Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 13, 2009 22:18:14 GMT -5
"Not this time," Jason murmured, sighing a little as painful memories flooded his mind. He tried to push them away, glancing down at the ring on his hand. Focus on the good, not the bad.
But he couldn't help but wonder how things might have gone differently if he hadn't fallen from the roof in the first place... if Zeph hadn't seen him with Jonathan... if he hadn't even been with Jonathan...
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 13, 2009 23:01:01 GMT -5
Zeph poked him in the ribs, "I know what you're thinking of. Enough of that. That was almost a year ago."
He moved to peer up into his boyfriend's face, his head tilted to the side. "It's the past. We can't change it, and it's part of what has made us who we are. Last summer I never would have even thought about taking someone out to protect others at the cost of my own life. I would have been looking for the best place to hide and be safe. But all the things you've shown me, all the things we've been through together, has made me a different person. I'm still passionate and generally pretty thoughtless, but... I'm less selfish now, and I'm almost certain I have you to thank for that."
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 13, 2009 23:09:38 GMT -5
Jason smiled. "In that case, I'll take the blame for that. Or the thanks, whichever." He laughed softly, embracing Zeph again and being very careful of his ribs. "You're right... we can't change what's happened. And everything we've been through has made me realize that we really can't and shouldn't take what we have for granted, because you never know what's going to happen next year, or next month, or tomorrow. It's not in our hands."
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 13, 2009 23:41:51 GMT -5
Zeph nodded, just leaning into Jason's embrace. He closed his eyes, swallowing a little. His chest was really starting to hurt... Giving Jason a quick hug, he pulled away and wavered as he stood. "Sorry... having trouble breathing," he gasped softly, trying to get to his bag. He curled up a little, holding his ribs.
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 13, 2009 23:44:47 GMT -5
Jason watched Zeph in concern, wincing in sympathy. "Are you going to be okay?"
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 13, 2009 23:50:02 GMT -5
Zeph breathed slowly and carefully, "I need... the medicine in... in my bag. My... my chest hurts..."
He put a hand on the table, holding himself up as he took each breath in slowly. At least they hadn't moved... they just hurt like hell.
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 14, 2009 0:06:35 GMT -5
Jason hurried to find the medicine as Casper rose quickly to get Zeph a glass of water. Jason pawed through the bag, finding a bottle in an inner pocket and pulling it out, looking at it. "Is this it?"
The bottle was empty, but Jason could see the pills piled in the bottom of the pocket... but if Zeph was in as much pain as he looked to be in, surely he would have taken some of the pills over the past several days while Jason had been a wolf.
Jason picked up a handful of pills in one hand, holding the bottle in the other; there were quite a few pills there, maybe three days' worth, and the date on the bottle was not current. Letting the pills fall through his fingers, Jason looked up at his boyfriend in confusion. "Zeph, what's this about?"
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 14, 2009 0:31:26 GMT -5
Zeph raised his head and winced, "I... the pills make me so out of it... and while you were gone I was already shutting down most of the time... at least until you called. So I... I hid the pills so that everyone thought I took them and that was causing me to shut down. So that your family wouldn't worry about me..." he stopped and looked around, closing his eyes in pain for a moment. "You all were already so worried about Jason, I didn't want you to worry about me too, so I did what I could to make you think I wasn't as bad as I was. If I'd been taking the pills, I would have shut down completely... Been in a waking coma, in a way..."
He bit his lip, looking at Jason in distress. "I was going to take them as I was meant to, or I was going to throw them out... mixed with coffee grounds or something so they couldn't be dug out and sold or something. I... I wasn't going to do anything bad, I swear... those are all from when you were gone. I've been taking my pills properly since the hospital... I forgot to grab them when we left to save you... I wish I had remembered, I'd have been more help..."
He sank onto the couch, holding his ribs and breathing slowly. Closing his eyes, he shook in pain, unable to hold himself up. Leaning forward, he panted weakly. "I wasn't going to do anything stupid. I swear I wasn't..."
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 14, 2009 20:33:17 GMT -5
Jason nodded. "It's okay, Zeph. I know you wouldn't do anything like that..." ...again.
He looked at the bottle again, finding the right dosage and picking up a few of the pills, handing them to Zeph. Casper handed Zeph a glass of water to wash them down, watching him in silence, his face pensive.
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 14, 2009 21:12:08 GMT -5
Zeph took both thankfully, swallowing the pills quickly and setting the glass down carefully before curling up again. His eyes closed as he breathed slowly, still bent over. "I think I waited too long... I'll be okay."
He rested his forehead on his knees, listening to what was going on around him without moving. The way he was acting was probably concerning, but... it hurt...
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 14, 2009 21:17:13 GMT -5
Jason sat down beside Zeph, rubbing his back gently in hopes of soothing his boyfriend. He looked around at his family, then back at Zeph, unsure of what to say or do. No one else seemed to know either. It wasn't as though they could help any more with Zeph's pain... they'd just have to wait for the pills to kick in.
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 14, 2009 21:23:27 GMT -5
He sighed softly, "Thank you, Jason. I'm okay, really. It doesn't hurt as much as it could." Sitting up slowly, he winced and let himself fall over however it ended up happening. His head ended up in Jason's lap and his eyes closed again as he just held still. It didn't strain his ribs as much as it could have...
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 14, 2009 21:41:42 GMT -5
Jason sighed, hating to see Zeph in such pain and knowing he was helpless to do anything about it. He stroked Zeph's hair absently, his eyes unfocusing as he became lost in his thoughts. Somehow he knew that whatever trials and suffering he and Zeph and their families had already faced, they were just the beginning.
The Woman in White, the voice on the phone... they had a lot in common, those two. If ever they had a child together, it would probably grow up to be the Antichrist. Jason didn't know whether to shudder or laugh at that thought, so he did nothing. He just kept lightly stroking Zeph's hair as though nothing was wrong.
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 15, 2009 3:31:55 GMT -5
Zephyros smiled a little, sighing slightly.
"That feels good, Jason..." he murmured softly. He always enjoyed when Jason played with his hair, but it seemed to feel even better right now. Maybe because it was a counterpoint to his current pain.
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 15, 2009 15:53:18 GMT -5
Jason smiled and continued playing with Zeph's hair, and remembering that he probably needed to get a haircut himself one of these days. He gazed contentedly into Zeph's peaceful face, his heart flooded with love and peace. He could stay like this forever. As long as Zeph was safe and happy, so was he.
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 16, 2009 0:58:58 GMT -5
- - -
Zeph leaned his head on Jason's chest, listening for anyone coming to the door. He'd joined Jason on the floor this time, so if someone was coming, he had to leap into bed rather than Jason leaping out. "I wonder if telling your father about.... what happened... would make him worry less about us sharing a bed. We wouldn't have to resort to listening for someone coming and not actually falling asleep together... it feels almost like lying."
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 16, 2009 1:06:56 GMT -5
"Tell him wha...?" Jason blinked, frowning, them remembered. "...oh. Oh. Um... well..." He thought about that for a few seconds, then nodded. "Maybe you're right... it would reassure him that we don't plan on doing anything he wouldn't approve of. Not that we would anyway. But better safe than sorry, right?"
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 16, 2009 1:14:33 GMT -5
Zeph nodded, "If I was going to do anything... I would have tried in the hotel rather than just telling you how I felt..."
He nuzzled Jason a little. "But we both know I wouldn't do anything like that. I love you too much to think of hurting you like that. Or even trying to subvert your desires like that..."
Sighing, he just kept his head on Jason's chest. He raised one hand and traced his finger on Jason's chest lightly.
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 16, 2009 1:23:43 GMT -5
Jason smiled softly. "I know you wouldn't. We both know I'm too deeply rooted in Catholicism to agree to something like that anyway," he laughed. "No matter what my preferences are."
He nuzzled Zeph lightly back. "We don't have to tell him right away if you don't feel up to it. I'm not sure how everyone is adjusting to all of this... we're all still getting used to me being human, I know that. And that's on top of everything else that happened. What happened to you last month is a pretty big thing to reveal, and if you're still uncomfortable with talking about it, we should wait until you are."
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 16, 2009 1:29:58 GMT -5
"I don't think I'll ever be comfortable talking about that, Jason. But I would rather sleep with you without worrying about getting us in trouble... and if that's would do it..."
He tilted his head up and kissed Jason's chin because that was all he could reach without moving more than he was willing to do. "So does this mean I have to marry you first?" he teased, kissing him again.
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 16, 2009 1:41:34 GMT -5
Jason laughed and kissed Zeph back, blushing furiously. "Mmm... yeah, I'm afraid so. I'm not into the pre-marital sex thing. As you already know." He snuggled a little closer to Zeph, careful of his ribs, and fought back a yawn. "'mtired..." he mumbled, trying not to fall asleep yet.
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 16, 2009 2:55:12 GMT -5
Zeph pressed a bit closer then squirmed free. "Then go to sleep. I'll get back in bed and do the same. I'll think about talking with your father... about that."
He stood and kissed Jason again, pulling the blankets over him and brushing his hair a little. Sliding under his own covers, he yawned and stretched. "Good night, Jason..."
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 16, 2009 13:01:40 GMT -5
"Goodnight, my heart," Jason smiled, his eyes flickering shut as sleep and dreams overtook him. "I love you too."
- - -
The sun was bright and warm on his back as he walked through the Stadtpark, hand-in-hand with Zeph. They teased each other gently, carefully embracing. Zeph suddenly gave an impish grin, clapping Jason on the shoulder and darting away. "Tag!"
Jason laughed, running after him, but Zeph was faster, and soon ran out of sight down a dark, winding path bordered by twisted trees. Jason hung back, the sight making him nervous. He couldn't hear Zeph's laughter or his footsteps anymore, just the wind. And suddenly, a scream.
Jason! Help me!
Jason's heart jumped in panic, and he bolted down the path. "Zeph, I'm coming!"
The trees clawed at his clothes, their branches turning into skeletal hands that held him back, but he struggled onward. His shirt tore, and the twig-fingers gouged his skin, making him bleed. Finally they released him, and he burst free, running onward. But he skidded to a halt at a horrifying sight, and the breath froze in his lungs.
It was not Zeph who stood on the path, but the Woman in White, in all her terrible splendor. Her red hair billowed behind her in the wind as she grinned at him with her fangs bared, and cackled when she spoke. Her voice was a cruel imitation of Zeph’s. “Jason! Help me!”
He snarled and leaped at her throat, shifting wolf in midair. Before he could reach her neck, she raised her hand to jab something into his side, and he crumpled to the ground with a yelp, his mind swimming with fog. Before blackness overtook him he glimpsed the Woman's skirt hem move out of his sight as she walked away, and Zeph's voice -- his real voice -- still rang faintly in his ears.
He woke up, lying on his back on something cold and hard, with his wrists and ankles clamped down. He was human again... he was in one of Hargrove's testing rooms. He blinked, struggling weakly, watching as the shapes of the scientists moved back and forth in front of him, hiding something from his view. One of them turned around and spoke to Jason -- but he had no face. His voice came from nowhere.
"Bad dogs must be punished. Watch and see what we do to troublemakers and killers."
The scientists moved aside, and Jason thrashed harder against his bonds, seeing Seth clamped to a table across from him. Someone held a silver knife high above Seth's chest and brought it quickly down, but a gust of wind slammed into the man, causing him to drive the knife into his own chest. Jason craned his neck, trying to see the cause of the wind, his heart leaping. Zeph stood there in all his glory, wings outspread, eyes blazing golden with the use of his magic. The scientists made no attempt to stop him as he effortlessly freed Seth from his restraints and moved on to free Jason, his eyes flickering back to their normal green. I told you I would always find a way to you, my love…
Jason wrapped his arms around Zeph as soon as they were freed, holding his boyfriend close and burying his face in Zeph’s shoulder. But they both looked up as a cruel and familiar electronic voice sounded from the doorway.
“How very touching… the wind-freak and the bitch-boy, together again… but not for long.”
The figure in black stood in the doorway of the lab, his cellphone held up in his hand. Zeph stepped away from Jason, blocking his view of the man in black with his outspread wings. Jason grabbed his shoulder, whispering faintly. “Stay with me… please… I love you.”
Zeph turned to look at him, a sad smile on his face. I love you too, Jason. I’ll always be with you. Turning back to the stranger, he raised a hand, a mighty wind picking up around him and whipping his hair around his face. The man in black gripped the phone threateningly, and the voice spoke. “One step closer, freak, and I’ll blow you all sky high.”
Not while I breathe, Zeph replied, tensing. The man in black moved his thumb, dialling a number slowly. The beeps echoed eerily in the silence, one after the other. At the last possible second Zeph leapt, tackling the man in black and enveloping them both in a sphere of wind, just as the man’s thumb dialled the final number.
Jason was paralysed with terror, unable to look away as Zeph’s body was consumed by the blast, or cover his ears as Zeph’s scream mingled with the deafening explosion. Jason screamed as well, a scream of agony dragged up from the very core of his being, that blinded and paralysed him—
—and awoke him, as he sat bolt upright on his mattress, tears of terror pouring down his face. He gasped and sobbed helplessly for breath, one hand clutching his heart and the other reaching out into the darkness for what wasn’t there.
|
|
Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
|
Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 16, 2009 13:20:09 GMT -5
Zeph jolted awake and scrambled out of bed, kneeling and wrapping his arms tightly around Jason. "Shh, it's okay. Just a dream."
He put both hands on Jason's face, kissing him. "I'm right here. We're both okay. I'm okay. Sshh."
Pulling Jason closer, he played lightly with Jason's hair, resting his cheek on Jason's head. Humming softly, he just held his boyfriend close, "It was just a dream, a nightmare. Shh, I'm here."
|
|
Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
|
Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 16, 2009 13:35:54 GMT -5
Jason whimpered and pressed as close to Zeph as he could, trying to control his breathing. The horrible images kept playing over and over again in his mind, no matter how he tried to block them out. He sat still, eyes tightly shut, listening to Zeph's heartbeat and his voice, feeling his warmth wrapped around him. His fingers clutched at Zeph's nightshirt, and he buried his face in Zeph's chest.
The bedroom door burst open, and Jason's family hurried into the room with Helen in the lead. She turned on the light, looking around and hurrying over to her brother and his boyfriend. "Is everything okay? What happened?"
|
|