if something else was at the back of their mind. They ended up just laughing really hard, taking his other hand. “Okay. Let’s dance then, handsome.”

Vik’s eyes lit up. He quickly jumped over to the jukebox and changed the song, then rushed back and dipped them down before twirling them around and taking them to the center of the floor. The two of them exchanged a lot of laughs, excitedly chattering between one another as Vik lead them in dance.

Viktor stepped first, easing them into it. He twirled on his heels and glided across the floor, the cute scaled sweetie letting out a mix of laughs and hollers, a huge grin on both of their faces. Even with the song change they kept up, going for at least another ten minutes before Vik started to slow down a little.

“Hey...” He started between laughs, pulling them a little bit closer to him. “The name’s Vik by the way. Viktor Rachman.”

They gave a little giggle at him, a hand to their cheek, moving to twirl at the ends of their hair. “Hi, Vik. I’m Altani.”

“Altani… I like it, it sounds like a sweet name for a gorgeous-”

“Person. Not... girl.” Altani interrupted him, looking down at the floor as the two spun, their green skirt catching the air. “I prefer… They, or them.”

Viktor tilted his head a little, clearly confused. “Oh, okay… so just don’t call you a girl then?”

Altani looked up at him then back down quickly, hair a little in their face and obscuring one of their eyes. “Um, if that’s not too much to ask…”

“No, no, definitely not too much.” He smiled, sweetly, brushing the hair from their eyes so he could look at them. “Can I still call you Sugar, or Darling?”

Altani laughed at him, poking his nose. “Okay, but if you call me ‘Doll’ then I’m going to give you a good slap.”

“Deal.”

The two exchanged another loud chuckle, but both turned as his crew sauntered up, cigs’ in hand with their leather jackets all zipped.

“Ey, Vikman’ Wally says he’s gotta get home n’ see his girl so we gonna bounce and give him a ride. You only had the one drink right? You can drive yourself.” The blonde boy with soft tan coloured ears and tail grinned, giving him a wave off. “Catch you and your new cutie around later my guy!”

“H-Hey wait they aren’t-” He was cut short as the five of them buggered off, leaving Vik with Altani.

“Those your friends?” Altani tilted their head stepping forward.

“Oh, yeah they’re my crew… tiny gang the lot of us. Call ourselves Stray Catz, even got a cool lil’ logo on the backs of our jackets.” He chuckled, pointing to his back. “Uh, sorry about Asheton. You’re not my cutie, but you are a cutie for sure, but I don’t want them assumin’ nothin’ an-”

“Vik, it’s okay. You did… only have the one drink like he said right?” They took his jacket and fixed the collar a little sloppily. “While we did only just meet I wouldn’t want you driving and getting hurt…”

Viktor looked down at them, blushing from the touch. “No, no… Just the one… Promise. Also, I’m down to stick around a lil’ longer with you if you don’t mind it… or-”

They sighed, holding their bag. “Actually… I should call and get a ride so I can go home I have a lot to do and my friends all kind of left already-”

“I’ll take you home.” Viktor held their hands, knowing well how strange it sounded given they were right, they only just met- and yet... “It’s late, like you said… and this way you don’t have to wake anyone up.”

He was trying to make excuses, and he could tell his face was on fire the entire time. Something about them just got his heart going, and he wanted so badly to extend the time they had to hang out together. At this point he’d long since forgotten about scoring with them, he was a little more interested in just them.

Altani looked up at him, the two lingering, holding hands for slightly too long of a time before they responded to him, their face flustered. “Actually, yeah okay. I’m okay with that.”

Viktor smiled down at them. “Okay, lemme foot the bill for us and then I’ll take you to my car, wait here!”

Altani was going to interrupt him to say he didn’t need to pay for them but he was already talking to the barkeep. They did smile a little at him while he wasn’t looking.

-

The night air was wonderfully crisp, Viktor had his convertible’s top down and was telling Altani about his favorite places to hang out, telling them more about himself and his gang. The city was definitely starting to wind down for the night, lots of lights off in the houses as they drove past, the hill leading up to Altani’s place definitely making it evident with how dark the sea of black below was.

They rolled up to a quaint two story building, a nice little house with a big tree up front and in the back, rows of bushes and hedges surrounding it. There were no vehicles parked out front, and the garage didn’t seem to have any signs of use in quite some time.

Vik turned off the car, hopping out the side of it instead of opening the door and rushed over to Altani’s side to get their door open.

“Why thank you, what a gentleman.” They laughed, Vik grinning at them. “For a greaser, you sure are a sweetie.”

“Well… um.” Vik was at a loss for words, very clearly distracted by them as they fixed his jacket for him again, enamoured with the way they gently tugged at it to set it in place neatly.

They turned on their heel, their dark scaled tail swishing behind them. They skipped over to the door of their house, waving to him. “Thank you for the ride~! The dancing was really fun, I needed that!”

“H-Hey, wait!” He called back, half jumping forwards instead of walking in an attempt to move closer before they closed the door. “We should hang out again sometime!”

Altani looked back through the door, Vik was determined that they were going to shoo him away… but surprisingly was given back an, “Okay! Let’s meet up again sometime.”

The door closed behind them, and Viktor’s face lit up with glee. As he climbed back into his seat he made a casual note of the address, looking up to see light on upstairs before he cranked his music (like an asshole) and drove off.

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