Despite his clothes being in tatters, Mammon chose not to teleport them to their residence, explaining that Haru had already been teleported one too many times for just one day. The technique took too many tolls on the human body, Haru remembered Mammon explaining this several times before, even though right now, he felt fine.

His only concern was for Mammon’s wounds. They were healing, Haru could see it, but they were still there; Mammon, on the other hand seemed calm, with an intent gaze ahead. Getting them to their residence was all that mattered. His sure hold of Haru’s hand offered warmth and comfort he’d grown so used to. They were together, and everything was fine. Right? Still, Haru couldn’t fully relax.

Mammon had been quiet since they left Faolán and the others. A lot happened for one night. Perhaps things were beginning to weigh down on him? If they did, Haru could only guess based on his wolf’s silence. He would let him rest first. He would give him space to think things over. This was a lot for anyone to manage — even for a magnificent demon warrior wolf such as Mammon. And he was magnificent; so incredibly so. If Haru had learnt anything from this trip, was that his wolf was simply incredible.

As they walked by, Haru noticed the locals were already setting their stalls up or going about their chores. He judged these to be the early hours of the new day, even though the sky never announced it. Haru did not miss the native’s furtive glances at the Grand Marshal’s dishevelled state, as though he had fought a horde of demons, but again, Mammon paid no one any heed.

They reached the area that Haru recognized as the entrance to the manor with the large arched entrance where he had been teleported to before. The guard from court stiffly saluted Mammon as they walked past. The entrance narrowed into a small patio with the door to the manor just on their right side. Haru could still see and hear the bustle of the main road. He noted then that Mammon had paused for perhaps a minute longer than it should take to open the door.

Something felt… off. Mammon still held his hand and squeezed gently and Haru’s heart raced. Mammon had to be hurt, after all. Maybe not so much physically, but maybe emotionally? All that had happened, had to have been a tremendous blow. What could he do to help?

Mammon avoided coming to Vargr for his own reasons; to a vague extent, Haru understood this. Vargr was the very core of all demon wolves, it was understandable that Mammon would want to be cautious in bringing Haru. But Haru still pushed, and insisted, and even got excited. If it weren’t for Haru, Mammon’s visit would’ve been what it was supposed to have been: a quick diplomatic visit. Not a scenic destination for sight-seeing, or a healing journey down memory lane into his childhood!

Maybe Mammon would have even returned to court, safe and sound, and avoided all this mess. Certainly, there wouldn’t have been a chance to attack him the way Ghenus and Silvoh did.

Haru bit his lower lip.

But then… Mammon probably wouldn’t have met little Rudi. He wouldn’t have been able to save Rudi. And Haru, too, wouldn’t have seen Mammon; the real Mammon.

In all this stretched thinking, Mammon still held the doorknob in silence. Haru’s thoughts drifted once more to Mara: What wouldn’t they give to have mind-reading powers over their lovers.

“Mammon,” Haru began, trying to wave the tremble in his voice. “Are you feeling alright? Is it your wounds? Let’s get you inside…”

Haru noticed the whites of Mammon’s knuckles as he gripped the doorknob. “I am. My wounds are healing.” The wolf replied, although he kept his gaze hidden from Haru’s.

“Are you sure? Something else is bothering you. Let’s just get you inside and you can tell me.”

Mammon’s lips parted, he was ready to say something, but no words came.

Haru paused. How did he miss it?

“Mammon, is this because of your true form? Because I saw it?”

At last, the silver wolf’s eyes met his, and Haru’s stomach fluttered with overwhelming feelings he struggled to repress, as often was the case since this wolf came into his life.

Mammon’s eyes, his entire expression was as he had never seen him before. Not even as they embraced earlier, after being separated by that awful attack. The relief and joy that inundated Mammon then was something he never imagined he would see. But this, right now, this was different. Right now, Mammon was opening and offering the last remnants of his heart. Never had he seen him look so… vulnerable.

“I had accepted that I needed to show it to you; but not today; not like it happened. Not under the coat of blood. And not in front of other wolves.” Mammon's eyebrows slanted. “And you ran to me. I felt your love for me, even as you ran to me. I do not question your love, Haru. It is nothing like that. But I am afraid. I have been afraid to look deeper and find otherwise. Even now, to read your mind, to know what you truly think of me; how you now see me. I didn't want you to see me the way everyone else here eventually does.” He paused here, as though fearing his own words. “You asked before, how could I let you love half of me. I confess to you, Haru, that I never felt worthy of offering you my other half; the ugly half. That side should’ve remained with me and my enemies. It is who I am. An incomplete wolf. Fenrir’s half-son. And now you’ve seen it, and it terrifies me that you have. Because it’s too late, Haru. I love you too much to let you go.”

Haru’s gaze froze on his wolf, his mind disbelieving what he was hearing, or who he was seeing in front of him. Only when he suddenly felt Mammon’s grip loosening, Haru jolted, as though he feared losing that hold forever. Without thinking, he gripped his wolf’s hand, tighter with both of his. He wasn’t ready to let go. Not ever.

“To be here, with you, now, is the happiest I’ve ever been! I realise how horrible it is to say this, after everything you went through last night, and I know you don’t think I can handle it, and why you didn’t want me to come here. I-I only ended up putting you, us at risk, I-I was naïve,” Haru said, realising he was rambling, yet his urgent gaze searched his lover’s for a sign of… well, he wasn’t sure what he was looking for yet, but he wanted — no, he needed Mammon to understand how deeply his feelings ran, too. Haru interlaced his fingers with Mammon’s, his eyes already feeling moist. “Mammon, I’ve never felt closer to you than I do right now! Your true form… it was so beautiful. Mammon, you were glowing. I’ve never seen anything like it. You looked so incredibly beautiful, I could’ve never imagined all this time—”       

The tear that rolled down Mammon’s cheek arrested Haru.  Just then, he really believed hearts could beat their way out of someone’s chest, so frantically his throbbed. Mammon pulled him closer and kissed him deeply, and Haru did his best to keep up with this wolf’s hunger. They had kissed passionately many times before, but somehow this felt like a new first all over again. Their bodies pressed together and Haru felt his tingle all over; the cold of Vargr was nothing but a distant memory. Finally, he let his hand rest on the wolf’s bare chest. They panted together, resting their foreheads on each other’s, Haru feeling Mammon’s heart thumping just as madly. It made him giddy and he chuckled into their breaths.

“You didn’t let me finish.” 

“Finish quickly then; there cannot be much left to say, yes?” Mammon whispered.

“I’m also so proud of you for everything you did. For taking Rudi in. For forgiving the others.”

“Oh, I’m still reporting them to Chief Lobos.” Mammon retorted, his hunger slightly relented in a fresh reflection.

Haru widened his eyes, but Mammon spared a soft smile and squeezed him closer. “Which is also why I’m taking them to court. Chief Lobos would see them serve in the mines for a good number of years, though I reckon a good telling off will do. Let Grodus and Fenus deal with the rest of the Chief’s temper. Leaving Ghenus and Silvoh behind, well, that would just be a waste of outstanding talent, no?” The silver wolf winked. 

“As for Rudi,” Mammon’s tone was more solemn. “Fenus knows his son wouldn’t last much longer if he stayed in Vargr, even under the guise of change. He would not be able to protect him. This was his twisted way of saving him. If I hadn’t come, he would have squeezed the child with Faolán in some aimless caravan headed Hell knows where.”

Mammon paused and looked at Haru. Perhaps his expression gave away his excitement.

“Haru, sweetheart, I know you care for the boy, but know that I cannot make promises as to his well-being at court. He may stand a chance with Faolán by his side, but that’s all. The wolves there are not as ruthless, but Rudi will still have to prove his worth as he grows. It is just what’s expected of us wolves. Half or full.”

Haru felt his cheeks burn at Mammon’s sudden immersion and seriousness. The way he talked… Deep down, he had an unwavering certainty that Mammon would go to any lengths to protect Rudi's well-being.

“I love you so, so much.” Haru said. He chuckled at the sight of his wolf’s startled look.

“Do you like children that much, Haru; or is it this wolf-child that moves you so?” 

Now it was Haru’s turn to be surprised at Mammon’s raised eyebrow. Again, it made him chuckle. “I love children. Did I not mention I used to work as a part-time assistant at this nursery near my university?”

“You did. But your over-zealousness for Rudi begs for concern.”

“What are you even—”

Mammon nudged him closer and buried his face in Haru’s shoulder. “If it’s a child you crave, you need only tell me.”

Haru held Mammon’s face in both his hands and lifted, until their eyes met. He failed to hide the fact that he loved this possessive side of Mammon. “Now you’re just spouting non-sense. This where I remind you that I’m a human man?”

“It does not mean it is impossible. We could revisit the options after your passing. If it is truly your wish to have one, that is.”

“It is… of course.” Haru said plainly, though his cheeks felt too hot and he thoroughly enjoyed seeing Mammon’s eyes widening. “I’ve always wanted a family of my own. For now, let me just help with Rudi. I liked him. I felt a connection with him.”

Mammon didn’t seem too relieved at the mention of ‘connection’, but for now, he relented. A talk for later down the line then, Haru smiled. “This makes two of my wishes coming true, you know. We came to Vargr, and I saw your true form!” 

“This will not be a habit, Haru. I have no intention of bringing you to Vargr again.” Mammon whispered.

“Yes, and it’s too cold for me. Oh, and by the way, you lied to me.”

Mammon halted, searching Haru’s eyes. 

“When we met, not the first time; the time when we met again. You said you looked nothing like a werewolf!”

**

Mammon took his time before responding, his eyes, his nose, his entire skin feasted on Haru’s closeness. Look at him; those brown orbs of his happily jesting. To describe the immense relief to feel Haru so safe in his arms. To love him so openly and so completely.

“Mm. Have you ever seen a werewolf, Haru?” Mammon closed his eyes and pulled closer, his cheek seeking Haru’s.

“Well, I haven’t, but you looked a lot like the ones in the movies, except your face didn’t change much. I’d be able to recognise you anywhere. You were just a bit more… furry?”

“Furry.” Mammon mused as he nibbled his mate’s ear. “If you ever see an actual werewolf, you’ll see how wrong you are. Let’s go inside. I can feel the bath calling to me.”

Too abruptly for Mammon’s taste, Haru snapped, his relentless and maybe obsessive curiosity taking over their sweet moment. “You mean… there are real ones?! Werewolves?!!”

Mammon clung to him close, attempting to ignore the direction of their conversation. “Demons are real. Demon-wolves, too. Why wouldn’t werewolves? Come, let’s bathe together.”

“Wait, wait!” Haru pushed his lover back enough to catch his eyes. “So all the things we’ve been reading about and watching in movies, all those legends and myths, you’re telling me there’s a chance of them being real? What about…Oh no, no, wait. Is the *Kitsune real? Have you ever seen one? Are they exactly what’s said in the legends? I’ve always wanted to…” Haru trailed on.

Mammon listened, quietly yielding. He watched Haru while his body cradled more attention. It no longer surprised that Haru’s rambling never annoyed or frustrated him, even at the most inopportune of moments. Quite the contrary. It was in these ramblings that Mammon found comfort; in that voice.

What was his favourite thing about Haru? Look at him; so excited and yearning, and nonchalant, completely impervious to what he had witnessed but a few moments ago.

It had to be all of him.

A fragile human? Countless occasions had proven Mammon wrong. It was Mammon that held all the frailty.

Mammon lost himself to the sound of his mate’s voice, his lips moving, and didn’t feel himself leaning in for another long kiss until Haru’s words muffled. This time he took his time, savouring, lingering, tasting his mate as he been wanting for days now.

Again, Haru pulled back, his red cheeks flushing furiously and his glasses lopsided. Haru pulled his glasses above his forehead. “C-can you see what I’m thinking right now?” His mate said, his hot breath already inviting Mammon for more.

“Something about a hot, steamy… bath?” He whispered in between kisses on Haru’s neck.

A gentle chuckle from Haru confirmed the wolf’s expectations.

“Keep having such lascivious thoughts, and I can’t promise you we’ll head back tomorrow.” Mammon pushed Haru’s hair behind his ear. On his tiptoes, Haru found his way around Mammon’s shoulders and continued their kiss, except this time it was not enough. Not after holding back all this time. Mammon reached for Haru’s thighs and lifted him.

Haru yelped. “Mammon-san!!”

“You’re back to Mammon-san? What’s wrong, this is not the first time I have held you this way. I will not drop you.” Mammon grinned, burying his nose between Haru’s hair and ear.

“N-n-no, that’s not it… we’re still outside.”

Mammon twisted his head to look at the curious merchants passing by and the wolf guard from court who looked awkwardly away.

Mammon chuckled, securing Haru properly in his arms. He then moved inside as he said: “After all that kissing and groping, this is what worries you?”

Haru responded with that flustered gaze that worked Mammon up so. He wanted to touch his face, if his hands weren’t already busy. He would need to be careful not to devour his mate this day.

“We are in Hell, Haru. No one cares when or where we’re being prurient. On the contrary, sweetheart. It is the lack of such lewdness that is frowned upon.”

End of Side Story 1.

**

Thank you, Pompastic, for this beautiful fanart of Rudi🫂💖💖!! That smile, I love it waay to much😭!