[He learned the best from Hugo Vlad himself! He knows your type!
You can practically feel his smile resonating through the screen.]
I can hear him already. 'So Lycaon, you have chosen death.' and other such theatrics. I will accept my fate gladly. [If he has not been shocked into silence, that is.]
It will be just between us three. I feel like any more would be claustrophobic.
But don't tell anyone about that wagging tail. You're 100% right.]
Likewise. You and Miss Lia are the two he mentioned when we...sorted things out. He doesn't keep too many people close to him, so it is no small victory to be mentioned like that.
[ he takes a breath in, something serious sitting heavily in his chest. ]
you dont have to thank me hugo and i are two peas in a pod both running from things wed rather not look back on id be a liar if i said he didnt worm his way into my heart much like i did his as far as im concerned hugo is one of my people and i take care of my people
[There's something about both Hugo and Molly, where they unravel at any slight bit of genuine sincerity. It's almost like they're starved for something real and grounding.
Just an observation. Nothing he's going to say out loud.]
Hugo has that effect on people. He shines so brightly sometimes that the light can be unbearable. But that doesn't make him less radiant.
I'm truly happy he met you. And I'm glad you met him.
I am not sure what you are running from, and I don't need to know. But it is okay to stop and rest, sometimes.
[ it says a lot about what Hugo means to him, that he gives up all pretences allowing something raw and real to come through. it helps that no one else can see this conversation, that its in a the shadows. ]
like i said two peas in a pod he and i
it is a difficult thing to rest when youve spent so long running not impossible just difficult
[ thank god. the last thing Molly needs is for it to get out that he has grown fond of Kaisou and it's collection of weirdos. ]
im sure it will and every day the thing in the dark gets closer
[ he doesn't know Lycaon super well but... maybe it's because a part of him as been desperate to talk to someone, desperate for assurance that he isn't going mad. that those eyes in the dark, the ever present feeling of being hunted, is all in his head and he has nothing to worry about. that the Eyes of Nine aren't coming to get him. ]
[The city can't also know just how soft he is for that stupid bat. It's mutually transactional.
To that...Lycaon pauses. Whether this is a literal beast in the dark or a battle with inner demons... He will treat this with the same gravitas it deserves. Molly's one message was an act of confiding in him.]
I do not fear the dark, nor what lurks in it. [His own way of showing support for him. If Lycaon had anything in spades, it was bravery.]
You are free to not answer this, but what do you see when you look into it?
[ the city doesn't know but Molly knows, Molly knows all too well.
he shouldn't have said anything. he let his walls come down, left himself defenceless. it wouldn't be hard to reach in and strike at those tender parts. idiot, he should know better, he does know better. ]
[Foreboding was a gentle way of putting it. Something watching you can certainly lead to paranoia. Prey that can sense their hunter rarely are calm. Lycaon lets this piece of information sink in before he replies.
[It's not the first time he's been told that. Maybe it's something deeply rooted in his wolf-genetics. A lack of hesitation when it comes to being faced with outside threats.]
[ it hits him again, sudden and sharp right in his chest. the picture of a woman with dark hair─ no, her hair turned white in the end didn't it? his friend, dearest friend. Yasha, he murmurs to no one but himself, why is it that they both remind him of her in different ways.
he's not supposed to be getting attached, not supposed to be letting people in and here he is arms outstretched.
[ it takes him longer to respond than he'd like. longer to regain his breath and calm the rapid beating of his heart. instincts scream to push away, to pack up and leave before anyone notices. he can be gone by morning easily, nothing more than an empty apartment heralding his leaving.
but he won't. he can't. part of Mollymauk Tealeaf's heart has settled here and it's starting to dig its roots. ]
has anyone ever told you that youre a fool? those selfless heroes are always the first the die you know
[The pause does make Lycaon wonder if Molly had left the conversation. A push too far can lead someone to run--he's known that with a certain other. He waits, though, his eye idly checking his phone as he cleans his kitchen (for the nth time).
Time heals, whether Molly knows it or not.
When the answer comes, his lips curl into a smirk.]
Many times.
But I must correct you. It is far from a selfless reason--much like Hugo, you also need to learn the hard lesson that you are wanted in this world.
[ he has to read the message a couple of times, let the words sink into his marrow. he had said they were peas in a pod and it's true, but there is something about all but having his words thrown back at him.
"you also need to learn the hard lesson that you are wanted in this world."
Molly laughs bitterly. ]
im a liar a thief a conman and a devil i could be lying through my teeth to you right now you barely know me so i implore you to not to waste your time
i wouldnt do the same for you
[ that's a lie. a big fat lie. Molly would, Molly has, and Molly would do so again in a hearbeat. ]
You helped out someone very important to me, and that is enough to ensure your safety. By proxy, you have become worth knowing and protecting.
I do not require any repayment, nor do I expect it.
[He truly doesn't. Not for himself, at least. He knows more than anyone that he is not the good boy the city seems to think he is. A stray taken in, raised as a thief, turned traitor and then covered his tracks to look as pristine as his white coat.]
With the exception that you attend birthday celebrations for him for years to come.
[ a part of him wonders what it would take for Lycaon not to hold that opinion, a part of him fears that there is something in his half-remembered past life that could sway it. he could fight it more, try his best to beat the man away but he's already in too deep, isn't he?
he's already tangled up in strings he hasn't the strength to cut. ]
thankfully the focus returning to Hugo's birthday plans is enough to hold his attention, pushing all other thoughts off to the side. ]
sounds good though i have one request after dinner i take you and hugo to a dark corner of the underground where people dont ask names youre coming because youre hot and hugo thinks youre terribly attractive we can spend the rest of the evening messing around until thoughts and birthdays become a thing of the past
Though that does make him pause. For many reasons. It's a mixture of flattery, amusement, intrigue, and exhaustion.]
Molly. I had hoped you would've at least waited a day before running to Hugo to sell me out. I will forgive it, this time, but I will not save you from Miss Lia's wrath should she find out you spoiled the surprise.
[He knows you wouldn't throw this proposition to him unless you already got the OK from Hugo, buddy!]
I am quite flattered, and surprised that Hugo said that to you. [His tails is WAGGING. Thankfully this is text.]
[ of course he immediately sold Lycaon out, he had too! ]
had a strike while the iron was hot my dear sitheach i will happily accept her wrath should it come out but i had to give him some warning along with needling him about never telling me about it before
i did offer him an escape in return to accepting the 'party' being thrown for him so it all works out!
[ yes, very lucky that this is text and Mollymauk can't see the enthusiastic tail wagging. ]
it wasnt hard to get out of him its pretty obvious to me what you two have going on
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jail for Lycaon!! jail for a hundred years!! ]
thats going to go over well
but considering youve asked so nicely i cant say no
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You can practically feel his smile resonating through the screen.]
I can hear him already. 'So Lycaon, you have chosen death.' and other such theatrics. I will accept my fate gladly. [If he has not been shocked into silence, that is.]
It will be just between us three. I feel like any more would be claustrophobic.
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Molly can definitely feel the other man's smile, can practically picture him all proud of himself with his tail wagging and everything. ]
there will be no saving you im afraid
but you will be remembered for the sacrifice you make
good anymore and i fear you might scare him off
and i only just got him back in my life itd be a shame to lose him again
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But don't tell anyone about that wagging tail. You're 100% right.]
Likewise. You and Miss Lia are the two he mentioned when we...sorted things out. He doesn't keep too many people close to him, so it is no small victory to be mentioned like that.
I also want to thank you for being there for him.
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this time the secret is safe with Mollymauk. ]
thats
[ he takes a breath in, something serious sitting heavily in his chest. ]
you dont have to thank me
hugo and i are two peas in a pod both running from things wed rather not look back on
id be a liar if i said he didnt worm his way into my heart much like i did his
as far as im concerned hugo is one of my people and i take care of my people
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Just an observation. Nothing he's going to say out loud.]
Hugo has that effect on people. He shines so brightly sometimes that the light can be unbearable. But that doesn't make him less radiant.
I'm truly happy he met you. And I'm glad you met him.
I am not sure what you are running from, and I don't need to know. But it is okay to stop and rest, sometimes.
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like i said two peas in a pod he and i
it is a difficult thing to rest when youve spent so long running
not impossible just difficult
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It will get easier. As someone who lost the ability to run for quite some time, you learn to appreciate standing still.
It lets you see the finer details. The veins in the leaves. The ripples on the water. The scent of pine on the air.
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im sure it will and every day the thing in the dark gets closer
[ he doesn't know Lycaon super well but... maybe it's because a part of him as been desperate to talk to someone, desperate for assurance that he isn't going mad. that those eyes in the dark, the ever present feeling of being hunted, is all in his head and he has nothing to worry about. that the Eyes of Nine aren't coming to get him. ]
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To that...Lycaon pauses. Whether this is a literal beast in the dark or a battle with inner demons... He will treat this with the same gravitas it deserves. Molly's one message was an act of confiding in him.]
I do not fear the dark, nor what lurks in it. [His own way of showing support for him. If Lycaon had anything in spades, it was bravery.]
You are free to not answer this, but what do you see when you look into it?
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he shouldn't have said anything. he let his walls come down, left himself defenceless. it wouldn't be hard to reach in and strike at those tender parts. idiot, he should know better, he does know better. ]
eyes
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As to the point as possible.]
If it thinks to take you, it is very mistaken.
[Confidence.]
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[ he can see what the wolfman is doing and he appreciates it, really, but it isn't that simple. nothing ever is. ]
if only it was contagious
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[It's not the first time he's been told that. Maybe it's something deeply rooted in his wolf-genetics. A lack of hesitation when it comes to being faced with outside threats.]
I will not let it.
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he's not supposed to be getting attached, not supposed to be letting people in and here he is arms outstretched.
fucking hell. ]
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but he won't. he can't. part of Mollymauk Tealeaf's heart has settled here and it's starting to dig its roots. ]
has anyone ever told you that youre a fool?
those selfless heroes are always the first the die you know
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Time heals, whether Molly knows it or not.
When the answer comes, his lips curl into a smirk.]
Many times.
But I must correct you. It is far from a selfless reason--much like Hugo, you also need to learn the hard lesson that you are wanted in this world.
I have no intention of dying.
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"you also need to learn the hard lesson that you are wanted in this world."
Molly laughs bitterly. ]
im a liar a thief a conman and a devil
i could be lying through my teeth to you right now
you barely know me so i implore you to not to waste your time
i wouldnt do the same for you
[ that's a lie. a big fat lie. Molly would, Molly has, and Molly would do so again in a hearbeat. ]
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If that were true, it is of no issue.
You helped out someone very important to me, and that is enough to ensure your safety. By proxy, you have become worth knowing and protecting.
I do not require any repayment, nor do I expect it.
[He truly doesn't. Not for himself, at least. He knows more than anyone that he is not the good boy the city seems to think he is. A stray taken in, raised as a thief, turned traitor and then covered his tracks to look as pristine as his white coat.]
With the exception that you attend birthday celebrations for him for years to come.
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[ a part of him wonders what it would take for Lycaon not to hold that opinion, a part of him fears that there is something in his half-remembered past life that could sway it. he could fight it more, try his best to beat the man away but he's already in too deep, isn't he?
he's already tangled up in strings he hasn't the strength to cut. ]
fine fine you win
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My apologies. You came into this battle completely unarmed. [Oh now he's smug about it.]
Miss Lia would like to arrange a planning session for this 'party'. We have decided to have it in the park, likely in the evening. With catered food.
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[ Molly can picture it far too clearly.
thankfully the focus returning to Hugo's birthday plans is enough to hold his attention, pushing all other thoughts off to the side. ]
sounds good though i have one request
after dinner i take you and hugo to a dark corner of the underground where people dont ask names
youre coming because youre hot and hugo thinks youre terribly attractive
we can spend the rest of the evening messing around until thoughts and birthdays become a thing of the past
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[You underestimate him far too much, Molly.
Though that does make him pause. For many reasons. It's a mixture of flattery, amusement, intrigue, and exhaustion.]
Molly. I had hoped you would've at least waited a day before running to Hugo to sell me out. I will forgive it, this time, but I will not save you from Miss Lia's wrath should she find out you spoiled the surprise.
[He knows you wouldn't throw this proposition to him unless you already got the OK from Hugo, buddy!]
I am quite flattered, and surprised that Hugo said that to you. [His tails is WAGGING. Thankfully this is text.]
I accept.
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[ of course he immediately sold Lycaon out, he had too! ]
had a strike while the iron was hot my dear sitheach
i will happily accept her wrath should it come out but i had to give him some warning
along with needling him about never telling me about it before
i did offer him an escape in return to accepting the 'party' being thrown for him so it all works out!
[ yes, very lucky that this is text and Mollymauk can't see the enthusiastic tail wagging. ]
it wasnt hard to get out of him its pretty obvious to me what you two have going on
wonderful
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[Gee, I wonder why he didn't tell you, Molly. You're so good with telling people information about yourself.]
I suppose this makes my original plan of 'having Miss Lia pull him there and I would simply chase him if he bolted' a bit less unpredictable.
[Nothing ventured, nothing gained in the end.]
I must ask: What do you think we have 'going on'?
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semi-audio I'm so sorry Molly
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