[center][h3]Old Friends
[b]Characters:Masha & Darius[/b]
[b]Timeline:[/b] Afternoon[/h3]
Contributors: [@May] and [@Fallenreaper]  [/center]


It had taken less time for someone to answer the door at Darius’s arrival than it had for Masha to answer the phone. The phone was in her bedroom after all, and everyone knew better than to enter there without permission. It wouldn't have ended well for whoever would have tried. But the front door was another thing. 

A pretty, fair haired human girl, unlikely no more than twenty had opened the door for Darius and without hesitation she showed the fox in, and into a nice den, furnished with fluffy couches and shelves starting to overflow with books and very old, very fragile records. 

The girl left him there, murmuring that she would be back soon with drinks and her mistress. The drinks, unexpected came first, then Masha about ten minutes later. The vampiress was dressed now, mostly, in a flowing dress that looked more like a nightgown than a street dress. Her hair was still a little bed ruffled, and her face looking a little annoyed until she set her golden eyes on Darius. Then something like a pleasant smile appeared. 

"My my old friend," she purred, coming towards him with a gait almost like a prowling cat. "You do know how to make an entrance." Her sharp eyes traveled his form, narrowing some, but she said nothing until she got to the basket he held. "You at least know how to make up for coming to my door so early in the day."

Darius bowed his head and followed the woman inside, quietly. His ear flickered at his own shoes echoed across the hall and into the den, his paws held the wriggling basket firmly. It didn't help the little rascals were restless. Every so often, one of their small heads had started to pop out of the basket, mewling their protest, only to have Darius push them back inside. Though he doubted Masha would've mind him leaving the small ones to roam their future new home, it was in his nature to respect his hostess' home first. When her permission was gained, he fully intended to introduce them to Masha as her birthday present.

On entering the elegantly decorated den, his ear catching the murmuring about drinks and returning. He gave the pretty thing a gentle smile with a quick show of appreciation. “Thank you.”

When the woman left, his golden eyes idly studied the den he no found himself in. Several couches, from floral patterns to solid colors, place strategically the large room's outer edges and prevented a crowded aura within the room. The sight of the traditional and well worn books, a thing that has long since been erased in the modern era, with the more fragile ones tucked away into the cabinets causing him to give a low, amused chuckle. Naturally the drinks arrived before Masha while he reached for one, but instead shifted the basket then drink. He didn't insult the girl's intelligence else she might've made the drinks smaller. It wasn't her fault, many humans and angels, even a few demons, rarely knew much about his race or more specifically the fact it was dangerous to consume beverages or food in large amounts. Thankfully small ones were acceptable time to time.

One thing he about Masha was the fact, unlike many of his associates, she worked on her own time frame. No one made Masha hurry or jump when she didn't want. A matter he learned was that what she wanted, the vampire usually got and rarely had anything escaped becoming so. He took a small sip, tasting the liquid burning his tongue until it faded. The wait was shorter than he expected it would've been, setting the glass down when he caught the sweet, alluring scent made by her person. It filled his attention easily as he turned around, his mind followed with images from his past at seeing her current state.

His paw tracing her skin, her pleased and gentle moans, and even his blood's own warm sensation...the history brought a warm glow to his heart at the fun they had during his earlier years within Kenan. How time had changed them both was slightly amazing. Darius' eyes traced her curves under the flowing dress, the end skirted and flowed behind in a small trail, enhancing her beauty despite her face looking slightly irked at him. The expression lasted a moment before it melted away.

All thoughts of age and years faded from his mind when she glided forward, her habits untouched by the changing times. It made him feel less like a relic, unable to remove his eyes from her, when he re-positioned the basket for her to examine the kittens within. Of course, without Darius pushing them back down, a small, brazen female one pushed herself up and meowed hungrily at Masha. Her face tilted and stared at the vampiress with bright blue eyes, expectantly. Casually he replied when his telekinesis raised the rose as she brought it to gently brushing her cheek then held out for her to take. “I can't forget the birthday girl after all and I knew you would've killed me if I let your gifts starve for much longer. Not that some of your punishments haven't be quite... remember-able after all.”

Her smile grew, surprisingly, sweet, at the touch of the rose against her cheek. She picked it out of the air, and looked down at the wiggling form poking her head out. "I'm glad that even after all these years you haven't forgotten my birthday." And though she meant the words, her tone was distracted. 

"And still know what to get me. Aren't you a cutie," she purred, picking the kitten up with her free hand. "And there are more of you too." Her voice had become almost childishly giddy. She nuzzled the little fuzz ball, not even noticing the razor sharp claws in her flesh. "I'll get you all something good to eat." 

She called for the girl who'd brought Darius in, taking the kitten over to a couch and settling down with her. The girl popped her head in, leaving after taking her orders from her mistress who rattled them off in Russian.

"So what brought you to me in such a rush?" Masha asked the fox, looking up at him, switching back to English seamlessly. "My birthday isn't for sixteen days, but who's counting? And you didn't even clean up the...mess you made before you came." She wrinkled her nose a little, not of course that he smelt bad, but she could smell every little thing on him. Especially the blood he hadn't cleaned up. "You miss me too much?"

Darius' eye widened in in question at her tone, but said nothing else to note it. It would something to ponder on later as he settled on seeing her pluck the rose and pick up the kitten, nuzzling it in her cute way. Unlike him, she had a particular way with animals, namely cats, which he lacked heavily in. He couldn't help but smile, a tooth or two showed through his black lips, at her reaction when she noted the others in the basket.

He followed her to the couch, lowering himself beside the vampire, and set the basket down between the pair. More so to give Masha full access to the kittens, their paws starting to climb out and naturally started to edge onto her. In a short time it wouldn't surprise Darius that she would've be covered in them when she finished rattling off her Russian instruction. Any pleasantries were halted the moment Masha scorned his appearance, reminding him of the fact he had forgotten to change and his eyes lowered to take in his current state.

He could feel his jawline's crusted and matted, as well as the several bullet holes lining his chest. Each stained with gunpowder and his blood, his whole suit showing clear signs of his struggle this morning. He silently cursed his haste in forgetting to tidying up his appearance before meeting with Masha, pushing his awareness to the side to reply. “I will admit it was careless of me not to clean up after the little conflict this morning. Sadly the loss was more than simply structural, which complicates matters, something I intend to deal with in time. It didn't help I was thinking of the past and recent events have made me realize how much I miss the simplicity of it. Of course, it brought my mind easily back to you as the one thing I missed the most.”

A bitter chuckle crossed his muzzle as his eyes settled on Masha's image. “I'm still planning on giving you a gift on the correct day, my dear Masha. I had contacted a small, elegant necklace cat pendant and perhaps a shopping trip. Sadly, the one I brought the kittens from perished in the earlier mentioned conflict. The mother cat was easily taken in by the neighbor man, but due to his old age, these small young ones would've been a problem. You know how humans have such fleeing lifespans after all. Well, I knew you would've rather have a early birthday gift rather than I risk something happening to them. I rather you get a deserving present then have you furious at me for taking the risk, or has time changed what I remember?”

His tone was soft and curious, though not in anyway accusing.

"I would take a present everyday if someone would get me one," she chuckled. "Not that I don't get something every day. Bryce is a good pet. He knows how to please his mistress. But sometimes, regrettably short lives. They break so easy sometimes.

When Masha mentioned how fragile humans were, Darius’ mind went to Emmet and the damage the boy had endured over the years he was employed. He was a human that proved without a doubt of their potential to survive even if they were short lived. About to open his muzzle, Darius closed it when he heard the door open and someone enter.     

The girl came back in with a tray of soft cat food and a bowl of milk, putting it down on a footstool that she pushed over near to the couch for easy reach. 

"Not like I mind the smell," she laughed, the sound a little off. Something a small slide away from pleasant. "Just, it is very unlike you to be so out of sorts like this." She looked up at him from scratching at the ears of one or the other little kittens who'd climbed into her lap. "What happened? Or is it beyond me knowing?  You know how much I like to hear about other people's suffering. Almost as good as seeing it in person." 

Darius’ head lowered a moment, mentally determining how much would’ve been suitable to tell, before her lifted it upright again. Why wasn’t he surprised only she would’ve noticed his discomfort or really want to know? His body turned toward her, his leg crossed over the other, and begin to speak while one of the curious kittens had found the food and milk quickly. It wouldn’t have taken long before the others would follow. “You know me far too well. Time can pass and change everything, but never how well we knew each other. Does it?” 

He didn’t wait too long, his words continuing to add more. “It takes a lot to rattle me since Judas’ War, Masha. Recent knowledge, sadly, has managed to create a truth. One I much rather not accept as mine, or anyone else’s, fate to come. Everyone knows Aaurus, the God who created all three worlds, but not everyone knows of a being named Inaniae. Also known as the Void, the place where all human souls are consumed after death. It seems the prison he was once confined to is slowly coming undone and now, he threatens to erase us all. Now, you’ve known me to never believe in myths or paranoid fantasies without undeniable proof. However the source I gained this from is very reliable. It is why I am so rattled of late as I fear what the future holds for those I love.” 

His paw wiped his pant leg, dusting off the grim while he concluded. “Right now, my main goals are to locate any nightwalkers and start calling favors for the needed muscle to the war that is going to happen.”    

She listened without looking at him,  watching the kittens make their way to the food and milk. But slowly, she brought her head up, gold eyes a little wide as she took in what he was saying. He was right, she knew he’d never been one for mystical ways of thinking. Which made sense as he was a demon after all, and he knew what was real and what wasn’t.

"What are you saying, Darius? Are you saying that we’re going to...to die? All of us?" She was quiet for just a moment before she stood, the fear in her eyes sparked into something like anger. "Because I'm not down for that. I refuse to have some wanna be god eat me like some Galactus mimic."

She paced from one side of the room to the other a few times, looking rather annoyed. "This will not do at all."

Darius was silent for a moment, thoughts absorbed her melt into anger. While she paced, he made a bitter, toothy snarl at the thought. "Indeed, rather annoying I agree. Though death would've meant we had existed, Masha my dear. That's the difference between what Inaniae is going to do and change. Something a person in my position would learn to deal with and expect to happen one day. No, death would've been merciful. It doesn't aim to just kill us all but a more destructive means by erasing us, this world, and every single trace of essence from it. It would be as if we never lived at all..."

Feeling her anger from her body language, he instinctively pushed off the couch and rose to his feet. His shoes stretch over the floor bring him into Masha's pacing path, his paws hanging from his pant pockets. "I for one don't aim to go down without a fight. Especially when it comes to losing what I've worked so hard to gain. So, can I count you into helping me gather muscle? We have a war to win after all." 

She was quiet, standing in front of him, looking up into his face. But she nodded, a flicker of something mischievous flashing across her eyes. "I'll do what I can, but you know I'm not much of a fighter myself. There is a reason I sought you out years ago. But I'm not on my own any longer either."

"We all have our roles, Masha. However I know when you're cornered and desperate, you won't cut and run when it counts the most." Darius said calmly, his golden eyes softened at her comment. It was true, Masha needed muscle and a driver when they first met which he was willingly both. Part of the habits he picked up in his youth from Szayeis was the enjoyment of doing his own dirty work and Masha provided that option while learning on the job. "Something that was refreshing for me during our work together."

She turned from him and made her way back to the couch. "Is this really why you came today? To ask for my help? Or is there something more you're after?"

It was rare anyone was able to guess his actions always had multiple motivates which made his schemes flow easily and usually undetected, including his latest one. Darius wasn't even sure if Sazyeis suspect the bigger game he played in the thick of everything. His claws dipped in everything to some degree that would make many question what he was aiming to gain from it all. However, unlike his pact holder, his method were much more subtle and easily unnoticed. It didn't make them any less dangerous for those involved in them. Something passed on and ingrained into his life lessons by the Western Lord no doubt. 

So Darius' face flickered, briefly, with surprised at Mash's words. It faded almost instantly into a boyish grin. "You never stop surprising me and pleasure to know time hasn't made me fade from memory completely." 

He breathed in, his shoulders rose and fell with it before he continued. "There's many reasons, most of them driven on by nostalgia to see you again. Though you are correct in assuming these aren't my only reasons for contacting you again. Seeing my pact holder again has made things complicated and I've learned it is best to keep the allies you cherish close at hand. Even if they can only pass you the blade when you keep your enemies closer."

Darius's body once again faced Masha while he glided to the sofa side, resting his paw there. "I was hoping you help me with any additional information on the one who appears to have instigated the attack this morning. Unlike Kenan, were no one can hide or du for long, my claws fail to reach very far into Loom. Despite my associations with the Academy's earlier foundations, I'm not the clear authority here so poking around by myself will likely draw unwanted attention. Something that would hurt our present goal."

He pulled up his cellphone, a small, rectangular glass window and flickered a single claw across it. Tapping a few more times he brought the camera's imagery of the man last seen at the gate and bluntly attacking Darius's guards openly. "He calls himself Crow, I believe." 

She had scooped up a kitten as he explained the rest of his reasons for being there. She scratched behind his ears and listened to the small slightly stilted little purr, feeling the vibrations of his chest on her slim fingers. He was after info. And she was so very good at getting that. So very good.

But then, aside from finding out they were on the verge of being wiped from existing, he said the most shocking thing she thought he could say to her.

And she laughed. 

She laughed so very much. Tilting her head back, eyes closed and everything. When she finally calmed, she looked at him with tears on her lashline. "You have got to be kidding me. He put you up to this, didn't he. Wanted to laugh along too. You been talking with Bryce as well? Setting me up a birthday surprise?"

But when she looked again, she saw he was serious. "Alright," she relented, even though there was still amusement in her voice. "His  name is Crow. But I have a very hard time believing that he did this. Because he's my...boss of sorts. I consider it more of a partnership. That he admittedly gets the better part of the deal from..."

Darius’ eyebrow had raised at Masha’s reaction, his head tilted in a curious manner while he waited for the laughter to die down. His look showed nothing that indicated his amusement or the fact he was in league with some sort of joke, a matter that remained on his furry features. Her outburst died when she caught his look, clearly showing it was a fortunate thing she and he had a respectable relationship and listened to her explanation. 

His thumb slide across the screen, pocketing the phone, while digesting the information. It was certainly something he grew wary of and since Masha had little to gain by lying, he liked it even less for being the truth. “I wish I found this as amusing as you did, my dear. The estate damages and near death situation was the last of my worries during that little event. Though I did suspect, based on police files, something was strange when the actions doesn’t fit the profile’s description.” 

The fox’s paw ruffled through his head fur, voice still continuing. “Now, that brings into question exactly who attacked my residence and why they took on Crow’s, of all people, image. As you know well enough, I don’t believe in coincidences. Most of all the shape shifter’s current shape was far too perfect and unlikely from any photograph, meaning they likely met in person at some point. The demon is also likely connected to another, one I aim to deal with personally and put things back to rights…after all, there’s many things far worse than death.” 

At his last sentence his expression was difficult to read. His, however, tone became cold and venomous, classified as purely dangerous. Looking on Masha, his eyes darkened to sharpness rarely seen within his usual gentlemen air. Something… voided of sanity and primally feral.      

She found herself smiling a different kind of smile at the look in his eyes. She'd seen hints of it before in him, but never quite like this. And she had to admit, she liked it. She was no stranger to the darkness herself. Never had been. Even as a human she'd been around it. 

"Well the whys seem fairly obvious," she shrugged. "You're a big to do, he's a big to do. Either someone wanted you to start a war without thinking too much about it. Or they're trying to distract you from something else. Possibly both of those things. So really, the question is: who has it out against the both of you?"

“There’s only one, I’m aware, who would gain from the distraction. After exploring the property, vandalism wasn’t the only aftermath and I’m fairly certain a man named Mr. Barrette was involved.” Darius’ irises flared for a moment while his eyes closed, his face tranquil for a moment. His ears flickering to Masha’s movements as she adjusted.  

The vampiress shifted in her seat, stretching out her slim legs until her bare feet settled right next to his legs. "I'm not for certain who could have gotten close enough to Crow who could do such things. I'm not involved in a whole lot of his business after all. But I could make inquiries. Possibly introductions if wanted." 

Darius’ eyes opened, slowly, his leg backs feeling her feet resting behind him. Naturally, more an impulse and awaking habit than to engage flattery, his head tilted to her direction. He brushed over her upper calf where he followed upward, tracing the thigh, hip and every curve until he finally reached her face. There he settled when he spoke, his glint faded from the surface as it always did whenever it sparked up willingly to surface. “It would be likely easier than me using the resources I have within Loom, saving some time and effort. That is, if it wouldn’t inconvenience you as I rather hear the man’s explanation myself. Impressions are easier to read when in person and as we’ve seen, words are easy twisted. Now that only leaves two last things on my to do list, not including checking on my daughters in the meanwhile.”       

She smiled up at him, meeting his eyes when they reached hers. It was always nice to be appreciated. Even by someone who had appreciated you for a long time. "I'll make some calls, see if he's free for a chat. Ask around the minions and see what they know."

"Daughters?" She asked, slightly confused. She'd heard some rumors, but the rumors hadn't been about one of his own kind. He wouldn’t do that she knew. "What’s that other thing you came for?" 

Darius nodded at her offer, acknowledging her offer, when her expression shifted. Inwardly his mind shifted and weighing the worth in telling the truth for a few moments. Masha, he knew, wasn’t ignorant despite the fact she indulged, by personal choice, in habits which were stigmatized illy by most of society as negative. In time, or through the right channels, she would’ve discovered the truth sooner or later. It wasn’t like it wasn’t public knowledge he had adopted a young human named Olivia Matthews, though a rare few felt her brother was a better choice though likely only because he was human, making Darius’ case win just a spit in the eyes of some officials higher up in the legal branch. 

“Besides seeing you, Masha?” Darius asked, though his question was more of a statement. He inhaled and continued, revealing the main reasons he came to Loom in the order they were most important. “I had four motivations to come to Loom. One, as you can tell, was seeing you. The second is gain more muscle, namely to help strengthen what my own contributions on the table by calling in favors, reconnecting with old faces, and whatever means it took. The third reason was learning and possibly meeting with suspect in my estate’s current state, sating my curiosity. The last was a personal one. The perk was you cover about three of my main motivations for being here enabling me to visit my daughters, both currently located at the Academy.” 
    
He tried to make the last reason, the personal one, the least important of the four while he continued. “Inaniae’s threat won’t go away on its own and while we have some time, how much exactly is unknown. Time is not on our side...” He remarked as he rotated on his heel, bring himself to face Masha’s sitting form. Returning to her confusion’s origin, he elaborated further on the details about his daughters, namely Olivia’s, mention. “I’m sure you’ve heard rumors about my daughter, Olivia. The one whom I won the legal adoption right for? I had assumed you knew since it caused quite a stir because of some unsavory and unreasonable concerns, those pompous officials viewed my guardianship as harmful for her future.” 

Disgust laced into his tone when he thought about the accusations, unethical and ridiculous, the courts made to negate his rights to adopting Olivia. It was local news and a terrible mess, one of the few times his power failed but in the end it was an impressive victory. Especially when he won on their playing court rather than his own, denying any of them rights to overrule what their legal system had placed without toppling their empire. His eyes shifted to the clock ticking noting the time was edging to later in the day, almost midday. It didn’t feel like their conversation had lasted that long but then again, time was a fickle mistress when she wanted to be. His time to be going was drawing nearer.  

"I'd heard something, but never paid it much mind." Which was normal. If it didn't directly involve Masha, she didn't pay it much attention. "I'm happy for you," she went on, surprisingly sounding like she meant it. She did have some feelings after all.

Darius smiled, genuinely, at her comment about his adoption of Olivia which made a warmth fill his core. It was clear he cherished Masha’s thoughts more than he should because it meant it could influence him more than he should’ve allowed, a matter unavoidable with someone you valued and enjoyed. “Thank you. She gives me a reason, beyond my obsession with control, to keep a tight leash in Kenan.”   

She saw the glance at the clock and frowned a little. Of course she would have loved more of his time and attention, but he was right about time. "You should be going, I take it." And it wasn't about question.  She sat herself up more, place the kitten back with the others. "I can call you after I talk with Crow. Perhaps have him call you to set up a time?"

“Sadly, yes. I rather not after such a long time away, but if I don’t then things can become rather messy in the future. Perhaps after this is all over, I’ll take you out for a night in Kenan.” Darius said, giving hope they all would make it through this. “So don’t plan on anything else I might snatch you away.”

He thought about her proposal, his mind ticking, before he replied. “That will do nicely, though could you have him call tomorrow. From there we’ll set up a scheduled meeting and place of neutrality we can agree on. Merely to make things more comfortable. Though it might be ideal if I changed before going much further.”

He glanced down at his suit, still noting the disarray it was in and the effect it would have on his public image. It screamed assassination on a small scale, likely a failed one. Any idea where I can acquire another suit.”

He merely asked due to the reason he knew she had good tastes and quality, a fact he often asked her opinion on his own attire back in the day. Her experience in the matter was extremely appreciated, part of him suspected it was because she liked dressing her pets’ up time to time.  

"Of course," she grinned. She understood wanting to look better when meeting a potential enemy for the first time. And doing so on neutral ground. "I'll keep my plans open. Pencil things in and all. I'd almost always drop plans for you anyways."
 
She looked him over at his fashion question. As girly, and seemingly unlike Masha as it was, she loved clothing. And indeed, dressing up her pets from time to time. They were a reflection of her after all. They had to look good without her being right next to them. "I might have something in your size in a box perhaps," she shrugged. "Nothing too new as my current pet is a bit taller than you. Surprisingly, almost as red as you though. I'll have Bryce take a look for you." 

So saying, she called his name and he was stepping in within the minute.  She was right, he was taller than Darius by at least three to four inches, his muscled and lean form cover in a half buttoned dress shirt and dark slacks with suspenders hanging down his legs. His still bed tousled red hair was very fox like in color. He smiled charmingly at Darius, nodding his head in greeting. "Or if you rather," Masha went on, "I'd suggest my tailor down on Fourth and Magnolia. You mention you know me and not only will you get a great price, he'll give you his best work."

Darius' head looked at the man, his expression shift into a more business like air, yellow irises flexed and narrowed upon recent arrival. Masha always had decent taste in pets, a fact he noted well, as he absorbed the man's image from tussled red locks to casually dressed pants. It was clear what the two had been up to before his visit. The sight reminded him how fun Masha was in that area, his instinct and possessiveness flaring up a bit, when his throat cleared to speak. 

"I will likely still stop by the tailor's after my meeting, regrettably it is time sensitive and delaying too much might have severe consequences. So I'll make due though I can't promise it will come back in the same condition." Darius stated in a firm tone, his eyes removed from Bryce as he carefully stepped toward Masha. His paw reached out to her free hand, lifting her wrist to his muzzle where he gently kissed her. "If you would be so kind and thank you for clearing your important schedule just for an enchanting time in your company." 

Slowly he pulled away and once more straighten upright. 

Bryce, for his part, didn't flinch at the fox’s look. He didn't move until Masha gestured him out. He'd been eavesdropping in the hall she knew, she didn't need to actually tell him what she needed. He just had to see Darius for himself.

Masha smiled up at Darius, standing up as he straightened to stand right in front of him, almost touching they were so close. "Like I said, I'd almost always make time for you." In reality she would likely always do it. He had been good to her, and still could be. She liked him well enough to still flirt with him even after all this time. 

It was hard for Darius not to notice his core heating with Masha so close to him. It was like old times almost and his heart slightly ache to touch her, a need he respectively reined in. One thing he knew about Masha was if she wanted something, or someone, bad enough she would make her desires known.

Bryce was back a few moments later, offering a few boxes with a pressed dress shirt on top of them to Darius. "I believe these should fit," he shrugged. 

"And don't worry if they get messed up," Masha added. "I'm not too attached to them or anything. Do what you need to."

Darius merely nodded and took the items from Bryce, noting his shrug but paying it little mind to it. He did smirk at Masha's addition, however, while he faced her. "I'd ask you to help me get dress but I know it would further delay me, not that I would mind the distraction. So.." He need his goodbye in a language he knew Masha might acknowledge as flattery. "Do svidaniya, lyubov'. I'll see you again, soon." 

With that last word, Darius turned and departed. 

Masha grinned at him at his parting words, even more so when he spoke in her native tongue. "Charming old fox," she murmured to Bryce when Darius was gone, settling down on his lap on the couch to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Even if she was still up too early for her liking.