cashewlater | for @suffusion

for @suffusion

[ the forest is quiet.

cyno knows these woods like the back of his hand. he knows all of sumeru, has trekked nearly every inch of it - nearly - for he fears no beast, nor the darkness of the unknown. his work takes him all over the land, through the deserts and forests alike, and though he works for no one, he does not hurt for mora, for cyno is the most gifted hunter and tracker in sumeru. no quarry has ever escaped him, and he has never failed to deliver on any job. this job will be no different.

it isn't an easy hunt. not only is this area of the forest unfamiliar to him, but his prey is sharp and smart, with an incredible sense of hearing. cyno's footsteps are all but silent, but the sensitive ears of the witch can detect him even at his most stealthy. it's fine. he's brought in difficult prey before. if stealth could only get him so far, he has other methods, though he must take care - should the rumors prove true, this witch is powerful, tricky, wise, and cyno could easily find himself on the wrong end of his quarry's wrath. but he was ready for a fight, if it came to it, and it would.

for five days he simply watches. listens. the witch hears him, he knows, but cyno is well hidden, and cannot be found. he scales the trees and watches from the branches, stock still, his clothing camouflaged, his pale white hair tied up and rubbed with charcoal to keep it from standing out. for hours he sits, vigilant, watchful, learning the witch's patterns and strengths, behaviors, taking their measure, and even that is not easy, but cyno learns over time that his adversary favors the bow and dendro magicks, that they know the forest well, and make use of all of its parts. in the end, cyno can only hope to overpower them by force and speed alone, striking fast, getting in close before the bow can be drawn on him. it'll have to be enough, with the element of surprise unavailable to him. but he'll use the tools he has.

his eyesight, for example, sharp in the night. his keen sense of smell. his own good hearing, and his powers of observation. his patience.

cyno strikes in the night, when the witch is far from their hut, gathering samples of bioluminescent moss. he's fast as a bolt of lightning, moving comfortably in darkness, taking them from behind and knocking them to the loamy earth, with his spearhead at their throat. ]

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[ another snooty remark earns a chomp to cyno's ear, a bit rougher this time around. cease, you little pup. also help don't doom nari to high-pitched squeaky voice!! he is but a small fluffy bean.

as cyno's head dips to drink, tighnari reaches a little clawed finger out to dip into the waters before he's rubbing it a little onto his own face. just a bit of cleaning himself. he sits up a little, ears swerving as he listens around - but nothing comes up. ]

Do you have any other plans tonight?

[ just a curious inquiry. ]

[ cyno drinks his fill, no reaction to the bite aside from the casual flick of his ear - your fangs are so tiny, tighnari!!

after he's had a good long drink, cyno begins cleaning himself as well, stepping into the shallows and wetting his paws, rubbing them against his face to clear the blood away. he's careful to move slowly, so as not to dislodge the little bat, to give tighnari plenty of time to keep himself balanced. we can't have the small fluffy bean falling into the water!! ]

Well.. I'd been hoping to catch up with an old friend, if he's willing.

[ cyno says, with a smile in his voice. ]

[ how kind of cyno, it doesn't go unnoticed as tighnari moves further onto the jackal's back to allow the other more ease and movement to clean himself. which is good - because tighnari was moments away from trying to clean that messy muzzle of his himself if he hadn't.

he gives a little stretch, the small bat loafing closer to the were's hindquarters again with a twitch of his ears. ...oh? ]

Is that so? I wonder... [ he lets it sit, as if actually contemplating the thought, before there's the smallest of nods from the bat. ] I think he can spare some time to catch up.

[ tighnari really is trekking up and down his back like a little soldier ant, giving his tiny bean body a workout. and of course he hesitates and lets the silence linger, as if he has any intention of saying no at all. which of course he doesn't. ]

Heh. How kind of him. Then it sounds like I do indeed have plans tonight.

[ they fall into it so easily.. their same old banter, as if no time has passed at all, as if it hasn't been over a decade since they were last together. a closeness like theirs is not easily broken, and time has not eroded their fondness. it feels.. nice. good. like a piece of his heart that had gone missing is now slotting back into place.

he continues rubbing the water against his muzzle, dunking his entire furry face into the water until the blood is cleared away from his snout and chest and paws. man, though, he should have kept that bone.. ]

Your place, or mine?

[ a lil soldier ant that is now a small bat loaf. his nose twitches with thought, ears wiggling until he droops more comfortably. seems no matter how much time stretches between them, they really fall so easily into the same habits. ]

Your place is probably best for now.

[ though tighnari lives alone, there's no saying when any of his clanmates or family could potentially show up. not that it happens often - but from time to time when tighnari gets distracted with his work, they do try to check up on him.

and well, admittedly, tighnari is curious to seeing cyno's place again. if anything has changed. whether he has moved since he last saw him, if there are any additional changes or is everything still the complete same? ]

Is that alright?

That's no problem.

[ yeah, that's probably for the best. cyno is without a pack, he won't have anyone that might appear unprompted to find the two of them spending time together, and while a vampire and a werewolf hanging out outside of professional circumstances isn't strictly illegal in the sense of the law..

societal rules state otherwise. werewolves and vampires have been ostracized or even killed for associating with the other, their ancient feud remains, no matter how the world has grown around them. better not to risk it, especially for tighnari, who does have clanmates.

stepping out of the pond, cyno has to deny the urge to shake the water off of himself, lest tighnari get launched into a tree. instead, he immediately begins trotting off through the woods and back toward the city. once they're on the outskirts, cyno slows. ]

I'll send you my address. You can fly up to the window, if you want.

[ so they're not seen together. ]

[ of course, tighnari's own concerns and worries more stem on cyno's behalf. no matter how long it's been, no matter how much time tighnari has tried to push between for sake of feelings or safety and otherwise - he doesn't want to push cyno at any risk. a werewolf without a pack to protect them is a walking death sentence and it's always been a lingering fear that one day cyno may just vanish because of it.

so when he steadily agrees, there's some relief. and though he can take to the skies once again as they're on the move, he decides to hang low, even though a loaf of dark green and black stands out quite much against white fluffy fur.

his head perks, moving to sit up properly, wings giving a little shake as they stretch out. cyno brings up a good point, though it's easy to hide in the woods, it's much more obvious now that they're back on the outskirts. ]

Will do. I'll see you soon then.

[ and with that, he takes off, his small shape disappearing quickly into the dark sky as he blends in with the shadows and vanishes from sight. ]

[ cyno watches until tighnari is out of sight, before he slips back into his humanoid skin, and returns to the city.

on two legs it'll likely take him a little longer than tighnari to reach his apartment, so he moves quickly - though not too quickly - and returns home without incident. no one bats an eye at his passing, and the scent of vampire isn't uncommon to catch in this city of many creatures.

immediately, once inside, cyno flicks on the lights and opens the window to allow tighnari in.

cyno's loft apartment isn't particularly large, but it still feels comfortable. the entire plan is open, the kitchen, dining, and living spaces all open air and connected, and the style is modern, industrial, clean and sharp. it smells of cyno, like the hot sun and warm musk and fur, something deep and spicy. ]

[ fortunately tighnari is in no rush, even if he reaches the apartment quickly. while he waits, he can just perch outside, staying within the shadows so he doesn't stand out too much. he busies with grooming his fur in the meantime. it isn't until the sight of lights turning on does he perk up, inching closer with a slight peek.

as soon as he catches sight of cyno does he slip right into the open window, swooping in and shifting right into his regular form. he stretches after, emitting a soft groan while his shoulders rock a little back. ]

I haven't spent so much time in that form in ages.

[ as convinent as it is, it's strictly too vulnerable for him, but he's here now and he's already curiously exploring the apartment. his tail swishes as he does, intaking the scent of cyno that fills the home with familiarity. ]

What have you been up to lately?

[ tighnari swoops right into his apartment, and cyno smiles to see him. he doesn't often have company, unsurprisingly, but tighnari looks right here in these walls, like he belongs here. comfortable. ]

Mm. It's very cute, really.

[ tiny little big-eared bat loaf.. with the lil thumb claws!! adorable. with tighnari comfortably arrived, cyno moves into the kitchen to prepare a bottle of wine. ]

As for that, well.. I can't say I've had a very interesting time since school. Work. Spent a lot of time in the military.

You'd be the only werewolf to think so.

[ despite the years, he finds himself being put at ease here. feeling like he can let his guard down. but, it's always been that way with cyno. his ear twitches in the direction that cyno moves in, however he continues to explore around.

mostly looking for any personal pieces to peek at, like photos or otherwise, for the sake of his curiosity. since it's been so long.. he wouldn't be surprised if cyno has gotten some new relationships. though, as cyno shares he glances over, blinking a bit. ]

The military? Did you enlist yourself?

[ maybe he is the only werewolf to think so, alas, but how can anyone not be charmed by that tiny little bat loaf? chubby batnari.. cyno just wants to cradle him in one hand and pet his wee little head.

as for personal effects, there are.. surprisingly few. though the space looks lived in, it lacks those items that make it feel more like a home. no photographs or albums, no evidence that he's settled down with anyone. there are books, however, many on history and criminal justice, as well as potions, cooking, and games. also hints of his military involvement. ]

Yes, I did. I did well there, actually, was only just recently discharged. Thinking of going back. Or going back to school.

[ he'd fit in well, in the military. the structure was good for him, and he had a sense of belonging there that he'd never had anywhere else. he rose through the ranks quite easily.

[ the fluffy welcoming chubby batnari that only cyno may have the pleasure of petting and seeing...

perhaps another time. for now, tighnari inspects the lack of personal items. it's a good way of gauging more of his life without cyno's own say but it really is lacking. however, he does come to look at the books, fingers skimming along their spines as he reads the titles. ]

School isn't a terrible idea if there's more you want to do.

[ but if he was thinking about rejoining the military, that isn't a terrible decision if that's what he wants. ]

What kind of work have you been up to otherwise?

[ cyno is truly so blessed and fortunate to behold the chubby batnari loaf. ]

Odd jobs. Mostly security work.

[ things well suited to a werewolf, really - ways in which he could put his discipline and strength to good use, even if being packless meant his opportunities were a bit thin sometimes. glasses tinked as cyno poured them both some wine, stepping forward to offer one to tighnari. ]

How about you?

Security work... fitting enough.

[ with a werewolf's senses, it's quite easy he thinks, his ears twitch briefly back at the sound of steps and turns his attention fully on cyno again. he gently takes the offered wine glass in hand, smiling a little. ]

Thanks. [ he swirls it a bit, bringing it close to take a small sniff. ] Mostly specialist work with my botany research. I run a few lectures here and there. ...Though, I've been thinking of trying something more simpler, more easier. But I'm not too sure yet.

Mhm.

[ security is more or less cyno's comfort zone, be it area security, or performing as a bodyguard - he's done both, and been quite good at it. still, the military was where he felt most at home, outside of his time spent at school. his time with tighnari. those years had been the best of his life.

cyno takes a sip of wine, then settles down onto the sofa. ]

Botany - glad you're still doing that. [ it was always tighnari's passion, after all; cyno still remembers how he would light up when talking about flowers and mushrooms. ] You could always open a little flower shop. Or an apothecary.

[ tighnari doesn't sit right away, looking back to the rest of the apartment as he takes a sip himself. but he decides he's done enough snooping and follows to sit beside him on the sofa after that. ]

Of course. I'm not one to drop my passion so quickly.

[ just as cyno knows and remembers him by, it's still the same even after all this time. though there's a moment of surprise that shows until he laughs a little. because it's really funny that cyno says that when... ]

I was actually thinking of a flower shop, yes. It isn't nearly as ranged and busy as my current work but, I have been liking the idea of it.

[ no, he's not, is he? tighnari has always been passionate about botany and mycology, and cyno is glad to see that that hasn't changed. he's a little envious, honestly - cyno himself has always struggled to find the place where he fits. his passion is and always has been.. people, quite simply. this city, their nation, and protecting it. it's why he'd felt at home in the military.

when tighnari settles, cyno crosses one leg loosely over the other with an easy expression on his face. ]

Really? Guess I hit the nail on the head.

[ a lucky guess, hmm? ]

That would suit you, I think.

[ imagining tighnari running a cute little shop.. yes, yes cyno can see it quite easily, to be honest. tighnari surrounded by beautiful, fragrant flowers all day. ]

It's not what most have expected for me to potentially settle on. After all, it's more of an occupation to settle down in one place with than all the current traveling I do on and off with my specialist work.

[ and yet cyno really did have such a lucky guess, huh. his tail idly flops onto the sofa's armrest with a quiet thought. after all, saying a flower shop would suit him isn't something he had expected to hear but... there's a look of appreciation. ]

If you're looking for something similar to military work, have you not considered the police force? Or perhaps even something like a detective? You've always been a good judge of character, it might be something worth trying if you want to settle for something in the city.

[ though he can understand the appeal with military work, you could be stationed quite about anywhere. traveling is an adventure in itself, and.. looking at this loft apartment, cyno does seem to be the type to always be on the move so. ]

[ a lucky educated guess, at least. he likes the sound of that, though - of tighnari in an apron with his hands covered in soil, surrounded by beautiful flowers and bouquets.. yes, yes he thinks that would suit him just fine. ]

If you need help with startup costs, I'm happy to invest.

[ he's always been quite good at being frugal, after all. cyno's sitting on quite a powerful nest egg. he tilts his head thoughtfully. ]

Hmm, that's not a bad idea. I've considered detective work. I'd like to work in special victims.

That's awfully kind of you to offer. Are you sure you don't want to think it over some more?

[ or even give it a little bit of thought? while he appreciates the thought, and it's actually quite tempting, he's probably sure he can be fine on his own regarding the costs. still, cyno always has been willing to aid him in any way possible if he could. he's always had a good heart. ]

I can more than see you investigating about. Sticking that nose of yours in anything suspicious.

[ it's said a little teasingly. his free hand reaches up to tap cyno right no the nose. a small boop! ]

[ that snoot boop!! cyno smiles, catching tighnari's hand by the wrist before he can pull it away, his thumb rubbing slow, gentle circles to the vampire's palm. he feels nice and warm after his good feed. ]

I do have a bit of a nose for trouble.

[ investigative work would come naturally and easily to him, he has to admit, and the idea of being able to help and protect people, to bring justice to those who have been wronged.. it's certainly appealing to him. cyno has always been a bit too soft for his own good, when it comes to helping complete strangers. ]

And I'll think it over, yes, but I can't imagine myself changing my mind.

[ cyno can't imagine a world in which he wouldn't want to help tighnari with anything. ]

[ oh... ears perk forward when his wrist is caught, stilling for a moment until he feels that thumb rub slow and soothingly. it sends shivers down his spine - that he does very well not to show. after all the years he's kept his feelings to himself, it wasn't about to slip up now. with how well-fed the vampire was, it would be easy pull his hand back and resume things as they were.. and yet he doesn't. he keeps his hand there in that grip, his tail thumping softly against the sofa once. ]

Don't I know it.

[ it's said in an airy tease, lips quirking behind the ridge of the wine glass before he helps himself to another sip. tighnari isn't overly conceited on certain matters, but he does like to think he knows cyno well enough to offer suggestions like this. feels a little prideful when the man seems to agree and even consider it. ]

We'll see. I've had ideas regarding locations and otherwise so, I should be fine on my own, but I wouldn't turn down a little help.

[ to be perfectly honest, cyno has ulterior motives, naturally. of course he wants to help tighnari simply to help him - because starting a business is exhausting and expensive - but also because it would mean keeping the fox in his life. if he was a primary investor, well, they'd be bound to see one another again, right? his motives aren't entirely altruistic. now that he's found tighnari again, cyno can't imagine letting him go. they came back into one another's lives for a reason, didn't they? cyno doesn't like the idea of fate, but.. it feels a little bit like destiny, to stumble across tighnari again like this. like he's being given another chance. a chance to be involved in the life of the only person he's ever loved. ]

I'll look over my finances and get back to you.

[ even if he knows full well what his final answer will be.

he doesn't drop tighnari's hand. the vampire's skin feels so warm beneath his touch, that soft, squishy pad on his palm still so supple and soft, just as he remembers it. all these little things about tighnari.. he has never forgotten. slowly, his fingers weave through tighnari's, and he takes another sip of wine. ]

Are you living in the city, or was this just a fortunate coincidence?

Mhm.

[ a light hum responds, two-toned eyes observing cyno further. tighnari assumes there's probably more to it but he cannot really fantom why at the moment. it isn't as if something as small and quaint as a flower shop will bring in heavy revenue. and any perks would be generally nonexistent except the occasional bouquets, he supposes. well, he won't question it. not when he's more distracted by the way his hand flexes a little against the workings of the other man's fingers. even more so as those fingers weave through his own and he finds his heart leaping a bit. it's tempting to curl his hand against the other's, to intertwine them further together... something he quickly refrains from doing.

it isn't so strange coming from cyno. he's always been a little affectionate, with lingering touches between them, that he knows better than to think anything of it. knows better than to overreact to it. so, tighnari remains where he is, taking another drink of his wine as if to chase off his own feelings about it. ]

I am, though it's closer to the outskirts. A group of old colleagues requested some help on a project a while back so I've only just recently moved in.

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