Messages kept coming in. Filled with threats, guilt-tripping, and the occasional apology.

Of course, Theo didn't pick up the calls. He eventually had to shut the thing off.

"We're here. Just park along the sidewalk."

His apartment building stood just outside the most populated parts of the neighboring city. The area reminded Theo of the suburbs his mother lived in.

Doing as he had been told, he got out of the car and headed directly for the trunk.

Moments later, Luca joined him just as he was pulling the cage out.

"You can take him inside. I'll carry the rest." Luca flung a set of keys toward Theo, who barely caught them with his free hand.

"Second floor. My name's on the plaque."

Theo looked at the rattled cat, confused by all the sudden transportation, then back at Luca.

"Thank you."

Standing in a living room similar to his own, Theo already felt at home, and simplicity was a big factor in that. One thing he found curious, though, was the metal bar with two 'hooks' attached to the top of the doorframe leading to the bedroom.

"There's something I should probably tell you, Theo."

Everything had been set up for Briar. But he wasn't ready to start running around and getting comfortable just yet. He remained glued to Theo's leg. New places, new people. And after what happened with Silas, no wonder he wasn't too trusting.

"What is it?"

"I mostly agreed to let you stay because it would be better if we were two. But he still knows about this place. He has… For a long time."

Since Theo didn't respond right away, he had to cut in.

"All we can do is hope he doesn't find out we're here."

"I do remember how dismissive he was about you. And whatever was going on at the bar. I'm guessing you're never going to tell me what happened between you two?"

Luca sighed.

"No."

He walked past Theo and disappeared through the bedroom door.

Theo picked up Briar's cat bed and went in after him.

“All I'll say is… humans are easily manipulated."

Theo felt a lump forming in his throat as Luca sat down on the bed. He hadn't really accounted for this. Of course, he would only have one.

“I can just… go sleep on the couch.”

“What kind of host would I be? I'll let you have the bed.” Luca got up again. But before he could take another step, Theo stopped him.

“Wait… Stay here.”

Theo was struggling to meet his gaze.

He just wanted the comfort of Luca’s protection. Right?

Luca opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out. Instead, he smiled and exhaled through his nose. Right.

As the sun's rays touched his skin, his immediate impulse was to find where it came from. The bedroom's single mirror was open. Potentially to let some morning air in. Luca must have done it before leaving, as he was nowhere to be found.

A peculiar sight rested on the windowsill.

Briar sat there, the limp body of a jackdaw hanging from its mouth. Grasped securely in its claws.

Exasperated, Theo hurried out of bed.

"Oh god."

His hand came close to the dead creature as it fell onto the wood, but he couldn't get himself to touch it.

"Luca? If you're there, could you maybe bring me a trash bag and some gloves?" He raised his voice, but not to the point of yelling.

Rummaging noises came from further away. Lucky.

Luca entered moments later, plastic in hand.

"I don't have any gloves. What did you need this for?"

Theo didn't need to say much; all he had to do was glance past the cat's proud face and at the lump below him.

"Ah."

With absolutely no shame, Luca grabbed the bird and shoved it into the bag.

"Jeez." Theo winced.

"Any plans for today?"

"Devin. I know it might be hopeless to try and find him at his house. You know, if he was threatened the same way as my mother. Whatever way that was. But… I don't know what else to do."

"Want me to come with you?"

"I'd feel safer if you did…"

"Let's hurry, then."

It took a few knocks. But eventually, and much to Theo's surprise, the door opened.

"Oh, hey. I didn't think you'd actually be here."

Devin's eyes were downcast, barely making eye contact with either of them.

"When I saw you through the window, I did consider not letting you in. But…" He paused, walking further back to make space for them.

They only stepped into the entrance, closing the door behind them. It wasn't locked.

"Good. This won't take long. I want to be left alone today."

Luca wasn't cutting in; he just stood by to let them talk.

"You don't have to explain yourself if it's too hard."

"It's fine. I don't want to keep it to myself. Plus, I like you too much."

They exchanged cautious smiles.

"It's just… I've never seen you this shaken up before." Theo had seen him messed up and vocal about it, not resigned like this.

"I always tell the people in my community to speak up, no matter what. I'd be a bad example."

Theo had to wonder when that would eventually become destructive.

"Then, tell me."

Devin let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

"Marco visited me. He was threatening me to stay away from you. While… making advances on me. I'm not going into detail. I'd rather die. He said he'd go further if I kept being your friend. That he'd do much… worse things."

Luca's lip twitched, which he quickly dulled by biting it.

There was nothing Theo could say that'd be good enough. He just stood there in shock before rushing to wrap his arms around his friend. Devin shuddered.

"I-I'm sorry." Theo jerked back a bit but was stopped when Devin held even tighter onto him.

"Don't be."

It wasn't often that he held onto him with such vigor. Their hugs were usually very brief.

"Disgusting creature." Luca's bitter words broke the silence.

"Theo… I want to escape this. Come with me to the next festival I'm going to. It's starting in a few days. You can come too, Luca.”

“Of course. If that's what you want.” Letting go, they stepped back, gauging each other’s mood.

"Thank you. Please leave me alone for now. I'll meet you there. I need to take another shower…"

"How many times have you done that today?"

"At least two… Three."

"Please be careful, Devin."

"Yeah, I'll deal with that problem after I've gotten your boyfriend off of me; thank you."

That one felt like a verbal slap. Considering everything he was learning about Marco, it was getting harder to imagine he was ever into him. What a tricky thing.

"Ah… Uh, right, of course."

"We'll gladly see you at the festival. Hope you get some deserved time to yourself." Luca grabbed Theo by the arm and reeled him back out of the apartment.

"Thank you. Let's just forget about it all for a bit. Then, you can both do whatever you want." Devin closed the door for them, keeping eye contact with Theo until the click.

"I want to go talk to Marco. Like, right now."

"What did he just say, Theo?"

"Ugh, I know."

"Let's go home for now."

It was going to be a restless few days for Theo.