This was terrible.

Loukas was not sure what was worse during that new year's party. The lights that burned his eyes? The crowd that had gradually grown as time went on? Or Hide, who snatched some drinks and proceeded to flirt with some of the guests?

Loukas shook off that thought and took a deep breath. Hide was enjoying himself, and he was here to be a supportive friend.

Yeah, that was what he was satisfied with...

The tall man felt a wave of vertigo as the scent of blood pumping through the bodies of attendees grew. Why had this gotten worse?

All so very, very loud…

Loukas inhaled deeply as he tried to get a grip on himself. He saw a woman across the bar smile at him and silenced his thoughts to meekly wave, trying to not bury his face in his scarf. 

She probably did not even notice.

He jolted from his musings as rough palms held his hand in their warmth. A short goat man teetered beside him, reminding him of the reason he was there.

“Babe, holy shit, look at that decor,” Hide said with a big grin, his breath smelling of alcohol. 

Loukas turned to the admittedly well-maintained  hedges covered in soft snow and the flaming waterfall displayed in the new bar area. The flowers, although they appeared to need some extra care due to their dull colours, were stunningly arranged. Despite the irritation the lights gave him, the snow and venue were still a magical sight. He would not mind coming back again with just him and Hide.

“Yeah, nice. It's all so p-pretty,” Loukas said with a wry smile. He’d rather not have Hide get too concerned with him. 

Hide tilted his head quietly, observing him before he playfully poked at Loukas' shoulder. “Hmm, I know exactly what would make you wanna have a better time.”

He flicked out a credit card, which Loukas assumed was stolen from someone; Hide did not have a bank account.

The man boldly walked up to the bartender with his signature flirty smile and said, “Sup sexy, would you mind pouring something sweet for us guys?”

The blonde  gave a polite smile before nodding, noting their drink would be coming right up.

Hide whistled and continued his flirting. “It’s strange that a lovely gal like yourself is alone tonight, especially with such a nice bod and a pretty face. Hehe.”

Loukas' eyes narrowed as his previous nervousness shifted to annoyance. What did he see in some people?

Loukas  knew these people were normal, happy, and perfect for his friend. But what he wouldn't give to show otherwise. If he did what he truly wanted, Hide would hate him—as he should. Loukas knew he was disgusting, but what if he broke a neck? Tore it off so easily and showed Hide everything.

"Loulou?"

Loukas snapped back to reality and realised  what face he was making upon noticing Hide's lopsided smile. Loukas covered his mouth, fearful of how he probably looked to him. 

Hide laughed. “Come on, she ain't my type. A bitch who can’t take a joke is so not for me.  Plus, she’s a shortie, and I like my women with some legs and meat. Look at those thighs, not a ten.. Maybe a six after three drinks."  pressed his finger into the table. “But I was hoping to gain some special drinks with my special charm.”

Now that Loukas thought about it, Hide's seduction attempt was more likely to get their drinks spat in. Yet, he still could not help but feel hot jealousy roll in his stomach.

"Oh, I don't think she appreciated it, though," Loukas said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Loulou, ladies are easy. Trust me, she probably is thinking, oh damn, I can’t wait for that Hide dick to fill me with his special cream. Ooh, fuck me now on the table, right here!" Hide let out a loud, exaggerated moan before clutching his stomach and laughing.

He did not care if people stared. He did not even seem  concerned by the looks of disgust some women had when they overheard his comment. Strangely, one woman looked more amused by him than anything else, a strange girl with golden eyes. Something about her unnerved Loukas, but he decided to keep his mouth shut.

Loukas was in awe however.

Hide was gross, but it was him and he was not afraid to be himself.

If only it was just them and no one else...

Hide gulped a glass of something that smelt overwhelmingly sweet and stood on the table, yelling, “I got some drinks now. Who's ready for strip poker?”

“What!” Loukas sputtered, unable to comprehend what he had just heard.

Hide leaned in close, so close that Loukas’  skin prickled from the sensation of his proximity. “What, baby boy? Wouldn't like what you might see?”

"I-I... But I—you—"

"Loss for words?” Hide smirked. “I know I make the greatest plans."

"No one would join. I think I…"

"Have faith in me. I know people here are drunk enough."

Much to Loukas' surprise, Hide was right, and few people joined, curious about the upcoming game. The ground rule was that you didn’t strip unless you wanted to. 

But with alcohol involved, that rule might not matter.

A big man in a suit with dark eyes caught Hide's attention the most.

“Um... I-I think he’s married,” Loukas pointed to the woman with bright golden eyes by the man’s side.

“And so? The lady is like a four in the tits department, maybe a five for a C minus ass.” Hide sipped at his drink.

 Loukas noticed that he was attempting to stay upright in his seat. The ginger-haired man once again refused any drinks, fearful of what may happen if he  got drunk. 

Soon, that man’s brightly coloured hoodie came off, followed by the pink vest with the words 'pussy slayer,' and lastly  the tiniest of pants. Eventually Loukas had to beg for him to keep his underwear on. Hide lifted a cup to Loukas' lips to encourage him to drink.

"Come on, Loulou, have fun," he purred.

Defeated, Loukas accepted the offer. It was getting...difficult to maintain his composure when Hide was practically nude, feeling him up. Despite the occasional encouragement of some onlookers, those cheers did not last once Hide decided to say his usual remarks and compliments.

“Wow, look how big that guy is, Loulou. He's almost as big as you. Do you think he's big in both ways? HAHA!” he slurred as the man's wife  kept her smile. Somehow she was doing too well at this game. 

Strangely well.

“Come on, I'm joking—joking, hic…” Hide tried to brush off.

His sweet scent was getting irresistible at this point.

"I ain't playing no more,” Hide whined as he allowed his cards to fall to the ground. “You’re cheating." He pointed to the woman accusatorily.

She giggled before chatting with her husband, and left saying, "And your tail is cute."

Hide's eyes widened in fright at the remark, his mouth agape in shock.

"How... How did she—I—"

Loukas  was confused as well. What was she? 

His gaze fell on a person with hair almost as white as Hide's, rushing through the crowd and muttering about a Chrome person. Loukas tried to open his mouth, only for Hide to grab him by the waist and cuddle him.

“Having fun yet, baby?” he asked, nuzzling into his body.

He smelled so... 

Perfect.

Maybe it was the drink, but a thought came to Loukas. He may not have been too interested in taking off his clothes in front of the crowd, but he wouldn't mind marking Hide in front of them. Let them all know he was his.

Licking his lips, Loukas nuzzled Hide’s neck and bit down as the fireworks began. Hide yelped at the sudden sharp bite not noticing the odd look Loukas gave him.

“LouLou, ouch! That hurts, haha.“

Loukas licked at the bleeding wound. “S-sorry…I'm having fun.”

Hide grimaced with pain as he slowly came back to his senses, rubbing the deep cuts, but his lips pulled into a small smile.

“Glad you are, my white knight.”