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[myriadeclipse]

Hugo Inbox

Home of Mockingbird and the voice in his head

Mockingbird

Please forgive me for missing your message. I'll be right with you.

The Other Me

He isn't that sorry.

Mockingbird

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[myriadeclipse]

Three zeros just for the mock-up of a menu? I expected $500+ but not that much. You found a real lunatic.

[ Why did Lycaon always find these types? He wants to be mad, but he's just vaguely numb. People with money will always do as they please, no matter the situation. At least this one was a stickler for being ... Whatever they want to call this.

Hugo looks up from where he's perched, thinking about his location and how far the city limits were. He could fly on his own if he wanted, but the wrong part of him wanted to be picked up. The more he thinks about it, the more he started to lean heavily on the second option(4).

So he sends a map location of where he was.]

I will head down to ground level. You can meet me There.

>action;

[paraselenic]

That is quite the apt way to put it. I cannot say I expected him to have such aggressive philanthropy. Nevertheless, your assistance was a factor in its success.

[At the very least, this guy signing his checks was a lot better than the alternative, shrugging off unsolicited comments and tips trapped on a vessel at sea. It didn't hurt that it was sporadic, too. He shudders to think about working for Gil full time.

Lycaon gets that ping on his map and heads out the door, his legs humming as they kick to life. Going the rate he is, he could probably make it in about 7-10 minutes.

Which is about when he shows up, looking at his phone and catching his breath, standing at the base of a street lamp with Final Notice in his hand. He detects Hugo's scent, now he just had to locate him.]

Hugo?

[myriadeclipse]

[ It was from the shadows, Hugo seemed to pull himself, stepping out of the wall face and rippling shadows as if it were natural to move about the dark spaces. He walks casually, hands in his pockets as he steps up beside Lycaon, taking one hand out of his pocket to hold out for his weapon. ]

I'm here.

[ Standing under the lap after coming out of the shadows put a smile on his face. Life was funny in these little ways. ]

Most of the work was you. [ He says, answering that last message. ] The rest of us merely told you how the concoction tastes to various tongues. It is payment you deserve to have, strange as the amount is.

But, it is good you've been forced to acknowledge your own talents. Your attention to detail and habit of remembering small things about people is something they end up appreciating deeply.

Our friends are going to get emotional over those drinks, you know.

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon's ears flick at the sound of Hugo's feet hitting the pavement, melting out of the shadows as if he were made of liquid. His eye settles on him the moment he steps out, flicking his wrist upward to turn the briefcase over to him, setting it directly onto his palm.]

I would argue your moral support had a hand in its success. [Hugo had stayed up well into the night with minimal complaining during the concept phase, and the others had given their free time to freely test, too.]

While I never doubted my ability, I now see how large the gap between standard service and my own was. I certainly undersold myself to appease the market.

[He pauses, his now free hand touching his lips in thought. His friends he'd based the drinks off of...All three of them were the type who didn't realize just what sort of impact they left on people. Something like this would be good for them.]

I look forward to it, actually. And I hope you liked yours.

[myriadeclipse]

You of all people could have found moral support anywhere. [ Hugo grinned, reaching out and taking the briefcase with a quiet word of thanks. With it at his side, he takes his place at Lycaon's side. He knew there were a large amount of people who would have also only wished for good things to happen in Lycaon's first big venture.

He just wouldn't admit that he was a little proud it was him and the others who did provide that for him in the end. Not yet, anyway. ]

I did like mine, and so did Thanatos. He was particularly delighted at the speed espresso could set a vampire's heart if I drank enough of them.

[ Now they were setting out, and that meant he could ask Lycaon any sort of question he wanted because Lycaon chooses to put himself through this. ]

I can't help but wonder what you would have designed for yourself as a drink if you were going to do such a thing?

[paraselenic]

[A hand goes to his chin.]

I did not really give it much thought. [It was true, at least in Hugo's case. It was an almost braindead, instinctive reaction to ask him for help first. He respects Hugo's opinion of him and his work far more than he'd ever admit in the open.

Molly was also someone who he felt would give both fair critique and stick with him into the late hours of the night. Caleb had been brought along for the ride, but was a willing and helpful participant.]

I suppose giving you unhealthy amounts of caffeine in the dead of night was not the best of ideas, but I'm glad Thanatos was entertained by it all. [He did let that man sleep in that next morning, at least.]

Myself...well, I do not have a god as a 'roommate', as you all call it, so that makes it quite difficult to hold to the theme. But if I were to press on with it anyway...

[His steps fall into place, moving along the street and following the lamps as they alternate putting them in light and darkness.]

Perhaps a London Fog iced latte. Ice cube shape in possibly moon crescents. And a dash of lavender to represent..some changes in my life.

[myriadeclipse]

Would you like one? [ Hugo teases, gesticulating with a hand. ] I'm sure we can put you in enough danger that your life is in danger and see who shows up.

[ The reason it wouldn't go through is his own anxiety over possibly losing the wolf. Hugo was also fairly certain quite a few people from around the city would commit acts of war is Lycaon was going to die. This would have to be a plan for a time he's not within teleporting distance of a quarter of the city.

Not that he would do it.

The addition to the drink drew his attention away from the thought of trying to kill Lycaon, his eyes turning to look at the man who walked with him. Usually, he would scoff and tease him coolly about being sentimental. Yet, he doesn't, looking away from him. ]

That sort of drink suits you. Amendment for the ice cubes; eight spheres. The crescents are easier to understand looking at them. However, if you're going to put in the effort to remember Harumasa's electro quivers, then I feel it's only right to signify something closer to your heart; The Full Moon.

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon's head tilts at that little insinuation, giving such an indignant snort.] Is that a challenge? You seem quite eager to jump on the chance to 'gift' me one.

[He's joking. But the idea that his own mortality could trigger something so reactionary goes over his head. For both Hugo and the city itself.] I cannot imagine many such gods would want to make a home of my headspace. If any did, they are long gone.

[Fenrir, perhaps? But that wolf had long fulfilled his duty to Ragnarok. Various moon goddesses did not deserve to be shackled to him.]

Ah...

[His eye lights up a little at the mention of the Full Moon, giving away completely that inspiration was the better route to go.] An interesting thought. Though I'm curious to your reason for making it specifically eight. One for each phase?

[myriadeclipse]

Well, if I get carried away in our spar, you'll know what was on my mind.

[ He grinned menacingly. If he were going to attribute a god to Lycaon, it would be one of Order. The god would be essential and strict. Something possessive and selfish while still kind--

Hugo's attention swings back with the question, only blinking slowly. Interesting, he thought he would have known without him having to point it out. Then again, maybe Hugo was just someone who paid attention to him in such a way. ]

You spelled it out on your knuckles before. It was noticeable. It's a far easier call to your prominent theming than having to figure out how to 'restrain' a drink in leather.

A foggy London night under the full moon. It's the perfect horror movie setting, and thus perfect theming for a drink for you.

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon matches that grin with one of his own, a challenging one playfully daring that scythe.] We'll have to see who's will is stronger, then.

[His tail swishes in a light wag, the thought of gods and which would choose him escaping on the wind, if one chose him at all. It was, after all, a chance. His friends had all merely been lucky.]

...

[Lycaon's hand goes up to brush against the knuckles of his other, only touching the leather of his fingerless gloves. His knuckledusters..Hugo remembered those quite well. They did exist back at the house, but Lycaon rarely saw the need to use them just yet, and were put in a drawer. Even then, that claw traces the familiar lettering out, as if it was still there.]

My theming is a bit on the nose, either way you choose. You of all people know subtlety is not my strong suit.

[The imagery Hugo provided brings a smile to his lips. A foggy night. The full moon. Yes..that fit him perfectly.]

I remember someone being quite disappointed I couldn't transform under such a night.

[myriadeclipse]

It's expected for a Wolfman to transform in the moonlight. Yet, all you do is become a bigger annoyance.

[ Despite his words, he only sounded fond. It was cute that he got excited to view the moon. Far be it from Hugo to admonish him for his excitement. The year may end with terrible moons for their monstrous sides, but that didn't mean he wanted Lycaon to stop liking it. Maybe he was overthinking this. It was a good thing no one else had to know what a mess his inner mind was. ]

You are the reason the word 'furry' is ever in my lexicon. Imagine the reputation a vampire earns when they're usually seen with someone that isn't even a werewolf. Just a big, bipedal dog at all times.

If we're going to lavish you with compliments and attention, you should tell me anything else that happened while we're on the topic. It's your night.

[ What a rare moment, Hugo calling someone else to center stage. ]

[paraselenic]

[Despite his little pout on his lips, his ears twitch contentedly. Most would consider such a remark uncalled for. But Lycaon...liked when Hugo jabbed at his sides in such a way. Maybe it's because no one else could.]

And yet I've caught you tracking the moon phases lately. Curious. [He knows exactly why, but he'll mention it anyway.]

[He snorts at that comment, though. He's learned all too well about that subculture.] Who knows what this one will bring about. Either way, I would think you would relish in the idea of associating with a wolfman, transformation or not. I can think of nothing the Ravenlocks would curl their lip at more.

[He was a bit proud of that, in its own weird way.]

...How generous. [He taps his lip in thought. There was something he had to get off his chest, now that he thought of it. And that one question he's been holding onto.]

Two things, actually. Recently, Molly had..ah. Poured his heart out to me in quite the intimate way. [If they were holding to being honest with each other, he should be open about it.] And I gave him rejection in the kindest way possible.

[myriadeclipse]

Did he? Your answer is what I expect it would be.

[ Hugo looked completely unsurprised by the answer Lycaon gave to molly, but also unbothered by the situation completely. It’s what he would expect, plus Lycaon was being honest with him and telling him it happened. It was honesty and trust that made him feel valued. Scared. ]

As long as you continue being comfortable sharing with me that these things happen, that is all I can really ask. I too have gotten comfortable with ‘us’.

[On the way to spar each other is a strange place to admit something as difficult as that. Perhaps there was also a clearer way of saying he’s gotten used to them being together. Or maybe his mind is on the bites and the way Lycaon talks to him when they’re alone. There were plenty of reasons why he could say such a thing while his heart beat with anxiety. ]

Would you like to talk about Molly, or would you like to say your second thing?

[paraselenic]

It is funny. I had a feeling that would be your answer, too.

[Hugo was always so nonchalant about things. A trait he often tried to emulate. Yet to feel the anxiety slide off with nothing more than a comment in return made it feel easier. Healthy communication could do wonders after all.]

Either way, I'm quite pleased to hear that.

[His ears perk up, though, at Hugo giving him that open door. His expression...changes a bit, once his mind turns over to the second thing, and his tail poofs a little as he tries to figure out how to phrase it.]

As for my second, I. [His breath catches in his throat, closing his eye to steady himself.] Every October I leave Kaisou to go and look at the moon at a state park a little ways away. About two hours, if we go by car.

I...Ugh. This is ridiculous. [Chastising himself more than anything.]

Would you. Accompany me. To go see it. [A date. He really just asked him on a date.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ There was the thought to emphasize that he could say more on the molly front, but it wasn't really about Molly at all. At the same time, the understanding between them felt like it was unnecessary. Lycaon probably already knew on some level that the most important thing to Hugo was just him. Just like they said before; everything else was noise.

Well, until Lycaon suddenly started getting nervous?? Hugo turned his head and stared at the man beside him, the tips of his own ears seeming to rise. Did he start with rejecting Molly only to reveal he accidentally made out with one of the amoeba's? (his money was on hate kiss with Zelos or The Chinese One) Or was it the cat? The cat was crafty. He was far too good at the 'I'm cute and weak please dote on me at all times' look, but he was sure that was just a him weakness and not a Lycaon--

The truth actually stunned him more than the fanciful ideas that came to him first. Was that... Was he being asked on... ]

A date? You're... worried about my answer... on a date?

[ Hugo had to turn his head quickly so he didn't just burst out laughing directly at Lycaon's face. ]

[paraselenic]

[The former was a conversation best left to when they were at home, and not on their way to let out leftover adrenaline. Lycaon could talk more about the subject, but the fact remained that they both understood on some level they were each other's most important.

Unfortunately, he had no time to wax poetry about his devotion, because now he's being laughed at. The wolf's ears perk up, his lips contort into a pout, unable to hide one of those fangs showing where they parted, and his brow furrowed as he came to a stop underneath the street lamp that stood between where the city was and the outer limits. ]

I -knew- this was ridiculous! [His tail, as poofed as can be, swings back and forth like a pendulum. This is what he gets for taking the traditional approach.]

It's just...you're not much of a camper. Granted, there's cabins with full wifi a-and...[Ugh, he sounds worse the longer he goes on. Is he 16 years old?]

[He clears his throat and holds his head higher, looking down at the man whether he's turned back around or not.]

For people figuring out just how to proceed forward...together, a date is a good start.

[myriadeclipse]

[ A hand was lifted and then lowered, the vampire covering his mouth to try and stop himself from laughing. It was part amusement at the full breakdown of Lycaon's unshakable control, and part delight at the way Lycaon looks when he's stumbling over his words and meanings.

It was imperfect and real. ]

I said one thing and you're panicking. [ At this point, he felt like he was laughing to hide how red it would make him otherwise. Hugo takes a breath, composing himself. ]

How long will we be out there? [ We. ]

[paraselenic]

[It's truly times like these that he's glad he's covered head to toe in fur. He can swear he's flushed up to the tips of his ears, if you peeled back the layers of undercoat to look. Fingers press to the bridge of his snout in a futile attempt to regain composure, though he doubts he can ever reclaim it now that he was fumbling around like a teen asking someone to prom.]

I'm -not- panicking. [He may have been panicking.] You're the one who laughed.

[Though if he's honest, it was nice to see that sort of reaction from Hugo. Nice to hear the mirth in his voice, or those eyes squinting in delight instead of them downward cast, idle fidgeting with a coin, or a sigh of contemplation. He'd weather a little mild embarrassment for this.

It doesn't stop his ears from twitching at the sound of that 'We', either. A smile quickly spreads from that pout as he looks to the side.]

Just a night. It's around the time the Northern Lights like to inch forth, so it's a wonderful display of the moon, the lights, and the Milky Way. [A pause.] Ordinarily I would go on the full moon when I went alone.

[Not quite an option anymore, with his new life developments.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo was the one who laughed. The cool, composed Vampire who prides himself on his appearance and devil may care attitude did burst into uncontrollable laughter at the thought of his close friend having problems asking him out for a Moon Viewing. It lowered his guard and made the monster within feel ... soft.

The explanation gave him something to think about. Lycaon had been correct about Hugo attaining a new habit. Knowing the moon phases was not something he bothered himself with until recently. Now he couldn't imagine not knowing. ]

Going on the full moon sounds like the perfect idea to me. Together.

[ It would be meaningful to Lycaon in his birth month, yet it would also get the two of them out of the city during the supermoon. If there were no people around, it means the concern of endangering others would go away, and they could enjoy the sight in peace, away from the eyes of judgment. ]

I will go with you. I will even go camping and rough it.

[paraselenic]

[Ah.

No amount of control or composure the wolf could ever hope to have could stop his tail from wagging like it is. He could power a motorboat with it with the speed it was going. It wasn't like he expected a full rejection from the vampire. Mild complaining at most over the lack of civilization, but the earnest answer only brings light to that eye.

A somewhat dangerous one, with Hugo confirming the moon phase. Dangerous for who? Who's to say.]

Then...the sixth would be best. That is when it will be at its peak. [October 6th, just two days off his birthday. He'd make arrangements as soon as they got back. Possibly leave it to Arsene to make the reservations instead of himself, as something told him he'd be a little busy when they got back.]

The great Hugo Vlad, willing to go camping for me. I could not ask for anything more.

[He can't hide his amusement, or how happy that truly made him further down.]

...I really do need to work off this adrenaline now. Perhaps sparring was a good idea, after all.

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo's eyes darted here and there shortly as he put together a timeline in his mind. Lycaon's birthday then a few days later the camping. There might be a little rest afterward needed, and if Lycaon asks for Butler from that weird birthday skeleton... It's going to be a strange month. He'll just have to let the art gallery handle itself (read as: Arsene and Robin handle it) for a while.

Lycaon's excitement was contagious, Hugo trying to lower his smile to just a smirk as he motions ahead of them. ]

Then run the rest of the way. It will give me the ability to see how far behind you I fall using my own flight and shadow jumping.

[ Hugo turned his head, looking Lycaon up and down. He's been with him long enough that he should be able to keep up tracking him through the city between smell and hearing. ]

Usually you are the one chasing me, so it will be good to change roles.

[paraselenic]

[It was as if you told a dog he was allowed to go play. His smile all but matches the enthusiasm they were both trying to hide. Between his success at perfecting the menu and now this, he couldn't help it.

His thigh satchel did hold the Fetters of Dromi he'd acquired from the Goodwill shop, in case Hugo needed to keep up, but the vampire's words tell him he probably needn't pull them out.

Besides, he's more than confident Hugo will keep pace. That's how they always were.]

Ah, excellent suggestion. I've never been in the 'prey' position before.

[Like an athlete warming up, he crouches a few times to ready himself as his legs start to emit a soft hum. The soft blue glow pours behind the plating as the lapis lazuli readies them for running, and there's a light tap of his toe.]

Keep up with me, if you can.

[Without hesitation, he takes off into the dimly lit streets of the outskirts, ears trained to hear the sound of jumping shadows or the flittering of bat wings.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ When Lycaon starts crouching, Hugo begins his own preparations. He steps back, lifting his head and shaking out his limbs. If he was going to keep up, he would have to utilize both methods, but it would also employ weaving around the light of the cars and streetlamps. He could do it. It just might be a little disorientating, diving sideways in vague zigzag motions.

Lycaon takes off without further delay. Hugo drops low and pushes off after him. If there was one thing his time with Sampo was good for, it was learning odd ways to run and evade. For the beginning, it was pure sprint, his eyes trained in the blur of white pulling out so far ahead.

Bats were better hunters from the air, and that is exactly where his first target laid. Hugo sidestepped into a dark alley between two building and dashed into the darkness. The shadows moved with him up to the rooftops where his sprint continued even as he reached the edge and lept without fear. Lifetimes of recklessness can prepare a person well for shifting between forms. The moment he could feel himself drop and the air start rushing past him, he shifts, spreading his wings and riding his momentum into a dive and turn to fly above and look down at the streets below.

Of course, flight wasn't enough. The bat would have to fly ears first into what would seem to be the sides of buildings or unlit corners, popping out in all sorts of places just to catch up to the wolf. ]

[paraselenic]

[From the moment Lycaon set off, he had no intention of starting off slow to let Hugo keep pace. He didn't need to--he was more than confident the man would utilize every tool he had to keep pace with his raw speed. It would be an insult to his friend, his partner to go slow.

That, and the cold wind felt so freeing as it threaded through his fur in a way he hadn't felt in so long. Sure, he'd used his legs to travel to places in the city, but never with such reckless abandon. As he takes off down the side of the highway, he watches the traffic whip by, matching the speed of the ones on the opposite side of the road while being nothing but a blip on the radar to the one adjacent.

Maybe...

If Hugo could weave in and out of the shadows, bending the world to his hand, then why couldn't he? Just for tonight. His smile curls a little deviously to himself as he snorts. Hugo was such a bad influence, sometimes.

With the hum of his legs ever present and the blue glow flaring out behind him like car lights, he starts to weave into the traffic. More specifically, the oncoming traffic. Lycaon wasn't worried--if anything it was a thrill he hadn't felt in years.

Should a car be coming his way, he deftly weaves between, only a momentary white flash to any unsuspecting driver. He vaults over any obstacle with a hand to spring him up, twirling in the air with a grace you'd never quite expect from a wolf, let alone one his size. He lands just as gracefully, picking up his sprint where he left off as if the whole thing had been just to show off for his pursuer.

With nothing but the cars, streetlamps and the moon above to illuminate him, he was in his element. Those ears remained alert and trained for the sound of shifting shadows, but they pick up the light flap of a bat not too far behind him.

Good. He had nothing to worry about after all.

As they neared the outskirts, Lycaon saw less and less traffic, and took to the middle of the road as it tapered off into one lane. The city limits sign flew past him and the sky started to open up, no longer choked by light pollution and letting the stars have the stage.

He slows to a stop near a stretch of wilderness, letting himself catch his breath and come down from the high he'd allowed himself to have. With the darkness so abundant here, he's sure the predator was close by, if not already here.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ There was a small stretch of time when he forgot about the chase. The wind rushed past him as the lights grew less dense. Buildings were replaced with trees and space. Light pollution gave way to a blanket of stars glimmering above, and Hugo was caught up in quiet splendor.

The chase was still happening, so he couldn't get distracted. Diving through the brush, it was easy to use the heavy shadows to shoot through the air in bursts between the darkness, weaving like he could string them together if he went far enough. Hugo breaks out of the cover of leaves and branches and takes to the open space, spreading his wings to catch the wind and slow his sleep flying.

He didn't keep the form long, the bat melting into the darkness once more, his human form sliding out of a shadow cast by a tree, ending with one hand holding Final Notice while the other was resting in his pocket. Taking a moment to catch his breath, the hand in his pocket came out to push his hair back, Hugo lifting his head to listen to the whistle on the wind.

There was almost no time between him stepping out of the darkness and Lycaon stopping. Hugo was casual with it, though, striding out with a confident stride and a turn when he stops, facing Lycaon with a grin. ]

There you are.