The tall man with the short brown hair and dark green eyes couldn’t look more miserable if he tried as he trudged wearily down the darkened, desolate streets, his pack heavy against his back. He kept his other hand in his pocket, trying to hide the tremors that never seemed to go away. As soon as he found a bar, he’d be fine. All he needed was a drink…

He ignored the yells and sounds of imps and lower level demons as they scampered around, arguing over the trash they found, or the unconscious body they were deciding on eating. All he focused on was that long-awaited drink and the warm body he had waiting back at his place. He’d been gone three days and it had felt like three weeks, especially with how often Adam had been blowing up his phone. He could only ignore so many texts and calls before he finally gave in.

He rounded the corner, gripping the strap on his pack more firmly as the familiar welcoming glow of the bar greeted his tired eyes. Finally! He tried not to make it look like he was in a rush to get inside, but anyone who lived the same life he did knew better. He pushed the door open and took a quick look around, gauging his surroundings. No more than four people, all of them lost in their cups.

A soft chuckle rolled through his soul, causing his feet to falter. He didn’t even have to look around, he knew where that familiar sound was coming from. He ignored the pounding in his chest and gulped as he walked up to the bar. The bartender brought him a glass, a bottle of whiskey set down next to it. He tossed the money on the counter, twisted the lid off, and poured himself a decent amount before swallowing it in one gulp. The burn didn’t even affect him as he poured himself another. He felt the waves, felt the disapproval and annoyance.

Really? 

He shook his head. What do you care?

The tremors in his hand stopped and he sighed with relief, rubbing his forehead with two fingers, his eyes closed as he let the liquor work its magic. He hadn’t been able to have a drink once in the last three days and he nearly went crazy because of it. That, of course, on top of Adam’s incessant texts and calls. He shook his head as he felt the buzz go off in his pocket. He pulled out his phone and flicked the screen to pull up the message.

When are you coming home? I really miss you.

He rolled his eyes and uttered a low sigh. This was getting beyond ridiculous. Maybe he should just hurry up and end it already. In fact…

Fuck it.

He was getting ready to reply when something caught his eye, something sticking out from under the bottle.

A flower. White with a light purple lip and yellow core. 

He glanced up at the bartender who nodded his head to the left, his right, but said nothing. He swallowed, and turned back to the text. 

This worked out better than expected.

You have five minutes to get out. 

He shoved the phone into his pocket, grabbed his bag and made his way out the door Jaques indicated. His heart thudded as he followed the direction of the link down the street and into an alleyway, his eyes moving in every direction, stopping only a few yards into the gloom. His senses may be keen, but he still hated the dark.

“Hey, Kas,” a soft, silvery voice called out from the shadows. 

He swallowed. “I told you not to call me that here,” he said, his voice rough.

The tall young man with silver hair and ruby red eyes stepped from the shadows, ever the picture of deadly beauty. “But it’s the only name you have left,” he said. He continued to make his way over to the large man. “And last I checked, it’s still mine by right.”

Strannick stepped forward, his heart racing. “You said you’d never come back.”

Noah’s eyes wavered. “I…” he swallowed, trying to regain himself. “I had to,” he finally said in a whisper.

“Stop doing this to me, Noah,” Strannick said, keeping his voice low. “Stay or go, those are your options. I can’t keep doing this.”

Noah’s hands landed on Strannick’s broad chest as Strannick placed his on Noah’s curvy hips. “You were trying to forget me again.”

“You told me—”

Noah shook his head. “I don’t care.”

Strannick gritted his teeth. “Damn you, Noah Albright.” He pulled the young man into him, Noah’s arms going around his neck, and grabbed his mouth with his own, his tongue spearing past his lips as he picked him up, Noah’s legs wrapping around his waist. Noah responded eagerly, moaning softly into his mouth, his tongue pushing and rolling with Strannick’s, pulling it into his mouth and sucking hard.

“Take me home,” he breathed. “I won’t do anything here, you know that.”

“Then stop sucking on my tongue, you evil shit.” Strannick grabbed his head, his kiss fierce and hungry. 

Noah’s fingers raked over his head, tugging lightly on his short hair, pulling his head back with a moan. “Now, Kas. I want you in our bed, not against some building like a used up whore.”

Strannick narrowed his eyes at him. “You’ve never been that to me.”

Noah’s eyes softened. “So then you take back what you said?”

Strannick nodded, trying to hold back his own emotions. “All of it.”

Noah kissed him gently. “Home, Kas. Now.”

-*-